BREVITIES.

Evening Star, Issue 14689, 5 October 1911, Page 8

BREVITIES.

PuJirariVs independence was proclaimed on October 5, 1900. Salt, vr:it<?r, and turpentine form a solution which is oft»n used by boxers to harden their hands. In Switzerland every citizen, whether he be a householder or 'not, is entitled to a vote on attaining the age of 20. To bring faded grass back to its normal color, nitrate of soda should be applied at the rate of lor to tbo square yard. Two inches in diameter and 2in deep are the measurement of the smallest regulation flower-pot, which i 6 known as a "thimble." London streets were originally lighted with oil lamps in the. year 1681, "while gas lamps were first used in them just under 100 years ago. Lawn-mowing can now be performed by motor, the " motor -mower" ratting grass and rolling lawns at five time* the epeed of an ordinary horse-mower. An old book, whfcii 70 year* ago was picked up for 3s 6d, at a recent sale- had increased its valuo by over 8,685 times, fetching the huge sum of £1,520. Although the course of the Th.omfes winds and curves through an actual distance of 220 miles, the mouth ie only about 100 miles from the source as the crow flies. Mr Scott Bermet did not arrive in Donedin in time last, night to address a meeting at the Early Settlers' Hall, but his lecture may be given at a later date. . The largest block of granite ever quarried is being used in the construction of the Beachy Head Lighthouse. It is 68ft long, 20ft wide, and 14ft deep. Jt weighs 1,400 ton*. In place of the wedding cake in Holland, wedding sweets are given—" bnaidzuikexs" they are called. They are handed round by children, and are served in flowertrimmed basket*. •