Old Timber

-Prebably the oldest timber in the worlü wnicn bas been subjected to the use of man is that found in the ancient temples of Egypt in connection with the stone-work, which is known to at least four thousand years old. This, the only wood nsed in the construction of the temple, is in the form of ties, holding the end of one stone to another to its upper surface. When two blocks were laid iu place, an excavatoin about an inch deep was made in each block, into which a tie shaped like an hour-glass was driven1 It is therefore very diffioult to force any stone from its position. The tiea appear to have been of the tamarish or shittem wood of which the ark was conatructod, a sacred tree in ancient Egypt, and now very rarely found in the valley of the Nile. Although fuel is extreinely scarce in the oountry, these bits of wood are not large enough to make it an object with the Arabs to heave off layer after layer of heavy stone to obtain them. Had they been of bronzp, half of the old temples would have been destroyed years ago so precious would they have been for various purposes. Chinamen are as imitativo as monkevs, and Scotchmen pervade the distant British colonies. A Mr. Macpherson was, upon the opening of sealed proposals for some public work in Otago, New Zealand, found to be the successful competitor for it. The supposed Bcotchman, who was unknown, was invited to attend to complete his contract. To the amazement of all the officials a Chinaman, with a long pigtail, put in an appearance. " Where's Mr. Macpherson 'i asked the clerk. " M !" replied John. " How came you to be called Macpherson ? " Ch, nobody get nothing in Otago if he be not a Scotchman," replied the unabashed celestial. _ Sixteen cars are being built ai the Pullman works in Detroit to be sent to Italy.