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Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18618, 24 October 1922, Page 9

Abundant fossil-- Hora found in rock beds in North Dakota shows that what is now a treeless plain was once covered with splendid forests of hardwoods, in--taispersed with conifers. Numerous and thick beds of lignite make it clear that in this region, there were great swamps at one time. Fig trees and a fan palm with leaves six feet across indicate that the climate was as warm or warmer than that now* prevailing on the iSouth Atlantic elope of the United States.

The Rev. William Rice is dying of hunger, self inflicted., in his mountain cabin in Kentucky. A vision had told him to sacrifice himself to convert his neighbours. He ha« eaten nothing for 70 days, and may be dead as this is written. His family and neighbours sit around him. watching with admiration his devotion to an idea. No longer able to walk, he turns his head painfully on bis pillow, and will be gone soon. A few centuries ago, writes an American. there were thousands like him, believing that they were pleasing God torturing their bodies. They tried selfdenial of every kind. Many abstained from bathing, believing that to he filthy was to be holy. They gave up meat and gave up many other things. They tried to give up salt, but found that life was impossible without it. The Rev. Mr. Rice shows courage and determination. Perhaps he would be surprised if he could know what the Ruler of this universe would think about a tiny, imperfect creature on a miserably small and imperfect eaith, starving himself to death to please omnipotence.