ible for large electric plants, because the zinc that
had to be used was too expensive.

The great point of Mr. Case's discovery lies in the fact that he has
succeeded in doing with carbon, and without heat, what the galvanic
battery does with zinc.

He is very modest about his invention, and says that at the present moment
it has no practical value whatever; but that to scientists a way has been
opened which will lead them into a new field of thought; and that, when
his discovery has been worked out, and applied to practical methods,
tremendous results will be achieved.

* * * * *

A BIG PYTHON.--A story comes from St. Augustine, Fla., of the
capture of a huge python by Walter Ralston, a young man who was employed
in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.

Some weeks ago a story was told of the wreck of a ship carrying a circus,
and that the big python had escaped, and was in Rock Key, off the Florida
coast.

Mr. Ralston determined to go and catch the horrid reptile, so he went down
to Florida and tried to secure guides.

He had great difficulty in doing so, for the whole country was in terror
of the snake, and no one wanted to take the risk of hunting him.

At last Mr. Ralston found men, and landed at the Key.

They found the snake coiled up on the body of a small doe he had caught.
The Indians immediately ran away. But Mr. Ralston was not in the least
afraid, and, boldly approaching, tried to put a bag over the python's
head.

[Illustration]

The reptile avoided the bag, and struck at him, catching its fangs in his
coat, and in a moment had twisted its tail around him, and was crushing
him to death in its horrid folds.

He shouted for help, but the Indians were at first too scared to come to
his aid. At last one ventured near, and laid hold of the serpent's tail;
and the others helping, they succeeded in unwinding the reptile and
getting Mr. Ralston out of its clutches. He was more dead than alive, but
even then would not give up the chase. As soon as he was sufficiently
recovered they started after the python once more. And two of the Indians
managing to engage the creature's attention, Mr. Ralston slipped the bag
over its head, and it was caught.

It struggled desperately for a long time, frightening the whole party
nearly out of their wits lest it should get away. But at last they had it
safe; and binding it tightly they carried it off.