It had further been reported by the Indians before this date that there was a mine of copper on an island in what has been mentioned as probably Lake Winnebago; doubtless, however, this island should have been located in Lake Superior. A specimen of native copper had as early as 1610, been exhibited by an Indian to an interested Frenchman upon the St. Lawrence, and an account given by him as to the rude method employed by the savages in melting that metal. But other islands besides the one containing the copper mine had been brought to the knowledge of the French settlers. A large one southeast of the "Sault de Gaston" being described, and two smaller ones, to the south of it. These islands were, it is suggested, the Great Manitoulin, Drummond, and Little Manitoulin, of the present day. * * * * * Dr. Leeds has said that spices were adulterated to a great extent, but only such substances were added as were purely non-poisonous. Mustards were never found to be pure. Vinegars were also highly adulterated. Competent officers, who shall be specialists, should be appointed in each State to examine manufactured and natural foods to detect adulteration. So far these examinations have been made by college professors. The State Boards of Health should take the matter in hand and see that it has the proper attention. * * * * * A French periodical, La Culture, gives the following simple method for testing the purity of water. In an ordinary quart bottle three parts filled with water dissolve a spoonful of pure white sugar, cork it well and put it in a warm place. If at the end of forty-eight hours the water becomes turbid and milky there can be no doubt of its impurity, but if it remains limpid it may be considered safely drinkable. * * * * * THE PRAIRIE FARMER AND YOUTH'S COMPANION ONE YEAR, $3 FOR THE TWO It is not required that both papers be sent to one address, nor to the same post-office. Address PRAIRIE FARMER PUB. CO., 150 Monroe Street Chicago. * * * * * Political talk is generally very eloquent, but it lacks the insignificant element of truthfulness. A great deal of the buncombe of politics reminds us of the lines of Lord Neaves, not long since deceased: [Transcriber's note: This is where the article ends in the original and the lines in question are not to be found in the rest of the periodical.] PUBLISHERS' NOTICE. _THE PRAIRIE FARMER is printed and published by The Prairie Farmer Publishing Company, every Saturday, at No. 150 Monroe Street._ _Subscription, $2.00 per year, in advance, postage prepaid. Subscribers wishing their addresses changed should give their old as well as new addresses._ _Advertising, 25 cents per line on inside pages; 30 cents per line on last page--agate measure; 14 lines to the inch. No less charge than $2.00._