e above to indicate the contraction; then the
letters were omitted, which left the short line -.

3. The multiplication sign (x) was obtained by changing the
plus sign into the letter X. This was done because
multiplication is a short method of addition.

4. Division (/) was formerly indicated by placing the
dividend above a horizontal and the divisor below. In order
to save space in printing, the dividend was placed to the
left and the divisor to the right, and a dot was written in
the place of each.

5. The radical sign [TN Symbol] was derived from
the initial letter of the word radix.

6. The sign of equality (=) was first used to avoid
repeating the words "equal to" or "equals."

HOUSEHOLD GODS IN TRANSIT.

Two Lyrics Which Describe Some of the Vicissitudes of Those Who Seek New
Dwellings and Give Employment to Furniture Vans.

FURTHERUPTOWN!

Tired to death, but walking fast,
Along Broadway, one night, there passed
A youth, who bore a pretty nice
Umbrella, with this strange device,
"Furtheruptown!"

His anxious eyes and weary feet
Hunted the houses in each street;
And like a New Year's fish-horn rung
The accents of that unknown tongue
"Furtheruptown!"

In happy homes he saw the light
Of household fires gleam warm and bright;
Beyond, the spectral street-lamp shone,
And from his lips escaped a groan,
"Furtheruptown!"

"Try not that street," the old man said;
"A tenement-house is just ahead--
A public school is by its side";
Then loud that clarion voice replied,
"Furtheruptown!"

"Oh, stay," the broker said, "and rest;
This brown-stone house will suit you best."
A tear stood in his bright blue eye,
Sadly he said, "The rent's too high";
"Furtheruptown!"

"Beware of the livery-stable's smell,
Beware the engine-house as well!"
This was the agent's last good night--
A voice replied, far out of sight,
"Furtheruptown!"

At break of day, as heavenward
The Central Park policeman stared,
Watching the gathering sunbeams there,
A voice rang through the startled air,
"Furtheruptown!"

By following up the unusual sound,
A dying traveler they found,
Still grasping his no longer nice
Umbrella, with th