The adulteration of milk by water may always be detected by the hydrometer, and in this respect it may be a useful appendage to household utensils. Pure milk has a greater specific gravity than water, being 103, that of water being 100. A very small proportion of water mixed with milk will produce a liquid specifically lighter than water.--Although the hydrometer is seldom applied to domestic uses, yet it might be used for many ordinary purposes which could scarcely be attained by any other means. The slightest adulteration of spirits, or any other liquid of known quality, may be instantly detected by it; and it is recommended by its cheapness, the great facility of its manipulation, and the simplicity of its results.--_Ibid._ * * * * * THE GATHERER. A snapper up of unconsidered trifles. SHAKSPEARE. * * * * * The late Lord Clonmel, who never thought of demanding more than a shilling for an affidavit, used to be well satisfied provided it was a good one. In his time the Birmingham shillings were current, and he used the following extraordinary precaution to avoid being imposed upon by taking a bad one:--"You shall true answer make to such questions as shall be demanded of you touching this affidavit, so help you God. Is this a good shilling?" * * * * * SCRAPS. The _Court Journal_, describing a Study in Windsor Castle, says--"The first of a series in the plain _English_ style. The ceiling is white, with a cornice of simple _Grecian_ design!" According to a recent traveller, fat sheep are so plentiful in the Brazils that they are used as _fuel_ to feed their lime-kilns. Supposing the productive power of wheat to be only six-fold, the produce of a single acre would cover the whole surface of the globe in fourteen years. A Philadelphia Paper announces the arrival of the Siamese Twins in that city, in the following manner:--"_One_ of the Siamese twins arrived here on Monday last, accompanied by his brother." The term Husting, or Hustings, as applied to the scaffold erected at elections, from which candidates address the electors, is derived from the Court of Husting, of Saxon origin, and the most ancient in the kingdom. Its name is a compound of _hers_ and _ding_; the former implying a house, and the latter a thing, cause, suit, or plea; whereby it is manifest that _husding_ imports a house or hall, wherein causes are heard and determined; which is further evinced by the Saxon _dingere_, or _thingere_, an advocate, or lawyer. [_Hus_ and _thing_ (thong) a place enclosed, a building roped round.]--_Atlas._