Produced by Juliet Sutherland and the PG Online Distributed Proofreading Team at www.pgdp.net. [Illustration] SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT NO. 841 NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 13, 1892 Scientific American Supplement. Vol. XXXIII, No. 841. Scientific American established 1845 Scientific American Supplement, $5 a year. Scientific American and Supplement, $7 a year. * * * * * TABLE OF CONTENTS. I. ANTHROPOLOGY.--Investigation of a Mound near Jefferson City, Mo.--By A.S. LOGAN.--Prehistoric remains from the banks of the Missouri River II. BIOLOGY.--New Observations on the Language of Animals.--By M. DE LACAZE DUTHIERS.--A lengthy examination of some facts in the language of animals, including birds and quadrupeds III. BOTANY.--Electricity in Agriculture.--By CLARENCE D. WARNER.--The effect of currents of electricity upon the germination of seeds. --Interesting experiments detailed, which can be easily repeated Electricity in Horticulture.--The effect of the electric light on vegetation, availability it may possess for the gardener Pentapterygium Serpens.--A Himalayan flowering plant introduced in England about ten years ago.--2 illustrations The Perforation of Flowers.--What insects do to promote the propagation of plants by perforating the flowers in search of honey.--16 illustrations IV. CHEMISTRY.--A New Laboratory Process for Preparing Hydrobromic Acid.--By G.S. NEWTH.--Simple synthesis of hydrogen and bromium Boron Salts.--Boron sulphides and selenides and silicon selenide Detection of Peanut Oil in Olive Oil.--A practical laboratory test for the above adulteration Hydroxylamine.--Recent preparation of this compound and its properties New Boron Compounds.--Compounds of boron, phosphorus, and iodine recently prepared by M. MOISSAN Sapotin, a New Glucoside.--By GUSTAVE MICHAUD.--Preparation of a new glucoside from almonds and other sources V. CIVIL ENGINEERING.--Completion of the Mersey Tunnel Railway.--The penetration of the bed of the Mersey River by a tunnel at the rate of 150 feet per week.--Details of the work VI. EDUCATIONAL SCIENCE.--Chinese Competitive Examinations. --Interesting details of the famous examinations of China.--Fatal consequences to overworked competitors VII. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING.--High Speed Engine and Dynamo.--A high speed compound engine, running at 500 revolutions per minute, with direct-driven dynamo for electric lighting.--3 illustrations VIII. MEDICINE.--The Treatment of Rattlesnake Bite by Permanganate of Potassium, Based on Nine Successful Cases.--By AMOS W. BARBER, M.D.--The use of this powerful disinfectant, and the proper treatment and mode of applying it.