MISCELLANEA

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 1, Issue 17, 16 January 1858, Page 6

MISCELLANEA

The Burr- — The next weed under my classification is generally known by the name of Trefoil, or on the Hunter as yellow clover, ot mendicago nigra of botanists. This is undoubtedly the most destructive of all our burrs to the interests of the wool grower, and (in my opinion) by far the most difficult to eradicate, in consequence of its creeping nature protecting it from the scythe, or other similar instruments. The common Dutch hoe, of a large size, would therefore be the most efficient tool to use in rooting out this pest, which should be cut, if possible, below the surface of the ground, which can be effected in most cases, as this particular weed luxuriates on the richest and best portions of our inland plains. In the case of this plant I would recommend burning in heaps after drying. The spots where this weed is known to grow should be carefully watched, as it often ripens its seed without raising its head more than two inches from the surface. Hoeing should commence immediately after the plants shew themselves above ground, and be kept up vigorously for about three months, after which it will be found a much smaller staff of operatives will be sufficient to keep it from ripening its seed. — Sydney Mcgazine of Art.

To MAKE WATER COLD IN SUMMER. The following is a simple method of rendering water almost as cold as ice. Let the jar, pitcher, or vessel used for water, be surrounded with one or more folds of coarse cotton, to he constantly wet. The eva oration of the water will carry off the heat from the inside, and reduce it to a freezing point. In India, and other tropical climes, where ice cannot be procured, this is common.

Heat of the Earth. — By experiments made during the last year by Professor Piazzi Smyth at Edinburgh with a series of earth thermometers embedded in the earth at varying depths, it was proved that there was agruadually increasing heat of one degree Fahrenheit for every forty feet of depth, so that at less than 2^ miles water would boil, and at less than 100 miles deep all things must be in a state of fusion.

Kind Words. — Kind words are amongst the brightest flowers of earth's existence ; they make a very paradise of the humblest home. Use them, and especially round the fireside circle.

A Promise should be given with caution, and kept with care. A. promise should be made by the heart, and remembered by the head. A promise is the offspring of the intention, and should be nurtured by recollection. A promise and its performance, should, like the scales of a true balance, always present a natural adjustment. A promise neglected is an untruth told. A promise attended to is a debt settled.