Is There A Planet "Vulcan"?

1900

Among the special observations to be undertaken during the total eclipse of the sun visible in our southern states on May 28th, will be a systematic search, with the aid of photography, for the supposititious planet "Vulcan," revolving around the sun within the orbit of Mercury.

It was thought that this planet had been seen during the eclipse of 1878, but later observations failed to confirm the discovery. Under the direction of Professor Pickering of Harvard, and of Professor Langley, independent efforts will be made to catch "Vulcan," if it exists, on photographic plates.


Musk-Oxen In Europe

Last summer a Norwegian mariner, Captain Gröndahl, succeeded in transporting two young musk-oxen alive from northeastern Greenland to Tromsö. These are said to be the first living specimens of their species ever brought to Europe. It is reported that they are doing well amid their new surroundings.

The musk-ox, next to the white bear, is the largest land mammal inhabiting the Arctic regions. It attains a height of nearly, or quite, four feet, and is clothed by nature to endure extreme cold. During the Arctic summer musk-oxen become very fat from feeding upon the pasturage which grows in every sheltered spot, but in winter their long fasts make them gaunt and thin. — Youth's Companion.