_f-20j/. OF imt A_U3«.~i:aP3c iBLr« NEW SERIES.] [VOL. X. MAURITIUS “C'ERNKEN ” r HINTING ESTABLISHMENT 1878. PROCfcS-VERBAtX LIT. I. A di: L’ZIiE I/iAURIcs. SEANCE DU LUND I. 10 JANVIER 1870. PRESIDENCE RE SON HONNEUR JOHN GORRIE. Membres presents : Le Secretaire et le Tresorier de la Societe, et MM. L. Le -luge, P. Le Miere et C. E. Bewsher. Le Dr Le Juge se fait excuser dans uno lettre qu’il <5crit an Secretaire, et dont voici nn extrait : “ Soyez assez bon pour demander a consigner ii noire “ prochain proces- verbal, do ma part, les regrets cpie la “ Societe eprouvc de la mort de M. Ch. Doscroizilles, un “ de nos membres les plus lionorables sous tons les rapports, et qui a rendu de grands services a la SocietA Je pense “ exprimer iei P opinion et le sentiment de cliacun des “ membres presents.” Le Secretaire dit qu'il avait la meme proposition a f'aire, et ajoute : ‘•'Notre bien-aime et regrette collegue, dtait nou- “ seulement un hommede progres el do devouement, mais ( en meme temps le clirdtien dans touto l’acception du mot. 4 — « Les ecrits qu’il nous a laisses en sont des preuves “ incontestables, car ils out tous pour but principal la « creation ^institutions industrielles on le pauvre et le necessiteux devaient trouver une assistance quelconque, « 1’emploi retribue de lour temps, et le pain de cliaquo u jour. Do nos trois grandos vertus, la Cliaritc ctait cello u vers laquelle le noble eoeur de Descroizilles so port ait de « preference, et Ton pouvait justement lui appliquor ccs “ pieuses pensees d’un Fere de l’Eglise : a Maneant in vobis fides , spes, chcii'itas , trice. liter . “ major atitern Jiorum est charkas ’. Et cette autre pensee tout aussi edifiame : Ul,i chantas et amor, Deusibi est . M. Lconce Le Juge seconde de M. C. E. Bowsher, domando qu’en raison des services rendus a la bociete et aussi an pays, le nom de M.C.H. Descroizilles soit inserit sur l’obelisquo clove, an Jardin des Pamplomousses, a la memo! re des bionfaitours et. des homines eminent* do Maurice. Cette proposition est ratitice pur les membres presents, et le Secretaire est charge de faire les demarches neces- saires a cot etfet. M, b. Bouton donno communication d une lettre du major IT. Grattan, par laquelle S. E. lo Gouverneur le prie de lui faire parvenir des responses aux questions proposdes par le Secretaire do la “ Societe cle Queen s Land au sujet des Gouramis qu’on vent introduire dans cette partie do ’Australia. D V oici les questions auxquelles on est prie Jo rcpondre : 1. The shape and size of the tank in which the Gou- rami is cultivated. La forme et la grandeur du hassin ou le Gourami cst el eve. 2. The materials and maimer of construction. Les matdriaux pour servir a la construction ct la ma- il lore do construire. o. What food, ifanv, jnveu to the fish. Quelle est la nourriture a donner an poisson. 4. Any particulars as to their general management. Quelques details sur lour clove on general. 5. The rate of annual increase in size and weight under favorable circumstances. La moyenno anuuelle do croissanco en poids et gros- seur dans des circuits tances favorahles. 6. The age, size &c., at which the fish is supposed to attain maturity. Le volume auquel parvient le poisson quand il cst adulte. 7. And Lastly. All particulars as to their breeding habits. Et enlin tons details concernant lour mode de repro. duction. Le Secretaire s’adressera a toute persoime qui pour- rail lui fournir les roiiseignemciits quo demande a ce sujet Son Excellence le Gouverneur, pour etre transmis a la Societe d’acclimatation de Queensland. M. Horne presente ii la Societe une lettre qu il a ecrite au Dr Hooker, laquelle a ete inseree dans le jour- nal de la Societe Linne'enne de Loud res, contenant un resume dcs observations qu il a taites sur la I' lore des lies Seychelles, comparee a cello de Madagascar et des lies Mascareignes. SEANCE DU MERCREDI 8 FEVRTER 1870. PKESIDENCE DE I/HON. J. ERASER. Membres presents a la reunion: — M. H. Finniss V.-lk; M. L. Bouton, Secretaire ; M. A. Darutv, V.-S. ; l’Hon. J. Gorrie ; MM. De Caila, N. Desjardins, L. S. Du Verge, L. Hugues, 1\ Le Miere, V. Robillard, Ed. Serendat. Au moment d’ouvrir la seance, le Secretaire fait part de la inort d’un ancien membre, M. L. Doyen, et sur sa demande, secondee par M. H. Finniss, les regrets de la Societe sent consignees au proces-verbal du jour. Le Secretaire communique une lettre du Dr Giintlier du British Museum au sujet d’un specimen de poisson pris a Maurice et tont-a-fait inconnu des pccheurs. Cette lettre est cone ue dans les tenues suivants : — “ Zoological Department, “ 2 1st November 1S7-1. “ To L. Bouton, Esq. “ My Dear Sir, ‘‘'After along delay the box with the fish reached mo — 7 — sal’ely. The specimen belongs to the interesting family of Band-fishes ( Trachypteridce ) which are found in all the various seas of the globe, but which, being inhabitants of the greatest depths, come but rarely under the observations of Zoologists. u Their whole organization is adapted for a life under great atmospheric pressure, and when they come to the surface bv accident, they are either dead or dying, and the tissues of every part of their body are so much ex- panded or torn, that there is the greatest difficulty in pre- venting them from falling to pieces and in preserving them. u All these deap sea-fishos have a very wide geogra- phical range, and flic same species may be found in the North and ISouth Atlantic, in the Indian Ocean and in the North and South Pacific. Therefore, the occurence of an individual at Mauritius where this fish had not been ob- served before, does not prove that it is a new species. “ The fact is, with our present most imperfect know- ledge of the species of this family, and particularly of their development, it is impossible to decide whether or not the Mauritian fish should lie referred to any of the species in our catalogues. It seems that it lacked the ventral fins ; if these organs have been really absent, vour fish may be the adult of Stylophorus , but as these fins are of a very delicate structure and easily lost, 1 think it more likely that it is a species of TnichypUirns. i: 1 am very glad to sec that the ovaries have been preserved, the preparation shows that the ovaries are closed sacs in this family. ‘‘ 1 send you three copies of a paper on Tortoises, one for you, one for the library of your Society, and one for any body, to whom you wish to give it. , u Yours very truly, «/ •» ' “ A. Gunther.” Le Secretaire donne lecture dime lettre do M. E. llegel, Directeur du Jardin Imperial do St. Petersbourg, accompagnant un journal periodiquo public par cot eta- blissement et demandant les derniers numeros dcs Tranf ac- tions dc la Societe. La seance est terminee par la lecture quo fait lc Secretaire du testament do Mine J. Morris en faveur do la Colonie, a laquelle elle legue une somme de £ 1 ,200 pour y construire un Sanitarium destine a la elasse paiivre de la population, et particulierement ccllc a la([uclle appartiennent les professeurs indigen is. Co document a etc communique par lc Seerekii re a S. E. lo Gouyerneuu qui a bicn voulu proiuettre do s'cii occuper. SEANCE DU JEUDI 9 MAPS 187(1 SOUS LA PUES1DENCE DE L’HON. J. ERASER Sont presents : MM. De Caila. A. Daruty, P. Lc Micro, L. Pitot, Y. de Robillard. Ed. Serendat, L. Bou- ton, Secretaire. Apres lecture e! adoption du proces-verbal do la demiere seance, le Secretaire, seoondc par M. P. Le Micro, propose M. Gustavo do Coriolis commo membre resident do la Societe. Le Secretaire donne comniunication de la lettre sui- vante adressee au President par l’Hon. Secretaire Colonial: “ Mauritius, “ Colonial Secretary’s Office, “ 16th February 1876. “ To the President, Royal Society of Arts and Sciences, “ Sir, “ 1 am directed by the Governor to inform you that Mrs. Morris lias by a will dated the 13th August 1872, bequeathed the sum of £1,200 sterling to be applied to the construction of a “Sanitarium” or Convalescent Tempo- rary Home for the poor but respectable classes of Indigent sick, and that the said sum is either to remain invested as at present in shares of “Mauritius Land Credit Company” or to be realized and re-invested in another manner for a period of ten years as may be considered most advisable by the Trustees appointed by the said will, viz : The Chamber of Agriculture, the Koval Society of Arts and Sciences and the Government of Mauritius. “ His Excellency lias been pleased to appoint the Honorable H. X. D. Bevts Esq., to represent the Govern- ment, and requests that the lloyal Society of Arts and Sciences and the Chamber of Agriculture will confer with this o-entleman in such a manner as may be most convc- nient with the view of determining conjointly what should be done with the bequest. “ I have the honor to be, “ Sir, “ Your most obedient servant, “ W. H. Marsh, “ Acting Colonial Secretary,” Apres quelques diffidences d’opinion fur la tencur et l'iuterpretation du testament en question, a savoir, s’il fallait ou non attendre dix amices encore pour en effectuer I’execution, et sur la proposition du Secretaire, approuvee seance tenante, il a etc resolu que le President de la Societc, conjointement avec le President de la Chambre d’ Agricul- ture, se mettrait en rapport avec l’Hon. H. N. D. Bevts, nomme pour representor le Gouvernement. Jl est domic connaissanco de la lettre suivantc cn reponso a une demande qui avait etc presentee a S. E. le Gouverneur : “ Mauritius, “Colonial Secretary’s Ollico, “9th February 1876. 1 1. Bouton, Esq re, Secretary lloyal Society of A rts and Sciences' “ Sir, “ I am directed by the Governor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 1st instant, and to inform you, in reply, that Mis Excellency has been pleased to issue the necessary instructions for the name of the late k< Kenrv Charles Descroizilles ” being inscribed on the obelisk in the Royal Botanical Garden*, Pamplemousses, on which are engraved the names of eminent men who have done good service to the Colony, in accordance with the request of the Royal Society of Arts and Sciences. 1 have the honor to be, “ Sir, “ Your most obedient servant, u J. Caldwell, Assistant Colonial Secrotarv. " — 11 — M. V. do liobillard communique a la Bociete trois beaux specimens : 1'uu d’un Madrepore peche a la ligne a une grande profbndeur, le second d’une Murene, et lo troisieme d’un Baliste, trouve a 1* i Lot Barkly, au Fort William, et en rode de Port-Louis. Voiei les specimens en question : c: Lo. Une magnitique Murene, qui a etc prise a la ligne, pres du Fort AVilliam — elle a la poau d’un beau noir, avec desdessins varies, entoures d’une ligne blanche ; ce qui Ini donne l’apparence d’un damier. “ Les cotes do Maurice nourrissent de belles especes do Murenes ; quelques-unes sont tres mcchantes et so jettent sur les pecheurs, lorsqu’elles out etc blessees. “ 2o. Un poisson du genre Baliste, trouve sur 1’ J lot Barkly, apres le Cyclone du ID Mars ; ce poisson pre- sente une particularity fort remarquable : de chaquc cote et a un ponce et denii, avant la naissance de la queue, se trouvent plusieurs pointes reunies, ce quo je n’avais encore observe cliez aucun poisson. Ces pointes qui doivent avoir la faculte de se dresser et de se mouvoir, doi- vent lui servir do defense. Nous comptons sur nos cotes un certain nombre d’especes de Balistes. ■* do. Un Madrepore d’une grande rarete, pris par une ligne de pecheur a (>0 brasses de profbndeur : il est acme de branches qui se tenninent par des lamelles tres curieuses. Sur ce Madrepore se trouvent quatre especes d’eponges et des petits coraux blancs tres tins et qui ressemblent a la dentelle. Le polype qui Uhabitait et qui enveloppait toutes ses branches, presentait une belle nuance verdatre. C’est le plus beau Madrepore que j’ai vu de Maurice, dont les cotes cu fournissent cependant dc remarquables especes. ” V. DE ItOBILLARD, 12 — IT, A. Daruty communique des extraits do lettres replies de notre savant confrere le professour Mdbius, concern ant les travaux qu’il a effectues pendant son sejour a Maurice : “ J’ai In dit-il, a la dernicre seance de la Socictc le passage d une lettre du Dr Mdbius dans la(|uelle il m’en- tretient de sos travaux sur les collections qu’il a faites a Maurice. Void cc qu’il me dit au sujet d’une nouvclle Foraminifcre. “ Jo fais niaintenant des observations microscopiques “ des'dessins du Rhizopode arborescent qui vit au-des- “ *ou* ties pierres sur les recifs du Grand-Port et dont jo vous ai fait voir un dessin etdes exeitiplaires vivants a File aux Fouquets. Je vais nommer cette espece nouvclle Rha~ pludodendron album. C est la plus simple foraminifcre quo nous commissions jusqu’a present et elle est plus sem- 1 'ladle au lameux Eozoon canadense de formation Lau- ' ‘utianiqno que toutes les autros foraminiferes connues. ’ “ Vous save/, quo 1 etude des animaux inferieurs a acquis depuis quelques annees une importance extreme au point de vue des speculations philosopbiques qui out pour objet la vie et qui dans le moment agitont si fortement les es- prits scientifiques de FEurope. Cc* grand mouvement de recherclies, a eu pour point de depart l<*s travaux memo- rabies de savants tels que Lamarck, Geoffroy St-Hilaire, Goethe, Darwin, Pouchet et Hceckel pour ne citer que les plus illusires. “ J’ai ou occasion ces temps derniors de fair© quelques recherches et observations microscopiques sur le c-urieux Rhizopode dont parlc le Dr Mdbius otje m’empresse de vous les comminuniquer aujourd’liui. “ Le Rhapltidodsndron album est cn effet extremement 13 — simple et so trouvo relegue au dernier echelon de Fanimalitc cost u line masse de geleo vivante, contractile, extensible et susceptible de se creuscr spontanement de cavites sph ci- nques oil de vacuoles; sans aucune trace d’organisation, ni fibres, ni membranes, ni apparonce de cellulosite” en un mot nne masse de la substance quo Dujardin, en 1835, a • appole Scircode *'*' parce qu'ello forme le passage a la chair £; proprement dite on qu’elle cst destinee a le devenir ellc- £’ meme (1)” et qui est, comme Fa dit M. Huxley, la base physique de la vie, la met tic re de vie par excellence. C( On a cree plus tard, pour exprimer la memo chose, le mot Protoplasma qui est aujourd’hui en grande fa vem1 en Allemagno ; mais en realite ce nouveau mot n’estqiFun double emploi. Quelque soit le nom qu’on lui donne “ ce sera toujours la meme substance dont on aura voulu parler ” avait predit Dujardin. On remarque dans le sarcode de ce lthizopodc un mouvement incessant de granules entraines par des cou- rants ascendants et descendants. “ La masse sarcodique qui constituo le Rhaphidoden- dron est protegee par une ecorce calcaire dont les couches sent concentriqnes et perforces de canaux transversaux comme dans les autres Rhizopodes foraminiferes. Cette ecorce tubuleuse se subdivise en.un grand nombre de rameaux cl’une extreme tenuite (de liilenom de llhaphido- dendron aiguillc-arbre) dont les extremites sont onvertes pour permettro aux prolongoments du sarcode on pseudo- podes de se mouvoir dans Fean, de pourvoir a sa nourritnre etdo Fingerer. “ La function de nutrition est tres curieuse elle pout Dujardin — Ilistoirc des infusoires p, 37 et suivantes — Anua’cs des Sciences Naturelles, serie, tome X, p, 256. y — 14 — s aecomplir en n’importe c|ucl point du sarrode : notis avons dit que le Jlhaphid-odendron n’offrait aueune trace d' organi- sation, par consequent pas de bouclie, pas de tube digestif. ( eminent done se nourrit-il ? C’est ce que le microscope va nous reveler : Lorsque l’animal (hire ses liras en dehors, des tubes calcaires, les substances uni inales on ve^elales contennes dans l’eau viennent se collor a sa surface et y determinent une irritation ; il en result© un afflux de la m a tie re sarcodique qui les englobe peu a pen et les incorpore dans sa masse ; la cos substances organ iq ues s’v dissolvent d’apres la loi de Yendosmose ei les [larticules extraites servent a la nutrition do la bestiole en passant dircctement dans sa masse. Quand le Ithaphidodendron veut respirer il presente tour a tour a la surface, sous forme de pseudopodes les differenfces parties de sa masse et l’echange de gaz on respiration s’opere alors. “ Lit reproduction egalement tres simple, n’e.st, en definitive qu un mode de bouturation : il se produit un peu avant l’extremite du bras on prolongement de Familial, un etranglement qui augmente de pins en plus et finit par separer enticement l’extrdmite. Cette derniere partie, dovenue li lire, prend la tonne globulense et constitue un etre nouveau, on pi u tot, puisque nous avons compare ce mode de reproduction a la bouture, n’est que la continua- tion de 1 individu d’ou il provient. Mais snivons cetto petite masse globulense, nous la voyons aniineo d'un mouvement assez vif et ressembler a un infusoive , grace a une infinite do cils vibratils issus de sa masse. Elio no tarde pas a se fixer sous un corail on une pierre et la par la faculte qu’elle possede de separer de l'eau la matiero calcaire et de la secreter, olio se batit une demeure tubu- leuse, ra m i fi de,com pcsee d e couches concentriques, perforces de canaux transversaux absolument coniine chez 1 individu dont olio n’est que la continuation. u La PaUontologie , cette science nouvelle dont Cuvier fut lc fondateur, nous apprond quo los premiers animaux qui fircnt leur apparition sur lo Globe etaient tres simples; on eft'et dans les premieres couches deposees par la mer sur le noyau terrestre, comine cellos sur lesquelles coule le fleuve St-Laurent dans l’Amerique du Nord, (de la le nom de formation Laurentianique ou du Laurentien) on decouvrit il v a quelques amices les traces d’un animal qui offre line grande ressemblance avec le llhaphidodendrou, la masse de sarcode a disparu, bien entendu ; mais pour nous convaincre, l’enveloppe calcairo suffit si nous nous appuvons sur les lois de l’analogie et de l’homologie ; lo nom d\Eozoon Canadense lui fut donne pour rappeler ainsi Vaurore de la vie sur le globe. ” Les lettres suivantes sont communiquees a la seance : 1. Du British Museum — deux lettres — rune accusant reception du poisson adresse an Dr. A. Gunther — Tra- ehypterus sp. — et l’autre annoneant l’envoi de la part du bibliotheca ire du second vol. du “ Catalogue des Oiseaux." 2. De M. A. Freichel, Secretaire bibliotheca ire de la Societe Botanique de la province de Brandebourg, datee de Berlin, 25 Novembre et proposant un echange de journaux et autres publications #e cette Societe avec cellos de Maurice. 3. La lettre suivante de la part do M. >T. Muller, chimiste, a qui le Secretaire cst charge de transmettre los remerciments de la Societe : “ A Monsieur L. Bouton, t£ Secretaire de la Societe Royale des Arts et Sciences. “ Monsieur, (i Avant eu b occasion pendant le dernier coup de - 16 — * % ont do faire au laboratoire quelquos observations barome- triques a l’aide d’un barometre de Fortin, j’ai cru vons btro agreable en vous communiquatit les resultats quo j’ai resumes sous forme d’un diagram me pour faciliter 1’etude de la marclie de la colonne mercuriello. " N. B. Les beures de la journee du 1!) sont en rouge, celles du 20 sont en noir. “ Recevez Monsieur, les salutations empressees do votre tout devoue ‘■*b Muller, Chimiste. u T j success. The Franklin Institute will be pleased to welcome the representatives of Kindred Societies who shall honor the Exhibition with their presence, and to this end has instructed me to extend the free use or its library and Reading Room, to all members of your Society who shall come properly credited. “ Rcspecfully yours, “ (Signed) J. B. King, u Secretarv. ’’ m $ 2. Do la Bibliotheque do l’lnstitut National do France : “ Paris, 21 Janvier 1876 “ Monsieur le President, « J’ai rhonneur de vous accuser reception du volume 8 de la nouvelle serie des Memoires (Transactions) de la Societe Royale des Arts et Sciences de iVlnui ice * <. Permcttez-moi de saisir cctte occasion pour vous prior de completer l’interessant rocueil des aetes de votre Societe, pur les volumes suivunts clout la Bibliotheque de l’lnstitut sc trouve privee : “ Ire serie (manque tout eutiere). “ Nouvelle serie, Ire partie du vol. I, 2me partie u du vol. II. “ Veuillez agreer, monsieur le President, l’assu ranee do rna haute consideration. u Lo Bibliothecaire de l’lnstitut, “ (Signe) A. Tardieu. ” % 3. Do l’honorablo Secretaire Colonial : “ 14th March 1876. (i I have the honor by direction of the Governor to transmit to you for the information of the Royal Society of Arts and Sciegces copy of a despatch from the Secre- tary of State for the Colonies acknowledging receipt of the volume of the Transactions of the Society, new series vol. 8, for 1875. “ (Signed) -J. Caldwell. ” e. il Mais la no s’arrcte pas lour role, olios president aussi ct on bonnes monageres a la distribution uaturelle dcs oaux qu’elles retiennent dans leurs tissus en quantites considerables ; recoupment de ces eaux, dont line partie est renduo a l’atniosphcre par l’evaporation qui s’opbre a la surface do leurs feuilles, est alors ralenti et ainsi sont prevenues les inondations. “ Les Sphaignes occupont do preference les pays 16 — 'tomperes et froids oil ils ocoupetit Jo grander etendues ruurecageuses et boat d’uiie tres grande utilite a l’liommo qui trouve dans les tourbieres un combustible commode. ” Dans les pays septentrional* x tels qua la Laponie ct le Nord de l’Amerique dies servent do pature aux troupcaux de rennes ; meme les pauvrcs habitants qui vivcnt sous ecs tristes climats reduisent cn poudrc ces mousses pour en laire, dit Endliclier, un pain imaginairc, delices do leur vie miserable. Dans les serres en Europe on se sort du Sphagnum poor la culture des Orchidees epiphytes et des tougcres des pays cliauds c ost meme le meilleur sol qu on puisse donner a ces plaintes ; car la propriety quo possedent les Sphaignes de retenir l’eau maintient leurs racines toujours humides, C’est aussi a ce titre quo jo les recommanderais particulieremcut a nos Orcliidophiles et aux amateurs de loimeres, do Berroiiias, Gloxinias. Caladium etc., etc. ” M. de ltobillard fait voir aux membres presents le iameux Conti# Du Sacch, coquille unique jusqu’ici dans sou espece, trouvee, il y a quelques annees, dans I’estomac du poisson connu sous le nom de Dame Berri. Idle a etc dccrite en Janvier 1.872, par M. Henry Adams, celcbro concbiliogiste a Loud res et Hgurco dans les Froceedhtqs de la Scciete Zoologiquc de Londrcs. Cette coquille qui. scion les apparcnces, restera longtemps unique, joint la beaute a son extreme rarete. SI. Du Savcl, son propric- taiie, uesire s en detaire et a l’ideo de la laire obtcnir an Museum du Bort-Louis, an moyen d une souscription. SfiANOE DU MAUD I, 23 AOUT 1876. SOUS LA PR^SIDENCE HE l’iION. J. ERASER. Sont presents : L’hoii. V. Naz, MM. de Caila, de Clia- 7-al, N. Desjardins, M. D'hotman, Ev. Dupont, S. Du verge, Lacliiche Hugues, J. Muller, Y. Bobillard, E. Serendat, L. Bouton, Secretaire. M. E. Virieux, propose a la derniMe seance par M. A. Daruty, seconde par M. de Caila, est recu membre resident de la Societe. .Le Secretaire depose sur le bureau les ouvrages ei journaux suivants adresses a la Societe. 1. Fragmenta de la PhytographuA Australia \ 2. Descriptive Notes on Papuan Plants, par le Baron F. de Muller, correspondant de la Societe. 3. Journal of the Agricultural Society of India. 4. Proceedings of the Zoological and Acclimatisation Society of Victoria, 1855. 5. Proces-verbaux des seances de la Societe Malacolo- gique de Belgique. 6. Bulletin trimestriel de la Societe KMdivale de Gio- gr aphis du Caire — les deux premiers numeros — et de plus les derniers numeros des journaux The Lancet, Nature, Gardener s Chronicle , &c. Le Secretaire appelle l’attention do la Socidte sur divers articles reproduits dans les deux numeros du Bulle- tin quo yient de publier la Societe' dr Geographic, nouvel- — 48 lenient fondee au Cairo, sous le patronage do S. A. lo Khedive d’Egypte. Particulierement : les notes snr les negres qui liabi- tent les contrees de l’Afrique Centrale, a l’Ouest do l’Equa- teur, et appelds Makrakra-niam-niam, et les observations faites par le Colonel Long-Key sur ces peuplades qui n’avaient jusqu’ici jamais visitees par aucun European. En void un extrait : a Les notes recueillies cliemin faisant, dit le Colonel Long-Bey, n’ont pas ce qu’il faut pour constituer uno etude etbnographique ; mais sachant Tinteret que la science porte aujourd’bui a tout ce qui pent contribuer a de voder Tobscurite de l’origine de ces peuplades, et les rapports qu’ellos peuvent presenter avec lo rogue animal, j’ai reuni et co-ordonne toutes les observations faites sur les negres durant mou voyage. Ces observations ne conco.ident guere sans doute avec les rapports emanant des voyageurs qui craignent toujours d’offenser les prejuges ct les pre- ventions de ceux sous les auspices desquels ils yoyagent ; mais, comme l’a dit Lamartine, “la veritc seulo est feconde,” et e’est la veritc que je veux dire. “ La plupart des voyageurs qui out parcouru 1'A- frique sont arrives avec l’ideo preconcue quo lo negro etait un etre injustement opprime. II faut le jugor de visit et non aller cherclier la veritc dans les cculubrations poc- tiques de l’oncle Tom, on dans les petits traites sur les liorreurs de l’esclavage. u Le negre n’a pas de tradition. Vainement en ai-jc cherehc choz lui. II no commit quo lui memo. Tout co qui frapp'e son caprico ou son imagination dereglea (levient son fetiche, etpou lui importe son pere, son clieikli et leur culte... il faut bien le dire, les negres n’ont pas de ‘religion, ils n’ont memo pas l’idee d’un Eire Supreme ; s’ils out quelque sentiment d’une divinite,ils doivent ce sentiment aux Arabes nomades qui, aux temps les plus recules, alors qu’ils porterent l’etendard de Mahomet jusqu’aux hides, laisserent sur la cote une vague idee, aujourd’lmi absolu- ment confuse dc Dieu ”, u Jetons un coup-d’oeil rapide, continue le voyageur, sur les races appelees Chillonk, Dinka ct Nouen qui 1ml u- tent les rives marccageuses du Sobas. An bord de la riviere on les voit tout nus an milieu do leurs vaches sacrees, qu’ils adorent aujourd’hui comme il v a peu do temps ils adoraient la lune, comme leur ca- ]U’ice leur fora adorer autre chose domain. Entoures d’un cordon de feu fait de bouse de vaches, le corps barbouille de la memo matiero melee a de la cendre, ils presentent un aspect vraiment diabolique. Un pallium funebre de fumee qui infecte Fair s’etend audcssus de leurs marais, aupres desquels les marais Pontius sont de veritables Champs- Elvsees. Chaque annee, ils fuient devant les eanx, ct vont sur quelque terrain clove chercher un refuge contre l’inon- dation. L’aspect de ces homines ne vaut pas mieux quo celui du pays qui les entoure. Leur figure est ignoble : latete longue, le front deprime, la bouche demesurement — 50 — fen duo, le prognatisme hidousement developpc. Us vivent a cote de lours vaches dont I'urine melangee au lnit lour sert do boisson, ot no les tuo jamais. Le portrait n’ost pas seduisant, mais il a du moins le merite d’etre fidelo, etc., etc. ” Le Secretaire, apres s’etre excuse d ’avoir reproduit celiideux tableau, appelle l’attention sur un sujet tout-a- tait different et dont il cst fait mention dans le dernier numero de la Societe Agricole de VLicle : e’est une listo cjue le journal donne des meilleures varietes de mammes o greflees cultivees dans le dunlin do cette Societe. lie prix do cliacnn des sujets greffes est indique dans la listo en question. Do cette manierc, il serait facile aux personnes cn relation directo avec Calcutta de se procurer des plants de cos excellents fruits dont l’introduction a Maurice, serait pour la colonie une precieuse acquisition. Ces communications une fois faites, ct l’ord re du jour etant epuise, le Comite d’Exposition proccde a scs travaux, sous la presidence de l’lion. V. Naz. SEANCE DU MERCREDL 27 SEPTEMBRE 187(1. SOUS LA FRESIDENCE DE M. J. H. FINNISS. Presents : l’Hon. V. Naz, MM. Ev. de Chazal, A. Darutv, N. Desjar-dins, Ev. Dupont, S. Du Verge, Lacliiche Hugues, V. de Robillard, L. Bouton, secretaire. Le proccs-verbal de la dernicre seance est lu et adopts. 51 — Le Secretaire donne lecture de la lottro snivaute du DrLe Juge : “ Kigny, Flacq, lu 27 Soptcnibre 187(3. u Mon cher Monsieur Bouton, “ Au moment de partir pour la ville, je me vois oblige de no pas quitter le District. Je vous adresse done cette lettre pour vous prier de presenter aux Membres presents, mes regrets de no pouvoir assister a la seance do la Societe qui doit avoir lieu aujourd’lmi, “ Jo le rogrette d’autant plus que, comme ami de M. Elisee Lienard, dont nous avons appris la mort par la Malle, jo devais proposer, a la seance do ce jour, de consi- gner dans not re proces-verbal, les regrets quo la Societe Itoyale des Arts et des Sciences a eprouves en apprenant cette triste nouvelle. Elisee Lienard a toujours ete, pen- dant qu’il etait a Maurice, un des membres les plus zeles de notre Societe, et je sais que l’absence n’avait pas altere son devouement et sa sympatliie pour ello. Comme son digne et venere pere, dont le souvenir est res- te present a tous ceux qui l’ont comm, Elisee Lienard avait le culte des beaux arts et des sciences. Son appar- tement, a Paris, etait un veritable Musee, orne de tableaux des Maitres les plus renommes, et tout son temps etait consacre aux clioses de rimagination et aux sciences. Dirai-je maintenant cc qu’il etait bon, bienveillant et af- ble pour ses amis, ce qu’il etait hospitalier pour ceux de ses coinpatriotes qui venaient trapper a sa porte ? Je snis persuade, mon elier M. Bouton, que vous qui l’avoz connu et qui avez su apprecier les belles qualites da cceur et de de l’esprit de notre regrette collegue, vous vousjoindrez moi pour oftrir, an noin de la Societe Royale, notre iribut d’hommages et do regrets a sa memmoire. “ Yotro bien devoue et affectionne, “ Dr. E. Le Juge.” Le Secretaire et les membres presents a la reunion accueillent avec le plus vif empressement la suggestion du Dr E. Le Juge. En eflet, dit le Secretaire, M. Elisee Lienard, avant son depart pour 1'Europe, avait etc un des membres les plus actifs do la Societe, laquelle possedo dans ses Archives de nombreux travaux de ce regrette collegue, notammcnt sur les poissons de notre ile ; pen- dant son sejour a Paris, il etait parvenu a former une collection considerable de coquilles ; cellos terrestres de notre ile et de ses dependances etaient remar- quables. 11 avait commence (Pen dcrire l’histoire, qunnd la inert, est venue le Jrapper. D un autre cote, grace a M. E. Lienard, plusieurs plantes out etc introdui- t.es a Maurice, eta tons ces litres, le Secretaire propose do faire les demarches necessaires, aupres do S. E. le (}ou- vernour pour quo le nom do notre estimable collegue soit inscrit sur l’obelisquc du Jardiu des Pamplemousses ; cette proposition est vivement appuveo par les membres presents. M. E. Dupont prie le Secretaire d’ecrire a la veuve de E. Lienard pour lui exprimer tons les regrets de la Societe, et le voeu quo son travail nc restera pas inacheve, — 53 — M. Ev. de Chazal seconde par M. A. Dimity propose on qualite de membre resident M. Eugene Faduilhe. Lecture estdonnee de la'lettre suivante du Dr Hooker relative au Calc arm Major : “ Kew, 22nd July 1 S7(J. “ Dear Mr. Bouton, “ Very many tlianks for the Calvaria Major which you identify with Sideroxylon Boutonianum , but Mr Baker who lias examined it carefully pronounces it to be S. ejrandijionun , Doth from description and from our speci- mens in the Mauritian Herbarium. Ci I have forwarded the copy of Medicinal Plants to its destination, as you request. “ The seeds of Carica candamarcensis 11. which you ask for were all unfertile, i hope this year will lie better as the plant has been carefully impregnated, and I will, if so, send vou some. “ Mr. Baker is printing the Mauritian Flora , ‘‘ Verv sincere! v yours, “ J. 3.). Hooker. Mr Daruty an nonce qu'il a cgalemcnt expedie des Hours du Calvaria major a M. Alphonse de Candolle, a (.relieve, qui adecrit les Sapotacees dans lc Prodromus , oil tous les Side row. //Ion do Maurice out etc noimnes par Ini. iSa re pons q sera done tres importante. M. Daruty ajoute 54 qu'il est, cn attendant, lieureux do voir quo scs vacs sur cette plante sc trouvent jusqu’ici confirmees. Lecture estdounee d’une lettre du Dr E. YV . Edwards, presentant do la part du Oapitaine Elisee Hermann do la Reunion, un bloc de lave tres curicux provenant do son voyage aux lies St-Paul et Amsterdam. Voici ce que dit le Journal “ Nature ” du 13 Juillet dernier a propos du Capitainc Hermann : u Le Oapitaine Mouchez envoya a l’ile St.-Paul, il y a quelques temps, un navire afin d’y recuoillir des echan- tillons d’liistoire naturelle pour completer les collections faites pendant le sejour de TExpedition chargee d’observer le Transit de Yenus. Le navire fit naufrage a Tiled’ Ams- terdam, T equipage fut noye et le capitainc scul fut sauvc ; il resta pendant deux mois sur cette ile et fut recucilli par un baleinier Horvegien. Pendant son sejour force dans cette solitude, le Oapitaine Hermann ne perdit pas de vuo le but de sa mission, il y consacra toutlc temps qu’il n’ctait pas oblige d’employer pour trouver sa nourriture et un asile. Ses collections rassemblees dans ces circonstances toutes particulieres ont etc envoyees en France par les Messageries Rationales et sont attend ues par le prochain courrier.” Le Secretaire communique une lettre de M. Emile Desennc qui lui ecrit de Paris pourlui proposer d’echan- ger nos publications avec le Journal (V Hygiene, dirige par M. de Pietra Santa et la Socidtd de Mt'decine Pratique do Paris. — 55 — Ua grand nombro do brochures sont presentees lo Do la part de la Smithsonian Institution, le 110m- bre s’en elevo a 54. 2o De la part du Dr Hooker : — Lo rapport annuel surles progres et l’etat du Jardin Itoyal de Kew. do De la part du professeur Liversidge, de l’Univer- site de Sydney : — Report on the sugar-cane disease in the Mary River District, Queensland. M. Daruty fait voir le specimen d’un oiseau fort interessant. “ C’est, dit-il, la grande caille de Madagascar decritc et figuree pour la premiere fois dans le Voyage aux Judes eta la Chine de Sonnerat, qui meme figure la fomelle com- mc une especc distincte. Cette pcrdrix so nomine Mar- garoperdix striata Gin. Elle est, eii effet, taclietee do perles d’une facon trcs agreable sur le jabot et striee sur le dos, c’estun bel oiseau qui commence a so propager a Maurice et qu’il faudrait proteger encore pendant quclquo temps. Los gourmets sc rejouiront de cette acquisition, car je puis lour assurer que e’est un gibier tres delicat, de la grosseur de la pcrdrix pintadee (. Francolinus Mada - gascariensis Gin.) avec laqucllc du reste (die a plus d’un point de ressemblancc. ” Sur la proposition de M. Ev. de Cliazal, appuvee par M. Dupont, il est decide qu’une Exposition aura lieu le 20 Decembre prochain, a La Logo La Triple-Esperance. Cette Exposition sera specialement consacree aux fruits et arfaite con- sideration. “ Ux Pere de Familee. “ 20 Octobre 1870. Cette lettre, a la reeommandation do l’bon. V. Naz, est referee a la Soeiete d’Acclimatatation. Le Secretaire fait neanmoms observer, que V Enjthroxylon Coca a cleja ete introduit a sa suggestion an Jardin dcs Pamplemousses, et qu’on pourrait s’en procurer des boutures ct des speci- mens si le Directeur etait dispose a en donner. “ 4o. Tine autre lettre provenant de M. Para, etu- diant en nredecine, et adressee au Secretaire qui en donne communication a la Soeiete; elle est ainsi concue : Port-Louls, ce 2.7 Octobre 1876. “ Mon clier M. Bouton, “ Yeuillez, je vous prie, presenter ala Soeiete Poyalo des Arts et des Sciences le specimen que je vous envoie. II represente une ossification partielle de la dure-mere cranienne de cliaque cote des sillons de la faux du cerveau et en arriere. Yous remarquerez que dans ees endroits, la membrane fibreuse de la dure-mere . est transformee en une substance osseuse cpii presente tout a fait l’aspect d'une esquille detacbee d’un os. Ce produit patbologique a etc trouve a l’autopsie d’un garde de police europeen, age d’ environ 50 ans, mort subitement d’une liemorrlia- gie cerebrale. (II y avait degenerescence atheromateuse des arteres et hypertropbie du cocm'). D’apres les rensei- gnements que j’ai pu obtenir, e’etait un liomme tres intelligent qui avait toujours joui d’une assez bonne sante ; cependant il eprouvait quelqtiefois des douleurs de tetc, mais auxquelles ilneportait aucune attention. II s’a- donnait beauooup aux liqueiu’S fortes, particulierement au — 60 rum. Co qui me fait eroire que cette affection n est pas commune, e’est que Audral dans sa cliniquo medicale do l’llopital de la Charite, lie cite qu’un cas seulement d'os- sification do la faux du cerveau et les autres auteurs que j’ai pareourus (Grisolle, Jaccoud, Gueneau de Mussy, Aitken) n'en parlent pas. “ Vous pouvez garder lo specimen et le placer dans la collection de preparations anatomiques du Museum. “ A greez, mon elier monsieur Bouton, l’assurance de mes sentiments distingues. “J. E. Taka. Lc Secretaire est charge do transmetlre a M. Bara les remerciments de la Societc, en retour de sa graeieuse attention. La Societc a recu, de la part du Professeur Liver- sidee, de l’llniversite de Sydney, un Itapport quil a etc charge de faire sur la maladie qui sevit en ce moment sill- ies Cannes cultivees a “ Mary Piver dans 1(5 district de Queensland. Cette maladie cst connue en Australic sous lc nom dc rmt — rouille — et a etc egalement remarquec a Maurice, il y a quelques annees. M. Henry Einniss a cu la complaisance de donner une traduction franc aise dc cc llapport, qui a etc presentee dc sa part a la Soeiete et a ete en grande partie deja reproduite dans les derniers uumeros du Commercial Gazette. SEANCE I)U MEBCEEDI, 29 NOYEMBBE 1870. SOT’S LA PRESIOEXCE DE l’jTOXOR ABLE J. ERASER, Presents : Dr. Eel. Le Juge et M. J. IT. Einniss, vice-presidents; M. L. Bouton, secretaire; MM. Ev. Du- pont et A. Dandy, vice-secretaires ; Dr. W. A. Edwards, MM. Eugene Faduilhe, Lachiche Hugues, l*. Le Micro et Y. de BobiUard. Le proces-verbal de la derniere reunion est In et adopt e. M. Constant de Gersigny est propose en qualite de raembre resident par M. Lachiche 1 fugues, seconth* par M. L. Bouton. l ie Secretaire donne lecture : \ lo. D’une lettre de 1’ Assistant Secretaire Colonial, faisant saved cpie sur la demande de la Societe, S. E. le Gfouverneur a bien voulu donner les ordres necessaires pour epic lo nom de feu Adolphe Autard de Bragard soit inscrit sur Pob^lisfjuo du Jardin des Pamplemousses ; 2o. D’une lettre du President de la Societe National o des Sciences Naturelles de Cherbourg demandant, a l'oc- casion du 2de anniversaire de cette Societe, de lui accor- der une nouvelle marque de sympathie en l’encourageant a pom'suivre ses travaux ; 3o. Une lettre de M. J. E. Para relative a un Ananas cpi’il fait parvenir a la Societe et a l’emploi du Coca qu’il voudrait voir propager a Maurice, Le Secretaire est charge tie repondre ii ces differentes lettres et de remercier M. J. E. Para. Le President annonce que M. E. Serendat, Consul General du Bresil, lui a fait parvenu un exeniplaire de l’ouvrage intitule : 1’ Empire du Bresil a l’Exposition de Philadelphie.” Le Secretaire presente de la part de 1’ auteur M. Fer- nand Du verge un volume de poesies intitule Les Mau- ricimnes. Le Dr Le Juge fait voir ties nymphos d’un lepidop- tere du genre Dana'is, le J). ehri/sippus, decrit par Boistlu- val. Cette chiysalide ressemhle a un pendant d’oreille ; elle est d’un rose pale avec ties points et une bantle d’or en fer a cheval pres tie Fextremite. Ces nymphes excitent l’admiration ties membres presents et sont destinees a figurer apres lem* eclosion dans les collections du Museum. M. Daruty presente une Munenide provenant tie l’llot Barldy, ce poisson mesuro trois pietls et derni de longueur siu un (liametre tie G lignes, il est d’un bleu ardoise siu le tlos et d’un blanc d’argent sous le ventre ; par la disposi- tion tie ses dents et tie ses nageoires, M. Daruty est porte a croii'e que ce poisson est destine a devenir le type d’un genre nouveau. L’attention ties membres presents est appelee sur 1’ article suivant qui se trouve dans le Gardener’s Chronicle du 14 Octobre 187G : Vanilla. — Some many sanguine forecasts - having been made of the' future of Vanilla cultivation in Bengal, a number of plants were two years ago, put out in this garden under sheds similar to those in which the Pepper vine is grown. The growth of these plants has not been satisfactory, probably from over-shading. Many have therefore been recently put out un- der the shed of Mango-trees. The finest old Vanilla plants in the garden grow against a north wall. One of these was this year laden with pods, but an unusually high temperature for a day or two, caused these to drop prematurely. Recent as well as former experience leads me to think that Vanilla will never become a staple produce of Bengal.” Le Secretaire donne communication de deux articles insert's dans le Journal of Botany : le premier intitule “ Notes sur l’Orchidologie des Mascareignes ” et le second sur les Orchidces recolt ces a Bourbon pendant le sc jour de I’ expedition du Passage de Venus par M. Balfour; ces deux articles sont de M. S. Le M. Moore qui a etc charge de la description de ces plantes pour la Flore de Maurice. Le Dr Arthur Edwards qui arrive de F ranee dit qu’il a ete charge par le Bibliothecaire du Museum de deman- der a la Societe les Nos. de ses Transactions qui lui man- quent et ajoute a ce sujet, que les travaux de la Societe sont tres apprecies du monde savant a Paris, qu’il a vu adjuger a un tres haut prix ses bulletins, a la vente apres deces de la bibliotheque du celebre conchyliologiste Des- hayes. M. A. Daruty, qui suit avec un grand interet le developpement de la Flore de l’llot Barldy depuis cinq ans, presente les observations suivantes a ce sujet : “ L’ilot Barkly, vous le save/., situe a 1’ entree du Port, commence pres du Fort Blanc ct se courba vers la Grande Riviere N.O. ; sa longueur est d’ environ trois quarts de mille, sa largeur dc cent cinquante pieds ct sa bauteur de ciix a douzc pieds au-dessus de la haute mer. Get ilot, apparu pendant le cyclone de janvier 1868, est entierement forme par 1 agglome- ration de fragments de eoraux, de foraminiferes, de coquilles ct de debris de toutes sortes deposes par la mer en furie sur le vecif existant en cet endroit- (e’est peut-etre la le secret de la formation des lies dites de eoraux sur lesquelles on a tant ecrit sans pouvoir se mettre d’accord). La mer vejette continuelle- ment sur l’ilot des algues ou plantes marines qui, en se decom- posant sur cet amas calcaire, finiront par former un terreau dans lequel certaincs plantes maritimes trouveront les elements ne- cessaires a leur existence ; ils y viendront elire domicile et pe- tit a petit nous verrons l’ilot Barkly se couvrir d une vegetation verdoyante. “ C’est cctte apparition des vegetaux que j’observe avee beaucoup d’interet depuis que je suis de retour dans la colonic. ,Tc vais souvent sur Pilot Barkly, soit pour completer mes collections d’ algues et dc zoophytes, soit en reicnant de dia- (,'uer dans les environs ou memo dans le but special d en notev O la flore comme je Pai fait la derniere fois en compagnie de M. Evenor Dupont. “ Mes premieres listes conticnnent a peine quatre ou cinq noms de plantes et encore faut-il remarquer que certaincs d’entre clles y etaient simplement deposees par les dots comme les raquettes ( Opuntiu uulica) qui vegetaient an detriment de lours propres tiges sans avoir pris racine. Quelques annecs plus lard, en Octobre 1874 par exemple, lc nombre des plan- tes sc montaient a 12, ct ces plantes se retrouvent aujourd’hui encore pour la plupart ; deux plantes seulement de cette liste, le Co'ix lacrinia et le Tournefortia argcntea ne se retrouveut plus aujourd’hni ou plutot je ne lcs ai pas retrouvces. ‘‘ Le 21 Novembre 1876, jour de ma derniere excursion, j’ai dresse une liste de 29 plantes qui sont : Acacia leucoce- phala (acacia), Albic.Ha lehbeek (Lois noir), Amaranthus me- lancholicus )bredes malabars), Aryemonc mexicana (chardon), Canavalia obtusifolia (pois quarantain), Cardiospermum lialicci- cabum (poc poc), Clienopodium album (epinard sauvage), Cymbopogon sp. (chien-dent), Cyperus maritimus, C'y perns sp. Datura stramonium (fleur dfable), Erythryna indica (nourouc), Hibiscus til-iaceus (porcher), Hydrocotyle asiatica (bevilaqua), Ipomea pescaprcc (batratant), Ipomea yemella (petit liseron blanc), Lycopersicum esculentum (pomme d’ amour), Morinda citrifolia (murier de Java), Opuntia indica (raquette), Possi- Jtora suberosa (liane West), Rottbccllia complanata (gros chien- dent), Scccvola Keenly! (veloutier blanc), Sonchus oleraceu-s (la- ceron), Staehitarpheta Indica (verveine queue de rat), Urocldoa panicoides (herbe de Guinoe) et deux plantes que je n’ai pu identifier dans l’etat ou elles se trouvaient, la premiere est une erucifere dont les tiges sont rapeuses et la seconde ressemble un pen a YoseiUe. “ On voit par cette liste que toutes les plantes qui crois- sent actuellement sur l’llot Barkly, sont des plantes maritimes dont les grain es ont sans doute etc portees par la mer. Les especes les plus repandues sont le Scccvola Kcenigi (veloutier blanc) V Ipomea pescaprcc (batatrant) et le C'ypcrus maritimus. " II serait interessant de continuer a noter 1’ apparition nouvelle des especes sur Flint Darkly, c’est un travail tres important au point de vue dc la geographic hotanique, de la dissemination des especes el de la insistence de certaines grai- nes a Faction de l’eau dc mer, questions a l’ordre du jour, et dont s’occupent les botanistes en Europe, depuis l’apparition des ouvrages de Darwin.” Le Dr E. Le J uge qui avait etc charge, a une des dernieres reunions, de rendre conipte d’un article insere dans le journal The Lancet ay ant trait a l’emploi de la Srlicine dans le traitement du lthuniatisnie aigu des arti- culations, presente son Rapport. (Voyez Annexe.) SEANCE DTT LUNDI 18 DECEMBER 1870. sol's LA PltKSIDEXCE OF- M. V. l)Ii ItOllILT.AlU). Presents : MM. L. Bouton, Ev. de Chazal. Lacliiote Ungues, P. Le Miere, V. de llobillard, Ed. Serendat. L’kon. Y. Naz se fait excuser ainsi que quelques autres membres que les preparatifs de l’exposition du 2 1 Decem- bre prochain avaient empeche d’assister a la reunion. Le but principal etait de passer au serutin M. Cons- tant de Gersigny, qui a reuni la totalite das suffrages. Le Secretaire n’a eu que le temps de connnuniquer aux membres presents, une brochure qu’il a recue de Sydney et qui vienr d’etrs publiee dans cette ville, sous le titre de New South Wales, its progress and resources, In/ author'd)/ of the Commimonners , avoc cette legende ; “Advance Australia " “ Si 1 on voulait, dit le Secretaire plein de confianee dans le contenu de ce livre, s’en rapporter a F expose som- maire de la situation et des ressources de la Nouvelle Galles du Sud, ce ne serait pas pour courir a Natal ni a Madagas- car (pie le Maiirieien s’ eloigner ait de sa patrie, niais Lien ]ioiu’ alter s’etablir a jamais dans une dc ees grandcs provinces de cet autre monde appele Australie. “ II y a dans cette brochure, cpi’il faudrait pouvoir reprodnire d'un Lout a F autre des passages rpii sent de nature a appeler l’attention la plus serieuse de la part de ceux cpii constituent cliacpie groupe en sa speeialite, le trop plein de la population Maurieienne. “ Le volume domic des renseignements sur tout ce fpLO For desire savoir de plus interessant, tels (pie les produits de la terre, le taux des gages des employes en general, le prix des vivres, les differentes sortes de troupeaux en Lceufs et en moutons, les grains en general, la laine, lc tabac, les legumes, fruits, etc., et surtout les clievaux (pii sont d'un grand commerce dans l’lnde oil ils se vendent au prix de £ 80 pour F usage de la cavalerie. “ Tout est dans cette contrec sur une ecbelle ascen- dante, la population etait : En 1831 51, loo times En 1871 584,278 “ En 187(5 (500,000 “ “En resume, la difference entre Maurice et la Nou- vclle Galles du Slid, ainsi qu’on pent lo voir, est (pic 3. Tan- rice ne suflit plus a l’entretien et a la consoniination de — 68 ses habitants qui sont forces tie la quitter et cl' alter ailleiu’S chercher un asile ; tandis que d’autres colonies plus re- eentes, la Nouvelle dalles tin Slid par exemple, offrent une foule de ressources et tie moyens d’existence, qu’elles placent a la disposition de tons ceux qui voudraient cn Xe- nix profiler. ” Le Secretaire vient dc recevoir de M. Para iui travail fort interessant sur la piqiire ties hynienopteres, et clout void la teneur : - “ La piqure des liymenopteres porle-aiguillons nc presente, le plus souvent aucime gravite. Quelquefois, cependant ellc domic lieu ii ties accidents locaux plus ou moins aigus : dans d’autres cas ellc determine dcs phenomencs generaux d’intensite variable qui peuvent amener la mort. J’ai cu occasion ces jours dcrniers d’ observer un eas oil les accidents ont etc tres graves et auraient pu l’etrc tlavantage si Ton n’avait pas reussi a enraycr la marche dc la maladie. C’cst le jeunc U.... qui cut le malheur d’etre pique par une guepe cartoniere f vespa petiolata) a la paupiere superieure dc l’a’il droit; un quart d’heure apres 1’ accident, il survint une tumefaction considerable avec douleur intense de tout l’ccil. L’application de fomenta- tions emollientes laudanisees ne produisirent aucun effet : Le soil- on constata tous les symptomes de l’erysipele et le lendc- main celui-ci s’etait propage et avait envahi presque toutc la face. L’etat du nialadc s’aggravait ainsi de jour cn jour ; mais grace aux soins assidus qui lui furent prodigues, il et ait bientot hors dc danger. “ Jc profite de cette circonstance pour vous fa ire le resu- me de l’interessant travail du docteur Mabaret du Basty surles — 69 — accidents produits par la piqure dcs hymenopteres porte ai- guillons. “ En quclques pages 1’ auteur raconte l’liistoirc naturelle dcs nj’Tnenopteres et de leurs produits. Dans cc premier chapitre, tres habilement condense, nous trouvons les renseignements suivants : Si des abeilles ont but.ine sur des fleurs veneneuses le miel peut acquerir leurs propriotes toxiques ct determiner par son ingestion dcs accidents graves. Dans les trois varietes abeilles, bourdons, guepes, les fcmellcs et les ouvrieres seules portent l’appareil venimeux et sont armees d’un aiguillon. Lc venin dcs hymenopteres porte-aiguillons, d’apres Philouze, agit sur l’economie a la maniere d’un ferment. “ Dans le Chapitre II, l’auteur decrit le mecanisme de la piqure, penetration de 1’ aiguillon dans les teguments, puis de- pot d’une certaine quantite dc venin dans la plaie ainsi faitc. Chez les bourdons lc dard est den tele etde meme que c51ui des abeilles il penetre en sciant ; tres frequemment aussi il restc dans la qvlaic. C'hcz les guepes ct les frelons, au contraire, il n’y a pas de dcntelures ; l’appareil piquant penetre direetement et le plus souvent ces insectes le retirent. L’acuite de la dou- leur et la gravite des accidents dependent de diverses circon- stance. Pour le Dr du Basty les piqures des abeilles sont ha- bituellement les moins graves et les moins douloureuses : cclles des bourdons, dont 1’ aiguillon est plus fort, occasionnc une douleur plus vive et une inflammation plus intense : celles des guepes sont encore plus a craindre sous tous les rapports, et celles dcs frelons sont quelquefois terribles. Q,uelque soit l’in- secte, la douleur et lc danger sont toujours plus grands lorsque 1’ aiguillon reste clans la plaie. “ Dans le chapitre III, les accidents sont d’abord exami- — 70 - ncs au point devue du siege dc la piqure (voile du palais, ceso- phage, ceil) ; puis au point de vue des complications propre- ment dites, dependant dc causes determinantes on productives, imparfaitement connues et pourtant diversement appreciees. Ces accidents signales par les auteurs, sont dcs abces, des phlegmons, des gangrenes, des escarres, des ulcares, des erysi- peles. Ces faits sont mis cn lumierc par d’exeellentes obser- vations presque toutes personnelles on inedites. Les accidents generaux auxquels peuvent donner lieu dcs piqures multiples ou Ires nombreuses et me me line piqure unique sont decrites dans lc chapitre IV et font l’objet dc plusieurs observations ties utiles a consulter. Ces accidents qui sont sous la depen- dance du systemc nerveux, ont assez souvent determine la mort, due, tantot a l’asphyxie, tantot a l’exces de la dou- leur et le plus souvent, suivant 1’ auteur, a 1’ absorption d’unc grande quantite de venin capable de produire une sedation pro- fonde du systeme nerveux. Le traitement de la piqure simple a accidents locaux pen etendus, passagers, consiste en lotions avee une solution d’ammoniaque caustique. Dans tous les autres cas lc traitement devra etre dirige d’apres la nature des accidents qui se produiront. I ne precaution recommandec par lc Dr. du Basty consiste ii ne pas fuir devant un essairn, mais a restcr immobile comme cet agriculteur qui, ayant renverse une ruclie d’abeilles, resta sur place sans mouvements et ne reipit seulement que deux ou trois piqures. “ Les piqures d’abeille?, ainsi ar le Dr Sicvcking, dans lesquels Faction de la Salicine a etc constnnte pour amender la douleur ct amencr une prompte guerisoli. — 77 — Le Dr Iiafle, du Seamen’s Hospital de Greenwich, rap- port e l’observation suivante qui cst digne de fixer P attention des praticiens : “James A., aged twenty-two, was admitted May 16th, on the second day of his illness, with all the symptoms of rheuma- tic fever. He was quite helpless from the severity of the pain fn the large joints, drenched with acid perspiration; the chest and abdomen covered with Suclamina ; the tongue thickly coa- ted with -white fur. Pulse 120, full and bounding. The pa- tient was at once put on salicin, ten grains every second hour ; to have half a grain of the acetate of morphia at night ; milk diet, on the evening of admission, after six'doses of salicin the temperature had fallen to 102 ° 8, “May 17th — Pulse 104. Pain in elbows and wrists very severe. Morning temperature 102 ° 5. “ 18th — Pain much relieved. Morning temperature 101,4 ° evening 101,8 ° pulse 98. “ 19th — Patient expresses himself as quite relieved. Pers- piration much less ; tongue cleaning ; — Morning temperatur 100,2 ° evening 101 ° . 20th — Improvement continues. Patient says lie feels quite well, his pain quite gone, and lie has asked to be allowed to get up. Morning temperature 99’2 ° : evening 99’8 ° . Pulse 86. “21st — Patient quite convalescent. Temperature normal. “ 22nd — Allowed up. Temperature normal. “ 23rd — Patient very anxious to be discharged, as he says he feels “ perfectly well.” “ 2-3lh — Patient discharged, convalescent. — 78 — “ Remarks. — This case well illustrates the mervellous power which Salicin seems to exert in some cases of rheumatic fever. On admission the case threatened to he long and se- vere, the temperature was high, and all the symptoms acute, yet in four days the patient was practically convalescent. The rapidity of the cure will contrast favourably with the most fa- vourable recorded cases under other modes of treatment, and from what we know of the history of rheumatic fever, the re- sult can only be attributed to the Salicin.” — The Lancet, July 1876. Nous avons pen de chose a dire apres la relation de cctte observation oil la Salicine a eu unc action cn quelque sorte speci- fique pour arreter le cours de la maladie. Nousferons observer seulement combien clle a fait promptement tomber le pouls ct baisser la temperature de la peau. La douleur des articulations a cesse apres le 4me jour du traitement. En general, on n’ob- tient pas des resultats aussi avantageux et aussi prompts par les autres modes de medication. 11 est certain qu’il faut expe- rimenter encore avant de sc prononcer d’unc maniere positive et nc pas mettre la Salicine sur un piedestal pour luifaire subir ensuite le sort dc tant d’autres medicaments trop prunes au debut et delaisses au bout d’un certain temps. Nous pouvons cependant, d’apres les observations scrupulcusement faites par les honorablcs confreres cites plus haut, esperer avoir a notre disposition un nouveau medicament puissant ct facile a em- ployer dans le traitement du llhumatisme et de la Gouttc. Dr E. Le Juge. 79 — PLANTING THE PUBLIC ROADS WITH TREES. By the Ordinance No. 13 of 1875 § XI a very important power was conferred upon the Government, of planting trees upon the lands belonging to private individuals along the sides of the public roads, should the proprietors after due notice fail to plant of their own accord. The Ordinance has been followed up by the issue of public notices calling attention to the new powers thus conferred. The planting is to apply to roads “within” 1,200 feet of the sea level. I am not aware of the reasons which induced the Council to make any limit, as the sun at mid-day is quite as strong at Vacoa or Curepipe which are above the limit, as elsewhere, and there are roads in both neighbourhoods, witness the road from Curepipe to Mahebourg for three or four miles down- wards, which would be greatly improved by trees. So far as advantage is anticipated to the general healthiness of the Is- land from the increase of plantations that result would be equally obtained by planting in the higher districts. But at all events let us make the most of the law which we have got. I believe that a sum has been voted for this year to begin to put the Ordinance into operation and that Mr Horne, who is doing more in a quiet way to alter the face of the Island than the public are generally aware of, has already commenced work. As a moderate amount will no doubt be allowed for some years to come, the best mode of applying the money, and reaping the greatest benefit from the enactment comes to be a question of public interest. For my own part, I think the provision of the Ordinance an excellent one, and that it puts into the hands of the Woods anil Forest Department a power which rightly used, may add greatly to the beauty of the Island, and to the pleasantness of travel for rich and poor, %for man, and for beast. What more beautiful prospect could be seen anywhere than might be rea- lised here, when a shady avenue of stately trees sweeps down from the heights to the sea, the many shades of green, dashed by the scarlet of the Flamboyant, mingling above, while below the golden yellow of the flower of the Campeche and Indian Laburnum ; the pink and white of the Bauhinia , the rich red of the Pomegranate, the pink Laurel and the white Laurel, the flowering Guava, the Bougainvillea , with many other shrubs which grow so profusely in our climate, contribute, with here and there a cluster of palms near the fountains which have been erected by the General Board of Health, to transform the bare and cheerless road into a garden path clothed with beauty* I wish I could rouse enthusiasm among the proprietors of the Island, to co-operate heartily with the Government in this mat- ter, and to promote in so easy and effectual a manner to the beautifying of their native Isle. The small proprietors (who number upwards of f>000 as compared with 250 large estate owners), can scarcely be expected to take the initiative in any improvement of this description, and for the shake of the uni- formity of the plans whieh Mr Horne may adopt, it would in- deed be better that they should permit the Government to pro- ceed with the planting whenever their district is reached, but they at least may do much in the way of protecting the trees when once planted. The danger of failure in an enterprise of this description lies not so much in the extent and expense of the undertaking at the commencement, as in the difficulty of keeping the young plants from destruction after they have at- tained a certain progress. The lazy may cut them for firewood. — 81 the children may destroy them in sport, the goats browse the young leaves and the fowls scratch out the plants. I am sure, however, that more will be done to prevent this by appealing to public opinion in favor of the plants, by placing them in short under the protection of the public themselves for whose benefit they are designed, than by trusting to the operation of the penal clause which is added to the Ordinance. Whenever the planting of a district begins, I would suggest that a notice printed in the various languages of the colony should be circu- lated among all the dwellings, explaining the beneficial pur- poses of those piecls-zarles la Heine, and asking every one to aid in preserving them. Similar notices I would have exhibited on bords along the high ways, calling on the passers-by to pro- tect the plants from mules and goats, and to aid in securing them for the general behoof. For some considerable time after the trees are first plant- ed, and of course for the planting itself, it will be necessary to employ special labourers. Watering will be required, there must be cleaning away of weeds, and keeping np of protective fences, and for these purposes a certain outlay will be absolutely necessary at first. Probably it may be roughly estimated that a guardian will be required for each mile of new plants This expense will cease after the trees have got to a certain height, but on the other hand the Road Department in future years may have any day a heavy handful of work thrown upon it, by a hurricane which might strew the road with debris of branches and trunks. For the sake of keeping the roads clear of leaves it will also be necessary to keep in view that the fewer deci- duous trees which are used the better. It will not be possible to commence at once with all the variety of trees which it might ultimately be desirable to have, because while some may grow, and may best grow, from seeds in loco , and others such as the Banyian, etc. may be propagated best by branches, there are others of which the plants must be prepared at the Botanical Gardens and carefully nursed before they could be planted out with any hope of success. The trees which may succeed best by planting the seeds in loco are the Tamarind, Mango, Jack, Bois Xoir, Longan (Longanier), Let- chi and Adenanthera (Bois Noir de Bourbon) etc. But very many of the desirable trees cannot be so treated, at least the danger of failure would be so great, and the amount of expense so considerable that the plan of treating the young plants on masse, and at the Botanical Gardens is evidently the best. We may depend upon Mr Horne so arranging his baskets or pots as to make the transportation easy, and the re-planting safe. Indeed he has explained in his Report for 1874 how he treats the young trees which he has been rearing, and planting in the Government forests to so great an extent and as these methods have been found effectual for the forest-trees, they will be found to be equally available for those intended for the roads. The planting for the season may in a short time be consi- dered as over, the best time being of course the beginning of the rainy season as a continuance of dry weather after the transplanting of young shoots is almoft certain to kill them. Before the next season begins (say October) it would be very desirable that those of our great proprietors who arc pre- pared to cooperate with the Government in this most useful re- form should communicate with Mr Horne, and explain to what extent they would be prepared to provide labour for the hole- — S3 — digging and planting. Were tliey to take t liis in hand along the public roads which intersect or bound their properties, the Government on the other hand may fairly undertake to supply seeds and plants gratis and carriage free along the Railway lines and to supply the necessary guardians at tire rate of one man per mile or so, during the time necessary to watch over the young plants. There arc some localities where much lias al- ready been done in this direction, and where an enlightened public spirit has been at work on a task which is both for the private advantage of the proprietor, and for the public utility, but in place of a few solitary instances here and there it may not be too much to expect to sec the proprietors as a body en- ter heartily into the project, and compete with each other as to who should do most at this work. In order that some record may be kept of the progress which has been achieved, I would venture to suggest that Mr Ilsrnc should mention prominently in his annual Reports those of the proprietors who have co-opc- ralcd with the Government in the furtherance of this improve- ment. In addition to the planting of the public roads (which is all that the Ordinance makes compulsory) it is possible that in various places, odd nooks and corners might be found on the line of the roads which could be more advantageously planted than devoted to any other purpose. The Government might fairlv undertake to plant these if the portion of land were de- dicated by the proprietor to the public use, to be treated in the same way as the Reserves, viz : that the property of the soil should remain with the proprietor, but after dedication and planting, that the proprietor should cease to have the right to cut the trees, except such judicious thinnings and cuttings as might be approved of by the Forest Department. — 84 — As regards the works to be undertaken by the Government, Mr Horne has thought it advisable to begin with Port-Louis and work outwards. This seems the best plan, as oir the roads in the vitfinity of the capital, the streams of traffic comcigc, and there the benefit to be obtained will be enjojed by the greatest number of people. We may sec the immense diffei- ence in the beauty and pleasantness between those portions of the road which are shaded, and those which are destitute of trees in what has already been done both on the 1 amplemous- ses and Black River roads. On the latter immediately on leav- ing the hot, dusty, dirty, and in many places dilapidated look- ing Moka street (which I hope will be planted ) you come upon a straight stretch of road across the Blaine Lauzun. On one side especially the Banyan trees have succeeded very well, and arc now beyond the reach of accidents. '1 his year the y eai vigorously pushing out their rich brown young leaves, and thtii glossy foliage already forms a sufficient shade which is gicatly taken advantage of by pedestrians. As the Banyans ha\c tlni- ven best on the side least exposed to the gusts of wind Irom the hills, I would suggest that the left hand side leaving the town should be planted two or three lines deep of b ilaos and the blanks in the line of the Banyans and Lilas filled up. A little further on beyond the bridge and the steep incline where the Plaines Wilhems road branches off, the Black River road is adorned by some very fine old Tamarind trees, beneath the shade of which a drive is enjoyable even at midday. How different the mile of ascent on the Plaines Wilhems road until “kBon Air” is reached. There is scarcely a tree so placed as to give shade, and the sun. morning, noon and afternoon, ren- ders travel for all in the hot months disagreeable, and just at a spot where the ravin and mountains, with the sea, and the view of the river’s mouth, contribute to make the scenery other- wise very beautiful. After the work of planting is finished in the neighbourhood of Port Louis and Mahebourg, the roads which are most bare and exposed should be grappled* with. I would however suggest that particular attention be paid to that from Moka to Hose llill for several reasons. It is capable of being made a very fine drive if planted, and at present when the canes are cut down it is bleak. It is moreover a much fre- quented road, and when a great deal is being done to render travel more comfortable to the mass of the population, they will be the last to object that some peculiar care shouln be given to a road which is most frequently used by the Governor of the Island, and the better class families who reside in the neigh- bourhood of Hose Hill and Beau Bassin. But should the idea of Sir B. Julyan be carried out of locating the troops on the portion of the lleduit grounds cut oil' from tire Governor’s mansion, in a few years the road will become still more popu- lar. 1 would be disposed to suggest that this should be made a show road, because it has great capabilities, and the climate is a judicious mean between the heat and the cool. Mr An- tclme has already done much, and with his planting taken as a basis, the whole might be rendered a most agreeable drive. Wherever the planting may be commenced there are cer- tain principles which naturally suggest themselves in the choice of trees. First of all there is rapidity of growth, as although improvements of this kind cannot be effected in a day, it is at least agreeable to reflect that very much may be done in these climates in a few years. We all know of course of the virtues of the Filao in this respect, but the Filao it appears to me is better to plant in masses. In little plantations it has a com- — 36 — pact, fresh, shady appearance in every way admirable. As single trees by the road side they have a thin, lank, overgrown appearance less agreeable to the eye. This is especially when they hate reached a considerable age, but as young trees, their aspect is more agreeable, and they can by the rapidity of their growth serve as shelter for others. The Ordinance con- templates trees in single lines and at certain distances apart, but where Filaos are used 1 would strongly suggest several lines such as has been done by the side of the Moka road un- der the Signal Mountain. The Eucalyptus Globulus, although very fast growing, and in many ways a most desirable tree, is not considered good for the purpose of highways, and even in clumps, the rapidity of its growth and the mode in which its roots grow, make it tall, slender, and easily upset by high winds which must be counted upon in Mauritius as part of the ordinary climatic conditions. It is a pity that it is not suitable for the purpose contemplated, as itscolour is both beautiful and characteristic, and would mix well with the greens. Fastidious ladies do not think blues and greens mix well, but nature who is a better artist chiefly works with these two colours for the back-grounds. Fortunately several of our very finest trees arc also fast growing. Among them, for ex- ample, is that Queen of trees, the Flamboyant, one of t he most beautiful objects which can be conceived, when at the ap- proach of summer, she puts forth her delicately green bi-pin- nate leaves, and flashes forth the brilliant scarlet of her flowers. When these trees are in blossom. Port Louis assumes another aspect, add their effectiveness for decoration may be seen in the Valley of Failles, which lias at these seasons the ap- pearance of a flower garden. Of course a tree of this brilliancy ought to be used with a certain amount of discretion where the harmonious grouping of colour is considered, and moreover it is deciduous and its beauty in summer is counter-balanced by a bareness al the opposite season, and its leaves create a cer- tain amount of litter. I am not aware whether the Oolvillea, which in the appearance of the leaves, so much resembles the Flamboyant, is fast growing or not. The flowers of this latter are also scarlet but of the form of the sweet pea and therefore less expanded and striking. Another of our flowering trees the “ Lilas de l’lnde ” is also fast growing. It has however the disadvantage of losing its leaves, .but when full grown it is a wide-spreading handsome tree. The “ Badamier ” grows swiftly, and is perhaps one of the very best for shade from the size and texture of its leaves. It is also deciduous but in the fall of the leaf it puts forth a new beauty, the ripe leaf turning yellow and red as it falls, just as you may see the Maple and the Sumach in the forest of Canada and America add a now beauty to the summer. To those mentioned as distin- guished by rapidity of growth may be added “ Tecoma Leuco- xylon ” and “ Telfairia,” which push up with surprising rapi- dity, but they are perhaps better adapted for growing above a 1 ,200 feet level. Utility of shade is another principal quality which ought to be kept in view, and here due attention will be doxibtless given to the distinction between deciduous trees and those which remain green throughout the year. While we would deprive ourselves of some of the best of our trees for other purposes, if they were to he shut out altogether on that ac- count, it would he unwise to plant any number of deciduous trees near the same spot. Perhaps the best for shade arc the Figs which include such well known favourites as the Banyan — 88 (Ficus Indira) Arbrc de l’Intendance, (Ficus Xitida) tlio India Rubber tree (Ficus Fdastica) the Peepul (Ficus Religiosa); there are also the Ficus Terebrata, and tlie Jack (Artocarpus Tntegrifolia) but there are some of the Leguminosne order which are scarcely inferior, and of those the Tamarind is ccr* tainly among the chief. I do not know whether it will prove a benefit or the re- verse that some of our fruit trees are admirably adapted for the purpose in view. When they attain maturity there will be a certain amount of destruction in spite of all precautions, of the fruit, but this is a risk which is unavoidable. On account To the Tamarinds and Jacks already mentioned, may be added the Mango and Lit chi, both admirable for shade, and when in flower, for beauty and the former for fragance. The Longan falls under the same category. In considering the general effects of the grouping of co- lour of leaves and flowers, the first thing to be kept in view is that the picture is on a great scale. So it is accordingly more scene-painting than picture painting that is wanted, those broad and striking effects which modern paiuters seek to ob- tain by laying aside the brush, and trying a little smearing with the thumb on their expanded canvass. The only difficulty is our “ embarras de richesse.” The Flamboyant, the Colvillia and the Lila's have already been mentioned as flowering trees, that is, trees whose flowers are striking, because the Tamarind for example has a very beautiful flower but it is too delicate to be effective, or indeed of any use, in the grouping of colour. Put the flowers of the great trees, with the exception of the Flamboyant and Lagcrstroemia Regia (la Reine des Govavicrs flours) arc too short lived perhaps to be the basis of that special grouping which is to afford pleasure to the eye throughout the year. The foliage must be chiefly considered, and in this res- pect there is no want of variety. There is one green of the Mango and another green of the Litchi, there is the dark mas- sive leaf of the Jack, and the light feathery green of the Tama- rind, there is the special colour of the Bois Noir to contrast with the Badamier or the Sang Dragon. 1 have not hitherto spoken of Palms because they require so much attention, and are subject to so many accidents, that it would not be advisa- ble to trust much to them by the roadside, except near foun- tains and sides of streams where these traverse the roads — for all palms delight in moisture. So probably it would be wise to content ourselves with clumps here and there in the lower dis- tricts at bends of the road, or in other effective situations. The same may be said of Bamboos which beautiful in groups here and there when seen against the sky line, are unsuitable for the road purposes. Our wealth of colour of flowers lies in our shrubs, and here we have the Campeche, Bauhinia, Pomegra- nates, and the fruits, the Carambolc, Bilimbi, Guava, Bibassc, Mulberry, Dombeya, the Oleander, the Magnolias and Bignonias, etc., etc. These judiciously mixed with the lar- ger trees could not fail both by the beauty of their foliage and flowers, to add to the noble effects which may be expected from a liberal planting of such trees as those we have noticed, intermixed with those less ambitious, but more showy kinds. In this work all are interested, but, for tho natives of the Island, and those who expect to live and die here, there is nothing in which they can engage, more calculated to give them lasting pleasure, than thus beautifying the Island in which their lot is cast. Without knowing precisely whence it comes they 90 — M ill have here a source of constant gratifi nising and educational influences upon the result for good will be incalculable. ation, and for hunra- thc whole population — 91 SEANCE ANNUELLE DU VENDREDI lfl FE VRIER 1577. Sous la P residence de Son Excellence le Gouverneur Sir A. P. Phayre, K. C. S. /. C. B. Presents : MM. C. E. Bewsher, L. Bouton, De Caila, G. de Coriolis, A. Daruty, N. Desjardins, E. Dupont, M. D’ Hot man, J. Horne, Lackicbe Iluguos, Dr. E. Le Juge, P. Le Miere, C. Meldrum, Hon. Y. Naz, A. Regnard, Rev. Royston, Eveque de Maurice et Ed. Yirieux. Visiteurs : C. W. Mason, J. E. Para. Le Secretaire donne lecture de son Rapport Annuel sur les travaux accomplis pendant l’annee. Le Tresorier donne aussi lecture de son Rapport sur l’etat financier de la Societe. Ces deux Rapports sont adoptes. L’ Honorable Fraser se leve et remercie Son Excel- lence le Gouverneur de l’interet qu’il prend aux travaux de la Societe. Son Excellence r^pond qu’il est keureux de pouvoir constater que la Societe se trouve en pleine voie de pros- p^rite et complimente les membres qui se sont distingues par leurs travaux. ✓ Le Gouverneur alors, se retire et Ton procede ensuite — 92 — a Election du Bureau et du Conseil de la Society, et l’on obtient les resultats suivauts : President. — lion. Y. Naz, C. M. G. ( Dr. E. Le Juge, Vice-Presidents. < ( Hon. J. Fraser. Secretaire. — L. Bouton. ( A. Daruty, Vice- Secretaires. ] ( E. Dupont. Tresorier. — C. E. Bewsher. Membres Inofficiels : Dr. W. A. Edwards, Bevd. Boyston, Eveque de Maurice, G. H. Finniss, Ev. DE Chazal, AnGE BioNARD, Dr. Ch. Begkaud. Auditeurs : Ed. Yirieux & Leon Pitot. ERRATA. Page 17, ligne 3 et 12, au lieu do Bronniart lisez Brongniart. a 27, u 12 au lieu do Mai 1875, lisez Mai 1876. u 33, cc 7 c : Artoecarpus, lisez Artocarpus. 1C Oo A5 C ( 7 U Latamia, lisez Latania. a 65, u 7 u Albizzia lolbeck, lisez Albizzia lebbeck. u 65, u 16 ii Possiflora, lisez Passiflora. u 68, tc 21 u l’application, lisez les appli- cations. REPORT OF THE SECRETARY TO THE ROTAL MRIf 0! ARTS AND SCIENCES OF 19th DECEMBER 1875 TO I6th FEBRUARY 1877 MAURITIUS, COMMERCIAL GAZETTE STEAM PRINTING ESTABLISHMENT 1877 * ANNUAL REPORT ROYAL SOCIETY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES May it please Your Excellency, and Gentlemen, I beg to tender my excuses for not having called this annual meeting on the day on which it is usually held. Your Secretary has been pi’evented by illness from gather- ing together the requisite materials for the preparation of this Report. His two attendants also could not help him, being- otherwise occupied with the arrangement for the last Exhibition. And as another drawback, our Treasurer absent from the Colony had not yet returned to render the annual account of his stewardship. I trust that these explanations will be found sufficient to obtain your indulgence. I will now proceed to endeavour to accomplish the task II Avhich you have entrusted to me for several years past, and to which I have devoted mvself, if not with the same energy, at least with the same zeal, and alacrity. Our last meeting Avas held on the 17th December 187G, and to-day Ave celebrate our 47th anniversary. In a little more than a year, several members have been snatched from the Society and their friends. 1. Adolphe Brongniart, a member of the French Insti- tute, a corresponding member of our Society from the date of its foundation and one of the most eminent bota- nists of the age. 2. Leon Doyen, who has left a manuscript history of Mauritius a life being Avork, Ave may say and which he has entrusted for publication, to Mr Eug. Leclezio, one of our oldest members. 3. Henri Charles Descroizilles, a hard working member aa'Iio tAvice introduced into the Colony the rearing of silk worms and twice Avitnessed the failure of his most san- guine hopes. 4 & 5. Elisee Lienard one of our founding members, and Adolphe Autard de Bragard, avIio although at Paris, and far aAvay from us, never ceased to take an active share to our labours. These lossesHiave been acutely felt. The names of those who more directly rendered good service to the country, viz. Charles Descroizilles, E. Lienard and Ad. Autard de Bragard, have been with the sanction of H. Ill E. the Governor inscribed on the obelisk at Parnple- mousses, which was founded in order to perpetuate the memory of the most eminent men of Mauritius and her benefactors. The gap then made in our ranks has been filled up by eight new members who are in order of their elections. 1. Mr J. Muller, Chemist, attached to Mr Ilewetsom’s Laboratory. 2. Mr Dhotman, senior, General Agent. •3. Mr Melville Matson, Accountant Oriental Bank. 4. Mr Gustave dc Coriolis, Govt. Servant. 5. Mr Ed. Virieux, Commission Agent. 6. Mr Eug. Faduilhe, Sworn- broker. 7. Mr Povah Ambrose, Merchant. 8. Mr Constant de Gersigny, Planter. I will now, Your Excellency and Gentlemen, mention the subjects that have occupied the attention of the So- ciety. 1. Anthropology . — Your Secretary, who has recently been in correspondence with the Societe Khediviale de Geogra- phic du Cairo , has received notes from the Bulletin pub- lished by that Society, respecting Negro tribes who inhabit those parts of Central Africa West of the Equator and who are called Makraka Niam-Niam. And also the ob- servations of Col. Long Key on those tribes who had never before been visited by an European. “ They arc said to live on the borders of flic marshes, IV and are eacli year obliged to fly before the waters to seek a refuge against the inundations, on elevated sites. The aspect of these men is disgusting, their countenance is hideous. With long heads, depressed foreheads and enor- mously distended mouths. They herd with their cattle, etc. “ If the picture, says the first traveller who has beheld these men, if men they may be called, if the picture is not verv attractive, it has at least the merit of truth.” Zooloyy. — We have received from Dr A. Gunther, of the Zoological Society of London and one of our corres- ponding members the description of a fish caught off the coast of Mauritius, Pointe aux Sables , belonging to one of the species which live at a great depth, under a power- ful atmospheric pressure. This specimen, says Dr Gunther, belongs to the natural family Trochypteridoe which generally escapes the notice of Iehthiologists on account of the great depth at which it is found. It only rises to the surface of the water when deprived of life. Such was the case with that fish, and the fishermen who brought it, said that they had never seen one before. The specimen was presented on behalf of the Society to the British Museum. The Society of Acclimatisation of Queensland addressed a letter to II. E. the Governor on the subject of our highly esteemed fish the Gourami which it was desired to intro- duce into that part of Australia. The letter was referred to your Secretary who, with V the assistance of competent persons transmitted to the Governor all the necessary informations ^ he -for warded to Queensland. Mr Y. de Robillard read some notes on a Muraena and a Balistes, two species of lisli caught with the line, near Fort William. The coasts of Mauritius present several very fine species of the Muraenas , some of which are very rx~ vf * ferocious and when wounded attack the fishermen. The species Balistes found on Barkly Island after the cyclone of the 19th March 1875., presents a remarkable peculiarity and which Mr Robillard states, never to have been observed in any other fish. On each side at about one inch and a half, from the commencement of the tail, several sharp growths in close connections are observed. Other fishes have been also presented to the Society, amongst them a small pink coloured fish commonly known under the name of Chemise. According to the fishermen, those avIio eat of it are doomed to inevitable death. The Society received with lively satisfaction from Dr A. Gunther a very important work on the Land Tortoises both living and extinct of Galapagos Islands. Mr A. Daruty read a few passages from a letter ad- dressed to him by the learned Dr Mobius who was elected an Honorary Member of our Society, when he visited M auritius. Dr Mobius mentions species of an arborescent Rldzopod, Avhich grows under the stone in the reefs of Grand Port, he considers it to he a new genus, and lias called it ropi * Uinimdt'vH with the specific name Album. It is, he says, the simplest foraminifer yet known, and is therefore the most closely connected with the famous Eozoon Cana- dense of Laurcntianic formation. Mr de Comarmond presented to our Society two fine living birds of the species known under the name of Dutch Pigeons, a native of Seychelles where it is very common. It is the j Erythcena pulcherima. Another very handsome bird figured and described by Sonnerat, as the large Madagascar Quail, was recently shot by a sportsman on account of its resemblance to the Perdrix pintadee . It was recognized as the Margaroperdix striata intro- duced from Madagascar and has commenced to breed ni Mauritius. It would be very desirable that it should continue to increase on a larger scale, but for this, some protective measure should be indispensable. Botany. — Mr Horne communicated a letter written by him to Dr Hooker, who caused it to be inserted in the Journal oj the Linnean Society of London. It contains a short summary of Mr Horne’s observations on the Flora of Seychelles as compared with that of Madagascar and the Mascarenha’s Islands. Mr Horne seems to point out that the plants of Sey- chelles bear more resemblance to those of Madagascar than to those of Mauritius and Reunion. We can readily understand the resemblance, when we bear in mind the VII similarity of tlie soil at Seychelles with that of the Great African Island. The presence in our forests of one of the tallest and most useful trees, in Mauritius, was during several years and even in the life time of Bojer, the subject of an animated correspondence between our Society and Prof. Alp. de Candolle at Geneva and Dr Hooker, of Ptoval Gardens at Kew. Prof. Alp. de Candolle was the first who raised the question addressed on the first instance to Bojer — What are the plants of which the fruits were indicated by Grertner under the generic name of Calvaria ? Dr Hooker asked for the same information, and the question was long insolved. But from a copy made by Prof, de Candolle of a drawing of a seed of the Calvaria major in the Fructibus fy Semi- nibus of Gsertner, and forwarded to your Secretary, Mr A. Daruty was fortunate enough to recognize the fruit of the tree known under the name of Tambalacoque, and described by D. C. in his Prodromus as the Sideroxylon Boutonianum. The question has thus been settled and seeds and flowers have been sent to Dr Hooker to be described in the Flora of Mauritius just about to be published. Specimens have also been sent to Prof. D. C. who will probably make them the subject of a special work. The Society is also indebted to our colleague M r A Daruty for the following papers : VIII lo. A notice on a plant useful for forage of which he received some seeds from our excellent friend and esteeem- ed correspondent, Dr A. Vinson. It came from Guatimala of which it is a native under the name of Teosinte, it is the Recina luxurians, Durieux de Maisonneuve, Director of the Botanical Gardens, at Bordeaux. * 2o. A paper on a very interesting plant 'of which he produced some specimens discovered by him in the marshy lands at the high regions of the Island. It belongs to the genus Sphagnum. But in the absence of flowers M. A. D. has been unable to identify the species, which he however firmly believes to be new. Lastly M. D. gives us a list of the plants which have made their appearance in Barkly Island, in the space of five years. The number had considerably increased since his last visit to that small plot of ground which winds and waves had driven to our harbour where it has re- mained imbedded. It would be interesting to note the appearance of other plants on that islet, the work would be of great import- ance in botanical geography in explaining the dissemina- tion of species and the power of resistance of the seeds of certain plants to the action of sea water. All which are questions of the day, and on which the Botanists of * According to M. Decaisne, it is the same plant long ago known under the name of Tripsacum Monostaclvyum. IX Europe and all other parts of the scientific world, are busy since the appearance of Darwin’s work. Mineralogy . — Mr J. Muller, chemist in charge of Mr Ilewetson’s Laboratory, presented a highly interesting paper on a specimen of Madagascar Quarts containing a great number of sharp elongated eristals of a brownish colour, formed of Silica, Iron, and Manganese. Medecine and Iiygiena. — In looking over the British Periodical The Lancet which is forwarded to the Society regularly every month, your Secretary was much struck with an important notice on the use of an alcoloid prin- ciple extracted from .the :e Weeping Willow }} Salix Ba- bylonica , which is known under the name of Salicine , and has been successfully used in the treatment of acute ithumatism and Gout. On his suggestion Dr LeJuge kindly undertook to examine the subject. lie accordingly at one of the sub- sequent meetings read a most interesting Report. It contains all the information required for the administra- tion of Salicine of which he shewed a preparation. We also learnt with pleasure that a very promising young medical student, Mr Para, attached to the Civil Hospital, has made use of the remedy with excellent results in several cases of gout and rhumatism. Mr Para has also addressed a letter to your Secretary, who, at the same time, received one from a Pare de Fa - tnille speaking favourably of the properties long since attributed to a plant known under the name of Coca , Erythryxylon Coca. X The preparation can be procured for experimental pur- poses in several chemist shops. The plant itself is cul- tivated in the Botanical Gardens, Pamplemousses, where it was introduced from Kcw some time ago at the sug- gestion of your Secretary. Mr A. Daruty read a paper on the poisonous fishes of Mauritius. He is inclined to carry on your Secretary’s idea of publishing a history illustrated with coloured plates on a subject so important to public health and so directly interesting both the inhabitants of the Island and the numerous mistakes and quences. Mr P. Le Miere invited attention to the necessity of introducing new species of Eucalyptus in lieu of the Glo- bulus which is unable to resist the force of our hurricanes. Exhibition.— An Exhibition was held in the month of September, which was not altogether a success, though some interesting specimens were exhibited, especially En- gineers works. It had probably been announced too late and many intending exhibitors had not sufficient time to prepare themselves. Another Exhibition was held on 21st. December 1876, on a smaller scale being restricted to fruit, flowers, vegetables and Ladies fancy works. Our Society has received from other Societies with whom we are in correspondence not only their periodical publications, a list of which would be too long, but also from several Professors works of a highly scientific interest. seamen who frequent it. It might prevent poisonings cd with frightful consc- XI Various specimens of natural history have also been presented, namely, one by Capt. Elisee Herman, a very curious block of Scoria picked up in the Island St. Paul of Amsterdam, — by Mr Para a specimen of ossification of the Duramater, &c.. See. The Museum and our Society are so closely connected that we may be allowed to call attention to the increasing number of visitors who present themselves every Tliurs • day to that Establishment. The monthly average during September, October, November and December, ranged at between 12 or 15 hundred. Such is, Your Excellency and C-entIcmen, a brief ac- count of our Proceedings during the last year. Our present condition appears to be satisfactory. For, if we have met with serious losses, and our ranks have been thinned, as on a day of battle, fresh combattants have come to the front to fill the gaps, and the fight has been continued. We may therefore feel that our Royal Society is estab- lished on a firm basis, and may still have a peaceful and lengthened career before it. Having lived so long, why I should we not be able to maintain our existence like the great scientific and literarv Societies of London and Paris. We arc unwillingly laid to believe that our proceedings published under the name of Transactions ” appear to be held in slight esteem here since their appearance is unno- ticed, but they arc certainly viewed with more favor abroad bv the Societies with whom we arc in correspondence, v XII We have heard from one of our distinguished colleagues, Dr W. Edwards who has just returned from Paris, that at the sale of the effects of the late Prof. Dcshaycs, for a long time in correspondence with us, Nos. of the ee Tran- sactions ” and the Ilortus Mciuritianus were sold at a very high price. The Doctor was at the same time requested by the Li- brarian of the Museum, Mr Desnovers, to obtain from our Society the numbers wanting to complete the col- lection of that Library, t We must not conclude without mentioning that a new Society has just been born, we may almost say in the , bosom of our own Society, what object is to follow the example of the large towns of Europe, in acclimating foreign plants and animals. The office bearers have been named, the regulations have been framed and the Hon. V. Naz, C.M.G., has ac- cepted the office of its President. May a long and useful career be in store for it ! ! Port Louis, Friday, 10th February 1877. L. Boutox, Secretary to tho Royal Society of Arts and Sciences. f And so lias been tlio case with other foreign Societies in Europe. REPORT OF THE HONORARY TREASURER FOR TM mm BTOEJ© I am happy to be able to show by the accompanying Balance Sheet lor 187G that the estimates given for the past year have been exceeded to a considerable amount both under the head of Subscriptions, and Diplomas, and that the balance in hand at the end of the year was not ,€50 but €101.1.8. There remained unpaid a sum of 8230.20 chargeable to last year, and included in this year’s estimates ; but the account was called upon to meet demands for a like sum, quite unlooked for, in the deficiency in the Exhi- bitions of September and December, and it is to be re- gretted that the funds for this year will have to support another reduction of some Rs. 000 on account of the Exhibition held at the Triplc-Esperance in December. I would suggest that some steps be taken to reduce the charge for printing the Transactions which last year amounted to nearly €40. The estimates for this year have been carefully consi- dered, and I hope to sec them fully realized. C. E. Bewsher, Hon. Treasurer and Sec. Finance Committee . Royal Society of Arts and Sciences, Mauritius, 8th February 18 77. THE HONORARY TREASURER IN ACCOUNT CURRENT 1875 8 c. 8 ' c. Dec 31 To Balance 221 (V