Exports of Antiques from Italy Forbidden.-The Official Gazette of Italy says that by a law of June 27, 1903, the exportation of antiquities found in excavations and that have an archæological and artistic value-also articles of antiquity of artistic value in the possession of private parties, regarded by the Government as having great value for historical and artistic purposes-is forbidden. The law is to be in force for two years. The Government reserves to itself the right to buy the articles during the two years. The law applies to antiquities and art works for which applications for permission to export have been made since June 26, 1903.

Waterworks for Damascus.-According to a French consular report, the governor-general of Syria is seeking bids for a waterworks of cast-iron pipes for Damascus. He has appointed a commission to find ways and means of carrying out the enterprise. It is proposed to lead the water from the Barada River through five open canals. This will involve danger from dirt. It is proposed to dam up the waters about 14 or 15 miles away. The cast-iron conduit pipes are to be about 25 centimeters (9.8 inches) in diameter; the distribution pipes, about 3 centimeters (1.18 inches). Parties interested may write to the governor of Syria, Damascus.

India's Wheat Harvest in 1902-3.-According to tables furnished in the Final Memorandum of India's Director of Statistics, the total number of acres growing wheat in India during the years given was:

Year.

Acres.

Yield.

1902-3 1901-2

Tons. 22,775,160 7.774,851 23,447,089 6,063,506

The highest average yield was 961 pounds per acre, harvested in the united province of Agra-Oudh.

Deepening the Harbor of Omuta, Japan.-An English consular report in the British Board of Trade Journal says:

The harbor of Omuta, Japan, is to be deepened by private parties so as to permit ships of deep draft to enter at all times, particularly those carrying the coal of the Great Mitsui or Wiike Company. In conceding the right to deepen, the Government stipulated for ingress and egress of other ships than those of the company, even foreign ships. The Wiike coal mines yield 1,000,000 tons per year; but the coal being carried in lighters, the extra cost involved is estimated at $285,600 a year. To avoid this extra expense is the object of deepening the harbor.

Concession to Extract Monazite Sand in Brazil.—The Board of Trade Journal, London, says:

Referring to the announcement on page 588 of the Board of Trade Journal of June 25 last, notifying a call for tenders for the concession to extract monazite sand on the foreshore of the State of Espirito Santo, the Board of Trade are now in receipt, through the Foreign Office, of a copy of a dispatch from the British minister at Rio de Janeiro, inclosing a copy of the call for tenders as published in the Diario Official, together with precise translation of same.

Sale of American Furniture in South Africa.-An article in the Handels-Museum of June 25 calls attention to the opportunities offered for the sale of building material and furniture in Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa. The article emphasizes the demand for furniture and points out the popularity of American furniture, office supplies, etc., attributing the same to the fact that the articles. furnished are suited to the tastes of the people.

Chinese Chamber of Commerce.-The North China Herald of May 21 announces the establishment at Hang-Chow of an office of commerce-a kind of board of trade and agriculture. It is composed of the leading natives, and has for its object the development of China's resources and the extension of its internal and foreign trade.

Cotton Yarns in Syria.-The German consul at Damascus reports large imports of cotton yarns to Syria. The numbers run from 16 to 24 English. England supplies by far the largest part of the importations.

Camphor Forest in Formosa.-A camphor forest of 50,000 acres, containing fully 120,000 trees, has been found on the island of Formosa.

Demand for Codfish in Spain.-According to the Board of Trade Journal, published at London, the British consul at Malaga reports that the demand for codfish this season has been active, helped by moderate prices; but the importation of the article has fallen off considerably, compared with past seasons. The Newfoundland shippers appear to be paying less attention to shipments. The British vice-consul at Carthagena strongly recommends shippers to be careful in selection of fish sent to Carthagena, so as to avoid grounds for claims being made which are not infrequently disproportionate to faults committed in shipment.

O