overnors, and others in foreign parts. Fine presents of rare animals
have also been received from several of the royal families of Europe.

A scheme has been proposed to convert the now abandoned grave-yards of
London, into ornamental gardens, by throwing down useless walls,
planting elms, mulberries, fig-trees and other plants which flourish in
crowded thoroughfares, and laying out the surface with walks and
flower-beds. Not to interfere with the sanctities of the graves, or
permanently to remove any historic marks from their present localities,
it is also proposed to collect the grave-stones and form with them the
base of a pyramidal or other kind of monument to be erected in each
church-yard.

The rumor that government intends to impose a mileage tax upon the
electric telegraph has elicited very warm and emphatic remonstrances
from the English press. The fact is very prominently brought forward
that in England the telegraph is used much less than in the United
States, because its employment is very greatly restricted by high
charges, while in America it is thrown open to the great body of the
public and is accordingly used by them. The _Athenaeum_, speaking of the
matter, says that, instead of adding to the expense of working the iron
messengers, every effort should be made to reduce it so as to bring its
benefits and consolations within the reach of smaller means. In this, as
in some other respects, America sets the old continent a good example.

A new public park is soon to be opened, on the south side of London. The
shooting grounds and premises so well known as the Red House, nearly
opposite to Chelsea Hospital, have been purchased by Government for, it
is said, L11,000. Of the new bridge to be erected across the Thames, in
connection with this park, the works are soon to be begun.

Mr. CHARLES LOCKE EASTLAKE, has been elected President of the Royal
Academy; he has also had the honor of knighthood conferred upon him.

Mr. MACREADY has been giving readings from Shakspeare the proceeds of
which he appropriates to the purchase of Shakspeare's house for the
country. He was one of the most liberal of the original subscribers to
this fund, and has by this renewed donation aided still more effectually
the accomplishment of the object.

Professor FARADAY, at a late meeting of the Royal Institution, announced
his discovery that oxygen is magnetic, that this property of the gas is
affected by heat, and that he believe