The shank is pivoted in a metallic frame which is secured to the table. The rear end of the shank works against a spring. On the upper portion of the shank is a projection which embraces a horizontal flange to sustain the box against being forced downward. The arrangement is very similar to the ordinary window catch. The player has only to start the box from its position under the table, when the spring carries it out at right angles to the rail. A touch is sufficient to cause the spring to carry the box back to its former position. The device is very simple, and its advantages will be evident to all billiard players cognizant of the defects of the ordinary cup. [Illustration: THE MONITOR CHALK CUP.] Patented May 1, 1877. For further particulars, address the manufacturer and patentee, Mr. H. W. Collender, 738 Broadway, New York city. * * * * * CURIOUS CARNIVOROUS PLANTS. The _arum Dracunculus_ is one of the most curious of that wonderful series of carnivorous plants which at the present time are engaging the closest scrutiny of naturalists. It is a true trap in one sense--inasmuch as it captures the victim which ventures near it; but it relies on little or no mechanical means for securing its prey, but stupefies the living insect by its odor. The flower is horn-shaped, about 11 inches in length, with an opening some 5 inches in diameter. The color within is a dull dark violet, while the interior of the spathe is lined with black, hooked bristles, the whole appearance of the flower being thoroughly repulsive. The illustrations herewith presented, Figs. 1 and 2, represent it at one third its natural size, Fig. 2 showing a section of the flower. It is not certain what attracts the insects, which are usually of the species known as the meat fly and the common house fly. They do not seem to seek for the small quantity of nectar concealed, and yet they cluster about the fatal opening, as if drawn by some overpowering fascination. Overcome by lethargy, they fall inert upon the flower, are lightly held by the bristles, and finally die asphyxiated by the carbonic acid which the plant disengages in large quantities during its inflorescence. Strange as is the action of the _arum_, the method whereby the _mentzelia_ takes its prey is even more wonderful. To illustrate on a magnified scale, let the reader imagine a surface thickly covered with strong iron posts, on the sides of which are numerous keen barbs pointing downward. Then between these posts, suppose that jars overflowing with honey are placed. An elephant, let it be imagined, attracted by the profusion of sweetness, inserts his trunk between the posts and finds easy access to the honey. But while he can force his proboscis downward past the barbs turned in that direction, when he attempts to withdraw it he finds the keen points catch in the flesh, and render it impossible to do so. A terrible struggle follows, the unfortunate