WHAT IS A CARAT.

Chicago.

Is a carat a measure of weight or fineness?

J. A. Young.

Answer.—It is used by jewelers to express both. A carat weighs 4 grains, or the 120th part of an ounce, troy. In determining the fineness of a precious metal 24 carats is considered the standard of purity; hence an 18-carat gold ring would be a ring containing 18 parts in 24 of pure gold.


INSTITUTIONS FOR FEEBLE-MINDED.

Howard City, Mich.

Do any of the States support asylums for weak-minded or imbecile persons?