The number tells him the district in which the fire has occurred, and
with one touch of a telegraphic key he sends out an alarm to the
thirty-odd engine-houses in the neighborhood of the fire.

The pressure on the key at headquarters releases the horses in the
stalls of the various engine-houses. Instantly these clever beasts dash
out of their boxes and place themselves at the shafts, the collar clasps
around their necks and harnesses them to the engine; the men slide down
the poles to their places, the gates swing open, and the engine is out
and dashing along the road in less time than it takes to tell about it.

By the use of regularly appointed signals, the first fireman who arrives
at the fire can inform headquarters just how serious the fire is, and
whether more engines should be sent.

On one occasion a great fire broke out in the busy part of New York
city. It was a serious fire; and according to the records at
headquarters, in less than four minutes the first batch of engines had
arrived and three extra calls had been sent out, which were speeding
half the engines in the city to the scene of the fire.

It will interest you to know that the fire department of the city of New
York has reached such a degree of excellence that the risk of serious
damage and loss by fire has been greatly reduced, and, in consequence,
the insurance companies have lowered the rate of insurance; that is to
say, they do not charge people as much money to insure their property
this year as they did last year and have done for many years past.

* * * * *

The anxiety about Professor Andree has increased. The steamer which left
Tromso, Norway, in search of the explorer has returned, and reports that
no traces of him could be found. Search parties were sent out in every
direction, but nothing could be discovered.

The vessel sailed on November 5th and returned on the 21st, and her crew
declare that a most vigilant search was made.

The vessel was sent in consequence of the report brought in by the
wrecked whalers that they had heard cries for help.

* * * * *

A strange freak of nature is reported from Kansas.

The railroad station of Rozel, eighteen miles from Larned, has been
swallowed up.

When the people in the neighborhood went to bed at night, the station
was in its usual place; in the morning the station, two or three small
elevators, and a few other small bui