en constructed, rivalling the
choicest summer bouquet in beauty of form and color. We have seen such
a collection formed into a beautiful object by raising a little mound
of rough bits of bark in a plate or saucer, and placing on it
varieties of fungus of every shade of red, brown, yellow, and gray.
They seem to spring forth from a bed of sphagnum or bog moss of
brightest emerald green; while a clump of the screw wall moss in
fruit, with its curious little box-like capsules, supports a gray or
yellow lichen, which has been gently removed from some old wall or
tree. A bit of stick or a twig, incrusted with a bright orange-colored
lichen, supports a trailing branch of delicate green ivy, the most
beautiful and adaptable of all winter foliage. Over this little
arrangement is placed a bell glass, to preserve it from dust and the
effect of a dry atmosphere; and we know how pleasing to the eye is its
varied beauty of form and color, lasting thus, a constant source of
pleasure, for many a day without renewal.--_Chambers' Journal_.

* * * * *

IMPROVED HARNESS COCKEYE.

We illustrate herewith a very simple little device for attaching
traces to the single tree. It forms a secure fastening which may be
instantly attached, and which, by its construction, is prevented from
wearing out rapidly.

[Illustration: Figs. 1 and 2]

Fig. 1 shows the cockeye attached to the single tree, and Fig. 2
exhibits parts in section, displaying the construction very clearly.
The yoke is of the usual pattern. Swiveled to it is a long loop, which
is chambered out to receive a spiral spring which acts upon a plunger.
The latter is provided with a follower having a semicircular notch,
which corresponds in form to the inside of the end of the loop. The
follower also has guiding lips which extend over the sides of the
loop. Through the yielding of the spring, the space between the
follower and loop adjusts itself to studs or hooks of any size.
Patented December 12, 1876, through the Scientific American Patent
Agency. For further particulars, address the inventors, Messrs. F.W.
Knapp and C. Schallhorn, Fiddletown, Amador county, Cal.

* * * * *

PROPOSED CREMATION TEMPLE.

Cremation, in this country at least, is not popular. For a time, it
occupied here some public attention, but only in a sensational way;
and the sober discussion of the subject, which followed after its