TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13546, 6 October 1909, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Magnetic storms are inter-T-he esting scientific phenomAurora. ena, and aurorae are ex-

tremely beautiful spectacle*;, but an Australian astronomer points out that they have no value. Scientists are still doubtful about the cause of the phenomena. Mr Douglas Mawson, who has mado a speciality of tho Aurora. Australia, cays that though much information has been gained on the subject, much more remains to be done. "A succession of theories has been advanced in explanation, almost all of which have vanished in the light of information lately shed by magnetic said e>lect*ric (investigations conducted daring auroral periods. It v definitely ascertained now that the cb'sturbanca is an electrical one, and there is very little doubt that that is due to the discharge of electricity at extremely high potentials in the upper rarified atmosphere. This is similar to the illumination produced in the Geissler vacuum tube in laboratories." According to Mr Mawson, the display seen in Australia tho other day was quite as brilliant as any seen by the Nimrod expedition. The world has no phenomenon to equal the aurora in grandeur and beauty. Professor David describes the Antarctic displays in vivid language. "A beam of light like an electrical eearchlight, but slightly wavy in shape, would make its appearance; either on the northern or southern horizon, and sometimes on both simultaneously. This beam, or these beams, would approach rapidly to tho zenith, and if there were two beams they would, of course, unite overhead, and

form an exquisite curtain of golden green light, the whole curtain waving to and fro, and having the appearance of a beautiful piece of gfecn silk, shot with gokl, only that it was far more beautiful than the finest silk ever woven. At times as many as six of these curtains would develop simultaneously, extending in parallel belts across the sky."' The curtains would roll backwards and forwards between the horizon and. the zenith, acd sometimes several curtains would touch each other at a number of points, and then the whole would break up in a moment into a series of brilliant festoons, the movement resembling a change of figures in some wonderful dance. From all accounts those who saw the recent display saw tho sight of a lifetime. The wealth of the English The dukes is tho subject of an Dukes, article in the " Daily Mail."' Unfortunately the figures given of the acreage of and incomes from the ducal estates are those of 26 years ago, since when thero must have been great changes by eale and the decrease in agricultural values, but they arc nevertheless of considerable interest. Tho Duke of Sutherland held tho greatest area of land, 1,358,545 acres; then came tho Duko of Bucclench, 460,103 acres; the Duke of Richmond, 28b',411 acres; the Duke of File, 249,200 acres; and tho Duke of Atholl, 202,000 acres. The Duke of St. Albans was last on the list with 8,983 ;jcics. The highest income from estates was that of the Duko of Buccleuch, who drew £217,153 from his land, exclusivo of several thousands for mineral rights. The Duke of Norfolk's enormous urban holdings have greatly increased of late years, and his incomo is now reputed to be nearly £200,000. He sold tho market tolls of Sheffield a few years ago lor £500,000. "But the duke is always building churches and otherwise spending his money and substance on other people, and keeps little for himself." The Duke of Bedford "rubs along," as ho has said himself, on tho rents of "a few lodginghouses" in London, this iittio property really consisting of great areas in Bloomsbury and Covent Garden. The Duka of Devonshire, among his greab estates, owns nearly all the ground on which Eastbourne is built. The Duke of Westminster draws an immense 6iim from his London property. What it is is not stated, but it is known that his predecessors drew over £200,000. Tho late duke, however, had a large family to provide for, so tho present holder of tho title enjoys nothing like that sum. Tho Westminster leases, however, are falling in every day, and it is calculated that if tho duke lives for tho spa-co of an average lifetime, his incomo will some day exceed £1,000,000. Some of the dukes arc quite poor, as dukes go. The Duko of Hamilton is not tho owner of the vast Hamilton estates, and has to livo quietly to keep within, hie means. The Duke of "Wellington is rich in titles, but constant rumours of a desire to dispose of Apsley House seem to show that the financial fortunes of tho family have declined. Boys and girk, one is Science in inclined to imagine. Sports. learn leapfrog and skipping in much the satno way that ducklings take to the water, but, no doubt, there is : a scientific aspect even to these pastimes, and a little instruction will'enable the games to be played with more skill. At any rate, the British Board of Education believes so, and in a syllabus just issued, gives some unique and helpful hints for those who have charge of tho physical well-being of children. Skipping should be taught in this manner:—"The rope should bo - turned backwards, and the- arms kept fully extended on a level with the shoulders, so that the chief movement takes place at the shoulder joint, and , not at the wrist. There should be a small rebound between each skipping step to prevent any jarring." Of leap-frog, the Board remarks: —"Tho players are arranged in a ring or line. Those 'showing a back , should stand either with their backs to the jumpers and their feet astride, and a hand on each knee, or turned sideways, with one foot forward and both hands on the advanced knee." In the preface to this code of exercises the praiseworthy declaration is made that, "the Board desires that all lessons in (physical exercises in public elementary schools should be thoroughly enjoyed' by the children." Carrying out'this principle, the Board has simplified the usual Swedish exercises by taking out some which might weary the children, and hais given the teachers a free hond to introduce games and amusements of a healthy and recreative character. In dancing the minuet and gavotte are frowned upon because, "unless wisely taught they are apt to lead to habits of .self-consciousness and $ttsturing, which cannot have a healthy mental or moral effect." Whilst Morris dances are recommended for young children, tho movements are not considered graceful or. beautiful, and, therefore, for older children, the reel, jig, or Sir Roger de Coverley are advised. Among games for infants, "sending up a sky rocket," is suggested; in which tho sparkling, whirling, fizzing, shooting up of the rocket, and the bursting of the stars, are to be imitated by various movements of the hands end popping noises with the and mouth. Some other old favourites described and recommended are "Ninepins," "Tug-of-war," "Chase Ball," "Hawk and Doves," "Fox and Geese," "Two and Threes," etc. With such wise regulations as these, British schoolchildren should develop into very hardy young folk indeed.