Attention was called to some German data, published by Dr. Percy in 1864, concerning an iron which before melting weighed—­approximately—­4481/4 lb. per cubic foot, and contained—­approximately—­4 per cent. of carbon—­31/4 being graphitic and 3/4 combined.  The chilled portion of a casting from this had a specific gravity equivalent to 471 lb. per cubic foot, and contained 5 per cent. of carbon, all combined.  The soft portion of the same casting weighed 4473/4 lb. per cubic foot, and contained 34.5 per cent. of carbon—­31.5 being graphitic and 3.5 combined.  Mr. Morgans doubted whether so great an increase in density often arises from chilling.  Tool steel, when hardened by being chilled in cold water, does not become condensed, but slightly expanded from its bulk when annealed and soft.  Here an increase of hardness is accompanied by a decrease of density.  The gradual development of a network of cracks over the face of a chilled anvil orbit while being used in tilt hammers was mentioned.  Such minute cleavages became more marked as the chill is worn down by work and from grinding.  Traces of the same occurrence are observable over the surface of much worn chilled rolls used in sheet mills.  In such cases the sheets get a faint diaper pattern impressed upon them.  The opening of crack spaces points to lateral shrinkage of the portions of chilled material they surround, and to some release from a state of involuntary tension.  If this action is accompanied by some actual densification of the fissured chill, then we have a result that possibly conflicts with the example of condensation from chilling cited by Dr. Percy.

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SNOW HALL.

The recent dedication of Snow Hall, at Lawrence, Kansas, is an event in the history of the State, both historic and prophetic.  Since the incorporation of the University of Kansas, and before that event, there has been a steady growth of science in the State, which has culminated in Snow Hall, a building set apart for the increase and diffusion of the knowledge of natural science, as long as its massive walls shall stand.  It is named in honor of the man who has been the inspiration and guiding spirit of the whole enterprise, and some incidents in his life may be of interest to the public.

Twenty years ago Professor Frank H. Snow, a recent graduate of Williams College, came to Kansas, to become a member of the faculty of the State University.  His election to the chair of natural science was unexpected, as he first taught mathematics in the university, and expected in due time to become professor of Greek.  As professor of the mellifluous and most plastic of all the ancient tongues, he would undoubtedly have been proficient, as his college classics still remain fresh in his warm and retentive memory, and his literary taste is so severe and chaste as to make some of his scientific papers read like a psalm.  But nature designed him for another, and some think a better, field, and endowed him with powers as a naturalist that have won for him recognition among the highest living authorities of his profession.