It is estimated that fifty thousand dollars’ worth of Tourmalines have been taken from this one locality. Auburn and Rumford, Me., are two other neighboring localities where good gems have been found. At Haddam Neck, Conn., fine transparent Tourmalines occur, generally green in color, and many of them of gem quality. They occur in a granite rock. The red Tourmaline (Rubellite) from California, illustrated in the accompanying plate, is found in San Diego County of that State. The matrix in which it occurs is a lithia-bearing mica (lepidolite) of a delicate violet color. In this matrix the Tourmaline usually occurs in radiating masses. The rose color of the Tourmaline contrasting with the violet of the lepidolite makes an object which is quite a favorite with mineral fanciers, although the former is not sufficiently transparent to be used as a gem. At two other localities in the same State large transparent Tourmalines of varying colors have been found. The Brazilian Tourmalines are chiefly green in color. They occur in connection with blue and white topaz. They are the source of the gem known as Brazilian Emerald, which has not, however, the value of the true emerald. The Tourmalines from the island of Elba are generally red in color, transparent and well crystallized. They are, however, too small to use as gems. The Ceylon Tourmalines occur in the gem gravels of that locality accompanying rubies, sapphires, etc., while those of Russia, chiefly red in color, come from the Ural Mountains, being found in company with amethyst, topaz, beryl and other gems. Oliver Cummings Farrington. THE STAR FISH. One of the most common objects found along our New England sea coast is the star fish, called by the seamen “Five-fingered Jack.” The fact of its being common does not at all imply that its habits are commonly known. The great difficulty of watching it in its native haunts has been a drawback to getting better acquainted with it, but when taken to an aquarium it has been found to be an exceedingly interesting little star. At low tide you may find hundreds of them clinging to the rocks, sea moss or on the sandy bottom, but they prefer deep water. Their color varies from a dark rich brown to a reddish, and often a chocolate shade, sometimes lighter; but no matter the shade, they are always attractive.