Science Conversazione.

Dear Bill,—We science chaps had a fine time at our conversazione; it really is a good institution; it interests and educates the public. And amuses the students. Although the Governor did not, as on a previous occasion, open the proceedings by wireless, and although only one of the minor profs. Attended, yet somehow things went well. About 800 people put in an appearance and departed looking more or less worried. Lecturettes by Profs. Laby, Kirk and Easterfield drew crowds. The audience at Mr. Cotton's was select. In the labs. We were working like niggers and talking like Hall-Jones. These talks were essentially "popular," and while the imagination in some few cases, of course, was drawn upon when questions became awkward, it was always possible to change the subject by letting a gas escape or smashing a cover-slip. One chap, performing experiments with sulphur, periodically made his escape from a circle of well-meaning questioners by informing them that page 35 "sulphur fumes are exceedingly noxious, rapidly attacking the eyes and throat." In the chemical lab. the sublime effects of naphthalene, the refined experiments with Taranaki petroleum, and the intensely "popular" demonstration of glowing nitrogen, which incidentally was to solve the gas bill, produce fertilizers and abolish strikes, all provided due instruction. In the lower regions we had, as was proper (and convenient) most dire darkness. Demons labored with their furnaces refining the quintessence of this world; it seemed all Wright, but it wasn't—he had an assistant. In the Physies lab. gentlemen visitors were not shocked when offered the hand of the lady operating the high frequency discharge. General entertainment was provided by a gramophone, and the electro-magnet proved a strong source of attraction. Soaring upwards, one experienced a total change of environment. No darkness here, but a galaxy of light, and a fluttering of white dresses. Some twenty lady botanists demonstrated to the admiring gaze of the public the wonders that lurk in the structure of the common cabbage. For those of sterner heart, a decomposing crayfish, an emaciated leech, and a bilious mussel provided ample fare.

To leave here for the apartments presided over by the stone god, was to come to earth, may we say to granite, with suddenness. Not that it wasn't interesting, The lecturette was good, while the sewing machine and knife grinder combined, and fossils, ancient and modern. Made a good impression.

When the last visitor had been speeded off the premises the "workers" gathered in Mrs. Brook's tea room, at supper, very kindly provided by the Science profs. (three cheers for them!), and dry throats found pleasing relief. After supper,—but 'twere better not to tell, so, good luck!

—Joe.