Marguerite holds her arms in front of her, and these same arms form those of Faust, who holds them crossed behind his back.  Faust’s face is carved in Marguerite’s back hair, and the man’s figure is obtained, as before stated, by means of the folds of the woman’s robe.  This curious object might inspire some of our sculptors with an analogous idea.  We do not know the name of the author of the statue, but we can say that it was exhibited by Mr. Francesco Toso, a Venetian manufacturer of mirrors.  The statue was of wood, and of nearly life-size.—­La Nature.

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SITE FOE THE KAISER’S MONUMENT.—­Three or four Berlin banks have secured the preemption of all the buildings in Schlossfreiheitstrasse, with a view to pulling them down and fulfilling the Emperor’s wish to have his grandfather’s monument erected there.  Only a few days ago three of the most eminent Berlin architects declared that the place was absolutely unsuited for that purpose.  The banks are said to have agreed to pay 5,000,000 marks for the houses, and an equal amount as compensation, and intend to form a lottery of 40,000,000 marks, with prizes to the amount of 30,000,000.—­The London Standard.

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[Illustration:  TRADE SURVEYS]

The salient features of the business situation this week afford every encouragement to the promoters of new schemes and the pioneers in industry.  Among the additional factors which will stimulate trade and business during 1890 are the following:  The construction of fifty per cent more railway mileage than was built last year; a very great increase in lake tonnage; a large increase in inland water-way tonnage; a very great increase in rolling-stock; a greater increase in locomotive capacity than has been made during any one year in our history; greater activity in house-building, and greater activity in the building of shops and factories.  Several other interesting features also deserve mention, among them the very strong probability of the establishment of a larger number of banks daring 1890 than were established during 1889 or any previous year; the more rapid expansion of the building and loan association system, particularly in the newer States; the increase in the output of the gold and silver mines of the West and Southwest; the opening-up of valuable coal-beds in many localities, which will tend to the establishment of little industries; a great increase in the area of land devoted to agriculture.  Speaking generally, the agricultural interests will be stimulated.  Speaking prophetically, it is very probable that prices will continue to advance, but by infinitesimal degrees.  Speaking conservatively and in the light of recent experience, it is safe to assume and assert that production will be evenly gauged to consumptive requirements.  Those who have kept a close eye upon the operations of manufacturers in all the leading channels recognize one very gratifying