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Hydrophobia.

In the New Monthly Magazine for October, 1826, is the following statement of the efficacy of the guaco for the cure of the bite of a mad dog, published by the gentleman who first made use of the plant in South America, as an antidote to that scourge of human nature, hydrophobia; his words are, “I shall simply state, that during my residence in South America, I had frequent opportunities of witnessing the direful effects of hydrophobia, without having in any one case that came under my care been successful in its cure by the usual modes prescribed in Europe.  It fortunately occurred to me, that the guaco, so celebrated for curing the bite or sting of all venomous snakes, might prove equally efficacious in hydrophobic cases.  How far my idea was correct that an analogy existed between the virus of a serpent and that of a rabid dog, I leave to others to determine; but such was my opinion, and I acted upon it in all subsequent cases with complete success.”

We understand the same gentleman has received from South America two plants which he was in the habit of prescribing for insanity and pulmonary consumption, with the happiest effects; and as it is his intention to give them an immediate trial, should they be found to answer in Europe, as in South America, of which he has not the least doubt, the discovery may be considered as of the first consequence in medicine.

Mutton Hams.

The Journal Des Reconnaissances Useless gives the following method of curing legs of mutton like ham:—­It is necessary that the mutton should be very fat.  Two ounces of raw sugar must be mixed with an ounce of common salt and half a spoonful of saltpetre.  The meat is to be rubbed well with this, and then placed in a tureen.  It must be beaten and turned twice a day during three consecutive days; and the scum which comes from the meat having been taken off, it is to be wiped, and again rubbed with the mixture.  The next day it should be again beaten, and the two operations ought to be repeated alternately during ten days, care being taken to turn the meat each time.  It must be then exposed to the smoke for ten days.  These hams are generally eaten cold.

Potato Chestnuts.

A mode has been adopted to prepare potatoes as food, which has at least one advantage—­that of economy.  The potatoes are roasted in a kiln or oven, and are thus prevented from sprouting, (which injures their quality so much at this season of the year,) and are thus preserved for some time in a fit state for consumption.  They are better for being again heated before they are used, and though it is to be regretted that persons should be reduced to such food, yet they are cheaper and more wholesome than the bread usually given in times of scarcity to the poorer classes.

New Pyrometer.

A new air-thermometer has been invented by M. Pouillet, for the purpose of measuring degrees of heat in very high temperatures; an object hitherto of very difficult attainment.  By means of this instrument it has been ascertained, that the heat of melted silver is 1677 deg.; of a melted mixture of one part gold and three parts silver, 1803 deg.; and of melted pure gold 2096 deg..