b15966410_0071_191_2 SOME ABSTRUSE CALCULATIONS. The Exhibition of Scientific apparatus, now open at South Kensington, includes several Calculating Machines. These will render an inestimable service to Statistical Science, and increase their utility a thousandfold, if they can work out some of the following interesting problems:— How many persons of position in Society, supposed at the present time to be on the Continent, or at the Sea- side, or in Scotland, are all the while in London, leading a sequestered life in the back rooms of their apparently deserted mansions? Of all those who are now away in expensive and unsatisfactory lodgings at places of fashionable resort, what percentage are, at this moment, heartily wishing themselves back in their comfortable homes? How many persons within the last six weeks have discovered that they are afflicted with some ailment, for which they (or their medical advisers) consider an immediate and thorough change imperatively requisite? How many Englishmen and Englishwomen are now lavishing their money and their raptures on France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Iceland, &e., who have the most meagre acquaintance with the beauties and attractions of their own country? How many yards of material are comprehended in a silk dress for evening wear? How many families will return home from abroad or the sea-side, and find everything as it ought to be—the papering and painting done to their satisfaction, the house clean, the furniture in nice order, and the conduct of the servants left in charge irreproachable? How many Conservative speeches will be delivered in the recess, maintaining the last Session to have been everything that could be wished; and how many Liberal addresses will be devoted to proving the exact contrary? How many anxious reflections will SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE have between now and next February, when he thinks of the Leadership of the Honse of Commons, with MR. GLADSTONE and MR. LOWE sitting very attentive on the opposite benches? How many times next Session will his party wish the EARL OF BEACONSFIELD back in the House of Commons? How many Meetings, Congresses, Exhibitions, Shows, and Dinners will be held at home this autumn? How many persons of ripe age can say, without dissembling, that they thoroughly enjoy a game of Lawn Tennis on a hot afternoon with the sun full in their eyes? How many years have yet to elapse before London will be properly governed, and brought into a satisfactory state as to the condition of its streets, its gas and water supply, its smoke, its vehicles plying for hire, &o.? How many persons moving in a respectable sphere of society can show a tolerable acquaintance with the geography of that quarter of Europe in which war is now going on? How many passengers will cross the Channel these holidays, to whom the wish will not suggest itself with vivid intensity that the submarine tunnel between England and France was complete and in full activity? How many novels have been published this last season which have the smallest chance of being remembered next year? How many foreigners visit London without making an early &all at MADAME TUSSAUD’S? Since the commencement of exhibitions of fireworks at the Crystal and Alexandra palaces, how many evenings have been fine and how many wet? How many partridges will be shot on the first of September, and how many will be missed?