stomach and intestines have been found completely empty. From this
difference, it is concluded that hunger is the cause of madness in foxes;
and this agrees with the results which occurred during and after the
rigorous winter of 1826-7, when these animals, with many others, suffered
from want of nourishment.--_From the French._



* * * * *

_Ripening Fruit._


Slates have recently been employed in France for hastening the ripening
of fruits. The effect was first observed on a slate roof; since which the
slates have been placed beneath the fruit on walls.



* * * * *

_Hatching Eggs by Hot Mineral Waters._


This curious process has lately been practised with great success in the
south of France. It consists in putting the eggs into a small basket,
suspending the latter in a stove heated by the hot mineral water, and
turning the eggs every day. The first trial was attended with success,
and no failure was experienced in four repetitions of it.