( /

'<' ,.

- J

■) )\

^^.T^^,.rc^,_ ,V'^

.iMii:-^,..

%~J^0

m

M:^^

>i6^fc^i

;5!|A«a'

^-?MSb^«

sArnTff*' ,«

'^ArMA'

,2r^.£m¥'

^.M^

•■AACW«,a

♦^

«6»mW

^M^MA^

'^-Ifynr^^'

\^^fN-:.'A

>:»

/>.?*rR:?s«

^^'^'M

^ ^l^r^/^^'

■fiiS^*

l^J^^!^^

'^^r^A/^'^:

^^i^^'^:'?^'

'.^m

Mm

^^'

^^

S5*5»

'^#A^.-

W;5«<5/!i'/j^'/!flA"!:;?.'^:

!^S«'/^««,

i^^fl/i:

IflAAA/s.

->i:^"«':^""'Sj^^^r-:;'" ■"

^f^?:.r^A:-"^"^..

/.

A SHORT HISTORICAL SURVEY

OF

THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF
NATURAL HISTORY

From 1828 to 1932

In May 1828 appeared the first number of a new scientific periodi-
cal, The Magazine of Natural History and Journal of Zoology ^ Botany,
Mineralogy, Geology, and Meteorology, conducted by J. C. Loudon,
and published by Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green.
The contents consisted of (1) Original Communications — not
by any means all containing new scientific observations {i. e., what
we should call original research), but many of them general articles,
interesting and stimulating to amateur naturaUsts, and com-
prehensible by ordinarily well-read people : e. g., " Some Remarks
on Natural History as a Means of Education ", " The principal Forest
Trees of Europe, considered as Elements of Landscape", "Some
Remarks on the Habits of a Kingfisher " ; (2) Reviews ; (3) Col-
lectanea— nature notes, or short research notes culled from other
sources ; (4) Miscellaneous InteUigence — ^personaHa, reports of the
Meetings of Scientific Societies (Linnean, Geological, Zoological),
queries and answers, etc. The journal seems to have been most
admirably adapted to rouse an interest in natural history in both
young and old. Successive numbers were pubhshed at intervals
of two months, and the first two volumes consisted of five numbers
each ; pubHcation of vol. ii. thus began in March 1829, and of vol. iii.
in January 1830 ; henceforward there were six numbers to a volume.
In succeeding years the interest was well maintained ; the
intelligent lajmaan as weU as the trained naturahst (by no means
so distinct from each other then as now) must have found much
to give them instruction and pleasure in such articles as " Contribu-
tions towards the Natural History of the Dodo (Didus ineptus Lin.),
a Bird which appears to have become extinct towards the End of the
Seventeenth or Beginning of the Eighteenth Century " ; a note on the

Zoea, giving an account of J. V. Thompson's research, whereby it was
estabhshed as being the larva of the common crab ; " On the
probable Number of Species of Insects in the Creation " ; an article
on Lucernaria auricula by George Johnston ("I leaped for very joy,
and said within myself, Surely the Creator of all holds this out to lure
his rational creatures to study his works and search out his
wisdom ! ") ; and similar articles by the same writer on other
beautiful and curious marine animals, such as Caprella, Serpula, etc.

In vol. vii. (1834) the journal becomes a. monthly. In vol. viii.
the tone becomes rather more serious ; whereas earlier the majority
of the articles were signed merely by initials or pseudonyms, now they
are mostly signed in full.

In 1837, with the tenth volume, a new series was inaugurated, no
longer conducted by Loudon, but by Edward Charlesworth ; and
with the second volume the title becomes simply The Magazine of
Natural History. Illustrious names abound among the contributors
— Sir W. J. Hooker, Richard Owen, John Edw. Gray, G. B.
Sowerby (both these latter on Shells), Charles Lyall ; and one
must notice an article by two of the most eminent of Continental
zoologists, JoH. MtJLLER and Henle, " On the Generic Characters
of Cartilaginous Fishes, with Descriptions of new Genera " (" the
article is in Dr. Henle's own English, with a few revisions," says the
editor). But many of the contributors had seceded, and at the close
of vol. iv. of the new series (1840) there seemed to be not enough
room for the Magazine and another journal which had shortly before
made its appearance.

The first number of The Annals of Natural History, or Magazine of
Zoology, Botany, and Geology, conducted by Sir W. Jardine, Bart.,
P. J. Selby Esq., Dr. Johnston, Sir W. J. Hooker, and Richard
Taylor, and described as a continuation of the Magazine of Zoology
and Botany, and Sir W. J. Hooker's Botanical Companion, was
published in March 1838 (" printed and published by R. and J. E.
Taylor "). It was continued monthly, six numbers to a volume.
Not only did the principal naturalists in the country contribute
to the new journal, but Continental scientists also sent papers, or
their more important contributions to the French and German
periodicals were translated and made accessible to English readers.
Of workers in this country may be mentioned J. E. Gray, G.
Johnston, Sir W. J. Hooker, G. Bentham, Edw. Forbes, Rymer
Jones, W. S. MacLeay, Charles Lyell, Richard Owen, Edwin
Lankester — most of these being regular contributors ; of foreign
writers Louis Agassiz (" Prodromus of a Monograph of the Radiata
and Echinodermata "), Ehrenberg (" Communication respecting
Fossil and Recent Infusoria," and other papers), Me yen the
botanist, Dujardin (" On the Digestive Organs of the Infusoria "),
Morren, and Schleiden may be noted.

In 1840 the Magazine of Natural History was transferred to
Richard Taylor, and merged with the Annals of Natural History,
under the name The Annals and Magazine of Natural History,

T^

including Zoology, Botany, and Geology, the title under which it
appears to-day. There was no new numbering of the volumes,
the first number of the combined journal appearing as vol. vi. of the
Annals. The following years contain many valuable articles,
by naturalists of the eminence of Owen, Edw. Forbes, Alder and
Hancock (on Nudibranch Molluscs), J. E. Gray (on new Mammals),
W. S. MacLeay (on Australian Zoology), Bowerbank (on Sponges),
John Goodsir (of Edinburgh), G. J. Allman, Lindley the botanist,
W. B. Carpenter, H. J. Carter (working in India), P. H. Gosse
(on Rotifers and " Saurian Reptiles "), Spence Bate (on Crustacea),
M'CoY (on Palaeontology), George Busk (on Polyzoa), Thos.
HiNCKS (on Hydrozoa). Many of these were frequent contributors ;
in addition, Continental botanists and zoologists are represented
in every number by valuable papers, usually translated from
originals pubUshed elsewhere ; thus Hugo Mohl, " Researches
on the Structure of the Annular Vessels ", with a reply by
ScHLEiDEN ; Meyen in a series of articles presents a summary of
recent work in physiological botany ; de Candolle ; Brongniart
on Pala3obotany ; Louis Agassiz, " The Natural Relations between
Animals and the Elements in which they live ". Two of the most
interesting names in these early years are those of Darwin and
Huxley. Darwin does not as yet appear in propria persona, so to
speak ; but G. R. Waterhouse gives an account of " Carabideous
Insects collected by Charles Darwin, Esq., during the voyage of
H.M.S. Beagle ", the Rev. M. J. Berkeley presents a "Notice of some
Fungi collected by C. Darwin, Esq., in South America and the
Islands of the Pacific ", and other authors describe other collections
made by Darwin. Darwin himself was on a Committee of the
British Association which drew up a first code of Rules of Nomen-
clature, which is given in full (vol. xi. 1843). T. H. Huxley is
represented by " Zoological Notes and Observations made on board
H.M.S. Rattlesnake during the Years 1846-50. — On the Auditory
Organs in the Crustacea. By T. H. Huxley, Asst. Surgeon, R.N." ;
" Report upon the Researches of Prof. Muller into the Anatomy
and Development of the Echinoderms. By Thomas H. Huxley,
F.R.S." (readers of Huxley's Life will remember his admiration
for the work of Johannes Muller ; it is interesting to find that
in this paper too Muller's researches are held up as models) ;
and other contributions also, such as one on the Radiolarian
Thalassicolla, with a plate drawn from nature by himself.

Meanwhile, anonymous or pseudonymous articles have ceased ;
all the papers are now signed, and are serious contributions to
scientific research ; but, even so, one cannot help remarking how much
more interesting zoology and botany were in those days than now —
or, at least, a zoologist or botanist could certainly then read with
pleasure and profit a far greater proportion of published original
papers than one of us can in most of our journals of to-day. English
microscopists wiU note with interest the account, amongst others,

of a meeting of the Microscopical Society, on October 20th, 1841,
with K. Owen, Esq., F.R.S., President, in the Chair, when the
Secretary, Mr. John Quekett, read a paper " On the Minute
Structure of Bat's Hair ".

Apparently the first appearance of the name of Francis is in the
Preface to vol. i. of the Second Series, January 1848, after twenty
(half-yearly) volumes of the Annals (the short title by which the
journal was at this time known and referred to, as it still is) had been
completed : — " The editors continue to avail themselves of the aid
of Dr. Wm. Francis, whose services they take this opportunity of
acknowledging, as from the commencement of the Work they have
had the advantage of his constant and valuable assistance in its
regular superintendence." From 1852 onwards the journal is
" Printed and pubhshed by Taylor and Francis ", the names
which appear on its cover to-day.

For the rest of the history of the Annals we can take only a few
glimpses into the Tables of Contents, at considerable intervals.
In the early volumes of the Third Series, beginning in 1858, we meet
many of the old famihar names — H. J. Carter (still working as
Surgeon in the East India Co.'s service), P. H. Gosse, J. E. Gray,
Spence Bate, Allman (who gives us here figures of the gonophores
of the Hydromedusae which are still in use as diagrams in text- books
and lecture-rooms), and others. Edw. Forbes, Strickland, and
George Johnston are dead ; new arrivals include Philip Lutley
ScLATER (Birds), Albert Gunther, Strethell Wright, Hincks
(Zoophytes), W. Baird (Crustacea), W. K. Parker, A. M. Norman
(Crustacea, in a series of " Contributions to British Carcinology ") ;
Darwin writes " On the Agency of Bees in the Fertilization of
Papihonaceous Flowers, and on the Crossing of Kidney Beans " ;
the philosopher G. H. Lewes, whose main work lay in another field,
has a paper " On the Chylaqueous Fluid of the Actiniae ", and H. W.
Bates one on " Contributions to an Insect Fauna of the Amazon
VaUey. Coleoptera; Longicornes " . Foreign authors still contri-
bute largely, important papers being seized on and translated
(whether with or without authorization does not appear !) ; so we
have KLrohn, Liljeborg, Fritz Muller (on Parasitic Crustacea,
and on Liriope), Sars, Leuckart (on Sacculina, and other forms),
H. G. Bronn (" On the Laws of Evolution of the Organic World
during the Formation of the Crust of the Earth ", a month or two
before the theory of Natural Selection was given to the world by
Darwin and Wallace at the Linnean Society), and many of
VON Mohl's botanical papers.

In the next decade a glance at the hsts of Contents shows, besides
many of the former names, those of W. T. Blanford, Wyville
Thomson (" On the ' Vitreous ' Sponges " and " On the Depths of
the Sea "), G. S. Brady (Entomostraca), W. C. M'Intosh (Annehds),
Perceval Wright, C. T. Hudson (Rotifers), Pickard-Cambridge
(Spiders), Saville Kent (Corals). Particularly notable are papers
by Darwin (1869 — "Notes on the Fertilization of Orchids",

appearing after his book on the subject, noting a number of new facts,
and bringing the bibliography up to date), and by Ray Lankester.
That by the latter, appearing in 1868 ("On Lithodomous Annehds "),
deals with the boring of stones by Annehd worms, and must be his
first paper, since he is described as " Junior Student of Christ Church,
Oxford " ; in a later paper (1869 — " On the Existence of distinct
Larval and Sexual Forms in the Gemmiparous OUgochaetous
Worms ") he is " B.A. Oxon." At this time the number of borrowed
and translated papers is' almost as great as that of the original
contributions ; these borrowed papers are always interesting, and
usually of considerable theoretical importance: e.g., 3. C. Schiodte,
" On the Development of the Position of the Eyes in Pleuronectidge "
(this appeared in the Annals at the same time as, or before, its
pubHcation in the Naturhistorisk Tidskrift); Anton Dohrn, "On
Eugereon hoeckingi and the Genealogy of the Arthropoda"; Sars,
'' Remarks on the Distribution of Animal Life in the Depths of the
Sea" ; von Sibbold, " On the Law of Development of the Sexes in
Insects " ; and papers by Fritz Muller, Strasburger, C. Semper
(two original papers of his also, besides those borrowed from else-
where), several by Haeckel, as weU as by the American authors
O. C. Marsh (Cretaceous Reptiles) and Verrill.

In the late '70's the Preface to the Fifth Series notes that " Even
foreign naturaUsts seek admission for their writings " to the Annals.
Botany is still represented in its pages. Bowerbank, J. E. Gray,
and others are dead ; but Owen is still writing (on the Dodo, and
other papers), and so are Brady (on the Radiolaria), H. J. Carter
(a frequent contributor), Saville Kent, Gunther, Hincks, Spence
Bate, Pickard- Cambridge, A. M. Norman, and other old friends.
We make the acquaintance of T. R. R. Stebbing (Crustacea),
W. J. SoLLAS (Sponges), Wood-Mason, the Deputy-Superintendent
of the Indian Museum (Entomology), Hutton {Peripatus), H. N.
MosBLEY (on Bipalium kewense, a land-Planarian, and on Peri-
patus), BowDLBR Sharpe (Birds), DuCane Godman and Osbert
Salvin (Central and South American Insects), and Raphael
Meld OLA, best known as a chemist, but honoured also for his work
in Entomology (" Entomological Notes bearing on Evolution ") ;
while Mbrbschowsky has many contributions on the Hydrozoa,
one with the alluring title "On an Anomaly among the Hydro-
medusse and on their Mode of Nutrition by Means of the Ectoderm ",
and Fritz Muller is again represented by a (borrowed) paper on the
Nauplius stage of the Prawns.

We come thus to a time when naturaUsts who are still Hving
begin to contribute, perhaps the first being D'Arcy Thompson,
who in 1878 writes on Hydrozoa from AustraHa and New Zealand ;
and beyond this we will not extend this already lengthy survey.
Soon afterwards Botany ceased to be included in the subjects of the
Annals, and the journal came to consist, as at present, of Zoology and
Palaeontology. As years went on, and Zoology widened its scope to
include genetics, cytology, experimental embryology, comparative

6

physiology, and other branches, other journals sprang up, and
specialization became necessary ; so that the scope of the Annals has
now come to be largely restricted to Systematic Zoology (including
Palaeontology), with, however, a considerable element of " Biology "
(in the narrow sense) or Ecology, and a few structural or morpho-
logical papers. As was hinted above, no zoological journal at the
present day can possibly match, for interest and variety, the Annals
during its first fifty years. No one nowadays is likely to sit down
to read through one of the monthly numbers for pleasure ; one or
two articles will be all that will capture any single reader's interest ;
the rest will remain there for reference when required by his work
or his further studies.

Our journal makes a cosmopolitan appeal. It can still be said,
as it was said more than fifty years ago, that " even foreign naturahsts
seek admission for their writings " to the Annals. Last year (1931)
the journal opened its pages to eleven American authors, of whom
several contributed more than one paper, T. D. A. Cockerell's
series " Descriptions and Records of Bees ", begun in 1905, reaching
No. CXXIX. and C. P. Alexander's series on the Tipulidse
No. XLIX. ; to several French, Japanese, and Indian contributors ;
and to one or more Russian, Austrian, Hungarian, Finnish, German,
and Norwegian zoologists, as well as to workers in other parts of the
Empire — South Africa and Australia.

The value of Systematic Zoology is generally understood, though
perhaps still occasionally hable to depreciation. The first requisite
in zoological work of any kind — morphological, economic, or any
other — is to know what one is dealing with ; before we can so much
as begin on any other problem, we must know what our animals are —
must have them described, named, and classified ; and Systematic
Zoology, which does this, is thus the bed-rock on which all other
zoological research ultimately rests. Such work stands for all time ;
the first adequate description of a new animal is something which
can never be duphcated, never repeated ; it is there, once for all,
as something to be appealed to, something that cannot, by the rules
under which the systematist works, be superseded. It may seem
to be of little interest at the moment ; it may not be recalled for
years ; but it will be required, and will come into its own when much
work in other branches has become obsolete through change of
fashion or improved technique, or has been shown to be useless for
any further advance.

Of the Annals, then, forming as it does a storehouse of this
essential knowledge, always valid and always in demand, it can
with absolute certainty be said that the volumes are not only
valuable to-day, but that their value increases as time goes on,
and adds successive numbers to the imposing series of the last
hundred years.

John Stephenson.

Important Announcement

The Publishers are very pleased to announce that
owing to the generous assistance given by several
well-known London Booksellers, and by the
reproduction by a patent process of a few plates
and pages, they are now able to execute orders for

A LIMITED NUMBER
OF COMPLETE SETS OF

THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE
OF NATURAL HISTORY (1838-1931)

in 188 Volumes

AT THE EXCEPTIONALLY
LOW PRICE OF £210 NET

The sets are well bound in cloth and in condition
as new

All orders, which should be sent as soon as
possible, to be addressed to Mr. A. Roberts,
c/o Messrs. Taylor and Francis, Red Lion
Court, Fleet Street, London, E.G. 4

The present rate of exchange offers a most unique
opportunity to Foreign Institutions to secure
complete sets of the Annals or to commence
regular Subscriptions . .

PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY

TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET, LONDON, E.C.4

/.

l^ THE

MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY,

JOURNAL

OF

ZOOLOGY, BOTANY, MINERAIiOGY, GEOI.OGY,
AND METEOROIiOGY.

CONDUCTED y , ,

By J. C. LOUDON, F.L.S. G.S. &c.

MEMJ5ER OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETV OF LONDON, AND OF VARIOUS
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES ON THE CONTINENT.

VOL. I. (z

LONDON

PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, REES, ORME, BROWN, AND GREEN,

PATERNOSTER-ROW.

I8&- 1829.

London

Printed by A. & K. Spoltiswoodc,
New-Strect-Sqiiare.

PREFACE

The First Volume of the Magazine of Natural History is submitted
to its readers, as a fair specimen of what that Periodical is intended
to be ; subject, however, to such improvements as may, from time
to time, suggest themselves to its Conductor,

The Introduction (p. 1.) describes the objects it proposes to
embrace: — 1. A more general diffusion of a knowledge of Ani-
mals, Vegetables, and Minerals, technically and physiologically ;
of their commixture and disposition under the earth's surface, or
Geology; and their disposition over it in the atmosphere, as Land-
scape scenery. 2. A record of discoveries in these branches of
knowledge ; and of the actual state and progress of the taste for
Natural History, in different parts of the British empire, and
throughout the world. 3. A summary of the progress of discovery
in natural science during the past year.

In conformity with these objects, original communications, in-
troductory to Linnean Botany, will be found, p. 124*. 228. and
429. ; to Jussieuean Botany, p. 30. 135. 238. and 333. ; to Zoology,
p. 97. and 309. ; to Ornithology, p. 121. ; to Entomology, p. 421. ;
to Geology, p. 249. and 442. ; to Meteorology, p. 147. ; and to
Landscape scenery, p. 37. and 242. Of new facts or theories, it is
not to be supposed that many can have occurred, or come to our
knowledge, since this Magazine has been in existence ; but the
discoveries of Professor Nees von Esenbeck, M. Franz Unger, and
others, on the Metamorphoses of the Reproductive Bodies of some
yllgae, p. 306. ; the researches of Mr. Brown, M. Brongniart, and
M. Raspail, on the particles of the Pollen of Plants, and on the
ultimate particles of matter in general, p. 473. ; and of Dr. Mar-
tins, on the Structure of Plants, p. 475. ; have been recorded, or
noticed, preparatory to more complete details.

The Miscellaneous Intelligence and Collectanea of this Maga-
zine (see Contents, p. vi.) contain a various assemblage of original
communications, and extracts from published works, detailing the
local state and progress of Natural History in the different coun-
ties and cities of Britain, in North and South America, in Australia,

% A 2

IV PREFACE.

and in other parts of the world. In these two departments of
the work, as well as among the Original Communications, will be
found numerous fragments of information, presented in various
forms and combinations, with a view to keep alive the interest of
the general reader ; and gradually, and in an agreeable manner, to
store his mind with facts.

With respect to an Annual Summary of Discoveries, after con-
sulting some of the principal naturalists of France and Germany,
we are convinced it is impossible to do this as we intended; viz. to
give those of every year at its termination ; because, the materials
for the year cannot be got together for weeks, or even months,
after the year is completed. The attempt, we are informed, has
been made without success ; and we are not sure that we shall run
the risk of having our efforts added to the number of failures. At
any rate, we shall not attempt such a summary for the year about
to be completed, till an advanced period In the next year ; and, in
the mean time, if our readers do not calculate on receiving any
further summary in future Volumes than what can be given in such
a Preface as the present, they will, at least, not be disappointed.
They may rely, at the same time, on our being sufficiently alive to
our own interest, not to neglect such a summary if it shall be
found practicable, and can be done well. We date this Preface
from the city of Naturalists, and the best sources of information
on all that relates to Natural History.

J. €. L.

Paris, Dec. 16. 1828.

CONTENTS.

Introduction

Page 1.

Part I. ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS.

GENERAL SUBJECT.

Some Remarks on Natural History, as a Means
of Education. By J. E. B. - - 10

Observations on the Causes that have retarded
the Progress of Natural History in this Coun-
try, and on the defective State of our Public
Museums. The first of a Series of Essays, in-
tended to comprise a succinct View of the

, System of Baron Cuvier, as contained in his
Regne Animal, and of his Researches on Fossil
Bones. By B. - - - 14

Some Account of an Ascent and Barometrical
Measurement of Wha-ra-rai, a Mountain in
the Island of Owhyhee : extracted from the
MS. Journal of Archibald Menzies, Esq.F.L.S.
Communicated by Mr. Menzies - - 201

On the Metamorphosis of the Reproductive Bo-
dies of some A'\gis, said to possess successively
an Animal and a Vegetable Existence. By A.

305

Remarks 'on the present State of Natural His-
tory in Germany. By W. J. - - 409

On Juvenile Museums, with an Account of a
Boy's Herbarium. By J. Rennie, A.M. . 412

ZOOLOGY.

Account of the Habits of a Specimen of the
Simia Jacchus Linn., or Jacchus vulgaris
Geoff., now in the Possession of Gavin Milroy,
Esq., Edinburgh. Communicated by P. Neill,
Esq. M.A. F.R.S.E. Sec.W.S. - - 18

Notice of the Habits of a Mangouste, kept alive
at Canaan Cottage, near Edinburgh. By
Alex. J. Adie, Jun., Esq. - - 20

Some Remarks on the Habits of the Kingfisher.
By S. T. P. of Leeds - - 23

Fanciful Ideas for a National Museum of Shells.
By Conchilla - - - 24

The Cuvierian, or Natural, System of Zoology.
— Essay 1. On the distinctive Characters of
Vegetables and Animals, and the leading Phy-
siological Characters which serve as the Basis
for the Four Grand Divisions of the Animal
Kingdom. By B. - - - 97

The Tests by which a real Mermaid may be
discovered. By Conchilla - - 106

Anecdotes of a tamed Panther. By Mrs. Bow-
dich - - - - 108

Some Account of a particular Variety of Bull
{B{)S Taurus), now exhibiting in London. By
Mrs. Harvey - - - 113

Notes on the Bird of Washington (F&lco Wash-
ingtonzVirtrt), or Great American Sea Eagle.
By John James Audubon, Esq. F.L.S. F.R.S.E.
a-c. - - - lis

An Introduction to the Study of British Orni-
thology. By J. N. A. - - 121

Descriptive Notice of a Specimen of L^mur
tardigradus Lin., M^kis Cuv., kept alive for
some time at Edinburgh. By W. Baird, Esq.
Communicated to the Plinian Society in May,
1827 - - - - 2o8

Notice of a remarkable Hare (Zepus timidus
L.), caught at Dunfanaghy in Donegal. By
John V. Stewart, Esq. - - 216

An Arrangement of the different Species of
Falcons found in Great Britain. By T. F. 217

Some Account of Francesco Redi's Experiments
on the Generation of Insects. ByT„L. H.

221

Some Account of the Hessian Fly. By the Rev.
William Kirby, M. A. F.R. and L.S. - 227

The Cuvierian, or Natural, System of Zoology.
— Essay 2. On the Living Principle and its
Effects ; on Organisation and Muscular Mo-
tion ; and on Sensation and the Intellectual
Faculties and Instincts of Animals. By B. 309

On the Aerial Spider. By John Murray, Esq.
F.S.A. F.L.S. F.H.S. &c. - - 320

Account of a monstrous Production of the Sheen
Genus. By John Chichester, Esq. M.D. 325

On the Manners of the Nuthatch. Bv H. S.
With a Note by W. Swainson, F.R.S, &c. 328

Manners and Economy of the Pied Flycatcher.
By John Blackwall, Esq. - - 331

On the Instinct of Insects. By J. H. Davies,
Esq. - - - - 332

Sketches of Twentv-four American Song Birds.
By J. Rennie, A.M. - - -414

Description and History of some of the princi-
pal British Insects : — Terminology. By A. J.
N. - - - - 421

Remarks on British Landand Fresh-water Shells.
By Mr. Joseph Kenyon - - 42S^-

BOTANY.

A general Introductory View of the Jussieuean,
or Natural, System of Plants 30. 135. 238. 333
The principal Forest Trees of Europe, consider-
ed as Elements of Landscape. By J. G. Strutt
37. 242
Considerations on Botany, as a Study for Young
People, intended as an Introduction to a series
of Papers illustrative of the Linnean System
of Plants. By Miss Kent, Authoress of Flora
Domestica, Sylvan Sketches, &c. - - 124
An Introductory View of the Linnean System
of Plants. Bv Miss Kent, Authoress of Flora
Domestica, Sylvan Sketches, &c. - 228.429
Nutulffi Botanicje. By G. A. Walker Arnott,
Esq. - - - 240.339

Contributions towards a F16ra Hibernica. Be-
ing a List of Plants not before observed wild
in Ireland : together with New Localities for
a few of the more Rare Ones. By Edward
i Murphy, Esq. A.B. Trin. Coll. Dublin - 436
i On the Natural Order of Plants, Dicotyledbnese,
I AnoncicecE. By Mrs. E. Bowdich - 438

! On the Leaves of Maldxis paludbsa. By the
Reverend John Stevens Henslow, Professor
j of Botany in the University of Cambridge 441

I MINERALOGY AND GEOLOGY.

A short Notice of the Occurrence of Footsteps
in the Sandstone of Com Cockle Muir, Dum-
friesshire. By K. N. - - 144

On the Crystallisation of Gold. By the Rev.
John Stevens Henslow, Professor of Botany
in the University of Cambridge - 146

Progress of Geology - - - 442

VI

CONTENTS.

METEOROLOGY.

Introductory Sketch of the Objects and Uses of nrfWoVnl «««;,%«
Meteorological Science. By E. W. Brayley, ^n Water-Spouts
, Jun. A.L,S. - - - 147 !

On the Modification of Clouds called Wind Reels.
By J. Rennie, M.A. - - 454

. 4o8

Part II. REVIEWS.

Some Account of the Work now publishing by
M. Audubon, entitled The Birds of America.
By William Swainson, Esq. F.R.S. F.L.S. &c.

43

Catalogue of Works on Natural History, lately
published, with some Notice of those con-
sidered the most interesting to British Natu-
ralists - - 52. 160. 272. 360. 466

Experimental Researches in Natural History.
By John Murray, F.S.A. F.L.S. &c. - 154

1. A Geological Memoir on a part of Western
Sussex, with some Observations upon Chalk
Basins, the Weald Denudation, and Outliers
by Protrusion. By P. J. Martin

2. On the Formation of the Valley of Kings-
. clere, and other Valleys, by the Elevation of

the Strata that enclose them, and on the Evi-
dences of the original Continuity of the Basins
of London and Hampshire. By the Reverend
W. Buckland - - - 249

Ornitholbgia, or the Birds ; a Poem,' in Two
Parts : with an Introduction to their Natural
History, and copious Notes. By James Jen-
nings, Author of Observations on the Dialects
of the West of England - -341

Lepid6ptera Brit4nnica. Autore A. H. Ha.
worth. Pars IV, - - - 348

Floral Emblems. By Henry Phillips, F.L.S. and
F.H.S., Author of Fomarium Britdnnicum

350

An Introduction to Geology ; comprising the
Elements of the Science in its present advanced
State, and all the recent Discoveries ; with an
Outline of the Geology of England and Wales.
By Robert Bakewell - - - 353

Illustrations of British Entomology; or, a Sy-
nopsis of Indigenous Insects, containing their
Generic and Specific Distinctions ; with an
Account of their Metamorphoses, Times of
Appearance, Localities, Food, and Economy,
as far as practicable. By James Francis Ste-
phens, F.L.S,, Member of the Zoological So-
ciety, &c. - . - - 459

Conversations on Geology : comprising a Fami-
liar Explanation of the Huttonian and Wer-
nerian Systems ; the Mosaic Geology as ex-
plained by Mr. Granville Penn ; the late Dis-
coveries of Professor Buckland, Humboldt,
Dr. MaccuUoch, and others - - 463

Literary Notices - - - 64. 177

Part III. COLLECTANEA.

The General Subject

Zoology

Botany

- 65. 178. 369

- 66. 178, 371

- 67. 179. 378

Mineralogy and Geology
Meteorology

69. 180, 383
71. 180. 384

Part IV. MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.

Foreign Notices :
France
Germany
Netherlands
Italy -
Switzerland
Sweden
Denmark

Asia

Africa

North America

South America

Australia

72. 281. 385. 468

73. 281. 368. 474

283. 387

73. 181. 282. 484

73. 282. 387

74. 282. 388

485

73, 283. 388

181, 286. 389. 487

286. 390

74. 283. 390. 488
285. 391, 488

Natural History in London - 74. 181. 286

Natural History in the English Counties 82

190. 289. 392. 490

Natural History in Scotland 84. 191. 291. 399. 492

Natural History in Ireland - 85, 192, 493

Perennial Calendar for various Parts of Europe

86. 193, 292

Calendar of Nature for London 88, 193. 295

402. 494

Indicatorial Calendar 88. 194. 296 403,' 494

Biography - - - 91. 403

Queries and Answers 93. 196. 297. 407. 495

Retrospective Criticism 94. 198. 301. 4ffJ. 496

Notices - - - 96. 408

' Erratum.

Page 403. line 5. from bottom, for James L. Drummond, Esq. M.D, F.L.S,
read the Rev. Thomas D. Hincks, M.R.I. A.

vu

ENGRAVINGS IN VOL. I.

QUADRUPEDS.

No.

1. Simla Jiicchus

2. Fiv^rra Mungo
42. Diad^lphis wrsina
48. African Bull

83. Lfemur tardigradus

84. Remarkable hare
151. Dog-faced baboon
170. The marmot

BIRDS.

3. A\c^o I'spida (Kingfisher)

19. Young wild turkeys' heads

20. Falcon's head

46. Eagle, hawk, and falcon's heads
53. Bird of Washington

85. Gerfalcon

8R. Cinereous eagle

87. Goshawk

88. Kite

89. Buzzard

90. Henharrier

143. Geoflfiroy's Shrike
150. Biscacho owl
154. Rallus aqu&ticus

157. Curwillet

158. Whimbrel
162. Nuthatch

164. Pied flycatcher

FISHES.

44. Z^us J'^ber

45. iJf 611us surmul^tus

47. Mermaid

62. Great Fire fish

63. Chae'todon vespertilio
78. Sea serpent

138. Scorpae^na miles

139. Balistes aculeatus

145. Father Lasher

146. Spkrus Rk«7

147. Cuttlefish

REPTILES.

80. filren /acertina

INSECTS,

21
75
113

209
216

287
377

- 46

- 48

- 94
. 115

- 218
. 219

- 219

- 220

- 220

- 220

- 276

- 285

- 154

- 297

- 297

- 328
. 331

106
162
163
169
273
274
277
277
278

171

21. Amphlsa Walkerdwa - - 54

32. Anapheles bifurca.tus - - 54

23. Pogbmus chalceus - - . 55

24. Pee'cilus virgaiirea, male and female 55
58. The glowworm - . 156

60. Pimpla ffi^thiops - . - 161

61. Two species of Pter6stichus - 161
81. Salamanders - - . 177
91. Tipula fritici and Cecidom:^a destrfictor

227

135. Dascillus cervinus - - - 272

136. Catoca.la elockta - - - 272

137. Meg;achlle centuncularis . - 273
161. Aerial spider - - - 324

SHELLS.

■ 4. to 8. Shells - - 25. to 29

25. Murex tenuispinbsus - . 56

26. Mtirex 5c6rpio - - - 57
40. Inoc^ramus Cuviferi - . 69

148. Sea fir, Tubulkria ram6sa, Millepbra

folikcea, and CoralRna officinalis - 278

182. Neritina virginea, Valvkta piscinalis ;

Lymnse'^a frAgilis, detrita, and ova-
ta ; PIan6rbis nitidus, and 2>/autilus

lac6stris ... 435

183. Succinea amphibia, Clausilia ventri.

c6sa and solida, PCipa britdnnica,

T6rbo wuscbrum, and fl^lix fusca 426

No. Page

184. IRY\x sylvatica, carthusianella, canti-
ana, cell^ria, nitida, rufescens, ruf^s-
cens in a .young state, hispida, and
sericea - . .

A'nodon intermfedius

185.

427
428

ZOOPHYTES.

149. 5p6ngia occulkta and fluviAtilis
160. Branch of Ectosperma clavkta

278
308

HERBACEOUS PLANTS.

21. Cerdstium latif blium - . 54

27. ^^rum campanul^tum - - 59

29. ffinothera specibsa - - 60

30. Stapeb'a stell^ris - . - 60

31. ii'uph^rbia c^put Mediiste . . 60

34. Papaver alp\num - . . 61

35. Cepha^lis ipecacuanha . - 61
37, 38. Raffl^sia Arn61dM . . 67
43. iVepenthes distillatbria . .80

64. Zygop^talon rostrktum . - 163

65, 66. Cactus alata - . 164

67. Dioscbrca cinnamomif blia . 164

68. Franciscea Hopedwa - . 165

69. Pol^gala oppositif blia v. m?ijor - 166

71. Caloch6rtus macrocirpus - ; - 166

72. Cypripfedium insigne - . 166

73. Sempervivum tabulaefdrme - 167

76. Bossi^g'^a ens^ta - . 167

77. Cineraria auranfiaca . - 168
82. Vand^llia diffiisa - - 189
98. Eri6phorum pub^scens, and E. poly-

stlichyon . . - 241

135. Dwarf Orchis . . . ^272

137. Mercuri^lis 4nnua - . 273

141. Antholj^za sethi6pica - - 274

142. Combretum combsum - . 275
153. Fritillaria tessell^ta - -289

155. jL^mna minor . - 290

156. i^mna major - - . 290

165. O^phrys arachnites, and 0. aranifera 340
169. Cummingia campanuia,ta - . 362
172. to 175. Grasses in the neighbourhood

of Bungay . - 381,382

177. Medic^go denticulkta . - 398

178. O^hrys apifera . . 398

186. Dead nettle - . - 429

187. Bfiddlea globbsa . - 429
189. London Pride . . - 430
193. Fuller's Teasel - . 431
195. Myosbtis palfistris ... 434

TREES AND SHRUBS.

13. Great oak at Panshanger . . 38
18. Great oak at Cobham . .42

14. to 17. Oaks - . 40, 41

28. Diospyrus Mabbla . . 59

32. Hakea linearis . - - 61

33. Sphenotoma gracilis . .61
3Q. Bignbnwi Cole« - . . 67

70. ftrats^gus cord^ta . - 166

74. Isopbgon anemonif blius . .167

75. Leucopbgon lanceolatus . 167
97. Privet . . - 235

102. Cowthorpe oak . - . 247

140. Artoc&rpus integrif blia . 274

166. Dry4ndra formbsa . .361

167. Grevilka acuminata , . _ 361

168. Banksia AryaxiAxoldes . - 362

CRYPTOGAMOUS PLANTS,

22. .4g4ricus plicitilis - - 54

152. Curious fungus - . 289

179. Lycoperdon Prbteus - . 399

MINERALS.

39. Flint attached to a fossil sheU . 69

VIU

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS TO VOL.

FRUITS, LEAVES, WOOD, *c.

No.

196. Fruits of the Anbna paludbsa, longi-
fblia, and Chcrimblia ; leaves of the
A. Ambotay ; flowers of the Unbna
undulkta ; wood of the Xylbpia fru-
t^scens

Page

440

DIAGRAMS.
CellulSires

Vasculkres - - -

Monocotyl^dones

Dicotylddones - - -

Rain.gauge - - -

50. Bull's eye

Lateral hoofs of the African bull
African bull's dewlap
55, ^. Illustrations of Ornithological

terms - - 121. 123, 124

Tabular view of Vasculkres and Cel

lulares
Illustrations of terms In Entomology
Brown hornets' cell
Corolla and perianth
Pistil
Stamen

Example of one pistil and two pistils
Monog^nia, Digynia, and Trig^nia -

136
160
170
231
232

234

No. , Pape

99. Spray of the oak - - 243

100. Boughs,of the oak - - 244

101. Leaves of the oak - - 245

103. Leaves and acorns of the common oak 248

104. Botanical delineations of the oak - 248

105. to 134. Geological diagrams - 252
144. Terminology of birds - 270.276
159. Vignette of the Magazine - 302
163. Bill and tongue of the nuthatch - 330
171. A double bulb - . 380
180, 181. Parts of insects - - 423
188. Spike and raceme - - 430

190. Partial and universal umbels - 430

191. A cyme, in botany . . 430

192. The ament, in botany - - 430
194. Superior flower, in botany - 433

197. Cause of the appearance in the leaves

of Malaxis paludbsa - - 442

198, 199. Illustrations of wind reels - 455. 457

200. Illustration of water-spouts - 458

201. Illustration of erratic boulders and

blocks - . .488

202. Illustration of Magellanic clouds - 4S9

- EDIFICE.

203. Conservatory in Liverpool Botanic

Garden - - - 491

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS TO VOL.1.

- 121<

- 240.

A. A. - . Page 300.

A. B. . . - 9£

A., ".Berwick - - .

Adie, J. A., jun., Esq.

A. J. N.

An Admirer of Nature, Ipswich

An Admirer of Nature, Ringwood

An Apiarian

Anglica ...

Amott, J. A. Walker, Esq.

A. R. Y.

A Subscriber - -

Audubon, John James, Esq. F.L.S. &c.

B. - . . 14.97.199.
Babington, C. C. - - 291.
Baird, W., Esq.
Battersly, Mr. William
Blackwall, John, Esq. ...
B. M., Bromsgrove - ..

B. of Coventry . . . -
Bowdich, Mrs. - - - 108.
Brayley, Mr. E. W., jun. A.L.S. -
Bree, W. T. . 179. 196. 298. 301. 303.
Brown, H. J. -

C. - - . 198. 299.
Chichester, John, Esq. M.D.

C. N. - ^.
Conchilla - - . 24.
C.S.

A - . . "

Davies, J. H., Esq.
Drew, Charles Adams, Eiq,
Drummond, James L.

D. S. Bungay

E. . .
E. K

E. W. S., Chelsea
H. .
Harvey, Mrs.

Henslow, the Rev. Jc*n Stevens
H. S. . . . -328

H. S., Northaw . . - 378

Hunter, William Perceval - - 393

J. A. - . - - 289

J. B. . . . .288

J. D. C. S. - . . . 290

J. E B. - - . .10

Jennings, Mr. James . . .178

J. H. D. . - - . 190, 191

J. J. A. . - . .93

J. M. 88. 91. 179. 180. 19*. 196. 200. 296, 297. 403

304
i, 94
200
20
421
196
197
299
200
339
349
495
115
309
392
208
177
331
198
304
438
147
393
191
376
325
370
106
495
305

. 494

- 403
. 179. 289, 380

- 353
- 83. 379. 393

- 66
.301

- 113
441

146.

J. N., Cally Gardens
J. R.

J. S. H., Cambridge
J. W., Cambridge
Kent, Miss

- 84
. 189. 383. 384. 459

- 83

- 83
124.228.408.429

Kenyon, Mr. Joseph, of Preston - - 424
Kirby, the Rev. WilUam, M.A. F.R. and L.S.

227
K. N, . - - - 144

Lees, Edwin, Worcester - - 200. 394, 395
L. E. O. . . - - 397

Leyland, R. - - .: - 396

M. ... . 154. 198. 384

M. C, - - - - 288

Menzies, Mr. - - - . 201

Munford, the Rev. George - - 191. 196

Murphy, Edward, Esq., A.B. - - 436

Murray, John, Esq. F.S.A. &c. - 320

Neill, P., Esq. M.A. F.RS.E. SecW.S. - 18
N. S. . - - - - 73

- 463

- 191

P

Reed, H. J.

Reid, Robert

Rennie, J. Esq

R. F,, Naples

R. J.

S. C.

Simson, Mr, Alexander

Slight, Henry, Surgeon

Smith, Gerard Edwards

Sowerby, J, D, C, Esq.

S, R. A.

S. T.

Stewart, John V,

369. 372, 373, 374, 380. 412. 414

- 181
. 348. 466

. 93. 96

- 94
. 397

399,407

- 304

- 192
- 300

216

Stock, Mr. Daniel, of Bungay 69. 93. 300. 378. 381.

S. T. P. of Leeds

Strutt, J. G.

Swainson, W., Esq. F.R.S. F.L.S. &c.

T. ...

T. F.

T. F., London

T. L. H.

T. W. S.

Vectis

W. H., a Lover of Nature

W. H., R.N.

W. J.

X. Y.

Y. B. - . -

Z. B. - . .

.37.

43.

. 93.

. 217.

- 22l"

23
242
330
360
378
375
407

. 300

. 300.

304

409

- 407

. 284

. 96

THE MAGAZINE

OF

NATURAL HISTORY,

MAY, 18^8,

INTRODUCTION.

In order to point out the agreeableness and utility of the
study of Natural History, we shall commence by taking it
for granted, that all knowledge is pleasure as well as power.
If any man doubts this, we refer him to the first page of Mr.
Brougham's Preliminary Discourse on the Objects, Advantages,
and Pleasures of Science. In this Introduction, we shall chiefly
endeavour to show that the pleasure and the power obtained
will be in direct proportion to the labour bestowed.

To know any thing does not consist in having merely seen
it, or in recollecting its name; no naturalist can be said to
know a plant, unless he knows its rank in the vegetable king-
dom, its structure, habits of growth, the climates and countries
in which it abounds, its history in its wild state, and, if a
cultivated plant, its domestic history, its culture, properties,
and uses.

The tulip and the ranunculus are known to every body,
and are deservedly two of the most admired productions of
professional florists. There is no child who cannot name
them at sight, and no gardener who does not know a great
deal about their culture : but how few, among either gardeners
or botanical amateurs, know that these two plants, however
nearly they may be allied as fine flowers, are very different
in point of rank in the scale of vegetable creation ; that they
belong to separate fundamental divisions of plants, the or-
ganisation of the one being much more perfect than that of the
other; and that they display wholly different characters of
structure and physiological economy, from the seminal em-
bryo through every stage to the perfect plant! -Thus the
ranunculus, belonging to a division of plants characterised

Vol. I. — No. 1 . b

INTRODUCTION.

by a reticulated structure of all their parts, admits of portions
of its leaves being broken off, without impeding the remain-
der of the leaf in the performance of its functions; while
the tulip, belonging to a division characterised by a parallel
fibrous structure of all the parts, does not admit of part of
the leaves, and particularly of their extremities, being cut off,
without impeding their functions, and consequently injuring
the present. health of the plant, and influencing its vigour
for the following year. But any one who is so far a vegeta-
ble anatomist and physiologist as to know the distinctive
structures of these two divisions (Monocotyledoneae and Di-
cotyledon eae), if he should see only a part of the leaf of a
tulip or of a ranunculus, would be able to ascertain the divi-
sion to which it belonged, and, by consequence, the essential
principles of the culture and management of the plant, as far
as respects the most important organs of plants, leaves being
analogous to the lungs of animals.

Such is the difference between knowing a plant as a gar-
dener or an amateur, and knowing it as a physiologist*
There must evidently be a superior degree of pleasure in
combining both descriptions of knowledge, and as evidently
an advantage in point of utility : for though the mere culti-
vator might be aware of the effect of cutting or mutilating
the leaves of the tulip and ranunculus from experience in
the management of these two plants, yet not knowing it from
principle, the knowledge could only be of use to him in this
particular case, instead of being of use as applied to two of
the three grand divisions of the vegetable kingdom.

There is a positive source of pleasure in knowing the
species of plants individually. ' Every plant of which we
acquire a knowledge by sight, so as to be able to recog-
nise it again when it comes in our way, is not only a dis-
tinct source of pleasure at first, but the pleasure is repeated
and increased when we see it for the second and third
times, or after some time, or in other circumstances re-
latively to ourselves or to the plant. In this way, with no
other knowledge cf plants than that of being able to name
them when we see them, and, consequently, to commu-
nicate our ideas respecting them to others, they may prove
sources of the most interesting associations. But even
this pleasure, derived from what may be termed the trivial
knowledge of plants, may be greatly enhanced by extending
our views to circumstances connected with them not strictly
botanical. Thus we may view them with regard to their geo-
logical relation in any particular country, their geographical
distribution relatively to the world, their migration from one

INTRODUCTION. 5

country to another, their relation to climate, their being do-
mestic plants following man, their being social (growing in
masses) or solitary, their being abundant or rare, their na-
tural modes of propagation, their natural enemies or friends
whether among other plants or among animals, their history
with regard to man, and their properties, uses, and culture.

A mere general lover of plants, therefore, who knows no
more of them, in a strictly botanical sense, than their names,
may add greatly to the pleasure which he derives from this
taste, by simply acquiring something of that knowledge
which may be called the biography of plants. It must be
evident that cultivators, by adding to their stock of this de-
scription of knowledge, would not merely add greatly to their
enjoyments, but would also contribute to their professional
improvement, would add to their power as well as to their
pleasure.

Those of us who know nothing of scientific zoology,
still derive much pleasure from observing the great variety of
forms, habits, and powers of the animal kingdom ; and nothing
is more common than for man to form attachments to parti-
cular animals. We transfer the human virtues to some of
the nobler quadrupeds, and admire the courage of the horse,
the sagacity of the dog, the docility of the ox, the patience
of the ass, and the observant mimic powers of the monkey
tribe ; we are delighted with the singing of birds, instructed
by the industry of the bee or ant, pleased with the gaiety of
the butterfly, and amused or aimoyed by various other insects
or reptiles. But what is this interest in animated nature
compared with the enjoyments of a scientific zoologist ? The
man who can trace the powers of the Author of nature, ex-
erted in various degrees and for various purposes, through
all the different orders of animated nature, from the most
minute insect or obscure moUusca, endowed with unerring
instinct, up to the intellectual powers of rational man, and who
knows scientifically that man is the most perfectly formed of all
animals, lives in a different world from the mere general
observer, and enjoys that more exalted pleasure which can
be given by scientific knowledge only.

Nor need the young student, who aspires to become a
zoologist, be discouraged from attempting to obtain his share
of the superior delight scientific knowledge can afford, by the
obstacles that apparently oppose the acquirement. Every
step in the pursuit produces a reward and a gratification, in
exact proportion to its difficulty ; and every advantage thus
gained becomes a fresh inducement to proceed. The geo-
graphical distribution of the various animated beings which

B 2

INTRODUCTION.

surround him, invests each untried locality with new charms,
and presents to him, on all sides, fresh objects to repay his
researches. Their forms, habits, powers, and structure are all
so many indices to the great work he is every day invited to
peruse.

To point out to the learner the most proper objects of at-
tention, or the best mode of arriving at a competent know-
ledge of their various peculiarities, does not come within the
limits of the present Introduction ; yet the gradations observed
in the great field of animated nature indicate the preliminary
steps for the commencement of his operations.

The occasional and sometimes alternate developement of
internal and external organisation, each division advancing in
the degree of its perfection as the animal rises higher in the
scale, seems to indicate the natural order of progress. The
slow and creeping caterpillar sinks into a state of lethargy,
ultimately to burst forth with organs and powers of loco-
motion the most opposed to its former condition.

Fishes, .reptiles, and birds furnish additional examples of
an adaptation, of parts, admirably suited to the exigencies of
the animals, yet possessing and affording capabilities of the
most opposite character ; and the rudiments of extremities
furnished to the cetacea, become ultimately perfected in ani-
mals of the same class, for the individual but opposite powers
of climbing, burrowing, flying, prehension, and speed.

Thus agreeably led on, the zoologist is brought by degrees
to the contemplation of man, the image of the Creator of all;
and finds that, although man does not in himself possess all
the different qualities of the organs of each individual beneath
him, yet he presents, in the varied and extensive combination
of his powers, that balance of perfection, which, independently
of mental endowment, stamps him the head of his own as
well as of every other class.

The study of mineral bodies is of the greatest importance :
for what would civilised man be without iron ? The different
ores, and the various useful or precious stones, display great
variety in structure, colour, and other properties. Many
species are highly beautiful, others are prized for their rarity,
and all are interesting with reference to crystalography,
systematic arrangement, and the useful arts. The study of
mineralogy is intimately connected with that of geology ; and
the utility of both, in the discovery and working of quarries
and mines, is sufficiently evinced by the stones and metals
which enter into the construction of our houses, roads,
machines, and implements.

INTRODUCTION. 5

An acquaintance with the leading facts of geology addsgreatly
to the interest of the traveller in passing through any country.
Whether mountain or plain, hill or valley, solid rock or
detached stone, gravel, sand, or alluvial soil presents itself,
the mind of the geologist is carried back to former revo-
lutions ; in short, to him every part of the earth's surface may
be said to speak of its history. How much greater, then,
must be the pleasure of the geologist than that of the common
observer ! The ploughman, who views in the field of gravel
which he turns up the bed of a former ocean, and in that
gravel the remains of rocks or mountains of a more remote
period, is he not gratified with the mere idea? How many
interesting associations are connected with the fossil remains
which the labourer turns up in digging drains or ditches, or
crushes to pieces in the humble occupation of breaking stones
for mending roads ! Geology not only discovers to us the aw-
ful revolutions which have in former ages changed the surface
of the globe, but it unfolds to our view the forms of strange and
unknown animals buried in the different strata, presents us
with the zoology and botany of the former world, and even
enables us to contemplate the nature of the future revolutions
which the globe we inhabit is destined to undergo.

Some knowledge of meteorology, as it regards the weather,
is common to all men without exception; but even to this
everyday subject, science has lent additional interest. It is one
thing to look at the clouds with a common eye, and another
thing to observe them with the eye of a Forster or a Howard.
The countryman and the sailor know to expect in March and
September the equinoctial gales, but the meteorologist knows
the reason of their occurrence at these seasons. When we
consider what has been done, or is now doing, by lightning
rods, hail protectors, marine barometers, &c., the utility of
this science is much greater than at first sight may appear.

The common phenomena of thunder, lightning, meteors,
hail, rain, snow, frost, dew, fog, and vapour, by our taking a
little pains to increase our information respecting them, are
all capable of affording increased degrees of interest and plea-
sure. And let the learner never forget, that in the pursuit of
pleasure, as in every other pursuit, the amount of gratification
will always be in proportion to the labour employed.

Notwithstanding the very limited knowledge which exists
among country people of the objects of natural history, as
a science, it is certain that this must have been one of the
earliest subjects of human attention, from the necessary
dependence of man on certain plants and animals for food,
and from the influence which the weather and climate must

B 3

6 INTRODUCTION.

have had on his dress and the construction of his dwellings.
In different countries and climates, different animals and
plants would attract his attention ; but in all countries the
first objects of human solicitude must have been animals,
plants, the soil, and the weather. The study of natural his-
tory, therefore, is the most primitive and congenial of studies ;
as gardening and agriculture, arts which are founded on it,
are the most primitive and congenial of occupations. As
these arts are the preliminary occupations in new countries, and
as the first step in the civilisation of savages is to supply them
with useful plants, animals, and implements of culture, so the
study of natural history, the observation of the habits and
peculiarities of plants and animals, is the fittest to commence
with, and the bestcalculatedfor improving uninformed minds.

The study of natural history we consider to be in an
especial manner calculated for raising the character of the
labouring classes of a community. It may be said to be a
study which they have, to a certain extent, already engaged
in ; it requires less preliminary information than any other
study, and cannot by any means be considered dry or severe,
since it requires habits of observation chiefly, and every step
is likely to be attended by some acquirement intimately con-
nected with, and beneficial in, the pursuits of a country life.
The humblest and most laborious individual, after fulfilling
all his duties to his employer and his family, has still a portion
of leisure ; and with him, as with man in every class of society,
happiness will be found to depend much more on the manner
in which this leisure time is spent, than on the nature of his
professional or mechanical occupation. But not only does
the happiness of the laborious classes depend on the manner
in which they spend their leisure time, but also their chance
of raising themselves to a higher condition in society. The
pursuits of natural history, besides their suitableness to the
former object, are, it is obvious, particularly adapted for ad-
vancing the interests of gardeners and agricultural labourers.

The study of natural history is well calculated to have a bene-
ficial influence on the moral sentiments and conduct. While
various other descriptions of knowledge are cultivated to im-
prove the reasoning powers of the mind, their influence on the
heart and affections is comparatively remote. Natural history
has a different effect, and may be said to improve and humanise
the whole man. It is perfectly natural to man to regard with
affection the living things which surround him; and every
one must feel that the better these things are known, the
more they will be loved. If man born and educated in cities
has less interest or affection for animals and plants, than man

INTRODUCTION. 7

born and educated in the country, it can only be because in the
latter state he is more familiar with them, and knows more about
them. The connection between moral conduct and the love of
animals and plants, may be thought intimate or remote by
different individuals ; but the more we trace design and pur-
pose in the works of nature, shall we not sympathise the more
with the fitness of means to ends in human conduct? The
more we enter into the details of nature, shall we not in-
crease our taste for facts ? which is, in other wordsj the love of
truth, thefoundation of justice and honesty. It is unnecessary
to trace the influence of the study of natural history from
individuals to nations, and its tendency to universal inter-
course, civilisation, and peace. For these reasons, amongst
many others, the study of natural history is particularly
adapted for the earliest education of young people; and this
idea is confirmed by the rapid progress which children make
in this study whenever it has been considered a fitting
acquirement. Infants, who have made but little progress
in languages or sciences of reasoning and reflection, have
yet made considerable progress in the observation and re-
collection of natural objects.

Natural history is the parent of natural religion. To
know and to acknowledge the Author of nature, are precepts
inculcated by the religion and morality of every civilised people ;
and the history of the world shows that most nations have had
someway of what they considered knowing God, and some par-
ticular reasons which they assigned for loving and reverencing
him. Without interfering with that knowledge of God which
is obtained by revelation, or with those reasons for loving him
which are deduced from the doctrines of particular religions,
natural history arrives at a knowledge of the Author of nature,
by enquiring into the skill and contrivance manifested in his
works, calls forth our affections towards him in loving those
of his works which contribute to our happiness, and leads us
to adore him in the contemplation of the superhuman power
and wisdom displayed in the general system and particular
contrivances of the world and its various details. " He," ob-
serves Linnaeus, " who does not make himself acquainted with
God from the consideration of nature, will scarcely acquire
knowledge of him from any other source ; for if we have
no faith in the things which are seen, how should we believe
those things which are not seen?" *

For this reason, the knowledge of the Author of nature,
through his works, maybe called the universal religion, as the

* Reflections on the Study of Nature, p. 21.
B 4

8 INTRODUCTION.

love of fitness, induced by a taste for facts, maybe called the
universal morality. Neither interferes with the religion or
morality of any particular country, climate, or people.

An extended knowledge of natural history will not take
place without producing corresponding improvements in taste,
literature, and the elegant arts. A knowledge, in readers and
spectators, of natural forms and appearances, will demand
a greater accuracy in the delineation of them by the artist
and the man of letters. The public taste in painting, sculp-
ture, and architecture is gradually improving; and no in-
considerable part of the improvement will be found to consist
in the more correct representation of natural objects. The
same improvement in taste has extended to our different
manufactures, and especially to the figures printed on cotton,
paper, and earthenware ; the superiority in these and other
articles of British manufacture, is acknowledged to consist, in
a great degree, in a more correct imitation of plants, animals,
and general scenery.

Such are the pleasures and advantages of the study of
natural history. The main object of this Magazine is to ren-
der a taste for this study more general among all classes of
society. In order to extend it among readers of leisure and
general observation, and also among gardeners, farmers, and
young persons resident in the country, we propose to
subject every part of the science to discussion; to invite
every reader to communicate every circumstance, even the
most trivial, respecting the native habits and economy of ani-
mals, the habits and habitations of plants, the localities of
minerals and strata, and respecting peculiar or striking states
of the atmosphere ; to encourage all who are desirous of in-
formation, to propose questions, to state their doubts, the kind
of information they desire, or their particular opinions, on
any part of the subject. Observations which, at first sight, may
appear trivial, are often truly valuable when viewed in refer-
ence to general conclusions ; and this kind of information may
be furnished by persons wholly unacquainted with natural
history as a science, but who, by such exercises, are adopting
the most certain and efficacious means of becoming scientific
observers. In this way we hope to call forth a new and numer-
ous class of naturalists.

We intend, also, for the benefit of such as have never paid
any attention to the elements of natural history, to give a
series of introductory papers in each of the five departments ;
and after these are completed, to give a general view of the
subjects of each department. These papers will necessarily
extend through several volumes ; but they will, in the end,

INTRODUCTION. 9

display an introduction to natural history, in what we consider
to be by far the most desirable form and manner of publication
for giving effect to our intentions.

Our second object is, to collect scattered facts and new dis-
coveries. Individuals are now occupied in every part of the
globe, in discovering new objects, or in explaining the nature
of those already known. New productions and new facts are
thus rapidly accumulating ; it shall be our business to record
them as they are discovered or ascertained, and at the end of
every year to present their essence to our readers in a general
summary

If we can attain these two objects in the manner in which we
hope to do, whoever makes himself master of our introductory
papers, and regularly peruses the other parts of the Maga-
zine, will, for all the ordinary purposes of use and enjoyment,
be a practical and scientific naturalist ; will know all that is
already known, and worth remembering, on the subject, and
be made acquainted with every thing new or interesting as it
occurs.

In conclusion we repeat, with a view of impressing them on
the mind of the young reader, the fundamental truths with
which we set out; first, that all knowledge is pleasure, as well
as power; and secondly, that in the pursuit of pleasure, as in
every other pursuit, the reward obtained will be commensurate
with the labour bestowed. These are facts in accordance
with reason and experience, and ought to be treasured up in
the mind of every young person, as perpetual incitements to
exertion.

10

PART I.

ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS.

Art. I. Some Remarks on Natural History, as a Means of
Education. By J. E. B.

It has been the fashion, in modern times, to depreciate the
discoveries of Linnaeus, and to put forward other eminent na-
turalists as rivals for popular favour at his expense. Nothing
can be more unjust towards the memory of departed greatness,
nothing can be less acceptable to existing merit, than the at-
tempt to build up their fame by disparaging that of another.
Now, although it must be acknowledged that the naturalists
of this country have confined their studies too exclusively to
the nomenclature of science, and have overlooked too much
the end for which language is invented, let us not be so
absurd as to shut our eyes to the real merits of Linnaeus,
because we have witnessed some abuses of his system. His
great claims to our admiration rest upon ground independent
of that which is generally taken up against his disciples ; and
this will be found tenable against all opposition, whatever the
extent or novelty of our discoveries or improvements in our
systems.

The first great merit of Linnaeus consisted in the sound
philosophy on which he framed his genera. This invention
of generic characters, though not his own, was brought to
such a degree of perfection by him, and was rendered current
by his instrumentality to such an extent, that he is entitled to
the high praise of having made it useful to the world. Before
his time, natural history consisted of a multitude of particulars
spread over so large a surface, that it was impossible to em-
brace them without devoting a whole life to the subject. By
the simple invention of generic terms, the mind is enabled to
comprehend and speak of all these particulars in an abridged
form. That is done by one word, which before required a
hundred. It may safely be asserted, that the application of
this metaphysical instrument, familiar as it now appears, has
facilitated the acquisition of the knowledge of nature more
than any thing besides. It is to the intellect what the steam-

Natural History^ as a Means of Education. 1 1

engine is to mechanics — a highly compressed form of power,
enabling us to do in a minute, and with infinitely less fatigue,
what before consumed an hour.

Systematic terms, of a generic character, are now become
so common, that naturalists seem to have forgotten tlje great
importance which is attached to them. The subject, of which
they formed a part, engrossed nearly all the learning of the
latter part of the seventeenth century. It engaged the atten-
tion of Locke, Leibnitz, Descartes, and, more or less, of all
the master-minds of the age. Hume pronounces the discovery
of the real nature of these abstractions to be the greatest
and most important which has been made in modern times in
the republic of letters. These philosophers treated the subject
metaphysically ; Linnaeus showed its application to practice.

It is very true that the English, who have a metaphy-
sical turn peculiar to northern latitudes, and were among the
first to adopt this prodigious concentration of intellectual
strength, have, in dwelling upon the engine itself, thrown away
some time in a less profitable application of it; yet this is
better than the abuse of it by some of our more southern
neighbours, who are frittering away the power, by breaking
down and dividing substantial genera, until they have almost
reduced them to particulars again. Sound philosophy, on
the contrary, requires, that, as our knowledge of particulars
increases, the generalisation of them should increase also.

This is the proper business of the present generation. Our
forefathers have laboured to accumulate the particulars of
natural history, until they are become so redundant as to be
beyond the grasp of human thought. The only mode by
which they can be reduced within our power, is the just appli-
cation of the laws of generalisation, by persons standing pre-
eminent in science, and entitled to prescribe to inferior minds.
It is a small and paltry ambition which has inflamed the or-
dinary naturalists of the present day, that they should wish to
impose their own names ; that they should be mortified to find
themselves forestalled in their barbarous compounds ; and that
their boast should be in the number of these spurious off-
spring that may be affiliated upon them.

Besides the placing of genera on a philosophic foundation,
we are indebted to Linngeus for the invention of a language of
such precise import as almost to supersede the necessity of a
draughtsman ; and also for the application of trivial names,
which is but another mode of treneralisinff.

Whoever will look into the old authors, will see what a
wonderful facility is given to the acquirement and communi-
cation of knowledge by this simple contrivance. For instance,

12 Some Remarlcs on Natural History,

Ray, in writing or speaking to his friend Willoughby, to tell
him he had found Antirrhinum ^latine (the former being the
generic, and the latter the trivial name), is obliged to go
round to his point in this manner : — "I have found that
Linaria Elatine dicta folio acuminato ;^' and Haller, who
was one of the neatest and most skilful definers, if he had
communicated the same information, would have employed
this periphrasis : — "1 have gathered the Antirrhinum foliis
imis conjugatiSf super ioribus altamis, ad basin hamatis"

But the knowledge of the instrument, however requisite, is
not the knowledge of the subject to which it is applied. No-
menclature is not the end, but the means, of our study; and
if I have offered an excuse for the attention which has been
paid to it in this country, I rejoice in any circumstance which
is likely to enlarge the boundaries of science, and throw open
still wider the temple of nature. The establishment of a
Magazine of Natural History cannot fail to promote this
object.

Without disparaging other pursuits, the subject has some
advantages of a wider bearing than is generally acknowledged.

In the first place, it is admirably adapted to develope and
strengthen the faculties of the mind; and this it does, not
only by the system and order which are necessary to be ob-
served, but by appealing to some of the higher powers with
which we are endowed. Mankind are evidently divided into
two great classes, those who particularise (composing the
bulk), and those who generalise. No man was ever great,
without possessing both faculties in an eminent degree ; yet
the greater part pass through life without ever discovering that
they have this power of abridging and condensing thought by
an operation of the mind alone. Even those who do possess
the faculty to some extent, are apt to suffer it to run so wild,
and to deal in such loose generalities, that they lose half its
benefits. Nothing is more likely to develope this peculiarity
of the intellect, or to keep it within legitimate bounds, than
the systematic study of nature. She furnishes such an infinity
of subjects, that no man could grasp the ten-thousandth part
who should attempt to become acquainted with all the indi-
viduals, and he would be left immeasurably behind another
who should employ generic and family distinctions. Nor can
the student of natural history make a step in generalisation
without a frequent recurrence to his particulars. He would
soon find himself lost amidst the mazes of similar and related
things, if he were not to examine and reexamine the indi-
viduals before him. Unlike many of the subjects of the pre-
sent day, which seem to owe their attraction to the almost

as a Means of Education, ' ' 13

licentiousness of their generalisation, this subject brings with
it its own corrective ; and to be a good naturalist, requires
that the student should be a diligent observer of particulars,
as well as a correct generaliser of them.

Another great inducement to adopt the study of natural
history, is, that it is admirably suited to correct the tendency
there is in our popular institutions to run into schemes of
utility. Our mechanics, mathematics, amusements, politics,
charities, are all tainted, more or less, with this defect. " The
age of chivalry is gone; that of sophisters, calculators, and
economists has succeeded." Now, besides this perpetual ap-
peal to utility and reason, as the only, or chief foundation of
happiness, there is another and higher appeal, felt by all, and
occasionally bowed to by all, which goes to the heart and to
the aflPections ; more subtle in its nature, and less within con-
trol, there are a thousand cases which yield to no other tribu-
nal, and where man acts with greater safety, trusting to the
dictates of his heart, than if he relied upon utility and reason.

To bring the subject home more practically : our scheme of
popular education attempts to improve man's moral condition
almost entirely through the medium of his understanding. It
seems to be adapted to make good artizans, skilful mechanics,
industrious tradesmen ; but it may be fairly doubted, whether
it be suited, in a like degree, to cherish the higher virtues,
and to make men better as well as wiser.

I wish to see natural history cultivated as a means of
enlarging this contracted view of education, of opening to the
little sentient new objects for his affections and sympathies, of
awakening wuthin his bosom a love for nature and nature's
productions. It is the fashion with a cold and heartless por-
tion of the world, to stigmatise these notions with the names of
romance and sentiment. It might, perhaps, be happier for
England, not forgetting Scotland, if the sinews of our strength
were not wholly exhausted in our industry; if steam-engines,
and power-looms, and economy, and profit, divided our atten-
tion only, — things which reason approves, but which the ima-
gination forbids. They have a tendency to lower the standard
of excellence to their own level, while the repudiated and now
antiquated scheme of bettering men through the heart, always
proposes a higher and nobler standard than he can reach.

I should, for instance, propose, that the peasantry of
England should be improved by being taught that the kitchen-
garden does not comprehend the whole scope of horticulture ;
that there are such things as violets and roses to awaken
sweet recollections ; ranunculuses and anemones to ravish the
eye ; and some one or other particular flower, which every

14 Observations on the Causes that have retarded

man of imagination associates with tenderness and friendship.
In passing along through the country, every man's garden
may furnish a chie to his character, much better and safer, in
our esteem, to trust to, than either physiognomy, phrenology,
or autography. Do we see the kail bed of large and ample
dimensions, encroaching upon every inch of cultivated soil,
we pronounce the possessor to be a political economist, or
radical, or voluptuary ; on the other hand, if we witness flowers
of all hues adorning the vicinity of his habitation, we know
there is a spark of his better nature yet unextinguished. It
unfolds to us the current of his thoughts and feelings ; it tells,
like the other also, of honesty and industry; but it tells, be-
sides, of generosity and charity, love and fidelity, of brave
sons and beautiful daughters.

I lately was made acquainted with a rustic of this latter
class, whose house botanists are wont to frequent for the
beauty of the surrounding scenery, and the rare plants to be
found in the neighbourhood, a house that Isaac Walton
might have dehghted in. One of the last acts of this honest
vintner's life, was to call his daughter to his pillow, when he
said, " Mary, it is a fine morning; go and see if *Scilla verna
is come in flower." May the virtues of the father descend upon
his children ! Then may botanists continue to find at this
humble inn*, cleanliness and civility, a trowel to dig up their
plants, and even a vasculum to secure them. J. E. B.

Aprill. 1828.

Art. II. Observations on the Causes that have retarded the Pro-
gress of Natural History in this Country^ and on the defective
State oj" our Public Museums. The first of a Series of Essays,
intended to comprise a succinct Vievo of the System of Baron
CuviER, as contained in his Regne Animal, and of his ^q-
searches on Fossil Bones. By B.

There is no country that has the same facilities for pro-
curing objects of natural history from every region of the
globe as Great Britain; there is no country where larger
sums of money have been expended to purchase them ; and
yet there is no country in the civilised world, where there are
fewer facilities offered to the student of natural history than in
England.

The truth of this remark cannot be denied. The two
causes which have mainly contributed to impede the study of

* The Running Horse, at Micklehavn.

the Progress ofNatwal History in this Country, 15

natural history in England may be briefly stated : the first is,
the deplorably ineffective state of our public museums; the
second is, the very expensive form in which works on natural
history are generally published in this country. The total
amount of the money expended in collecting objects of natural
history for the British Museum, is, perhaps, one hundred
times greater than the sum expended in forming the museum of
natural history at the Jardin des Plantes, at Paris ; and yet the
utility of the latter, to the student of natural history, may be
fairly said to exceed that of the former, in the ratio of a thousand
to one. The British Museum is the property of the nation,
having been bequeathed to the public, or purchased and sup-
ported with the public money ; but, till recently, the public
had great difficulty in obtaining access within its walls ; and
when it was at length opened on certain days, the admission
was rather granted as a favour, than conceded as a right.
The value of the admission to the student of natural history
was greatly diminished from the want of a scientific arrange-
ment of the objects ; particularly in the zoological department.
The defects were those of its original formation. The inten-
tion appears to have been to collect whatever was extraor-
dinary or rare, without any view to arrangement: it was an
assemblage of curiosities, some of which, as single objects,
were highly interesting to the professed naturalist, but con-
veyed little instruction to the learner.

After the Greville collection had been purchased by the
nation, at a considerable price, a part of the minerals were
arranged and exhibited ; and the mineralogical department,
as far as regards simple minerals, is, perhaps, as well classed
as the space allowed for it would admit of. Yet, as a useful
collection, it is still defective. Many of the specimens are
without labels, and they consist chiefly of the more rare crys-
tallisations of each species, whereas to be really useful, a public
collection ought to contain specimens of each mineral, in the
most common form in which it usually occurs, as well as the
rare crystalline forms, which are only to be found in par-
ticular situations.

It is more than twelve years since I was induced to
expect that a scientific arrangement of the shells would be
undertaken ; but after visiting the museum for ten years, I
could perceive no progress made in such a labour, and I
discontinued my visits, as there appeared every probability
that the present generation would pass away before it was
accomplished. There were, indeed, some cases, with shells
placed to amuse the spectator by the splendour of their
colours, or the beauty of their forms ; but there was no sys-

16 Observations' on the Causes that have retarded

tematic arrangement of them, nor were the shells labelled or
described. This is the more to be regretted, as conchology
has risen into importance, from its connection with geology.
How different is the museum at the Jardin des Plantes at
Paris, where each genus and species of shell is arranged and
numbered according to a received system ; and the student
has only to examine the collection with his book in his hand,
to render himself master of the science, as far as books and
specimens can teach him ! This defect in the department of
conchology in the British Museum is to be lamented, as I
know of no public collection in this country, from which the
student can derive any assistance. Surely the curators of the
British Museum, who superintend this department, would do
well to recollect the maxim of Hippocrates, " Ars longa, vita
brevis."

. It has been too long supposed that the nation had nothing
to do with the British Museum, but to furnish funds for its
support. I hope," however, that the present liberal and en-
lightened president of the Royal Society, whose zeal for the
promotion of science is well known, will feel that he is in trust
for the benefit of the nation, and that he will make all the re-
sources of the British Museum more available for the purpose
of public information, than they have yet been. It is particu-
larly desirable, as the London University will speedily be
opened, that the collections in every department of natural
history in the British Museum, should be well arranged, and
scientific catalogues published at a reasonable price. If this
were effected, it would be of greater benefit to the students
than the establishment of lectureships on natural history in the
university, as those who had a real desire to learn, would be
able to instruct themselves as at Paris.

In offering these remarks, I can sincerely affirm that they
are not dictated by any feeling of hostility, but by an ardent
desire to see the scientific institutions of our own country
rendered as respectable and efficient as those in various parts
of Europe ; and I am certain, that if they are not so at pre-
sent, it is neither from want of talent or ability, but arises
from a kind of national reluctance to disturb the slumbers of
ancient establishments by innovation, even where innovation
would be attended with the most favourable results.

The Ashmolean museum at Oxford offers an excellent
illustration of what ancient museums were intended to be.
Their founders never contemplated the formation of scientific
arrangements of natural objects for the purpose of study; but
they collected whatever was strange, curious, or rare in nature
or art, to surprise or amuse the spectators. In doing so they

the Progress of Natural History ifi this Countri/. 17

are entitled to our gratitude, as they preserved many things
that were valuable and interesting, which would probably have
been lost or destroyed, had they been scattered over the
country in the possession of private individuals. I by no
means wish that such collections should not be preserved,
but the present advanced state of science requires, nay, impe-
riously demands, something more ; and it is much to be
regretted, that in London we have no well arranged public
collections of objects in the different departments of natural
history, that can materially assist the researches of the
student.*

The second cause which has greatly impeded the study of
natural history, namely, the expensive publications on the
subject, might be easily remedied, if the public taste would
give encouragement to books in a cheaper form. I am
no enemy to splendid editions, and superb plates: noble-
men and opulent individuals do well to encourage the arts as
well as the sciences; but I see no reason why persons of
moderate fortune should not be able to procure books on
natural history, at a reasonable price, in this country, as well
as in France, In the latter country one of the most perfect
systems of zoology, Le Regne Animal, distribue d^apres son
Organisation } ov. The Animal Kingdom, arranged according to
its Organisation, by Baron Cuvier, may be purchased for about
twenty shillings. This work, which contains a most lumi-
nous arrangement of the whole animal kingdom separated
into four grand divisions, is intended as a text-book for the
student, and is replete with more scientific information, than
any work in our own language published at five times the
price. I have long regretted that Cuvier's system, and also
his interesting discoveries respecting fossil bones, should be
so little known to the English reader; and, therefore, it is
my intention to supply this information by a series of essays
in succeeding Numbers of this Magazine. The classification
of Cuvier is founded on the organisation of animals, and
what he denominates " the conditions of existence ; or,
the immutable laws prescribed to living beings by their
Creator." By making his system more generally known,
I am persuaded that I shall render an acceptable service
to the English reader. B.

March^ 1828.

* By public collections, I mean those to which the public have access.
There are valuable collections belonging to particular societies and indi-
viduals, of which you will probably give some account in your Magazine.

Vol. I.— -No. 1. c

18 Account of the Habits of a Specimen of the

Art. III. Account of the Habits of a Specimen of the Simia
Jdcchus, Lin., or Jacchiis vulgaris, Geoff., novo in the Possession of
Gavin Milroi/, Esq. Edinburgh. Communicated by P. Neill,
Esq. M.A. F.R.S.E. Sec. W. S.

The living specimen of »Simia Jacchus (fg. 1.), Oiiistiti, or,
as it is called by the English in South America, Mamozeet
Monkey, which has been in my possession since last June, I
procured from a slave in the streets of Bahia (the capital of the
province of San Salvador in Brazil), to w^hich place this and
many other kinds of animals are brought from the country
for sale. At first it was exceedingly fierce and wild, screech-
■ ing most vehemently when any one dared to approach it. I
was about to sail for England, and took it with me on board
of our vessel immediately. I laid in a few oranges, bananas,
mangoes, and Indian corn, to feed it with during the voyage.
A little kennel or box was made, where it slept, or retired
when frightened. It was long before it was so reconciled,
even to those who fed it, as to allow the slightest liberty in
the way of touching or patting its body; and it was almost
impossible to do this by surprise, or by the most quiet and
cautious approach, as the monkey was not steady a moment,
but was constantly turning its head round from side to side,
eyeing every person with the most suspicious and angry look;
its sense of hearing appeared to be excessively acute, so that
the slightest whisper was sure to arouse it. The voice of this
little animal was peculiarly sharp and disagreeable, consisting
of a very quick succession of harsh and shrill sounds (imitated
in the name oitistiti), so loud, that they might be heard from
the remotest part of the ship.

To give a long description of the external appearance
of the animal is quite unnecessary, as the present specimen
corresponds in every particular with the descriptions of natu-
ralists, and agrees very well with those I have seen preserved
in museums. It is the smallest, 1 believe, of the ASimia
tribe, its body not being quite so large as that of a squirrel ;
the prevailing colour is a lightish brown, edged with grey ;
the hair on the head and tail is considerably darker, and the
latter is very beautifully barred with circular bands of a
lighter hue ; but what is characteristic of this species is, the
cluster or patch of white elongated hairs which stand out
before the ears, and give a curious appearance of antiquity to
the little animal ; so much so, indeed, that it received the appel-
lation of " the little old man" from the sailors. The external
ears are peculiarly large and capacious, but are nearly hid in the
Jong hair ; the size of the concha, no doubt, contributes to the

Simia Jacchus^ Lin., or Jdcchus vulgaris, Geoff. \9

acuteness of its hearing.

/^%.

For a considerable time there was
no evident change in its habits, as it continued to be nearly as
wild as when I first got it, and showed none of the playful-
ness and vivacity which characterise most of the monkey tribe.
^s long as the fruit which he had on board lasted, it would
eat nothing else ; but when these failed, we soon discovered a
most agreeable substitute, which it appeared to relish above
every thing. By chance we observed it devouring a large
cockroach which it

had caught, run- - - ^^ «^^iiMHaft*» .,.'>. i

ning along the deck
of the vessel ; and
from this time to
nearly the end of
the voyage, a space ,y
offour or five weeks, ^/
it fed almost exclu- tk
sively on these in- ^\
sects, and contri-
buted most effect-
ually to rid the
vessel of them. It
frequently eat a score of the largest kind, which are 2 or
2^ in. long, and a very great number of the smaller ones,
three or four times in the course of the day. It was quite
amusing to see it at its meal. When he had got hokl of
one of the large cockroaches, he held it in his fore paws, and
then invariably nipped the head off first ; he then pulled out
the viscera and cast them aside, and devoured the rest of the
body, rejecting the dry elytra and wings, and also the legs of
the insect, which are covered with short stiff bristles. The
small cockroaches he eat without such fastidious nicety. In
addition to these, we gave him milk, sugar, raisins, and
crumbs of bread. Hitherto the weather was warm, the ther-
mometer being never below 65° or 60° Fahr. ; but as we
reached a more northern latitude, and approached England,
the change of temperature affected the monkey very sensibly;
his appetite failed very considerably, and now he would not
even touch the cockroaches when given to him; the hair,
especially that on the tail, fell off; and, at the end of the
voyage, this organ was almost quite bare and naked. He
kept constantly in the kennel, rolling himself up in a piece of
flannel, which had been put in for warmth, except when he
could reach a sunny part of the deck, where he might bask in
the heat. There was a considerable continuance of cold north-
easterly winds, the thermometer as low as from 42° to 36*'

c 2

20 Notice of the Habits of a Mangouste,

Fahr., and, as the monkey eat little or nothing, and was quite
inactive, I hardly expected to have kept it alive.

When I got it on shore, I kept it for some days in a warm
room ; it gradually recovered its nimbleness, running about
the room, and dragging its kennel after it. Even then it
would not eat any insects, and its food consisted of milk and
crumbs of bread ; it was particularly fond of any sweet pre^
serve, as jelly, &c., and of fresh ripe fruits. From London I
brought it with me to Edinburgh last November, and have
kept it here till now. During all this time it has thriven
perfectly well ; it is considerably plumper than it was, and the
tail is now completely covered with long darkish hair.

I observe in Linnaeus's description of this animal, he says
it is a great enemy to cats ; so far, however, is this from being
the case with the present one, that it feeds and sleeps with
puss, and they live on the best terms imaginable.

Though now it is much tamer than it was, it is by no means
tractable or docile ; it will allow itself to be patted or gently
stroked, but all attempts to handle or play with it are quite
unsuccessful. When teased or enraged, it exhibits a most
ludicrous physiognomy of passion; the white hairs or whis-
kers on its cheeks are erected ; it grins and shows its teeth ; it
dilates its nostrils, and the little eyes beam with the most
passionate fury : it only wants the power of speech to embody
its feelings, to represent most faithfully a true picture of anger.
Though it does not possess any of that imitative playfulness
which is so amusing in many of the <Simiae, there is a some-
thing, an air of intelligence, a look of observation, which we
search for in vain in those animals lower in the zoological
scale.

Art. IV. Notice of the Habits of a Mangouste, kept alive at
Canaan Cottage, near Edinburgh, By Alex. J. Adie, Jun. Esq.

The Mangouste, Fiverra Mungo Lin. {fig, 2.), which has
been in my possession for about twelve months, is one of a
family of four which were taken on board at Madras. This
was the only one that reached England, the other three
having died during the voyage. It has as yet borne the
rigours of our northern latitude well, but it is a little subject
to a cough in cold damp weather. The animal is a female,
now between two and three years old. It measures in length
2 ft. including the tail, which is 1 ft. Its colour, when viewed
at a little distance, is a silvery grey ; but a closer inspection

Notice of the Habits of a Ma?igouste, 21

shows that each hair, which is long and coarse, is composed
of bars of black, brown, and white, exactly resembling the

2

quills of a porcupine. The head is small and very handsome;
the legs are strong, the fore ones much tapered, having five
separate toes on each foot ; the tail is very long, thick at the
root, and tapering to a point.

It uses its fore paws with much dexterity; pulls every
thing into the cage that comes within their sphere of action,
takes insects out of water with them, and when a snuffbox is
presented to it, by the rapidity of their motion, expels much
of the contents before the box can be shut. It does not take
its prey with the claws, but they prove powerful weapons in
tormenting it when caught, by throwing it from one place to
another. The tail seems to assist the animal in leaping and
turning, as in doing so it frequently strikes it against hard
.objects with such force as to cause it to bleed at the extremity.

Its curiosity is unbounded. When let loose in a room it
traverses it at a light, airy, and graceful pace, its feet scarcely
appearing to touch the floor ; it searches every corner, and
kills all insects that are to be found. After the floor has
undergone a minute examination, the chairs and tables follow
next ; these it easily reaches, being able to leap three feet from
the ground, and sometimes the pockets of those present
undergo the same scrutiny. The mangouste knows the house
and garden of Canaan Cottage so well, that it runs about
from the one to the other, but never goes away, and appears
at the call of those it knows. Myself and another are the
only persons it has complete confidence in ; it distinguishes
my foot at a great distance and runs to me : its powers in
this way are very acute. I have seen it set its hair on end
and growl when a strange dog was some yards from it, the
one being within and the other without the house ; with the
dog that belongs to the house, it has been on terms of friend-
ship ever since the first interview, when, after giving him a
bite on the face, a good understanding was established, and

c 3

22 Notice of the Habits of a Mangousfe.

since that time the clog has sometimes used it very roughly
without the mangouste resenting it. Should a stranger take
hold of it when out of the house it bites and runs off.

The mangouste is as docile as the mildest of our dogs, if
you except the time of feeding, particularly when devouring
a bird that has been given to it alive. At this time the change
in its manners is as quick as it is remarkable : in one second
it loses all the mild and attractive dispositions of the pet ;
these vanish, to be replaced by the repulsive ones of the
fiercest carnivorous animals, growling, uttering a sharp bark,
and even attempting to bite.

Its favourite food is small birds, and the dexterity shown in
climbing into bushes, seems to indicate that in the wild state
they may probably constitute a considerable portion of its
food. If a mouse, rat, lizard, or frog be given it, before
killing it will play with the animal for a quarter of an hour :
indeed I do not remember having allowed this to be carried
on so long as it might have been disposed ; and to put an end
to it, the rescue of the victim has only to be attempted, when
its death is instantaneous. With a small bird, however, the
treatment is very different, for the mangouste has only to see
one, when capture and death will follow in a second. If,
however, we except the time of feeding, the harshest usage
from those it knows will only make it utter a low, plaintive,
and murmuring cry. It cries in the same way when hungry,
or when wishing to get out of its cage.

Its playfulness is very remarkable ; it is more playful than
a kitten, with strength and agility superior to that of a cat.
It is impossible to describe the numerous positions it twists
its body into ; perhaps the most marked of them is that of
standing on the hind legs and leaping like a kangaroo.

As it is mentioned in various books on natural history,
that the mangouste can dive, swim, and remain long under
water, like the otter, for the purpose of taking fish ; in order
to try if this one possessed the same faculty, I put an egg
into a large basin of water, and showed it to the mangouste ;
immediately the animal dived its body up to the shoulders
and took out the egg. A few minnows were then put into a
small basin ; it took them with great ease and avidity ; but
it could not take them out of a larger basin, the water seem-
ing to deprive it of sight, as soon as its head was plunged
under the surface ; it preferred to watch till they came to the
edge, and pounce on them ; but these attempts proving as
abortive as the first it abandoned them altogether. Since
that time several birds have been put into a small pond, but
the mangouste would not go into the water for them.

March, 1828. A. J. Adie.

Some Remarks on the Habits of the Kingfisher, 23

Art. V. Some Remarks on the Habits of the Kingfisher, By
S. T. P. of Leeds.

It has been justly observed by an accomplished naturalist,
that there are few facts, however isolated, however trivial they
may respectively appear, more conducive to the illustration
of the history of animals, than those which relate to their
habits. I am induced, therefore, to send for insertion, in any
Number of your forthcoming Magazine of Natural History,
some particulars relating to the habits of the kingfisher (^41-
cedo Tspida, {fig, 3.) which I do not ► find mentioned in any
English ornithological work. Indeed, the editor of the last
edition of Pennant's British Zoology says, " the kingfisher
seldom flies much, or far from its haunt," but the facts I am
about to state bear a different aspect.

Early in the month of October last, while passing a short
time on our southern coast, and within half a mile of the sea,
I was agreeably surprised by
the sudden appearance of great
numbers of kingfishers, in a
country where I had previously
observed only an occasional
example. On enquiry, I found
that these birds regularly make
their appearance on that coast
in October, and as regularly de-
part in the following spring. Of
this, the occurrences of last month furnished some proof. A
collector of birds for London preservers sent notice that the
kingfishers had returned to the banks of the Thames, in his
neighbourhood, and in one week he furnished eighteen spe-
cimens, the production of his own gun, though they are well
known to be one of the most difficult birds to shoot.

These birds lay six or seven eggs, nearly round, tinged
with a most delicate pink colour, from the influence of the
yolk pervading the transparent albumen and thin shell ; they
have, moreover, a much larger air-bag (folliculus aeris), than
is to be found in any other British bird's egg, in proportion
to its size. It is well known that the eggs of birds, deposited
in their nests on the ground, contain a larger quantity of air
in the receptacle, than those placed in nests upon trees ; and
the young of the former are invariably produced in a much
more perfect state (supposed to be owing to the influence of
the greater portion of oxygen), than the young of the latter,
which remain helpless and naked for several days, while the
young of the former are covered with down, and able to quit

c \

24; Fanciful Ideas for a Museum of Shells.

the nest with part of the shell on their back ; a beautiful pro-
vision of nature in favour of those which are most assailable
by enemies.

Mr. Bewick remarks, that " kingfishers are not so numer-
ous as might be expected from the number of eggs found in
their nests ; owing, probably, to the young being destroyed
by floods, which must often rise above the level of the holes
where they are bred." Whether the still greater quantity of
air assists in rendering the young kingfishers at their birth
more competent to encounter this additional risk, I am unable
to state. The departure of these birds to the coast, on the
approach of cold weather, may be accounted for on the sup-
position, that instinct has taught them that they are less likely
to be deprived of their food, by the effects of diminished tem-
perature, near large bodies of salt water : but some of your
readers may probably suggest other reasons and better.

March 18. 1828. S. T. P.

Art. VI. Fanciful Ideas for a National Museum of Shells,

By CONCHILLA.

Sir,
As your Magazine seems to embrace every branch of
natural history, I venture to lay before you the plan of a
national museum of shells, so contrived as to have a high
metaphysical relation to society in general. That shells are
capable of as much I will endeavour to show ; and in order
to prepare myself at least a serious hearing, I beg you to
reflect upon the importance which, at different times, has, by
all nations, been attached to shells. How can any man de-
spise a shell, when he reflects how many heroes of old were
not only content to quaff" nectareous draughts in shells in ho-
nour of their mistresses, but also to pour from them libations
to the gods themselves? How many of the poets also " tune
the vocal shell?" And more than all, the classic scholar will
find, that even the most gallant of the ancients allowed Venus
herself nothing more than a shell for a car. I have been led
particularly into these reflections from a tour which I lately
made through Holland. During my progress it was my good
fortune to visit Scheveningen, the little sea-port of the Hague,
where I employed the greater part of the day very agreeably
in the examination of a cabinet of shells. These were cer-
tainly neither rare nor arranged in a very scientific manner;
but there was altogether a novelty in their disposition which

Fanciful Ideas for a Museum of Shells. ^5

exceedingly delighted me. They were neither strewed upon
tables, labelled in glass cases, nor arranged in the drawers of
a cabinet ; but so disposed as to form statues of men and
women, some of them as large as life. But as the ancient
feast (I think it was Philopoemen's), notwithstanding the great
variety of dishes it contained, was still nothing but hog ; so
these, notwithstanding the variety of forms in which they
aippeared, were all the while nothing more than Dutch.

I would have mine a gallery applicable to all men, since I
would have these characters familiar to them all. The elo-
quent man of genius should be formed from shells of the Ph6_
las [pholed, to seek a hiding place ; habitat) kind {fgi 4}, a a wj^
b 4

c, Cy\)rcB^a arabica. h, Cypr<^'^a Aurbra.

dj'Volilta milsica, ^, uliama glgas.

e, >V^olilta h&rpa.

since we are told that that little animal, with its tongue alone,
is found to penetrate even into the hearts of rocks themselves;
it is found also to contain an illuminating property that dark-
ness cannot resist : and are not these characteristic of true
eloquence and true genius ? Perhaps to form such a charac-
ter I might be found borrowing also from the Helix {Jieileo^
to twist round ; shell spiral, or with circumvolutions of the
whorls) tribe {fg. 4. h) ; for, notwithstanding all that the hor-
ticulturist may advance to his disadvantage, I confess that I,
who am little of a botanist, can never see a snail in my path
without feeling for him sentiments of more than ordinary
respect and consideration. When I behold his telescopic
eye, I always think of a man of science ; and when I see the
dignity with which he supports the whole weight of a house
of which he is himself the architect, T cannot, in my own mind.

26 Faficifnl Ideas for a Museum of Shells.

help giving him a much higher place in the scale of animals
than any naturalist has yet assigned him. Besides these, we
conchologists have otherwise, for the adornment of the
learned and accomplished, our Cy^rce^a [Cypris, one of the
names of Venus) arabica {fg. 4. c)\ our musics, Voliita {voluta,
a volute; form) musica (the surface resembling musical scores)
{fig. 4. dd)\ our harps, Voluta harpa (ribs like the strings of the
harp) {fg. 4. e)\ and our Conus (konos, a cone ; form) ammi-
ralis {fig, 4.y) ; while, for the designation of rising merit,
we can offer the cradle-formed Chiton {chiton, a coat of
mail ; loricated appearance) {fig. 4. g), and the Cypr^^a Au-
rora, {fig. 4. h.) For the depiction of the profoundly heavy,
and the heavily profound, (for you know, Mr. Editor, there
are such in the literary world,) we would employ the Chama
{chamo, to gape ; though only one species, the C. gigas, gapes)
gigas {gigas, a giant) {fig. 4. z), the heaviest shell in our pos-
session, its weight being often six or seven hundred pounds !
The plagiarist, or he who erects the fabric of his fame with
scraps stolen from the labours of others, should be indebted
for his garments to the Sabella {sabulum, fine sand or gravel ;
constituent parts of the shell) tribe {fig. 5. a), whose shell, as

a

a, SabeHa. b. Microscopic shells. c c c, Fossil shells.

naturalists inform us, is entirely composed of fragments
formerly belonging to various other kinds. It is to be re-
gretted that the dextrous hermit, Cancer Bernardw5 {St. Ber-
nard, of Menthon, the benevolent founder of the Alpine mo-
nasteries of Great and Little St. Bernard), of whom we are told
by honest Isaac Walton, has no shell of his own, otherwise
it might well aid in the representation of him, who, though
prone and forward to assert, is deficient in argument, and
therefore has recourse to that of others, in order to defend
himself; for, as we are informed by the above-mentioned
author, whenever this curious animal is attacked, he always

Fanciful Ideas for a Museuin of Shells. 27

leaps into another shell, and in that way defends himself.
Minute philosophers, such as those who have spent much
time and pains in teaching mankind how a bee's leg is jointed,
or what species of circulation is carried on in the viscera of
that little animal which inhabits a fly's head, &c. &c., I would
designate by microscopic shells [Jig, 5.b); while my fossil ones
(jftg. 5. ccc) should be laid apart for the adornment of the an-
tiquary and the geologist, to whom we are indebted for them.
Thus much for the learned : but for the would-be-so, who
wish to be mistaken for them, there is the Mya, (mi/o, to com-
press ; form of shell), or gaper {fg, 6. a) ; the Bulla {bulla, a

a, Ufa.

b, Biilla.

c, O'strea obsol^ta.
dd, Voldta afiris Mld<r,
e, Halibtis.
/, S^rpulSB,

bubble; swelled round form), or bubble (fg, 6. b); the Ostrea
{ostrea, an oyster) obsoleta {Jig. 6. cc); the (7strea obscura ;
and though last, not least, the ears of Midas, Voluta auris
MiddP (resemblance of shell to an elongated ear), {fg. 6.d d.)
For the depiction of the spendthrift we have the Haliotis
{hals, the sea, ota, ears; earlike form) tribe {Jig. 6. ^), whose
favourite employment appears to be to make holes in its own
house, and what other is his? The toadeater, the boon
companion, or, to use his more classical denomination, the
parasite, who so often lives upon the generosity or prodigality
of this latter character, could not, I think, be better delineated
than by the Serpulae {serpulla, a serpent ; form) {Jig. 6.f),
who fix themselves and their shells so firmly upon those of
larger and more powerful Testacea {testaceus, having a shell),
that no effort of these latter can shake them off"; so there they
live in peace, plenty, and security, of a duration coeval to their
benefactor. The robes of the testy should be made of the

28 Fanciful Ideas for a Museum of Shells,

shells of the iSpondylus {spondylos, the prickly head of an
artichoke ; form), or thorny oyster (fg. 6. g), which seems to
present a prickle every way; while those of the scallop {fg.
6.h), the muscle {fg» 6. ii), the Solen {solen, sl tube ; resem-
blance, when the shells are closed), or razor-sheath {fg, 6. k),
and the cockle (fg, 6. 1), might very well denote those per-
sons whom one meets with in society every day, and who are
so tremblingly alive to little matters which regard precedence
and respect : for naturalists inform us that the scallop, which
moves on whichever side it likes, by a species of jerk, ought to
be considered as of a higher rank than the muscle, which
moves slowly in a groove ; but that this latter must also take
precedence of the *SV)len and the cockle,the first of which can
only move up and down in a hole, and the last of which, hav-
ing no motion of its own, can only go wheresoever the tide
may waft it. For the glutton we can boast the whole genus
Patella {patella, a little dish; shape of the shell) (^g. 7. a),

7 I ..^^.g

a. Patella." g, Persian crown.

b. B611a amp611a. A, Lituus.

c. Sea Hams. i, Mitra episcopMis.

d. Melon. k, 2Va1itUus.

e e, Olives! /, Argona6ta.

/, Papal Crown. m. Section of the ^a6tilus.

and the Bulla ampulla {ampulla, a bottle) {fg, 7. b) ; besides
sea hams {fg, 7. c), melons {fg. 7. d), olives {fg. 7. e e), &c.
,&c. And it will increase your admiration of our riches in
the world of shells, to find that we have yet in store crowns,
both papal {fg. 7.f) and Persian {fg. I.g) for the ambitious ;
and for church dignitaries the Lituus {fg. 7. h), or crozier,
and the Mitra episcopalis. {fg, 7. ?.) The Nautilus {naus,
a ship ; floats on the surface of the sea) {fg. 7. k) and Argo-
nauta {argonautes, the companions of Jason, in the celebrated
ship Argo, were so called) {fg. 7. 1) have an obvious reference
to heroes of the main ; the former, besides that, should serve
me for another portraiture, virtue nobly struggling with mis-

Fanciful Ideas for a Museum of Shells. -29

fortune. The shell of this interesting creature is, as we are in-
formed, exceedingly thin and fragile, and divided into as many
as forty chambers or compartments {fg. 7. m), through every
one of which a portion of its body passes, connected, as it were,
by a thread. Thus situated, it has many enemies ; and among
others the Zrochus {frochus, a boy's top ; resemblance in some
of the species) {fg. 8. a) who makes war upon it with un-
relenting fury. Pursued by this cruel foe, it ascends to
the top of the water, spreads its little sail to catch the flying
breeze, and rowing with all its might, scuds along, like a gal-
ley in miniature, and, by the exertion of its nautical talents,
endeavours to escape its more cumbrous pursuer. Some-
times, however, all will not do, the Tiochus nears and nears,
and escape appears impossible; but then the little animal,
with inexplicable ingenuity, suddenly and secretly extricates
itself from its tortuous and fragile dwelling, and which, when
the Ti'ochus perceives, he immediately turns to other prey.
The A^autilus then returns to tenant and repair its little bark ;
but it too often happens that before it can regain it, it is by a
species of shipwreck dashed to pieces on the shore. Thus
wretchedly situated, this hero of the testaceous tribe seeks
some obscure corner " where to die," but which, nevertheless,
seldom, if ever, happens, until after he has made extraordi-
nary efforts to establish himself anew.

Some shells, and among them some of the most beautiful,
have an outward covering or veil called an epidermis {fg.
8. abed), and of these would I select largely for the por-
traiture which I should be inclined to give of female excel-
lence ; for this puts me in mind'of the veil of modesty, through
which every charm comes doubled to the beholder's eye.

a, Trbchus.
bed. Veiled shells.^
ef. Cockles.
g. Pinna frdgilis.
h, Carin&ria vitrea.
i, V^nus Chione.
k, A^erita canr^na.
/, L^pas anatifera.

d h g k

Otherwise 1 would borrow largely from the genus Cardium
{kardia, the heart; form). ' {fig. S. ef.) 1 hope my fair
countrywomen will forgive me for finding nothing better for
the occasion than the heart-shaped cockle {fg. S.f); but, in

30 Fancifol Ideas for a Museum of Shells,

truth, I have chosen it on account of its being more heart
than any thing else ; as truly I would rather, of the two, have
them lovable than wise. I hope I shall also be forgiven, if
I mingle with it the Pinna (pinna, a wing or feather ; shape)
fragilis [fig, S.g), to put the world in mind of the unlovable-
ness of an amazon. To come to particulars : for a boddice
I would employ the Carinaria {carina, a keel ; form) vitrea
{^g. S. h), the glassy Nautilus, a most rare and valuable shell,
entirely pure and transparent, and by which I would have
understood that the qualities of the heart are the most
valuable ; and that of these purity and sincerity are among the
foremost. The head I would adorn with the Venus (the
sea-born goddess) islandica {/ig, 8. d), and Venu5 Chion^
(Chione, the daughter of Daedalion, of whom Apollo and
Mercury became enamoured) (j%. 8. 2) which, besides its
uncommon beauty, contains an animal capable of assuming a
variety of forms at pleasure : and is not this a good sha-
dowing of the wisdom of her who can turn her talents to
whatever fate may have rendered the most necessary and
pleasing in her? Enchanted with this the last of my crea-
tions, as a proof of my affection I will add a belt of the
Merita (neros, hollow ; the superior whorls occupying but a
small portion of the internal cavity) canrena ( fig. 8. k), and
take my leave ; not, I fear, before you have in your own mind
likened this shell of my thoughts to the iepas {lepas, a rock ;
adhering to rocks) anatifera (anas, a goose, y^ro, to bear;
feather-like tentacula gave rise to the whimsical supposition
of the barnacle shell being the parent of the barnacle goose)
( fig, 8. /), in which. Sir Robert Moray informs us, he could
always find something of the goose.

I remain, Sir, yours, &c.
Hampstead, March, 1828. Conchilla.

Art. VII. A general Introductory View of the Jussieuean or
Natural System of Plants,

The difficulties connected with the adoption of the natural
system of plants are these, that the characters of many of the
orders are at present imperfectly known, and that they depend
upon a consideration of many points of structure, which are
not to be determined without much labour, and a considerable
degree of practical skill in the use of the microscope and the
dissecting knife. But the facilities which the habit of viewing
all natural bodies with reference to the relations they bear to

Introductory P'ieiv of the Natural System of Plants, S J

other bodies, and not as insulated individuals merely possess-
ing certain peculiarities by which they may be referred to
some station in an artificial system, ultimately gives to the
investigations of the naturalist, are so great, that difficulties of
the nature just alluded to ought not to be suffered to influence
the botanist in determining which line of study he will follow,
whether that pointed out by Linnaeus, or that traced by the
hand of nature. By the artificial system of Linnaeus, in-
deed, no great difficulty exists in determining the number of
stamens or styles possessed by a given plant, or the nature of
their combination, and, from the knowledge so obtained, in
referring them to their class and order in the Linnean system.
But when this step has been gained, what more has been
acquired than the bare knowledge that the plant in question
possesses a certain number of stamens and styles ? No pos-
sible notion can be formed of the relation it bears to other
plants of the same nature, of the qualities it probably pos-
sesses, of the structure of those parts not under examination, —
the fruit, for example : and, finally, if it were wished to convey
an idea of the plant to a stranger, no means of doing so
would be in the possession of the Linnean botanist, except by
stating that the plant belongs to Pentandria Monogynia, for
example ; which is stating nothing. But what would be the
condition of the student of the natural affinities of plants in a
similar case ? It is true he would be obliged to consult more
characters than the two uninfluential ones of Linnaeus : it
would be necessary to ascertain whether his subject is vascular
or cellular; if vascular, whether it is monocotyledonous or
dicotyledonous ; if dicotyledonous, whether the leaves are
opposite or alternate, stipulate or exstipulate, whether the
flowers are monopetalous, polypetalous, or apetalous, the
nature and station of the stamens, the condition of the ova-
rium, and so on. But when he has ascertained thus much,
only let it be remembered for a moment how much he has
gained indirectly as well as directly. Perhaps he has dis-
covered that his plant belongs to i^ubiaceae ; he will then
have learned that all vegetables with opposite entire stipulate
leaves, and a monopetalous superior corolla are also rubia-
ceous ; if a fragment of the leaves and stem only of such a
plant were afterwards submitted to him for examination, he
would recognise its affinities, and remember that it was ru-
biaceous, and, being aware of that fact, he would be able
safely to infer that its calyx and corolla would be of a parti-
cular nature ; that if the roots afforded any colour for dyeing
it would be red ; that the medicinal properties of the bark, if
any, would be tonic, astringent and febrifugal ; and that its

32 hitrodudory View of' the Natural System of Plants.

seeds would be of the same nature as those of coffee ; and,
finally, its geographical position would be tolerably certain to
him. •

The really important obstacle which exists in the way of
acquiring this kind of knowledge is undoubtedly the want of
any introduction to the study of it, accompanied by the distri-
bution and characters of the natural orders into which plants
are divided. It is to be hoped that English readers at least
will not long have to regret this deficiency in their elementary
works. In this place it must suffice to point out the charac-
ters upon which the great divisions depend, under which the
orders themselves are arranged ; and it is to be hoped that
even this small aid will be found to smooth the way, and to
remove some of the obstacles that at present are supposed to
exist at the very threshold of the temple.

Plants, considered with reference to their general structure,
are separated into two grand divisions, called Cellula^res
and Vascula^res.

The Cellulares answer to the Linnean Cryptogamia, and
are also called Acotyledonous ; the Vasculares answer to the
rest of the Linnean system, which is sometimes called Phane-
rogamia and Cotyledonous.

Cellula^res, Cryptogamous, or Acotyledonous plants,
are all, therefore, different terms, denoting the same combina-
tion of vegetables. The first term is here adopted in prefer-
ence to the others, as expressing the most obvious character
upon which the division depends, namely, the cellular, not
vascular, structure of the plants composing it. Cellular plants

9
h

«,• Longitudinal section of a stem.
6,_Transverse section of a stem.
c,"Stem of a moss, with leaves and th^a, or
seed-case,
rf, Leaf of a moss, magnified.

e. Leafy th41Ius of a lichen, with shields.
/, Crustaceousthallusofa lichen, with shields.

f, Fungi of the highest dignity.
i, i^ungi of the lowest rank.
A-, Conferva magnified.

Introductory View of the Natiiml Sptem of Plants. 33

are formed entirely of cellular tissue {Jig. 9.)) without woody
fibre or spiral vessels; or, in more familiar terms, by their
having no veins in their leaves if foliaceous, and not forming
wood ; they are also destitute of perfect flowers. The lower
tribes, such as i^iingi and ^'lga3,°are destitute of leaves, and in
some points approach the animal kingdom so nearly as to be
scarcely distinguishable from it. In the highest tribe, jFllices,
apparent veins are formed in the leaves ; but, as they are imper-
fectly supplied with spiral vessels, they cannot be considered
more than analogous to the veins of other plants. Ferns, how-
ever, hold the intermediate station between Cellulares and
Vasculares, and are chiefly retained among the former, on
account of their perfect accordance in other respects. In
the whole of Acotyledones it is unnecessary to examine the
seed for the purpose of determining whether it has one co-
tyledon, several cotyledons, or none, the structure of the
perfect plant giving the most obvious and satisfactory evi-
dence.

Vascula^res, Phanerogamous, or Cotyledonous plants
are also separated into two great classes, called Endogenes or
Monocotyledones, and Exogenes or Dicotyledones, both
which are distinguished as accurately by their obvious physi-
cal structure as they are by the minute and obscure peculiari-
ties of the seed. They are all formed with cellular tissue,
woody fibre, and spiral vessels {Jig. 10.), and their leaves are
traversed by veins ; the last character is sufficient for practical
purposes, if it is remembered that they also bear perfect
flowers, (that is, flowers furnished either with stamina or pis-
tilla, or both,) which always prevent their being confounded
with the highest tribes of Cellulares.

/, Vertical section of a vascular stem.
m. Woody fibre.
1^ «, Spiral vessel.

Vol. I.— No. 1,

o. Leaf of a dicotyledonous plant,

Py Leaf of a monocotyledonous plant ^

34 Ihtrodtidory View of the Natural Si/stem of PlayitL

Endogenes, or Mo7iocotyledonous plants, are the first remove
from Cellulares, and hold an intermediate rank between them
and Eocogenes or Ditotyledonous plants, in which vegetation ac-
quires its highest form of developement. They were formerly
characterised by having a single cotyledon, but this circum-
stance is not only not absolute, but difficult of determination,
except after minute analysis. The real difference between their
seed and that of Dicotyledones is this, that in Monocotyl^-
dones there is only one cotyledon {fig. H.s), or, if two, that
they are alternate with each other {figA\.t\ while in Dicotyle-
dones they are always opposite, and more than one, sometimes
several, as in Pinus. {Jig. 12. 3/.) The physiological structure
of the two classes is, however, that by which they are fami-
liarly distinguished, and exhibits a beautiful proof of the har-
mony that exists between the great features of vegetation and
their first principle, the seed from which they originate. In
Endogenes or Monocotyledones there is no distinction between
wood and bark {Jig. \\.q)\ in Exogenes or Dicotyledones, the
wood and bark are distinctly separated, {fig. 12. v.) In Mo-
nocotyledones the wood and cellular tissue are mixed together,
without any distinct annual layers of the former being evident;
in Dicotyledones the wood and cellular tissue have each their
particular limits assigned them, a distinct layer of the former
being annually deposited. In Monocotyledones there are no
radiations from the medulla to the bark ; in Dicotyledones
the radiations are distinctly marked. In Monocotyledones
there is generally no articulation between the leaves and the
stem, while in Dicotyledones the leaves are always jointed
with the stem from which they fall off, leaving a scar behind.
In Monocotyledones the veins of the leaf pass in parallel lines

9, Transverse section of a monocotyledonous
stem.

r. Germination of a monocotyledonous seed.

s. Section of ditto, to show the cotyledon
remaining in the testa.

/, Section of a germinating embryo of a grass.

to show the two alternate cotyledons of un-
equal size ; the back and front lobe represent
these, the middle lobe is the plumula

M, Stem and leaves of a monocotyledonous
plant.

Introducioi-y View of the Natural System of Plants, 35

from the base to the apex, in Dicotyledones they diverge from
the midrib towards the margin at various angles ; in the for-
mer they are branchless, the principal veins being con-
nected by nearly simple secondary veins ; in the latter they
are much branched, ramifying in many directions, and giving
the surface of the leaf a netted appearance.

Such are the very obvious distinctions of the two great
classes of Phanerogamous, or flowering plants; and so far
is it from there being any necessity for dissecting a seed in
order to ascertain its structure, that this point is one of the
most easy determination, and about which there cannot be in
one case in five hundred the slightest cause of doubt or diffi-
culty. It is almost impossible to take even a morsel of a
plant in the hand without instantly being in possession of the
knowledge of the structure of its seed, with respect to the
cotyledons.

Thus far have we advanced without a single obstacle to
impede us. In all farther investigation no greater degree of
knowledge or application is requisite, than what ought to be
possessed by every one who would be able to ascertain the
genus of a plant. Many of the orders do not depend upon
the minute characters of the seed so much as is believed ; the
structure of the ovarium and position of the ovula are aids
which frequently make amends for the absence of fruit : and
the nature of the foliage and inflorescence are guides which,
though sometimes treacherous, are often as faithful as the
fructification itself. But as it is not intended to give the
characters of the orders in this place, neither is it necessary
to advance farther in an explanation of the manner of deter-
mining them ; upon that point each order would require a
particular note. It may however be confidently believed that

V, Transverse section of a dicotyledonous'stem. y. An embryo with many cotyledons.

w. An embryo with two cotyledons. ' x. Stem and leaves of a dicotyledonous plant.

X, An embryo with four cotyledons.

D 2

36 Introductory View of the Natural System of Plants.

there are no greater impediments in the road to an acquaint-
ance with the natural relations of plants than those which have
been already removed; and that, although neither the science of
botany, nor any other science, is to be taken by storm, yet the
fortress is sure to be reduced by silent and patient approach.

It only remains to explain briefly the principles upon which
the names of the orders, sub-orders, &c., are formed. It is
usual, in the school of Jussieu, to give to a natural order a
name derived from that of the genus which is understood to be
the type of the order, — as i^anunculaceae from i^anunculus,
i^osaceae from i?6sa, and so on : but several deviations from
this principle were admitted by Jussieu, in favour of cer-
tain groups of plants, long known by other popular names
derived from certain peculiarities ; such as Labiatae, because
their corollas are labiate ; Compositae, because their flowers
are what is commonly called compound ; Guttiferae, on account
of the resinous juice in which they abound; and some others.
It would, perhaps, have been better if uniformity in nomen-
clature had not thus been sacrificed to a dread of innovation ;
but it is now too late to remedy the evil, if such it is ; nor
w^ould the advantage of alteration be at this day equivalent to
the inconvenience. For the purpose of making it at once
apparent w^hether, in speaking of a group of plants, reference
is had to an order or a sub-order, it has of late years been
thought convenient to terminate the name of the natural order
in acecB^ and that of the sub-order in ece : thus, in speaking
of the whole mass of which jRanunculus is the representa-
tive, the word jRanuncul^V^'*^ is used ; but in speaking of the
particular division or sub-order of which i?anunculus forms a
part, the term 72anuncuk<^ is employed. This manner of
speaking is, however, at present very partial in its application ;
and is of little importance, except in a few cases of which
-Kanunculaceae is one of the most striking examples. In those
orders, the titles of which, necessarily from their grammatical
construction, end in ecB^ as Orchideae, it is obviously inappli-
cable, without a total change in a great part of the nomencla-
ture of natural orders, a measure which cannot be too much
deprecated.

It may, perhaps, be expected that these remarks should
conclude w^ith a recommendation of some work, from which
those who are anxious to become fully acquainted with
the principles and distinguishing characters of the natural
system of botany, may derive the necessary information. Un-
fortunately, however, such a work has at present no existence.
M. Decandolle's Theorie Klementaire de la Botanique explains
the principles upon which the orders of plants are constituted,
and M. de Jussieu's Genera Plantarum contains their characters

Forest Trees of Europe^ as Elements of Landscape, 37

as determined in 1 789 : but the latter is now too obsolete to
be very useful to the tyro. In our own language the only
work that can be consulted upon the subject with advantage
is the Flora Scotica of Professor Hooker, in which the charac-
ters of the natural orders of Scottish plants are concisely
indicated by Mr. Lindley.

[The foregoing forms a part of the introduction to our En^
cyclopcedia (f' Plants, Part 11., Natural System. In our next
Number we shall proceed to give a general view of the divi-
sions and subdivisions of vegetables according to this system,
in doing which we shall give figures of all the principal genera,
and more especially of those species which are of most usual
occurrence in Britain, in order to render this superior mode
of studying botany as easily and universally understood as
possible.]

( To be continued.)

Art. VIII. The principal Forest Trees of Europe, considered as
Elements of Landscape. By J. G. Strutt.

There is no defect so common in painted or engraved
landscapes, as the want of distinctive character in the repre-
sentations of trees. With the exception of Constable, Nasmyth,
Robson, Strutt, and a few others, most artists appear to con-
tent themselves with producing variations of a few general and
vague forms of masses of foliage, trunks, branches, and spray :
it seems to be enough for them to produce a tree, without at-
tempting to represent any particular species ; or considering
that to give a true idea of nature, the spectator ought to be able
to distinguish the sort of tree in the picture, with the same
facility with which he distinguishes it in the reality. Why trees
should not be represented with the same truth and fidelity as
animals, buildings, or other objects, there can be no good
reason assigned ; and the only way of accounting for it is, by
the general residence of landscape painters in cities, and the
very little attention paid by most of them to natural history as
a science. Were this study to enter into the education of the
landscape painter, as much as that of general history enters
into that of the historical painter, we should not so frequently
have to regret, in the works of our first artists, not only viola-
tions of truth and nature in the kinds of trees, but in their
situations in regard to soil, surface, water, and other trees or
plants. A little knowledge of botany would prevent artists
from putting spring and autumnal plants in flower or fruit in

D 3

38

Principal Forest Trees of Europe,

the same picture, placing the plants of woods and shady
places in open sunshine, and committing a number of similar
violations of nature. The combined knowledge of indigenous
zoology, geology, and botany, ought to be considered as es-
sential to the landscape painter as it is to the cultivator. It
is one object of our Magazine to direct public attention to this
subject ; and we are happy in having procured the assistance
of Mr. Strutt for the tree department. Every reader, who is
acquainted with the admirable engravings in this gentleman's
Sylva Britannica and Delicice Sj/lvdr-ujn, will know what to
expect from so eminent an artist.

The botanical characters of the trees, which will follow Mr.
Strutt's pictorial descriptions, will be given chiefly for the
sake of beginners in botany ; and to show to artists, self-
practising amateurs, as well as professional men, the detailed
forms of the leaves, flowers, and smaller parts. To insure the
accuracy of these botanical details, they will be looked over by
Mr. George Don, too well known as a scientific botanist to
require any eulogium here. — Cond.

No. I. — The Oak.
It is a beautiful notion of St. Pierre's, and one which has
the advantage of being safe from any positive contradiction,
that the earth, on its first assumption of form and laws, ap-
peared clothed, with respect to the vegetable creation, not only

as Elements of Landscape, 39-

ill the verdure which has been well styled " her universal
robe," but also with trees in every stage of their existence ; an
idea which Milton has also given us jn his exquisite descrip-:
tion of the creation : — . :

1 - « Last ■;

Rose, as in dance, the stately trees, and spread [

Their branches, hung with copious fruit, or gemm'd ^

With blossoms j with high woods the hills were crownM, ^

With tufts the valleys, and each fountain side; ?

With borders long the rivers : that earth now
Seem'd like to Heav*n, a seat where gods might dwell.
Or wander with delight, and love to haunt
', Her sacred shades.'*

. Leaving, however, for the present, the dryads and hama-
dryads of such enchanting precincts to the poets who have so
well embodied their existence, we shall turn our attention to
" the stately trees," and endeavour to ascertain, and to point
out, to such of our readers as may be desirous to acquire some
knowledge of their varieties and character, with reference ta
their appearance and effect in landscape, the most striking,
peculiarities in each species, and the mode best adapted for
their delineation. In the course of this disquisition, we shall
have occasion to present to the young student in painting, a
variety of sketches illustrative of our propositions, given, not
from the recorded treasures of the brain, but from a more
inexhaustible storehouse ; being acquired by diligent study in
the living academies of nature, — the groves and the forests of
our native country. And here it may be well observed, that no
set of rules or examples, drawn from other men's labours, will
be sufficient to form an original landscape painter : we can
only put the proper implements into the hands of the student,
form in him a habit of accurate perception, and introduce
him to the objects best adapted for his pencil : it is for him to
find his own path for the future, and penetrate into the soli-
tudes and the recesses of the forest, where every thing will be
congenial to his pursuit, and where he will not have to com-
plain in the elegant language of Quintilian, — " Quare sil-
varum amcenitas, et prseterlabentia flumina, et inspirantes
ramis arborum aurae, volucrumque cantus et ipsa late circum-
spiciendi libertas, ad se trahunt; ut mihi remittere potius
voluptas ista videatur cogitationem, quam intendere." " Where-
fore the sweet tranquillity of the woods, ' the liquid lapse of
murmuring streams,' the soft whisperings of the summer air
amid the boughs, the melodies of birds, and the unrestrained
freedom that the eye enjoys, all attract the mind to themi-
selves, so that these delights appear to me rather to interrupt
than to promote our meditations."

D 4

40

The Oak Tree^ considered

European trees may, by the painter, be divided into four
classes: the round-topped, as the oak, chestnut, elm, willow,
ash, beech, &c. ; the spiry- topped, as the different species of
the fir tribe ; the shaggy-topped, comprehending those of the
pine ; and the slender-formed, as the Lombardy poplar and
the cypress. In the first of these classes, foremost in dignity
and grandeur, the oak stands pre-eminent, and like the lion
among beasts, is the undoubted lord of the forest. Beauty,
united with strength, characterises all its parts. The leaves,
elegant in their outline, are strongly ribbed, and firmly at-
tached to the spray, which, although slim and excursive, is
yet bold and determined in its angles, whilst the abrupt and
tortuous irregularity of its massive branches, admirably con-
trasts with the general richness and density of its clustered
foliage. Even as a sapling, in its slender gracefulness, it ex-
hibits sufficient firmness and indications of vigour, to predi-
cate the future monarch of the wood ; a state, indeed, which
it is slow to assume, but
which \ireX.2\nsperscecula
longa ; and when, at
length, it is brought to
acknowledge the influ-
ence of time, and becomes
" bald with dry anti-
quity," no other produc-
tion of the forest can be
admitted as its rival in
majestic and venerable decay. The general form of the oak
is expansive, luxuriant, and spreading. Its character, both
with respect to its whole, and to its larger masses of
foliage, is best expressed by the pencil in bold and roundish
lines, whether as single trees (/g. 13.), as groups {Jg. 14.), or
as forming the line of a distant forest {figs. 15, 16.): although

when growing more closely together, they assume a loftier
and less spreading appearance than the more solitary tree,
such as Mason has so beautifully described in his Caractactis, —
" Behold yon oak,

How stern he frowns, and, with his broad brown arms.

Chills the pale plain beneath him."

as an Element of Landscape,

41

The sketches {Jigs, 14, 15, 16.)? to which we have just
alluded, will more distinctly exemplify our position, exhi-
biting, in the distinct distances, the same general appearance
in the contour of the trees.

But whilst, as an entire object, these curved lines are suffi-
cient to express the general peculiarity of its outline, as well
as the larger masses of its foliage, when we come to examine
the oak more closely, and in detail, we find that a greater
variety of line must be adopted to display its singular propor-
tions, so indicative of energy and boldness. The trunk and
limbs {Jig, 17.) are characterised by their amazing strength,

17

and by their comparative shortness and crookedness ; and
the branches by their numerous contortions and abrupt angles,
and by the great variety which they exhibit of straight and of

42 The Oak^ as an Element of Landscape,

crooked lines, and by their frequent tendency to a horizontal
direction : these striking peculiarities are exemplified in the
accompanying sketch. {Jig. 17.)

Not unfrequently, however, the forms of the limbs and
branches are entirely concealed by the exuberancy of foliage,
as is the case in the Bounds- Park oak, and more particularly
in that magnificent living canopy, — nulli penetrabilis astro^ im-
pervious to the day, — (fully described in the Sylva Britannica\
the Chandos oak at Southgate, which, although not exactly a
painter's tree, is unquestionably unrivalled for regular beauty
and plenitude of shade. The oak, also, is occasionally found
to present an extremely graceful and pleasing figure, as is re-
markably the case with the celebrated oak at Lord Cowper's,
of which we subjoin a drawing. {Jig- 18.) This tree, above a
century ago, was well known as the great oak at Panshanger.

There is also a beautiful tree, represented in the first of
these sketches {Jig. 13.), of the same description, at Lord
Darnley's seat at Cobham, which, being protected from the
depredations of cattle, enjoys the most perfect freedom of
growth, extending " its latitude of boughs " in every direction,
and drooping its clustered foliage to the very ground.

{To be continued.)

43

PART 11.

REVIEWS.

Art. I, Some Account of the Work notv publishing by M. Au-
dubon, entitled The Birds of America, By William Swainson,
Esq. F.R.S. F.L.S. &c.

Dear Sir,
I DREW up the enclosed notice of M. Audubon's publication,
with the intention of sending it to you anonymously; but
justice to its author, and a wish of assisting your infant Maga-
zine, has since induced me to become the avowed writer. It^
therefore, you desire it, you are at full liberty to use my name.
This avowal may possibly have some weight with those, who
may be tempted to think that praise has descended into flat-
tery ; and who are not aware that I have long aimed at that
perfection, which M. Audubon has so fully attained.
I am, dear sir,
Your faithful obedient servant,
Tittenhanger-Green, W. Swainson.

April l\, 1828. iP -

In nothing is the inconsistency of mankind more strik-
ing than in their treatment of genius. In every generation
arises one or two spirits, who seem destined to attain a
marked preeminence in what they undertake ; and to contra-
dict the axiom, that knowledge advances by slow and imper-
ceptible steps. Absorbed in the accomplishment of their ob-
ject, or devoted to their particular study, they become blind to
all considerations of a mere worldly nature. The advantages of
interest, the acquirement of wealth, even the comforts of social
life, are by such men despised or set at nought, if opposed
to the ruling passion of their minds. To attain this, they
will struggle against difficulties, apparently insurmountable,
against discouragements innumerable, and against poverty
itself. Yet how do the world receive such spirits ? Let the
page of history answer. In every age, however enlightened,
and in every kingdom, however great, innumerable are the
melancholy examples of its coldness, ingratitude, or apathy.
Historians, philosophers, poets, painters, naturalists — have

4-4 Auduho7i's Birds of America,

shared the same fate ; have been neglected while living, and
have sunk to the grave in obscurity or want. Yet no sooner
are they placed beyond the joys or the sorrows of this world,
than men's minds undergo a sudden change ; they discover
exalted merit in what was before ordinary talent; they lament
over " departed genius," follow its poor remains, perhaps
ostentatiously, to the grave, recite eulogiums on the departed,
and finally erect a splendid monument over his ashes — a me-
morial of unavailing honours to the dead, and of silent re-
proach to the living.

Such has been the usual fate of genius, in every age and
in every country. The observation may be trite; but, like
many other things, we require to have it forced on our recol-
lections. That there are great and striking exceptions, where
genius, during life, has been appreciated and rewarded,
is a gratifying fact. The more so, as it goes far to account
for its frequent neglect, when living. Mankind, in general,
are prone to acknowledge merit when it becomes strikingly
conspicuous : more particularly in matters that are within
the comprehension of the many; or where it concerns the
comforts, amusements, or interests of the whole commu-
nity. The safety-lamp immediately raised its discoverer to
eminence : and the perfecting of the steam-engine secured
wealth and honour to him who achieved it. But where genius
is employed on pursuits of a less popular nature, pursuits
which belong solely to our intellectual gratification, it is less
perceived, for its merits can be known to few. Even among
these, it has not unfrequently to contend against party feeling,
personal envy, or secret jealousy. In matters of taste, the
great bulk of mankind, not having the power to judge for
themselves, rely on the opinion of those few who can point out
what is excellent. They may be often, indeed, misled by such
guides ; but the public, in the end, generally arrive at a just
conclusion. If once their attention is awakened to unques-
tionable merit, they are seldom backward in acknowledging
and rewarding it. To awaken this attention, however, is the
great difficulty. So many are the candidates, and so numerous
are their claims, that, unless a writer has the influence of the
press, or the patronage of the booksellers, he has but little
chance of success. Besides, people in general are so taken up
with their own immediate pursuits, that they can seldom afford
attention to other matters, unless they are actually brought
before them.

I must confess that such has been my case with the work
I am to notice. I never saw it announced in the booksellers'
lists, exhibited in the London print-shops, or lauded in the

Audubon's Birds of America. 452

Literary Gazette i neither did its prospectus swell the bulk
of the Quarterly. A short notice of the first number in,
a scientific journal * excited no particular interest in my:
mind; and, but for other circumstances, it is probable I
should have known as little about it, as the public seem to
do at this moment.

Nevertheless, I had heard enough of the author, to excite
the greatest interest in his history. M. Audubon, if I have
been rightly informed, is a citizen of America, descended from:
French parents. Devotedly attached to the study of nature,
no less than to painting, he seems to have pursued both with
a genius and an ardour, of which, in their united effects, there is
no parallel. His two ornithological narratives, printed in one
of the Scotch journals, are as valuable to the scientific world as
they are delightful to the general reader; they give us a rich'
foretaste of what we may hope and expect from such a man.
There is a freshness and an originality about these essays, which
can only be compared to the animated biographies of Wilson.
Both these men contemplated Nature as she really is, not as
she is represented in books : they sought her in her sanctua-
ries. The shore, the mountain, and the forest were alternately
their study, and there they drank the pure stream of know-
ledge at its fountain-head. The observations of such men are
the corner stones of every attempt to discover the natural
system. Their writings will be consulted when our favourite
theories shall have passed into oblivion. Ardently, therefore,
do I hope, that M. Audubon will alternately become the
historian and the painter of his favourite objects ; that he will
never be made a convert to any system, but instruct and delight
us as a true and unprejudiced biographer of Nature.

I am now to speak of M. Audubon more particularly as a
painter. I shall, therefore, view the work before me as a
specimen of the fine arts, and judge it by those rules which
constitute pictorial criticism. The size of the plates, exceeds
any thing of the kind I have either seen or heard of; they
are no less than 3 ft. 3 in. long, by 2 ft. 2 in. broad ! On this
vast surface every bird is represented in its full dimensions.
Large as is the paper, it is sometimes (as in the male wild
turkey, pi. I.) barely sufficient for the purpose. In other cases
it enables the painter to group his figures, in the most beauti-
ful and varied attitudes, on the trees or plants they frequent.
Some are feeding, others darting, pursuing, or capturing their
prey; all have life and animation. The plants, fruit, and
flowers which enrich the scene, are alone still. These latter,

* Zoological Journal, No. xi. p. 469.

46'

AuduhoiCs Birds of America,

from their critical accuracy, are as valuable to the botanist as
the birds are to the ornithologist. The early plates are exe-
cuted by Lizars, the latter ones by the Havells, in an open,
free style, well adapted for colouring. This latter process is,
in most instances, performed faithfully ; but a little more
attention on the part of the colourer, in copying the exact tint,
would be desirable.

Such is the general character of the work, but it is of a
nature to demand a more particular notice. What I have
said might, in a general way, be repeated of others. This,
as I shall presently show, is perfectly unique, both in its
conception and execution. To explain this, I call the reader's
attention to the following plates, or rather pictures : —

The female Wild Turkey and her Young, (PI. 6.) — The
immense size of the principal figure (which will barely come
within the paper) has obviously fettered the artist in his choice
of attitude. If not graceful, it is nevertheless easy and natural,
while the details are perfectly accurate. But the great merit
of the picture lies in the brood of young ones, collected round
the mother, and variously employed. 8ome are picking the

leaves of plants, others looking about for insects {Jig. 19.),
one is trimming its tail, and all are busy. The grouping of

Audubofi^s Birds of America, 4 7

these little creatures cannot be surpassed ; it would do honour
to the pencil of Rubens. The pencilling is such a perfect copy
of nature, that, although the attitudes are difficult, and per-
haps uncommon, we fancy we have seen them over and over
again. A little one in the fore-ground, immediately under its
mother, is particularly fine : it has laid itself on its side, and
raised one of its wings to catch a small A'carus or harvest bug
not yet lodged within the feathers; the head of this, and of
another pecking at a lady-bird, are admirable specimens of
foreshortening. I wish the plants had been engraved in a
different style from the other subjects, — they are too coarse;
but the etching of the infant progeny does great credit to Mr. ,
Lizars's talents.

Purple Grakles. (PI. 7. upright.) — As a composition this
is my chief favourite. The size of the birds and of the plant
has enabled the painter to group both in large and imposing
masses. The grakles are called, in America, maize-thieves, from
their destroying the Indian corn. Two of these birds are
here represented " in the fact : " one is clinging to an ear of
maize, from which it has extracted its seeds ; the other is
clearing away the outer husk of a fresh ear, having stripped
that on the left of all the best grains. The story is clearly
told ; and the grouping of the parts so judicious, as to pro-
duce a fine effect.

The Bird of Washington, or Great American Sea Eagle.
(PI. 11.) — This noble figure is an upright, and occupies the
full size of the paper. It is standing in repose on a rock,
and nothing is introduced to take off from the simplicity of
the design, or the grandeur of the bird. If the passions
of the brute creation can be traced in their physiology, (and no
doubt they can,) we can discern as much of the mild dignity
of the great American patriot, in this his emblem, as j;9,ii
well be expressed in the head of a bird. j ^^i

Baltiraore Orioles, (PI. 12.) — This is a sweet and h'^r-*
monious group. These gaily coloured birds, of a black and
orange-coloured plumage, have suspended their pensile nest
among the foliage of a tulip tree, whose broad leaves and
delicate flowers form an excellent contrast to the other colours.
The clinging of the female to the side of the nest, is most
happily expressed : it must have been a study from nature.
The upper figure of the male, just putting out his feet to alight,
shows a master's hand. This figure I look upon as the
" rightful lord*' just returned from an absence, during which
his mate has been insulted or persecuted by an intruder :
against him, but still clinging to her nest, is she defending
herself, when her partner comes to the rescue. The figure of

48

Auduhon^s Birds of America,

figure,
the

this intruder (perhaps designedly) is much inferior to the
others.

Great-footed Falcons in the act of devouring Canadian Teal.
(PI. 16.) — A masterly, but by no means a pleasing picture.
It is a scene of slaughter and of butchery. I cannot, however
pass over the
drawing of
the left hand
and
inimita-
ble foreshort-
ening of the
head {fig,
20.) without
praise. The
leg of the
right hand
bird seems to
me faulty, but
I write un-
der correc-
tion, never
having seen a
falcon in this
particular at-
titude. From
this I turn
with pleasure to

Turtle-doves of Carolina. (PI. 17.) — It is quite impossible to
treat this subject with greater truth, or delicacy of conception,
than it has here received. In a thicket of the beautiful Stu-
artm Malacodendron, (whose white blossoms are emblematic,
like the dove, of chasteness and purity,) a pair of turtles have
built their nests. The female is sitting, and — their union
being consummated — she is receiving the caresses of the male.
Above is another pair ; their love is in its infancy. The male,
seated on the same branch with his intended partner, is
eagerly pressing forwards to reach a " stolen kiss," but the
head of the female is coyly turned. Her secret satisfaction
is, however, expressed by the agitation of her wings and tail.
If the artist had never painted any picture but this, it would
secure him the highest meed of praise, so long as truth and
nature continued the same.

Mocking Birds defending their Nest from a Rattlesnake.
(PI. 21.) — The same poetic sentiment and masterly execution
characterises this picture. The formidable reptile has driven

Audubon^ s lairds of America, 49

the female bird from her eggs, which he intends to suck.
Unable to defend them while sitting, she clings to the side ;
and, " with outstretched wings and forward breast," seems
prepared to strike her bill into the very jaws of her enemy.
Her cries have brought two others of her race to the spot :
but these, not feeling a parent's solicitude, " come not boldly "
to the attack. On the courage of the male bird the fate of
the conflict seems to depend. He is close to the serpent,
aiming a deadly stroke at its eye, while his own is lighted up
with a determination and courage, which seem to bespeak
anticipated victory. Every part of the story is told with
exquisite feeling. The artist has thrown his greatest skill in
the figure of the female bird, and it is uncommonly fine.

Purple Martins huildhig their Nest in a Gourd, (PL 22.) —
M. Audubon seems to delight in attitudes which would set
every other ornithological painter at defiance. How inimit-
able is the foreshortening of the upper left hand figure ! the
mouth appears actually open. The female bird, pluming her
wing, shows the ease with which his pencil can master the
greatest difficulties.

Song Sparrows, (PL 25.) — I look on the attitude of the
male, as one of the most difficult that can well be imagined.
It is a complete front view of a bird, with half-expanded
wings, in the act of seizing a spider immediately above its
head. The ease and gracefulness of the pencilling are very
striking.

Carolina Parrots. (PL 26.) — This is a most extraordinary
picture. It represents a flock of these birds, busily engaged
in devouring the seeds of the cuckle-bur. These parrots
must be great favourites with the painter, or he would not
have introduced them so profusely; there are no less than
seven figures placed in the most varied attitudes, and all the
size of life. Although not charged as such, the colouring of
this plate must have cost three times the price of the others.
Yet a painter would not be wholly pleased with it. Not,
indeed, from any defect in the artist, but from the im-
possibility of keeping down the superabundant vividness of
the golden and red heads of these birds. The colours in
nature are so brilliant, that they defy all attempts at harmo-
nising.

The last plate I shall dwell upon is, A Family of Red-
headed Woodpeckers. (PL 27.) This is a peculiarly picturesque
composition. The ground-work is the decayed trunk of a
tree, perforated by insects, in the hollow of which the old
birds have reared their young; one of the latter, hearing
the arrival of the parents from a foraging party, has emerged

Vol. I. — No. 1. e

.50 AiiduhorCs Birds of America,

halfway in the entrance : two others, who seem to have
been on the look-out, are eagerly receiving the produce of
the chase. The female bird has just returned from a dis-
tance with a ripe berry ; the male is on the trunk of the
tree, holding forward, in his bill, a caterpillar, which one of
the young birds is impatient to seize. This happily illus-
trates the frugivorous and insectivorous food of this species, sa
different from those of the typical woodpeckers. The figure of
the male bird will remind the painter of that sideshortening
(to coin a new phrase), so common in the pictures of Paul
Veronese, and which gives such a graceful turn to many of
his best figures.

Many of the excellencies which I have already dwelt
upon, will be found in the less imposing subjects ; but
these need not be enumerated. Nothing in this world can
be perfect ; and, that my judgment may not be deemed par-
tial, I shall touch on two or three, in which I think the
painter has not been equally happy. The lower figure of
PI. 23. has the bill too much inclined upwards for the di-
rection of the head. The form of the bird in PL 30. may
be natural, but is, to me, thick and displeasing. The colour-
ing of PL 15. is harsh and much too vivid ,* and there is a hea-
viness in the figure of PL 24. which is a solitary exception
to my preceding remarks. Were I, however, taxed for
further criticisms, I could not increase the list, while they
are so insignificant in themselves, as scarcely to deserve
notice.

I have heard that M. Audubon resided twenty-five
years in the woods of America, devoted to this one pursuit.
Without any other testimony than the plates before me, I
can well believe the fact. He must have lived with a note-
book in his pocket, and a pencil in his hand. Nothing short
of such a period, and of such enthusiasm, could have
achieved what he has done. The same devotedness to his
darling object seems to have brought him to Europe,
under the hope of accomplishing what no individual fortune
could do, without the support of liberality and wealth ;
namely, the publication of his works. As yet I feel per-
fectly convinced that this is done with a heavy and a serious
loss to himself. Each of the numbers, of which six have
appeared, contain no less than five plates, and are sold at
two guineas, being an average of little more than eight shil-
lings each ! Let this price be compared with the usual
charge for either publications or prints, and it becomes com-
paratively nothing. I can only wonder at the disregard
of the author, for a remuneration even of his own expenses.

Audubon^ s Birds of America. 51

So far, therefore, I consider his work as comparatively, one
of the cheapest that can be purchased.

I have heard it mentioned, as an objection to the size of
the work, that the same object could have been accomplished
by bringing the subjects within the usual dimensions of illus-
trative publications ; or what the French happily call ouvrages
de luxe. This I deny. These plates do not exhibit a uni-
form " rivulet of margin," with a single bird perched upon
the tall leafless trunk of a tree, " signifying nothing," and
merely put in to fill the paper. Here every object speaks,
either to the senses or to the imagination. The examples
I have quoted, show that histories are to be narrated, and
peculiarities are to be explained. To trace such things, the
painter must have " ample room and verge enough." It is
this which elevates the character of his paintings, from mere
matter of fact portraits, to historical representations. We feel,
in short, that it is M. Audubon alone who can produce
a work, which, without such advantages as he possesses, not
all the united talents now in existence could supply.

It will depend on the powerful and the wealthy, whether
Britain shall have the honour of fostering such a magnificent
undertaking. It will be a lasting monument, not only to
the memory of its author, but to those who employ their
wealth in patronising genius, and in supporting the national
credit. If any publication deserves such a distinction, it
is surely this ; in as much as it exhibits a perfection in
the higher attributes of zoological painting, never before
attempted. To represent the passions and the feelings of
birds, might, until now, have been well deemed chimerical.
Rarely, indeed, do we see their outward forms represented
with any thing like nature. In my estimation, not more
than three painters ever lived who could draw a bird. Of
these the lamented Barrabaud, of whom France may be
justly proud, was the chief. He has long passed away ; but
his mantle has, at length, been recovered in the forests of
America.

On casting my eyes over the list of subscribers, it is
with gratified feelings that I see His Most Gracious Ma-
jesty at the head. From the fine and original taste which
our king seems intuitively to possess, I question whether
any of his subjects are better qualified to appreciate the
merits of M. Audubon. The number of nobility who have
followed the example of their sovereign, as yet, are few.
To the honour of the public bodies and libraries of Edin-
burgh, and of our own Universities, they all appear to have
stepped forward as subscribers ; waving their undoubted

E 2

52 Catalogue of Wor^ks on Natural History.

right (hard as that right is,) to the possession of free copies.
It is singular that nearly the whole of the remaining sub-
scribers are provincial, principally from Yorkshire, Liverpool,
and Manchester. This, however, may be accounted for, by
M. Audubon having visited these parts of England. I
conclude that in London his name and his wprks have not
yet come into notice ; that they assuredly will, ere long, I
have no doubt. There is superabundant wealth, (and the
liberality to use it too,) in the metropolis alone, sufficient
to insure the continuation of ten such works, could they be
found.

I have no personal acquaintance with M. Audubon. I
never even saw him. The copy of his work, which furnished
these remarks, has been lent to me. These are vouchers
for my sincerity and disinterestedness. But I can appre-
ciate genius ; and I shall ever employ my poor abilities to
make it known. My praise shall be well directed, and I
shall then feel assured it will ultimately have weight.

W. S.

Art. II. Catalogue of Works on Natural History, latelt/ published,
tviih some Notice of those considered the most interesting to British
Naturalists.

Britain.

Wilson, William fEsq.F.R.S.E., Member of the Wernerian Natural History
Society : Illustrations of Zoology; being Representations of new, rare,
or otherwise remarkable subjects of the Animal Kingdom, drawn and
coloured after Nature : with descriptive Letter-press. Blackwood, Edin-
burgh. Cadell, London. Atlas 4to. Nos. I. II. III. and IV. 16*. each.

The object of this magnificent work is to convey coloured represent-
ations (whenever possible, of the size of life,) of whatever animals are the
most signalised by nature for their scarcity or beauty, or for any extra-
ordinary peculiarities in their form, structure, instinctive habits, particular
dispositions, or general economy of life. The plates are accompanied by
detailed statements of the generic and specific characters of the animals
delineated ; and the representation of every separate order, or extensive
natural group of the animal kingdom, is preceded by a short introductory
essay, in which the general characters of that division are very delightfully
explained. This we conceive to be a principal, and very important
feature in Mr. Wilson's work, that every species is made to represent and
illustrate the history of many others ; and thus, in a condensed space, a
student, while following out the history of a single species, may acquire an
accurate knowledge of the essential relations of an extensive generic group.

Most of our author's materials appear to be drawn from the Edinburgh
Museum, a most richly stored zoological collection, of the origin, pro-
gress, and present condition of which, we hope, ere long, to provide our
readers with a compendious history. The work now under review is in-
tended mainly to illustrate the novelties of that museum j but, at the same
time, the author's pages are open to efficient communications from all
other quarters. Indeed his principal object seems to be to relieve the

Fresh'*(scater Fishes oj Great Britain, 53

science of natural history from the extreme aridity of its accustomed
details ; and, by combining the precision of a scientific treatise with the
more excursive and agreeable character of a popular miscellany, to entice
towards the study those who, not being especially called to it by an in-
stinctive and irresistible tendency, are apt to be dismayed by the barren
technicalities of science, falsely so called.

Mr. Wilson's work, though expensive, is not high-priced : by which we
mean to say, that although the costly nature of the materials employed,
renders the publisher's remunerating price considerable, we yet think the
charge (16^. per number) very moderate. The form is that of atlas
quarto ; and every number contains four plates, each representing one or
more subjects, according to their size ; and is accompanied, as we have
said, by corresponding letter-press, splendidly printed by Neill, in which
the natural history of the animals delineated is amply detailed. The num-
bers appear at indefinite periods of three or four months, and well merit
the patronage of those to whom splendid, and at the same time instructive
books, form the finishing furniture of the drawing-room. In subsequent
notices we shall present our readers with some characteristic examples of
the author's style, and mode of treating his subjects. In the meantime, as
the author of these Illustrations of Zoology is wai'mly impressed with a
desire to extend the province of the science, and as we ourselves are now
venturing to follow in a similar course, with the same object in view, we
most heai'tily wish him success.

Bowdich, Mrs. T. Edward^ widow of the late celebrated African traveller ;
" a lady of the most amiable disposition and elegant manners, and of
great and various acquirements : The Fresh-water Fishes of Great Bri-
tain. In imperial 4to Numbers. No, I. Ackermann.
This is a production of no common merit ; and we are the more
anxious so to announce it, because, from its nature, it can fall into compa-
ratively few hands, and will be seen much less than it deserves. Mrs.
Bowdich, the widow of a gentleman whose narrative of the mission to
Ashantee has obtained considerable celebrity, has here exhibited remark-
able talent in pourtraying the fishes of our rivers and lakes. When it is
mentioned that every illustration contained in each copy is separately
drawn and painted by this lady, without the aid of the engraver, it will be
perceived that she has undertaken a task of no slight magnitude. As
the supply of a work, conducted upon such a plan, must necessarily be
limited, we understand it is not contemplated to extend it beyond fifty
copies, and even to proceed to that extent will call^ into exercise an
unusual degree of perseverance.

In the classification Mrs. Bowdich has been assisted by Baron Cuvier,
whose system she has adopted, and who has furnished her with the
nomenclature he intends to employ in his forthcoming great work on
Ichthyology.

The first and only number yet published, contains drawings of the trout,
carp, roach, and bleak. The regular series of the families has been inten-
tionally interrupted in the illustrations, for the sake of variety in each
number ; those least interesting to the eye being mingled with their more
beautiful companions. As specimens of art we can only speak of these
drawings, in common, we believe, with all who have viewed them, in terms
of admiration. Each painting has been made from the living fish, imme-
diately after it came from the water it inhabited, so that no tint has been
lost or deadened, either by changing the quality of that element, or by ex-
posure to the atmosphere. The artist has judiciously selected her subjects,
not from extraordinary or large specimens, but from those of a common
magnitude, and has chiefly directed her attention to convey the correct
shapes of the fishes, and to exhibit the brilliancy of theh- colours with

E 3

54

British EiUomology.

fidelity. They are, therefore, what they profess to be, strictly portraits!
and, as such, are most acceptable to the naturalist.

Curtis, John, Esq. F.L.S. : British Entomology; being Illustrations and
Descriptions of the Genera of Insects found in Great Britain and Ire-
land; containing coloured Figures from Nature of the most rare and
beautiful Species, and in many instances of the Plants upon which they
are found. London. 8vo. Monthly Numbers, 4s. 6U. ; vols. 1/. 1 7s. 6d. each.

This work was commenced in 1824, and the numbers already published
exceed four volumes. Though the author limits himself to the illustration
of genera, yet, by giving a synoptic view of the species of each genus, his
work is rendered exceedingly complete, and highly instructive to begin-
ners. The figures, both of the insects and plants, are beautifully executed,
and in each plate are dissections of the smaller parts, more or less mag-
nified, as the case may require. The natural order of each genus is given,
with various synonyms, and references both to published works and exist-
ing cabinets ; the descriptions are in English. The scientific and English
names of the plants are also given, and, as the same plant is never re-
peated, the student may gain from this work a knowledge at once of
insects and plants. As we shall very frequently have recourse to the past
Tolumes in the course of our labours, we shall only stop at present to notice
the number which has just appeared.

No. LIJ, for April, contains

207 to 210. — Colymbetes {kolymbeles, a swimmer; habit) conso-

brinus (cousin-german ; relation to other species); Coleoptera Dy ticida.

An inhabitant of lakes, ponds, brooks, and

rivers, and found throughout the year, but

most abundantly from the end of April to

July. There are thirty-three British species.

The plant on which this figure is shown is the

Utriculkria vulgaris, Common Utricularia,

Bladder Snout, or Hooded Milfoil; Dian.

Monog. and Lenticulariae. — Coccinella (dim.

of kokkos, a berry; resemblance) ocellata

{ocellus, a little eye). Little-eyed Lady-bird,

Cole6ptera Coccinellidae. A family of in-
sects which attack and live on the aphides,

and keep them within the limits prescribed

by Providence. The plant is Astragalus gly-

cyphyllos, Liquorice-leaved Astragalus, or

Wild Liquorice ; Diadelphia Decandria, and

Leguminosae Papilionaceae Astragaleae. — Amphisa
Walkerawo, Walker's Amphisa {Jig. 21.) Lepidop-
tera Tortricidae. A very rare moth, of which only
two individuals have been taken and sent to the
author. The plant is Cerdstium latifolium, Broad-
leaved Mouse-ear Chickweed; Decandria Pentag.,
and C^ryophylleae. — Anapheles {a intens. apheles,
slender; form) bifurcatus. Twice-forked Anapheles
{fg. 22.); DIptera Culicid^. This insect occurs
about London, and has the appearance of the
gnat in its flight and manner of life, but does not
sting. The plant is Jgaricus plicatilis. Plicate
Mushroom. Cryptogamia F(xng\ L., and Hyme-
nomycetes Hymenini Pileati Fries, "(The cross
lines indicate the natural size with the wings ex-
panded;)

Illustrations of British Entomology.

55

SieplienSy James Francis^ F.L.S. &c. : Illustrations of British Entomology;
or, a Synopsis of Indigenous Insects ; containing their Generic and
Specific Distinctions, with an Account of their Metamorphoses, Times
of Appearance, Localities, Food, and Economy, as far as practicable.
Embellished with coloured Figures of the rarer and most interesting
Species. London. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 3s. 6d. Nos. I. to XII.
This work was commenced in 1827, and twelve numbers are published.
The object of the author is " concisely to describe, in systematic order, and
with reference to their natural affinities, such species of insects as have
hitherto been discovered to inhabit the United Islands of Great Britain and
Ireland. To these descriptions — which I trust will be sufficiently explicit
to enable the entomologist clearly £lnd satisfactorily to identify any of the
insects he possesses, or may hereafter obtain — will be appended such facts,
relative to the economy or locality of the respective species, as have either
been communicated by others o.r observed by myself, accompanied with
occasional entomological remarks. The average lengths, or the usual ex-
pansions, of the several species, are also introduced at the end of the specific
characters; and for the purpose of enabling the student readily to obtain,
at one view, a knowledge of the contents of any order or inferior section,
their more obvious characters are laid down, in a tabular form, at the head
of each superior group. Their peculiar distinctions are afterwards detailed
in EngHsh, drawn out, as far as possible, from external differences ; and,
unless mentioned to the contrary, the descriptions, &«., are made from, and
collated with, specimens in my own collection."

The author seems to have fulfilled his intentions, and we only regret
that he and Mr. Curtis have not accented the systematic names, given their
derivations, and also the literal English of the spe-
cific names, as we have elsewhere recommended.
We have only room at present to state, that

No. XI I. for April contains^ of Coleoptera, Platyderus
{platys broad dere^ a neck) ruficollis; Coleoptera
Harpalidas. Not uncommon in the neighbourhood of
London. — Argutor {argutor, to make a shrill noise).
Eleven species, of which the most uncommon is the A.
vernalis, \ery abundant near London, inhabiting every
gravel-pit and stony lane. — Pogomus ( joogow, a beard).
Thirty species, all of which inhabit the sea-side. P.
chalceus (^g. 25.) is found both on the eastern coasts,
and also on the shores of the Thames and Med way.
— Pae'cilus (poikilos, spotted). Five species. Of P. vir-
gaureae (Jig. 24.), the male (ab) has the wings above
of a beautifully resplendent fiery copper colour, the anterior immaculate
^vith a black border; the wings of the female (c) are beautifully spotted.

56 Genera of recent and fossil Shells.

It is said to inhabit the marshes in the isle of Ely and Huntingdon-
shire, and to be found on the flowers of the golden rod at the end of
August. Polyommatus (/;o/j/*, many, owwna, eye). Six species, none of which
are very common.

Sowerbi/y George Brettingham, F.L.S. Collector of objects of Natural His-
tory, and general Agent and Salesman in articles of this description, re-
siding at No. 156. Regent Street, London : The Genera of recent and
fossil Shells, for the use of Students in Conchology and Geology. With
original Plates, drawn and engraved by J. D. C. Sowerby, F. L. S. Lon-
don. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 45. plain ; 6s. highly finished in colours.
Of this very beautiful work thirty numbers have appeared. The nomen-
clature followed is generally that of Lamarck ; but some alterations have
been made in the species, and some new genera formed by the author.
The species are not arranged according to any system ; but, each plate
having a distinct page of letter-press, the whole may be methodised, when
completed, at the pleasure of the purchaser, or according to the system
which may be thought best at the time. In short, by this plan of pub-
lishing, which is also that of the botanical periodicals, the plates may
undergo, in the course of their duration, as many modifications of arrange-
ment, as the shells themselves in a cabinet. One great advantage of it is,
that it never compels the author to figure from a bad specimen, in order
to go on regularly with his system ; neither is he likely to be so hurried as
he otherwise would be, in order to produce the work regularly ; and the
consequence is, that the execution of the plates in this work, is of the very
first order of merit.

No. XXX. for April, contaim

Fasciolaria {fasciola, a winding band j small folds near the base of the

columella, or neck,) aurantiaca. Triton (the sea god ; beauty of the shell).

Six species from the West Indies and islands of the South Seas. Ji^urex

{murcx, the point of a rock ; resemblance). Three very singular species :

M. haustellum, so named on account of its remarkably elongated canal ;
M. cervicornu, alluding to the stag's-horn-likc protuberances with which
it is covered; M. phyllopteris, from its leaf-like appendages; M. tenui-
spin6sus(^g. 25.), from its slender spines; ilf. scorpio (^g. 26.) from the
scorpion-like apices of its fronds ; and M. melanamathos, from its black
fronds. " The species of the genus Murex are numerous, and many of
them are very beautiful and singular. The long-pointed and regularly

British Warblers. 57

arranged spines on ilf urex tenuispinosus Sam. (commonly called Venus's

comb) render it an extremely

interesting and delicate object.

M. Scorpio is remarkable for the

dilated apices of its fronds ; M.

radix, for its [fine black short

spines ; M. regius, for its bril-
liant crimson-coloured aperture;

M. cervicornu, for the forked

points of its larger fronds ; M,

palma-rosa, for the delicately

tinted tips of its finely toothed

fronds ; and M. haust^llum, for

its uncommonly lengthened ca-
nal. These are mostly tropical

species ; but the genus is found in all countries : it is marine, and is'na-

turally furnished with an epidermis, though this is commonly cleaned off'

before these shells come into the market.

" Of fossil species of ikfurex there are also many, generally ^belonging
to the tertiary beds.

" There is a circumstance of unusual interest to be observed in the
manner in which the animal increases the size of its shell, and which shows
most admirably the regularity and beauty of the laws of nature, and directs
the mind to the contemplation^of the wisdom and power of the Creator,
who alone could teach these little animals how to construct a habitation
so perfectly adapted to their circumstances and situation. It will be ob-
served, that each periodical increase of these shells, consists of a piece
which surrounds about a third part, or less, of the lower portion of the
last volution already formed, which portion is always terminated by a varix,
which is more or less muricated and even spinose j it is obvious that these
murications or spines must be in the way of the future increase of the
shells, unless they could be removed from that part which it is intended to
cover ; the animal, therefore, is furnished with the means, probably by a
solvent liquor, of eating away the lower part of these spines, so that they
become detached, and fall off^ by the time that he is ready to form his new
inner lip upon the space which they occupy, thus forming a comparatively
smooth and even surface, on which it is to spread the testaceous matter,
of which the addition to his building is composed."

Clausilia (clausus, closed ; from a little elastic shelly bone, whose func-
tion appears to be to close up the aperture when the animal has with-
drawn itself within the shell) ; three species. " This genus, which is
terrestrial, consists wholly of small shells, the largest species we know
scarcely exceeding an inch in length. Several of the species are common
in this country ; in the southern parts of Europe, particularly the islands
of the Mediterranean, they appear to abound to profusion."

Sweety Robert, F. L. S., Author of various Botanical Periodicals, &c. : The
British Warblers. Being an Account of the Genus Sylvia, illustrated by
beautifully coloured Figures, taken from living specimens in the Author's
Collection. The Drawings by E. D. Smith. London. 8vo. Nos. I. to III.
This little work is so far valuable, as it makes us intimately acquainted
with a genus of songsters which, however much admired in our groves and
thickets during the midsummer months, yet, from their retired habits during
their annual visit, are not readily distinguished, and never before have been
so familiarly described. Mr. Sweet has already described the Sylvia rube-
tra, the furze-chat ; S. Phcenicurus, the redstart ; S. Luscinia, the nightin-
gale ; S. hortensis, the greater pettichaps ; S. cinerea, the larger white-
throat; S. Trochilus, the yellow willow-wren; S. hippolais, the lesser
pettichaps; S. sylviella, the lesser white-throat ; S. atricapilla, the black-cap ;

58 Botanical Periodicals,

S. sylvlcola, the wood-wren ; and the S. provincialis, the Dartford warbler ;
all of which he has figured. To these will be added, in continuation, Syl-
via locust^lla, the grasshopper-warbler ; S. phragmites, the sedge-warbler;
S. arundinacea, the reed-wren ; S. CEnanthe, the wheat-ear j and the Sylvia
rubicola, the stone-chat.

Besides scientific descriptions, Mr. Sweet has added interesting particu-
lars of their nature, powers of song, and directions for catching and keeping
them* in health all the year round.

Botanical Periodicals,

1. Curtis^ s Botanical Magazine y or Flower-Garden disjdayed ; New Se-
ries. Edited by Dr. Hooker. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 3s. 6d. col. ;
3s. plain. No. XVI.

2. Edwards's Botanical Register, Continued by John Lindley, F.R.S.
L.S. &c. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 4*. coloured. No. II.

5, Botanical Cabinet. By Messrs. Loddiges. In 4to and 8vo Parts,
monthly. Large paper, 5s. ; small paper, and partially coloured, 2s. 6d.

4. The Botanic Garden. By B. Maund. In small 4to Numbers, monthly.
Large paper, is. 6d. ; small paper, Is, No. XL.

5. The British Flower- Garden. By Robert Sweet, F.L.S. In sto
Numbers, monthly. 3*. No. LXII.

6. Flora Anstraldsica. By Robert Sweet, F.L.S. &c. In Svo Num-
bers, monthly. 3s, coloured ; 2s. plain. No. XL ;

7. Geraniacece. By Robert Sweet, F.L.S. &c. In Svo Numbers,
monthly. 5s. No. C.

8. Cistinece. By Robert Sweet, F.L.S. &c. In 8vo Numbers, every
alternate Month. 3s.

9. The Florist's Guide and Cultivator's Directory, Sec. By Robert Sweet,
F.L.S. &c. In Svo Numbers, monthly. 3s. coloured ; 2s. plain. No. X.

10. Medical Botany, &c. By John Stevenson, M.D., and James Morss
Churchill, Esq. Surgeon. In Svo Numbers, monthly, 3s. 6d. No. XVI.

These works are analysed monthly in detail in the Gardener's Magazine,
on account of the remarks on their culture, which would be of no use in a
work like the present. We shall here, therefore, confine ourselves to
enumerating and occasionally figuring those species which have been newly
introduced to our gardens or herbariums, or such as are still rare, or in
some way or other calculated to be interesting or remarkable to the
naturalist. At no period has this country stood any thing like so high, in
botanical periodicals, as at present ; and at no former period were so many
new plants yearly introduced to the country. Mr. Barclay, of Bury Hill,
has, for a number of years past, annually received the seeds of many new
species, from his correspondents in South America and India, which are
figured as they come into flower, in different works ; but especially in those
of Mr. Sweet. Mr. William Baxter, the collector of Mr. Henchman, sent
to the Clapton nursery, a few years ago, one of the richest collections,
from New Holland, that have been brought from that country since the time
of Mr. Brown's visit ; and these are figured, described, and named, as they
come into flower, by Mr. Sweet, in his Flo7'a Anstraldsica. Mr. Douglas
has sent home, to the Horticultural Society, more new and beautiful hardy
herbaceous plants, from North America, than were ever before introduced
by an individual from any country. These are beautifully figured in the
Botanical Register, and are the more valuable as being fit for the open
garden in every part of the island. A number of other collectors and
patrons might be named ; and periiaps the king's garden at Kew should not
be omitted, though it is to be regretted that there should be such a want
of community of feeling between the heads of that establishment and the
other British patrons of botany. A numbier of collectors have been sent,
at the king's expense, to different parts of the world ; and many new plants
have been introduced and flowered at Kew. Few of these, however, have

Botanical Periodicals,

59

been figured in any of our periodicals ; and not a few of them, it is generally
alleged, have been lost to science, and to the country, after being introduced,
from having neither been perpetuated by the press, nor by dissemination
among botanical cultivators. Of late, however, since the editorship of
Curtis's Botanical Magazine was committed to Dr. Hooker, some plants
have been figured in it from Kew ; and we should be most happy to see
their number increased. A different policy from that liberality of sentiment
and action, which may now be said to pervade almost every private and
public establishment or institution of this country, is sure to carry with
it its own reward. The names of various other individuals, patrons, and
collectors, who have rendered essential service to botany, will occur in the
course of our future botanical notices.

Curtis's Botanical Magazine, and the Botanical Register, have both ma-
terially improved within the last year. The Botanical Register, from con-
taining most or all of the new plants introduced by the Horticultural
Society, from the great care with which its plates are executed, and the
judicious remarks on culture and general habit, by Mr. Lindley, is, in con-
sequence, the superior publication. We should like to see both of them
further improved by their editors' giving the accentuations, derivations, in-
dications, and literal English names, in the manner which we have done in
the Gardener's Magazine, and in the present work. If we were the public
we should insist on this being donej and we rather wonder that Mr,
Lindley, whom we know to be infinitely superior to the mean feeling of
taking offence at our hints, has not, before this time, adopted these im-
provements.

The most curious plant in the
Botanical Magazine is the i4Vum
campanulatum (j^g. 27.), which
is cultivated in the East Indies,
as the yam is in the West, for its
root. The rarest plant figured
is the Bignonja Colhi, elsewhere
noticed, (p. 67.) The common
annual globe amaranth has
found a place here, as some
camellias and picotee carna-
tions did in former numbers,
which we cannot help regret-
ting, as unsuitable to a botan-
ical publication of the first rank. '

The Botanical Register, besides some beautiful new plants by Mr.

Douglas, from the N.W. coast of
North America, contains theZ)iospyrus
Mdbola {fig. 28.), a shrub or small tree
from the Philippine Islands, producing
a hard, compact, excessively black kind
of ebony ; and a fruit, something like
a large quince, described as covered
with a bright brown coat, which encloses
a pink or rose-coloured flesh. Its
flavour is said to be agreeable, and its
qualities wholesome. There are 'only
two plants in England; one at Kew,
and the other in the Horticultural
Society's garden at Chiswick. The
figure in the Register from which
ours is copied, is of the quarto size,
from a drawing by Mr. Lindley.

60

Botanical Periodicals,

One of Mr. Douglas's new plants is Oenothera
pallida, a handsome creeping-rooted hardy-
perennial, well calculated for coming into
universal culture. A good idea of the plant may
be formed from a figure of QS^nothera speciosa.
{Jig. 29.)

Loddiges's Botanical Cabinet, contains ten
figures, one or two of which are new plants, and
some of the others curious old ones. Stapelia
stellaris (Jig. 30.)[ is
rather a scarce spe-
cies of a family very
numerous in the de-
serts between the
ridges of mountains
above the Cape of

Good Hope, and which, with other suc-
culent plants, are, by their fleshy struc-
ture and having scarcely any pores in their
cuticle, enabled to retain water sufficient to
enable them to survive the long periods of
drought which prevail in those regions. The
plants of this genus are, to the eye of a com-
mon observer, without leaves, these being sub-
stituted by scale-like protuberances on the
branches. The flowers may be considered as
large in proportion to the size of the plant, the latter being seldom
above a foot high. They have a singular character of richness in colour
and succulency of texture, and smell strongly of sulphurated hydrogen or
carrion. Only two species of this genus were known to Linnaeus in 1762.
In our Hortus Britannicus 200 species are enumerated as cultivated in Bri-
tain, or having been intro- \^^ ff ^ 31 ^
duced into it. — JE'uph6rbia '''^
caput Medus(2f. {Jig.3\. a).
This plant also is a native of
Africa, and belongs to a fa-
mily of which there are up-
wards of 100 species. It is
called Medusa's head from
the circumstance of the prin-
cipal shoots or branches pro-
ducing from their extremities
numerous small branches all
round a sort of head which
is formed there. These small
branches (6), in conformity
with the general tendency
of the mind to compare ideas, and the taste of the early part of the
eighteenth century, when the plant was discovered, for allusions to
classical antiquity, were supposed to bear a resemblance to the snakes,
instead of locks of hair, with which the head of the Gorgon Medusa
was invested by the Greek mythology. All the species of ^uphorbea
abound in a milky fluid, which is exceedingly acrid, and will raise blisters
on the skin. That of an annual British species, E. /iclioscopia, or
Sun Spurge, is used by country people to destroy warts ; that of E. caput
Medusa?, now before us, is said, when thickened, to make a very good
birdlunc.

Botanical Periodicals, — Zoological Society.

61

Flora Australdsica contains some fine plants,
never before figured : among others, Hakea linea-
ris (Jig. 52.) ; Proteacecv. A handsome, bushy,
evergreen shrub, sent fi'om the south coast of
New Holland, by Mr. W. Baxter, C.M.H.S.,
the collector of
Francis Henchman,
Esq. F.L.S. H.S., to
Mr. Mackay, F.L.S.
H.S., of the Clap-
ton nursery. Sphe-
notoma (sphend, to
connect together,
toma, a slice or
section; joined fila-
ments of the stamens) gracilis, Epacridese ;
and PomaderrisJ {pbma, a lid or cover, derris,
a membrane; lid of the capsule) discolor
{fig.35.), are also new plants in this very
judiciously contrived and well conducted pe-
riodical.

Sweefs British Flower-Garden contains some very ornamental plants,
and Papaver alpinum {fig. 34.), a beautiful little alpine, with white petals,
from that very interesting old botanic garden at Chelsea, which formerly
was under the care of the celebrated Miller,
and is now directed by Mr. Anderson, a most
curious ■ naturalist : Geraniacece displays some
beautifully coloured plates of showy Pelargo-
niums : and that most economical and supe-
riorly executed work, Maund's Botanic Garden^
contains PotentlUa formosa, a truly beautiful
and desirable plant ; and the Virginian tobacco,
which forms a hand-
some flower as well as,
snufF and segars. The ;
Medical Botany ofi
Messrs. Stephenson and ^^
Churchill, is a well
executed work, particu-
larly as respects the

colouring of the plates ; besides some common
British plants, the present number contains
Cephaelis {kephale, a head ; flowers in heads)
ipecacudnha {ipe, an aboriginal word in Peru for
root, caciian, an aboriginal distinction for that
root), Ipecacuan (fig. 35.), a perennial herba-
ceous plant, found in moist woods near Rio
Janeiro, and in other provinces of Brazil ; but
hitherto rare in English hot-houses. It is imported in large quantities
by the druggists, and forms the well known and generally employed emetic.

Vigors, N. A., Esq. A.M. F.R. S. L. S. and G. S. Secretary of the Zoolo-
gical Society, Editor, with the cooperation of several other distinguished
naturalists : The Zoological Journal. No. XL, September to December
1827. 8vo, 4 plates. lOs. coloured; 7s. 6d. plain.

We intend taking an early opportunity of reviewing this work from its
commencement. The present number contains fifteen articles by distin-

Oil Tra7isactions of the Linncan Society^ 4^c.

guished zoologists, and twenty-four analytical notices of books. The plates
represent three rare species offish : the Polybrachione (polj/s, many, brachidn,
arm), a singular marine animal, discovered on the shores of the Caribean
sea, by the Rev. Lansdown Guilding ; a fossil javi^ in a fragment of slate; and
the J^elis planiceps, a new species of cat from Sumatra.

Woods, Henry, Esq. Honorary Secretary of the Literary and Scientific In-
stitution of Bath : An Introductory Lecture on the Study of Zoology,
delivered there. Bath. 8vo, pp. 92.

Jennings, J. : Ornithologia ; or. The Birds. A poem. London. 12mo.

The notes are said to be well compiled, and to convey much valuable
information.

Jardine, Sir William, Bart. F. R. S. &c. and P. J. Selhy, Esq. F. L. S. &c. :
Illustrations of Ornithology. Parts I. and II. London. Royal 4to,
Plates.

Selhy, P. J", Esq. F. L. S. &c. : Illustrations of British Ornithology. Water
Birds. London. Folio. Nos. II. and III.

Flora Medica ; containing Botanical Descriptions, Medical Properties and
Uses, Chemical Analyses, Preparations, &c., of the Medicinal Plants com-

frised in the Pharmacopoeias of the Three British Colleges : also, an
ntroduction to General Botany ; a copious List of Botanical Terms and
Definitions; Lists of Indigenous and Poisonous Plants, &c. London.
In monthly Numbers, 8vo, each with Six coloured Plates. 25. Qd.
Nos. I. to VI. are published.

Thompson, J. V., Esq. F. L. S., Surgeon to the Forces : Memoir on the
Pentacrinus {pente, five, crinis, hair; hair-like protuberances) europae^us,
a recent species of Star-fish, discovered in the Cove of Cork, July 1 .
1823. 4tO, 2 pis. 2s. 6d.

Ker, John Bellenden, Esq., an eminent British Botanist, author of many
articles in the Botanical Magazine and Botanical Register : /ridearum
Genera cum ordinis charactere naturali, specierum enumeratione syno-
nymisque. Brussels. 8vo, pp. 158.

Mr. Ker had arranged, in the Botanical Register and some other perio-
dicals, various genera of this very natural family. He has here brought
together the whole of his labours, and arranged /rideae under thirty genera.

Martin, J. P. : A Geological Memoir of a Part of Western Sussex ; with
some Observations upon Chalk Basins, the Weald Denudation, and
Outlines of Protrusion. London. 4to, bds., 1 Map and 5 sectional
Plates. 1/.

Stark, John, F. R. S. E. and M.W.S. : Elements of Natural History, adapted
to the present state of the Sciences. Edinburgh. 8vo, vol. 1.
This work is intended not only to explain all the terms in use in the dif-
ferent departments of natural history, but to give the generic characters of
the whole animal kingdom, and descriptions of the principal species.

The Transactions of the Linnean Society of London, Vol. XV. Part II.

London. 4to, 18 Plates. 2/.
Smith, Sir James Edward, M. D. F. R. S. &c. President of the Linnean
Society : The English Flora. Vol. IV. London. 8vo.
This great work is now completed; a distinguished botanist has pro-
mised to review it in our next Number ; and, therefore, we shall only here
record the remarkable coincidence of its estimable author having died on
the day of its publication.

Freyich Books. 6'S

France.

Ferussac, M. le Baron de. Director, assisted by editors for the different
Departments : Bulletin des Sciences Naturelles, &c. Paris. 8vo, monthly
Numbers. 35frs. per annum. The last Number published is No. 2. for
February.

The object of this work is to give an epitome of the discoveries in na-
tural history, and an account of the works published on the subject, in
every part of the world. It forms a section of a plan, which embraces all
the sciences, and for comprehensiveness of intention at least, 'has never
before been equalled. The execution of such a plan necessarily requires
a union of scientific knowledge, talent, and industry rarely effected ,
and the director has taken the only means in human power to combine
these requisites, that of appointing an editor for each department.
The work, we believe, has hitherto been conducted as well as could be
expected, and may be considered as essential to the scientific naturalist,
whatever may be his country. We shall have recourse to it in common
with other foreign works, in order to make known to our readers the pro-
gress of natural history generally throughout the world, and particularly
on the Continent.

Audouiny Ad. Brongniart, et DumaSy MM. : Annales des Sciences Natu-
relles ; Journal complementaire des Annales de Chimie et de Physique,
comprenant la Physiologie Animale et Veg^tale, I'Anatomie comparee
des deux Regnes, la Zoologie, la Botanique, la Mineralogie, et la Geo-
logic. Paris. 8vo, monthly Numbers. 36 frs. per annum. No. 13.,
for January, is the last which has come to hand.
The object of this work is the same as that of the Bulletin des Sciences

Naturelles; it includes the additional subject of chemistry, and is, we

believe, very well conducted.

Brogniarty Adolphe: Histoire desVegetaux fossiles. No. 1. 4to, plates. 16*.

Buffony M. le Comte de : (Euvres completes, mises en ordre et pr^cld^s
d*une Notice historique par Richard : suivies de deux volumes sur les
Progres des Sciences Physiques et Naturelles depuis la mort de Buffon,
par Cuvier. Vol. 25. 8vo. 8*.

Chevalliery M. de: Flore generale des Environs de Paris, selon la methode
naturelle, accompagn^e de 18 tableaux iconographiques, formant une
suite de Genera propre a rendre I'etude plus facile. 8vo. Vol. 2. 2 parties.

Cuviery M. le Baron de : Histoire Naturelle des Mammif eres. Livraison 57.
Fol., coloured plates. 1/.

DargassieSy M. : Lettres a Anais sur la Botanique. 2 vols. 12mo.

Descourtilsy M. de : Flore Pittoresque et Medicale des Antilles. 8vo, fig.
col. Nos. 82, 83, and 84., each 5s.

Anon.: Dictionnaire Classique d' Histoire Naturelle, par MM. Audouin,
Isid. Bourdon, &c. et Borg. de Saint Vincent, ouvrage dans lequel on a
ajout^ pour le porter au niveau de la Science, un grand nombre de mots
qui n'avaient pas fait partie des Dictionnaires anterieurs. Tom. 12.
(Pan— Piv.) 8VO. 1 2s. Plates to ditto. No. 12. 5s.

Anon. : Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles, dans lequel on traite m^tho-
diquement des diff^rens etres de la Nature, &c. 8vo. Vol.51. 9s. Plates
to ditto. No. 51. ll. Is.

Tussacy Le Chevalier, F.R. : Flore des Antilles, ou Histoire generale
botanique, rurale, et ^conomique des V^getaux indigenes de ces iles et
des Exotiques qu'on est parvenu a y naturaliser, d^crits d'apres Nature
et classes selon le Syst^me sexuel de Linn^, et la methode naturelle de

64? Germaii and Italian Books, — Literary Notices,

Jussicu. Coloured plates, beautifully executed. Tom. 4., fifth and

sixth livraison. 2l. This work will be completed in four volumes.
Fontdle^ Julia de : Manuel de I'Herboriste, de I'E'picier-droguiste et du

Grainier-pepinieriste-horticulteur. 2 vols. 18mo. 9s. 6d.
TemmincJcy M. : Nouveau Recueil de planches coloriees d'Oiseaux, pour

servir de suite et de complement aux planches enlumindes de Buffon, &c.

Folio. No. 76. 1/.
Humboldt, M. le Baron de: Tableaux de la Nature, ou Considerations sur

les Ddserts, sur la Physionomie des Vdgetaux, sur les Cataractes de

rOr^noque, sur la Structure de Taction des Volcans dans les difR^rentes

Regions de la Terre. 2 vols. 8vo. 16*.

RouXy Polydore de : Iconographie Conchyliologique, ou Recueil de planches
lithographi^es et coloriees, repr^sentant les Coquilles Marines, Fluvia-
tiles, Terrestres, et Fossiles, decrites par Delamarck, Sowerby, Swainson,
deFerussac, de Blainville, Risso, &c. etautres in^dites. 4 to, plates. No. 1.
13*. 6c?.

Odolanty Desnos : Precis de Min^ralogie moderne, prdc^d^ d'une Introduc-
tion Historique, et suivi d*une Biographic, et d'un Vocabulaire. 2 vols.
8vo.

Anon. : Histoire des Animaux, prec^d^e d'un Precis de I'Histoire Naturelle
de I'Homme. l2mo.

Redout^y M. de: Choix des plus belles fleurs prises dans diiferentes families
du regne vegetal. Coloured plates. Livraison 7me. 4to. 18*.; folio, 1/. 16*.

Germany and Italy.

Hedivigj J.: Species Muscorum frondosorum descriptae et tabulis aeneis
color, illustratae. Suppl. 5. cum script, a F. Schwagrichen. Vol. 1. 8vo.
twelve parts. Leipz. 1/. 16*.

Beichenbach, L. : Icones Plantarum rariorum et minus rite cognitarum in-
digenarum exoticarumque. Centur. 5. Dec. 1 — 6. 60 plates. 4to. Leipz.
2l. 2*. ; coloured, 4/. 4*.

Lachmann, H. W.L.: Flora der Umgegende von Brunschweig, I. Theil. 8vo.
Braunswick. 10*.

Proteus, M. de : Zeitschrift fiir Geschichte der gesammten Naturlehre
bearbeitet in Verbindung mit mehreren Gelehrten und herausgegeben von
Dr. K. W. G. Kastner. Band 1, Heft 1. 8vo. Erlangen. 5*.

Stefano delta Chiaje : Memorie sulla Storia e Notomia degli Animali senza
Vertebre. 4to. Fasc. 2. 5, 4. Napoli.

Art. IIL Literary Notices.

PifLG^ of Great Britain. — Dr. Greville is engaged in preparing for pub-
lication a work, in one volume 8vo, upon the ^''Igae of Great Britain. As
the author is desirous of rendering this most interesting department of
botany as intelligible as possible, the genera will be carefully illustrated in
twenty-five plates, and the descriptive letter-press written entirely in Eng-
lish. In a distinct portion of the work, however, a synopsis will be given
in Latin of all the known genera, exotic as well as British, and a systematic
enumeration of all the known species.

Medical and Physiological Essays are preparing for publication, by Dr.
F'orster, of Boreham, near CheliTiSford. Among other curious articles they
will contain an essay on the botany of the middle ages, and one on the
physiology of spectral illusions,

65 *>^*

PART in.

COLLECTANEA.

The facts y descriptions^ or sjjeculations intended to occupy this division of
our work, are such as have more relation to natural history as a science,
than to its progress in any particular place or country ; in other words, we
devote this division to short communications, notices, extracts, or abridg-
ments, of permanent interest, as distinguished from the Miscellaneous Intel-
ligence composing Part IV., which is intended chiefly for what may be
called news, or notices of local and temporary interest. This explanation
of our arrangement will the better enable our friends and contributors to
understand what will be acceptable, and will prove to every reader who is
favourable to our undertaking, how easy it will be for him to render us
assistance.

Art. 1. The General Subject,

The Circular Si/stem. — Now, there is incontestible evidence to prove
that the same system which is found to govern the heavenly bodies — a
system plainly circular — is typically represented on earth, and is that upon
which the whole of organised matter has originally been planned. If either
the animal or the vegetable kingdom be attentively considered, they will
each present a certain number of primary divisions, following each other
in a series of affinity. They will also have this remarkable peculiarity,
that the last will so intimately resemble the first, that the series returns
again to the point from which the investigation commenced ; and thus by
the union of the first division with the last, the whole can only be repre-
sented under the form of a circle. Again, if any one of these primary
divisions be examined singly, the same disposition will be found ; each of
these secondary groups will form their own circles of affinity. These again
are found to contain smaller circles, till at last the enquiry becomes
limited to the individual species. (Swainson, in the Winter's Wreath for
1828, p. 295.)

Spontaneous Organisation of Matter. — M. Bory de St. Vincent has oc-
cupied himself for some time past with a variety of microscopic observa-
tions, having for their object to prove the natural tendency of matter to
become organised. Observing the appearances successively presented in
water exposed to light, he thought he saw, for the first time, matter assume
the aspect of a simple mucosity, without colour or form. If the water con-
tains any animal substance, it produces a pellicle of this mucosity at its sur-
face, then becomes turbid, and discloses an infinity of living atoms, if we
may so call those monads, which, after being magnified a thousand times,
are not so large as the point of a needle, and which yet move in all directions
with prodigious velocity. This is what M. Bory names matter in the liv-
ing state. When the water is exposed to the air and light, there quickly
forms what is named the green matter of Priestley, which many observers
have supposed to be the first state of certain confervae, or plants of a like
nature. M. Bory thinks that it is a combination of a more general form,
and only susceptible of entering into the composition of these plants, as
well as of the animalcules which issue from it, and which produces them.

Vol. L — No. I. f

66 Zoology,

He names this combination matter in the vegetative state. It is by it that
the infusory animals are rendered green. Those which colour oysters, ac-
cording to M. Gaillon's observations, produce this eifect, as M. Bory says,
only because they are themselves coloured by the green matter. It colours,
in the same manner, the water and the shells of these oysters ; and it would
not be impossible to find some tinged directly by this matter, without any
animalcules having penetrated into them. (Jaw. Phil. Jour., Dec. 1827,
p. 195.)

The Fi'ench Philosophers of the present age have acquired great and
deserved fame by their splendid discoveries in physiology, geology, and
comparative anatomy ; but, as regards the natural system, or that which is
to develope the plan of creation, it is not too much to say, that the book
of nature, to them, has been hermetically sealed. Their discoveries will,
indeed, remain, for these regard things which are immutable ; but their
systems and theories, formed either without any reference to religion, or in
direct opposition to its greatest truths, are even now fast tumbling to
decay. They may, indeed, be remembered, but only as lamentable instances
of the infirmity of our nature, which, taking not God for its guide, perverts
his works to inculcate the baneful principles of materialism and infidelity.
{Sivainson/m i\\Q Winter's Wreath for 1828, p. 298.)

Art. II. Zoology,

A NEW kind of Cloth fabncated hy Insects. — The larvae of the butterfly,
yfnea punctata, or T. padilla, have been directed by M. Habenstreet, of
Munich, so as to work on a paper model suspended from the ceiling of a
room. To this model he can give any form and dimensions, and he has
thus been enabled to obtain square shawls, an air balloon four feet high,
and a woman's complete robe, with the sleeves, but without seams. One
or two larvae can weave a square inch of cloth. A great number are, of
course, employed, and their motions are interdicted from the parts of the
model not to be covered by oiling them. The cloth exceeds in fineness
the lightest gauze, and has been worn as a robe over her court dress by the
Queen of Bavaria. {Newton's Journal of the Arts, Dec. 1 827.) — We have
no doubt the same object might be effected by directing the labours of the
larvae of various British moths or butterflies, or perhaps spiders ; and we
should be glad to hear of some reader of leisure attempting such a thing.
M. Samouelle, Blackfriars Road, we believe, could give instructions, and
supply eggs and larvae. — Cond.

Method of killing Insects for the Use of Naturalists. — The following me-
thod is by M. Ricord : — The insect is to be fixed on a piece of cork, and
put under ajar or vessel with a little ether ; the latter being placed either
in a capsule, or on the plate on which the jar or glass is placed : the vessel
should apply closely, that the vapour of the ether may be retained, and the
air within be prevented from changing its place. The insect thus im-
mersed in the ethereal atmosphere will soon die, without having time to hurt
its form or appearance by violence. {Bid. Un.)

The Ant and the A'phis, or Plant Louse. — Mr. Carpenter happening
once to beat down a number of aphides out of a stunted oak-tree, at the
foot of which was an ants' nest, was very much surprised at seeing soon
afterwards the ants busily employed in carrying up the aphides and care-
fully replacing them again upon the leaves of the tree ; they feeding upon
the honey-dew, which, it is well known, is produced by the aphis. {Gill's
Tech. Repos.y April, p. 201.)

White Cats with blue eyes^ are always deaf. This is a vei"y remarkable
fact, and I believe not generally known, — E. W. S. Chelsea, March 20.

Botany. 67

Art. III. Botany,

Tabasheer (the Arabic word for liquor) is a very remarkable substance,
occurring only in particular situations and in particular plants, and chiefly
in the joints of the bamboo. It is called by the Hindoo physicians bamboo
manna, and milk, sugar, or camphor of bamboo, and appears to be a secretion
from the joints of the seed in a state of disease, malconformation, or
fracture. The secretion is made in the cavity within the reed, and on the
upper and under surface of the joints ; the ordinary quantity produced by
a disorganised joint or internode, is four or five grains. The chemical
composition of tabasheer is undetermined ; it is pure silex, according to
some ; and silex 70, and potash 50, according to others. According to an
analysis by Dr. Turner, Professor of Chemistry in the University of London,
in the April number of Brewster^s Journal, it consists of silica, containing a
minute quantity of lime and vegetable matter. The physical properties of
tabasheer are remarkable ; its refractive power is lower than that of any
other body, when solid or fluid ; with certain oils, which it imbibes, it be-
comes as transparent as glass ; it absorbs water, and becomes as white and
opaque as if it had been covered with white lead. In India it is used
medicinally as a tonic, or chewed with betel, to renovate the constitution.
It is also highly prized as an aphrodisiac. Silex, it is well known, exists in
wheat straw, and in the stems of other grasses ; physiologists, in general,
consider it as a foreign ingredient, " an intruding element which the plant
had derived from the peculiar soil in which it vegetated ;" but Dr. Brewster,
from certain experiments made with J5^quisetum hiemale, is of opinion that
the silex is an integral portion of the plant itself. {Brewster* s Jour., April.)

Botany in the Mauritius. — Sir Galbraith Lowry Cole, the governor,
has appointed that indefatigable botanist, Mr. Bojer, Professor of Botany
in the Royal College at Port Louis. The
governor, as well as Lady Cole, have done
every thing in their power to aid the cause of
botany; and have encouraged the transmission
of plants to Europe to a very great extent.
Professor Hooker has lately published in the
Botanical Magazine (April, 1828) a beautiful
species of Bignonia, named in honour of the
governor by Mr. Bojer, in testimony of his re-
spect and gratitude. Bignom'a Col^i {fig- 36.)
is a shrub reaching to the height of from 10
to 15 feet, and bearing red flowers on the
main stem remote from the. leaves. The plant
itself has not yet been introduced into Britain,
but may soon be expected at Bury Hill.

The Krubut, or Great Flower of Sumatra. — Rafflesi« (in honour of the
late Sir Stamford Raffles, governor of Sumatra, and founder of the Zoolo-
gical Society) Arnoldii (in memory of Dr. Arnold, the discoverer in 1818),
is one of the most extraordinary of vegetable productions. It is a parasite,
growing in woods, on the roots and stems of those immense climbers, gene-
rally of the genus Fitis, which are attached, like cables, to the largest
trees in the forest. The flower constitutes the whole of the plant, there
being neither leaves, roots, nor a stem. It is a true parasite, growing out
of another plant in the manner of the mistletoe, and not on the decayed
surface of plants, as the common fern on the trunks of old oak pollards.
In the latter case the proper term is epiphyte {epi, upon, phyton, a
plant). The flowers are of one sex, and only the male has yet been sent to
• England. The breadth of a full-grown flower {Jig. 37.) exceeds 3 ft. ; the
petals (a), which are subrotund, measure 12 in. from the base to the apex,

F 2

68

Botany,

and it is about a foot from the insertion of the one petal to the opposite
one ; what is considered the nectarium (6) would hold 12 pints; the pistils.

which are abortive {fig. 37. d\ are as large as cows' horns, and the weight
of the whole is calculated to be about 15 lbs. The flower, fully blown,
was discovered in a jungle, growing close to the ground under the bushes,
with a swarm of flies hovering over the nectary, and apparently laying
their eggs in its substance. The colour of the five petals is a brick red,
•covered with protuberances of a yellowish white. The smell is that of
tainted beef. The structure of Rafflesia is too imperfectly known to admit
of determining its place in the natural system; but Mr. Brown, from
whose learned paper on the subject, in the Linnean transactions, this notice
is taken, is inclined to think it will be found to approach either to Asarinae
or Passifloreae. Its first appearance is that of a round knob {fig. 58.) pro-
ceeding from a crack or hollow in the
stem or root. This knob, when cut
through, exhibits the infant flower en-
veloped in numerous bracteal sheaths,
which successively open and wither away
as the flower enlarges, until, at the time
of full expansion {fig.'51.), there are but
a very few remaining, which have some-
what the appearance of a broken calyx.
{fig. 37. c.) It takes three months from
the first appearance of the bud to the
full expansion of the flower. The fruit has not yet been seen by botanists,
but is said by the natives, to be a many-seeded berry. The female flower
differs little in appearance from the male, further than being without the
anthers {fig. 37. e) of the latter. In Mr. Brown's observations on Rafllesia,
he observes, that it is not common for parasite plants to fix indiscriminately
on the roots or branches of their stocks, as is supposed to be the case with
Rafflesia, and that " plants parasitic on roots, are chiefly distinguishable by
the imperfect developement of their leaves, and the entire absence of green
colour ; that their seeds are small, and their embryo not only minute, but
apparently imperfectly developed." The modes of union between a para-
site and its supporter or stock, vary in different genera and species of this
class of vegetables. Some, as the mistletoe and Rafflesia, depend on the
stock for nourishment during the whole of their existence ; others, as the
common broom rape, are originated in the soil, and afterwards, when they
have attached themselves to their stock, the original roots die ; other pa-
rasites, again, are originated on the stock, and in their more advanced state
produee roots of their own. In some cases the nature of the connection

Mifieralogi/ and Geology.

69

between the parasite and the stock is such, " as can only be explained on
the supposition, that the germinating seed of the parasite excites a specific
action in the stock, the result of which is the formation of a structure,
either wholly or in part derived from the root, and adapted to the support
and protection of the undeveloped parasite ; analogous, therefore, to the
production of galls by the puncture of insects." On this supposition may
be explained, the connection between the flower Rafflesia and the root
from whence it springs. {Trans. Lin. Soc, vol. xiii. p. 227.)

Art. IV. Mineralogy and Geology,

Colour of the Red Sea. — The colour of the Red Sea has given rise to
various investigations. Dr. Ehrenberg, who accompanied Dr. Hemprich,
ascertained that it was caused by a species of Oscillatoria, one of those
small plants which are intermediate between animals and plants. {Jam.
Phil. Jour., Dec. 1827, p. 182.)

Footmarks of Animals in Sandstone. — Numerous impressions of the foot-
steps of quadrupeds have been discovered on a bed of red sandstone, near
Lochmaben, in Dumfriesshire, between 60 and 70 ft. beneath the surface.
Professor Buckland, to whom specimens" of them have been sent, has given it
as his opinion, that they were produced by the feet of a tortoise or croco-
dile, at a time when the rock was in a soft state, and before the 60 or 70 ft.
of solid strata with which it is now covered had been superimposed. {Ibid.)

Fossil Shell attached to Flint. — Dear Sir, I enclose a sketch of a fossil
shell attached to a flint {fig. 39.), which I found, some time ago, at Ditch-
ingham, in this
neighbourhood. I
can offer you no
theory, or other
information re-
specting it.

About a year
and a half ago, as
some workmen
were digging in a
gravel pit at Wort-
well, within four
miles of this place,
they found the
fragment of an
elephant's tooth,
weighing upwards
of 3| lbs. It was
about 40 feet be-
low the surface. This and the flint are in the possession of J. B. Scott,
Esq. I am, dear Sir, &c. — Daniel Slock. Bungay, April 1. 1828.

The specimen figured by our correspondent, is evidently the fossil bivalve
Inoc^ramus. No less than twelve species have been described by natural-
ists, of which three are peculiar to the upper chalk j four are common to the
chalk and the subjacent green sand ; one to the green sand and blue marl ;
one to the oak-tree clay ; one other species common to the oak-tree clay,
Falkstone marl, and green sand ; one to the alum strata ; and one to the
mountain limestone. The species here represented appears to be a small
variety of Inoc^ramus Cuvieri of Sowerby, tab. 441. {fig. 40.) This genus is
abundantly found in the diluvial gravel of the eastern counties, some frag-

F 3

70

Mineralogy and Geology,

ments showing that the shells, in some cases, attained to considerable di-
mensions. Others are not more i
than a fourth of the size figured,
and, from the circumstance of

being commonly found in ^.-—t^"-:^ ^0

groups, show the gregarious
habits of the fish in their ori-
ginal state. In the diluvium
of Norfolk and Suffolk, they
rarely occur in any other form
than as casts in flint, or hard
chalk, or occasionally with a
fragment of the shell only ad-
hering to the chalk nodules.
These are dispersed in every
part of this district, being found
equally on the highest eminences
and on the margins of the val-
leys. We give ready insertion to the communication of Mr. Stock, not
because we attach an unnecessary importance to the present article, but
from the desire to encourage local contributions, and notices of occasional
discoveries in this or in any other department of natural science. The
fossil elephant's tooth, and, judging from its locality, the Inoceramus also,
are derived from the diluvial valley of the Waveney, which has afforded
numerous specimens of the remains of animals, particularly in the higher
parts, in the neighbourhood of Eye, Hoxne, Diss, Roydon, &c., and there
is little doubt that similar relics exist, but have attracted little observation,
in every portion of this valley. Agricultural and domestic operations, such
as digging drains in meadows and marshes, sinking wells, and excavating
gravel-pits, are favourable to such discoveries ; and the communication of
the circumstances, from local observers, leads to a useful concentration of
geological facts. Our correspondent will oblige us by continuing his observ-
ations. We would suggest his endeavouring to trace the crag-beds in this
direction. They seem to exist without the shells, or with slight indications
of them, in the vicinity of Beccles and more westerly, and have been met
with in the diluvium of the gravel-pits much higher up. Mr. R. C. Taylor
has sketched the geological character of the Waveney valley, in his work
on the geology of East Norfolk, with reference to the hypothesis of Mr.
Robherds, on the supposed gradual sinking in the level of the German
ocean.

Temperature of the Interior of the Earth. — A very interesting paper on
this subject, by M. L. Cordier, Professor of Geology in the Garden of
Plants at Paris, vi^ill be found in Professor Jameson's Journal for April.
From numerous experiments made by himself and others in mines, M. Cor-
dier concludes, — 1. that there is a subterraneous heat peculiar to the terres-
trial globe, which does not depend on the solar rays, and which increases
rapidly with the depth ; 2. the increase of this heat does not follow the
same law all over the earth, it may be twice or three times as much in one
country as in another ; 3. these differences are not in constant relation with
longitudes and latitudes j and, 4, the increase is more rapid than has been
supposed.

It is proper to state that the opinions maintained by the author are not
new. The value of the memoir lies in its placing on a firm scientific basis
what was formerly a mere hypothesis. M. Cordier, after much research,
holds that an intense heat exists in the interior of the earth, that the ex-
ternal crust upon which we stand may be from 50 to 100 miles in thickness,
that beyond this all within is occupied by a molten mass ; he infers further,
that the entire globe consisted originally of such a molten mass, the outer

Metemvlogy,

71

part of which became solid first, by throwing off its heat into the regions
of free space ,* that by the continual escape of heat in this way, the solid
crust is constantly thickening; that the earth, in short, is a cooled star,
which has been extinguished only at its surface.

We cannot but regard this as one of the most curious and important
truths ever given to the world ; a truth which, though it has no immediate
bearing on the arts of life, cannot be barren of useful consequences, since
it gives us more correct ideas of ihe globe we inhabit, and promises to
throw a flood of light on many abstruse and difficult questions in science.
(^Scotsman^ March 29.)

Burmese Petroleum Wells. — Some of these are from 37 to 53 fathoms
in depth, and are said to yield at an average, daily, from 1,30 to 185 gallons
of the earth oil. The wells are scattered over an area of about sixteen
square miles. The wells are private property, the owners paying a tax of
5 per cent, of the produce to the state. This commodity is almost uni-
versally used by the Burmans as lamp oil. Its price on the spot does not,
on an average, exceed from 5d, to lyt. per cwt. The other useful mineiral
or saline productions of the Burman empire are coal, saltpetre, soda, and
culinary salt. One of the lakes affording the latter, which is within six or
seven miles of the capital, was examined by the gentlemen of the mission.
(Crawfo)'d's Mission to Ava.)

Art. V. Meteorology,

A Raw-Gauge, on a new and
greatly improved construction
(Jig. 4 1 .) has been invented by
Mr. Samuel Crosley, Engineer,
London, and described in Gill^s
Technological Repository/, vol. ii.
p. 17. Its superiority consists in
its power of self-registering the
quantity of rain fallen. It con-
sists of a funnel (a) of the usual form, through which the rain passes to a
vibrating trough {b\ when, after a sufficient quantity has fallen into its higher
side (c), it preponderates, discharges the rain, which escapes by a tube, and
at the same time, by its vibratory action, moves a train of wheel-work and
indexes, to record upon a dial-plate the quantity of rain fallen. We have
not been able to learn that any instruments of this sort are actually on
sale ; but the invention is most ingenious, and ranks with Kewley's balance
thermometer {Enc. of Gard., § 1489.), which might also be made a register-
ing thermometer on a similar principle.

Destruction of an Oak Tree by Lightning. — The trunk of the tree was
about 15 ft. in height, li or 2 ft. in diameter at the branches, and 3 ft. in
diameter at the root. The top of the tree was separated, as if by the stroke
of a hatchet, and without any appearance of carbonisation ; the trunk was
torn into a thousand pieces, exceedingly small in size when compared with
the original mass, and thrown to a great distance. Such was the division
and destruction, as to induce the supposition that in certain cases the light-
ning might cause the entire dispersion of the tree. {Bid. Un.)

Rain at Bombay. — During the first days of the rainy season, the quan-
tity that fell was thirty-two inches, and then all the roads became like
rivers. In England, at an average, not more than the same quantity falls
during the whole year. [Jam. Jour., Dec. 1827, p. 182.)

F 4

72

PART IV.
MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.

Art. I. Natural History in Foreign Countries.
FRANCE.

Natural History of Nubia, — M. Riffaud, of Marseilles, has lately re-
turned to his native city from Egypt, bringing with him, 1 . a vast collection
of plants, collected during his travels in Nubia and Egypt ; 2. drawings of
the fishes, insects, and testaceous animals found in the Nile and its neigh-
bourhood ; 3. nearly 1000 drawings of mammalia, reptiles, birds, and in-
sects, partly found in Nubia and partly in Libya and Egypt ; 4. a series of
drawings of remains of antiquity in Nubia and Egypt, and 1 60 hieroglyphical
inscriptions collected among the ruins ; 5. agricultural and chirurgical in-
struments, articles of dress and ornaments of the natives, topographical
plans, meteorological observations. M. Riffaud has also kept a regular
journal of his travels. He is now busy in arranging and classifying his
numerous materials, preparatory to committing the important work which
is to embrace them to the press. (For. Quart. Rev.)

A Histoire Naturelle des Poissons has been announced by Baron Cuvier,
containing more than 5000 species, described from nature, and arranged
according to the connection of their structure, with observations on their
anatomy, &c. The work will be in 15 or 20 vols, in 8vo, or 8 or 10 vols,
in 4to, with a part of the plates along with each volume. The plates will
be on vellum paper, and some will be coloured. {Ibid.)

Cephalojiodoiis Mollusca. — The Baron de Ferussac is preparing a com-
plete monograph of cephalopodous (head-footed) animals, in folio, with
numerous plates, taken chiefly from a very extensive series of specimens, in
the possession of that distinguished naturalist. {Ibid.)

Mineralogy. — The Academy of Sciences, at its sittings of the 51st of
December last, proceeded to the election of two corresponding members
for the section of mineralogy. The section had presented two lists of can-
didates, one of mineralogists, properly so called, and the other of geologists,
and expressed a wish that the readers should select one from each list.
M. Mitscherlich, of Berlin, and Mr. Conybeare, of London, were the suc-
cessful candidates. {Ibid.)

Physiology. — Among the competitors for the prize of physiology,
founded by the late M. Monthyon, is M. Vimon, a physician at Caen, who
comes forward with a collection of more than 2000 sculls of mammalia
and birds, modelled in wax, and a numerous series of drawings and observa-
tions. This collection is the fruit of several years' research into the doc-
trines of Gall, relative to the seat of the moral and intellectual faculties of
man and animals. We are informed that M. Vimon, after having attended
Dr. Gall's course of lectures at Paris, left it with strong prepossessions
against his doctrines, and on his return to Caen, prosecuted his researches
with the express object of refuting them ; but, after the fullest investigation,
his enquiries have terminated in making him a thorough convert to the
system. {Ibid.)

Natural History in Foreign Countries. 73

A Crocodile, at Chantilly, in France, is so tame and well-disposed, that he
is caressed with impunity by the keeper, who endeavours, though not always
with success, to induce visitors to follow his example. (Newsp.)

GERMANY.

Berlin, March 9. — A beautiful work is now publishing here, by the tra-
veller Ehrenberg, giving a description of the plants and animals which he
found in Egypt. The third volume of LinncB^a, a Journal of Botany, by Dr.
Schlechtendal, is about to appear. Continual accessions are making to the
plants in the royal botanic garden, and these are published as they come
in flower, by Professor Link and Director Otto, two of the most zealous
botanists in Germany. — N. S,

A rich Collection of Minerals, which belonged to Lacarriere, a merchant
of Leipsic, who died lately, has been bequeathed by him to the university
of that city. {For, Quart. Rev., February.)

Shells of Brazil. — The posthumous work of Dr. Spix on the shells of
Brazil has just appeared, edited by Drs. Schrank and Martins. It forms one
of the volumes of the interesting series of works on the natural history o^
Brazil, undertaken at the expense of the late Eing of Bavaria, by Drs. Spix
and Martins, who travelled for several years over these magnificent regions.
{Ibid.)

SWITZERLAND.

Flora Helvetica. — An extremely valuable work of its class, the result of
thirty years' labour, is the long-promised Flora Helvetica of M. T. Gaudin,
professor and pastor at Nyon, which is now completed in manuscript, and
will form six volumes ; the first of which is published, and the remainder
will shortly aj^ear. An interesting preface gives an account of the author's
excursions during this long period, among the valleys and mountains of
Switzerland. The author has followed the Linnean system ; he is an enemy
to the multiplication of species, and even thinks he has hardly gone far
enough in reducing theii: number. He says, " Fateor etiam nunc, in mea
Flora non' paucas superesse formas, quae omnino varietatis potius quam spe-
ciei lege describi debuissent." ** I confess, that in my Florji, even now, there
remain not a few modifications which should be described as varieties rather
than as species." A number of copper-plates, representing new species, are
added to the work. {For. Quart. Rev., February.)

The Helvetic Sodety for the Study of Natural History, will speedily
publish the first volume of its Memoirs. {Ibid.)

ITALY.

Two Glass Jars of Olives and Olive Oil have been dug up at Pompeii.
The olives are fresh, and both they and the oil are fit for use. The
details of this remarkable discovery will be found in Jameson's Journal for
April, and in the Scotsman, April 9.

RUSSIA.

Oural Mountains. — M. Engelhardt, professor of the univers^ly, has
just returned to that city from a visit to the Oural Mountains, \vhich he
performed at the expense of the university. He has presented a very
interesting report of his journey, of which he intends publishing a detailed
narrative. He has made a great number of valuable observations on the
geology and mineralogy of these countries ; and has been enabled to cor-
rect, in many important particulars, the maps of the several provinces which
he visited. {For. Quart. Rev., February.)

Altai Mountains. — Another tour in Asia has been performed by Profes-
sor Ledebuhr, Dr. Meyer, and Dr. Bunge, to the Altai mountains, on the
frontiers of the Chinese empire. This tour, the object of which was the

74- Natural History in London,

almost unknown Flora of those remote regions, has proved eminently
successful. The travellers have collected 1600 species of plants, of which
nearly 500 are new j so that Professor Ledebuhr intends to publish a Flora
Altdica. Geography, statistics, zoology, and mineralogy were not neglected
in the course of this excursion ; the narrative of which is expected to be
highly interesting, and will be published, as we are informed, first in Eng-
lish. (For. Quart. Rev.^ February.)

Natural History/ of Siberia. — At the commencement of this month,Hum-
boldt, the great naturalist and traveller, proposes to undertake a journey
to Siberia, for the purposes of scientific research ; to which object the Em-
peror Nicholas has contributed, by directing that every facility be afforded
to the philosopher in his meritorious pursuits. {Athenceum.)

SWEDEN.

Three Species of Cat are described by Professor Thunberg, as inhabiting
Scandinavia. These he names the -Lynx Xupus, L. Catus, and L. Tulpes,
that is, the jFelis /upulinus, borealis, and vulpinus of Linnaeus. (Bull,
des Sciences NaturelleSy Fev.)

NORTH AMERICA.

Ornithology. — A splendid work on this subject is publishing at Philadel-
phia, by Charles Lucien Bonaparte, in folio numbers. It is the continu-
ation of an equally splendid work by the late zealous and indefatigable
Wilson. The birds figured by Bonaparte have, for the most part, been
obtained from the Rocky Mountains ; and the first volume, which was
completed in 1825, contains nine plates, on which 22 land birds are figured,
and 106 pages of letter-press, in which they are described. The same
author has published a very useful and necessary appendix to Wilson's work,
e\i\\i\e(!if Observations on the Nomenclature of Wilson's Ornithology. Taking
these works, in connection with the surpassingly splendid Birds of America
of Mr. Audubon, the riches of the new world, in this department, promise
to be fully and favourably made known to the old.

The Remains of a stupendous Crocodile were seen near New Orleans by
Mr. Bullock. The aninial must have been at least 150 ft. long, for Mr.
Bullock measured the right side of the under jaw, and found it to be 21 ft.
along the curve, and 4 ft. 6 in. wide. (Bullock's Travels.)

Art. II, Natural History in London,

The British Museum was opened to the public in 1759, with the exten-
sive collection of the celebrated Sir Hans Sloane. The additions it has
since received by purchase and donation are numerous and extensive.
The history of this institution is already sufficiently well known, and there-
fore we propose merely to notice from time to time such additions as may
be made to the natural history department, or new regulations respecting
the admission of the public to view or study the various collections of
natural objects and the books treating of them. The library of the late
Sir Jose'ph Banks is the last grand addition that was made to the natural
history department, having been removed thither in November, 1827.

Linnean Society. — This Society was founded in 1788. At its opening a
discourse, published in the first volume of the Society's Transactions, was
read by the president, the late Sir J. E. Smith, on the rise and progress of
natural history, in which the peculiar objects of this institution are pointed
out. These may be summed up as attention to natural history in general,
a particular regard to the productions of the British Isles, and a strict
attention to the laws and principles of Linngeus, so far as they have been
found to be good. The Society have just completed their 15th volume of
Transactions, and the number of members how exceeds 600.

Natttral History hi London, ' 75

March ^. A communication from the Rev. LeonardJeni^'ns, of Cam-
bridge, M.A. F.L.S., was read, on two British species of Plecotiis Geoff.^
supposed to have been confounded under the name of long-eared bat.

March 18. After the meeting had assembled, the afflicting tidings
of the decease of Sir James Edward Smith, their eminent and much be-
loved President, which had arrived during the day, having been communi-
cated, an adjournment immediately took place.

April I. Read, a commentary on the Hortus MalabaricuSy'PdLVt \.ihy
Francis Hamilton, M.D, F.R.S. and L.S.

April 15. Read, a letter, addressed to the Secretary, from Charles
Lucien Buonaparte, Prince of Mesignano, F.M.L.S., dated on board the
Delaware, near Gibraltar, March 20^ 1828, containing some curious facts
relative to the migratory habits of certain birds. He observes, " A few days
ago, being 500 miles from the coasts of Portugal, 400 from those of Africa,
&c., we were agreeably surprised by the appearance of a few swallows,
i/irundo urbica and rustica. This, however extraordinary, might have been
explained by an easterly gale, which might have cut off the swallows mi-
grating from the main to Madeira, only 200 miles distant from us ; but
what was my surprise in observing several small warblers hopping about
the deck and rigging ! These poor little strangers, exhausted as they were,
were soon caught and brought to me." These warblers consisted of Sylvia
yrochilus, JE^rithacus, suecica, or a nearly related species; and a fourth, pro-
bably a nondescript, having the plumage of an A'rthus.

Read, also, part of a valuable physiological paper, on the mammary
organs of the Kangaroo, by John Morgan, Esq. F.L.S.

Among the presents were two va-
luable additions to the Society's New
Holland collection, namely, a stuffed
specimen of that curious quadruped,
the Diadelphis wrsina {Linn. Tran.y vol.
ix. tab. 1 9.), vulgarly called the Botany
Bay Devil {fig- 42.), and a remarkable
new species of Falco, with a crest ; both
presented by Mr. B. Leadbeater, F.L.S.
Captain Ross, R.N. F.L.S., presented a small collection of dried plants,
formed by himself in the late arctic expedition under Captain Parry.

Geological Societj/. — The anniversary of this institution, established, as
its charter states, " to investigate the mineral structure of the earth,*'
was held on the 1 5th of February. An address on the occasion was de-
livered from the chair, by W. H. Fitton, M.D. F.R.S. &c., the president,
which will be found at length in the Philosophical Magazine for April. The
leading feature of the address is the state of geology in Britain, though no-
tice is also taken of the progress of the science in other countries. Refer-
ence is made to the printed Proceedings of the Society, and their Transac-
tions, as the best records of the Society's contributions to geological science
during the year. The Society are congratulated on the progress which has
been made in the trigonometrical survey of Ireland, because the greatest
benefit is derived to geology from good maps. The effective establishment
of a Zoological Society is another source of gratification, because to the
geologist it is of great importance to have ready access to cabinets, and to
living specimens, in order to elucidate fossil remains of animals and plants.
The fossil remains of the vegetable kingdom do not occupy, the President
thinks, a just share of the attention of the botanists of England. " The
distribution of plants upon the former surfaces of the globe, — its relation
to the epochs of geological deposition, — the variations it may have
undergone from change of climate, either by alteration of internal tempe-
rature, or of elevation above the sea — the former existence of vegetation
in the more complex forms, in tracts where scarcely any traces of it

76 Natural History in London,

exist at present, — are subjects which give rise to some of the most im-
portant general questions connected with the history of the globe, —
and that require for their due consideration such an acquaintance with the
characters of fossil vegetable remains, as none but the most skilful and
experienced* botanists can be expected to possess." Notice is taken of
several valuable papers on the geology of foreign countries, of the donation
of various specimens to the museum, and of some valuable publications to
the library.

" In the speculative department of geology, nothing has been of late
more remarkable, with reference to its history in this country, than the
universal adoption of a modified volcanic theory, and the complete subsi-
dence or almost oblivion of the Wernerian and Neptunean hypothesis, -—
so that what, but a few years since, it was by some considered as hardihood
to propose in the form of conjecture, seems now to be established nearly
with the evidence of fact. It is no longer denied, that volcanic power has
been active during all the revolutions which the surface of the globe has
undergone, and has probably been itself the cause of many of them ; —
and that our continents have not merely been shaken by some mighty
subterraneous force, but that strata, originally horizontal, have thus been
raised, shattered, contorted, and traversed, perhaps repeatedly, by veins
of fluid matter j — operations which have produced phenomena, so nearly
resembling those of recent volcanic agency, that to have so long disputed
the identity of their cause, is one of the most remarkable proofs in the
annals of philosophic history, of the power of hypothesis in distorting
or concealing truth. Whatever, therefore, be the fate of the Hut-
tonian theory in general, it must be admitted, that many of its leading
propositions have been confirmed in a manner which the inventor could
not have foreseen. The most striking modern support of these correcter
views, is due to Von Buch and Humboldt, and to the facts and inferences
derived by Dr. Macculloch from the country which gave birth to Hutton,
and to his illustrator Mr. Playfair, and in which were made the experi-
ments of Sir James Hall. More recently, a seiies of facts observed by
Professor Henslow, in the Isle of Anglesea, has proved, in the most satis-
factory manner, the connection of veins of trap with very high tempe-
rature; since the change produced upon the strata, through which the
substances now occupying the veins were injected, has approached so
nearly to fluidity, as to admit of their crystallisation, in forms different
from any which the components of the rocks, if they had not been thus
acted on, would have afforded. Sir Humphrey Davy's experiments on the
fluids contained within cavities in crystals, are another striking and unex-
pected confirmation of Hutton's views : and our own Transactions y besides
various incidental pieces of evidence derived from this country, supply the
testimony of an unprejudiced witness to an earthquake on the coast of
Chili, which brings almost before the eyes of the reader, the movement
and permanent elevation of the land.'*

Tne good effects produced at both our universities by the geological
instructions delivered there, have " given to the subject an impulse perhaps
without example in the history of those institutions, and gone far to render
natural science a permanent department of general education." Among
the more recent causes which have accelerated the progress of geology in
England, is stated to be the publication of the Outlines of England and
Wales by Mr. Conybeare and Mr. Phillips, which is said to have " had
an effect, to which nothing, since the institution of this Society, and the
diffusion of the geological maps of England, can be compared. Regard-
ing the Outlines of England and Wales, as the first general sketch of a
country so complex as our own, it may be said, without fear of contradic-
tion, that no equal portion of the earth's surface has ever been more ably
illustrated; — nor any geological w^ork produced, which bears more strongly

Natural Historic in London. Tt

impressed upon it the stamp of original talent for natural science.'* The
geology of England acquires a great additional interest, " when we reflect
that this island is in a great measure an epitome of the globe ; and that the
observer, who raaUes himself familiar with our strata and the fossil remains
which they include, has not only prepared himself for similar enquiries in
other quarters, but is already, as it were, acquainted by anticipation with
what he is to find there. If* therefore, I were called upon to state in what
manner those who have leisure, health, and talent for such enquiries, can
most effectually advance the bounds of our sciences, and increase the
reputation which England has begun to acquire in this department of
natural knowledge, I should say, that it would be, — first, by rendering
themselves accurately familiar with the geological phenomena of our own
country; and then, by taking abroad with them the knowledge thus
acquired, and comparing the phenomena with those of distant regions ;
since it is only from the multiplication of such comparisons that sound
general views can be derived.

•* But there are still tracts in the British islands, the geology of which is
little known ; more than one half of Ireland is in this condition, and no
geological map has yet appeared of Scotland, rich and varied as that region
is in a geological point of view.

" To those amongst us who are confined to England, the most useful
task, perhaps, would be, when we have mastered the general relations of our
series, to take some one portion of the subject ; a group of strata, or even
a single stratum, or any one of the numberless questions connected with
their zoological and mineralogical relations, and to publish, in the form of
monographs, the results of our enquiries. ' For it may be stated with con-
fidence, that there is not any one of our strata, however familiarly it may be
supposed to be already known, that would not, if thus treated, reward the
most elaborate and minute examination.

" But those that are deprived of the privilege of travelling even in Eng-
land, must not suppose that they can be of no service as geologists ; or, if
they belong to our body, that they are thus relieved from their obligation
to be active in our cause : and there are two descriptions of persons, — the
resident clergy, and members of the medical profession in the country, from
whom what I am about to say may be more particularly deserving of atten-
tion. Such persons, if they have not yet acquired a taste for natural
science, can hardly conceive the interest which the face of the country, in
their vicinity, would gain, however unpromising it may appear, by their
having such enquiries before them ; how much the monotony of life, in a
remote or thinly inhabited district, would thus be relieved ; nor how much
benefit they might confer on the natural history of their country. Even of
those who have made some progress in geological studies, many, I appre-
hend, are prevented from investigating attentively the tracts where they
reside, or from communicating their knowledge, by a belief that the geology
of England itself is sufficiently known already ; and that the district, with
the phenomena of which they are themselves familiar, would have no inte-
rest or novelty for the world at large ; whereas it may be asserted (and it
were easy to produce examples from modern researches, in some of the
counties near London), that there is no district that will not furnish suffi-
cient interest and novelty to an attentive enquirer, not merely to repay his
own exertions, but to instruct the most learned, and enlarge the bounds of
Qur science.

" To landed proprietors, also, it can hardly be known, without some
tinge of geological information, how nearly our subject is connected with
agriculture ; with an acquaintance with the nature and correctives of the
soil ; the supply of water and facility of effectual drainage, and numberless
facts essential to the perfection of rural economy ; the discovery and supply
of stone, for building and the construction of roads ; the choice of the hne

78 Natural Histoyy in London.

of roads and of canals, and the facility of their execution. All these are but
a few of the topics that come strictly within the province of the geologist ;
and which are so essential to the prosperous management of landed pro-

f)erty, that a geological map may, perhaps, with truth, be considered as not
ess necessary to the country gentleman, than the topographical plan of his
estates."

This discourse is an admirable specimen of what, in our opinion, ought to
be delivered annually by the president of every literary and scientific insti-
tution. It is true, not many, if any, of these could show that they have
advanced their particular science or object so much as the Geological So-
ciety has done ; but it would give the public a much better opportunity of
judging than they now have, of the objects and efforts of such societies and
institutions, if such annual summaries of their meetings and transactions
were delivered to the members, and published to the world. It is evident,
also, that such summary views would, in various ways, promote the pros-
perity of such societies.

The Society held two meetings in March, and two in April, at which
some valuable papers were read. Of these, and of the Society's published
Transactions, we shall afterwards give some account. {PhVL. Mag. and
An. of PkU.)

The Zoological Society was founded in April, 1826. The house No. 35.
Bruton Street, was taken in that year, and fitted up for the museum, and
a plot of ground in the Regent's Park was obtained for exhibiting a living
collection. Sir T. Stamford Raffles was the principal founder and the first
president of this Society. The second meeting or the Society took place
m March, 1827, when, in consequence of the death of the president, the
Marquess of Lansdown was chosen to that office.

The museum in Bruton Street consists of several thousand animals or
parts of animals, the greater part of which have been voluntarily con-
tributed. Last year, the collection which Sir Stamford Raffles formed in
Sumatra, some valuable Eastern animals, a remarkable collection of horns
by Major General Hardwicke, an ostrich by the king, and a number of pre-
sents by other individuals, were added, and during the present year various
accessions have been made.

In the Society's menagerie and garden, situated on the north-eastern side
of the Regent's Park, not far beyond the new St. Catherine's Church and
Hospital, nearly one hundred living animals are exhibited in suitable pad-
docks, dens, and aviaries. Among the most attractive of these, are two
beautiful llamas, one presented by the Duke of Bedford, the second by Ro-
bert Barclay, Esq., of Bury Hill ; a leopard, presented by Lord Auckland ;
some kangaroos bred in this country, by the Marquess of Hertford ; a pair
of emus, bred at Windsor, by Lord Mountcharles ; a Russian bear, pre-
sented by Lord Hertford. Specimens of the ratel, or Indian badger, ich-
neumons, tiger cats, badgers, monkeys, &c., add to the attractions of
the menagerie, Some valuable animals, from the artic regions, have
been lately presented by the Hudson's Bay company : such as Canadian
lynxes, arctic foxes, porcupines, horned owls, &c. The ornithological
department comprises several species of eagles, cranes, gulls, gannetts,
cormorants, with various gallinaceous birds, &c.

Nearly 1000 members have already joined the Society. The annual pay-
ment is two guineas, and the admission fee five guineas ; or the whole may
be compounded for by a payment of twenty-five pounds. The Society will
probably soon be incorporated, when, as is usual, the terms of admission
will probably be raised. The gratification which the rich museum of this
Society in Bruton Street, and their very interesting garden of living animals
in the Regent's Park, are calculated to afford to persons of leisure and curi-
osity, is so obvious, that we are surprised the members are not many times
more numerous than they are. We should have thought that, independ-

Natii:- al Histor^y in London, 79

ently of all scientific or useful views, the circumstance of a member being
able to give cards of admission to the museum and garden to his friends,
would have been sufficient to have rendered this Society one of the most
popular in the metropolis. We believe, if the Society were better known,
this would be the case, and we wish to find it so, not only as extending
innocent and instructive amusement, but as contributing to a science, which
more than any other demonstrates the existence of design in its subjects.

In the first prospectus issued by this Society, one of their objects is stated
to be, " the introduction of new varieties, breeds, and races of animals, for
the purpose of domestication, or for stocking our farm-yards, woods, plea-
sure-grounds, and wastes." When this object of the Society comes to be
better known, we have no doubt it will be most liberally supported by the
wealthy and the patriotic.

We anticipate an extraordinary source of interest in the menagerie,
which we should like to see combined with an arboretum and a col-
lection of all the plants that will endure our climate, distributed over the
whole of the Regent's Park, the common trees already planted there being
cut out, as those belonging to the collection grow up to supply their places.

The secretary of this society is N. A. Vigors, Esq., one of our first zoolo-
gists, and editor of the ZoologicalJournal.

The Medico- Botanical Society of London. — This Society was established
in 1821, for the purpose of especially promoting, by means of experiments
and lectures, the sciences of medical botany, pharmaceutic chemistry, and
materia medica. The necessity of such an institution must be very obvious,
when it is stated, that, previously to its foundation, there was no Society
for the investigation of the properties of plants, although there were several
for the encouragement of general botany. It consists of fellows and cor-
responding members : the former of whom pay an annual subscription of
two guineas, or a composition of twenty guineas, in lieu of all contri-
butions ; the latter pay no subscription, but must reside out of England.

Gentlemen, desirous of becoming fellows, must signify their wishes to
the secretary, who will lay the same before the council, when they will be
ballotted for at the meeting following that at which they shall have been
proposed. They have the privilege of attending and introducing one per-
son to the lectures and meetings; and of inspecting the collections of spe-
cimens, the herbarium, and the library- All new medicines are submitted
to the Society by its professors, who report their experiments and observa-
tions thereon.

The council look forward to be enabled to fit up a reading-room, mu-
seum, and laboratory, as soon as their funds will enable them to carry into
effect such a desirable object. The Society meet every month throughout
the year, except August and September, at the apartments formerly occu-
pied by the Board of Agriculture, No. 32. Sackville Street, Piccadilly, where
all communications are requested to be addressed. The Society are endea-
vouring to collect the medicinal plants of the several colonies, in order
that gentlemen visiting them in a professional capacity, may inspect the
same, and become acquainted with their characters previously to their
departure. To encourage the labours of their members, the Society give
annually a gold and silver medal for the best communications on medical
botany. The President is Sir James M'Grigor, M.D. F.R.S. K.T.S., Di-
rector-General of the Army Medical Board j John Frost, Esq. F.S.A.
M.R.I. F.L.S. H.S., is Director, and Professor of Botany j and Richard
Morris, Esq. F.L.S., is Secretary. The number of members in all exceeds
two hundred.

At a meeting of this Society in October last, 56 lbs. of the seed of ^rge-
mone mexicana, a mild purgative, were presented by Mr. Higgins, of Nevis;
and about 30 lbs. of the seed of Genista tinctoria, from the Rev. Mr. Smir-
novi. The last is a plant used by thfe Russians as a cure for hydrophobia.

80

Natural History i?i London.

The director, Mr. Frost, in his annual oration, commenced by showing
the advantages derivable from the extended sphere of the Society, and its
use to the medical officers of the army and navy. He then pointed out
the salutary effects that would accrue from the regulations instituted by
Sir James M'Grigor, Director-General of the Army Medical Board, rela-
tive to their studying botany.

A notice was read, offering a reward of 25/., or a gold medal of equal
value, for an accurate description of the plant yielding the myrrh, and
which is merely supposed to be the produce of the ^^myris Kataf.

April 11. A folio drawing, from Sir A. Johnson, of that curious vegetable
production, the Pitcher plant, A'ep^nthes {ne, negative, /)ew^Ao5, grief j sup-
posed effects) distillatoria {fig. 43.),
from the original drawing) was ex-
hibited; and a collection of seeds
presented by Mr. Morris, the secre-
tary. The Pitcher plant is a native
of Ceylon, Amboyna, Madagascar,
and various places in Asia and South
America. It is so called from the
pitcher-like termination of the ra-
dical leaves. These leaves and stalks
are highly vascular, and the pitchers
are so large as to hold two ounces
or more of clear water each, which
is distilled into them through the
stalks. According to Rumphius, the
water is the habitation of a small
shrimp ; and, if so, the fact is. won-
derful. A communication was read
on two species of Melaleuca, and a
variety of elegant plants exhibited.

It was announced that on May 9. Mr. Frost, the director, and professor
of botany, would deliver a lecture on the genus iaurus and its properties.

Scientific Institutions. — A new feature in the metropolis is the practice
of holding evening parties at the principal literary and scientific institutions,
and at some of these ladies may attend. Various objects of interest are
displayed throughout the largest apartments, which objects are either
named or explained by affixed cards, or, if articles manufactured for sale,
by some one interested in them. Frequently, also, some object or topic is
explained or discussed scientifically to the surrounding group, and occa-
sionally a lecture is delivered to the whole company. Tea and coffee, with
other refreshments, are on a side-table. In the course of the two last
winters, various meetings of this sort have been held at the Royal, Lon-
don, and other Institutions, and at the College of Surgeons, which were
numerously attended, and proved highly gratifying to all parties.

At the London Institution^ on the evening of April the 16th, the conver-
sazione contained a considerable portion of the mind of the city of London.
The company began to assemble about 7 o'clock ; and entering the library,
upwards of fifty different objects in the arts, natural history, antiquities, and
literary productions or curiosities, placed on tables, or suspended from the
book-cases, attracted their attention. About 8 o'clock the doors of the
theatre were thrown open, and, soon after, about 500 persons, perhaps one
fifteenth of whom were ladies, heard a discourse by E. W. Brayley, jun., on
the circular or quinary arrangement, as existing in the animal kingdom,
particularly with respect to birds. Mr. Brayley began by some observ-
ations on the difference between a natural and an artificial system in
natural history, stating that, in the latter, some particular character of the
subjects of classification was selected, to form the basis of an arbitrary

Natural History in London, 8 1

arrangement, the design of which was so to assemble them, as to aid the
memory in the retention of their distinctive characters : but in a natural
system, or an attempt to describe the mutual relations between natural
objects as they actually appear to exist in nature, the aggregate of the
characters, and their variation, are taken as the foundations of the arrange-
ment. Mr. Bra3'ley then proceeded to a brief view of the history of the
quinary distribution of animals, and of the circular succession of affinities
among them. They were discovered, he stated, by Mr. W.S. Macleay, an
eminent entomologist, at present his Majesty's Commissioner of Arbitration
at the Havannah, who published, in the year IS 19, a work entitled Hdr(B
EntomologiccB /\n\vh\ch. he sketched out a view of what appeared to him to
be the natural arrangement of the animal kingdom in general, and that of
the sub-kingdom, Annulosa, in particular. A few years subsequently, a
j)aper by Mr. Vigors, now secretary of the Zoological Society, was pub-
lished in the 14th volume of the Transactions of the Linnean Society, in
which a similar natural arrangement was demonstrated to pervade the
feathered creation. This arrangement Mr. Brayley proceeded to explain,
by means of some large diagrams, and of paintings and specimens of the
various groups of birds. The first ramification of the class of birds is into
five orders : Raptores, or birds of prey ; Insessores, or perching birds ;
Rasores, or gallinaceous birds ; Grallatores, or wading birds ; and Natatores,
or web-footed birds. Four of these answer respectively to the Linnean
orders, viccipitres, Gallinas, Grallae, andi4'nseres;the Insessores consisting of
the Picae and Passeres united, as the most eminent naturalists have shown
they really are, in nature. Intermediate groups of birds connect these
orders into a complete series returning into itself, or a complete circular
succession ; and each order consists of five minor groups, also forming a
circular series, connected together in a corresponding manner, by interme-
diate or osculant groups. After explaining the characters of the principal
groups, Mr. Brayley stated, that all the information he had oflered respect-
ing the natural arrangement of birds, had been derived from Mr. Vigors*s
publications ; and he concluded with a warm tribute to the zeal and disin-
terestedness displayed by that gentleman in the promotion of zoological
science, and especially in the concerns of the Zoological Society.

Mr. Sweefs Aviary , Cameron Square, Chelsea. — Mr. Sweet, having turned
his attention to taming and keeping the musical genus Sylvia, has, by dili-
gent observation and appropriate management, actually changed most
species of this family from annual to perennial songsters. I visited his
collection in March last, and saw, with surprise, his interesting choristers,
and heard from them the familiar strains of midsummer. A little room
with a fire-place serves as an aviary j in this there are two large cages,
which contain the nightingale, white-throat, lesser white-throat, pettichaps,
wheat-ear, whin-chat, stone- chat, redstart, black-cap, willow- wren, and
some other birds.

All these beautiful emigrants live healthily and happily together, partake
of nearly the same kind of food, sing in season and out of season, and, in
this artificial captivity, even gain new powers of song, and new social pro-
pensities. Some time back, an old whin- chat adopted for his own, fed, and
nursed up a nest of young redstarts ; and Mr. Sweet is of opinion, that
any or all of them may be so treated as to breed in such aviaries. Their
whole history, treatment, &c., is particularly interesting, and is fully detailed
in Mr. Sweet's work. The British Warhlei^Sy with coloured plates, recently
published.

I know not a more interesting amusement than an aviary of such song-
sters. Their appearance, in a suitably large and warm apartment, gives no
idea of cruel imprisonment. Paired, as they may be, and ranging among
living plants, as myrtle and orange trees, in or under which they will build
and breed, they present no scene of pitiable iofringement of liberty, nor of
Vol. L — No. 1. g

B2 Natural Historic in the English Counties,

suffering captivity. On the contrary, to see them on a wintry day, " while
the storm rises in the blackened east," all comfortably joyous, and safe
from the chilling blast, gives a sensation of the purest satisfaction to the
benevolent heart, while their songs of gladness sound like those of grateful
thanks to their kind protectors. — J. M. April.

The Ornithological Results of Captain FrankliiCs last Expedition are now
drawing up by Dr. Richardson, assisted by Mr. Swainson. The work will
be a very perfect one, and with numerous plates and wood-cuts. The
drawings of the quadrupeds will be done by T. Landseer, and those of the
birds and vignettes by Mr. Swainson.

Among the Ornithological Novelties that have recently come'from Mexico,
are skins of the Ramphastus carinatus, or Yellow-breasted Toucan. This
bird was well known to Edwards, who figured and described it with tole-
rable accuracy. It seems, however, that from some cause or other, no
ornithologist since that period had ever seen the species ; and it conse-
quently remained excluded from all the systems. Not long ago Mr. Swain-
son accidentally discovered the bill mixed up with other items at an
auction. By comparing this with Edwards's account, and with a drawing
in his own possession, this indefatigable zoologist clearly established its cha-
racters ; and published a figure and description of the species in his third
volume o^ Zoological Illustrations by the name of Ramphastos carinatus. Yet
as no other testimony could be brought forward, and no specimen existed in
Europe, there was reason to believe, until its recent discovery in Mexico,
that the species, like the Dodo, had become extinct.

Art. III. Natural History in the English Counties,

Botanical Museum of Cambridge. — The foundation of a Botanical
Museum and Library was laid by Professor John Martyn, and these were
subsequently augmented by Professor Thomas Martyn. For several years
the Herbarium had been consigned to a damp cupboard, and when it came
under the care of Professor Henslow, in 1825, was found to have suffered
considerably. Not half of the specimens were in a sufficiently perfect state
to be worth retaining. Such as appeared worth preserving have now been
washed with a solution of corrosive sublimate, and stuck upon paper, to-
gether with whatever memoranda accompanied each specimen. The library
consisted of about 500 volumes, chiefly of the earlier writers on botany,
and may be considered as a useful and valuable depository of such works
and early editions as still serve to illustrate the progress of this science,
though now seldom consulted for the purposes of private study.

The senate having passed a grace during the last year (.1827), for allowing
an annual stipend for supporting and increasing this museum, there need
be no apprehensions of any further neglect in this department ; and Pro-
fessor Henslow therefore ventures to solicit the assistance of his botanical
friends in procuring materials for supplying-the following collections, which
he has commenced : —

1. Herbarium of the plants of Cambridgeshire.

2. Herbarium of the plants of Great Britain.

3. Herbarium for a general collection.

N.B. — All local and rare specimens will be acceptable for the two
first collections, and any natives, exotics, or cultivated specimens for
the third. It is requested, where possible, that the exact habitat,
distinctly wi'itten, and the time at which each specimen was ga-
thered, may accompany it.

4. Dried lichens, fungi, &c., which have not been submitted to pressure.

5. Succulent fruits, fungi, &c., in spirits of wine or pickle.

Natural Histonj in the English Counties. SS

6. Dried fruits, seeds, woods, gums, or any other miscellaneous articles,
fossil as well as recent, which may tend to illustrate the science.

Professor Henslow has added the Jlthae^a hirsuta, from Kent, to the col-
lection of British plants. Although this species is not mentioned in the
English Flora, nor figured in the English Botany, it had been previously
detected and recorded as British in Symmon's Synopsis, and thence in-
serted into Turner and Dillwyn's Guide, and Hull's Flora, It grows plen-
tifully in several cultivated fields about the point of junction of the three
parishes of Cobham, Cuxton, and Strood, flowering throughout July. —
J. S. H. Cambridge, April,

At Cambridge tfie zeal for Natural History is daily on the increase in the
university. Professor Henslow holds a natural history party every Friday
evening at his own house, which is numerously attended by the friends of
the science. — J. W. Cambridge, March 25.

Scabiosa arv^nsis. — Sir J. E. Smith says of this plant, that it is reported
to be sometimes smooth, with all the leaves undivided, but that this has
not been seen in England. I found it answering this description, on the
5th of August, 1825, in the Isle of Wight. — E, K. April, 1827.

Ser7'dfida tinctoria. — In Sowerby's Botany it is observed that this plant
is said to have been seen with white flowers. The English Flora does not
mention the white variety. In a small wood near Dulwich, in August, 1 827,
I found it in abundance, both with white and with purple flowers. — Id.

Scilla nutans. — In a part of Combe Wood, where the trees had been
recently felled, I found three specimens of this plant, with white flowers, in
1827.— Id.

Folemonium ccerulewn. — Sir J. E. Smith observes that this plant is some-
times seen with white flowers. I have frequently seen them change from
blue to white, and watched the gradual progress, unattended, at the time,
with any appearance of decay. — Id.

Localities (or what botanists call habitats) of rare British Plants. — The
following plants being not very commonly met with in the neighbourhood
of London, your readers may be well pleased to know where to find them.
Ornithogalum umbellatum may be found in plenty on the point of land
adjoining Teddington Lock, and by the river side in that neighbourhood,
^nchusa sempervirens may be found in a hedge on the right hand, near to
Ham House, in going from the river towards Ham Street, ^''ster Tripolium,
usually found by the sea-coast, I gathered, in 1824, on the banks of the
Thames, a little above high-water mark, on the way between Richmond and
Kew. — M ^ '^ ^ ^

A root of the Mandrahe, iliandragora officinalis, of the extraordinary
length of 3 ft. and 'weighing 1 0 lbs., was lately dug up, in removing
the ruins of an ancient edifice at Brighton. As the mandrake is not
indigenous, and as there has been no garden in the field where it grew
for many ages, the plant is presumed to have stood there for several
centuries, probably since the demolishing of monastiq buildings by Henry
VIII., at which time the root of the mandrake was held in high estimation
by credulous persons. The mandrake is generally believed to be the dudaini
of the ancient Hebrews, and the plant which was so coveted by Rachel.
{Brighton Herald.) We think this root much more likely to be that of the
common white bryony, Bryonia alba. — Cond.

A Woodcoclc's Nest, with four eggs in it, is now in Chicksand woods,
near Sheffbrd, in Bedfordshire. The eggs are about the size of a bantam
hen's, are of a bluish white ground, with irregular brown spots. {Essex
Herald, April. 15.)

Rare Birds shot in the neighbourhood of Newcastle, in January last : —
A fine specimen of the least woodpecker, Picus minor Lin., which is, per-
haps, the only specimen known to be British ; a particularly fine specimen
of the Grev Phalarope, le Phalarope afestons denteleSjBw^. ; a specimen of

G 2

84» Natural History in Scotland.

,the Tippet Grebe, Col;^mbus urinator Lin. ; and the Tufted Duck, le petk
Morillon, Briss. Several rare birds were seen about Sunderland at the
same time. {Tyne Mercuru.)

A black Hare was lately shot at Combe, near Coventry, {Morn. Chron ,
Feb.)

Art. IV. Natural History in Scotland*

WernERIAN Natural History Society. — Meetings were held on January
the 12th and 26th, and February the 9th, and some interesting papers
read ; one by Dr. Grant on the anatomy of Perameles nasuta, a rare mar-
supial animal from New Holland ; a notice of the Cursorius isabellinus, or
Swift-foot, a rare bird, having been seen in Leicestershire ; and another
notice respecting the Ouistiti, which the secretary, Mr. Neill, has kindly
transmitted to us. In some future Number we hope to give a short history
of this Society.

Edinburgh Botanic Garden^ March, 1828. — Among the rare plants which
have flowered here during the last three months are — iEginetia capitata,
iJubiaceae, a herbaceous climbing plant, from Rio Janeiro ; Artocarpus in-
tegrifolia, the Entire-leaved Bread-fruit tree, produced several spadices of
jnale flowers, but none of female flowers; Dodonae^a attenuata, Terebin-
taceae, a shrub from New South Wales ; Heteropteris fulgens, Malpighi-
dcc(B, a climbing stove shrub, the native country of which is unknown ;
Lobelia racemosa, from the West Indies ; Mintha pumila, from Nepal;
primula verticillata. {Jam. Jour., April, p. 394.)

Neiu Localities of rare Plants. — Eriophorum pubescens is found in
abundance in a boggy field three miles north of Berwick ; Rhodiola rosea
on Fast Castle, and on rocks near Berwick ; and iScilla verna plentifully on
the sea banks at Gun's Green, near Eyemouth. {Jam. Journ., April, p. 404.)

The Sago Palm. — Cjcas (name given by the ancients to a little palm
which grew in Ethiopia) revoluta is now in flower in the garden of Cally,
near Gatehouse, Kirkudbrightshire. The same plant flowered in the stove
at Cally for the first time in June, 1826; it has been at Cally upwards of
thirty years, and measures in circumference at the tips of the leaves 27 ft.
The spike, or cone, it produced in 1826 measured 10 ft. in height, and
appears to have been the male flower- — J. N. Cally Gardens, March 14.

Large JEagle. — A very fine eagle was entrapped last week by Captain
Ramsay's game-keeper, on the hills above Balnakettle, in Kincardineshire.
This magnificent bird measures 7 ft. 2 in. between the tips of the wings, and
weighs lO^lbs. ; that part of his leg commonly called the drumstick, is
larger than a man can grasp with his hand. He is not at all injured by the
trap, having been caught by one of the toes, and has been placed in a large
cage, to keep company with another fine bird of the same species, which
was taken from the nest in the Clova hills, about four years ago, and is not
inferior in beauty of plumage, and not much inferior in size. {Edmburgh
Courant, Feb.)

A Halibut, 5 ft. 6 in. in breadth, 7 ft. 6 in. in length, and weighing
320 lbs., was taken, off" the Isle of Man, and brought to Edinburgh fish-
market on April the 5th, being the largest of that species ever seen there.
{Scotsman, April 9.) This fish, the Pleuron^ctes hippoglossus Linn., belongs
to the same family as the turbot. It inhabits the European and North
American seas, and is the largest of all aquatic animals except the whale
tribe, frequently weighing 400 lbs. The body is mucous, with oblong
scales sticking firmly to the skin, which is liver-coloured above and white
beneath. The flesh is fat and coarse, except the part which adheres to the
side fins.

'Natural History in Ireland. 85

Art. V. Natural History in Ireland.

Belfast Botanic and Horticultural Garden. — A number of gentlemen of
Belfast, and its vicinity, have formed a committee for establishing a garden ;
they have already purchased fourteen acres within a mile of Belfast. The
objects are, a delightful place of resort ; the cultivation of botanical
science; a superior style of gardening ; and the improvement of agricul-
ture. The garden will be the property of holders of shares of five guineas
each. Annual subscribers, of half a guinea each, shall have free access to
the garden ; and, with that liberal hospitality characteristic of the country,
the greatest facility is to be given to the admission of strangers.

The Belfast Natural History Society, of the origin and progress of which
we hope soon to give some account, hold their anniversary, and publish
a report for the past year, on the 24th of May, the birth-day of Linnaeus.
An interesting memoir of Mr. Templeton, a well known botanist, was read
last year by the President, and will be found in our biography in a succeed-
ing Number. The report, among other things, states that the members of the
Society are increased to sixty-seven. No very large addition has been made
to the collection of minerals ; but some exchanges have been effected, and
others are contemplated, by which the different suites will be rendered more
complete, and better adapted to illustrate this department of natural science.
A collection of native birds was commenced towards the close of last ses-
sion, to which several valuable specimens have been lately added; and it is
to be expected that still larger additions will soon be made to this interest-
ing part of the collection.

Some of the members who direct their attention principally to ento-
mology have, for some time, been engaged in forming a collection of
native insects, particularly of those found in the immediate neighbourhood ;
•and preparations are now making for receiving them into the museum.

Various additions have been made to the Hortus Siccus, and we may soon
look forward to having a complete collection of the indigenous plants of
Ireland. An interchange of specimens, too, has been commenced with
America, by means of which the museum will be enriched with the vege-
table productions of that extensive continent.

Some valuable exotics were lately received, which it is the intention of
the members to present to the Botanical Society; and thus, as should
always be the case, one scientific institution will lend its aid to the further-
ance of the plans of another. The connections already formed by the Na-
tural History Society will empower them occasionally to procure seeds and
plants from various quarters ; and the garden of the Botanical Society will
enable the Natural History Society to cultivate, to greater advantage, the
study of one of the most attractive branches of natural history.

The views of this Society are not confined to the formation of a museum,
consisting, exclusively, of specimens of botany, mineralogy, or zoology.
Everything which can illustrate the history or antiquities of Ireland is
willingly received ; and the object embraces every thing interesting, as con-
nected with the arts and sciences, or the history of man. Besides some Irish
antiquities, a few coins have been lately received, which it is hoped will
form the commencement of an interesting collection in this department.

During last summer excursions were occasionally made, by individual
members, to different parts of the adjoining country ; and plants, minerals,
and insects collected, to illustrate the natural history of the various dis-
tricts. Extra papers, founded on notes taken on those occasions, have
been read, and materials are thus gradually accumulating, which may form
the ground-work of more extensive statistical surveys. A series of meteor-
ological observations were also made, at the request of the Royal Irish
Academy.

o 3

86 Peremiial Calendar of Nature,

Various donations of books have been received during the present ses-
sion ; and the library, with very little assistance from the funds of the
Society, has thus been gradually increased.

By referring to the analysis book, it appears that twenty-nine papers
have been read during the present session. Of these, two were on botany,
eleven on mineralogy, three on topography, besides several local commu-
nications not noticed among the analyses, and thirteen on the different
branches of zoology. By comparing this number with that read last ses-
sion, there appears an increase of five, which can only arise from a greater
number of extra papers. This is the best proof, if proof were required, of
the increased interest members now take in the affairs of the Society.

In looking over the list of donations presented during the last year, we
are struck by the variety of countries whence they have been received.
We find the productions of the arctic regions in the next line to those of
the tropics, the crystals of Iceland beside the minerals of Peru. Science
seems to have power to annihilate distance, and to make the antipodes hold
converse with each other ; for, besides many specimens of plants, minerals,
and subjects of zoology, presented from different parts of Ireland and Eng-
land, donations have been received from Ceylon, Iceland, the Mediterra-
nean, the West Indies, Mexico, Peru, the Cape of Good Hope, St.
MichaePs, Lapland, and Antigua.

From all these circumstances, from the gradual but constant progress
of the Society during the present session, from the increase of its numbers,
-from tlie additions to its library, and from the enlargement of its museum,
the curators feel confident of its future utility and advancement.

The Juvenile Natural History Society of Belfast is, we believe, one of the
first societies of the kind that has ever been instituted. The general idea
is excellent, and we hope soon to give such particulars as will lead to the
formation of similar societies in other large towns. Dr. Drummond, in
speaking of this Society in his anniversary address, says, " the Juvenile Na-
tural History Society has wisely received your countenance and assistance ;
and in the young gentlemen who compose it, you naturally look forward to
future members to supply the places of those of us whose exertions cannot
be much longer expected."

Art. VI. Perennial Calendar for various Parts of Europe.

By a calendar of nature is to be understood a record of the times at
which certain annual or other changes take place in animals, plants, some
minerals, and the weather. The uses of such a calendar for any given situ-
ation, or for different stations throughout a country or division of the globe,
are various. To the cultivator it indicates more correctly than can be done
by the artificial measurements of time, the best periods for sowing and
planting, felling timber, gathering crops, destroying insects, &c.; to the
agriculturist it offers various suggestions in regard to the management of
animals as well as of hay, corn, and other field crops ; to the valetudinarian,
the tourist, or the retiring citizen in quest of a situation for a country
residence, it offers a choice of weather and climate; and, to the meteorolo-
gist, a variety of views and general conclusions, some of which are seen
or foreseen, and others will be the result of future conclusions from the
facts which we and others are putting on record.

After considering the plans of the calendars of nature, which have been
published by White, Stillingfleet, Aikin, and especially by Dr. Forster, we
have arrived at the conclusion, that the way to render such a calendar
most generally useful, is to confine the indications to a limited number of
animals and plants, and to let these animals and plants be of the same
species in all the different stations where the observations are to be made.
We have made a selection below for every month in the year, and we

Peiennial Calendar of Nature. 87

intend to print it in the form of a letter, and to send copies to a certain
number of stations in Britain and on the Continent, in order to get the
blanks filled up, and the letters returned to us at the end of exery year.
We propose that the calendar shall commence from January next, and we
intend the stations to be as follows : —

In England and Wales. — * London, Canterbury, Salisbury, Exeter, Ply-
mouth, * Penzance, Bristol, Swansea, Milford Haven, Holyhead, Chester,
Carlisle, Berwick, Newcastle, Durham, Hull, Lincoln, Yarmouth, Norwich,
Ipswich, * Bungay, Cambridge, Oxford, Birmingham, Shrewsbury, Derby,
York, * Worcester, * Hereford, Broomsgrove, Kendall, and Hexham.

In Scotland. — * Haddington, * Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness,
Thurso, * Kirkwall, Ullapool, Stornaway, Benbecula, Rum, Fortwilliam,
Kilbride, Inverary, Stirling, Dunkeld, * Annat Gardens near Perth, Fal-
kirk, Lanark, and Dumfries. •

In Ireland. — * Belfast, Londonderry, Enniskillen, Ballinrobe, Galway,
Limerick, * Cork, Cashel, Wexford, Mullingar, and Dublin.

On the Continent. — * Paris, Bourdeaux, Marseilles, Nice, Milan, Florence,
Rome, * Naples, Geneva, BolM'Jller, Vienna, Dresden, * Berlin, Hamburgh,
Brussels, Leyden, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Dantzic, * Warsaw, Moscow,
*Petersburgh, and Stockholm.

We shall be ghid to add other places to this list, as the greater the
number of points, so much the more useful will be the information. We
know of individuals who will undertake the calendar at the places
marked (*), and we should be glad of offers for the remainder or for places
near them, and for any other places that may be the residences of persons
friendly to the pursuits of natural history and to -this Magazine. We are
also desirous of receiving such remarks and criticisms as may occur to the
reader, on the choice of places and plants, so as to profit by them, and
improve the lists before printing them for distribution. We shall therefore
not print them for three months to come. We shall send them to their
destinations in November next; and, on receiving them in January, 1830,
filled up, we shall then present them in a tabular form, and so compressed
as to occupy only a page or two. In January, 1831, on receiving the lists
for 1850, we shall arrange them in like manner, and so on yearly. At the
ends of stated periods of years, say 7, 14, 21, &c., averages will be given, in
order, as much as possible, to generalise the information obtained. If any
eorrespondent can suggest any more useful plan, or any improvement on
this plan, we shall feel exceedingly obliged to him.

It may be necessary to premise, that in order to fill up the blanks under
meteorology, a daily register will require to be kept of the thermometer,
taken about nine o'clock in the morning ; of the barometer, taken about
the same time; of the rain, taken, every three or four days; and of the
other particulars daily, after the day has passed.

Skeleton Calendar for the Magazine of Natural Histort/, as kept at ,

in the of , being in latitude and longitude

, distant from the sea about miles, and nearly

feet above the level thereof: the soil being , on

a subsoil of • % Mr.

Flora for January 18 . — The following plants flowered, viz., the sweet-
scented coltsfoot on the , Christmas rose , winter aconite ,
barren strawberry , snowdrop , the hazel on the , and
the jPyrus japonicai. Cydonia japonica Lind., on the

Fauna. — Fieldfares and redwings remain on the , the early song

of the following birds heard, viz., the common wren on the , the

hedge-sparrow , the song-thrush , and the missel-thrush on the

. The marsh titmouse begins his spring note on the , the nut-

hatch on the . Trout leave their spawning-places on the

G 4

88 Calendar of Nature for London.

Meteorology. — Mean temperature of the month degrees, by Fah-

renheit*s scale ; greatest variation from the mean, ° ; greatest heat,

° J greatest cold, ° ; mean height of the barometer, ;

greatest variation from the mean, °; greatest height, °j lowest

extreme, °; number of fair days, ; number of rainy days, ;

number of snowy days, j quantity of rain, snow, &c. inches ;

prevailing winds from the , and j temperature of main-spring

water °.

Observations. —

The Calendar for the remaining months will be given in the next Number.

Art. VII. Calendar of Nature for London*

The object of this calendar is partly as a record of facts for future use
and gratification, and partly as a standard of climate, weather, and natural
appearances, with which naturalists in different parts of the country may
compare their own situations. The objects shall not be numerous, and we
shall in future always commence with those contained in the corresponding
months of the Perennial Calendar (p. 87.) — Cond.

A generally mild autumn was succeeded by an equally mild and uncon-
firmed winter. Several of our early song birds, as the thrush, the hedge-
sparrow, and common wren, were frequently heard before the first of
January. Before this day, too, natural primroses appeared in Covent
Garden Market. The new year was ushered in by wet yet warm weather ;
wind generally from S.S.W., and occasionally veering to theW. andN.W.,
at which times the clouds cleared off, and night frosts followed. Snow
fell on the 5th ; on the 1 1 th a heavy fall, with an east wind j also on the
16th, but which did not lie.

The equinoctial gales set in on the 18th of March, and continued mo-
derately till the 25th, when the weather became more settled. The dust
flew in London streets on the 4th of the same month, when the water-
carts were in requisition. A blue mist on the 1 5th of March, and several
misty mornings about the same time.

In the gardens, early flowers soon showed themselves j viz., hellebore,
aconite, groundsel, snowdrops, &c. &c. The almond came in flower on
the 3d of March, and gooseberries on the 18th.

First summer birds, the chiff-chaff and black-cap, arrived about the 8th,
the nightingale, willow-wren, redstart, and lesser field-lark about the 14th.

The lowest temperature by Fahrenheit was on the morning of the 26th
of March, when the mercury indicated 25° at 7 A.M. ; the highest point
was 52°, on the morning of the 12th instant at the same hour.

On the whole, the season thus far has been a changeable though
• moderate one, and the year promises to be a favourable one for the fruits
of the earth. — J. M April 20.

Art. VIII. Indicatorial Calendar.

Under this article it is not our intention to point out all the remarkable
natural occurrences which may be expected in the ensuing two months, but
merely a few of the leading features, in order to direct to them the attention
of young observers of nature. — Cond.

The weather during May and June is usually the most pleasant of the
whole year ; the air is peculiarly soft and refreshing, being scented with the

Indicatorial Calendar of Nature*

=89

balmy fragrance of innumerable flowers and opening buds. Almost 6verv
part of the vegetable creation is in vigorous growth, and holding forth
the pleasing hope of future perfection. The ear is ever saluted by the con-
cert of the groves, and all nature seems to rejoice. The winds are generally
variable, in which case there are alternations of showers and sunshine ; if
steady from any of the northerly points, with a clear sky, frosty air some-
times chills the early hours, and checks the tender shoots. Changeable
weather having continued for the last three months, it is probable it will
continue four or six weeks longer.

Quadrupeds. — Moles are affected by the season ; though the constant
tenants of darkness, their economy in forming their abodes, and exertions
in search of their food, arrest the notice of the observer. In the beginning
of May, the female begins to prepare a nest, either under a bush or hedge,
and not uncommonly in the open pastures, by throwing up alarger hill than
usual. The water shrew may be seen diving in search of food amongst the
mud in spring water ditches.

The Fishes which appear in the London market in May and June, are
chiefly the salmon, turbot, mackerel, doree, red mullet, and pike. The
doree (corrupted from adoree^ worshipped, or probably from doree ^ gilt ; in
allusion to its splendid colour) Zeus T^ber hm., {fig' 44.) is said by some to
be the fish out of whose
mouth St. Peter took the
tribute-money, leaving on its
sides those incontestible
proofs of the identity of the
fish, the marks of his finger
and thumb. Others contend
that the fish in question was
the haddock. It is rather
hard to determine the dis-
pute ; for the doree also as-
serts an origin of its spots
of a similar nature, but of a
much later date than the
former. St. Christopher, in
wading through an arm of
the sea, having caught a fish of the kind, en passant^ as an eternal me-
morial of the fact, left the impression on its sides to be transmitted to all
posterity. In our own country it was very long before the fish attracted
notice, at least as an edible one. We are indebted to that judicious
actor and bon vivant, the late Mr. Quin, for adding a most delicious luxury
to our table, who, overcoming all the vulgar prejudices on account of its
deformit}^, has effectually established its reputation. It is found on the
southern shores of this kingdom. Those of the largest size are taken in the
Bay of Biscay, and in the Mediterranean. Ovid has called it rams Faber,
which must have been owing to its excellence, not its scarcity. While living,
4.5 V the colour is very resplend-

ent, and as if gilt, whence,
according to some, the
name; but Sir Joseph Banks
used to say it should be
adoreey and that it was the
most valuable of fish, be-
cause it required no sauce.
The red mullet, or sur-
mullet, ikfullus Surmuletus
im., (^g. 45.) was highly
esteemed by the Romans, and bore an exceedingly high price. The ca*

90 Indicatorial Calendar of Nature.

pricious epicures of the days of Horace, valued it in proportion to its
size; not that the larger fish were more delicious, but that they were
more difficult to be got. Evidence of the high price and the luxury of
the age, appears from Juvenal : —

" Mullum sex millibus emit,

iEquantem sane paribus sestertia libris."

" The lavish slave

Six thousand pieces for a mullet gave,
A sesterce for each pound."

But Apicius, a man of consular dignity, gave a still more unconscionable
sum, for he did not scruple bestowing 8000 nummi^ or 64/. 11*. 8rf., for a
fish of as small a size as the mullet. (iBee Pennant.)

Birds. — Before the middle of May all our summer birds will have ar-
rived. The turtle-dove and fly-catcher are generally the two last. Through-
out the two coming months, all the singing birds (those that are constantly
with us, as well as temporary visitors) may be heard or seen. It is their
breeding season, after which, several of the emigrants which breed but once,
leave us. The young of most birds appear j and the congregating of those
of the insectivorous tribes makes it difficult to distinguish the various kinds
from each other.

Insects. — Swarms of these will now burst from their egg and chrysalis
state. The dragon-flies leave the water, the element where they are born
and bred, and soar in the air, where they may be seen darting after smaller
winged insects, their prey. The gaudy family of butterflies, the mail-covered
though splendid tribe of beetles, and the curiously mechanical fraternity of
bees, every where intrude themselves on the notice of the naturalist. Spi-
ders weave their geometric-formed webs on every spray; and which may
be seen to reflect the prismatic colours, to entice the more readily their
unwary victims. The common buttei*fly, Papilio chrysomela alba, depo-
sits a red fluid ; and vast numbers of the insects in the air have dropt
this fluid in such quantities, as to give rise to the story of a shower of red
rain, which is given in Gassendi's Life ofPeirese. (See Brewster'' s Journaly
April, 1827.)

Reptiles. — Toads, frogs, and efts may soon be seen changing from their
tadpole state to their perfect form. Soon after this, the frogs instinctively
leave the water, and secrete themselves on land, to avoid the notice of their
natural enemies, ducks, and other aquatic birds. Snakes cast their slough ;
and, with vipers and slow-worms, may be seen basking under hedges.

Worms. — The dew-worm may be seen lying abroad, on warm moist
mornings, or during warm rain. Snails, with their curiously-coloured spiral
shells, may be seen roving about in moist weather, accompanied by their
shelless congeners, wherever moisture exists or their favourite food abounds.
In shallow brooks, in still parts at the edge of the stream, the Gordiu* may
"be seen, like an animated hair, waving its slender body in all directions.
' Plants, — The greatest variety and the brightest glow of Flora's train
regale the senses in the two ensuing months. In the garden, the conspicu-
ous paeony, the irises, and ranunculuses are only equalled by the splendid
flowering shrubs of North America. In the Jields, the harebell, stitch-
wort, and herb-robert may be seen under every hedge ; in meadows, the
cuckoo-flower, germander-speedwell, scorpion-grass, and above all, that inte-
resting tribe of plants, the Orchideas, of which several sorts will appear in
this season. In the marshes may be seen the butterwort, loosestrife, and
sweet-gale ; and, in rivers, the white and yellow water lilies, water ranun-
culuses, and many other aquatic plants.

Astronoinical Indications. — Next to the sun and moon, the other planetary
bodies are the most attractive to the eye; and, as some of your young readers

Biography : — Sh' James Smith. 91

may wish to be able to identify those splendid wanderers, I subjoin- the

following memoranda for May and June, which shows when the planets
will be in conjunction with the moon.

May 4. at 6 A. M. Mars.

June

14.

at 8 P. M. Saturn.

12. 6 P.M. Mercury.

14.

10 P. M. Mercury.

17. 9 P.M. Venus.

16.

5 A. M. Venus. "

18. 6 A. M. Saturn.

27.

9 A.M. Jupiter.

27. 3 A. M. Jupiter.

27.

10 P.M. Mars.

Chelsea^ April 21.

J. M.

Art. IX. Biography,

Death of Sir J. E. Smithy President of the Linnean Society.—' On Mon-
day, March 17. at his house in Norwich, aged sixty-eight, died the distin-
guished naturalist, Sir James Edward Smith, M.D. F.R.S., Member of the
Academies of Stockholm, Upsal, Turin, Lisbon, Philadelphia, New York,
&c^ &c. ; the Imperial Acad. Naturae Curios., and the Royal Academy of
Sciences at Paris ; Honorary Member of the Horticultural Society of
London, and forty years President of the Linnean Society.

Born at Norwich, Dec. 2. 1759, where he received his education; went
to Edinburgh, in 1780, having previously devoted himself to the study of
natural history, and botany in particular. During his medical studies at
that university, he so far distinguished himself as a botanist, as to obtain
the gold medal given to the best proficient among the students in that
science.

Upon leaving Edinburgh, and going to London to perfect his professional
studies, he became acquainted with Sir Joseph Banks, that eminent patron
of natural science and of all its ardent admirers ; upon whose recommend-
ation he purchased, in 1784, " the celebrated Linnean collection^* com-
prising the epistolary correspondence of the great Linneus and his son,
together with every thing that belonged to those eminent men, relating
to natural history or medicine.

From that period, the life of Mr. Smith was devoted to a zealous cul-
tivation of the science of natural history ; and his numerous works will
constitute a perpetual monument of that fame which no living author
more duly merited or more justly obtained.

Having purchased the Linnean collection, and settled in London as an
acknowledged man of science, in the year 1786 he graduated as a physician
at Leyden. In that and the following year he visited most of the classical
and celebrated places of France and Italy. The account of these travels
was published in 1793, under the title of A Sketch of a Tour on the Conti-
nent, in 3 vols. 8vo ; a work which at once raised the subject of our me-
moir into the first class of literary society.

Upon his return to London, Dr. Smith (in conjunction with his lately
deceased and highly valued friend, Dr. Goodenough, Lord Bishop of Car-
lisle, who was one of the original vice-presidents, and Thomas Marshara,
Esq., who became Treasurer) set about establishing the Linnean Society,
of which Dr. Smith was the original president^ and to which distinguished
office he was annually and unanimously chosen from that period to the
present time.

The first meeting was held April 8. 1788, when " an introductory dis-
course on the rise and progress of natural history," was read by the Pre-
sident. This forms the first article of the Transactions] of the Linnean
Society ; a work which has already extended to fourteen or fifteen quarto
volumes.

9^ Biography : — Sir James Smith.

In 1792 Dr. Smith was invited to give some instruction in his favourite
science of botany to the Queen and Princesses, at their rural and elegant
retreat at Frogmore, near Windsor ; and how well he was calculated for
such an appointment, those who have derived delight and improvement
from his lectures at the Royal Institution, at Liverpool, at Bristol, &c., can
amply attest.

In 1796 Dr. Smith was married to the only daughter of the late Robert
Reeve, Esq., of Lowestoft, SuiFolk.

In the following year he retired from London to reside in his native city ;
and, with occasional visits to the metropolis, where he had a very numerous
circle of scientific friends, as well as an extensive acquaintance in the
highest ranks of society, to whom he was warmly attached, and by whom
he was reciprocally esteemed, Norwich became his constant residence.

In 1814 Dr. Smith received the honour of knighthood at the hands of
His present Majesty, who was then Prince Regent, and who had graciously
condescended to become Patron of the Linnean Society.

The Horticultural Society was pleased to enroll the name of Sir James
Edward Smith as one of its honorary members, in conjunction with those
of His late Royal Highness the Duke of York and Albany, His Royal
Highness the Prince Leopold of Saxe Coburg, and Sir Humphrey Davy,
LL.D. &c., late president of the Royal Society.

The health of Sir James Edward Smith had been for some time declining ;
but following the even tenor of his scientific pursuits, and blessed with
every comfort that a congenial union can afford, his time glided on without
the slightest relaxation of ardour in his botanical labours, while his latest
and even his unfinished works, attest that there was no diminution either of
his zeal or his success, in affording both information and satisfaction to those
who were proud to look up to him as one of the first botanists of the age.
In 1824, on occasion of the establishment of a museum of natural his-
tory in Norwich, through the exertions of a few admirers of the science.
Sir James Edward Smith kindly lent the weight of his name in furthering
this object, and condescended to become president of that institution.

Although none of his friends could be altogether unprepared for the
melancholy event, still the decease of Sir James Edward Smith was some-
what sudden. The feebleness of his frame seemed to have in some degree
recovered a little of its former tone during the last week of his existence,
so that he was enabled to pursue his accustomed labours, and even to enjoy
the exercise of taking a walk without any great fatigue.

He was attacked, however, on Saturday, March 15., with such an
alarming degree of debility as almost immediately to extinguish the hopes
of his recovery. Under this attack he gradually sunk, till, at about six
o'clock A.M. of Monday, March 17., he placidly resigned his breath, and
** his spirit returned to him who gave it."

Among the numerous works of which Sir James Edward Smith was the
author, it may be sufficient here to mention one or two, perhaps, besides
his Tour^ as those upon which his fame was in a great measure reared,
and upon which it may be said to be permanently established.

Of these English Botany is entitled to the first^ consideration, as con-
taining a description and a coloured figure of every plant known to be
indigenous. This work consists of thirty-six octavo volumes, and con-
tains 2592 figures of British plants.

It is a curious but a melancholy coincidence, that on the very day he en-
tered his library for the last time, the packet containing the fourth volume
of his English Flora reached him ; and he had the gratification of
witnessing the completion of a work, upon which his friends have fre-
quently heard him express an opinion that it was the one which would
eventually redound most to the estimation of his knowledge as a botanist
and his credit as an author.

Qjieines and Ansnsoers, 93

A pretty correct estimate of Sir James Edward Smith's benevolent
views of the power and wisdom of the God of nature, (and he had a most
perfect and consolatory conviction of the truth of Divine Revelation,) may
be given with great propriety in his own words, at the conclusion of the
preface to the work last mentioned : — " He who feeds the sparrows, and
clothes the golden lily of the fields in a splendour beyond that of Solomon
himself, invites us, his rational creatures, to confide in his promises of
eternal life. — The simple blade of grass, and the grain of corn, to which
he gives its own body, are sufficient to convince us that our trust cannot
be in vain. Let those who hope to inherit these promises, and those who
love science for its own sake, cherish the same benevolent dispositions.
Envy andrivalship, in one case, are no less censurable than bigotry and un-
charitableness in the other. The former are as incompatible with the love
of nature as the latter are with the love of God, and they altogether unfit
us for the enjoyments of happiness here or hereafter." — T,

Art. X. Queries and Answers.

Putting Bees in Mourning. — I should not have mentioned the following
circumstance, but I own I feel a curiosity to know if the same superstition
prevails in any other part of the kingdom. A person, in Norfolk, to
whom I was talking about bees, told me that where they v^ere kept it was
peremptory, in case of the death of any of the family, to put the bees in
mourning, or the consequence would be that all of them would die. He
followed up this assertion by giving me a case in point, where, from the
neglect of the custom, every bee in the apiary had perished. The method
of putting them in mourning is by attaching a piece of black cloth to each
of the hives ! ! — Daniel Stock. Bungay, Suffolk^ April 1. 1828.

The Shrieke, Lanius {lanius, ahutcher) excubitor {excubitory a watcher). —
Can you or any of your readers inform me if this bird seizes its prey with
its feet or its bill ? — A. B.

The following answer to this query we obtained from Mr. Audubon. —
Cond.

The Shrieke, Lanius excubitor Lin., when pouncing on its prey, seizes it
with its bill first (if insectivorous), then secures it under its feet to eat it.
The same bird, when coming on a bird or a mouse which it has pursued
for some distance, settles its feet at the moment that it strikes with its bill on
the cranium of the object pursued. I have seen a bird of this kind, in
America, carried to a very considerable distance by a Carolina dove, fastened
to the back and the head of the dove with beak and feet. And although
the toes are slender, and the claws comparatively weak, their pressure is
powerful, and the bite it inflicts with the bill can draw blood from a robust
man's finger in an instant. — J. J. A. 95. Great Russell Street, April 10.
1828.

Mya batava. — Are any of your readers possessed of British specimens of
the trueikfja batava of Maton and Turton, (the i7 nio batava of Lamarck,)
and can they point out its locality ? I have never seen native examples of
this shell, which is common in France and other parts of the Continent.
I purchased a specimen from Mrs. Mawe, which she told me came from
Gibraltar.— iS. C.

Ground Grubs. — Sir, I think you would render entomology much
more useful to people in general than it now is, if you gave us short de-
scriptions and outline figures of all the ground grubs, which, under various
names, do so much damage to the farmer and the gardener. The names
by which they are called are so various, and so contradictory, that I really
do not know what is the true wire-worm. A grub which has long done
me much damage, and which I thought was the wire-worm, a neighbour

■94- Retrospective Criticis^n.

tells me is the white worm or ver Wane of your Gardener's Magazine.
How are we to know, if scientific entomologists will not condescend to
thinkfor us? — ^. n.

Latrcille's Natural System of Animals. — ^N\\\ you, or any of your
readers, inform me in what respect Latreille's system differs from tiiat of
Cuvier, and what relation both systems bear to what are called the circular,
binary, quinary, and septenary systems, of which we hear so much by
modern naturalists? — Alexander Simson. York Street, Covcnt Garden^
April 10.

In our succeeding Number, the first of a sei'ies of papers on zoology will
be given ; introductory to which the above and other systems of arrange-
ment will be discussed. — Coiid.

Art. XI. Retrospective Criticism.

The Eagle and the Hawk. — Sir, In the vignette of your Prospectus
(otherwise very prettily and correctly designed) you have given a figure, in-
tended, I presume, for an eagle ; but allow me
to hint that it has much of the hawk aspect
about it, and, in short, that it is a compound
of both. The bills of all eagles are more or
less lengthened at the base j that is, they form
a straight line towards the nostrils, and then a
suddenly curve as they approach the end,
where they bend into a strong hook. {Jig.

■4 6. j?.") The bills of hawks (6) and falcons (c), . \-^'<«sr'«v K^mw^h
on the contrary, are very much shorter, and {Aj^^^^^'^^f^^^^^^
the curve,instead of commencing at about halfc
the length of the bill, begins, as in the figure
in your vignette, at the very base. These characters and differences in the
bill mainly serve to distinguish the two divisions of rapacious birds
placed by Linnaeus in the genus Falco, and known in the days of fal-
conry by the terms noble and ignoble. The noble falcons are those which
seize their prey in the air during flight j for they never devour what
has been killed or wounded by other birds ; they must drink the blood
of their victims warm, or not at all. In all these birds the bill is very
short, strong, and much hooked. Cuvier, and other French reformers,
have made numerous sub-genera of such as vary more or less in the
shape and form of the bill and wings ; but, as I am not acquainted with
the foreign species, I shall only notice those which occur in Britain. Of
these noble falcons we have two races : the first, which in point of fact,
are the most noble, are such as have the upper mandible of the bill provided
with a strong and sharp tooth {fig. 46. b), used, most probably, for the more
expeditious tearing of their prey; the wings, too, are very long; often, indeed,
exceeding the tail, and the second feather is always the longest. In both
these characteristics, swiftness and rapacity are strongly indicated. To
this tribe belong the restrel or stannel, the merlin, the hobby, and the
peregrine falcon. The last of these, from its docility and courage, seems
to have been the favourite among falconers. The second race of falcons
are inferior to the first in many respects ; the tooth of their bills is rounded
off, and does not present an acute angle ; while the wings are proportion-
ably short, and consequently weaker. Our only native example of these
birds (which are the true hawks) is the sparrow-hawk Between these two
races stands the Hiero Falco of Cuvier, known in this country by the name
of the Iceland falcon, I have never met this bird in any of my shooting

Retrospective Criticism. 95

excursions, and shall be very glad if some of your correspondents could
give me, through your Journal, some intimation of its manners and habits.
It is described by Cuvier as having the blunt-toothed bill of the hawk,
and the long wings of the true falcons already noticed. It is there-
fore considered by some as a connecting link between them ; while it is
placed by Cuvier intermediate between the Nobiles, and the second grand
division of rapacious birds, called Ignobilcs, from their being seldom, if ever,
used in falconry. Under this title come the buzzards, kites, and eagles.
All these agree in having the bill provided only with a slight festoon, instead
of a tooth, and in the fourth feather of the wings being the longest. They
either dart or fall upon their prey, and do not seize it, like the noble
birds, by chase ; they may be called, indeed, poachers, while the true fal-
cons are legitimate hunters. Most of these ignoble birds will devour any
animal that comes in their way, as rats, mice, snails, slugs, beetles, &c., and
will, if pressed for food, even devour carrion. Buzzards are known by the
great length of their wings, their even tail, and their small head and bill.
Our native species are: — 1. The Hen-harrier; 2. Honey Buzzard;
5. Common Buzzard; 4. Rough-legged Buzzard; and, 5. Moor Buzzard.
The kites are not much unlike the buzzards, but have been separated from
them on account of their long forked tail. One species only is found with
us, and which is well known. The last tribe of ignoble birds are the eagles.
It seems strange that naturalists should differ so much from poets and his-
torians, who, in every age, have given the opposite denomination to these
birds. But this seems to have originated more in ignorance of their habits,
when compared to the true falcons. Eagles are certainly among the largest
birds, and eminent for great strength and powers of destruction. They
may be compared to the race of giants among men, as described in the
Fairy Tales ; but we seldom read of these giants being at the same time
brave, generous, or docile. On the contrary, poets describe them as trea-
cherous, cowardly, and blood-thirsty ; in short, just such a race as the eagles
are among birds. They may be kept in confinement, and reared from the
nest, but they are never tamed; and they will occasionally rob other more
courageous hunters, of the spoil which they want either the bravery or
activity to procure for themselves. Wilson, the delightful author, of the
American Ornithology, describes this trait in the character of the bald
eagle, in the following glowing colours : t — " Elevated on the high dead
limb of some gigantic tree, he seems calmly to contemplate the motions of
the feathered tribes below. High over all these, hovers one, whose action
instantly arrests his attention; by his wide curvature of wing and sudden
suspension in air, he knows him to be the fish-hawk, settling over some
devoted victim of the deep. His eye kindles at the sight ; and balancing
himself with half open wings on the branch, he watches the result. Down,
rapid as an arrow from heaven, descends the distant object of his attention,
the roar of its wings reaching the ear as it disappears in the deep. At this
moment the eager looks of the eagle are all ardour ; and levelling his neck
for flight, he sees the fish-hawk once more emerge, struggling with his prey,
and mounting in the air with screams of exultation. These are the signal
for our hero, who, launching into the air, instantly gives chase, soon gains on
the fish-hawk ; each exerts his utmost to mount above the other, display-
ing in these rencontres the most elegant and sublime aerial evolutions.
The unencumbered eagle rapidly advances, and is just on the point of
reaching his opponent, when with a sudden scream, probably of despair and
honest execration, the latter drops his fish. The eagle, poising himself for
a moment, as if to take a more certain aim, descends like a whirlwind,
snatches it in his grasp ere it reaches the water, and bears his ill-gotten
booty silently away to the woods." In proof, however, of the innate
cowardice of this formidable robber, the same author adds, — "When
driven, as he sometimes is, by the combined courage of the fish-hawks,

96 Commercial Notices,

from their neighbourhood, and forced to hunt for himself, he retires more
inland, in search of young pigs, of which he destroys great numbers. He
will also attack old sickly sheep, aiming furiously at their eyes."

The above extract is so interesting, that I have transcribed it without
abridgment, particularly as the great expense of the work will naturally
prevent it from being in the hands of many of your readers. Our Natural
History Society here fortunately possess a copy. To conclude, the spe-
cies of eagles inhabiting Great Britain appear still to be imperfectly under-
stood. The bald eagle, or white-tailed eagle, above mentioned (Falco leuco-
c^phalus Lin.\ seems to be the adult of the sea-eagle of Pennant, as the
ring-tailed is of the golden eagle (F. chrysaetos Lin.). The fishing eagle,
alluded to by Wilson, is likewise found in Britain. I am, Sir, yours, &c.
Manchester^ March 20. 1828. Z. B.

The vignette to which Z. B. alludes was that of our first Prospectus, in
which the trees, as well as the eagle's head, were not very correct. Our
present vignette will be found considerably improved in both these parti-
culars. — Cond.

Art. XII. Commercial Notices,

Exchange of Shells. — Sir, I take the first advantage of your well pro-
jected Magazine of Natural History, to propose an exchange with some of
your conchological readers. My cabinet is deficient in the following species
of A'nodon, for which I shall be happy to give, in exchange, the duplicates
of some very fine Uniones, I have just received from America.

A'nodon rugosus, Swainson's Zoological Illustrations y vol. ii. pi. 96.
A'nodon purpurascens, J^if/. vol. iii. pi. 160.
A'nodon crassus, /Aic?. vol. iii. pi. 167.
A'nodon elongatus. Ibid. vol. iii. pi. 176.
Anodonta exotica, LamarcVs Anim.y vol. vi. p. 87.
Anodonta patagonica, Ibid. p. 88.
Birmingham^ April. S. C.

Brookesian Museum. — The zootomical collection of Joshua Brookes,
Esq. F. R. S. &c., the celebrated anatomist, will be sold by auction about
the middle of May, unless previously purchased by private contract. Ca-
talogues are generally published of such collections, to give an idea of
their contents ; but so much does that of Mr. Brookes exceed all others
that we remember in extent and number, that even the prodromus, or
forerunner of the catalogue, is a pamphlet of twenty pages. The catalogue
itself will be published as speedily as possible, arranged, like the prodromus,-
according to the circular form.

A Collection of Shells and Minerals, of considerable interest, though
hitherto little known to the public, will soon be exposed for sale by Mr.
Sowerby, the author of The Genera of Shells, &c. (p. 56.)

Lectures on the Universe, including a general view of every department
of natural history, will be delivered in the course of the summer by Mr
E. Donovan, F. L. S. M.W.S. &c. &c., author of various works on fishes,
birds, &c.

Private Lessons on Botany are given by Miss Kent, the elegant authoress
of Flora Domestica and Sylvan Sketches, of whose taste and talents in her
department, an article in a succeeding Number will bear ample testimony.

THE MAGAZINE

OF

NATURAL HISTORY,

JULY, 1828.

Art. I. The Cuvierian, or Natural^ System of Zoology.
Essay 1. On the distincti've Characters of Vegetables and Animals,
and the leading Physiological Characters which serve as the Basis
for the Four Grand Divisions of the Animal Kingdom. By B.

A HE excellence of the Cuvierian system of zoology, as ex-
plained in the work entitled Le Regne Animal, consists in its
being a natural system, founded on the organisation and the
essential resemblances of living beings. It presents us with a
chart of animal life, and shows us that all the varied forms and
modes under which sentient creatures exist, are referable to
four distinct forms, or models, and these forms are the found-
ation of the four grand divisions of the animal kingdom. Each
of these forms, or models, without changing its essential charac-
ters, admits of different modifications, corresponding with the
internal organisation, and thus a natural subdivision into classes
is established ; and on the same principle is made a farther
subdivision of each class, into orders, genera, and species. To
present the reader with a clear but concise view of this system,
it will be necessary to select and state, in the first instance, the
leading facts in animal physiology on which the grand divisions
are founded.

The ancient division of organised living beings into animate,
or those which possess feeling and spontaneous motion, and
inanimate, or those which do not enjoy either of these faculties,
is, according to Cuvier, sufficiently established ; for, though
many plants draw back their leaves when touched, and always
direct them towards the light, and their roots towards mois-
ture, and though oscillations take place in the parts of some
vegetables, without any apparent external cause, yet these
motions bear too slight a resemblance to those of animals, to
afford proofs of perception or volition. The spontaneous mo-

VoL. I. -- No. 2. H

98 Cuvief'iaji System of Zoology.

tions of animals make essential modifications necessary in those
organs, which may be regarded as simply vegetative. The
parts which perform the functions of roots do not penetrate
the ground, they are therefore obliged to have a power resid-
ing in themselves of gathering their aliments, and they must
also carry within themselves the receptacle of these aliments.
Hence arises the first character of animals, — an intestinal
cavity, whence the nourishing juices penetrate the other parts,
either by pores or by vessels, which may be regarded as
internal roots. The organisation of the intestinal cavity, and
of its appertenances, must naturally vary according to the
nature of the aliments, and the operations they must undergo,
before furnishing juices proper to be absorbed ; whereas the
atmosphere and the earth supply vegetables with juices already
prepared for absorption. The body of an animal, having to
perform functions more varied and numerous than those of a
plant, consequently required a much more complicated organ-
isation ; its parts, also, being unable to preserve a fixed position
in regard to each other, it was not possible for the regular
motion of its fluids to be affected by external causes. This
motion must be independent of temperature and the atmo-
sphere ; hence the necessity for the second character of animals,
a system of circulation : but this is less essential than the
digestive system, because it is not found in the most simple
animals.

The functions of animals require organic systems that are
not necessary in vegetables, — a system of muscles for volun-
tary motion, and a system of nerves for sensation. The che-
mical composition of the animal body is also more complicated
than that of a plant, and there enters into it an additional
essential elementary substance, azote, which in plants is only
accidentally united with the three essential elements of their
organic structure, — oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. The mus-
cular and nervous systems, and the different composition of ani-
mal bodies, form the third character.

The soil and the atmosphere present to vegetables, for their
nutrition, water, which is composed of oxygen and hydrogen ;
and atmospheric air, which contains oxygen, azote, and carbonic
acid : the latter is a combination of carbon and oxygen. To
draw from these aliments their proper nourishment, it is neces-
sary that plants should retain the hydrogen and the carbon,
and that they should exhale the superfluous oxygen, and ab-
sorb little or none of the azote : such is the routine (la marche)
of vegetable life, the essential function of which is the exha-
lation of oxygen ; this is performed by the aid of light. The

"Cuvierian System of Zoology. 99

food of animals, either mediately * or directly, is derived from
vegetables, in which hydrogen and carbon are the principal
constituent parts. To reduce them to their proper composition,
it is necessary that the excess of hydrogen, and more particu-
larly of carbon, should be diminished, and that the quantity of
azote should be increased ; this is effected, in respiration, by the
oxygen of the atmosphere, which combines with the hydrogen
and carbon of the blood, and is exhaled with them in the state
of water, or carbonic acid. The azote, from whatever part it
may enter the animal body, appears to remain there. The
relations of vegetables and animals with the atmosphere are,
therefore, the reverse of each other ; vegetables extract and de-
compose (defont) water and carbonic acid, animals reproduce
them. Respiration is the function essential to the constitution
of the animal body ; it is what, in some manner, animates it,
and we shall see, as we proceed, that the animal functions are
more or less completely exerted, as the animals enjoy a more
or less complete respiration ; the difference in this respect forms
the fourth character of animals.

The functions of the animal body are divided into two
classes : 1st, The animal fujictions^ or those peculiar to animals,
which are sensibility and voluntary motion ; 2d, The vital or
vegetative functions, common to animals and vegetables, which
are nutrition and generation. Sensibility resides in the ner-
vous system. The most general of the external senses is the
feeling; it resides in the membrane that covers the whole
body, called the skin. Many animals are without ears or
nostrils ; several animals have no eyes ; some are reduced to
the single sense of feeling ; but this sense is possessed by all
animals. The impressions received by the external senses, are
propagated by the nerves to the central masses of the nervous
system, which, in the higher classes of animals, consist of a
brain and spinal chord. In proportion as animals partake of
a superior nature, the brain is larger, and sensation is more
concentrated in this organ ; and in proportion as they are placed
lower in the scale, the medullary masses are dispersed. In the
most imperfect genera the nervous substance appears to be
entirely diffused in the general substance of the body. When
an animal has received a sensation, and a volition is excited,
it is by the nerves that this volition is transmitted to the
muscles. The muscles are bundles [faisceaux) of fleshy fibres,
whose contractions produce all the motions of the animal body.
The number and direction of the muscles of every animal are

* Carnivorous animals prey on those which derive their food from the
vegetable kingdom.

H 2

100 Cuvierian System of Zoology,

so disposed, as to perform the motions which it has to execute ;
and when these motions require great strength, the muscles
are inserted into hard jointed parts, which may be regarded
as levers. In vertebrated animals these parts are internal, and
are formed of gelatine, penetrated by particles of phosphate
of lime : they are called the bones. In the molluscous and
crustaceous animals, and in insects, these parts are external,
and are composed of lime or horny matter (cornee), which
transudes between the skin and the epidermis : they are called
shells, crusts, or scales. The fleshy fibres are inserted into
the hard parts by means of other fibres, of a gelatinous nature,
which appear to be a continuation of the muscles, and form
what are called tendons.

The configuration of the surface of the joints of the bones,
shells, or crusts of animals limits their motions, which are still
farther restrained by ligaments attached to the sides of the
joints. According to the different arrangement of the bony
and muscular apparatus [appareil), and to the form and pro-
portion of the members which result from thence, the animals
are in a condition to perform the innumerable motions which
take place in walking, leaping, flying, and swimming.

The muscular fibres concerned in digestion and circulation
are not subject to the power of volition ; nevertheless, they
are furnished with nerves, the principal of which undergo sub-
divisions and enlargements {renflemens), that appear to be
intended to withdraw these nerves from the power of volition.
It is only when under the influence of the passions, or power-
ful emotions of the mind, that the empire of volition extends
beyond these barriers, and it is always to disorder the vege-
tative functions. In a diseased state, likewise, these functions
are attended with sensation. Most commonly the digestion
goes on, without being perceived by the animal.

The aliments, after being divided by the teeth and jaws, or
sucked in when the animal feeds on liquids, are swallowed by
the muscular motions of the lower part of the mouth and
the throat, and are deposited in the first part of the alimentary
canal, which is commonly swelled out into one or more
stomachs. There the food is penetrated by juices proper to
dissolve it. As the food advances along the other parts of the
alimentary canal, it receives other juices, to complete its pre-
paration. The internal surface of the canal has pores, which
extract from the alimentary mass the part which is suitable
for nutrition ; the useless residue is ejected as excrement.

In the lowest class of animals the intestine is in the form of
a bag, without a vent, and the excrements are ejected by the
mouth. The number of animals is more considerable in which

Cuvierian System of Zoology, 101

the nourishing juices, absorbed by the coat of the intestines,
are immediately spread through the whole spongy mass of the
body {la spongiosum du corps) ; for this appears to be the case
in the whole class of insects.

In some of the orders of -^rachnides and of worms, the
nourishing juices circulate in a system of closed vessels, the
extreme ramifications of which distribute the molecules to the
parts that are to be supported by them. The vessels which
carry this nourishing fluid to the parts are called arteries ;
those which bring it back to the centre of circulation are
called veins. The circulation is sometimes simple, and some-
times double, or even triple, reckoning that of the abdo-
minal, or biliary, system. The rapidity of the circulation is
often aided by the contraction of certain fleshy organs (ap-
pareils), which are called hearts, and are placed at one or
other of the centres of circulation, and sometimes at both.

In verteb rated animals, with red blood, the nourishing fluid
issuing from the intestines is white, and is called chyle ; it is
carried by particular vessels, called lacteals, into the venous
system, where it is mixed with the blood. Vessels similar to
the lacteals, and forming with them a system called the lym-
phatic, bring back into the venous blood the residue of the
nutrition, and the products of cutaneous absorption.

In order that the blood may be rendered suitable for the
nourishment of the parts, it is necessary that it should receive
by respiration a certain modification from the ambient element.
In animals which have a system of circulation, a part of the
vessels carry the blood into certain organs, where they subdi-
vide it, and spread it over a great surface, that the action of
the ambient element may be more powerful. When the ele-
ment is air, the surface of the organs is cellular {cretise), and
they are called the lungs ; when the element is water, the sur-
face of the organs is saliant, and they are called gills. There
are always organs of motion, disposed in a manner to convey
the ambient element either into, or upon, the respiratory
organs.

In animals which have no circulation the air is spread upon
all points of the body, by elastic vessels, called tracheae ; or the
water either penetrates the body through vessels, or only
bathes the surface of the skin.

The blood which has undergone the process of respiration,
is fit to repair the composition of all the parts, and to effect
what is properly called nutrition. The facility with which the
blood is decomposed in every point of the body, so as to leave
there precisely the species of molecules which are requisite for

H 3

102 Ctivieriaii System of Zoology,

it, is truly marvellous. It is this which constitutes the whole
vegetative life.

For the nutrition of solids, we perceive no other arrange-
ment than a minute subdivision of the last arterial branches ;
but for the production of liquids, the apparatus is more varied,
and more complicated. Sometimes these last extremities of
the vessels expand simply over large surfaces, from whence the
liquid to be produced exhales ; sometimes the liquid exudes
from the bottom of little cavities ; more frequently the arterial
extremities, before changing into veins, give rise to particular
vessels, which carry {transportent) this liquid ; and it is at the
point of union of the two kinds of vessels that it appears to be
formed. Thus the minute blood-vessels and these peculiar
{propres) vessels *, by interlacing, form bodies called conglo-
merate, or secretory, glands.

In animals which have no circulation the nourishing fluid
bathes all the parts, each part drawing from the fluid the mole-
cules necessary for its support ; if it be required that a peculiar
liquid should be formed, proper vessels float in the nourishing
fluid, and extract, by their pores, the elements necessary for
the composition of this liquid.

Thus the blood constantly maintains the composition of all
the parts, and repairs the alterations which are the continual
and necessary consequence of their functions. The general
ideas that we are able to form of these operations are suffi-
eiently clear, although we have not distinct notions of what
takes place in detail in each point ; for want of knowing, wdth
sufficient precision, the chemical composition of each part, we
cannot give an exact account of the transmutations necessary
for its production. There are, also, other glands, which sepa-
rate from the blood certain liquids, that are either ejected as
superfluous matter, as the urine from the kidneys, or are of
some service to the animal, as the ink of the cuttle-fish, and
the purple of some of the Mollusca f, &c. The production of
a germ, or generation, is an operation, or phenomenon, far more
difficult to conceive than the secretions ; we may regard it as
almost incomprehensible ; but when once the existence of the
germ is admitted, the difficulty is removed. So long as the
germ adheres to the mother, it is nourished, as if it were one
of her organs ; when once it is detached, it has itself indivi-
dual life, which is essentially similar to that of the adult.

* To these vessels, which Cuvier calls proper, or peculiar, some physio-
logists have recently given the name of capillary vessels.

f The cuttle-fish, when pursued, ejects a black liquor, to darken the
water, and hide itself from its enemies.

Cuvierian System of Zoology. 1 OS

The germ, the embryo, the fcetus, the little new-born crea-
ture, are never perfectly of the same form as the adult, and
the difference is sometimes so great, that their assimilation
has obtained the name of a metamorphosis. No person could
foresee, without previous experience or information, that a
caterpillar would become a butterfly.

All living beings are metamorphosed more or less in the
course of their growth ; that is, they lose certain parts, and
others are developed which were before inconsiderable. The
antennae, the wings, and all the parts of the butterfly were
before enclosed in the skin of the caterpillar ; this skin disap-
pears, with the jaws, the feet, and other organs which do not
remain with the butterfly. The feet of the frog are enclosed
in the skin of the tadpole, and the tadpole, to become a frog,
loses its tail, its mouth, and its gills. Even the infant, at its
birth, loses its placenta, and its surrounding membranes ; at a
certain age it acquires, by degrees, hair, teeth, and a beard ;
the relative size of the organs change, and its body enlarges
more in proportion than the head.

The above selection of the most important facts in animal
physiology, will serve to indicate the influential characters,
which ought to serve as the bases for the first divisions of a
.zoological system. It is clear, says Cuvier, that these charac-
ters should be taken from the functions of sensation and
motion ; for these not only constitute the being an animal, but
they establish, in some manner, the degree of its animalisation
{jie son animalite). Observation confirms this inference, and
proves that the degree of developement and of complication of
the animal functions, is in concordance with that of the
organs of the vegetative functions. The heart, and the organs of
circulation, are a species of centre for the vegetative functions,
as the brain and trunk of the nervous system are for the animal
functions. We shall see that these two systems diminish {se
degrader) or disappear together. In animals of the lowest
class, where there are no visible nerves, there are no distinct
fibres, and the organs of digestion are simply excavated in the
homogeneousness of the body. The vascular system disap-
pears even before the nervous system in insects ; but, in gene-
ral, the dispersion of the medullary masses corresponds with
that of the muscular parts.

The correspondence of the general forms, which result
from the arrangement of the motive organs, with the distribu-
tion of the nervous masses, and the energy of the circulating
system, ought therefore to serve as a basis for the first divi-
sions (coujpures) to be made in the animal kingdom. We

H 4«

104 Cuvierian System of Zoology,

shall afterwards examine what characters ought immediately
to succeed them, and form the first subdivisions.

In considering the animal kingdom according to the prin-
ciples that have been stated, and setting aside the prejudices
established by the divisions formerly received, if we regard
only the organisation and the nature of animals, without
reference to their size, their utility, or the more or less perfect
knowledge we have of them, or any other incidental circum-
stances, we shall find that there are four principal forms, four
general plans, if I may be allowed the expression, accord-
ing to which all animals appear to have been modelled ; and all
the ulterior divisions, by whatever names they may have been
decorated by naturalists, are only slight modifications, founded
on the developement or addition of some parts, which do not
change, in any respect, the essential parts of the plan.

In the first of these forms, which is that of man and the
animals that resemble him the most, the brain and the prin-
cipal trunk of the nervous system are enclosed in a bony enve-
lope, which forms the skull and the vertebrae ; to the sides of
this vertebral column are attached the ribs and the bones of
the members, that form the framework [charpente) of the
body. The muscles generally cover the bones, which they
move, and the viscera * {les visceres) are enclosed in the head
and the trunk of the body.

Animals of this form we call Vertebrated Animals {Am-
mdlia nertebratd). They have all red blood, a muscular heart,
and a mouth, with two horizontal jaws ; distinct organs of
sight, of hearing, of taste, and smell, are placed in the cavi-
ties of the face. Vertebrated animals have never more than
four limbs {memhres), ihe sexes are always separated, they
have all nearly the same distribution of the medullary masses,
and of the principal branches of the nervous system.

In examining closely all the parts of this great division,
we shall find some analogy even in species the most remote
from each other, arid we can trace the gradations of the same
plan, in a descending series, from man to the lowest genus of
fishes.

In the second form there is no skeleton ; the muscles are
only attached to the skin, which forms a soft envelope that is
contractile in every direction. In many species the skin pro-
duces stony coverings called shells, the position and extent of
which are analogous to those of the mucous body. The
viscera and the nervous system are included in the general

* Viscera, in common language, is applied generally to the intestines ; in
a scientific acceptation, viscus singular, viscera plural, may denote any
internal organ or organs.

Cuvierian System of Zoology, 105

envelope. The nervous system is composed of many distinct
masses, united by nervous threads, the principal of these are
placed near the oesophagus, and have received the name of
the brain. In animals of this division we can only distinguish
the organs of two senses, which are those of taste and sight.
One single family only exhibits organs of hearing. The sys-
tem of circulation is, however, complete, and there are parti-
cular organs for respiration. The organs of digestion and
secretion are nearly as complicated as those of vertebrated
animals.

The animals of this second form are called Molluscous
Animals {Animdlia mollusca). Although the plan of their
organisation, with respect to the external configuration of the
parts, may not be so uniform as that of vertebrated animals,
there is always a resemblance between these parts, at least of
the same degree, in the structure and in the functions. The
cuttle-fish, and animals with univalve or bivalve shells, belong
to this division.

The third form is that which is observed in insects, worms,
&c. In animals of this division the nervous system consists of
two long chords, ranging along the belly, and swelling out at
intervals into ganglions or knots. The first of these knots,
placed near the oesophagus, is called the brain ; it is but little
larger than the rest. The envelope of the trunk is divided
by transverse folds into a certain number of rings, the cover-
ings of which are sometimes hard, and sometimes soft, but
the muscles are always attached to them beneath. The trunk
has often articulated members, or legs, on each side, but is
frequently without them. The animals of this form we call
Articulated Animals [Animdlia artiaddta).

In the animals of this division we first observe the pas-^
sage from circulation in a vascular system to nutrition by
imbibition, and a corresponding passage from respiration in
circumscribed organs to that in air-vessels called tracheae,
which are spread over the whole body. The organs of taste
and sight are the most distinct in the animals belonging to this
division ; one single family, only, exhibits organs of hearing.
The jaws are always lateral.

The fourth form, which comprises all the animals known
under the name of zoophytes, may be called Radiated Ani-
mals [Animdlia radidta).

In all the preceding divisions the organs of sense and mo-
tion are placed symmetrically, on the two sides of an axis;
in the animals of this fourth division they are placed circu-
larly, round a centre. Many radiated animals approach in
substance to the homogeneity of plants, they exhibit no dis-
tinct nervous system, nor organs of the particular senses ; in

06

Tests of a real Mermaid.

some of them we scarcely perceive any traces of circulation ;
their organs of respiration are almost always on the surface
of the body ; in the greater number the whole intestine con-
sists of a bag without a vent ; and in the lowest families the
bodies are a kind of homogeneous pulp, possessing a certain
degree of mobility and sensation. The next essay will contain
the principal parts of Cuvier's chapter on the intellectual func-
tions of animals, and some farther observations on organisation,
before we give his more complete description of the characters
of vertebrated animals, and their subdivision into four classes.
{To be continued.)

Art. II. The Tests by ivhich a real Mermaid may be discovered*

By CONCHILLA.

Sir,
I VENTURE to address you upon a subject which has
at various times interested the ingenious, and not a little
puzzled philosophers themselves ; I mean the tests by which
a real mermaid may be discovered; if, indeed, there is
such an animal at all. I am led into these reflections by
having lately visited one of the principal cities in Holland, in
the museum of which I was shown one of these wonderful crea-
tures ; of this, from memory, I have made a slight sketch.
{fig* 47.) It was in a glass case, and about 3 ft. in length.
The face, head, and
breast were like those of a
monkey of the orang-ou-
tang kind ; but it had no
arms, and, from the mid-
dle downwards, it resem-
bled a fish. I asked some
questions concerning it,
and was informed that
its inward conformation
down to the middle re-
sembled that of a human
being; that, like an honest
creature, it had its heart
in the right place; that
its lungs were excellent ; and that it was not deficient in brains !
I asked from whence it came, and was told from Japan ; and
I could not help replying, after I had spent some time in its
examination, that, if it] had been presented as an artificial
instead of a natural curiosity, it would have been worthy of

Tests of a real Mermaid, 107

admiration, but that, as it was, I conceived it to be an un-
worthy imposition. My reasons are deduced from the follow-
ing considerations : — And to speak, first, as to what concerns
the perfection of its lungs; fishes, with the small exception
afforded by the cetaceous class, being, according to the best
authorities, devoid of hearing, are also denied a voice ; for, in
creatures who could not converse with each other,< this would
indeed have been an incongruous superfluity. How, then,
came this singular inhabitant of the great deep to be thus
wonderfully endowed with organs of which it could never
make any use ? If, too, as it appears from its being so rarely
seen, its place is at the bottom of the sea, how could a crea-
ture, with a conformation of the lungs resembling our own,
live and breathe there, when there is nothing better authenti-
cated, than that the most expert and practised divers are unable
to stay at the bottom of the sea more than half an hour ? But
supposing it, for argument's sake, belonging to the class of
fishes to which I have adverted, it is a well attested fact, that
they are not able to remain under the water for more than two
or three minutes together, before they rise to its surface, in
order to take in a new inspiration ; and is it possible that this
animal should be so rarely seen, if this were the case ? Fur-
ther, every inhabitant of the waters carries on its motions
through them by means of its fins, as birds do theirs through
the air by their wings ; and, to be entirely equipped, two pair
of fins and three single ones appear necessary to the former,
though one pair of wings is sufficient for all the wants of the
latter. Of these the pectoral fins, which are placed near the
gills, act like oars, and serve to impel the animal forward ;
they likewise keep the head from descending too much into
the water, or from being too much above it. The ventral
fins are nearer the tail, and seem chiefly useful in balancing
the fish in the water; and of the single fins it may be ob-
served, that the dorsal fin and the anal one, which are on the
ridge of the back, serve, in some degree, all these purposes,
while the tail answers to all intents the purpose of a rudden
This, as I said before, is the perfect complement of a fish in
the way of fins ; nevertheless, there are many not, in this
way, so perfectly endowed, because some peculiarity in their
conformation, would render so great a number of fins super-
fluous, if not, indeed, retarding to them. For instance, the
form of the Murae^na, or eel, being so entirely equal, requires
little balance either oneway or the other, it is, therefore, entirely
destitute of ventral fins; and the Gymn5tus {gymnos, naked,
notosy back), or Carapo, having the back broad and flat, would
rather be rendered unsteady if it were in possession of a dorsal

1 08 ■ Afiecdotes of a tamed Panther.

fin. Some fishes, also, have no tail fin. But what shall we say
to a fish of above three feet in length, which has no fin but
that ; which has, as one may say, a broad chest and a heavy
head, without any one contrivance to keep it from being, at
all times, lower than any other part of its body ? It might,
indeed, be inferred, that so extraordinary a creature would
live in an extraordinary manner ; and certainly no manner
could be more extraordinary, than that of living with its head
downwards, and its tail in the opposite extreme ! But this
must be impossible under these points of view ; and, I am apt
to believe, that if all mermaids were tried by one or other, or
all, of these tests, they would be found equally imaginary.
Yes, Sir, I cannot help thinking, that in such cases we are not
less deceived than our ancestors were, though it may be less
agreeably ; for their mermaids sang, and combed their sunny
locks, and were, besides, extremely personable monsters,
while ours are not only altogether mute, but as ugly as can
be well conceived. If, then, Mr. Editor, we must be in error,
pray give us your potent assistance to fall back into our earlier
and more poetical absurdities ; but if to come at the truth is a
more desirable thing still, and if you find that my communica-
tion tends at all to that end, I shall be happy to see among
your other contributions this of Conchilla.

Art. III. Anecdotes of a tamed Panther, By Mrs. Bowdich.

;:..Sir,

. On perusing the First Number of the Magazine of Natural
History, I find that you admit zoological anecdotes. I am,
therefore, induced to send you some account of a panther
which was in my possession for several months. He and
another were found when very young in the forest, apparently
deserted by their mother. They were taken to the king of
Ashantee, in whose palace they lived several weeks, when my
herp, being much larger than his companion, suffocated him
in a fit of romping, and was then sent to Mr. Hutchison, the
resident left by Mr. Bowdich at Coomassie. This gentleman,
observing that the animal was very docile, took pains to tame
him, and in a great measure succeeded. When he was about
a year old, Mr. Hutchison returned to Cape Coast, and had
him led through the country by a chain, occasionally letting
him loose when eating was going forward, when he would sit
by his master's side, and receive his share with comparative
gentleness. Once or twice he purloined a fowl, but easily

Anecdotes of a tamed Panther, 1 09

gave it up to Mr. Hutchison, on being allowed a portion of
something else. The day of his arrival he was placed in a
small court, leading to the private rooms of the governor, and
after dinner was led by a thin cord into the room, where he
received our salutations with some degree of roughness, but
with perfect good-humour. On the least encouragement he
laid his paws upon our shoulders, rubbed his head upon us,
and his teeth and claws having been filed, there was no danger
of tearing our clothes. He was kept in the above court for a
week or two, and evinced no ferocity, except when one of the
servants tried to pull his food from him ; he then caught the
offender by the leg, and tore out a piece of flesh, but he never
seemed to owe him any ill-will afterwards. He one morning
broke his cord, and, the cry being given, the castle gates were
shut, and a chase commenced. After leading his pursuers two
or three times round the ramparts, and knocking over a few
children by bouncing against them, he suffered himself to be
caught, and led quietly back to his quarters, under one of the
guns of the fortress.

By degrees the fear of him subsided, and orders having
been given to the sentinels to prevent his escape through the
gates, he was left at liberty to go where he pleased, and a boy
.was appointed to prevent him from intruding into the apart-
ments of the officers. His keeper, however, generally passed
his watch in sleeping ; and Sai", as the panther was called,
after the royal giver, roamed at large. On one occasion he
found his servant sitting on the step of the door, upright, but
fast asleep, when he lifted his paw, gave him a blow on the
side of the head which laid him flat, and then stood wagging
his tail, as if enjoying the mischief he had committed. He
became exceedingly attached to the governor, and followed
him every-where like a dog. His favourite station was at a
window of the sitting-room, which overlooked the whole town ;
there, standing on his hind legs, his fore paws resting on the
ledge of the window, and his chin laid between them, he ap-
peared to amuse himself with what was passing beneath. The
children also stood with him at the window ; and one day,
finding his presence an incumbrance, and that they could not
get their chairs close, they used their united efforts to pull
him down by the tail. He one morning missed the governor,
who was settling a dispute in the hall, and who, being sur-
rounded by black people, was hidden from the view of his
favourite. Sai' wandered with a dejected look to various parts
of the fortress in search of him ; and, while absent on this
errand, the audience ceased, the governor returned to his pri-
vate rooms, and seated himself at a table to write. Presently^

110 Anecdotes of a tamed Panther*

he heard a heavy step coming up the stairs, and, raising his
eyes to the open door, he beheld Sa'i. At that moment he
gave himself up for lost, for Sai immediately sprang from the
door on to his neck. Instead, however, of devouring him,
he laid his head close to the governor's, rubbed his cheek
upon his shoulder, wagged his tail, and tried to evince his
happiness. Occasionally, however, the panther caused a little
alarm to the other inmates of the castle, and the poor woman
who swept the floors, or, to speak technically, the pra-pra
woman, was made ill by her fright. She was one day sweep-
ing the boards of the great hall with a short broom, and in an
attitude nearly approaching to all-fours, and Sai", who was
hidden under one of the sofas, suddenly leaped upon her
back, where he stood in triumph. She screamed so violently
as to summon the other servants, but they, seeing the panther,
as they thought, in the act of swallowing her, one and all
scampered off* as quickly as possible ; nor was she released
till the governor, who heard the noise, came to her assistance.
Strangers were naturally uncomfortable when they saw so
powerful a beast at perfect liberty, and many were the ridicu-
lous scenes which took place, they not liking to own their
alarm, yet perfectly unable to retain their composure in his
presence.

This interesting animal was well fed twice every day, but
never given any thing with life in it. He stood about 2 ft.
high, and was of a dark yellow colour, thickly spotted with
black rosettes, and from the good feeding and the care taken
to clean him, his skin shone like silk. The expression of his
countenance was very animated and good-tempered, and he
was particularly gentle to children; he would lie down on
the mats by their side when they slept, and even the infant
shared his caresses, and remained unhurt. During the period
of his residence at Cape Coast, I was much occupied by
making arrangements for my departure from Africa, but gene-
rally visited my future companion every day, and we in con-
sequence became great friends before we sailed. He was
conveyed on board the vessel in a large wooden cage, thickly
barred in the front with iron. Even this confinement was not
deemed a sufficient protection by the canoe men * , who were
so alarmed at taking him from the shore to the vessel, that, in
their confusion, they dropped cage and all into the sea. For
a few minutes I gave up my poor panther as lost, but some

* The panther in these countries is a sacred, or Fetish, animal'; and not
only a heavy fine is extorted from those who kill one, but the Fetish is sup-
posed to revenge his death by cursing the offender.

Anecdotes of a tamed Panther, 111

sailors jumped into a boat belonging to the vessel, and dragged
him out in safety. The beast himself seemed completely sub-
dued by his ducking, and as no one dared to open his cage to
dry it, he rolled himself up in one corner, nor roused himself
till after an interval of some days, when he recognised my
voice. When I first spoke, he raised his head, held it on one
side, then on the other, to listen ; and wheu I came fully into
his view, he jumped on hi& legs, and appeared frantic; he
rolled himself over and over, he howled, he opened his enor-
mous jaws and cried, and seemed as if he would have torn his
cage to pieces. However, as his violence subsided, he con-
tented himself with thrusting his paws and nose through the
bars of the cage, to receive my caresses. I suspect that he
had suffered from sea sickness, as he had apparently loathed
all food ; but, after this period, he eat every thing that was
given to him.

The greatest treat I could bestow upon my favourite was
lavender water. Mr. Hutchison had told me that, on the way
from Ashantee, he drew a scented handkerchief from his
pocket, which was immediately seized on by the panther, who
reduced it to atoms ; nor could he venture to open a bottle of
perfume when the animal was near, he was so eager to enjoy
it. I indulged him twice a week by making a cup of stiff
paper, pouring a little lavender water into it, and giving it to
him through the bars of his cage : he would drag it to him
with great eagerness, roll himself over it, nor rest till the smell
had evaporated. By this I taught him to put out hi^ paws
without showing his nails, always refusing the lavender water
till he had drawn them back again ; and in a short time, he
never, on any occasion, protruded his claws when offering me
his paw.

We lay eight weeks in the river Gaboon, where he had
plenty of excellent food, but was never suffered to leave his
cage, on account of the deck being always filled with black
strangers, to whom he had a very decided aversion, although
he was perfectly reconciled to white people. His indignation,
however, was constantly excited by the pigs, when they were
suffered to run past his cage; and the sight of one of the
monkeys put him in a complete fury. While at anchor in the
before-mentioned river, an orang-outang (^Simia »Satyrus) was
brought for sale, and lived three days on board ; and I shall
never forget the uncontrollable rage of the one, or the agony of
the other, at this meeting. The orang was about 3 ft. high,
and very powerful in proportion to his size; so that when
he fled with extraordinary rapidity from the panther to the
further end of the deck, neither men nor things remained

1 1^ Anecdotes of a tamed Panther,

upright when they opposed his progress : there he took refuge
in a sail, and although generally obedient to the voice of his
master, force was necessary to make him quit the shelter of its
folds. As to the panther, his back rose in an arch, his tail
was elevated and perfectly stiff, his eyes flashed, and, as he
howled, he showed his huge teeth ; then, as if forgetting the
bars before him, he tried to spring on the orang, to tear
him to atoms. It was long before he recovered his tran-
quillity ; day and night he appeared to be on the listen ; and
the approach of a large monkey we had on board, or the
intrusion of a black man, brought a return of his agitation.

We at length sailed for England, with an ample supply of
provisions ; but, unhappily, we were boarded by pirates during
the voyage, and nearly reduced to starvation. My panther
must have perished had it not been for a collection of more
than three hundred parrots with which we sailed from the
river, and which died very fast while we were in the north-west
trades. Sa'i's allowance was one per diem, but this was so
scanty a pittance that he became ravenous, and had not
patience to pick all the feathers off before he commenced his
meal. The consequence was that he became very ill, and re-
fused even this small quantity of food. Those around tried
to persuade me that he suffered from the colder climate ; but
his dry nose and paws convinced me that he was feverish, and
I had him taken out of his cage; when, instead of jumping
about and enjoying his liberty, he lay down, and rested his
head upon my feet. I then made him three pills, each con-
taining two grains of calomel. The boy who had the charge
of him, and who was much attached to him, held his jaws
open, and I pushed the medicine down his throat. Early the
next morning I went to visit my patient, and found his guard
sleeping in the cage with him ; and having administered a fur-
ther dose to the invalid, I had the satisfaction of seeing him
perfectly cured by the evening. On the arrival of the vessel
in the London Docks, Sai* was taken ashore, and presented to
the Duchess of York, who placed him in Exeter Change, to
be taken care of, till she herself went to Oatlands. He re-
mained there for some weeks, and was suffered to roam about
the greater part of the day without any restraint. On the
morning previous to the Duchess's departure from town, she
went to visit her new pet, played with him, and admired his
healthy appearance and gentle deportment. In the evening,
when Her Royal Highness's coachman went to take him away,
he was dead, in consequence of an inflammation on his lungs.

I am. Sir, &c.

S. BoWDICH.

Partiailar Variety of Bull, 115

Art. IV. Some Account of a particular Variety of Bull (B6«
Taurus)^ noxv exhibiting in London, By Mrs. Harvey.

Sir,
Agreeably to your request, Mr. Harvey has taken a por-
trait of this animal ; and, as he has made the drawing on the
wood himself, the engraving will be a very perfect resem-
blance, {fig, 48.) I have on my part drawn up the following
particulars from what my husband told me, and I shall be
happy if they prove of any interest to you or your readers.

This animal belongs to a Frenchwoman, who says he was
brought from Africa to Bourdeaux when a calf; and, after
having been shown in different parts of the Continent, was
taken to London, and exhibited at the Grand Bazaar in King
Street, Portman Square, last autumn. He is at present five
years old, 4 ft. high at the shoulder, and 7 ft. in length, from
the horns to the insertion of the tail. The length of his face
is 1 ft. 8 in., and the girth round the collar 7 ft. 6 in. His hair
is short and silky, and the colour a cream or yellowish white,
except two black tufts which appear on each foot. On the
back of the neck there is a hump or swelling, which seems ,
confined to this variety. The general aspect of the animal W
mild and docile; but, when irritated, his expression is very-
remarkable, exhibiting itself principally in the eye. This, in
its ordinary state (^^.49.), is very peculiar, rising more than

Vol. I. — - No. 2. i

114

Particular Variety of Bull.

oval, or
with the

one half above the orbit, and bearing a resem-
blance to a cup and ball, thus enabling the ani-
mal to see on all sides with equal ease. The 49
iris is naturally of a pale blue colour; but, when

the animal is irritated,
it varies from a very
pale blue or lilac, to
a deep, crimson. Its
form is also very re-
markable, being a small
rather a parallelogram,
ends cut off, and lying tranversely
across the ball. {Jig. 50.) The
black tufts mentiohed above are the
lateral hoofs (fig. 51.), which the animal sheds annually, and
which grow to the length of five or six inches (a). They
are not shed together, or at
stated periods; for those of
the fore feet [a b), in this
example, are at present of
different ages, and, conse-
quently, of different lengths, the difference between them being
exactly that represented in the sketch.

On the hump, or collar, the hair grows much longer than on
the other parts of the body, forming a sort of curled mane,
resembling, I should imagine, that of the bison. It is perfectly
white, growing to the length of 1 ft. 6 in., and adding greatly
to the height of the rising part behind the horns. At present
the hair is only beginning to grow, but it will be in full beauty
at the approach of the winter months, and will fall off gra-
dually again in the early part of the succeeding spring.

The keeper
pointed out to
Mr. Harvey, as
a remarkable
peculiarity, that
the dewlap (fg.
52.), in passing
between the fore legs («), and under the body {b), seemed to
divide itself into three parts, which they called the three
stomachs (1, 2, 3), from their being very much acted on in the
progress of digestion. I remain, Sir, &c.

M. Harvey.
Portland Terrace, Regents Park,
May, 1828.

Bird of Washington,

115

Art. V. JSotes on the Bird of Washingto7i (Falco Washingtoni'
ana), or Great American Sea Eagle. {Jig' 53.) By John James
- Audubon, Esq. F.L.S. F.R.S.E. &c.

It was on a winter's evening, in the month of February,
1814, that, for the first time in my life, I had an opportunity
of seeing this rare
and noble bird, and
never shall I for-
get the delight it
gave me. Not even
Herschell when he
discovered the fa-
mous planet which
bears his name
could have experi-
enced more happy
feelings. To have
something new to
relate, to become
yourself a contri-
butor to science,
must excite the
proudest emotions
of the human heart.

We were on a
trading voyage, as-
cending the Upper
Mississippi, — the
keen winter blasts
whistled over our
heads, and the cold
from which I suf-
fered had, in a great
degree, extinguish-
ed the deep interest which, at other seasons, this river has
been wont to awake in me. I lay stretched beside our
patroon ; the safety of the cargo was forgotten, and the only
thing that called forth my attention was the multitude of
ducks, of different species, accompanied by vast flocks of
swans, which from time to time would pass us. My patroon,
a Canadian, had been engaged many years in the fur trade ;
he was a man of much intelligence, who, perceiving that these
birds had engaged my curiosity, seemed only anxious to find
some new object to divert me. The sea eagle flew over us.
** How fortunate !" he exclaimed : " this is what I could have

I 2

116 Bird of Wnshingtmi,

wished. Look, Sir ! the great eagle, and the only one I have
seen since I left the lakes." I was instantly on my feet,
and, having observed it attentively, concluded, as I lost it in
the distance, that it was a species quite new to me. My
patroon assured me that such birds were indeed rare; that
they sometimes followed the hunters, to feed on the entrails of
the animals they had killed, when the lakes were closed by
the ice, but, when open, they would dive in the daytime after
fish, and snatch them up in the manner of the fishing-hawk;
that they roosted generally on the shelves of the rocks, where
they built their nests, of which he had discovered several by
the quantity of white exuviae scattered below. His account will
be found to accord with the observations which I had after-
wards an opportunity^ of making myself. Being convinced
that the bird was unknown to naturalists, I felt particularly
anxious to learn its habits, and in what particulars it differed
from the rest of its genus. Mr. Wilson had confounded it
with the bald or white-headed eagle, one of the young of
which he has given the figure of, to represent it. But I am
strongly inclined to believe that he never saw this bird ; for it
must be acknowledged that he was a very close and accurate
observer, and, had he met with it, could hardly have fallen
into so great an error, unless he was deceived by the near
resemblance which the young of these two species bear to
each other in plumage, although their difference in size is
very great : but, in the old birds, the likeness ceases to exist ;
both in habits and appearance they are totally dissimilar.
I watched a pair of these birds during a season, and fre-
quently saw them copulate, as well as the other kind, but on
no occasion did they mix.

The sea eagle of America is full one fourth larger in size,
than any female specimen of the other kind I ever met with,
old or young. In the United States, from Massachusetts to
Louisiana on the seaboard, or as high as the mouth of the
Missouri to the north-west, (I speak only of the extent of
country I have visited, and where I have seen them,) these
birds are very rare. This will appear to all, when I say that
during my many long peregrinations more than eight or nine
I never found, and only one nest. The sea eagle of Euro-
pean naturalists, of which Mr. Bewick has given a description,
and also a figure, in a small wood-cut, is more like the species
m question, as to form and plumage, than any other. In
mentioning this gentleman, I cannot forbear expressing the
high estimation in which I hold his splendid productions ; I
have no hesitation in pronouncing him a most elegant and
faithful copier of nature, and the very best illustrator of Eng-

Birdqf'Washi7igton. 11*7

lish oniithology. Mr. Wilson's figui-e is not so well done ; it
seems to be taken from a stuffed specimen.

My next meeting with this bird was a few years afterwards,
whilst engaged in collecting crayfish, in one of those flats
which border and divide Green River, in Kentucky, near its
junction with the Ohio, from the range of high cliffs which,
for some distance, follow the meanders of that stream. I ob-
served on the rocks, which, at that place, are nearly perpen-
dicular, a quantity of white ordure, thinking that owls resorted
thither. I mentioned it to my companions, when one of them,
who lived within a mile and a half of the place, told me that
it was from the nest of the brown eagle, meaning the young
of the white-headed eagle, with which he was acquainted.
I assured him this could not be ; and remarked that the old,
as well as young, of that species never built in such places,
but always in trees. Although he could not answer my ob-
jection, he stoutly maintain^ that a brown eagle of some
kind, above the usual size, had built there ; he added that
he had espied the nest some days before, and had seen one
of the old birds dive and catch a fish. This he thought
strange, having, till then, always observed that brown and
bald eagles procured this kind of food by robbing the fish-
hawks : but, if I felt particularly anxious to know what nest
it was, I might soon satisfy myself, as the old birds would
come and feed their young with fish ; he had seen them do so
before. In high expectation, I seated myself about a hundred
yards from the foot of the rock. Never did time pass more
slowly; I could not help betraying the most impatient curi*
osity, for my hopes whispered it was a sea Ragle's nest. Two
long hours had elapsed before the old bird made his appear-
ance, which was announced to us by the loud hissings of the
two young ones, who crawled to the extremity of the hole to
receive a fine fish. I had a perfect view of this noble bird as
he held himself to the edging rock, his tail spread, and his
wings partly so, and hanging something like the barn bank,
or social swallow. I trembled lest a word should escape
from my companions, the slightest murmur had been treason
from them ; they entered into my feelings, and, although little
interested, gazed with me. In a few minutes the other parent
joined her mate, which, from the difference in size (the female
being much larger), we knew to be the mother bird. She,
also, had brought a fish ; but, more cautious than her mate, ere
she alighted, she glanced her quick and piercing eye around,
and instantly perceived her procreant bed had been discovered;
she dropped her prey, with a loud shriek communicated the
alarm to the male, and, hovering with him over our heads,

1 3

118 Bird of Washington.

k^pt up a growling threatening cry, to intimidate us from our
suspected design. This watchful solicitude I have ever found
peculiar to the female : must I be understood to speak only of
birds ?

The young having hid themselves, we went and picked up
the fish which the mother had let fall ; it was a white perch,
weighing about 5\ lbs. ; the upper part of the head was
broken in, and the back torn by the talons of the eagle. We
had plainly seen her bearing it, in the manner of the fish-hawk.

This day's sport being at an end, as we journeyed homewards
we agreed to return the next morning, being most anxious to
procure both the old and young birds ; but rainy and tem-
pestuous w^eather setting in, our expedition was obliged to be
postponed till the third day following, when, with guns and
men all in readiness, we reached the rock. Some posted
themselves at the foot, others upon it, but in vain. We
passed the entire day, without either seeing or hearing an
eagle : the sagacious birds, no doubt, having anticipated an
invasion, had removed their young to fresh quarters.

I come at last to the day I had so often and so ardently
desired. Two years had gone by, since the discovery of the
nest, in fruitless excursions ; but my wishes were no longer to
remain ungratified. In returning from the little village of
Henderson to the house of Doctor R*****^ about a mile
distant, I saw one rise from a small enclosure not a hundred
yards before me, where the doctor had a few days before
slaughtered some hogs, and alight upon a low tree branching
over the road. I prepared my double-barrelled piece,
which I constantly carry, and went slowly and cautiously
towards him ; quite fearless he awaited my approach, looking
upon me with an undaunted eye. 1 fired and he fell;
before I reached him he was dead. With what delight 1
surveyed this magnificent bird ! Had the finest salmon ever
pleased him as he did me ? — Never. I ran and presented
him to my friend, with a pride which those can only feel,
who, like me, have devoted their earliest childhood to such
pursuits, and have derived from them their first of plea-
sures ; to others, I must seem " to prattle out of fashion."
The doctor, who was an experienced hunter, examined
the bird with much satisfaction, and frankly acknowledged
he had never before seen or heard of it. The name I chose
for this new species of eagle, " The Bird of Washington,"
may, by some, be considered as preposterous and unfit ;
but, being indisputably the noblest of the genus known to
naturalists, I trust it will be allowed to retain it. To those,
however, who -may be curious to know my reasons, I can only

Bird of Washington, 119

say, that, as the new world gave me birth and liberty, the
great man who insured its independence is next to my heart :
he had such true nobihty of mind, and honest generous
feehng, as is seldom possessed ; he was brave, so is the
eagle ; and his name, extending from pole to pole, resembles
the majestic soarings of the mightiest of the feathered tribe.
During the month of January following I saw a pair of sea
eagles flying over the falls of the Ohio, one in chase of the
other. The next day I saw them again ; the female had re-
laxed in her severity, had laid aside her coyness, and to a
favoured tree they continually resorted. I pursued them un-
successfully for several days, when they forsook the place.

The flight of this bird is very different from that of the
white-headed eagle, encircling more diameter than the
latter ; whilst sailing, keeping nearer to the land and the sur-
face of the w^ater ; and when about to dive for fish, falling
in a circuitous spiral manner, as if with an intention of
checking all retreating movement which its prey* might
attempt, and only when within a few yards darting upon
it. The fish-hawk often does the same. When rising with
a fish they fly to a considerable distance, forming, in their
line of course and that of the water a very acute angle,
something not exceeding thirty degrees, when several hundred
yards distant from the spot emerged from* My last oppor-
tunity of seeing the sea eagle, was on the ] 5th of November,
1821, a few miles above the mouth of the Ohio ; two passed
over our boat, moving down in easy flappings. In a letter
from a kind relation, Mr. * * *, dated, " Falls of the Ohio,
July, 1819," containing particulars relative to the swallow-
tailed hawk (Falco furcatus), he also says : " Yesterday, for
the first time, I had an opportunity of viewing one of those
magnificent birds, which you call the sea eagle, as it passed
low over me, whilst fishing ; I shall be really glad when I
can again have the pleasure of seeing your drawing of it."
The glands containing the oil used for the purpose of lubri-
cating the surface of the plumage were, in the specimen here
represented, extremely large ; the contents had the appear-
ance of hog's fat which had been melted and become rancid.
This bird makes more copious use of that substance than
the white-headed eagle, or any of the Falco genus, except the
fish-hawk; the whole plumage looking, upon close examin-
ation, as if it had received a general coating of a thin clear
dilution of gum arable, and presenting less of the downy gloss
exhibited on the upper part of the bald-headed eagle's plumage.
The male bird weighs 14 J lbs. avoirdupois, measures 3 ft.
7 in. in length, and 10 ft, 2 in. in extent. The upper man-

I 4

1 20 Bird of WashifigtorL

dible 3f in., dark bluish black. It is, however, the same
colour for half its length, turning into yellow towards the
mouth, which is surrounded with a thick yellow skin. Mouth
blue; tongue the same; cere greenish yellow; eye large, of a
fine chestnut colour, iris black, the whole protected above
by a broad, strong, bony, cartilaginous substance, giving the eye
the appearance of being much sunk. Lores lightish blue,
with much strong recumbent hair ; upper part of the head,
neck, back, scapulars, rump, tail coverts, femorals, and tail
feathers, dark coppery glossy brown ; throat, front of the
neck, breast, and belly, rich bright cinnamon colour; the
feathers of the whole of which are long, narrow, sharp-
pointed, of a hairy texture, each dashed along the centre
with the brown of the back ; the wings, when closed, reach
within an inch and a half of the end of the tail feathers,
which are very broad next the body. Lesser coverts rusty
iron grey, forming with that colour an elongated oval, reach-
ing from the shoulders to the lower end of the secondaries,
gradually changing to the brown of the back as it meets the
scapulars. The secondaries of the last middle tint. Primaries
brown, darkest in their inner veins, very broad and firm ; the
outer one 2 J in. shorter than the second, the longest 24« in. to
its root, and about half an inch in diameter at the barrel. The
-under wing coverts iron grey, very broad, and forming the
same cavity that is apparent in all of this genus with the sca-
pulars, which also are very broad. Legs and feet strong and
muscular : the former 1 J in. in diameter; the latter measuring,
from the base of the hind claw to that of the middle toe, 6Jin.
Claws strong, much hooked, the hind one 2 in. long, the inner
rather less, all blue black and glossy. Toes warty, with rasp-
like advancing hard particles, covered with large scales appear-
ing again on the front of the leg, all of dirty strong yellow. L,eg
feathers brown cinnamon, pointed backwards. Vomiting powers
not exhibited, as in owls. The two stomachs large and baggy.
In the specimens now described, the contents of both, fish and
fishes' scales, mixed with different entrails. Guts large, but
transparent and thin of substance. Heart and liver very large,
the sinews of the first tough and stiff. The sex well ascer-
tained at the time the bird was killed.

From the above account it will be seen that the bit'd here
described and faithfully figured from a fresh-killed specimen,
is a very scarce species, even in those parts where it is a
native ; and, that it is rarely met with, the few opportunities I
have had of seeing it, the dates of which I have generally
given, are a sufficient proof.

London, April, 1828. John J, Audubon.

Introduction to British Ornithology,

121

Art. VI. An Introduction to the Study of British Ornithology.

By A. J. N.

Birds form the second grand division of the Linnean sys-
tem of animals, and are characterised by having the body
covered with feathers. The Linnean orders are six : —

1. ^ccipitres (accipiter, a hawk; hawk kind, or birds of prey). Bill and

claws strongly arched (j%. 54. a).
.2. Picas (pica, a magpie; magpie kind, or peckers). Bill compressed, a

little curved (6).

3. ^'nseres {ansery a goose ; of the goose kind). Bill obtuse at the end (c);
feet webbed {d). <

4. Grallae (grfl'/Zts, stilts ; stalkers). Legs very long (e).

5. Gallinae {gallus, a cock ; pheasant kind). Bill convex, the upper man-
dible arched (/ ) ; toes connected by a membrane at the bottom (g) y tail
feathers more than twelve {h).

6. Passeres {passer y a sparrow ; sparrow kind). Bill conic, pointed ; nostrils
oval, broad, naked (i).

Pennant arranged birds into two divisions ; viz. Land birds
and Water birds. These he subdivided into nine orders: of
these the Land birds formed six ; viz. Rapacious, Pies, Gal-
linaceous, Columbine, Passerine, and Struthious; the Water
birds three ; viz. Cloven-footed or Waders, Pinnated-footed
and Web-footed.

Brisson arranged birds into two grand divisions ; viz. Clo-
ven-footed and Web-footed. In the first are 17 orders and 85
genera ; in the second, 9 orders and 28 genera.

Dr. Latham's arrangement is as follows : —

First Division. Land birds, Terrestres. — Order 1. ^cci-
pitres, or rapacious ; 2. Picae, pies ; 3. Passeres, passerine ;
4. Columbae, pigeons; 5. Gallinae, gallinaceous; 6. Stru-
thi5nes, struthious.

Second Division. Water birds, Aquaticae. — Order 7. Gral-
lae, waders; 8. Grallae-pinnatipedes, waders with pinnated
feet; 9. Palmipedes, web-footed.

Birds with grasping claws, are
either

1 22 Introduction to British Ornithology.

' The number of genera, in the Linnean arrangement, is 78 ;
and of species, 930. The species described by Dr. Latham
amount to about 5000. The number of Dr. Latham's genera
are increased, by his having divided some of the genera of
Linnaeus into two or more genera.

Another system has been lately brought into notice by an
eminent zoologist, N. A. Vigors, Esq., (p. 80.) and which is
designated the " Quinary System," because it presupposes
that not only birds, but all other animals, may be divided and
subdivided into groups of fives, thus : —

Rap tores, preyers.
Insessores, perchers.
Rasores, scratchers.
Grallatores, waders; or
^Natatores, swimmers.

The six primary orders of Linnaeus are, by Mr. Vigors,
converted into five, by uniting the Picae with the Passeres ;
by which arrangement, the first division of the whole family of
birds, consisting of Insessores, Raptores, Rasores, Gralla-
tores, and Natatores, might be considered as classes ; the divi-
sion of each of which into five, might be constituted ordei's ;
and the division of each of these again into five groups, might
constitute the tribes. " So that, if the Raptores should, by
subsequent discovery, be completed, the classes, according to
this arrangement, will be 5 ; the orders, 25 ; and the genera,
125." (Jennings's Ornith.)

Insessores. — 1. Dentirostres (toothed-beaked), 2. Conirostres (conic-
beaked), 3. Fissirostres (cleft-beaked), 4. Scansores (climbers), 5. Tenue-
rostres (slender-beaked).

Raptores. — 1. Falconidae (falcon-like), 2. <S^trigida2 (owl-like), 3. Vw\-
luridce (vulture-like), 4. ? 5. ?

Rasores. — 1. Columbidae (pigeon-like), 2. Phasianidae (pheasant-like),
5. Cracidae (curassow-like), 4. ITetraonidae (bustard-like), 5. 5truthionidse
(ostrich-like).

Grallatores. — 1. Charadriae (sea-larks), 2. GruidaB (crane-like), 3. Ral-
lidae (rail-like), 4. Jrdeidae (heron-like). 5. jScolopacidas (woodcock-like).

Natatores. — 1. Pelicanidae (pelican-hke), 2. iaridae (sea-gull -like),
5. A'lcadae (awk-like), 4. ^natidae (duck-like), 5. Colyrabidae (dabchick-like).

Mr. Vigors divides the order Falconidae thus : —

^quilina (eagle-like), ^ccipitrina (hawk-like), Falconina (falcon-like),
^uteonina (buzzard-like), ilf ilvina (kite-like).

The Fissirostres order is divided thus : — ilferopidae (woodpecker-like),
^irundinidae (swallow-like), Caprimulgidas (goatsucker-like), Todidae (tit-
mouse-like), ifalcyonidae (kingfisher-like).

It is a curious fact, that by far the greater number of the
pie and sparrow tribes, in this country, generally lay five eggs ;
the quinary system is thus corroborated. The student should
be aware of the censure of St. Pierre : — " Nos ornithologistes
enchaines par leur methods, ne songent qu'a grossir leur cata-

Introduction to British Ornithology.

123

logue, et ne connoissent, dans les oiseaiix, que les pattes et le
bee. Ce n'est point dans les nids quails les observent, mais a
la chasse et dans leur gibeciere." [Jennings^s Ornitholbgia.)

It would be a great point gained, if the ingenious system of
Mr. Vigors could be established on its professed basis, namely^
that of nature ; it would simplify the science, and render it
much more easily attained by the student.

Having given this outline of the principal arrangements
which have been adopted by naturalists, for the classification of
birds, I have proposed to myself to begin a series of papers, in
which it is intended to give particular descriptions and histo-
rical notices of our principal British birds; but, before pro-
ceeding with this, it will be necessary to give a table of the
terminology used in the descriptions of birds, and to this I
shall confine myself in the present communication.

Terms used in

Caput, the head.

Rostrum, the bill.

Nares, the nostrils.

Cera, wax (on the bill) (Jig. 55. a).

Lingua, the tongue.

Capustrum, the face.

Lorum, the lore (b).

Tempora, the temples (c).

Barba, the beard (d).

Gula, the chin (e).

Humeri, the shoulders (/).

Crissum, the vent (g).

T^ctrices, the wing coverts (h).

A lula spuria, bastard wing (v)

Speculum, the wing-spot {w).

Scapulares, scapulars [i).

Cauda, the tail.

Tectrices caudae, the tail coverts

(f).
Crura, the legs C^).
Femora, the thighs.

Ornuhology.

Tridactyli, three-toed.
Didactyli, two-toed (y).
Pes, the foot.

Natatorius, palmated feet (z).
Frons, the forehead (/}.
Vertex, the crown.
O'cciput, the hind-head (?«).
Crista, the crest (w).
O'culi, the eyes.
Supercilia, the eyebrows.
O'rbitEe, the orbits (o).
Genae, the cheeks.
Aures, the ears ( p).
Collum, the neck.
Nucha, the nape {q).
Jugulum, the throat.
Uropygium, the rump (r).
Interscapulum, between shoul-
ders (5).
Axillae, axillaries (J,).
Hypocdndriae, hypochondres (m).'

124

Considef^aiiatis ofi Botany,

Corpus, the body. U'ngues, the claws (/ ).

Dorsum, the back. Cornua, the horns.

Pectus, the breast. Saccus jugularis, the pouch.

Abdomen, the belly. Mi , 56

Ambulatorii, walking. 1^1 " "^

Scansorii, climbing. _^nfeBiui, .i., ^

A"*laB, the wings.
R^ctrices, the tail feathers.
Armlllae, bracelets.
Digiti, the toes.
Gressorii, leaping.
Preh^nsilis, grasping.
Lobatus, lobed feet {fig- 56. a).
Pinnatus, pinnated {b).
Calcaria, the spurs (e),
Carunculae, wattles {d).
Ingluvies, the crop.
Semipalmatus, semipalmated
feet (e).

If your young readers will read these terms over two or
three times, and endeavour to apply them to any bird which
they may have in a cage, or stuffed in the infant museum,
which, I trust, many of them are now commencing, I shall,
in my next, commence with Mr. Vigor^s class Insessores, and
describe the most interesting British species of the pie and
sparrow kind. In the mean time, I recommend to them your
maxim, that the enjoyment procured will be in proportion to
the labour bestowed.

I remain, dear Sir, yours, &c.

A. J.N.

Art. VII. Considerations on Botanyy as a Study for young
People, intended as an Introduction to a series of Papers illus-
trative of the Linncean System of Plants, By Miss Kent,
Author of Flora Domestica, Sylvan Sketches, &c.

Sir,
In this commercial country, where there is so prevalent a
tendency to judge of every thing by its returns, and where so
great a stress is laid upon the question of utility, it may
be necessary to accompany the recommendation of a more
general study of the works of nature with a few words on this
head ; and to endeavour to point out some few of the many
and important uses of natural history, even while I quote
from your prospectus the fact, that " we are much more
anxious to recommend the study on the higher principle of
conducing to elegant recreation and enjoyment, than as leading

as a Study for young People. 1 25

merely to profitable pursuits, or utility in the lower sense of
the word." In a more liberal sense, it may be observed, that
any thing which affords elegant and innocent recreation, is of
considerable utility.

Notwithstanding the unquestionable interest which young
people generally take in the observation of natural objects,
natural history has, hitherto, been singularly neglected; I
mean, as a subject of general enquiry. Many have devoted
themselves entirely to the study of nature, and such rapid
strides have been made in every quarter of it, within the last
century, as to keep the most zealous upon the alert, to follow
in their various tracks; but, professors excepted, compara-
tively few persons have turned their attention to a pursuit so
eminently interesting. Children are frequently observed to
seize with avidity any little book that treats of the habits of
animals ; a thirst for further knowledge on the subject is ex-
cited, but this great advantage is lost. The early years of
boyhood are generally devoted to the mysteries of grammar ;
and a child who is detected in reading anecdotes of the faith-'
ful attachment of dogs, of the systematic industry of the
beaver, &c., is told to put away his " play-books," and learn
his Latin. Thus discouraged at an early period, without thie
means of gaining further knowledge on the subject to which
his inclination would lead him, the inclination itself gradually
dies away, ending, perhaps, in a passion for birdsnesting, or
the infliction of other torment upon animals ; a habit more
frequently to be traced to a thoughtless curiosity, and an 'in-
terest in their movements, than to any actual desire of giving
pain. He would see animals in action. Let him watch the
labours of the bee-hive; his attention will be fixed, his in-
terest excited, and he will have no wish to disturb the indus-
trious colony that affords him so much amusement. Let him
examine the busy activity of the ant-hill, and still he will be
satisfied with the objects before him. The habits of birds^
being less open to observation, he seeks them in the nest;
first, from curiosity; though, afterwards, it is probable that
his vanity will be called into play, by the desire of multiplying
the trophies of his address and agility ; and he will string
together the baffled hopes of many a feathered pair, proudly
triumphing in their numbers, but without one thought of the
bereaved mothers and their disappointed mates. If he diverts
himself with catching flies, it is still in the same spirit of cu-
riosity : they fly from place to place, he cannot trace each
individual, or, in any way, understand its economy ; he would
know what it would do under certain circumstances ;- lie'
catches one in his hand, it flutters to escape ; he contrives to

1 26 Considerations on Botany^

imprison it under a glass, and watches, with interest, its en-
deavours to regain liberty ; he deprives it of its wings, still
to see how, in such situations, the little insect will conduct
itself. Let boys be encouraged in the pursuit of a species of
knowledge so agreeable to them as the habits of animals ; let
them be supplied with books, and assisted in any little diffi-
culties that occur to them, and a great majority will, of their
own accord, devote to it even the leisure so precious to them;
nor will it be too bold to say, that boys thus accustomed to
think of the feelings and instincts of a variety of living crea-
tures, will never shock humanity by the cruelty of thoughtless
sports.

Girls are not only discouraged from the pursuit of natural
history, but are very commonly forbidden it. Confounding
innocence with ignorance, their instructors keep from them all
books that may afford information which they would consider
as objectionable, or excite enquiry which they would think it
injudicious to satisfy. When arrived at an age to judge for
themselves, young ladies are apt to be alarmed by the nume-
rous terms of science; unacquainted with Latin, they shrink
from this formidable difficulty, and either decide that, how-
ever sweet be the kernel, the shell is too hard for them to
cracky or, if less diffident of their powers or sparing of their
trouble, they are willing to surmount that obstacle, they are
met by another, the dread of being branded with that fearful
epithet — blue I The latter difficulty is, however, easily ob-
viated; since the lady is not compelled to obtrude upon
others the Latin terms which serve as stepping-stones to the
knowledge of which she is in pursuit. I do not assert that
natural history is the study the most peculiarly adapted to
enable a young lady to shine in company ; but neither that
nor any other is surely any hindrance to it. The more we
know on any one subject, the more we are prepared to throw
amusement and illustration on any other.

To some branches of natural history it has been objected
that their study leads to no useful result. This is applied
more particularly to mineralogy, conchology, botany, &c.
To speak of the latter only, which, perhaps, has been the
most generally charged with inutility, I fear not to assert
that the charge is unfounded. I have heard some indivi-
duals go so far as to question the utility of the knowledge of
plants altogether ; this extravagance can scarcely be very ge-
neral; a moment's consideration of the many, the innumer-
able uses to which plants have been applied by mankind, and
of the facility which a due knowledge of their structure and

as a Studijfor young People. 127

situation affords, in judging of their properties, will suffice to
set aside this most unreflecting mistake. Is it nothing that a
man, surrounded by plants wholly new to him, should be
able, in a moment, to determine with which he might relieve
his hunger with impunity? Is it nothing to know, that, how-
ever a fruit may tempt his thirsty lip, it were death to imbibe
one particle of its juice ? Was it nothing that Linnaeus, by
his knowledge of plants, at once put a stop to a mortality
among the cattle in Lapland? — But enough; let us turn to
the more frequent objection of the uselessness of botany, as a
general study or accomplishment. We readily learn to un-
dervalue knowledge we do not possess ; forgetting that we are
no better qualified to form an opinion on the subject, than to
judge of a book we have not read. It is a common mistake
with those who are totally unacquainted with botany, that it
consists of nothing but poring over flowers with a magnifying
glass, counting their stamens and pistils, &c. and then turning
over half a dozen volumes of technical description; all for the
purpose of ascertaining the names of the plants examined.
Thus thfey take one branch for the whole body of the science,
and at once decide against it as a tiresome and useless en-
quiry. It was once observed to me by a youth of very supe-
rior abilities and attainments, that, to him, botany appeared
to be an endless solving of riddles. The simile, as far as
regards one particular branch of the science, is not a bad one:
but, since these riddles are only to be solved by the most
attentive observation, comparison, and enquiry; since from
these exercises of the mind results an acquaintance with many
admirable productions of nature, which excite many of our
best and most pleasurable feelings ; these riddles are not to be
disregarded, but rather to be encouraged, as a means of im-
proving and refining the mind and the heart.

No one branch of knowledge can be fully appreciated by
those who do not actually possess it. We can neither judge
of the difficulties nor attractions of any study that we have not
ourselves attempted ; and it is only in proportion with our
progress that we can estimate the object in view. Let us re-
member these truisms, and be cautious in pronouncing upon
subjects of which we are wholly ignorant. Zoology is, per-
haps, the branch of natural history the most generally inter-
esting ; but botany has one great advantage, in offering more
opportunity for practical illustration. To females, in parti-
cular, it offers this advantage. A lady may read zoological
works; may be highly interested in the endless variety of
animals, and the peculiar economy of each ; quadrupeds, birds,

120 Considerations on Botany,

insects, &c., offer a never ending topic of enquiry and interest ;
but she can have little opportunity of observing for herself, of
applying the knowledge she obtains, of " solving riddles."
For her knowledge of living creatures, she must be indebted
chiefly to books and prints ; she will scarcely bring home in
her delicate fingers a young hedge-hog, a hornet, or a bat,
to compare with her books, and to ascertain their genus or
their species ; she will not dissect a monkey or a bear to study
their anatomy. The habits of animals are interesting ; she
reads, and takes all for granted : but, in the study of plants,
her interest is kept continually on the alert, by the practical
application of the knowledge she acquires. We do not sit
down to read Linnaeus's Genera Plantdrum, Withering's Bo-
tany, or Smith's English Flora, as we would Bingley's Animal
Biography, Cuvier's Animal Kingdom, Bewick, Buffon, &c. :
but we walk out, and day after day we see beautiful flowers
springing up in the sunshine — we would know what they are;
we see a lovely blossom, from which a butterfly as lovely
is extracting the honey — we would be acquainted with both;
but the butterfly disappears, we could not take it captive,
without alarming it, injuring its beauty, and giving it pain ;
the flower we may appropriate, may examine at our leisure ;
with a few books, and a very little assistance (or, if our love
of flowers be very great, with our books only), we may soon
learn to discover the genus of flowers, and, ere long, to distin^
guish their species. In examining their construction with a
microscope, how many beauties do we find that had previously
been lost upon us ! The beauty of flowers does not lie wholly
in their vivid colours and bright contrasts : observe the starry
capsule of the corn-poppy, when its fragile petals have been
carried away by the winds ; see the blue corn-flower (com-
monly called blue-bottle), — what a beautiful coronet of sky-
blue florets ! every floret a fairy vase, in the depth of which
nature prepares sweet nectar for the butterfly and the bee !
But when these have disappeared, there is beauty also in the
winged children they have left, rocking each in its green cra-
dle. In some of the species, these winged offspring are
peculiarly beautifiil ; they seem like fairies' shuttlecocks, ele-
gantly variegated at the base, and set with the most delicate
feathers of a jet black ; so delicate are these feathers, that to
the unassisted eye they show like hairs. Then examine how
the pistil is affixed to its centre ; how one minute gi'oove is
fitted to another with a nicety of mechanism, so finished, so
beautiful ! What human hand could form one seed like this?-—
this little seed, which, in its minute and exquisite perfection^

as a Study for young People, 1 29

is scattered abroad by thousands, unnoticed and unseen !
See the long feathery seed-vessels of the willow-herb; exa-
mine with what completeness is formed each separate floret of
the many that compose the daisy. The daisy, which people
call a flower, — a flower? every daisy is in itself a bouquet;
a bunch of differing flowers, white and yellow 1 Lay under
the microscope the flower of the forget-me-not; the silken
stamens of the black mullein ; the tiny blossoms of the knot-
grass ; the leaves of the mountain St. John's-wort, and of the
perforated St. John's- wort, — its petals, too, edged on one side
with purple beads. Look but at the receptacle of the ^m-
mon dandelion ; thus magnified, it exhibits beauty well worth
the seeking. ■ '•'

It is a notion with many, and one that I the better under-'
stand from having once partaken of it, that the study of
botany detracts from our pleasure in the beauty of flowers.
There is in flowers something of a poetic character, pleasure-
able and imaginative, which we fear to destroy by associations
so mechanical as classes, orders, genera, petals, stamens, &c.
The fear is groundless : we should rather look upon these
systematic niceties as a foreign grammar, which opens new
stores of poetry hitherto unintelligible to us. The mystery
that lies in the heart and first cause of every thing, still
remains the same, let us know as much as we can.

One great drawback to the study of botany has been the
practice of writing botanical works altogether in the Latin
tongue ; but this is rather an ideal than a real obstacle ;
since, though such works are necessarily closed to those who
do not understand that language, there are many English
works on the subject ; quite sufficient to enable an English-
man to become a very good botanist. For a long period, in-
deed, science was carefully secured from the consideration of
females by its locks of Latin ; and, though the absurd preju-
dices against female education have, in a great measure,
yielded to the progress of the times, yet that language, not
being generally studied by ladies, still has power to scare
them from an attempt, of which it leads them to overrate the
difficulties ; and the sex is considerably indebted to some
naturalists of the present day, who have, as far as possible,
anglicised the terms of science, and simplified the subjects
of which they have treated.

Let any one who is fond of flowers make the experiment ;
it may be made at very little expense ; any of the English
Introductions to Botany, Smith's English Flbra^ and a botani-
cal microscope, will suffice for the commencement. I should
Vol. L -- No. 2. k

ISOf Considerations on Botany^

add, perhaps, a little tin case * , in which to bring home
and to preserve the plants, until they can be examined at
leisure. Oh, what delight does the young botanist experience,
when he first ascertains a plant by his own observation of its
natural characters ! With what interest is every new flower
added to his store of knowledge ! and when more advanced,
and the common plants of the neighbourhood have become
familiar, how welcome is the sight of a plant that he does not
know ! What ecstasy, if it be a rare one ! What consciousness
of wealth in adding to the daily increasing herbarium ! I
speaSt of the herbarium as a thing of course : for every young
botanist, whose love of flowers is genuine, will be earnest to
preserve specimens of the plants he examines; to serve, at
once, as trophies and memorials.

I am the more zealous in my desire to extend a taste
for this delightful science, from my confidence in its favour-
able tendencies. I look upon botany as a study calculated
to improve both the mind and the body : it accustoms us to
arrange our ideas ; fixes our attention upon objects the most
worthy of contemplation, and the best fitted to excite our
admiration and gratitude ; gives an inexpressible charm to
our rural walks ; and, while it lures us abroad, and tempts
us to take a greater portion of exercise, it gives us health as
well as occupation and amusement. " The study of English
botany," says Dr. Aikin, " caused several summers to glide
away with me, in more pure and active delight, than almost
any other single object ever afforded me. It rendered every
walk and ride interesting, and converted the plodding rounds
of business into excursions of pleasure." f

Most persons extend their affections, more or less, beyond
their own species : men love horses and dogs ; some have
taken delight in pet bears or tigers ; ladies keep rabbits,
squirrels, silkworms, birds, &c. None of these playthings
affords so much amusement as flowers, with equal innocence.
It may seem very startling to question the innocence of such
pursuits ; but what would be our opinions on the subject,
could we, for a moment, fancy ourselves in the place of any
one of these imprisoned favourites ? Is it by choice that the
giddy squirrel has forsaken the trees in which he used to
frolic ? Does he prefer the confinement of his cage ; or, is

* Called by botanists a vdsculmn, but more readily obtained by the title
of a sajidwich-box ; being precisely the same thing, and the latter name
being more'familiar to the tinman.

^ Memoirs of Dr. Aikin, vol. i. p. 36. ,

as a Study for young People* ' ISfr

he content to exchange his liberty for the pleasure of being'
gazed upon, when he cracks the nuts we may occasionally
choose to bestow upon him? Is the lark that soars higher'
than the clouds, as he welcomes the morning with his
sprightly song, well pleased to be imprisoned in that gloomy
cage, with just space enough allowed him to hop off and on
that handful of turf? Is the nightingale, who derives his
birth from a land of roses, happy in being shut up in a
wooden box, one half of which admits no light, during our
cold and foggy winter; happy in being debarred from that
annual flight to which nature urges him, in being doomed to
solitary imprisonment, at a time when he should be cheering
his patient mate with his song ? No, no, ■ — let us not blind
our minds to the evident truth, that whatever pleasure we
may derive from these little victims, is obtained at their cost;
such pleasure is not innocent.

Botany has this advantage over some other branches of
natural history, that it offers no temptation to cruelty. I
cannot but believe that the many cruel experiments which
divers naturalists have made upon various living creatures,
have had a good end in view ; and that those who have made
them, have thought themselves authorised so to do, and
believed that the end sanctioned the means. This is a great
question, and one I will not attempt to discuss ; I leave it
to those whom it most concerns, to settle as they best can : it
does not concern the general student. But there are lesser
sins to which the inconsiderate might be tempted, in the zeal
of enquiry ; and we fear that the study of birds, insects, &c.,
are not a little likely to offer such temptations. In the vege-
table world we have all the interest of continual change, pro-
gress, reproduction, life, and death, without the fear of in-
flicting pain; we may ourselves cause the existence of the
most beautiful plants ; we put a seed into the earth, and when
we see the young leaves shoot forth, they seem almost as of
our own creation ; we rear them, observe their progress, and
watch over their health with an interest and pleasure unem-
bittered by such thoughts, as, to a thinking mind, take all
sweetness from the melody of the captive bird. As mere
amusement, the study of flowers is a perfectly innocent one :
we may be satisfied with it as such ; or we may derive from it
a more intellectual enjoyment, by turning our attention to
that higher branch of the science, which treats of the interior
organisation of plants ; the functions of their various parts ;
how axjting and how acted upon; their produce and their
properties, from the little chafi^weed (Centunculus minimus)

K 2

1S2 Consider atioris oji Botany,

to the majestic banyan tree (i^icus indica), which is in itself
a grove, a little forest; and of which Bishop Heber men-
tions one much celebrated, which occupies the whole of an
island of the Nerbudda; and, in its best days, afforded
shelter for 10,000 horse. Although said to have been planted
by a saint, a great part of it, together with the ground on
which it stood, has been destroyed by the sea. " But," says
the bishop, " there is still enough left to make it one of the
noblest groves in the world." This very singular tree might
be considered as an emblem of maternal and filial love, the
mother and her offspring continually affording to each other
mutual support.

The study of the vegetable world has something of that
soothing power which we experience from its actual presence.
There is, undoubtedly, an influence in the pure air, the still-
ness, the calm freshness of the country, that tends to quell
all unkindly feelings, and to foster the gentler affections. I
can scarcely believe it possible that any bosom could harbour
malice or revenge, amid flowers and trees, woods and green
fields. Such scenes are favourable to reflection ; and dis-
passionate reflection will turn anger into pity, and lend to
sorrow itself a patience from which it may extract some por-
tion of sweetness. Something of that refreshment which we
experience, when, for a time, we escape the bustle and con-
tention of a town life, and take refuge in the tranquillity of
the country, we may derive from the mental contemplation of
the beauties of nature. How inexpressibly refreshing to the
mind is the view of the calm operations of nature, in the
vegetable world, after perusing a volume of history ! How
delightful to turn from war, treachery, murder, violence, and
evil passions of all kinds, to the calm wisdom and beneficent
power displayed in the production of the humblest weed !
We may fancy plants capable of a sense of tranquillity ; they
possess just that degree of animation that we may suppose to
enjoy the tranquillity they inspire ; somewhat like that of a
slumbering child.

There are many reasons in favour of commencing the study
of botany with our native plants, and those in a wild state.
Plants are liable to many changes from cultivation, that would
puzzle a novice ; and it were well that the student should
become acquainted with the freaks of nature, before he
attempts to follow those of art. The genuine lover of flowers
will not, however, confine himself to indigenous botany. AW the
plants that come in his way, or to which he can obtain access,
he will desire to be acquainted with ; and there are, in the en-

as a Study for young People, 133

virons of London, some admirable collections, that will afford
him a fund of information and delight, in the study of exotics.
There I leave him ; bashfulness, I presume, will not impede
his progress. Not so our female students ; I must venture
to say a word in their behalf, to the proprietors of these
imported gardens. Gentlemen are, perhaps, less liable to
the disappointment of which I am about to speak ; I can
readily suppose that there are comparatively few male visitors
who are not more or less acquainted with botany, and, there-
fore, they would be likely to fare better than ladies, of whom
the great majority go merely as to an exhibition of beautiful
plants, without knowing one from another, or caring to know
them, unless, it may be, the coffee tree, sind one or two others
of popular note. The consequence is, that those ladies who
go with a view to further enquiry are liable to disappoint-
ment. A lady derives little information, and, therefore,
comparatively little pleasure, from a visit to the best col-
lection of exotics, however rare, however beautiful, however
interesting, from the hasty manner in which she is conducted,
through them. She is not only led hastily onwards, without
time to pay one hundredth part of the attention they deserve,
to the plants exhibited, but is generally attended by some ig-
norant lad, who is incompetent to reply to any question put
to him, as to the plants, their names, countries, habits, ,&c. ;
and though she may see a variety of interesting plants, all un-
known to her, she will be very fortunate if she learn even the
name of one or two of them. Might not this objection be
obviated, by labelling the plants with their botanical names,
and permitting the visitor to examine them alone, and at
leisure ; or attended only by a boy, whom a sixpence might
compensate for his trouble, however long detained? The
most interesting exotics would thus become familiar both to
the mind and to the eye. It is not to be expected, but that
the time of a person well qualified to give the desired in-
formation to the botanical visitor of an exotic collection,
should be too precious to be lingered away in such
attendance; but were the plants labelled, and the visitor
allowed sufficient leisure, all persons might derive pleasure
and knowledge, in proportion as they should be qualified to
seek it.

I remember more than once to have experienced the evils
of which I speak. On some occasions, after asking several
questions of the youth who attended our party, and finding
that he could not answer them ; that even the answers he
did give were not correct ; I desisted altogether from seeking

K 8

1 34 Botany, as a Study for young Peojjle.

the knowledge which I went purposely to obtain, and re-
turned but little wiser. On one occasion our party was ac-
companied by an able and experienced botanist ; but there
were older persons than ourselves, and gentlemen, in com-
pany, who, of course, engrossed the whole of his time and
attention ; and those who were the best qualified to under-
stand, and the most interested in obtaining, the information
he might communicate, were precisely those who learned
nothing from the visit but what their own eyes could teach
them. Even supposing the botanist to have been at liberty
to attend to ourselves only, diffidence would have restrained
us from putting to him a twentieth part of the questions we
should have desired to ask ; and even then, we should have
preferred a more leisurely examination of the plants. It is
from my own early experience, and earnest wishes, that I
am led to judge of the regrets and wishes of others, and
humbly to suggest the remedy.

I propose to give, in this Magazine, a series of botanical
papers, illustrative of the Linnaean system ; in which I
shall endeavour to avoid alarming the young student with a
crowd of technicalities, at the very outset, unaccompanied by
any thing to bribe his attention to them. I will so
disperse the husks, that they may not all lie at the top ; but
may, at least, allow the observer to perceive that there is
grain beneath ; and that for every slight layer of them re-
moved, he may obtain a portion of it. The study of botany
is much easier than appears to those who have not attempted
it. Before the time of Linnaeus, indeed, it was a kind of
chaos ; the confusion arising from the contradictions of dif-
ferent writers was endless. With no one acknowledged
system, every botanist followed his own mode of arrangement;
and it was with much difficulty that they made themselves in-
telligible to each other. Linnaeus appeared; and not only
did he arrange the whole vegetable world systematically, and
according to a system, the intrinsic excellence of which,
overcoming national jealousy, and the self-love of individuals,
obtained its adoption over all Europe; but, by the invention
of trivial names, gave a precision to his arrangement which
rendered it doubly valuable. Until the middle of the last
century, when trivial names were first introduced, the several
species were distinguished by long Latin phrases, which, in
addition to their inconvenience, were an endless source of
confusion and doubt. It was as though, Christian names
being unknown, we were to distinguish a family of sisters by
personal description ; and instead of designating one as Miss

The Jussieitean, or Natural, System of Plants. 135

Lucy Smith, and another as Miss Mary Smith, we should
say : " Yesterday I met Miss Smith, with black eyes and
chestnut hair, who is rather tall, stoops a , little in the
shoulders, has a pretty little foot, and speaks with a lisp ; and
I asked her how the Miss Smith was, with blue eyes, auburn
hair, pale cheeks, and a majestic air, and with a mole on her
chin." Nothing, as Rousseau observes, could be more
pedantic or, ridiculous, than for a person, when asked the
name of a flower, to be obliged to " answer with a long file
of Latin words, that have the appearance of a magical in-
cantation ;" an inconvenience, continues he, sufficient to deter
many persons "from a charming study, offered with so
pedantic an apparatus."

These difficulties being removed by Linnaeus ; and, as I ^
have observed, some late writers having introduced a more
simple language than was formerly used, the study of botany
has been rendered as easy as it is pleasing ; and, in gratitude
to Linnaeus and his successors, we should avail ourselves of
the advantages they have procured us.

While writing the above, I received the fourth volume of
Sir J. E. Smith's Eiiglish Flora, which comes, accompanied
by the intelligence that its author is no more ; as though he
had lived but to complete that valuable work. By the con-
clusion, it appears, that ill health has so long delayed the
publication of this volume. I have looked for it with im-
patience, and cannot refrain from availing myself of this
opportunity of acknowledging my gratitude to one to whom
botany and botanists are so deeply indebted ; and whose last
work has been to me, for some years past, a delightful com-
panion, and an instructive friend.

Art. VIII. The Jussieuean, or Natural, System of Plants.
{Continued from p. 37.)

Having given a general view of the two grand physiological
divisions of plants, Cellulares and Vasculares, we shall next
present a short tabular view of their systematic subdivisions^
and afterwards arrange all the genera of the plants indigenous or
introduced into Britain, under the different classes, subclasses
or orders, and tribes, into which they are thrown by the natural
system. The following is a general view of the leading divi-
sions, with their characters : —

K 4?

136 The Jussieuean, or Natural, Si/stem of Plants,

57

First grand Division, VAS-
CULA^RES

First Class, Dicotyle'dones
Subdivision I. DicMamydece

Subclass 1. Thalamiflbr®
Subclass 2. CalyciflbrjB

Subclass 3. Corolliflbrffi ;
Subdivision II. MonocUamydece

Second Class, Monocotyle'dones

Second grand Division, CEL-
^ LULA^RES

First Class, Folia^ce/e
r Second Class, Aphy'll^

^

Isaa^

(yas, a vessel ; plants with woody fibre
and cellular tissue).

(rfw, two, and cotyledon i cotyledons two).

{dis, two, and chlamys, a coat or covering j
calyx and corolla distinct).

{thalamus, a bed or receptacle, and flos^ a
flower; stamens under the pistillum).

{calyx and Jlos J stamens on the calyx).

{corolla, and Jlosj stamens on the corolla). J

{monos, one, and chlamys, a coat or covering j
calyx and corolla not distinct).

{monos, one, and cotyledon ; cotyledon one).

{cellula, a little cell j plants with cellular

tissueonly).

{foliaceus, leafy; habit).

{a, priv., and phyllon, a leaf; leafless).

J. VASCULA^RES.
Class I. DICOTYLE^DONES.

Subdivision I. DICHLAMrDE^.

This subdivision comprehends all the Dicotyledonous plants,
that have both a calyx and corolla, by which they are dis-
tinguished from Monochlamydeae, in which the calyx only
exists. It is in consequence of this high developement of the
floral envelopes, that the greater part of flowering trees and
shrubs are found in Dichlamydese ; it rarely happening that
those with a single floral covering only have any brilliant
colouring.

k

The Jiissieuean, or Natural, System of Plants, 137

Subclass I. THALAMIFLO^RiE.

Petals inserted into the receptacle.
The insertion of the petals and stamens into the receptacle
is the great character of this subclass, which, therefore, con-
tains all the polyandrous plants of Linnaeus, as the Calycifl6ra2
contain the icosandrous genera of the same botanist.

Section 1. Carpella {dim. q/'karpos, a fruit ; aggregate pericarps) numerous,
or stamens opposite the petals,

OiiDEK I. i2ANUNCULA^CE^.

The greater part of the plants of this order are objects of in-
terest with gardeners, containing, as it does, many of the most
elegant or showy of tjie tribes of hardy plants. It is here that
the graceful clematis, the lowly anemone, the glittering ranuncu-
lus, and the gaudy pa^ony are found ; differing, indeed, in exter-
nal appearance, but combined by all the essential characters of
the fructification. It is remarkable, however, that the acrid and
venomous properties of these plants are nearly as powerful as
their beauty is great. They are all caustic, and in many of
them the deleterious principle is in most dangerous abundance.
M. DecandoUe remarks that its nature is extremely singular ;
it is so volatile, that, in most cases, simple drying in the air or
infusion in water is sufficient to destroy it : it is neither acid
nor alkaline ; but its activity is increased by acids, honey,
sugar, wine, or alcohol ; and it is, in reality, destructible only
by water. The crowfoots of our European pastures, and the
Anemone trilobata and triternata of those of South America,
are well known poisons of cattle. Blistering plasters are made
in Iceland of the leaves of jRanunculus acris. The foliage of
some species of Clematis is supposed to afford the means em-
ployed by beggars of producing artificial ulcers. Some of the
aconites are diuretic, especially Napellus and Cammarum.
i)elphinium Consolida is said to be an ingredient in those
French cosmetics which are so destructive of the surface of
the skin. The iielleborus, famous in classical history for its
drastic powers, and the Nigella, celebrated in ancient house-
wifery for its aromatic seeds, which were used for pepper be-
fore that article was discovered, are both comprehended in
jRanunculacese. The range of this order, in a geographical
point of view, is very extensive. A great number has been
discovered in Europe, but they are so abundant in all parts of
the world that an order can scarcely be found more universally
and equally dispersed. It is singular, that, with the exception
of the climbing species of Clematis and of Xanthorhiza,

I $9 The Jussieuean, or Natural, System of Plants.

scarcely an instance occurs in JRanunculaceae of a shrubby
stem.

Tribe 1. Clemati'de^.
Clematis L. Naravelia Dec.

Tribe 2. ^nemo^ne^.
TTiallctrum L. Hepatica Dil. Knowltonia Sal.

Jnemone L. Hydrastis L. Adonis L.

Tribe 3. i^ANu^NcuL^.
Myosurus L. jRanunculus Bauh,

Ceratoc^phalus Moen. Ficaria Dil.

Tribe 4. ^ellebo^he^.
Caltha L. ifelleborus L. Aquilegia L.

Trollius L. Coptis Sal. Z)elphlnium Tou.

Eranthis SaL Garidella Tou. ^conitum Tou.

/sopyrum L. Nigella Tou.

Tribe 5. P^oni'ce^.

^ctae^al/. P?e6wiaL.

Cimicifuga L. Xanthorhiza Herit.

Order II. DILLENU^C^^.

• Fine plants, almost exclusively confined to tropical coun-
tries. Dillen/« speciosa, a native of India, is a most noble
tree with large yellow flowers, rivalling those of a Magn(M/<2.
Hibbert/« volubilis is a green-house plant, well known for the
beauty of its blossoms, and their powerfully fetid smell. The
medical properties of this order are scarcely known ; a decoc-
tion of their leaves or bark is astringent, and used for gargles ;
and the acid juice of the fruit of some of the species of Dillenia
is used in India, mixed with water, as a pleasant beverage
in fevers. The foliage of many of the species is extremely
scabrous, whence the dried leaves are much used for the same
purposes as fish-skin and sand-paper in Europe; those of
Trachytella aspera are even employed in China for polishing
works of metal.

Curatella L Trachytella Dec. Hibberti« Andr.

Tetracera L Dillenifl L. Colbertia Sal.

Order III. MkG'SOLl A^CEM.
No one is ignorant of the grandeur of Magnolias, or of the
delicious, though sometimes dangerous, fragrance of their
blossoms ; but it is less generally known, that from their affi-
nity to the trees that produce the famous Winter's bark, and
Melambro bark, they possess medicinal qualities of no com-
mon power. The bark of all of them is said to have a bitter
flavour without any astringency, and combined with a hot aro-
matic principle. In the United States, the bark of Magn6h'«

The Jussieuean, or Natural^ System of Plants, 139

glauca and Liriodendron tulipi^era is employed for the same
purposes as Jesuit's bark, and from the fruit of Magn5h'« acu-
minata, a tincture is prepared which has some reputation for
removing attacks of rheumatism. The fruit of lilicium «nisa-
tum is the material which flavours the liqueur called Anisette
de Bourdeaux. The Magnolias are exclusively inhabitants of
Asia and America, no species having hitherto been found
either in Europe or in Africa.

lilicium L. Liriodendron W,

Magnolia L. Michelia L.

Order IV. ANONA'CEJE.
The plants of this order are closely allied to Magnolidcede,
from which they are principally distinguished by the absence
of stipulae, and by the structure of their anthers and seeds. The
latter consist of a hard mass of albumen, ruminated, as the bo-
tanists call it, that is to say, perforated by the substance of the
seed-coat, in every direction, They are all trees or shrubs, and
chiefly inhabitants of the hottest parts of the tropics, but a few
have been discovered straggling into the temperate zones of
America. The fruit of the Aimia is in many species highly
esteemed as an article for the dessert, especially that of the
Cherimoyer, which has the reputation of being the finest fruit
in the world, next to the mangosteen. The hard fruits of the
species of Uvaria are highly aromatic ; those of one of them
furnish the Piper aethiopicum of the shops. The genus
Asimina is the only one which contains any hardy species, and
these are so delicate as to be seen very rarely in this country.
In Brazil, the bark of Xylopia sericea is used for cordage ;
for which it is admirably adapted.

Uvaria L. Artabotrys R. Br. Asimina Adan.

Anona Adan. Guatteria R & P. Xylopia L,

Order V. MENISPE'RMEiE.
The order of Menispermeae consists entirely of twining shrubs
with very minute flowers. They are extremely dissimilar in
habit from the orders which are placed near them, and occupy
their present station entirely on account of certain minute but
important characters in their fructification. With the exception
of Schizandra coccinea none of them are worth cultivating as
plants of ornament. The berries of Lardizabdla biternata are
sold in the markets of Chile, under the name of Aguilboquil,
Guilbogui, or CogidlL-VQchi, according to diflerent travellers.
The bitter diuretic, and aperient sorts of Pareira brava, are
produced by a species of Menispermum, as is also the famous
Calumba root, so much esteemed for its intense bitterness, and
for its use in diarrhoea and dysentery. The poisonous drug,

1 40 The Jussieuean, or Natural^ System of Plants,

called Cocculus indicus in the shops, is the seed of Menisper-
mum Cocculus. Several Brazilian species of Cocculus are
said to possess powerful febrifugal properties. No species of
Menispermeae is found in Europe ; they are chiefly natives of
tropical America and Asia.

Wendlandia W. Menisp^rmum L. Cissampelos L,

Schizandra Mx. Cocculus Dec.

Ohdee VI. BERBERPDEM,

With the exception of Berheris this order does not contain
any genus of much interest ; most of the others are low, incon-
spicuous, herbaceous plants ; Nandhia is an elegant Japanese
shrub. The Berberises are all shrubs of much beauty and
interest, especially the species with pinnated leaves, which are
sometimes called Mahonias. These are all inhabitants either
of Europe, Asia, or North and South America ; none have
ever been seen in Africa or New South Wales. Many of the
finest species from Chile and India yet remain to be intro-
duced. The berries of the Berberises are acid and astringent ;
the latter quality is especially abundant in the stem and bark.

jEpimedium W. Caulophyllum Mx. Berheris L.

ieontice h, Diphylleia Mx. Nandma Thun.

Order VII. PODOPHYLLA^CEiE.

Little interesting herbaceous North American plants, nearly
related on the one hand to A^ymphaeaceae, and, on the other,
to the herbaceous genera of Berber ides. Their juice is held
to be purgative.

Podophyllum L. JefFersonia Ph.

Order VIII. HYDROPELTrDE^.

This order differs from ^ymphaeaceae chiefly in having a de-
finite number of seeds. It consists of only two genera, each
containing a single species. Both are little floating plants of
tropical and northern America. Nothing is known of their
properties*

Hydropeltis L.

Order IX. iSTYMPH^A^CEiE.
Like the last, these are all floating plants, and, to gardeners,
possessed of great interest, on account of the elegant form and
various hues of their flowers. Two species are known as the
lilies of our own streams and ponds, and the remainder occupy
similar stations in other countries. Some of the Indian
species of Nymphae^a are delightfully fragrant. The holy
cyamus, or Pythagorean bean of antiquity, is the produce of
the .^/i?/w?w&/?^w, a stately aquatic, which abounds in all the hot-

The Jussieuean^ or Natural^ System of Plants, 14<1

ter countries of the East, where its roots are frequently used
as an article of food. The ditches about Pekin and other
Chinese cities, are literally choked up with its abundance.
The pericarpia, or beans, are oblong, hard, smooth bodies, and
possess the power of vegetating after having been dried for
even thirty years. The flowers and roots of the common
white iVymphae^a have been long celebrated for their sedative
and antiaphrodisiacal qualities, which are, however, now con-
sidered doubtful. In Sweden, in years of scarcity, the roots
of A^uphar lutea are pounded into cakes, along with the inner
bark of Pinus sylvestris.

This order has been the cause of much difference among
botanists, as to its true station in a natural classification, its
structure being of so doubtful a character as to leave room for
disputing whether it belongs to Dicotyledones or Monocotyle-
dones. Upon this subject M. Decandolle has the following
remarks : " Gaertner declares that the embryo is undivided,
and therefore monocotyledonous. In 1802, 1 remarked in the
Bulletin Philomathique, that the embryos both of iVymphae^a
and iVuphar are enclosed in a peculiar integument, and that a
dicotyledonous structure is apparent when that integument is
removed ; shortly after, M. Mirbel declared that the embryo
o^ Nelumbium has two thick cotyledons ; in 1806, M. Turpin
gave an accurate description of the fruit of iV(?Mw6/ttw luteum,
without however removing the doubts about the real structure
of the embryo; and two years afterwards his colleague, M.
Poiteau, described the seed and germination of the same plant,
pointing out that the embryo consisted of two thick cotyledons
enclosed within a stipular membrane, but destitute of radicula :
this was subsequently confirmed by M. Mirbel after very minute
anatomical examination ; that observer compared the seed of
Nelumhium to the seed of ^mj^gdalus, and also to that of Piper
and Saururus, and also demonstrated that the structure of the
stem was analogous to that of exogenous or dicotyledonous
plants. A very different opinion was shortly afterwards held
by M. Correa de Serra, an observer of the highest order, who
admitted indeed that iVymphaeacese are exogenous, but con-
tended that the parts which had been taken by previous ob-
servers for cotyledons were, in fact, a mere expansion of the
radicle, and that cotyledons were as entirely absent in Nelum-
bium as in Cuscuta. In the meanwhile M. de Jussieu adhered
to the old opinion, that iVymphaeaceae are monocotyledonous ;
in which he was supported by the late Professor Louis Claude
Richard, a name for ever memorable in the annals of Carpology
(karpos, a fruit, logos, a discourse), who published a new view
of their structure, in which he differed materially from all his

142 The Jussieuearii or Natural, System of Plants.

predecessors ; this botanist considered the stipulary membrane
of Poiteau a simple cotyledon, and the cotyledons of that
writer the hypoblastus {hypo, under, hlastos, bud), or body of
the radicula ; he also refused to admit any evidence derived
from the anatomical structure of the stem. In this conflict of
opinions, we have determined to station iVymphaeaceae among
Exogenes, for the following reasons: 1st, because the struc-
ture of their stem is that of Exogenes rather than of Endogenes ;
2dly, because the two opposite bodies, enclosed within the little
bag or stipulary membrane described by Poiteau, appear to be
undoubtedly cotyledons, which is confirmed by the presence of a
plumula between them in Nelumbium ; Sdly, because of the
structure of their flower, which has a great aflinity with that of
Padhnia, Magnolm, and Papaver ; 4thly, on account of the simi-
larity between their fruit and stigma and that of Papaver ; 5thly,
because of their milky juice and convolute leaves, two charac-
ters which are not known to exist among Endogenes." Those
who are interested in pursuing this curious discussion any far-
ther, will find many remarks and illustrative figures in the
English edition of the Analyse du Fruit, published by Mr.
Lindley in 1819.

J\^ymphae'a Neck. Euryale Sal.

JVuphar Snu Neliimbium J.

Sections. Carpella solitaiy or connate ; Placentae parietal.
Order X. PAPAVERA^CEiE.
These plants are better known for their medicinal properties
than for their beauty. Some of them are the common pests
of corn-fields, and with grain have been disseminated over all
the world. Sanguinaria is a neat little American plant, well
known for its crimson juice, and the emetic purgative powers
of its roots. Saracenm is a genus of very doubtful affinity ;
consisting of curious little American marsh plants of difficult
culture, and remarkable for the singular pitcher-like form of
its leaves. The peculiar power of the poppy is, as is well
known, narcotic; a property which pervades all the order,
although in a less intense degree in all but the officinal Papa-
ver somniferum, from which exclusively the drug opium is
obtained. The Mexicans use the expressed oil of the seeds
of Argemone mexicana for polishing furniture, and in Holland
an oil used as a substitute for that of olives, is expressed from
the seeds of P. Rhoe^as.

Papaver Tou. Glaucum Tou. Bocconia L.

Sanguinaria L. Meconopsis Vig, Saracenia L.

Chelidonium Bank. Argemone Tou,

. Rom^ria Med. i/ypecoum L.

The Jussieuean^ or Natural^ System of Plants, 143

Order XI. MJMARIA'CEiE.
Tender herbs, with finely cut leaves and annuaF stems,
abounding in a watery juice ; without any appearance of milki-
ness. They are reckoned slightly diaphoretic and aperient,
but their medical properties are trifling. Formerly they were
combined with Papaveraceae, from which they are now uni-
versally distinguished. The greater part of them are natives
of hedges or thickets in the cooler parts of the northern hemi-
sphere ; two are natives of the Cape of Good Hope. Many of
the species are beautiful ornaments of the flower-garden.

Corydalis Dec. Diclytra Bore. Sarcocapnos Dec.

Cysticapnos Boer. Adlumia Rafi. i^'umaria Tou.

Order XII. CRUCFFER^.
The importance of this order to mankind, and the singular
nature of its botanical characters, render it expedient to speak
very fully upon it; in which the remarks of the learned M.
Decandolle, who has paid Cruciferae particular attention, will
be chiefly followed. The order consists wholly of annual or
perennial, often biennial, herbs, occasionally assuming a suf-
frutescent habit ; then, however, never exceeding the height of
three feet. The roots are either thick and perennial, or an-
nual or biennial and slender, almost always perpendicular and
undivided. The young roots are tipped with a little sheath,
called the coleorhiza {koleos, a sheath, rhiza, a root), which is
produced by the extended ruptured coat of the epidermis,
when the rootlet first appears. This is a curious character,
and deserves attention. The stems are round or somewhat
angular, branched, and often, even iu' the annual species, in-
durated at the base. The branches proceed from the axillae
of the leaves, but the uppermost ones are abortive in most
cases. The racemes are always opposite to the leaves ; some-
times the terminal branch is abortive when the raceme
appears to be terminal; but this is merely owing to that cir-
cumstance. The leaves are simple, generally radical or alter-
nate, rarely opposite. The flowers are either white, yellow,
or purple, or, in a few Cape species, bright blue. The fruit is
called either a siliqua or silicula ; the former being a linear pod
containing many seeds, the latter a roundish pod containing
one or very few seeds, whence this order, which is the same
as the Linnean class Tetradynamia, is divided by Linnaeus into
two parts, called Siliquosae and Siliculosae. In the seed, the
radicle and cotyledons are applied to each other in different
ways, from which the suborders of M. Decandolle derive their
characters. When the edge of the cotyledons is pressed close
to the radicula, so that a cross section would be thus o =, the

144? Footsteps in the Sandsto7ie

cotyledons are said to be accumbent, as in all Pleurorhizeae
(pleuron, the side, r/iiza, a root) ; when the side of the cotyle-
dons is pressed to the radicula, thus oil, the former are called
incumbent, as in Notorhizeae {7iotos, the back, rhiza, a root).
If the cotyledons are incumbent, and at the same time half
folded together or conduplicate, thus o > > , the suborder
Orthoploceae {orthos, upright, ploke, a fold) is formed ; when
the cotyledons are incumbent and spirally twisted, so that a
section would resemble this o |] |I , they constitute the sub-
order Spirolobeae {speira, a spire, lobos, a pod) ; and finally,
when the cotyledons are incumbent, and doubled twice in their
length, thus o jl || ||j we have Diplolobse {diploos, double,
lobos, a pod).

{To be continued.)

Art. IX. A short Notice of the Occurrence of Footsteps in the
Sandstone of Corn Cockle Mtiiry in Dumfriesshire, By K.N.

In a quarry, situated in the New Red Sandstone district Ox
Dumfriesshire, about three miles north of Lochmaben, the
workmen, in the course of excavating stones, have for some
time discovered marks which correspond exactly in appear-
ance with the footsteps of some four-footed animal. The rock
has been long quarried for building materials, as well as for
paving stones, (for each it is well adapted, owing to its lami-
nated structure,) and the existence of the foot-marks has been
known for fifteen or sixteen years, though little notice was
taken of them, until they attracted the attention of Dr. Dun-
can, minister of Ruth well, who has been most assiduous in
investigating the fact, and in making it public. The strata
dip to the south-east, under an angle of about 37 or 38 degrees.

It is particularly worthy of notice, that the marks are not
confined to one part of the bed ; on the contrary, they are
found on almost each succeeding layer, and are met with at
the spot where the quarry-men are now working, which is
more than 40 ft. below ground The laminated structure of
the bed, which is easily divisible into layers of various thick-
nesses, from the breadth of an inch to that of several feet,
demonstrates that the sandstone was not all deposited at one
time; as, in that case, it would most probably have formed
one solid compact mass. It is on the upper surface of these
layers that the footsteps exist; and each succeeding lamina,
on its deposition, appears to have filled up the indentation
beneath, like plaster of Paris poured into a mould. On

of Corn Cockle Muir. 145

separating two layers, were it not for the friable nature of the
sandstone, which causes it to break and remain in the matrix,
as it were, the lower surface of an upper layer would exhibit
an exact cast of the indentation beneath. As it is, the sub-
stance of the sandstone thus remaining in adheres so slightly
to the cavity, that it is generally easy to scrape it out, without
at all injuring the shape of the foot-mark. This fact will de-
cidedly prove that the marks do not proceed from any fossil
contained in the sandstone (an idea which might probably
occur to a person who had not seen any specimens) ; as, in
that case, an indentation would be left both in the upper
and under laminas, which is not the case.

The strongest proof that the marks were caused by animals
is their arrangement in two parallel lines, and at regular dis-
tances from each other, and the agreement in shape and
position of the alternate marks, by which the hind foot is
easily distinguishable from the fore. One specimen, a slab
about 8 ft. long, which was taken out of the quarry some years
ago, contains no less than twenty-four footsteps, in which the
most perfect order is preserved ; so that, were it not for the
hardness of the stone, it would not be difficult to believe that
an animal had just passed over it.

In this specimen the mark of the hind foot comes up to,
and in some places partly effaces that of the fore. In the
quarry the footsteps are found ranging in distinct and regular
tracks. Their direction is up and down the strata ; in no
instance do they extend across. They are not all of the
same size or shape. In one set the toes in the front of the
foot have left a very distinct impression, while the heel has
displaced and turned up the sand behind at each successive
step. In another variety the toes are scarcely discernible, and
the heel seems to have slid some way from the spot where it
was first put down, gradually sinking until the animal acquired
a firm footing. The difference of these two sets of marks has
been accounted for by supposing them to have been caused,
the former in the ascent, the latter in the descent, of the ani-
mal. If that were the case, we must suppose that the sand-
stone existed in its present inclined position while yet in a soft
state; a fact quite at variance with the theories at present
current among geologists.

The cause of this difference may perhaps be explained by
supposing that they are the foot-marks of distinct species of
animals. As they are never found intermixed, but always in
separate tracks, and as, in the latter of the two varieties
enumerated, the length of the steps is greater than in the

Vol. I. — No. 2. l

146 Ci-ystallisation of Gold,

former, in proportion to the size of the foot, this supposition is
not without foundation.

Professor Buckland has given the credit of the foot-marks
to an animal of the genus Testudo. A comparison has been
ingeniously instituted by that gentleman between the foot-
steps in the stone and those made by recent tortoises. For
this purpose he has caused live animals of that genus to walk
over soft clay or dough, and the result tends decidedly to con-
firm his opinion ; and here it may not be out of place to notice
some observations made by a writer in a late number of the
London Magazine* upon this subject. It is there remarked,
'' They (the Geological Society) had much better have re-
frained ; for when the tortoise was at length prevailed on to
walk, he insisted on walking as straight as an arrow ; whereas
the antediluvian tortoise's march was as crooked as a ram's
horn." Now, it happens unfortunately for this statement, that
the marks in the sandstone rock run in a direct line. It is
true, the tortoise showed at first some unwillingness to stir,
but, when he did move, he proceeded forward in quite as
straight a course as his " antediluvian" progenitor.

No remains of the tortoise have hitherto been found in strata
older than the lias ; but we must not, on that account, refuse
to believe that they existed at a still earlier period. The dis-
<;overies that are made every day in geology, though they tend
to confirm and establish that science, should yet teach us how
much remains to be learned respecting it.

K.N.

Art. X. On the Crystallisation of Gold, By the Rev. John
Stevens Henslow, Professor of Botany in the University of
Cambridge.

Dear Sir,
The crystallisation of gold from a state of fusion is on
record; but I am not aware that any one has observed a
similar effect to have resulted from its solution in acid. Per-
haps, therefore, you may consider the following notice worth
Inserting in the Naturalist's Magazine.

Yours, &c.
Cambridge, March, 1828. J. S. Henslow.

A small glass-stoppered vial, containing a solution of gold
in a mixture of nitric and muriatic acids, had stood neglected

* London Magazine for March, 1828, p. 356.

Objects and Uses of Meteorology, 147

for a considerable time (perhaps four or five years) in a cup-
board. Upon accidentally examining it, I found a portion of
the acid had escaped, and the gold crystallised. This effect
had probably been promoted by a flaw in the vial, which ex-
tended through the neck, and a little way down its length.
The stopper, in consequence, must have been slightly
loosened, and thus allowed more space for the formation of a
thin dendritic crystallisation of the gold. This was further
continued down the inner surface of the vial, and was there
sufficiently thick to admit the impression of minute but dis-
tinct crystalhne facets. A small crystallised lump of gold
lay at the bottom of the vial ; but I believe this had been
originally attached to the rest, and merely fallen by its weight,
as I have since observed to be the case in another portion.
Around the stopper, and along the flaw, there was a saline
concretion, which tasted like sal-ammoniac, and as ammonia
was kept in the same cupboard, it had probably united with
the muriatic acid as it exuded. Upon finding this specimen,
I examined some other metallic solutions, and found a
similar separation of the metal had taken place in a vial
containing a solution of platina, and in another containing
a solution of palladium. In both these cases, a thin, inter-
rupted, and dendritic lamina of metal might be seen between
the stopper and the neck; but the crystallisation had pro-
ceeded no further. I unstoppered the vial containing the
platina, and the lamina (as might have been expected) imme-
diately disappeared in the form of a slight muddy film. The
palladium I still possess. Probably this phenomenon may be
of frequent occurrence ; but as the separation of the metal
does not often extend below the neck of the vial, it may have
passed unnoticed. These facts, if multiplied, may, perhaps,
serve to throw some light upon the mode in which the den-
dritic laminae of native gold, silver, &c. are formed in rocks.

Art. XI. Introductory Shetch of the Objects and Uses of Me*
teorological Science, By E. W. Brayley, Jun. A.L.S.

The narrow limits within which our knowledge of the
physical constitution of the planet we inhabit is confined,
have been frequent subjects of remark with general writers on
Natural History. Little more of " the great globe " is cog-
nizable to us than the configuration of its surface, with the
vegetable productions which invest that surface, and the ani-
mals by which it is peopled ; the affections, arrangement, and

L 2

IM Objects and Uses of Meteorology,

structure of the fluid and solid matter, to an insignificant ex-
tent, beneath ; and the nature and phenomena, to a height not
exceeding that of the greater inequalities of the surface
(themselves so proverbially inconsiderable in comparison with
the earth itself) of the ever-moving mass of elastic fluid, or
the atmosphere, which rests upon it. But unimportant as
these may appear, when compared with the vast bulk of the
earth itself, or with the still more stupendous magnitude of
the system of worlds of which it forms a part, they compre-
hend that region of our own world, in which Man — the
being for whom all has been created — is destined to exist ; and
they furnish, whether viewed merely in themselves, or in their
- 'relations to him, innumerable objects of delightful contem-
plation.

Now, on taking a general view of this our domain in the
system, and of the indefinite multitude of objects it presents,
we shall find them to consist of two classes ; which, though
intimately connected together, as they exist in nature, are,
in themselves, perfectly and essentially distinct, — possessing,
in fact, opposite attributes. These two classes have been
termed, by common consent among naturalists, inorganic
bodies, and organic bodies or beings. The former, as their
very name indicates, and as is the case with the less perfect
subjects of science in general, are distinguished from the latter
chiefly by negative qualities. They include the various sub-
jects of the mineral kingdom, discriminated in an obvious and
especial manner from those of the animal and vegetable king-
doms, which constitute the class of organic or organised ex-
istences, by not possessing the power of reproducing indi-
viduals similar to themselves, and by undergoing increase of
size merely in consequence of the addition of fresh matter'
Jrom "joithout, not, like plants and animals, by the secretion or
production of fresh matter from mthin. These inorganic
bodies, it is evident, have been created, and exist, for the sake
of the organic departments of nature, as they, in their turn,
exist for the sake of Man. The surface of the earth, on which
organic beings exist, consists of an aggregation of inorganic
substances ; and the same substances, arranged in the most
exquisite and harmonious co-ordination, according to the
peculiar quality of the life of each being respectively, form the
basis of that organisation, or disposition of parts for the
reception and manifestation of life, which is the grand cha-
racteristic of the higher kingdoms of nature. These truths
are so obvious, that they scarcely require illustration; but as
every article in the Magazine of Natural History is intended
for the perysal of the general reader, as, well as for that of

Objects and Uses of Meteorology, 149

the man of science, it may be as well to exemplify them by
reference to some particular instances.

The soil, then, in which plants grow, and on which animals
live and move, is derived, in the first instance, from the pul-
verisation of some stratum, or some rock, forming the ori-
ginal surface of the earth ; this may be either granite, sand-
stone, clay, limestone, or chalk, &c. Now these rocks and
strata consist of various inorganic bodies or minerals, aggre-
gated together in various ways ; and the solid parts, forming
the basis of the more delicate organisation of plants and ani-
mals, consist also of similar substances, to which the arrange-
ment effected by the vital powers has given an organic form,
— or disposed into structures and tissues of vessels, — for the
purpose of receiving, adapting, and making use of the dif-
ferent fluids destined to be the agents employed by the vital
powers in sustaining the manifestation of life. Thus the reti-
culated epidermis, or outer coat of the plants which have hol-
low stalks, including the reeds, the grasses, and the various
species of cane, consists principally of the originally inor-^
ganic substance silica, of which, in various states of combina-
tion, a great part of the earth's surface is formed. Thus,
also, the skeletons of the vertebrated animals are composed of
the inorganic substance lime, combined with phosphoric acid j
and the shells, which serve as external skeletons to the mol-
luscous animals, including the different kinds of shell-fish,
consist chiefly of the same earth combined with carbonic acid^
or in the state oi carbonate of lime, which inorganic substance
forms many great ranges of mountains, and many extensive
plains.

Having taken this glance at the two primary divisions of
natural things, — the inorganic and the organic subjects of
creation, — we will now proceed to examine the phenomena
attending the distribution of the latter over the surface of the
earth ; phenomena which are connected immediately and in
a very important manner with the main subject of the pre-
sent article, namely, the objects and uses of meteorological
science. But it appeared expedient, on entering so wide a
field of enquiry, to take, at first, a comprehensive view of
the relations to each other of several departments of the
creation, in order to counteract the fallacious ideas of dis-
union and independence among natural objects, which the
segregation and separation of them in the mind, for the
purpose of scientific investigation, has a tendency, from the
imperfection of the human faculties, to produce.

The life and well-being of organised nature in general, and
of plants and animals in particular, are sustained primarily

L 3

150 Objects and Uses of Metewology,

by an unseen and mysterious energy operating within them ;
but organised beings depend, for the outward support of
their existence, or rather for the preservation of the substances
on which their organisation is founded, in a fit condition for
the use of the inward powers of life, on the heat and hght of
the sun. And in a mediate manner, therefore, they depend
on the atmosphere, which is the medium by which the rays
of that glorious luminary are accommodated to their reception.
Hence they are distributed over the surface of the globe, with
relation to the peculiar qualities of every class, according to
certain laws by which we are accustomed to express the
phaenomena of climate^ and which are regulated, chiefly, by the
relations to heat or temperature of the parts of the earth re-
spectivelly inhabited by each group of animals or plants.
These relations to temperature are of two kinds. The first
depends on the position of the locality, or place where the
beings naturally exist, with respect to the equator, or rather
to the ecliptic, or, more strictly still, with'respect to the plane
in which the earth revolves around the sun ; for on this rela-
tion depends the temperature of the place, so far as it is pro-
duced, directly, by the influence of the sun. The second of
these relations to heat depends on the elevation of the locality
above the mean level of the earth's surface, — usually esti-
mated, for the purposes of science, from the level of the ocean,
— for on this depends another cause of difference of tem-
perature, in consequence of the decrease of density, as we
ascend in the atmosphere, and the corresponding reduction of
temperature by the increased capacity for heat of rare air;
the highest situations being the coldest in each latitude
respectively.

According, then, to the laws of temperature, arising from
the combined influence of latitude and altitude, as just ex-
plained, are the innumerable subjects of organised nature
distributed throughout the globe, whetlier the land, the
waters, or the atmosphere be the principal scene of their
existence. Next to the solar beams, as an agent in the sup-
port of life, in all its various forms, is moisture, which appears
indeed to operate as a medium, in conveying and imparting to
the solid substances of organisation the influence of the im-
ponderable agents, as heat, light, and electricity, as well as
that of the vital energy itself. And the state of moisture
depending primarily on the presence of aqueous vapour, its
quantity and its tension or elasticity is of course finally de-
pendent on temperature and on the agency of solar radiation.
Certain plants and animals are peculiar, as is well known, to
the tropical regions, where an unvarying high degree of heat

Objects and Uses of Meteorology, \5t

prevails, with its necessary concomitant, a very humid at-
mosphere, whence the richness and luxuriance of organic
existence in these climes, in all its departments. Others
thrive only in the temperate latitudes ; and others, again, like
the Polar Bear and the Walrus, and, in the vegetable world,
many Lichens, which are accommodated to sustain the cold
of a region, the mean annual temperature of which is below
the freezing-point, people the frigid zones, or clothe their
rocks and plains with a peculiar though scanty herbage.
From the combination of the two causes of temperature above
described, an effect of great interest to the Meteorologist and
the Naturalist results in the equatorial climates. In these the
solar temperature is higher than in any other part of the
globe ; and in these, also, the mountains and the elevations
forming what is called table-land, are higher than elsewhere,
ascending, of course, into comparatively colder regions of the
atmosphere. It hence follows, that if we ascend, in the torrid
zone, from the level of the sea to the summits of the moun-
tains, we pass through all the various climates, with their
respective gradations of organised matter, which each hemi-
sphere of the entire globe presents, as we proceed from the
equator to the pole. This is abundantly exemplified in the
Floras of New Spain and Nepal, which have of late so im-
mensely enriched the stores of the Botanist ; and the distri-
bution of insects furnishes us with further illustrations of the
phenomenon.

In considering these laws, we may observe a very striking
distinction between organic and inorganic matter. Inor-
ganic bodies, which have no direct dependence, in the pre-
sent state of the earth at least, on the solar heat or its con-
sequences, are distributed throughout the globe, without any
relation either to latitude or to altitude, as involving peculiarity
of temperature. Thus, native gold and the ores of iron are
found, indiscriminately, in every latitude, from the equator to
the poles, and at every elevation above the level of the sea.
Thus, also, the earthy substances, silica and carbonate of lime,
with granite and limestone, rocks essentially composed of
them, occur under the equator in Sumatra and South Ame-
rica, in the temperate zones in the Alps and the British Isles,
and within the arctic circle at Baffin's Bay ; whilst they are
found at great depths below the mean level of the surface, as
in mines, on the surface itself, and at every altitude above it,
from the gentlest undulations of the land to the summits of the
loftiest mountains.

On attentively surveying the objects and phenomena of
inorganic nature in general, we find that two, or more cor-

L 4

%S^ Objects and Uses of Meteorology,

rectly, perhaps, three great divisions are presented to our
view. This department of creation embraces what is termed
the mineral kingdom, which includes the various rocks and
strata, and individual mineral substances composing the surface
of the earth ; and also what we may perhaps not improperly
call the Atmospheric kingdom of nature. For it seems obviously
improper to refer the various aeriform fluids constituent of the
atmosphere to the mineral kingdom, with which, however,
they must be associated, unless we thus constitute for them a
distinct province. And as the atmosphere extends its in-
fluence in an equal degree over the three kingdoms, the ani-
mal, the vegetable, and the mineral, though received by, and
operating upon each, after a distinct manner, it would appear
rather to be independent, and allied to all of them, than to be
rightly included within any one.

But these two divisions of inorganic nature, — the mineral and
atmospheric kingdoms, — become amenable to each other's in-
fluence, principally by means of an intermediate agent ; — by
means of the ocean and the other repositories and sources of
water, in its ordinary inelastic state of fluidity, with which the
earth is replenished. This Aqueous kingdom of nature is the
grand source whence the atmosphere derives its watery contents,
which are poured down again to refresh and supply the ob-
jects on the solid surface, — partly enter into their composition
in various ways, and in part return to the ocean, to be again
raised into the atmosphere by the agency of the sun, and unr
dergo that perpetual circulation, which is as essential to the
aggregate well-being of the objects on the globe's surface, as is
the circulation of the blood to the life of the animal frame.
By the ocean, the rivers, and the lakes, also, as repositories of
temperature, the combined influence of the sun and the atmo-
sphere on the organic substances which the " mineral kingdom"
supports, is suitably modified for their reception and require^
ments.

Now it is the object of Meteorology to investigate and dis-
cover the modes of operation, and the causes, instrumental
as well as final, of the multitude of interesting phenomena, the
influence of which on the vegetable and animal kingdoms we
have briefly traced in the foregoing remarks. To this science
belongs the examination of the force of radiation from the sun,
or the temperature directly produced by his beams — the in-
quiry into the constitution, mechanical as well as chemical, of
that intimate mixture of gaseous bodies, which is the subject of
what are called atmospheric changes — the scrutiny of the laws
governing the variations of climate — that also of those which
regulate the diminution of heat in the atmosphere, in propor-

Objects and Uses of Meteorologj/, 153

tionto the altitude — the developement of the principles deter-
mining the quantity and state of the aqueous portion of the
atmosphere, — and the acquirement of knowledge, in short, on
every subject of science presented by the atmosphere itself, or
by its modes of relation to the aqueous and mineral kingdoms,
and the general laws of its influence on organised matter.

This branch of Natural History also comprehends the exa-
mination of two great series of phenomena, not strictly com-
prised by the foregoing enumeration ; by which, on the one
side, its boundaries are united with those of Physical Geogra-
phy, and, on the other side, with those of Astronomy. The
temperature of the interior of the earth itself, and that of the
ocean, as well at the surface as at every accessible depth —
subjects of the greatest interest, with respect not only to the
present state of the earth, but also to its former physical con-
dition — are so intimately connected with the temperature
and other affections of the atmosphere, that the study of them
becomes, in fact, a department of Meteorology. And the va-
rious kinds of luminous and igneous meteors which appear
within the atmosphere, though some of them originate, in all
probability, in distant regions of the solar system, — such as the
zodiacal light, the polar lights, or Aurora Boredlis and Am-
trails ; the meteors called shooting-stars, and the stupendous
masses of matter in combustion called Jire-halls, which casjfc
down upon the earth immense blocks of red-hot iron, or
showers of heated stones, — constitute another wide field of
meteorological enquiry.

It has been deemed proper, in commencing the meteoro-
logical department of the Magazine of Natural History^ to set
out with a general outline of the bearings of Meteorology on
the investigation of some other principal objects of the natur-
alist's attention. On resuming this article in a future number,
we shall proceed to a more specific and detailed view of the;
subjects of meteorological research.

April 10. 1828.

{To be continued.)

154

PART 11.

REVIEWS.

Art. I. Experimental Researches in Natural History. By John
Murray, F.S. A. F.L.S. &c. London. ]2mo,;^pp. 177. Qs. Re-
viewed by M.

The author of this little work has chosen some of the most
remarkable phenomena in nature for description and illustra-
tion. His first two subjects are on the light of the glow-worm
and the luminosity of the sea. Both are treated with much
practical knowledge, gained, it would appear, from extensive
and patient investigation. He first speaks of the nature of
light, and declares himself a follower of Newton, in the opinion
tHat it is " material, and consisting of particles, exceedingly
minute, cast off from the luminous surface," and rejects the
idea of Descartes and others, that light is only a " mere
quality."

The author next adverts to the origin of light, but which is
the least luminous part of his essay. Descending to his mun-
dane object, he considers, in his way, reflected, phosphoric,
electric, and spontaneous light emitted by various minerals,
animals, vegetables, and their combinations.

The luminosity of the sea, afterwards fully treated of, he
says is caused by the presence of luminous insects, as the
Cancer fulgens, shining crab, &c.; and many instances of
spontaneous light are evolved by chemical processes and com-
binations, under the action of heat, as the Chlorophane
(chloros^ green, phaind, to shine; gives out a beautiful apple-
green light when placed on a heated iron ; petalite (petalon, a
thin plate ; laminar fracture) rubelite {rubellus, reddish ; colour),
tungstate of lime, anatase, &c.

Many substances, according to Mr. Skrimshire, emit light
on being brought within the circuit of an electric current, as
alum, sugar, chalk, &c.

Some diamonds emit light in the dark, and especially,
according to Boyle, if slightly heated, rubbed, or compressed.
*' Canton's phosphorus," not described by the author, " and
the Bolognian stone, are phosphorescent when heated." Of
this last curious substance, it has been said by naturalists, that

Murray's Researches in Natural History, 155

it retains the light of the sun for several hours after being
exposed to it; but Mr. Murray takes no notice of this pro-
perty, only that it becomes luminous, like many other sub-
stances, on being heated, independent of light. He also points
out the potato, decayed wood, several fish, as mackerel, whiting,
&c., as emitting light ; and of plants, the Tremella meteorica^
the Indian cress, and the subterranean Rhizamorpha {rhiza^
root, morphe, form ; resemblance) also evolve light in certain
temperatures.

Percussion and friction are common sources of light, and
many instances of luminous exhibitions occur in chemical
practice, as well as in nature, which lead to the conclusion,
that " ,the light in luminous animals is a consequence of, and
has its being in, a peculiar organisation,"

The luminous spherulae of the glow-worm is a transparent
sac or capsule, through which, as through a window, the light
shines : it is quite distinct from chemical combustion and solar
light. Of the latter the author gives a concise description,
which may be best detailed in his own words.

" When a beam of solar light is intercepted by a prism, it
unfolds a very beautiful and interesting spectacle. Seven
colours are presented; and the * bow of promise in the storm'
affords a magnificent illustration of its phenomena. The colours
thus unveiled are violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange,
and red; and they are refrangible in this order, the violet
being the most easily refracted or bent, and the red with diffi-
culty refracted. Agreeably to the doctrine of chromatics,
taught us by Sir Isaac Newton, when all the colours are ab-
sorbed the object is black. Black, therefore, is the absence
of all colour. On the other hand, when all the colours are
returned or reflected, the object is white ; when a particular
colour is reflected, while the others are absorbed, the body
appears of that particular tint." It is added, " that colour is
the gift of light, numerous phenomena concur to assure us;"
but he also avers that " there remain many circumstances ex-
tremely difficult to be accounted for; so that colours are to
be considered accidental rather than essential properties of
bodies." This part of his observations on light would, per-
haps, have been clearer had he said that colours are the gift
of form and position.

After some further disquisition on light and colours, in
which a considerable share of sound philosophical knowledge
is elicited, he comes to the examination of the light of the
glow-worm.

Of luminous insects in this country, the Zampyris {lampo,
to shine, pyr, fire) noctiluca {noctiluca^ a candle) (j%. 58.),

156 Murray's Researches in Natural History*

or glow-worm, and the iScolopendra el^ctrica, are the most
conspicuous and common. The
»Scolopendra is found in Hunt-
ingdonshire, and the Zampyris
splendida in the vicinity of
Oswestry. The male glow-
worm yields light as well as the
female, but much fainter. The
eggs are also, in some degree,
luminous. Their light, which
they have power to' extinguish
at pleasure, proceeds from bril-
liant spots on the three last
rings of the body, under the
tail ; the luminous matter is a yellow substance, contained
in vesicles; and when these vesicles are removed entire,
they shine for some time afterwards ; but if lacerated, they are
extinguished. The shining substance, the author thinks, is
not phosphoric, but monochromatic, and is a gummo-albumi-
nous substance. He thinks, the only use of this insect's lamp
is, either as a guide to its food, or as a sign to nightingales
where to find their prey. No notice is taken of the old and
most rational conjecture, that the light of the apterous female
is only a signal to the coleopterous male. The propensity of
the males flying towards light, in such numbers as sometimes
to cover a table round the lighted candle, in an open room, is
a presumptive proof of this last conjecture. Naturalists differ
in opinion respecting the existence of the ignis fatuus ; and
those that admit its existence, differ as to its character ; some
insisting, as our author does, that it appears " as a glow of
lambent flame," while others assert that it is only a luminous
fly. It is probable that both phenomena have been seen.

On the Luminosity of the Sea. — The light of the sea has
been ascribed to various causes ; by some to phosphorescence,
the effect of animal decomposition ; to the imbibition of solar
light, analogous to the diamond, and to an electric effect in-
duced by friction ; while others have more plausibly assigned
it to the presence of luminous animals, and of these the Me-
Ansa pellucens, and hemispherica, Limulus noctilucus, &c.
have been described." This phenomenon, so commonly seen
every where, more especially in the Atlantic, under the bows
of a ship, or in storms, has been settled long ago; and,
ILO doubt, is caused by phosphorous mollusca floating on
the surface of the water. The author claims the discovery,
that this appearance on the sea is a presage of a storm ; and, if
future observations prove it to be so, it may be of the utmost

Murray's Researches in Natural History, 157

importance to mariners. On this pointy his concluding para-
graph deserves republication : " We dare scarcely speculate,
touching the design of this singular distinction. This much
we know, that Almighty Goodness has made nothing super-
fluous or in vain. The visitation of luminous animals seems
connected with meteorological phenomena ; and it would be
interesting to ascertain, from different parts of the coast of
Great Britaiti, what kind of luminous animals generally con-*
tribute to the effect."

On the Phenomenon of the Chameleon, — This reptile^is an
inhabitant of intertropical climates ; it belongs to the lizard
family, and is particularly remarkable for the varying colours
of its skin. Our author's experience of the nature of this
animal has been directed to ascertain the cause of these
changes, which, he says, " are depicted in such varying
shades, that the magic of the necromancer's rod takes not the
sense of vision more completely captive than do these ephe-
meral and sportive hues."

His convictions on this wonderful property are, that the
changes are caused by the circulation of the blood of the rep-
tile, and that increased temperature, either of the ambient air
or of its own body, produces all the variations of the skin.
And, as the passions of the human mind change the colour of
the skin as well as the form of the features, and according to
the rapidity of the flow of blood, so Mr. Murray thinks that
the feelings of the chameleon may also, in some measure, pro-
duce analogous changes in the reflecting surface of the skin.

On the Ascent of the Spider into the Atmosphere, — Gossamer
has been long noticed by both poets and naturalists. About
the beginning of the last century, it was supposed to be con-
densed vapour. Geoffroy gave it as his opinion, that it was a
web spun by the ^^carus (tick) telarius {tela, a web), on the
north side of trees ; and being from thence dispersed by the
wind, covers the fields with those innumerable threads ! It is
now known to be produced by many different kinds of spiders,
particularly the flying spiders. Our author has paid particu-
lar attention to the economy of these insects, and assures us
that they have actually the power of projecting their threads
to a considerable distance, and by such means transporting
themselves from the ground to any elevation, or from the
top of one elevation to another. But what is still more asto-
nishing, he conceives that these threads are electric, or so
actuated by that subtle element, that buoyancy is imparted,
and the baseless shrouds of the aerial traveller are, with itself,
projected aloft into the highest regions of the air !

158 Murrai/s Researches rn Natural History.

There are but very few spiders, which, in crawling over
uneven surfaces, do not leave behind them a thread, serving
as a cable, or rather a line of suspension, lest they should fall,
or be blown off from any eminence ; consequently, the whole
surface of the ground, throughout the summer months, is
covered with their network ; not only with webs of the ground
spider, which may be called personal property, but from innu-
merable threads of vagabonds. This accumulation creates no
wonder, because it is certain that these threads, however deli-
cate, are at the same time durable. But that this tissue is
constantly increasing, may be seen by following the plough
for a short space : for no sooner has the team finished one
land or ridge, but the fresh ground is quickly interlaced with
threads, which glisten in the sunbeam. There is no account-
ing for this, except on the facts stated by the author, viz. that
the air in fine weather is filled with the excursive threads of
the impennous ^ranea aeronautica. The insect is often de-
tected at the end of its thread, with its little arms extended,
and balancing itself like a bird, and always proceeding before
the wind. This direction of their flight always accounted for
the connection between tree and tree, or hedge and hedge ;
moreover, the insect by its instinctive sagacity, in com-
mitting a coil of its thread to the wind, and taking its chance
of a distant attachment, could then transport itself in safety.
But the author has seen threads projected or propelled in a
close room, where there could be no current of air to carry
the same in any direct line ; and so far the relation is most
interesting.

Many curious experiments were made by the author, to
prove that electricity, either positive or negative, was an agent
in the movements of this spider, and the results go far to esta-
blish his hypothesis. This opinion, however, is refuted by
J. Blackwall, Esq. in Lin, Trans.^ vol. xv. part ii. p. 449. who
proves that spiders have no power of propelling their webs,
without assistance from the wind ; and that the cobwebs seen
floating in the air, are raised from the surface of the ground,
by the action of air highly rarefied by a cloudless sun.

Mr. Murray also thinks that spiders are attracted by musi-
cal sounds ; but it is more probable that they descend from
ceilings, &c. towards an instrument from an impulse of fear,
caused by the vibration of the air, than from any relish for
melody. In this section of the book the writer has many per-
tinent remarks on the structure and economy of the insect
creation ; all showing how important it is to the other branches
of animated nature, as affecting vegetation, and even man him-
self. Insects can, and actually do, change the features of the

Murrai/s Researches in Natural History. 159

face of the earth, by creating new stations for the abode, in-
dustry, and all. the local enjoyments of man. In the greatest
depths of the ocean, the despicable zoophyte {zoon, an ani-
mal, phyton, a plant ; partaking of both natures) founds its
habitations. The most remarkable of these is the coral struc-
ture, which, gradually enlarging in dimension, from the
bottom upwards, at last rises above the surface of the sea, and
becomes in time clothed with vegetation, birds, insects, and all
the aggregations of surrounding waters, is at last seized on, and
falls under the dominion of man. This idea is beautifully ex-
pressed by Humboldt in his Physionome des Vegetaux^ Tableaux
de la Nature, p. 11.

On the Torpidity of the common Tortoise, — This is a curious
account of the temporary stagnation, or suspension of active
life in the tortoise, dormouse, and other animals called sleepers.
During this cessation of action in the winter months, k has
been proved that the temperature of sleepers is diminished ;
the circulation of their blood is slower ; respiration less fre-
quent, and sometimes entirely suspended ; the action of their
stomach and digestive organs are also suspended; and the
irritabihty and sensibility of the muscular and nervous powers
are diminished. Heat and air are the only agencies which
rouse them from their death-like lethargy. This paper con-
tains historical accounts of individual tortoises, which have
been kept by some of the English bishops at their palaces. In
the library of Lambeth Palace is the shell of one brought there
in J 623 ; it lived until 1730, and was killed by being carelessly
exposed to the inclemency of the weather. Another at the
episcopal palace at Fulham, procured by Bishop Laud, in
1628, died in 1753. One at Peterborough was known to have
lived 220 years ! This animal was seen by the author in 1813,
and of which he gives an interesting account.

On the torpidity of animals, the author takes occasion to
remark, that the lethargy of the toad and lizard may continue
without the extinction of life for ages. Both these animals
have been found alive imbedded in stone ; " a toad was found
under the coal seam, in the iron-stone over which it rested, in
a coal-mine at Auchincruive in Ayrshire." This circumstance,
in the author's opinion, completely invalidates the Huttonian
theory of the primitive formation of the earth ; and in course
shows his belief in that which is called the Neptunian.

M.

-160

Curtiis British Entomology,

Art. II. Catalogue of Works on Natural History, lately published,
; xjoith some Notice of those considered the most interesting to British
Naturalists,

Britain.

Curtis* s British Entomology. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 4^. 6d. coloured.

Ko. Llll.for May^ contains

A'^pion difformis ; Coleoptera Ciirculionideae Latr. Leach. The type of
this genus is the C^urculio frumentarius Linn., the Corn Weevil. The plant
is the ^rassica campestris, or Field-Cabbage. The following character of the
genus is given, in order to enable the learner to apply the terms : —

Antenna; { jig. 59. a a) inserted beneath the ndsus (nose) (6), and before the
eyes, not geniculated, and rather long ; ,
11-jointed, the basal joint being the
longest, the remainder varying in
length ; the two or three last forming
a club more or less fusiform. Labrum
(lip, or tip) none. Mandibles (c) horny,
convex, bent, tridentate ; the centre
tooth forming the apex, a small one
arising on the outer, and a very strong
one on the inner side.

Maxilla (d) broad, compressed,
forming a large, membraneous, pubes-
cent, and ciliated lobe on inner side.
Palpi (patters) (e) very short, inserted
on outer shoulder ; 3-jointed, first and
second quadrate, third scarcely visible.
Mentum ( /) obovate- quadrate,
horny, producing a bristle on each
side. Palpi (g) extremely minute and
indistinct, apparently 3-jointed. Lip
incurved, membraneous, pubescent.

Head elongated into a rostrum (A),
touching the thorax (i), which is usually broader than the base of the head.
Scute'llum very minute, triangular. Elytra (Jc) convex ovate, often twice as
broad as the thorax. Legs {I o) long ; thighs {I) robust, subclavate. Tihiceirn)
long," not spined. Tarsi (n) four-jointed ; basal and terminal joints the
longest, third bilobed. Claws (o) distinct.

The specific description of A pion difformis is thus given : —

" Shining, blackish green. Rostrum long, the antennae inserted beyond
the middle, fulvous, the base and apex black; second joint very minute;
third transverse, compressed, cup-shaped ; fourth robust, scutiform, com-
pressed ; four following of nearly equal length, the fifth and sixth being
much more robust than the seventh and eighth, the remainder forming a
club, the ninth being turbinate and distinctly articulated, the other two
being firmly united and conical {p). Head coarsely punctured between the
eyes, the basal collar smooth. Thorax subquadrate, narrowed anteriorly,
coarsely punctured, with a channel on the back, deepest at the base. Elytra
very convex, narrowed towards the apex, with six deep loosely punctured
striae on each. Epigastrium with a bifid tooth {q). Legs fulvous, base and
apex of thighs and base of anterior tibiae black, with two obscure spines at
the apex ; four posterior tibiae (excepting a space above the middle) and
the tarsi black. Anterior tarsi, with the basal joint (n), long, and very much
produced internally at the apex, which is brown ; posterior tibiae greatly
dilated at their apex as well as the tarsi, especially the basal joint."

Seventy-two British species are enumerated, all of them small.

Eyes not very promment, nor

Stephens' s Illustrations of British E7itomology, 161

Magdalis carbonarius, the type of which is
the furculio cerasi of Linnaeus. Four species
are enumerated as found on different species
of Prunus, and on the birch and hazel.
— Penthophera nigricans; LepidopterajBom-
bycidae. Type of the genus, Sonibyx morio
Lin. The plant is the 2>61ium perenne, or
Rye Grass, on which the larva of this insect
feeds.

Pimpla ae'thiops (/g. 60., the female);
Hymenoptera /chneumonidae. Type, 7ch-
neumon manifestator Lin. The plant is the
^utomus (jbous, an ox, tetnno, to cut ; eaten
by cattle bleeds their mouths) umbellatus,
the Umbellate, or Flowering, Rush, one of
the most beautiful of water plants, and one
of those on which the A'rctia ccenosa feeds.

Stephens's Illustrations of British, Entomology, In 8vo Numbers, monthly.

3s. 6d.

No. XIII. for May^ contains

43 to 51. — Poe'cileft, several species.
' — Sogines punctulatus. — Omasfeus, 9
species. — Stomispumicatus. — Patrobus
rufipes and alpinus. — Pterostichus, 7
species ; one of which, P. macer ( -fig.
6 1 . «), abounds in Hackney marshes, and
other places, under the bark and roots
of trees, beneath stones, &c. Another,
P. octopuncfatus {fig. 61. 6), is rare,
Mr. Stephens having seen only three
specimens ; one at the British Museum,
a second in the collection of Mr.
Vigors, and the third in his own.

No. XIV. for June, cojitains

52 to 56. — Oodes, Amara, Bradytus, Curtonotus, and Tabrus. A num-
ber of species of these genera are described, and six figured.

" The author proposes to commence, on the 1st July next, with 52 pages
of letter-press, instead of 16, as heretofore; to continue, at least, that
quantity monthly ; and to complete two volumes, with an index and appen-
dix relative to their contents, annually, on the 1st of June. But as it is
obvious that this arrangement cannot be carried into effect without consi-
derable increase of expense, the price of each number, from the above
period, will be advanced to five shillings; and in order to render the
volumes now in progress, of equal bulk and value with the succeeding, a
supplementary number, containing about 100 pages of letter-press, illus-
trated with three figures of lepidopterous insects, will be published on the
spth June next, completing the description of the Harpalidae, the Diurna,
and the Crespuscularia, the price of which will be eleven shillings. And,
as the printing of the author's Systematic Catalogue is rapidly proceeding,
and the catalogue itself is drawing to a close, the author is now enabled to
make a more correct statement of the extent of this work. He therefore
undertakes to complete, as far as practicable, the description of the insects
enumerated in his catalogue in 135 numbers, including the 12 already pub-
lished, so that his labours will cease in ten years ; and he trusts, that the
regularity with which the work has hitherto appeared, and the circumstance
of his having already exceeded the stipulated quantity of plates and letter^
. Vol, I. — No. 2. m

162 Benhefs Fishes of Ceylon,

press, combined with the contents of the volumes now before the public,
will be received as pledges of the fulfilment of his intentions, so far as rests
with himself. ♦

" The advantages resulting from the arrangements are evident; as the
entire work, although containing the same quantity of matter as at first
proposed, will not only be completed in half the period it would otherwise
nave occupied, but the aggregate expense will be diminished about one
third; and no less than 104 genera of insects, including the descriptions,
&-C. of nearly 600 species, will be finished in fourteen months, illustrated
with 98 figures, embracing 80 mostly very rare species; 54 of Coleoptera,
and 26 of Lepidoptera ; and, for the future, nearly every tenth species will
be figured, and about 800 described annually.

" Finally, the author begs to refer his readers to the review of his first eight
numbers, in No. XI. of the Zoological Journal, and in p. 472. of Vol. IV. of
the Introduction to Entomology, as unprejudiced testimonials of the charac-
ter of his work." {Advert, on Cover of No. XIII.)

Bennet, John Whitchurch, Esq. F.H.S., and Member of the Literary and
Agricultural Society of Ceylon : Fishes of Ceylon; a Selection of the
most remarkable and interesting of the Fishes found on the Coast of
Ceylon, from Drawings made in the Southern Parts of that Island, from
the living Specimens. London. 4to, 5 pis. One Guinea. To be con-
tinued monthly, and completed in Six Numbers.

In the prospectus it is stated, that, in Ceylon, the fishes are not less beau-
tiful in appearance, than they are for the most part delicious as food, and
that of many of them neither drawing nor description has been given to the
public. The plates of Mr. Bennet's work, it is stated, will be " accurate
fac-similes of the original drawings, all of which have been made from the
living fish. Several of these specimens are so extraordinary, that they might
be taken for mere creatures of the artist's imagination ; but they will be
accompanied by a certificate from the head men of the Fisher's Caste
affirming them to be correct delineations. The descriptive portion of the
work will combine such local information as the author has been able to
collect, with so much as can be gleaned from preceding writers on the sub-
ject. The Cingalese name of each specimen will be given, together with
the Linnean, wherever it can be obtained.

" In order that the greatest accuracy may be attended to in the number
of radii in the fins and gill-covers of the fishes delineated, those particular
parts, prepared in a dry state, and classed in boxes, together with the ori-
ginal drawings, agreeably to the numbers of the work to which they have
reference, may be seen at Mr. Morris's office, 30. Regent Street, Pail-Mall."
The contents of No. I. are :

1. Scorpx'^na {skorpios, a scorpion ; supposed power of inflicting incurable
wounds) volitans (volito, to fly about). The native name of this fish is
Great Fire, from its colour. The essential
specific character is, " pectoral fins(^g. 62. a)
longer than the body." The description is
as follows : —

Branchiostegous {branchics, gills, stege, a
covering) rays {b) six. Dorsal {dorsum,
back) {c i), twenty-four, thirteen of them
spinous, varied with black and reddish-
brown ; the colours stronger on the spinous
rays than on the others. Pectoral ( pectus,
the chest) {d), fourteen ; the connecting
membrane bluish and brown. Ventral (wn^er,
the belly) (e), six, one spinous, bluish, spot-
ted with white. Anal {anus) ( / ), ten, three

Botanical Periodicals.

163

spinous. Caudal {cauda, the tail) (^), twelve. " Although Linnaeus, in
naming, as well as in his descriptions of this animal, would make it
appear to be possessed of the power of flying, the membranes of the
pectoral fins are not, to appearance, sufficiently united or proportioned
to the body to admit of volitation j and, indeed, the native fishers confirm
this position."

2, Acanthurus {akantha, thorn, owra, tail; appearance) vittatus (wiY^fl, a
band," stripes). A splendid fish, covered with dark and light blue and yel-
low stripes.

5. Gomphosus fuscus. Singular.

4. Holocentrus {holos, all, kentron, a spur ; appearance) ruber. " For
splendour and beauty this fish is considered, by many, to surpass the gold
fish of China."

5. Chae'todon {chaite^ a bristle, odous, tooth ; form) vespertilio {vespertilioy
the bat ; resemblance).

Essential specific Character. — Dorsal spines {fig. 65. a) five. Dorsal and
anal fins {b c) broad. Caudal fin (d)
with a brown band {e).

Description. Branchiostegous rays
(/) four. Dorsal (6), forty-two, five
spinous (a). Pectoral (g), fifteen. Ven-
tral (A), six, one (i) spinous. Anal (c),
thirteen, three (Jc) spinous. Caudal (rf),
sixteen. Head without scales, iris (/),
golden ; mouth small, lips thick, lateral
line arched.

'* This species of Chse'todon is scarce
on the southern coast of Ceylon ; and
being considered by the native fishers
unwholesome, from a sort of food to
which it is partial, as well as to the cop-
per of ships, is never made use of. It
attains a very large size, and is called
Kola Handah, Leaf Moon, by the natives,
from the resemblance it bears in the
dorsal fin to the leaf of a marine plant ;
and, in the shape of the body, to that of
a moon.'* To those who are curious in fishes, this work must afford a rich
treat ; it is executed in the very best manner, and not high priced, consider-
ing the splendour of the engravings.

Botanical Periodicals.

The Botanical Magazine, for May,
contains Zygopetalon {zygos, a pair,
etalon, a petal) rostratum. (fig. 64.)
An orchideous epiphyte, of which only
one other species has been figured ;
and both by Dr. Hooker, the founder
of the genus. " The credit of intro-
ducing this fine plant, from Demerara
to the Liverpool botanic garden, is
due to C. S. Parker, Esq." — Cactus
alata (fig. 65.) is a curious species sent
from the Organ Mountains, near Rio
Janeiro, by William Harrison, Esq., of
Rio, to the rich collection of his sister,
Mrs. Arnold Harrison, of Aigburgh,
near Liverpool. The entire plant
grows from 1 ft. to 2 ft. high, in a pro-
M 2

164

Botanical Periodicals.

Hferous manner, {fig. 65.) For the sake of our inexperienced readers, we
shall give Doctor Hooker's description : —
** Joints (j^g. 65. a to b) from 4 in. to 6 in. in
length, oblong, remarkably compressed ; vary-
ing in breadth, from 1 in. to 5 in. ; the margins
slightly thickened, crenato-iobate, everywhere
glabrous. There is a distinct mid-rib {fig. 66. c)
running through the centre of these, and bun-
dles of vessels forming lateral thickened nerves
or ribs, leading off
from it, and extend-
ing in a curve,
whose convexity is
uppermost {d) to
the crenatures. The
colour of the plant
is rather a dark

green, the ribs and margin often reddish.
Flowers {fig. 66. e) numerous upon the joints,
solitary in each crenature, small, and not unlike
those of the Rhlpsalis tribe. The base is occu-
pied by the germen (/), which is nearly sphe-
rical, pale green, and smooth. Calyx (g) of
three small, oval, concave, brownish, scariose
leaflets, but gradually becoming larger and more
petaloid, and passing almost insensibly into the five pale yellowish-green
spreading petals (7^); tube none. Stamens (i) numerous, inserted within
the united bases of the calyx and corolla. Filaments {h) rather longer
than the corolla, and white. Anthers (/) didymous, yellowish white. Style
{m) filiform, as long as the stamens; stigmas (w) four, or generally five,
linear, recurved, pubescent, white.

Dioscoreo! [Pedadus Dioscorides^ a Greek physician) cinnamomifolia, the
Cinnamon-leaved Dioscorea, or Yam, is a native of the woods about Rio de
Janeiro, also sent to this country by Mr. Harrison. It deserves the atten-
tion of the young naturalist, not only as being the potato of tropical climates,
but as having the male and female flowers on difTerent plants, and conse-
quently belonging to the class Dioe'cia (</w, twice, oi/f05, a house) of Lin-
naeus, and to the order of this class Hexandria, as having six stamens.
Sprengel, and other moderns, however, who propose not to take the cir-
cumstance of the sexes being in difTerent plants, into consideration in form-
ing the classes, but to be guided entirely by the stamens and pistils, refer
Dioscorea to Hexandria Monogynia. This genus and one or two others
form a natural order of themselves, the type of which being Dioscorea, the
order, in conformity to a fundamental rule,
alluded to (p. 36.), is called Diosc6re<^. Only
the male plant [fig. 67.) is yet known.
The following is its description by Dr.
Hooker. " Root a roundish, ill-shapen
tuber, as large as the human head. Stem
(a) twining, branched, striated, pubescenti-
hirsute, hairs brownish : whole plant destitute
of prickles ; leaves alternate, petiolate {b\
oblongo-acuminate, quite entire, of a texture
between coriaceous and fleshy, shining, hav-
ing three distinct nerves or ribs (c), which
are prominent on the under side, where the '
leaf is of a paler green, and where, near the
Ipase, are some dark dots of glands : the
margin itself, when held between the eye

' Botanical Periodicals^ 165

and the light,' is seen to have a thin pellucid margin. Petioles (d) from
three fourths of an inch to an inch long, hairy like the stem. Male
racemes {e) apparently always solitary, axillary, hairy, often compound
at the base : pedicels (/) branched, each with a lanceolate bractea {g).
Perianth {h) cup-shaped, deeply six-partite, the segments (i) spreading,
oblong, yellow-green. Stamens {k) six, opposite to the divisions of the
perianth."

The Botanical Magazine, for June, contains Cjcas circinalis (cz>c«5,a circle;
ring-like joints of the trunk). A palm well known in the Molucca Islands,
where the fruit is eaten, and sago said, but erroneously it is believed, to be
taken from the trunk. The leaves of this palm are used by the Thomaean
Catholics of Malabar, as those of the date palm (Phoe'nix dactylifera) are
by the Catholics of Europe, on Palm Sundays, and by the Jews on the feasts
of the Passover. In a botanical point of view, the Cjcas circinalis is inte-
resting, as forming the connecting link between Monocotyledones and Di-
cotyledones. " Linnaeus ranked the Cycas among the palms, but observed,
* Foliatio circinalis more Filicum peragitur' [It puts forth a circular foli-
ation after the manner of ferns] j Jussieu and Ventenat, along with the
ferns ; Jacquin, in an artificial system, considered it to belong to the class
Dice'cia, and order Polyandria ; Smith looked upon it, along with Zamia, as
constituting an intermediate order between the Palmae and the Filices. In
Persoon's Synopsis, the natural order Cycadeae is established; and the
place of it suggested, corresponding with the ideas just mentioned of Sir
James Smith. Our learned countryman, Mr. Brown, in his inestimable
Prodromus Florce Novcb Holldndice, has placed the order the last of the
Monocotyledones, immediately before the Dicotyledones; calling the em-
bryo, indeed, pseudo-dicotyledonous. The true structure of this embryo is
now completely ascertained by the labours of Du Petit Thouars, and the
late admirable Richard, and this latter has determined it to have the closest
affinity with the dicotyledonous plants ; and amongst them, with the Coni-
ferae, near which he consequently places the order. Here, however, it must
be acknowledged, that the natural habit and aspect of the vegetation are
sacrificed to minute differences in the fructifica-
tion. In the structure of the stem, in the mode
of growth, in the situation and appearance of the
leaves, the Cycas has the closest affinity with the
palms, and is in these particulars as far removed
as can be from the pines.*' Franciscea (Francis,
Emperor of Germany) Uopeana, (Mrs. Thomas
Hope of Deepdene) {Jig. 68.) ; Scrophularineae.
" A most interesting and desirable plant ; for not
only are the flowers of a rich purple blue colour,
. but they are excessively fragrant." tEnothera .
Lindleyw, introduced by Mr. David Douglas, from
the north-west coast of America, and the spe-
cific name given, at his request, in honour of
John Lindley, Esq. F.R.S. L.S. &c., recently ap-
painted botanical professor in the London Uni-
versity.

The Botanical Register, for May, contains Agave geminiflora (figured in
Gard. Mag., vol. ii. p. 96.\ Twin-flowered Agave. A South American lilia-
ceous plant, with rush-looking leaves, and a flower stem which has grown
as high as 24 ft. at Lainate, near Milan, and 14 ft. high in Mr. Knight*s
nursery in the King's Road. " In the gardens both of this country and of
the Continent, it was, before flowering, confounded with Buonapartea
juncea, a totally different plant, resembling this in nothing but the nar-

l\I 3

166

Botanical Periodicals.

rowness of the leaves, which are otherwise so

different, that no person who possessed the slightest

acquaintance with the natural affinities of plants

could have fallen into the mistake. But at that

time botany was too often mere empiricism, a

stigma from which it has not yet recovered in this

country. The botanist of artificial arrangements

could do nothing without his stamens and styles ;

but, for the student of nature, no better evidence
upon this plant than
the leaves offered
would have been de-
sired, to determine
whether or not it was a
Buonapartea." Agave
belongs to the natural

order kmoxyWidecB, Buonapartefl! to Bromelia-
cecB. — Polygala oppositifoliavar. major (j%. 69.),
Amaryllis intermedia, iupinus lepidus (one of
the smallest of perennial lupines) and Genista
procumbens are also very pretty flowering
plants, and Cratae^gus cordata {fig. 70.) is a
handsome hardy American tree, valued for its
dark glossy leaves, and brilliant scarlet fruit,
which will sometimes hang on the tree during
the entire winter.

The Botanical Register, for June, contains Calocliortus {kalos, handsome,
chortos, a kind of grass ; beautiful flowers borne
by grassy herbage) macrocarpus {makros long,
karpos, fruit ; the fruit of other species is short
and roundish) {fig.1\.)', 6 and 1, and Z/iliaceae.
A fine plant, with purple flowers, resembling in
its general appearance Tigridia pavonia. — Pyrus
grandifolia, a new species from North America. —
O'rchis papilionacea, from the south of Europe.
— Tillandsia acaulis ; 6 and l, and BYomeMacece ;
introduced by Mrs. Arnold Harrison. — Gesnerfa
riitila, imported from Brazil by the Comte de
Vandes.

The Bo-
tanical Ca-
binet, for
May, con-
tains Cypripedium insigne {fig,
72.) A beautiful orchideous bulb,
from Nepal, of which Messrs. Lod-
diges observe, " There is something
fascinating about this plant, as well
in form as in the arrangement of its
colours ; delightful to every eye, but
doubly so if we view it as formed by
the kindness of God." — Potentilla
splendens, an almost hardy perennial,
also from Nepal, and to which the
specific name of splendens is given,
on account of its fine silvery leaves.

Botanical Periodicals,

167

5empei*vivum tabulaeforme {fig^ 73.) is a
curious succulent plant, and Digitalis ca-
nariensis and Azalea calendulacea are
highly ornamental. The handsomest plant
in this periodical for May is Isopogon^ane-
nionifolius. {fig. 74.) A pretty green-
house shrub, of
dwarf growth,
producing its
heads of flowers
very freely dur-
ing the summer
months.

Flora Austra-
Idsica, for May,
contains Hakea ,
ferruginea, a
stout -growing,'
bushy, ever-
green shrub, from the collection of Robert
Barclay, Esq. at Bury Hill, and not be-
fore described. — Lechenaultia oblata, a
charming heath-like bush, with fine orange
flowers. — Leucopogon {leukos, white, po-
gon, a beard ; the limb of the corolla being

bearded with white) lanceojktus (lance leaved) {fig. 75.), which Mr. Sweet
has thus described : " A small branching upright evergreen shrub ; branches
slender, smooth, well clothed with leaves. Leaves alternate, sessile, linearly
or narrowly lanceolate acute, but not mucronate, flat, generally 3-
75 nerved, except a few of the largest, which are

5-nerved, striated with numerous lines of a pale
green on the upper side, and slightly glaucous
underneath. Flowers white, sweet-scented
Spikes axillary (a), and terminal (5), a little nod-
ding, aggregate, 10 to 15-flowered. Peduncles
(c) smooth, purple. Bractes {d) smooth, ovate,
concave, scarcely acute, two embracing*the calyx,
and one clasping it at the base. Calyx (e) 5-parted,
smooth : laciniae ovate, concave, with thin white
membranaceous margins. Corolla (/) funnel-
form ; tube short, in-
flated: limb 5-cleft, the
laciniae about half the
length of the tube, linear,
acute, revolute at the
points, densely bearded with white hairs. Stamens
(g) five, inserted in the mouth of the tube, and al-
ternate with the laciniae : filaments {h) very short,
included. Anthers (i) linear, exserted. Germen(^)
smooth, slightly conical. Style (/) smooth, tapering
upwards, included in the tube. Stigma {m) slightly
capitate."

The Flora Australdsica, for June, contains Jcacia
wyrtifolia; Leguminosae Mimoseae. — Styphelia viri-
diflora ; Epacrideae. — BosseVa ensata ; Leg. Pap.
Loteae Genisteae. {fig. 76.) A flat-branched plant,

M 4

1 68 Scientific Journals.

leafless when in flower, but leafy when young. — Pimelea drupacea. All
these are new and handsome plants.

The British Flower-Garden, for May, contains four
showy hardy plants, and among them Rhododendron
arboreum, which grows 20 ft. high, is covered with
heads of brilliant scarlet blossoms, and must be
one of the most splendid of vegetable productions
when in full flower.

The Number for June contains figures of some
very handsome plants, the newest of which is Ci-
neraria aurantiaca. {jig. 77.) Very beautiful in re-
gard to colours ; the flowers in corymbs, at first
of a bright orange brown, changing to a dark orange,
afterwards becoming golden yellow, orange-coloured
underneath, and very sweet-scented.

Maund*s Botanic Garden, for May, contains Lidtns
(meaning unknown) scariosa (scarious, in allusion to
the calyx), a fine purple-flowering, autumnal plant ;
and Cdrthamus {quortom, to paint, Arab.; red paint prepared from stamens)
tinctorius (tinctorius, dying, from iinctura, a dye ; in allusion to the colour-
ing principles of its flowers). The florets are gathered when they begin
to expand, and dried on a kiln, for future use in dying. Pink saucers
and vegetable rouge are prepared from these flowers, which may be pur-
chased from druggists under the name of safflower, in the following man-
ner : — " Wash safflower till no stain is given to the water, and then dry
it. Of this take half an ounce; infuse it a short time in a pint of water,
in which a dram of the subcarbonate of soda has been previously dis-
solved ; strain off" the liquid, to which add an ounce of finely levigated
French chalk. The alkali will hold the colouring matter of the safflower
in solution, and the chalk will remain colourless ; but, by adding a little
tartaric or citric acid, the alkali will be neutralised, and the red colouring
matter, which is not soluble in simple water, being set at liberty, will fall to
the bottom, combined with the chalk. Thus a beautiful pigment is pro-
duced, which may be dried and further levigated for spreading on saucers ;
or, ground with a drop or two of olive oil, will form the Spanish or vege-
table rouge. Liquid pink dye is a similar preparation, with a portion of
spirit of wine." This periodical, for June, contains Saponaria ocymoides,
Calceolaria pinnata, Veronica Mrticifolia, Dianthus japomcus j all very hand-
some plants.

The Scientific Journals.
As these periodicals contain many valuable articles on natural history,
we intend noticing them regularly as they appear, for the sake of referring
to the articles. Of Brande's Quarterly/ Journal a new series was com-
menced above a year ago, with the avowed intention of rendering it more
suitable for general readers ,* and, in this respect, it is certainly greatly im-
proved. No. v., for April, contains the natural history of the Earwig, by
our correspondent, Mr. Main, who has shown that the weapon-Hke appen-
dages at the end of the abdomen are not so much intended for defence or
offence, as for folding and unfolding the wings of the insect ; and that the
vulgar notion of this creature entering the human ear is not founded on
fact : anatomists, he says, deny it ; and he adds, with the true feeling of a
naturalist, " it is a pity that this is not generally known, as it might defend
the constitutionally timid from unnecessary alarm, and give a more favour-
able idea of that part of the animal creation, which forms a most necessary
link in the chain of being." Achatin^Ua (dim. of achates, an agate;
resemblance), a new group of terrestrial shells, is described by another of

Sclent l/ic Journals. 169

our correspondents, Mr. Svvainson ; the orchideous genus Macrae'a, from
Chile, by Professor Lindley. Under miscellaneous intelligence are thirteen
notices from the Bulletin Universelle, JamiesorH s Journal, Brewster's Journal,
the Annales de C/iimie, &c. ; the most interesting of which, as it appears to
us, is a notice from the Bulletin Universelle of a disease of silkworms, and
its cure. In the south of France, silkworms very often become yellow
from the attacks of a malady called the jaundice. The remedy there is
what gardeners in Britain would adopt, as a destructive power, in the case
of worms of any kind ; but in France it is said to have been employed for
twenty years with perfect success. It consists in powdering the worms with
quickhme, by means of a silk sieve, and then giving them mulberry leaves,
moistened with a 'few drops of wine. The safety of the worms under the
powdering of quicklime depends, no doubt, on the absence of moisture.

The Philosophical Magazine and Annals of Philosophy, for May and June,
contains some interesting philosophical articles, and full accounts of the
proceedings of several societies.

GilVs Technological Repository, for May, contains the continuation of a
very interesting series of microscopical observations, some curious remarks
on the cocoa-nut, and the mode of cultivating it in the East, [n the June
number the microscopic article is continued, and some farther observations
on the culture of palms, scitamineous plants, and the black pepper, in the
East, taken from BuchannarCs Journey from Madras.

Brewster's Journal for April contains : — Notice of Meteorological Phe-
nomena at Patna,in the East Indies. — Observations on the formation of Ice
in India, by which it appears that the opinion " repeated by one author
after another," that ice is formed by evaporation from porous pans, is erro-
neous. " The fact is, that the natives use porous pans from necessity ; but
so well are they aware that the porosity of the vessels is of no advantage, that
they usually rub them with grease," as the writer supposes, to admit of
more easily extracting the ice, and to keep the straw, in which the vessels
are placed, in a perfectly dry and non-conducting state. The only author
who understands the subject is said to be Dr. Wells. The writer has re-
peated the experiments mentioned by Dr. Wells in his Treatise on Dew,
" and sometimes with singular results," all proving that the ice is produced
by radiation into a clear atmosphere. The writer, David Scott, Esq., never
found it practicable to make ice when the temperature exceeded 41° on the
level of the pits. — On the Natural History of Tabaslieer, the siliceous
concretion in the Bamboo, by Dr. Brewster. — An Account of a New Sea
Serpent, or serpentiform fish {fig. 78.), by Dr. Harwood, Professor of
Natural History in the Royal
Institution. It was found in
Davis's Straits, is 4 ft. 6 in.
long, with a purplish-black
granular skin, small fins, and a
slender tape-like tail, which is
continued 1 ft. 8^ in. beyond

the extremity of the dorsal ^.^ ..^ , __

fin. Dr. Harwood has given i 'f''''^"'"'ii'i!f'iiif | , , , , . i , — , — i — , — , — |2/i

it the name of Ophiognathus ampullaceus, or bottle-like. — Account of
the Tracks of Footmarks of Animals, found impressed in Sandstone, in
the Quarry of Corncockle Muir, Dumfries-shirc, by the Rev. Dr. Dun-
can. These footmarks were discovered fifteen or sixteen years ago;
and, what shows the comparative indifference of past times to geological
pursuits, their existence has never before been noticed in any scientific

170

Scientific Journals,

work. The foot-prints differ in size from that of a hare's paw to the hoof of
a pony. On a slab forming part of the wall of a summer-house in Dr. Dun-
can's garden at the Manse of Ruthwell, there are 24 impressions, 12 of the
right feet, as many of the left, and, consequently, six repetitions of each
foot. Professor B^ckland, with whom Dr. Duncan is in correspondence,
considers that the animals must have been crocodiles or tortoises. — On the
supposed Changes in the Meteorological Constitution of the different parts
of the Earth during the Historical Period, by Professor Schow of Copen-
hagen. This is a very interesting paper, but does not admit of abridgment.
The author estimates the climate of different countries in remote periods of
antiquity, by the plants mentioned in the Bible and other ancient works,
as growing in them, as compared with the fossil remains of the antediluvian
world. The paper is not completed, and therefore we cannot give his ge-
neral conclusions. — Zoological Collections. Three species of bears, natives
of India, are described, the crocodiles of the Ganges noticed, and an ac-
count of the white elephant of Siam, and of a fight between a tiger and an
elephant, from FinlaysorCs Mission to Siam and Thibet. From these notices
our readers will see that Dr. Brewster^s Journal is of very great interest,
even as a magazine of natural history.

When the papers on chemistry, comparative anatomy, natural philosophy,
and other branches of science, and the high scientific character of the con-
ductor and his coadjutors are considered, it may safely be pronounced a
periodical of first-rate merit.

JamesorCs Philosophical Journal for April, contains : — Observations on
the large brown hornet of New South Wales ; a very
curious and interesting paper, in which, among other ,
things, the author supposes that the hexagonal plan of(-
the cells is derived from the structure of the fore-
legs of the hornet {Jig. 19). — Analysis of a sour clay,
used in acidulating sherbet, in Persia. The whitish-
grey earth here alluded to, is found on the margins of
sulphurous streams which issue from the bases of hills
near Dalkee; it has a sour milky taste, and consists
principally of sulphate of lime,with alittle siliceous matter,
acidulated by free sulphuric acid. — On the Natural His-
tory of the Salmon, by Daniel Ellis, Esq. There are seven
species of the genus (Salmo in the river Tay ; but this
paper is confined to the S. salar, or common salmon,
and treats of spawning and the evolution of the ova in the higher parts of
rivers and streams ; of the growth and movements of the young brood to
and from the sea during the first year of life ; and of the migration of the
salmon betwixt the river and the sea. In this very complete paper, it is
proved that the grilse, which used to be considered as a fish of a different
species from the salmon, is but a salmon in a certain stage of growth. For
the first thirty-three months of a salmon's life, it increases nearly at the
rate of 1 lb. 1 oz. per month ; but in the first five months of its existence,
that is, from April to August inclusive, it attains, in favourable circum-
stances, to the weight of 8 lbs. From a great number of facts respecting
the migrations of the salmon at different periods of its life, it would appear
that the ova can only be hatched, and the young fish live, in fresh water ;
that in the earliest period of a salmon's existence, salt water is fatal to it ;
that the causes of the alternate migrations of salmon are two — the search
for food, and the impulse of propagation.

[The Rev. Mr. Hendrick, in his Survey of Aberdeenshire, assigns another
cause, the annoyance of insects which live on their skin.] It is certain
salmon receive a principal part of their food in the sea ; that the best are
always caught in or near the sea; and that they fall off in their condition.

Scientific Journals, - 1 7rl

in proportion to their abode in rivers. — On the Temperature of the Interior
of the Earth, by M. Cordier, Professor of Geology in the Garden of
Plants at Paris. From experiments in mines, this writer is convinced that
a subterranean heat exists, which is peculiar to the terrestrial globe, does
not depend on the solar rays, and increases rapidly with the depth. — Note
on Swallows; by which it appears that oiling or soaping the corners of the
windows where they build, will deter them from doing so. — On the Do-
mestication of Mammiferous Animals, hy M. Frederick Cuvier. (Taken
from the M^moires du Museum (THistoire Naturelle.) It appears that what
we call the domestication of animals, consists in our becoming members ot
the society which these animals form among themselves. Man becomes the
chief of its herd ; from the moment that an animal admits man as a mem-
ber of its society, it is domesticated, — " as man could not enter into such
society without becoming the chief of it." Applying these principles to
wild animals, the apes and monkeys, notwithstanding their social instinct
and intellect, are yet so violent and irritable, as to be incapable of all use-
ful subjection. Among carnivorous animals, the seals, together with the
various species of the dog tribe, would be the best adapted to attach them-
selves to us, and serve us. M. Cuvier suggests, that the seal might be
trained for fishing, as the dog is for hunting. Several animals peculiar to
South America, having but very feeble means of defence, will, as that
country is peopled, gradually disappear from the face of the earth. After
other illustrations, the writer concludes, that all domestication is founded
on the propensity which animals have to live together in herds, and to
attach themselves to one another. " We obtain it only by enticement,
and principally by augmenting their wants, and satisfying them. But we
could only produce domestic individuals, and not races, without the con-
currence of one of the most general laws of life, the transmission of the
organic or intellectual modifications by generation. Here one of the most
astonishing phenomena of nature manifests itself to us, the transformation
of a fortuitous modification into a desirable form ; of a fugitive want into
a fundamental propensity; of an incident habit into an instinct. This sub-
ject is assuredly worthy of exciting the attention of the most accurate ob-
servers, and of occupying the meditations of the most profound thinkers."
The Geology of Nithsdale, by J. S. Menteath, Esq, jun.: a paper valuable
in an economical point of view. — On the Causes of the Difference of
Temperature on the Globe, by Baron Humboldt, being an extract from a
public lecture delivered in the Royal Academy in Berlin. " The differ-
ences of climate," this distinguished philosopher observes, " manifest
themselves in the character, in the civilisation, and perhaps even in the
development of the language of different tribes of the human race." —
Account of a Siven /acertina „^

(j%. 80.), which has been
kept alive at Cannon Mills,
near Edinburgh, by Patrick
Neill, Esq. This reptile was
sent from the marshes of'
South Carolina to Dr. Mun-
roe, in 1825, who soon after*
confided it to Mr. Neill, who kept it in a box of water and moss in
his greenhouse, till April, 1827, when it was put in a hot-house ; there it
became more lively, and began to croak like a frog. It lived on earth-
Ayorms, but did not care for food oftener than once in a week or ten days ; it
lived several hours at a time out of water, or several hours at a time under
water, at pleasure, being truly amphibious, and capable of breathing
either by means of external branchiae, or internal lungs. — Tour by G. A.
W. Arnott, Esq. to the South of France. — On the Irritability of the Sen^
sitive Plant, by M. Dutrochet. This distinguished physiologist refuses to

1 72 Dog-hreaking, — Catalogue of Insects in E, L C, Museum.

admit sensibility in vegetables, but uses as a substitute for that term nervi-
motUity. Light he considers as the external agent, from the influence of
which vegetables draw the renewal of the conditions of their irritability,
or more generally of their motility. — Under the head of Scientific Intelli-
gence, a long extract is given from a valuable paper, by a correspondent of
ours, in Brande's Journal, on the Chinese Method of fattening Fish ; and
some other papers on Natural History, and a number on other depart-
ments of philosophy, complete the contents of this very interesting Journal.

Floyd, Williamy Gamekeeper to Sir John Sebright, Bnrt. : Observations on
])og-breaking. London. Pamph. 8vo, pp. 23. 2s. 6d.

This little pamphlet contains a few short but excellent rules for breaking
in pointers or spaniels. Any dog that will hunt for game may be taught to
point by proper training ; should never be hunted where there are hares,
until they are perfectly steady to partridges ; should be taught to lie down
at command, and not to rise till touched by the hand. It is easy to check
dogs that are too resolute ; but, when overawed, they become difficult to
manage, and very liable to blink. Slight punishments, frequently repeated,
are more effectual than too much severity at once. All pointers should
drop when a bird rises ; not be allowed to run up to a falling bird. If the
word " down'* be given when a bird rises, he will soon take the rising of
the bird as the signal to drop; and, in time, the scent will be the signal at
which he will lie down, this being all that is wanted. Whatever is soon
learned by a dog is soon forgotten ; and it is only by time and patience that
an animal can be confirmed in the habits which it is wished he should
retain.

Horsefield Thomas, M.D. F.R.S. L.S. & G.S. Member of the Royal Asiatic,
and of the Zoological Societies of London, and of the Imperial Academy
Naturse Curiosorum; Corresponding Member of the Academy of Natural
Sciences of Philadelphia, and of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
&c. : A Descriptive Catalogue of the Lepidopterous Insects contained in
the Museum of the Honourable East India Company, illustrated by co-
loured Figures of New Species, and of the Metamorphoses of Indian
Lepidoptera, with Introductory Observations on a General Arrangement
of this Order of Insects. London. 4to. Parti. ll.Ws.Gd. To be
completed in Six Parts.

In the introduction, the author informs us, that his object is to describe
a series of lepidopterous insects, which form part of a general entomologi-
cal collection from Java, contained in the Museum of the Honourable East
India Company. The work will be conducted with a steady reference to
his Annulosa Javanica, and the HorcB Entomologicce of William Sharp Mac-
leay, Esq. " The plan of the former will be my constant guide, and the
comprehensive views detailed in the latter will afford the means of regu-
lating the arrangements suggested by the former, and of comparing and
correcting my mode of proceeding. Accordingly, my principal aim will be
to discover the natural affinities, and to follow them in the arrangement.
Wherever my materials are sufficiently extensive, I shall trace the series
through its whole extent, and endeavour to show, that in this department
also, the principle so clearly developed by Mr. Macleay, is exemplified in the
succession or chain of affinities returning into themselves, or forming circles.
In the series which will thus be submitted to my close examination, I shall
endeavour to discover and point out the typical forms which indicate the
subdivisions, and distinguish the groups. But, as it may be expected that,
in a local collection, many forms must be deficient, and the thread of affi-
nities often interrupted, I shall carefully notice these interruptions, with the
design of supplying them, as far as necessary, from other sources of inform-
ation. The analogies existing between objects of distant or of neighbouring

Miss Kent's Sylvan Sketches. 173

groups will also be pointed out, wherever they may have been satisfactorily
developed." (p. 3.)

The author mentions an attempt at an arrangement of Lepidoptera, ac-
cording to their metamorphoses, by Messrs. Denis and Schieffermiiller, of
Vienna, as harmonising with the circular or quinary system of Ma'cleay. Ac-
cording to this system all the Lepidoptera may be referred to one or other of
the following types of form, viz. jPapilionidae,SphingadaB,Pombycidae,iVbctu-
idae, and Phalaenidae. Some remarks are next given on eachof these tribes,
and the descriptive catalogue commences with the character of Papilionidae,
and its different branches (.stirpes), and the genera formed from them. Four
coloured plates exhibit some of the more remarkable species and their
members, in the larva, chrysalis, and perfect state. These plates are beauti-
fully engraved and coloured, and the work may be considered as highly
scientific, and a most valuable contribution to entomology.

Kent^ Miss, Authoress of Flora Domestica, and other Productions, literary
and botanical : Sylvan Sketches : or, a Companion to the Park and the
Shrubbery : with Illustrations from the Works of the Poets. London.
8vo, pp. 408. 12s.

It is the intention of this volume " to give an unceremonious introduc-
tion of certain trees and shrubs " to such as are " occasionally in the habit
of meeting them without being acquainted, in many instances, even with
their names. Botanical language has been carefully avoided; for, although
it would often have saved many words, it was considered that such terms
would be intelligible only to botanists ; and that the botanist was precisely
the last person to whom a description of common trees and shrubs would
be likely to be of any use." After an eloquent introduction in praise of
the subject, and illustrative of the beauty and utility of trees, an alphabeti-
cal arrangement is commenced, and all the hardy trees and shrubs, com-
monly met with in parks and gardens, described in general language, and
treated of historically and poetically. In addition to the systematic name,
is given the Linnean class and order, the order according to the natural
system, and the synonyms in English, Scotch, French, and Italian. The
biography (if the term may be so applied) of each tree and shrub is drawn
from varied and authentic sources in different languages, and rendered
more interesting than in any work which has hitherto appeared. The only
alteration we could suggest in a second edition, would be the grouping of the
species together, according to their natural orders, and a general alphabeti-
cal index of all the names, scientific as well as synonymous. Many, how-
ever, will prefer the book as it is ; and we can strongly recommend it as
full of instructive and agreeable reading. It may be considered a suitable
companion for the Sylvan Sketches of Mr. Strutt, a work equally delightful
in its kind.

Burrow, The Rev. E. J., M.A. F.R.S. L.S. Mem. Geol. Soc. : Elements of
Conchology, according to the Linnean System. London. 8vo, 3d edit.
28 pis. from nature. 165. plain ; \l. \\s. 6d. coloured.

Bambridge^ George C. : The Fly-fisher's Guide, illustrated by coloured
plates, representing upwards of forty of the most useful flies, accurately
copied from nature. Liverpool. 2d edit. 166'. extra boards.

Hendricky The Rev. James, Author of the Survey of Angus-shire, and other
Agricultural Works, and of various Papers in the Farmer's Magazine; an
original thinker, and strong-minded man : A Lecture on Geology, deli-
vered before the Forfar Scientific Institution, Dec. 3d, 1827, in which it
is endeavoured to show that the Mosaic account of the Creation is per-
fectly consistent with the best ascertained facts concerning the mineral
structure of the globe. Montrose. 8vo. 2^. boards.

174 British mid French Books.

Lempnere, William^ M.D., Author of a Tour to Morocco, Observations on
the Diseases of Jamaica, &c., and one of the Vice-Presidents of the Isle of
Wight Philosophical Society : Popular Lectures on the Study of Natural
History and the Sciences, Vegetable Physiology, Zoology, the Animal
and Vegetable Poisons, and on the Human Faculties, Mental and Corpo-
real, as delivered before the Isle of Wight Philosophical Society. London.
8vo, pp. 304. 7*. 6d.

Few means will be found more effectual, for the general diffusion of a
knowledge of natural history, than the establishment of provincial
museums, libraries, and botanic gardens ; and the delivery of lectures and
demonstrations in them. Viewing the subject in this light, it will readily be
imagined that we are highly gratified with the present volume, which con-
tains six lectures, read also to the Philosophical Society of Portsmouth (for
an account of this and other natural history societies in Hampshire, see p. 190.),
in complimentary return for a discourse on light and vision, read by one of
the most distinguished members of that society, before the Institution of the
Isle of Wight. The lectures are six ; one on vegetable physiology, which
embraces a very extensive view of the subject, with a recapitulation in a
tabular form ; one on zoology, as it appears to us, exceedingly well drawn
up, and concluding with tabular views of the classifications of animals, by
Cuvier and Blumenbach. There are two lectures on animal and vegetable
poisons ; and one on the human faculties, mental and corporeal. In his
preface the author has the following remark : — " With respect to the
utility of scientific associations, which are now extending themselves
throughout the kingdom, we may be permitted to remark, that, as it has
been deemed of importance to bestow the light of science on the labouring
classes, it surely is still more essential that the middling ranks (upon whom
the welfare of society so mainly depends) should also partake of its bene-
ficial influence ; and we are not aware of any pursuit more calculated to
enlarge their minds, and to lay the foundation for useful knowledge, than
the contemplation of that subject which the societies above alluded to have
principally in view ; namely, the works of the creation, the laws by which
they are regulated, and the practical applications of which they are sus-
ceptible."

France.
Kittelly Dr. B. M. : M^moires d'Histoire Naturelle. Paris. 8vo, 9 sheets.

Lessouy R. P., Author of the Zoology of the Voyage round the World, by
the Corvet La Coquille, &c. : Complement des CEuvres de BuflTon, ou His-
toire Naturelle, g^n^rale et particuliere, de tons les Animaux rares et
pr^cieuse, decouverts par les Naturalistes et les Voyageurs depuis la mort
de Buffon. 8vo, 10 vols, atlas, of 120 pis. 5frs. 50c. each vol.

Dupont, M. ain4 Naturalist : Trait^ de Taxidermie, ou TArt de conserver
et d'empailler les Animaux. Paris. Svo. pp, 114,4pls. 5/rs. 50c.

LebreuxyF.L.: Histoire Naturelle des L^pidopteres, ou Papillons. Va-
lenciennes. 12mo. ^frs. 50c.

Hanriy W. de. Doctor of Philosophy, &c. : Recherches sur PAnatomie et les
Metamorphoses de diff^rentes especes d'Insectes. A posthumous work of
P. Lyonet.

Lecoi/y M. : Recherches sur la reproduction des V^getaux. Clermont. 4to,
pp. 30. 1 pi. lith.

Cassiniy M.Henri: Opuscules Phytologiques. Paris. Svo, 2 vols. 12 pis.
ISfrs.

French mid German Books. 175

Ano7i, :■ Examen de deux Memoires de Physiologie Vegetale, suivi de I'ex-
amen d'un passage d'lin troisieme Memoire public a Geneve, comme les
deux autres, sous de litre de Monographiie Generis Polygoni Prodromus.
Paris. 8vo, pp. 32.

Cuvie?; M. le Baron : Discours sur les Revolutions de la Surface du Globe,
et sur les Changemens qu'elles ontproduits dans le Regne Animal. Paris.
8vo, pp. 4G0, 6 pis. 7frs. 50c.

FeCy A. L. A. : Notice sur les Productions Naturelles de I'lsle de Java.
8vo, pp. 20.

DesvauXy A. N. : Flore de I'Anjou, d'apres I'ordre des families naturelles;
• avec des Observations botanique et critiques. Angers. Svo, pp.369. 6frs.

Germany.

Betcke, Em. Frid. : Aniraadversiones Botanicae in Valerianellas. Rostock.

Steiner's Gebirgshoehen des Salzkammerguthes. Elevation of the salife-
rous Mountains of the Upper Ems in Austria. Salzbourg. Svo.

HinsingeTy W. : Mineralogische Beschreibung, &c. Mineralogical Descrip-
tion of Sweden, reviewed from the MS. by Woehler. Leipsic. Svo.

Bischofy G.: Chemische Untersuchungen, &c. Chemical Researches on the
Mineral Waters of Geilnau, Fachingen, and Seltzers, followed by general
observations on the sources of volcanic minerals, particularly on their
origin, their composition, and their connection with formations. Bonn,
Svo, pp. 412.

Kaiser, Dr. J. A. : Die Mineralquellen zu St. Moritz, Schuls, &c. The Mi-
neral Springs of St. Maurice, Schuls, Tarasp, Fideris, St. Bernhardin,
Perden, Vals, and Belvedere, analysed by G. Capeller, and described with
respect to their historical, topographical, and therapeutical relations.
Coire. Small Svo, pp. 92.

BrandeSy R., and Kruger, F. : Pyrmonts Mineralquellen. The Mineral
Springs of Pyrmont. Pyrmont. Svo.

FrieSy Fr. : Von den Ursachen der Erdbeben, &c. Causes of Earthquakes
and Magnetical Phenomena. In Two Memoirs. Leipsic. 1 lith. pi.

Boon Mesch, A. H. vander : Disputatio Geologica de incendiis montium
igni ardentium Insulae Jarvae, eorumque lapidibus. Leyden. Svo, pp. 126.
3 pi.

Wiegmanny Dr. A. F. A: Observationes Zoologicae criticae in Aristotelis
Historiam Animalium. Leipsic. 4to, pp. 39. \2 grs.

Meyer, Ernest H. F.: De Houttuynia atque Saurureis. Ratisbonne. Svo,
pp. 62, tab. aenea.

Glohhery Fr. : Versuch einer Characteristic der schlesisch-mineralogischen
Literatur, &c. Systematic Table for the mineralogical literary of Silesia,
to the end of the eighteenth century. Breslau. 4to.

Blume, Car. Lud. and Fascia. D. M. : Enumeratio Plantarum Javae et In-
sularum adjacentium minus cognitarum vel novarum ex herbariis Rein-
wardtii, Kuhhi, Hasseltii, et Blumii. Leyden. Svo, pp. 98.

Flore, ou Gazette Botanique, 9e annee. Ratisbonne. 1826.

1 76 Italian^ Dutch, Szvedis/i, and North American Booh

Italy.

Tenore, Michel, Professor of Botany in the University of Naples, Director
of the Botanic Garden there, and Author of Flora Napolitana, and other
Works :

1. Saggio snlla Geografia Fisica e Bottanica del Regno di Napoli, con
Cartae. Botanical and Physical Geography of the Kingdom of Naples,
with Maps. Naples. 8vo.

The grand system of the mountainous regions of Naples is described
and delineated, and the animal and vegetable productions enumerated.

2. Osservazione sulla Flora Virgiliana. Observations on the Plants men-

tioned in the Rural and Pastoral Poems of Virgil. Naples. 8vo.
M. Tenore has in this work classed and namecl the different plants
mentioned by the poet ; and, from his acquaintance with the local Flora,
has made some corrections of the opinions of Professor Martin and Dr.
Sprengel, both of whom had before made a similar attempt.

ChiajCf Stephana delle: Memorie sulla Storia e Notomia degli Animali senza
vertebre, &c. Memoirs on the History and Anatomy of the non-ver-
tebrated Animals of the Kingdom of Naples. Naples. 4to, pp. 184,
10pl.gr.

5am, Dr. : Ornithologia Toscana, ossia Descrizione e Storia degli uccelli
che trovansi nella Toscana. Pisa. pp. 502.

Holland.

Engelspack-tiarivih-e, A. :. Essai g^ognostique sur les Environs de St. Pe-
tersbourg. Brussels. 8vo, pp. 44. 2/r.

Sweden.

Aaarsberaettelser om Vetenskapernas framsteg. Annual Report on the
Progress of the Sciences, published from the Papers of the Royal: Swedish
Academy of Sciences, 1825 and 1826. Stockholm, svo, pp.552.

Hinsinger, JV. : Anteckningar i Physic och Geognosie under Resor uti
Suerige och Norrige. Physical and Geognostical Notes taken during a
Voyage in Sweden and Norway. Upsal. Svo.

Aaarsberaettelse om nyare Zoologiske arbreten och upptaeckter. Annual
Report on the recent Zoological Travels and Discoveries; arranged for
the Royal Academy of Sciences. Stockholm. 8vo, pp. 1 15.

North America.

E-nwionSy Dr. L. : Manual of Mineralogy and Geology, designed for the
instruction of youth, and for Travellers. New York. 12mo, pp. 250

Comstock, Dr. : Elements of Mineralogy, for Seminaries and Students. New
York. 8vo, pp. 558.

Mitchilly M. Samuel : Catalogue des Fossiles et autres Objets g^ologiques
et Mineralogique, contenus dans la Collection donn^e au Lycee d'Hist.
Nat. de New-York, par M. Samuel Mitchill. New York. 8vo, pp. 40.

Liter my Notices, 177

Contributions of the Maclurian Lyceum to the Arts and Sciences. Philadel-
phia, 1827. In 8 vo Numbers, occasionally. No. I. for January, and
No. II. for July, 1827, have appeared.

In the introduction it is stated, that this Lyceum was established in 1826,
and in commemoration of the invaluable aid afforded by William Maclure,
Esq., named after him entirely without his knowledge. It is designed to
comprise all the natural and physical sciences, to include a library, museum,
and philosophical apparatus, and for the purpose of disseminating know-
ledge, and to establish a mutual intercourse with scientific societies and
individuals, to publish contributions such as those before us.

No. I. contains an account of some
new salamanders, by Professor Green,
of Jefferson College, viz. : /S'alaman-
dra porphyritica {porphyra, purple;
colour of the body) {Jig. 81. a) Jeffer-
sonmwa (6), intermixta, glutinosa var.
(c), and subviolacea.

A Catalogue of the Birds of the
United States, by Charles L. Bona-
parte, arranged in 28 families, 81 ge-
nera, and 362 species (209 land, and
1 53 water birds). Of these 8 1 genera,
63 are common to Europe and America, while 18 have no representatives
in Europe. Arranging all the known birds in 37 natural families, 28 of
these families are found in America ; and of these 28, two are not found in
Europe.

No. II. contains some critical and other papers not of general interest.

Art. Ill, Literary Notices,

Ellis's Work on Corals^ with Additions. — The science of geology is now
generally acknowledged to be so dependent upon a right knowledge of the
fossils which are to be found in the various strata composing the surface of
the earth, that no one can be said to be well acquainted with it who has not
some insight into their nature and habits. That branch of natural history
which treats of shells has been most admirably illustrated by the Sowerbys ;
but another branch exists, in which, much to the discredit of the scientific
part of the nation, very little has been done : I allude to the corals that
are to be found in a mineralized state. It appears that no work, treating
expressly upon this important subject, is now extant in the English lan-
guage but that of Ellis and Solander, which is only to be found in private
libraries. But I perceive, by reference to Conybeare's Outlines of Geology,
p. 213., that a Frenchman, LamourouXy is stated to have republished Ellis's
work, with additions. Now, Mr. Editor, it would be very desirable, for
the advancement of this branch of natural history, that this work should
be known as extensively as possible ; and this object cannot be better at-
tained than by your taking notice of it in the forthcoming Number of the
Magazine of Natural History.

If there be any other works which treat on this important subject, either
in the French or English language, you would be doing a great service to
your country readers by giving some account of them. — William Baitersly,
Cannington, near Bridgewater, May 29. 1828.

Vol. I. — No. 2. n

178

PART III.

COLLECTANEA.

Art. L The General Subject.

Technicalities of Science. — It is time that we should get rid of that
puerility, which would persuade us that a fact, described in terms and language
familiar only to the learned, bficomes of less importance when displayed in
the energetical simplicity of our mother-tongue. It is time that such puerility
should be placed upon the shelf, or hurried to the tomb of all the Capulets.
If, however for the sake of foreigners, such a course should at any time be
deemed expedient, it is hoped, that in this journal, at any rate, an English
translation will accompany the Latin description, so that it may escape the
complaints frequently made, and with much truth, against many of the
works on natural history, which have been published in this country and
elsewhere, and which appear as if designed rather to display the learning
of the writers, than to state the facts which such learning ought to convey.
Such, however, it is admitted, is the effect of habit, or the pride of science,
or both combined, that it is very often difficult for those accustomed to
scientific language and terms, to condescend to the use of such as shall
make what they write at once agreeable to, and understood by, the gener-al
reader. Through inattention to these circumstances, the study of natural
history has not obtained that attention in this country to which it is enti-
tled and deserves ; and I may venture to predict, that while the pride of
science shall refuse to condescend to familiar explanation, the number of
students in natural history will not very materially increase. However, it
is to be hoped that the prospects of natural history are extending, and that
the establishment of the Zoological Society in particular will excite the
public attention ; that the study of nature will be more simplified, and be
made more attractive and more amusing. The publication of the Maga-
zine of Natural History will, it is also hoped, be instrumental in this work,
by reducing the science to the level of ordinary capacities, and by smooth-
ing the road to more recondite views. — James Jennings. London, June 6.
1828.

Art. II. Zoology.

White Cats unth blue eyes always deaf. — Sir, The brief notice at p. 6Q.
of your interesting Magazine of Natural History, that " v.'hite cats with
blue eyes are always deaf," induces me to forward to you the following con-
firmation of that extraordinary fact, which has come within my own know-
ledge. Some years ago a white cat of the Persian kind (probably not a
thoroughbred one), procured from Lord Dudley's at Hindley, was kept in
my family as a favourite. The animal was a female, quite white, and per-
fectly deaf She produced, at various times, many litters of kittens, of
which, generally, some were quite white, others more or less mottled,
tabby, &c. But the extraordinary circumstance is, that of the offspring
produced at one and the same birth, such as, like the mother, were entirely

Zoology, — Botany. 179

white, were, like Iier, invariably deaf; while those that had the least speck
of colour on their fur, as invariably possessed the usual faculty of hearing.
— W. T. Bree. Allesley Rectory^ near Coventry^ May 23. 1828.

Owls feed their young luith Fish. — Probably it may not be generally
known to naturalists, that the common brown owl (^trfx stridula) is in the
habit, occasionally at least, of feeding its young with live fish ; a fact which
I have ascertained beyond doubt. Some years since several young owls
were taken from the nest, and placed in a yew tree in the rectory garden
here; in this situation the parent birds repeatedly brought them live fish,
bull-heads (Cottus C?6bio) and loch (or loach, Cobites barbatula), which had
doubtless been procured from the neighbouring brook, in which these
species abound. Since the above period, 1 have, on more than one occa-
sion, found the same fish, either whole or in fragments, lying under the
trees on which I have observed the young owls to perch after they have
left the nest, and where the old birds were accustomed to feed them. It
has always been a wonder to me by what method the owl contrives to cap-
ture the finny tribes, being apparently a bird peculiarly unfitted for piscatory
depredations. If you, or any of your correspondents, better acquainted
than myself with the manners and habits of the bird, should be able to
solve the difficulty, I should be obliged by their so doing. — Id.

Owls feed on Fish. — This circumstance is mentioned in Jennings's Orni-
tkologia, and corroborates a declaration made by a labourer who was em-
ployed to watch the fish-pond in the flower-garden of Bulstrode, about 50years
ago. The gold and silver fish had been missed ; the duchess (Margaret, grand-
mother of the present Duke of Portland) being a lady of distinguished taste
for every curious object of natural history, suspecting that the pond had
been poached, ordered Mr. Agnew, the gardener, to employ men to watch.
The watchmen detected the robbers, whom they saw alight on the side of
the pond, and there waiting the approach of the fish, captured and devoured
them ! The common brown owls were the robbers, at least so the men
reported ; but they were not generally credited. One of the men, Joseph
Newman, who reported the above circumstances, still attests the fact. —
J.M.

The Golden-crested Wren may be taken, by striking the bough upon which
it is sitting, sharply, with a stone or stick. The timid bird immediately
drops to the ground, and generally dead. As their skins are tender, those
who want them for stuffing will find this preferable to using the gun.
White remarks, in his Natural History of Selborne, " that the golden-crested
wren (^the smallest British bird) will stand unconcerned till you come within
three or four yards of it." — JD. S. Bungay, March, 1 828.

Art. III. Botany.

Influence of Light on colouring the Leaves of Plants. — It frequently
happens in America that clouds and rain obscure the atmosphere for several
days together, and that, during this time, buds of entire forests expand
themselves into leaves. These leaves assume a pallid hue till the sun ap-
pears, when, within the short period of six hours of a clear sky and bright
sunshine, their colour is changed to a beautiful green. A writer in SillimanV'
Journal mentions a forest on which the sun had not shone during twenty
days. The leaves, during this period, had expanded to their full size, but
were almost white. One forenoon the sun began to shine in full brightness.
" The colour of the forest absolutely changed so fast that we could perceive
its progress. By the middle of the afternoon the whole of these extensive
forests, many miles in length, presented their usual summer dress." {£^11-
fnan*s Jour., xiii. p. 193.) -^ a» — -

N 2

180 Geology, — Meteorology,

Art, IV. Geology,

To observe the Formation of Soils upon a small Scale. — Sir Humphrey
Davy has explained, in his Agricultural Chemistry^ how this takes place on
the surface of naked rocks by partial decomposition ; the growth of lichens
being succeeded by mosses, and, on their decay by the smaller plants. A writer
in the Verulam observes, " even in cities this may be done by observing the
successive steps by which the top of a brick wall, for example, becomes
covered with vegetation. First, there is the green incrustation, called Bys-
sus by Linnaeus, but recently proved by our friend, Mr. Drummond, of the
Cork botanic garden, to be the primary germination of several species of
mosses, such as Polytricha and Tortulae. When this decays, a very thin
stratum of vegetable earth is formed, which affords a scanty support for the
roots of the next year's crop of mosses, and in process of time soil is formed
of a sufficient depth for Draba vdrna and other wall plants.'*

Art. V. Meteorology,

East Winds and Blights, April 50. 1828. — In conversation with Mr.
Gibbs of Brompton, he stated, that " we would certainly have an east wind
about this time." The wind had veered to the east in the morning of this
day, but at' the time we were speaking it had changed to the north-east.
He added, however, that for twenty-two years he had paid particular atten-
tion to this circumstance j and, except twice, always observed that the wind
blew from the eastward at the beginning of May.

No one who has paid attention to the progress of vegetation in the vernal
months, but can remember how often they have had to witness the wither-
ing effects of the east wind on the tender plants, flowers, and shoots of this
season : its parching effects on the garden, and its hurtful consequences to
the young barley in the fields, are frequent complaints. These easterly
winds, too, are frequently attended by a blue mist, called, by those living to
the westward of the metropolis, " London smoke ;'* and though it is well
known, that the fuliginous vapour of this great city extends, like the train
of a comet, to the distance of fifty miles, yet that blue mist or haze, which is
known to be so extensive, cannot be occasioned by such a local circum-
stance. But from the want of simultaneous meteorological observations at
numerous distant stations, (a want which your Magazine is well de-
signed to remove), we have not sufficient data on which to form"a rational
opinion, as to the prevalence of either the east wind or the blue mist.
The latter is called a blight, and many people imagine that the aphides
are wafted through the air by this same mist ; because the depredations of
these insects become visible at the time, or soon afterwards : but with such
winds we have commonly a clear sky ; in course the sun's heat is intense,
and this it is which brings forth the insects from every place where they
were deposited in the previous autumn, and also instigates the pregnant
females to bring forth their incalculable generations.

With respect to the direction of the wind at this period, 1 can only offer
an opinion which, I must own, rests on a very slender foundation. Having
had some acquaintance with the trade-winds of intertropical latitudes, and,
since my residence in England, having on many occasions been struck with
similar appearances, accompanied by easterly winds, I naturally conjectured
that such currents of air arose from the same cause, and that circumstances
of the state of the air, and of the general face of Europe, might temporarily
and occasionally produce those periodical winds observed by Mr. Gibbs.
— J,M,

181

PART IV.

MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.

Art. I. Natural History in Foreign Countries.

ITALY.

An Eruption of Mount Vesumus took place on the morning of the 22d
of March last, which has been well described in the Athenceum for April 18th.
A correspondent who was at Naples at the time thus writes : " The cone
of the mountain puts you in mind of an immense piece of artillery, firing
red hot stones and ashes and smoke into the atmosphere ; or, of a huge
animal in pain, groaning, crying, and vomiting ; or like an immense whale
in the arctic circle, blowing after it has been struck with several harpoons.'*
— R, F. Naples, April 1.

ASIA.

Cedars of Lebanon on Mount hehanus. — We went to the cedars of Le-
banon. I counted thirteen large and ancient cedars, besides the numerous
small ones, which make, in the whole, 387 trees. {Wolff* s Missionary
Journal, 1823 and 1824) — The largest of these trees was 8^ cubits high,
which, taking the cubit, or fore-arm, at 1 ft. 9 in., will give a tree of about
15 ft., not one-third of the height of hundreds of English cedars; for
instance, those at Whitton, Pains Hill, and Caenwood. — Cond,

Art. II. Natural History in London,

The British Museum. — Since the publication of Art. II., in the First Num-
ber of your Magazine, which contained observations on the collections of
natural history in the British Museum, I was informed that considerable,
improvements had recently been made in some of the departments. I have,
therefore, been induced to revisit the different rooms accessible to the pub-
lic, and I think it but justice to state the results of my examination.

Every Englishman with correct and honourable feelings, must wish to see
the scientific institutions of his own country rival, if not excel, those of other
nations. He will hail the successful labours of men of science in every
department ; and, without stopping to enquire whether they belong to his
own coterie, or are members of his own society, he will exclaim,

" Je prends part a leur gloire, leur bonheur est le mien."

I can truly say, it gave me much pleasure to observe that the spirit of
improvement had visited the British Museum, and that some of the arrange-
ments which had so long been left incomplete, were at length accomplished
in a satisfactory manner. On the upper landing of the grand staircase, the
giraffes present a very different appearance from that which I remember

N 3

182 Natural Historic in London,

when I was last at the Museum. At that period there were only two of
these animals ; and so little care was taken in stuffing the skins, that the
legs resembled gate-posts more than the limbs of a beautiful quadruped. At
present, due attention has been observed to preserve the just proportion and
symmetry of the parts, and the three figures form an interesting group. I
mention these objects, because their improved appearance in limine augwceA
well for the improvements in other parts of the establishment. On entering
the ante-room of the saloon, I was pleased to observe a large collection of
fossil univalve shells, arranged in cases, which cover the centre of the room ;
these, however, have only been introduced very recently, to judge from the
catalogue of 1827, in which they are not in any way noticed. I shall revei't
to this collection again. The saloon contains a beautiful collection of simple
minerals, a great part of which belonged to the Greville collection. Of this
collection 1 have only to repeat what I stated in Art. II., that " it is,
perhaps, as well classed as the space allowed for it will admit of,*' More
care, however, appears to be taken in placing labels ; and several new speci-
mens have been added, particularly of meteoric stones, and meteoric native
iron. The next room, No. 8., contains the collection of recent shells, in 26
cases, well arranged, and conveniently displayed for inspection. The names
of Lamarck are on one side, and those of Linnaeus (which are here more
generally known) on the other. The collection may be regarded rather as
a useful than a splendid one, compared even with private collections in this
country ; among others might be particularised that of Dr. Goodall, Provost
of Eton. On taking a general view of the whole, the reason did not appear
very obvious why its arrangement should have required so many years to
complete. It is true, that the system of Lamarck was but imperfectly
understood in England, even seven or eight years since ; but many natural-
ists might have been found on the Continent, who would, with much ease,
have arranged the collection in fewer weeks, than it has taken years to
accomplish ; and a whole generation of young men havegrown up between the
years 1810 and 1825, who might have profited by it, and been now adding
to the stock of natural knowledge in various parts of the world. It is,
however, useless to dwell upon the past ; it is more gratifying to observe,
that there is now a well-arranged collection of recent shells in the British
Museum, accessible to the public ; and young persons who visit London, and
are desirous of cultivating this branch of natural history, may have an
opportunity of improvement which few, if any, of our provincial towns
present.

'* Si fas est docej^i,'* if it be lawful for the curators of this collection
to receive a hint, not ab hoste, but from a true friend to the scientific insti-
tutions of his own country, he would suggest, that the collection might be
made more instructive, by placing the name of each genus at full length, at
the head of each compartment, where the species occupy more than one ;
and, where two genera begin with the same letter, as Capsa and Crassina,
instead of simply placing C, to add the first letters, and write Cap. Cras. ;
because learners who are examining the shells, are frequently prevented
from reverting to the generic words, by the company crowding round the
cases. As conchology forms the amusement or the study of many ladies
who neither read Greek, nor are familiar with the works of Cuvier or La-
marck, a short explanation of the terms Gasteropoda, Cephalopoda, &c.
would be useful. It would, at least, remind them, that the knowledge of
the shell forms but a small part of the natural history of the Mollusca ; and
that a knowledge of the structure of the animals, and of their modes of
forming their shells, would be infinitely more curious and valuable could it
be obtained.

Let us now return to the fossil shells in the ante-room. These are chiefly
univalve shells, from the tertiary formation of the Paris basin ; but there is
one great defect in the arrangement of these, and of all the other fossil

Natural History in London. IBS

shells in the Museum. They are placed without any reference whatever to
their geological position, and the localities of the English fossil shells is
seldom given. In the cases in the ante-room, the very important distinction
of the marine and fresh- water shells is not made, nor is any information
afforded whether the shells belong to the series of strata below the gypsum,
or the series above. Thus, those persons who are not already acquainted
with the fossil conchology of the different formations, will derive much less
instruction from this collection, than they might do were the shells geolo-
gically arranged. Indeed, fossil conchology, without a reference to geology,
is as useless, as the stud}' of history would be, without any reference to geo-
graphy and chronology. The want of gaological arrangement is still more
striking in the fossil collection placed in t'he room No. 9. The locality, or
the name of the formation in which they were found, is not, I believe, given
with any of the English fossil shells or zoophytes. On this account, the
fossil conchology in the British Museum may be said to remain in a very
defective state.

Round the room No. 9., there are, however, numerous interesting speci:-
mens of vertebrated animals of the saurian or lizard family, and also of fossil
fish ; the localities of the foreign specimens are annexed. There is also an
interesting collection of fossil bones of the larger mammalia, and of the
carnivorous animals found in caverns, and some fossil remains of birds ;
these are all as well placed and arranged, as the form of the cases will
admit of.

The large room No. 10., is occupied with what is called, in the catalogue,
" the rudiments of a collection of British simple mineral substances ; " but
many of the cases, after a lapse of several years since the collection was
began, are still empty, or nearly so. It is to be regretted that a large space
is so injudiciously appropriated, in an establishment wheife room is much
wanted. The minerals of each county are in separate cases, but there can
be little utility in having specimens of common galena, calamine, Sec. from
all the counties in which they occur*; to enumerate their localities in a
catalogue would surely be sufficient. The waste of room is the more to
be lamented, as there is at present no geological collection of rock specimens
in the Museum, either illustrative of general geology, or the geology of our
own country. A foreigner visiting the British Museum, might suppose that
the science, and even the very name of geology, were unknown in England.
In this respect, the former mineral collection was preferable to the present,
as it contained illustrative specimens of the primary and transition rocks.
There is ample space in the room No. 10., for specimens of each known
species of simple minerals in England, and for the principal varieties ; and
also for a well-arranged collection of geological specimens, comprising the
strata in all the formations in Great Britain. It would be difficult to offer
a satisfactory reason why such a collection is not placed there.

The zoological collections in the British Museum may be briefly dis-
missed. The whole collection of insects is contained in four small cases ;
nor are these completely filled. The birds, and mammiferous quadrupeds,
are arranged according to the orders of Linnaeus, but want of room prevents
their being placed in situations sufficiently accessible for inspection. The
species of quadrupeds are not numerous, owing, I believe, to the decay
which too speedily takes place in stuffed specimens, particularly in the at-
mosphere of London. From the liability to decay, the difficulty with which
they are replaced, and the great space they occupy, stuffed specimens of
quadrupeds might, perhaps, be conveniently dismissed from our collections,

* The counties being artificial divisions, the minerals in adjacent counties
are generally identical, or at least as much so as the same minerals from dif-
ferent parts of the same county.

N 4

184- Natural History in London,

except of such rare animals as can seldom, if ever, be brought alive to Eu-
rope. Skeletons, exhibiting the structure and distinctive characters of the
orders and genera, accompanied with correct coloured drawings of the species,
arranged in frames, would be far more durable, and convey more scientific
information than stuffed specimens ; they would occupy less space, and also
be less expensive.

^ A slight inspection of the rooms in the Museum, appropriated to natural
history, will prove that the science has outgrown the space allotted for it.

It is much to be desired that ample room may be found in the buildings
now erecting, to exhibit properly the objects in every department of nature,
and that our national museum may be placed on a par with the museums of
natural history on the Continent. We may also be permitted to express a
■wish, that no unnecessary delay in completing the arrangements may be
tolerated. It would add greatly to the utility of the collections, if, beside
the general catalogue at present published, an ample systematic catalogue
were also to be published, for the use of those who are commencing the
regular study of natural history.

Linnean Society. — May 4. TheVeading of Mr. Morgan's paper, on the
mammary organs of the kangaroo, containing farther particulars of the dis-
section of these parts, as well as of the muscles attached to the marsupial
bones, in the adult and impregnated animal, was continued. These bones,
with their ligamentous and muscular connections, were described, and seve-
ral errors in Sir Everard Home's published account of these parts were
pointed out. The author then stated his own opinions respecting the use
of these structures. He stated that the marsupial bones are formed, first,
for the purpose of giving that firm support to the superincumbent abdomi-
nal viscera which the narrow pelvis of the animal is incapable of affording,
while in the erect posture ; and, secondly, for the purpose of constituting a
fixed point of resistance, against which the mammae are squeezed by the
muscular girdle already described as enclosing those glands between their
fibres. By this arrangement, the female is enabled to empty, by compression,
the excretory ducts of its mammae, and thus to force their secretions into
the mouth of the imperfectly organised young, which, during the earlier
periods of its existence, appears incapable of extracting a nutritious fluid
from that part, by the usual means.

It appears that the secretion of this fluid (or milk) takes place only in the
larger and lower gland, and that its ejection through the inferior and
longer teat is assisted by a muscular investment, which incloses the ducts
throughout their whole course, from the gland to the extremity of the
nipple. The existence of this structure has been noticed by M. Geoffroy
St. Hilaire, who has assigned to it the same use. Under this compressing
muscle of the lower, or, as Mr. Morgan has named it, the true, marsupial
teat, a congeries of vessels, which principally consisted of veins, was de-
scribed as forming a plexus around the central fasciculus of ducts. These
veins, together with those of the gland, were stated to occasion a consider-
able distension of the mammary organ during the time of suckling, in conse-
quence of the congestion which must necessarily occur in the vessels at that
period, from the pressure made upon their main trunks by the action of the
compressing muscle of the mammae ; for it has been found, that the size of
the organ, on such occasions, exceeds that which a loaded state of the
ducts only could produce. The mammae were found, as in the virgin ani-
mal, to consist in double glands on each side, the upper and smaller pre-
senting the sam'e anatomical characters as in the former instance ; its excre-
tory ducts, however, in their course towards the upper nipple, were found
to be enclosed in an indistinct muscular sheath, and there was a faint indi-
cation of the existence of a plexus of vessels similar to that which was found
in the lower or true marsupial teat. This smaller mammary organ is con-
sidered by the author as analogous to the supernumerary mammae and teats
of other mammiferous animals, since the lower, or true, marsupial mammary

Natural History in London. 185

glands and their teats, appear to perform, exclusively, the office of preparing
a nutritious fluid for the support of the young animal. {Phil. Mag. and
Annals of Philosophy ^ June.)

Mat/ 24. The anniversary meeting took place, at which Edward, Lord
Stanley, was elected President, in the room of the late Sir J. E. Smith ; and
Edward Forster, J.E.Bicheno, and R. Taylor, Esqrs., respectively reelected
to the offices of Treasurer, Secretary, and Under-secretary.

June 3. Read. A description of a new genus of quadrupeds named
Lagostomos (lagos^ a hare, stomas a mouth ; the head of the animal resem-
bling that of a hare) trichodactylus {thrix, hair, daktylos, a toe), belonging
to the order of Rongeurs Cuv., Glires Lin.\ by Joshua Brookes, Esq.
F.R.S.L.S.

June 10. The Council having had an offer of the late respected president's
collections in natural history, consisting of the collections and library of Lin-
naeus and his son, and the president's own collections and library, submitted
to the consideration of the Society, a proposal for purchasing the same for
the use of the Society, for the sum of 4000/. ; and a subscription was im-
mediately opened for that purpose, the amount of which, up to the period
at which we write, is nearly 1000/. The subscription may either be in one
principal sum, or so much per annum. Lord Stanley, the president, put
down his name for 21/., and 2/. 2s. annually; and Mr. Anderson, of the
Chelsea botanic garden, and some other gardeners and nurserymen, greatly
to their honour, tor 2/. 2s. annually. We have no doubt this treasure will
be obtained for the Society, and it is highly fitting that it should.

Geological Society. — April 18. A paper was read, " On the fossil re-
mains of two new species of Mastodon, and of other vertebrated animals,
found on the left bank of the Irawadi ; by William Clift, Esq. F.G.S. F.R.S.,
conservator of the museum of the Royal College of Surgeons."

The author having been requested to describe the fossil remains which
the zeal and liberality of Mr. Crawfurd have transferred from the deserts
of the Irawadi to the museum of the Geological Society, confines himself
strictly to zoological and anatomical details ; and, following the system of
Cuvier, commences with the

Pachydermata proboscidifera. The only genus of this order indicated by
the remains is the Mastodon, and of this there are two species. Mastodon
latidens and Mastodon elephantoides, not only commanding attention from
their novelty, but from the beautiful gradation which they exhibit between
the mastodons already described and the elephant. On comparing the teeth
of Mastodon latidens with those of the mastodon of the Ohio (M. gigan-
teum), the denticules are found to be more numerous and less distant, and
the interstices less deep than in those of the latter; the teeth, in short,
begin to assume the appearance of those of the elephant. On advancing to
Mastodon elephantoides, these features of similarity are more strongly de-
veloped ; the many-pointed denticules are still more numerous and more
compressed, and the structure, were it not for the absence of crusta petrosa,
becomes almost that of the tooth of the elephant. In both, though the
teeth are formed upon the principle by which the tooth of the mastodon is
distinguished from that of the elephant, the crown of the tooth wears away
more like that of the elephant than that of the other mastodons.

Pachydermata ordindria. In this group we have the remains of the genera
sus, hippopotamus, and rhinoceros. Of the first there is only a single
specimen, consisting of a small portion of the lower jaw, containing one
molar tooth, and the fragment of another ; of the second there are but
few fragments, nor are they sufficiently characteristic to warrant a definition
of the species, which must have been comparatively small ; of the third
there is a portion of the upper jaw, containing two molar teeth, and por-
tions of the lower jaw with molares, which seem to approach nearer to those
of the Rhinoceros of Java than to those of any other living species.

186 Natural History in London.

Rumindntia. In this group we have fragments of the ox and of the deer.
Reptilia, Chelonia Cuv. (Testudinata Bell.) There are many fragments
of a large species of trionyx, and some of an emys ; but the remains are
not sufficiently defined for specific description.

Sauria, fam. C'rocodilidae. Of this family we have the remains of two
genera, viz. a Leptorhynchus, allied to, if not identical with, the great gavial,
and a crocodile resembling Crocodilus vulgaris. Of the former there are
portions of the lower jaw and several vertebrae; of the latter there is the
anterior termination of the lower jaw, which inust have belonged to a very
large individual.

The specimens, in general, do not appear to have undergone any mineral
change, with the exception of being abundantly penetrated with iron, and
are very brittle. This last circumstance, arising from the loss of their ani-
mal gluten, indicates great antiquity, and that they have not been imbedded
in any very compact soil ; unlike the teeth of the mastodon of the Ohio,
which lie in a strong blue clay, and have almost as much animal matter as
is to be found in a recent tooth.

The bones are almost in every instance broken, and, from the firmness of
texture of most of them, the direction and cleanness of the fracture, and
the sharpness of its edges, the injury, which must have been the result of an
immense power operating with sudden violence, appears to have taken
place at the period, or very soon after the period, of the destruction of the
animal.

A paper was next read, " On a collection of vegetable and animal re-
mains, and rocks, from the Burmese country, presented to the Geological
Society by J. Crawfurd, Esq.,^' by the Rev. W. Buckland, D.D. V.P.G.S.
F.R.S. &c.

Mr. Crawfurd collected these specimens during his voyage up the Irawadi,
in a steam-boat, on an embassy to Ava, in the latter part of the year 1826.
The author considers them to be of high importance, as affording an answer
to the curious and till now undecided question, whether there be, or be
not, in the southern regions of Asia, any remains of fossil quadrupeds
analogous to those which are found so widely dispersed in the diluvium of
northern Asia, and of Europe and America.

The evidence which Mr. Crawfurd has imported consists of several chests
full of fossil wood and fossil bones, and of specimens of the strata that are
found along the course of the Irawadi, from Prome up to Ava; being a dis-
tance of nearly 500 miles. The greater part of the fossil wood is beautifully
silicified; other specimens of it are calcareous: they are mostly portions of
large trees, both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous, and were found
along the whole valley of the Irawadi from Ava to Prome. The bones were
all collected from a small district near some wells of petroleum, about half
way between these towns, and on the left bank of the river. From Mr.
Clift's examination, it appears that although we have among them no re-
mains of fossil elephants, we have the same fossil Pachydermata that are
found associated with elephants in Europe, namely, rhinoceros, hippopo-
tamus, mastodon, and hog. We have also two or three species of rumi-
nantia resembling the ox, antelope, and deer, with the addition of the gavial
and alligator, and two fresh-water tortoises, namely, trionyx and emys.

The teeth of the mastodon belong to two unknown species of that genus,
both of them approaching in size to the largest elephant. Mr. Clift has
designated them by the names of Mastodon latidens and M. elephantoides.
The teeth are from animals of all ages ; and there are many fragments of
ivory, derived probably also from the mastodon.

The remains of the mastodon are by far the most abundant in this col-
lection, and amount to about 1 50 fragments.

Of the rhinoceros there are about 10 fragments; of a small species of
hippopotamus, 2 ; of the hog, 1 ; of the ox, deer, and antelope about

Natural History in London. 187

20; of the gavial and alligator, about 50; of the emys, 20; and of the tri-
onyx, 10.

One fragment of emys is so large, that the animal of which it formed a
part must have been several feet in width.

The state of preservation of these bones is very perfect, from their being
penetrated with hydrate of iron, and thereby rendered strong. Not one of
them is silicified, though they have been erroneously stated to be so, in
some of the periodical journals.

The district in which they were found is a little north of the town of
Wetmasut, and is composed of barren sand-hills and beds of gravel, inter-
sected by ravines, and cemented occasionally into a breccia by carbonate of
lime, and sometimes by hydrate of iron. Over the surface of these hills
were scattered the fragments of bones and wood, some quite naked and
loose, others half buried in the sand and gravel. Many fragments of wood
lay also at the bottom of the ravines. About one third of the bones have
been slightly rolled, and the rest had all been broken before they were
lodged in the places where Mr. Crawfurd found them, and where the>' ap-
pear to have been dispersed and buried by the action of the same waters
that produced the diluvial sand and gravel ; whence they have since been
washed out, and left bare by the action of rains and torrents.

Concretions of sand and gravel adhere to many of the bones, but they
contain no traces of shells, and differ mineralogically from all the rock
specimens in this collection, which we recognize as belonging to tertiary and
fresh-water strata.

Indications of fresh-water formation were found in one spot only, not far
from the fossil bones, and they consist of a marly blue clay, abounding with
shells of a large and thick species of Cyrena.

The tertiary rocks are, Ist. a dark slaty limestone, containing many shells,
that have been identified by Mr. Sowerby with those of the London clay ;
2d. a yellow sandy limestone, containing shells, and resembling the calcaire
grossier ; and 3d. a soft greenish sandstone, resembling the sandy beds of
our plastic clay formation.

This London clay and calcaire grossier afford an additional locality of
these strata to those indicated by the specimens described by Mr. Cole-
brooke, in vol. i. part i. second series of the Geological Transactions, which
had already established the existence of this formation in the north-east
border of Bengal.

Mr. Crawfurd states distinctly, that it is impossible to refer the situation
of the bones, or the origin of the hills containing them, to any operations of
the existing river. These hills are 60 ft. above the level of its highest flood.
The effect of its actual operations, he observes also, is distinctly visible in
the shifting islands of mud and sand that abound along the whole course of
the river within this high-flood level, and in the great alluvial delta that
extends from a little below Prome to Rangoon and the Gulf of Martaban.

The recent bones and recent wood which he observed to be stranded on
some of these islands, were not in a state of progress towards becoming
mineralised, but were falling rapidly to decay.

The existence of so many animal remains analogous to those that occur
in the diluvium of Europe, in a matrix which so nearly resembles that dili-
viura, and which so decidedly differs from the alluvium, and fresh-water,
and tertiary strata of the adjacent country, seems to authorise us to refer
this matrix to a similar diluvial deposit in the valley of the Irawadi, re-
posing irregularly upon the tertiary and other stratified rocks, that form the
basis of that district.

Besides the tertiary strata above enumerated, thei'e are specimens of
grauwacke and transition limestone, from several distant points in the valley
of the Irawadi between Prome and Ava, which render it probable that the
fundamental rocks of this valley belong to the transition series.

188 Natural Historic in Lotidon,

On the north of Ava there are chains of primitive mountains abounding
with statuary marble, associated, as usual, with horn-blende and mica slate.
We may, therefore, consider it as now established, on the authority of
Mr. Crawfurd's notes and specimens, that the Burmese country not only
contains the remains of fossil animals above enumerated, but also affords
examples of the following geological formations, which can be identified
with those of Europe, namely, 1. Alluvium; 2. Diluvium; 3. Fresh-water
marl ; 4. London clay and calcaire grossier ; 5. Plastic clay, with its sands
and gravel ; 6. Transition limestone and grauwacke ; 7. Primitive marble
and mica slate.

May 2. Lieutenant William Glennie's paper, on the " Ascent of Popo-
catapetl," was read, an abstract of which we shall give elsewhere.

Zoological Society. — April 29. The anniversary meeting of the members
of this society was held at the rooms of the Horticultural Society, the Mar-
quess of Lansdowne, President, in the chair. The meeting was numerously
attended. The President congratulated the meeting on the continued pro-
gress which the society had made during the past year, as well in the great
accession to their numbers, as in the development of their objects and the
extension and improvement of their plans. He also suggested another topic
of congratulation — the state of the finances. The secretary then read a
report, by which it appeared the receipts during the last year exceeded
5,000/., and that a balance of nearly 1,000/. remained in the banker's hands
on the 1st of January. Since that period, upwards of one hundred and
thirty additional members have joined the society, and the secretary an-
nounced that several names were added on the morning of the meeting :
among them were those of the Duke of Wellington and theEarl of Harrowby.
A list of animals in the garden of the Society was then read, and a present of
four kangaroos, bred in this country, was announced, from the Marquess of
Hertford. Some regulations for the admission of members and visitors to
the museum and gardens were then proposed, and, after some discussion,
adopted. According to these regulations, members have the right of entree
to both establishments, at all times, with one or two friends ; and the pub-
lic will, in the course of the season, have admission to the museum and
gardens on three days in the week, on payment of Is. each person. Mem-
bers can also purchase a ticket, at the rate of one pound annually, which
will admit two additional persons. These regulations will be modified by
the council as circumstances may require. Five new members of the coun-
cil; viz. Hon. G. A. Ellis, M.P.; Thomas Hoblyn, Esq., F.R.S.; Earl of
Mountcharles, M.P. ; S. Taylor, Esq., F.L.S., and Sir R. Vyvyan, Bart,
were proposed and elected. The Marquess of Lansdowne was reelected
President ; and N. A. Vigors, Esq. Secretary. ( Verulam.)

May I4:th. The council have thought it essential to the interests of
the society, that the following regulations be adopted and strictly adhered
to: —

Every member shall have personal admission to the gardens and museum,
with two companions. If accompanied by more than two, he shall pay
one shilling for each extra person.

A member, on payment of one guinea annually, may obtain an ivory
ticket which will admit one named person with a companion to both esta-
blishments; or a transferable ivory ticket which will admit one person. He
may obtain two or more such tickets at the same rate.

Any member who may find it inconvenient to attend personally at the
gardens or museum, may, upon application to the council, have his privi-
leges transferred, within the present year, to any individual of his family,
whom he may name.

Every member will be expected to give his name on entering the garden
and museum.

Natural History in London. ' 189

The gardens will be open to members from eight o'clock, A.M. ; but they
will be in complete readiness for the reception of visitors only from ten
o'clock to sunset. The museum will be open from ten o'clock to six.

We cannot but regret that a liberal institution should have been obliged
to resort to admission money ; so many regulations, too, are bad on the face
of them. If accompanied by more than two, it will not be the value of the
" one shilling for each extra person " that will be the most painful, but a
sense of restraint, more easily conceived than expressed, and amounting al-
most to a feeling of degradation. Then the purchase of " ivory tickets," by
those who can afford them, at once makes two classes, and consequently
ranks of those who ought to be one, and, as members of the society, on a
perfect footing of equality. We should have thought the feeling produced
in the Horticultural Society, by the creation of different ranks and privi-
leges would have operated as a warning in this case. Our opinion is, that
in all literary or scientific societies, it should never be in the power of
wealth or hereditary rank, as such, to procure any advantage over the poorest
member of such societies. But perhaps our opinion is erroneous, and we
are quite willing to listen to that of others. Instead of the first five of the
above regulations, we would allow every member to give as many admis-
sion tickets as he chose, and we should say, that the more he gave, the
more would the objects of the society be promoted : or, if money is to be
taken at the door, let it be taken from those who present themselves. —
Cond. ?

Medico-Botanical Society. — May 9. Several books, and a variety of
rare plants were presented, and two papers read. On the Haimarada of
Demerara, Vandellifl diffiisa Lm. Scrophularineae {fig. 82.), by Dr. John
Hancock of Demerara. This humble
plant, which grows on the road-sides
m Guiana is, by the Dutch Creoles,
called " Bitter Blairr," and is an-
nounced by the author as most effi-
cacious in several diseases of the na-
tives, but more particularly intermit-
tent fevers. A paper on the Bushmen
of the Orange River, and their poi-
soned arrows, by Mr. Louis Leslie,
assistant surgeon of the 48th regi-
ment, and communicated to the So-
ciety by Sir James M'Grigor, Presi-
dent, was also read. The author, who was stationed on the banks of the
Orange River, South Africa, before the post was abandoned, after giving a
short description of the appearance of these miserable beings, who are said
by him to live on locusts, ants, and some farinaceous roots, states, that he
has not been able to procure one authenticated relation of death in man
from the effects of the arrows employed by the Bushmen in self-defence.
Mr. Frost, the director, delivered some extemporary observations in very
good style on the plants, chiefly from the hot-house and green-house, fur-
nished by our neighbour Mr. Campbell from the Bayswater botanic garden.

Zoological Imposture. — A female bear, shaven, and dressed as a woman,
is now exhibiting in a caravan in the Borough, as a monstrosity of the
human species from the deserts of Arabia. The animal is placed in an arm-
chair, and tightly but concealedly strapped to it, so as to assume the
appearance of a human figure in a sitting position. The skin of the hands
and feet, besides being closely shaved, is artificially coloured. — J,R.
May 15.

190 Natural History ifi the English Counties.

Art. III. Natural History in the English Counties.

Hampshiee.

The Portsmouth Philosophical Society owes its existence to the meetings
of a few scientific individuals, for the purposes of experimental philosophy,
in the year 1815, whose numbers being increased m 1818, they formed a
Society, published a code of laws, and elected a president; and in 1821
published their first annual report. Their roOms are in Pembroke Street,
where they have a theatre for the delivery of public lectures, capable of
accommodating three hundred persons, and a spacious museum. This col-
lection was commenced in 1822, but it was not till 1824 that the addition
of nearly two thousand specimens, and the introduction of lectures on
natural history directed the particular attention of the members to this
department, from which period it has continued rapidly to increase, and
now contains more than nine thousand specimens in natural history, con-
sisting of a few quadrupeds, about two hundred birds, reptiles dried and in
spirits, fishes, insects more than one thousand, a series of Crustacea, moL-
lusca dried and in spirits, shells about three thousand, a variety of zoophyta,
several hundred minerals and geological specimens, about one thousand
five hundred foesil organic remains, amongst them a complete series of the
Hordwell fossils figured by Branden. In botany a Flora A'rctica, a Hortus
Siccus of Mont Blanc, the Filices of Jamaica, a Cryptogamia of Newfound-
land, the British Cryptogamia of the late Mr. Hay, collected during a long
life, with particular attention to the subjeft, the rudiments of a British and
General Herbarium, &c. A considerable number of coins, and a great
variety of miscellaneous objects of curiosity ; the whole arranged in glass
cases, well suited for preservation and display. In the same room is the
Society's extensive and valuable philosophical apparatus.

In this museum the following points are particularly attended to : the
preparation and preservation of every specimen in the best possible condi-
tion ; the systematic classification of the subjects, so as to present every aid
to the student which the smallness of the collection will admit. The
acquirements of all local specimens, affording to the scientific tourist, at one
view, the productions of the district. The present arrangement is mostly
Linnean. Lectures on natural history form a part of the proceedings of
the Society, and the following courses have been delivered since the esta-
blishment of the museum : — On the Study of Natural History; the Classi-
fication of the Animal Kingdom ; Ornithology; Entomology; Conchology;
the Mollusca ; the Zoophyta ; the burrowing and boring Marine Testacea ;
Habits, &c. of certain :Testacea ; the Vegetable Kingdom ; Anatomy and
Physiology of Plants ; Mineralogy ; Oryctology {oryktos, fossil, logos, dis-
course); Geology of the Island of Portsea ; the Chalk Formation ; Animal,
Vegetable, and Mineral Poisons, &c.; besides a variety of illustrations of
donations, short papers, notices, and discussions on subjects connected with
natural history.

The freest admission is at all times obtainable to view the museum ; the
curator is always ready to give every information relative to the collection,
and impart to friends going to foreign parts the best methods of collecting
and preparing objects in every department. By far the greater portion of
the specimens have been presented by the members and their friends, and
the great interest taken by them in its prosperity, together with its local
advantages, present every prospect of its becoming both creditable to the
institution and respectable as a provincial collection. Accompanying this
communication is a copy of the laws and regulations of the Society, and a.
report of its state for 1826-7. — J. H. D. June, 1828.

The Philosophical Institution of Newport, Isle of Wight, is an old esta-
blished Society, holding stated meetings for the delivery of lectures, and

Natural Histonj in Scotland, 1 9 1

having a museum, containing a small but interesting collection in natural
history, antiquities, &c. From its isolated situation its progress has been
comparatively slow, and from the same cause its members are but few in
number, though possessing a very considerable share of talent. A course
of lectures on the study of natural history, &c., by W. Lempriere, M.D.
Vice-President, have been lately published, (see p. 183.) — Id.

The Philosophical Society of Southampton, established at the commence-
ment of the present year (1828) on principles similar to that of Portsmouth,
has commenced the formation of a museum, and acquired a considerable
number of specimens, principally by way of deposit. From the emulation
excited amongst the scientific individuals of that neighbourhood its speedy
accumulation may be anticipated. — Id.

Museum of the Royal Naval Hospital, Hasler. — In the left wing of this
noble edifice the commissioners of His Majesty's victualling department
have lately erected two elegant rooms ; the lower, superbly fitted up with
mahogany cases, commodious seats, &c. as a library and lecture-room for
the delivery of lectures to the medical pupils; the upper, finished in the
most costly style of Grecian design, for the reception of a museum ; the
table, and upright cases, being of solid mahogany with brass ornaments, and
the whole arrangement strikingly tasteful. It already contains many curious
specimens in morbid anatomy, and a considerable number of foreign birds,
insects, shells, minerals, plants, &c. principally presented by the medical
officers of His Majesty's navy. From the peculiar advantages possessed
by this museum, and the professional acquirements of its directors and sup-
porters, it may be expected to become particularly rich and valuable in:
morbid and comparative anatomy, as well as highly interesting as a general
collection. — Id.

We are extremely obliged by these notices, and hope other readers and
friends will follow the example. We should like not only to have accounts
of the museums of natural history in every town and county in the empire,
but the natural history of particular estates, mountains, valleys, basins,
lakes, parishes, districts, and counties. — Cond.

Scilla nutans, your correspondent E. K. (p. 83.) informs us, is found with
white flowers, in Combe wood; so it is in Refiy wood, near Lynn. — The
Rev. George Munford.

So it is on the left-hand side of the road between Crickhowel and Bre-
con, about half a mile from the former town. — H. J. Reed. Abergavenny.

Large Trees. — A few days ago, an ash tree was felled in Blackburn
Hollows, near Shiresgreen, Yorkshire, containing 750 feet of solid timber;'
it was 10 ft. 6 in. across the stool. An oak tree was also felled in Shining-
cliff, near Crich, Derbyshire, containing 965 feet, and 13 ft. 4 in. across the
stool. (Mbrw. C%row., Feb. 14.)

Spanish Asses. — The Duke of Buckingham has, at his seat at Avington,
a team of Spanish asses, resembling the zebra in appearance, which are ex-
tremely tractable, and take more freely to the collar than any of our native^
species. {Farm. Jour., May 19.)

The Ladybird is remarkably abundant this season. The shrimp of this
insect destroys both turnips and peas in many parts of England, and if some
entomologists, such as Mr. Curtis, Mr. Stephens, or Mr. Samouelle, would
give you a natural history of them, it could not but be highly gratifying and
mstructive to many of your country readers. — H, J. Brown. Dorchester, _
May 5.

Art. IV. Natural History in Scotland.

Mr. Neill's Villa at Cannon Mills. — Sir, I shall try to get a friend to
sketch Mr. Neill's interesting villa at Cannon Mills, the garden of which

192 'Natural History in Ireland,

has now three hot-houses in it, a green-house, a stove, a vinery, and about
2000 distinct sorts of plants, species and varieties included. In the stove is
a living »S'iren /acertina {fig. 80. p. 171.), the only one alive in Europe, as far
as I have ever heard ; and on Passiflora quadrangularis, over the siren's
box, may be seen crawling, a live chameleon, which really strongly changes
its colour, according to the colour of the substance it is near or in front of;
but it takes hours to effect the change. I wish the notice had been drawn
up in Mr. Neill's late housekeeper's time ; her name was Peggy Oliver ; she
was housekeeper, cook, and gardener, and, since her death, he has got two
maid servants, and a clever young lad as a gardener, and it takes them all to
supply her place. Dear Sir, yours, very truly, — 5. R,A. Edinburgh, May.

Art. V. Natural History in Ireland,

The Belfast Natural History Society held their anniversary meeting on
the 24th of May. The report of the curator of the museum was read by the
president. Dr. James L.Drummond, by which it appears that the number of
members, which was last year 67, is now 85 ; that considerable additions
have been made to the museum, by purchase, by exchange, and by dona-
tion, and that a portion of the funds has been devoted to the library.

" During the last year, the meetings of the Society were uninterrupted,
and a great variety of papers were read; many of these were continuations
of subjects formerly commenced. It is to be remarked, that members are
beginning to confine themselves more to particular branches of natural his-
tory, thus giving to the others the advantage of a regular series of papers.
In this way, mineralogy has been fully treated of, especially by one gentle-
man, Mr. James M'Adam. Entomology has its own admirers. Some indi-
viduals have devoted themselves to ornithology, and the first of a series of
lectures on conchology was delivered on our last night of meeting. The
total number of papers read during the session, is 30 ; twelve of these were
on mineralogy, five on botany, one on topography, two on meteorology, and
ten on the various branches of zoology.

" For the purpose of directing to this Society the attention of our coun-
trymen abroad, we have drawn up a circular letter, containing directions
for the preservation of objects of natural history, and at the same time re-
questing their co-operation in furtherance of our views, by sending such spe-
cimens connected with our pursuit, as occur in their respective places of
abode. In this way much might be done, as there are few persons who have
it not in their power to contribute something to a museum ; and the mem-
bers feel they can make a request of this kind without hesitation, as they
have no individual right of property in a museum intended solely for the
promotion of natural science in this part of Ireland.'*

The address of the president. Dr. J. L. Drummond, contains a short ana-
lysis of the principal papers read, and an eloquent and interesting address
on the study of natural history, which, as we have been favoured with a
copy, we intend giving in our next Number. Speaking of the Magazine of
Natural History, the president observes, " I hope to see many of its future
pages occupied with communications from this Society" — a hope which,
we are sure, all our readers will earnestly desire to see fulfilled, and for the
expression of which we are sure they will join with us in thanking the pre-
sident and the society. — Cond.

Calendan of ]<!ainrc. 193

Art. VI. Perennial Calendar for various Parts of Europe.

Skeleton Form for February. — Flora. The following plants flower,
viz. the crocus on the , snowdrop , primrose , violet

, hypatica , mezereon , polyanthus , field speed-

well , daisy , winter aconite , dandelion , almond

, pilewort , and the hyacinth on the

Fauna. — Fieldfares and redwings remain on the , song of the

thrush heard on the , missel thrush , chaffinch , skylark

, woodlark . Marsh titmouse begins his spring note ,

and the blackbird on the . The raven and common owl paired

about the , geese lay , and wood-pigeon coos on the

Meteorology. — The weather, &c. as in January.
^ (The remaining months of the year will be given in next Number, and
■the skeleton forms, with the improvements of different correspondents,
delivered with the Number for November.)

Art. VII. Calendar of Nature for London.

THtl middle of April to the middle of June. — Flora. The common yellow
■flag, pink, butter-cup, tulip, hyacinth, jonquil, archangel blackthorn, were
all in flower on the 15th ; male orchis, 16th ; grape hyacinth, 20th ; crown
imperial, 25th ; stitchwort and cowslip on the 26th ; about this time, fruit-
trees, as apples, pears, &c.,' generally in flower.

Fauna. Arrived, the chifF-chaff" and smallest willow wren, on the 8th;
swallow, on the 9th; house martin, 23d; black martin, 23d ; field lark, 14thj
nightingale, on the 14th ; white-throat, 14th ; cuckoo, 22d ; wryneck, I5th;
and orange-tip butterfly, on the 1 2th.

May. — Flora. The harebell hyacinth, on the 8th; gentianella, 12th;
oxlip, 22d ; yellow rattle, 20th ; herb Robert, 6th; Guelder rose, laburnum,
and scarlet thorn, on the 16th ; mulberry came in leaf about the 20th ; and
green peas and cauliflowers appeared in market on the 20th.

Fauna. Young rooks, on the 10th ; land-rail heard oh the 11th ; cock-
chaffer seen on the 25th ; dragon flies, 25th ; glow-worm, 26th ; rose-beetle,
27th ; white angler's-fly, 22d ; gad-fly, 24th ; fly-catcher and turtle-dove, on
the 23d.

June. — Flora. Among the great variety of flowers at present in the
gardens, it may only be necessary to notice a few which are met with every
where; viz., Fraxinella began to flower on the 2d ; spiderwort, on the 4th ;
orange lily, the 4th ; corn-flag or sword-lily, on the 6th ; pyramidal orchis,
on the 1st; and sweet William, about the 4th.

Fauna. The young of many small birds fly ; viz., redbreast, sparrows,
hedge-sparrows, blackbirds, thrushes, and starlings; also young magpies,
jackdaws, and crows.

The Weather, from the beginning of May to this time, has been a conti-
nuation of that we have had ever since the commencement of the year.
Changeableness has been its general character. Dry and wet days have
succeeded each other; showers and sunshine occurred several times on the
same day. Easterly and northerly winds prevailed during the first two
weeks of May ; but frequently shifting to the opposite points, were, on such
change, always accompanied with rain. Thunder-showers have been fre-
quent, and sometimes very heavy, with hail, and sometimes followed by
night-frosts. Travellers over extensive tracts of the kingdom have been
struck with the appearance of drenched ground in one district, and annoyed
by the dust flying on the roads in another, at no great distance. The quan-
VoL. I. — No. 2. o

1 94} Indicatoiial Caletidar,

tity of rain which has fallen during all this period has been but little more
than the waste by evaporation ; and though some of the operations in the
fields have been retarded by the frequent showers, it was not till the 4th
inst. that garden ground received a sufficient share of moisture to reach the
roots. For these two or three days last past, the wind has remained pretty
steady in the N.W. ; should it not veer to the southward again, a dry season
may follow, and give opportunity to make and secure the generally abun-
dant crops of hay. — J. M. Chelsea^ \5th Juncy 1828.

Art. VIII. Indicatorial Calendar,

Numberless are the objects which attract our attention at this season,
in the animal and vegetable world. The garden, the fields, the woods, and
waters, all teem with organised life. Many of the fruits of the earth have
arrived at, and many more are in progress, to perfection.

Animals of the Chase have now a respite from their foes ; the crops on the
fields prevent pursuit. On the grassy margins of fields, however, hares are
often seen, at dawn or twilight, limping and frisking about with all their
characteristic playfulness. At the same hours, rabbits issue from their bur-
rows. Foxes, polecats, stoats, weasels, prowl about during the night ; and
two or three species of the winged individuals of this class, viz., the bats, are
seen on evenings, wheeling about and seizing their prey, the nocturnal
moths.

Of Birds, the young of all sorts are seen. The love-song of the greater
number is nearly over, except such as breed late. Rooks are congregated,
and, joined by the jackdaw, find their food on open fields or downs ; retiring
to their roosting-places in high woods, on the approach of night. If the
weather proves dry, so that their natural food (grubs) descend into the
ground beyond their reach, they will sometimes betake themselves to fields
of corn, where they will do much damage, if not scared away in time. If
a late brood or two are hatched after the rest, these do not, for some time,
associate with the general company, but are led about by the old ones to
-cherry-orchards, and are often greater plagues to the orchardist than the
whole rookery together. Coveys of partridges are often met with ; and if
before the young can fly, they instantly squat motionless; and it is amusing
to see the old ones' pretended helplessness in awkwardly fluttering away, to
beguile the intruder from the place ; and with what address she steals in a
circuit round, to call her young from the too-public spot. The sparrow-
hawk is often seen rapidly skirting the hedge, or skimming the fields in
quest of young birds; soon as observed, the swallow gives his shrill signal-
note of danger, in which he is joined by the blue titmouse and some other
birds. The swallow, house-martin, and wagtail, pui'sue the hawk with
threatening cries, secure in their suj)erior power of flight ; all others escaping,
with cries of alarm, to thickets for safety. Small birds are not alarmed in
the same way by the larger kind of hawks. The crow and magpie sound an
alarm on sight of the falcon, buzzard, kite, and raven ; the three last fly
before the audacious crow, but he rarely approaches near the first. The
cuckoo, and chief of the migratory birds, are now nearly mute, and begin to
steal away imperceptibly. The swift or black martin, almost always on
wing round their place of resort, generally leave about the 8th of August ;
sooner if the season is cold and wet, but seldom later if the weather be
never so warm. The sky and wood-larks, with, here and there, a blackbird
and song-thrush, are our principal songsters. The notes of other birds are
only calls of fear or invitation to each other.

Indicator ial Calendar. 195

Fishes. — The finny inhabitants of rivers and lakes may be seen variously
employed, watching their prey, basking in the sunshine, or roving about in
shoals. The springing trout rises in the air to catch the passing fly, and the
voracious pike darts like an arrow from his lurking-place, among the heed-
less fry of minor fish. Of these and sea-fish, the following are in season for
the next two months : viz.

Salmon, .Salmo A'alar L, Gurnard, Trlgla cuculus L.

Salmon-trout, S. trutta L. Sturgeon, ^cip^nser stiirio L.

Trout, S. FdiVio L. Whiting, Gadus merlangus L.

John Dor^e, Zeus i<'aber L. Haddock, G. aeglefinus L.

Turbot, Pleuronectes maximus L. White-bait, Cyprinus, sp. ? i.

Mullet, il/ullus Surmiiletus L. With other common fresh-water

Mackerel, 5c6mber ^Scomber, LS fish.

Of Crustacea^ the lobster, crab, crawfish, prawn, and shrimps, are brought
to market, with two or three sorts of buccineum.

The Insect tribes, which at this time sport in the sunbeam, visit the
flowers and tender leaves, or crawl on the surface of the ground, are in-
numerable. By day, the gaudy butterflies add life and variety of colours
even to the parterre. Among them the following are the most conspicuous : —
The swallow-tailed Papllio Machaow, Peacock, Grand Admiral, Orange-tip,
Marble, Tortoise-shell, Blue Argus.

By night, the no less splendid family of moths are on wing, but can only
be admired when they happen to be disturbed from their retreats by
day. The elephant-hawk-moth is a beautiful type of the sphinx family.
Beetles, in their metallic-coloured mail, are seen on flowers, on foliage, or
on our paths. The stag, tree, hoary, and rose beetles, are met with in gar-
dens; and the variously-marked lady-birds are everywhere, if the green
aphides are prevalent. The splendid green cicindella flits before us on dry
paths ; and many others of this curious tribe. Of the family of bees all are
in full enjoyment at this time; the mason-bee is one of the most curious;
unlike some of its congeners, its abode is solitary ; the habitation built by itself
appears like a patch of mud stuck into a small hollow, on the face of a
wall. Within this are chambers, lined with leaves, and containing one egg,
which, becoming a maggot, lives on the store provided by the mother,
changes to a chrysalis, and comes forth a perfect insect in the follow-
ing spring. The dragon-flies are also an interesting tribe of insects ; their
four transparent and ample wings, their lengthened, slender shape, and
curious mailed structure and colours, and their habits of hovering over
ponds and banks of rivers, where they are bred, sufficiently point them out
to the notice of the naturalist. The largest of the genus known in this
country is the Libelhila grandis. This magnificent insect may be often
observed in shady walks or lanes, darting with astonishing velocity after
every fly that passes, and on which he preys. The house-fly (ilf usca dom^s-
tica) does not enter houses till the wet or cold of autumn drives them in ;
but there is another fly which, exteriorly, much resembles it, and which is
often troublesome in the ensuing months ; this is the Stomoxys calcitrans,
or stinging fly, one of the greatest plagues to cattle^ as well as to persons
wearing thin stockings. The invisible harvest bug (A'carus iiicinus), the
common gnat, and musquito, are also troublesome to those whose delicate
skin may be exposed to their unsuspected attack. Young frogs change
from their tadpole state.

The Vegetable Kingdom is now in full developement; the ripening corn,
and the fertile fruit-trees bending under their swelling burthens, are, toge-
ther, the effects and the reward of industry, and the offspring of the by-
gone months. The garden glows with all the tribe of annual flowers ; a few
perennials still adorn the flower-borders, which need not here be named.
Those who admire and find amusement in searching for the spontaneous

O 2

Ids Queries and Answers:

gems of Flora, may discover a few by visiting the fields where the coclcle
(Agrostemma G^ithago), the foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), bluewort (Cen-
taurea Cjanus), frog's-mouth (Antirrhinum Linaria), and several others appear.
The marshes and meadows yield the Carduus palustris, the CEnanthe pirapi-
nelloides, Gentiawa amarella, Ljthrum Salicaria, .S'pirae^a wlmaria, Butomus
umbellatus, and Rumex maritimus. Near woods may be seen, the Hyperi-
cum perforatum, &c. ; and on heaths or waste ground, besides the general
covering of ericas, ferns, &c. may be seen the Campanula rapunculoides,
Campanula rotundifolia, and many less conspicuous.

As changeable weather has continued ever since the beginning of the
year, it is probable that at midsummer it may become more settled.

Astronomical Indications. — In the course of the two following months,
the Moon will be with the Planets, as under : viz.

July 12. at 9 A.M. Saturn.

August 8.

at 10 P.M. Saturn.

13. 5 P.M. Mercury.

9.

1 A.M. Mercury.

13. 12 A.M. Venus.

9.

2 A.M. Venus.

20. 6 P.M. Jupiter.

17.

5 A.M. Jupiter.

24. 10 P.M. Mars.

21.

10 P.M. Mars.—

June I 5, 1828.

J. M.

Art. IX. Queries and Anstvers,

Putting Bees in mourning. — In answer to the question (p. 93.) respecting
putting bees in mourning, I beg to inform you that I have iieard of a simi-
lar, or even greater, instance of superstition in this neighbourhood, viz. that
in the' event of the death of any of the family, it is necessary to inform the
bees of the circwnstance, otherwise they ivill desert the hive, and seek out
other quarters. — W. T. Bree. Allesley Rectory , near Coventry, May 25.
1828.

A Natural History Conversazione, — Sir, Your correspondent J, W. of
Cambridge has informed us, that Professor Henslow holds a natural history
party every Friday evening. If information could be obtained through the
medium of the Magazine of Natural History, as to the manner in which
subjects are introduced and discussed at this or any other similar meeting,
we in the country might be enabled to imitate, at humble distance, these
pleasing conversaziones ; and you would merit the thanks of many ama-
teurs of the science, and particularly of yours, — An Admirer of Nature.
Ipsiuich, June 5. 1828.

All that is necessary is, the time and place being fixed on, to lay on the
table a few remarkable objects in natural history, specimens of animals,
vegetables, or minerals, and a few good books on the subject, and especially
books of plates. Serve tea and coffee of the first quality, and these will
promote the conversation that will naturally arise among the individuals
present on the subjects before them. — Cond.

The common Rose-wood of Cabinet-makers (in answer to the Rev. G. M.,
of Lynn) is the root of the Convolvulus jcoparius, common in the Canary
Islands, in Rhodes, and Cyprus. There is also a rose-wood sent from Ja-
maica, which is the timber of the Amyris elemifera; and, from the Antilles^
the timber of Ehretia fruticosa, and from Cayenne, that of Licaria guian^n-
sis, is also sent under the name of rose-wood. {Die. Class. D'Hist. Nat.
Art. Bois.)

Forming an Herbarium. — There are so many different ways of forming an
herbarium, that one is quite at a loss which to pursue : you would confer a
great obligation on many of your readers, by giving particular directions for
the purpose. — The Rev. George Munford, Lynn Regis , Norfolk, May 22.

Qiieries and A7iswers. 1 97

1828. Till some correspondent favours us with more particular directions,
we recommend the specimens to be dried between leaves of paper, under
the pressure of a bag of sand or small shot, and, when perfectly dry, trans-
ferred to a bound specimen-book, and sewed (not gummed) to its leaves, ill
the order of gathering the specimens. The name should be attached to each
specimen by a slip of paper. In the course of three or four years, two or
three thousand specimens will have been dried, and these may then be trans-
ferred to another book or books, arranged according to the natural system,
gummed on, and their names, &c. written beside them. The mode of form-
ing the book for this purpose is as follows : — Suppose the size to be folio ;
then gum the specimens on one side of leaves of drawing cartridge-paper,
paste a leaf of reddish-brown blotting-paper on the back of the leaf contain-
ing the specimens, and paste a margin of cartridge-paper all round both
sides of each leaf, say half an inch broad at top and bottom, and the outer
edge, and 1 in. broad at the inner or binding edge. This being done, put
each leaf separately in a press, and let it remain there till it is pressed quite
flat. Proceed in the same way with as many separate leaves as will contain
all the specimens to be arranged, or as many as will make a proper sized
volume; and then send them to a binder, to be bound in the usual way.
The effect of the double edge will be, that each page of specimens will, as it
were, lie fastened to the bottom of a shallow drawer, completely excluded
from the air ; and the volume may be kept in a book-case along with others,
in the usual way, and, by its index, referred to with as much ease as any
other botanical work. This is by far the best method of keeping specimens
that we know of, for small collections ; and we would strongly recommend
all those who can afford it, to employ Professor La Gasca {Gard. Mag.,
Vol. II. p. 220.), to form books of this sort, containing one or two species
under each order and tribe of the natural system. There could not bd
purchased a work of equal value to the young botanist. Mr. Toward,
flower-gardener to the Duchess of Gloucester, is the only person that we
know of who possesses an herbarium done up in this way, and to him belongs
the merit of the invention. The binder was Mr. Perryman, of Windsor,
himself much attached to botany. (See Gard. Mag. for August, 1827.) —
Cond.

How to commence the Study of Botany. — A young man, desirous of com-
mencing the study of botany, would feel extremely obliged by a few re-
marks on the most efficient mode of commencing the study, so as to make
gradual proficiency without the assistance of a teacher ; he being so situ-
ated as to preclude the possibility of obtaining verbal instruction. What
books should he obtain ? and how may he obtain a correct knowledge of
the technical terms used in the science ? A few remarks by yourself, or a
correspondent desirous of being useful to the young student, would confer
an obligation on. Sir, &c. — An Admirer of Nature, Eingwood, May lOf.
1828.

Drummond's First Steps to Botany , London, 12mo, 2d edit., 200 figs., 9*.,
we consider the best book to commence with ; and next Smith's Intro-
duction, and Hooker's Flora Scotica, or perhaps the forthcoming edition of
Hull's Flora A'nglica, may be resorted to. While these books are studied,
as many specimens of plants should be gathered and dried as possible, and
their names ascertained from the nearest gardener. There is but little to
be done in the study of botany without first storing the memory with the
names and images of a number of plants of common occurrence. By
gathering specimens (if only a single leaf of each plant), laying them between
the leaves of a book of any sort, one on each page, and writing their names
beside them, and afterwards turning them over two or three times a day,
the names and images of all the plants of a garden or neighbourhood may
be fixed in the memory in the course of a week or two. When this has
been done, the student may turn to* Hooker or Hull, and compare the de-

1-98 Retrospective Criticism,

scriptions there with the specimens. This will teach him the application
of technical terms, and he may afterwards be able to discover the name of
any plant by finding out its class and order, generic and specific distinctions.
— Cond.

The Lemming or Scandinavian Rat^ Mxxs L^mmus Lin.y Campagnol i^cam-
pa7ia, a bell; bones of the head in that form ?) Lemming Cuv.y which, after
a wet season, is known to descend in myriads from the great mountains in
the north, and to deluge the adjacent plains, as it is supposed, in its way to
the sea, proceeds, as naturalists inform us, in so straight a line, that no ob-
ject is capable of turning it out of its way, and that, sooner than alter its
course, it is known to prefer even death itself. If, as they inform us, this
curious creature happens to find a large fire or a deep well in its way, in-
stead of going round either of them, in the one instance, it boldly darts
through the flames, and, in the other, resolutely proceeds down one side
and up the other; in both cases, in imminent danger to itself. Similar

{)henomena are related, though not to such an extent, of the Bahama
obster ; and naturalists seem to rest content by informing us that these
creatures obey, in this manner, some extraordinary impulse, or some won-
derful law of nature, from which it is impossible for them to diverge ; but
yet they seem to have made no inquiry as to why such should be the case.
Animals, as well as mankind, migrate for various reasons, but most generally
to obtain a better home than the one they already possess; but in the case
of the particular animals of which I have spoken, it is their persistency in
a straight line which is so truly astonishing. Do you think, Mr. Editor,
that this phenomenon can have any thing to do with optics, and that their
eye being so constructed as to hinder them from seeing in any other than a
direct line, may not impel them to pursue their route in the manner they
do? — C. Ma^, 1828.

The Foul Water of Fishermen. — The St. Ives fishermen took but few
mackerel last week; they have met with large spots of what is called " foul
water" in the fishing ground, from five to ten leagues oiFthe coast. The
nets, when in this water, which frequently extends to a considerable dis-
tance, are covered with a glutinous and exceedingly offensive substance,
from which it is found difficult to cleanse them. {Exeter Alfred, May 29.)
What can this be ? Is it any excrementitious discharge from the shoals of
fish?— M. June, 1828.

Standard of Colours. — Speaking of colours, it really would be important
to naturalists and artists if a standard diagram of colours were established,
(and, if you please, deposit it in the Tower with weights and measures).
The original should be in stone, and authenticated copies may be issued in
metallic colours. Thus any tint could be referred to by number or name.
You are nearer to the useful Secretary than myself, and should ask Mr. Peel
to add it to his list of desirables. — JB. M. JSromsgrove, March 3. 1828.

Art. X. Retrospective Criticism,

The late James Soiverby, Esq., F.L.S. the projector, draughtsman, en-
graver, and in part author of the " English Flora." — Sir, On reading the
memoir of the late Sir James Smith in your Magazine of Natural History
(p. 91.), I perceive that one of the works of which he is stated to be the
author (viz. English Botany) is so mentioned as to give the whole merit of
that laborious work to this distinguished botanist. There can be no doubt
that Sir James, by his great talents, is entitled to the warmest praise of his
countrymen ; still it is but justice to those who have prosecuted with equal
zeal the study of nature, that the late Mr, James Sowerby's name should be

Retrospective Criticism. 1 99

stated as the projector of that great and useful work, and that Sir James
was employed to furnish the descriptions of the plants ; it being found by
Mr. Sowerby (after writing a part of the first volume himself) that to make
drawings, and engrave all the native plants of the British empire, was as
much as he could expect to attain in a reasonable period ; and the accom-
plishment of the work fully proved that it required the persevering industry
of twenty years for its completion.

Perhaps I ought to apologise for occupying your time with that which
may be generally known among your scientific readers ; still, as many per-
sons will be induced to peruse a publication which presents the works of
nature in so pleasing a manner, but who may be unacquainted with English
botany, I have taken the liberty of bringing this subject to your remem-
brance, that you may give it publicity in your pages, should you feel so
disposed, in order that the great merits of the late Mr. Sowerby may not
be overlooked, while we are paying homage to the distinguished talents of
Sir James Smith. I am. Sir, &c. — B. London^ May 14. 1828.

To be aware of the extraordinary talents and great Jndustry of the late
Mr. Sowerby, and of the present family of this name, we have only to
imagine the works on natural history published in Britain during the last
fifty years deprived of their graphic illustrations. There is scarcely a
botanical or zoological work of the present day which does not depend
principally on this family for its most attractive features: none is more
indebted to it than this Magazine. — Cond.

«4-' More loveable than wise. — My dear Sir, We all know how common it
is for a long argument to end in both parties discovering that they had been
of the same opinion from the first, and the difference had arisen from the
use of some inappropriate term, or from a different conception of certain
words. A. observes that his friend B. is a very pleasant old gentleman.
" Not so oldy neither," replies B., senior; " you are greatly mistaken there."
Both parties have precisely the same idea of the number of years B. has
lived ; but the father and son have different notions of the word old. So,
it is very probable that I differ in words only with your correspondent Con-
chilla. " Of the two," says this lady, "I would have my fair countrywomen
loveable rather than wise.'* As this is a matter in which the whole sex are
concerned, I must beg leave to protest against setting loveability in opposi-
tion to wisdom. The happiness of a woman is so much in the power of her
affections, that to be loveable is of the first importance to her. I am far
from undervaluing the greatest of all charms — this charm composed of a
thousand others, each adding lustre to the rest ; on the contrary, I object
that Conchilla does it less than justice, in depriving it of that by which it
chiefly exists. Surely, she who is most wise, will be likely to be the most
loveable. A very silly woman is seldom very attractive ; and a truly love-
able one, however mediocre or uncultivated her understanding may be
considered, can scarcely be destitute of wisdom. There are some women,
whose natural sweetness is such, that they seem, as a friend once observed
to me, to have attained the result of wisdom, without going through the
process. Sweetness of temper, alone, is an attraction truly loveable ; and is
not sweetness of temper an intuitive wisdom ? Yet, in proportion as she is
wise, how many attaching qualities may unite with sweetness of temper, to
render a woman loveable !

It has been observed to me, that the word learned would have been better
than wise ; and, had the phrase been so worded, I should have acquiesced in
silence, without presuming to offer objection or comment. It is not impro-
bable that such was the interpretation intended by the writer ; in the care-
less phraseology of conversation, learning and wisdom are so frequently
confounded, that it is by no means unlikely that a hasty pen should pass on
without staying to discriminate between them. I would readily agree with
Conchilla, that it were better a woman should be loveable than learned ; but

^SIOO Ttetrospective Criticism,

I would say also, that as learning will not necessarily render her less amiable,
if she have inclination and leisure, there is no reason why she should not
.be both learned ajid loveable ; and to this remark, I suspect, it will be wise
in Conchilla to assent.

Some other passages in the Magazine would tempt me to remark upon
them; but lest, by my own showing, I should prove myself to be the most
unloveable of women, as being utterly destitute of wisdom, I will herecon-
.clude, remaining. Sir, yours, &c. — Anglica. Saturday, May 31.

Deciduous Scale on the Bills of Birds. — Mr. Yarrel has the credit of
•having first brought into notice the fact, that the bills of birds are, before
they are hatched, strengthened by a deciduous scale, which enables them to
perforate and burst the shell. {Jennings^s Ornithologia, p. 63.) This circum-
.stance, however, has been long known to rural housewives; for, as soon as
the chickens are hatched, the first care bestowed upon them is, displacing
the scale with the nail of the thumb, to enable the young to pick up their

, Translation and derivation of Technical Terms. — I take the liberty of
/saying that the practice you have adopted of translating the technical
terms, and giving their derivation, is a very unpleasant one to the reader,
and rather distracts him than otherwise. The translations, derivations, and
accentuations might, I think with advantage, occupy, as a glossary, the last
page of the Numbers. — A. Berwick, May 5\.

We hardly expected to be blamed for the very great trouble we take,
and the expense that we incur with the printer, in giving the derivations
complained of; but perhaps it is good for us to be chastened, for too much
Jabour is as bad as too little. We acknowledge the unpleasantness cora-

fjlained of, but thought, and still think, the translations and derivations
ikely to have the best chance of being remembered when given where they
occur; but perhaps they are not worth remembering, and if other readers
are of the same opinion as A., we shall relinquish the practice. We mean
to introduce all the important translations and derivations of technical terms,
and scientific names given, into the general index at the end of each volume,
where they will remain for future reference, as we do not intend to give
(often at least) the translations and derivations of the same words twice.
7— Cond.

The Perennial Calendar for various parts of Europe. — By noticing
more particularly the wild plants, their affinities to birds and insects will be
at length perceived ; and we might have (what I have often wished to see)
a calendar by which the flowering of a plant should acquaint us with the
appearance of a bird, and the appearance of an insect tell us the flowering
of a plant. Undoubtedly there will be less trouble in generalising, by
having, as you propose, a select number of plants and animals marked out
the same for each station ; but if facts and useful observations are to be
gathered, do not confine the observer to these ; let each, in addition, insert
what is most applicable to his own locality, and interesting facts may then
be obtained from each station. It is astonishing how many curious circum-
stances in natural history have been noticed and forgotten, for want of a
register to record them. This being no longer the case, it is to be hoped
that every naturalist will produce his store, that whatever is valuable may
\>e gathered before it is too late. Would it not also be generally useful to
have a list of the less common wild plants of each station ? We look into
our Floras, and perceive the habitat of a rare plant put down in a place
probably 150 miles from us, while perhaps it is lurking in our own vicinity
all the while. To the traveller, to the botanist, and to the young enquirer,
how useful would such lists be ! — Edwin Lees, Worcester , May 8. 1828.

THE MAGAZINE

OP

NATURAL HISTORY.

SEPTEMBER, 1828.

Art. I. Some Account of an Ascent and Barometrical Measure^
ment of Wha-ra-rai, a Mountain in the Island of O^vohyhee ; ex-
tractedfrom the MS. Journal of Archibald Menzies, Esq. F.L.S.
Communicated by Mr. Menzies.

AVhilst His Majesty's ship, the Discovery, commanded by
Captain Vancouver, lay in Karakakooa Bay, in January, 1 794,
I was very desirous of employing my time in examining the
mountains and interior parts of the island, to collect plants,
seeds, and other natural productions. For this purpose I
consulted with Ta-maiha-maiha, king of the island, to obtain
his permission ; and he not only complied with my request,
but very obligingly promised that I should be attended by a
chief, who would have sufficient power to protect me from any
ill treatment, and provide for whatever provisions and attend-
ance I should require in my excursions. He then wished to
know what part of the island I meant to visit, when I told him
that I proposed first to ascend, if possible, a considerable
mountain, of a conic form, called Wha-ra-rai, situated a little
to the southward of Toe-hah Bay. He then fixed on a chief
named Harou, who had the charge of his own plantation at the
village of Hanua-oora, near the foot of that mountain, to which
place he advised me to go by water in one of his canoes, and
there I should be supplied with every thing necessary for my
journey. Harou being at this time alongside of the ship, he
called him in, and gave him a most solemn charge of me, and
everything I should carry with me; declaring that if I should
have occasion to prefer any complaint against him on my re-
turn, he should suffer for it most severely.

The business being thus settled, Mr. Swaine, one of the
lieutenants, and two or three gentlemen of the quarter-deck,
volunteered to accompany me ; as did also a Mr. Howel, an

Vol. I. — No. 3. p

202 Ascent and Measuremefit of Wha-ra-rai,

American gentleman, who had lately arriverl here from China,
with an intent to remain some time at these islands; and I
was very happy in having the pleasure of their society.

Every thing being ready, we set out on the morning of the
16th January, in company with Teamotoo, the chief of the
district, and his wife, in a large double canoe, followed by
Harou and our attendants in another; and, as we were passing
the village of Kow-rowa, we were joined by Mr. Howel and
his attendants in his own canoe. After this we proceeded to
the northward close alongshore for about four or five miles
from Karakakooa, when we entered a small cove surrounded
by a scattered village belonging to Teamotoo. In this cove
we saw the American schooner, which the natives had some
time before captured with considerable cruelties. She was
secured and housed over to preserve her from the weather,
but we did not examine her condition closely, for fear of giv-
ing offence ; we were told that she made a great deal of water,
which they were obliged to pump out daily, otherwise that she
would sink.

We met here a seaman, who had landed from an American
vessel some time before, and now employed himself in making
charcoal, and laying up a store of it for any vessel that might
be in want of such an article for working the forge. This was
a useful hint for the natives, not only for working their own
iron with greater facility, but likewise as a new article of
traffic, of which they eagerly availed themselves ; for, on our
coming into Karakakooa bay this time, w^e were quite sur-
prised to see the natives bring alongside quantities of very good
charcoal to dispose of. This man made choice of a delightful
airy situation for his dwelling, which was kept neat and clean,
and from which he had a commanding prospect of the cove
and village underneath, of a large extent of country on both
sides, and of the boundless ocean before him. We all dined
with him on roasted pork, roasted fowls, and vegetables, in a
very comfortable manner, as he had taught the natives who
waited on him to cook and serve up his victuals in the Eng-
lish style. After dinner we entertained him with a glass of
good grog, to which he said he had long been a stranger ; this
induced us to spare him a little of our stock of liquor at parting,
when he earnestly requested us to send him some more, and
likewise some tobacco, as soon as we returned to the vessels.

We here parted with our friend Teamotoo ; and, on taking
leave of us, he desired that, if our route should chance to pass
through any of his plantations, we would demand whatever we
wanted, and for this purpose he sent with us a person duly
authorised.

a Mountain in the hland of Owhyhee, 203

We again embarked, in the cool of the evening, with our
conductor, in one of the king's large double canoes, and pro-
ceeded on to the northward till we reached Tai-ta-tooa Bay, in
the bottom of which we landed at the village of Hanua-oora,
under the noisy acclamations of a numerous group of men,
women, and children, who expressed their joy by singing,
dancing, and capering before us in such a frantic manner, that
it was with great difficulty the chief could clear an avenue
through them. He conducted us to a large house belonging
to the king, which we were happy to find was within a tabooed
space, so that we soon got clear of their teasing curiosity, and
enjoyed our evening's repast and night's repose in quietness ;
but the chief himself was up most part of the night, preparing
for our journey inland, which was to commence from this
place; and, as it was likely we should be some days in the
mountains, it was necessary to provide provisions of every
kind, with a quantity of cloth and mats for our bedding at
night, and men to carry the whole; so that the collecting
and arranging of these matters was a weighty concern on
Harou's mind.

As it was my intention to ascertain the height of the moun-
tain we were going to ascend, I brought with me a kind of
portable barometer, for which I was entirely indebted to the
liberality of the late Colonel Gordon, at the Cape of Good
Hope. That gentleman, when he understood that we had no
portable barometer on board for ascertaining the height of any
mountain that might be ascended during the voyage, presented
me, in the most generous manner, with his own, which he had
long been in the habit of using in the interior parts of Africa,
and which had accompanied him in his interesting journeys
through that country for many hundred leagues. The simplicity
of its contrivance, and the ease with which it is carried and
managed, may probably render it preferable, on such occa-
sions, to a more expensive instrument, which, in ascending
pathless rugged mountains, is so liable to be broken. I shall,
therefore, subjoin a short description of it, and the manner of
using it, leaving the reader to judge of the probable degree of
accuracy of the observations made with it at different- heights,
both in this and in my subsequent journey to the summit of
Mowna-roa.

It consists of a straight glass tube, about 3 ft. long, filled
with mercury, which was doubly secured by a small stopper,
and a piece of soft leather tied over the end of it; this tube,
together with a brass scale of about the same length, divided
and subdivided into inches and tenths, was placed in a small
wooden case, lined with cloth, where the scale was made fast,

r 2

204 Ascent and Measurement of Wha-ra-rai,

but the tube had a little play : these, with a few ounces of
mercury, carried in a stone or wooden bottle, completed the
whole apparatus.

For observing with this instrument, the mercury in the
bottle is to be poured into a small open cup ; the stopper is
then removed from the tube, and the vacancy in it must be
filled up brimful with mercury; then, with a finger placed
over the mouth of the tube, that end of it is to be inverted
into the mercury in the cup, taking care not to withdraw the
finger until it is well immerged. The mercury in the tube
will then instantly sink down to its proper height, according
to the weight or pressure of the atmosphere on its external
surface at the time and place of observation ; and all that is
further necessary to be done is to hold the tube quite upright,
and measure, with the brass scale, the exact height of the
column of mercury in the tube above the surface of the mer-
cury in the cup, which will give the true height of the
barometer at each station.

I had but one tube, which I was fortunate enough to pre-
serve whole in my different journeys ; but, to guard against
accident, several of these tubes may be loosely packed in the
same case, by rolling each of them up in a piece of cloth ;
and it is almost needless to observe, that, in carrying them,
the stopper ends should be kept uppermost. This case may
be slung on a man's back, and carried with ease and safety
over the most rugged mountains.

On the morning of the 17th we had much difficulty in
getting the party ready, and collecting together the provisions
for our journey, which consisted of live hogs, poultry, taro,
yams, cocoa nuts, and dried fish, in quantities that loaded
upwards of twenty men ; but it was not possible to ascertain
the number of carriers attached to the party, as some were
sent on before, and some in different directions, to collect
their loads, with orders either to follow or meet us on our way
up. There were others appointed to carry our luggage ; one
carried a kettle, another a gridiron, and a third, from the
nature of his office, might be termed a butler, as he took
charge of our liquor-case. Among other appointments we
found that each of us had a man, whose sole business was to
carry the cloth and mats for sleeping on, spread the couch at
night, and roll it up again in the morning ; in short, there was
no end to these various appointments, where the claimants for
service were so numerous. Many of them, however, were
unwilling to take a heavy load, but merely took some little
thing or other, that they might be considered as belonging to
the party, and by that means be allowed to accompany us ;

a Mountain hi the Island of Owhyhee, 205

indeed, there was no possibility of making any retrenchments
whilst we were in the midst of such bustle and confusion, and
surrounded by such a numerous group of the natives.

We therefore set out in the forenoon, in the best manner
we could, for the mountain, which was directly back from the
village; but, a little before our departure, I observed the
barometer at high-water mark, where it stood at 30 in. lOpts.,
and the thermometer in the shade was at 81°. At first our
progress was slow, being exposed to the scorching heat of the
meridian sun, over a dreary barren tract, of a gradual ascent,
consisting of little else than rugged porous lava and volcanic
dregs, for about three miles, when we entered the bread-fruit
plantations, whose trees, with spreading boughs and beautiful
foliage, were scattered about, at this distance from the shore,
along the side of the mountain, as far as we could see on both
sides. Here the country began to assume a pleasant and
fertile appearance, through which we continued our route for
about two miles further, surrounded by plantations of the
esculent roots and vegetables of the country, industriously
cultivated, till we came to the uppermost village, consisting of
a few scattered huts, where we were importuned by our con-
ductor to take up our abode for the night ; and though we
were impatient to go on as far as we could with daylight, yet
we were obliged to comply with his request, as he wanted, he
said, to muster his party, and make up any deficiency in our
stock of provisions, before he quitted these plantations ; it also
gave him time to send messengers back to Hanua-oora for
whatever was forgotten or wanted.

From this place we had a delightful view of the scattered
villages and winding shore underneath us, and of the luxuriant
plantations around us ; but a thick cloud enveloped the moun-
tain and woods above us, from which, in the evening, we had
light refreshing showers of rain.

Next morning the clouds dispersed, and gave us a fine pros-
pect over the woods of the naked peak of Wha-ra-rai, which
did not appear to be farther from us, in a direct line, than the
village we had quitted at the sea-side. This gave us fresh
spirits, and we set out pretty early, in expectation of soon
accomplishing our object. After travelling about two miles
by a narrow path, through an uncultivated tract, overgrown
with ferns and small bushes, we entered the forest, the verge
of which was adorned with rich and fruitful plantations of
bananas and plantains, from which we supplied ourselves with
a good stock for our journey. We then penetrated the wood
by a winding path, so narrow that we could only follow one
another; and in this manner we proceeded for about three

r 3

206 Ascent and Measurement of Wha-ra-rai^

estimated miles, when we came to a resting place, lighted a
fire, and breakfasted. Here I observed the barometer at nine
in the morning, and found the mercury stood at 27 in. 35 pts. ;
so that it had fallen, by our ascent, since yesterday morning,
2 in. 75 pts., which gave our height at this station only 2660 ft.
above the level of the sea. The thermometer was now at
59°, which showed that we had already changed our temper-
ature of climate 22°.

After breakfast, we continued our journey by the same
circuitous path in the woods, for about seven or eight miles,
according to our estimation, when we came to the end of it,
where we found a small hut that appeared to have been lately
occupied by some of the natives, who had been thus far up the
mountain, felling of trees, and shaping them out in the rough
for canoes, planks, and other purposes ; and, as it is necessary
to make a path for dragging these 4own to the sea-side, this
place appeared to be the farthest extent they had yet pene-
trated np the mountain for timber.

Here we w^ere advised by our guide to stop for the night,
as many of the party who were under heavy burdens, he said,
had lagged behind, and were so tired, that they could not
proceed further without some refreshment and a night's rest ;
besides, he assured us that we were near the upper edge of the
forest, and would, with ease, reach the top of the mountain
early next day. We therefore took his advice ; and, as the
party arrived, they in a short time erected a village of small
huts, to shelter themselves and us comfortably for the night.

Since we entered the wood in the morning, our view was
limited by a continued dense forest of trees, bushes, and tall
ferns, on both sides of our path, so that we saw neither the sea
nor the mountain, though the day was quite clear and serene
all the time. In many places we found the wood had been
thinned, by the natives having cut down the larger trees for
domestic and other purposes ; this afforded a good opportunity
to botanise as we came along, by keeping several of the
natives employed on both sides of the path, in bringing me
branches of whatever tree, bush, or plant they could find
either in flower, fruit, or seed.

We observed here and there, on the side of our path, little
consecrated spots, pointed out to us by taboo sticks, stuck in the
ground, near a bush or under a tree ; in passing these places,
the natives always muttered a prayer or hymn, and made
some offering, as they said, to their Eatooa, or god, by
leaving alittle piece of fruit, vegetable, or something or other,
at these consecrated spots. Even in this distant solitary hut,
we found a corner of it consecrated by one of these taboo

a Mountain in the Island of OwhyJiee. 207

sticks, which the natives earnestly requested us not to disturb
or remove when we took possession of it: and we strictly
obeyed their injunction, conceiving that sacred places and
religious forms, whatever they are, ought to be held equally
inviolable everywhere; for the untutored savage, in worship-
ping his god in a gloomy forest, may be as sincere in his prayer,
and, probably, may derive as much consolation from his re-
ligion at the awful moment of dissolution, as many more
enlightened, who habitually bend the knee before a rich altar,
and offer up their devotion in a splendid temple.

Finding we were so near accomplishing our object, a mes-
senger was despatched to Karakakooa, to make our progress
known at the vessels, and to bring from thence some things
wanted to render our situation comfortable on the mountain.

In the evening, the thermometer stood at 58° ; and I was
much surprised to find the temperature so nearly the same as
it was in the lower part of the wood in the morning, though
we had ascended, since that time, upwards of 4000 feet of the
mountain. This was probably owing to the strong and con-
stant exhalations going on in the daytime, amongst the aggre-
gate assemblage of vegetables in this dense forest ; keeping up
a fanning breeze amongst the boughs, and tending greatly to
diffuse the same temperature, even at different heights, through-
out the woody regions of these mountains. But when this
cause ceased at night, and a heavy dew or small rain pro
duced a contrary operation, the temperature next morning
was found to be very different, for the thermometer then was as
low as 43^, at half past seven ; which, in this instance, showed
a difference of about 1 6°, between the extremes of what may
be termed the temperate zone of these mountains.

As we were now very eager to gain the summit of the
mountain, we set out pretty early on the 19th, even contrary
to the wishes of our guide and the rest of the natives, who,
notwithstanding large fires being kept up, were continually
coughing the whole night, and now complained so much of
the cold, that they were unwilling to stir till the day advanced ;
and well they might, for, besides the effect of the damp chilly
air of the forest upon their constitutions and thinly clad
bodies, they also powerfully felt the change in our tempera-
ture, of nearly 40° by the thermometer, since we left the sea-
side, in the space of little more than as many hours.

The forest here being thinner of trees, and less encumbered
with ferns and underwood, we began our progress, with a few
attendants to direct our course, as there was no path ; and in
about half an hour we got out, at the upper edge of the wood,
where we saw the summit of our mountain at no great dis-

V 4

208 Descriptive Notice of

tance. The grass here was found covered with a heavy dew,
partaking a good deal of the nature of hoar frost, which was
so chilly and pinching to the bare feet of the natives, that they
could not endure it, but were obHged to stop and kindle a fire,
till the influence of the sun had reached them. We therefore
left them to follow us as they could, and continued our ascent up
the peak, which was steep and rugged, but thinly covered with
grasses, and little thickets of low shrubs. These may be con-
sidered as the alpine plants of this island, most of which were
entirely new to me, and, though there were but few of them
in flower, yet their variety, and the novelty of the tract, gave
new life to my steps, and enabled me to reach the top of the
mountain exactly at half past eight. The rest of the gentle-
men followed me pretty close, and by ten the whole party
crowded the lofty summit of Wha-ra-rai.

As I observed that we were accompanied by a number of
idlers, who were unwilling to burden themselves, I took the
opportunity, as the party arrived upon the summit, to mark
all those who were well loaded, by tying a piece of variegated
tape round the arm of each, as a badge of distinction, telling
them, at the same time, that on producing these badges, when
we returned to the ship, they should be well paid for their
service, whilst those who brought up small loads would receive
but little. This induced several of the idlers to return to the
plantations for loads, and as they arrived with them each had
a similar badge ; but if any of them, after this, misbehaved, or
was not sufficiently careful of what was entrusted to his charge,
he was discarded, by taking his badge from him ; this pro-
duced an emulation amongst them, which had a wonderfully
good effect during the remainder of our excursion.
{To be continued.)

Art. II. Descriptive Notice of a Specimen of Lemur tardigradus
Lin., Makis Cuv., kept alive for some Time at Edinburgh. By
W. Baird, Esq. Communicated to the Plinian Society in May,
1827.

The Lemur {lemures^ ghosts; resemblance to man) tardi-
gradus, Slow Lemur, or Tailless Maucauco {Jig. 83.), has been
described by Linnaeus, Buffbn, and others ; but, perhaps, as
to manners and habits, most accurately by Vosmaer and Sir
W. Jones, whose descriptions may be seen in Shaw's Zoology,
He is placed by Linnaeus next to the monkeys, as a connect-
ing link between them and other animals, under the genus
Lemur; and by Cuvier, under the quadrumanous animals.

a Specimen of Lemur tardigradus.

209

The genus Lemur of Linnaeus (the Mdkis of Cuvier), including
animals with long
tails and great
swiftness, as the
Lemur catta and,
the Lemur macaco, '
&C.5 and animals
without tails, and
remarkable slow-
ness of motion, as
the Lemur tardi-
gradus, &c., has
been split by Cu-
vier into several di-
visions, after the example of M. Geoffrey. Two of this singu-
lar genus are remarkable for their slowness of motion, and
have been formed by that naturalist into a distinct genus, the
Ld?'is {loeris, a clown, jyutch ; name in Ceylon). This species
is the Loris paresseux. (See published account, Philos, Journal,
June, 1827.)

Though he has been described by two or three different
authors, and from live specimens, there are some particulars
connected with his organisation, which apparently have not
been taken notice of by any author I have been able to consult.
A short description of his form and nature, therefore, as far
as they have come under my notice, may not be uninteresting.

The specimen described, I obtained at the beautiful island
of Pulo-penang, or Prince of Wales' Island ; and as I now
have had him in my possession upwards of nine months, and
as no change has taken place in his growth in that time, I
should consider him as a full-grown animal. He is one of the
male sex, of a dusky ash colour, and is particularly well
marked by a line of dark brown, running along the back ; his
whole body is covered with a thick short fur ; a covering which
is rather unusual in hot climates, but which seems well adapted
for his habits and manners. His head is almost round ; the
face sharpened at the extremity ; ears short and flat, but wide
and large otherwise. His eyes are large and very prominent,
almost hemispheres in shape, and very much approximated ;
they are of a yellowish brown colour, and are surrounded by
a circle of dark brown, the same colour as that on the back.
They shine brilliantly in the dark, especially when animated,
glowing like heated furnaces; eyelashes short and black.
When he closes his eyelids, he does it in a manner different
from any other animal I have seen ; instead of closing them by
moving them together, upwards and downwards, he draws the

210 Descriptive Notice of'

skin diagonally from the sides ; a peculiarity rather remark-
able, and which has not been taken notice of by any author I
have seen. This, too, he does most especially when eating any
hard substance, as a piece of lump sugar, &c. All the ani-
mals we know belonging to the class Mammalia, like man,
close their eyelids in a direction, upwards and downwards,
and, in general, the upper eyelid is the one possessing the
greatest degree of motion. In this animal, however, the eye-
lids are brought together in a diagonal direction, or outwards
and inwards, which gives him, at the moment of shutting his
eyes, a most peculiar look ; and it is the under or outer eyelid
that has the greatest degree of motion, the upper or inner one
being almost fixed. At first sight it might appear that, in
order to possess this lateral motion, the muscular apparatus of
the internal eye must deviate from that of the animals of the
class Mammalia; and that a separate muscle must be in exist-
ence, attached to the outer or lower . eyelid. Upon looking
more attentively, however, we discern the inner canthus of the
eye situate very low down in the face, and this circumstance,
perhaps, may account for the manner in which he shuts his
eyes. The orbicularis oculi muscle must be very powerful ;
and from this position of the inner canthus, and the insertions
the muscle being, in consequence of this, also low down in the
face, it will act chiefly on the outer or lower eyelid ; and draw-
ing it towards the inner one, which is only partially movable,
thus close the eye in a diagonal direction. It is very much to
be lamented, however, that Sir A. Carlisle's attention had not
been directed to this peculiar appearance, before he disposed
the specimen he had possession of; as the existence of a sepa-
rate muscle attached to the lower eyelid, would constitute a
remarkable deviation from the anatomy of the eyelids of the
rest of the Mammalia.

Reptiles, such as the frog, &c., have the same lateral motion
of the eyelids as in the Lemur ; and these animals possess a
separate muscle for this movement. * His pupil is very small,
being very much contracted during the day. His fore legs
terminate in hands like those of a monkey, with a soft, smooth
palm, a thumb and four fingers, each provided with a small

* The specimen died in the beginning of this year (1828), after Mr. Baird,
the author of the paper, had left the country on a second voyage to India.
The eye was dissected by an eminent comparative anatomist, Dr. Knox of
Edinburgh, who found that the peculiar movement of the eyelids above
described did not depend on any peculiar structure, but merely on the
greater degree of strength of the orbicularis muscle. The lungs of the
animal were found to be in a diseased state ; and some parts of the skeleton
were affected with eruptive appearances, similar to those which occur in apes
brought from warm to cold countries. — P.N.

a Specimen of Lemur tardigradus, 211

round nail. His hind legs are much longer than his fore ones,
and are prehensile; the great toe or thumb is placed nearly at
right angles with his other toes, and is evidently formed for
grasping branches of trees, &c. ; the index toe, or fore finger,
however, of the hind foot, has a peculiarity ; instead of a round
nail, as all the other toes and fingers have, it is provided with
a sharp sickle-formed claw, somewhat like that of the dog.
This I have frequently seen him make use of in scratching
himself, of which he is very fond. He has no tail, but there
is a prominence in its place, which is very visible when he
walks.

A very remarkable appearance is presented by his tongue ;
and though a specimen of this animal was dissected by Sir A.
Carlisle, a good many years ago, this anomalous appearance
has not been mentioned by him, and has been totally over-
looked by all the other authors who have described him.
Beneath the tongue proper, if I may so call it, which is some-
what like that of the cat, though not rough, is another tongue,
white-coloured, narrow, and very sharp-pointed, which he
projects along with the other one when he eats or drinks,
though he has the power of retaining it within his mouth at
pleasure. I have not been able to see any particular use to
which he applies it ; but, from its sharpness, it would appear as
if it were formed for puncturing soft fruits, of which he is very
fond, and which form great part of his food. Perhaps it may
be formed for catching insects, as Sir W. Jones mentions that
his specimen was very fond of grashoppers, and once or
twice this animal has been seen to eat spiders. I have also
found him to be exceedingly fond of flies ; he snaps them up
most eagerly when presented to him, and also catches them
himself, when they are reposing in the evening, upon the walls
of the room. I have seen him use his double tongue, however,
when eating them. When he licks the hand, as he now does
(being so tame) frequentl}^, he produces a sensation as if of
something very hard and rough rubbing against the skin,
which, I think, is produced by the second tongue ; though I
am not perfectly certain whether it may not be his teeth. I
have never seen it projected alone, however, but always in
company with the other. His teeth, especially the canine ones,
are exceedingly sharp.

These are the most remarkable particulars with regard to
his external form.

His manners and habits are also sufficiently interesting.
His food consists of fruit and small animals, as birds and mice.
The plantain is the fruit of which he is the most fond, and was
the only food I saw him eat when I first got him into my

212 Descriptive Notice of

possession ; but as this, or any other fruit of the kind, could
not be had during a voyage of four or five months, I became
anxious to know what other sort of fruit he would eat. Touch-
ing him rather incautiously soon after getting him, he very
dextrously inserted his sharp canine teeth in my fingers, and
with all the good will, too, of a creature accustomed to prey
upon other animals in his native woods. Improving by such
experience, and finding his teeth formed for tearing as well as
masticating food, I offered him part of a recently killed fowl,
of which he partook most eagerly : the necks of fresh-killed
fowls, therefore, formed the major part of his food during the rest
of the voyage. Small birds he is particularly fond of; these,
when put into his cage, he kills speedily ; and, plucking the fea-
thers off with all the skill of a poulterer, soon lodges the carcass
in his stomach. He eats the bones as well as theflesh; and though
birds, and mice perhaps, are his favourite food, he eats other
meat very readily, especially when quite fresh : if boiled, or
otherwise cooked, he will not taste it. He prefers veal to all
other kinds of butcher's meat ; eggs, also, he is fond of, and
sugar is especially grateful to his palate : he likewise eats gum-
arabic. As flesh is not always to be had quite fresh (the only
state in which it is acceptable to him), he has for some time
past been fed upon bread sopped in water, and sprinkled with
sugar; this he eats readily, and seems to relish it much.
M. Vosmaer mentions that his animal eat dry biscuit, but
refused it if moistened with water; neither would it ever
taste water. This is completely at variance with the habits of
my animal, for he not only eats moistened bread, but laps
water like a cat. When food is presented to him, if hungry,
he seizes it with both hands, and, letting go with his right,
holds it with his left all the time he is eating. Frequently,
when feeding, he grasps the bars in the upper part of his cage
with his hind paws, and hangs inverted, appearing exceedingly
intent upon the food he holds fast in the left hand. He is ex-
ceedingly fond of oranges ; but when they are at all hard, he
seems very much puzzled how to extract the juice. I have,
upon such an occasion, seen him lie all his length upon his
back, in the bottom of the cage, and, firmly grasping the piece
of orange with both hands, squeeze the juice into his mouth. ;
The faeces are very peculiar, though they may, in a great
measure, be influenced by his peculiar diet. They are very
hard oval pellets, very much tapered at the extremity last
discharged, and sometimes tapered off to a long thread, 2
or 3 in. in length. As he generally eats the bones of the
animals, or necks of tlie fowls, he is supplied with, this may,
perhaps, render his faeces harder. They are still, however.

a Specimen of Lemur tardigradus. 213

hardish, even when he is not allowed to eat bones. Figs, when
given him, have a very laxative effect ; but though his faeces are
then soft, they do not lose their characteristic figure. He scat-
ters his urine frequently when he moves about, leaving a train
behind him. This he does almost as soon as he leaves his
cage, rubbing, apparently, his tail upon the ground, as if to
assist him in the act of expelling his urine. He has a very
peculiar odour, sharp and pungent, especially when kept very
warm. It is perhaps his urine that imparts this disagreeable
smell.

He generally sits upon his hind part (the hair of which is
much worn by long sitting), close to the bars of his cage,
grasping them firmly with his hind paws ; he then rolls him-
self up like a ball, with his head in his breast, his thighs
closely placed over his belly, and his arms over his head,
generally grasping the bars of the cage with his hands also. In
this position, and also without moving, he remains the whole
of the day. Upon coming into the Channel, the cold weather
affected him very much ; he was seized with cramp, and I at
that time placed him in a small box, which was filled with
very soft down. This he felt so agreeable, that, when cold,
he never left it during the whole day, unless disturbed, and
slept in it rolled up in the shape of a ball.

He is exceedingly slow in his motions, and his trivial name,
tardigradus, well marks his habit in that particular. He is
evidently formed for preying by night, and for climbing trees.
When he climbs, he first lays holds of the branch with one of
his hands, and then with the other. When he has obtained a
firm hold with both hands, he moves one of his hind paws, and,
after firmly grasping the branch with it, he moves the other.
He never quits his hold with his hind paws till he has obtained
a secure grasp with his hands. When he walks, he moves his
limbs in the same methodical manner as when he climbs. It
is not till night that his activity commences, and this particular
shows the beautiful arrangement of Providence. With such
slow motions, were he to prey during the day, there is almost
no animal but would very easily escape him ; he must,
therefore, be awake during the night, and clamber the trees
slowly and gently, to secure his prey, which I should think
consisted chiefly of birds, when they are at roost. But though
very much inclined to sleep almost the whole day, he does not
seem so slothful as has been said by Vosmaer ; though, per-
haps, his habits may have been broken in upon by the treat-
ment he met with on board the ship during his passage. Kept
in an open part of the deck, surrounded by half the ship's
company, and teased by the sailors in their idle moments, he

214 Descriptive Notice of

has perhaps become more watchful, and more easily flisturbed,
than was the case with M. Vosmaer's ; who says that, during
the day, he could clean out his cage without even disturbing
him. In this animal, a very slight touch of his cage or the box
in which he sleeps is sufficient to arouse him, and he then ob-
serves all your motions with rather a jealous eye. He is very
sensible to cold, and his thick fur coat was no doubt given him
by his bountiful Creator as a protection against it. Incapable,
from his slow habits and nature, of taking exercise violent
enough to warm him during the winter, he is enveloped in
this thick mantle, which renders him, in a great measure, in-
dependent of moving about ; and, rolling himself up like a
ball, in a sheltered situation on the branch of a tree, grasping
it strongly with his hind paws, he passes any short season of
cold in as comfortable a manner, no doubt, as it is possible for
such a slow animal to do, till the returning season of heat
brings him warmth and comfort again.

His temper, in cold weather especially, is very quick; but,
in general, he is rather timid, and never offers any injury
unless incautiously touched, teased, or provoked : he then
makes a shrill plaintive cry, evidently expressive of much
annoyance, and bites very sharply. This cry has been men-
tioned either by Vosmaer or Sir W. Jones, and described
as resembling the sound ai ai^ shrilly sounded, and repeated
several times successively. When the cat annoys him,
which she does very frequently, by leaping over him, he
repeats the cry nearly a dozen times : it is always, however,
expressive of anger. He has also another sort of cry, ex-
pressive of eagerness to obtain any thing : this is much gruffer
in sound, not shrill nor loud, but apparently made by forcing
the air out of his nostrils. He likes much to be stroked under
the chin and throat, and also under the arms, turning his head
round to the hand like a cat, and lifting his arm, stretching it
out beyond his head. Though not a very sensible animal, he
is still evidendy capable of feeling kindness, and showing re-
sentment. He allows his throat and fore arm to be stroked,
but refuses to let the same liberty be taken with his hinder
limbs. For some time, while in China, a little Chinese dog
was his companion, sleeping in the same cage with him ; and,
with the exception of a few occasional jars, they lived very
comfortably together. As the dog grew up, however, they
were separated. A cat, the only animal in the house besides
himself, has made many overtures to him, and, when he is
allowed to get out of his cage, he is followed up and down the
room by his fehne companion, who evidently wishes to make

a Specimen of Lemur tardtgradus, 215

him her playfellow. Any undue familiarities, however, on her
part are met with an immediate repulse from him ; and, one
time, when patting him rather incautiously with her foot, he
bit her so severel}^, that she now", though evidently wishing to
be on good terms with him, keeps at a safe distance. This
same cat has, since this, again become more familiar. Though
not daring to approach him, she follows wherever he goes, to
his great annoyance, and renders herself an object of his
abhorrence. He cries out on her approach, and is sadly tan-
talised by her playful trick of leaping over him. He seems to
be rather a social animal notwithstanding. A large japanned
tray attracts a good deal of his attention. Seeing his image
reflected in it, he walks before it, and tries to grasp his own
image. Finding his efforts ineffectual, he imitates the action
of the child, by peeping behind, with expectation to see the
object there. Before a looking-glass he shows the same regard
and curiosity.

Vosmaer classed this animal among the sloths ; but a very
superficial view of him is enough to show" the erroneousness
of this opinion. Buffbn, though classing it where Linnaeus
has done, under the name of Loris, has evidently mistaken the
animal entirely. Never having seen it, he has confounded it
with another species of the same genus. " Viewing its figure,
and the length of its legs, he could not imagine that it
was slow in leaping or running." This, however, is not
correct; for he is incapable of leaping,, and, from his motion
and manner, it is evident he never does leap. When irritated,
I h«rve seen him dart his body foiixard to seize the offend-
ing object ; but, in doing this, his general habits were clearly
evinced, his body only being bent, while his hind feet held
fast the perch on which he stood, and he made use of them only
as a fulcrum, or purchase, to increase the celerity of his move-
ment.

I could obtain no information from the natives who brought
me this specimen, regarding his habits and economy : Sir W.
Jones mentions that by the Indians he is called the bashful
ape ; but with regard to his history the natives were entirely
ignorant. He is the second specimen I have seen of this
species, which, I believe, has been rarely met with in this coun-
try before.

A very singular anatomical particularity, which in course I
have not seen myself, was observed and pointed out by Sir
A. Carlisle, who had a rare opportunity, some years ago, of
dissecting an animal of this kind. The subclavian artery,
soon after entering the axilla, divides into twenty-three equal-

216

Notice of a remarkable Hare,

sized cylinders, which surround the principal trunk, now
diminished into a very small vessel, accompanying each other
in their course down the arm, and dividing along with the
ulnar and radial arteries. The iliac artery, at the margin of
the pelvis, divides into upwards of twenty equal-sized cylin-
ders also, in the same manner as the subclavian. These
cylinders, in their course, are distributed to the muscles, each
muscle having a cylinder to itself; the trunks of the arteries
distributing themselves to the other parts, as in other animals.

Art. III. Notice of a remarkable Hare (Lejt7M5 timidus L.), caught
at Durifanaghy in Donegal, By John V. Stewart, Esq.

Sir,
The hare, of which the accompanying sketch (Jig, 84-.) is
a very correct representation, was caught by me in a snare.

about three months ago ; and, as I am making a collection of
the beasts, birds, and insects indigenous to this country, and
take a great interest in subjects connected with zoology, I
have preserved it, and placed it in my museum. After I had
removed the skin, previously to stuffing it, the lump, which is
about the size of a hen's egg, remained attached to the throat
and sides of the neck, by a membrane which, surrounding it,
formed an internal bag within the skin. As this membranous
covering, and the skin surrounding it, were kept distended at

AtTaiigement of British Falcons. 217

*'.
the top, by .their connection with the sides of the neck, and at
the bottom by the lump, it had the appearance, when the hare
was standing, as if the lump extended all the length of the
pocket ; but, when the hare was in motion, or the lump was
subjected to pressure with the hand immediately under the
throat, it was evident that the lump was pendulous, and
entirely confined to the lower part of the pouch The pouch
was rather more than 5 in. long, and about 7 in. in cir-
cumference, covered with fur similar in every respect to
that on the throat. The lump, which was nourished by large
blood-vessels, communicating with it from the neck, presented
no appearance of disease ; it resembled the other fleshy parts
of the animal, and was not in the least degree callous. From
these circumstances, several medical gentlemen to whom I
have shown it since I preserved it in spirits, are induced to con-
sider it as not cancerous ; I am, however, myself disposed to
think, though possessing no surgical knowledge, that it must
originally have arisen from a diseased state of some of the
glands, and that as the lump so produced increased in size, it
became to a certain degree detached, and thus by its own
weight produced the pouch which gives the hare this singular
appearance. Had the animal been suiFered to live, the pouch
must soon have come in contact with the ground, and would
probably in a short period have ulcerated, and terminate^ its
life. It had every appearance of being an old hare ; the-body
appeared to be in a very healthy state, and it would in a short
time have had two young ones.

I have the honour to be. Sir, &c.

John V. Stewart.

Art. IV. An Arrangement of the different Species of Falcons
found in Great Britain. By T, F.

Sir,^

Some observations and slight omissions of your correspond-
ent Z. B., under your article " Retrospective Criticism,"
(p. 94.), have induced me to offer, to such of your readers as
may feel an interest in becoming acquainted with the number
of falcons found in their native island, an arrangement of the
genus Falco of Linnaeus,, divided into sections according to the
system of modern naturalists, and accompanied with a few
remarks ; referring such as may wish for further information,
to Temminck's Manuel d' Ornithologies and Selby's Blustra-
iions of British Ornithology/.

Vol. I. — No; 3. g

218

Arrangement of' British Falcons.

Order RAPACIOUS (y^ccipitres Linn.).

Genus Falcon (Falco Linn.)

Section I. Falcons.
This section contains the true falcons, being chiefly those
which were made use of in falconry, and called long-winged
hawks, from the closed wings reaching to, or almost to, the
end of the tail.

1. Gerfalcon (Falco islandicus Lath.). {Jig. 85.) — This is
one of the boldest birds of the
whole genus, and was used in
falconry for the larger species
of game. Its native country
is Iceland. The White Ger-
falcon, Brown Gerfalcon, Ice-
land Falcon, and Greenland
Falcon are considered syno-
nymous. It rarely occurs in
England.

2. Peregrine Falcon (Falco
peregrinus Linn.). — The Hag-
gard Falcon, Barbary Falcon,
Yearling Falcon, and Red
Falcon are considered as only
changed in plumage, as is also
the Lanner of the Bi^it. Zool. ; I
but the Lanner of Lath, and
the Arct. Zool. is placed by Temminck as a distinct species,
which is said to be found in Hungary and Russia, and has
never been met with in England that I am aware of. The
Common Falcon (Falco communis) is also placed among the
synonyms of the Peregrine.

3. Kestrel (Falco Tinnunculus i/ww). — 4. Hobby (Falco
Subbteo Linn.). — 5. Merlin (Falco J^^salon Lhm.). The
Stone Falcon is doubtless only an old male, becoming bluish-
grey above.

Section II. Eagles.

These birds are more powerful than the former, but not so
rapid in flight.

1. Golden Eagle (F^lcoChrysaetos Linn.), {fig. 86.)— The
Black Eagle of Pennant, and the Ring-tailed Eagle (Falco
fiilvus) of other English authors, are clearly ascertained
to be the young.

Arrangement of British Falcons.

219

2. Cinereous Eagle (Falco
Albicilla Linn.). — The Sea
Eagle (Falco Ossifragus) has
been satisfactorily ascertained
to be no other than the young ;
though it appears surprising,
that a bird, which has been
generally described as larger
than the Cinereous, should
now be pronounced the young
of the latter. This teaches us
how careful naturalists should
be to take descriptions them-
selves, and not to copy merely
what their predecessors have
said, who perhaps have never
seen the thing they attempt to describe. The Bald Eagle
(F^lco leucocephalus) is considered by some a variety of the
Cinereous ; but Temminck, I think, from his observations, is
authorised in continuing them distinct. — 3. Osprey (Falco
JFZaliaeetus Linn.).

Section III. Hawks.

The birds of this section
are those in falconry called
short-winged hawks, their
closed wings being far distant
from the tip of the tail.

1. Goshawk ( Falco j^alum-
barius Linn.). {Jig. 87.) —
Your correspondent Z. B. has
omitted this bird. It is very
rare in England, but breeds in
Scotland and the Orkneys.
The Gentil Falcons of the
Brit. Zool, are doubtless only
the young of the Goshawk.
It may here be well to observe, that modern ornithologists
consider that there is no such bird as the Gentil Falcon, as a.
distinct species. The birds that have been described under
that name appear to me to differ much, some being long-
winged hawks, and others short. The former will be gene-
rally found to correspond with some state of plumage of the
Peregrine, and the short-winged with that of the Goshawk.
The term Gentil has caused confusion, from having been ap-

g 2

220

Arrangement of British Falcons.

plied to any species that had been rendered gende, and fit for
the purpose of falconry.
2. Sparrowhawk (Fal-
co iVisus Linn,), — I
should feel obliged by
any of your correspond-
ents informing me,
through your Magazine,
if they have ever seen
Vi female Sparrowhawk,
with a blue back, like
that of the adult male. I
have seen several, but
nevera blue-backed one,
which makes me doubt
its occurring, unless in very old birds.

Section IV. Kites,
1. Common Kite (Falco Mlvus Linn,), (Jig, 88.)

Section V. Buzzards,

1. Common Buzzard
Buteo Lifin,), (Jig, 89.)

2. Rough-legged Buzzard.
(FMco iagopus Linn,),

3. Honey Buzzard (Falco api-
\ ox us Linn,),

(Falco

Section VI. Harriers,

1. Henharrier (Falco cyaneus
Linn.). (Jg, 90.)

The Ringtail is now, beyond
^^ ^ all doubt, ascertained to be the

female, or young of the Henhar-
rier.

2. Marsh Harrier, or Moor
Buzzard (Falco rufus Linn,).

3. Ash-coloured Harrier (Fal-
co cineraceus Montagu).

As Selby rightly observes, we
are indebted to the persevering
researches of our countryman,
Montagu, for the discovery of this
new species of falcon, in whose
Ornithological Dictionary and
Supplement a full account may

Redi* s Experiments on the Generation <yf Insects. 221

be found. It is to be hoped, that the public will be favoured
with a new edition of that excellent work, which contains
much practical information, but has been out of print seve-
ral years. The correct work of Selby may be thought
to supersede it, but as that does not give the dimensions,
the size of a bird cannot be ascertained without his Il-
lustrations, which are much too expensive to be generally
obtained, and a dictionary of the provincial names is highly
desirable. From the foregoing list, it appears we have
seventeen species of falcons, and, I believe, no more, though
others have been placed in our Fauna, such as the Spotted
Falcon and Grey Falcon of the Brit, ZooL, which I have
but little doubt are not distinct species; the latter being
no other than a Gerfalcon, and the former a Gerfalcon
or variety of the Common Buzzard, though Montagu, in
his Supplement, seems to think the Spotted Falcon a dis-
tinct species. The great confusion among the falcons has
arisen chiefly from the difference of plumage, which exists
between the adults and young of several species, and from the
various changes which they undergo in arriving at maturity ;
the complete dress not being attained in some till the fourth
or fifth year, and even later. The term noble appears to me
to have been applied, not to all such as take their prey in the
air, which is the definition given by your correspondent Z. B.,
and who, in that case, I think, improperly excludes the eagles,
which, according to Temminck and Montagu (see Montagu's
Supplement, article Eagle, Ring-tail), pounce their prey on
the wing, but to have been used to denote such as were used
in falconry only, which was formerly the sport only of princes
and noble persons,

London, May, 1828. . T. F.

Art. V Some Account of Francesco Redi's Experiments on the
Generation of Insects. ByT. L. H.

Sir,
It is, I believe, well known, that, till the time of Redi (died
in 1697, aged 70), equivocal generation was the subject of
general belief. This celebrated Italian physician was the first
to prove, by that infallible test, experiment, that insects were
not engendered in putridity. The work in which he recounts
his labours to do this, is in the form of a letter to the Signor
Carlo Dati, and consists of a hundred and fourteen close
octavo pages. It is true that in this space there is much

S 3

222 Recti's Experiments on the Generation of Insects,

matter irrelevant to the main subject, as he wanders to various
observations on the nature and habits of bees, wasps, and one
or two other insects ; but the whole of it is well worth the
study of any one who can give their attention to it, and who
understands the language; for it has, I think, never been
translated, however it may have been borrowed from.

After some moralising, and some expressions of his dif-
fidence and intended accuracy, our author enters on his
subject. He commences with some observations on the
opinions of the ancients, which were somewhat as follows : —
They believed that when the earth issued from the hands of
its Maker, it immediately began clothing itself in a green
down, similar to that on young birds, which, strengthened by
the light of the sun, and the earth's own juices, gradually
expanded into herbs and trees; these were intended to
sustain the animals it afterwards produced. Not content
with this, it aspired to become the acknowledged mother of
man ; and the Stoics affirm, that soon after men began to bud
forth upon the face of the earth, as we now see mushrooms.
Some, indeed, believed this to be confined to particular parts
of the world, and the Ethiopians, Egyptians, and Phrygians,
all claim this honour for their native countries. Besides these,
the Arcadians, the Phoenicians, and Atticans boast of the
same glory for their lands, but more particularly the Athe-
nians, who, it is well known, wore a golden cicada in their
hair, to denote that their forefathers sprang from the earth,
as those insects are still supposed to do. Meantime, the earth,
says Redi, non ancora ben esperta in questo mestiere *, as yet
produced but imperfect animals ; so that sometimes they were
seen, this wanting a feature, that a limb, while others again
presented a monstrous mixture of different beasts, or even of
man and beast. But, still aspiring, she at length succeeded
in producing perfect animals, and perfect men. The men
were at first little worms, which, by degrees, assumed the
human figure. At length, old and worn out, she became
sterile; but although she no longer retained the power of
generating men and other large animals, she was still able to
bring forth insects and such small creatures, as well as plants,
supposed to spring up spontaneously and without seed, which
power she has ever since retained, and ever will. Some sup-
pose this power of the earth to be innate, others that she was
impregnated by the light of the sun, or its heat ; and, in short,
various other conjectures have exercised the imagination of
philosophers.

* Not yet very expert in this business.

Redi^s ExperhnerUs on the Generation of Insects, 223

Another opinion was, that insects were generated by the
collection of the fundamental atoms of the universe into small
bodies. " But," says our author, " that great philosopher of
our times, William Arveo, is of opinion that all creatures
come from the seed, either of their own species, or of any
other animal, indifferently ; or are propagated by generative
atoms, which float about in the air ; but whence, or how, these
atoms have their origin, he does not say. Among the various
opinions of past philosophers, cited by Redi, the following is
too curious to be omitted, though, if I noticed all, it would
prolong this article to a tedious and unnecessary length. I
mean that of Kircher, respecting the propagation of snakes.
" Take some snakes," says that author, in the twelfth book
of his Subterranean Worlds " of whatever kind you want,
roast them, and cut them in small pieces, and sow those pieces
in an oleaginous soil ; then, from day to day, bathe them
lightly with water, from a watering-pot, taking care that the
piece of ground be exposed to the spring sun, and in eight
days you will see the earth strewn with little worms, which,
nourished with milk mixed with the water, will gradually
increase in size till they take the form of perfect serpents.
This," adds he, " I learned from the carcass of a serpent,
which I found in the country ; it was covered with worms,
some small, others larger, and others again that had evidently
taken the form of serpents. And what renders it still more
marvellous, is, that among these little snakes, and mixed as it
were with them, there were certain flies which I should take
to be engendered in that substance, which constituted the
aliment of the snakes." " Thus far Kircher," says Redi ;
*' and I, moved by the authentic testimony of this most learned
writer, have often made the trial ; but I never could witness
the generation of these blessed little snakes made to hand."

Wishing to sift the truth of these opinions by personal
observation, he had three snakes, which he calls Angui
d'Esculapio, killed, and put into an open box. These were
soon covered with little worms, all alike in shape, being
conical, but of different sizes, as they were produced at differ-
ent times, which increased daily both in size and number.
Having consumed the flesh, they all escaped through the fis-
sures of the box, leaving the naked bones in a corner. He
again had three of these snakes killed, and put them into a
box as before ; in a few days they were peopled with worms,
of the same shape as the former ; but some, less than the rest,
were inclined to flesh colour, while the others were entirely
white. Having devoured the snakes, they anxiously sought
to escape ; but as he had taken more care than before in se-

224 JRedt's Experiments on the Generation of Insects,

curing all the outlets in the box, they were unable to effect
this. Gradually they became more quiet, and, after some
time, lay motionless, as if asleep. Shrinking into themselves,
they imperceptibly took the form of an egg, and, by the
twentieth day, they had all assumed this figure. At first they
were of a white colour, but by slow degrees became first
golden, then red. Some remained of this colour, but the rest
continued to become darker and darker, till they were quite
black ; and, from soft and tender, their skin had changed to
the hard and brittle shell of the chrysalis or aurelia. On
examining these more closely, he found the black ones were
more strongly marked than the others, which were nearly
smooth. At the end of eight days the red chrysalides burst,
and from each issued a fly of a dull ash colour, " turbid, dis-
mayed, and, so to speak, wrinkled and unfinished," with its
wings yet unfolded ; but, in the space of a quarter of an hour,
it dilated its little body, unfolded its wings, " and, relinquish-
ing the sad ash colour, it was dressed in a vivid green, mar-
vellously brilliant. It was now so much larger than before,
that it seemed impossible to conceive that its little shell could
have contained it." In fourteen days some of the black ones
burst, and produced a larger fly, " black, marked with white,
hairy on the abdomen, and red at the nether end ; such as
daily frequent butchers' shops, or any place where there is
dead flesh. At first they were like the others, slow, slovenly,
and sluggish in their appearance." In seven days after, the
rest of the chrysalides burst, and liberated certain little black
flies, smaller and brisker than both the other kinds, which
Redi says he believes to have been undescribed by any former
naturalists. It would be a useless task to pretend to ascertain
the exact flies Redi speaks of, as, notwithstanding his vivid
descriptions of their beauty, his terms are too general to afford
any assistance in the enquiry. Our main point is to state how
he attained his grand object, without entering into minute and
unnecessary details.

So many different flies from the same kind of flesh, did not
dismay, but, on the contrary, stimulated him to fresh exer-
tions ; instead, therefore, of only one kind, he put many into
different boxes, and obtained the same result as before, except
that the different species of insects were more numerous. He
next put some skinned river frogs into a glass vessel, which
he left open ; on the following day, he found them covered
with worms, some sporting in the fetid liquor that had stilled
from the carcass, while the rest depastured on the frogs. On
the third day he found they had all decamped, leaving nought
of the frogs but the bones. Some fish from the Arno were the

Recti's Experiments on the Generation of Insects, 225

next victims to his inquisitive spirit, and these also were soon
peopled ; but on these, and the sides of the box in which they
were placed, he observed not only worms, but also some very
small eggs, which, crushed between the nails, gave a white
subtle liquid, clearer and less viscous than the white of birds'
eggs. By the twentieth day they were all hatched, and the
worms had increased to twice their original size, and went
about twenty-five or thirty to the grain ; but, next day, they
were so amazingly enlarged, as to weigh about 7 grains each.
Meanwhile, they continued devouring the fish, and, finally,
left nothing but the bones ; and these " they left as white and
clean as if they had issued from the hands of the most diligent
anatomist in Europe." Having taken means to prevent their
flight, which they all attempted, he watched their gradual
progress towards perfection. The perfect insects were of five
kinds ; four he had seen before, the fifth, a little black fly,
greatly exceeding the number of its pupae, which were black
and large, he had never observed till then. Seeing this curious
disproportion, he opened one or two of the pupae, and found
that they contained, upon an average, from twenty-five to
thirty flies, but never more than forty. After this, he made
many more experiments on lion's flesh, tiger's, and, in fact,
multitudinous species offish, flesh, and fowl, cooked and raw,
and found that the insects were promiscuously produced on
all kinds of meat ; and, indeed, one piece would sometimes
contain all the species he had observed, and he generally ob-
served not only worms but eggs. The eggs reminded him of
the impurities left upon meats by flies (that afterwards become
worms), which butchers and housewives guarded against by
defending them with gauze coverings.

This made him doubt whether the eggs he had perceived
were not deposited on the meat, by flies similar to those they
produced, instead of being generated by the corruption ; the
more, because he invariably found that flies, resembling those
afterwards produced from their eggs, alighted upon the flesh
previously to the appearance of the worms ; " but vain would
have been the doubt, if experience had not proved this." To
do so, he put into four wide-necked flasks, a snake, some
river fish, some eels from the Arno, and some veal, and covered
the mouths with paper, tied on tight, and sealed. As many
more flasks, containing similar meats, he left open. In a few-
days, the fishes and meat in the open flasks were, as usual,
covered with worms ; in the closed flasks, the flesh, although
putrid, was entirely free from worms, though, on the outside
of the paper, there were a few worms as well as eggs ; the
former, in vain, using every endeavour to enter. After this.

226 Redi^s Expe7'iments on the Generation of Insects.

he made many similar experiments, and always found that
uncovered meats shortly teemed with life ; while, on the con-
trary, those that had no communication with the external air,
corrupted, but never verminated. During the course of these
experiments, he ascertained the curious fact, that when the
common fly dies, it serves as a nest for its own species equally
with any other kind of dead flesh. Not yet satisfied, he deter-
mined on making a new experiment. He put some meat and
fish into a large vessel, covered with very fine gauze, which
he also put into a large box, covered with the same gauze,
that the air might penetrate to the meats, while it remained
free from the intrusion of insects. On these he did not see a
single worm, but frequently saw the little creatures writhing
about on the outer gauze, trying to make their way through; and
it was with difficulty that he was once quick enough to prevent
two of them from falling on the meat, for they had got their
bodies half through the inner gauze. He also observed the flies,
attracted by the meat, and unable to make their way to it,
drop their eggs upon the gauze ; some of them alighting upon
it, others hovering in the air during the operation ; and he
perceived that each left six or seven eggs at a time. This was
the point he wished to attain, and he had now discovered that
insects supposed to be engendered by corruption, were, in
reality, propagated by their own species.

Notwithstanding his liberal philosophy, and his active ex-
perimenting, Redi falls into the most extraordinary error ; he
asserts that some plants, fruits, &c., produce insects. That one
who went so far should go no farther, but cease his experiments
just where he ought to have pursued them still more zealously,
appears incomprehensible ; it would seem that he had pur-
posely left to others the glory of finishing what he had so
nearly accomplished. It is the more marvellous, as in one
particular instance he was so near the truth. Let me use his
own words. Speaking of the galls in oaks, he says, " I freely
confess, that having made my first experiments on the gene-
ration of insects, I was inclined to believe, or rather suspect,
that perhaps the gall was caused by an insect, which, coming
in the spring, and making a little fissure in the tenderest
branches of oaks, secreted an egg in that fissure, which was

the cause of the excrescence, and I was inclined to

think that the gall was a disease, occasioned by the puncture

of the fly, as we see tumours arise on the human body,

from the same cause." After various doubts, he says, " It seems
more probable that the generation of insects born in trees,
should not be chance generations, nor caused by any fly de-
positing its egg there, as each gall has its particular insect^ a

Some Account of the Hessian Fly,

227

rule without an exception ;" but that it should be produced
by the tree itself. It did not strike him, that the " particular
insects " might cause the peculiarities of the gall, nor that the
" particular insects " might choose particular trees in which to
deposit their eggs. The insects found in fruits, he also sup-
poses to be generated by virtue of the tree itself, and without
any pre-communication with the perfect insect. In support
of this doctrine he supposes trees to be endowed with sens-
ation, and brings many revered names to . assist him in his
need, among whom he cites Aristotle, Plato, and Pythagoras.

T. L. H.

Art. VI.

Sir,

Some Account of the Hessian Fly, By the Reverend
William Kibby, M. A. F.R. and L.S.

No departments of natural history are more generally in-
teresting than those which connect it with agriculture. I need
not, therefore, apologise for making known to the public,
through the medium of your useful Magazine, the name and
characters of an insect, which, under the appellation of the
Hessian fly, has done as much damage to the crops of wheat
in North America, and created as much alarm in this country,
lest it should be imported, as any depredator of its class ever
did.* Having been long anxious to ascertain what the insect
was, that had attained to such celebrity for the injuries it was
the author of, I applied to a friend connected with America to
give what information he could procure, but without success ;
till, very recently, I met with a paper of Mr. Say's upon this
very subject, inserted in the Journal of the Academy of Natural
Sciences of Philadelphia for the year 1817.

I had, in the Linnean Trans-
actions, long ago, under the
name of TIpula ^ritici [fig, 91.
«), given an account of a little
orange-coloured gnat, which I
conceived to be injurious to the
wheat crops of this country,
by causing the inanition of the
grain wherever it laid an egg f ,
which was within the glumes
of the florets. This gnat, in
the modern system, belongs

* See Introduction to Entomology, first edition, p. 52. 168.
t Linn. Trans., iii. 242—245. iv. 224 — 230. v. 96—110.

228 Introductory View of the

to the genus Cecidomyia, though it does not, like the other
species, produce galls in the plants it infests. To this same
genus the Hessian fly, according to Mr. Say, also belongs, and
he names it Cecidomyia destructor (^).

The antennae of the male are shorter than the body, some-
what slenderer towards the tip, with hairs in whorls, monili-
form, with the joints connected by a transparent thread. The
head and thorax are black ; breast sometimes fulvous ; wings
black, fulvous at the base, fringed, longer than the abdomen ;
legs pale, covered with black hairs ; abdomen brownish. In
the female, the joints of the antennae are not connected by a
transparent thread, and the abdomen is fulvous, with a dorsal
and ventral black interrupted vitta.

A species of Ceraphron (C. destructor) deposits its eggs in
the larva, and keeps this destructive little pest within due
limits, otherwise Mr. Say supposes that the crops of wheat
would be totally annihilated. The female deposits from one to
eight or more eggs upon a single plant of wheat, between the
vagina of the inner leaf and the culm nearest the roots ; in
which situation, with its head towards the root or first joint,
the young larva passes the winter. They eat the stem, which
thus becomes weak, and breaks.

This species, and C. ^ritici above mentioned, from their
causing no galls, appear to form a distinct group in the genus
Cecidomyia, with which, however, they agree in the characters
assigned to it by Meigen.

As few entomologists appear to have been aware of the
above discovery of Mr. Say's, I hope this short account of it
will not be unacceptable to your readers.

I am, Sir, yours, &c.

Wm. Kirby.

Art. VII. An Introductory Vie'vo of the Linnean System of
Plants, By Miss Kent, Authoress of Flora Dom^sticaf Sylvan
Sketches, &c. ^ t . '

The vegetable world was so little known in ancient times,
that the number of plants described by the Greek and Roman
writers does not exceed fourteen hundred ; less than a thir-
tieth part of the number now known. Some allowance, per-
haps, should be made for the fact, that some modern botanists
have multiplied species, by so denominating mere varieties ;
while it is most probable that, in ancient times, many distinct
species were confounded together. Still the number of plants

Linnean System of Plants, 229

known to those early writers must have been very small ; and
even that small number were very imperfectly understood.
They had not, as we now have, a language by which every
botanist is clearly intelh'gible to another ; the description of
one plant was very frequently applicable to many others ; and,
at this distance of time, it is, in many instances, impossible to
ascertain what were the plants intended. Hence have arisen
conjectures without end, upon questions which can never be
determined. Thus, the ancient hyacinth is, by some, sup-
posed to have been the Eastern flower which now bears
that name ; by others, on account of certain figures on the
petals, it is believed to have been what we now term the
martagon lily ; and many think it was the larkspur. The
mallow, so important as an esculent vegetable, and mentioned
as such by Horace, and in the Old Testament, is now un-
known. Most probably we have the plant, but are unable
positively to identify it ; and it is the same with many others.

It was not till towards the end of the sixteenth century,
that botany was reduced to any sort of system. The first
systematic arrangement of vegetables was published by Caesal-
pinus, an Italian physician, in the year 1583. Many others
succeeded, which, however ingenious, were of little public
utility, because no one was generally adopted ; until the ad-
mirable system of Linnaeus, towards the middle of the
eighteenth century, prevailed over all others, and was univer-
sally approved and followed.

There is at present, however, a sort of rivalry between the
system of Linnaeus and what is termed the natural method of
Jussieu. The heart-burnings of rivalry and party spirit should
not be suffered to approach the — may we say — amiable
science of botany. Linnaeus himself was earnest for a natural
arrangement, and was well aware of its importance. He left
what he called a fragment of a natural method, which he re-
commended succeeding botanists to perfect; not as a suc-
cessor, but as a companion, to his own beautiful system. It
has been well observed by Mr. Bicheno, that " the two
great masters of botanical science propose different ends,
and ought not to be regarded as rivals." The artificial sys-
tem of Linnaeus enables us to become acquainted with indivi-
duals; and, for this purpose, the object is to divide and to
define : the natural method of Jussieu looks to their connec-
tions and affinities; consequendy its object is diametrically
opposite to the former, and its business is combination. For
a precise knowledge of the different species of plants, the sys-
tem of Linnaeus is unrivalled ; and it is only by an accurate
knowledge of the species, that we can avail ourselves of their

230 Introductory View of the

various properties. Let us not undervalue the labours of
Jussieu ; an accomplished botanist should be acquainted with
both these systems; but we would recommend the young
student to commence with the Linnean, as being at once the
easiest in practice, and the least to be dispensed with.

When we say that Linnaeus divided the vegetable kingdom
into twenty-four classes, each of which classes is again di-
vided into several orders, these subdivided into genera, and
the genera into species, let it not be supposed that all these
various terms and subdivisions increase the difficulty to the
young student, for the truth is diametrically the reverse. Let
the reader suppose that he has a plant before him, of which
he would learn the history. He must first ascertain its name.
Among nearly 50,000 plants he has to seek this one. It will
readily be seen that if he has to plunge into the midst of all
these numbers, and to compare the plant before him with the
full description of each individual species, until he meets with
one corresponding to it, it will be a task demanding a large
portion both of time and patience, and he will be fortunate if
his plant be not entirely withered and decomposed, before he
have accomplished the work. Let him, then, suppose that, by
observing one or two particular characters, he ascertains that
it belongs to a class, containing about two thousand plants ;
that, by another glance, he understands it to be of an order
of that class, containing two hundred ; his task is now consi-
derably reduced, but by a little further observation, he yet di-
minishes the number much more, before he has recourse to
the full descriptions of the plants. The order to which it
belongs is arranged in several divisions, according to some
conspicuous characters ; by attention to these, the number is
reduced to forty or fifty. By a little closer inspection, he
assigns it to the proper genus ; and now, instead of compar-
ing it with the detailed description of 50,000 plants, he has
but six, a dozen, or perhaps twenty, to examine. In many
cases, he may ascertain the particular species, without having
occasion to go through the full description of any one but
that which actually belongs to it. What would have been
a tedious task, is thus converted into an interesting occupa-
tion, and he is surprised to find how easy is that which he
imagined to be so difficult. The difficulties have been met,
and overcome, by those who have given them the station and
the name that rightfully belong to them. It is this which
displays the skill of the botanist ; and to do this, if necessary,
it should be the ambition of the student to qualify himself.

The Linnean system is founded upon the parts of fructifi-
cation, of which there are usually reckoned seven ; the calyx,

¥

Linnean System of Plants. 2vSl

the corolla, the pistil, the stamen, the pericarp, the seed, and
the receptacle. From one or more of these parts the class is
formed ; from others, the order and the genus. The species
is determined by the other parts of the plant ; the root, stem,
leaves, &c.

The word calyx is of Greek origin, and signifies a cover ;
it is used to express the leaf, or leaves, usually growing im-
mediately under the flower, and enclosing it while in bud. Its
office is to protect the tenderer parts, and more particularly
such as are essential to the production of fruit. It varies in
situation, and yet more in form; and, according to these
variations, is differently named, though the word calyx applies
to them all. The most common of all its varieties is the
perianth, so called from two Greek words, signifying around
the flower. Its colour is most commonly, but not invariably,
green.

Corolla is the diminutive of the Latin word corona, a crown,
and is applied to that part commonly termed the flower, often
so beautifully coloured, and more, perhaps, than any other
part of a plant, subject to the dominion of Fancy. It would
seem as though Nature had given the corolla more particularly
in charge of this playful goddess. It is generally believed
that the corolla, like the calyx, is intended as a protection to
the internal parts of the flower ; but this is like giving one
infant to the care of another. The corolla is almost always
of a delicate texture, in many cases so frail that a breath will
destroy or dismiss it from its station; it is itself in need of
protection, and, most commonly, very unfit to bestow it.
This lovely portion of the flower has many uses more con-
sistent with its delicacy, than that of life-guardsman. It were
enough were it destined only to give pleasure ; and, not to
speak of the many chemical and medical uses, it frequently
lodges fragrant oils, which, scattering volatile particles in the
air, perfume the atmosphere around, and afford an additional
pleasure to those who come to gaze upon its
,v beauty. The corolla is sometimes composed of
one piece, sometimes of several pieces ; these
are named petals, from a Greek word signifying
to expand ; and, according to their number, it is
styled monopetalous, one-petaled; dipetalous,
two-petaled; tripetalous, three-petaled ; tetra-
petalous, four-petaled ; pentapetalous, five-pe-
taled ; or polypetalous, many-petaled. {^fig, 92.
«, monopetalous corolla ; 6, the perianth.)

Old authors used the word leaves as well to express the
divisions of the corolla and calyx, as the leaves commonly so

2S2 Introductot-y Vietso of the

called. Misled by this confusion of terms, Addison, who was
probably unacquainted with the flower described by Virgil,
represents the Italian aster (^'ster ^melius) as a purple busli,
with yellow flowers, instead of telling us that the flower had
a yellow disk and purple rays.

" Aureus ipse ; sed in foliis, quae plurima circum
Funduntur, violae sublucet purpura nigrae."

Virgil, Georgic 4.

" The flower itself is of a golden hue,
The leaves inclining to a darker bluej
The leaves shoot thick about the root, and grow
Into a bush, and shade the turf below.'*

Addison.

Dryden falls into the same error : —

** A flower there is that grows in meadow ground,
Amellus called, and easy to be found ;
For from one root the rising stem bestows
A wood of leaves and violet-purple boughs.
The flower itself is glorious to behold,
And shines on altars like refulgent gold."

We doubt whether the plant would very easily be found by
this description, or any plant that should correspond with it.
Still further to avoid any confusion of this sort, by using
terms as distinct as possible, some modern botanists have
substituted the word sepal for the leaves of the calyx, from
sepire, to surround or hedge in.

The pistil {Jig. 93.) usually occupies the centre of the
flower. It is composed of three parts : 1 . the ger-
men (a), which is the rudiment of the fruit; 2. the
style (^), a tubular column proceeding from the ger-
men; and 3. the stigma (c), or summit, which crowns
the style.

The stigma is, more or less, covered with a glutinous
moisture : it varies considerably in form ; and that which is
called the simple stigma, having no form to distinguish it from
the top of the style, might conveniently be called the summit ;
but the two words are generally used indiscriminately.
5^» The stamen^ also, i^Jig* 94.) is composed of. three

"^ parts: 1. the filament, or thread (a), which is affixed
to some part of the flower, mostly to the corolla,
calyx, or receptacle; 2. the anther {f>\ which is sup-
ported by the filament, and is a little bag, or case,
containing the third part, which is called the pollen (c).
This last is apparently a fine meal ; but, when seen through
a microscope, every particle appears a little bag, containing

Linnean System of Plants, 233

a meal yet finer. As the pollen ripens, it swells the anthers,
which at last open, and shed it upon the stigma. It adheres
to that part by the glutinous moisture before mentioned, and,
by means of the hollow style which connects it with the ger-
men, feeds the young fruit until it has attained its full growth.
Thus sits the style upon the seeds, like the hen bird upon her
eggs ; while the stamen, like a tender mate, supplies her with
food.

The pistil and stamen are the most essential parts of a
flower, since, without them, no fruit can be produced. The
corolla or the calyx may be wanting, and yet the flower will
be termed perfect, because the absence of those parts is no
obstacle to reproduction. Even the style and the filament
may be absent, without preventing the formation or ripening
of the fruit ; and there are many flowers which have the stamen
sitting close to the corolla, &c., without a filament, and the
stigma to the germen without a style; but the anther, the
germen, and the stigma are essential.

The seed is contained in the pericarp, or seed-vessel, which
is the germen (before described as a part of the pistil) when
grown to maturity. The name of the seed-vessel varies
according to its form, substance, &c. ; but the word pericarp
a word of Greek origin, which signifies around the seed, is
applicable to all its varieties.

The receptacle is the base, or medium, which connects the
other parts of the fructification.

Of the varieties of all these parts I shall say more here-
after.

Of the twenty-four classes into which the vegetable king-
dom is divided, the first ten rest solely on the number of
stamens contained in their flowers ; and proceed without in-
terruption, the number of the class corresponding with that of
the stamens. They are distinguished by the Greek numbers
prefixed to the word andria, which is also of Greek origin,
and signifies a husband, the stamen being considered the father
of the fruit ; while the pistil, which nourishes it in her
bosom, being looked upon as the mother, is expressed by the
word gynia, meaning a wife. By the number of
the latter, the orders of these classes are distin-
guished. Thus, the first class, Monandria, is
divided into two orders, Monogynia and Digy-
nia; in other words, those flowers which have
but one stamen are divided into two sets ; those
which have one pistil {Jig. 95. a), and those which
have two (b) ; we should rather say styles, for
it frequently happens that they are multiplied, while the germ

Vol, I. — No. 3. R

234 Introductory View of the

remains single. It is, therefore, from the styles, at their base,
that the number is reckoned, or, where the style is wanting,
from the stigmas.

. Of the class Monandria, this country furnishes examples of
four genera in the first order, and one in the second. These
are all marsh plants, and chiefly affecting the sea coast ; they
are neither among the handsomest nor the most valuable of
our native plants. One or two species are, I believe, of some
chemical importance ; and, from some foreign genera of this
class, we obtain ginger, cardamoms, turmeric, arrow-root*,
and, as the catalogue informs us, (and the reader will be sur-
prised to hear it,) opera girls ! (Mantisia saltatoria) from the East
Indies. If the reader have any doubt of the fact, let him pro^
ceed forthwith to the botanic garden at Cambridge, where he
may see a specimen of each ; if, indeed, the saltatory tenden-
cies of the latter have admitted of its remaining stationary for
any length of time. It must be acknowledged that some of
our English names are such as might startle a foreigner.
Thus we furnish our gardens and green-houses with Old
Mens' Heads and Lady's Fingers, Cats' Tails and Dogs'
Tongues, Infernal Figs and Indian Gods. Our gardeners
are, however, more considerate than might be supposed. If
they grow Naked Ladies, they also grow Lady's Smocks,
Lady's Mantles, Lady's Slippers, and Blue Bonnets; nor do
they forget to provide Lady's Combs, and a crop of Looking-
glasses. If they have the Tooth-ache tree, they also culti-
vate Patience; though they have Double Tongues, they are
well supplied with Honesty to counteract them. In opposition
to the Melancholy tree, they exhibit True Love, Heart's Ease,
and Traveller's Joy ; and though they deny not
their London Pride, they are very careful to
preserve the Humble Plant as an example.

The second class, Di^ndria, is divided into three
orders; Monogynia {fig, 96. «), Digynia {b\
Trigynia (c) ; one, two, and three styled. It is
to be observed that, in the first twenty classes,
the presence of the pistil is essential ; if that is
wanting, the plant must belong to one or other of
the latter classes, as will be more fully explained
in its proper place.

The first order of the second class contains ten
British genera (that is, ten genera, of which some

* So named from the Indians using its juice as a remedy for wounds
inflicted by poisoned arrows. It is also considered an excellent remedy for
the stings of venomous insects, so prevalent in hot climates.

Linnean System of Plants. ^^Sf

of the species are British) ; of the second order we have but
one genus ; and of the third, not any example.

To the first order belong the ash tree, and that beautiful
spear-leaved * shrub called the Privet {Jig, 91. \ bearing
thyrses of white flowers in the summer, and bitter black berries
in the winter. One of the pret- ^^ 97

tiest of the flowers that

** Do paint the meadows with delight/'

in the months of May and June,
is a species of Veronica, another
genus of this order, supposed to
derive its name from the saint so
called. This plant, commonly
called the Germander Speedwell,
grows plentifully in hedges, mea-
dows, &c. ; and, as it will bear
removal when in flower, if care-
fully uprooted, may be trans-
ferred to a garden-pot, and admired at leisure. Another genus
of the ten afore-mentioned is the Circae'a, or Enchanter's
Nightshade, named from the enchantress Circe, and formerly
believed to be a preservative against every species of magical
incantation; alike defying the power of sorcerers, witches,
demons, and evil spirits, of every denomination. One of the
species is common in moist and shady situations ; and, to say
nothing of the extraordinary virtues attributed to it, is well
worth seeking for its delicate and elegant appearance; the
stem and leaves are frequently tinged, more or less, with a
bright red, contrasting beautifully with the two little white, or
pale rose-tinged, petals.

Among foreigners of the same class and order, we may
reckon some of our most popular favourites ; as the jasmines
and the lilac trees ; the snowdrop tree, now become a general
tenant of the English shrubbery; rosemary, which, though not
a native, has been found, for many years past, in every village
garden ; sage, familiar to us all from its culinary uses ; and the
olive, the tree presented to the city of Athens by the goddess
of- wisdom, and considered, not only as the emblem, but the
maker, of peace, since it has been asserted that a few drops of
its oil will calm the turbulent ocean itself. Even the rapacity
of the plague may be checked, it is said, by anointing the body
with olive oil, which secures it from the infection of that fierce
disease, as well as of the yellow fever. It is also reputed as a

* Botanically termed lanceolate ; shaped like a lance or spear.
R 2

236 Introductory View of the

cure for the venomous bite of the viper ; and is a powerful
antidote to various poisons. Nor let us forget the fruit itself,
which, in its preserved state, is brought to table; not only to
make a part of the dessert ; not only, (as some suppose), to be
eaten, or to heighten the flavour of wine ; but also to introduce
that never-failing observation, that a taste for olives is always
an acquired one. Notwithstanding my own personal expe-
rience, however, I must venture to doubt this axiom, having
seen a whole family of children, and even infants in arms, eat
them as readily as though they had been sweet plums.

To look back, for a moment, to the jasmine. It is well
known that the Italians obtain a perfume from its flowers, by
a very easy process : soaking a quantity of cotton wool in some
scentless oil, they put it into glass vessels, in alternate layers
with the jasmine flowers ; and, after a few days, squeeze the oil
from the wool, and put it into bottles for use ; the perfume
being communicated by that simple means. But it would seem
that the Italians derive little gratification from this result; for
we are told that they (the Romans, at least) have a perfect
abhorrence of perfumes; and avoid a person scented with
attar of roses, with every appearance of disgust. Sir James
Edward Smith, in his Continental Tour, speaking of the
Borghese chapel at Rome, says that one of the popes having
dreamed, in the month of August, of a fall of snow, and find-
ing that it actually had fallen at that season, on a certain hill,
built a chapel on the spot; and, in commemoration of the
dream, on the anniversary of the day, caused an artificial snow
to be showered upon the congregation there assembled, during
the whole of the service. This artificial snow was composed
of the beautiful and fragrant flowers of the white jasmine ; and
(can we believe it?) the ladies abstained from visiting the
chapel on that occasion, from their horror of this sweet
perfume.

The third order of the class Diandria supplies us with
pepper, no unimportant article of trade. In some years, above
six million pounds' weight of the berries of the Piper nigrum
(black pepper) have been sold at the East India Company's
sales ; of which, seven or eight hundred thousand have been
retained for home consumption.

The third class, Triandria, also comprises three orders;
Monogynia, Digynia, and Trigynia. Of the first are many
very handsome genera, chiefly bulbous-rooted; the Crocus,
/ris, /'xia, Mor^«, Gladiolus, Antholyza, &c. &c. ; but the
most interesting plant of this order is the Cyperus Papyrus L.
(or Papyrus antiqu5rum Willd.), the celebrated Egyptian plant
which furnished the scholars of antiquity with writing-paper.

Linnean System of Plants. 237

The second order of the class Triandria is rich in Invaluable
productions. The plants of this order are not remarkably
handsome; but they are to mankind, to Europeans, at least,
the very " staff of life." It is chiefly composed of the grasses,
of which there are many of incalculable utility, not only to
mankind but to beast-kind ; but the greatest treasure of its
vv^ealth is corn. Wheat, rye, oats, and barley, all belong to
this order. The grasses are very numerous ; and, from the
smallness of their parts, and other causes, are, in many in-
stances, rather difficult to distinguish, but they are well worth
all the time and attention they demand. In a space not larger
than a grain of rice, we may distinguish six or seven florets
enclosed by a two-leaved calyx : eiich floret composed of a
corolla in two parts ; of three filaments, with anthers rather
large in proportion with the other parts ; and the germ, with
its two styles and stigmas. Yet, notwithstanding their dimi-
nutive size (frequently not distinguishable without a mag-
nifier), these stigmas are often finely feathered with compound
feathers, as beautifully formed, and complete in every respect,
as it is possible for any feather to be. The elegance of form,
and delicate combinations of colour, are, in many species,
truly admirable. Among them may be instanced one of the
commonest and most generally known of all the grasses, the
rye-grass (Zolium perenne). The meadow soft-grass (i/olcus
lanatus) has beautiful downy leaves, like velvet to the touch,
with a compound spike of flowers, delicately variegated with
pink and pale green. Another of this genus, H, arenaceus, is
both elegant and majestic. I have seen this grass 6 ft. high,
with leaves 2 ft. long, and more than 1 in. wide ; with its
panicle of flowers gently drooping to one side, at least 1 ft.
6 in. in length, and so finely polished, that, but for their green
colour, we might think it was composed of silver oats. Yet it is
not green ; neither is it white, nor gold-colour, nor purple, but
it is a union of all these ; it is the offspring of silver and of
gold, of the amethyst and the emerald. It is, indeed, very
variable ; but, in the full pride of its beauty, this grass is truly
magnificent. The light purple pyramids that quiver in every
field and meadow, must be well known to every reader. In
fine, the student who has leisure to investigate their beauties,
will find the family of grasses peculiarly interesting, and much
more various and beautiful than, from the apparent homeliness
of many, they might be supposed to be. Our gratitude is yet
further claimed by this class and order, for its production of
the sugar-cane, a plant which many persons will value no less
than wheat itself.
R 3

238 TJie Jussieuean, or Natural, System of Plants.

Having furnished so many handsome plants in the first
order, and useful ones in the second, the class Tri^ndria seeks
repose. The third order is small, and contains nothing par-
ticularly handsome, useful, or interesting. Here, then, reader,
let us also repose ; for we have not room to go through another
class. So, gentle reader,

Au-revoir, — Adieu !

Art. VIII. The Jussieuean, or Natural, System of Plants.
. {Continued from p. 144.)

[We have already noticed the importance of Cruciferae to
mankind, and the singularity of its botanical characters. In
the general vievsr vv^hich we are now giving of the groups into
which plants are thrown by the natural system, we do not
stop to render familiar to the learner the singular characters
alluded to ; because we know that we cannot do this with
proper effect, till he has made himself master of the details
which will be given by Miss Kent, in illustration of the Lin-
nean system. By the time that we have got through our
general view of the groups of plants, Miss Kent will be con-
siderably advanced in her illustrations, and the student will
then know enough of vegetable anatomy to follow us through
scientific definitions of the , different orders and tribes, and
which definitions we intend to accompany by figures of the
types of all the genera.]

The whole order of Cruciferae is preeminently Euro-
pean; 166 species are found in the north and middle of
Europe, and 178 on the sea-shores of the Mediterranean;
45 are found between Mogadore and Alexandria; 184? in
the countries of the East, that is to say, Syria, Asia Minor,
Tauria, and Persia; 99 in Siberia; 35 in China, Japan,
and India; 16 in New Holland and the South Sea islands;
6 in the Mauritius and adjacent countries ; 70 at the Cape ;
9 in the Canaries; 2 in Saint Helena; 2 in the West
Indies; 41 in South America ; 48 in North America; 5 iii
Kamtchatka and the bordering islands; and finally, 35 are
common to several parts of the globe. From this it appears
that there are about 100 species in the southern hemisphere,
and about 800 in the northern : or, if they are considered with
reference to the zones of temperature, 205 are natives of the
frigid zone of the northern hemisphere ; 30 of the whole of
the tropics ; 548 of the temperate zone of the northern hemi-
sphere ; and 86 of the southern. The forty-first degree of

The Jussieuean, or Natural, System of Plants, 239

north latitude may be considered the equatorial line of Cru-
cifer£B, about half being found on one side of it, and half on
the other. Their station is very variable; many inhabit
open sandy places, some form the vegetation about the limits
of the perpetual snows of lofty mountains, and many follow
the footsteps of man through all parts of the world.

The useful qualities of the turnip, the radish, the rape, and
the cabbage, and its multiform varieties, are all well known.
The greater part of the order consists of plants possessing
high antiscorbutic powers. These appear to depend upon a
certain acrid volatile oily principle, the chemical nature of
which is imperfectly known. It is particularly abundant in
the seeds of mustard, the roots of horseradish, and the
leaves of iepidium latifolium, which last exercise a violent
influence upon the organs of digestion. The same sort of
acrimony, but in less degree, is found in the herbage of the
scurvygrass and the roots of the radish, which act much
more mildly when taken inwardly ; thus, when any cruciferous
plants are found to be eatable, either from culture or other
circumstances, it is to be understood to depend upon a reduc-
tion of this acrid principle. The exciting powers of this prin-
ciple are what render the horseradish, the scurvygrass, and
others, so remarkably useful as antiscorbutics. Plants of this
order are also believed to possess diuretic and diaphoretic pro-
perties. It is to be remarked that Cruciferae are always eat-
able when their texture is succulent and watery, as in the roots
of the radish and turnip, and in the leaves of the ciabbage tribe.
A further diminution of the acrid principle is produced by
blanching. Cruciferae are said to possess a greater share of
azote than any other tribe of plants ; as is apparent in their
fetid smell when fermented. The embryos of all the order
abound in oil, whence many species are employed with much
advantage for expressing, either for the table or for feeding
lamps. Some of the species are extremely beautiful and fra-
grant, as the stocks, the gillyflowers, the hesperides, the candy-
tufts, and many others. The hutchinsias, drabas, cardamines,
&c., are among the most interesting of alpine plants.

Suborder I. PLEURORHrZJE, o =

Tribe l. -^rabi'de^i:.

Mathiola R. Br. Barbar^a R. Br. Macropodium R, Br,

Cheiranthus L, Braya Stern. Cardamine L.

iVasturtium R. Br. Turritis Dil, Pteroneuron Dec,

Leptocarpae'a Dec, ^'rabis L. Dentaria L,
Notoceras R, Br, Parrya R. Br.

R 4

240 Notulae Botaniccjc.

Tribe 2. w^lyssi^ne^e.

Lunaria i. Vesicaria Lam, Petrocallis R. Br,

Ricotia L. ^lyssum L. Z>raba L.

Farsetia Turr. Clypeola Gae. Erophila Dec.

Berteroa Dec. Peltaria L, Cochlearia Thtt.

Aubrietm Adans.

Tribe 5. T^hlaspi'de^.

Thldspi Dil Hutchlnsm R. Br. Teesdalia R. Br. Tberis L. Biscut^a L,

Tribe 4. Euclidie'^,

Euclidiuni R. Br, Octh odium Dec.

Tribe 5. Anastati'ge^. Tribe 6. Cakali^h^m.

Anastatica L. Cdkile Tourn. Chorispora Dec.

Suborder II. NOTORUrZEM O If

Tribe 7. jSisymbrie^-^.
Malc6mi« R. Br. /fesperisl/. Sisymbrium Jv. Alliaria ^c?an*. Erysimum Z.

Tribe 8. CAMELi'NEiE.
Camelina Crantz. Neslia Desv.

Tribe 9. Z/Epidi^ne^. Tribe 10. /sati'deje.

Coronopus Sm. Capsdla MoncJi. /satis Bauh. J/yagrum L.

J/cpidium L. ^thionema R. Br.

Suborder III. ORTHORLG'CEM o > >
Tribe 11. ^bassi'ceje. Tribe 12. Te'lle^.

jBrassica jL. Moricandia Dec. ^ruca Ton. Fella L. Succowia Med,

iSinapis Tou. Diplotaxis Dec. Currichtera Adans.

Tribe 15. Zi'lle2E, Tribe 14. ^apha'ne^.

Ztlla Forsk, Caleplna Ad. Crambe Tou. jRaplstrum Desv. ^aphanus L.

Suborder IV. SPIROLO^BE^. 0\\\\
Tribe 15. ^unia'de^. Tribe 16. ^ruca'ri^.

^unias L. Erucaria Gtert.

Suborder V. DIPLECOLO^BEM. o II II II
Tribe 17. HELioPHi'LEiE. Tribe 18. Subularie'^.

Heliophila L. Subularia L.

§ Of doubtful station. — Schizop^talon Sims.
{To be continued)

Art. IX. NotulcB Botanicce. By G. A. Walker Arnott, Esq.

Eriophorum. — Having lately received specimens of the
Eriophorum pubescens {j^g. 98. a) of Sir J. E. Smithes
English Flora, from Mr. Baird, found in the bog at Lammer-
ton Toll, three miles west of Berwick, I beg to send you
the following remarks : —

Smith, although he has distinguished this species (whe-
ther rightly or not I shall not here give my opinion) from
E. polystachyon (b), and added the synonym of Poiteau
and Turpin {Fl. Par., t. 51.), does not seem to have been

Notula Botdfiicar,

241

aware that it is a generally diffused, and, consequently,
an often described species.
In Scotland it is, I believe,
not uncommon; but I state
this with doubt, as, trusting to
procure specimens of E. poly-
stachyon, a plant supposed
very common (and with which
I also had confounded E. pu-
bescens), whenever 1 chose,
for my herbarium, I have
delayed from day to day, and
year to year, and can only, at
this moment, boast of a few
miserable morceaux ; some of
which, however, are E. pubescens. In England it has been
found on Wallington Moors by Mr. Trevyllian, and indicated
by him there under the name of E. gracile. From the neigh-
bourhood of Paris I have not yet received it, but I possess it
from Switzerland, under the name of E. latifolium ; and, from
the description (pedunculis scabris) given by Schrader and all
foreign botanists, including Roemer and Schultes, as well as
Sprengel's Systema Vegetabilium, that Swiss specimen appears
rightly named ; whence we must transfer the synonym of the
English Flora to E. pubescens, or rather we must adopt for
the species the name of E. latifolium, and reduce under it the
E. pubescens of Smith. From Canada I have also received a
specimen, under the name of E. angustifolium Pursh ,• but, as
I have at present no opportunity of examining the specimen
of that author, I dare not cite that as a synonym.

With regard to E. gracile, it is always described with, and
ought to be readily distinguished by, the triangular leaves. I
have not, however, been so fortunate hitherto as to receive
from any correspondent abroad the plant which foreign au-
thors have described under that name, or its synonym E. tri-
quetrum ; but in the British specimens which I have examined,
found by Mr. G. Don on Ben Lawers, the leaves are de-
cidedly, particularly the radical ones, plane at the base, and
only triangular in their upper half; and, from the whole habit,
I feel inclined to refer it to E. latifolium (E. pubescens Sm,),

It is, however, but justice to Dr. Smith, here to state that
I have seen neither Mr. Bruce's nor Mr. Holmes's specimens,
and that even the plant which I have received from Mr. Baird,
and which accords tolerably well with Smith's specific cha-
racter (he says the peduncles are downy; in my specimen they
are rather covered with close set, somewhat rigid, setulse, or

24?2 The Oak Tree, considered

bristles), does not by any means agree with his lengthened
description, when he says that these peduncles are clothed
v^\\kifine silky hairs. My plant is certainly E. Iatif51ium; and
should I have made an error in supposing it to be Dr. Smith's
E. pubescens, I hope some of your readers will correct me,
and put into my possession the true plant of the English
Mora,

I can scarcely pass over in this place the E. angustifolium.
This has the leaves almost linear, and I feel doubtful about
its being so common as is usually thought, most specimens
I have seen under that name being E. polystachyon. The
synonym of Vaillant [FL Par,, 1. 16. f. ].)j or -E. Vaillant/z
Poiteau and Turpin (JF7. Par,, t. 52.), has been cited under it
by Sir James ; and .of that plant Merat says the leaves are
triangular, but Gaudin that they are somewhat broad and
carinate ; and in my specimens from Paris, given me by M.
Adolphe Brongniart, the leaves are lanceolate, and only tri-
angular towards their points. Hence, as the peduncles are
perfectly glabrous, I would refer it to E. polystachyon. It is,
however, I allow, a remarkable variety, as the lower or broad
part of the leaf appears complicate or folded together; a cir-
cumstance that may have led some botanists to suppose that
the base was itself triangular.

Most foreign botanists make but two species of E. angusti-
folium, latifolium, and polystachyon, and distinguish them by
the smooth or scabrous peduncles. E. gracile is separated
fi'om them by its filiform and triangular leaves, erect spikes,
and hirsute peduncles ; but, in my opinion, it bears precisely
the same relation to E. angustifolium that E. Iatif61ium does
to E. polystachyon.

{To be continued.)

Art. X. The principal Forest Trees of Europe, considered as
Elements of Landscape, By J. G. Strutt, Esq.

{Continued from p. 42.)

In my former communication, I endeavoured to give your
readers an idea of the general figure and character of the oak,
with respect to pictorial effect in landscape, whether considered
as a solitary object to adorn the foreground, or as united into
groups, or as the extensive line of a distant forest. I then
found it sufficient to arrange my subject in three principal
divisions, the stem, the limbs, and the masses of foliage; I

as an Element of Landscape. 243

must now proceed to exhibit the more minute peculiari-
ties and distinctions of the oak, the character of its spray, the
ramification of its branches, and the peculiar and individual
appearance of its foliage. With respect to the first of these
heads, I cannot do better than quote the remarks of Gilpin.
" In the spray of trees," he observes, " nature seems to ob-
serve one simple principle ; which is, that the mode of growth
in the spray corresponds exactly with that of the larger branches,
of which, indeed, the spray is the origin. Thus the oak di-
vides his boughs from the stem more horizontally than most
other deciduous trees. The spray makes exactly in miniature
the same appearance. It breaks out in right angles, or in
angles that are nearly so ; forming its shoots commonly in
short lines: the second year's shoot usually taking some
direction contrary to that of the first. Thus the rudiments
are laid of that abrupt mode of ramification, for which the
oak is remarkable. When two shoots spring from the same
knot, they are commonly of unequal length; and one with
large strides generally takes the lead. Very often, also, three
shoots, and sometimes four, spring from the same knot. Hence
the spray of the oak becomes thick, close, and interwoven ; so
that, at a little distance, it has a full rich appearance, and
more of the picturesque roughness than we observe in the spray
of any other tree. The spray of the oak also generally springs
in such directions as give its branches that horizontal appear-
ance which they generally assume."

In the above illustration (j^g, 99.) it will be seen that the
spray seldom shoots from the lower or underside of the
branches, which, added to the roughness and strength of their
component parts, enables the branches to stretch out and
maintain their horizontal position, not unfrequently even to

2H

TJie Oak Tree, considered

the very last twig ; although sometimes, from the great weight
of foliage, and perhaps from some difference in the species
of the tree, an oak may be found with pendent boughs.

The ramification of trees is of great importance to the
painter. As well, it has been observed, might an artist attempt
to delineate the figure of a Hercules, without expressing any
of the muscles in his body, as to give the drawing of an oak
tree without a scientific regard to the anatomy of its form, in
a just display of the various angles and tortuous irregularities
of its branches. The accompanying example (j%. 100.) is
sketched from the denuded boughs, to give a more uninter-
rupted view of their peculiar character.

The foliage of the oak is particularly suited to the pencil.
In those portions which are Jbrought nearer to the sight, the
form of the individual leaves [fg, 101. a) may here and there
be expressed, as shown in the sketch, which also exhibits what
is technically called the touch {b) necessary to express its
character as it recedes from the eye.

The colouring of the oak, and, indeed, of all natural objects
connected with landscape, admits of so great a variety, that it
is impossible to give any precise rules on the subject. A dili-
gent attention to nature will alone, in this respect, avail : for,
besides the ordinary varieties induced by change of season, from
the tender and emerald hues of spring to the deeper bloom of
summer, and the rich and glowing tints of autumn, an astonish-
ing diversity of colour is effected by accidental circumstances,

as an Eleme7it of Landscai^. 245

dependent on the different aspects of morning, noon, and even-
ing ; on sun and on shade ; on the colours of the sky and the

101

clouds; on the clearness or haziness of the atmosphere, and its
consequent powers of refraction ; on opposition of colour ;. oa
the situation of the spectator; and on many other contingen-^
cies, all independent of the local colour of the object, yet all
strongly affecting it. It is impossible, therefore, I repeat, to
give, in any written description, with tolerable conciseness,
sufficient instruction for selecting the colours necessary to
depict these objects, so constantly varying in their hues. A
few simple tints on the pallette, and an hour*s study in the
forest, will be more instructive than a volume of remarks.
The attention and minuteness with which a lover of nature
will examine a favourite object, and the truth with which he
will consequently be enabled to describe it, are so strongly
evidenced in the following passage, extracted from the works
of the amiable writer before quoted, that I shall make no
apology for transcribing the whole passage : — "I have often
stood," says he, " with admiration before an old forest oak,
examining the various tints which have enriched its furrowed
stem. The genuine bark of an oak is of an ash colour, though
it is difficult to distinguish any part of it from the mosses that
overspread it; for no oak, I suppose, was ever without a
greater or less proportion of these picturesque appendages.
The lower parts, about the roots, are often possessed by that
green, velvet moss, which, in a still greater degree, commonly
occupies the bole of the beech, though the beauty and bril-
liancy of it lose much when in decay. As the trunk rises,
you see the brimstone colour taking possession in patches.
Of this there are two principal kinds; a smooth sort, which
spreads like a scurf over the bark ; and a rougher sort, which
hangs in little rich knots and fringes. I call it a brimstone
hue by way of general distinction, but it sometimes inclines
to an olive, and sometimes to a light green. Intermixed with

246 The Oak Tree^ considet^ed

these mosses you often find a species almost perfectly white.
Before I was acquainted with it, I have sometimes thought
the tree white-washed. Here and there, a touch of it gives a
lustre to the trunk, and has its effect : yet, on the whole, it is
a nuisance ; for, as it generally begins to thrive when the other
mosses begin to wither (as if the decaying bark were its
proper nutriment), it is rarely accompanied with any of the
more beautiful species of its kind; and, when thus unsup-
ported, it always disgusts. This white moss, by the way, is
esteemed a certain mark of age, and when it prevails in any
degree, is a clear indication that the vigour of the tree is de-
clining. We find, also, another species of moss, of a dark
brown colour, inclining nearly to black ; another of an ashy
colour; and another of a dingy yellow. We may observe
also touches of red, and sometimes, but rarely, a bright yel-
low, which is like a gleam of sunshine; and in many trees you
will see one species growing upon another, the knotted brim-
stone-coloured fringe clinging to a lighter species, or the
black softening into red. All these excrescences, under what-
ever names distinguished, add a great richness to trees ; and
when they are blended harmoniously, as is generally the case,
the rough and furrowed trunk of an old oak, adorned with
these pleasing appendages, is an object which will long detain
the picturesque eye.'*

As it is thus more particularly in old age that the oak is
valuable to the painter, we shall conclude the present article
with a description of the Cowthorpe oak, extracted from the
S^lva Britdnnica, together with a portrait of the tree from a
drawing made upon the spot. {Jig. 102.)

This gigantic and venerable tree stands on the extremity
of the village of Cowthorpe, near Wetherby, in Yorkshire, in
a retired field, sheltered on one side by the ancient church
belonging to the place, and on another by a farm-house, the
rural occupations of which exactly accord with the character
of the oak, whose aged arms are extended towards it with a
peculiar air of rustic vigour, retained even in decay ; like some
aged peasant, whose toil-worn limbs still give evidence of
the strength which enabled him to acquit himself of the labours
of his youth. It is mentioned by the late Dr. Hunter, in his
edition of Evelyn's S^lva, in the following note on a passage
respecting the extraordinary size of an oak in Sheffield Park :
" Neither this, nor any of the oaks mentioned by Mr. Evelyn,
bears any proportion to one now growing at Cowthorpe. The
dimensions are almost incredible. Within three feet of the
ground it measures sixteen yards, and close by the ground
twenty-six yards. Its height, in its present ruinous state ( 1 776),

as an Element of Landscape*

24.7

is almost eighty-five feet, and its principal limb extends six-
teen yards from the bole. Throughout the whole tree the

foliage is extremely thin, so that the anatomy of the ancient
branches may be distinctly seen in the height of summer.
When compared to this, all other trees are but children of
the forest." . (Book iii. p. 500.)

This description so nearly answers to the present state of
the tree, that it does not appear to have suffered any consider-
able deprivation since the above period. In girth, indeed, it
is inferior to the magnificent remains of the oak in Salcey
Forest ; but, altogether, it is a noble and imposing ruin, on
which it is impossible to look without entering into the wish
suggested to an ingenious writer by the sight of a similar
object, and poetically expressed in the following lines : —

" When the huge trunk, whose bare and forked arms
Pierced the mid sky, now prone, shall bud no more,
Still let the massy ruin, like the bones
Of some majestic hero, be preserved
Unviolated and revered ; —
Whilst the grey father of the vale, at eve
Returning from his sweltering summer task.
To tend the new-mown grass, or raise the sheaves
Along the western slope of yon grey hill,

248 Botanical Characters of tlie Common Oak.

Shall stop to tell his listening sons how far

She stretched around her thick-leaved ponderous boughs,

And measure out the space they shadowed." Sylva JBrit., p. 25.

The botanical Characters of the Common Oak are as follows:
Quercus {quer, fine, cuez, tree, Celtic) i^obiir (name given by
the Romans to the hardest kind of oak), the Hard, or Com-
mon, Oak (fg. 103.)) belongs
to the class Monce^cia and order
Polyandria oi Lin., and to the nat.
ord. Amentaceae ofjussieu. The
generic character is as follows;
and if the inexperienced botanist
will take the trouble, in this and
in future examples, of comparing
the description with the figure,
and referring from the one to the
other, letter by letter, he will
gradually initiate himself in the
scientific part of botany.

Male Flowers. — Amentum filiform {fg. 104. a), long, loose :

Perianth (Z») one-leafed, sub-
quinquefid : segments (c)
acute, often bifid.
Corolla. None.
Stamens. Filaments (d)
five to ten, very short : An-
thers (£') large, twin.

Female Flowers (f). — Ses-
sile in the bud, on the same
plant with the males.

Calyx. Involucre {g) con-
sisting of very many imbri-
cate scales (/?), united at the
base into coriaceous hemispherical little cups, the outer ones
larger ; one-flowered, permanent : Perianth [i) very small,
superior, six-cleft, permanent : Segments {Jc) acute, surround-
ing the base of the style, pressed close..

Corolla. None.
■ Pistil. Germ {I) very small, ovate, inferior, three-celled ;
rudiments of the seed double : Style {m) simple, short, thicker
at the base : Stigmas {n) three, reflexed.

Seed. A nut (acorn) (o), ovate-cylindrical, coriaceous,
smooth, attached at the base, one-celled, fixed in a short
hemispherical cup, which is tubercled on the outside.
{To be continued.)

249

PART 11.

REVIEWS.

Art. I. 1. A Geological Memoir on a Part of Western Sussex j
with some Observations upon Chalk Basins^ the Weald Denu^
datioUi and Outliers by Protrusion, By P. J. Martin. Lon-
don. 4to.

2. On the Formation of the Valley of Kingsdere, and other Vol-
leySf by the Elevation of the Strata that enclose them^ and on
the Evidences of the original Continuity of the Basins of Lon-
don and Hampshire. By the Reverend W. Buckland, &c.
&c. &c. Trans. Geol. Society of London, Second Series,
Vol. II.

In the prosecution of a science of investigation like geology,
a division of labour tends in no slight degree towards its rapid
advancement. We are happy to M^itness so many labourers
in the field, each bringing in, by turns, some useful contribu-
tion to swell the vast store of accumulated information. During
the last few years, a prodigious accession has thus been made
to our stock of geological knowledge, and with it, it is pre-
sumed, has arisen a corresponding aptitude for its right appli-
cation. This increasing tendency was at first derived from the
exertions of an extremely limited number of enquirers ; subse-
quently, from the combined eiforts of the many whose energy
was excited by the attractive nature of the science, and by the
splendid discoveries of their predecessors.

When we look at the state of English geology now, en-
nobled by the collateral sciences, and almost essential to a
liberal education, we are led to forget that it is a science of
our own times, that most of its earliest professors are yet
amongst us. VVe could refer to the period in our remem-
brance, and that at no very distant day, when, indeed, this
department of practical knowledge was in very few hands, and
under circumstances of discouragement ; when it was confined
almost to a solitary individual, of obscure origin, of slender
resources, and inadequate patronage, who, after twenty years
of laborious research, produced the first delineation of the
great geological features of our island. Even prior to this
Vol, I. — No. 3. s

250 Martinis Geological Memoir, and

event, which cannot but be viewed as an interesting era in the
history of this branch of natural science, a considerable mass
of information was acquired by many naturalists, who entered
with avidity into a pursuit which combined the charms of
novelty and interesting discovery with the substantial advan-
tages of general utility. On all sides, fresh objects of wonder
and speculation presented themselves. Entire races of animals,
of unknown forms and singular adaptation, inhabitants of a
former world, but overwhelmed beneath its ruins, were found
to cover the earth with their remains, and were then first sub-
jected to the scrutiny of science. Amongst these were some
that could be recognised as resembling tribes peculiar to hot
climates, and they were found surrounded with the relics of
tropicar vegetation, with the palms, the cacti, the arborescent
ferns, and gigantic reeds of warm regions, all attesting the
changes which our planet had undergone. As the enquiry
proceeded, it became apparent that a degree of regularity
existed in these deposits, and that certain tribes or genera of
animals occupied particular members of the series of rocks.
Hence it was naturally suggested that these organic bodies
might be employed as indices of the several rocks or beds to
which they respectively appertained ; and their application has
proved of the utmost value, as permanent tests in identifying
the strata, when mineralogical characters are altogether un-
availing, or, at least, are doubtful evidence. The discovery of
these indices to the strata, led to a demonstration of the extent
and continuity of the various groups of which they are com-
prised, and thence to defining with precision the boundaries
of each description of rock, of earth, clay, or sand, and to
determining the superficial areas they successively occupied
after they rose to the surface. This extended acquaintance
with the geographical position of rocks, was accompanied by
a more accurate knowledge of their contents, as applicable to
the economy of man. We were thus enabled to avail our-
selves, with greater certainty, of the inestimable resources
contained within the bowels of the earth, and to avoid expenses
in useless pursuit of objects out of their natural limits. We
were also reasonably led to infer that the ultimate result of an
elaborate survey of the earth, if that process is not the only
one which conducts to a solution of the great problem, would
at least furnish safer ground on which to erect a theory of its
formation, and to speculate upon its antiquity, and the stupen-
dous revolutions to which it has been subjected. Our progress
towards the attainment of the latter objects, has apparently
iDeen much slower than our preliminary acquisition of the
data. But instances are by no means rare, where a thorough

BucklancTs Formation of the Valley of Kingsclere, ^51

acquaintance with the geological arrangement of a district, and
a comparison with parallel cases elsewhere, have suggested
reasonable explanations of local phenomena, which must
otherwise have remained in their original obscurity. Amongst
these may be classed Dr. Buckland's observations on valleys
by elevation, and Mr. Martin's reasoning on the Weald de-
nudation. In treating of geology generally, we shall probably
take occasion to recount some instances where it has been
safely applied as a science of induction. Meanwhile, we shall
depart somewhat from the regular course we had prescribed,
for the purpose of noticing the memoirs to which we have
referred.

The services of local observers are most usefully em-
ployed when, like Mr. Martin and Mr. Mantell, they devote
themselves to the examination of districts strictly within
their immediate cognizance. The circumstances of resi-
dence and protracted observation are by no means to be
lightly estimated ; and when to these are added an extended
acquaintance with distant parts of the geological system, and a
habit of looking to general features rather than of scrutinising
uncertain details, they confer upon this order of contributors
an advantage which cannot be too highly appreciated. It is
true, the great outlines of our strata have been traced, but
some are less perfectly sketched than others. Many extensive
intervals yet remain to be filled up, and an immense field is
still unexplored with that degree of accuracy which is requi-
site to the complete developement of all its parts, and a tho-
rough knowledge of its internal structure. A long time will
elapse ere the whole work shall have received these elaborate,
yet not the less characteristic, touches, so as to exhibit the
true features of our country. By the formation of local
scientific institutions, by the establishment of provincial collec-
tions of natural history, by the cooperation of numerous indivi-
duals eminent for their earnest support of these enquiries, and,
above all, by the concentration of its most distinguished advo-
cates in the metropolitan society of geologists, the progress
of this great undertaking will be rapidly accelerated. We
need not add, that to contribute towards the same end, and to
diffuse yet moi:e widely a knowledge of this department of
natural science, are aniong the leading objects of this Journal.

The district which forms the subject of Mr. Martin's me-
moir, is that portion of Sussex and Kent which retains its
Saxon appellation of the Weald. This is a quarter so abound-
ing in objects of peculiar interest, that it has previously
occupied some of our most experienced geologists in investi-
gating them. Possessing characters, in the arrangement and

s 2

fiSS ' Martinis Geological Memoir^ and

composition of the strata comprised within its area, apparently
anomalous, abundance of matter is afforded for speculation ;
and the controversy which has been elicited by these seeming
discrepancies, has occasioned much diligent research, and been
the means of illustrating, with more than usual perspicuity,
the geological details of this singular country. Messrs. Cony-
beare and Phillips, in their Outlines of the Geology of England
and Wales, Dr. Fitton and Mr. Webster in the Annals of Phi-
hsophy. Dr. Buckland and Messrs. Lyell and Murchison in
the Transactions of the Geological Society, and Messrs. Man-
tell and Martin in separate treatises, have severally contributed
to elucidate the principal phenomena of the Weald. But the
opposite opinions entertained by some of these writers, and
the undecided state in which they finally left the nomenclature,
after the "green sand" controversy, occasioned for a time
some little embarrassment to the geological student, from
which it is not, even now, very easy to be wholly free. These
difficulties have partly originated in the deviations, to which
allusion has been made, from the geological equivalents in
other parts of the kingdom, and in the interposition of depo-
sits, which, as far as we yet know, are peculiar to this district.

Remembering that it is our province to render the matter
brought before the general reader as intelligible as possible, a
few explanatory illustrations of the ordinary arrangements of
the strata, drawn, not fi*om imaginary cases, but from authen-
tic sources, will prepare the way for a better consideration of
the Weald denudation.

It need scarcely be premised, that the several masses, or
deposits, of clay, sand, chalk, and rocks, which contain organic
substances, appear in rotation upon the surface of our island,
gradually emerging from beneath each other, in regular order,
from east to west ; and that their truncated edges, particularly
in the outcrops of the harder strata, are elevated so as common-
ly to exhibit an abrupt escarpment towards the west, {fig, 105.)

Angle of Inclination. Escarpment. Outcrop. 1 05

Horizontal Plane.

The most westerly is here the lowest stratum in the series,
and, of course, had priority of formation ; on the contrary, the
highest, towards the east, is the most recent. Such is the
prevailing order of the stratification, with reference to our own
country ; and it is observed that this arrangement is never
inverted : a never appears, for instance, in the situation of r,
nor changes place with b. The relation of certain beds to each
other being understood, and the position of any member of the

Buchland^s Formation of the Valley of Kingsclere, 253

series being determined, we are enabled, with facility, to trace
the remainder. This rule is found to hold good in all practi-
cal examinations of stratified districts. The dip^ or angle of
inclination, is variable ; consequently, the surface, or the ex-
posed area, of any stratum is greater or less, according to the
angle that stratum forms with the horizontal plane.

On examining any district composed of stratified rocks, and
intersected by valleys, it is commonly seen that the opposite
sides of those valleys exhibit corresponding strata, at elevations
governed by the dip {Jig, 106. a a a).

106

Where the beds are arranged above each other in this paral-
lel manner, they come under the denomination of conformable.
Where horizontal or parallel masses are placed upon inclined
strata, they are then stated to be unconformable. An example
is here furnished {fig, 107.) from a part of the Bristol coal-
field in Dr. Buckland's and Mr. Conybeare's section, repre-
senting the new red sandstone and lias reposing upon the
highly inclined coal measures.

107

Detached masses are frequently found capping the summits
of hills. These are called outliers^ and are obviously the re-
mains of beds whose intermediate parts are washed away,
leaving insulated portions, like mighty landmarks, to denote
the ancient extent of the strata. The intermediate spaces
that have been laid bare or hollowed out by the action of
water, are called valleys, or areas, oi denudation^ a phrase which
appears to have originated with the late zealous geologist Mr.
Farey. They are also styled valleys of erosion^ and these are
represented inj^. 108.

s 3

254

' Martin's Geological Memoir, and

Outliers, of the description adverted to, appear on many of
the hills which are situated in advance of the great escarpment"
of the oolite rocks. They may be denominated outliers by
denudation. That of Dundry Hill {fg, 109.), near Bristol, as

Coal Measures.

shown in Dr. Buckland*s and Mr. Conybeare's section, already
referred to, is an excellent example. (See the Transactions of
the Geological Societi/,) It also furnishes another instance of
unconformable position, and shows that the inclined beds
beneath must have been disturbed prior to the deposition of
the superincumbent rocks.

Another class Mr. Martin denominates outliers by protru-
sion. In this case, the stratum having been disrupted, a por-
tion is forced from its parallel and conformable position, so as
to become an elevated mass, whose sides form a considerable
angle with the direction of the original body whence it was

OiUlier

J>y JProtruMm

110

dislodged, {jfi^g, 110.) Whether this protrusion be " effected by
a separate and distinct propelling impulse, or simply by arrest,
by the interposition of some opposing substance, during the
subsidence of the main body, it is not now material to enquire."
Amongst the variety of derangements of stratification, may
be mentioned those by subsidence, the sinking of certain parts

111

Buckland^s Formation of the Valley of Kingsclere, 2^

beneath the level of the main portion. In illustration is a
sketch of the strata near the edge of the mineral district of
Monmouthshire. (Jig. 111.) Accidents of this kind are more
frequent near the outcrop of the strata than deeper in the
interior.

By elevation, where masses have been heaved upwards, ap-
parently by internal force. (Jig, 112.) This species of dislo-
cation does not appear to be of such common occurrence as
that arising from partial subsidence. Under the description
oi Jaults, the subject of disturbance in the position of rocks
will, with propriety, be resumed.

112

115

The softer and later-formed strata present fewer instances
of disruption than the older and more indurated rocks, parti-
cularly those containing the coal-measures, the carboniferous
strata of some writers. The sections constructed by Professor
Buckland and the Rev. W. D. Conybeare, to elucidate the
geology of the district around Bristol, furnish interesting
examples of every variety of arrangement ; and, by selecting
our illustrations from these documents, we desire to manifest
our respect for authorities so accurate, we had almost said,
so indisputable.

One of the simplest
forms, occasioned by
the disposition of the
strata, and by which
the external form of
the earth is modified,
is that arrangement de-
nominated the saddle-
shaped (Jig. 113.), in
which the uplifted
edges of the strata are
piled against each other, forming a steep ridge, like the roof of a
building. Our sketch shows the elevation of Black Down (b),
part of the Mendip chain of hills, and 1092 feet above the
ocean.

s 4

Old Bed Limestone.

256

Mariin's Geological Memoir, and

Our next figure (ll^.) is more complex. It represents a
modification of the last, having the crest removed or scooped
out, apparently by the subsequent agency of denudation, which
process has laid bare some of the inferior beds. These upland
valleys are of the class to which the name of valleys of elevation
has been assigned by Dr. Buckland, from the circumstance of
the strata having been apparently heaved upwards by internal
force, prior to the removal of the fractured materials in the
cavity, and before the edges of the broken strata were rounded
or modified by diluvial currents.

In those which are simply valleys of denudation or erosion,
the drainage passes longitudinally along their centres ; but in
those of elevation, as will be more particularly described, the
drainage is effected by lateral openings or fissures in their
escarpments, forming transverse valleys, at right angles to the
direction of the longitudinal valleys.

The authors of the Outlines notice many instances of this
configuration of surface, in the circuit of a few miles round
Bristol.

Mountain Limestone^

Old Bed Sandstone.

Mountain Limestone.

The contour of this figure has a general resemblance to the
arrangement of the Weald, with which it must be classed.
The drawing of the latter is necessarily on a more distorted
scale, as it comprises an 115

extent of many miles. Many
others which traverse the
chalk range, in various parts
of the island, are described
to present a similar combin-
ation of circumstances.

In the masterly description of the south-western coal field
of England, to which we have referred, it is shown that this
district is made up of a number of hasins or hollows of less or
greater extent, accordingly as the undulations of the inclined
strata are more or less rapid ; such strata dipping fi-om every
point in the circumference of each basin towards its centre.
In their map of the district, the authors adopted a mode of
describing the boundaries of these basins by what they term

BucUand*s Formation of the Valley of Kingsclere. 257

116

anticlinal lines (fig* . ^^ ^ ^ AnticUnai Line.

116.), which define the ^-^^^^"^"^^^^"^

saddles of the strata,s

or the meeting at the^

surface of their vertical

angles.

It is observed, that sometimes these lines follow the crests of
the chains of hills, as in /ig, 113., and sometimes pass along
the course of valleys as in Jig, 114. ; the hills in the latter case
being formed, not by the saddles of the strata, but by the
escarpments cutting through them. In the map of the Weald
denudation (j%. 127.) and of the Kingsclere valley {fg. 136.),
the anticlinal lines pass along the centre of those areas.
It thus appears that the direction of these lines is governed^
not by the present superficial elevations on the earth's surface,
but by the points of intersection of the upraised edges of the
strata, whether upon a ridge or in the eroded bottom of a
valley. The annexed group (fg. 117.) exhibits (at a and b) an
instructive example of the opposite circumstances under which
the anticlinal lines are sometimes disposed, and shows a section
of the central deposit which those lines circumscribe. It con-
sists of part of the Mendip Hills section.

Egar Hiil.

Pen Hill.

Old Med Sandstone.

The following figure (118.) represents the fan-shaped strati-
fication, being the reverse of the saddle-shaped ridge. This
occurs in the mountain limestone at Daleberry Camp.

Mendip Hill.
118

Mountain Limestone.

The hasin-shaped stratification, which is of continual occur-
rence in coal countries, is well exhibited in the succeeding

258

Martinis Geological Memoir^ and

sketch of the Nailsea coal-field, near Bristol, on the same
authority, {fig, 119.) This concentric disposition, so common to
the carboniferous rocks, seems to indicate a degree of flexibility
in the materials, yielding to vast pressure, and mechanical force.
The hypothesis of subsidence alone, appears inadequate to pro-
duce the phenomena of curvature, so frequently witnessed in
coal basins.

Nailsea.

120

In strata of a much more recent date, the occasional basin-
shaped arrangement is per-
ceived. We might illustrate
this by the well-known sec-
tion of the basin of London^
{Jig, 120.), as it is termed,''
and by that of Hampshire,
both of which are occupied with deposits of the most recent
origin in our geological system.

It has been observed that some of the ancient strata exhi-
bit marks of greater disturbance and distortion than those of
later formation. Of the former class, numerous singular illus-
trations may be seen in the transition slate rocks. The rock
distinguished by the name of mountain limestone, is particu-
larly remarkable for its contortions ; an example may be men-
tioned, at the upper part of the Vale of Neath, in the Dynais
rock, where its once flexible beds are twisted into the form of
natural arches.

We transfer, v,^^. i^i

from Mr. De la
Beche*s paper
on the Geology
of South Pem-
hrokeshire^ a
sketch (/^. 121.
of an appearance
of this kind, in
the coal mea- si
sures, at Monk's
Stone Point, near Tenby.

BmJcland^s Formation of the Valley of Kingsclere, 259

Enormous displacements and flexures of the clialk formation
have given rise to geological speculation. In illustration we
might refer to the beautiful drawings of Mr. Webster, in his
letters to Sir Henry Englefield, on the geology of the Isle of
Wight. Curvatures in the chalk of the Isle of Purbeck, of ex-
traordinary figure, were first pointed out by the same gentleman.
A remarkable mass of chalk appears in the cliff at Trimingham
in Norfolk, and is represented in the accompanying sketch, [fig,
122.) It would appear that this was a portion stripped and
uplifted from the original horizontal mass ; and, if we can judge
from the flexuous arrangement of its numerous bands of flints,
has been folded by prodigious force into the form of a boulder,
on a gigantic scale ; its length being seventy, and its height
twenty, yards. The surf has considerably reduced its dimen-
sions, but it is still a conspicuous object to the mariners, its
white outline being relieved against the dark blue clay in
which it is embedded ; and, as it is somewhat more indurated
than the surrounding mass, it forms a small headland.

122

In all the cases of stratification we have endeavoured to illus-
trate, their derangements must have taken place subsequently
to their original formation. Some of these strata were appa-
rently disturbed while the mass retained sufficient flexibility and
adhesion of its parts, to assume those distorted forms without
fracture ; others were not disturbed until after the entire
consolidation of their materials, and present only angular
fractures and disrupted planes. It cannot be doubted that
the deposition of most of the ancient strata took place, while
the waters from whence they subsided were in a comparative
state of quiescence. Of this fact, the fine preservation of the
most delicate shells, and other organic bodies affords unequi-
vocal testimony. Of a different character, however, is that
accumulation of heterogeneous materials, which often forms a
thick covering over the regular strata, and has obtained the

260

Martinis Geological Memoir, and

name of diluvium, as resulting from that catastrophe which so
greatly modified the face of our earth. It is impossible to
conceive any thing more strongly indicative of the tumultuous
action of prodigious currents than those deposits display. —
On the Norfolk coast, where they arrive at their greatest
thickness, an abundance of characteristic sections are exposed^
The following {Jig, 123.) was sketched in 1824', and shows part
of the cliff, about 100 ft. high, west of Cromer.

123

We might multiply illustrations of diluvial contortions, to
any extent, were it essential. They consist of concentric
layers of sand, gravel, clay, and chalk, or of irregular beds of
each, and occasionally exhibit enormous boulders of chalk, and
fragments of rocks. At Beeston, on the same coast, may be
observed another singular section, whence the following sketch
(Jig* 124?.) is taken. In both cases, the whole reposes upon crag,

124

chcUk. ,

Our geologists have scarcely decided whether the ferruginous
sands of the eastern counties, containing the marine shells,
locally termed crag, should be arranged as appertaining to this
great diluvial deposit; some considering it as proper dilu-
vium, while others are inclined to view it as a distinct marine
formation, covered by diluvium, and reposing its southern por-
tion upon the London clay, and its northern immediately upon
the chalk. Without adverting further to that point, we sub-

Buckland^s Formatioji of the Valley ofKingsclere, 261

join two sections of its beds, for the purpose of augmenting
our illustrations of stratification.

125

The above (Jig. 125.) represents a common form in the dis-
position of the layers. In these cases, the horizontal divisions
appear to indicate a succession of eras, or periods of deposit;
the intermediate beds are frequently arranged in oblique planes.
The site is near Orford, Suffolk, where the crag forms a'^ coarse
sandstone, containing several fossil sponges, and is used as a
soft building material. The following sketch (126.) is from the
ferruginous shelly crag of the caverns near Languard Cottage.

126

Having, by the foregoing series of illustrations, prepared
the way for a better consideration oT the Weald, we shall in-
troduce the reader to this district, in the words of Mr. Martin.
{GeoL Mem., p. 9.) These will be rendered more intelligible
by the annexed plan (^g. 127.) which has been reduced from
the Geological Society's map, in preference to the less accu-
rate one which accompanies the Memoir.

" It must be well known to every traveller who has crossed
this valley, that, upon descending from the chalk hills in any
part of its western extremity, he enters upon a tract of sandy
country, occasionally rising into considerable eminences, and
of very varied agricultural aspect. From thence he descends
still farther into extensive, woody, and cultivated districts of
clay soil, and of exceedingly undulating surface. Traversing
this clay country, locally called, and by notoriety, the proper
* Weald,' he emerges again across the same sand to reach a
range of chalk hills, similar to those he left behind him. In
the eastern part of the valley, the same series is observed, with

262

MartirCs Geological Memoir^ and

the difference, that the sands immediately below the chalk are
not so prominent, and the middle of the clay country has a
greater intermixture of sandy lands, not destitute of pictu-
resque beauty, but of inferior agricultural character.

127

" The space thus comprised has otherwise, in geological
language, got the name of the ' Weald Denudation ; * because
there is every reason to believe, from the uniformity of the
structure of the valley, and the regularity and peculiar dispo-
sition of its chalk boundaries, that the chalk itself, in all its
subordinate strata, with perhaps some others often found in-
cumbent upon the chalk, have been once continued over it
from side to side (all uniting to form a high table-land, but a
small part of a greater expansion of the same materials), and
of which it has since been stripped or denuded.

South Down. 128 Weald Valley^ Surrey HUls.

ChcUk.

Gay Country. ^- - -- sandy,

" To explain better what is understood by this denud-
ation, or stripping off of the chalk strata, let the reader ima-
gine a plain of chalk, covered or not with other lands of a
kindred nature, extended over a part of France, and continued
without interruption to the north of England. Let him then
suppose, that, looking from above the Alton Hills, he sees the
chalk, with its accompanying strata, rent asunder ; part sink-
ing southward, to give a bed to the English Channel, from the
race of Portland to Beachy-Head (leaving some fractured por-
tions standing, to tell the story of convulsions), part northward,

BucMand^s Formation of the Valley of Kingsckre, 263

to form the south side of what is called the London basin, from
Marlborough Downs to the Straits of Dover.

" Let him also suppose, that, whilst this is in progress, and all
the immense intervening masses are fissured and crumbled by
convulsion, a flood of water, powerful beyond comprehension,
at the same instant, or immediately after, rushing over, and
entering the broken surface, sweeps the whole contents of what
is now the weald excavation before it, into the North Sea - —
itself but a part of the abyss just then opened, perhaps by the
same concussion, to receive them.

« Or, let

"* A change come o*er the spirit of his dream.
That is not all a dream.*

Let him suppose this part of our island lifted up out of the
ocean by an impelling power from below, some parts of it more
steadily and evenly, others with such irregular and successive
heavings, as to produce the effects above spoken of; disrup-
tion of the central parts, and such Assuring and rending of the
circumference, as an irregular action is calculated to produce
upon a ponderous and frangible material.

" Such a dream, splendid as it may be, will fall far short of
the reality of those changes that can be demonstrated to have
taken place in parts of the world, well understood to be more
ancient than these under consideration.

" If the mind is staggered at the immensity of such an
operation, let it be answered, that the Weald Valley is but a
small furrow on the earth's surface. And let our thoughts
revert for comparison to many greater natural phenomena;
to the height of the Himalaya, which may be well supposed
to have felt the power of the same ocean stream, perhaps to
have been lifted out of it, or to the five miles of depth, which
may be given to that ocean ; and then consider how small a
proportion the aggregate ten miles holds to the diameter of
the globe itself.

" Noihing is great, nor nothing little, in the operations of
nature ; and such disclosures as these sink into insignificance
before the wonders of astronomy ! The mind is lost in the
contemplation of the immeasurable power to which it is indif-
ferent, that

" * Now a bubble bursts, and "now a world.' "

Without entering into the detail of the strata beneath the
chalk, which are exposed by the Weald denudation, it will be
sufficient here to state that they are recognised by the names of
malm-rock, or green sand, the gault or blue marl, and the upper
ferruginous sand, all of which are now classed by the author
under the comprehensive term glauconite* Beneath this occurs

264- Martinis Geological Memoh, and

another group, on which he has conferred the name oiwealden *,
consisting of the Weald clay, with alternating beds of sand and
and of Sussex or Petworth marble; and the deposit called
the Hastings, or iron, sands, with its accompanying beds of
clay, sandstone, and calcareous grit. Descriptions of the cha-
racters, areas, and peculiar fossils of all these formations may
be consulted in the memoirs of Mantel], Martin, Webster,
Murchison, Dr. Fitton, and some other writers. The struc-
ture of the Weald is well represented in the sections of Kent
and Sussex, by Mr. William Smith, and explained in the
article on Valleys of Elevation, by Dr. Buckland, with whom
that term originated.

It has been observed, by Messrs. Conybeare and Phillips,
that the course of the rivers watering this district, and the
configuration of the valleys which convey them, present a very
interesting geological phenomena. The great valleys of the
Weald were remarked to be parallel to the direction of the
strata ; but these do not form the channels through which any
of the more important streams seek the sea. These rivers
flow from the centre towards the north and south, at right
angles both to the Weald and to the strata by which it is
encircled, through gorges opened across the strata, instead of
being turned by their escarpments into the great Weald val^
leys, as they would be if the fractures in these escarpments
were filled up. There is here displayed one of the many in-
stances of a double system of valleys, crossing each other
transversely, which the authors, from whom the preceding de-
scription has been abridged, were amongst the earliest to point
out.

The following diagram ( fig. 129.) exhibits the geological po-
sition of the Weald denudation, bounded by the chalk basins
of London and Hampshire, " between which it lies like a
trough or gulley ; or like a third basin elevated between the
other two, and draining its waters into them through cracks
or channels in its sides.^' {Martin, p. 55,) By the strong
lines drawn from the centre of the Weald, it is intended to
mark the mode in which the drainage is effected.

S, Downs. N. Downs.

Direction of Drainage. "■"**- _^,-^''

x-jgit **"^ London Basin.

The principal ravines, or transverse fissures, are observed to
have a remarkable correspondence on each side of the Weald,

* It is doubtful whether either of these terms will become current among
geologists.

BucJclaniTs Formation of the Valley of Kingsclei-e. 265

particularly in the escarpments of the chalk, " and in several
instances are directly opposed to each other ; which could not
have happened without a simultaneous action and common
consent and continuity of parts. The coincidence is therefore
the more remarkable, and proves not only the continuity of
the chalk strata at the moment of convulsion, but also their
uniform density and strength." (^Martin, p. 61.)

The annexed profile sketch {fg, 130.), although inadequate
to exhibit the entire characters of a particular case, either of
denudation or of valleys by elevation, will, it is hoped, assist
in following the descriptions and reasonings we quote. The
courses of the rivers which discharge through the transverse
ravines are denoted by arrows.

r

YalUtj of EUvalton

From the two preceding sections it will be perceived that
the outcrops of nearly the whole series of strata in the Weald
are cut through, both to the north and south. These fissures,
in some cases, have resulted from subsidence; in others from
a compound displacement of the mass. In no instance are
these varied disturbances more strikingly exemplified than in
the passage of the river Arun through this district. It is im-
portant to mention that the strata intersected by these open-
ings have, in several instances, been observed to be lower on
the eastern than on the western sides, and that there exists a
general longitudinal depression of the whole, from the west
towards the east, independently of the dip to the north and
south, which our sections show. Hence it is suggested that
the force which elevated the Weald strata operated in an oblique
direction to their planes.

From all we can collect, the author conceives that the denu-
dation of the Weald was simultaneous with the depression of
the London and Isle of Wight basins. " The acts of basining
and of denudation were contemporaneous, and stand in the
relation of cause and consequences."

" That the Weald vacuity would have been a lake, but for
these gullies, is sufficiently evident ; but that it has ever been
so is by no means probable, from any thing that can be ob^
served at present. The hypothesis which supposes it to have
been a lake subsequently to the great catastrophe which hol-
lowed it out, also supposes these outlets to have been the oper-

VoL. I. — No. 3. T

^66 MarMs Geological Memoir, and

ation of watery erosion, the friction of their own streams, or the
debacle of the lake itself. That this could not have been the
case, is proved by the existence of more than one of them.'
The first that gave way would render all the rest unnecessary
and impossible; and if every drain had had its separate pool,
the water would never have risen high enough in either of
them, separately, to force a passage through so many obstacles.

" If, on the other hand, it be proved that these masses are
deeply fissured, it is also proved that they have been in motion.
And the formation of such a channel as here described, in a
direct line through such heterogeneous materials, must have
been the result of a simultaneous movement of the whole, let
the moving power be what it might. That this operation was
coeval with the catastrophe which left the material features of
this part of the world such as we see them, is apparent from
a collective view of the concomitant phenomena. And whe-
ther the Sussex and Surrey hills, with their accompanying
strata, were severed by the disruption and dispersion of the
intervening parts, or simply by the sliding down of the whole
mass, which is much less probable, or the joint effect of these
causes, the slightest inclination or obliquity of the basis, upon
which it must be supposed to rest, would be sufficient to open
the fissures in the direction in which we see them." [Martin,
p. 74.)

" To the eye of the practised observer, the Weald valley
presents the appearance of a great water channel after a flood ;
some parts of it clean and clear from all incumbrance, others
loaded with drift; the banks in some parts torn clean away,
in others heaped up with rubbish." [Martin, p. 84.)

But, with regard to the notion that the exposure of the strata
beneath the chalk, in the Weald valley, is solely the effect of
denudation, Mr. Martin is inclined to support Dr. Buckland's
views, in withholding his assent to that hypothesis. " I am
disposed fully to allow," observes Dr. Buckland, " that the
force of water has been sufficient to sweep away the greatest
portion of the loose and shattered fragments, which, after the
elevation I am assuming, nmst have covered the axis of this
valley, and which must still have remained there, in the form
of rubbish, had there been no subsequent diluvial action to
drift them away. But I think the slightest inspection of the
sections of the Weald will at once convince us, that no power
of denudation by water could have produced the doubly in-
clined position of the entire body of the strata within this dis-
trict, as well as of the chalk by which it is surrounded ; and
that we must here again have recourse to a force producing
elevation from beneath, along the axis of the valley, if we

BucklaiKTs 'Formation of the Valley of Kingsclere. 267

could find an adequate cause for the effects that have been
produced in it, along an extent of sixty miles in length and
twenty miles in breadth." (GeoL Trans,.^ vol. ii. p. 124.)

Dr. Buckland's paper on the formation of valleys by the
elevation of the strata that enclose them, is so closely con-
nected with the subject of Mr. Martin's memoir, that we shall
not find a more appropriate opportunity of adverting to it than

sand' ^c, of the jp^^

here. The first object of this eminent geologist is, to show the
arrangement of the strata immediately to the south of New-
bury, and, in particular, to describe that remarkable denu-
dation within the chalk, which contributed to form the Valley
of Kingsclere. {Jig. 131.)

132

On inspection of the section which accompanies the paper,
a striking similarity to that of the Weald valley, in con-
nection with the London basin, will be at once recognised,
and it will further elucidate the relation between the formation
of basins and valleys of elevation. They are both here intro-
duced. {Jg. 132, 133.)

Kingsclere Valley of Elevation. Basin o/Newbvrj/.

133

Green Sand

Green Sand.

268 Martinis Geological Memoir, and

The southern edge of this denudation forms the highest
crest of the chalk, Inkpen Hill being 1011 feet above the sea.
Its northern edge is less elevated, and the strata of the two
escarpments dip, in opposite directions, on each side of the
anticlinal line which passes along the centre of the valley.

The interior consists of the green sand formation (glauconite
of Martin). The valley comprehended within the escarpment
is from four to five miles long, and from one to two miles
broad. Another, extremely similar, called the Valley of Ham,
occurs five miles to the westward, immediately under Inkpen
Hill, and is about half the area of that of Kingsclere.

Many other valleys of this class, in the chalk and older
formations, are mentioned by Dr. Buckland, and our^y^. 113.
represents one of them in the Vale of Westbury, near Bristol.
Their drainage is generally effected " by an aperture in one
of their lateral escarpments, and not at either extremity of
their longer axis, as would have happened had they been
simply excavated by the sweeping force of rapid water ; and,
as it is utterly impossible to explain the origin of any valleys
of this description by denudation alone, or, indeed, without
referring the present position of their component strata to a
force acting from below, and elevating the strata along their
central line of fracture, I shall venture so far to involve this
theory of their origin with the facts which they display, as to
designate them by the appellation of Valleys of Elevation : of
course, due allowance must be made for their subsequent
modification by diluvial denudation." ( Geol. Trans., vol. ii. 1 23.)

After reciting these examples, the author concludes : " The
facts, then, which we have examined, conspire to lead us to
the conclusion, that not only many enclosed valleys similar to
that of Kingsclere, but also, in a less degree, many open val-
leys similar to that of Pewsey and the great central valley of
Kent and Sussex, though largely modified by denudation, owe
their origin to an antecedent elevation and fracture of their
component strata ; and these phenomena may be regarded as
of frequent occurrence in the formations of all ages, and as
indicating the multitude of disturbing causes by which the
earth's surface has been affected." (Geol. Trans., vol.ii. p. 125.)

Dr. Buckland adduces evidence to show that the superior
strata, which have been conceived peculiar to the basins of
London and Hampshire, were once continuous. Traces of this
union are observable in the detached portions which yet exist,
even on the highest eminences of the chalk formation. On
this hypothesis, which there seems little reason to dispute, the
London and plastic clays stretched uninterruptedly from the
coast of Norfolk to Dorsetshire, prior to the great era of the

BucMand^s Formation of the Valley of Kmgsclere. 269

deluge; and, in so doing, they would only conform to the
course of all the other formations which crop out to the west-
ward of them.

The tender and destructible nature of the deposits above
the chalk, would render them peculiarly liable to be swept
away, in some parts, by diluvial currents. Their preservation
at other points, and " their separation into the two distinct
basins of London and Hampshire, have resulted partly from
local elevations and depressions, by subterraneous violence,
since the deposition of the plastic clay, and partly from the
still more recent removal of much of their substance by diluvial
denudation." (Geol, Trans., vol. ii. p. 127.)

Before concluding this article we must return to Mr. Mar-
tin, on the supposed depositions of strata in basins. " Although
the contents of these chalk basins have been carefully ex-
amined and described, no satisfactory explanation of the
mechanism or mode of formation of the basins themselves has
yet been given ; and, since the French naturalists first made
use of the term, so much laxity has obtained in the application
of the word basin, that it is made to comprehend almost every
depression in the earth's surface." {Martin, p. 55.)

" The obscurity in which this branch of the subject has
been left, appears to have arisen from the difficulty of con-
sidering it apart from a general theory of displacement, and
from the conflicting opinions prevalent upon that subject ; and
because geologists, not professed Vulcanists, have been in the
habit of considering all displacement as the effect of one of
two causes — of subsidence from simple gravity, or excavation
by watery erosion." {Id., p. 56.)

" But, in whatever mode these basins exist, they have been
considered as the recipients and continent cavities of succes-
sional deposits of different eras and different agencies ; and
their preexistence is necessarily involved in that consideration.
How far this theory agrees with appearances developed by
later discoveries, remains to be proved. Some relaxation of
the original idea of deposits in the Paris basin exclusively is
said to have been made ; and the discovery of the same strata
elsewhere in a horizontal, and what may be considered an
original position, serves to strengthen the opinion, that the
strata above the chalk are all of a date anterior to the con-
vulsion which divested it of its flotz character." {Id., p. 57.)

In another place he observes, " Of the English basins it
may be safely asserted, that, being fissured in all their parts
in the act of subsidence, and many parts of them of higher
level than the intervening excavations, no deposit co?dd have
taken place "within them which did not fill denuded cavities.

T 3 •

270 Martinis Geologicul Memoir^ and

The contemporiety of these acts being established, it follows,
of course, that the chalk, with all its superincumbent strata,
existed previously in a horizontal position." [Id., p. 89.)

The true disposition of a chalk basin, according to Mr.
Martin's diagram {Jig, 134.), arises from the fracture and sub-
sidence of its parts ; for, although large hollows have doubtless
been formed upon its surface, its thickness is not adequate to
admit of the construction of a basin in that way only.

*''^^^~^~~px^^

From the foregoing extracts an accordance will be per-
ceived, between these authorities, in the conviction that, an-
terior to the great derangements of the Weald and the chalk
basins, the strata had existed in a horizontal position, and that
'' what are called tertiary formations (those above the chalk)
were deposited before the basins were in existence," and
covered a far wider area than they have done subsequently to
the deluge. " A wide field is thus opened, not for conjecture,
but for research ; and, if the subject of derangement be culti-
vated with the same fidelity of observation as has been of late
that of structure, results cannot fail of being produced, de-
structive of many errors, and corrective of many received
opinions." (Martin, p. 90.)

In a note, appended to Mr. Martin's memoir, some con-
jectures are offered on the probability of lines of fracture tra-
versing the London clay, over which the Thames is conducted,
and on the presumed risk to which the construction of a
tunnel would hence be subjected. The direction of these fis-
sures would resemble those in Mr. Martin's diagram. [Jig. IS^.)
*' A tunnel through the London clay, in those parts where the
river has been directed over it, in an unsuhsided or undisturbed
state, is perfectly practicable ; but, where rent and subsidence,
or what are commonly called faults, have taken place, there
remains nothing but loose diluvial and alluvial soil, through
which it must be at all times dangerous to venture. If, there-
fore, the expedients for repairing the mischief fail in this
instance, a spot might still be chosen where the river takes its
course over the clay, that has not been disturbed by the convid-
sion *which basined the chalk" (Martin, p. 89.)

Bucklafid's Formation of the Valley of Khigsclere, 271

We are a little at a loss to reconcile the latter paragraph
with the conclusion to which the author elsewhere arrives, in
conjunction with Dr. Buckland, that " the tertiary formations
were deposited in a horizontal position before the basins were
in existence." Admitting the justice of the conclusion, it is
not unreasonable to infer that the incumbent strata would
equally partake of the disturbances which so remarkably
affected the chalk.

That the accident which impeded the progress of the tunnel
was occasioned by a fissure in the strata, of the description
alluded to, is, however, by no means apparent from the cir-
cumstances. The excavations were too near the surface to
afford sufficient proof that it was other than the usual " broken
ground" which forms the beds of most valleys. It is well
known, and observed in practical operations, such as forming
tunnels, driving levels, and sinking shafts, that all formations,
whether composed of soft or of indurated materials, are, to a
considerable depth below the surface, " shaken" and doubtful,
consequently treacherous. No mineral or coal beds " prove,"
with any approach to certainty, until they have been pursued
beyond the influence of the operations which have disturbed
the exterior crust of the earth. We do not refer solely to the
irregular accumulations of what is called diluvial matter, but
to disturbances, diluvial or otherwise, which extend still deeper.
It is obvious that the thickness of diluvium or of transported
materials is, of all things, the most uncertain, particularly at
the bottoms of valleys, and in the beds of rivers. Nothing can
present a more ragged outline than a section of the base of a
diluvial district, or demonstrate more incontestibly that there
is not the slightest agreement between the outline of the base
on which the detritus is deposited, and the present contour of
the earth's surface.

With regard to the geological position of the Thames tun-
nel, it has been customary to speak of its passing through the
London clay. If the excavation be pursued, it will probably
intersect that formation towards the northern portion of the
line ; but hitherto, from the materials which have been brought
up, it is quite evident that the work has proceeded in some of
the plastic clay beds, so denominated, agreeing with those
exposed at Woolwich, and much less favourably adapted to
subterraneous operations, than the tenacious mass of the Lon-
don clay which reposes upon it. The formations lying im-
mediately to the south-east of London, have by no means been
accurately defined upon our geological maps.

T.

T 4

272

Curtis^ s British Entomology,

A RT. 11. Catalogue of Works on Natural History, lately published,
•with some Notice of those considered the most interesting to British
Naturalists,

Britain.

Curtis's British Entomology. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 4*. 6d. coloured.
No, LIV.for June, contains
215 to 218. — Tel^phorus cyaneus; Coleoptera Telephoridae. Of this
genus twenty-eight species are natives of Britain ; that figured was taken
at Ambleside, near some
oak trees, while Primula
farinosa, here figured, was
in flower abundantly at the
same time. — Dascillus cer-
vinus ; Coleop. Telephori-
dae {Jig' 135., natural size,
a, magnified b) ; of which
there are several varieties,
which appear in May and
June, and are very abund-
ant in the north of England
and in Scotland. The
Dwarf Orchis (O. ustulata)
was in flower on Arthur's
Seat, nearEdinburgh, where
Mr. Curtis gathered his specimen. — Catocala elocata(^^. 136. c); Lepidop-
tera iVbctuadae. The caterpillar of which feeds upon willows and elms.

- Gen. Char. — Antennae alike in both sexes, inserted in the crown of the
head close to the eyes, long, slender, and setaceous, externally covered with
scales, internally pubescent (a), with scattered bristles from the middle to
the apex {b) : basal joint the largest, cup-shaped. Maxillae as long as the
antennae, convoluted, setaceous, a considerable portion of the apex ciliated
with tentacula (c).

Bennefs Fishes of Ceylon,

273

137

Labial palpi porrected, obliquely triarticulate, densely clothed with long
scales, those on the third joint short {d) : basal joints slightly nutant and
rather long; second a little bent, ascending obhqnely, subfusiforra ; third
not so long as the first, slender, elongated ovate {e).

Head rather small. Oculi, one on each side behind the antennae (/,
magnified g). Thorax large. Abdomen robust, cylindrical, attenuated,
tufted on the back, at the base, and at the tail. Wings ample, slightly
deflexed when at rest, superior subtrigonate. Cilia long and indented.
Legs long, anterior the shortest. Tibiae, anterior short, with a compressed
broad spine on the inside, the others spurred, the posterior with a pair to-
wards the middle, all of unequal size \K).
Tarsi, anterior much longer than the
tibi^, the others of equal length, pro-
ducing a double series of spines beneath.
Claws bent. Pulvilli forming a lobe in
the middle, with a slender one very much
cut on each side (e). Larvae half loopers,
with six pectoral, eight abdominal (the two
first being less perfect than the others),
and two anal, feet.

Pupae enclosed in a loose cocoon formed
between some leaves.

Megachile Willughbi^//« (Willughby, a
friend of Ray's) ; Hymenoptera ^pidae
Leach ; of which there are seven British
species. M. centuncularis {fig. 137.) is
figured as living on the Mercurialis annua.

Bennett Fishes of Ceylon. In 4to Numbers, monthly. 2\s.

' JVb. II. for June, contains

Holocentrus argenteus, a very delicious fish. — Chae'todon vagabundus, a
very singular creature, exhibiting different shades of purple, orange, yellow,
and red, but not much valued by fishermen. C. Brownriggw, about 2 in.
long, much sought after as an article of food. — (Scorpae'na miles (^g. 138.),
with spines round the eyes, and partially on the lateral line near the head.

Branchiostegous rays six; dorsal (^) thirty-three, thirteen spinous ; pectoral
(c)four; ventral (rf) six, one spinous; anal (e) nine, three spinous ; caudal,
(/) twelve; head arge, with six cirri on the gills; pectoral fins with large

274

Boianicat Periodicals,

139

irregular black

spots. Ventral,

anal, dorsal, and

caudal fins, with

small black spots.

Fig. 138. is about

one tenth of the

length of thefish. —

Balistes aculeatus

var. viridis. {fig.

139.) Green, about

9 in. in length,

and belonging to

the order Bran-

chiostegous : the

others all thoracic;

i. e. having their

ventral fins under

the pectoral, and not before or behind them, like the jugular or abdominal

fishes. Branchiostegous fishes are such as have the gills destitute of

bony rays. {fig. 139. a)

Botanical Periodicals.

The Botanical Magazine^ for July, contains Artocarpus integrifolia

(^g. 140.), Entire-leaved Bread-fruit, which flowered in December, 1827,

in the stove of the Edinburgh botanic

garden. It belongs to the nat. ord. Urii-

ceae, has the male and female blossoms on

the same plant, the former (a) lateral, and

the latter {b) terminal. The fruit is tech-
nically a pod, or pericarp; in the East

and West Indies it grows to a very large

size, and is eaten by the natives. In the

West Indies it is less eaten than in the

East Indies ; but the seeds, when roasted

like chestnuts, are allo,wed to be good,

even by strangers. The tree arrives at

the greatest size and perfection in Ceylon,

where it may be seen forming a dense

mass of foliage 30 ft. high, supported by

a trunk from 8 to 12 ft. in diameter. —

Dracae'na australis; nat. ord. ^sphodeleae, is a new plant from Australasia,

which flowered in May, 1827, in the green-
house of the Edinburgh botanic garden. —
Hedyotis campanuliflora ; Rubiaceae ; is a
new and handsome suffi'uticose plant, from
Brazil.

The Botanical Register, for 3\\\y, con-
tains Antholyza {anthos, a flower, lyssa,
rage ; fancied aspect of rage exhibited
by the flower) aethiopica var. minor {fig.
1*41.); Triandria Monogynia, and /ri-
deae. A handsome bulbous-rooted plant.
— Thryallis (an ancient Greek name for
something of the mullein kind) brachysta-
chys. Short-spiked Thryallis. " One of the
most obscure genera in the science of natural
history. It was established by^ Linnaeus, upon

Griffith's Cuvier,

215

a specimen which has never been seen
by any other person." Mr. Lindley
considers himself fortunate in having
an opportunity of describing a second
species, which agrees well with the
description of Linnaeus. — Combretum
comosum (^g. 142.); Decan. Monog.,
and Combretaceae ; is a fine climbing
plant brought from thickets at Sierra
Leone, by Mr. G. Don, and grown
here in the stove.

Griffith, Edward, F.L.S., and others :
The Animal Kingdom described and
arranged, in conformity with its or-
ganisation, by the Baron Cuvier.
With additional Descriptions of all
the Species hitherto named ; of many
not before noticed ; and other ori-
ginal matter, London. 8vo, many plates. Parts L to XV.
The value of the original work of Cuvier is well established : the duty of
the reviewer, therefore, is to ascertain the fidelity of the translation, and
the merits of the additional descriptions. It would have given us pleasure
could we have bestowed on the correctness of the translation unqualified
praise ; but justice requires us to say, that, though it generally conveys to
the English reader a sufficiently clear view of the author's meaning, there
are several parts in which the sense is imperfectly or very incorrectly given.
For instance, p. 26 of the translation : — " Vegetables derive their nourish-
ment from the SUN, and from the circumfluent atmosphere in the form of
water," &c. Cuvier says, " the soil and the atmosphere present to plants
for their nourishment, water," &c. " Le sol" may, doubtless, be either the
sun or the soil, but the obvious meaning of the author might have directed
the translator which word to choose ; and, more particularly, as, in the
preceding page, there occurs nearly the same passage : " Vatmosphhe et la
terre apportent aux v^g^taux des sues," &c. In page 22. of the translation,
we find the following remarkable error: "All organised beings produce
their like, otherivise death woidd be a necessary consequence of life, and the
species must become extinct." This passage is utterly unintelligible, or, to
speak more plainly, the extreme of absurdity. The author has before stated
that death is a necessary consequence of the continued action of life on the
animal frame ; and the sentence so improperly translated, refers to this
action on the vital organs. '' Tous les etres organises produisent leur
semblables, autrement la mo7't Hant une suite necessaire de la vie, leurs especes
nepourraient subsister." Nothing can be more clearly expressed, or more
easy to translate literally: — " All organised beings produce their like ; were
it not so, death being a necessary consequence of vital action, the species
must become extinct." We might quote other errors in the translation of
the first sixty pages, for which it would be difficult to account, except by
supposing that the translation has been made from an inaccurate copy of
the original.

The notes and the original matter of the translator and his colabo-
rateurs, have greatly increased the bulk of the work ; and the number of
the engravings have greatly enhanced its price ; the latter, at least, without
any thing like proportionately adding to its value. The plan of getting up
the book has not been properly digested before it was commenced. If
engravings were to be given, either every species described ought to have
been figured, or only one species of each order, tribe, or genus ; or only
such figures as were necessary to illustrate technicalities. Instead of this.

276

Griffith's Cuvier,

we have numerous genera, of which a single figure is not given of any
one of the species ; while of other genera, copperplates are engraved of
several of the species. This indefinite, unsystematic mode of giving illus-
trative engravings, publishers will, in time, learn to avoid, from the necessity
which they will find of accommodating their productions to the present im-
proved state of the public judgment in books, called forth, in a great measure,
by an increased taste for reading, and the diminished means of procuring this
gratification. We can see no occasion for engravings on copper to illustrate a
work like the present ; had the figures been on wood, they would have been
nearly as expressive, or, at least, sufficiently so for every useful purpose, as that
which we now give of the GeoflProy's Shrike (/:,?t. 1 43.) will show to those who
can compare it with the
copperplate from which
it was copied inPartXV.
They could have been
printed along with the
descriptions, and more
readily compared with
them; and, had they
been limited to the type
species of each genus,
the work would have
been much more com-
l)lete, and, we should
think, not near so high

priced. There is also

an omission which de-
tracts from the value of the work. As the system of Cuvier is founded

on the physiology of animals, there ought to have been plates given of those

parts of the osteology of vertebrated animals which form the distinctive

characters. They are not given in the original work of Cuvier, because it

was intended to form a cheap text-book, and the reader is supposed to have

access to the museums of Paris, and to extensive libraries of natural history;

but in a work which will be ten times the price of the original, they ought

to have been added. We regret to be obliged to make these objections,

and should have • ^ ^

been much better

pleased to have

given the work

entire instead of

qualified appro-
bation.

As a principal

object of the last

number of this

Magazine was to

impress on the

mind of the young

reader the ter-

minologyofbirds,

we shall here

copy from Mr.

Griffith's work an

engraving which

exemplifies that

terminology in a

very judicious

manner.(^g.l44)

Hogg^s Vicinity of Stocktori on Tees.

277

a. Maxilla, the upper part of

the bill.
g, Nares, the nostrils.

d, Dertrum, the hook.
c, Culmen, the ridge.

/, Mesorrinium, the upper

ridge.
i, Lorum, naked line at the

base.
6, Mandibulffi, lower part of the

bill.
h, Menuon, the chin.

e, Gouys, inferior point of the
mandible.

j, Frons, front of the head.
k, Capistrum, the face.
/, Vertex, crown of the head.
7W, Sinciput, hinder part of the

head.
0, Regio ophthalmica, region

of the eye.
w, Supercilium, the eyebrow.
p, Tempora, the temples.
q, Gena, the cheeks.

t. Cervix, hinder part of the

neck.
u. Nucha, nape of the neck.
Vf Auchenium, below the nape.
*, Collum, the neck.
r, Regio parotica, protuberance

over the ear.
w, Guttur, the throat.
X, Gula, gullet.
y, Jugulum, lower throat.
X, Dorsum, the back.
.A, Interscapulum, between the

shoulders.
B, Tergum, middle of the back,
c, Uropigyum, the rump,
u, Cauda, the tail.
V, Rectrices, tail feathers : In-

termediEB, middle ; and Late -

rales, side ones.
J, Ala, the wing,
o, Remiges, the oars.
p, Primariffi, quills.
K, Tectrices, wing-covers.

L, Majores, largest wing-covers.

M, Mediae, middle wing-covers.

N, Minores, smallest wing-co-
vers.

R, Humeri, shoulders.

s, Flexura, the bend of the
wing.

T, Axilla, the arm-pits.

H, Hypochondria, side of the
abdomen.

D, Pectus, the breast.

E, Abdomen.

F, Epigastrum, stomach.

G, Venter, the belly.
I, Crissum, the vent.
X, Tibia, the thigh.

z, Planta, the foot with the

toes.
Y, Tarsus, the foot-

a, Acrotarsium, front of the
foot.

b, Digiti, toes.

c, Hallux, the great toe.

Hogg, the Rev. John., A.M. F.L.S. andCamb. Ph. Soc. : On the Natural His-
tory of the Vicinity of Stockton on Tees. Stockton. 8vo, pp. 96, 1 map.

This work is to form an appendix to the Parochial History of Stockton,
by the Rev. John Brewster, now in the press. It is an excellent specimen
of the local Flora, Fauna, and Geographica, and printed with very great
accuracy in regard to names, synonyms, and references to established works
containing descriptive and historical particulars. The use of such local
catalogues is three-fold; 1. as contributing towards a more complete and
accurate natural history of Britain ; 2. as pointing out to the inhabitants, or
to those intending to inhabit particular districts, the climate and the natural
productions which they may expect to meet with, and consequently, to a cer-
tain extent, the eligibility of the situation for rural and domestic happiness;
and 5. as a record by which future naturalists may determine the local
changes which have taken place in natural and physical history.

The catalogue begins with the birds, of which there are no fewer than
126 species, arranged according to
the system of Cuvier. Of fishes
there are 19 species; of insects, 67 of
the most remarkable are enumerated ;
of fluviatile shells, 20 species ; of
marine animals, the Sea Scorpion, or
Father Lasher (Cottus ^Scorpius L.)
{Jig. 145), and Ray's Toothed Gilt-
head (iSparus Raii) {Jig. 146.), both rare species, but the last extremely

so. The first speci-
men of (Sparus Raw
found in England was
sent to Mr. Ray by
his friend, Mr. John-
son, a gentleman of
Yorkshire, who in-
formed him it was
found on the sands
near the Tees' mouth,
Sept. 18. 1681. Mr.
Hogg informs us that
in August 1821 he
saw the only one
known to have been

278

Zoological Journal.

147

seen near the Tees since that sent to

Ray. Of MoUusca nuda,or shell-less

mollusca, 7 species are enumerated,

including the officinal Cuttle Fish

(iSepia officinalis Lin.) {fig. 147.),

often cast up on the shore at Seaton,

and from which is taken the cuttle

bone, formerly used in medicine. Of

Mollusca testacea 54 species are enu-
merated, chiefly bivalve shells; of

M. cirripedes, z species ; of M. anne-

lidae, 4 species ; of M. radiaria, 1 6

species; and of M. polyperia no

fewer than 54 species, including the

Sea Fir (Sertularia abidtina) (y?g. 148. a\ a coralline very common on
<f^.f«n.^^/i&&^sS^>Cfc^_ h #* _^ shells and other substances;

Tubularia ramosa {b), a
branched tubular coralline,
also very common ; Cellu-
laria cornuta, a horned cel-
lular coralline, also com-
mon ; Millepora foliacea
(c); Corallina officinalis (c?),
very common; and iS'p6ngia
urens, occulata {fig. 149.
a), and fluviatilis {b\ three
British sponges by no means
uncommon.

The plants are arranged
according to the natural
system, and enter into 50

orders of Dicotyl^dones, 1 3 orders of Monocotyl^dones, and 8 orders of

AcotyMdones.

The geology of the vicinity of Stockton is comprised under, 1. lias; 2.

red marl, or new red sand- ^ ^

stone j 3. magnesian lime-
stone ; 4. coal measures ;

5. diluvium; 6. alluvium;

and 7. basaltic dykes.
We should like to see

gardeners set about form-
ing such catalogues of the

natural history of their

masters* estates, or of the

Sarish in which they live.
Ir. Wood, of Deepdene,
is well qualified for form-
ing such a catalogue, and we
hope he will set the example.

Vigors, N. A., Esq. A.M. F.R.S. G.S. and M.R.I.A., Secretary of the
Zoological Society, Editor, with the cooperation of several distinguished
Naturalists : The Zoological Journal, No. XII., January to March, and
No. XIII., April to July. London. 8vo. 10*. coloured; 75. 6rf. plain.
In these two numbers are some very interesting papers, most of them

strictly scientific, and not of sufficient interest to attract the general reader ;

but some of them, as Major Hardwicke's Loves of the Ants and Aphides,

both scientific and amusing, and Mr. Colebrooke on Dichotomous and

Hooker and Gre'vUl^s Ferns, 279

Quinary Arrangements in Natural History, which is at once philosophical
and highly interesting. Natural orders are related to each other by so
many points, that Linnaeus compared them to countries in a map ; but the
affinities of an object, Mr. Colebrooke observes, ramify in every direction,
and cannot be well represented on a plain surface. The Dichotomous mode
of classification has been so represented. " It proceeds upon a selection
of single characters in succession, which, taken affirmatively and negatively,
furnish at each step two distinctions ; one for objects possessing the cha-
racter in question, the other for such as want it. For example, at the
very first step, organic and inorganic substances ; and, thereafter, verte-
brate and non- vertebrate animals. So, Cotyledonous and Acotyledonous
vegetables ; land, again, Monocotyledonous and Dicotyledonous plants. If
the series in which the characters are severally noticed be judiciously
chosen, the Dichotomous arrangement, well pursued, supplies a very in-
structive key to natural knowledge. Many professedly natural distributions
have been so ordered. But a more instructive arrangement is that which
exhibits an object in all its bearings; which places it amidst its cognates;
and contiguous to them, again, those which approach next in degree of
affinity, and thence branching every way to remoter relations." Objects
or groups to be so arranged must occupy a space of three dimensions.
Were the space so occupied indefinite, and round any given or imaginary
point, the form of the group would be considered globular, from the same
law of imagination by which the sky seems vaulted, and the universe neither
square, nor long, nor angular. Hence, as five points form one of the simplest
modes of expressing the centre and superficies (the two poles and the
zenith and nadir of a globe), the Quinary arrangement is the simplest distri-
bution of a large assemblage of objects. The centre group may be supposed
to be the type, and the four circumferential ones so many clusters of related
objects. If we imagine no perfect type, and, in consequence, the central
group omitted, we shall then have the Quaternary arrangement, which,
according to Ocken, a Swedish botanist, is the true natural distribution.
Without entering farther into the subject, our readers will, we hope, have
distinct ideas of the Dichotomous, Quinary, and Quaternary systems ; and
they will see that the Quinary and Quaternary are but different modes of
expression for what is essentially a circular, or, more correctly, a'spherical
system. These and other systems we shall enter into at greater length,
when we conceive our young readers to be sufficiently advanced. In the
mean time, it is easy to conceive that the surface of a globe will be repre-
sented by three points more easily than by five, and by five less perfectly
than by seven or twelve. So that all that seems beyond dispute in the
matter is, that the most perfect abstract idea of an arrangement is that in
which all the objects composing a group shall be clustered together like a
sphere. It should never be forgotten that nature knows only species, and
that all systems of arrangement or classification are merely attempts at
generalising, for the sake of lessening the trouble of knowing the individuals.

Hooher, William Jackson, LL.D. Reg. Prof. Bot. Univ. Glasg. and F.R.A.

and L.S. Lond. ; and Robert Kaye Greville, LL.D. F.R. and A.S. Edinb.

and L.S. London : Figures and Descriptions of Ferns, principally of such

as have been altogether unnoticed by Botanists, or as have not yet been

correctly figured. Fasc. V. Folio. 1/. 5s. plain; 21.2$. coloured.

This work will be included in twelve fasciculi, each consisting of twenty

plates, accompanied with as many leaves of description, to appear quarterly.

The descriptions are written entirely in Latin, and a few remarks added m

English ; the plates are executed with the greatest attention to accuracy, and

in the best style of the art, especially in the dissections of the fructification,

from drawings made by the authors. A list of subscribers will be printed

in the last number.

' 280 ' French and German Books,

Anon. : Attributed to J. Rennie, A.M., formerly Editor of the Foreign Me-
dical Journal^ and Author of a great number of Works, in almost every
Department of Literature : Conversations on Geology ; comprising a
familiar Explanation of the Huttonian and Wernerian Systems ; the Mo-
saic Geology as explained by Mr. G. Penn ; and the late Discoveries of
Prof. Buckland, Humboldt, Dr. Macculloch, &c. London. 8vo. Is. 6d.
Such a work was much wanted, and, from a slight glance at that before

us, and what we know of the author, we have no doubt of that want being

now ably supplied.

JenningSy James, Author of Ornithologia, and other Works : The Pleasures
of Ornithology ; a Poem. London. 12mo, pp. 46.

" To ally poetry to nature, to science, to truth, and to humanity, — to
make her a useful handmaiden in the accomplishment of great, good, and
important ends, — have been the objects in the present production." Mr.
Jennings deserves credit for so laudable an attempt, and, if he do not
receive so much praise as he could wish, will have the better reward of self-
approbation.

France.

Candolle, M. A. P.de, F.R.S. F.M.L.S. H.S. &c. of Geneva:

1. Collection de M^moires pour servir a I'Histoire du Regne Vegetal.
Mem. 1.: sur la Famille des Melastomacees. Paris. 4to, 10 pi. 10*.

The inability of the author, both in his Prodromus and Course of Botany,
to impart to certain points of the science those developements that seemed
necessary to fix the attention of botanists, has led him to publish, in a sepa-
rate form, a series of Memoires, serving as explanatory of the two above-
mentioned works. Ten Memoires will form a volume. This work will be
accompanied with plates, and may be regarded as a commentary on the
Prodromus. Each Mhioire is sold separately.

2. Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis. Pars tertia, sistens
Calyciflorun* Ordines 26. Paris. 1 vol. 8vo. Price 12 frs.

Germany. /

Link, H.F.,von, M.D. Prof, of Bot. in the Univ. Berlin, Direct. Bot.Crard. ;

and F. Otto, C.M.H.S. &c.. Inspect. Bot. Gard. : Abbildungen auserlesener

Gewachse, &c. Figures of select Plants from the Royal Botanic Garden

of Berlin, with Descriptions and Directions for their Culture. Berlin.

Vol. L 4to, pp. 128. Sixty plants on sixty coloured plates.

This work was commenced in 1820, and has appeared in parts at ten

indefinite intervals since that period. One volume is now completed, and

the work, we are informed by M. Otto, will be continued in a smaller size.

The plates are superior in execution to anything that has been produced in

this country, unless we except Dr. Hooker's Exotic Flora; the descriptions,

which are in Latin and German, as far as can be judged by comparing them

with the plates, are succinct and accurate. The whole of the sixty plants

considered select at Berlin, are reckoned fine plants in this country ; the

following are still rare here, and those of them marked *, we are informed

by Mr. George Don, are not to be met with in British gardens :

.^ristolbchia ringens, Geodbrum pictum. Melaleuca can^scens.

^Vum pedatum. Gesnfena bulbbsa. Mesembrianthemum frkgrans.

Begbn/a argyrostigma. *He)m/a salicifblia. Mesembri^nthemum Salm/i.

Begbnirt wlmif blia. Hornemannia ovata. Nic&ndm anomkla.

Br&ssirt maculata. *Jaborosa runcinata. Passiflbra discolor.

Caprkria lanceolata. *Lantkna SellowJa/io. Rhipsalis salicornioides.

Ceropfegia aphylla. *'L6bh\ia cuneif blia. *Scoparia flava.

*Cyliidium stapeUoJrfes. Macr6gyne convallaria^f blia. *Sida insequ^lis.

Diadcia Bergiawa. JftMalvaanomala. *Slda rbsea.

Eucalyptus longifblia. Maniilea angustif blia. Soldndro viridiflbra.

♦Ferraria pusilla. Manulea tomentbsa.

• Fuchw'a excorticSita. *M4riGa longif blia.

281

PART III.

MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.

Art. I. Natural History in Foreign Countries,

FRANCE.

Electro- Attraction of Leaves. — The influence of electricity on organ-
ised nature, both animal and vegetable, appears to be progressively better
understood. The state of the atmospheric electricity is well known to exert a
very marked influence on man, in respect of health and disease ; and it is a
considerable step in the explanation of the sources of this, which has been
ascertained, if not discovered, by M. Astier. His experiments have led him to
conclude that the leaves, the hairs, the thorns, &c., of plants, tend to main-
tain in them the requisite proportion of electricity ; and, by drawing off
from the atmosphere what is superabundant, that they also act in some mea-
sure as thunder-rods and paragreles. In one of his experiments, M. Astier
insulated the thorns of growing plants ; and, upon being exposed to the
atmosphere when the electrical equilibrium was disturbed, they distinctly
affected the electrometer. {Bulletin des Sciences Naturelles.)

Evaporation on Mountains. — It has been ascertained by the experiments
of M. van Marum, that vapours are more largely exhaled from the summits
of lofty mountains than from the plains below, in consequence, it is sup-
posed, of the diminution of atmospheric pressure. {Descript. des Apparetls
in Bui. Un.)

Propagation of Oysters, S^c. — M. S. G. Luroth has made some severe
remarks on the paper on this subject, in a recent volume of the Philosophical
Transactions, by Sir Everard Home, whom he accuses of superficiality,
want of novelty, and, worst of all, gross inaccuracy and credulity. In the
points upon which he differs from other naturalists. Sir Everard is farther
accused by M. Luroth of not having examined the descriptions previously
published, contenting himself with his own very incomplete explanation of
the excellent figures of Bauer. MM. Bojanus and Blainville would have
set him right as to what he erroneously terms the oviduct in the Anodon-
ton, had he taken the trouble^ to consult their writings. {Bulletin des
Sciences Nat.)

Australasian Botany. — M. J. B. A. Guillemin is publishing lithographical
figures of the rarer plants of Australasia, under the auspices of M. Benj.
Delessert. The first two decades contain figures of 20 plants, described,
but not figured, by Brown, in his Prodromus Fldrce Novce HoUdndice. The
plates are accompanied by Brown's generic and specific characters, and
other explanatory letter-press. {Bui. Un.)

GERMANY.

Systematic Arrangement of Acarides. — M. Hey den has undertaken the
very difficult task of arranging the family of acarides, or mites, a group of
animals which are frequently most important to be understood by the rural
cultivator as well as by the naturalist. M. Heyden divides them into 69

Vol. I. — No. 3. u

282 Natural History in Foreign Countries.

genera, the greater part of them new. It would be well if the author would
give specific descriptions, accompanied by good figures, of each of these
genera. {Oken*s Isis.)

Posthumous Works of Lyonnet. — The anatomical treatise of M. Lyonnet,
on the caterpillar of the Cossus lignip^rda, has, from the period of its pub-
lication, 70 years ago, been considered as a production quite unrivalled for
minute and accurate research. The second part of this work was announced
during the life of the author ; but, at his death, the publication of it was
stopped. Our scientific friends will, therefore, rejoice to learn, that not
only this second part, corrected by Lyonnet himself, but also his researches
on the anatomy and metamorphosis of different species of insects, is about
to appear at Leyden, under the auspices of Dr. de Hann, the Conservateur
of the Royal Museum of Natural History. {Revue Bibliograph. des Pays-
Bos.)

ITALY.

Prize in Natural History. — The Academy of Sciences of Turin pro-
pose to give a prize, consisting of a gold medal, worth 600 livres, for the best
work, general or particular, upon the natural history of the states of the
king of Sardinia. The works may be either in Italian, Latin, or French, in
MS. or printed and published at Turin before the 28th February, 1829.
Memoirs, designs, specimens, &c., to be addressed, postage-free, to the Aca-
demy of Sciences. {Journal de Savoie.)

Ornithology of Tuscany. — Dr. Savi, Professor of Natural History at Pisa,
is publishing an important work on the birds of Tuscany, entitled Ornitolo-
gia Toscana. The work is ably composed, and contains many original
observations. The author, however, has fallen into the mistake of being
too prone to interfere with established arrangements. He has, in this way,
extended the genus Sylvia, already too numerous, and divided it into nine
families, among which we find il/erula and Turdus ! {Bid. Un.)

SWITZERLAND.

Fishes. — The late celebrated Prof. Jurine was for many years employed
upon a natural history of the fishes of the lake of Geneva, which has just
been published from his MSS., with figures engraved under his direction ;
not as a separate work, however, but in the third volume of the Memoirs of
the Society of Physics and Natural History of Geneva. It is, like all the
author's productions, distinguished for originality and accurate science j and,
from the similarity between the Swiss fishes and our own, it well merits the
attention of our British ichthyologists.

Another work on the same subject, but comprehending all the fishes of
Switzerland, has just been published at Zurich, by M. G. L. Hartman, and
is entitled Helvetische Ichthyologie. {Bui. Un.)

SWEDEN.

Notice of certain rare Plants in the North of Sweden. — M. Lestudius has
described, in continuation of a former memoir, a number of rare plants
found by him in Lappmark, the mountains of Pitea, &c. Among these we
find i?anunculus alp^stris, JEfieracium fuliginosum, ^Saxifraga maculata, S.
glabrata, &c. {Kongl. Vetens Kaps-Acad. Handlingar in Annales des Sciences
Naturelles.)

Birds of Passage. — M. Eckstrcem has published an interesting paper on
Swedish birds of passage, with tables of their arrival and departure from
Soedermonland, kept from 1811 to 1825. The birds which arrive in autumn,
and depart in spring, are, jFVingllla linaria, Parus caudatus, Pyrrhula vulgaris,
-4'mpelis g^rrula, Lanius excubitor, and Emberiza nivalis. He mentions the

Natural History in Foreign Countries, 2S^

curious fact ofsome migratory birds, at one time common, becoming rare,
or entirely disappearing ; and others, which had previously been scarce,
arriving in great numbers. {Ibid.)

M. Magnus von Wright has given very interesting tables of the arrival
of migratory birds in Finland, distinguishing between Abo and Haminaulax,
50 miles farther north. It would be interesting to compare these tables with
those which have been made out of British migratory birds. {Ibid.)

RUSSIA.

Formation of the Embryo in the Grasses. — M. Trinius of St. Petersburg, is
engaged in a keen controversy with M. Raspail of Paris, on the embryo of
the grasses ; in consequence, it would appear, of some remarks made by the
latter in the Bulletin des Sciences, on the dissertation of M. Trinius, De
Graminibus uni et sesqui/loris. The disputants have shown much botanical
erudition, but the subject does not admit of abridgment in a notice. Those
who are interested in it, will find the chief contested points detailed in the
Bulletin des Sciences Naturelles pour Fevrier.

Scientific Journey. — Professor Hanstein has set out on a journey to
Siberia, accompanied by Lieutenant Due of the navy, and at St. Peters-
burgh they met Dr. Erman, from Berlin, who will go with them as naturalist
and astronomer. They will proceed from St. Petersburgh to Moscow,
Kasan, and Tobolsk, and northwards along the Obi to Boresow, in order to
examine the hitherto imperfectly known northernmost branch of the Ural
chain, and to observe the temperature of that tract. They will afterwards
go from Tobolsk by way of Tara, Tomsk, Krasnoiarsk, and Nischnei-
Udinsk, to Irkoutsk, where they hope to arrive in time to pass the winter.
Hence they mean to travel north-east to Jakoutsk, from which the most
fatiguing part of the journey will be to Schotsk, as there are 1014 wersts
(676 miles) to go over, in a country entirely uninhabited, in which they
must pass a thousand streams, bivouac in the night, and take provisions for
the whole journey. It is calculated that the tour may occupy two years.
The grand object of this important expedition is to observe the phenomena
of magnetism, and to ascertain, if possible, the situation of the magnetic
poles, &c. {New Monthly Magazine, August, 1828.) . ■

• ■ ■ ■'■''■■■'. '^. .

NETHERLANDS.

An enormous Whale. — M. Kessels, naturalist at Ghent, has just enriched
the cabinet of natural history there with the skeleton of an enormous
whale. This specimen is 95 ft. long by 18 ft. high. When dissected,
20,000 kilogrammes of blubber and 63,000 kilogrammes of flesh were cut
away. M. Kessels has succeeded in preserving the tail, with the skin,
blubber, and flesh undisturbed : it is 22 ft. round the edge. In the opinion
of many naturalists, amongst whom is M. Cuvier, this fish could not have
been less than 900 or 1000 years old. {New Monthly Magazine, No. xcii.
p. 357.)

NORTH AMERICA.

Floating Island. — From the earliest times, there are to be found in
authors, notices of the singular geological phenomena of floating islands.
Pliny tell us of the floating islands of the Lago de Bassanello, near Rome ;
in Loch Lomond, in Scotland, there is or was a floating island ; and in the
lake of Derwent Water, in Cumberland, such islands appear and disappear
at indefinite periods. Mr. A. Pettingal, jun., has recently described a floating
island, about a mile southwards of Newbury port, 140 poles in length, and
120 in breadth. It is covered with trees; and in summer, when dry wea-

U 2

284 Natural History hi Foreign Countries,

ther is long continued, it descends to the bottom of the lake. {American
Journal of Science.^

Port Royal Cassia. — At a meeting of the Jamaica Society for the En-
couragement of Agriculture and other Arts, held in the early part of the
present year, a paper by Dr. Bancroft was read, concerning a species of
Cassia growing wild on the sands near Port Royal, which has long been
used by the inhabitants of that town instead of Senna, and which Professor
Swartz had described, in 1791, under the name of Cassia Sinna^hut express-
ing a doubt of its being the same with the Cassia Senna of botanists. The
uncertainty, however, that has existed until lately, concerning the plants
that yield the senna of commerce, had prevented the doubt of Swartz
from being cleared up. Fresh and dried specimens of the plant were pro-
duced, and various omissions and differences were pointed out between
these and the description of fewartz ; and proofs adduced to show that the
Port Royal Cassia is a very distinct species from Cassia obovata, commonly
called S^nna italica, to which it had been referred by some botanists. It
was also stated to be essentially different from any of the species of Cassia
described by systematic authors, particularly by DecandoUe, in the second
volume of his ProdromuSy whose enumeration, comprehending 211 species,
is the most recent, complete, and scientific ; whence it seemed probable
that it was to be considered as a nondescript. A full description of its
botanical characters was accordingly given, and it was proposed to designate
it by the name of Cassia porturegalis (intimating its native place), and its
specific characters were recorded. Proofs were given of its being equally
active with common S^nna ; its taste is, besides, less disagreeable, and it
seems, moreover, to possess the advantage of causing much less griping ; as a
proof of which, it was mentioned that mothers of families were in the habit
of giving it to their children, even to infants, in the form of tea, with milk
and sugar, and without any ginger or spice as a corrective. It had been sup-
posed that it would not grow in any place but the sands near Port Royal ; a
fine specimen, however, was produced, that had grown in Kingston, which
rendered it probable that it might be cultivated in the low lands, at least,
of this island ; and the ready sale which a mild yet active Senna, such as
this, was likely to meet with in the markets of Europe, afforded encourage-
ment towards attempting to raise it by cultivation here. — Y,B* Aprilf
1818.

Botanic Garden at the Havannah. — This is a new establishment, said to
be finely laid out, and though not yet finished, to contain many curious
plants and trees. On passing some low bushes in a wet situation, the
attention of Mr. Bullock was attracted by the singular carved or embossed
appearance of the leaves ; but on endeavouring to reach one, to examme
it, he was greatly surprised at the ornaments disappearing in an instant,
and discovering that the appearance was occasioned by a numerous family
of beautiful little frogs, which had attached themselves to the foliage, and
on his approach had leaped into the water. {Bid. Mex., vol. i. p. 233.)

The Ascent of Popocatapetl, by Lieutenant William Glennie, R. J^. —
The ascent commenced during the month of April 1827, from the village of
Ameca, situated in the province of Puebla, and near the N.W. foot of the
volcano, at an elevation of 8216 ft. above the level of the sea, and distant
14 leagues from Mexico.

The author describes the sides of the mountain as thickly wooded with
forests of pines, extending to the height of near 12,693 ft., beyond which
altitude vegetation ceased entirely. The ground consisted of loose black
sand of considerable depth, on which numerous fragments of basalt and
pumice-stone were dispersed. At a greater elevation, several project-
ing ridges, composed of loose fragments of basalt, arranged one above an-
other, and overhanging precipices 600 or 700 ft. deep, presented formidable
impediments to the author's progress ; and, in one direction only, a ravine

Natural History in Foreig7i Countries. 285

was observed to pass through these ridges, having its surface covered with
loose black sand, down which fragments of rocks ejected from the crater
continually descended.

After twelve hours of incessant fatigue the author gained the highest
point of the mountain on the western side of the crater, 17,884 ft. above
the sea ; at which station the mercury in the barometer subsided to 15'63
in., and the temperature indicated by the attached and detached thermome-
ters, was, respectively, 39° and 33° Fahr. at 5 o'clock P.M., when exposed to
the direct rays of the sun. The plain of Mexico was enveloped in a thick
haze, and the only distant objects visible at that time, were the volcanoes
of Orizaba and Iztaccihuatl. The crater of Popocatapetl appeared to ex-
tend one mile in diameter, and its edges, of unequal thickness, descended
towards the east. The interior walls consisted of masses of rock arranged
perpendicularly, and marked by numerous vertical channels, in many places
filled with black sand. Four horizontal circles of rock, differently coloured,
were also noticed within the crater ; and from the edges of the latter, as
well as from its perpendicular walls, several small columns of vapour arose
smelling strongly of sulphur. The noise was incessant, resembling that
heard at a short distance from the sea shore during a storm ; and at inter-
vals of two or three minutes the sound increased, followed by an eruption
of stones of various dimensions ; the smaller were projected into the ravine
before mentioned, the larger fell again within the crater.

The sensations experienced by the author were analogous to those usu-
ally felt by travellers at considerable elevations; viz. weariness, difficult
respiration, and headache, the latter inconvenience having been first per-
ceived at a height of 16,895 ft. Tobacco smoke and spirituous liquors were
also found to produce an unusually rapid effect upon the sensorium. {Pro-
ceedings of the Geological Society of London, 1827-28. No. vii. p. 76.)

SOUTH AMERICA.

The Biscacho, or Coquimbo Owl
(Strijr cunicularia). {fig. 150.) — This
bird, Captain Head observes, is
found all over the plains of the
Pampas. Like rabbits, they live in
holes, which are in groups in every
direction, and which make galloping
over these plains very dangerous.
These animals are never seen in the
day ; but, as soon as the lower limb
of the sun reaches the horizon, they
are seen issuing from their holes in
all directions, which are scattered in

groups like little villages all over the

Pampas. The biscachos, when full-grown, are nearly as large as badgers,
but their head resembles a rabbit's, except that they have large bushy
whiskers. In the evening they sit outside their holes, and they all appear
to be moralising. They are the most serious-looking animals I ever saw ;
and even the young ones are grey-headed, have mustachios, and look
thoughtful and grave. In the daytime, their holes are always guarded by
two little owls, who are never an instant away from their posts. As one
gallops by these owls they always stand looking at the stranger, and then
at each other, moving their old-fashioned heads in a manner which is quite
ridiculous, until one rushes by them, when fear gets the better of their
dignified looks, and they both run into the biscacho's hole. {Head's
Rough Notes, p. 82.)

. u 5

286 Natural History in London,

ASIA.

An immense Medusa^ a species of sea serpent, was thrown on shore near
Bombay in 1819. It was about 40 ft. long, and must have weighed many
tons. A violent gale of wind threw it high above the reach of ordinary
tides; in which situation it took nine months to rot; during which process
travellers were obliged to change the direction of the road for nearly a
quarter of a mile, to avoid the offensive effluvia. It rotted so completely,
that not a vestige of bone remained. (C. Telfai?'^ Esq. to R, Barclayf Esq.,
of Burt/ Hill, in Jam. Journ., April, p. 406.)

Hairy Man of Ava. — There is here a man covered from head to foot
with hair, whose history is not less remarkable than that of the celebrated
porcupine man, who excited so much curiosity in England and other parts
of Europe nearly a century ago. The hair on the face of this singular being,
the ears included, is shaggy, and about eight inches long : on the breast
and shoulders it is from four to five. It is singular that the teeth of this
individual are defective in number, the molares, or grinders, being entirely
wanting. This person is a native of the Shan country, or Lao, and from
the banks of the upper portion of the Saluen, or Martaban River ; he was
presented to the king of Ava as a curiosity, by the prince of that country.
At Ava he married a Burmese woman, by whom he has two daughters ; the
eldest resembles her mother, the youngest is covered with hair, like her
father, only that it is white, or fair, whereas his is now brown or black, hav-
ing, however, been fair when a child, like that of the infant. With the
exceptions mentioned, both the father and his child are perfectly well
formed, and, indeed, for the Burman race, rather handsome. The whole
family were sent by the king to the residence of the mission, where draw-
ings and descriptions of them were taken. {Crawford^ s Mission to Ava.)

Himalaya Mountains. — Captain Gerard, in exploring these mountains,
with a view to measurement, had ascended to the height of 19,600 ft.,
being 400 ft. higher than Humboldt had ascended on the Andes. The latter
part of Captain Gerard's ascent, for about two miles, was on an inclined
plane of 42°, a nearer approach to the perpendicular than Humbdldt con-
ceived it possible to climb for any distance together. {Heber's India.)

A Volcano has burst forth at Bakon in Persia, producing a column of red
fire, without smell, of extraordinary height, which burned for three hours,
and then sunk to about 2 ft., covering a surface about 600 ft. by 400 ft. At
the end of twenty-four hours it had nearly ceased to burn, and will proba-
bly become extinguished without leaving any crater. i^AthencEum.)

AFRICA.
Abyssinia. — The celebrated traveller, Edward Ruppel, is on the point
of setting out for Abyssinia, with the intention of exploring those parts
which have not hitherto been visited by any European. The senate of
Frankfort, by a unanimous resolution, has granted him a thousand florins
of annual income for the ensuing seven or eight years, as well in acknow-
ledgement of his former services, as to enable him, agreeably to his wish, to
continue his scientific travels and researches. {New Monthly Magazine,
August, 1828.)

Art. II, Natural History in London.

Medico-Botanical Society, June 13. — A'collection of 5000 specimens
of indigenous and exotic plants was presented by Professor Frost, various
books by other members, and a considerable collection of grasses by Thornas
Gibbs, Esq. A letter was read from the East India Company, informing
the Society that the Court of Directors had granted them duplicates of all
the medical plants in their extensive herbarium. A letter was read from

Natural Histm-y in London,

287

His Majesty the King of Bavaria, announcing that the collection which His
Majesty had ordered was, through the care of Professor Martins, now
ready, and would be delivered to the Society in a short time by the Bava-
rian ambassador in London, Baron de Cetto. The collection was said to
consist of upwards of 600 specimens. Mr. Frost, the Professor of Botany,
then delivered a lecture on the genus iaurus, a splendid collection of
which was exhibited to the members, there being no less than eighteen
living species from His Majesty's gardens at Kew, furnished by the kindness
of W. T. Alton, Esq. Besides these, there were thirteen other species,
contributed by Messrs. Loddiges of Hackney, Mr. Richard Forrest, Mr.
David Cameron, Mr. Fairbairn, and Mr. Richardson. This genus is par-
ticularly rich, as it is from it that many valuable medicines are procured,
such as camphor (jLaurus Cdmphora)y cinnamon (iaurus Cinnamomum),
sassafras (Z/aurus Sassafras), bastard cinnamon (Z/aurus Cassia), &c.

A complete bowl of camphor was exhibited, as also several other pharma-
ceutical preparations from Mr. Battley.

The Chairman announced that a vacancy had occurred in the Professor-
ship of Materia Medica ; candidates for which were requested to send in
their testimonials as early as possible, as the vacancy would be filled up at
the ensuing Meeting.

The Chairman announced that the first fasciculus of the first volume of
the Transactions of the Society, illustrated with two coloured engravings
of the Melaleuca Cajuputi and Melaleuca Leucadendron, was now ready
for delivery to the members.

The Committee also announced that a paper, on the doubtful identity of
Bonplandia trifoliata and Angostura Bark, by Dr. John Hancock, would be
laid before the next Meeting, to be holden July 11. 1828. {Athenesum.)

July 11. The Society held their last Meeting for the season. After a
number of presents were announced, and several gentlemen balloted for
and elected, a paper was read, entitled Remarks on the doubtful identity of
Bonpldnd'm trifoliatOy and the Angostura or Carony Bark Tree, by Dr. John
Hancock. The paper was accompanied by fine native specimens of the
bark, leaves, flowers, capsules, and seeds of the plant.

A Dogfaced Baboon, Simia. Hamadryas {hamadryades, nymphs who pre-
side over trees, and are said to live and die with them, from hama, with,
drys, the oak), {fig. 151.) died a week or two ago in the Tower, after
having attracted a great deal
of attention during its resi-
dence in that establishment,
by its extraordinary resem-
blance to humanity, not only
in form and appearance, but
also in its manners and habits.
The right arm, in particular,
exhibited a singular likeness
to the corresponding part of
the human figure ; so much
so, indeed, that had it not
been for its hairy covering,
and the somewhat unusual
length of the fingers, the eye,
at least, might almost have
mistaken it for a portion of
some brawny blacksmith, or
hero of the ring. Our de-
ceased friend, we understand,
of porter by its assistance, in

to any of us ; and would swill it off, apparently with quite a human relish

IT 4

used, at all events, to brandish his pot
a style that would have done honour

28 S Natural History in London,

His attentions to a dog that used to be a frequent visitor at his cage, were,
we are told, in the very best style of dignified patronising ; nor did the little
favourite seem to recognise any difference between the pat of his brother
quadruped's paw, and that of the whiter-skinned and shorter-fingered ani-
mal. This jolly tippler, however, " life*s idle business o'er," sunk at last
under a confirmed dropsy, the effect, we fear, of his plentiful potations,
leaving only the memory of his fate as a warning to all surviving debauchees.
{Vcrulam, No. ii. p. 164.)

The Head of a Hippopotamus has recently been brought to England,
with all the flesh about it, in a high state of preservation. This amphibious
animal was harpooned while in combat with a crocodile, in a lake in the
interior of Africa. The head measures near four feet long, and eight feet
in circumference ; the jaws open two feet wide, and the cutting-teeth, of
which it has four in each jaw, are above a foot long, and four inches in
circumference. Its ears are not bigger than a terrier's, and are much about
the same shape. This formidable and terrific creature, when full-grown,
measures about 1 7 ft. long from the extremity of the snout to the inser-
tion of the tail, above 16 ft. in circumference round the body, and stands
above 7 ft. high. It runs with astonishing swiftness for its great bulk,
at the bottom of lakes and rivers, but not with as much ease on land.
When excited, it puts forth its full strength, which is prodigious. " I have
seen," says a mariner, as we find it in Dampier, " one of these animals
open its jaws, and seizing a boat between its teeth, at once bite and sink it
to the bottom. I have seen it on another occasion place itself under one
of our boats, and rising under it, overset it, with six men who were in it,
but who, however, happily received no other injury." At one time it was
not uncommon in the Nile, but now it is no where to be found in that
river, except above the cataracts. The head is intended as a present to
His Majesty. — M. C. March 2^^:.

The Trunk of a Walnut Tree^ 1 2 ft. in diameter, hollowed out and furnished
as a sitting-room, has lately been imported from America, and exhibited in
London. A printed paper, delivered to spectators, states the tree to have
been " unparalleled in size and beauty," the trunk 80 ft. high, without a
branch, and the entire height 150 ft. The bark was 12 in. thick, and the
branches from 3 to 4 ft. in diameter. It grew at the junction of the Silver
and Walnut creeks, on the south shore of Lake Erie, in the state of New
York. — Id.

Mvils produced by the Birdcatchers in the Vicinitt/ of London. — Sir, It is
well known that the gardens in and about London are much more injured
by insects, than those in comparatively distant parts of the country. This,
in my opinion, is very much owing to the smaller number of insectivorous
birds in and about the metropolis; and the reason there are so few of these
is not, as frequently alleged, owing to the smoke, the number of houses,
and the want of trees and food, because it is well known that every kind of
bird will live and thrive in cages in the heart of London, but to the num-
ber of birdcatchers, and, in some respects, to the cats. The cats, perhaps,
cannot so well be got rid of, on account of their utility within doors ; but
I am persuaded that if the legislature would pass an act to prevent bird-
catchers from exercising their art within twenty miles of the metropolis,
the number of birds would soon be speedily increased, and the number of
insects in gardens diminished. Neither ought wild birds of any kind to be
shot, or otherwise caught or destroyed, within this distance, under certain
penalties ; and the result would be a great increase in their numbers, great
lameness and familiarity with man, great facilities of studying their habits,
and a powerful accession of enjoyment to the lovers of ornithology and
natural song. Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park, Greenwich Park, and
all the squares and the gardens of suburban cottages, would then resound -
with the notes of the nightingale, the blackbird, the thrush, and probably
the canary. —^. ^, Fulhani, Mat/ 5.

Natural History in the Bnglish Counties,

;89

Boletus {bolos, a mass; globular form). — The curious deformed fungus
which I send you {^g. 152.)
grew for ten years on the oak
tree whence it was taken.
Unlike others of the genus, it
is not a solitary, but an ag-
gregated or branched pro-
duction, hence its irregular
shape, which would well jus-
tify its being called medus<^-
formis. The pores are not

circular as in the common boletus, but oval; and this, it is thought*
is a distinction, which separates it from its family, or, at least, is sufficient
to mark it a subdivision thereof. Notwithstanding this genus seems
to be one of the lowest of vegetable productions, and apparently one
of the most useless to mankind, yet some of them have been applied to
useful purposes ; as the B. igniarius, which is used as a styptic, and also for
tinder ; and, in all probability, qualities may lie hidden in their uninviting
forms, which future analysts have yet to discover. — J. A. Botanic Gar-
den, Chelsea, Feb)'uarj/, \ 828.

Art. III. Natural History in the English Counties,

FritillA'RIA tessellata. {fig. 1 53.) — Last spring I
saw this plant very abundant in some meadows near Har-
leston, Norfolk. — D. S. Bungay, August.

Hull Ijiterary and Philosophical Society, April 25. — The
last Meeting of this Society now took place, and Dr. Al-
derson being in the chair, Mr. Northen, one of the secre-
taries, delivered a lecture on the new and interesting
science of electro-magnetism, or the relations which sub-
sist between magnetism and electricity. Dr. Alderson
announced that, next session, he should produce a paper
on the migratory habits of the swallow. He gave this
notice, that other members might direct their attention to
the subject, and intimated that such a practice might be
beneficial to the Society. Mr. W. H. Dikes, the cura-
tor, announced that several specimens of fish, with the
jaws of a shark, had been presented by Captain Rossindale. Other presents,
have also been lately made to the Institution, including two lambs (stuffed),
one with two bodies joined together at the neck, by Mr. Brownlow ; and
the other with two heads and six legs, by Mr. Stickney, of Ridgmont. A
king parrot [ ? ], from New South Wales, has also been presented by Mr,
Parker, and a male and female brook m ^ ^ j^^

ouzel, or water rail, Rallus aquati-
cus Z/m., Grallse (j%154.), which
were in the recently-printed list of
desiderata, by Mr. T. Thompson.
The water rail has grey wings, spot-
ted with brown ; flanks spotted with
white ; bill, orange beneath. It in-
habits watery places in Europe and
Asia ; is 1 ft. long ; hides itself among ;
the sedges ; runs and swims with
celerity, but flies heavily, with its
legs hanging down. Eggs yellowish, v?ith dusky-brown spots,

290

Natural History in the English Counties,

Arrival of the Summer Birds of Passage^ in the Neighbourhood of Carlisle^
in the Year 1808. — Sand marten (ifirundo riparia), April 4.; swallow
(J7irundo rustica), 18; marten (^irundo urbica), 28 ; swift (Pypsetus ^'pus),
29. Goat-sucker (Caprimulgus europae'us). May 3. Pied flycatcher (Mus-
cicipa Atricapllla), April 27. I have no doubt the pied flycatcher arrived
before the 27th of April, but it being a scarce species, and the situation it
frequents at some distance, I had not an opportunity of visiting the locality
before the day above named ; it was seen on the 1 4th of April, last year,
near the same place. Spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa gaisila),May 1 4. Wheat-
ear, or fallow-chat (Saxicola vendutie), April 19; whin-chat (Saxlcola ru-
betra), 27 ; redstart (Sylvia Phoeniciirus), 1 7 ; black-cap (Curruca Atricapllla),
24 ; white-throat (Curriica Sylvia), 27 j wood-wren (Curruca sibillatrix), 29.
Pettichaps (Curruca hort^nsis). May 8. Sedge-warbler (Curruca salicarica),
April 28. Grashopper warbler (Curriica locust^lla). May 1. Yellow wren
(iJdgulus rrochilus), April 14; yellow wagtail (ikfotacilla flava), 14. The
other two species of wagtail, viz. M. alba and M. boarula, are both indi-
genous here, some of each staying the whole year. Field-lark, or titling
(^'nthus trivialis), April 29; cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), 23; wryneck
(Funx Torquilla), 17 ; corncrake, or land rail (Ortygometra Cr^x), 20.

You will perceive I have adopted the generic and specific names made
use of by Dr. Fleming, in his History of British Animals recently published.
I have the honour to be, Sir, &c. — T. C. Heysham. Carlisle, June 5. 1828.

Rare Birds shot in the Neighbourhood of Yarmouth. — J'nas nyraca (cas-
taneous duck), an old male bird, taken May 20. (Bewick's Supplement.)
Tringa hyperborea (red-necked phalarope), male, taken first week in June.
(Bewick's Supp.) Lai'irus minutus (least gull), male, taken in February.
(Bewiek.) Colymbus auritus (least-eared grebe), male, taken in May. (Be-
wick.) ^'nas fuligula (tufted duck), male and female, ^^nas glacialis (sea
pheasant), male and female, taken in February. (Bewick.) A'lca alee (little
- auk), male, (Bewick.) Two rare birds,

^^^^^z*-- (T-^sj called the Kentish or Alexandrian Plover,
Xsiifl^ W^^ ^S>W ^^^ ^"* °^ which I cannot strictly give a cot-
^B' ^Sf K^^^^l ^^ct name or reference, and a fine specimen

of the Procellaria Leachii, were taken here
a short time since : the last is a very rare
bird. \Temminck,)—T. W. S. June 20.
1828.

himna minor (the lesser duck's-meat)
(fig. 155.) and major (fig. 156.) are
very abundant
in the ditches
in this neighbourhood ; but I never saw any off
the species in flower till the other day, when I
found almost every plant of iemna minor in
blossom. — D. Stock. Bungay, June II. 1828.

In the vicinity of London, iemna minor may
always be found in flower in the beginning of
June, and LSivana. trisulca, rather later, is not
rare. L. major (L. polyrrhiza of authors) has
not been found in flower in England, and
L. gibba but seldom. — J. D. C. S.

Rare Insects found in Huntingdonshire. — ^The
following insects, among many others, were
found by myself and W. S. Gray, Esq., of St.
John's College, Cambridge, at Monk's Wood,
Sawtry, Huntingdonshire, on the 16th, 17th, and 18th of last June, viz. Picris
Ctetae gi, Melitae'a A'rtemi*, Sap^rda lineato-coUis and f>opiilneus, Leptura

Natural History in Scotland. 291

6-maculUa, Lib^Uula 4-maculata, and L. depr^ssa, Adela degeer^lla, Thy--
melc alveolus Steph.^ Chrysomfela graminis, Circopis sanguinol^nta. The
Apatura Tris was found in plenty in the larva state, in the same wood, at the
beginning of June. — C. C, Bahington. 7. Hanover Street^ Bath, July 8.1828.

Art. IV. Natural History in Scotland,

Wernerian Society. — Feb. 25. 1828. Read. Notice regarding a living
Ocelot, or i^lis Pardalis, from South America, communicated by James
Wilson, Esq. : the animal was a female, nearly of full size, had been almost
two years at Liverpool, and had lately been transferred to the menagerie of
the Zoological Society in the Regent's Park. The second part of Dr. R.
E. Grant's account of the Anatomy of the Perameles nasuta of New South
Wales, treating particularly of the organs of generation.

March 8. Read. Notice of the wasting effects of the Sea, which liave
exposed a submarine forest on the shores of Cheshire, between the rivers
Mersey and Dee ; by Robert Stevenson, Esq., civil engineer. Two memoirs;
1. on the Mines of the Higher Pyrenees ; 2. on the Marbles of the Higher
Pyrenees. On the Forked Hake of Pennant, which had been cast ashore
near St. Andrew's in a storm ; by the Rev. John Macvicar, A.M. : a drawing
of the fish, by Mr. Macvicar, was also exhibited. On keeping entire the
crystals of efflorescent and also of deliquescent Salts, by means of surround-
ing them with an atmosphere formed from an essential oil, such as oil of
turpentine ; by Mr. Deuchar.

March 22. Read. On the great fish that swallowed up Jonah, show-
ing that it could not be a whale, as often supposed, but was probably a
jSqualus Carcharias, or white shark ; by the Rev. Dr. Scot, of Corstorphine.
At this Meeting was also read the first part of a memoir on the Lunar
Compass, &c. ; by Mark Watt, Esq.

April 5. Read. Remainder of the paper on the Lunar Compass ; by
Mr. Mark Watt. Memoir on the shefifon of Moses (Gen. xlix. 17.), or the
adder of the English translators ; by the Rev. Dr. Scot. Notice of the great
Oak of Cowthorpe, in Yorkshire, illustrated by a drawing ; by Thomas
Johnson, Esq.

The Plinian Society. — Since the dissolution of the Natural History So-
ciety in 1812, till the Plinian Society was founded in the year 1825, no
similar institution existed in Edinburgh, whose principal object was the
advancement of natural history. The Wernerian Society is not taken into
account, as it occupies a different station from the Plinian Society, among
the scientific institutions of Scotland. The progress which had been made in
the study of this science, and the zeal which was manifested for its promotion
by the students of the University, seemed at that period to warrant the
hope that the formation of such a society would be attended with success ;
and, accordingly, nearly forty members were enrolled during the first year
of its existence. The principal intention of the founders of the Plinian
Society was to promote natural history ; but antiquarian researches, and
the advancement of all the physical sciences, have also been included
amongst its professed objects. The means which have been adopted for
the prosecution of the views of the Society are, the reading of papers,
debates, the formation of a museum and library, and excursions to the.
country, for the examination and collection of objects of natural history.
Papers have been read on subjects connected with all the departments q£
natural science, more especially on the zoology, botany, geology, mineralogy.

292 Perenmal Calendar.

mieteorology, and antiquities of Scotland. The library is now extensive,
and contains many of the modern standard works . connected with the
sciences which the Society cultivates. The museum has made great progress
and now contains a considerable collection of quadrupeds, birds, reptiles,
insects, shells, &c.; a numerous general collection of plants, and also a
remarkably complete herbarium of Scotland ; a valuable collection of simple
minerals, amounting to 500 specimens, a very perfect series of rocks, and
more particularly a collection illustrative of the geological structure of
Scotland ; and a collection of coins, antiquarian relics, &c. It will be
unnecessary to remark on the flourishing state of this Society, when it is
stated that it is at present composed of upwards of 180 members. [For the
above communication we are indebted to Thomas Torrie, Esq., who has
obligingly added an abstract of the proceedings of this Society, from Nov.
1827 to June 1828, which, we regret, want of room obliges us to defer till a
future opportunity.]

Neiv or rare Plants which have flowered in the Neighbourhood of Edin-
burgh, and chiefly in the royal botanic garden, during the last three
months, communicated io Jameson* s Phil. Jour., for June 1828, by Dr. Gra-
ham : Begonia dip^tala, B. papillosa, Cattleya intermedia, Congspermum
cricifolium, Z^raba gracilis, Eriostemon ^alicifolius, Ifedysarum nutans, 7Vis
lutescens, Nicotiawa glauca, and Polygala paucifolia.

Art. V. Perennial Calendar for various Parts of Europe.

We now insert the remainder of the form which we intend our corre-
spondents to fill up. We should wish to receive, before the 1st of October,
all the criticisms on this form, intended to be sent us, in order that we
may be able to make our final corrections, in time to distribute the skeleton
letters to our correspondents at the different stations, by the 1st of Novem-
ber. We are still in want of correspondents for several of the stations,
and we should be glad to add to those of Europe as many as we can in
America.

We consider that the register of this skeleton calendar in this Magazine,
even if we should never be able to get it filled up to our satisfaction, will
tend to the advancement of meteorological science ; for, by enabling
various persons in different countries of Europe and America, to direct
their attention to the same plants and animals, when at any future period
their observations are made public, through whatever channel, they will
admit of a more accurate and useful comparison than has hitherto been
made. Thus many men, in different places and in different lands, may be
silently, and unknown to each other, cooperating, in well-directed efforts, to
attain the same object.

Skeleton Perennial Calendar, continued from p. 1 95.

Flora for March. — Plants came in flower, viz. the daffodil on the
, crocus , polyanthus , primrose , almond ,

apricot on walls , chickwejd , wall speedwell , violet

, tulip , green hellebore , narcissus , common

heath , dandelion , marigold , heart's ease , dog's

violet , pilewort , wood sorrel , dog's mercury ,

checkered lily , and field turnip on the . Trees flower, viz.

the gooseberry on the , Lombardy poplar , ash j and

horsechestnut and balsam poplar begin to shoot on the

Perennial Calendar, 293

Fauna. — Rooks and jackdaws build on the , redbreast on the

. , chit-chat, or middle willow wren, heard on the , frogs croak

, peacock screams , owls hoot , green woodpecker laughs

, spiders appear , bees come forth , whinchat arrives ,

smallest willow wren arrives , stone curlew calls , nuthatch

chatters , blackbird sings , missel or storm-thrush in full song

, geese lay , wasps and humble bees appear , bats fly

, and great argus and peacock butterflies are seen on the
Meteorology. — As before, adding equinoctial gales commenced , con-
tinued days.

Flora for April. — Guelder rose on the , corn poppy ,

elder , yellow flag , common pink , hedge-nettle ,

fraxinella , wood sorrel , buttercup , wallflower ,

tulip , hyacinth , jonquille , archangel , crown im-

perial , grape hyacinth , blackthorn , great saxifrage

, dog's-tooth violet , stitchwort , cowslip , stock

, and male orchis ; in leaf, the gooseberry , horsechest-

nut , larch , sycamore , and lilac . Fruit trees

came into flower, the cherry on the , the apple , pear ,

and the raspberry on the

Fauna. — Arrived the smallest willow wren on the , black-cap

, redstart , swallow , house marten , black marten,

or swift , sand marten , field lark , nightingale ,

white-throat , lesser white-throat , Dartford warbler ,

cuckoo , wryneck , grasshopper lark , turtle-dove ,

orange-tip butterfly , tortoise-shell butterfly , black May fly

; young pigeons on the , goslings , and young redbreasts

, and vipers bask on the .

Meteorology. — As before.

Flora for May. — Field hyacinth, or blue-bell, flowered on the
, gentianella , oxlip , globeflower , yellow rattle

, red azalea , thrift , yellow azalea , herb Robert

, laburnum , Guelder rose , mock orange , peony

, hawthorn , Solomon's seal , germander speedwell

, lilac , columbine , lily of the valley , and horse-

chestnut on the . Trees came in leaf, viz. poplar on the ,

willow , alder , elm , oak , ash , and mul-

berry on the . Early peas gathered on the , and cauliflowers

on the

Fauna. — Land rail heard on the , cockchaffer, or May beetle,

appears , dragon-fly , glowworm , golden rosechaffer

, white angler's fly , gad-fly , stag-beetle , goat-

sucker , ring ouzel , fly-catcher , turtle-dove ,

nightingale , and stone-curlew

Meteorology. — As before.

Flora for June. — The elder on the , corn poppy , Guelder

rose , yellow flag , common pink , hedge-nettle ,

fraxinella , larkspur , white orchis , spiderwort ,

lady's slipper , moss rose , red centaury , hop ,

sweetwilliam , sword lily , spiked speedwell , woodroof

, pyramidal campanula , flos Jovis , foxglove ,

scarlet lychnis , white lily , evening primrose , lilac ,

laburnum , sunflower , and American cowslip on the

Trees in leaf, viz. the mulberry on the , and the platanus not till the

. Fruits ripe: the strawberry on the , cherry , and

gooseberry on the . Hay-harvest begins : saintfoin on the ,

clover , meadow on the

294? Perennial Calendar.

Fauna.'— Bees swarm on the , land rail heard , cockchaffer,

or May beetle, appears , dragon-fly (L. depressa), turtle-dove ,
flycatcher , yellow lark , goatsucker , glowworm ,

Mrasp , rose beetle , nightingale , stone curlew ,

midsummer beetle , angler's white fly , admiral butterfly ,

comma butterfly , young swallows fly , and largest willow wren

on the

Meteorology. — As before, and add thunder storms.

Flora for JiUy. — Evening primrose on the , fraxinella ,

lady's slipper , moss rose , sword lily , woodroof ,

hop , foxglove , white lily , American cowslip ,

scarlet lychnis , martagon , stramonium , houseleek

, orpine , water plantain , tulip tree , deadly night-

shade , carnation , tiger lily , sunflower , African

marigold , hollyhock , cardinal flower , love-lies-bleed-

ing , and French marigold , Fruits ripened, viz. gooseberries

, currants , cherries , jargonelle pear , juneat-

ing apple , apricots , strawberries , raspberries ,and

black currants on the . Harvest begins ; peas ripe on the ,

rye , wheat

Fauna, -r- Young martens fly on the , partridges run , dra-

gon-fly (L. grandis) appears on the , midsummer beetle , admiral

butterfly , glowworm , nightingale silent , cuckoo silent

, young frogs leave the water
, Meteorology. — As before, and add thunder storms,
v' jP/ora/or JMgw5^.— Carnations flowered on the , hollyhock ,

passion flower , coreopsis , meadow saffron , tobacco

, ragwort , China aster , rudbeckia , lady*s traces

, Chrysanthemum indicura , perennial sunflower , and

biick wheat . Fruit ripe, viz. morello cherry , noblesse peach

, elruge nectarine , green gage plum , magnum-bonum

plum , Windsor pear , mulberry , white fig

Harvest begins : peas , wheat , oats , rye , barley

. Corn harvest ends .

i^lotMna.— Swift, or black marten, disappears on the , starlings con-

gregate , house sparrows repair to the fields . ' '

Meteorology. — As before.

Flora for September, — Autumnal crocus on the , China aster

, golden rod , amellus aster , small-flowered aster ,

large purple aster , Jerusalem artichoke , fine-leaved worm-

wood , dahlia . Leaves of trees begin to change colour, viz.

the lime on the , elm , horsechestnut , beech ,

willow , and ash leaves begin to fall on the . The noblesse peach
ripened on the , elruge nectarine , green gage plum ,

Windsor pear , mulberry , and white fig not till the ;

filberts , walnuts , chestnuts , and hops on the

Fauna. — Swallows congregate on the , martens

Meteorology. — As before, and add, equinoctial gales commenced on the
, continued days.

:, -Flora for October. — Chrysanthemum indicum began flowering on the
, late-flowering golden rod , ivy , China aster ,

and arbutus on the ; abele and ash shed their leaves on the ;

field beans cut , buckwheat ripe , and swans-egg pear ripe

the .

Fauna, — Woodcocks arrive on the , redwings and fieldfares on

the , ring ouzel on the ; swallows migrate on the , house

and sand martens on the . .

Calendar of Nature for London, 295

Meteorology. — As before.

Flora for November. — Arbutus began to flower on the , lau-

rustine on the

Fauna. — Woodcocks appeared on the , snipes on the ,

fieldfares and redwings on the , snow bird , aberdavine on the

, and trout repair to their spawning places on the

Meteorology. — As before.

Flora for December. — Christmas rose showed flower on the ,

sweet coltsfoot on the , arbutus , and winter aconites on

the

Fauna. — Wild ducks appear on the , nuthatch chatters ,

aberdavines appear on the , trout spawn , snowbirds (or snow-

flakes) seen , common wren sings , hedge sparrow sings ,

lambs drop

Meteorology. — As before. u

Observations. — Should any of the particulars mentioned under heady
Flora, Fauna, in the respective months, happen either before or after the
times they are here expected to occur, such may be noticed in the observ-
ations under each month. Under the head Meteorology, it is particu-
larly necessary that not only the commencement and duration of the
equinoctial gales be marked, but also any decided change of weather,^ a&
thunder-storms, floods, &c. ; in order that contemporary changes at dis.tant
stations may be more easily accounted for.

Art. VI. Calendar of Nature Jbr London,

June. — Flora. Wheat cam^ into flower on the 16th, the white lily
on the 22d, and the evening primrose on the 28th.

Fauna. Young wasps appeared on the 20th ; the geometric-web-making
spider (^ranea geometrica) on the 25th. About the same time the little
moths, the larva of which had been so destructive to the foliage of many
plants, particularly apple trees and white-thorn hedges, came forth from
their chrysalis state. They prove to be the Phalae'na pyralis of Linnaeu^,
and very much resemble the common small moth so destructive to woollen
garments and house furniture. The eggs of these insects, it is probable,
were deposited on the branches near the buds the preceding autumn, or
early during the very mild spring.

July. — Flora. It was near the end of the month before the sunflower,
hollyhock, and dahlia presented their conspicuous flowers. On the 2 1st
the large horse-mushroom (^garicus campestris var.) was sold in the streets.
Except for catsup, this species of mushroom should be cautiously eaten.
In wet seasons, or if produced on wet ground, it is very deleterious, if use(J
in any great quantity.

Fauna. The nightingale silent on the 1st; the processional moth ap-
pears on the 5d, laying its eggs, in connected cylinders, round the twigs of
apple or blackthorn trees j vast numbers of the /chneumon percgrinator
fly, with their long, vibrating, clouded antennae, in gardens, in search of dor-
mant insects, or places where larva are, on which to lay their eggs, about
the 5d; hoary beetle (^Scarabae^us solstitialis iiw.) seen on the 9th; hair
worm (Gordiu* aquatica Lin.\ plentiful on moist ground, on thelOthi
About this time the skylark, black-cap, reed and sedge warblers, are the
principal song-birds heard. Harvest-men (Phalangium Opilio Lin.) appear
on the 17th, and the cai'rion beetle (Silpha 4-punctata) on the 28th. This
last insect may be seen on evenings hovering under hedges, or in thick

296 'Indicatorial Calendar.

woods, in search of dead animals, on which it preys and breeds ; colour
black, with two belts of yellow across each shell. A dead mole seems to
be its favourite repast.

August. — Flora. Many of what are called " the solstitial wreath of the
goddess of flowers'* are still in beauty; to which there are added dahlias,
hollyhocks, convolvuli, and all the new splendid varieties of CE^othera,
NicotiflTM!, &c., in the gardens. In the fields, and on wastes, foxgloves,
toadflax, chiccory, &c., are the most striking flowers.

Fauna. Our song-birds are almost all silent. The black-cap has not
been heard during the last week. A song-^thrush, and now and then a sky-
lark, may occasionally be heard ; but the general harmony of the woods is
over. Swifts appear to be directing their flight to the south-westward, the
wet season urging their departure. Insects do not appear to be so plentiful
as they are in dry summers ; the common lady-bird (Coccin^lla 7-punctata
Lin.) is even rare about London this year, but the C. S-punctatae are
numerous ; neither are aphides so prevalent as they sometimes are.

The weather^ for the last two months, has only been a continuation of that
which preceded. Unfortunately for the country, but few places have
escaped heavy and unseasonable rains ; causing floods, and much damage to
the crops. There must be a particular reason for this weather, which the
" Perennial Calendar," kept at a sufficient number of points, will be one of
the most certain means of developing. — J. M. Chelsea, August 15.

Art. VII. Indicatorial Calejidar.

DuiiiNG the next two months, naturalists are on the alert for insects ; and
the stag, fox, hare, badger, otter, marten, «nd polecat, are pursued by sports-
men.

Birds. — The pheasant, moorcock, ptarmigan, heathcock, mountain-cock,
partridge, quail, woodcock,'^and land rail, are all the immediate objects of the
sportsman's attention ; besides all the water birds which come within range
of his barrel. Even the heavy bustard would not escape, did not its own timi-
dity keep it afar from the paths of man. Of birds which migrate to other
countries, the time of their leaving is the only circumstance worth notice.
The greater number depart in September ; the swallow generally about the
10th of October ; and the house and sand martens about eight days later,
according to the warmth of weather.

Insects. — The following, among others, maybe met with : Coccin^lla
12-punctkta'; Papilio Machaow and Vanessa wrticae butterflies. Sphinx
convolvuli (the convolvulus hawk moth) and iSphinx A'tropo5 (the death's
head moth). Also, theTortrix tripunctata, and the harvest bugs, Stomoxys
calcitrans and irritans, may be both seen and felt. Some or all of these
may also be met with in October ; and, in addition, the Noctua exoleta (the
large sword-grass moth), the Geometra connectaria (the connecting umber),
and the T^nea gelat^lla (the autumnal dagger moth).

The Sea and Fresh-water Fish which will be in the London market
during the next two months, are nearly such as were named fof June and
July, with the addition of cod and herrings.

Astronomical Remarks. — Two of the superior j)lanets are now particu-
larly attractive on evenings, soon after sunset ; viz. Jupiter in the south,
and Mars in the south-east, part of the heavens. The moon will be with
them ; and the other planets, in the course of the two next months, on the
days and times following : —

Queries a7id Anstvers.

297

September 5. at 1 1 A.M. Saturn.

5.

9.
IJ.
13.

AufTUsi 15. 1828.

5 P.M. Venus.

2 P.M. Mercury.

6 P.M. Jupiter.
1 1 A.M. Mars.

October 2.
4.
10.
11.
16.
30.

at

1 1 P.M. Saturn.

9 P.M. Venus.

8 P.M. Mercury.
1 1 A.M. Jupiter.

8 P.M. Mars.
10 A.M. Saturn.

J.M.

157

Art. VIII. Queries and Anstvers.

A Call and Amiver from some kind of Bird. — Travelling through a marshy
district of Galloway a few evenings ago, my attention was called to a strange
sound in the air, resembling the bleating of a goat. The evening was
serene, and remarkably fine for the climate and season of the year, with
beautiful moonlight; but still I could see no object from which the sound
could proceed. It seemed first to arise from the marsh, and, rising
higher and higher in the air, was sometimes overhead, and on each side of

me, and appeared to be a call and an-
swer from some kind of bird. It was
not, indeed, so sweet as I have heard
the song of the nightingale in the
south, but, associated as it was with
the fineness of the evening, was far
,from disagreeable. On enquiry, I am
informed that such sounds are always
[heard about this season ; and that
;they proceed from the male and fe-
^ male birds of what is provincially called
the " Heather-blite." Pray what is
it ? — J. N. Cally Gardens, April 4.
1828.

This must have been either the Curwillet (Charadrius calidris Lin,)
{fig.\51.\ or the W^hirabrel (5'c61opax phae'opus). (/g.l58.) The Charadrius,
or Plover, belongs to the Linnean order „,^^ 1 58

of birds, Grallae, the character of which
is, bill subcylindric, a little obtuse;
tongue entire, fleshy ; legs naked above
the knees. Thegeneric character of Cha-
radrius is, bill roundish, obtuse, straight ;
nostrils linear; feet formed for running,
3-toed. The specific character of C. cali-
dris, the Sanderling, or Curwillet, is, bill
and legs black; lores (see fig. 55. b, in
p. 1 23.) and rump greyish ; body be-
neath white without spots. It inhabits
the sandy shores of Europe and Ame-
rica, and is 8 in. long. The (Sc61opax
belongs to the same Linnean order, and includes the different species of
curlew, snipe, and woodcock. The generic character is, bill roundish
obtuse, longer than the head ; nostrils linear ; face covered ; feet 4-toed,
hind toe consisting of many points. The specific character of S. phae'opus
( phaios, dark, dps, face ; black beak) is, bill arched, black ; legs bluish ;
back with rhomboid brown spots; rump white. Inhabits Europe and Ame-
rica, and is 1 ft. long.— .7. M.

Vol. I. — No. 3. x

298 Queries and Afiswers,

Preserving Specimens of Plants. — Sir, In your reply to the Rev. G.
Munford's request (p. 196.) for directions on the subject of forming a
herbarium, you very properly begin by speaking of the method of preserving
the specimens, which, of course, is almost the first step in the business.
Having, by experience, found great advantage from the easy method which
I myself adopt for this purpose, and not knowing whether the same may be
generally known or practised, I venture to recommend it to Mr. Munford
and to others, through the medium of your Magazine. The great principle
to be attended to is, to dri/ the specimens thoroughli/ and quickly. Accord-
ingly, it has more than once been remarked to me by others, that plants
which have been dried in hot climates, usually retain the largest share of
their original brilliancy and beauty ; and I have myself found that such spe-
cimens as I have gathered in the course of a tour, and, for want of other
conveniences, have merely placed between the leaves of a memorandum-
book, or the like, and carried in the pocket, have, owing to the warmth of
the pocket, been better preserved than others more leisurely dried in the
ordinary way. It is owing to the same cause that I have been able to
select from a rick of hay that had been well got, and had properly heated,spe-
cimens that would not disgrace a respectable herbarium. Let the specimens,
then, be gathered, if possible, when quite dry, and never, on any account,
put in water, with a view to keep them fresh, after they are gathered, and pre-
viously to their being pressed between paper; a practice which would tend to
increase the quantity of moisture in the plants, and, consequently, add to the
difficulty of drying them. Then take some leaves of coarse blotting-paper,
the more bibulous the better, and heat them at the fire, till they become as
hot as they can be made without scorching them. Place the specimens
separately between two of these leaves, so heated ; lay them between boards
or other flat surfaces, and press them with a heavy weight. This process of
heating the paper, and shifting the specimens, should be often repeated, twice,
or, at least, once a day, till the Juices of the plant are evaporated. In this
manner the specimens, if not very robust or succulent ones, will generally
be sufficiently dried in the course of a week, or even in less time. The
advantages of this method are, not only that the specimens will be tho-
roughly dried in a short time, and therefore will be less liable to become
mouldy or to decay, but also that they will generally retain the colour, both
of the flowers and leaves, much more perfectly than when preserved by
means of a slower process, and without the aid of artificial heat. A few
years ago, a Swiss botanist of the name of Thomas, visited this country,
bringing over with him extensive collections of dried alpine plants for sale.
That eminent naturalist A. H. Haworth, Esq., was so struck with the beauty
of these specimens, many of which retained the vividness of their colours
almost as perfectly as when they were in a living state, that he was induced
to ask M. Thomas what means he adopted in their preservation. Without
making any mystery of the art, M. Thomas readily communicated to him
the above-mentioned process of heating the paper ; and it is to the kindness
of my friend Mr. Haworth that I am indebted for the knowledge of it. —
W. T. Bree. Allesley Rectory, July 9. 1828.

Preserving Specimens of Natural History. — Information on this subject
being requested by T. A. of Portsmouth, G. H. Ludlow, R. V. of Cork, and
W. I., till some correspondent favour us with details, we beg to recom-
mend Taxidermy, or the Art of Collectings Preparing^ and Mounting, Objects
of Natural History, for the Use of Museums and Travellers. London. Svo,
pis. 3d edit. Is. Our valued correspondent Mrs. Bowdich contributed
largely to this work, and was enabled to explain the different methods, by
attending at the laboratory in the Jardin du Roi at Paris. The appendix to
Mr. Waterton's Wanderings, a book which every naturalist ought to read,
contains some original and valuable information on preserving birds, and we
intend to abridge it in a future Number.

Queries and Answers. 299

Skulls of Brides. — Can you, or any of your correspondents, inform me
whether or not the skulls of brutes are in two tables, in the manner of those
of the human race? — C. May, 1828.

The human Voice. — I have been always wont to regard the human voice,
■with its inflections and the various other phenomena of speech, as one of
the most distinctive and wonderful things which belong to human nature ;
and I have always been proportionally curious to know what is most par-
ticularly wanting in the throats and lungs of the higher classes of animals,
especially those which approach nearest to ourselves, that hinders them
from imitating us, and that makes even the most docile of them unteach-
able in this way. Why beasts do not speak the language of man, is not the
question I would propose, but why (as is evident) they cannot. Whether
it is owing, to use a musical phrase, to their want of ear ; whether, to use
a philosophical one, it results from their want of understanding ; or whether,
as I am apt to think, it arises from the want of a proper conformation of
the organs most necessary in speaking ? Now, if any of your correspond-
ents could be induced to favour me with a little comparative anatomy or
reasoning, which would go to the elucidation of this point, I am sure it
could not fail of being interesting to many of your readers, but particularly
to your correspondent. — Id.

Stariuortj as a Remedy for sickly Bees. — Sir, Grahame, in his British
Georgics, p. 126., describes a plant, under the name of " starwort," as a
remedy for sickly bees. Our " husbandmen" do not seem to be acquainted
with the herb, nor is my knowledge of botany extensive enough to enable
me to determine what it is. I shall, therefore, feel obliged to any cor-
respondent who can give me its botanical name ; and the obligation will be
much increased if he can also inform me that experience has confirmed its
healing virtues. That it is not the " starwort" of botanists, the appended
description will sufficiently show : —

" In meadows grows a flower, by husbandmen
Called starwort; easily it may be known.
For, springing from a single root, it spreads
A foliage affluent, golden-hued itself,
While, from the leaves of darkest violet.
An under-tint of lighter purple shines :
Harsh to the taste, it wrings the shepherd's .mouth :
Its root in wine infused, affords at once
The hapless sufferers medicine and food."

An Apiarian, Berwick j May 5\,

The Gloivivorm. — Sir, In the review of Murray's Researches in Natural
History, in the last Number of your Magazine, I find the following passage
concerning the glowworm, Z>ampyris noctiluca (from nox^ night, lucus, a
light J and not from noctiluca, a candle, as in the review) : — " Their light,
which they have power to extinguish at pleasure, proceeds from brilliant
spots on the three last rings of the body, under the tail; the luminous mat-
ter is a yellow substance, contained in vesicles, and when these vesicles are
removed entire, they shine for some time afterwards, but if lacerated they
are extinguished." This passage brought to my recollection a circumstance
which is probably not worth relating, but which interested me ; it might
be from my ignorance of the subject. I was, with a large party, returning
at a late hour of the night, from Richmond theatre, to Ham, when we ob-
served a number of glowworms in the path : their unusual number engaged
our attention, and a young lady stooping to take up one in her hand, ob-
served that she had hurt it, and passed on. Two of us stayed to look at
the wounded worm, which had become exceedingly luminous ; we traced
its passage on the earth, by a train of light yet more vivid than its unbroken
lamp, and still extending in length. I do not, at this distance of time, re-

X 2

300 Queries and Answers,

member whether we were one minute, or two, or three, but we continued
watching it, until afraid of being quite distanced by the rest of the party.
It was very unwillingly that we left it, while its light was yet burning and
increasing; the worm had moved in a circular direction, and the ring
of light (I think about 1 ft. in diameter), was very nearly completed ; we
wished to have seen it quite completed, and what direction it would next
take. The light had become somewhat fainter towards the beginning of
the track, and its continuity was broken in two or three places. This light
proceeded, I suppose, from the yellow substance discharged from the
wounded vesicles, and the interruptions >vere caused by the partial drying
up of that substance ; but what occasioned so extraordinary an expansion
of light, together with an increased brilliancy ? This, and its circular di-
rection excited my attention and interest. 1 have no knowledge of ento-
mology, and am very likely speaking of a mere common-place; in this case,
you may please to make my communication more luminous than you find
it : should you insert it in your Magazine, some of your readers may be
disposed, tlirough the same medium, to enlighten, Sir, yours, — A. A.

Orohdnchc minor. — Is Orobanche minor a parasitical plant ? In the
clover fields in this neighbourhood, where it abounds, it does not appear
to be attached to any other plant ; but in my garden, this year, I had several
plants, and the roots were so firmly attached to those of Prenanthes mu-
ralis, that it was impossible to separate them, without destroying the fibres
of their respective roots. — D. Stock. Bungay ^ July 28. 1828.

The Worm of Corruption. — In a narrative in the 7\mes newspaper of
July 28., of the disinterment of the body of the patriot Hampden, in Hamp-
den church, Buckinghamshire, in July, 1828, and where it had been buried
in June, 1643, it is stated that " the skull was in some places perfectly bare,
whilst in others the skin remained nearly entire, upon which we discovered
a number of maggots and small red worms on the feed with great activity.
This was the only spot where any symptoms of life were apparent, as if the
brain contained a vital principle within it which engendered its own de-
struction ; otherwise how can we account, after a lapse of nearly two cen-
turies, for finding living creatures preying upon the seat of intellect, when
they were nowhere else to be found, — in no other part of the body ?" Can
you, or any of your correspondents, throw any light on this subject? What
are the names of the insects or worms ? Do the maggots ever become
winged insects ? aijd if so, how do they escape ? Or do they die in the
larva or in the chrysalis state ? How do their eggs get there ? and if there
before the body was deposited, how does it happen that they remain so
many years before being hatched, seeing the nidus must have been equally
favourable for hatching at any one period during the last 150 years at least?
— S. T. July 29. 1828.

The Bed and White hj/chnis dioica. — Sir James Smith much wished to
find a distinction between the Red and White iychnis dioica. I have
observed the pistils to be much larger in the latter, and I would ask if the
stigmas have ever been found revolute. — W. H,, E.N. Yeovil, August 5.
1828.

Knowledge of Fossils. — I beg to be informed of the best plan of obtain-
ing a knowledge of fossils. To myself, and, probably, to many of your
readers, a description of the genus and order to which they belong, and in
what formation they are to be found, if accompanied by engravings similar
to those that adorn your work, would be highly acceptable to others as well
as to, Sir, yours, &c. — Vectis. Isle of Wight, Aug. 2. 1828.

Bearing young Pheasants. — I should be obliged if any of your corre-
spondents could inform mc of the best mode of rearing young pheasants, as
I find, after having attempted to rear some for two seasons, that they die
off very suddenly as they arc throwing out their crop and tail feathers,
without any appearance of being any way sick or affected. 1 feed them very

lietrospective Criticism. 301

plentifully on ants and their eggs, as well as on other insects, and they are
kept on a grass-plot, and removed daily. — Id.

Gordius aqudticus. — I have now in my possession a Gordiu* aquaticus
Linn., which was pumped up a few months ago, from a well, near Knutsford
in Cheshire. It is about 7 in. in length, and of the thickness of a pin ; the
body is smooth, and of equal dimensions throughout ; the colour is dark
brown, with black at the extremities. It lived for three or four weeks sub-
sequent to its being in my possession, during which time it was kept in a
vessel of water j but I was at a loss how to afford it any nourishment
beyond what it might derive from the water ; and, after the time I mention
had elapsed, it became weaker, performed none of those surprising twists
and convolutions which had distinguished the earlier part of its captivity ;
and I at last put it into a bottle containing spirits. There seemed no dif-
ference, that I could discover (at least with any magnifying powers I used),
between the head and tail of the animal. It manifested no particular
inclination or disinclination for clay, when introduced into the vessel,
though I find some authors assert that it makes a habitation of it at certain
seasons. I should be glad to hear from some of your correspondents, who
are acquainted with the habits and mode of living of the Gordius, some
more particulars on the subject, through the medium of your valuable jour-
nal. — H.

Art. IX. Retrospective Criticism.

The least Woodpecker not rare near Coventrt/. — At p. 83. of your Maga-
zine an extract is given from the Ti/ne Mercurj/, stating that a fine specimen
of the least woodpecker (Picus minor) was shot in the neighbourhood of
Newcastle ; and it is added, that this is " perhaps the only specimen known
to be British." The bird is by no means of very rare occurrence in this
neighbourhood (Warwickshire). Twice, within this last fortnight only,
have I gone out of the house to listen to it, having been attracted by its
well-known and amusing noise. It is, indeed, a bird more readily heard
than seen. Its diminutive size and shy habits are perhaps among the causes
of its being supposed by some to be a rarer species than it really is. Its
loud, rapid, vibratory noise, most extraordinarily loud to be produced by
so small an animal, can hardly fail to arrest the attention of the most
unobserving ear. Though I have watched the bird during the operation,
and within the distance of a few yards, I am quite at a loss to account for
the manner in which the noise is produced. It resembles that made by the
boring of a large auger through the hardest wood ; and hence the country
people sometimes call the bird the " pump-borer." — W. T. Bree. Allesley
Rectory, near Coventry, May 23. 1828.

The Vignette on the Cove)-. — When I received your Magazine of Natural
History, my eyes were first attracted by the picturesque outside of the book,
and I found the selection of the individuals of the vignette, which I may call
the " coat of arms " of naturalists, well adapted to the work. But I have a
great objection to the composition of the subjects, which many of your
readers, and you yourself, perhaps, may regard as trifling. That composi-
tion, however, by a nearer coiitemplation of the objects, assumes a more
serious appearance ; for the picture, I presume, is made on purpose to give
at first sight a correct idea of the contents of the book. How offensive,
therefore, to the eye of the connoiseur, to see that the composition of the
drawing is quite incorrect, and how much must it diminish the real merit
of the work, to see that the Conductor of the Magazine of Natural History
makes such a blunder against nature, and seems not to combine knowledge
of zoology with that of geographical botany !

S02

Hetrosjjective Criticism.

My objection is, that the lion and the elephant, which, as' every body
knows, are natives of a hot climate, rest under the gloomy branches of an
old fir, indigenous to the coldest north, and that the eagle, the owl, and
the chamois, inhabitants of cold, woody, and rocky countries, are sheltered
by lofty palms. This, in my opinion, is an unpardonable fault against na-
ture.

The picture would, therefore, appear much more correct if the indivi-
duals had been drawn under their native trees, and it would, at all events,
improve at least the outside of your truly valuable Magazine. {W, H. A
Lover of Nature.)

This is perfectly fair criticism ; but that the geographical error in ques-
tion does not proceed from ignorance will appear by referring to our origi-
nal prospectus, criticised by Z. B., in No. I. p. 94., an impression of which
we her^ introduce, {fig. 159.) How in the improved cut the eagle came to
be transferred from under the fir or cedar, to under the palm, was owing to
the employment of two artists, one for the animals, and another for the
trees, &c., in making a new drawing, and this drawing was engraved before
we had an opportunity of seeing it. A corrected and improved vignette

Retrospective Criticism, 303

has been in progress for some time, and, if not ready for this Number, it will
certainly be so in time for the titlepage of the voKime. We sincerely thank
W. H. for his criticism; it would have been easy to have made the correc-
tion and said nothing about it, but we have introduced his letter at length,
because we wish to show our young readers, that, in looking at even so
small a matter as an ornamental vignette, there is a great difference in the
number and kind of ideas which arise in the mind of a man of general
knowledge and taste, and those which present themselves to a mind, which
to this general knowledge and taste has added the science specifically be-
longing to the subjects inspected. — Cond.

Superstition relating to Bees. — On further enquiry, I find that the super-
stitious practice, which I formerly mentioned, of informing the bees of a
death that takes place in a family, is very well known, and still prevails
among the lower orders in this country. The disastrous consequence to be
apprehended from noncompliance with this strange custom, I now un-
derstand to be, not (as before stated) that the bees will desert the hive,
but that they will dwindle and die. The manner of communicating the
intelligence to the little community, with due form and ceremony, I am
told is this : to take the key of the house, and knock with it three times
against the hive, telling the inmates, at the same time, that their master or
mistress, &c., (as the case may be) is dead ! — W.T. Bree. AUesley Rectory,
July 9. 1828.

Psalm singing to Bees. — When in Bedfordshire lately, we were informed
of an old man who sang a psalm last year in front of some hives which were
not doing well, but which he said would thrive in consequence of that cere-
mony. Our informant could not state whether this was a local or indivi-
dual superstition. — Cond.

Translation and Derivation of Technical Terms. — Sir, I am surprised to
see you found fault with by your correspondent A. (p. 200.), for giving the
derivations of technical words, enclosed between parentheses, in the body
of the page. It will be admitted, I suppose, by all, that it is both useful
and agreeable to know the meaning of the words we employ. Many of the
technical terms of science are not always immediately obvious, even to
those who have a knowledge of Latin and Greek; and to such as do not
possess that advantage, the words in question, unless they are explained,
must generally be downright hard words without meaning, and, as such,
prove impediments to the acquisition of knowledge. It may often happen,
too, that when a word is fiilly known as to its bare etymology, still the
dnft and propriety of its application to the particular plant or animal to
which it belongs may be far from apparent, till pointed out. In defence of
your own practice, you very justly say that " the translations and deriv-
ations are likely to have the best chance of being remembered, when given
where they occur." Might you not go further, and say that in this way
they have not only the best chance of being remembered^ but the best
chance of being known, or even read at all ? Whatever inconvenience may
arise to the reader, from the introduction of these parentheses in the body
of the page (and I do not deny that some slight interruption is hereby occa-
sioned), still, the inconvenience complained of appears to me quite trifling,
compared with that of being continually obliged to turn to a glossary at the
end of the Number to find the meaning of a word ; and rather than sub-
mit to such a disagreeable interruption, your readers, I suspect, will be con-
tent, oftentimes at least, to remain in ignorance of the meaning of many
a technical word they meet with. I should not have troubled you on this
subject, were it not that you say, " If other readers are of the same opinion
as your correspondent A., you shall reUnquish the practice.'' Now, I do
hope. Sir, that, for the reasons given above, you will not relinquish the
practice, but continue the same plan with which you have commenced. At
the same time I wish to observe that an index or glossary of translations

304 Retrospective Criticism,

and derivations introduced, as you propose, at the end of the volume, will
be of the greatest utility and advantage, for the purpose of ready reference
at any time it may be required. — B. Coventry ^ July 12.

Having received several letters on this subject, all highly approving of
the plan which we have hitherto adopted, we intend persevering in that
plan. — Cond.

Ignis Fatiius. — If I may be allowed to remark on the review of Mur-
ray's Researches, Sec. (p. 156.), I would observe that I can certify the exist-
ence of the ignis fatuus, and also that it appears " as a glow of lambent
flame." Two of these phenomena made their appearance on the evening of
the 26th of October, 1825, on board the Sandwich packet, on our passage
from the West Indies to England, when about 200 miles north of the Ba-
hamas, and remained, one at the spindle of each mast-head, for about two
hours ; the atmosphere being in a very unsettled state, with rain and light-
ning. The one at the main-mast-head was rather brighter than the other,
and, before disappearing, occasionally passed up and down the upper part of
the mast, but never entirely disengaging itself, notwithstanding the heavy
motion of the vessel.

On " the luminosity of the sea" I would just say, that its appearance pre-
vious to a storm is a very old observation amongst sailors. It is, however,
I think, without foundation, as it is to be seen, more or less, all the year
round, in the Carribean sea, where there are no storms but in the hurricane
months. In the hand it has a kind of mucous feel. — W. H., E. N., Yeovil.
Atigust 3.

The Spider. — The remarks on the spider, in the review of Murray's
Researches (p. 157.), were peculiarly interesting to me, as I have often held
a leaf in my hand, to which a spider had fixed his line, and have seen the
spider floating in the wind, at a great distance, and returning again with
surprising velocity. It has often gone to so great a distance, that I have
. thought the line had broken, and yet he returned again upon this singu-
larly strong and delicate web. One day last week I amused myself for more
than an hour in observing the proceedings of a little spider, whose bag of
eggs had been removed and restored. I do not feel quite sure as to the
species, but, if I can ascertain that, I think it would make an interesting
paragraph, to detail what I then observed. — A. A.

'Hie late Mr. Soiverby. — At p. 198., 1 have observed that some well-
meaning friend, desirous of doing a service to the memory of my lamented
father, in claiming for him his share of the honour due for the execution of
that national work the English Botany, has rather overshot the mark : Mr.
Sowerby was not the author of any part of the text of English Botany
(erroneously called English Flora). The work owed its origin to the cir-
cumstance of Mr. Sowerby having made a number of sketches of plants, to
be introduced in the foregrounds of landscapes, which he was in the habit
of painting from nature. These sketches were shown to various botanical
friends, at whose suggestion the work was begun, with the valuable assist-
of Sir J. E. Smith ; and the only descriptions that were not written by that
gentleman, were supplied by the late Dr. Shaw. In addition to the praise
due to Mr. Sowerby, for the excellence of the drawings and engravings in
that work, some portion is due to him for the spirit of enterprise with
which he carried it on ; for, although he had to depend upon portrait-paint-
ing for the capital required, he still industriously and steadily pursued his
expensive project, until it began to remunerate him (which was not for
several years), and he finally brought up a numerous family to enjoy its pro-
fits, and lament the loss of one of the best of parents. I remain. Sir, &c. —
J". D. C. Sowerby. Mmeum, Mead-Place, Westminster Road, Aug. 11. 1828.

THE MAGAZINE

OF

NATURAL HISTORY.

NOVEMBER, 1828.

Art. I. On the Metamorphoses of the Reproductive Bodies of
some A^lgcBy said to possess successively/ an Animal and a Vege-
table Existence, By A.

One of the most extraordinary opinions now supported by
various naturalists, is that which maintains a twofold vitality
in a certain class of bodies, or, in other words, both an ani-
mal and a vegetable existence. Some very celebrated names
have lent their testimony to confirm this opinion, and it is
asserted that many of their conclusions are the results of actual
experiment. It is true, they do not assert that any individual
body is at once both an animal and a vegetable, but they do
assert that it passes from an animal to a vegetable state with-
out disorganisation.

" There, are phenomena in the kingdom of nature," ob-
serves Professor Nees von Esenbeck (as quoted in the Annales
des Sciences Naturelles), " which can hardly require too fre-
quently repeated experiments, and which, when proved, demand
the support of numerous recorded authorities. For, as the
phenomena in question appear to contradict certain principles
admitted into the reigning systems, we often prefer rather to
deny the conclusions of candid and experienced observers, than
to receive what has hitherto been regarded as untenable by
generally received authority.

" In this situation are placed all observations upon the
transition, or metamorphosis, of vegetable life (which is charac-
terised by immobility) into animal life (distinguished by mo-
tion) ; the moment when a being, arrived at the period of its
existence, continues itself, as it were, by a new creation, and
the animated embryo developes itself into a motionless vege-
table."

Vol. I, — No. 4. y

306 Melamorphoses of the

Among the naturalists who have laboured in this new and
singular field, Professor Nees von Esenbeck must be placed
foremost on the list, as he was the first to publish his observ-
ations, in a distinct manner, in the year 1814. Since that
period, Treviranus, Ditmar, Agardh, Bory de Saint- Vin-
cent, Gruithuisen, Carus, Gaillon, Desmazieres, and others,
have endeavoured to substantiate the truth of the pheno-
menon.

The tribe of Oscillatoriae, forming a part of Agardh's great
group of Confervoideae, or jointed ^'Igae, are well known to
have derived their name from the oscillating motion of the
filaments. Nothing is more easy than to perceive this motion,
and the Oscillatoriae, consequently, are held in a dubious
point of view by all botanists. M. Vaucher, of Geneva, who
published a Histoire des Confer^ves d^eau douce, noticed such a
difference between the two extremities of the filaments in some
species, that he denominates one the head, and the other the
tail.

Professor Agardh, of Lund, who has directed his attention
chiefly to the A'lgse, published, a few years ago, an ingenious
essay upon the metamorphoses of many species. To show how
far he has carried his observations, it will be sufficient to men-
tion that, in his I'cones Algdrum ineditce, fasc. 1. 1. 10., he has
represented the vegetable form of Oscillatoria flexuosa, and
also the animalcules into which the filaments are at length
converted.

There can be no doubt, that the colouring matter of the
famous red snow (named Protococcus nivalis by Agardh),
brought from the arctic regions by Captain Ross and Captain
Parry, is a true vegetable, belonging to the order ^'Igse. It
grows upon limestone rocks, tufts of moss, dead leaves, and
even on the bare soil. The singularity of the situation, how-
ever, in which it was first discovered, that of pure snow, gave
rise to speculations regarding its origin. Professor Nees von
Esenbeck was inclined to think that the minute red globules,
of which the plant consists, were the vegetable state of bodies
which had gone through a prior animal existence, and perhaps
of atmospheric origin.

Baron Wrangel, who discovered the Protococcus nivalis
growing upon limestone (without knowing at the time that it
was the true red snow), studied it very carefully. He men-
tions that the red crust was soon detached when placed under
water, and a number of much smaller globules, of a yellow or
pale colour, made their appearance, of which the larger red
globules seemed to be composed. After a lapse of three days
the globules became animated, like infusory animalcules ; they

• Reprodmtive Bodies of some Klgce. 307

swam about, and were frequently pursued and devoured by
other Infusoria.

It is worthy of remark, that Agardh does not mention hav-
ing observed any such motion in the globules ; neither does
Mr. Bauer : and Dr. Greville, who has published a very full
history and analysis of the plant in his Cnjptogamic Flora,
did not perceive it. The appearance of vitality, therefore, in
this instance, was probably owing to some illusion.

The most precise observations ever made upon this curious
subject, are the recent ones by M. Franz Unger, of whose
account it may be desirable to give a translation in his own
words. In this country, the very idea of such metamorphoses
is almost startling; and, at first, will probably be regarded as
visionary, and rejected accordingly. I trust, however, the
present article will have the effect of inducing a few indivi-
duals, at least, to commence a series of observations for them-
selves.

" I found," says M. Franz Unger, " near Vienna, in a ditch
containing some clear water derived from the recent melting
of the snow, a Conferva, which, after cleansing from the clay
which surrounded it, I deposited in a glass vase, and placed
in a window, where I could observe without disturbing it.
This was on the 5th of March, 1826. Two days afterwards,
I noticed the production of a crowd of new ramuli, several
lines in height, and rising from the general mass like a fine
green miniature sward. On the 9th, these filaments produced
fructification in the form of a darker green globule at their
summits, by which I knew my plant to be the Conferva dila-
tata var. /3 of Roth, or the Ectosperma clavata of Vaucher.

" As I continued my observations, I happened to look at
the surface of the water, and was not a little astonished to find
it covered, especially towards the side of the vase, with minute
globules, unequal both in colour and size. Many of them
swam freely here and there, moving, at their option, in one way
or another, retiring and approaching one another, gliding
round globules that were motionless, stopping, and again
setting themselves in motion exactly like animated beings.

" Conjecturing the identity of the green globules that pos-
sessed motion with those that had none, I immediately began
to examine whence these irifusory animalcules derived their
origin, and what relation they bore to the green globules and
the fructification of the Conferva.

" The next day I perceived a great number of the globules
aggregated around the bubbles of gas disengaged from the Con-
ferva, and floating at the surface. They were some of them
of a dark green colour, and either round or elongated ; others

Y 2

308 Metamorphoses of Reproductive Bodies of A!lgce.

more transparent, tumid, and with one or two appendages
diverging from, or at right angles with each other ; these were
evidently plants in a state of germination : other globules, again,
were oval, very dark at one extremity, and almost transparent
at the other ; these swam about freely.

" Within the space of one hour, I succeeded in tracing not
only the diminution of vitality, and death of the Infusoria, but
also the subsequent developement of the dead animals into
germinating plants, in such a manner as to establish the truth
of the fact. But, on the 12th of March, 1 had the pleasure of
ascertaining distinctly the origin of these minute bodies. I
undertook to observe, without interruption, one of the tubercles
of fructification, which I have already mentioned as terminat-
ing the filaments, in order to discover what became of the
green matter enclosed within it. I had observed it for the
space of half an hour, when the following changes ( fig, 160.
abed) became perceptible : —

*' The globule became gradually darker in its colour, and a
little transparent at its extremity ; in the middle it was evi-
dently somewhat contracted, and had some trace of sponta-
neous motion. I could scarcely believe my eyes, when I per-
ceived the contraction to become more decided, and a cavity
to be formed at the base. The contraction at length divided
the globule into two smaller globules, which moved sponta-
neously towards the summit. As the developements proceeded,
the cavity and the uppermost globule became enlarged, while
the inferior globule became diminished. The latter at length
disappeared, and the remaining large globule escaped by a
terminal orifice, ascending till it reached the surface of the
water. The whole of this process occupied about thirty se-
conds ; but, from subsequent observations, it may be stated
generally to take up one minute."

REFERENCES. " 1|

a, The summit of one of the * ""

branches of Ectosp^rma clavata
in fructification.

by A series of views of the
fructifying summit, showing the
gradual expulsion of the contain-
ed globule.

c. The globules as they appear
during their animated state.

dt The globules commencing
their vegetable state of exist-
ence.

All the figures in the cut are
magnified.

Cuvierian System of Zoology, 309

M. Franz Unger ascertained, also, that the period of animal
existence enjoyed by these globules (or monades, as he calls
them) is about one hour. The first sign of this portion of their
life having ceased is, a change from the oval to the globular
form, and an equal diffusion of the green colouring matter.
In about six hours, the globule has become nmch more trans-
parent, and puts forth an appendage, and on the third day a
second one, by which the young plant becomes fixed to the
side of the glass vase, or- any other body in contact with it.
About the eleventh day the fructification of the new plant is
apparent at the summit of the principal branch. A

Art. II. The Cuvierian^ or Natural^ System of Zoology,
Essay 2. On the Living Principle and its Effects ,' on Organisation
and Muscular Motion ; and on Sensation, and the Intellectual
Faculties and Instincts of Animals, By B.

In the preceding essay I selected, from the introduction
to Cuvier's Regne Animal^ his descriptions of those parts of
the animal physiology that were necessary to explain the prin-
ciples on which his four grand divisions of animals, the verte-
brated,- the molluscous, the articulated, and the radiated, are
founded. There are other parts of physiology, which, with
what has been already given, may be regarded as form-
ing the very rudiments of the natural historj^ of organised
sentient beings. These are, for the most part, concisely and
luminously described by our author; and I think it desirable
to state them to the English reader, before we proceed to his
farther description and subdivisions of vertebrated animals.

Without some acquaintance with the leading facts in phy-
siology, we can have no scientific knowledge of zoology, or
of the principles on which a natural system of classification
should be founded. As well might we expect to learn the
mechanism of different timepieces, by a mere inspection of
the dial-plates and the cases in which they are enclosed, as to
gain a scientific knowledge of living beings, by only looking
at their external forms. The principles of a new science,
however clearly they may be stated, are never thoroughly
understood until a practical application of them has been
made. We then turn to them again, and perceive their full
force and meaning. This is even the case with the axioms in
geometry. I think it necessary to premise these remarks,
lest any of our readers should deem this part of the subject
less inviting than what is to succeed.

Y 3

310 Cuvieria7i System of Zoology.

The descriptions of the different classes and orders of ani-
mals in the following essays will be illustrated by references
to cuts, and such explanations will be added as, I trust, will
be generally intelligible.

The definition which Cuvier gives of the living principle is
rather a description of its effects than of its essence, which
must ever remain an impenetrable mystery. It^ says he,
we would form a just idea of the essence of life, and observe
it in those beings where its effects are the most simple, we
shall perceive that it consists in the faculty which certain or-
ganised bodies have of existing for a certain time, under a
determinate form, by incessantly absorbing into their own
composition a part of the surrounding substances, and by
giving back to the elements a portion of their own proper
substance. Life is, therefore, a more or less complicated agi-
tation or vortex {tourhillon\ constantly going on in a certain
direction, and carrying with it molecules of the same kind, but
into which other individual molecules are continually entering
or passing out; so that the^rw of the living body is more
essential to it than the matter. When this vital motion finally
ceases, the body dies, and the elements of which it was com-
posed separate and are again subjected to common chemical
affinities, and decomposition speedily takes place. Hence, it
appears, that the living principle possesses the important power
of suspending or changing the laws of chemical affinity; for
it was this power that prevented the putrefaction or decom-
position of the living body, and united its elementary mole-
cules.

All living bodies die after a period, the extreme term of
which is fixed for each species. Death appears to be a neces-
sary effect of life, for the vital motion insensibly changes the
bodies in which it acts, so as to render their permanent con-
tinuance impossible.

The living body experiences gradual but continual changes
during its whole existence. At first it increases in size, accord-
ing to certain proportions and limits fixed for each species,
and for each of its parts. After the parts are full grown, they
increase in density. It is this second change which appears
to be the cause of natural death.

The process which terminates in what Cuvier describes as
natural death, consists not only in the increase of density, but
of hardness, and goes on until the fibres and vessels are con-
verted into bone : it is called ossification, and has been well
described by Dr. Armstrong : —

" Life glows meantime amid the grinding force
OF viscous fluids and elastic tubes ;

Cuvierian System of Zoology. 311

Its various functions vigorously are plied

By strong machinery ; and in solid health

The man confirmed long triumphs o'er disease.

But the full ocean ebbs ; there is a point

By nature fixed, whence life must downwards tend ;

For still the beating tide consolidates

The stubborn vessels, more reluctant still

To the weak throbs of the ill supported heart.

This languishing, these strengthening by degrees.

To hard, unyielding, unelastic bone.

Through tedious channels the congealing flood

Crawls lazily, and hardly wanders on ;

It loiters still, and now it stirs no more.

This is the period few attain, the death ^

Of nature. Thus (so Heaven ordained it) life

Destroys itself; and could these laws have changed,

Nestor might now the fates of Troy relate,

And Homer live immortal as his song."

Art of Preserving Health, book ii.

To return to our author, all living bodies, he observes,
require to have solid parts to preserve the form, and fluid
parts to keep up the internal motion. Their texture {tissu)
is therefore composed of network (reseauoc) and of plates
{mailles\ or of fibres and solid laminae {lames solides), which
enclose liquids in their interstices. It is in the liquids that the
vital motion is the most constant and extended. Foreign sub-
stances penetrate the intimate structure of the body, by incor-
porating with the liquids. It is the latter which nourish the
solids, by interposing their molecules among them ; it is the
liquids which also detach the superfluous molecules from the
solids ; it is under a liquid or gaseous form that the matter,
which requires to be exhaled, traverses the pores of the living
body ; but it is the solids that contain the liquids, and which,
by their contractions, communicate to them a part of their
motion.

This mutual action of the solids and fluids, this passage of
the molecules from one to the other, made a great similarity
of chemical composition necessary for both ; and, accordingly,
we find that the solids of organised bodies, both vegetable and
animal, are, in a great part, composed of elements susceptible
of taking easily a gaseous or liquid form. The motion of the
liquids requiring a continually repeated action of the solids, it
was necessary that the solids should possess flexibility and
dilation, and this is a nearly general character of organised
solids.

This structure, which is common to all living beings, this
porous texture [tissu areolaire), of which the fibres or laminae
are more or less flexible, and enclose liquids in greater or less
abundance, is what is called organisation. No unorganised

Y 4

312 Cuvicrian System of Zoology.

material bodies can partake of life. Life in general supposes
organisation in general, and the proper life of each being sup-
poses an organisation proper for that being. We never ob-
serve life but in beings completely organised, and made to
enjoy it ; and all the efforts of philosophers have not been able
to show matter either organising itself, or becoming organised
by an exterior cause.

The birth of organised beings is, therefore, the greatest
mystery of organic economy, and of all nature. We see them
develope themselves, but we never see their formation. All
those whose origin we can trace, have belonged at first to a
body of the same form as themselves, but developed before
them, or, in other words, to a parent. Before the being has
individual life, when it partakes that of its parent, it is called
a germ ; the separation of the germ is what is called generation.
All organised beings produce their like; without this, death
being, as before stated, a necessary consequence of life, the
species would become extinct. Organised beings possess, in
a variable degree peculiar to each species, the power of repro-
ducing certain parts which may be lost ; this is called the
power of reproduction.

The developement of organised beings is more or less rapid
and extended, accordingly as circumstances are more or less
favourable to their growth. Temperature, and the abundance
or kind of food, may aflPect either the whole body, or certain
parts : hence the resemblance of the progeny to their parents
can never be perfect. The differences of this kind form what
are called varieties.

We have no proof that all the differences which distinguish
living beings can ever have been produced by circumstances,
as I>arwin and others have maintained. Experience appears
to show, on the contrary, that, in the present state of the
globe, the varieties are comprised in narrow limits ; and, as far
as we can remount into antiquity, we see that these limits were
the same as at present. We are, therefore, obliged to admit
the existence of certain forms, which have been perpetuated
since the creation {depuis Vorigine des ckoses), without ex-
ceeding these limits ; and all the beings belonging to one of
these forms constitute what is called a species : the varieties
are accidental divisions of the species. According to Cuvier,
generation being the only means of knowing the limits to
which varieties may extend, a species should be defined the
7'eunio7i of all the i^idividuals descended from common parents,
and of those which resemble them as much as they resemble each
other.

Cuvlerian System of Zoology. 3 1 3

Cuvier, however, admits that the application of this definition
to certain individuals may be very difficult, where necessary
experiments have not been made. In few countries have
experiments on the different species of domestic animals been,
more extensively made than in England, and it has been ascer-
tained that almost any accidental variety of form may be per-
petuated, by selecting and breeding in succession, for four or
five generations, from the individuals that possess it. Thus,
several distinct races of horses, sheep, bulls, and pigs, have
been formed within the last sixty years, which will remain
permanent, if the breeds be preserved from admixture with
other varieties ; but these breeds do not constitute species.

The functions of organic life, described in the preceding
part of this essay, are common to all organised living bodies,
whether animal or vegetable : they consist, says Cuvier, of
absorption, assimilation, exhalation, growth, and generation.
Birth and death are the universal limits of the existence of
organised bodies. The essential condition of their structure
is a porous or fibrous texture, containing within it {dans ses
mailles) liquids or gases in motion. The essential parts of
their chemical composition consist of substances which are
almost all convertible into liquids or gas, and of combinations
which can easily change into each other. Fixed forms, which
are perpetuated by generation, distinguish their species, and
determine the complication of the secondary functions proper
to each, and assign to them the part they are destined to per-
form in the assemblage of universal beings. These forms
neither produce nor change themselves; life supposes their
existence : it cannot be kindled but in organic bodies com-
pletely prepared for its reception ; and the most profound
meditations, as w^ell as the most delicate observations, terminate
in the mystery of the preexistence of germs.

It has been before stated, that the principal chemical ele-
ments of which organised bodies are composed are oxygen^
hydrogen^ and carbon^ and that animal bodies contain an addi-
tional element, azote. In animal bodies there are three forms
of organic texture {tiss2i), the cellular {la cellulosite), the
muscular fibre, and the cerebral or medullary texture.

The cellular texture is composed of an infinite number of
minute laminae, placed without regularity, and forming small
cells, which are open to each other. It is a kind of sponge,
which has the same form as the whole body, and all the other
parts fill it or traverse it. Its property is to contract indefi-
nitely, when the causes which kept it extended cease to act.
The cellular texture compressed, forms those more or less
extended laminae called membranes ; the membranes, when

Si4 Cuvierian System of %oology,

folded round, form those tubes called vessels, which are more
or less ramified ; the filaments called fibres may be resolved
into the cellular texture ; the bones may be regarded as the
cellular texture {la cellulosite) hardened by the accumulation
of earthy substances. The general matter of which the cellular
texture is composed is called gelatine ; it has the property of
dissolving in boiling water, and, by cooling, it forms jelly.

The cerebral or medullary matter has not yet been reduced
to its organic molecules * ; it appears to the eye as a kind of
soft pulp, in which we can only distinguish excessively minute
globules. It does not seem susceptible of motion, but it is in
this cerebral matter that resides the mysterious and admirable
power of transmitting the impressions from the external senses
to the mind, and of conveying to the muscles the orders of the
will; The brain is principally composed of it; the spinal
marrow, and the nerves which are distributed over the body,
are, essentially, but bundles {faisceaux) or ramifications of the
cerebral matter.

The fleshy, or muscular fibre is a particular filament, the
distinctive character of which, in a living state, is to contract
when touched or struck by another body, or when it expe-
riences, by the intervention of the nerves, the action of the
will.

The muscles, which are the immediate organs of voluntary
motion, are only bundles of fleshy fibres ; all the membranes
and vessels which exert a compressive force, are furnished
with these fibres ; they are always intimately connected with
nervous filaments. The substance of the fleshy fibre hjibrine,
which is indissoluble in boiling water, and its nature appears
to be, to take of itself the fibrous form.

The nourishing fluid, or the blood, as it exists in the circu-
lating vessels, may not only be resolved into the general ele-
ments of the animal body, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and
azote, but it already contains fibrine and gelatine, nearly pre-
pared to contract and take the form of membranes or fibres ;
at least, it only requires a little rest, to manifest these proper-
ties. Another combination, called albumen, is easily discovered
in the blood; its characteristic property is, to coagulate in

* Since the publication of (^uvier's work several important discoveries
have been made in the structure of the brain and nerves, by Spurzheim,
Bell, Edwards, and others, from which it would appdtir that the structure
of the medullary matter and nerves is fibrous, and, according to Dr. Ed-
wards, the fibres are composed of minute globules, like the cellular and
muscular tissues. It appears, also, that the nerves which convey impres-
sions to the mind, are distinct from those which convey the orders of the
will to the muscles.

Cuvierian Si/stem qfZoologi/, 315

boiling water. Albumen contains nearly all the elements
which can enter into the composition of each animal, as lime
and phosphorus, which harden the bones of vertebrated ani-
mals, the iron which colours the blood, the fat and animal oil
which are disposed in the cellular texture to soften it, &c. All
the liquids and solids of the animal body are composed of
chemical elements contained in the blood ; and it is only by
abstracting some of these elements, or by varying the propor-
tions, that they differ from each other ; in a few instances, an
addition is made of some other element. These operations,
by which the blood supports the solid parts of the body, are
called nutrition ; the production of the liquids is generally
called secretion. The blood which nourishes the body, is
continually changing its properties ; but it is restored by diges-
tion, which furnishes new matter ; and by respiration, which
discharges the superfluous carbon and hydrogen ; while trans-
piration, and various excretions, carry away other superabun-
dant principles.

The perpetual transformations of chemical composition
constitute a condition of vital action, not less essential than the
circulation and the internal motions of the parts ; indeed, the
latter only serve to effect these transformations.

The muscular fibre is the organ of animal motions, both of
those which follow the action of the will, and those which are
independent of volition, as the peristaltic motion of the intes-
tines, and the pulsation of the heart and arteries. The will
causes the muscular fibre to contract, by the intermediate
action of the nerves ; and, as all the muscular fibres which
produce involuntary motions are also accompanied by nerves,
it is therefore probable that it is the nerves which produce
muscular contraction in the latter.

In order to account for the action of the nerves upon the
muscular fibres, Cuvier, with other physiologists, admits the
existence of a nervous fluid, which is not, however, like the
other fluids of the body, confined in tubes, vessels, or pores,
but is imponderable, like heat and electricity, though he sup-
poses it to be secreted by the medullary matter. According to
our author, the medullary matter of the brain and nerves is a
conductor of the nervous fluid ; all the other organic elements
are non-conductors, and arrest its progress, in the same man-
ner as glass is a non-conductor of electricity.

Every contraction, and, in general, every change of dimen-
sion in nature, is effected (s^opere) by a change of chemical
composition : sometimes, this is nothing more than the afflux
or retreat of an imponderable fluid, such as caloric ; by this
the most violent motions known on the earth are produced, as

316 Cuvieriaft Si/stem of Zoology.

combustions, detonations, &c. Hence, Cuvier infers that it
is by an imponderable fluid that the nerve acts on the muscu-
lar fibre, since it can be demonstrated, that it does not act
mechanically. All the external causes that excite sensations,
or occasion a contraction of the muscular fibre, are chemical
agents, capable of effecting chemical decompositions, as light,
caloric, salts, odorous vapours, percussion, compression, &c'. :
it is therefore probable, he says, that these causes act on the
nervous fluid chemically, and change its composition ; for their
action is v^eakened (s^emousse) by continuance, as if the ner-
vous fluid required to be restored to its primitive state {compo-
sition), in order to be acted upon again. The internal agents
which irritate the muscular fibre, and occasion it to contract,
probably produce the same effect upon it by the intervention
of the nerves, as is caused by the will. The nervous fluid is
changed {/ alter e) by muscular irritation, as well as by sens-
ation and voluntary motion, and has the same need to have its
composition restored. The most important involuntary mo-
tions are the peristaltic, or wormlike motion of the intestines,
which is excited by the irritation of the aliments, and the
pulsation of the heart and arteries, which is excited by the ir-
ritation of the blood. .

The external organs of the senses are a kind of sieves
[cribles) that only admit those agents to the nerves, which
ought to affect them in each place. Thus the tongue has
strong papillae, which imbibe saline solutions ; the ear has a
gelatinous pulp, which is agitated by sonorous vibrations ; and
the eye has transparent lenses, that are only permeable by
light. I forbear to follow our author farther in his details
of the action of the nervous fluid; for the existence of such a
jftuid may be regarded as hypothetical : the nervous fluid may,
however, be admitted as a term, to express the cause of ner-
vous action, though we remain profoundly ignorant of the
essence of this cause ; the same may be said of the essence of
the electric fluid, of caloric, and of light ; and it may not be
improper to remark, that there are some striking analogies
between the nervous action, and electric or galvanic energy,
which might induce us to believe that they are modifications
of the same principle. Whatever explanation chemical or
electric agency may afford, respecting the motions of the
nerves or muscles, they entirely fail, when applied to sensation
itself. Cuvier justly observes that die impression of external
objects on the mind or individual consciousness {le moi), the
production of a sensation or image, is an impenetrable mystery
to the human understanding ; and materialism is so far from
offering any solution, that philosophy cannot furnish us with

Cuvierian Sy stein of Zoology, 317

any direct proof of the actual existence of matter. We are,
however, compelled, by an invariable law of the understanding,
to refer the objects which excite our sensations to something
out of the mind, existing in time or space, to which we give
the name of matter, and the naturalist is bound to examine
what appear to be the material conditions of sensation.

In order that external objects may be perceived, it is neces-
sary that there should be an uninterrupted nervous communi-
cation between the organs of sense, and the central masses of
the medullary system ; for it is only the modifications of these
masses that are perceived by the mind.

There may be real sensations, without any impression on
the external organs of sense ; these internal sensations originate
either in the nerves, or the central medullary mass or brain ;
such are dreams, visions, and certain accidental sensations.
By central masses is to be understood, a part of the nervous
system, which is more circumscribed in the more perfect ani-
mals ; in man it is exclusively confined to a certain portion of
the brain, but in reptiles it consists of the brain, and all the
medullary matter of each part, taken separately, so that the
absence of the whole brain does not destroy sensation ; in the
lower classes of animals, the medullary mass is far more ex-
tended through the parts.

The intellectual faculties possessed in a certain degree by
the superior animals are, perception, memory, the association
of ideas, imagination, volition, and reasoning. Our author
enumerates also the power of abstraction, but it may be doubted
whether abstraction can be effected without the aid of signs or
language.

One privileged being, man, has the faculty of associating
general ideas with particular images, more or less arbitrary,
which are easily fixed in the memory, and which serve him to
recal the general ideas that they represent. These associated
images are what are called signs; collectively they form a
language. When language is composed of signs relative to
the sense of hearing, it is called speech. When the signs
relate to objects of sight, they are called hieroglyphics. Writ-
ing is a succession of images relative to the sense of sight, by
which we represent the elementary sounds ; and, in combining
them, we represent all the images relative to the sense of hear-
ing, of which speech is composed. Writing is, therefore, only
the mediate representation of ideas.

This faculty of representing general ideas, by signs or
images that we associate with them, assists to keep them dis-
tinctly in the memory, and to recal an immense series of them
without confusion ; and furnishes to the reason and the imagin-

318 Ciwicrian Si^ stein of Zoology,

ation innumerable materials, and to individuals the means of
communication, which make all the species participate in the
experience of each individual ; so that knowledge may be in-
creased indefinitely through the lapse of future ages. This is
the distinctive character of the human understanding.

The most perfect animals are infinitely below man in their
intellectual faculties; it is, nevertheless, certain that their
understanding leads them to perform actions of the same kind.
They move in consequence of the sensations they receive;
they are susceptible of durable affections ; they acquire a cer-
tain knowledge of things by experience, according to which
they conduct themselves, independently of actual pain and
pleasure, by the sole foresight of consequences. In a domestic
state, they feel their subordination, and know that the being
who punishes them is free to do so or not ; they assume a
supplicating air when they feel themselves culpable, or perceive
that their master is angry. They improve or deteriorate in
the society of man ; they are susceptible of emulation and jea-
lousy ; they have among themselves a natural language, which
is, indeed, only the expression cf their present sensations, but
man teaches them a much more complicated language, by
w^hich he makes them know his will, and compels them to
execute it.

We perceive, indeed, in the superior animals, a certain
degree of reasoning, with all its effects, good or bad, which
appears to be nearly the same as that of infants before they
have learned to speak. In proportion as we descend to
animals more removed from man, the intellectual faculties
become weaker ; and, in the last classes, they finish, by being
reduced to signs of sensibility, which are sometimes equivocal,
that is, to certain feeble motions to escape pain. The degrees
between the two extremes are infinite. But there exists, in a
great number of animals, a faculty different from intelligence,
called instinct. This makes them perform certain actions,
necessary to the preservation of the species, but often alto-
gether foreign to the apparent wants of the individual ; and
often, also, extremely complicated. We cannot attribute these
actions to intelligence, without supposing a degree of foresight
and understanding infinitely superior to what we can admit in
the species that perform them. The actions performed by
instinct are not the effects of imitation, for the individuals that
execute them have often never seen them done by others ; they
bear no proportion to the common intelligence of the species,
but become more singular, more skilful, more disinterested, in
proportion as the animals belong to the less elevated classes,
and are, in other respects, most stupid. They are so much the

Cuvierian System of Zoology, 319

property of the species, that all the individuals perform them
in the same manner, without any improvement.

Thus working bees have, since the beginning of the world,
constructed the most ingenious edifices, agreeable to princi-
ples of the highest geometry, and destined to lodge and nourish
a posterity which is not even their own. Solitary bees and
wasps form also very complicated nests for their eggs. From
the Qgg there springs out a worm, which has never seen its
mother, which does not know the structure of the prison in
which it is enclosed, but when once it is changed into a wasp or
bee, it constructs a similar nest, equally perfect, for its own

" We cannot," says Cuvier, " form a clear idea of instinct,
but by admitting that the animals endowed with it have, in the
sensorium, continued innate sensations and images, which deter-
mine them to act, like sensations received through the external
organs of sense. Instinct is a kind of dream, or vision, that
perpetually haunts them, and prompts them to action, and in
every thing that respects their instinctive motions, we may re-
gard animals as a kind of somnambulists. Instinct has been
granted to animals as a supplement to intelligence, to concur,
together with their strength and fecundity, in the preservation
of each species, in their due proportions. There are no visible
marks of instinct in the animal conformation ; but intelligence,
as far as we can observe, is in a constant proportion to the
relative size of the brain, and particularly to that of its two
hemispheres."

The following remarks of Dr. Hartley, on the intellectual
faculties of brutes, are extremely judicious, and so much to the
purpose of the present essay, that I shall subjoin them : —
" The whole nature of each brute which has been brought
up among others of the same species, is a compound of instinct,
its own observation and experience, and imitation of those of
its own species. Instinct seems to have exerted its whole in-
fluence when the creature is arrived at m.aturity, and has
brought up its young, so that nothing 7iew can be expected
from it (instinct) afterwards. But the intellectual acquisitions
of brutes, from observation and experience, continue ; whence
old brutes are far more cunning, and can act better [pro re nata)
as circumstances arise, than young ones. It ought also to be
remembered that brutes, from their want of words, and from
our ignorance of those symbols which they use in giving inti-
mations to each other or to man, cannot make manifest to us
the extent of the reason they possess." ( Observatio7is on Man,
vol. i. p. 414.) B.

i320 Oil the Aerial Spider,

Art. III. On the Aerial Spider, By John Murray, Esq. F.S.A.
RL.S. F.H.S. &c.

Sir,
I FEEL gratified by the favourable review of my Experimen-
tal Researches in Natural History (published by George B.
.Whittaker, Ave Maria Lane), in your Second Number. As
far as I know, I have not ventured beyond the pale of sound
and sober reasoning, in the true spirit of inductive science.

I have not presumed any thing in the shape of an opinion
on the origin of light. It issues from a cloud which conceals
its source. I have not attempted to penetrate its depth and
labyrinth. I may, however, be permitted to add that Canton's
phosphorus is merely composed of calcined shells, which a high
temperature illuminates. There is a considerable brilliance
excited, when the electric discharge is passed through this
substance, and I have found the following a very pretty expe-
riment:— Having strewn Canton's phosphorus (as it is called)
over the surface of mercury contained in a shallow basin, I
immerse into the fluid metal one of the wires of an extensive
galvanic battery, and bring the other polar wire in contact
with its surface ; at this moment the calcined particles become
beautifully luminous, and continue to glow for some time after
the positive and negative wires have been withdrawn. The
nature of the subject treated of in my little volume, necessarily
precluded a more full view of the nature and laws of light, and
its multifarious sources, and what I have introduced can be
only considered a very partial and superficial glance, as prefa-
tory to the topic treated of, namely " the light and luminous
matter of the glowworm."

The object of this communication must, however, be chiefly
confined to the ascent and flight of the aerial spider.
• • Mr. Black wall's observations {Lin, Trans., vol. xv. part ii.
p. 449. et seq.) on this curious question are cited, in opposition
to my numerous and .varied experiments ; but I cannot admit
that they possess much consequence or force. It does not
appear that this author had seen an account of my experi-
mental researches on the ascent of the little aeronaut ; other-
wise, he might have hesitated in committing himself to the
Linnean Society, in the view he has endeavoured to sustain,
but which, however, I believe is not nevv.

M. Gay Lussac having found that soap bubbles would
not ascend in a room, though their ascent is rapid in the open
air, unhesitatingly ascribes their ascent to warm currents ema-
nating from the surface of the ground ; rooted in this opinion,

On the Aerial Spider, 321

Mr. Blackwall concludes that the flight of the spider originates
in a similar cause.

Contrary to the assertion, that " spiders have no power of
propelling their webs without assistance from the wind," I
fearlessly maintain that they can do so in an atmosphere in
which the very leaf of the aspen remains motionless; and
although their cJiar volant obeys the direction of the breeze, this
simple fact proves nothing in favour of the opinion advanced
by Mr. Blackwall. The aeronautic spider can propel its
threads both horizontally and vertically, and at all relative
angles, in motionless air, and in an atmosphere agitated by
winds ; nay more, the aerial traveller can even dart its thread,
to use a nautical phrase, in the " wind's eye." My opinion
and observations are based on many hundreds of experiments ;
on favourable occasions I am constantly extending their
amount; and as often do I find my deductions supported,
namely, that the entire phenomena are electrical. My infer-
ences, therefore, have not been hastily drawn.

When a thread is propelled in the vertical plane, it remains
perpendicular to the horizontal plane, always upright, and
when others are projected at angles more or less inclined, their
direction is invariably preserved ; the threads never intermingle,
and when a pencil of threads is propelled, it ever presents the
appearance of a divergent brush. These are electrical pheno-
mena, and cannot be explained except on electrical principles.

The specific gravity of the insect, with its web, are very
superior to that of the atmosphere, and without some exotic
power imparted to them, their rise in the atmosphere would be
impracticable ; and though a film inflated with heated, and of
course, rarefied air, would certainly ascend, it is more difficult
to undersand how a solitary thread, so fine, could be thus
acted upon by any current of air, whether heated or not, so as
to determine its buoyancy and ascent. And so far from the
unattached cobwebs, which are occasionally seen to float in
the atmosphere, having been " raised from the surface of the
ground, by the action of air highly rarefied by a cloudless sun,"
such threads will be seen to fall in the warmest weather, and in
all the unclouded radiance of the sunbeam. But this phenome-
non presages rain, and is its precursor. The electrical character
of the atmosphere has changed from positive to negative.

These interesting aeronauts sometimes rise with the rapidity
of an arrow in the zenith of the observer ; at other times, they
are seen to float parallel with the plane of the horizon ; and
again, at variously inclined angles. Sometimes the ascent is
extremely slow. An ascending current of warm air, it is con-
ceivable, might effect a vertical movement; but how it could push

Vol. L — No. 4. z

322 On the Aerial Spider,

the insect along in the, horizontal plane, is an enigma of more
difficult solution.

I do not understand what Mr. Blackwall means, in what he
says about the electricity of the atmosphere. I take it for
granted, that it is seldom or never in a neutral state, with re-
spect to electricity, being either positively or negatively electri-
cal; in which view I am warranted, not merely by my own
experiments, but of those conversant with atmospherical elec-
tricity. In clear fine weather, the air is invariably positive ;
and it is precisely in such weather that the aeronautic spider
makes its ascent most easily and rapidly, whether it be sum-
mer or winter ; I have often seen this in winter, during an in-
tense frost, a circumstance which renders the action of warm
currents of air, as accessory to its flight, something more than,
questionable. Our aeronaut may be met with in its descent
over the Mer de Glace, as well as over the Lake of Geneva ; and
it will take flight as readily from a point over the Frozen Sea,
as from the heated surface soil of the Valley of Chamouny. I
am not yet convinced that there are calorific emanations from
the Glacier de Bois.

When the air is weakly positive, the ascent of the spider will
be difficult, and its altitude extremely limited, and the threads
propelled will be but little elevated above the horizontal plane.
When negative electricity prevails, as in cloudy weather, or
on the approach of rain, with a falling barometer, and the in-
dex of De Saussure*s hygrometer rapidly advancing towards
humidite, the spider is urtable to ascend. Towards evening
the positive electricity of the air becomes feeble, and during
night changes to negative ; and at these periods the aeronauts
descend from their skyey elevation to the earth. I have al-
ready clearly proved, experimentally, that the thread is imbued
with negative electricity : and such a thread, darted through
the air with force and velocity, must of necessity become elec-
trified, as a consequence of the friction it must suffer from the
resisting medium it permeates. Such a thread, with its attach-
ment, must ascend, until it is neutralised by its equivalent of
positive electricity. These insects descend in vast numbers
during the night to imbibe the dew, which condenses on the
webs they weave among the grass ; the attachment of globules
of dew to the tips of the blades of grass, seems an electrical
phenomenon, and as the thread must be considered a non-
conductor of caloric, the fact of its being bedewed seems most
easily referable to electricity.

I caught one of these aeronautic spiders a few days ago, the
folding glass doors of the library room leading into the gar-
den were open, and the insect being conveniently arranged, it

On the Aerial Sjnder 323

darted forth, from within the room, a lengthened thread diago-
nally upwards, and thus effected its ascent ; a fact at complete
antipodes with Mr. Black wall's opinion.

The number of the aeronautic spiders occasionally suspended
in the atmosphere, I believe to be almost incredible, could we
ascertain their amount. I was walking with a friend on the
9th, and noticed that there were four of these insects on his
hat, at the moment there were three on my own ; and from the
rapidity with which they covered its surface with their threads,
I cannot doubt that they are chiefly concerned in the produc-
tion of that tissue which intercepts the dew, and which, illu-
minated by the morning sun, " glitters with gold,' and with
rubies and sapphires.'* Indeed, I have noticed that," when the
frequent descent of the aeronautic spider was determined, a
newly rolled turnip field was, in a few hours, overspread by a
carpet of their threads. It may be remarked that our little
aeronaut is very greedy of moisture, though abstemious in
other respects. Its food is perhaps peculiar, and only found
in the superior regions of the sky. Like the rest of its tribe,
it is doubtless carnivorous, and may subserve some highly
important purpose in the economy of Providence ; such, for
instance, as the destruction of that truly formidable, though
almost microscopically minute • insect, the Fiiria infernalis,
whose wound is stated to be mortal. Its existence has been
indeed questioned, but by no means disproved ; that, and some
others, injurious to man, or to the inferior creation, may be its
destined prey, and thus our little aeronaut, unheeded by the
common eye, may subserve an important good.

As connected with this question, I may mention that the
electrical strata of the atmosphere, on Sunday the 6th inst.,
was singularly illustrated in the curious configurations of the
dust on the pavement, being exhibited in a plumose form,
resembling the figures described on a plate of rosin when
touched by an electrified substance, and powdered rosin or
sulphur, &c., is projected against them : an experiment we
owe to Professor Lightenberg ; while, I believe, the late Dr.
Millar, of Edinburgh, was the first to notice these very inte-
resting arborescent forms of dust, and refer the phenomenon
to electricity. I noticed, also, on that day, that these confi-
gurations had their feathery image and impress in the sky,
several of the clouds presenting that plumose form.

I now beg to quote an extract from a communication on
the subject of the gossamer spider, made to me by my friend,
J. E. Bowman, Esq. F.L.S. ; and I shall at present content
myself with it, not wishing to anticipate what may elsewhere
appear on this subject. " We arrested several of these little

z 2

824 Of I the AMal Spider.

aeronauts in their flight, and placed them on the brass gno-
mon of the sundial, and had the gratification to see them
prepare for, and recommence, their aerial voyage. Having
crawled about for a short time, to reconnoitre, they turned
their abdomens from the current of air, and elevated them
almost perpendicularly, supporting themselves solely on the
claws of their fore legs, at the same instant shooting out four
or five, often six or eight, extremely fine webs, several yards
long, which waved in the breeze, diverging from each other
like a pencil of rays, and strongly reflecting the sunbeams.
After the insects had remained stationary in this apparently
unnatural position for about half a minute, they sprang off from
the stage with considerable agility, and launched themselves
into the air. In a few seconds after they were seen sailing
majestically along, without any apparent effort, their legs
contracted together, and lying perfectly quiet on their backs,
suspended from their silken parachutes, and presenting to
the lover of nature a far more
interesting spectacle than the
balloon of the philosopher.
One of these natural aeronauts
I followed, which, sailing in
the sunbeams, had two dis-
tinct and widely diverging
fasciculi of webs, as in the
annexed sketch {fig. \6\.)y
and their position in the air
was such, that a line uniting them would have been at right
angles with the direction of the breeze."

In conclusion, permit me to mention, in reference to the
glowworm, that I was quite aware of the opinion that had been
entertained respecting the light of the glowworms, and reite-
rated by my reviewer ; and the reason why I did not mention it
was, that I held it to be unsatisfactory ; my reasons are, that
the insect, in its imperfect form of the larva, is gifted with
light, as well as in its perfect and ultimate stage of metamor-
phosis. The winged male, as in the Zampyris italica, carries
its torch as well as the apterous female. Superadd to these,
that the inference would not apply to the case of the crawling
jScolopendra electrica on the one hand, or the winged Ful-
gura lanternaria on the other,

" That shoot like stars athwart the night."

I have the honour to be, Sir, &c.
JulylQ. 1828. V J. Murray.

Monster of the SJieep Genus. 325

Art. IV. Account of a monstrous Production of the Sheep Genus,
By John Chichester, Esq. M.D.

Sir,

In the course of the spring of 1827, I was requested by
Mr. Averill, a surgeon of distinction, settled in this place, and
well known to the profession by his treatise on operativ^ur-
gery, to assist him in the examination of a monstrous produc-
tion of the sheep genus (OSis Lin,), We were aware that,
by the means of injection, we should be most likely to discover
such facts as might be brought to bear upon the science of
organisation; but, besides some other unfavourable circum-
stances, putrefaction had too far advanced to admit of its being
minutely executed ; in which way only, perhaps, can the inves-
tigation of the law which governs those anomalies be success-
fully conducted.

The great difference in the opinions which prevail at pre-
sent respecting monsters, comes, in all probability, from an
insufficiency of facts, or, rather, from an imperfect detail of
them ; since the greater part of the many cases to be found in
books, scarcely furnishes one probable induction, so loosely an4
indistinctly are they stated. Their philosophical history is
still in its cradle.

The strange and irregular production of nature which at
present engages our attention, had only one head, which was
of the natural size, and complete in all its parts. It cannot be
regarded as being acephalous, in respect to one of the two
bodies, for the head was equally in common to both.

There was one atlas only, of regular form, but somewhat
larger than natural. This circumstance, together with one
complete head, without the least rudimentary trace of a second,
is sufficient to exclude all idea of absorption having played any
part in this monstrous production ; while, on the other hand,
it favours very strongly the opinion of Blumenbach, Meckel,
and Geoffroy St. Hilaire, who lay it down as an axiom, that
all monstrosities (called by the latter les anomalies connees) are
the result of interrupted developement.

The second vertebra was single at the upper part, with only
two articular surfaces, and of a size corresponding with the
bone above it ; below it was double, and, consequently, bad a
breadth somewhat out of proportion to its superior part.
Hence went off two distinct vertebral columns, both con-
taining the usual number of vertebrae in each division, and
each of them seemed perfect, to the very caudal extremities.
We found the whole of the other bones complete in number,
as well as form, throughout both skeletons.

z 3

326 Monster of the Sheep Genus.

The ribs of the right side of one animal were connected with
those of the left side of the other, by a regularly formed ster-
num ; while those of the opposite side, i. e. the left of one
animal, and the right of the other, formed nearly a horizontal
plane, and were connected by a second sternum, turned the
reverse way of the other. The right scapula of the left animal,
andjfthe left scapula of the right animal, lay superiorly, while
the corresponding scapulae were situated immediately beneath,
supporting the fore part of the common trunk. It does not
seem that any thing further remains to be said respecting the
bony parts; which, by the joint aid of Messrs. Averill and
Charles Fowler, have been formed into a natural skeleton of
great beauty, and deposited in the museum attached to the
Casualty Hospital of this town.

In respect to the soft parts, there was only one oesophagus,
which was natural, and passed down, between the two vertebral
columns, to the stomach, through a diaphragm which sepa-
rated one thoracic and one abdominal cavity in common to the
two animals.

The stomach w^as single, and of the same regular, though
complex, structure, that it is found to be of in all ruminating
animals. The four divisions were distinct, and, in every re-
spect, quite^natural.

, From the pyloric extremity of the stomach, passed off a set
of small intestines, which were in common to the two bodies ;
the last of them terminated somewhat on the right side of the
centre of an arch, which had the distinguishing characters of a
colon ; this passed down on each side to something resembling
a sigmoid flexure, and then, from the base of each sacrum,
descended, through each pelvis, a rectum, terminating in its
own external opening. No trace of a caecum could be found.

There was a liver, rather larger than natural, lying under
the right ribs of the left body ; and beneath the right ribs of
the right body, near the inferior sternum, was discovered
another, about half the size of the former. Each had a distinct
set of vessels, but we could only detect one gall-bladder. The
circumstance of there being two livers in this case, with only
one heart, as will be seen hereafter, very much increases the
anomaly ; for it is laid down by a systematic writer, that " avec
le coeur manque constamment le foie." We could only find
one pancreas and one spleen.

The kidneys were double, and so were the whole pelvic
viscera. The animals were both males, and the genital organs
appeared to be natural. It has been asserted by Pohle, Pal-
fyn, and others, that the greater number of monsters are of
the female sex ; but, as far as my observation has been extended,

1

Monster of the Sheqi Genus, 827

the fact has turned out differently, the much greater number
having been males. In both cases, I am inclined to suppose it
merely a matter of chance ; and that, upon a large scale of
investigation, the numbers would be found nearly equal. That,
however, which occurred to the above-mentioned authors was
easily seized upon to support their own hypothesis, — that, in
the female, the plastic, or moulding, force is less powerful
than in the male. It is, I believe, also generally admitted,
that, in acephalous monsters, the viscera of the abdomen and
pelvis are found more or less rudimentary only, particularly
the urinary and genital organs ; but, in the case before us, the
genital organs, as well as all the other pelvic viscera, were
completely formed.

There was only one trachea, which descended into a tho-
racic cavity in common to the two animals. This cavity con-
tained only one set of lungs, one division of them lying against
the ribs of the right side of the one animal ; the other division,
against the left ribs of the other. There existed no mediastinum.

Only one heart could be found, which was of the natural size
and structure : but from each ventricle sprung an aorta ; of
these two vessels, one turned to the right, the other to the
left. The one which turned to the left, went down in the na-
tural direction ; while that which" turned to the right, crossed
the right vertebral column, and passed down on the outer side
of it. A transverse vessel, of somewhat smaller caliber, passed
from the beginning of the turn of the arch on one side, to the
same part on the other side, thus forming a communication
between the two aortas. The circumstance of there being
only one heart, and that of the natural size only, while the two
animals appear, with the exceptions that have been stated, to
have experienced no interruption in their intra-uterine growth,
seems to make it doubtful whether, according to M. Serres,
the sanguiferous system is to be considered as regulating and
forming all the others. It is held also, by many other physio-
logists besides M. Serres, that the strength and volume of all
the organs are in direct proportion to the quantity of blood
bestowed upon them.

Such are the striking circumstances that presented themselves
to my observation. I am not aware that any description of
a similar monstrosity is to be found in books, or that any such
is contemplated by Geoff roy St. Hilaire, or any other system
matic writer. I remain, Sir, &c.

John Chichester, M.D.
Cheltenham^ July 24. 1828.

z 4

328 Manners of the Isuthatch,

Art. V. On the Manners of the Nuthatch. By H. S. With a
Note by W. Swainson, F.R.S. &c.

I HAD never seen the little bird called the Nuthatch (»Sitta
europas^a) (Jig. 162.), when, one day, as I was expecting the
transit of some wood-pigeons under 162

a beech tree, with a gun in my hand,
I observed a little ash-coloured
bird squat himself on one of the
large lateral trunks over my head,
and, after some observation, begin 1
to tap loudly, or rather solidly upon^^^^^^^^'^^^^^i^^
the wood, and then proceed round and round the branch, it being
clearly the same thing to him whether his nadir or zenith were
uppermost. I shot, and the bird fell : there was a lofty hedge
between us, and when I had got over he had removed him-
self. It was some time before I secured him, and I mention
this, because the manner in which he eluded me was charac-
teristic of his cunning. He concealed himself in holes at the
bottom of a ditch, so long as he heard the noise of motion,
and, when all was still, he would scud out and attempt to
escape. A wing was broken, and I at length got hold of him.
He proved small, but very fierce, and his bite would have
made a child cry out. The elbow joint of the wing being
thoroughly shattered, and finding that he had no other wound,
I cut off the dangling limb, and put him into a large cage
with a common lark. The wound did not in the least dimi-
nish his activity, nor yet his pugnacity, for he instantly began
to investigate all possible means of escape; he tried the bars;
then tapped the woodwork of the cage, and produced a knock-
ing sound, which made the room reecho; but, finding his
efforts vain, he then turned upon the lark, ran under him with
his gaping beak to bite, and effectually alarmed his far more
gentle and elegant antagonist. Compelled to separate them,
the nuthatch, for this bird I discovered him to be by turning
over the leaves of an Ornitholbgia, was put into a smaller cage
of plain oak wood and wire. Here he remained all night; and,
the next morning, his knocking or tapping with his beak was
the first sound I heard, though sleeping in an apartment
divided from the other by a landing-place. He had food
given to him, minced chicken and bread crumbs, and water.
He eat and drank with a most perfect impudence, and the
moment he had satisfied himself turned again to his work of
battering the frame of his cage, the sound from which, both
in loudness and prolongation of noise, is only to be compared
to the efforts of a fashionable footman upon a fashionable

Manners of the NutJiatch. 329

door in a fashionable square. He had a particular fancy for
the extremities of the corner pillars of the cage; on these
he spent his most elaborate taps, and at this moment, though
he only occupied the cage a day, the wood is pierced and
worn like a piece of old wormeaten timber. He probably
had an idea, that if these main beams could once be pene-
trated, the rest of the superstructure would fall and free him.
Against the doorway he had also a particular spite, and
once succeeded in opening it; and when, to interpose a far-
ther obstacle, it was tied in a double knot, with string, the
perpetual application of his beak quickly unloosed it. In
ordinary cages a circular hole is left in the wire for the bird
to insert his head, to drink from a glass : to this hole the
nuthatch constantly repaired, not for the purpose of drinking,
but to try to push out more than his head, but in vain ; for
he is a thick bird, and rather heavily built; but the instant he
found the hole too small he would withdraw his head, and
begin to dig and hammer at the circle, and where it is rooted
in the wood, with his pickaxe of a beak, evidently with a
design to enlarge the orifice. His labour was incessant, and
he eat as largely as he worked ; and I fear it was the united
effects of both that killed him. His hammering was peculiarly
laborious, for he did not peck as other birds do, but, grasp-
ing his hold with his immense feet, he turned upon them as
upon a pivot, and struck with the whole weight of his body,
thus assuming the appearance, with his entire form, of the
head of a hammer, or, as I have sometimes seen birds on me-
chanical clocks made to strike the hour by swinging on a
wheel. We were in hopes that when the sun went down he
would cease from his labours, and rest : but, no ; at the interval
of every ten minutes, up to nine or ten o'clock in the night,
he resumed his knocking; and strongly reminded us of the
coffinmaker's nightly and dreary occupation. It was said by
one of us, " he is nailing his own coffin ;" and so it proved.
An awful fluttering in the cage, now covered with a handker-
chief, announced that something was wrong : we found him at
the bottom of his prison, with his feathers ruffled, and nearly
all turned back. He was taken out, and for some time he
lingered amidst convulsions, and occasional brightenings up ;
at length he drew his last gasp ; and will it be believed that
tears were shed on his demise ? The fact is, that the appa-
rent intelligence of his character, the speculation in his eye,
the assiduity of his labour, and his most extraordinary fear-
lessness and familiarity, though coupled with fierceness, gave
us a consideration for him that may appear ridiculous to those

330 Manners of the Nuthatch,

who have never so nearly observed the ways of an animal as
to feel interested in its fate. With us it was different.

Since our poor nuthatch died, I have observed that
White, in his charming work on the Natural History of
Selborne, states that the knocking of the nuthatch may be
heard at the distance of a furlong ; and that he has frequently
placed nuts in the joints of a gate for this bird, which were
quickly penetrated by his beak, and the kernel extracted.
The beak is uncommonly large and strong for so small a bird.
I have requested my friend Mr. Swainson to add a short scien-
tific note to this memoir ; such matters not coming within my
range. H. S.

Note by Mr. Swainson, — After this animated sketch from
nature (would that we had more of them ! ) scientific details will
appear dry ; yet a few may not be misplaced. The great
force with which, as my friend describes, this little bird
laboured with its bill, led me to examine it minutely, and to
compare it with several of the extra-European species ; but
in none of these is the bill of an equal size and proportionate
strength. It may further be remarked, that, among the *Sittae
generally, the end of the bill is more depressed than com-
pressed, while the tip is generally rounded : but in the Euro-
pean nuthatch, this part, when viewed laterally {Jig. 163. «), ex-
hibits a good deal of that abrupt truncation so well adapted
for breaking hard substances, which is seen in the woodpecker,
the point of whose bill exactly resembles that of a wedge. The
only foreign species I have seen, in which 153

any thing like this structure can be traced,
is the *Sitta carolinensis. The group evi-
dently stands intermediate between the true
Certhiadae and the Picidae of modern orni- ^^^^^SL 5
thologists. To the latter it is assimilated
by its perfectly straight and somewhat wedge-shaped bill,
and by a corresponding economy of habit in procuring
nourishment, already so well described. On the other hand,
the feet of the Sittae, although scansorial, are not of that
peculiar construction which constitutes the typical perfection
of climbing birds ; the toes, as in all the Certhiadae, being
placed three forwards and one backwards. With this union
of characters I am disposed to consider the /Sittae as a dis-
tinct type or sub-family of Certhiadae, and that by which
nature passes to the true woodpeckers, through the intervening
forms of Oxyrhynchus and Yunx. The tongue is not capable
of extension ; it is bifid, with the divisions slightly ciliated
{fig.lQ^.h^-^W.S.

Manners a?id JEconomy of the Pied Flycatcher, 331

Art. VI. Manners and Economy of the Pied Flycatcher, By
John Blackwall, Esq.

Sir,

In directing tlie attention of the ornithological readers of
the Magazine of Natural History to a favourite haunt of the
Pied Flycatcher (Muscicapa luctuosa TenimincJc) {fig* 164.)^
I am not without hope that
some individual, who has lei-
sure for the undertaking, may
be stimulated to investigate
the manners and economy of
this interesting species, with a
greater degree of minuteness
than has hitherto been done.
The elucidation of several
doubtful points in its history could not fail to reward his
industry, and promote the interests of science.

On the 3d of June last, I procured a male Pied Flycatcher
in the woods near the ferry-house, on the western shore of
Windermere, where I saw two males and a female. The fe-
male and one of the males had paired, and were occupied in
constructing a nest in a hole in a decayed pollard ash, on the
margin of the lake. But the vicinity of Ullswater appears to
be the most favoured resort of this species ; as in walking, on
the 1st of June, from the Water-head to Gowbarrow Old
Park, on the western side of the lake, a distance not exceed-
ing three miles, I saw, without quitting the carriage road, five
males at five separate stations, which were distinctly marked
by large pollard ashes, partially decayed. To these spots the
birds were evidently much attached, reluctantly retiring from
them to a short distance when greatly disturbed, and imme-
diately returning again when the cause of their alarm was
removed. This circumstance led me to suppose that they had
nests ; and as I did not observe a single female, it is probable
that they were engaged in incubating their eggs, or in brood-
ing their young. The males were all in full song, and their
notes, which are sometimes, though rarely, delivered on the
wing, are pleasing and varied.

Ornithologists do not seem to be acquainted with the extent
of the vocal powers possessed by this species. According to
Dr. Latham {General History of Birds, \o\, vi.), Mr. Bolton,
the author of Harmbnia JRurdlis, has remarked that the song
of the male, which is heard in the breeding season, resembles
that of the Spotted Flycatcher, but that it is more sprightly
and energetic. The comparison is an unfortunate one, and

532 Instinct of Insects.

may have induced a belief that the Pied Flycatcher has no
song whatever, as the spotted species is one of our most silent
birds. I am happy, therefore, in being able to claim for the
Pied Flycatcher a place among British singing birds.

Both Montagu and Latham have regarded the Pied Fly-
catcher as indigenous to England ; but, in Lancashire, I have
never seen this species earlier in the year than April, nor
later than September. Its habits indicate a bird which preys
principally on insects in their winged or perfect state, and, as
such, there can be little doubt that it is migratory. A suffi-
cient reason, however, why the fact has not been more clearly
ascertained, will be found in its great rarity and partial distri-
bution.

I have long known that the Pied Flycatcher breeds annu-
ally in the beautiful woods near UUswater, but I was not
aware, before the present summer, that it is to be found in
such abundance in that delightful locality.

I am. Sir, &c.
Crumpsall Hall, July 28. 1828. John Blackwall.

\ Art. VII. On the Instinct of Insects, By J. H. Da vies, Esq.

Sir,

It has been asserted that the circuitous flight of the butter-
fly tribe arises from one sex pursuing through the air the
track of the other ; and that, if an unimpregnated female of
the Phalae^na g^uercus (egger moth) be carried in a gauze cage
into the haunts of that species, numbers of the males will
be attracted, so as to be easily captured. I have never had
an opportunity of verifying this fact ; but, from a circumstance
which occurred to me during the past year, I have no doubt
of its correctness.

I was engaged in rearing lepidopterous insects from the
larvae, and had a great variety of the pupae of different species ;
one evening I found a female Sphinx ocellata just emerged,
which, in lifting from the floor, ran up my arm, and round
the collar of my coat : two hours afterwards, on returning to
my study from shutting some glass frames in the garden, a
very fine male of the same species was fluttering on my
shoulder, where the female had previously crawled. But a
stiH more curious fact, which must appear almost incredible,
remains to be stated. Two females of the »Sphinx joopuli were
developed ; the next day I found three males in the room. As
no one had entered it in the interval, nor was there apparently

Jussietiean, or Natural, System of Plants'. 333

any mode by which they could gain access, I was somewhat
puzzled to account for their appearance. The same evening,
however, their mode of entree was made apparent, by two
more males of the same species coming down the chimney, one
of which fell into a vase standing in the fireplace where I
captured it before it could extricate itself. Afterwards, on
occasion of the evolution from the pupa state of females of
the Phalae^na bucephala and P. salicis, the windows of my
study were completely besieged by males of the same species,
which, on throwing open the windows, eagerly rushed in.
The instinct which in these cases must have guided the little
animals is truly wonderful.

I remain, Sir, &c.
Portsmouth, August, 1828. J. H. Da vies.

Art. VIII. The Jussieuean, or Natural, System of Plants.

{Continued frovi p. 240.)

OrdeeXIII. FLAC0URT7J^iV^^^\
A VERY small order formerly comprised in Tiliaceae. It is
remarkable on account of the structure of its fruit, to the
inner lining of which the seeds are attached upon a branched
placenta. Nothing is known of the properties of the fla-
courtias. The berries of FlacoiirtzVz Ramontchi are eaten in
Madagascar. The order consists entirely of small tropical
trees or bushes.

Flacourtia Herit.

Order XIV. CAPPARFDEiE.
These are nearly related to Cruciferae, of the properties of
which they partake. Many are very pretty plants, especially
Cleome r5sea, and the various species of CrataeV«. The
common caper is an elegant bush, remarkable for its large
white flowers and long purple stamens. The species are
found occasionally in various parts of the world. The dif-
ferent kinds of Capparis are reputed to be stimulating, anti-
scorbutic, and aperient. The bark of the root of the common
caper passes for a diuretic medicine. Several species of
Cleome have an acrid taste, which has been compared by
travellers to that of mustard. The root of Cleome dode-
candra is employed as a vermifuge in the United States ; and
the leaves produce an inflammation of the skin, whence they
are used in Cochin-china as a sinapism. {Dec)

Capparis L. CrataeVa L. Cleome W.

334 Jussieuean, or Natural,. Si/stem of Plants,

Order XV. nOLARIE^.E.

This is one of the most favourite orders with gardeners ;
Consisting, as it chiefly does, of the Violetgenus, from which most
of the others are recent dismemberments. The greater part
consists of hardy herbaceous plants, some of which are remark-
able for their perfume, others for their brilliant colours, and all
for their neatness. They are natives of the temperate or cold
zones of both hemispheres, often growing at great elevations
above the sea. Among them is a tribe called Alsodineae,
consisting of sufFrutescent tropical plants ; but none of them
have been introduced to the gardens of this country. The
attention of collectors should be directed to procuring the
shrubby Fiolaceae of Brazil, some of which possess great
interest. The medical properties of the order are found
principally in their roots, which appear to possess, in all
cases, emetic properties, in a greater or less degree. One of
the ipecacuanhas is the root of a Brazilian violet. M. Decan-
dolle has the following observations upon the affinities of the
Fiolarieae : — They are very nearly akin, he observes, to the
Polygaleae and Droseraceae, and especially to the Passifloreae.
From the first they are distinguished by their unilocular fruit,
leaves furnished with stipules and two-celled anthers ; from
Droseraceae by their solitary style, lengthened embryo and
stipulate leaves, the vernation of which is involutive, not cir-
cinate. From Passifloreae they differ in their fruit being
capsular, not berried ; in their albumen being compact and
shining, not pitted ; in their stamens being hypogynous, not
perigynous ; in their anthers being attached along their whole
length, not fixed by their middle ; finally, in their stigmas
being one and not three. The genus Calyptrion approaches
Passifloreae in its twining stem, and Hymenanthera borders
upon Polygaleae on account of its monospermous pericarpium
with solitary pendulous seeds.

lonidium Vent. Fiola Tou. Sauvagesia Jacq,

Order XVI. POLYG.VLEiE.

Most of the plants of this order are interesting, and de-
serving the attention of the gardener, some for their neatness,
some for their beauty, and some for their use in medicine.
They are natives of most countries, and are either low herba-
ceous plants, occasionally less than an inch in height (small
specimens of Polygala purpurea), or shrubs varying from a
dwarf, rigid, spiny habit, to a tall, graceful, drooping appear-
ance. Polygaleae are remarkable for the union of their
stamens into a single body, their one-celled anthers opening

Jussieuean, or Natural^ System of Plants, 335

with a pore, and their irregular flowers, one of which is often,
keel-shaped, and beautifully crested or bearded. The leaves
have generally a bitter astringent taste, which is much more
abundant in the roots, combined with an acrid and somewhat
resinous flavour : these properties are particularly sensible in
P. Senega, which is reputed a sudorific, diuretic, sialagogue,
cathartic, or mild emetic, according to the manner in which it
is administered. The yelhoi of South America, the root of a
species of Monnina, has the same properties as P. Senega, and
is particularly used as a remedy for dysentery. The well
known rattany, or ratanhia, root of Chile, is the produce of
a plant of this order, and possesses powerful tonic and astrin-
gent qualities. According to the analysis of a French che-r;
mist, it contains gallic acid, but neither tannin nor resin.

Polygala Ton. Murdltia Neck. Miindia Kunth. Securidaca L.

Order XVII. DROSERA^CEiE.

The order of sun-dews is a small group of plants, natives*
of marshes or inundated grounds in all the temperate parts of
the world. The species are very remarkable for the abun^
dance of glandular hairs with which all the parts of the foliage
are covered. Only two species are in any degree frutescent.
The young leaves are always rolled up in the circinate man-
ner, so remarkable in ferns. Their medicinal properties ap-^
pear to be trifling : the leaves have the power of curdling milk.
Drosera L, Diond?'a W.

Order XVIII. BIXTNEM.

The plants of this order are few in number, and not re-
markable either for beauty or use. The Bixa Orelldna is
chiefly known for producing the seed called in the shops ar-
notta {7'ocon, Fr.) and used for colouring cheese ; the pro-
perties of the arnotta are slightly purgative and stomachic.
They are all bushes or small trees, and mostly tropical.
Azaras, Chilian shrubs, with fragrant flowers, are not yet
known in the gardens of Europe.

Bixa L. ProcMa L.

Order XIX. ClSTrNE^E.
The common rock-roses of our gardens give an accurate
idea of this order, which contains little else. They are all
very ornamental, and particularly well calculated for covering
rockwork. The species of Clstus and Helianthemum have
iDeen multiplied by Dunal in an extravagant manner, as has
been well demonstrated by Mr. Bentham. They are natives
of most parts of the world in dry elevated places. The gum

336 Jussieiiean, or Natural, Si/ stem of Plants,

called ladanum is the produce of some kinds of Cistus ; it
exhales a fragrant perfume when burnt, and possesses slightly
tonic and stomachic properties.

Hudsonfa L. Cfstus Tou. Helianthemum Tou. Lechea L.

Section 3. Ovarium solitary ; Placenta central.

Order XX. CARYOPHY'LLEJE.

These consist of herbs or low undershrubs, inhabiting the
mountains and pastures of all parts of the world. In Europe
and Siberia they are particularly abundant, and least so in
Africa and South America. Many are common weeds, as
most of the cerastiums, spergulas, and others. Several of the
silenes are very ornamental, and among the arenarias are to
be found some dwarf species of considerable elegance. But it
is in Dianthus that the pride of the order consists : this genus
is almost unrivalled for the brilliancy of its colours, the neat-
ness of its foliage, and the perfume of its flowers. From the
finest of its species the title of the order has been derived.
The virtues of Caryophylleag are slight. Saponaria officinalis,
and one or two others, have been praised for possessing Anti-
syphilitic properties ; the root of Silene virginiana is reputed
anthelminthic ; and the Arenaria^eploides, being fermented, is
used by the Icelanders for food.

Tribe 1. Sile'ne^.

Gypsophila L, Cucubalus L. Agrost^mma L.

Dianthus L. Silene L. Velezia W.

Saponaria L. iychnis L, Z)rypis L.

Tribe 2. Jlsi'ne^.

Ortegirt L. £latine L. Sp^rgula L. Arenaria L.

BufFonjfl! W. ilibllugo L. Larbrea St. Hil. Cerastium L.

Sagina L. Pharnacemw W. Stellaria L. Cherieria Hal.

Mcehringia L. £^ol6steum L. -4lsine L.

Order XXI. iFNEiE.

Separated by M. Decandolle from Caryophylleae, from
which it is well distinguished by its fruit having several cells,
or, in the language of the botanist just named, being formed
by the cohesion of several carpella. Most of the species
are pretty plants, bearing yellow, blue, or white flowers. They
are of immense importance in the world, on account of the
tenacity of their fibres when made into flax. The seeds of
common flax are between mucilaginous and oily ; the leaves
of Zinum catharticum and L. selaginoides, the latter a native
of Peru, are purgative.

Linum Bauh Radiola Dil.

\

Jussieuean, or Natural, System of Plants, 337

Order XXII. FRANKENU^C^^.

Distinguished from Caryophylleae by the fruit not having a
central separate placenta, but bearing the seeds on the inner
margin of the valves. The species are natives of arid situ-
ations in Europe, Africa, and South America. They have
not much beauty, and no known medical properties. Besides
the genus here recorded, there are two others mentioned by
M. becandolle.

Frank enifl L.

Order XXIII. Mk\N KQ^M.
Before this order was dismembered of Bombaceae and
Byttner/«V^^, it contained most of the grandest flowers in
nature. Even now, the splendour of the various species of
ikfalva, ^Ithae'a (to which the hollyhock belongs), and ii/ibis-
cus, renders it one of the most remarkable groups of plants.
With the exception of the numerous genus »Sida, nearly all
Malvaceae are objects worthy of the gardener's care, particu-
larly those which are hardy. In stove or greenhouse, the
softness of their branches and leaves renders them peculiarly
liable to the attacks of the red spider, mealy bug, and scale,
from which few collections are free.; a circumstance which
makes them less generally esteemed than the surpassing beauty
of many of them merits. The greater part of the order is
clothed with stellate pubescence, and a reniform one- celled
anther is a character common to the whole. These two pecu-
liarities, together with the alternate stipulate leaves, distin-
guish Malvaceae from all the rest of Dichlamydeae. All the
species abound in a nutritive mucilage ; a quality which ren-
ders the young heads of the ochro (Hibiscus esculentus), an
object of great value within the tropics, as an ingredient in
soups : in Brazil, the Abutilon esculentum serves the same
purposes. The emollient properties of ^Ithae'a officinalis, or
guimauve of the French, are well known to physicians, as a
remedy for catarrhs and pulmonary complaints : a decoction
of the leaves of Sphseralcea cisplatina is used for similar ob-
jects in Brazil. A species of Pavon/a is employed in the
latter country as a diuretic, in the form of a decoction. The
straight shoots of *Sida micrantha are employed as rocket-
sticks at Rio Janeiro : the chewed leaves of »Sida carpinifolia
allay the inflammation occasioned by the stings of wasps.
The tough fibres of many Malvaceae are manufactured into
cordage : their petals are astringent ; whence those of //ibis-
cus 7?osa sinensis are used in China to blacken the eyelashes,
and the leather of shoes. The fibrous threads in which the
seeds of Gossypium are enveloped furnish the valuable cot-
VoL. I. — No. 4. A A

33B

Jussicucan, or Natural, St/stem of Plants.

ton, an article of immense importance to the world : these
threads, when examined by the microscope, will be seen to be
finely toothed, which explains the cause of their adhering
together with greater facility than those of Bombax and several
Apocyneae, which are destitute of teeth, and which cannot be
spun into thread without an admixture of cotton.

ilfalope L.

Malachra i.

S\k\a L.

Re(loute« Vent.

Mklva L,

Urhna L.

Pavonia Cav.

Palavm Cav.

Lavatera L.

Cristaria Cav,

Achania L.

Lagunea Cav.

i4lth£e^a 7..

A'noda Cav,

i/ibiscus L,

Gossypium L.

Kitaibelia W.

Perlptera Dec.

Order XXIV. BOMBA^CE^.
Distinguished from the last by the imbricate aestivation of
the calyx, and the arrangement of the stamens in five sets, or,
in Linnean language, brotherhoods. The species are mostly
fine trees with large showy flowers, and natives of the tropics.
Some of them are among the largest trees in the world :
Adans6n2«, the baobab of Senegal, has been seen with a dia-
meter of twenty-five feet ; and specimens of Bombax Ceiba
and Eriodendron anfractu5sum, a hundred feet in height,
are not uncommon. The wood of all the species is light and
soft, as in ikfalvaceae, from which this order probably does not
differ in its medicinal properties.

Ochrdma Swt,
Hellcteres i.

Carol Inea L.
Adansonia L.

Bombax L.
Myrodia Schreb.

Order XXV- BYTTNER/J^CSvE.
Much the same kind of plants as those of the last two
orders, from which they were not formerly distinguished,
and from which they scarcely differ, except in their bilocular
anthers. Many of the sterculias are fine umbrageous trees,
the seeds of which are large and eatable ; especially those of
the famous kola, which, being chewed, possess the property
of rendering bad water pleasant to the palate. The seeds of
the chicha, another and very noble species of the genus, are
highly esteemed in Brazil for the dessert. Astrapse'a, and
several other genera related to it, are among the most beauti-
ful in the world. The flowers of a species of Pentapetes,
called by the Indians machucunha, give out a mucilaginous
refrigerant juice, which is employed in gonorrhoea. Gua-
zuma wlmifolia has its fruit filled with a pleasant mucilage,
which is sweet and very agreeable ; an extract of the bark of
the same plant is used in Martinique to clarify sugar ; its old
bark is employed, in the form of a strong decoction, as a sudo-
rific. Walther/« Douradinha contains a great deal of mu-
cilage, and is employed by the Brazilians as an antisyphilitic.

'Notulce Botdnicce, SS9

Tribe 1. Sterculia^ce^.
Sterculia W. Heritiera W.

Tribe 2. Byttnehjjs'^. *

Theobroma L. Bubroma W. Rulingia R. Br. Ayenia L.

Abroraa L. Commersonia W. Buttncrea Loe. Kleinhofia L.

Tribe 3. Lasiopeta'leje.
Seringea Gay. Thomasia Gay. Lasiop^talum Sm,

Tribe 4. Hermann/^' C^^.
Hermannea L. Melochia L. ^&'^: Waltherta L.

Tribe 5. Dombey/(7£^.
Ruizia Cav. Dombeya Cav. Astrapae'a Lindl.

Pentapetes L. Melhania ForsJc. Pterosp^rmum Schreb,

{To be continued.)

Art. IX, N6tul(B Botanicce, By G. A. Walker Arnott, Esq.

{Continued from p. 242.)

O'RCHis. — Lamarck and Decandolle describe the lip of
O. laxiflora to be three-lobed, and state that the middle lobe
is shorter than the lateral ones, and, at the same time, emar-
ginate; Willdenow and Villars (under the name of O. ensi-
folia), and Sprengel, say that it is obcordate, but not lobed.
With two such different accounts, one can scarcely believe
that the same plant is intended. Be that as it may, Lamarck
and DecandoUe's description alone applies to what is found
in the south of France. When compared with the description
of O. palustris, it will be found to approach very close ; solely,
indeed, differing by the middle lobe of the lip being as short
as the lateral ones. In botli the sepals are acute, thus distin-
guishing these plants from O. mascula ; and, in both, the sepals
bent backward, not connivent, separate them from O. morio.
In O. palustris the labellum, or lip, as to its circumscription,
is round; in O. laxiflora, triangular, and attached by the
apex of the triangle. Though some of the above-mentioned
authors take no notice of the lobes of the lip, I have one
specimen, from Fos, in Provence, in which they are very
deeply marked. Merat's O. laxiflora, from the neighbourhood
of Paris, if his description were made from actual observation,
accords with that of Villars.

O^phrys. — Smith, I observe, in the English Flora (vol. iv.
p. 273.), has lately added O^phrys arachnites {Jig, 165. a) to
our British plants. When growing, it is easily distinguished
from 0. aranifera (6), with which alone, in Britain, it is possible

A A 2

340

Notulce Botunkcc,

to confound it, by the flesh-coloured sepals, these being green
in O. aranifera. When dry, it is 1(35

chiefly distinguished by the cris-
tate appendage at the extremity
of the lip ; the lip in O. arani-
fera being simply emarginate.
There is, however, an interme-
diate species, which has caused
great confusion to foreign bota-
nists ; it is the O. arachnites Lk,
which Willdenow has impro-
perly referred to O. aranifera.
Link expressly speaks of the
coloured sepals, and says, also,
that the lip is emarginate, with
an appendage placed in the notch, — " labii laciniae laterales
obsoletae, media rotundata emarginata, appendice carnosa in
emarginatura fusca." Now this species may be a variety of the
true O. arachnites, but certainly not of O. aranifera. In Link's
species, however, the appendage is very small and triangular, the
apex of the triangle pointing forwards ; while, in O. arachnites,
the appendage is cuneate and large, curled upwards, attached by
its apex, and the extremity is lobed or cristate. This last I have
received from the neighbourhood of Paris and from Geneva;
and have myself gathered it, though very sparingly, at the Pic
St. Loup, near Montpelier, in company with Mr. Bentham ;
though, I presume by accident, the locality is omitted in his
Catalogue des Plantes des Pyrenees et du Bas Languedoc, In that
excellent work I find O. aranifera Sm, stated to be common ;
I, however, never observed it in Languedoc, and am inclined
to think that O. arachnites Link is the plant intended. That,
indeed, is extremely common throughout the south of France,
and particularly abundant at the Pont du Gard. Of this
several varieties occur: in some the appendage at the ex-
tremity of the lip is so small as to be scarcely perceptible. In
one specimen I have, from M. Requien, of Avignon, found at
Fos, in Provence, the surface of the lip, as far as I can judge
by a dried specimen, is of a uniform reddish colour, and not
marked with yellow lines, and is covered all over with short
hairs.

I presume Dr. Smith's O. fucifera {English Flora, iv. p. 32.)
has green sepals, and is not even a variety of O. aranifera ;
but I have not seen specimens ; and, indeed, of O. aranifera
itself I judge entirely by descriptions and figures, particularly
that in English Botanij, having neither gathered it myself, nor
yet received the true plant from correspondents.

Edinhirgh, May 24. 1828. G. A. W. A.

3ii

PART IL

REVIEWS.

Art. I. Ornithologia, or the Birds ; a Poenif in Two Parts : ivith
an Introduction to their Natural History, and copious Notes.
By James Jennings, Author of Observations on the Dialects of
the West of England, London. 12mo, pp.^GS. Four Engrav-
ings on Wood.

Birds having less brains, and consequently (if we believe
in theory), more stupidity, than quadrupeds, may, in some
points of view, appear of inferior interest ; but, as they form
a very important link in the chain of living existence, much
credit is due to those authors who, like Mr. Jennings, try to
diffuse a taste for the study of ornithology. By exhibiting the
science in varied points of view, it may be made delightful to
almost every class of persons, and particularly to young
people. In youth there is an enthusiastic and insatiable desire
for the study of every branch of natural history. Not a
flower blows in the meadows, nor an insect flutters by, with-
out attracting the attention of the young ; and, while we might;
suppose a boy to be foolishly engaged in idle pastime, gather-
ing daisies and butter-cups, or pursuing butterflies and bees^
he is, in reality, employed in a more useful study than in
conning over his (to him unintelligible) class-books : he is
acquiring ideas of the works of nature, which no class-book
can give, which no master can instil, and which, in his maturcr
years, he can turn into admirable subjects for philosophical
reflection, as our author has done his boyish feats of birds-
nesting, (p. 10.) It is, indeed, much to be regretted that the
study of THINGS is so much thrown into the back-ground, by
the exclusive attention now bestowed upon words. These
ought to go hand in hand, for nothing can be more prepos-
terous than compelling a boy to store up a number of words
in his memory, which he does not and cannot understand;
while, on the other hand, he cannot be supposed to retain a
distinct or lasting recollection of things and facts, without
names and words, the only sort of pegs upon which they can
be permanently hung. Upon this principle, it is surprising at

A A 3

342 Jenningii Ornitholbgia,

how early an age children can be instructed in the most in-
teresting parts of natural history, commencing even in infancy ;
a subject beautifully touched on by Coleridge in his verses
to the nightingale, which, though rather long, we cannot
refrain from extracting : —

— ^ ** That strain again ?

Full fain it would delay me ! My dear babe.

Who, capable of no articulate sound.

Mars all things with his imitative lisp,

How he would place his hand beside his ear.

His little hand, the small fore-finger up.

And bid us listen ! And / deem it wise

To make him nature's playmate. He knows well

The evening star; and once, when he awoke

In most distressful mood (some inward pain

Had made up that strange thing, an infant's dream),

I hurried with him to our orchard plot.

And he beheld the moon ; and, hush'd at once.

Suspends his sobs, and laughs most silently ;

While his fair eyes, that swam with midnight tears.

Did glitter in the yellow moon-beam ! Well,

It is a father's tale : but if that Heaven

Should give me life, his childhood shall grow up

Familiar with these songs, that, with the night.

He may associate joy "

Sibylline Zscaves, 209,

As an object of elegant pursuit for country gentlemen, the
study of ornithology is not inferior to any other department
of nature. To the sportsman, to the gentleman farmer, and
to horticulturists, the knowledge of the habits and the food of
birds is indispensable, inasmuch as ignorance of the subject
may often give rise to most serious injury and loss. For
example, in New ^England the cultivated grounds were some
years ago much frequented with a species of crow, and the
farmers, supposing that their crops were thus injured, resolved
to extirpate the whole race, and offered a price for their heads.
The proscription was very successfully carried into effect ; but
the farmers, instead of being gainers, were severe sufferers.
The crows, it should appear, like the rooks of our own country,
did not frequent the fields so much for the sake of the grain,
as to feed upon grubs, which, after the universal massacre of
the crows, increased so numerously as nearly to destroy the
entire crops, and threaten a famine. When the error was
discovered, the crows were as anxiously protected as they had
been formerly persecuted. Similar instances, in the case of
rooks, have occurred in Britain. This view of the subject has
not escaped Mr. Jennings, who makes the house sparrow say,

" How comes it that the good we do
Is kept most carefully from view ?

Jennings's Ornitholbgia, S'iS

We hear not of the many seeds

Which we devour of noxious weeds ;

Of worms and grubs, destructive things,

That each of us his offspring brings. *

What though we snatch a feast of corn

Or ere it 's safe in yonder barn.

Yet is there not enough beside

For MAN and his consummate pride ? " Page 285'

Mr. Jennings has divided his work into two parts, the first
comprehending British and European birds, the second foreign
birds; the whole being preceded by an introductory sketch,
of the present state of ornithology, and accompanied by what
the author calls copious, but which we should designate volu-
minous, notes, and which we should have arranged either in the
introduction or in an appendix, as, in their present form, they
both interrupt the current of the verse, and throw important
facts and subjects into corners, instead of bringing them regu-
larly and prominently forward. This, however, is an objection
of small moment ; for many readers are best pleased with a
little irregularity, and will readily pick up chance seeds of
knowledge scattered by the way-side, when they would shrink
from the labour of reaping a whole field, laid out according to
rule. It is, perhaps, more also in unison with the author's
design, " to combine the prose portion of the work with familiar
poetry, so as to render the science altogether more attractive,
and to exhibit a useful epitome of it." Taking this view of the
subject, we shall now take a glance at the manner in which Mr.
Jennings has executed his plan of combining amusement with
instruction. Respecting nests^ we find the following in the
author's introduction, which is inscribed to Mrs, Richard
Kay: —

" You, LADY ! when that smiling boy.
Of promise bright, his parents' joy.
Shall upward grow, will prompt his mind
To all that's good and great — refin'd.

*****

Oh ! teach him, when, you will know best.
To love, admire the warbler's nest j

* " Bewick states that * a single pair of sparrows, during the time they
are feeding their young, will destroy about four thousand caterpillars
weekly.' They feed their young also with many winged insects; in London,
it is presumed, chiefly with flies."

" The utility of the goldfinch is peculiarly striking, it feeding in winter,
when at large, principally on thistle seed : hence it is called the thistle-
finch."

We should object to the latter inference of utility, that the only thistle
seed which the goldfinch can procure in winter must be unproductive, all
the fertile seed being scattered by the winds during the autumn. — Rev,

A A 4

344 Jennings's Oniithologia,

Mark the design their nests among,

Observe the wonders of their song, —

Their habits, their intelligence, —

And say not, Jifan alone has sense^

But, See the steps of Providence." Page 18.

This is accompanied by a note, occupying the greater por-
tion of seven pages, in which brief descriptions are given of
the nests of several birds ; for example : —

" The wren's nest," he says, " is globular, and very often
made of green moss, both within and without. It has a small
hole on the side of it, just large enough to admit the bird. It
is generally affixed to some tree, and behind it, at a few feet
from the ground, so as not to be immediately in sight. The
wren seems very partial to trees having ivy growing about
them, most probably as, by its leaves, the nest is more effec-
tually concealed. It does not seem to prefer any particular
tree : the nest will be found very often attached to the elm or
the ash ; sometimes against an ivied wall, sometimes in the
thatch of a house, and sometimes in a hayrick. In such cases
the materials of the nest will often also be varied." In a sub-
sequent note he says, " Its nest is generally adapted to the
place against or under which it is made. Thus, ahhough its
usual structure is green moss, yet, if it build against the side of
a hayrick, it is composed of hay ; if against a tree covered
with white moss, it is made of that material. This is not,
however, an invariable habit, for I have known a wren's nest
constructed of green moss at the edge of the thatch of a house,
the colour of which w^as very different from the nest itself.
Something, doubtless, depends upon the ease or difficulty with
which materials can be obtained. Montagu says that the
lining is invariably feathers. This is not, I think, correct. I
believe, when made with green moss, its lining is generally of
the same material." (p. 243.)

We can add our testimony to that of Mr. Jennings, for the
incorrect statement of Montagu, which has been copied, we
perceive, by Atkinson, in his Comjjendium of the Ornithology
of Great Britain, who says it is " invariably lined with fea-
thers ; " but, among some hundreds of wrens' nests which we
have seen, we never saw one lined with feathers, nor any thing
besides moss, usually some of the softer i/ypna. The adaptation
of the external part to the place where it is fixed, is also quite
at variance with our observation. The wren, indeed, is very
careful in selecting a snug concealment ; but among ivy leaves,
or under the hanging brow of a river bank, where the nest most
frequently is, how is this adaptation to be accomplished ? It
would be wrong, however, to assert that no wren ever built a

Jenniwiii Ornitholos^ia. ^^B

«^« « ^. ..^^,^^w^^

nest like that described by the ingenious and usually accurate
Montagu. Wilson, in the American Ornithology (vol. i. p. 3.),
justly remarks that, " though birds of the same species have a
common form of building, yet do they not all build exactly in
the same manner ; for as much difference will be found in the
style, neatness, and finishing of their nests, as in their voices.
Some appear far superior v^^orkmen, and, possibly, age may
improve them."

In his account of the nest of the gold-crested wren (Sylvia
jRegulus), Mr. Jennings is also more correct than the author of
the Compeyidium^ who says it " is of a round form, with an
opening in the side." (p. 97.) Mr. Jennings says, " Nest
similar to that of the chaffinch, but lined with feathers ; some-
times placed against a tree covered with ivy, but most com-
monly beneath the thick branch of a fir." He adds that
Pennant says it is found principally on oak trees. We, how-
ever, have paid considerable attention to the habits of this
beautiful little bird, and can say that we never observed it
frequenting oaks nor woods, as the author of the Compendium
states. It chiefly frequents fir and pine plantations, where it
builds ; and, if it takes short excursions thence, it is only to th^
nearest hedge-row, along which it flits, almost invisible, and
only to be distinguished by its fairy note, somewhat like the
ring of a small silver bell. The nest, we think, is more like
that of the goldfinch than that of the chaffinch, to which Mr.
Jennings compares it.

That our author is no servile copier of others, but has
examined nature for himself, will appear from these extracts, as
well as the following : — " The nest of the thrush is, exteriorly,
composed of green or other moss, and a few straws ; interiorly,
it is plastered all over with some paste, apparently composed
of rotten wood, with something to cement it; it is generally of
a light buff colour. When dry, it is quite hard, so that the
eggs, if moved, rattle in the nest. The statement in many of
our books of natural history, that it is lined with clay, is, as
far as my experience goes, founded in mistake." (p. 1 9.)

We agree with Mr. Jennings, that the plaster employed by
the thrush is not clay; but, though it may appear to him
similar to rotten wood, he will find that it is chiefly composed
of the dung of cows. Whether there is not a small intermix-
ture of clay, however, we cannot undertake to affirm. The
magpie, a bird not very distantly allied to the -Merulidae,
certainly uses clay, and in no sparing quantity, to plaster over
the inside of its thorny tent ; and the house swallow (iJirundo
riistica) forms the chief superstructure of its nest with clay.

3i6 Jennings* s Ornitholbgia,

In the introductory part, Mr. Jennings has very properly
corrected some of the mistakes of the Hon. Daines Barring-
ton, in his well-known paper in the Philosophical Transactions,
on the Singing of Birds ; a paper which is far from accurate,
either in its facts or its reasonings. Take the following as an
instance : —

" Mr. Barrington thinks that the reason vfhy females do not
sing is, because, if they did, when sitting on their eggs, they
would be discovered. This is by no means a conclusive rea-
son; for I once discovered a thrush's nest, by hearing the
parent bird sing while sitting on the eggs. Besides, as the
cock and hen of many species frequently sit on the eggs in
turn, the female's not singing could be no security to the nest,
while the cock was sitting and singing there." (p. Q5.)

We confess we are disposed to doubt the fact of either cock
or hen singing while sitting on their eggs, notwithstanding the
solitary instance given by Mr. Jennings, on his own observ-
ation. It would be difficult, indeed, to prove the negative,
but it is clearly contrary to the uniform instinctive care exhi-
bited by all birds in concealing their nests. In the case of
canaries, and other birds which breed in cages, we have never
observed an instance of any bird singing in the act of incuba-
tion. Mr. Barrington, however, is altogether wrong in as-
serting that hen birds never sing. He ought to have been
certain of the fact before speculating upon it. We have re-
peatedly heard hen birds sing; and Mr. Sweet, the well-
known author of The British Warblers^ makes the qualified
statement, that " females seldom sing ; I had a female redstart
which sang a little ; and female bull-finches sing as frequently
as the males." Again, Mr. Sweet says, " I have had several
female birds which never attempted to sing ; but now I have
two that sing frequently ; one is a female black-cap ; she sings
a note peculiar to herself, and not the least like the male, or
any other bird with which I am acquainted. I kept her several
years before she began to sing. I have also a female willow
wren, that sings nearly as much as the cock ; this bird was
bred up from the nest, and did not sing at all the first year.
Her note is quite different from that of the male, but re-
sembles it sufficiently to indicate that it belongs to the same
species."

Mr. Jennings appears to have a leaning towards a very
unfounded notion, at which we rather wonder, since he appears
to be acquainted with the American Ornithology of Wilson.
" The mocking-bird," he says, " forms a striking exception
to what is generally esteemed the character of the birds of the
new world, where the rich, lively, and brilliant hues of the

Jenn?'ngs*s Ornitholbgia, 34?7

feathered race are very often accompanied with harsh, mono-
tonous, and disagreeable notes." (p. 374.) On the contrary,
it would appear from Wilson's admirable descriptions, that
the American song-birds are infinitely more numerous than
those of Europe, and many of them superior to our most cele-
brated songsters. From the first four volumes, alone, we
made out a table of no fewer than twenty-two American song-
birds, which we may probably insert in a future page. In
speaking of the wood thrush (Zurdus mel^dus), Wilson re-
marks that it " serenades the woods, with notes as clear as
those of the nightingale. Previous naturalists deny it to have
any song but a single scream, confounding it with the Turdus
minimus of Catesby, and affording the disciples of BufFon an
argument for his absurd theory of its being the Turdus miisi-
cus of Europe, degenerated by food and climate, and by living
in a savage country, where the cries of all birds are harsh and
unpleasant ! " [American Ornithology, vol. iii. p. 34.)

Our author adverts, very briefly, to the great rapidity re-
markable in the flight of some species of birds. The most
extraordinary fact which has come to our knowledge on the
subject, is given on the high authority of our intelligent corre-
spondent, Mr. Audubon, respecting the passenger pigeon of
America (Columba migrat^ria). He has shot that bird, he
says, during his hunting excursions through the forests ; and,
on dissection, found its stomach full of fresh rice, which, to
have resisted the digestive process, must have been swallowed
not many hours preceding its death, but could not have been
obtained within 800 miles of the place where it was killed.

Our notices have been hitherto chiefly taken from the prose
portion of the work, but it would be injustice to the author
not to give a fair specimen of his poetry, of which the merit is
almost as various as the measures. We select

" The Goldfinch's Song.

I've a snug little nest Should you pass by in May,

In a little elm tree ; When our little ones come.

This nest, I am sure. Look in, and you'll find

You'll be pleased when you see. - We've a snug little home.

It is made with much care, No home like that home.

And is lined so throughout ; Where two bosoms impart

It is neatness itself. Their finest of sympathies,

Both within and without : Warm from the heart :

But a dear little mate. Where Friendship, with Love,

She with whom I am blest, Is perpetual guest ;

Is the neatest of all things And Affection's smooth pillow

In this little nest. A soft heaving breast."

Page 252,

348 Haworth^s Lepidoptera Britannica,

Before concluding, we must enter a decided protest against
the introduction of the harsh-sounding terms which Mr. Jen-
nings has Anghcised from the Greek and Latin of Mr. Vigors.
We put it to the good taste of our author, whether he does
not lose much more than he gains, by calling the cuckoo a
Cuculid, the nightingale a Sylviad, the vulture a Vulturid, the
parrot a Psittacid, the swallow a Hirundinid, &c. To call a
pigeon or a partridge a Rasor, a woodpecker a Scansor, a
thrush a Dentirost, or a kingfisher a Fissirost, is to our ears
most grating and repulsive. The following lines, referring to
the nightingale and the cuckoo, require no comment : —

" What though there no Luscinian Sylvia^s sweet throat,
Nor of Cuculid, Scansor* canorous, the note ;
Yet the warblers abound." Page 303.

The chief merit of the book, we conceive, lies in the variety
of facts which the author has selected, both from his reading
and from his own portfolio. It cannot fail to be a useful pre-
sent to the young naturalist. R. I.

Art. II. Lepidoptera Britannica. Autore A. H. Ha worth.
Pars IV. Londini, Wood, 428. Strand, 1828.

We have hitherto omitted to announce the publication of
the fourth and concluding part of Haworth's Lepidoptera
Britannica^ of which the first part was given to the public so
long ago as 1803. The work, we happen to know, would
have been completed long before now, had it not been for the
unfortunate failure of the printer to whom the copy was con-
signed, and who afterwards, owing to some unaccountable
misunderstanding, refused either to print the remaining sheets,
or to give back the manuscript to the author. However, " it
is better late than never :" the concluding part at length made
its appearance in the spring of the present year, to the no
small satisfaction of many an entomologist, who previously
possessed only an imperfect portion of a very useful work.
The author has declined to introduce into this last part the
more modern alterations and discoveries in entomological
science, and has printed it in all respects uniformly with the
preceding parts, just as it was originally written many years

* With all deference to Mr. Vigors, on whose authority, we presume,
Mr. Jennings calls the cuckoo a scansor, or climber, we hesitate not to affirm
that cuckoos do not climb, though their feet have two toes before and two
behind, like the parrots and creepers. — Kev.

HawortEs Lepidoptera Britannica, 349

ago. In doing this, he has judged, we think, wisely; for,
otherwise, the work would not have been all of a piece, and
would, perhaps, have brought to our recollection the opening
lines of Horace's Art of Poetry^ —

" Humano capiti cervicem pictor equinam
Jungere si velit," &c.

We rejoice, however, to learn, by the postscript, that Mr.
Haworth contemplates a new edition and entire revision of
the whole. The science of entomology has undergone great
alterations as to its nomenclature, divisions of genera, &c.,
since the earlier parts were printed. It has become much
more popular, and more extensively studied. The original
work, too, though not free from errors and omissions (as the
author candidly acknowledges), is yet invaluable to the British
lepidopterist, and has become exceedingly scarce. The im-
pression was a small one, and the earlier parts have long been
out of print. The new discoveries also made in this depart-
ment of natural history, since the year 1803, are numerous,
and highly interesting. In short, a revised edition of the
work, or a new work on a similar plan, is required by the
present more advanced state of the science. No one (we
speak advisedly in saying this) is better qualified for such
an undertaking than Mr. Haworth, who, in addition to long
practical experience, possesses an extensive and profound
knowledge of entomology, a most accurate and discriminating
eye, and a dexterous facility in describing that most beautiful,
order of insects of which he treats. We sincerely hope he
will put his intended plan in execution, and without delay.
There can be little doubt but that such a work as he contem-
plates would meet with more encouragement from the public
of the present day, than fell to the lot of Lepidoptera Britan-
nica in 1803. It is almost unnecessary to add that, as vast
alterations in the nomenclature have taken place since that
period, there should be in the new work a constant reference
to the old. The glossary, also, of entomological terms,
together with a set of explanatory figures, which, though
never executed, formed a part of the original design, should
by no means be omitted.

The present part contains a description of ten genera of
minute moths, viz. Erminea, Capillaria, Dasycerus, Chelaria,
Gracillaria, Porrectaria, Ypsolophus, Recurvaria, Incurvaria,
and Tinea; the whole comprehending about 247 species. It
is unnecessary to say more on this concluding part, as no
doubt it will be in the hands of every entomologist who pos-
sesses or can procure the preceding volumes.

A. R. Y.

S50 Phillips's Floral Emblems.

Art. III. Floral Emblems. By Henry Phillips, F.L.S. and
F.H.S., Author of Pomarium Britannicum, London. Col. pi.
\L 105. ; plain 1/. I*.

Sir,
I COULD wish that you had desired my opinion of any other
work, rather than of that you have sent me. For several rea-
sons I could wish this : first, because I admire that maxim,
which recommends us, where we cannot say any thing favour-
able, not to say any thing at all ; next, because it is awkward
to point out the defects of others, while we are probably exhi-
biting our own at the same moment ; and, lastly, because I
am so naturally disposed to think well of, and to feel kindly
towards, any person whose mind is accustomed to dwell among
flowers and trees, that it is doing a personal unkindness to
myself to speak as, in this instance, sincerity compels me to
speak.

From the title of the work. Floral Emblems, I expected
to see a neat little pocket volume, light as the subject of which
it treated ; or a thin quarto, with finely coloured plates, brought
out altogether in a costly, and album-like style, and adapted
to take its place among the elegant knick-knacks of a lady of
fashion. I expected to have found in it the figures of such
plants as have, either in this or any other country, been ge-
nerally or poetically associated with certain ideas ; together
with some account of each, explaining where or with whom such
associations originated ; interspersed with appropriate quota-
tions, and, occasionally, with interesting anecdotes. I fancied
how agreeably many young ladies, who have more leisure
than they know how to enjoy, would amuse themselves in
tying up sentimental bouquets, and painting pretty devices ;
but when I saw the book, and when I read it (with very much
more attention than I should have done, had you not desired
my opinion of it), I was led to doubt whether there was any
one class of persons with whom it was likely to become a fa-
vourite. Those ladies for whom it would seem the best
adapted, and who might be supposed to welcome the sort of
employment into which it might lure them, would, I suspect,
find it troublesome to refer so frequently to its pages, to ascer-
tain the signification of the various flowers ; for many of them
are so arbitrary and vague, that there is nothing to assist the me-
mory in retaining them. They might receive the rose as the em-
blem of beauty; the lily, of innocence ; the violet, of modesty or
humility; the holly, of Christmas merriment ; or the mistletoe,
of a stolen kiss : these would be familiar to them. The author
might reasonably expect them to receive, as importations from

Phillips's Floral EmUms, 351

foreign lands, the rose, in progressive stages, as expressive of
a growing love ; the white water-lily, of unsullied purity ; or
the pomegranate, as the emblem of fertility; these, and many
such, they might have received graciously, and Mr. Phillips
might even have exercised his fancy in imagining new associa-
tions, so long as they were neither merely arbitrary, nor, in
themselves, contradictory to the beauty and beneficence of
nature. So long as the emblems he offered had a meaning
and a grace, they might have been favourably received ; but
the majority of them appear to possess neither of these re-
quisites. Disdain is to be expressed by the Yellow Carnation :
Mr. Phillips does not tell us why ; but goes on to speak of the
vanity of the Greeks, and the arbitrary power exercised by
their sultans, and ends with a quotation from Shakspeare,
which is equally irrelevant. Clematis is symbolical of Artifice;
for, " when artifice is innocently resorted to, for the purpose
of giving pleasure, it may be compared to the agreeable
fragrancy of the sweet Clematis." The comparison might
be made with any fragrant flower; and it is not, perhaps,
very often that artifice is "innocently resorted to." 'Th^Siin-
fiower is indicative of False Biches ,• because " gold of itself,
however abundant, cannot render a person rich, who is poor
in spirit." Indeed ! is wealth synonymous with magnanimity,
in Mr. Phillips's vocabulary ? It would be well if the want of
gold were equally powerless to make those poor, whose spirits
were not so. The Blackthorn represents Difficulty : " It is
difficult to penetrate, a thick fence of blackthorn ; some per-
sons make a difficulty of walking over a heath, others, who
mistake impossibilities for difficulties, can only be convinced
by conviction, which frequently comes too late." With the
Saffron is associated the phrase. Do not abuse, " Too liberal
a use of this cordial and stimulating flow^er is said to destroy
the reason, or cause the death, of those who indulge in it." It
may be my own dulness, but I do not see what reference the
following quotation has, either to the plant, or to the author's
mention of it : —

" Some praise at morning, what they blame at night.
But always think the last opinion right.'*

Neither do I find any sufficient reason for making the delicate
Privet the emblem of Defence (the Holly would be a stouter
one); the Marjoram, o^ Bluster ; the Osier, o^ Frankness; the
Cereus (one of the most beautiful of flowers), o^ HoiTor, Here
I come to another objection, and a grave one : why does Mr.
Phillips seek to associate flowers, which naturally present agree-
able images to the mind as well as to the eye, with such ideas as

352 Phillips's Floral Emblems.

these. — Vulgar minds^ Envi/, Disgust^ Voracious7tess, tVar,
Suspicion, Hatred, &c. ; and why does he represent the
latter by the Sweet Basil, by a plant associated with the most
tender love, as he may find in the works of Boccacio, and in
two poets of our own times, neither of whom should have been
forgotten, and, least of all, he whose body was too early laid to
rest, to afford his great genius time for full expansion ?

Why does Mr. Phillips represent Celibacy by a lady with
eight husbands (Epilobium angustifolium), and one of the par-
ticular favourites of Flora, who is not supposed to advocate
that virtue ? Why make the Ladi/s-smock the emblem of
Paternal E7T0r, because Shakspeare says that Lear wore the
Cuckoo Flower in his flowery crown ; when, in the same page,
he quotes lines from Shakspeare, designating the Butter-cup
by that name, and expressly distinguishing it from the Lady's-
smock ? Why, speaking of the Bed Valerian^ does he quote
a line applicable to a very different species ? " Grey loose-
strife here, and pale valerian spring." And why give the com-
mon Laurel as the emblem of Glory, instead of the true Laurel,
the Bay (Zaurus nobilis) ? But it is vain to multiply ques-
tions (of which there are many more to ask), until these have
been answered.

The language in which Mr. Phillips expresses his ideas, is
as obscure and incorrect as the ideas themselves ; one glaring
instance of the latter, is the frequent misuse of the word
and, " The language of flowers is said to be as old as the
world, and the antiquity of floral emblems as great as that of
love itself; and by whom it is supposed to have been in^
vented," &c.

" That the use of heraldic emblems greatly increased
throughout Europe, during the crusades, is generally known ;
and where, as a flattering badge, every private soldier wore a
cross of red stuff', sewed to his surcoat."

" This month (January) and the next were added to the
year by Numa Pompilius, and had the name from Jamis, a
Roman god, painted with two faces (signifying providence or
wisdom), judging by things past of things to come."

Speaking of the Cyclamen, Mr. Phillips says : " We pre-
sent this emblem, with a hope that the poets will not longer
remain too diffident to let this pretty plant escape the harmony
of their song," &c.

I wish I could find something to speak well of in this vo-
lume, but I am obliged to own that even the plates are bad.
As a work of art, I am not qualified to speak ; I refer only to
the inaccuracy. The holly, in particular, is so little like a
holly, that I said to a friend, as I looked at it, " This should

BakewelVs Introduction to Geology. 353

have been a holly, but I see it is not^ Upon reference, I was
somewhat surprised to find that it was intended for one. The
device representing Pensiveiiess arising from Solitude^ has the
situation of the plants exactly the reverse of what they ought
to be. It now represents, according to Mr. Phillips's emblems,
Solitude arising from Peiisiveness.

Unless they were intended always to be represented by
paintings, the party-coloured leaves must be rather difficult to
obtain, as described ; and it might happen that a lady might
not have a bird's nest at hand, when she was desirous of send-
ing to her lover a floral invitation to visit her in the months of
April or May; or a caterpillar, should she fix upon a Friday,

One thing in the volume I did look at with some portion of
interest, the floral emblems of the Scottish clans : but, in other
respects, I have been disappointed ; the more so, from a recol-
lection of some interesting anecdotes, which I observed in a
hasty skimming of the Flora Historical some time since, and
which had led me to expect similar entertainment in the Floral
EmUems, E.

Art. IV. An Introduction to Geology ; comprising the Elements
of the Science in its present advanced State, and all the recent
Discoveries: xvith an Outline of the Geology of England and
Wales. By Robert Bakewell. The Third Edition, entirely
recomposed, with new Plates, pp. 540, 8vo. Longman & Co.

Geology, or the science of the earth, has only been practi-
cally and scientifically cultivated for about half a century.
What was formerly called geology, consisted of speculations
respecting the formation of the world, which partook more of
the character of poetry than of sound philosophy. Geology,
as a science, can only proceed like the other sciences, by a
patient investigation of facts, and by an extended comparison
of analogous phenomena in various situations. Werner and
some of the earlier practical geologists, who first examined,
attentively the structure of the earth's surface in the particular
countries where they resided, fell into the very common error
of forming premature generalisations, and took for granted
that the same series of strata, and the same rocks, which they
observed around them, were spread universally over the
globe, in the same invariable order of succession. On this
principle the system of Werner was founded, and its sup-
porters maintained that it was perfect in all its parts, and was
not less entitled to an unhesitating assent, than the Newtonian

Vol. I. — No. 4. b b

354f BakexvelUs Introduction to Geology.

system of the universe. With the Wernerian system were
mixed up various crude speculations, respecting the formation
of rocks, which were in direct opposition to all the known
properties of matter. Thus it was stated that the rocks and
strata which form the surface of the globe, though composed
of insoluble matter, were once all dissolved in the ancient
ocean, and that this ocean after it had deposited a small part
of its contents, was capable of supporting animal life. For
some years after the commencement of the present cen-
tury, the doctrine of Werner was (with a few exceptions)
generally maintained in this country, and those who dared to
dissent from it were considered as dangerous heretics. The
Wernerian system derived much of its strength from the
circumstance, that most geological writers went for their
illustrations to Germany or countries more remote, and the
reader had no opportunity of verifying or disproving their
accuracy. The distinguishing character of Mr. Bakewell's
Introduction to Geology, when it first appeared in 1813, was,
that the illustrations of the principles of the science were
chiefly taken from situations in our own island, which were
accessible to the readers ; he also openly attacked many of
the glaring errors of the Wernerian system. The second
edition contained a more ample account of English geolog}^,
and was favourably received both in this country and on the
Continent; it was translated into German, and published at
Friburg, the seat of Werner's labours and celebrity. The
distinguishing character of the present enlarged edition of the
Inty^oduction to Geology, consists in the particular illustrations
of geology, by comparisons of the rock formations in England
with those in France, Switzerland, and Savoy, which the
author has examined. It contains also a concise but clear
account of the numerous discoveries of the bones of new-
genera and species of quadrupeds, found in the secondary and
tertiary strata, which have recently given much additional
interest to the study of geology.

The first chapter, which is introductory, treats chiefly on
what may be regarded as belonging to Physical Geography :
the form and density of the earth ; the proportion of the land
and water; and the great changes which the surface of the
globe appears to have undergone, as indicated by the fossil
remains of marine animals, imbedded in solid rocks at the
height of many thousand feet above the present level of the
sea. What the author particularly presses on the attention
of the student is, the order in which the fossil remains are
distributed, as proving that each stratum in which they are
contained was once the uppermost solid part of the globe,

Bakewell^s Introduction to Geology, 355

and that the strata have been deposited in succession, at dis-
tant epoch?. There is a note on the total quantity of salt
contained in the sea, which we think curious and original.
" T/ie inquiry has often been made, whence did the sea
derive its saline contents? It has been supposed, by some
naturalists, that the salt in the sea has been gradually aug-
mented by saline particles brought into it by rivers, but this
cause is totally inadequate to explain the immense quantity of
salt existing in the whole mass of the ocean. If the average
depth of the sea be ten miles, and it contains 2J per cent of
salt, were the water entirely evaporated, the thickness of the
saline residue would exceed 1000 feet." (p. 9.) Our author
proceeds to observe that, could this salt by any cause be re-
moved and spread upon all the present continents, it would
cover them with a stratum of solid rock salt, which would be
more than half a mile in thickness.

The second chapter. On Petrifactions or Fossil Organic
Remains, is new. The penetration of animal or vegetable
substances with mineral matter, it appears from an experiment
of the late Dr. Jenner (stated p. 31.), may be effected in
a much shorter time than has been generally supposed;
it is, therefore, from the nature of these organic remains,
rather than from their state of preservation, that their
high antiquity can be inferred. Mr. Bakewell adopts the
Cuvierian classification of animals, and has given a succinct
account of the geological distribution of fossil remains belong-
ing to the four grand divisions which Cuvier has established
in the animal kingdom. What the author conceives most
particularly desirable is, to mark the first appearance of
those orders of animals whose organisation proves that they
existed under different conditions from the preceding orders.
The animals, for instance, that possessed organs for moving
on their bellies like the snail, and had heads and eyes, were
the inhabitants of shallow waters or of rocks near the surface ;
and the first appearance of vertebrated animals with feet,
indicates the existence of dry land or marshes in the vicinity,
at the period of their existence.

Mr. Bakewell thinks that too much importance has been
attached by modern geologists to the minutiae of conchology.
" We know so little," he observes, " respecting the forms or
habits of the animals classed by the conchologist from their
shells, that we are far from certain, whether many shells
which are regarded as belonging to different species or even
genera, are not mere varieties of form, occasioned by differ-
ence of age or situation. In animals which have no internal
skeleton to determine their form, the construction of the ex-

B B 2

356 BakeweWs Introduction to Geology.

ternal shell may probably admit of considerable variation,
under a change of circumstances. In attempting to ascertain
the identity of distant strata, we ought to bear in mind that
there is another circumstance, independently of climate, that
may have occasioned the same stratum to have been the
abode or sepulchre of very different orders of animals. The
depth of the ocean may have varied very much even in con-
tiguous situations ; and, in distant countries, the difference of
depth may have been very great, and one part might support
genera of pelagian animals (or those which live in deep seas),
while a more shallow part might be tenanted by different
genera or even orders of animals, whose organisation fitted
them for moving nearer the surface of the water." Some
naturalists seem delighted with forming new species from
every slight variation in the form of the shell, and boldly
pronounce, from such uncertain data, that fossil shells are
different from existing species ; this Mr. Bakewell thinks " to
be not more wise, than it would be to class individual men as
belonging to different species, on account of the different forms
of their noses."

The remarkable fact, that no vestiges of human remains
have been discovered with those of the more ancient inhabit-
ants of the globe, is at present fully confirmed; nor have any
fossil bones of monkeys been hitherto found. Our author,
however, observes, that the vast diluvial beds of gravel and
clay, and the upper strata in Asia, have not yet been scienti-
fically explored, and both sacred and profane writers agree in
regarding the temperate regions of that continent as the cradle
of the human race.

Chapter 3., On the Mineral Substances that compose the
Crust of the Globe, is nearly the same as in the former edition.
Chapter 4., On the Principles of Stratification, is new and im-
portant. Every one who travels through a country for the first
time, thinks himself competent to discover at one glance the
direction and arrangement of the strata ; but Mr. Bakewell ob-
serves, that it is often extremely difficult to trace the stratifica-
tion correctly, and that many geologists who have enjoyed a
high reputation, appear to have had very imperfect notions of
stratification. M. D'Aubuison, in his Traite de Geognoste,
published in 1819, has given examples of stratification which
never did, nor ever could, occur in nature.

The curved stratification of the calcareous mountains of
the Alps and Jura, and the optical illusions to which they
give rise, are particularly described by Mr. Bakewell, and ex-
plained by diagrams.

BaJcewelVs Introduction to Geology 357

Chapters 5 and 6., On the Rocks generally denominated Pri-
mary. This class Mr. Bakewell limits to granite, gneiss, and
mica slate, and the rocks which are commonly associated with
or imbedded in them. The three former rocks he regards as
merely modes of the same substances, being essentially com-
posed of the same earths, but different circumstances attend-
ing their formation have disposed them to assume a granitic
structure in one part, and in another to separate into laminae,
or to take a slaty form. The indications of the present exist-
ence of subterranean fire beneath the granite of the Alps
and of Auvergne in France, and, according to Humboldt, in
the Andes, would, our author observes, render it probable
that these rocks are of igneous origin ; and the near connec-
tion there appears to exist between granite and other rocks
allied to volcanic rocks, tends to confirm this opinion. The
granite of the Alps, Mr. Bakewell states, rises in nearly vertical
beds, which have been elevated, together with the secondary
strata, after the formation of the latter; whereas, in some
parts of England, the granite and the slate associated with it,
though rising in elevated beds like those of the Alps, are
covered by horizontal secondary strata, which must have been
deposited after the elevation of the primary beds. Hence Mr.
Bakewell infers that the granite of England is more ancient
than that of the Alps. Two original sections are given ; one ex-
plaining the structure of the Alps, and the other the structure
of the granitic rocks and the secondary strata at Charnwood
Forest, in Leicestershire, which will enable the reader to
judge of the accuracy of the inference respecting their dif-
ferent ages.

Chapter 7., OnTransition Rocks, or the lowest rocks in which
organic remains are found. Mr. Bakewell observes that foreign
geologists have not unfrequently classed the upper secondary
strata with transition rocks, owing to the highly indurated
and crystalline state in which the secondary strata occur,
particularly in the Alps. Hence erroneous accounts have
been given of the bones of vertebrated animals in transition
rocks; whereas the rocks in which they are found are not
more ancient than the English lias and oolite. Some inte-
resting observations on the conformable transition rocks will
be found at the end of this chapter.

Chapter 8., On the Regular Coal Formation ; chapter 9., On
Unconformable Rocks of Porphyry, Trap, and Basalt ; and
chapter 10., A Retrospective View of Geological Facts, contain
many important illustrations of English geology ; and, in the
chapter on the coal strata, there are some observations on the
search for coal in situations beyond the limits of the present

BB 3

358 Bake*(xelVs Litroductioti to Geolocru,

to-

known coal districts, which well deserve the attention of landed
proprietors. The parts that relate to the original formation
of coal in fresh-water lakes or marshes, will claim the atten-
tion of the speculative geologist. Chapters 1 1. to 13. describe
the Upper Secondary Strata, from the magnesian limestone to
chalk. The different formations comprised in this class were,
till very recently, little studied either in this country or on the
Continent. The transition rocks contain almost exclusively
the remains of marine animals. The coal strata, resting upon
the transition strata, contain almost exclusively the remains of
vegetables, and occasionally strata with fresh-water shells.
'* A great change appears to have taken place in the condition
of our planet after the deposition of the coal strata ; for the
upper secondary strata contain principally the remains of ma-
rine animals, and it is in these strata that the bones of verte-
brated animals are first distinctly observed. Among these we
find the bones of the mighty monsters of an ancient creation,
whose extraordinary forms are still more astonishing than
their immense magnitude. Some of these animals of the
saurian or lizard tribe attained the length of forty feet or
more, and appear, from the structure of the teeth and the or-
gans of motion, to have united to the voracity of the croco-
dile, the power of darting through the water on their prey
with inconceivable rapidity. Others had necks so long, that
when extended out of the water they must have resembled
immense hydras."

Much obscurity formerly prevailed respecting the classifica-
tion of the secondary strata on the Continent. This Mr. Bake-
well has attempted to unravel. He explains the points of resem-
blance and dissimilarity which exist between the magnesian
limestone, the red marl, and lias of England, and the zetch-
stein, the gres bigarre, the calcaire agreyphites, and the mus-
chelkalk of the Continent. Mr. Bakewell states that the lower
part of the lias is wanting in the English strata, and that the
gres rouge ancien, the gres des vosges, and the gres bigarre of
the French, are only the lower, middle, and upper parts of the
red marl and sandstone, which are more fully developed in
France than in England. The diflference between the French
and English formations of red marl and lias is not greater
than what exists in distant parts of the same formation in
England. Our author has also traced the identity of the
English lias and oolites, with the calcarean formation of the
Jura and the Alps.

A series of fresh-water strata, between the oolite and the
chalk, occurs in the southern counties of England ,* but these
are probably local formations ; they are remarkable for con-

BakeWeU's Introduction to Geology, 3.59

taining the remains of an herbivorous animal of the lizard
family, seventy feet in length. Our limits will not permit us
to dwell on chapter 13., which describes the Chalk Formation.
Chapter 14., On the Tertiary Formations, above the chalk
strata, is new. The existence and extent of the tertiary strata,
in Europe, were, till recently, imperfectly known. It is in
these strata that we first meet with the bones of large mam-
miferous quadrupeds, which belong to genera or species no
longer existing on the globe. In these strata we also find
the alternation of the remains of marine animals with beds
that contain exclusively the remains of land and fresh-water
animals, which indicate that a great portion of Europe has
alternately been covered by the sea, and by fresh-water lakes.
In England the tertiary formations are imperfectly deve-
loped; the extent which they cover, in this country, is
marked on the geological map that accompanies the present
volume ; under the map there is a small section of the vale of
Thames, which shows the arrangement of the tertiary beds,
over the chalk, in the vicinity of London.

Chapters 1 5, 16., On Volcanoes and Volcanic Rocks; and on
the agency of subterranean fire in the formation of rocks and
strata. In these chapters we have a succinct account of volcanic
phenomena, and a comparison between ancient and recent
volcanoes. In a former state of our planet (Mr. Bakewell
observes) the internal fire must have been more intense than
since the records of authentic history ; this is shown by the
remains of ancient craters, which far exceed the magnitude
of any that are active at the present time ; and the craters
being formed by the eruption of volcanic matter, their size
bears evidence of the magnitude of their former operations.
The enormous craters, many leagues in extent, had, doubt-
less, an important office to perform in nature ; and it cannot,
our author observes, be unreasonable to infer that the earth
is the great laboratory, where the materials were prepared
that form its surface, and were thrown out either as melted
lava, or in aqueous solution, or in a gaseous state, &c.
Siliceous earth is found in hot springs ; and hence, he says, we
may infer that many siliceous rocks and veins were depo-
sited by subterranean waters at a high temperature. This
opinion, which was advanced by Mr. Bakewell in his second
edition in 1815, has recently been adopted by that eminent
geologist, M. A. Brongniart. The following chapters. On
Metallic Beds and Veins, and On Diluvial and Alluvial Depo-
sitions ; and chapter 19., On the Formation of Valleys, and on
Deluges and Denudations, are replete with interesting matter,

B B 4

360 Botanical Periodicals,

which our limits will not allow us to notice. Chapter 20., On
the Geology of England and Wales, contains a more distinct
account of the secondary and tertiary formations, than was
given in the second edition. Our author is inclined to
believe that a range of primary mountains once extended,
from east to west, across this country, of which the Charn-
wood Forest hills, the low sienitic hills in Warwickshire,
and the Malvern hills in Gloucestershire and Herefordshire,
are the remaining nuclei; and that these hills were once
united, and opposed a barrier to the farther extension of the
upper secondary strata; for beyond these hills the lias,
oolite, and chalk, no where appear on the western side of Eng-
land.

The present edition of this work contains one half more
letter-press than the second edition ; but are published at the
same price, being printed in a smaller type.

A useful index and explanation of terms are added. From
the clear manner in which the principles of the science were
stated in the Introduction to Geology, and the variety of ori-
ginal information which it contained respecting the geology
of England, it contributed much to the diffusion of a taste for
geological encjuiries in this country. The present edition con-
tains all the principal discoveries that have since been made,
and is replete with much valuable additional matter, derived
from the author's extensive researches in Great Britain, and
various parts of the continent of Europe. T.

A RT. V. Catalogue of Works on Natural History , lately published,
with some Notice of those considered the most interesting to British
Naturalists,

Britain.

Botanical Periodicals.

The Botanical Cabinet, for July, contains Catasetura Claveringi. An
orchideous plant, which roots into the decaying bark of the trunks of
trees in the Brazilian forests, and is therefore called an epiphyte, in
contradistinction to such plants as the mistletoe, which roots or fixes
itself into the living bark. If our readers will bear this distinction
in mind, they will be able to apply, with greater accuracy than is usually
done, the words parasite and epiphyte. — /Tyoscyamus orientalis; Pen-
tan. Monog., and iSolaneae. A new herbaceous plant from Caucasus. It
flowers in March and April ; from which circumstance, the young botanist
may conclude it to be of low growth ; since plants of the herbaceous kind,
which have to shoot up from the ground every year, before they flower,
cannot, by March, have attained any great height.

' The Flora Australdsica, for July, contains Dryandra (Dr. Dryander, a
celebrated and well known botanist) formosa; Tetran. Monog. and Prote-

Botanical Periodicals.

361

ucea. {fig, 166.) " A stout, upright, bushy, evergreen shrub, well clothed
with branches and leaves : branches densely clothed with a soft tomentum,
and long soft hairs intermixed. Leaves numerous, spreading, rigid, variable
in length, from 4 to 9 in. long, pinnatifid, attenuated to the base, and end-
ing in an acute point, hairy when young, but becoming smooth and glossy

by age on the upper side, underneath clothed with a close snowy white
tomentum ; lobes flat and flatly spreading, nearly as broad at the base as
long, unequally sided, triangular, acute, but not mucronate, two-nerved
underneath, the margins slightly recurved towards the point. Petioles (a)
nearly flat, a little convex on the lower side, dilated at the base, woolly,
also clothed and fringed with long hairs. Flowers in terminal heads, of a
rich orange brown, very handsome, and scented like ripe apricots. Invo-
lucre {b) of numerous bractes : outer ones terminated with a leafy point,
^becoming broad and thickened towards the base, those next the flowers
terminated in a sphacelate recurved point, densely tomentose and hairy ;
inner bractes linearly oblong, acute, also a little reflexed at the points.
Receptacle (e) chaffy. Perianthium {d) deeply 4-parted ; the laciniae nar-
row, thickly clothed with long soft hairs ; unguis (<?) very slender ; lamina
(/) concave, densely clothed with long, glossy, brown hairs. Stamens (g)
4, inserted in the hollow of the lamina ; anthers {h) linear ; pollen (i) yel-
low. Style {k) smooth and glossy, rigid, and of a horny substance, thickest
at the base, and tapering upwards, straw-
coloured. Stigma (/) simple, green, ending
in scarcely an acute point." wi, One of the
outer bractes of the involucrum, terminated
in a leafy point, w, One of the inner broad- ,
ish ones, o. One of the inmost linear ones.
p^ Perianthium split on one side, showing
the style escaping in a bent direction. — ,
Billardiera(in honour of J. J. Labillardiere, the
celebrated French naturalist, who accompanied
the expedition in search of La Peyrouse) sc4n-
dens ; Pent^n. Pentag., and Pittosporeae. A
small climbing shrub, which produces one of
the very few eatable fruits that are natives of
New Holland, and even this fruit is not very
agreeable to the palate. — Grevllleo acumi-
nata {fig, 167.) A handsome shrub, with singular flowers, from the moim-

362

Scientific Journals,

tains in the vicinity of Port
Jackson. — Banksia (Sir Jo-
seph Banks) dryandroeVe*
(Dryandra, and e'ldos, like ; a
Banks?'a resembling a Dry-
andra); Tetran. Monogjn.,
and Proteace<^. {Jig. 168.)
^y comparing this figure
with that of Dryandra for-
mosa {fig. 166.), the young
botanist will be able to dis-
tinguish a Banksza from a
Dryandra whenever he sees
them in flower. The differ-
ence is in the receptacle,
which, in Banksja, forms an
amentum, while in Dryandra it is a chaffy disk.

The British Flower-Garden^ for July, contains some new and very hand-
some plants. Cummingia (named by Mr. G. Don, " in compliment to Lady
Gordon Gumming, whose attachment to the science of botany justly entitles
her to this distinction") campanulata; Hexan. Monog., and ^sphodeleae.

169 ^^^^S^ ^fi^' ^^^' «) ^ ^"'^

from Peru, with

grassy leaves, and
elegant blue flowers.
Salpiglossis {safpigx^
a trumpet, glossisy
a tongue ; flowers
trumpet-shaped, and
style tongue-shaped)
picta; iS'olaneae. A
magnificent herba-
ceous plant from
Chile, first raised
in the garden of
P. Neill, Esq., our
much valued cor-
respondent, at Cannon Mills, near Edinburgh. — Magnol/a Soulangiawa
is a splendid hybrid production, raised by the Chevalier Soulange-Bodin,
between M. conspicua (the M. Yulan of DecandoUe) and M. Kobiis.

The Scientific Journals.

Brande's Quarterly Journal^ for June, contains some interesting papers,
but especially one, entitled Illustrations of Nature, or the Arrangement
of Physical Existence, indicated in Outline, by G. T. B. The writer main-
tains that the three kingdoms of nature are " arbitrary and incorrect
divisions." This is so contrary to the common sense of mankind in all
ages and countries, that the writer cannot hope for many converts to his
opinion. But all great and general views, all comprehensive theories, are
good, as tending to cultivate the higher powers of the mind. A good deal
has been said of late in favour of the quinary, septenary, and circular sys-
tems. G. T. B. suspects the " trine distribution" to be universally pre-
valent ; and, for having had his attention directed to this principle, he
acknowledges his obligation to Tritogenea, the philosophic work of Mr-
George Field. After three or four pages of discussion, the following tabular
view is given : —

Scientific Journals.

363

Realm*. Reigns. Regions. Classes.

f Beasts.
Spiritual Rationals Lung-breathing } Birds.

(^ Reptiles.

C Fish. '

Vital Animals Gill-breathing } Fish allies, or MolMsca.

(! Shell Fish, or Crustacea.

C Insects.
Inorganic Vegetalia Skin-breathing } Worms. >

( Plant allies, or Zoophytes, •>

There is a paper on the proceedings of the Royal Institution, which
shows the prosperous state of that body. A great number of lectures, on
very interesting subjects, have been delivered and numerously attended,
much interesting discussion has taken place, and a great variety of curious,
historical, or useful objects exhibited at the weekly evening meetings. From
the collections in natural history, we learn (extract from Ann.Linn. de Paris)
that plants with pointed leaves and spines attract electricity; that electrified
seeds pass more rapidly through the first periods of vegetation, than such as
are not electrified ; and that electrified roses flower more rapidly and abun-
dantly.

The Philosophical Magazine^ for July, possesses its usual interest ; that for
August contains a paper from the Philosophical Transactions for 1828,
part i., by Sir Humphrey Davy, in which volcanic fires are accounted for
by the exposure of the metals of earths and alkalies to air and water, and
also the formation of lavas and basalts, and many other crystalline rocks,
explained from the slow cooling of the products of such combustion.

GilVs Technological Repository^ for July, contains an animated article on
the delight and instruction which flow from the study of natural history,
" whenever it is pursued, not merely in a scientific, but in a truly philoso-
phical spirit," taken from Blackwood's Magazine. " In speaking of the
effect of such studies on the temper of the mind, in tranquillising it, we
cannot help noticing the natural calmness, independent of those other
affections which attend such studies, arising out of the very nature of the
objects themselves, about which the naturalist is occupied, and out of the
manner in which he is occupied about them." In the August Number is
the continuation of Mr. Carpenter's experiments with the microscope
on insects and their eggs, and a paper on the Ichneumon Fly, by Mr.
Carpenter. " There are several species of ichneumon which make thiur
nings among the caterpillars of the cabbage butterfly. The process of
one species is this : while the caterpillar is feeding, the ichneumon fly
hovers over it, and, with its piercer, perforates the fatty part of the
caterpillar's back in many places, and in each deposits an egg, by means
of the two parts of the sheath uniting together, and thus forming a
tube down which the egg is conveyed into the perforation made by the
piercer of the fly. The caterpillar, unconscious of what wilt ensue, keeps
feeding on, until it changes into a chrysalis; while in that torpid state, the
eggs of the ichneumon are hatched, and the interior of the body of the
caterpillar serves as food for the caterpillars of the ichneumon fly. When
these have fed their accustomed time, and are about to change into the
pupa state, they, by an instinct given them, attack the vital part of the
caterpillar (a most wonderful economy in nature, that this process should
be delayed until they have no more occasion for food). They then spin
themselves minute cases within the body of the caterpillar ; and instead
of a butterfly coming forth (which, if a female, would have probably laid
six hundred eggs, thus producing as many caterpillars, whose food w^ould

364 Report of Committee of Portsmouth Lit, and Phil, Soc.

be the cabbage), a race of these little ichneumon flies issues forth, ready to
perform the task assigned them, of keeping within due limits those fell de-
stroyers of our vegetables." (p. 84.)

The spider also is attacked by the ichneumon, and a small fly, whose
larva is very destructive to the grains of wheat, is also said to be kept within
due limits by the same insect. The caterpillars of the magpie moths, which
feed on currant leaves, those of the moth which feeds on bent grass and
ribwort, and probably various other caterpillars, are liable to become their
nidi. One species lives on the aphides which infest the rose tree, and Mr.
Carpenter saw a large species of ichneumon come forth from the chrysalis
case of a fly of the genus i^fusca. It appears that different species of ich-
neumons sometimes deposit their eggs in the bodies of the same caterpillar,
and that many of the cynips, or gnats, which breed within the dog-rose and
oak apples, are destroyed by ichneumons depositing their eggs within the
cells of the cynips, and Mr. Marsham, as we are informed by Mr. Samouelle,
in his very valuable work. The Entomologist'' s Useful Compendium^ observed
in Kensington Gardens, in June 1827, the /chneumon manifestator on the
top of a post, depositing its eggs in the holes of the wild bee (-4'pis maxil-
losa), and, no doubt, in the larva or young bees which were in these holes.

Brewster^ s Journal^ for July, contains a great variety of interesting
information on subjects of natural history. The first article, by J. Grant,
Esq., on the Ourang-outang of Borneo, is very curious and interesting. Its
face is said to be strangely human ; " nor is it in his physiognomy alone
that this animal bears so much resemblance to the human being." In a
considerable number of points it differs from the other species of apes,
and in all of these points it differs by approaching to the human species.
The creature may be tickled, and laughs, and walks upright. He is, how-
ever, only 2 ft. 2 in. high, and weighs but 22 lbs. avoirdupois. A number
of other curious particulars we have extracted for our Collectanea.

Jamesori^s Philosophical Journaly for June, contains, as usual, a number of
valuable papers ; among others, the conclusion of the Geology of Nithsdale,
by our correspondent, J.S. Menteath, Esq. jun., formerly noticed (p. 17 J.)
as important in an agricultural point of view. He remarks that the
Scotch fir (Pinus sylvestris) does not harden its wood well, when growing
on the greywacke ; but that the contrary happens with the larch (Pinus
iarix), its wood being sound and good, and perfect at the heart. " The
larch grows naturally only on the primitive mountains, as the granite, gneiss,
and the like rocks of that class of the Alps, in Switzerland. And it is most
curious to observe, that, on the whole range of the Jura mountains, sepa-
rating that country from France, and being a limestone formation, rising to
an elevation of several thousand feet, not a single self-sown larch can be
discovered." Advancing, however, from this range into Switzerland, where
the primitive formation abounds, we find the larch indigenous, and attaining
to a great size. " It would thus appear that the greywacke, approaching
very near in qualities to the primitive mountain soil, is the best qualified to
grow larch." The author is of opinion that, " when mineralogy, a science so
interesting to the philosopher, comes to be more generally understood and
applied to the discovery of useful mineral substances, we may expect that
this tract will furnish products not yet brought to light, which may con-
tribute to promote agricultural and manufacturing industry ; and the valley
of the Nith, though not the most extensive, may become one of the most
important that is anywhere to be met with in Scotland."
Report of the Committee of the Portsmouth and Portsea Literary and
Philosophical Society. 1827-8. Portsmouth. Pamph. 8vo, pp. 48.

This is one of the most prosperous provincial societies in the kingdom ;
and, in such a place as Portsmouth, where there are so many young
men whose active pursuits allow them little leisure for reading, it must

Wata^ton^s Wanderings, ^QS

be the cause of much good, by directing their attention to those subjects
by which they can best render service to science. The effects in this
way are obvious, from the great number of donations annually made to
the museum by naval officers. " In these commercial and maritime towns,
the number of individuals possessed of literary leisure is necessarily limited.
Hence the greater importance of facilitating their improvement ; of com-
municating knowledge in an attractive form, whereby the mind is imper-
ceptibly led to the acquisition of knowledge ; of divesting science of many
of those technicalities which frequently prove insuperable difficulties to
the student. The members of this Society are generally impressed with
its usefulness ; and, if this Report should happen to circulate beyond our
own immediate sphere, it is trusted that it may have some effect in exciting
the uninterested, and arousing the lukewarm, in the cause of science. This
Society does not advocate the interest of any sect ; it proceeds on the broad
principle of doing good, not to particular individuals, but to the public at
large ; not to any party, but to the inhabitants of these towns in general."
The Report of the Committee from which these extracts are taken, is
followed by the Secretary's Report, in which the analysis is given of the
different lectures delivered throughout the year. The interest of these
lectures, and the good which they are likely to effect, will appear from the
following enumeration of the subjects of them : — Natural Philosophy, by
Mr. John Fincham, Vice-President ; Geology of the Island of Portsea, by
Lieut. Davies, Curator of the Museum ; Stenography, by Mr. Hinton, of
Chichester; Mechanical Properties of the Atmosphere, by the Rev. J. Ful-
lagar. President of the Mechanics' Institution of Chichester; Habits and
Physiology of some of the Termes Testacea, by Mr. C. Wilcox ; Forensic
or State Medicine, by Mr. J. W. Williams ; Oxygen and hydrogen gases, by
Mr. Richard Dowle ; Mineralogy, by Mr. William Fricker ; Philosophy of
Evidence, by Mr. N. Griffin; Physiology of the Stomach, and the Process
of Digestion, by Mr. Garrington ; Authenticity of the Poems of Ossian, by
the Rev. Edmund Kell, A.M., of Newport; Progress of Literature in Eng-
land, since the invasion of Julius Caesar, by Mr. George Caught; Ichthyo-
lites, or Fossil Remains of Fishes, by Lieut. J. H. Davies, Curator of the
Museum ; Languages, by Mr. Hinton, of Chichester ; Anatomy and Physio-
logy, by Mr. Julian Slight, Secretary ; Hydrostatics, by the Rev. J. Neave;
Contagion, by Mr. J. W. Williams ; Magnetism, by Mr. Bennett, of Ports-
mouth Dock-yard ; Probable permanency of Modern Civilisation, by Mr.
George Caught ; History of Music, by Mr. Henry Deacon, Treasurer ; Elec-
trical and Magnetic Agencies, &c., by Lieut. Sabben, R.N.

Waterion, Charles, Esq., of Walton Hall, near Wakefield ; a man who, from
a boy, has displayed great originality of character ; an excellent classical
scholar, and amiable in all the private relations of life : Wanderings in
South America, the North-west of the United States, and the Antilles, in
the years 1812, 1816, 1820, and 1824. With original Instructions for
the perfect Preservation of Birds, &c. London, 8vo. 2d edit. 10*.

This is, in all respects, an original book ; the remarks are, for the greater
part, confined to subjects of natural history ; and, mixed up as they are with
the author's personal adventures, are not less entertaining than instructive.
The future pages of our Collectanea will be richly indebted to Mr. Water-
ton. What is particularly gratifying in reading the work, is the liberality
and benevolent feeling which it displays, not only towards man in every
country and clime, and of every religion and government, but towards
every living thing capable of feeling pain or enjoying pleasure. The book
deserves to be put into the hands of all boys resident in the country, to
teach them the exercise of humanity, in their earlier years, towards insects
and birds, and, in their more mature days, in the sports of the field and in
the chase. We cannot sufficiently recommend it.

366 Sebright\s Observations upo7i Ha'vcking.

Hart, Mr. Edmund: Philosophical Enquiries ; or, an Examination and Re-
futation of most of the received Theories of Rain, Mist, Dews, Latent
Heat, Solar Raj'^s, Light, and Lunar Influences ; a Plan for preventing
Thunder and Hailstones; together with Drs, Herschell and Clarke's
Weather Table, &c. &c. In a Series of Letters. London. 12mo, pp. 84 .

Sebright, Sir John SaunderSy Bart. : Observations upon Hawking, describing
the Mode of Breaking and Managing the several kinds of Hawks used in
Falconry. London. Pamph. 8vo, pp. 64. os. 6d.

Before the appearance of this little tract, we were not aware that so
much of this ancient amusement of our princes still remained in the king-
dom. In the olden time a falconer was an indispensable personage in
the establishment of a nobleman ; but the invention of gunpowder, and
improved machines of destruction, have almost banished the falconer,
together with his occupation. The little work before us will, however, in
some degree, retrieve the sinking fame of this once fashionable amusement,
as it shows that training birds of prey for sport or use is perfectly practi-
cable, and that, as instruments of the chase, they are as effectual, and, at
the same time, just as rational, as the slaughtering gun, and certainly less
dangerous.

Sir John informs us that professional falconers have been for many
years natives of the village of Falconsward, near Bois le Due, in Holland.
A race of them was there born and bred, whence supplies have been
drawn for the service of all Europe : but, as there has been no sufficient
inducement for the young men to follow the employment of their fore-
fathers, numbers are dead or worn out ; and there only remains John Pells,
now in the service of John Dawson Downes, Esq., of Old Gunton Hill,
Suffolk.

The author has very accurately detailed the best method of taking,
rearing, and training the hunting hawks, with all the terms of falconry,
including feeding, tiring, &c. ; and also given concise descriptions of their
game, and directions for using them in the pursuit of it.

The hawks enumerated by Sir John, which have been trained for the
field, are the slight falcon (Falco gentilis) and the goshawk (Falco palum-
barius), which are the species generally used in falconry. The former is
called a long-winged hawk, or one of the lure; the latter a short-winged
hawk, or one of the^i-^.

The Icelander is the largest hawk that is known, and highly esteemed
by falconers, especially for its great powers and tractable disposition. The
gyr falcon is less than the Icelander, but much larger than the slight falcon.
These powerful birds are flown at herons and hares, and are the only
hawks that are fully a match for the fork-tailed kite. The merlin and
hobby are both small hawks, and fit only for small birds, as the blackbird,
&c. The sparrow-hawk (Falco iVisus) may be also trained to hunt : his
flight is rapid for a short distance, kills partridges well in the early season,
and is the best of all for landrails.

Partridge, magpie, heron, and rook hawking are described, and in a way
which must be interesting to every sportsman.

Sir John asserts, that " the slight falcon takes up his abode every year,
from October and November until the spring, upon Westminster Abbey,
and other churches in the metropolis. This is well known to the London
pigeon-fanciers, from the great havoc they make in their flights."

The fork-tailed kites were much flown, some years ago, by the Earl o^
Orford, in the neighbourhood of Alconbury Hill.

French Books, 367

France. '

Saint-HUaire, JussieUy and Cambessedes :

1. Plantes usuelles des Bresiliens. Paris. 4to, livr. 15. fig. 5s.

2. Flora Brasiliae Meridionalis. Paris. Fascic. 7. 4to, fig. 15^.; folio, fig.
col. 51.

Dcscourtilz: Des Champignons comestibles suspects et veneneux, &:c. Paris.
8vo, livr. 6. and 7. col. pi. fol. 3s.

De Candolle : Botanicon Gallicum, seu Synopsis Plantarum in Flora Gal-
lica descriptarum. Edit. 2nda ex herbariis schedisqiie Candollianis et suis
digestum a Duby. Pars Imaplantas vasculares continens. Paris. 8vo. 12*.

Guillemm : Icones Lithographicse Plantarum Australasias rariorum. Decades
duae. Paris. 4to. 6s.

Duperret/ :

1 . Voyage autour du Monde pendant les anndes 1 822-25. Seconde divis. ;
Botanique. Paris. Folio, livr, 3. 14*. each.

2. Voyage autour du Monde, pendant les ann^es 1822-25. Premiere
division; Zoologie. Paris. Folio, livraison 6. 145. each.

Freycinet: Voyage autour du Monde pendant les ann^es 1817-20. Ve.
partie ; Botanique, 6me livraison. Paris Folio. 145. each.

Duponchel: Histoire Naturelle des Lepidopteres Nocturnes de France.
Paris. 8vo, tom. 4. livr. 5-7. 5s. each.

Cours d*Histoire Naturelle, contenant les principales especes du Regne
Animal, dessinees par Paul Oudart, publi^ par Engleman. Paris. 4to,
livraisons 1 a 12. Plain, 45.; coloured, 85. each.

Planches de Seba, accompagnees d'un texte explicatif mis au courant de la
Science, et redige par une reunion de savans. Baron Cuvier, Desmarest,
GeofFroy Saint- Hilaire, &c. Paris. Folio, livraisons 7 a 12. 45. each.
(To be completed in 45 livraisons.)

Robineaii Desvoidy : R^cherches sur I'organisation vertebrale des Crustac^s,
des Arachnoides, et des Insectes. Paris. 8vo.

M.M.. Andoidn, J. Boia^don, &c. : Dictionnaire Classique d'Histoire Na-
. turelle dirige par Bory de Saint Vincent. Paris. 8vo, tom. 12, 13. avec
cahiers 12, 13. de Planches. 155. per vol., with plates.

Polydore Roux : Ornithologie Proven9ale, ou Description avec, fig. color,
de tons les oiseaux qui habitent constamment la Provence, ou qui n' y
sont que de passage. Marseilles. Livraison 1-12. 75. 6c?. each. (To form
50 livraisons.)

Fellens: Manuel de Meteorologie, ou Explication theorique et demon-
strative des phenomenes connus sous le nom des m^teores. Paris. 18mo.
45. 6d.

Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles. Paris. 8vo, tom. 52, 53. 65. each ;
Planches, cahiers 52, So, 5s. each

Lesson : Complement des (Euvres de Buffon, ou Histoire naturelle de tous
les animaux rares et precieux, d^couverts depuis la mort de Buffon.
Paris. 8vo, tom. 1. 55. 6d. Planches noires, livraison 1. 25. 6d.; col. 5s.
(To form 10 volumes, and 20 livraisons of plates.)

Joseph, J. D., Anc. Capt. of Artillery : Essai sur les Modifications apport^es
^ la conformation de la terre depuis sa creation. Paris. 8vo, pp., 80.

368 German, Italian, Dutch, and Swedish Booh.

Boitard, M. :

1. Manuel d'Entoniologie, ou Histoire naturelle des Insect es. Paris.
2 vols. 18mo, pp. 455 and 417. pr. 7/r.

2. Atlas des Insectes necessaire pour I'intelligence du texte, composee de
IJO planches. Paris. Plain, 17/r.; col. 34 fr.

Girardin, J., and JuiUety Jul. : Nouveau Manuel de Botanique, ou Principes
^Mmentaires de physique veg^tale, contenant I'Organographie, la Physio-
logic, la Taxonomie, et la Description de cent quatre-vingt-treize families
naturelles connues. Paris. ISino, 12 pis. 5fr, 60c.

Germany.

Painty Dr. L. H.: Uber das Winden der Pflanzen Eine botanisch-physiolo*
gische Preisschrift. On the twining of Plants. A botanical physiological
Prize Essay. Stuttgard. 8vo. 5s. 6d.

Bischoff, G. W. : Die Kryptogamischen Gewachse mit besonderer Beruck-
sichtigung der Flora Deutschlands und der Schweiz. On cryptogamoug
plants, particularly of the Flora of Germany and Switzerland. 1st book,
Nuremberg. 4to. 125. 6d.

Weheriy G. W. : Nolte, Novitiae Florae Holsaticae, sive Supplementum alte-
rum primitiarum Florae Holsaticae. Hamburgh. 8vo. 9s. 6d.

Schwaegrichen, F., &c. : Johannis Hedwig, &c.. Species Muscorum Frondo-
sorum descriptae et tabulis aeneis illustratae ; opus posthumum, supple-
mentum secundum. Leipsic. 4to, pp. 79. 6 thai.

Glocker^ E. F. : De Gemmis Plinii, imprimis de Topazio. Oryctologiae
Plinianeae specimen primum. Breslaw. Svo, pp. 74. 8grs.

Steinmann and Rems : Das Saidschitzer Bitterwasser. The mineral waters
of Saidschitz in Bohemia. , Prague. Svo, pp. 129.

Goepperty H. Rob. : De Acidi Hydrocyanici vi in Plantas Commentatio.
Breslaw. Svo, pp.58.

Italy.

Gussoncy Joanne : Florae Siculae Prodromus, sive Plantarum in Sicilia ulte-
riori nascentium Enumeratio, secundum Systema Linnaeanura. Naples.
2 vols. Svo, pp. 592.

Holland and the Netherlands.

Lejeuncy A.L.S.y and CourtoiSy R. : Compendium Florae Belgicae. Liege.
1 vol. 12mo, pp. 264. 2jlorins.

Sweden.

Svensk Zoqlogi. Zoology of Sweden, published by the Royal Academy of
Sciences. Stockholm. Vol. 2. cah. 12, Svo, pp. 155, with plates.

Nillson, S. : Petrificata Suecana formationis cretaceae descripta et iconibus
illustrata. Part l. Vertebrata et Mollusca sistens. Lund. Folio, pp. 39,
10 pi, gr.

369

PART III.

COLLECTANEA.

Art. L The General Subject.

Test of a good Naturalist, — It was the opinion of Linnaeus, that the
superiority of a naturalist depends upon his knowledge of the greatest num-
ber of species ; and, considering the character of his works, as jfiilled with
brief, dry, technical descriptions of genera and species, arranged in artificial,
unnatural groups, somewhat after the fashion of an index, the opinion is
not much to be wondered at, though few naturalists, we think, of the pre-
sent day would covet the distinction, apart from other qualifications of a
higher order. A good gossiping naturalist might, no doubt, be made, by
storing the memory with Linnaean names and distinctions ; but, by making
these the chief study, all comprehensive and philosophical views of nature
would be frittered down into an endless and useless crowd of unarranged
ideas, like the disunited and scattered links of what ought to form a
beautiful and magnificent chain. It is indeed one of the most prominent
marks of a vulgar and uneducated mind, to associate ideas slenderly con-
nected, and to be deficient in the pov/er of grouping important facts, and of
bringing them into a luminous focus, as must be always the case with a mere
knower of species. I cannot better illustrate the character of such gossiping
naturalists, than by quoting Dame Quickly*s speech to Sir John Falstaff, in
Henry IV. ^ which is full of circumstances quite irrelevant and unconnected.

" Hostess. Thou didst swear to me upon a parcel-gilt goblet, sitting in
my Dolphin chamber, at the round table, by a sea-coal fire, upon the Wed-
nesday in Whitsun-week, when the prince broke thy head for likening his
father to a singing-man of Windsor; then didst thou swear to me, then, as I
was washing thy wound, to marry me, and make me my lady thy wife.
Canst thou deny it? Did not goodwife Keech, the butcher's wife, come in
then, and call me gossip Quickly, — coming in to borrow a mess of vinegar ;
telling us she had a good dish of prawns ; whereby thou didst desire to eat
some; whereby I told thee they were ill for a green wound? And didst
not thou, when she was gone down stairs, desire me to be no more so fami-
liarity with such poor people ?"

My test of a good naturalist, on the contrary, would be taken from the
power of combining a number of important facts into connected groups, so
as to establish useful general conclusions. A short example of what I mean
will be found in the extract from Wilson, respecting feline animals (p. 371.).
— J. Rennie.

Technicalities of Sciefice. — The inutility of science, written in a merely
technical form, is well exemplified in the instance of Cicero. He was ad-
vised by his friends not to write his works on Greek Philosophy in Latin ;
because those who cared for it would prefer his work in Greek, and those
who did not would read neither Greek nor Latin. The splendid success of
his De Officiis, his De Finibus, his De Natura Deorum, &c., showed that
his friends were wrong. He persevered in the popular style, and led the
fashion. — Id.

Vol. I. — No. 4. c c

370 Tlie General Subject,

Devotion to Nature. — The Headland of Tarbet, which seemed " so
threatening overnight, now most desirably cuts us off from every connec-
tion with the low land. Nature, always lovely in detail, was now sublime
in her tout ensemble. Every thing about us proclaimed a power which
penetrated to the very centre of our being. Nature was here every thing,
man nothing, except as he was filled with the grandeur and wonders of
nature. The curtain of the world seemed withdrawn ; and, without any
formality of worship, our hearts paid a grateful homage to the Great
Architect who had prepared such a magnificent spectacle." {Letters from
the Highlands^ by W., in Scotsman^ April 16.)

Classification. — First thoughts on most subjects are often right, because
they are the impulse of natural feeling ; succeeding thoughts are exercises
of reason, and are sometimes right and sometimes wrong. For a while man
is best pleased with his own systems, because he understands them best ;
afterwards he begins to discover something of the system of nature, and
ultimately he returns to his first feelings, and endeavours to cultivate them.
Thus, in the study of botany and zoology, the early authors arranged plants
and animals according to their more obvious appearances and resemblances ;
afterwards they had recourse to particular parts of individuals, as the flowers,
leaves, &c., of plants, and the teeth, feet, &c., of animals. After a great
number of such artificial systems have been tried, modern botanists and
zoologists have adopted what is called the natural system, or classification
according to the aggregate of resemblances, which is nothing more than a
return to the manner of looking at objects, and classing them, adopted
instinctively by every human being. — C. N.

The Study of Natural History. — There are few studies better calculated
to expand the mind, and gratify our natural thirst of knowledge. The gra-
dation and inter-approxiraation of animal forms, amid whose countless vari-
ations a relation to a given standard can be traced, to one common and
original type; the intimate relation between organised beings and the
local circumstances by which they are surrounded ; the structure of pecu-
liar organs which necessitate a modification of all the others, and fix irre-
versibly the habits and mode of existence of the animal; the varieties
produced by accidental causes, and the grand and permanent distinctions,
whose preservation has been guarded by jealous nature with impassable
barriers ; the proportionate developement of the intellectual principle
following the varieties of organisation ; and, in fine, the astonishing re-
sults of that mysterious cause, which our ignorance has termed instinct :
all these are surely subjects of the highest interest, and constitute the essen-
tial province and peculiar charm of zoology. The writers who unfold them
are deserving of the gratitude and admiration of mankind, as much as those
who employ themselves in disguising and degrading the science, by a caco-
phonous nomenclature, and a parade of barbarous Latinity which fools think
learning, are entitled to reprobation and contempt. There are many such
in France, and some among ourselves, great men in their little circles ; they
do well to make the most of this ; for they may rest assured, that however
highly they may rank in their own estimation, or in that of their coteries,
the world neither knows nor cares any thing about them. {Athenceum,
April 8. p. 341.)

Spontaneous Organisation of Matter. — We have before (p. 65.) stated
the opinion of M. Bory on this subject. M. Dutrochet has endeavoured to
show that the green- matter floating about in stagnant waters, as well as the
microscopical animalcula found in water in the summer season, is nothing
more than gelatinous matter, altogether inanimate, but influenced by electri-
cal currents. With respect to the green matter, J. Rennie, in the Verulam,
says, " we are certain of the fact, that the green matter which forms on
stagnant water is precisely the same with that which forms on walls of
stone, brick, or cement ; and that it is not related to Byssi and Confervas

Zoology, 371

any more than to animalcula, but is simply the germination of the more
common mosses (Tortulae, ^jpna, Poljtricha, &c.), which, for want of
proper soil to support their vegetation, never get beyond what is in them
analogous to the seed-leaf in cotyledonous plants.'*

Art. II. Zoology.

Musical Ear. — "1 knew, at Paris, the widow of an Irish patriot, who
could not hear the * Exile of Erin ' sung, without being overpowered to such
a degree, that it would have been truly alarming, had not a flood of tears
come to her rehef. What is wonderful, so far from having a fine musical
ear, she had not even a commonplace relish for music. The same effect
was produced on her by the * Minstrel Boy ' of Moore. P., a young friend
of the writer, who has no taste for music, is similarly overpowered, even in
a crowded theatre, when * Home, sweet Home * is sung." {London Maga-
zine.)

Characteristics of Feline Animals. — Animals of the cat kind are, in a state
of nature, almost continually in action both by night and by day. They either
walk, creep, or advance rapidly by prodigious bounds ; but they seldom run,
owing, it is believed, to the extreme flexibility of their limbs and vertebral
column, which cannot preserve the rigidity necessary to that species of
movement. Their sense of sight, especially during twilight, is acute ; their
hearing very perfect, and their perception of smell less so than in the
dog tribe. Their most obtuse sense is that of taste ; the lingual nerve in
the lion, according to Des Moulins, being no larger than that of a middle-
sized dog. In fact, the tongue of these animals is as much an organ of
mastication as of taste ; its sharp and^ horny points, inclined backwards,
being used for tearing away the softer parts of the animal substances on
which they prey. The perception of touch is said to reside very delicately
in the small bulbs at the base of the mustachios. {Wilson's Illustrations of
Zoology.)

Food of the Humming-Bird. — From the circumstance of humming-birds
frequenting flowers, and thrusting their needle-formed bills into the blos-
soms, as bees and buttei*flies do their suckers (haustella), it has hastily been
concluded by naturalists, that, like these insects, they feed on honey. But
if such naturalists had paused for a moment to consider the form of the
bill and the tongue in the TVochilidae, their conclusions would not perhaps
have been so hasty. The trophi of insects which feed on the honey of
flowers, are beautifully adapted for procuring it by suction, which is com-
monly indispensable, the honey being in most cases spread thinly over the
surface of the nectary or the ungulse of the petals, and not in quantities such
as it might be drank like water. Now it is a fact, which is or may be well
known, that birds have almost no power of suction, in consequence of the
narrowness and rigidity of their tongue, as may be seen when they drink,
having to hold up their heads and depend upon the weight of the water
for transmitting it into the craw. Nobody, as far as we know, has described
the humming-bird drinking the honey from flowers in this manner, and in-
deed its tenacity and glutinous nature would entirely preclude this. Such
reasons would dispose us, therefore, to conclude, that the Trochilidae do not
feed on honey, though we did not possess irresistible proofs of the fact, that
they feed on insects.

Wilson, the distinguished author of the American Ornithology, found,
upon repeated dissection, that the J'rochilus colubris had a quantity of
insects in its stomach, either whole or in fragments ; and the eccentric
Waterton affirms that humming-birds feed on insects. Of course, they

c c 2

372 Oology,

frequent flowers not for their honey, but to prey upon the insects which
are in pursuit of this honey. Were the requisite scrutiny gone into, it is
probable that we should find all Latham*s " Flower- eaters" (Anthophagi)
and Temminck*s Nectariniae exclusively feeding on insects. — J. Hennie.

Mechanism of the Neck in Birds. — The contrivance by which the spine of
animals is rendered susceptible of varied motion, is by means of a strong chain
of bones (vertebrae), locked together by means of knobs and projections to
prevent dislocation, a chain which stretches from the head to the extre-
mity of the tail. Every body must have remarked, that in birds the neck
is more capable of varied motion than in quadrupeds ; but it is not so com-
monly known, that this can be accounted for from the greater numbef of
bones, and consequently, of joints, in the necks of birds. Except in the
three-toed sloth, indeed, the bones in the neck of quadrupeds and of man are
uniformly seven in number, the short-necked mole having the same as the
long-necked giraffe j in birds, the number is never less than nine, and va-
ries from that to twenty-four : facts, which, we think, are as interesting as
they are curious. — Id. .

Varieties of Trout. — The late Professor Jurine, in his interesting History
of the Fishes of the Lake of Geneva, has attempted to show that what are
reckoned different species or varieties of trout (*Salmo Trutta and S. jF^rio),
and known under various names, such as the common trout, the salmon trout,
the lake trout, the river trout, the Alpine trout, &c.,are all referable to differ-
ence of sex, age, season, the nature of the waters, food, light, &c. The dis-
tinctive marks taken from the prolongation of the under jaw beyond the
upper, the colour of the flesh, of the skin, with the size and shade of the
spots, the form of the tail, &c., he found not to be permanent, and there-
fore not to be depended upon. (Mem, de la Soc. de Physique etd'Hist. Nat.
de Geneve.)

Migration of Fish. — The beluga (Accip^nser Huso\ though an inhabitant
of the Black Sea, is often caught at Presburg, 500 German miles from the
mouth of the Danube. What shows that the migration is not solely for
spawning is, that at the migrating season rivers abound in shoals of young
fish incapable of spawning. May it not be, that the beluga swims against
the stream to free itself from animalcula infesting the head ? {Taubo Bes-
chreibung von Slavonien, i. 29.) The salmon, Pennant tells us, is obliged to
quit the sea to rid himself of the Lernae'ae ^almoneaei. * and Dr. An-
derson says they are driven back from the fresh water by another species
of vermin.

^ Alligators swallowing Stones. — It is well known that many species of
birds swallow small stones, for the purpose, as is supposed, of aiding diges-
tion ; but it is, we believe, an anomaly amongst other orders of animals.
The following notice, accordingly, struck us as singular, if not incredible.
The Indians on the banks of the Oronoko assert that, previously to an alli-
gator going in search of prey, it always swallows a large stone, that it may
acquire additional weight to aid it in diving and dragging its victims under
water. The author being somewhat incredulous upon this point (how
could he be otherwise ?), Bolivar, to convince him, shot several with his
rifle, and in all of them were found stones, varying in weight according to
the size of the animal. The largest killed was about 1 7 ft. in length, and
had within him a stone weighing about 60 or 70 lbs. The author, however,
still remains sceptical (very properly, we think), and has some doubts whe-
ther these stones are not calculi secreted in the stomach ! ! I (See Recol-
lections of Venezuela and Colombia, by an Officer of the Colombian Navy.)

Charming of Serpents. — Stedman, in his Expedition to Surinam, describes
certain sibyls among the negroes, who, together with other singular prac-
tices, can charm or conjure down from trees certain species of serpents,
which will wreathe about the arms, neck, and breast of the pretended sor-
ceress, listening to her voice ; and nothing, as he adds, is more notorious.

Zoologi/. 373

than that the eastern Indians will rid their houses of the most venomous
snakes, by charming them with the sound of a flute, which calls them out
of their holes. Instances of the same kind, however incredible they may
appear, are given, not only by ancient writers, such as Pliny and Seneca, but
by modern authors of undoubted credit, such as Sir William Jones, Bruce,
Shaw, Greaves, Chardin, Forbes, and Chateaubriand.

Et/es of Crabs and Lobstei's. — Dr. W. E. Leach has invented a term (Po-
dophthahna) to distinguish crustaceous animals, from the mechanism of
their eyes, which are placed at the extremity of pedicles, somewhat like
the glass of a telescope. M. Lamarck says that these eyes are not retrac-
tile, like the horns of the snail, but he has observed, in living crabs and lob-
sters, that the eyes, at the least touch, are drawn back a little into the
sheath, and concealed in the same fossette where they are placed. (Z^a-
viarckj Discoursd^Ouverture,]). 15.)

The Tyrian Purple Dye. — The colour extracted by the ancients from
certain shellfish, and so highly esteemed, as to be reserved exclusively for
princes, has been produced by modern experiment, though its value, it
should seem, has passed away with the fashions of antiquity. More than
one sort of shellfish furnishes a purple dye, but the principal belong to the
two genera Mureyi and ^uccinum, which can still be procured in great
plenty on the shores of the Mediterranean. The great expense of the pro-
cess would preclude it, we imagine, from answering the purpose of modern
speculation, for one shell only affords a single drop of the dye; and it re-
quired (at least in the ancient process) six pounds of dye to one pound of
wool, which, when dyed, sold at the enormous price of a thousand Roman
denarii, or about 36/.

Hatching of Female Eggs. — It has long been remarked, by collectors,
that the male broods of insects always appear earlier thein the female
broods ; but we do not know whether it has also been remarked, that the
eggs from which females are produced are longer in hatching. I can state
one instance in which this was distinctly the case. Upon the leaf of a
poplar tree I found three eggs of the Puss moth (Cerura vlnula), two of
which were hatched about two weeks before the other. The first were
males, the last a female. As they were on the same leaf, and presumed, of
course, to be laid by the same parent, at the same time, the difference of
hatching could not arise from difference of weather, exposure, &c. — •■
J. Rennie.

Doubtful Discoveries. — It may serve, in some measure, to confirm M,
Dutrochet's recent opinion of the non-existence of miscrosoopic animal-
cula, that the celebrated Spallanzani persuaded himself that he could see
Animalcula infusoria which could be seen by nobody else. He attributed
his own superiority of vision, in this respect, to long practice in using the
microscope. The philosopher exulted in his enviable distinction, when a
peasant, to whom he showed his animalcula, could perceive nothing but
muddy water.

Mistakes of Instinct. — In the account of that most singular parasitic
flower (having neither leaves nor stem, it can scarcely be called a plant), the
RafHesk Arnoldii {Mag. of Nat. Hist., p. 68.), it is mentioned that it smells
like tainted beef; and, on its first discovery by Dr. Arnold, a swarm of flies
were gathered round it, for the purpose, he imagined, of depositing^ their
eggs upon it, supposing it, no doubt, to be in reality tainted beef. This is
one instance in hundreds which might be enumerated, of what may be called
the mistakes of instinct, where it depends upon the information of the senses;
and, in this respect, similar mistakes frequently occur, where the higher
powers of human rationality are deceived by analogous phenomena. The fine
nutty flavour of cherry laurel-water and of prussic acid, both most deadly
poisons, would be certain to deceive the inexperienced ; and Majendie's
maid-servant actually fell an immediate victim to her desire of tasting the

c c 3

374 Zoology.

prussic acid which she found in his laboratory. It is needless, however, to
waste words in illustrating human mistakes of this kind, as it is an article
of popular belief, and supposed to arise from the artificial habits acquired
in social life; whereas, the same popular creed would have us believe that
wild animals never mistake poison for food, and that their instinct is infal-
lible.

How universally soever this doctrine may be believed, there can be no
doubt that it is founded in error ; for, as 1 have said, numerous instances
could be given of the mistakes of instinct. I shall content myself with men-
tioning one or two.

The common earthworm (Zumbricus terr^stris) is instinctively afraid of
moles ; and, no sooner does it hear any subterranean noise, or feel any
tremhlement de terrcy similar to those indicative of the approaching move-
ments of its enemy, than it makes a speedy escape to the surface. Every
boy knows how to take advantage of this, to procure fish-baits, by thrusting
a spade or a stake into the ground, and moving it backwards and forwards,
to imitate the advance of a burrowing mole in search of prey. The worm,
unable, with all its instinct, to discriminate between its subterranean enemy
and the spade, darts into daylight, and is instantly captured for the boy's
bait-bag. The lapwing (Trlnga Vanellus), it is said, is aware of this instinctive
fear of the earthworm of subterranean concussions or noises; and, when
it cannot find sufficiency of slugs, &c., above ground, it pats the ground with
its feet, till the earth-worms, mistaking it for an advancing mole, come
forth to be feasted upon. I cannot, on my own knowledge, vouch for the
authenticity of this ingenious device in the lapwing ; it is stated, however, as
a fact, by Dr. Anderson, in his Bee.

It is well known that, whenever a hawk appears, he is immediately sur-
rounded by a host of small birds, particularly swallows, which dart at him
and tease him, for the purpose, as it is supposed, of distracting his attention,
on the principle that " Wealth makes wit waver." Be this as it may, the
cuckoo, which bears a strong resemblance to the hawk when on the wing,
is certain of a similar retinue of small birds wherever it flies. In the north,
this is so commonly observed, that the cuckoo is vulgarly believed to be
always attended by a titling or pippet (^lauda minor, or A. prat6isisZ*fw«.),
which, it is further imagined, has been its stepmother and nurse from the
egg. This, indeed, is the bird whose nest the cuckoo most frequently selects
to deposit the eggs which she so strangely and unnaturally abandons ; though
it is not on this account, but because she appears to be a hawk, that the
pippet and other small birds persecute her.

An instance similar to that of the flies mistaking the Rafflesia for beef
occurs in our country, where the common flesh-fly (ik/usca vomitoria) lays its
eggs in the fetid sorts of Phalli and ^garici, apparently under the notion
that these are genuine carrion.

If I may be allowed an example from domesticated animals, Linnaeus
records, in his Lachesis Lapponica, that, at Tornea, there is a meadow or bog
full of water-hemlock (Cicuta virosa), which annually destroys from fifty to
a hundred head of cattle. It seems that they eat most of it in spring, when
first turned into the pasture, partly from their eagerness for fresh pasture,
and partly from their long fasting and greediness, the herbage being then
short. Besides, from the immersion of the hemlock under water, it may
not have the proper scent to deter them. A similar destruction of cattle
from the same cause, occurs in the wide meadows of Leinings. — J. Rennie.

The Hawfinch's Nest. — On the 14th of iMay last, the nest of a hawfinch
(Fringilla Coccothraustes Temm.) was taken in an orchard belonging to Mr.
Waring, at Chelsfield, Kent. I have seen the nest and eggs, and also the
old female bird, which was shot on the nest. As the nest differs from the
descriptions of the naturalists whose works I have referred to, and as, I
believe, it is only within the last few years that the hawfinch has been

Zoology, 375

known to breed in this country, a particular account of the nest and eggs
may be acceptable to ornithologists. The nest has been described to be of
beautiful construction, and built in the upper branches of trees ; whereas,
the one just mentioned was of a slovenly loose form, and shallow, not
being so deep as those of the greenfinch or linnet, and was placed against a
large bough of an apple tree, about 10 ft. from the ground. It was com-
posed externally of dead twigs and a few roots, next with coarse white moss
or lichen, and lined with horsehair and a little fine dried grass. The eggs
were five in number, about the size of a skylark's, but shorter and rounder,
of a dull greenish-grey, irregularly streaked, and spotted with bluish-ash and
olive-brown, some of the spots inclining to dusky or blackish-brown ; the
markings were variously distributed on the different eggs. — T. F. London^
June '2'3.

National Distinctiotis. — In the Hue and Cry of Jan. 22., a list of 102
deserters is advertised. Of these there are, — English, 34 ; Irish, 32 ; Scotch,
16. Of the 16 Scotch, 6 have long necks ; of the 52 Irish, 12 have long
necks ; of the 34 English, 7 have long necks. Most of the Irish are de-
scribed as having short necks. These are described as having large and
wide mouths: English, 3; Irish, 19; Scotch, none. Nearly all the long-
necked Scotch are weavers and spinners. The chief peculiarities appearing
in the list are, that the Irish have as frequently blue eyes as grey or hazel,
while the blue eyes, among the English and Scotch, are to the grey, as one
to six ; that the Irish monopolise all the wide mouths ; that there are more
fair-haired men among the Scotch than among the Irish, and more among
the Irish than among the English. ( ITme*, January 25.)

The Spider of Solomon. (Prov. xxx. 25.) — The learned Dr. Scott of Cor-
storphine, in a paper read before the Wernerian Natural History Society
of Edinburgh, and since published in Professor Jameson's Journal, has gone
far to prove that the word translated spider should have been translated
lizard. Lizards of all kinds are very numerous in Syria. Bruce saw in one
day many thousands of them, in the great court of the Temple of the Sun
at Balbec. The ground, the walls, and the stones were covered with them ;
and the various colours of which they consisted, made a very extraordinary
appearance, glittering in the sun, in which they lay sleeping and basking.
Arabia is full of lizards ; and, wherever a tent is pitched or a house reared,
the Arabs are infested with their presence. Solomon's spider is said to take
hold with its hands, while in kings' palaces ; the hind, but especially the
fore, feet of the lizard very much resemble the arms and hands of a man.
Hence, the tribe of animals to which this family belongs are called Z^acertae,
i. e. creatures with arms or hands. Supposing the spider of Solomon {Sema-
mith in the original Hebrew) to be a lizard, it is most consistently said to
take hold with its arms or hands, in moving from one place to another, that
it may catch flies, which are its ordinary food, elude the pursuit of its
enemies, when it moves along places which they cannot reach, or secure its
safety if its back be undermost. In these respects it was natural for him to
admire its dexterity, and declare that it discovered great wisdom, though it
was little on the earth. {Scott in Jam. Phil. Jour., Dec. 1827, p. 35.)

A Canary Bird fed by a Sparrow — You may, perhaps, Mr. Editor, have
read an observation of Mr. Hunt's, in his charming little periodical, The
Companion, that the same things have been acting over and over again since
the beginning of the world, with only slight alterations as to time, name,
and locality ; an observation which, I think, I can also illustrate myself, if
you will permit me to give you the history of the benevolent Howard, acted
over again, about a dozen years ago, by so very humble an individual as a
house sparrow.

The late Mrs. O'Brien, of Manor Place, Chelsea, was extremely fond of
birds, of which she kept a considerable number in cages, for her amuse-
ment. Among others she had a canary, who was a particular favourite

c c 4

376 Zoology.

but the loudness of his note often obliged her to put him outside of the
window, among some trees which were trained up in front of the house.
One morning during breakfast, when the cage was thus placed, a sparrow
was observed to fly round and around it, to stand upon the top, and to
twitter to the bird within, between whom and itself a species of reciprocal
conversation at length began to ensue. After a few moments he flew away,
but returned in a short time, bearing a worm * in his bill, which he dropped
into the cage, and again flew away. Similar presents were received day
after day, at the same time, by the canary, from his generous friend the
sparrow, with whom he at length became so intimate, that he very often
received the food thus brought, into his own bill, from that of the sparrow.
An affair so curious and interesting had, I assure you, often many spectators;
and some of the neighbours, to try the extent of the sparrow's benevolence,
also hung their birds out at the window, when, curious to relate, they found
them also fed ; but the first and longest visit was always paid by the sparrow
to his earliest acquaintance.

Though thus intimate and social with his own kind, as his historian I must
not forget to observe that this sparrow was extremely shy and timid with
respect to human beings ; for, though many were witnesses of what I have
related, they were still obliged to observe at a distance, and in silence,
otherwise he instantly flew away. Whether this arose from a feeling of
injury that he had received from any of our species, I cannot say; though, most
probably, he had been robbed of his young by some mischievous boy, or other-
wise he could not have had so much time to devote to strangers. The sum-
mer, however, passed away, and autumn's many-coloured foliage was already
scattered by the breath of winter, ere the sparrow ceased to visit his captive
friends. But at length it was observed that one day the benevolent bird
came not, that another and another still passed away with the same omis-
sion, and, in fine, that he came not again 1 I wish that I could add to the
interest and sublimity of my tale, by finishing it with an affecting description
of the deaths of at least some of the captive birds ; but truth forbids the re-
lation, and such only, Mr. Editor, will be at any time offered to you by your
correspondent, — C.

Introduction of Foreign Birds, — Every one who admires the music of
the groves, and who resides in a country too far north to be visited by
the nightingale, regrets the absence of that far-famed bird. It is believed
by those who have studied the habits of our migratory songsters, that both
old and young ones return to their old haunts in the breeding season.
Hence it has been suggested that,.if any of these annual visitants were bred
beyond the ordinary limits of their accustomed place of nidification, the
young, perhaps, would return to the same place in the following season.

Relying on this as a means of introducing the nightingale to the northern
parts of the island. Sir John Sinclair commissioned the late Mr. Dickson, of
Covent Garden, to buy for him as many nightingales' eggs, at a shilling each,
as he could procure. This was done accordingly ; the eggs were carefully
packed in wool, and sent to Sir John by the mail.

In the mean time, the Baronet had employed men to find and take care
of several nests of the robin-redbreast, in places where they might hatch
in security. The eggs of the robins were exchanged for those of the night-
ingales, were sat upon, hatched, and brought up by their foster-parents, f
The young nightingales flew at the usual time, were seen for some time
afterwards, emigrated, it was supposed, at the usual period (September), but
never returned to the place of their birth.

* I question the fact of a canary eating worms at all. — J. R.
t Redbreasts readily forsake their own eggs, when they are touched.
How did they relish the foreign ones ? — J. R.

' %oology. 377

Mr. Anderson, of the Chelsea botanic garden, who has furnished this
account, thinks that this trial was not a fair one, because their translocation
should be gradual, progressing farther and farther north, in succeeding
years ; and, were such a method practicable, he thinks it might succeed in
course of time, being persuaded, from what he has noticed of this bird, that
they choose their breeding-place as much from convenience, as from any
constitutional delicacy compelling them to fear either the want of warmth
or want of food. Mr. Anderson adds that he has had nightingales' eggs
hatched by redbreasts, in the Chelsea garden ; and thinks that some of the
young returned the following year, but were soon caught by the vagrant
birdcatchers in the neighbouring gardens. The unfledged nightingales, he
observes, are also, more than other birds near towns, liable to be destroyed
by cats, from their noisy clamour for food, as soon as it is light in the morn-
ing, and thus calling the cat to their nest. No bird is so easily caught by a
trap as the nightingale ; and great numbers of them are so taken every year
in the neighbourhood of London, a practice much condemned by the inha-
bitants of the surrounding villas.

To this account we have only to add, that we think Mr. Sweet's manner
of keeping and breeding tame birds, would sooner furnish a suppjy of wild
ones than any other mode.

Negroes. — Blumenbach gives a most entertaining account of a little
library which he possesses of works written by negroes, from which it ap-
pears, that there is not a single department of taste or science, in which
some negro has not distinguished himself. {Scotsman, Dec. 29.)

Faculties of Brutes. — The dog is the only animal that dreams ; and he
and the elephant the only animals that understand looks ; the elephant is
the only animal that, besides man, feels ennui; the dog, the only quadruped
that has been brought to speak. Leibnitz bears witness to a hound in
Saxony, that could speak distinctly thirty words. {Medical Gazette.)

Men and Plants are equally under the Influence of Climate. — Where the
spruce and Scotch pines and where bushes will not succeed, the nature of
man seems equally defective. He sinks in the struggle with necessity. and
the climate. — {Von BucW s Lapland.)

The Marmot (ilfus Marmota Lin.). 170

i^flg. 1 70.) — These beasts, in the strict-
est sense, make hay ; they bite off
the grass, turn it, and dry it in the
sun. It is reported that they use an
old she marmot as a cart. She lies
on her back, the hay is heaped on
her belly, and two others drag her
home. {London Medical Gazette.)
The Alpine marmot, or mountain-
mouse, inhabits the highest summits of
the Alps and Pyrenean mountains, in
dry places without trees. It is social, living in societies of from five to four-
teen, who, when basking in the sun, place a sentinel in advance, who
whistles on the approach of danger, when the marmots retire into their
holes. These holes are lined with moss and dry grass. About the end of
September they retire into them, and stop up the entrance with earth, and
there they remain in a torpid state till March. They are generally taken
by digging out during winter. Their flesh is tender and delicate, their
skins valuable, and the Savoyards esteem their fat medicinal. They live on
insects, roots, and vegetables, and are fond of milk. The Savoyards expose
them as shows in various parts of Europe. Even in a warm climate, they
are said to fall into a state of torpidity in winter.

Curious Duck. — Sir, Your Prospectus encourages me to send you a
trifle, which you may perhaps find room for in your " collection of facts."

378 Botany.

In the neighbourhood of this place is a domestic duck, which flies with the
same power and at the same height as a crow ; or rather, I should say, in
the same way as if it was wild. I saw him crossing the road yesterday, and
for some time was lost in wonder at what strange bird it could be. The
people of the village, however, soon answered my enquiry, and^assured me
this duck would often make the circuit of a mile. The weakness of flight
in domesticated birds is, no doubt, occasioned by the little or no use that
is made of their wings. It would be curious to ascertain what first taught
this duck to know that he could fly whenever he chose. On visiting my friend
Mr. S. at Tittenhanger Green, ' the other day, I was again surprised at
seeing a flock of fifteen or twenty geese get up and fly tolerably well for
near four hundred yards, pass a hedge, and alight on the borders of a pond.
Your obedient servant, — H. S. NorthaWi Herts, April 4. 1828.

Art. III. Botany.

Experiments on Vegetation. — The celebrated chemist. Professor Dobe-
reiner of Jena, has made the following experiments on the vegetation of
seeds. Two glass vessels were procured, each of the capacity of 320 cubic
inches, and two portions of barley were sown in parts of the same earth, and
moistened in the same degree ; they were placed one in each vessel. The
air was now exhausted in one, till reduced to the pressure of 14 in. of mer-
cury ; and condensed in the other, till the pressure equalled 56 in. Germi-
nation took place in both nearly at the same time, and the leafits appeared
of the same green tint; but, at the end of 15 days, the following differ-
ences existed: — The shoots in the rarefied air were 6 in. in length, and
from 9 in. to 10 in. in the condensed air. The former were expanded, and
soft ; the latter rolled round the stem, and solid. The former were wet on
their surface, and especially towards the extremities; the latter were nearly
dry. " I am disposed," says M. Dobereiner, " to believe that the diminution
in the size of plants, as they rise into higher regions on mountains, depends
more on the diminution of pressure than of heat. The phenomena of drops
of water on the leaves, in the rarefied air, calls to my mind the relation of a
young Englishman, who, whilst passing through Spanish America as a pri-
soner, remarked that, on the highest mountains of the country, the trees
continually transpired a quantity of water, even in the driest weather, the
water falling sometimes like rain." {Bibliotheque Universelle.)

0'7'chis pyramidalis. — On Sunday, the 29th of June, 1828, was brought
to me a specimen of the O'rchis pyramidalis, in which the flowers were des-
titute of spur and lip. Each flower consisted of a calyx of three-coloured
leaves, and a corolla of three petals, all quite uniform, and the organs of
fructification (which were of the form proper to the genus) were placed in
the centre — D. Stock. Bungay, July 28.

\- The Ivy-leaved Snapdragon, or ToacJ/^aj:' (Antirrhinum cyrabalaria), is sup-
posed by botanists not to be a native of this island. I found a considerable
patch of it, in the end of May, on the lower part of a rock near Barmouth,
North Wales. It was some distance from any house, and in a situation
where it was not likely to have escaped from a garden. — T. F. June 23.

Erbdium cicuthrium var. 3. is, I believe, the only English Erodium with
any sort of figure on the petals. This has two, or more commonly three,
of the petals stamped near the base with a spot of green, which is a consi-
derable addition to its beauty. This summer I found an Erodium with these
spotted petals, and answering to the characters of this species in every
respect but the simple stamens. The filaments had a tooth near the base,
on each side ; in that respect, and in the pale colour of the leaves, it corre-

Botany. SI 9

sponded with the E. maritimura : one of the stipulas was considerably broader
than the other, and cleft about half way down ; a character of no great
importance, but, such as it was, differing from both species. I mention the
circumstance, because Sir J. E. Smith says expressly that the petals of E.
marltimum are not spotted, and makes the following observation with
regard to the stamens : — " Mr. Sowerby observed the sportive ^laments to
be peculiarly broad, and the perfect ones to have a tooth at each side, near
the base." This last mark would greatly strengthen the specific character
if it should prove constant, which, in these organs, so various, if not mutable,
in this natural order, cannot absolutely be relied on, unless confirmed by
experience. — E. K,

Antirrhinum Linaria. — Sir J. E. Smith says of the common yellow toadflax
(Antirrhinum Linaria), that flowers regularly five-cleft, with five spurs and five
equal stamens (like the Swedish variety that was so near being exalted by Lin-
naeus into a new genus), have been found on the same plant with flowers natu-
rally formed. Such a plant is represented in English botany. He observes
that the same alteration has been seen in other species, as A. repens, A. spii-
rium, &c. Of this last, the flowers have been found with two, three, four,
and five spurs, though not on the same plant. The whole genus having this
tendency to disguise itself, it may not be thought very remarkable that the
A. Linaria should be found with two spurs; but some of your readers may
be curious to see, or to possess a specimen of it, in this state. Near the
end of June, I gathered a plant of this kind (of which all the flowers were
formed in the same manner) from the hedge on the left-hand side of the
road, on the ascent of the hill approaching Highgate, from the Spaniards,
Hampstead. I left more there ; and, though it is now too late to seek it
this year, it may probably be found there, in the same condition, next
summer. — Id.

Scilla nutans, with the bracteas as long as the leaves, and coloured like the
fiowers. — I have in my possession a dried specimen of this description ; but,
as I remember to have seen the same thing twice, it may not be an uncom-
mon variety. — Id.

Diffusion of Seeds in the Violet. — The various mechanical contrivances
by which nature has enabled plants to diffuse their seeds, are matters of
common observation ; but I have not met with any description, in works of
botany, of the mechanism remarkable in the various species of violets. The
seeds of this natural order of plants are contained in a capsule of a single
loculament, consisting, however, of three valves. To the inner part of each of
these valves the seeds are attached, and remain so for some time after tlie
valves, in the process of ripening, have separated and stood open. The
influence of the sun's heat, however, causes the sides of each valve to shrink
and collapse, and in this state the edges press firmly upon the seed, which,
from being before apparently irregular in its arrangement, comes into a
straight line. The seeds, it may be remarked, are not only extremely
smooth, polished, and shining, but regularly egg-shaped; so that, when
pressed upon by the collapsing edge of the valve, it slides gradually down
the sloping part of the seed, and throws it with a jerk to a considerable dis-
tance. There is another part of the contrivance of nature, for the same
purpose, in the Fiolaceae, worthy of remark. Before the seed is ripe, the
capsule hangs in a drooping position, with the persisting calyx spread over it
like an umbrella, to guard it from the rain and dews, which would retard the
process of ripening ; but no sooner is the ripening completed, than the cap-
sule becomes upright with the calyx for a support. This upright position
appears to be intended by nature to give more effect to the valvular me-
chanism for scattering the seeds, as it thus gains a higher elevation (in some
cases more than an inch) from which to project them ; and this will give it,
according to the laws of projectiles, a very considerable increase of horizon-
tal extent.

380 Botany,

Some ripe capsules of a fine variety of riola tricolor, which I placed
in a shallow pasteboard box, in a drawer, were found to have projected
their seeds to the distance of nearly two feet. From the elevation of a
capsule, therefore, at the top of a tall plant, I should think these seeds
might be projected twice or thrice that distance. — J. Rennie.

Organisation and Reproduction of the Truffle. — The truffle (Tiiber
cibcirium) is a vegetable entirely destitute of leafy appendages and of roots ;
it is nothing more than a rounded subterraneous mass, absorbing nourish-
ment upon every point of its surface, the reproduction of which is
dependent upon bodies generated within its substance. The truffle is
composed of globular vesicles, destined for the reproduction of the vege-
table, and short and barren filaments, called, by M. Turpin, tigellules.
The whole forms a substance at first white, but which becomes brown
by age, with the exception of particular white veins. This change of
colour is dependent upon the presence of the reproductive bodies, or
trufinelles. Each globular vesicle is fitted to give birth, in its internal
surface, to a multitude of these reproductive bodies ; but there are only
a few of them which perfect the young vegetable. These dilate consider-
ably, and produce internally other smaller vesicles, of which two, three, or
four, increase in size, become brown, are beset with small points on their
exterior surface, and fill the interior of the larger vesicles. The small
masses thus formed are the trufinelles, and become truffles after the death
of their parent. Thus, the brown parts of the truffle are those which con-
tain the trufinelles ; and the interposed white veins are the parts which are
destitute of trufinelles. The parent truffle, having accomplished its growth,
and the formation of the reproductive bodies within, gradually dissolves,
and supplies that aliment to the young vegetable which is proper for them.
The cavity originally occupied by it in the earth is then left occupied by
a multitude of young truffles, of which the stronger starve or destroy the
others ; whilst th^y frequently adhere together, and, enlarging in size, re-
produce the phenomena already described. One circumstance in the
natural history of the truffle is still unexplained. If the method described
be the only mode in which the truffle is reproduced, then it is difficult to
comprehend the enormous multiplication of that vegetable in certain parts
of France, where immense quantities are annually collected, without ex-
hausting or even diminishing the race. If this fungus has no means of pro-
gression, how can the young truffles leave the place of their birth, and
become disseminated over the soil? {Revue Encyc. xxxv. 794.)

Ranitnculus bulbdsus. — I was surprised, on
taking up some plants of J^anunculus bul-
bdsus, ^to find the bulbs all double : they
were confined to a particular spot : some,
which I took up on a bank immediately
opposite, were of the usual form. To give
you a better idea of what I mean, I have
sent you a sketch (Jig. 171.) of two of the
roots. Perhaps some of your correspondents
may favour me with an opinion as to the
cause. I have not given my own, because I
am not quite satisfied about it. — Z>. *S'. JSun-
gay^ April. [May not these bulbs be the
usual mode of reproduction in the R. bulbd-
sus, similarly to the bulbs of crocus? — J. R.]

Seed of Convolvulus arvensis and C. sb-
pium. — Sir J.E. Smith, in his English Flora,
speaking of the Convolvulus arvensis, says, « I have never seen the cap-
sule of seeds;" and, under C. sepium, he says, " I have not seen the fruit."
With respect to the existence of the fruit of the former plant, I cannot now

Botany,

381

speak positively ; but, with regard to the latter (C. sfepiiim), the perfect seed-
vessels are still hanging on the old stems in various places in this neighbour-
hood in abundance; nor do I ever remember a year in which they were
not to be found; I have some now before me, collected in 1818. —
Daniel Stock. Bungay, Siifolk, March, 1828. [The C. sepium does not
seed freely, but there are few plants of it which do not produce one or
more persistent capsules. Last summer I raised some from seed hanging
dry on the plants the previous winter. — J. R.]

Cause of the Smell of new-made Hay. — I have always taken it for granted
that the peculiar and beautiful scent of new-made hay was caused by the
Anthoxanthum odoratum. {fig. 172. cl\ A short time since I met with the
following extract from a work called Elements of the Science of Botany^ in
which this opinion is disputed. " Towards the latter end of June and the
middle of July, in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, this grass is brown
and dry down to the root, yet that sweet odour peculiar to hay while it is
making, is as powerful to the olfactory sense as in other counties, where it
is made at an earlier season, when this grass, at the time of mowing, may be
supposed to be in perfection. Another reason for objecting to the scent ex-
clusively proceeding from this grass is, that, in meadows where it does not
abound, no diminution of fragrance is perceived in the harvest ; it would
therefore seem, under the most favourable circumstances, only to contribute
its share, and not to be the sole cause of the fragrance of new-made hay.
The sweet odour of this grass resides in the stem, more particularly in the
joints, and not in the spike or flower."

1 think the late mowing in Herefordshire and Worcestershire is not a
good reason for supposing that the hay is not indebted to this grass for its
sweet scent, for I know that the Anthoxanthum odoratum will retain some
of its fragrance for twelve months. Nor is the scarcity of this grass in any
particular field at all conclusive, for I conceive that, comparatively speak-
ing, a few plants would have the necessary effect.

But, if the scent of new-made hay is not confined to the Anthoxanthum
odoratum, then it becomes a question, from what other grass does it pro-
ceed ? The following are the grasses which I have collected in this neigh-
bourhood and dried, and from none of them did I ever perceive the least
fragrance, except from the Anthoxanthum odoratum, and that which was
gathered last spring still continues to give out its delightful scent, though,
of course, fainter than at first. The names are from Smith's English Flora,

172

Anthoxanthum odoratum (a)
Phalaris /zrundinacea (jb)
Phleum pratense (<?)

^lopecurus pratensis {d) ^gr6stis vulgaris (g)
^lopecurus agr^stis (<?) ^Ira prae'cox {h)

^lopechrus geniculatus(/) ^ira cristata (i)

382

Botany.

q p

Aivdi caryophyllea {k)
^olcus avenaceus {I)
jFZoIcus lanlitus irn)

M^lica uniflora («)
Glyceria aquatica (o)

Glyceria rlgida {p)
Glyceria fluitans {q)

Poa trivialis (;•)
Poa prat^nsis (5)
Poa annua [t)

W V u t

Priza nifedia {u)
Dactylis glomerata(i))
Cynosuriis cristatus {w)

Festuca prat^nsis {x)
Festuca ovina (y)
Festuca /oliacea (z)

A g f

Promus racemosus (a)
Promiis asper (6)
Promus sterilis (c)

e d c

Promus mollis (d)
-^v^na flav^scens {e)
Z/olium per^nne (/)]

-H(5rdeum murinum (g)
Prfticum ripens (Ji)

Mineralogy andGeology, 383

This is not a complete list of the grasses growing in this neighbourhood,
but the variety is sufficient for my purpose ; and taking into consideration
the small space in which they were found, it contains as many as a similar
extent of country in any other part of the kingdom will produce. Out of
the number, twenty-eight at least grow upon Bungay Common. — D. Stock.
Bungay y April.

As the grasses enumerated by our correspondent include the greater
number of the most common species, we have figured them, in order to afford
our young readers an easy opportunity of acquiring their names. London
students have only to purchase a truss of hay, out of which they may pick
specimens of several of the species ; many, also, may be gathered in Ken-
sington Gardens, or in any of the^ lanes and meadows round the metro-
polis. — Cond.

Art. IV. Mineralogy and Geology,

Origin of Jet. — In the Cabinet of Mineralogy in Languedoc, M. Chap-
tal preserved several pieces of wood, whose external part is in the state of
jet, while the internal part still remains in the ligneous state ; so that the
transition from the vegetable to the mineral state maybe distinctly observed.
At Montpelier have been dug up, several cart-loads of trees converted into
jet, with their original forms so perfectly preserved, that the species of trees
thus bitumenised can often be determined. A specimen of jet from Vachery
can be distinctly recognised, as retaining the texture of the walnut tree ; and
the texture of the beech can be traced in the jet from Bosrup, in Scania.
The most singular instances, however, are those of a wooden pail and of a
wooden shovel, which M. Chaptal, whose authority is undoubted, affirms
to have been converted into pure jet.

Age of Strata traced from their Organic Remains. — The relative age of
strata is often demonstrable, as in the instance of veins crossing and recross-
ing, which must as clearly have been formed after the strata which they
cross, as the trench of a drain must have been formed after the strata of
soil through which it passes. On a similar principle, it has been attempted to
prove that the schistose strata at CEningen have been formed within a recent
period, because they not only contain distinct remains of the indigenous
vegetables of the vicinity, but those of the walnut (Juglans regia). Now,
the walnut not being an indigenous tree, the history of its introduction
from Armenia into Italy, and thence into Germany, is known j and, conse-
quently, the chronology of it will pretty nearly determine the age of the
strata. — J. R.

Consequences of continued Disintegration of Strata. — According to Hut-
tonian geologists (a class now diminishing no less rapidly than their rival
Wernerians), the changes of the earth are interminable, both as to past and
future. On Wernerian principles, we may say, I think, that the continual
disintegration of rocks, and the continual travelling of their debris to lower
levels, will at last reduce the globe to uniformity of level, such as some spe-
culators suppose it to have been before the deluge, or, at least, before the
fall of man. But Wernerians assert that some granites in Sweden have
retained Runic inscriptions for 2000 years, and that basaltic columns pre-
serve their angles well defined, in defiance of the influence of weathering ;
forgetting, however, that they cannot tell whether those Runic inscriptions
maintain their original depth of engraving, and that basaltic columns are
disintegrated by being rolled from their jointings, and, afterwards, commi-
nuted by attrition, &c. They say, also, that disintegration goes on in a
decreasing ratio, as the rock becomes sheltered by soil ; forgetting that this

384* Meteorology,

soil is gradually washed away by rains, brooks, &g., and that the rock is by
these means frequently, if not always, laid bare. They say farther, that
detritus cannot be carried from places which are level ; but, if the sea is
lower than the land, all the land may be considered as a series of staired
plains, if I may use the expression ; and at every common section of a decli-
vity and a plain, there is a tendency to efface the latter, by invading its
boundaries or destroying its level. — J, R,

B6rax and Soda are recommended, as tests for manganese, by Berzelius,
in his treatise on the blowpipe ; the former giving a purple, and the latter,
on platina foil, a pale greenish blue glass. Soda, by itself, appears incapable
of dissolving a sufficient quantity of manganese to impart to the glass a
strong blue tint. Borax dissolves manganese easily, but the purple suit
sometimes does not appear till after the addition of nitre, and is very
obscure when the assay contains a large proportion of iron ; but the addition
of a small quantity of soda to the assay, fused with borax on platina
wire, readily brings out the purple colour, rather more inclining to blue
than when borax alone is used; and, finally, as more soda is added, it
changes to a fine deep blue, that cannot be mistaken. — M,

Art. V. Meteorology,

Moisture of Climate influenced by Trees. — The cutting down of forests,
particularly on high grounds, has been remarked to diminish the quantity
of rain, by diminishing, it is supposed, the attraction for clouds. The fact,
however it may be explained, has been ascertained on a large scale in Ame-
rica. In Kentucky, for example, many brooks are pointed out which now
fail in summer, a thing which was unknown 20 or 30 years ago. In New
Jersey, where the woods have been more extensively cleared, some streams
have been altogether dried up. On the contrary, many streams in the
United States have rather increased since the clearing of the woods ; be-
cause, though the quantity of rain may be possibly diminished, the compact
bed of forest leaves formerly retained the water on the surface, and exposed
it to rapid evaporation ; whereas, the tillage which has been introduced,
allows the water to penetrate to some depth, and to afford a more perma-
nent supply for springs and streams. — J. R.

Sea Air. — The atmosphere, in the vicinity of the sea, usually contains a
portion of the muriates over which it has been wafted. It is a curious fact,
but well ascertained, that the air best adapted to vegetables is pernicious to
animal life, and vice versa. Now, upon the sea-coast, accordingly, animals
thrive, and vegetables decline. {Hariuood's Southern Coast.)

To ascertain the Course of the Air, when there is not any perceptible Wind
blowing. — Place a basin of water in a free exposure, throw a red hot cin-
der into it, and observe how the smoke which it produces inclines. Sailors
throw a piece of live coal into the sea for the same purpose ; and also wet
a finger, hold it up in the air, and then by feeling which part becomes first
(by evaporation) cool, they judge of the direction of the current of air. An
instrument on the last principle has been invented by Dr. B. M. Forster, and
described in the London Journal of Arts and Sciences for May. {Mec. Mag.,
vol. ix. p. 272.)

Extraordinary Fall of Rain. — At Joyeuse, in the department of the
Ard^che, during October, 1827, 36 in. in depth fell within eleven days ; and
on the 9th of that month, 29J in. fell within the space of two hours. During
this excessive fall of rain, the barometer remained nearly stationary, at two
or three lines below the mean altitude, notwithstanding the continuation
of the most violent thunder and lightning during the whole time. (Annates
de Chimie.)

385

PART IV.

MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.

Art. I. Natural History in Foreign Countries.

FRANCE.

Paris, Oct. 9. — Comparing Paris and London, with respect to wealth
and population, the taste for natural history is much greater among the
instructed classes, and more generally diffused among tradesmen and shop-
keepers, in the former city, than in the latter. Perhaps the original cause
of this difference, like the original cause of most of the permanent differ-
ences in mankind, may be traced to climate. France naturally produces
finer flowers than England, and admits also of a greater variety of enjoy-
ments in the open air. To the climate, therefore, may probably be traced
the love of showy and odoriferous flowers, and of singing birds ; the esta-
blishment in Paris of a flower-market, far superior to any thing of the kind in
England ; and of the market for singing birds, which we have not in England
at all. It may be said that what is sold in the flower and bird markets in
Paris, is, in London, sold in shops, and in the green-houses in the King's
Road : but this is not the fact ; independently of the bird-market, the num-
ber of bird-shops in Paris is many times greater than in London ; and
though there are more rare plants and forced roses and flowers to be
seen in Mr. Colville's green-house in winter, than in any one green-house
or shop in Paris at that season, yet the aggregate number of forced flowers
in Paris is greater, and the plants and flowers are not purchased almost ex-
clusively by the rich, for display at parties, as in London. In short, in Paris,
orange trees in boxes and showy and odoriferous flowers are, comparatively,
a necessary of life. It may be sufficient to mention that sprigs of orange
trees, in blossom, are introduced generally in nosegays throughout the winter,
and flowers of tuberoses as generally in summer. Cut flowers and flowering
plants in pots are also common in churches, especially during religious
fetes.

The menagery in the Jardin des Plantes, and the rich and extensive col-
lections in the museum of the same establishment, it may easily be conceived,
have contributed to the taste for, and knowledge of, zoology, in persons of
leisure, and we have no doubt that the same effect, and to an extent greater in
proportion to the wealth and intelligence of the mass of society, will be pro-
duced by the gardens of the Zoological Society of London. We should like
to see the whole of the Regent's Park studded with the habitations of speci-
mens of all the animals in the world, and dotted, grouped, and massed, with
reference, at the same time, to picturesque beauty and the system of Jussieu,
with all the hardy trees and shrubs that will endure the open air in our
climate. Plants of the green-house and hot-house might be planted in the
open ground (now occupied as a nursery), in the circular plot in the centre
of the park, which might be covered with a glass roof supported on lofty
columns, and the proper temperature kept up by lakes of hot water, and
masses of I'ock heated by concealed fires. Here the botany and zoology of

Vol. I. —No. 4. d d

386 NaUiral Histoiy in Foreign Countries^

the tropics might be exhibited together, and specimens also introduced of
tropical soils and mineralogy. The hollow cast-iron columns necessary for
supporting the roof would be sufficiently numerous to serve both as con-
duits of water from the glass, and as chimneys for the smoke and for ven-
tilation. Cool air for the latter purpose, and also fuel to the fires, would be
supplied from vaulted roads underneath. But this is perhaps deviating too
far from the subject of natural history.

It was observed to us, by an eminent naturalist here, that the French
were greatly in advance of the English, in all that related to the preserv-
ation of the subjects of natural history ; a fact which we think cannot be
denied, on comparing by memory the preserved animals and birds in the
British Museum, or even in the museum of the' Zoological Society, with the
national collections here. A very eminent artist in this way is M. Canivet,
No. 22. Rue St. Thomas du Louvre, the joint author, with M. Boitard, the
horticulturist, of the Manuel du Naturaliste Pr^parateur^ a work of which
we shall take an early opportunity of giving the essence.

As the taste for zoology in London will be greatly increased by the gar-
den of the Zoological Society, so we think the taste for plants in pots, the
only description of flowers allowed to be exposed for sale in the flower-
market here, might be increased by an improvement of a different descrip-
tion. Suppose that, in imitation of what has taken place in Paris, burials
were no longer permitted to be made in the churchyards of the metropolis,
and that these receptacles, instead of being removed, or so far altered as to
hurt the feelings of the living, were rendered depositories for flowers and
ornamental plants in pots for sale. But, however much this might add to
the salubrity and beauty of London, it is perhaps too great an innovation to
be dwelt on at present.

With respect to the taste for natural history among the country popula-
tion of France, as compared with England, the difference is almost beyond
calculation in favour of the latter country. With reference to taste and
knowledge of every description, Paris, in relation to the French provinces,
may be compared to a garden in a desert. In Paris every thing is in abun-
dance and in perfection j in the country the most deplorable ignorance
prevails among almost all those who cannot afford to pass a considerable
part of the year in Paris. No great or lasting improvement will be effected
m France till this ignorance be removed by the general education of the
lower classes ; but, whenever this shall take place, the improvement in arts,
sciences, and taste, will be great in proportion to the favourable climate of
the country. Mr. Brown lately arrived here from the south of France, on
his return to London. Mr. Swainson, the distinguished ornithologist, is
here, busily occupied in making drawings and taking notes. Mr. Harvey, our
eminent zoological draftsman, has also lately made his appearance. In our
next we shall probably give some account of the Paris Natural History So-
ciety, and of the Linnean Society ; but we have hitherto been chiefly occu-
pied with horticultural matters m the country, and to-morrow (Oct. 10.)
we set off* for Munich and Stuttgard, to return hither in three or four weeks.
— Cond.

Mineral Waters of Geilnau, Fachinger, and Setters. — These waters,
chiefly composed of sodaic salts, arise from a stratum of argillaceous schist
near to dolomite and igneous rocks. M. Bischof, upon accurate analysis,
found the following chemical elements : — Carbonate, sulphate, muriate, and
phosphate of soda ; carbonate of lime ; carbonate of magnesia ; carbonate of
iron; silex ; and free carbonic acid. {Bulletin des Sciences.)

GERMANY.

The Lesser Thrush. — M. Neumann has recorded the very extraordinary
fact, of a specimen of the Turdus minor being taken on the 22d December,

Natural History hi Foreign Countries, 387

1825, in a wood near Kleinzererbst, in the duchy of Anhalt-Coethen. It is
difficult to explain the appearance of this bird, exchisively indigenous to
North America, unless it be supposed to have escaped from a cage ; though
the bird, which was a male, was in fine feather, and exhibited no marks of
confinement. {OkerCs Isis, v. p. 520.)

Geological Indications. — The Russian minister, Struve, has collected
some very interesting geological facts in the environs of Hanover. At Lin-
den and Vetbergen the coarse chalk contains ammonites, belemnites, and
impressions of fishes; at Gehrden, a chalky marl, lying over sandstone, con-
tains crabs, like those of the island of Amboina ; at Bargberg, near Gehrden,,
oysters are found ; near Linden is a spring of petroleum ; near Badenstadt,
at the foot of the Lindenerberg, a salt spring was discovered in 1778 ; near
Norten there is a quarry of galena and sulphate of strontian ; in the bail-,
liage of Blumenau there was found a specimen of amber j and near Bemerode
is a mound of excellent plastic clay. The Deister possesses mineral springs,
acidulous and ferruginous.

NETHERLANDS.

Proliferous Flowers. — M. Courtois has given excellent descriptions, in
the Bydragen tot de Natuurkund Wetensckappen, of two proliferous flowers,
and dommunicated specimens and figures of them to M. Nees of Bonn.
The one is the jErysimum cheiranthoides, the other the Ver6nica media
Schrad.y var. phyllantha. These proliferous varieties have been perpetuated
for several years in the botanic garden of Liege. A singular variety of the
Lonicera Periclymenum is described in the same work by MM. Koiiing and
Van Hall, in which the stamens have been transformed into a second
corolla. {Bulletin des Sciences.)

Flora Belgica. — The first volume of a work under this title has just
been published by two excellent botanists, MM. le Jeune and Courtois,
containing 597 species, arranged according to the Linnean system, and
extending inclusively to Pentandria Polygynia.

SWITZERLAND.

Migration of Butterflies. — On the 8th or 10th of the month of June,
Madame de Meuron Wolff and all her family, established during the sum-
mer in the district of Grandson, Canton de Vaud, perceived with surprise
an immense flight of butterflies traversing the garden with great rapidity.
All these butterflies were of the species called the Painted Lady, the Belle
Dame of the French, the Papilio cardui of Linnaeus, and Vanessa cardui of
the modern system. They were all flying closely together, in the same
direction, from south to north, and were so little afraid when any one ap-
proached, that they turned not to the right or left. The flight continued
for two hours without interruption, and the column was about 10 or 15 ft.
broad. They did not stop to alight on flowers, but flew onwards, low and
equally.

This fact is exceedingly singular, when it is considered that the cater-
pillars of the Vanessa cardui are not gregarious, but are solitary from the
moment they are hatched. Professor Bonelli of Turin, however, observed
a similar flight of the same species of butterflies in the end of the March
preceding their appearance at Grandson. Their flight was also directed
from south to north, and their numbers were immense. At night the
flowers were literally covered with them. Towards the 29th of March
their numbers diminished, but even in June a few still continued. They
have been traced from Coni, Raconni, Suse, &c. A similar flight of butter-
flies is recorded, at the end of the last century, by M. Loche, in the Me-
moirs of the Academy of Turin. During the whole season, those butterflies,

D D 2

388 Natural History in Foreign Countries.

as well as their larvae, were very abundant, and more beautiful than usual:
{Mem. de la Sociffle de Phys, et de Hist. Nat. de Geneve.)

Rock Blocks. — M. von Buch has undertaken to show that the rock
blocks, which are scattered over the vicinity of Mount Jura and elsewhere,
have been dissevered at once by a violent shock, and that they have not
been simply rolled upon an inclined plain, nor carried along by avalanches,
nor projected by explosions of gas, as M. de Luc supposed. He finds that
the higher blocks of the Jura must have required an impetus of 357 feet to
traverse in water alone (dans de I'eau pure), the space between the point
of Ornex and the Jura. This is an impetus five times less than that of a
cannon ball j and if the water (as it must have been) \vere loaded with sludge,
the weight of the blocks would be thence much diminished. He refers lor
proof of his theory to the bursting of the Lake De Bagne, which being
situated 150 feet above the valley, rushed on with an impetus of 53 feet.
Chains of mountains have been elevated upon the fissures made across the
secondary deposits which have been rent, raised, and changed, while metals,
and oxygenated minerals have been introduced by gas into the formations.
All the great Alpine valleys have a suite of lateral ravines, of contempora-
neous origin with the mountain chains whose elevation produced the dis-
persion of the blocks, the waters having risen, and forming a dSbaelcy
descended with the debris through the rents made in the secondary chains.
M. von Buch answei*s the objection of De Luc, as to the blocks being found
behind the mountains, and not in the ravines between them, by making
Mount Sionand Sal^ve genuine buttresses, behind which the blocks would
iiaturally be carried. {Bulletin des Sciences.)

*

SWEDEN.

Animal GeograpJiy. — M. Gloger has published a very Interesting paper,
giving indications of" the heights at which quadrupeds and birds of various
species are found in Sweden, of which the following is an abstract : —

Quadrupeds. Cervus Capreolus is found up to the limits of the Phius pu-
milio ; the (7ervus ^'laphus in regions somewhat lower j the iepus timidus,
along with the Cervus Capreolus; the J^'us decumanus and M. musculus,
in all parts inhabited by man ; the Hypudae'us amphibius, up to the height of
4000 feet ; the Sorex of several species, to a height of 4300 ft. ; the MiistVa
vulgaris and M. Erminea upon the most elevated mountains.

Birds. A'quWa fulva is found in low situations ; Corvus Cornix, below
4300 ft. ; Nucifraga brachyrhynchus, in low situations; Sylvia Tlthys in
higher places ; S. Phoenicurus,' to 3900 ft. ; S. Trochilus, 4400 ft. ; S. Atrica-
pilla,-5700; S. Rubecula, 4000; ikTotacilla alba, and M. sulfurea, 4300;
Cinclus aquaticus, 3200 : Accentor modularis, 4600; Accentor alpinus, on
the most elevated sununits ; ^lauda arvensis, 4400 ; A. arborea, 200 ;
i^ringflla coe'lebs, 4000 ; Loxia curvirostris, 4500 ; ikfotacilla troglodytes,
Parus ater, P. cristatus, Sylvia iJegulus, Certhia familiaris, and ^Sitta
europae'a, at 3800 ft. ; JUidndo urbica, and Cypselus i4 pus, on the highest
summits. »"

RUSSL\.

Lignite. — M. Lichfeldt has discovered a mass of fossil wood upon one of
the gulphs of the Danube, named Yalpoug, in the lower part of Bessarabia
called Boudjak, about fifty versts from the fortress of Ismail, and opposite
the town of Belgrade, upon the right bank of the gulf between the villages
of Kourtchi and Impoiitsit. This fossil wood may become of great import-
ance in that part of Russia, now entirely deprived of forests. 'J'he lignite
is found in the form of fissile masses, of a greyish colour, but passing in the
lower portions into a deep black. In the upper parts are found quantities
of the debris of wood, covered with bark, white, thick, and friable; the.

Natural History in Foreign Countries, 389

■ pieces pressed one upon another, and intermixed with the husks of grain
(cosses de cereales). The wood, according to M. Lichfeldt, is that of the
lime tree. It h'es nearly horizontal between coarse sand and calcareous
clay; the first in form of a wall, and the latter serving as a roof. Here many
shells are found. The sand is separated from the stratum of lignite by
about six inches of a resinous clay, in the lower part of which a great num-
ber of shells of different sorts are found. The clay which covers the lignite
is very slaty, and where they come in contact, an infinite number of small
shells occur, chiefly Z)onax, Cardium, and Turbo. Over this lies an argil-
laceous sand, even to the roots of the green sward. It is everywhere accom-
panied by plastic clay.

In a geographical point of view, this stratum of lignite is very interestingb
According to preceding observations made in Germany, France, England^
Switzerland, and Scandinavia, and confirmed by Humboldt in his examina-
tion of the mountains of America, we ought to find lignite with plastic clay
above the chalk formations. In Bessarabia, the chalk is seen cropping out
near Mohilef on the Dniester, extending as far as Moldavia, in a north-east
direction. The formations situated between this chain of mountains of
chalk and the sea, present no analogy with the tertiary formations of
France. Here, above the chalk, are found; 1. a toise and a half of coarse
. sand ; 2. ei»ht inches of clay stone, with a portion of lime, of which the lower
part contains a little silex ; 3. a calcareous cretaceous rock, 5 ft. thick, ter-
minating at the upper part in Oolite ; 4. a bed of sound and compact calca-
reous stone, of little thickness; and 5. the whole plateau as far as the
Danube and the sea, is composed of calcareous stone, horizontal, and full
of shells. In the cavities of this principal formation, and generally between
Benderand the sea,in thedirection of north-east, is found siliceous limestone,
with remains of shells, among which occur some pinnites. At a great dis-
tance from the sea, upon the banks of the Bouik, the Reoute, the Koula,
and other rivers, the limestone is covered with friable marl, with crystals of
selenite. From the line of the Bender to Boudjak, immediately over the
sand lies a movable limestone, composed almost wholly of shells, more or
less mixed with iron ochre. Large masses of oolite limestone form the
distinctive character of that formation which follows the chalk, and to
which geologists give the name of tertiary, although the oolite limestone
often occurs under the character of the Jura limestone, as one of the prin-
cipal elements of formations of the second order. {Gornoi Journal^ No. x.)

ASIA.

Syrian Purple Dye. — The shells from which the celebrated purple dye
of the ancients was extracted, named by Pliny, the ilfurex and ^uccinum,
have given occasion to disputes among modern naturalists as to the species
meant. M. Lesson, upon comparing the description of Pliny with the Mol-
lusca now found in the Mediterranean, is of opinion that the jSuccinum Is
the lanthina. It is a pelagian shell, and extremely numerous. It sustains
itself on the surface of the sea by air vesicles, which Pliny calls a glutinous
wax ; and as soon as it is taken out of the water, there escapes from it a very
pure and very brilliant violet rose colour. Each shell contains an ounce
of this in the dorsal vessel. By means of alkalies, this colour is readily
.changed to green. The lanthina abounds equally in the Atlantic as in the
Mediterranean ; and, at certain seasons, the beaches of St. Helena and As-
cension are entirely covered vvith them. From experiments made with this
colouring matter, it appears to be a valuable reactive, turning red when
treated with acids, and blue with alkalies. Oxalate of ammonia gives
a deep blue precipitate, and nitrate of silver a pretty ash blue for painting
in water colours. {Bulletin des Sciences.)

D D 3

390 NaUn^al History in Foreign Countries,

Geology. — Mr. Bird has just published an interesting paper on the geo-
logy of Palestine. The Mount of Olives, near Jerusalem, is composed of
soft limestone, as are also Mounts Carmel and Tabor. On the borders of
the Dead Sea, the rocks are tinged strongly with the red oxide of iron ;
but the most singular and unexpected fact is, that here are no volcanic
rocks, at least on the western shore. Mount Ferdeas, or Bethulia, four or
five miles from Bethlehem, is not volcanic, as has been asserted. Most of
the elevated summits of Lebanon to the east of Beyruth, are composed of
rocks containing shells and vegetable remains. {Aynerican Journal.)

AFRICA.

Grain and Bread found in an Egyptian Tomb. — M. Passalacqua having
found a quantity of grain in an Egyptian tomb, it has been carefully ex-
amined by MM. Julia Fontenelle, Le Baillif, and Kunth, who have deter-
mined it to be common wheat (TViticum sativum). M. Raspail, however,
differs from those naturalists, and, by more minute examination, has satisfied
himself that it is barley, which has been subjected to a considerable degree
of heat ; and, on torrefying some fresh barley, it assumed the same appear-
ance with the Egyptian grain. Along with the grain was found some bread,
apparently unleavened. M. Raspail supposed the tomb to be that of a high
priest, and refers to Leviticus ii. 14, 15., in which it is ordered to offer
*' green ears of corn, dried by the fire, even corn beat out of the full ear."
Some Egyptian grain in the museum of Charles X., however, is certainly
wheat, with some grains of torrefied barley mixed with it. Specimens of
bread, in this museum, are similar to that found by M. Passalacqua. {Bul-
letin des Sciences.)

NORTH AMERICA.

Scenery on the River Demerara. — After passing the third island, the
plantations are separated by large tracts of wood ; and farther on, past
Amelias Waard, an unbroken range of forest covers each bank of the river.
Sometimes the ground is level ; at other times, hilly, or with rocks " of an
almost perpendicular height " jutting into the water. The trees display
every variety of shade ; the tops of some of them are crowned with bloom,
of the loveliest hue, while the boughs of others bend with a profusion of
seeds and fruits. " There are patches of soil up and down, and the huge
stones amongst them produce a pleasing and novel effect.'* In a country,
with the most favourable climate for vegetation, and with the richest soil,
the trees grow very tall, but not of very large diameter. The trunks of
but few are 6 yards in circumference. " If larger have ever existed, they
have fall.en a sacrifice, either to the axe or to fire [or to the rich soil and
rapid climate]. Four-footed animals are comparatively scarce. The pec-
cari in herds of 500 or 400, the red monkey, polecat, fox, jaguar, small
and large ant-bear, and sloth are the principal. The birds and snakes are
most numerous, and unrivalled in beauty, the birds of Cayenne excepted.
There are many sorts of fish, and myriads of insects, beautiful past descrip-
tion in their variety of tints, astonishing in their form and size, and many of
them noxious in their qualities. He whose eye can distinguish the various
beauties of uncultivated nature, and whose ear is not shut to the wild
sounds in the woods, will be delighted in passing up the river Demerara.
Every now and then, the raaam, or tinamou, sends forth one long and plain-
tive whistle from the depths of the forest, and then stops ; whilst the yelp-
ing of the toucan, and the shrill voice of the bird called pi-pi-yo, are heard
during the interval. The campanero never fails to attract the attention of
the passenger ; at a distance of nearly three miles, you may hear this snow-
white bird tolling every four or five minutes, like the distant convent-bell.
From six to nine in the morning, the forests resound with the mingled cries
and strains of the feathered race j after this, they gradually die away. From

Natural Historij in Foreign Countries, 391

eleven to three, all nature is hushed, as in a midnight silence, and scarce a
note is heard, save that of the campanero and the pi-pi-yo ; it is then
that, oppressed by the solar heat, the birds retire to the thickest shade, and
wait for the refreshing cool of evening. At sundown, the vampires, batSj
and goatsuckers, dart from their lonely retreat, and skim along the'tKees on
the river's bank. The different kinds of frogs almost stun the e^r with their
hoarse and hollow-sounding croaking, while the owls and goatsuckers lament
and mourn all night long. About two hours before daybreak, you will
hear the red monkey mourning, as though in deep distress ; the houtou, a
solitary bird, and only found in the thickest recesses of the forest, .distinctly
articulates houtou, houtou, in a low and plaintive tone, an hour before sun-
rise ; the maam whistles about the same hour ; the hannaquoi, pataca, and
niaroudi announce his near approach to the eastern horizon, and the par^
rots and paroquets confirm his arrival there. The crickets chirp from sun-
set to sunrise, and often during the day, when the weather is cloudy. The
beterouge is exceedingly numerous in these extensive wilds ; and not only
man, but beasts and birds, are tormented by it. Musquittoes are very rare
after you pass the third island in the Demerara, and sand-flies but seldom
appear." (Waterton.)

; - SOUTH AMERICA. '

Lizards, — The colonists ^re particularly fond of the flesh of a very large
' sort of lizard, which is every where common in the shrubberies near the sea,
where it lives upon crabs, and other animals cast up by the tide. The
Monitor (JLac^rta Teguikin Linn.) is tolerably well figured in Seba (t. ii.
-pi. 105., fig. 1.), but erroneously, by him, made a native of Java. It is the
object of an active chase on the part of the Brazilians, who employ, to take
it, lines of brass wire, and hooks baited with a piece of meat. The voracity
of this lizard is so great, that such an apparatus serves to take a great num-
ber, every day, in spite of their shyness and agility. (Ann. des Sciences Nat.)

Pearls. — The discovery of pearls in the province of Goyaz in Brazil, is
due to the president, M. Lopez Gama, who caused researches to be made
among the shells which abound in the salt-water lakes. He has found four
perfect pearls, one large and three smaller. They are all finely rounded
and polished. It is not said in what species of shells the pearls have been
found. {Diario Fluminense, October.)

Delta of the Oroonoko and the Maragnon. — The whole coast of Guiana
abounds in banks of mud, which are daily increasing, and causing the land
-to encroach upon the sea. This process is greatly aided by the tangled
■roots of the Rhizophora Mangle, which extend to the very edge of the
waves, and even under the water. The rivers supply only a portion of the
detritus, for the sea itself is muddy to the extent of 200 geographical miles
by 10 in breadth, along the shore ; whereas the rivers are quite limpid. That
the Maragnon, however, contributes a considerable portion of alluvial mat-
ter is probable, when we consider its extended course of 1350 miles, and its
immense breadth of fifty miles at its embouchure, while its depth is very
great. During the rainy season, and the melting of the snows on the Andes,
its inundations exhibit an immense sea of water, charged with earthy de-
tritus and vegetable remains. The current is then so strong, that it is per-
ceptible at 60 miles from the coast, and this, being opposed by the usual
current of the Atlantic, from east to west, gives origin to vast banks of sand
towards the shores of Brazil, on the north-west of Guiana. One of the cir-
cumstances which contribute so powerfully to this eflfect, is the jyororoca,
-or high flux, which occurs at the mouth of the Maragnon three days before
every new and every full moon. It arrives in two hours at the beach, in
mountainous waves of 12 to 15 ft. higl;i. The sea is then driven more vio-
lently towards the north-west ; and, albng the coast of Guiana, forms very

392 Natural Historic in the English Counties.

strong currents towards Essequibo and the Gulf of Paria, becoming still
stronger as they approach the Amazon river. The pororoca destroys the
shores entirely between Fort Macapa and Cape North ; and, if there were no
rocks, the beach would be still more dismantled, and the mouth of the Ma-
ragnon turned altogether to the north. We owe these details to M.
Gutsmuths. {Hertha, ix. 5. p. 581.)

• Art. II. Natural History in the English Counties.

Plants and Insects noticed in the Neighbourhood of the City of Bath. —
Sir, I send you the subjoined lists of the rarer plants and insects which I
have found in this neighbourhood, which, if you think worthy a place in
your entertaining Magazine of Natural History, I shall continue at intervals.

Plants. jLigustrum vulgare, Circae^a lutetiana, jDfpsacus sylvestris, San-
guisorba officinalis, Cornus sangulnea, J?orago officinalis. Campanula rotun-
difolip, Trachelium, and glomerata; Colchicum autumnale, Fiola tricolor
and Fiola tricolor var. arvensis sim., *S'olanum Dulcamara, ^lisma Plantago,
Epilobium hirsutum and parviflorum, Daphne Laureola, Adoxa moscha-
tellina. Cotyledon umbilicus, Butomus umbellatus, Silene inflata, O'xalis
acetos^lla, ijchnis dioica, white and red ; JLythrum Salicaria, Reseda
Luteola and lutea, .S'pirae^a Ulmaria, Fragaria vesca, Chelidonium majus, •
JViiphar lutea, Jnemone nemorosa, Cistus Helianthemum, Mentha hirsuta.
Thymus Calamintha, Linjiria Cymbalaria, spuria, and vulgaris ; G^eranium
lucidum, Mk\\B. moschata, iiTypericum perfoliatum and quadrangulum, TVa-
gopogon prat^nsis, 6'nicus acaulis, JKupatormw cannabinum, (Xrchis morio,
maculata, and mascula; Gymnadenia conopsea, Lister« ovata, Typha lati-
folia, Poterium Sanguisorba, Humulus Lupulus, Tortula inervis, subulata,
and muralis, J5ryum arg^iteum, Gymnostomum trunculatum, Orthotrichum
anomalum.

Insects. Carabus volaceus, iucanus paralleloplpedus, Dyticus margina-
lis and punctulatus, Timarchia tenebricosa, Staphylinus olens, Hygrometra
stagnorum, Nepa cinerea, Panorpa communis, Hipparchia Tith6nu«, Pontia
wapi, rapae, and chariclea Steph. ; iSphinx /igustri, PygaeVa Buc^phala and
A'rtia caja. I am, Sir, &c. — C. C. Babington. 7. Hanover Street^ Bath,
July 8. 1828.

List of Plants found in Warwickshire^ varying with White Flowers. —
Sir, Perceiving that some of your correspondents have noticed the occur-
rence, in various situations, of SciWa nutans with white flowers^ I am in-
duced to hope that the following list of white-flowered varieties, which I
have myself observed in a native state in this county (Warwickshire), may
not prove wholly unacceptable.

Scabiosa arvensis and succisa, JSorago officinalis, found at AUesley. Pri-
mula vulgaris, at Allesley, and at Wooton near Warwick; with a red
flower, at Allesley. Campanula rotundifolia, at Allesley and at Coleshill;
latifolia, at Allesley. A very beautiful variety of this plant occurs commonly
in the neighbourhood of the lakes in Cumberland and Westmoreland, with
very pale flowers, tinged with deeper blue towards the calyx. In some
parts of those counties this pale variety is more abundant than the dark-
blue kind. Campanula patula, by the side of the old turnpike road, at the
bottom of the hill near the village of Meriden. Plants of this white
variety, raised from seed gathered in the above situation, and introduced into
the garden, have for some years continued to propagate themselves spon-
taneously, riola odorata, at Allesley, &c. ; with a red flower, at Castle
Hill, Allesley, also on the mount at Warwick Castle ; canina, at Coleshill ;
■with a very pale blue flower, near Coleshill Pool. iScilla nutans, Colchicum
autumnale, at Allesley, &c. Faccfniunj Myrtillus (fruit and flower white).

Natural History m the English Counties, 393

in woods at Allesley and Corley. ^rica vulgaris, Tetralix, and cinerea, at
Coleshill Heath, lychnis Floscuculi, at Coleshill ; diolca, at Allesley.
^osa canina, at Allesley and many other places. A'juga r^ptans, at Coles-
hill. ^etonica officinMis, Prunella vulgaris, at Allesley. Pedicularis paliis-
tris, on Coleshill Heath. Digitalis purpurea, at Coleshill. Geranium molle,
at Allesley, &c. ; Robertm«?/m, at Wooton, near Warwick. Polygala
vulgaris, also with pink flowers, and also with very pale blue flowers, on
Coleshill Heath, Corley Moor, &c. T'rifolium officinale, at Coleshill, &c.
5'erratula tinctoria, in bogs near Coleshill. Cnicus lanceolatus, palustris,
and arvensis, at Allesley, &c. O'rchis raorio and latifolia, at Coleshill;
conopsea, in bogs near Coleshill ; maculata, flowers pure white, at Allesley,
Coleshill, &c.

The following plants, varying in the colour of the flower, have also been
observed : — i^osa spinoslssima, with flesh-coloured flowers, on the road-
side at Guy's Cliff" turnpike, near Warwick. Achillea Afillefolium, with
red flowers, at Allesley, &c. Malva sylvdstris, a very beautiful variety, with
blue flowers, on a piece of arable land near Coleshill. iS'ambiicus nigra,
with white fruit, also white-flowered varieties, at Coleshill, &c. ^olanum
Dulcamara, Fritillaria meleagris, near Oxford. ChXrbma Centaureum, near
Dudley. iSymphytum officinale, with purple flowers, near Oxford.

It will almost immediately occur to any one, on perusing the above list,
that the plants most apt to produce white varieties are such as usually bear
blue, purple, or pink flowers, bellow flowers are but little subject to vari-
ations in colour. The common cowslip, however, when raised from seed in
a garden, is an exception, thoujrh, in a perfectly wild state, I never knew it
to vary in colour. 1 am, Sir, &c. — W. T. Bree. Allesley Rectory ^ near
Coventry, July 9. IS22.

Lysimachia Nuimnuldria. — In a" marshy spot, by the Thames side, be-
tween Ham and Kingston, the iysimachia Nummularia may be found (but
not very plentifully), with the leaves, calyx, and corolla thickly covered
with dark-red glandular spots. — E. K.

ScUla nutans, with white flowers, mentioned by several of your correspon-
dents as extremely rare, may be found in great plenty in all the copses near
Leith Hill, a beautiful spot, about six miles from Dorking, and abounding
in all sorts of scarce and curious plants. Near it was the residence of the
celebrated author of the Sylva. If, Sir, you should think it desirable, I will
send you a list of some of the most beautiful flowers which flourish in this
part of the country. I remain. Sir, &c. — William Perceval Hunter.

We shall be glad to receive such a list, together with a notice of the best
spot, near Leith Hill, for a London naturalist to take a lodging for a week
or two, with a view to exploring the neighbourhood. — Cond.

Marine Shells. — Sir, about a mile from this place is a hill called Black
Down, which, I suppose, may be about 600 ft. above the level of the sea,
and sixteen miles from the nearest tide-mark. On the side of this hill are
a number of excavations, some of them carried 500 yards under ground in
a straight horizontal line, which, at the further end, may be 100 ft., some
more or less, below the surface. These excavations are made for the pur-
pose of .bringing out the stones (.which are found in detached masses
amongst the sand), in order to be cut for whetstones, and which are con-
sidered the best in England. In these stones the miners frequently meet
with lumps of marine shells, of various sorts, and as hard and perfect as if
newly taken out of the sea. — Robert Reid. Montrath House, near Col-
lumpton, Devonshire, June 9. 1828.

dcliuriiim Yntybus, Scilla nutans, and Campanula' rotiindifblia, with white
flowers, have frequently been found by me in this neighbourhood. — Z>.
Stock. Bungay, Jidy 2S. 1828.

Epifdctis latifolia was found by a gentleman residing in this town, in a
wood a few miles distant. — Id.

'39^4' Natural History in the English Counties,

Former Habitats of extinct Animati. — Perhaps you may consider notices
of the former habitats of extinct animals, or the visitations*of birds, rare or
remarkable, not irrelevant to your publication ; and as the naturalist may
be pleased with such observations, if preserved before they are lost or for-
gotten, I now send you a few, and hereafter may have opportunities of send-
ing more.

The Beavers on the Severn. About a mile to the north of Wor-
cester, a little brook enters the Severn, called Barbourne, or Beaver-
bourne, to the present day, from the beavers (Castor i^iber) that formerly
inhabited the brook j a little island in the Severn, near the spot, is still
known as the Beaver island j and, higher up the stream of the Severn, is a
flat green island, called Bevereye^ which also gives its name to an adjoin-
ing hamlet. How late the beavers remained here is unknown ; but the
Severn was not navigable near Worcester in early times, from the weirs and
rapids that obstructed its course. Giraldus states that beavers were very
scarce in Wales in the twelfth century.

A Red-legged Crow (Corvus G^raculus) was shot at Lindridge, in this
county, in November, 1826, a bird rarely wandering so far from its usual
haunts. In your Magazine (p. 83.), a correspondent mentions the little
woodpecker (Picus minor), and states his bird to be, perhaps, " the only
authentic British specimen ; '' but a friend of mine has a specimen, shot some
years ago in Nunnery Wood, near this city.

The Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) visits the fir trees at Hadley Green and
Cotheridge, near Worcester, each spring and autumn, but in small numbers
of twenty or thirty. They have a leader or sentinel, who, with the others,
makes a continual tutter, tutter, tutter, among the trees. Some years ago, a
number of crossbills were caught alive, and offered for sale here ; some were
kept in cages, but they all soon died, most probably from improper treat-
ment. Old writers on natural history accuse them of visiting Worcester-
shire and Herefordshire, in great flocks, in autumn, for the sake of the seeds
of the apple, which they pierced with their curved bills. They thus did great
mischief in orchards, as they only eat the seeds, and therefore wasted quan-
tities of apples. Repeated persecution, on this account, perhaps, lessened
their numbers, and their depredations in the present day are unnoticed or
unknown.

Puffins. About six miles to the north of Worcester is Westwood Park,
in which is an old mansion of the age of Henry VIII., and a large pool. In
a late conversation with an old man in the vicinity, upwards of eighty, he
informed me that, formerly, puffins (Alca arctica) annually visited the pool
here, but it is now about six years since they have discontinued visiting it,
as he has not seen one within that time. He also assured me that, in 1821,
he saw the great northern diver (Colymbus glacialis) on the pool, a singularly
rare straggler so far to the south. He particularly noticed it from its size,
and observed it dive several times, bringing up a fish after each submersion.
He says that the other birds on the pool kept at a distance from it, being
much alarmed at it. He recollects pointing out the bird to Sir John Pack-
ington, proprietor of the park, but he would not allow its being shot. The
pool or lake is very retired ; no boat is on it, and scarcely any person is ever
suffered to approach it. — Edwin Lees. Worcester, July 20. 1828.

Tall Bristly Rose. — I have, this summer, found the^osa gracilis in some
plenty, in thickets near Cruckbarrow Hill, Worcester, a more southerly
station than Is assigned to it in Sir J. E. Smith's English Flora. — Id,

A Nest of the Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa grisola) was brought me
about three weeks ago, which was built upon a wooden rake that was care-
lessly lying on the ground, in a cottage garden at Bransford, near this city.
In this nest, so placed, the female laid five eggs, and even sat on them, in-
different to any one passing in the garden, till the nest was taken by a boy
belonging to the cottage. The nest is carelessly put together, yet prettily

Natural History in the Eiiglish Counties. 395

constructed of long, green moss, intermixed with the catkins of the hazel,
and fibres ; the interior lined with thin straws and wool. Eggs thickly
spotted with reddish brown. — Edwin Lees. Worcester^ June 20. 1828.

Rare Birds observed in the Neighbourhood of Halifax, in Yorkshire. — Sir,
if you consider the following catalogue worth inserting in your work, it is
much at your service. The authors quoted are the following : — Bewick's
British Birds, 2 vols. 8vo ; Newcastle, 1 805 : Supplement to do., 8vo ; New-
castle, 1821. Atkinson's Compendium of British Ornithology ; Leeds, 1820.
Fleming's British animals; Edinburgh, 1828.

Falco ^aliae^tus, Osprey. Bew. 1. p. 13.; Bulbusardus, Flem. p. 51. Two
specimens only, of this bird, have fallen under my observation ; one, found
in a wood near Luddenden, in a state of exhaustion, and the other shot near
Hebden Bridge. — F. aeruginosus. Moor Buzzard. Bew. 1. p. 20. ; Atk. 9. ;
^uteo aeruginosus, Flem. 55. — F. cyaneus^ Hen Harrier. Bew. 1. 54. and
56.; Aik.13.; Circus cyaneus, Flem. 50. Rare. — F. Subbuteo, Hobby.
Bew. 1. 41. ; Atk. 16. ; Flem. 49.

^^trix brachyotos. Short-horn Owl. Bew. 1. 50.; ^^^.20.; O'tis brachy-
otos, Flem. 56. Arrives early in September. — iS*. joasserina. Little Owl.
Bew. sup. to vol. 1. 8.; Atk. 23. ; Flem. 58. I have reason to believe that
this species has been met with here ; it has not, however, fellen under my
own observation.

ianius excubitor, Cinereous Shrike. Bew. 1. 60. ; Atk, 25. ; Flem. 62. ;
Very rare.

Coracias garrula, Roller. Bew. 1.89.; Atk. 54.; Flem. 88. A fine
specimen of this bird was shot in Tixby Park, near Huddersfield, in the
winter of 1824, and is now, I believe, in the museum of a gentleman atLit-
tleborough. i

yunx Torquilla, Wryneck. Bew. 1. 115. j Atk. 37. ; Flem. 92.

Picus major. Greater Spotted Woodpecker. Bew. 1.122.; Atk. 40.;
■Flem. 91. Rare. — P. minor. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Bew. 1.
127.; Atk. 40.; Flem. 92. Very rare. — P. villosus. Hairy Woodpecker.
Atk. 41.; Flem. 92. A pair of these birds, said to have been shot near
Halifax, were sent to the late Dutchess of Portland, by Thomas Bolton, and
is, I believe, the only instance on record of their having been observed in
England.

Jlcedo Tspida, Kingfisher. Bew. 2. 19. ; Atk. 42.; Flem. 90.

Sitta europaeX Nuthatch. Bew. 1. 125.; Atk. 43.; Flem. 81. Very rare.

f/'pupa jETpops, Hoopoe. Bew.l. 127.; ^/^. 45. ; Flem. 89. Shot at
Low Moor, near Bradford, and now in the possession of a person there.

Certhia familiaris. Creeper. Bew. 1. 129. ; Atk. 46. ; Flem. 88.

Turdus torquatus. Ring Ouzel. Bew. 1. 96. ; Atk. 51. ; Flem. 65. Breeds
on Blackstone-edge, and other uncultivated and solitary places, and in their
autumnal migrations to the south, they sometimes remain a few days in the
more immediate neighbourhood of the town.

Cinclus europae'us. Water Ouzel. Bew. 2. 16.; Atk. 53.; Flem. 66,
Not uncommon.

^'mpelis garrulus. Chatterer. Bew. 1.87.; Atk. 55. ; Bombycilla gar-
rula, Flem. 64. An occasional, but very rare, visitant.

Loxia curvirostra. Crossbill. Bew. 1. p. 134.; Atk. 56.; Flem. 75.
This, and the last species, I have observed not more than once or twice in
twenty years. — L. Coccothraustes, Hawfinch. Beiv. 1. 137. ; Atk. 57. ; Coc-
cothraustes vulgaris, Flem. 82. Very rare.

Emberiza nivalis. Snow Bunting. Bew. 1. 152.; Atk. 59.; Flem. 78. In
severe winters this species sometimes occurs in large flocks. — E. jScheeni-
culus, Reed Bunting. Bew. 1. 149.; Atk. 64.; Flem. 78. Breeds on the
banks of the river Calder, but is not very common,

Pringilla montana. Tree Sparrow. Bew.l. 162.; Atk. 66.; Pyrgeta
montana, Flem. 83. Rather rare, — F. Montifringllla, Mountain Finch.

396 Natural Hutory in the English Counties,

Bew. 1. 167.; Alk. 68.; Flevi. 84. Frequent in severe winters, along
with the Snow Bunting, and varies in colour almost as much as that species.
— F. spinus, Siskin. Bcw. 1. 171.; Ai/c.69.; Flem. 85. Arrives in Octo-
ber, but is an irregular visitant. — F. niontium, Mountain Linnet. Bew.
sup. 1. 24.; Atk. 72.; Flem. 84.

Muscicapa Atricapllla, Pied Flycatcher. Beiv. 1.201.; Atk, 12. y Flem.
63. Breeds here, but is rare.

iVfotacilla boarula, Grey Wagtail. Betu. 1. 196.; Aik. 81. ; Flem. 74.

Sylvia salicuria, Sedge Warbler. Bew. 1.223.; Aik. 86. ; C'urruca sa-
licaria, Fte77i. 69. — S. Locustella, Grashopper Warbler. Bew. 1. sup. 32. ;
Atk. 87. ; Curruca Locustella, Flem. 69. — S. sylviella, Lesser White Throat.
Alk. 89. ; Curruca sylviella, Flem. 71. — S. iiegulus. Golden-crested Wren.
Beiv. 1. 233. ; Atk. 97. ; ^egulus cristatus, Flern. 72.

Parus ater, Colemouse. Bew. 1. 250. ; Atk. 100. ; Flem. 80. — P. cau-
datus, Long-tailed Titmouse. Bew. 1. 251.; Atk. 100.; Flem. 81.

Caprimulgus europae'us. Night Jar. Bew. 1. 273. ; Atk. 107. ; Flem. 62.
Breeds on the less frequented moors, but do not confine themselves to these
situations, as I have frequently seen them in an evening on the borders of
woods, and about hedges, at a considerable distance from the places where
they breed. The stomach of the one I opened was completely crammed
with the undigested remains of ikfelolontha vulgaris, and ^epialus humuli.

Perdix Coturnix, Quail, Bew. I. 320.; Atk. 123. ; Cot urnix vulgaris,
Flem. 45. Very rare.

^'rdea stellaris. Bittern. Bew. 2. 47.; Atk. 134.; Flem. 95. A single
specimen was shot in Royds Hall Woods in November 1810.

JVumenius phae'opus, Whimbrel. Bew. 2. 51.; Atk. 140.; Flem. 101.
Rare.

Trfnga Squatarola, Grey Plover. Bew. 2. sup. 45.; Atk. 151.; Squata^
rola cinerea, Flevi. 111. A winter visitant. — T. striata. Purple Sandpiper.
Atk. 155.; Flem. 110. Shot on Ovenden Moor, December 1827. — T.
alpina. Dunlin. Bew. 2. 111.; Atk. 158.; Flem. 108. Breeds on Black-
stone-edge. — T. pygmae^us. Pygmy Curlew. Bew. 2. sup. 11.; Atk. 158. ; T.
subarquata, Flem. 107. Very rare.

Charadrius pluvialis, Golden Plover. Beiv. 1 . 340. ; Atk. 159.; Flem. 113.

Rallus aquaticus, Water Rail. Bew. 2. 13.; Atk. 166.; Flem. 98. Ra-
ther rare.

Gallinula Crex, Land Rail. Beiv. 1. 323.; Atk. 161. ; Ortygometra Crex,
Flem. 98. — G. Porgana, Spotted Gallinula. Bew. 2. 10. ; Atk. 169. ; Flem,

99. Rare.

Phalaropus lobatus. Grey Phalarope. Bew. 2. 140.; Atk. 111.; Flem.

100. Very rare.

Podiceps rubricoUis, Red-necked Grebe. Bew. 3. 152.; Atk. 175.;
Flem. 131. Shot at Ripponden in the winter of 1800.

Procellaria pelagica. Stormy Petrel. Bew. 2. 249. ; Atk. 197. ; Flem.
• 135. After a severe storm, I have known ^his bird to be found dead, in a
field two miles from this place ; and this, as well as other species of sea
fowl, have frequently been observed in the night flying about the iron fur-
naces at Low Moor, near Bradford, attracted by the blaze of these immense
fires ; in their nocturnal journeys from one part of the sea coast to another.

Mergus Merganser, Goosander. Beiu.2. 254.; Atk. 198.; Flem. 128,
In severe winters.

^'nas Clangula, Golden Eye. Bew. 2. 361.; Atk. 217.; Clangula vulga-
ris, F/e)». 120. — A. Querquedula, Garganey. ^<?/^. 2. 374. ; Alk. 219.;
Flem. 125. Very rare. — lam, Sir, &c*. R. Leyland. Halifax ^ July 28.
1828.

Granite found north of the Humber. — I have heard it remarked, that
granite is seldom or never found stratified north of the Humber. Not long

Natural Hhtoi-y in the English Coimties. S97

since, as some workmen were sinking a well near Woodend, in this county,
about eight miles from the Hambleton Hills, at the depth of 60 or 70
yards they came to a large mass of compact red granite, which, not being
able to remove, they cut through. Granite has also been found in several
places towards the hills. The soil in that part of the country is a rich
alluvial earth, to a good depth. What makes this still more curious is, that
no granite is found in that part of the country, as the Hambletons are com-
posed principally of mountain limestone. It is, therefore, more than pro-
bable, that this stratum is connected with others of the same nature in the
Hambletons ; for, if it is not stratified, can you or any of your readers
account for the presence of the granite in such immense masses ? This
question is well worth the attention of any person conversant in these mat-
ters. — L. E. O. Richmond, Yorkshire, August 16. 1828.

Snakes caught hy Fishermen. — Sir, On Saturday last, August 2, a fisherman
brought me a snake (Coluber A^atrix Lin.) which he had caught in his net^
while fishing in Haslar Lake, one of the branches of Portsmouth harbour ;
and, on the following morning, a seaman brought me a second, alive and
healthy, which had been just caught from the tide, on the opposite shore,
among the boats, at the sally-port, or landing-place, at Portsmouth. Both
the men were amazed at the occurrence j and the former, an aged fisher-
man, had never met with the like before. I am, Bir, &c. — Henry Slighty
Sicrgeon. 100. High-street, Portsmouth.

' Symphytum officinale (3 grows in a hedge, on the left-hand side of the
road continuing, or forming a part of, South-hill lane, not half a mile from
Highgate church, at a blunt corner, where the road changes its direction.
— E, K.

Museum at Norwich. — This establishment owes its origin to a few scien-
-tific and public-spirited individuals residing in Norwich and its vicinity, who,
in 1824, united themselves for the purpose of promoting the study of natural
history. At this time, a body of laws and regulations were drawn up, a pre-
sident, vice-president, and a committee of twelve gentlemen appointed, for the
transaction of business, and apartments taken in the Hay-market, under the
rooms of the Literary Institution, for the reception of their future collec-
tion. The late lamented president of the Linnean Society, Sir J. E. Smith,
was elected president, which office he filled till his death ; on which occur-
rence, Dawson Turner, Esq., of Great Yarmouth, author of Synopsis of
British Ficd, &c. &c., was appointed. The present object of this Society is
confined to collecting specimens in natural history, together with coins, an-
tiques, and miscellaneous articles which are objects of curiosity and admir-
ation, as well to the gieneral as the scientific observer j hoping, by this
means, to excite a spirit of enquiry, and promote the pursuit of this inte-
resting and engaging study. Should this attempt be successful, in inducing
many to support the establishment by their purses and patronage, they will
be enabled to pursue their plans of publishing their proceedings, establish-
ing lectures, and adopting such means as would render the establishment
more effectual in disseminating that spirit and that knowledge which it is
their wish to promote.

Their museum now contains several skeletons and parts of skeletons,
animals, and birds, including the hippopotamus, elephant, buffalo, crocodile,
and lion ; a few animals preserved ; about 300 specimens of ornithology,
chiefly British ; a valuable cabinet of South American insects, consisting of
about 4000 specimens ; a cabinet of British insects, consisting of about
2000; a few specimens of conchology, and about ."550 specimens of mine-
ralogy and geology, besides 300 specimens of fossil organic remains. In
botany it possesses but few specimens, chiefly from Switzerland.

To these may be added, a small collection of coins, Roman and other an-
tiquities, various instruments of war and numerous other articles from dif-
ferent countries, and an Egyptian mummy and sarcophagus.

Natural History in the English Counties,

The whole are arranged, in two rooms, in glass cases and cabinets ; and
the curator is always ready to show those which are not openly displayed,
and to give information relative to all. Attendance of the curator is from
10 to 6 ; and although admission is, by law, restricted to persons introduced
by subscribers, yet the freest admission is, at all times, attainable,—
T. W. S. August, 1828.

Medicago denticuldta, Orobdnche caryophyllacea, and O^phrys apifera. —
Sir, It was not my intention to publish a notice of some plants recently
discovered in our island, before the appearance of a « Catalogue of Plants
growmg wild in this neighbourhood," which I must now, from necessity,
deliay for a few months.

The plant which I particularly desire to make known, that your readers
may, while the season lasts, observe upon its occurrence elsewhere, is the
Medicago denticulata of Willdenow (vol. iii. 1414.), and, probably, Ray's
" Medica marina supina nostras foliis viridibus ad summos ramulos vil-
losis." {Jig. 177.) This species is common
with many others of its tribe (Trifolium
sufFocatum, subterraneum, scabrum, glomera^
tum, &c.), along this coast, from the foot
of the chalk escarpment at Folkestone, west-
wards, to New Romney and Rye. Messrs.
Sowerby, of Lambeth, have specimens froin
Southampton. The plant is at once distin-
guished by the beautifully-reticulated surface
of its legumes, which are of few convolu-
tions, furnished with a double row of short,
divaricated, hooked thorns ; and, in a ripe
state, black. The leaves are without spots ;
and, except at the extremity of the branches,
destitute of hair. The legumes attracted my
attention last autumn, long after the plant had withered. I sent some to
the late lamented president of the Linnean Society, who did not, however,
notice them to me.

The second plant is Orobdnche caryophyllacea of Sir James E. Smith in
Linnean Transactions (vol. iv. p. 169.). The description of this plant in the
Transactions leaves us nothing to desire. I have only to observe that the
scent of cloves is remarkably developed, if the plant is flowered in water. It
occurred rather abundantly, in May, in hedges at the foot of the chalk in
this neighbourhood, parasitical upon Galium Jk/olliigo, iJubus fruticosus, &c.

The O^phrys apt'
/era of Ejiglisk Bot.
(fg.ns.b) is a va-
riety distinct from
our Kentish plant (c).
This will be obvious
from the annexed
sketch of both plants.
I have received that
of English Botany
from Alum Bay, Isle
of Wight, but have
not detected it in this h

county.
I will merely add a brief notice of synonyms of Medicago and Orobanche.
Medicago denticulata, Willd. v. iii. 1414. — Medicago foUiculo spinoso.
** Cochleata minor, capsulA nigra hispida Volcknaer." Lobel, torn. 2. t. 42.
n. 498. — Medicago coronata ? Schkuhr. Botanisches Handbuch Planches,
V. iii. t. 2126.

178

Natural Historic in Scotland,

399

Orobanche caryophyllacea, Sm. in Linn. Trans. y vol. iv. 169. — O. major
goryophyllum olens, Bauhin.PinaXy n.'87. — O. caryophyllacea, Pallas. Her-
barium, Bonn. — 0. vulgaris, Flor. Gall., n. 354. 2455. (Parisiis, 1806.) —
Yours, &c. — Gerard Edwards Smith. Sandgate, Aug. 25.

Lycop^rdon Proteus Sow-
erby, the Bovista gigantea of . , , . . . i^ , . , , , -/.^t^^m

later authors. — A large spe-
cimen of this fungus (^g.
179.) has been received from
Mr. Robert Marnock, gar-
dener to V. Dolphin, Esq.,
Moreton in the Marsh,
Gloucestershire. It mea-
sured 4 ft. 2f in. round, was
1 ft. 4 in. long, 1 ft. 2 in.
wide, and 11 in. high. The
late Mr. Sowerby received a
similar fungus, at least 6 in.
longer^ and wider than the
above, but, perhaps, not
quite so high. It grew in a
garden near Norwich, and may now be seen- in Mr. Sowerby's museum,
No. 2. Mead Place, Lambeth.

Art. III. Natural History in Scotland.

Glasgo w Royal Botanic Garden. — The following statement, understood to
be drawn up by Dr. Hooker, was published by the directors of this establish-
ment in January last : — It is now some time since any public notice has
been taken of the actual state and condition of this interesting establish-
ment y which, in spite of the difficulties attendant upon its limited means^
and the error committed at its foundation, in not requiring from each
proprietor a small annual sum for its support, has yet flourished beyond
what its most sanguine friends could have expected. The funds destined
for meeting its yearly expenditure arise principally from three sources ; the
sale of plants, annual subscriptions, and voluntary annual contributions.
The failure of any one of these must materially cramp the means of carrying
on this institution. The first of these sources has been found to increase
in at least an equal ratio with the extent of the collection j and whatever
may be the objections in the minds of some of the proprietors to such a
mode of increasing the income of the garden, the produce arising from it
is of vastly too much consequence to allow of the practice being discon-
tinued. The second source of emolument, namely, the annual subscrip-
tions, may also be expected to add still more to our funds, in proportion
as the interest and beauty of the garden become more generally known.
In regard to yearly contributions, these, being voluntary, fluctuate accord-
ing to the views, feelings, and circumstances of the proprietors. Yet, surely,
since by the fundamental laws of the institution such receipts cannot be
enforced, a sense of the value of the collection, whether taken in a scien-
tific or a pecuniary light, might induce the shareholders to do that which
will so essentially tend to the maintenance and still greater increase of
the worth of that collection.

At the time of the publication of our Catalogue of Plants in 1825
(which, by its distribution, has been the means of making known the extent

400 Natural History hi Scotland,

of our riches in this department to almost every part of the globe), the
number of species and distinct varieties was estimated at upwards of 8000.
To these have lately been added little short of 3000 more ; and these, too,
as might be sup])osed, are, in general, vegetable productions of the greatest
novelty and rarity, so that it may again be repeated with confidence, that,
in point of number of species, which forms the distinguishing character of a
real botanic garden, no one in this kingdom, or perhaps in Europe, can be
compared with it. The erection of the new, and, from the way in which
it is stocked with plants, highly ornamental house, at the western extremity
of the great range, has enabled the larger individuals to be so arranged, as
to afford them greater freedom in their growth, and to allow of their being
seen to much more advantage. This will especially be observed upon the
slightest inspection of the palms, those nobles of the vegetable kingdom,
as Linnaeus so happily called them, many of which are already beginning
to wear that aspect of grace and beauty which eminently characterises
their form in their native climes. In the same house (the great stove),
the banana or plantain tree may again be expected, as it did four years
ago, to bear its flowers and its fruit, and to bring the latter to perfection.
T'he papaw tree, so remarkable for the property which its juices possess
of rendering old and tough meat tender in a short space of time, if but
slightly washed with it, nay, even of producing the same effect upon the
flesh of old animals that feed on it, whether hogs or poultry ; this tree,
having room to flourish, now has several fine fruits upon it, which are
rapidly advancing to maturity. Though not belonging to the palm tribe,
yet, like them, the papaw tree rises with a tall and slender stem, bearing a
tuft of leaves at the top, and the fruit and flowers immediately beneath.
Similar in general growth to these are the tree ferns, yet of such rarity,
that we know of no collection in Europe where there is a single living indi-
vidual ; but, during the course of the last year, we had the good fortune to
receive no less than three healthy young plants, through the liberality of
His Excellency General Walker, from St. Helena ; whilst a fourth, of the
same kind, but a different species from those now mentioned, has been
brought to us by Captain Farmer, from Mr. Eraser, of New Holland. We
have valuable correspondents at Trinidad, who may be said to replace the
loss we sustained in the death of the Baron de Schack. His Excellency
Sir Ralph Woodford, and the able botanic gardener there, have communi-
cated many plants, but none more valuable than tne nutmeg, the first that
ever came alive to this country, the Jack tree, and the mangosteen. For
their security during the voyage we are indebted to Messrs. Eccles, of this
city, who have shown a most liberal and unvarying attention to the interests
of the institution. The famous arracacha of South America, in which
country its prolific roots hold the place of the potato, and are equally nu-
tritive, has been again sent to us, with other rarities, especially some young
mangoes, by Dr. Bancroft, Dr. M'Fadyen, and Mr. R. Smith, of Jamaica.
To John Pearson, Esq., of Demerara, we are indebted for some curious
plants of the Indian kale; to Thomas M'Gill, Esq., of Glasgow, and his
brother. Captain M'Gill, for many East Indian productions ; to the late
lamented General Turner, for several vegetables of Sierra Leone ; to Mr.
Elliot, of South Carolina, for a numerous collection of plants from that
rich country. Our noble cactuses, or Turk's-ca{) torch thistle, the envy of
every garden in Europe, are all the valued present of Captain M'Arthur, of
the Everthorpe; the curious Tamus elephantipes, or Elephant's foot, of
R. Finlay, Esq., from the Cape. Amongst the fir tribe we possess the fa-
mous Norfolk Island pine, procured by Mr. Eraser, government botanist at
New Holland, and brought to us, with many other plants from that country,
by Sir Thomas Brisbane ; the Chilian pine, from Mr. Cruickshanks ; and
the Brazilian pine. These, in their native soil, are reckoned amongst the
tallest and most remarkable trees in the world. The bread-fruit may here

Natural History in Scotland, 401

be seen, whose history is connected with one of the most interesting and
affecting narratives that have ever been recorded, in the mutiny of the crew
of the Bounty, and in the preservation of Admiral Bligh, and the sub-
sequent settlement of the mutineers on Pitcairn's Island, where the prin-
cipal of them, with his family, by sober, industrious, and religious habits,
seems destined, by one of the mysterious ways of Providence, to carry
civilisation into the islands of the South Seas. This individual bread-fruit
was sent to us by Dr. Fraser, of Berbice, but in so sickly a state that we
dare not hope it will recover; yet we do not despair of again receiving and
cultivating it successfully. Numerous are the vegetables indeed in our
garden, which, a few years ago, it was not considered possible to keep alive
any where but in their native country, and which are now flourishing in
our stoves. The nutmeg, and especially the extensive tribe of air plants,
as they are called, no less remarkable for their place of growth (the trunks
of trees) than for the splendour of their flowers, are striking examples of
this. The mahogany was long known to us solely by the beauty and utility
of its wood, yet now we have good plants of it in a living state ; and, by
the kindness of an enlightened merchant of this city, the writer of this
Report is enabled to publish, together with a figure, a history, commercial
as well as botanical, of this most valuable of all trees. It is the staple
article of trade of Honduras ; and there, at the season of cutting the tim-
ber, the woods, at other times a desert, are alive with the labourers engaged
in that singular duty. The double or Maldivian cocoa-nut tree was, till
within these few years, only known to the wild inhabitants of the Seychelles
Islands ; now, the fruit has reached our shores in a vegetable state ; and
one individual, at the present time in England, is destined for our garden.
Of other palms we possess nearly forty species. The plants of Arctic
America, of the Rocky Mountains, that vast alpine range, forming a con-
tinuation of the chain of the Andes, which has just been explored during
two entire years by one of Dr. Richardson's collectors (Mr. Drummond of
Forfor), were, till lately, only known to the Canadian hunters, or the Esqui-
maux, or the still more savage Indians of North-west America. These may
very shortly be seen in cultivation in our gardens, of which they will form
a highly interesting and distinguishing feature. From Captain Franklin
alone, who commanded the overland arctic expedition, we have received a
parcel of 300 seeds. Among the useful plants of our collection we may
reckon the green and black tea, the coffee, the chocolate, gum arable,
jujube tree, tamarind, logwood, ginger, arrow root, turmeric; pepper, no
less than thirty-three kinds, though none of them more valuable than the
black pepper of the shops ; the sago, date, cocoa nut, Otaheitan gooseberry,
camphor, sugar cane, bamboo, &c., not to mention many others ; a new and
excellent species of guava [query — the species, and a hint for its culture,
for Gard. ATag.], whose fruit, which ripened last year, was pronounced by
all that tasted it to be delicious, and fitted to rank with the most choice of
our desserts. Among the more curious and ornamental plants, we must
not omit to notice our numerous banksias and dryandras, for which we
are mainly indebted to Mr. Mackay, of Clapton ; the various new calceo-
larias, or slipperworts, and fuchsias, the gift of our inestimable ^^outh
American correspondents, Dr. Gillies and Mr. Cniickshanks ; the papyrus,
now arrived at a height of from 12 to 14 ft.; the India rubber tree, which,
could we have afforded it space enough, would ere now have attained the
height of 40 ft ; the side-saddle flower, the famous pitcher plant, the fly-
trap or dionaea, the star apple ; the cherimoja, a present from. Her Grace the
Duchess of Montrose ; the manchineel, the alligator pear ; the buonapartea,
so named in honour of our late formidable enemy, and of which the sharp
pungent foliage seems to be characteristic of that hero; and, lastly, we
may mention what will soon be in great perfection, for they are among the
earliest-flowering plants in the great green-house, the numerous varieties of
Vol. I, — No. 4. e e

402 Calendar of Nature for London,

that universal favourite, the camellia. Room would be wanting were we
to enumerate all the persons, whether. in a public or private capacity, who
have rendered services to the institution, and it would but appear invidious
to make a selection j suffice it to say, that the Directors have ever felt a
grateful sense of their kindness. We cannot conclude this report, already
perhaps extended to too great a length, without expressing a fervent wish
that it were possible to put this noble and deserving establishment upon a
permanent foundation. In considering the proprietors individually, this
would be the most simple of all things, for a small annual sum from each
would render it perfectly independent j and, let it be observed, that such is
the plan with every other institution of the kind in the kingdom. It can
only be done here by general consent : whereas, now, the expense, which
ought to be shared by all, falls only upon the generous and the liberal ;
whose names, however, will stand enrolled in the Annals of the Society as
its disinterested friends and patrons.

Art, IV. Calendar of Nature for London,

August, — Flora. The spring-like weather which has continued through-
out the summer months, keeps many plants in flower which are usually
over at this time. The only garden flower which particularly marks the
season is the autumnal crocus (Colchicum officinalis), which flowered on the
29th. Harvest began in a few favoured spots in the last week of July, was
generally in hand by the middle of August, but much retarded by frequent
rains.

Fauna. The great body of swifts (Cjpselus ^'pus Cuv.) was observed
passing to the south-westward on the 10th and 1 Ith ; the last (a single one)
was seen on the 18th. Towards the end of the month, swallows and house
martens congregate, and are often seen resting on the ridges or sloping roofs
of buildings.

September. — Flora. In the beginning came forth the Colchicum varie-
gatum, G^entiana purpurea, Helianthus atrorubens, Heliopsis laeVis, JE'chium
grandiflorum, Jpargia^Taraxaci, and several of the perennial asters.

Fauna. Except swallows and house martens, very few migratory sum-
mer birds are seen after the middle of the month. The sedge warbler
(Curruca salicaria) was the last observed. The redbreast's winter song
is already heard. The notes of a few late-breeding song-thrushes were
heard on the 12th. A pair of these birds hatched their young so late
as the 15th, in the court of the Royal Military Asylum, Chelsea. It is
remarkable that they chose for their nestling place one of the lower boughs
of an elm, immediately over the gymnastic exercise ground, and in the
midst of the noise and violent action of hundreds of boys, besides the fre-
quent rolling of drums and all other military music daily. The young
flew, being protected, while in the nest, by a special order of the com-
mandant.

Insects have not been so numerous as they are in dry summers, and many
which appear early have only made their appearance lately. Garden insects
'^re only seen about London, especially those that visit the discous flowers.
Among them were noticed a few of the splendid grand admiral butterfly
(Vanessa Atalanta), appearing about the 8th ; and, on the same flowers, many
of the genus Jliusca and Bombylius ; also all the common species of Tipula,
Tabanus, Culex, and ^silus. The warm weather has brought forth many
spiders ; the Diaderaa unusually numerous ; the Montana appeared on the
24th.

Indicatorlal Calendar, 408

October,— Flora. The garden and field flowers of last month, in con-
sequence of the fine weather, still continue; to which are added the ^'ster
-^melius, grandiflora, and Nova A'ngliae ; Dianthus glaucescens, Gnapha-
lium, 5'toe'chas, &c.

Fauna. Swallows and house martens are now about taking their depar-
ture ; the last swallow was seen on the 12th, and the martens were all gone
on the 1 8th. Fieldfares and redwings arrived about the 15th, and wood-
cocks about the 19th. Swans beat away their cygnets. Cabbage butterflies
rather numerous, and busy depositing their eggs on broccoli, &c.

The Weather. — After a long course of changeable weather, it began to
clear up about the 20th of August. From that time, with but few inter-
ruptions, it has continued fine, enabling the farmer to finish harvest work,
and the hop-grower to secure his produce. From the 15th to the 26th af
September, remarkably fine and warm. — J. M. October 20.

Art. V. Indicatorlal Calendar,

Notwithstanding the two ensuing months are the waning and dreary
portion of the year, there are many incidents which attract the attention
of the observer of nature. Though the trees have lost, or are losing, their
honours, and vegetation has generally made a pause, the rural scene is not
destitute of interest.

J3i7-ds. — The migrating summer songsters are all fled ; but other visitors,
driven from the north by a severe winter, appear in our neighbourhood.
These are the different species of the genus ^Scolopax, woodcock, snipe, &c.;
and it often happens that, in inland level countries, several species of the
genus Falco are seen only in the winter months. At this season, larks are
congregated, and roost closely together on the ground ; where, for want of
larger game, they often become a prey to the night-prowling fox; chaffinches,
and other small birds, congregate and roost together in thick hedges ; trout
repair to their spawning places ; and, if it is open weather, snails and some
insects are in motion.

In the fish-markets y cod, turbot, soles, gurnard, doree, skate, whitings,
herrings, &c., are in season ; as also lobsters, crabs, prawns, shrimps, oysters,
and other testacea, in great perfection.

The moon will be with the planets on the days and times following : viz.

November 3. at 9 A.M. Venus. December 4. at 1 A.M. Venus.
8. 5 A.M. Jupiter. 5. 5 P.M. Mercury.

8. 8 P.M. Mercury. 6. 1 A.M. Jupiter.

14. 8 A.M. Mars. 12. 11 P.M. Mars.

26. 7 A.M. Saturn. 25. 12 P.M. Saturn.

October. \^2^. J. M.

Art. VI. Biographif.

Memoir of the late John Templeton, Esq., forming part of the Anniversary
Address delivered on the 24th of May, 1827, to the Belfast Natural
History Society, by James L. Drummond, Esq. M.D. F.L.S. &c. Presi-
dent of that Society. Communicated by Dr. Drummond.

We have this year, gentlemen, been able to meet on the birthday of
Linnaeus, and I shall employ part of your time in drawing your attention
to a deceased member and sincere wellwisjiier of QiJi" ^pcjety, who was

E E 2

'404 Biography : — John Templeton, Esq,

worthy of being placed in company with that eminent naturalist. Every
one present will at once perceive that 1 refer to the late John Templeton,
a man devoted, like Linnaeus, to every branch of natural history, and whose
enthusiastic attachment to it continued to the end of his life. The biography
of a retired man of science, like a deceased friend, seldom presents much
that is interesting to the world at large, especially when he has not come
much forward as an author ; but those who have known and respected him
will take pleasure in such details as may make them more acquainted with
him, or may recall him to their recollection j and, in particular, you, who
are engaged in the same pursuit, will be gratified by even an imperfect
account of his exertions, of his discoveries, and of the treasures he has left
behind him. Whilst, in compliance with your wish, I have undertaken to
pay this tribute of respect, I must regret that it was not undertaken by
some one who had been longer and more intimately acquainted with him,
and who could, therefore, have done more justice to the subject. The
readiness, however, with which sources of information have been laid open
to me by the family, have, I hope, enabled me to fulfil your desire better
than I could have expected ; and I have myself derived considerable pleasure
in the employment; whilst the character, as well as the talent and in-
formation, of our departed friend, has risen greatly in my opinion, as I
have become more acquainted with him.

Mr. Templeton was born in Belfast, in the year 1766. His father resided
there, and at his country house in Malone, near this town, where tlie family
have been settled since the early part of the 1 7th century, and where he
himself constantly lived since his father's death. To this place he gave the
name of Crann-more, i. e. the Great tree, in honour of the very fine chest-
nut trees which are in front of the house, and which were probably planted
in the 1 7th century, though there is no record respecting them. It had been
previously called Orange Grove. His very delicate state of health, when a
boy, was probably the cause of his attention being early turned to natural
history. When unable to partake of active amusements, he took great
delight in a book of natural history, containing pictures of birds, fishes, &c. ;
which pictures he used to copy, and with which, and the descriptions, he
used to compare the various birds which his friends, knowing the pleasure
it gave him, procured and sent him. That habit of discrimination, which
natural history is well calculated to form, was thus early acquired. His
earliest education he received at the school of Mr. Manson, a name yet
respected in this neighbourhood. As he grew up he became attached to
fowling and fishing, but gave up the former on witnessing the sufferings
of a wounded bird, and was ever afterwards remarkable for his kind attention
to every part of the animal creation. In this he set an excellent example
to naturalists, for he always contrived to gratify his curiosity without pain
to the subject of it, and would, at any time, have lost the opportunity of
acquiring knowledge, rather than be the cause of suffering to a living crea-
ture. When circumstances justified the deprivation of life, he considered
how it might take place with the least pain. Benevolence to men and
brutes was, indeed, a striking feature in his character ; and those who, on
many subjects, differed from him in opinion, could not but have approved
the motive by which he was ever actuated, — a desire to promote the hap-
piness of his fellow-creatures. From various passages in his writings I select
one, in proof of ray assertion. " It is often," says he, " within the power
of man to exercise a portion of benevolence ; and while philanthropy con-
fines kindness to our own species, the divine attribute of benevolence
extends to every living creature, and calls to us to alleviate their sufferings.
While snow covers the earth, and frost binds up the waters, the feeling
heart must pity the distress, and strive to give comfort and sustenance to
the winged inhabitants of the air, whose lively motions interest, and whose
music adds a charm to the rural scene. Many, driven from their native

Biography: — John Templeibn^ Esq, 405

wilds by the inclemency of the season, seek the plains of Ireland, in hopes
of finding that comfort which their own country denied them; but scarcely
are they arrived, fatigued with the length of their journey, and weak from
want of food, ere they experience new calamities. In vain do they seek the
silent wood, or trust to generosity for protection ; for no pangs are felt by
the greedy epicure or thoughtless sportsman, when innocence and beauty
die. It is to innocence and beauty they call for protection. Let the youth-
ful hand scatter food, and they will give life and happiness to hundreds ;
let them guard their rural walks against all destroyers of the feathered
tribes, and the consciousness of having done a good action will make the
music of the groves awaken ideas which the virtuous alone can enjoy."
In another place I find him quoting with approbation the beautiful lines of
Cowper, —

" I would not enter on my list of friends,
(Though graced with polished manners and fine sense.
Yet wanting sensibility,) the man
Who needlessly sets foot upon a worm.

# * #

The sum is this : — If man's convenience, health,
Or safety, interfere, his rights and claims
Are paramount, and must extinguish theirs.
Else they are all — the meanest things that are.
As free to live, and to enjoy that life.
As God was free to form them at the first.
Who in his sovereign wisdom made them all."

Mr. Templeton began to cultivate flowers about the year 1786, and soon
made his flower-garden an object of attention ; but it was not till after his
father's death, in 1790, that, on recovery from a severe illness, he began to
study botany with enthusiasm as a science ; having been first directed to
it by a desire of extirpating weeds from his farm, to which he then applied
himself. Having made himself well acquainted with the Linnean system,
he, in 1793, laid out his experimental garden, if I may so call it, which is
said to have been suggested by a passage in Rousseau's Heloise. This had
been partly an orchard, partly an osier ground ; and conducting through it
a stream of water, raised on an artificial rock, he rendered it in every
way fit for the intended purpose. Here he collected, from various parts of
the world, rare and useful plants, which he endeavoured to naturalise in
this climate, by placing them in a soil and situation resembling, as nearly as
possible, that to which they had been accustomed. By this means there is
growing, in his garden, in the open air, a wonderful and curious collection
of plants from India, China, North and South America, Siberia, &c. : such
as Camellia japonica, Thea viridis (the tea-plant), Ailanthus prae'cox, and
others, which were formerly kept in the hot-house, and then in the green-
house. Most of the trees at Cranmore (all, I beheve, except the chest-
nuts and oaks) were raised from seed or planted by himself; and so great
a variety of the natives of the forest has, perhaps, never been collected in
so small a place. In 1794 he paid his first visit to London, where he
formed an acquaintance with Professor Martyn, of Cambridge, author of
the valuable additions to Miller's Dictionary ; Dr. Shaw, the zoologist ;
Mr. Dickson, of Covent Garden, the celebrated cryptogamist ; and Mr.
Whitley, an eminent nursery-man, from whom he afterwards purchased
many plants, and with whom he corresponded. In 1795 he became
acquainted with the late Mr. Arbuckle, collector of Donaghadee ; and
through him, with the Earl of Clanbrassil. This nobleman, much attached
to the study of botany, had Mr. Templeton frequently with him at Bryans-
ford, and near Dundalk ; on which occasions he usually accompanied Mr.

406 Biograjphy : — John Temyleton^ Esq,

Arbuckle, with whom he carried on a frequent correspondence for some
years. These visits were only terminated by the death of Lord Clanbrassil,
in 1798. In 1796 Mr. Templeton paid a second visit to London, where
he was introduced to Sir Joseph Banks, who took great notice of him ; and
then, or soon after, made him an offer to go to New Holland, with a salary
of 3 or 400/. a year, and a large grant of land ; but his attachment to his
aunt and sisters, with whom he lived before his marriage, as well as to his
native country, made him decline it, though the prospect it held out of
prosecuting his favourite study was very tempting. Mr. Brown, the distin-
guished author of the Prodromus of the Plants of New Holland, who went
to New Holland afterwards, was in the number of Mr. Templeton's friend*
and correspondents ; and expressed his sense of the services rendered by
Mr. Templeton to botany, by appropriating the name Templetonia to one
of his new genera. He also became acquainted with Doctor, now Sir J.
E. Smith, president of the Linnean Society, the Rev. Dr. Goodenough,
late Bishop of Carlisle, with Aylmer Bourke Lambert, Esq., author of a
splendid and valuable work on the genus Pinus, Mr.Sowerby, Mr. Curtis,
and others, besides renewing his acquaintance with Dr. Shaw and Mr.
Dickson; and with many of these he afterwards corresponded. Lord
Clanbrassil was in London at that time, and Mr. Templeton's letters show
that he enjoyed his visit much, though glad to return to his domestic occu-

Eations. Previously to this visit, he had made some communications to the
linnean Society, which were well received. One of them was on the
migration of birds, and another on soils. In the year 1 799 he commu-
nicated to the Royal Irish Academy, through the Bishop of Clonfert, Dr.
Young, with whom he was intimate, a paper on the naturalisation of
plants, a subject to which he had devoted much attention. In this he urged
the necessity of experiments. " The same Almighty hand," he says, " that
formed the earth, has scattered, in far distant regions, vegetables, which the
necessity or luxury of man excites him to endeavour to accumulate about-
his home. And if we, at the present time, survey the different nations of
the earth, we shall find that most of them have received great and im-
portant benefits by the introduction of foreign plants ; and that there is
no country, however numerous its collection of plants, but may yet receive
considerable advantages by the naturalisation of others."

This paper contains many excellent practical observations which have
been referred to in different works published since that time. I shall at
present quote only one. " By the appearance of the roots and leaves, we
may nearly determine in what kind of soil the plant is most likely to thrive.
Robust roots and fleshy or rigid leaves require a dry soil, according to
their thickness, stiff clay or sandy loam, as beans, peach trees, and apple
trees : robust spongy roots which have a tendency to mat near the surface,
with thin leaves, as the alder (^^lnus\ willows (5'alix), require a somewhat
stiffer soil with moisture ; many of the 5alix genus will not grow with their
accustomed vigour in a light turf or peat mould soil, for want of the
necessary resistance to the root, although suitable in respect to moisture.
Slender, hard, and wiry roots as those of the pine, cistus, &c., require dry,
sandy, or gravelly soils, and extremely fine and hair-like roots, as those of
JBrica, Kdlmea, i2hododendron,&c., must have a soil whose particles will not
impede the shooting of their tender fibres, and with a small but regular
degree of moisture, that the roots, which by their form cannot resist the
slightest drought, may not be destroyed. Plants in a warm climate perspire
more than in a cold one ; so in a warm one they require much, and in a
cold one little moisture. Therefore when transplanted from a warm to a
cold climate, they should have a drier soil, and from a colder to a warmer,
a moister one than in their native station."

(Tb he continued.)

Retrospective Criticism. 407

Art. VII. Queries and Anstioers.

Lathrm^a squamaria. — I have doubts respecting the identity of Hud-
son's Lathrae'a squamaria, with that of English Botany and Flora^ &c.
Would any of your readers furnish you with a short description of the plant,
as it may have occurred to them ? Were this done, some hght might, I sus-
pect, be thrown upon the true characters of this plant. — G. E. Smith.
Sandgate, Aug. 25. 1828.

Scientific Work on Insects. — Can you inform me of any introductory
work on entomology ? I want more information respecting the classifica-
tion, than is to be gathered from the excellent book of Messrs. Kirby
and Spence, or any other I have met with. Messrs. Kirby and Spence
allege that such a work would be found dry by readers ; but it appears to
me as necessary to the student of entomology, as a grammar is to the student
of languages. A word or two from you, in the Magazine, might set some
competent person upon writing a work of this nature, if, as I suspect, none
exists. — T. L. H. August 18. 1828.

Rise and Fall of the Barometer. — In the Companion to the Almanack^
published under the superintendence of the Society for the Diffusion of
Useful Knowledge, it is stated, in describing the barometer, that the cause
of the rising and falling of the mercury in the instrument has " long puzzled
philosophers ; and many erroneous solutions have been given of the pro-
blem. By some, the increase of weight has been supposed to proceed from
the quantity of water dissolved in the air ; this is, however, refuted by the
simple fact, that when the mercury stands highest, the air is most dry ; and,
on the contrary, rain generally occurs when the atmosphere is light." What
is meant by the words " most dry ; " is it meant that the air is then freest
from water, or do they signify, only, that it is then most desiccating ? An
explanation from some of your readers will oblige — X. Y.

Art. VIII. Retrospective Criticism.

Too great Humanity to Animals. — Sir, Having, this week, received a curious
sort of letter of censure for my too great humanity, I enclose it to you, that
you may, if you please, make use of it. It is, perhaps, scarcely deserving of
notice ; but, as 1 have understood that you like some discussion upon the
various subjects treated in the past Numbers of the Magazine, I thought you
might like to insert it; I send it, therefore, with some remarks in answer;
but, pray, do not scruple to throw both aside, if you think it better to do so.

" Madam, — Having read, in the Magazine of Natural History, a com-
munication from you, entitled, ' Considerations on Botany, as a Study for
Young People,' wherein you recommended its pursuit over the other col-
lateral branches, inasmuch as it was not fraught with cruelty, and that, in its
prosecution, you are without the fear of inflicting pain. Now, as an expe-
rimental physiologist, I should beg to give it as my opinion, that the lower
class of animals are not susceptible of the sensation of pain. This seems to
be dependent upon the tardiness of their circulating systems, and conse-
quent want of nervous energy. First, I should like to state to you, that the
common eft can have its tail removed without even being conscious of it. In
man, and the vertebratae, the seat of sensation is chiefly found in the brain ;
but how different in insects. It is a known fact, that the head of most in-
sects can be removed, and the animal possess the power to perform all the
functions, save seeing and eating, and ultimately only dies of inanition. I
am not at all an advocate for deliberate cruelty, but it seems to me that,
on this subject, there exists an unnecessary and false feeling amongst your
enchanting sex. A lady can read the account of a cool and deliberate blood-

408 Notices.

shed of some hundreds of fellow-beings, and call the perpetrator a hero; and
yet the man who, from a love of, and earnest wish to improve, science, kills
a few insects, is only known by the undeserving epithets of a brute, monster,
or cruel wretch ! With every wish that you may conquer your present
fastidiousness, I have the honour to be. Madam, yours — A Follower of
JEsculapiiis. Jug. 8. 1828."

In reading this letter, it is very easy to perceive that the writer is one of,
what he himself considers, the higher class of animals ; and so far, perhaps,
we may agree with him, whatever may be the opinion of what we term the
lojver class, on this subject. The wasp, when it stings us, may choose to
believe that we are not susceptible of pain ; it might be convenient to him
to think so, if he desired to repeat the sting; and I know not that we have
any better reason for arrogating all the pain to ourselves, than the insect
would have for denying that we felt ani/. A man may have his nails or his
hair cut, without experiencing any pain from the operation, but does it fol-
low thence that he is insensible to pain ? Even allowing that the head or
tail of an animal may be removed, without depriving it of the powers of
motion, &c., can we, therefore, affirm that it is done without pain ? Or
supposing the seat of sensation, in insects, not to be in the head, can we
then say, that it does not exist at all ? Even admitting the fact, that the
head be removed without pain, is it nothing to deprive the poor insect
of sight, and of the means of supporting its life ? Is it nothing to leave it
to die of hunger ? Whatever may be our theories on such subjects, what-
ever the analogies, or arguments upon which we found them, it is dangerous
to act upon opinions that we cannot prove ; and surely it is better even to
run into a little excess on the humane side of the question, than to run the
risk of inflicting unnecessary pain.

I agree with the writer that " she who can read the account of a cool and
deliberate bloodshed of some hundreds of fellow-creatures, and call the
perpetrator a hero," yet calls him a brute, and a monster, who, for useful
purposes, " kills a few insects" is merely squeamish ; and perhaps a little af-
fected ; but let us hope that women will ever jireserve that " fastidiousness,"
if fastidiousness it be, which shrinks from inflicting pain on any Hving crea-
ture. If an animal must suffer death, let it be given without torture ; and,
above all, let us not make the sufferings of any creature, however low its
rank in the creation, a source of heartless sport. I suspect this disciple of
iEsculapius is far from being heartless, and that his quickness to correct me
in this matter, proceeds from a tenderness of conscience, awakened to a
doubt he does not fully acknowledge to himself. In return for his anxiety
for my own improvement, I sincerely hope that he will listen to his feelings
as well as to his wishes, and not suffer his convictions to depend upon his
will. —Yours, &c. E.Kent. Aug.\5.\S2S.

Art. IX. Notices,

Dinner in Commemoration of Ray. — Naturalists of every class are deeply
indebted to the labours of this great philosopher, rather, perhaps, in the
assistance they have afforded to Linnaeus, Buftbn, Daubenton, and Cuvier,
than by the knowledge generally possessed of the originals ; and naturalists
of every class will,' of course, join in celebrating the two hundredth anni-
versary of the birth of the most distinguished student of nature in general
who has yet run his course in this country. The arrangements in progress
contemplate such a union as almost certain, and the cooperation of the
various Natural History Societies of London is anticipated, by the consent
of the secretaries to act as stewards. We look forward, in fact, to a
National Natural History Fete.

THE MAGAZINE

OF

NATURAL HISTORY.

JANUARY, 1829.

Art. I. Remarlcs on the present State of Natural History in ,|
Germany, By W. J.

From the time that Germany, now ruled by so many princes
who love and favour art, was freed from the yoke of Napoleon,
it has been rapidly advancing in science. The natural sciences,
in particular, have been cultivated with great zeal; and we
shall not be far from the truth, if we assert that it was by the
very agitation of the period alluded to, when Paris had also
become the capital of Germany, that the great progress which
these sciences have made was accelerated. The German is a
collector by nature ; and in almost every city of moderate size,
a collection of some sort may be found, belonging to some
private inhabitant or scholar. During the sway of the French,
many learned men from Germany had occasion to go to Paris,
where they were inspired with a noble emulation on beholding
the splendid collections that have been made in that city since
the time of BufFon. Before the revolution, Linnaeus, and the
phlogistic school of chemistry, reigned triumphant in Germany.
The antiphlogistic chemistry (the father of which, Lavoisier,
fell himself a victim to revolutionary violence) was afterwards
embraced in Germany with great zeal. Priestley, and a
number of other discoverers, contributed to the apphcation
of the new chemical views of physiology ; and thus, in Ger-
many, the scene was completely changed in the beginning of
the nineteenth century. The incomparable Werner enlarged
mineralogy; and his school, spreading from Freiberg over the
whole world, gave to his views an almost canonical authority :
but, as the Germans prefer truth to personal considerations,
this great man had the mortification of seeing Raumer, and
others of his pupils in the neighbourhood of Freiberg, dis-
covering facts and relations in direct opposition to his system.
Rome de Lisle's experiments in crystallography did not meet
Vol. I. — No. 5. f r

410 Remarks on the present State of

with much encouragement in Germany, but Hauy soon after
found many adherents ; and Steffens, who tried to unite his views
with those of Werner ; Leonard, who modelled the terminology
after the French ; and others, attracted great attention towards
the French doctrine. Mohs and Weiss introduced a new and
more active life into mineralogy : the former, by pursuing, in a
certain measure, the track of his teacher, Werner; and the
latter, by the enlargement of crystallography, and by bringing
it, through the application of numbers, into affinity with the
calculating chemistry of Berzelius. Fuchs unites the views of
the crystallographers with that of the chemical constitution of
minerals, in order to arrive at a scientific unity in mineralogy.
In botany, the doctrines of Linnaeus had for a long time
been maintained in Germany, although several Germans pro-
duced various new systems; such as Heister, the predecessor
of Jussieu, who had made good use of his labours ; and Biitt-
ner. It was not till the middle of the last century, that the
study of the natural families of plants began to be zealously
pursued ; at which period the Germans had, by means of cor-
respondence, travels, &c., begun to obtain possession of larger
collections of plants. Voigt translated Richard's treatise on
fruits, and reduced Jussieu's method into a tabular form ; and
Sprengel gave popular lectures on the doctrine of the natural
families of plants, in 1817. The great poet Goethe also con-
tributed his share, by means of a little book, long overlooked,
in which he attempted, with the acumen of a true naturalist,
to reduce the principles of vegetation to simple laws, and to
explain, in a general manner, the various phenomena of appa-
rently different organs. In consequence of Goethe's views,
which were continued by others, the Germans felt themselves
powerfully attracted to the necessity of considering the organs
of plants, according to their metamorphoses ; and they now
speak in botany of a morphology, which may otherwise be
termed organography viewed in the light of all changes of
phenomena appearing in the leaf. Ever since Hedwig, the
founder of muscology, and of Persoon, the founder of my-
cology, a great inclination has been observable among the
Germans for the study of the Cryptogamia. This study be-
came, as it were, the key to higher views, by making its fol-
lowers acquainted with the simplest parts of the organs of
plants. Nees von Esenbeck entered into the examination of
mushrooms in a morphological sense, and the result of his
labours, notwithstanding his numerous theoretical speculations,
excited, by the soundness of his views, an interest for such
delicate and difficult investigations. Link, Roper, and E.
Meyer pursued the road pointed out by Goethe: particularly

Natural History in Germany, 411

the first, whose views were peculiar to himself; and Von
Martins, who sought the metamorphosis of the leaf in its
evolution round the axis of the plant, and endeavoured
to explain, from this circumstance, the variety of flowers.
Cotta, Meyer, and Gaertner have done much in the physio-
logy of plants, with respect to the history of vegetation, the
functions of the organs, fructification, and anomalous pro-
ductions ; in which Gaertner, the son of the great carpologist,
repeated and extended Kaikbrenner's experiments. The dis-
coveries of the Germans in phytotomy are very considerable.
Sprengel, Link, Rudolphi, Moldenhauer, and Treviranus have
collected and observed with great industry, and Kiefer has
united the different facts into the most comprehensive system.
The geography of plants also, which originated with Hum-
boldt, is now diligently cultivated ; and the descriptive works,
among which that of Kunth is the largest and most meritorious,
contribute not a little to place this science on a sure foundation.

Zoology has been pursued according to the system of Guvier,
who, having received his education in Germany, has become
the teacher and guide of the many Germans who visit
Paris. Zoology and zootomy are so closely united, that, in
most universities, they are taught by one and the same pro-
fessor. The celebrated veterans, Sommerring and Blumen-
bach, have excellent disciples in this branch in Bojanus,
Tiedemann, Otto, Weber, Rudolphi, &c., who diligently in-
vestigate not only the larger animals, but also the minute zoo-
phytes of the sea, &c. The view of natural families in animated
nature, first proposed by Illiger, has been introduced into
zoology through zootomy. Meigen, Gravenhorst, Tiedemann,
and Ochsenheimer have done much in the branch of insects ;
and Klug, by his unwearied industry, has become the German
Latreille. Von Bar, of Konigsberg, is a zealous observer of
the inferior animals. The cabinets of Vienna and Berlin have
been so much enlarged, that, in some respects, they outrival
that of Paris. The mineralogical collections also, as well as
the botanical gardens of Vienna, Berlin, Munich, and Gcittin-
gen, display riches which, twenty years ago, could hardly be
met with in Europe, except in the Jardin des Plantes at Paris.

Upon the whole, it is pleasing to contemplate, in a country
so various in its forms of government and religion, the zeal
for the investigation of nature so universally diffused, and not,
as in France, limited to one capital ; and to observe the pro-
gressive advancement of science. It forms a picture of the
intellectual improvement of man, which, in spite of all obstacles,
verifies the old saying of Plus ultra !

Munich, Nov. 1828.^ W. J.

F F 2

412 On Juvenile Museums,

Art. II. Oft Juvenile Museums, 'with an Account of a Boy's
Herbarium. By J. Rennie, A.M.

All children appear to be more or less fond of natural
history, from their earliest years; and, were this natural pro-
pensity duly encouraged, an extensive acquaintance with natural
productions might be obtained by young people, at little or no
trouble or expense to their parents, and with great pleasure
and interest to themselves. The three most obvious depart-
ments best adapted for this purpose are, botany, conchology,
and mineralogy, and particAilarly the first. I do not speak
upon conjecture or speculation ; I can adduce more than one
case in which I have seen such plans carried into effect, with
a success far surpassing the most sanguine expectations that
could have been previously formed ; and, as particular ex-
amples are more apt to attract attention than vague or general
remarks, I shall, as an illustration of my views, give a brief
history of what has been, and may be, done in this way.

Account of a Juvenile Herbarium,
A boy, who is now eight years old, began, at the age of five,
to collect plants, for the purpose of drying them, to form a
little herbarium j but it may be necessary to state that he pre-
viously knew, by memory, the scientific names of many of our
more common wild and garden plants, some of which names,
indeed, w^ere amongst the first words he had been taught to
speak. It was in winter when he first commenced his herba-
rium ; and this was so far an advantage, that the evergreens,
such as i^lex, jF/edera, Buxus, &c., as well as mosses, parti-
cularly the larger i!/ypna and Dicrana, are more easily dried
than the succulent plants of summer ; besides, they require less
nicety in spreading and arranging the foliage and branchlets,
which is the most difficult thing for a child so young as this
to manage dexterously, so as to display the characters of a
plant in the specimen.

The method pursued was, to lay the specimens evenly
between sheets of thick blotting-paper, of the folio size, over
which were placed a number of large books. The specimens
were shifted every day, either into fresh paper, or into a dry
part of the same sheet, to prevent moulding and rotting ; and
this daily operation of shifting the specimens, was always
looked forward to with as much delight as to a holiday, or any
other treat of juvenile interest. At the same time, it renewed
acquaintance with the specimens, and served to fix their names
in the memory by reiteration. There was another source of
interest, however, which I must not overlook ; the boy was not
alone in his study, if I may be permitted to call it so.

On Juvenile Museums. 413

The sister of our juvenile botanist is 18 months younger
than he ; and, at the time he began his collection, was little
more than three years of age. Accustomed to imitate her
brother in most things, the little girl begged to have some
blotting-paper for her tiny specimens ; and accordingly she
liad some given her, of an octavo size, as more easily managed.
The reader will scarcely believe that the specimens, dried
without assistance, by this child of three years of age, would
not disgrace any herbarium in the empire; yet her little col-
lection, consisting of several hundred plants, native and culti-
vated, is in existence to prove the fact.

These two children spent, and now spend, many a delighted
hour in examining, arranging, or adding to their little collec-
tions : thus gaining a practical acquaintance with the works of
nature, while other children are, to say the least, not so use-
fully or pleasantly employed. Out of doors, still more, their
collection employs them, in active search for specimens, in all
the fields within their reach. It is not to be supposed, how-
ever, that they could have done all this without being carefully
directed, and their attention turned to what appeared likely
to interest them : in this their mother was very assiduous ;
but as they have just been deprived of her by consumption,
they have now lost their chief guide in forming habits of
observation.

It is proposed that they shall next begin little collections
of minerals and shells, as soon as appropriate boxes, drawers,
&c., shall be constructed for their reception. An account of
their proceedings in these departments, shall be furnished on
some future occasion, as it may serve to stimulate others to
follow their example. In the mean time, it may not be amiss
to mention one method of making boxes for shells, &c.

Juvenile Cabinet for Shells.

In one of Miss Edgeworth's delightful little books for young
people (I forget which), there is an account of a pasteboard
tray, furnished with divisions, fitted to hold shells, &c., ar-
ranged according to their genera and species. As this is pre-
cisely what young people want, to give them habits of order
and arrangement, such trays ought to be given them, or they
may (as in the case of Miss Edgeworth's young friends) be
taught to construct the trays themselves. The method of doing
this may be found in an excellent little work, lately translated
from the German, entitled the Art of working in Pasteboard,
which, with its companion volume, the Papyro-plastics, or the
Art of working in Paper .^ ought to be in the hands of all juve-
nile naturalists ; for, next to the pleasure of collecting in the

F F S

414

American Song Birds.

fields, is the pleasure of seeing specimens preserved neatly and
in good order ; and nothing is better fitted for this than paste-
board boxes.

Zjee, Kent, Dec, 16.

Art. IIL Sketches of Tiuenty-four American Song Birds,
By J. Rennie, A.m.

It was promised, in a recent Number (p. 347.), to disprove
the opinion of Buffon, which has grown into a prejudice
pretty generally diffused, that the birds of America are inferior
in song to those of Europe; because, says the eloquent but
credulous and mistaken naturalist, by living in a savage coun-
try, their voices become harsh and unmusical. But, before
coming to particulars, I may be permitted to enquire, since
birds sing in a pitch so irregular, and with intervals so ui>
settled, exhibiting a total disregard to measure and rhythm,
what makes their music pleasing ? The cause has been traced
to association, for they seldom sing but in fine weather and
when pleased ; and, for the last reason, even the sostenuto of
the cat is not unpl easing. The variety and rapidity of their
notes and intonation also awaken attention ; and the contrast
between rapid flights of double-demi-semi-quavers, and length-
ened and sweet minims, is often wonderful ; such as the soft
and sustained notes of the nightingale, succeeded by a short
and expressive passage of quicker sound. It is perhaps too
much to say, that we have borrowed all our music from birds,
but some of it is evidently a plagiarism : for instance, the
following German waltz : —

Ife^

feSffi

g^giiiiii

American Song Birds, 4>15

The cuckoo itself has done more for our music than musi-
cians maybe willing to allow; but it is no more than justice to
a despised bird to say, that from it we have derived the minor
scale, whose origin has puzzled so many ; the cuckoo's couplet
being the minor third sung downwards : thus,

•^-«^

Of the American song birds, the genus Turdus seems to
hold the chief rank, there being at least four species distin-
guished for their notes, among which is the Mocking-bird ; to
whose unrivalled music I shall presently advert, after disposing
of his less distinguished congeners ; none of which, be it re-
membered, belong to our European species. I must also
premise that I am indebted to Wilson, the ingenious author
of the American Ornithology^ for almost all the details.

The Brown Thrush ( Turdus riifus), sometimes called the
Thrasher, or French Mocking-bird, is the largest of the
genus. His song is loud, emphatic, and full of variety ; and,
in a serene morning, when the wind is hushed, and before the
" busy hum of men " begins, his voice may be distinguished
at the distance of half a mile. His notes are not imitative, as
some have erroneously supposed, but are wholly his own, and
bear a very considerable resemblance to those of the European
song thrush (Turdus musicus).

The Migratory, or Red-breasted, Thrush ( Turdus migrat5-
rius) is an early songster, frequently commencing in March,
before the snow has disappeared. One or two individuals
usually taking the lead, by leaving the flock and perching on
a stake or fence, to begin the prelude to the general concert.
His song is not a bad imitation of the notes of the preceding
(T. riifus) : but, though inferior to the brown thrush in execu-
tion, it is more simple, and what is deficient in talent is amply
made up in zealous enthusiasm ; so that his song is universally
liked ; and he is often, on that account, kept in cages.

The Wood Thrush (Turdus mel()dus) is a sweet and soli-
tary songster. He chooses his station, at dawn, on the top
of a tall tree, that rises from a low, thick, shaded part of the
woods, piping his clear musical notes in a kind of ecstasy, the
prelude or symphony to which strongly resembles the double-
tonguing of a German flute, and sometimes the tinkling of a
small bell. The whole song consists of five or six parts, the
last note of each of which is in a tone that leaves the conclu-

* New Monthly Magazine, April, 1823.

F F 4

416 American Song Birds.

sion suspended. The finale is beautifully managed, with so
fine an effect as to appear sweeter and mellower at each suc-
cessive repetition. Rival songsters, in different parts of a
wood, seem to vie with each other in the softness of their
tones, and the exquisite finish of their responses. During the
heat of the day they are comparatively mute, but they renew
their song at the close of day, and continue it long after sun-
set. Even in dark gloomy weather, during May and June,
when scarce a chirp is heard from any other bird, the wood
thrush sings from morn till night; and it may be said with jus-
tice, that the sadder the day the sweeter is his song. Those
who have paid attention to the singing of birds know well that
their voice, energy, and expression differ as widely as in man ;
and, agreeably to this remark, Wilson says he was so familiar
with the notes of an individual wood thrush, that he could
recognise him from all his fellows the moment he entered the
woods.

The Mocking-bird (2urdus polyglottus) seems to be the
prince of all song birds, being altogether unrivalled in the
extent and variety of his vocal powers ; and, besides the fulness
and melody of his original notes, he has the faculty of imi-
tating the notes of all other birds, from the humming-bird to
the eagle. Pennant tells us that he heard a caged one, in
England, imitate the mewing of a cat and the creaking of a
sign in high winds. The Hon. Daines Barrington says his
pipe comes the nearest to our nightingale, of any bird he ever
heard. The description, however, given by Wilson, in his
own inimitable manner, as far excels Pennant and Barrington
as the bird excels his fellow-songsters. Wilson tells that the
ease, elegance, and rapidity of his movements, the animation
of his eye, and the intelligence he displays in listening and
laying up lessons, mark the peculiarity of his genius. His
voice is full, strong, and musical, and capable of almost every
modulation, from the clear mellow tones of the wood thrush
to the savage scream of the bald eagle. In measure and
accents he faithfully follows his originals, while in force
and sweetness of expression he greatly improves upon them.
In his native woods, on a dewy morning, his song rises
above every competitor, for the others seem merely as in-
ferior accompaniments. His own notes are bold and full,
and varied seemingly beyond all limits. . They consist of
short expressions of two, three, or at most five or six, sylla-
bles, generally expressed with great emphasis and rapidity,
and continued with undiminished ardour, for half an hour or
an hour at a time. While singing, he expands his wings and
his tail, glistening with white, keeping time to his own music,

American Sonce Birds. 417

'to

and the buoyant gaiety of his action is no less fascinating than
his song. He sweeps round with enthusiastic ecstasy, he
mounts and descends as his song swells or dies away ; he
bounds aloft, as Bartram says, with the celerity of an arrow,
as if to recover or recal his very soul, expired in the last ele-
vated strain. A bystander might suppose that the whole
feathered tribes had assembled together on a trial of skill ;
each striving to produce his utmost effect, so perfect are his
imitations. He often deceives the sportsman, and even birds
themselves are sometimes imposed upon by this admirable
mimic. In confinement he loses Utile of the power or energy
of his song. Fie whistles for the dog; Caesar starts up, ^yags
his tail, and runs to meet his master. He cries like a hurt
chicken, and the hen hurries about, with feathers on end, to
protect her injured brood. He repeats the tune taught him,
though it be of considerable length, with great accuracy. He
runs over the notes of the canary, and of the red bird, with
such superior execution and effect, that the mortified songsters
confess his triumph by their silence. His fondness for variety,
some suppose to injure his song. His imitations of the brown
thrush are often interrupted by the crowing of cocks ; and his
exquisite warblings after the blue bird, are mingled with the
screaming of swallows, or the cackling of hens. During moon-
light, both in the wild and tame state, he sings the whole night
long. The hunters, in their night excursions, know that the
moon is rising the instant they begin to hear his delightful
solo. After Shakspeare, Barrington attributes in part the
exquisiteness of the nightingale's song to the silence of the
night ; but if so, what are we to think of the bird which, in
the open glare of day, overpowers and often silences all com-
petition ? His natural notes partake of a character similar to
those of the brown thrush, but they are more sweet, more ex-
pressive, more varied, and uttered with greater rapidity. Mr.
Jennings is so eager to make his readers believe that " during
the day its chief notes consist of the imitations of the songs of
its neighbours, while at night its song is more peculiarly its
own," that he has repeated it in three several places of his
Ornitholbgia. I must say that to me this has more the air of
conjecture than of fact.

The Yellow-breasted Chat (Pipra polyglotta) naturally fol-
lows his superior in the art of mimicry. When his haunt is
approached, he scolds the passenger in a great variety of odd
and uncouth monosyllables, difficult to describe, but easily
imitated so as to deceive the bird himself, and draw him after
you to a good distance ; in such cases his responses are con-
stant and rapid, strongly expressive of anxiety and anger, and

418 American Son^r Birds

'Q

while the bird is always unseen, the voice shifts from place to
place among the bushes, as if proceeding from a spirit. At
first are heard short notes like the whistling of a duck^s wings,
beginning loud and rapid, and becoming lower and slower, till
they end in detached notes. There succeeds something like
the barking of young puppies, followed by a variety of guttural
sounds, like those of some quadrupeds, and ending like the
mewing of a cat, but much hoarser. All those are given with
much vehemence, and in different keys, so as to appear some-
times at a great distance, and instantly again quite near you.
In mild serene moonlight nights, it continues this ventrilo-
quism all night, responding to its own echoes.

The song of the Baltimore Oriole (Oriolus baltimorus) is
little less remarkable than his fine appearance, and the inge-
nuity with which he builds his nest. His notes consist of a
clear mellow whistle, repeated at short intervals as he gleams
among the branches. There is in it a certain wild plaintive-
ness and naivete extremely interesting. It is not uttered with
rapidity, but with the pleasing tranquillity of a careless plough-
boy, whistling for amusement. Since the streets of some of
the American towns have been planted with Lombardy pop-
lars, the orioles are constant visitors, chaunting their native
" wood notes wild," amid the din of coaches, wheelbarrows,
and sometimes within a few yards of a bawling oysterwoman.

The notes of the Orchard Oriole (Oriolus mutatus) are nei-
ther so full nor so mellow as those of the Baltimore, and are
uttered more rapidly and gaily, while the bird is flying and
caroling in a hurried manner, so that the ear can seldom catch
all the tones. Among these there is one note especially which
is very striking and interesting.

The Virginian Nightingale, Red Bird, or Cardinal Gros-
beak (Loxia cardinalis), has great clearness, variety, and
melody in his notes, many of which resemble the higher notes
of a fife, and are nearly as loud. He sings from March till
September, and begins early in the dawn, repeating a favourite
stanza twenty or thirty times successively, and often for a whole
morning together, till, like a good story too frequently re-
peated, it becomes quite tiresome. He is very sprightly, and
full of vivacity ; yet his notes are much inferior to those of the
wood, or even of the brown, thrush.

Another bird of this genus, the Pine Grosbeak (Loxia
enucleator), sings extremely clear, mellow, and sweet, though
not so loud as birds of its size generally do. A tame one sung,
during the months of May and June, with much enthusiasm,
for whole mornings together; and it acquired several notes
of the Virginian nightingale, one of which hung near it.

American Song Birds. 419

The American Goldfinch, or Yellow Bird ( JPringiila tristis),
sings very much like the European goldfinch ; but so weakly,
that, even when perched over your head, the notes appear to
come from a distance. In a cage he sings with great energy
and animation. They are migratory birds ; and, when they
arrive in spring, great numbers of them assemble on the same
tree, to bask and dress themselves in the morning sun, sing-
ing at the same time, in concert, most delightfully, for half an
hour together.

The Indigo Bird (Fringilla cyanea) is fond of perching on
fences about road-sides, and is a vigorous and pretty good
songster ; mounting to the tops of the highest trees, and
chaunting for half an hour at a time. His song is a repetition
of short notes, commencing loud and rapid, and falling by
imperceptible gradations, till they seem hardly articulate, as if
the little minstrel were quite exhausted. After a pause of
about half a minute, he begins as before. Unlike most other
birds, he chaunts with as much animation under the meridian
sun in June as he does in a May morning.

The Song Sparrow (i^ringilla meloda) is by far the earliest,
sweetest, and most unwearied of the American song birds,
sometimes continuing in song during the whole year. His
note, or rather chaunt, is short but very sweet ; somewhat
resembling the beginning of the canary's song, frequently
repeated for an hour together.

The whole song of the Black-throated Bunting (Emberiza
americana) consists of five, or rather two, notes ; the first re-
peated twice and very slowly, the third thrice and rapidly,
resembling chip-chip, che-che-che j of which ditty he is by no
means parsimonious, but will continue it for hours successively.
His manners are much like those of the European yellow-
hammer, sitting, while he sings, on palings and low bushes.

The song of the Rice Bird (Emberiza oryzivora) is highly
musical. Mounting and hovering on the wing, at a small
height above the ground, he chaunts out a jingling melody of
varied notes, as if half a dozen birds were singing together.
Some idea may be formed of it, by striking the high keys of a
piano-forte singly and quickly, making as many contrasts as
possible, of high and low notes. Many of the tones are de-
lightful, but the ear can with difficulty separate them. The
general effect of the whole is good ; and when ten or twelve
are singing on the same tree, the concert Is singularly pleasing.

The Scarlet Tanager (Tanagra rubra) has a pensive mono-
tonous note, like chip, churr, which appears distant, though
the bird be near. At times he has a more musical chaunt,
something like that of the Baltimore oriole. He is none of

420 American Som Birds*

to

the meanest of the American songsters, and his plumage
renders him a striking ornament to the woodland scenery.

The note of the Summer Red Bird (Tanagra sestiva) is a
strong sonorous whistle, resembling a loose trill, or shake, on
the notes of a fife, frequently repeated. That of the female
is rather a kind of chattering, like a rapid enunciation of
chickey-tucliey-tuck.

The Shore Lark (^lauda alpestris, or A. cornilta) has a
single chirp, exactly like the European skylark ; and it is
reported that, in the country where it breeds, it sings well
while mounting in the air.

The Maryland Yellow Throat (Sylvia marylandica) has a
twitter not disagreeable, somewhat like whitititee, thrice re-
peated ; after which it pauses for half a minute, and begins
again the same ditty.

The Red-eyed Flycatcher (Sylvia olivacea) has a loud,
lively, and energetic song, which is continued sometimes for
an hour without intermission. The notes are, in short, em-
phatic bars of two, three, or four syllables. On listening to
this bird, in his full ardour of song, it requires but little ima-
gination to fancy you hear the words " Tom Kelly ! whip !
Tom Kelly ! " very distincdy ; and hence Tom Kelly is the
name given to the bird in the West Indies.

The White-eyed Flycatcher (Muscicapa cantatrix) is a
lively, active, sociable, little bird, possessing a strong voice
for its size, and a great variety of notes, singing with much
vivacity from April to September.

The Crested Titmouse (Parus bicolor) possesses a remark-
able variety in the tones of its voice, at one time not louder
than the squeaking of a mouse, and in a moment after whistling
aloud and clearly, as if calhng a dog, and continuing this dog-
call through the woods for half an hour at a time.

The Red-breasted Blue Bird (Sylvia sialis) has a soft,
agreeable, and often repeated warble, uttered with opening
and quivering wings. In his courtship he uses the tenderest
expressions, and caresses his mate by sitting close by her, and
singing his most endearing warblings. If a rival appears, he
attacks him with fury, and, having driven him away, returns
to pour out a song of triumph. In autumn his song changes
to a simple plaintive note, which is heard in open weather all
winter, though in severe weather the bird is never to be seen.

The Marsh Wren (Certhia palustris) can scarcely be said
to sing ; but, when standing on the reedy banks of the Dela-
ware or Schuylkill in June, you may hear a low crackling
sound, as of air bubbles forcing their way through mud or

Principal British Insects : — Terminology, 421

boggy ground when it is trod upon. These are the singular
notes of the marsh wren.

The notes of the House Wren (Motacilla domestica) are
loud, sprightly, and tremulous, repeated every few seconds
with great animation, with a trilling vivacity extremely agree-
able. The European who judges of the song of this species
by that of his own wren (Motacilla troglodytes), will do great
injustice to the American bird ; for, in strength of tone and
execution, the house wren is far superior. He may be heard
on the tops of houses, even in towns, singing with great energy.

From these twenty-four examples, I think the position is
fully made out, that the American song birds, so far from
being inferior, are superior, to those of Europe, both in number
and in the excellence of their music. I hope, therefore, that
we shall hear no more of the untenable theories of BufFon
upon this subject.

Leey Kent, Nov. 24.

Art. IV. Description and History of some of the principal British
Insects : — Terminology, ^-^ A. J. N.

Sir,

In complying with your request to furnish you with the
natural history of some of the most important of our native
insects, you must allow me to premise that my knowledge of
insects has not been obtained from museums and books of
plates, but from nearly half a century's observations in the
open air as a farmer and gardener, assisted but by few other
works than those of Linnaeus. I shall not therefore trouble
your readers with theories of classification, nor swell your
pages with discussions on the recent innovations in nomen-
clature, but confine myself to those genera and species, which,
being known to almost every body, have names in current use
in general language. I shall always give the scientific names
and the orders of Linnaeus, and merely add one or two of the
modern synonymes of the greatest authority among entomo-
logists.

Insects (from insectus, cut or notched, Lat.)^ as Dr. Johnson
informs us, are so called from a separation in the middle
of their bodies, whereby they are cut into two parts, joined
by a small ligature, as in the common fly. The history
and description of insects constitute the science of ento-
mology, a term formed from the two Greek words, entoma,
insects, and logos, a discourse. Entomology is one of the
principal branches of the study of natural history ; and, though

422 Principal British Insects : — Termiiiology,

neglected or despised by the generality of mankind, as a
pursuit of too trifling a character to engage the attention of a
rational mind, yet, as has been wisely said of it, " the
Creator, the more to illustrate his wisdom, power, and skill,
has decreed that the minuter animals shall be more complex,
in all respects, than the mighty monarchs of the forest or the
flood."

When we contemplate the infinite number, variety, and
formation of insects, consider their transmutations, economy,
and powers, attend to their qualities, their utility or injury to
mankind, and their important place in completing the chain of
animated nature, we are filled with wonder and astonishment.
The structure of these little beings, their various functions
and curious manners, are of the most interesting description.
Their instincts, for their own preservation or that of their
progeny, almost exceed belief; and their ravages on the
works of man, and on the objects of his care, are the imme-
diate causes of vigilance on his part, which ultimately operates
to his benefit in a great variety of ways. Many who have
never had either opportunity or inclination to enter on the
study of insects, may feel something like surprise when they
learn that, besides being the plagues, and sometimes the minis-
ters of vengeance, to humble the pride, and punish the indo-
lence or ingratitude of man, they also supply the gorgeous
habiliments of princes, the rallying ensigns of heroes, and the
Tyrian dye for sacerdotal and magisterial vestments. From
them are derived increments to the healing art, as well as to
diet; and, above all, some of the lowest orders of these puny
tribes, have even the power to change some of the features of
the earth itself.

Before proceeding to the description of any insect, it is
necessary to explain the terminology made use of by ento-
mologists. I shall confine myself at present to terms of
most frequent occurrence, and explain such others as I may
find occasion to introduce, as they occur. Insects form the
fifth class of the Linnean system of animated nature, the first,
second, third, fourth, and sixth classes being quadrupeds,
birds, amphibious animals, fishes, and worms. Insects are
furnished with legs, a distinct head, and with horns or anten-
nae, which are supposed to be their organs of smell ; they
respire through pores in various parts of their body, but it is
not certain that they respire through their mouths ; they are,
for the most part, oviparous. The greater number pass
through three stages of existence ; the egg or embryo state, the
larva or caterpillar state, and the imago or perfect state:
some, in their imago state, are only partially changed from their

Principal British Insects : — Termi?tologi/,

423

grub or caterpillar state, and a few undergo no material change
whatever, after they are hatched from their egg or embryo.

Insects, in their imago or perfect state, are composed of
four principal parts: viz. caput, the head; truncus, the trunk ;
abdomen, the hinder part ; and artus, the members.

Caput, the head {Jig' 180. «), is furnished with 6culi> eyes (b),
180 ,e , in number

from two to
eight ; anten-
nae, horns (c) ;
OS, the mouth
(d), composed
of labrum su-
^/jperius, the up-
per lip, and
labrum inf^-
rius, the lower

lip ; mandibulae, mandibles or lateral jaws (e) ; maxillae,
lateral appendices of the mouth {/) ; galeae, shields of the
mouth ; ligula, a latchet, acting as a lower lip, situated under
the jaws ; lingua, the tongue ; rostrum, a movable l>eak ; pro-
boscis, the feeding trunk; haustellum, the mouth of some
insects, so called from its property of drawing up and folding
under ; palpi, feelers ; frons, the face ; clypeus, the shield of
the head; vertex, the crown of the head; and gula, the
throat (g),

Truncus, the trunk, consists of the th6rax, the part between
the head and the base of the wings (k) ; pectus, the breast (i),
to which the legs are attached, as also,
in some cases, the wings and elytra ;
sternum, the breast-bone {k) ; and
scutellum, a little shield, situate at
the posterior part of the thorax (/).

To the trunk are also attached alae, " ' " isi

the wings ; elytra, the wing-covers (m) ; and halteres, the ba-
lancers, exemplified in the common house-fly, and in Zipula.
(Jig 181. a a).

Abdomen, the belly or third principal division, contains the
intestines, ovary {^g. 180. n), &c. ; and consists of the tergum,
or upper part ; venter, the belly ; cauda, the tail ; and aculeus,
the sting.

Artus, the members, are pedes, the legs : composed of
coxa, the first joint (o) ; femur, the thigh {p) ; tibia, the
shank {q) ; tarsus, the foot (r) ; and unguis, the claw [s).

All these parts differ in form, colour, and consistence, as will
appear in describing insects of the different orders. These

424; Remarks on British Land and Fresh-waier Shells*

orders, according to the system of Linnaeus, we slmll shortly
enumerate. They are confessedly very imperfect, compared
with the orders of the most improved modern systems ; but
they are nevertheless in such general use, and of such frequent
occurrence in works of natural history, that a knowledge of
them may be considered essential to every beginner. The
more recent systems of insects, as of every other department
of zoology, will, no doubt, at a proper time, find a place in
the pages of your Magazine. The Linnean orders of the
class Insects are seven ; viz. Coleoptera {koleos, a sheoXh, pferon,
a wing; wings in sheaths), represented by the common black
beetle, dor, or clock-beetle, ^Scarabae^us stercorarius {Jig. 180.) ;
2. Hemiptera [hemisu^ half, pteron, a wing; half of one wing
overlaid by the other), which may be represented by the com-
mon cockroach, ^latta orientalis (seen in j%^. 1. p. 19.) ; 3. Le-
pidoptera {lepis, a scale, pteron, a wing ; wings covered with
very fine scales), represented by the common butterfly ; 4.
Neuroptera {neuron, a nerve, pteron, awing; wings reticulated),
represented by the dragon-fly; 5. Hymenoptera (hi/men, a
film, pteron, a wing ; wings membranaceous), represented by
the bee; 6. Diptera {dis, twice, ptero?i, a wing; two-winged),
represented by the common gnat ; and 7. A^ptera {a, privative,
pteron, a wing ; no wings), represented by the spider and the
centipede. In my next communication, I shall give the natural
history of one of the most interesting of the coleopterous in-
sects. I remain, Sir, &c.

A.J.N.

Art. V. Remarks on British Land and Fresh-ivater Shells,
By Mr. Joseph Kenyon.

Sir,
From the study of conchology in general, I have of late
directed my attention more particularly to that branch which
embraces our native land and fresh-water shells. On attempt-
ing, however, to make a systematic list, and refer each species
to the works of the different authors to which I have access, I
find the synonymes of several involved in much perplexity
and doubt ; and as some of your readers may probably be
engaged in similar pursuits, and may have access to extensive
libraries and cabinets, I beg to trouble you with a few remarks
and queries, resulting from my late observations, in the hope
of receiving benefit from the labours of those who are more
experienced. The names of the species I may have occasion

Remarks on British Land and Fresh-water Shells. 425

to mention will be those of Lamarck, when not otherwise dis-
tinguished.

Nerithia virginea {fig.\S2.a). — Is not this a fresh- water
shell ? Yet Dr. Turton describes it as found on the western
coasts of Ireland. Will not Dr. Turton's shells, from their
locality and diminutive size, prove another species ?

182

Valvdta piscindlis (b). — Along with tbis species, of the
usual magnitude, I have found dead shells, four lines in
length (c), and several smaller ones of various sizes (d), agreeing
pretty well with the species V. planorbis, V. ossirorbis, and
V. minuta of Draparnaud, and which I have little doubt are all
the young of the V. piscinalis in different stages of growth,
although Lamarck refers to them as distinct. Mr. Dillwyn is
evidently wrong in considering this species to be the Turbo
thermalis of Linnaeus. The latter author describes his shell
to, be only a " little larger than a cabbage seed." The vague
descriptions of authors often tend to confuse. Dr. Fleming,
in the History of British Animals, just published, in his spe-
cific definition of this shell, characterises it as possessing " a
large central cavity^' but in his general description, a few lines
lower, he says, " central cavity distinct, but not large"

Lymnceafragilis, Fleming {e), — This must be the BuUmus
fragilis of Lamarck, who, it evidently appears, has arranged
this shell among his Bulimi, in consequence of not knowing
the habitat. He states his specimen to have been received
from Dr. Leach.

Lymncjea detrita, Fleming (jT). — Does Lamarck include
more than one species under his Bi\limus radiatus; and, if so,
is not this one ?

Lymnce'a ovdta (g). — What I consider to be this shell occurs
in tolerable abundance in this neighbourhood. My speci-
mens, several of them an hich in length, agree with the
figures given by Draparnaud, but Lamarck describes his shell
to be only 6J lines long. Is this the large variety of Helix
p^tris mentioned in Dr. Turton's Conchological Dictionary P
What is the Helix piitris of Linnaeus ? Is it this shell, the
Lymnae^a peregra, or the Succinea amphibia ?

Vol. I. — No. 5. g g

426 BemarJcs on British Land and Fresh-water Shells.

PlanSrbis nitidus {Jig, 182. h), — Does not Lamarck include
two species under this name, viz. the Nautilus lacustris {i\ and
i/eHx fontana of EngUsh authors ? The description and refer-
ence to Draparnaud evidently belong to the latter shell ; the
references to Muller and Gmelin probably to the former, but
not possessing the works of either of the two last-mentioned
authors, I cannot determine.

Sticci7iea amphibia {fig, 183. 7c). — Is this the //elix putris, or
H. limosa of Linnaeus ? Cuvier, Lamarck, and Fleming say the
former. But it is worthy of observation, that Linnaeus, in his
Systema Naturce, refers to Gualter t. 5. f. h. for a figure of the
latter shell, which figure is undoubtedly the Succinea am-
phibia. The habitat given by him for the H. limosa also accords
better than that of the H, putris, with the shell in question.
Did Linnaeus possess a cabinet of the shells described by him
in the Syst. Nat.; and, if so, did it, with his herbarium, get
into the hands of the late lamented President of the Linnaean
Society? Many difficulties might be cleared up on a reference
to the shells, if in existence.

Clausilia ventricbsa, Drap. {I). — I consider this to be the shell
described by English authors under the name of Turbo bipli-
catus. Dr. Fleming is of opinion, however, that Draparnaud
has not described our shell. The two specimens in my pos-
sesions, and which I received from that excellent naturalist,
Mr. R. Leyland of Halifax, accord well with Draparnaud's
figure, and very nearly so with his description.

Clausilia solida, Drap. {m), — Is this the Turbo labiatus of
English authors; and, if not, has the latter shell been de-
scribed by any of the Continental writers, and under what
name ? I have not seen the shell.

Pupa britdnnica {n). — I have ventured to give this name to
the Turbo ,,tridens of English authors, as the shell appears to
be unknovm among the Continental conchologists. It is not
the Pupa tridens of Lamarck, and many of Dillwyn's syno-
nymes are erroneous. Dr. Fleiiiiiig places this species in the
new genus Azeca, but appears dissatisfied with its station, and
suspects it may eventually associate with his genus Cary-
chium; in this, however, he is incorrect, since the animal, in
the latter genus, possesses only two tentacula, whilst the

Retnarks on British Land and Fresh-water Shells, 427

Pupa britaiiniea, as I have lately ascertained from living
specimens, is furnished with four. The shell in question in
the Lamarckian arrangement agrees best with the genus Pupa,
and the specific appellation is untenable, and another neces-
sary, not only to distinguish it from the P. tridens of La-
marck, but to correct an error with regard to the number of
its teeth, which, in reality, are five. The appellation P.
quinquedentata might have served, if some other species of
this genus were not also furnished with five teeth. As there
is already a Pupa germanica, the specific name I have
adopted appears to be as little exceptionable as any other,
particularly if the shell be not really found out of this
country. Should the Baron de Ferussac have noticed this
shell by any other name, of course it will have the prefer-
ence, as I am inimical to useless changes in nomenclature.
There is no necessity for the adoption of the new-fangled
genus Azeca. If Dr. Fleming considered he would be doing
nature too much violence by placing this shell amongst his
Pupae, he might have found an unobjectionable receptacle in
the genus Chondrus, established by Baron Cuvier,

Pupa muscorum, — This is much confused. There are
three shells described by conchologists under this name and
that of Turbo /wuscorum {j^g. 183. o p q), all referring to
Linnaeus ; and Donovan has figured a fourth species, as his
Turbo wuscorum {Jig. 183. r).

'tielix fiisca^ Turton, &c. {fig. IS^.s). — Dr. Fleming sus-
pects this to be the H. fulva of MuUer. The English shell is
about half an inch in diameter, whilst the figure of that of
Muller, given by Draparnaud, if I recollect rightly, is little
more than a line.

184

m ^

bb

Helix sylvatica{Jig. IS^.t). — Is this British, and under what
name has it been described ? Is it the H. lucorum of Dillwyn?

Yielix carthusianella {u). — I suspect this to be the HqYvk.
cantiana of authors {v)^ the H. pallida of Donovan:

G G 2

428 Bemarks on British Land and Fresh-water Shells.

Helix celldria (w), nkida{x). — Are these really distinct, or
only the same shell in different stages of growth ?

Jrielix rtifescefis {y), Eng. auth. — This common shell seems
to be extremely ill understood. Is it referable to none of the
numerous species described and figured by Draparnaud ? Cir-
cumstances which have tended to render it more confused, are,
that English authors have followed each other in describing
the immature shell to be hairy, and that the figure given by
Donovan, plate 151. f. 1., under the name of HeYiyi hispida,
is the H. rufescens in a young state (z). The two shells are
doubtless specifically distinct ; the H. rufescens is keeled on
the margin of the outer whorls and smooth, the other rounded
and hispid. It has been imagined that these hispid shells lose
their hairiness, and add a keeled whorl to their former rounded
ones, on arriving at maturity. This is fallacious. By care-
fully removing the whorls of the H, rufescens with a knife, it
will easily be perceived that they are all keeled. I possess
specimens from one to seven lines in diameter. The small
ones are as distinctly keeled as the large. Observations of a
similar nature have also been made by my friend, Mr. William
Helm, a most successful and industrious collector here.

\rielix hispida (aa). — This species I take to be the hairy one,
confounded with the Helix rufescens. Does the H. ^urturum
of Gmelin belong to this or the last ?

Helix sericea, Drap.(5^). — I consider this the shell called
Helix hispida by Turton, and several other English writers.

A'nodon intermedins,
{fg. 185.) — Is this
an English species ?
The Mytilus stagna-
lis, dentatus and avo-
nensis of Turton, &c.,
are ill understood ; and
some of them may,
really distinct from the
A. cycneus and «nati~
nus, be referable to this
species.

iTie number of indigenous land and fresh-water species,
appears to be between 100 and 120, of which I and one or two
other friends have collected about 60 species in this neigh-
bourhood. Several described as rare, occur in tolerable abun-
dance, whilst others which are represented as plentiful, have
hitherto eluded our researches. I fear that a list of those dis-
covered would be too unimportant to trouble you with, but
should you be of a contrary opinion, it will be at your service.

Linnean System of Plants, 429

In conclusion, I would just observe, that the making of
mutual exchanges of specimens, from different localities, ap-
pears well calculated to further the objects of naturalists, and
more particularly of those, situated like myself, whose avoca-
tions require an almost uninterrupted attendance on the spot.
I have the honour to be, &c.

Joseph Kenyon.
Butler Street, Preston, June 14. 1828.

Art. VI. An Introductory Vietv of the Linnean System of
Plants. By Miss Kent, Authoress of Flhra Dom^stica, Sylvan
Sketches, &c,

(Continued from p. 238.)

With our last letter we concluded the third class, Trian-
dria; before we proceed to the next, it will be well to give
some preliminary explanation of the different modes of inflo-
rescence. Plants bear their blossoms in as many different
fashions as a lady wears her jewels ; which fashions are called
the modes of inflorescence. Some flowers grow on the stem,
some on the leaves ; some opposite the leaves, some in their
axils ; some laterally, some terminally ; some singly, some in
pairs, and others in clusters ; and of these clusters there are

various forms. The flowers of
the dead-nettle grow in rings
round the stem {,fig, 186.):
these rings are termed whirls,
or whorls ; and the flowers are
either sessile (sitting close upon
the stem) or have very short
stalks. There is a plant now
very common in gardens,
called the Buddies globosa,
which affords a good specimen
of the cluster called a head (Jig,lSl.): the i87

flowers are collected into a round ball, by
growing very near together upon one common
stalk ; they are mostly sessile, but have some-
times each a short stalk, by which it is attached
to the common one. Lavender flowers grow
in spikes (fig. 188. a): the spike has a number
of flowers, either sessile or on very short stalks,
laterally attached to the main flower stalk. A
bunch of currants exhibits the raceme : it difters

^G G 3

186

450

Introductory View of the

189

from the spike, in having the flowers
visibly stalked, and all or nearly
all in blow together ; whereas those
of the spike begin to blow at the
base, and the lower ones are usually
withered before the upper ones are
blown. The raceme, too, is mostly
pendulous {fig. 188.6); the spike
erect («). A spike is sometimes com-
pound ; being formed of many little
spikes, or spikelets, arranged upon
another stalk, as the flowers are ar-
ranged on the first. The panicle is a

compound spike, only that the flowers have
long stalks, which give the whole cluster a
more loose and diffuse form ; as in London
Pride, {fig, 189.) An umbel has many stalks
(called rays) collected together at the top of
the stem, and spreading upwards in a hollow
form, like the spokes of an umbrella re-
versed : each ray terminates in a flower, if it
is a simple umbel ; but, if the umbel is com-
pound, it is crowned by a number of smaller
rays, arranged in the same manner, which
bear the flowers. The smaller are termed
partial umbels { fig. 190. «); the main um-
bel is termed the universal, or
general, umbel {fig. 190. b). A
cyme, like the umbel, has
many stalks meeting at the
top of the stem ; but these
are irregularly subdivided be-
fore they terminate in the
flowers ; as in the elder tree.
{fig. 191.) The corymb is

a terminating cluster, of which the stalks
are irregularly placed, but differing in
length, so as to bring all the flowers very
nearly to a level at the top. The ament
has many scales set in an
imbricated manner along
a slender stalk, which
serve as calyces to the
flowers growing between
them, as in many trees ;
the willow, birch, fir, &c. {fig. 192.) This

192

•Linnean System of Plants,

431

sort of cluster is also called a catkin^ from its resemblance
to a cat's tail. Some persons reckon another cluster, called
the thryrse ; but this is merely a fuller kind of panicle, which
assumes an ovate (egg-shaped) form.

We will now commence with the fourth class of plants,
Tetrdndria, distinguished by the four stamens in its blossoms.
Some genera of this class might, at first sight, be confounded
with those of the fifteenth ; but the number of stamens would
soon clear up any mistake of this kind ; and when we treat
of that class, we shall mention other distinctive characters.
This class has three orders ; Monog^nia, Digynia, and
Tetragynia. Of the first order, we have fifteen British ge-
nera; among which are the teasel, scabious, madder, bed-
straw, plantain, cornel, &c. Of the teasel, one species is used
by clothiers to raise the nap of woollen cloth ; whence it bears
the name of Fuller's Teasel. It is a singular-looking plant,
with a thick stem, 5 or 6 ft. high, clothed with several pairs
of leaves at regular intervals : they are so combined (not
only at the extreme base, but at their sides also, for an inch
or more) as to form a sort of basin round the. stem. Such
leaves are botahically termed connate (con, together, fiatus,
born, or grown). The reservoirs formed by their union col-
lect the rain ; sometimes containing half a pint or more ;
which sustains the plant during long drought. In desert coun-
tries, the weary and fevered traveller would sometimes ex-
change the whole of his property for the luxury of a draught
from one of these water-lodging plants ; but in this country
the moisture is of more use to the plant itself than to the
passenger or the possessor. The flowers are collected into
conical heads, about the size of a hen's egg, upon a receptacle
set with a number of chaffy scales hooked at their edges.
{ fig, 193.) When the flowers wither, ^^ife. 193

these heads are set in frames, and
drawn over woollen cloth to raise the
nap ; for which purpose the scales
have just sufficient strength, yielding
before they reach the cloth itself.
This operation is called teasing, from
which, most probably, the plant ob-
tained its name. The botanical ap-
pellation, Z)ipsacus, is derived from
the Greek, dtpsa, thirst; though the
plant is rather a reliever, than a re-
presentation, of thirst.

The scabious also bears its flowers in heads, although in
some of the species they are rather hemispherical than glo-

G G 4

4^2 Introductory View of the ^

bular; they are so formed in the Sweet Scabious, that fragrant
deep purple flower, which the Italians call Vedovina, Little
Widow. We have three British species. The Field Scabious
is of a very pale purple colour, which, being held a few
minutes over the smoke of tobacco, gives place to a beautiful
green. The species called the Devil's-bit Scabious has a
blackish root, which appears as though the end had been
bitten off; and this, it seems, is true. The devil, we are told,
grudged mankind the benefits they were likely to receive from
it, and bit off the greater part ; it is from this malicious
action that the English name is derived. Sir J. E. Smith ob-
serves that he has been completely successful, not only having
shortened the root, but having left the remainder totally useless.
Madder is used in dying red. Our British madder yields a
dye inferior to the species commonly cultivated for that pur-
pose, but it is frequently substituted for it, as is the yellow bed-
straw also ; and Curtis says it yields a finer red. This latter
plant affords a good yellow^ dye, likewise ; the flowers serve to
coagulate milk, and were formerly used in the making of Che-
shire cheese.

The plantains, which are generally overlooked as plants
unworthy of note, are very pretty and delicate. Most of the
species spread their leaves on the earth, in the form of a star ;
they are elegantly shaped, and marked with many parallel ribs.
The flowers, though small, are numerous, and grow in close
spikes ; the silvery corollas, some full blown, others just peep-
ing from their green calyx, their long pink filaments, and the
large white anthers, so slightly adhering to them as to be in
a continually tremulous motion, are well worthy of attention.
The seeds afford a grateful supply of food to many small birds ;
as also does the cornel tree. This tree, frequently called dog-
wood, and mentioned by Chaucer under its old name of
gaitre tree, was formerly in high repute for the making of
spears. An oil for the lamp may be obtained from the ber-
ries ; which are black and bitter. The fruit of the dwarf cor-
nel is red, sweet, and palatable ; and was formerly preserved
in the form of rob, or made into wine.

Among the foreigners of this order are many handsome
genera, chiefly from the Cape and New Holland. The Bud-
dies globosa (named fi-om Adam Buddie, and from the glo-
bular clusters of its flowers) before mentioned is a native of
Chile ; the clusters look like little balls of honeycomb, and
have both the colour and scent of honey. Sandal wood {San-
talum album) is an East Indian shrub of this order. One
peculiarly magnificent genus is the Pr6te« .• one species of this
is called the Silver Tree (Protert argentea), the leaves have the

Linnean System of Plants. 43S

softness of satin, with the brightness and whiteness of silver;
others of this species are called Golden Proteas; one, more
especially, has a leaf of golden green edged with scarlet, and
appears, at some distance, like a flaming fire.

We have but one genus of the second order, and that is a
doubtful native, containing only one species, Buffonz« tenui-
folia (Slender-leaved BufFonia). Sauvages gave this plant its ge-
neric name in honour of BufFon ; and it is believed that when
Linnaeus added the specific appellation, he alluded not only
to the slender leaves of the plant, but also to the slender claims
of the French naturalist to any botanical honours. Linnaeus
was fond of these allusions, and hence the conjecture may
have arisen, perhaps without foundation.

Of the third order, Tetragynia, we have seven genera ; of
which number is the holly (/^lex ^quif51ium), a beautiful ever-
green, which we may look upon with pleasure, as asso-
ciated with the festivities of Christmas ; but which the poor
birds have little cause to delight in, since it furnishes the lime
by means of which they are made captive. An old holly tree
which has become smooth with age (for age deprives the leaves
of their spines) is a noble object, more especially when
adorned with its bright scarlet berries. There are many
foreign species of this genus. The leaves of the South Sea tea
tree (/^lex vomitoria) are made, by the natives of the South
Sea Islands, into a medicinal tea, which, at certain seasons of
the year, they drink to excess.

We are now to consider the fifth class, Pentandria, which
includes nearly a sixth part of the vegetable world ; the first
two orders, in particular, are very extensive, comprehending
nearly the whole class, though it is divided into seven.

Of the first order, Monogynia, the British Flora compre-
hends forty-one genera ; it is subdivided into several sections ;
the first of which consists of a natural family of plants, called'
Asperifoliae (harsh-leaved), and contains ten genera.
Their flowers are monopetalous (one-petaled), info-
rior, and have two or four seeds, which lie naked at
the bottom of the calyx. By inferior, we do not
mean in quality, as some young learners suppose,
but in situation. When the corolla or calyx en-
velopes the fruit, the flower is termed inferior,
being below the fruit; if the corolla or calyx sits
upon the top of the fruit {fg. 194.), it is called ^ 194
superior, being above the fruit.

The flowers of this section are chiefly blue, varying to red,
sometimes in the selfsame blossom, and mostly pink in the
bud. They grow in clusters, which, when in bud, curl round

434' Introductory Vie*w of the

like the tail of a viper, and gradually lengthen and straighten
as the flowers blow. The calyx is of one leaf, usually five-
cleft ; the corolla of one petal, tubular in the lower part, the
upper cut into five segments. The stamens are concealed
within the tube, the mouth of which is frequently closed by
five little valves, which meet in the centre. In these charac-
ters, all the ten genera agree ; as they do, also, in having flowers
as delicate, as the herbage is coarse. One interesting plant,
the Forget-me-not (ikfyosotis palustris), has the bristles of its
leaves so fine, as scarcely to render them rough either to the
eye or to the touch. This plant grows about a foot high, with
oval leaves, of a bright green, somewhat shining and sessile ;
the flower is about a third of an inch in
diameter, of a delicate blue, with a yel-
low eye, formed by the valves before
mentioned ; it grows in marshes, and by
the sides of brooks and rivers. Other
species are frequently mistaken for this,
but they have smaller flowers, and the
eye is not so bright as in the true For- %!^//.,-^ ^^^

;get-me-not; which we speak of thus at
length, because it has been repeatedly
celebrated by poets of different countries,
is respected in Germany as the emblem
of affection, and is deserving of notice
from its own beauty, [fig, 195.)

The second section of this order contains sixteen genera,
which, like those of the first, have their flowers monopetalous
and inferior, but have numerous seeds, enclosed in a covering
called a capsule (casket). Of this section are many of our fa-
vourite flowers: the convolvulus, which twines around its neigh-
bours, and frequently conceals them with its numerous stems
and heart-shaped leaves ; the primrose, which we all hail as
the pretty pale herald of the spring ; the periwinkle, which
crowds its fine evergreen leaves into clumps and tufts, flou-
rishing in shades too confined for most plants to thrive in ; the
water violet, a tall showy plant, which conceals its leaves under
the water, and erects its large flowering head two or three feet
above it ; the mullein, with its tall golden pyramids rising from
a bush of leaves, so thick, soft, and downy, as to serve the
Russian peasantry for socks in their rigorous winters; the
shepherd's weatherglass (so named from the warning it gives
of coming rain, by the closing of its corolla), which, with the
exception of the poppy, is the only scarlet flower indigenous
of Britain ; and the nightshade or bittersweet (Manum Dul-
camara), which wears a necklace of pearls, and produces one

. . Linnean Si/stem of Plants. 435

of the most elegant berries that the vegetable world can boast ;
shaped like an Ggg, and sparkling like a ruby. To this last
genus belongs our domestic friend, the potato ; said to have
been first brought to Ireland by Sir Walter Raleigh, and
thence introduced into England. Most species of the Solanum
are poisonous, and the potato is so, in some degree, before it
is exposed to the action of fire. The plant known by the
name of the Deadly Nightshade ( A'trop« Belladonna) is of ano-
ther genus, contains a most virulent and powerful poison, and
should never be suffered to grow in the public way. It has,
indeed, on this account been so frequently eradicated, that it is
now a very rare plant. It' bears a large handsome purple
flower, and is honoured with the appellation of jPa/r Zy«^.
The generic name is derived from Atropos, one of the Fates.
" How the same plant should come to have the gentle appella-
tion of Belladonna, and the tremendous name of Atj^opa, seems
strange, till we know that it was used as a wash, among the
Italian ladies, to take off pimples and other excrescences from
the skin, and are told of its dreadful effects as a poison," ob-
serves Rousseau.

The third section contains six genera, with flowers mofiop^"
talous and superior : of this number are " the gadding wood-
bine," with its honey-bearing trumpets ; and the campanula,
of which genus is the delicate little heath-bell, that nods on
the summit of a stalk so slender as to appear supported by
magical influence. Many persons call this the kare-bell, but
the true English hare-hell is the English hyacinth (5cilla
nutans). These two plants have been frequently confounded by
poets ; but, according to Sir J. E. Smith, the little campanula,
which we call the heath-hell, is the hare-hell of Scotland, while
the hare-hell of England is the Scottish hlue-helL

The fourth section has four genera ; with flowers inferior,
and four or five petaled. To this section belongs that beau-
tiful genus, the violet, ii/edera, the ivy, and Rihes, the cur-
rant bush, are the only two genera composing the fifth section ;
their flowers are five-petaled (pentapetalom) and superior.
The sixth section has flowers without petals {apetalous) ; it con-
tains three genera.

This class and order, though it contains a great number of
splendid and truly beautiful plants, and is remarkably exten-
sive, is by no means the most important to mankind. Beauty,
however, is not its only claim to consideration, as will readily
be acknowledged ; for it has a fee to purchase praise from
every class of society : it is in possession of the tobacco plant
of Virginia, of the coffee tree of Arabia, and of vines from

436 Contributions forwards a Flora Hibhmica,

various parts of the world : these will insure it respect, even
from those who deny it to the elegance, the splendour, and the
fragrance of its fine flowers.

{To be continued.)

Art. VII. Contributions totvards a Flhra Hibernica, Being a
List of Plants not before observed tjoild in Ireland: together tvith
New Localities Jbr a fetv of the more Rare Ones. By Edward
Murphy, Esq. A.B. Trin.'ColI., Dublin.

The plants in the subjoined list were principally observed
in a botanical and geological tour, which I made for the
North-west of Ireland Society, in the summer of 1826. Cir-
cumstances have retarded, hitherto, the publication of the
Catalogue drawn up for the Society, but their object in insti-
tuting researches of this nature being to make known the
natural history of the district with which they are more
immediately concerned, it will readily be conceded that the
means best calculated to attain that end is to record, from time
to time, any discoveries which may be made.

My investigations were confined to the counties of Tyrone,
Donegal, and Derry; and, having been undertaken in May, after
the early phsenogamous and most of the cryptogamous plants
had disappeared, they were not by any means so successful as,
under more favourable circumstances, it is reasonable to sup-
pose they would have been. But, indeed, the north of Ireland,
and particularly the portion of it above mentioned, is far from
fertile in botanical treasures. The surface of Tyrone an4
Derry, with the exception of a few basaltic fa9ades in the
north of the latter, consists of a succession of low rounded
hills, invariably covered to their summits with bog, and pro-
ducing only a fatiguing repetition of the ^ricae, Eriophora,
iScirpi, and Carices, common to such situations. Donegal,
though possessing great variety of soil and surface, and the
mountains of which, in elevation and the other requisites, are
to appearance peculiarly adapted to the growth of alpine
plants, is notwithstanding extremely unproductive. I have no
hesitation in saying, that a greater number of rare plants may
be found in one glen in Carnarvonshire than is afforded
by this entire district. That other parts of this country
however, are not uninteresting, in a botanical point of
view, is abundantly evident in the great variety of plants
observed by Mr. Drummond in the county of Cork, as well as

Contributions towards a Flora Hihernica. 4-37

in two or three autumnal excursions by the late Dr. Wade
and Mr. M'Kay, a catalogue of all of which was published by
the last-mentioned gentleman in 1825. In climates favour-
able to vegetation, the variety of plants is generally propor-
tional to that of the soil and surface, and when it is known
that scarcely a rock of any extent has hitherto been dis-
covered, the prototype of which does not exist in this country,
as it already is that its mountains exceed for the most part in
elevation those of England, and are little inferior to those of
Scotland, we may confidently premise that its botany will,
when adequately investigated, be found equally respectable
with that of the sister countries.

The following Plants do not appear in Mr, McKay's Catalogue.

Valeriana dLent\t2L. Ann's-brook, Meath.

Phalaris arundinacea. Margins of lakes, ditches, &c. ; common.

This plant had been observed by Mr. M'Kay, but was omitted in his
list by mistake.
Potamogeton perfoliatum. Canals about Dublin, and in rivers and-

lakes ; common in the north.
P.gramineum. Lakes in Fanet, Donegal. \

iScandix odorata. Way-sides and plantations; common* '

This plant may have been introduced ; but the like remarks will apply
to many received as indigenous.
Polygonum vivlparum. Northern declivity of Benbulben mountain,

Sligo.
Pyrola rotundifolia. Glen-Idra, Derry.
Arenaria verna. Magilligan, Derry.

A. trin<^rvis. Strabane Glen, Tyrone, and Glenade mountain, Leitrim. ,
iSiibus Chamaemorus. Plentiful on Glen-Garro mountain, Tyrone.
Subularia aqudtica. Lough Carban, a little north-west of the Gap of

Barnesmore, Donegal.
E'rvum tetrasp^rmum. Ann*s-brook, Meath.
Aspidium Z/onchitis. In a glen east of Lough Esk, Donegal, and oa

Glenade mountain, Leitrim.

New Habitats for Plants before observed.

jScirpus aciculkris. Canal at Strabane, and margin of Lough Foy, Derry.

Seslerk cserulea. On all the calcareous mountains of Leitrim and Sligo.

Poa alpina var. vivipara. Benbulben, Sligo.

£'''lvmus arenarius. Bundorn and Aranmore, Donegal.

Galium boreale. Magilligan, Derry.

Centunculus minimus. Rosses and Fanet, Donegal.

Rhodiola millegrana. With the last.

Drosera longifolia. Flow bogs; common.

Phellandrium aquaticum. Canal near Dublin.

Oxyria reniformis. Benbulben, Sligo.

Pyrola media. Ards, &c., Donegal.

Chrysosplenium alternifolium. Ballylast, Tyrone.

iSaxifraga oppositifolia. Calcareous mountains of Leitrim and Sligo.

S. aizoides. With the last.

Silene acaulis. With the last two.

jBubus suber^ctus. Common in Leitrim.

R. saxatilis. Ards, &c., Donegal.

438 On the Natw^al Order of Plants,

Papuver cambricum. Benbulben, Sligo.

^Stratiotes aldides. Canal near Drogheda.

iianunculus hirsutus. Magilligan, Derry.

Trollius Europae'us. Convoy and Lough Gartan, Donegal.

Orobdnche rubra. Ards, Donegal.

2Tilaspi arv^nse. Magilligan, Derry.

Z)raba hirta. Limestone mountains of Leitrim and Sligo ; plentiful.

G^eranium sylvaticum. In a field adjoining Dunluce Castle, Antrim.

i/yp^ricum ^ndrosae'raura. Of common occurrence in this district.

Eriocaulon septangulare. Abundant in the lakes of the Rosses, Donegal.

Lycopodium alpinum. Aghla and Barnesmore mountains, Donegal.

Isoetes lacustris. Lakes in the Rosses, Donegal.

Art. VIII. On the Natural Order ofPlantSy Dicotyledhnece^
Anonaceae. By Mrs. E. Bowdich.

It is one of the peculiar beauties of the natural system, to
be so frequently able to recognise the general qualities of a
plant, by merely referring to the name of the order to which
it belongs. The physiological portion of botany places it
among the most important of those studies furnished by nature ;
and the mere repetition of long names, the counting of petals
and stamina, &c., are, by uniting them to the uses of plants,
raised into a science which benefits mankind.

The family of Anondcece, composed of trees and shrubs, is
one of the most natural of the different orders, and presents,
not only a strong similarity of appearance, but a remarkable
analogy in the qualities of its species. Its existence is mostly
confined to that portion of the globe contained between the
tropics ; it is eminently beautiful, and not less useful to the
natives of the countries to which it is indigenous. Almost all
the individuals classed in it possess a strong aromatic or pun-
gent odour, which is shared by the roots, the bark, and even
the leaves.

The period of its discovery is not exactly known ; but the
Anbna squamosa is mentioned by Oviedo in his work on
America, published in the year 1546. In 1548, we hear of
the Ethiopian, or Malaguetta pepper; and, in 1648, three or
four of the Brazilian species were described. Rheede men-
tioned the Malabar species in 1 703 ; since that, one has been
discovered in New Holland ; and, still more recently, Palisot
de Beauvois speaks of several belonging to Africa. There
are, probably, many more hidden in the immense forests of
that continent, of which we have so imperfect a notion.

The flowers of the Anondcecs vary in form, but the petals
are generally thick and coriaceous ; they are mostly red.

Dicoti/ledonea^, Anonacesc.

439

white, and yellow, and none have yet been discovered of a
blue colour. The genus Kadsura is the only example of
dentated leaves; and these leaves, when steeped in water,
yield an abundant mucilage, used by the Japanese in the fa-
brication of the paper made from the Broussonet/a papyrifera.
The women of Japan also rub it on their hair before their
heads are shaved.

The genus Anona, mentioned by Oviedo under the name
of Guanabdnus, but established as the Anbna by Linnaeus,
bears fruits, each of which consists of a many-seeded berry, so
formed by the junction of several one-seeded berries. They
are generally good to eat; but are said to be unpalatable to
Europeans at first. We have heard, however, of their being
sought with avidity after one trial. The A, muricata, coming
from South America, and the western coast of Africa, yields
what the English call the sour-sop, which is a large oblong
fruit, filled with a white, watery, and acid pulp, enveloping
many large, shining, black seeds. It is very cooling and re-
freshing, and reckoned wholesome. The A, squamosa, fi'ora
both India and Africa, bears a beautiful green berry, the size
of a small pine-apple, and resembling it in form. There is so
much saccharine matter in it, that the sugar, oozing through
the rind, crystallises on the outside, and gives it a very pretty
appearance. It is extremely luscious in taste. The A, reti-
culata gives us the custard-apple, which is about the size of
one of our largest apples, and is filled with a yellow cream-
like pulp, and in flavour is very similar to a newly made
custard. It is indigenous to the Caribbee Islands, and grows
in Africa and Malabar ; it has also succeeded in the Island of
Madeira. The fruits of the A. paiudosa {Jig* 196. «), A. palus-

196

tris, A. longifolia {e), and A, glabra, are also much esteemed
for their edible properties. Those of the A. Cherimblia (b)
are reckoned among the best fruits of Peru, and have an agree-

440 Natural Order of Plants, Anonaceae.

able vinous flavour. The roots of the A, asiatica are employed
in Ceylon for making a red dye, and those of theAraticii jpon-
ha are so large, and at the same time so light, that the Indians
of South America make shields from them. The leaves of the
A, Ambotdy {/), and the A. muricata, are applied, with effect,
to wounds, to promote suppuration. The wood of the A.
palustris is so soft and pliant, that it is used instead of cork.

From the fruits of the Asimina triloba, or Anona triloba
according to Linnaeus, a spirituous liquor has been extracted ;
and Duhamel says that, although the pulp may be eaten, the
rind is so acrid, that, if the eyes are touched with the fingers
after handling it, they become inflamed. This, however, wants
confirmation.

The wood of the genus Porcelia is used in Peru for beams
and rafters ; the fruits are edible, and a yellow dye may be
extracted from the leaves.

The fruits of the genus Uvaria are not yet fully known ;
but those of the U. zeylanica are supposed to resemble an
apricot in flavour.

Among the species of the genus Unona we find the C/.
sethiopica, so well known on the western coast of Africa un-
der the name of Malaguetta pepper. It is a sovereign remedy,
among the natives of that country, for rheumatism, weakness
of limbs, headaches, or, in fact, any local pain. It is bruised
in water, so as to form a paste, which is rubbed on the part
affected ; a bandage is added, and the patient is immediately
covered with a quantity of clothing. In a short time a very
agreeable tingling of the skin commences, which is succeeded
by a general glow, and, subsequently, a violent perspiration.
Europeans have spoken highly of it, as a remedy, from their
own experience. The roots of the U. Ndrum are used for
various complaints, both in Malabar and in the Moluccas;
and a strong-smelling oil is extracted from the bark, which
also enters into the list of medicines. The bark of the U,
tripetaloidea affords a gum of delicious odour. The flowers of
the U. odorata(c) have a very aromatic smell, similar to that
of European pinks. It is much cultivated on this account ;
and the Japanese decorate their persons, and even their beds
with it. The U, undulata affords, in the bight of Benin, one
of the best spices of Owaree.

The genus Xylopia also yields agreeable spices, and the
wood of the X. frutescens {d) is so flexible as to be employed
for cordage.

The leaves of the genus Guatteria have, in general, a very
acrid and aromatic taste ; they are applied in rheumatic cases,
and an extract from them is given in Malabar at the com-

Leaves of Maldxis palndbsa. 4-41

mencement of intermittent fevers. The flowers of the G.
virgata {g) possess a delicious fragrance.

Assembling, as we do, in this country, and easily procuring,
every thing that is useful and ornamental, it may be a mere
matter of amusement thus to sketch the uses of foreign plants :
but could we, for a moment, imagine ourselves out of the
reach of European assistance and European luxuries, we
should be glad of every resource presented to us by nature,
and congratulate ourselves on possessing a knowledge of her
treasures. In all primitive countries where vegetation is
luxuriant, it supplies every department of life with a mine of
wealth. Not only is it employed in the construction of edi-
fices, weapons of offence and defence, household utensils, and
musical instruments ; but it affords clothing, ornaments, food,
medicines, and is, even, the great source from which rude
people draw their poetry and romance.

The physiological botanist, therefore, possesses great ad-
vantages when travelling in these wild countries ; and it has
been observed, that the respect felt by savages for this sort
of knowledge increases their confidence in strangers, and gives
them a favourable impression of the omniscience of civilised
Europeans.

Art. IX. On the Leaves of Malaxis paludosa. By the Reverend
John Stevens Hen slow, Professor of Botany in the University
of Cambridge.

Sir,

In the fourth volume of the English Flora^ Sir James Smith
has described the leaves of Malaxis paludosa, as " roughish
about the extremity, often somewhat fringed, so that this plant
may perhaps have given rise to the report of a hairy-leaved
Orchis," &c.

This plant occurs in great plenty in the bogs on Gamlingay
Heath, Cambridgeshire, where I had an opportunity of exa-
mining it a few days ago, and ascertained the cause of the
fringed appearance of the leaf, alluded to by Smith. Every
specimen I gathered exhibited this in a greater or less degree,
and it required only the assistance of a common lens to show
me that it was occasioned by numerous little bulbous germs,
sprouting from the edge, and towards the apex of the leaf, as
represented in the accompanying sketch ( fg. 197. a b). They
were of the same colour as the leaves, green on those which
were more exposed to the light, and quite white on those which
were lowest on the stem, and half buried in peat and moss.

Vol. I. — No. 5. h h

44-2

Progress of Geology.

Some of these germs were so far advanced as to have put forth
the rudiments of two or three leaves {cd)^ others less so\ef),

197

V ^ e d

These plants often occur in little clusters of half a dozen or
more close together, which may be accounted for by several
of the germs arriving at perfection, whilst the rest perish.
Otherwise, so far as I have observed, the plant is generally
continued by a single offset, and three or four of the old de-
cayed bulbs may be found, one below the other, among the
peat, and still attached to the living stem.

This and Malaxis LoesebV are probably truly parasitic.
I remain, Sir, &c.
Cambridge^ Aug, 14. 1828. J. S. Henslow.

Art. X. Progress of Geology. By R. C. T.

In a former article (p. 249.), devoted to the consideration
of two interesting geological memoirs, it was judged a fitting
opportunity to contribute a series of preparatory illustrations
of stratification, partly original, and the remainder selected
from authentic data.* If we deviated somewhat from the
strict course of an elementary treatise, and brought forward
matter which should have formed a section at a more advanced
stage, it will, perhaps, be conceded that those details were not
unseasonably introduced. Our progress will henceforth be
more regular. In the limited space which can here be appro-

* During the progress of this article, all the illustrations which are not
expressly accounted for, may be considered as original.

To those who are familiar with the gigantic scale on which the geology
of some other countries is exhibited, the examples we have selected may
appear trivial ; but it must be remembered that our main design is the
illustration of English geology.

Progress of Geology. 443

printed to this departixrent of natural histwy, condensation of
facts and opinions is indispensable. All that can be under-
taken is an outline of characteristic features. Those of our
own country naturally demand our earliest and chief atten-
tion ; and it appears expedient, for the present, to reserve for
some future article the subject of continental geology, and its
relations with this island. In briefly tracing the rapid progress
of the science, we shall derive gratification from enumerating
many successful investigators and distinguished authorities.

The necessities of man, doubtless, led him, in the first in-
stance, when in search of the useful productions of the mineral
kingdom, to take cursory notice of the rocks in which those
substances were embedded. As his wants and luxuries mul-
tiplied, his knowledge of the earths, of the metals, coals, stones,
and marbles, their uses and properties, increased, and his ob-
servations necessarily became more minute. Such observations
would be essential to save labour, and to acquire those valued
productions at the smallest cost, and at the least sacrifice of
time. To accomplish these objects, he found it necessary to
study obscure indications ; and, however imperfect the evidence
and scattered the data, to trace the subjects of his search, to
mark their position, and to define the extent of their deposi-
tories. Thus far advanced, he began to reason on the nature
of those substances, on the phenomena observable in their
matrices, on the origin of those singular organic forms incor-
porated in the solid rocks, and on the infinite variety manifested
in their structure, their situations, and attendant circumstances.
Hence originated his first geological speculations, which were
not unmixed with a portion of superstition. Surrounded by
so many interesting objects, of which all his reasonings could
not afford a satisfactory explanation, his imagination readily
suggested a solution of those difficulties which his ignorance
of natural science left unaccounted for. He observed every
where, whether on the earth's surface, or in its profoundest
depths, traces of a different state of things at some vastly re-
mote period. With that sensation of awe, which the sublimity
of such scenes would inspire, he viewed the uplifted peaks,
and pinnacled summits of the primitive mountains, piercing
through the clouds, covered with perpetual snows, and inac-
cessible to human foot. In their neighbourhood he saw other
rocks, of somewhat less rugged and imposing contour, whose
masses every where bore marks of violent disturbances, and
contained within them the substances best adapted for his
domestic purposes. Beyond these rocks he observed a nume-
rous group of others, of yet more softened outline, with sur-
faces more favourable to cultivation ; and in whose structure

H H 2

444 Pi'ogress of Geology,

were mingled myriads of organic bodies, whose forms in some
cases were unknown to him, and in others nearly resembled
those of the existing inhabitants of the ocean. Stretching
further were vast plains and gently rounded eminences, com-
posed of less indurated materials, and bearing internal evidence
both of their marine origin, and of the subsequent action of
mighty waters upon their disturbed surfaces. Amidst the
fragments that overspread these plains, he occasionally disco-
vered bones of gigantic animals, which furnished matter for
the wildest conjectures, and most extravagant speculations.
AH these phenomena led irresistibly to the conclusion, that
the earth had undergone some stupendous revolution, which,
as corroborated by Mosaic testimony, had " broken up the
fountains of the great deep," and " destroyed every living sub-
stance which was upon the face of the ground."

But it was not then anticipated that these extraordinary
appearances in the earth, the peculiarities of its structure, the
alternation of its materials, and the multitude of intermediate
gradations, indicated many separate geological epochs, many
destructive revolutions, and many intervals of repose and re-
production. Amidst the chaotic confusion of the lofty moun-
tain ranges, amidst the perplexity, the dislocations, and distor-
tions of those rocks which occupied less elevated and more
habitable regions, no traces of original order were perceived.
In the rocks which were crowded with organic remains, no
distribution of species in particular beds or portions, no regu-
larity of superposition, no undeviating arrangement, no suc-
cession of strata, traversing whole countries, could yet be
discerned. Their relative ages, the comparative eras which
are determinable by positive evidence, such, for instance, as
the deposition of a series of horizontal over inclined beds, were
then unsuspected.

The animal remains, it is true, were too singular to be
overlooked. Absurd notions were promulgated of their origin,
and although many of the most remarkable were collected for
their rarity or their beauty, no idea was then entertained of
their applicability in identifying the strata, and their superior
adaptation as geological tests.

Then arose those innumerable chimerical theories, flowing
from an imperfect knowledge of facts, or founded on circum-
stances not universal ; on phenomena and reasonings appli-
cable to minute portions of the surface, rather than to the
entire globe.

As no science invites speculation more than geology, the
press, during the last century, teemed with systems, which in
turn were advocated and renounced by the philosophers of the

Progress of Geology. 445

day. To detail these would be an obvious waste of time.
They were only so far useful, as they promoted discussion, and
excited enthusiasm in controversy, and as their results were
deeper examination and sounder views.

Geology may, in truth, be classed with the modern sciences,
since it is so recently as the year 1815 that the first geological
map of this, or probably of any other country, was pro-
duced In referring, thus early, to that great undertaking,
it is scarcely necessary to premise, that it was designed to
exhibit the boundaries of the various classes of rocks, strata,
and deposits, in this kingdom ; to define the areas they respec-
tively occupy ; to determine, with greater precision, the posi-
tion of such strata or substances as are subservient to the pur-
poses'of man ; and, at tlie same time, by ascertaining the actual
condition and arrangement of the several formations, to furnish
more accurate data than were before possessed, whence to
judge of the nature of those stupendous changes to which our
planet has been subjected.

Prior to a period which perhaps may be brought down to
the middle of the eighteenth century, the fact of the extensive
succession of rocks, and their continuity across our island, does
not appear to have been suspected. The philosophers of pre-
ceding times furnish, in their writings, few hints that they enter-
tained any but the most vague notions of the distribution and
relative position of those formations which occasionally at-
tracted their attention.

There wanted not individual collectors of such remarkable
productions as accident brought to view ; nor was there any
lack of theorists to devise ingenious systems, from these isolated
data, by which to account, in their estimation, not only for the
phenomena immediately before them, but for the formation,
destruction, and subsequent renovation of the entire globe. It
is foreign to the purpose of this article to refer more particu-
larly to these speculations ; no benefit would accrue from the
narrative, beyond the historical developement of a science
which had the usual share of ignorance, prejudice, and obscur-
ity to impede its infant progress.*

* The following are the writers whose opinions have obtained the greatest
celebrity, as advocates for particular systems accounting for the formation
and subsequent alteration of the earth ; —

Mr. Whitehurst taught that the concentric arrangement of the crust of the
globe was destroyed by the expansive force of subterranean fire.

Burnet'?, theory supposes this crust to have been broken for the produc-
tion of the deluge.

Leibnitz and Buffon believed the earth to have been liquefied by fire ;
in fact, that it is an extinguished sun or vitrified globe, whose surface has
beeu operated upon by a deluge. The latter assumes that the earth was
• H H 3

446 Progress of Geology,

There were men, even long prior to the time of which we
speak, who appear to have had some gUmpses of geological
truth. One of these, George Owen, of Pembrokeshire, before
the close of the sixteenth century, in describing the coal dis-
trict of South Wales, shows that he was aware that the mine-
ral masses were not confusedly assembled within its area, but
extended in a certain uniform arrangement. The striking
features presented by a coal field like that of South Wales,
and the observation necessarily exercised in tracing the direc-
tion of its principal mineral beds, for practical purposes, pro-
bably led to an examination of the whole. It is in such
situations, and under such circumstances, that the earliest
geological investigations would originate. The facts, however,
which resulted from this survey, were unavailing to the inter-
ests of the science, as his manuscript remained unpublished
until a few years ago.

About the commencement of the eighteenth century, some
geological descriptions of portions of Bedfordshire, Kent, and
Somersetshire, appeared in the Philosophical Transactions.
These are to be regarded rather as rough sketches of uncon-
nected districts, than as parts of a systematic well defined
arrangement. It was a point then undecided, " whether the
stones we find in the form of shellfish be lapides sui generis^
naturally produced by some extraordinary plastic virtue^ latent
in the earth, in quarries where they are found, or whether they
rather owe their form and figure to the shells of the fishes
they represent." {Dr. Plot, in 1677.)

In favour of the former of these alternatives, appear the
names of Plot, Ray, Lister, and other eminent naturalists, and
it obtained advocates as late as the year 1752, the fossil re-

75,000 years in cooling to its present temperature, and that, in 98,000
years more, productive nature must be finally extinguished.

Woodward considered there was a temporary dissolution of the ele-
ments of the globe, during which period the extraneous fossils became in-
corporated with the general mass.

De Luc, DolomieUy and, finally. Baron Cuvier, unite in the opinion, that
the phenomena exhibited by the earth, particularly the alternate deposits of
terrestrial and marine productions, can only be satisfactorily accounted for
by a series of revolutions similar to the deluge.

Among the singular views entertained by men of genius, in the infancy of
the science, are those of Whiston, " who fancied that the earth was created
from the atmosphere of one comet, and deluged by the tail of another ;"
and that, for their sins, the antediluvian population were drowned j " except
the fishes, whose passions were less violent."

A French geologist conceived that the sea covered the earth for a vast
period; that all aiiiiniils v. ere originally inhabitants of the water; that their
habits gradually changed on the retiring of the waves, and " that man him-
self began his career as a fish !"

Progress of Geology. ^^Y

mains being still strenuously asserted to bie nothing more than
links in the progressive series by which unorganised matter is
connected with the animal world.

Both the naturalists, Llwydd and Lister, seemed to have
noticed that certain of these fossil shells were peculiar to, and
afforded the means of distinguishing, certain rocks. They did
not pursue their observations sufficiently far to apply this dis-
covery extensively in classing the strata, but they are entitled
to the merit of having recognised the principle. To the latter
naturalist is also due the credit of suggesting, in 1684, the
construction of maps, to denote, by colours, the superficial
extent and boundaries of soils, clays, rocks, and mineral strata ;
for, as he sagaciously observes, " tsoe shall be better able to judge
oftlie make of the earth, and of the many phenomena belong-
ing thereto, 'wheii we shall have well . and duly examined it, as
far as human art can possibly reach, beginning from the out-
side, downwards."

Towards the middle of the eighteenth century, and extend-
ing to the nineteenth, correct arid enlarged views began to be
entertained : on the Continent, as to the constancy in the posi-
tion of fossil shells, in peculiar beds, and as to the distinctions
between the primary and secondary rocks ; in England, as to
the predominant characters of our most remarkable strata,
their identity and continuity. In the list of foreign contribu-
tors, during this period, occur the names of Guettard, Leh-
man, Rouelle, BufFon, Werner, Saussure, and Pallas ; in
the English, we record those of Mitchell, Whitehurst, Hutton,
and Play fair.

We now approach an importaiit epoch in the history of this
science in England. The appearance of the first geological
map, by Mr. William Smith, in the year 1815, after twenty-
five years of unremitting application to the project, is an event
of some moment. On the merit of this great performance,, it
is not practicable to enlarge here. Suffice it to quote the de-
served encomium of a philosopher of another country, M.D'Au-
buisson. "That which the most distinguished mineralogists have
done in a small part of Germany, in half a century, a single
individual has undertaken and effected for the whole of Eng-
land : and his work, as beautiful for its result as it is astonish-
ing for its detail, has led to the conclusion, that England is
regularly divided into beds ; that the order of their position
is never inverted ; and that precisely similar fossils are found
in all parts of the same bed, and at remote distances."

A few years prior to this event, the number of enquirers
into this interesting science had considerably augmented.
Numerous individuals, highly qualified for the employment,

H H 4

448 Progress oj Geology,

had entered with all the ardour inseparable from this pursuit,
into various departments of research. Information was as
freely diffused as circumstances would permit; and that tena-
cious adherence to favourite dogmas, which characterised an
earlier period, gradually relaxed as men applied themselves to
the preliminary acquisition of knowledge, to the rigorous exa-
mination of facts on an extended scale, and the consequent
developement of irresistible truths.

The advantages, and indeed the necessity, of cooperation,
in such an immense field of investigation, became more and
more apparent. Hitherto the discoveries and opinions of in-
dividuals were imperfectly known or understood ; their oppor-
tunities of personal communication, of collision of sentiment,
and of referring to authentic illustrations of British and foreign
geology, were unfrequent. They were as yet not far removed
from the time, " when the vague and cursory information that
every man might glean from the objects that were perpetually
before him, when combined and magnified by a powerful ima-
gination, was sufficient for all the purposes of geological spe-
culation. According to this view of the matter, a man might
philosophise very well by himself; it was his business not to
discover, but to invent ; and he stood no more in need of the
assistance of others, than if he had been at work in the regions
of poetry or romance." Under these disadvantages, it is not
surprising that the progress of this branch of knowledge had
been extremely slow. Such a state of things was obviously
unfavourable for concentrating geological data and eliciting
important results ; for ascertaining characteristic features, and
describing them with precision, and for establishing an appro-
priate nomenclature. To facilitate these desirable objects, it
was necessary to combine the exertions of those who were
engaged in a common pursuit, and its advocates soon became
sensible of the impulse it had received from the union of labour.
In the year 1807, most of the English geologists formed
themselves into a society, which rapidly increased, and whose
members have zealously and successfully employed themselves
in researches into the geology, not of this country alone, but
by degrees of almost every portion of the globe. It is scarcely
necessary to add that which is understood and conceded by
all geologists of our times, that they have less to do with spe*
culations on the earth's formation, than with the acquisition
of that evidence, by means of which it is alone probable a clue
will be discovered to those parts of the system that are as
yet inexplicable ; acting upon the principle with reference to
that ultimate object, that, " before attempting an explanation^ it
is best to he acquainted with the thing to be explained,'*

Progress of Geology, • 449

In looking at the mass of valuable information contained in
the Transactions of the Geological Society/, at the many other
illustrative works, of high estimation, which have appeared
during the last ten or twenty years, and at the space which
this science now occupies in our leading periodicals, we per-
ceive proofs of the increasing number of observers, the im-
mense variety of the objects under consideration, the skill
which has been exercised in their developement, and the
emulation excited to explore the vast series which yet remain.
In the midst of apparent confusion there arises abundant evi-
dence to show that order prevails, and that certain rules and
principles have every where influenced the distribution of the
phenomena we are attempting to investigate. This observ-
ation is not new, neither is thfe result wholly unexpected.

Eighteen years ago it was said, " if the face of the earth
were divided into districts, and accurately described, we have
no doubt that, from the comparison of these descriptions, the
true theory of the earth would spontaneously emerge without
any effort of genius or invention. It would appear as an in-
controvertible principle, about which, all men, the moment
that the facts were stated to them, must of necessity agree.
Instead of a hundred different theories, about which they dis-
pute with never ending sophistry, there would be a few general
maxims, in which all men of sense and information would
uniformly acquiesce." The period anticipated by the reviewer
is still, probably, very remote. So vast an era presents an
almost inexhaustible field to occupy the researches of geolo-
gists yet to come. We possess at best but the rudiments of
geological surveys of the principal portion of Europe. In
France and Germany, the examination has been limited to
particular spots, while large districts have been almost over-
looked. Of all countries Great Britain has been most
minutely investigated, and its ablest naturalists, having accom-
plished so much at home, are widely extending their researches
to remote countries.

It would be invidious, even were it compatible with the plan
of the present essay, to particularise the contributions to this
department of natural science, in England, since the publi-
cation of the first geological map. A second map, nearly of
the size of Mr. Smith's, made its appearance shortly after,
chiefly through the exertions of Mr. Greenough ; and some
valuable corrections and additional details, contributed by
that gentleman and by contemporary geologists, were therein
introduced. The adaptation of the colours which distinguish
the strata, and define their boundaries with great precision,
exhibits much judgment, and is not the least of its improve-

4-50 Progi-ess of Geology,

ments. This map has been since engraved upon a reduced
scale, with the advantage of possessing most of the principal
observations made during the last ten or twelve years ; and,
notwithstanding some obvious minor defects, as a guide to the
scientific English traveller, cannot be too highly commended.

Mr. Farey completed an elaborate mineral ogical survey of
Derbyshire, and was long an active contributor, through
various channels, towards the promotion of a science to which
he was zealously attached.

It were injustice to the memory of Mr. Parkinson to pass
unnoticed his Organic Remains of a former World, which
appeared in 1808; the earliest (except the Fossilia Han-
toniensia of Solander and Brander), the most elaborate, and
certainly the most magnificent, work that issued from the Bri-
tish press, in illustration of a department of natural history
then little understood. This, and a subsequent Introduction
to the Study of Organic Remains, have placed their author in
the first class of naturalists. But English geology at that
period was quite in its infancy. Little was known of dis-
tinctions in strata; and, as the fossils were classed without
regard to geological arrangement, the utility of the work was
considerably lessened. Of this imperfection the author ap-
pears to have been aware in his preface to the concluding
volume.

The unavoidable deficiencies here alluded to have been, in
a great measure, supplied by Mr. Sowerby's Mineral Concho-
logy of Great Britain, The first portion of the work had also
the disadvantage of appearing before the nomenclature and
true position of the formations were determined; a circum-
stance which has disturbed the uniformity of the plan, but
which a carefully compiled general index, or rather a good
series of indexes, will materially rectify. This unrivalled pro-
duction, commenced in 1812, and continued to the present
time, does honour to the name of this distinguished naturalist
and his sons, and will long remain among the most useful, as
it is one of the most splendid, acquisitions to the science it so
beautifully illustrates.

Mr. Bakewell published a useful Introduction to Geology in
1813, the third edition of which has been recently printed,
comprising much valuable additional matter. The views of
this gentleman on some points relating to the arrangement of
rocks, and their analogies to Continental formations, differ
somewhat from those currently adopted by English geologists,
but demand all the respect to which so experienced an autho-
rity is entitled.

Progress of Geology, ^\

In the same year, 1813, appeared a translation of Baron
Cuvier's Essay on the Theory of the Earth, with notes, by Pro-
fessor Jameson. This work, so deservedly celebrated, which
has contributed so much to extend the taste in this country
for such pursuits, reached its fifth edition in 1827. Few
scientific essays have been studied with such interest as this ;
and so strongly do the sentiments impress themselves on the
memory of the reader, that it would be difficult to point out
a modern geological writer who has not unconsciously adopted
some expressions of its eloquent author.

About the same time some highly interesting discoveries
were made, by Mr. Webster, in the Isle of Wight and on the
southern coast of England, which established some remarkable
facts relative to the vertical strata in that quarter, and the co-
incidence between the fresh-water formations in the basin of
Paris and those, previously unknown, in the Isle of Wight.
To the talents of this gentleman, both as an artist and an
accurate observer, science is under great obligations.

For elucidations of the natural history of those obscure
tribes, the Encrinites, the Belemnites, and other animals allied
to them, we are indebted to the labours of Mr. Miller.

Messrs. Coneybeare and Phillips, authors of Outlines of the
Geology of England and Wales, have, in that useful treatise,
made us acquainted, in detail, with the entire series of deposits
from the tertiary to the carboniferous class. The introductory
compendium of the general principles of geology is tlie best
of its kind ; and we may be excused, if, during the progress of
the following pages, we occasionally draw our information from
a source so authentic. In a field so extensive and so newly
explored, it would be remarkable, indeed, if some omissions,
some unintentional inaccuracies, were not occasionally dis-
coverable ; yet such is the value which we, in common with
other practical enquirers, attach to these Outlines, that we
cannot but regard the period of their appearance as an epoch
in the progress of the science. It only remains for us to
express the hope that the second volume, so long delayed,
will ere long make its appearance.

Many occasional writers, particularly the contributors to
the Transactions of the Geological Societies of London, Edin-
burgh, and Cornwall, the Royal Societies of London and
Edinburgh, the Wernerian Society, and the Cambridge Phi-
losophical Society, have elucidated various portions of our
mineral and mountain districts, or have exhibited much sagacity
in unravelling the zoological labyrinth of a former world.

The geological professors at Oxford and Cambridge have
each largely and liberally contributed to our knowledge of the

452 Progress of Geology.

structure of our island ; and the names of Buckland and
Sedgewick have long been classed with the profoundest in-
vestigators of our times.

In the department of comparative anatomy, interesting
results have attended the researches of Dr. Buckland, Mr.
Clift, Mr. Pentland, Mr. Mantell, Sir Everard Home, and
Mr. Coneybeare.* The volcanic phenomena have been ably
illustrated by Mr. Scrope and Dr. Daubeny.

There is some difficulty in determining where to pause.
Were we to enumerate all those who have assisted in the
advancement of English geology, the list would extend fur-
ther than is compatible with the plan of our sketch ; but the
names of several of these authorities will occur as we proceed.

While the naturalists of Great Britain were rewarded by
so many interesting discoveries, others, not less important,
resulted from the researches of their foreign contemporaries,
Cuvier, Humboldt, Brongniart, Lamarck, and other scientific
men in France, Italy, Germany, and in more remote parts of
the earth.

The examinations of our own countrymen have likewise
been widely extended, and there are few parts of the world
which have not been subjected, more or less, to the inspection
of British geologists. For improving our knowledge of the
structure of Southern and Western Europe we are indebted
to Dr. Buckland, Mr. Bakewell, Mr. Scrope, Dr. Daubeny,
Sir A. Crichton, Dr. Fitton, Mr. Coneybeare, Dr. Trail, and
Mr. De la Beche ; of Russia, to Mr. Strangeways ; of Hungary,
to Dr. Bright; of Jamaica, to Mr. De la Beche and Mr.
Bennett ; of Antigua, to Dr. Nugent ; of Ceylon, to Dr. Davy ;
of the Straits of Magellan, to Captain King; of Rio de Ja-
neiro, to Mr. Caldcleugh ; the southern and western parts of
the Canadas, to Dr. Bigsby ; and the coast of Labrador, to
the Rev. Mr. Steinhauer ; the northern coasts of America, to
Captain Franklin and Dr. Richardson ; and of some portion
of the Arctic regions, to the scientific gentlemen attached to
the expedition commanded by Captain Parry.

In India geological investigations have been pursued by
Mr. Colebrooke, Mr. Eraser, Messrs. S. and B. Babington,
Dr. Adam, and Mr. Craufurd ; and the latter gentleman has
recently brought a magnificent collection of fossil animal re-
mains from Ava. Captain James Franklin has illustrated the
geology of a portion of Central India by a map and memoir.

* Mr. Weaver has described the fossil elk of Ireland j and Mr. Konig,
of the British Museum, has commenced a work on fossils, under the title of
Icones Fossilium Sectiles,

Progress of Geology, 453

The science is also indebted to the researches of Dr. Skey
in Barbadoes, of Dr. Nugent in the Isles of Trinidad and
Montserrat, of Captain Veitch in the Island of Bermuda, and
Dr. Jack in Sumatra.

With regard to the history of geological discovery, much
valuable information is comprised in a series of masterly articles
in the Edinburgh Review, commencing in 1811, and continued,
at intervals, to a late period. In the Qiiarterly Review also,
and in several of the scientific journals, geological communi-
cations of high character and value have occasionally ap-
peared. Nor ought we to omit to notice, in this place,
the able address delivered by Dr. Fitton, President of the
Geological Society, at the Annual Meeting of the Fellows,
February 15. 1828.

When we consider the short time that geology has been
pursued as a science of induction, the enormous area sub-
mitted to examination, and the prodigious mass of unques-
tionable facts which have been established, we cannot but
exult at the progress which has been made, and at the elevated
station it now holds.

While new discoveries are daily occurring, while doubtful
points are from time to time receiving elucidation, and many
desiderata continue to be supplied, the time is perhaps still
remote when it may be asserted that the work of English
geologists is done, and their acquaintance with the structure
even of their own country is complete. Even now we are
familiar with little more than the most prominent features of
some formations. The subordinate details remain to be filled
up, and will afford scope for the investigations of an increasing
class of observers. In almost all our great provincial towns,
institutions have been established within a very short period,
having, amongst other objects, those of facilitating the study
of local geology, and forming illustrative collections of mine-
ralogical and fossil substances. To most of these associations
lectureships are attached ; and museums of natural history,
mineralogy, and comparative anatomy are founded, and rapidly
augment. Thus the advantages which at first exclusively
appertained to the parent institutions of the metropolis, are
placed within the reach of a very extensive class of society.
The time may be distant ere these local museums will rival
the noble collections in some Continental universities ; but,
originating in the improved state of society, they are supported
with energy. The foundations are laid ; the nuclei are formed,
around which are rapidly concentrating vast masses of matter,
available to the interests of science, to an extent we are
scarcely able to appreciate.

( To be continued.)

454 Modification of Clouds

•a

Art. XL On the Modification of Clouds called Wind Reels,
By J. Rennie, A.m.

The names which have been given to different species of
clouds by Mr. Luke Howard, are now pretty generally known
and adopted in meteorological journals ; but, though the author
(naturally enough, no doubt) deprecates the attempts which
have been made to substitute English terms for his Latin
ones, there can be little question that his learned nomenclature
has retarded the popularity of the science. If this be the fact,
as it, indeed, appears to be, it will be preferable to adopt such
English terms as may be more intelligible to the general reader.

The species of cloud, therefore, which is called Cirrus by
Mr. Howard, may be conveniently termed the %icane-cloud,
being the thinnest, lightest, and highest of all the clouds : as
if the accumulated vapour which composes the lower and
denser clouds had wa7ied away, by its distance and elevation.
The different forms which the wane-cloud assumes, in conse«
quence of atmospheric changes, may be equally designated by
English as by Latin terms. The modification which falls to
be noticed at present, is called, by the peasants in Kent, >wind-
reels, from the notion that the streaks lie in the direction of
the wind. That the current of the wind may have some in-
fluence in the arrangement of those streaks of wane-cloud, is
not improbable : but that some portions of the cloud are not
influenced by the wind, is proved by the streaks which may
often be observed to cross the main lines at various angles ; in
some instances, indeed, so regularly, as to make a part of the
sky look like network.

A very beautiful instance of the wind reel fell under my ob-
servation, on the 20th of May, 1828. The wind was N. W.,
light, warm, and there bad been a succession of dry weather
for many days, a circumstance which is popularly supposed
to influence the formation of such clouds ; with some justice,
perhaps, as they seem to be frequently the forerunners of rain ;
the first nucleus, as it were, of the gathering rain-cloud. One
of the streaks spanned the entire visible horizon, from N. W.
to S. E., in an uninterrupted and nearly uniform arch, about
the usual dimensions of a rainbow, though not so well defined,
as I have endeavoured to represent in the following sketch.
{Jig, 198.) This arched cloud was accompanied by others,
conterminous with it, and nearly parallel with respect to the
direction of their component streaks. These appeared to verge
to a point ; but this was, probably, a common optical decep-
tion, depending on the laws of perspective ; at least, this is the
received opinion of meteorologists respecting arched clouds. I
am disposed, however, to think that the phenomenon cannot

called Wind Reels,

455

be always referred to optical deception ; for I have, more than
once, observed arched clouds in various positions and direc-

198

?f^^^^%#^

tions, with regard to the eye, which they could not have ap-
peared in according to this supposition.

I continued to observe and admire those arched lines of
cloud for several hours, namely, from noon till between four
and five in the evening ; and, what was remarkable, though
there was a light but steady breeze of wind in the direction
of the arched lines, the form of the cloud remained nearly
stationary, and uniform in its outline. Now, are we to infer
from this, that a thin light stream of vapour, spread over the
whole extent of the horizon, and acted upon, for four or
five hours, by a breeze of wind, would neither be evaporated
nor moved from its position ? The affirmative would be the
natural inference ; but Mr. Daniell, in his excellent Essays on
Meteorology, has endeavoured to account for the apparent sta-
tionary phenomena of clouds, in so very ingenious and satis-
•factory a manner, that I hesitate not to adopt his explanation.

" The apparent permanency," says Mr. Daniell, " and
stationary aspect of a cloud, is often an optical deception, aris-
ing from the solution of moisture on one side of a given point,
as it is precipitated on the other. No phenomenon is more
common amongst mountains, or upon hills by the sea -side,
than clouds upon the summits, which appear to be perfectly
immovable, although a strong wind is blowing upon them at
the time. That this should be the real state of the case, is
clearly impossible, as so attenuated a body as constitutes the
substances of the clouds must obey the impulse of the air.

^56 Modification of Clouds

The real fact is, that the vapour which is wafted by the wind,
is precipitated by the cold contact of the mountain, and is
urged forward on its course till, borne beyond the influence
which caused its condensation, it is again exhaled, and disap-
pears. A slight inspection and consideration of the pheno-
mena will be sufficient to convince any one of the correctness
of this explanation. Reasoning from analogy, we may con-
clude that the process which thus proceeds, under our eyes,
upon the summits of the hills, likewise takes place on either
side of the planes of precipitation in the heights of the atmo-
sphere; the vapour is continually condensed, as continually re-
dissolved in the act of precipitation, and the cloud appears to
be unchanged and stationary." (Page 124'., first edition.)

According to the electro-chemical theory of the formation of
clouds, however, it would be affirmed that the cloud was really
stationary and unchanged, in consequence of the equilibrium
of the electrical influence produced by the primary develope-
ment of the cloud, from the union ofthe constituent principles
of water previously existing in the gaseous state. It is barely
possible to apply the ingenious reasoning of Mr. Daniell to
this theory, and to suppose that, while the mist or vapour,
constituting the cloud is forming upon one side, the water is
simultaneously decomposed on the other side.

We are still too much in the dark, with respect to the prin-
ciples that regulate atmospherical phenomena, to decide upon
the precise effects of electricity ; but, supposing the theory
alluded to has some foundation in nature, we may be tempted
to proceed a step farther, and connect it with the nearly
allied influence of magnetism. Indeed, without some such
power acting upon the light and movable streaks and tufts of
vapour which form what I call wane-clouds (Cirrus, Howard),
I cannot devise any satisfactory explanation of the appearances
which may so frequently be observed ; for, if the wind were
the sole agent in determining their forms and positions, they
ought always to stream in the direction of its current, as we
see is uniformly the case in the analogous instance of smoke.
In the case of wane-clouds, however, they as frequently appear
to cross, or lie obliquely to the current of the wind which blows
in the plane of their stratification, as the contrary ; and, some-
times, they may be seen in positions simultaneously so dissi-
milar, that it seems difficult to refer the direction of any
particular tuft or streak to any known agent. As an instance
of this, I sketched the following [Jig. 199.), a few days after the
occurrence of the preceding arched wane-cloud. The wind, it
is true, was easterly in the general direction of the streaks ;
but besides the shorter crossing streaks at a [Jig, 198), which

called Wind Reels.

4^57

were almost at right angles to the current of the wind, there
were long streams extending over half the visible horizon, di-
varicating very considerably from the parallelism of the line
which marked the direction of the wind. Might it not be that
some, at least, if not all, of the lines of cloud were in a position
corresponding with what mathematicians call the resultant of

199

two forces, which, in this case, I assume to be the current of
the wind and terrestrial magnetism ? So far, at least, I am
certain that those long lines of wane-cloud very frequently lie
in directions corresponding, or nearly corresponding, with
the magnetic meridian; and, if magnetism has no influence
over them, the coincidence must be confessed to be singular and
unaccountable.

It would be wrong, however, to venture upon any positive
assertion of this theory, or rather speculation, in the deficiency
of well-ascertained facts ; but, from the analogous arrangement
between the wane-clouds figured above, and the streaks of the
aurora borealis, which is also supposed to be connected with
magnetism or electricity, I think that farther investigation may
elucidate the dependence of the phenomena on the same
causes. The aurora borealis, indeed, is almost always in the
direction of the magnetic meridian, while the wane-clouds in
question, so far as I have remarked, are more under the in-
fluence of the current of wind blowing in the plane of their
stratification.

JLee^ Kent, June 2.

Vol. I. — No. 5,

I I

4^58

On Water-Spouis,

Art. XII. On Water-Spouts,

Water- SPOUTS make their appearance from the bosom of
a heavy cloud, such as that represented at {Jig.^00. a), gra-
dually descending in a point like an inverted cone, sometimes
perpendicularly, and sometimes bending, or waved. The
weight and velocity of such a body of water falling into the

200

sea, agitate and throw up the water around in a surprising
manner, as represented at b, till it is exhausted, when it dis-
appears gradually as it began. It is obvious that the pheno-
menon is caused by a change in the atmosphere when full of
clouds, by different contrary currents of air opposing one an-
other, perhaps in the same manner as may be seen in streams
of water, which, by the intervention of some body are variously
thrown into whirlpools, which by their circular motion carry
down a conical column of air in their centres.

In this manner we may suppose, that when the atmosphere
is surcharged with gross and heavy vapours, put into violent
motion by the impulse of contending winds, one of which must
prove the most powerful, they may force one anolher into a
circular or spiral motion, as at figure c, to the centre of which
the grossest and heaviest parts inclining, as is the case in all
fluid bodies, form into a body which we see descend. The
body is of various sizes ; one seen at about a mile distant ap-
peared to be about 5 ft. in diameter ; but there are some seen
much larger. It cannot be ascertained from their appearance,
whether they are solid or hollow in the centre.

459

PART II.

REVIEWS.

:lVl

Art. I. Illustrations of British Entomology ; or, a Synopsis of
Indigenous Insects^ containing their Generic and Specific Dis-
tinctions ; with an Account of their Metamorphoses ^ Time^ of
Appearance^ Localities, Food, and. Economy , as for as practicable.
By James Francis Stephens, F.L.S., Member of the Zoolo-
gical Society, &c. Embellished with coloured Figures of the
rarer and more interesting Species. 8vo. Vol. I. Mandibidata,
pp. 186. Vol. 11. Haustellata, pp. 150. London, Baldwin and
Cradock, 1828.

With the exception of botany, perhaps, there is no branch
of natural history so fascinating as the study of insects, par-
ticularly to the young; that is, if the bias of opening curiosity
be properly directed. It is the common every-day practice in
most families, to teach children, from the earliest infancy, to
treat the greater number of insects as if they were serpents,
venomous and dangerous, and of course meriting to be de-
stroyed, or at least avoided with horror, wherever they are
met with. Associations are by this means linked with the very
appearance of insects, which become gradually more inveterate
with advancing years, provided, as most frequently happens,
the same system be persisted in of avoiding or destroying
almost every insect which is unlucky enough to attract observ-
ation. How much rational amusement and innocent pleasure
are thus thoughtlessly lost, and how many disagreeable feel-
ings created in the most absurd and foolish manner, we shall
be fully able, we hope, to show as we proceed.

To prove that the study, or (if the word be disliked) the
observation, of insects is peculiarly fascinating to children, even
in their years of infancy, we may refer to what we have seen
in the family of a friend, who is partial to this, as well as to
all the departments of natural history. Our friend's children,
a boy and a girl, were taught from the moment they could
distinguish insects, to treat them as objects of interest and
curiosity, and not to be afraid even of those which wore the
most repulsive appearance. The little girl, for example, when
just beginning to walk alone, encountered one day a large

I I 2

460 ' Stephens's British Entomology.

Staphylinus, which she fearlessly seized, and did not quit her
hold, though the insect grasped one of her fingers in his for-
midable jaws. The mother, who was by, knew enough of the
insect to be rather alarmed for the consequences, though she
prudently concealed her feelings from the child. She did well ;
for the insect was not strong enough to break the skin, and the
child took no notice of his attempts to bite her finger. A whole
series of disagreeable associations with this formidable-looking
family of insects was in this manner averted, at the very moment
when a different mode of acting on the part of the mother would
have produced the first link of the chain. For more than two
years after this occurrence, this little girl and her brother as-
sisted in adding numerous specimens of insects to their father's
collection, without the parents ever having had cause, from any
accident, to repent of their employing themselves in this man-
ner. The sequel of the little girl's history strikingly illustrates
the position for which we contend. Family embarrassments
rendered it expedient for the child to be sent to a relative in
the country, where she was not long of having carefully in-
stilled into her mind all the usual antipathies against "every
thing that creepeth upon the earth ; " and though she after-
wards returned to her paternal home, no persuasion nor remon-
strance could ever again persuade her to touch a common
beetle, much less a Staphylinus, with its tail turned up in a
threatening attitude, and its formidable jaws ready for attack
or defence.

But while we contend for the advantages in point of plea-
sure alone, though science be left out of our consideration, we
would not be understood as carrying the matter to extremes.
Our meaning is, that while children are taught to look upon
all insects as objects of interesting observation, they ought, at
the same time, to be carefully warned of those which may do
them injury, such as bees, wasps, and ants, and among the
beetles, the male stag-beetle (Zyucanus cervus), whose bite, or
rather pinch, is not a little painful. Nothing, however, can be
more absurd, than the fear universally entertained in England
of the larger sorts of dragon-flies (Libellulidae), which are
branded with the erroneous name of horse-stingers^ though the
most superficial examination will demonstrate that these insects
have not a shadow of a sting: but their jaws are large and
strong ; not stronger, however, than those of the Staphylinus
above mentioned, and of course not dangerous in the slightest
degree, even to infants.

Holding these views to be important, in reference to early
education and to the multiplying of the pleasures of youth,
manhood, and old age, we cannot but cordially hail the pub-

Stephens's British Entomology, 461

lication of every work which is calculated to extend them, by
pointing out subjects of observation, and thus leading the in-
quisitive and the curious from the known to the unknown in
the productions of nature. Mr. Stephens's book is eminently
calculated to effect that purpose in many respects, though its
extensive plan, and the elegant manner in which it is got up,
render it by necessity too expensive for very general circula-
tion. In the two volumes now before us, the author has
furnished us with the best (in numerous instances with the
only) account which has hitherto been given of our native in-
sects, and as he has not copied his descriptions from books,
but given the result of his personal observations upon the spe-
cimens in his own rich, if not unrivalled, cabinet, the confidence
of the student in the author's accuracy is thereby strongly
corroborated.

The author follows the two leading divisions of insects pro-
posed by Clairville, namely Mandibuldta, comprehending insects
furnished with mandibles, or jaws ; and Haustelldta^ compre-
hending insects furnished with haiistella, or suckers. These
he divides into orders, and subdivides into sections, sub-sec-
tions, families, genera, species, and varieties. As his orders
are somewhat different from those hitherto proposed, and
withal more distinctly characterised, we shall take the liberty
of giving in English what the author has put down in Latin
in his tabular sketches. It may be remarked that he is an
advocate for the circular system of Macleay, though he does not
follow his quinary divisions; the septenary (as he appears to
think) being more suited to his orders. The following num-
bers, therefore, are supposed to return reciprocally into one
another.

I. Mandibula^ta (with jaws).

2. Strepsiptera. — The upper wings more or less coria-'
ceous ; the under wings contorted ; as in Xenos.

S, Coleoptera. — The upper wings more or less coriaceous ;
the under wings not contorted, but transversely plicatile; the
nervures simple ; as in Carabus, the garden beetle.

4. Dermdptera, — The upper wings more or less coria-
ceous ; the under wings not contorted, but transversely plica-
tile ; the nervures radiated ; as in Forf icula, the earwig.

5. Orthoptera. — The upper wings more or less coriaceous ;
the under wings not contorted, but longitudinally plicate; as
in Blatta, the cockroach.

6. Neuroptera. — All the wings membranaceous and reticu-
late ; as in Libellula, the dragon-fly.

7. Trichoptera, — All the wings membranaceous, venose,
and hairy ; as in Phryganea.

I I 3

462 Stephens*s British Entomology,

8. Hymendptera, — All the wings membranaceous, venose,
and naked ; as in Fespa, the wasp.

II. Haustella^ta (with a sucker).

1 3. Hemiptera. — Wings four, not scaly ; body depressed ;
as in Cimex, the plant-bug.

14. Homoptera, — Wings four, not scaly; body elevated ;
as in A^phis, the plant-louse.

8. Lepidoptera, — Wings four ; scales imbricated ; as in
Papilio, the butterfly, and Sphinx, the hawk-moth.

9. Diptera. — Wings two ; head distinct ; as in Musca, the
fly.

10. Homaloptera. — Wings two; head sessile; as in Hip-
pobosca, the forest-fly.

11. Aphaniptera, — Wings none; body compressed; as in
Pulex, the common flea.

' 12. A'ptera, — Wings none ; body depressed ; as in Lepisma,
and Pediculus, the louse.

This sketch, slight as it is, will enable our readers, with a
very little attention, to class any insect with which they happen
to meet; but for ample, clear and scientific descriptions of the
genera, species, and varieties, recourse must be had to the
work itself. It is but justice, however, to Mr. Stephens to add,
that he has by no means limited himself to a mere description
of insects. He has in many cases entered minutely into their
economy, and into details connected with utility. Speaking,
for example, of the larvae of the Adephaga of Clairville, a
section of the order Coleoptera, he says : —

" They voraciously devour worms and the larvae of all other
insects, as well as perfect insects ; though the larvae of Zabrus
gibbus are said to destroy young wheat, and a long account of
their devastations, in the canton of Seeburg, near Halle, in
Germany, is given in the first volume of Germar's Magazine
der Entomologie, wherein it is stated, that they were accompanied
with a large proportion of the herbivorous larvae of ikfelolon-
tha ruficornis. May not," Mr. Stephens adds in a note, " these
herbivorous larvae have been the principal cause of the mis-
chief to the wheat, while those of the Zabrus contributed rather
to lessen their numbers than to destroy the corn." (vol. i. p. 4.)

'' And is it not probable that the perfect insects ascend the
corn for the purpose of devouring the parasite insects thereon ?
This is a subject that requires investigation, as it is highly
important for the interests of the agriculturists, in those dis-
tricts where the insect abounds (as at Worthing, Brighton,
Hastings, Cambridge), that the question should be thoroughly
set at rest ; because, should the Zabri depart from the habits

Cotwersaiions on Geology, 468

of the group to which they belong, and become herbivorous
instead of carnivorous, their destruction would be desirable;
while, on the contrary, if they destroy the devourers of our
produce, their preservation should be attempted.*' (vol. i.
p. 140.)

Did our space permit, we could multiply extracts of similar
interest, though the merit of the work does not depend so
much on details of this kind, as on its profound, minute, and
accurate science, in which department Mr. Stephens could not
be easily surpassed. We cannot but heartily wish all success
to a work so eminently deserving the patronage of the British
public. J. R.

A RT. II. Conversations on Geology : comprising a Familiar Ea^
plajiation of the Huttonian and Wernerian Systems ; the Mosaic
Geology as explained by Mr, Granville Penn ; the late Discove-
ries of Professor Bucklandt Humboldt, Dr. Macculloch, and
others. 1 vol. 12mo, with coloured engravings and wood-cut8>
pp.371. Maunder, London, 1828. . / ^ *'

We have no wish to retract the very favourable opinion
which we expressed of this work, when it was first put into
our hands (see p. 280.) ; but, in order to put it in the power
of our readers to judge for themselves, we shall now give
some account of its plan and execution.

The author, as will appear from the title, has rejected (we
think, wisely) the obsolescent catechetical method formerly so
fashionable, and has in some measure followed the classical
models of Xenophon, Plato, and Cicero. This, it has been
observed by a contemporary reviewer, as a method of exciting
interest and affording room for apt illustrations, is immeasur-
ably beyond the clumsy, dry, and lifeless plan too frequently
followed, of question and answer, inasmuch as it carries with
it the thread of a narrative, which the question and answer
system is perpetually snapping asunder. According to the
latter plan, we might expect, in a Catechism of Geology, some
such beginning as the following : —

Ques. — What is meant by geology ?

Ans. — By geology is meant the science of the earth's for-
mation and changes.

Ques. — Of how many parts does the science of geology
consist ? ■

Answ. — The science of geology consists of four parts.
&c. &c. &c.

1 1 4

464 Conversations o?t Geology.

Now, as a contrast to this, let us see how the subject is
managed in the conversational style, by the author under re-
view. We quote from the opening of the first conversation,
premising that the speakers are Mrs. R. and her two children,
Edward and Christina, each of whom is characterised by
peculiarities of sentiment and style of thinking.

" Edward. — Sea-shells, did you say, mother, in the heart of soh'd rocks,
and far inland ? There must surely be some mistake in this ; at least it
appears to me to be incredible.

*^ Mrs. R. — Incredible as you suppose it to be, my dear boy, you may
see it with your own eyes in the marble of this chimney-piece, which yoii
may perceive is throughout studded with shells, as if they were fresh from
the sea. They even retain, as you perceive, their original nacre^ as the
French call the peculiar lustre of mother-of-pearl.

" Christina. — Ah, so they do ; but, I dare say, it is only a good imitation
of shells made on the marble. There is a very pretty one on the lid of my
work-box, which is certainly artificial ; and those in the marble niHy have
been done in the same way.

" Mrs. R. — But, my dear, there is no nacre on the shell on your work-
box ; and it is evident, indeed, that it is wholly made of pieces o^ stained
wood, ingeniously put together : but the shells in the marble are real
shells, as you may see, differing in nothing from those we find on the sea-
shore.

" Edward. — Then how could they come into the marble ? It must
have been soft, like paste, or have been precipitated or deposited, as we say
in chemistry, over the shells ; for they are distributed, as I perceive, through
its substance.

'* Mrs. R. — Yes ; and if you were to break the marble into a thousand
fragments, you would find a shell in almost every one of them.

" Christina. — Is there any history of these curious shells, mother ? I
should like above all things to read it. I suppose it must be something
like the stories I have seen of living toads found in the heart of growing
trees.

" Mrs, R. — The history of the shells, my dear, and many other things
no less wonderful, is given in the science called Geology, which treats of
the first appearance of rocks, mountains, vallies, lakes, and rivers, and the
changes they have undergone from the creation and the deluge till the
present time." (p. 3.)

As a considerable portion of the volume is devoted to the
two rival theories of the earth, proposed by Hutton and by
Werner, whose several disciples have been named Vulcanists
and Neptunists, because the former advocates the agency of
fire, and the latter the agency of water, in the formation of
the crust of the earth, we shall give a short sketch of the
leading doctrines of both systems, nearly in the words of our
author : —

* For the purpose of making a globe like the earth, with seas, continents,
and islands, diversified with hills and vallies, and productive of food for
various animals, Dr. Hutton considered it as indispensable that other globes
should have previously existed, from which materials for the structure might
be derived. These supposititious worlds being acted on by the moist atmo-
sphere, by rains, and by the frosts and thaws of winter and spring, would, in

Conversations on Geology, 4?65

a long course of years, be crumbled down, or, as the geologists say, disin-
tegrated, and gradually carried by rivers, in the form of sand, clay, and
gravel, to the sea. At the bottom of the sea these materials would arrange
themselves in beds, differing in thickness, according to the circumstances by
which they might be affected. But those beds would have continued in the
soft state of sand or clay for ever, unless something occurred to harden
them. It is here that Dr. Hutton brings in the agency of fire, and tells us,
that there is at the bottom of the sea sufficient heat, from a great central
fire which he conceives to exist in the centre of the globe, to melt all the
clay, sand, and gravel, and to form them into rocks. He provides for the
appearance of these above water, by supposing that the central fire occa-
sionally expands itself, and elevates the newly formed rocks into islands and
continents, diversified by hills and vallies ; these being destined in their
turn to the same changes of destruction and renovation, as those from which
they took their origin.' (p. 47 — 50.)

* According to the rival geological theorist, Werner, all the substances
which now constitute rocks, mountains, and soil on the earth's surface, were
originally existing, in a state of solution, in the waters of the great chaos,
which he supposes at the beginning to have surrounded the globe to a vast
depth. The substances or materials of rocks, thus swimming in the primi-
tive ocean, he conceives to have gradually fallen to the bottom, sometimes
by chemical, sometimes by mechanical means, and sometimes by both to-
gether ; and in this manner, he thinks, all the rocks have been formed which
we now find on digging into the earth. The inequalities of mountains and
vallies on the surface of the earth, which were thus produced as soon as the
waters began to subside (and this subsidence is an important point in the
system), gradually rose out of the primitive sea, forming the first dry land.
The rocks which were in this manner first formed, Werner calls the Ori-
ginal or Primitive Formation : they consist of granite, gneiss, different species
of slate, marble, and trap.

* The formation of these rocks, however, did not, it seems, exhaust the
materials floating in the waters, for the deposition went on, and a class of
rocks were formed consisting of grey wack^ limestone, and trap, which
rested on the primitive, and are called by Werner the Jntermediate or
Transition Rocks, because, on their appearance above the waters, the earth,
he conceives, passed into a habitable state.

* After the formation of those primitive and transition rocks, Werner
alleges that the water suddenly rose over them to a great height, covering
them in many places, as it again subsided, with a new formation of rocks,
consisting of sandstone, conglomerates, limestone, gypsum, chalk, and rock-,
salt, which he called Level or Floetz Rocks.

* Since that period, the wearing down of the rocks, by the action of the
weather and other causes, and the washing away of the worn materials by
rains and streams of water, have formed soil, gravel, sand, peat, and the
various other beds which are called Alluvial' (p. 58 — 60.)

Into the details of these two systems, and the numerous
objections to their several opinions, started and explained in
the Conversations, we have not room to enter; and much less
can we take up at present the still more rational and plau-
sible system which Mr. Granville Penn has constructed from
the Mosaic history of the creation and the deluge, and which
is also fully treated of in the latter part of the volume. Our
readers, however, may like to see a list of the subjects treated
of in their order : these are, " Theories of the earth ; Geolo-

4f6S Cataldgiie of Worlcs on Natural history.

gical cabinet; First principles of the Wernerian system;
Effects of expansion, arising from a central fire; Formation
of ravines, vallies, and river courses ; Origin of vallies, plains,
marshes, bogs, and lakes ; Order of rocks, with the origin of
coal, and diffusion of gravel and sand in the sea ; Consolidation
and hardening of rocks ; Mineral veins ; Mosaic geology, as
explained by Mr. Penn; Bones and shells in rocks and
caverns, and in the soil ; The great rock basins of London,
Paris, and the Isle of Wight, with the extinct animals of a
former world."

It may be objected to these Conversations on Geology, that
they contain too many objections, and leave many parts of the
subject in utter uncertainty : but we may be permitted to reply
to this, that all the systems of geology are precisely in the
state in which they are here represented, uncertain and imper-
fect in their theories and speculations ; though these are gene-
rally illustrated by interesting and well ascertained facts, and
sufficiently plausible arguments. The author of the Conver-
sations, therefore, it would appear to us, has acted judiciously
in representing the actual imperfections of geology, rather
than concealing them, and in expressing doubts upon points
imperfectly ascertained, rather than dogmatising.

Art. III. Catalogue of Works on Natural History, lately published,
•with some Notice of those considered the jnost interesting to British
. Naturalists.

France.

Fontenelle, M.Julia: Bibliotheque Physico-E'conomique, ou Journal des
D^couvertes et Perfectionnemens de I'Industrie Nationale et E''trangere,
de rE'conomie rurale et domestique, de la Physique, la Chimie, I'Histoire
Naturelle, la Medecine domestique et v^t^rinaire, enfin des Sciences et
des Arts qui se rattachent aux besoins de la vie.
Among the collaborateurs in this extensive and important undertaking

we perceive the distinguished names of Baudrillart, Bory de St. Vincent,

Delille, Deyeux, Guillemin, Labarraque, Lassaigne, Lesson, Pelletan, Ras-

pail, Richard, Tollard, Vergnaud, &c. &c.

Vatelt M. P., M^decin-vet^rinaire : E'l^mens de Pathologie V^terinaire, ou
Precis theorique et pratique de la medecine et de la chirurgie des prin-
cipaux animaux domestique. Tom. 2. le et 2e parties. Paris, 1828.
2 vols. 8vo, pp. 935.

Bois-Duval, M. J. A., Membre de plusieurs Soci^t^s savantes : Flore Fran-
gaise, ou Description synoptique des plantes qui croissent naturellement
sur le sol Fran^ais. Paris, 1828. 5 vols. 18mo, pp. 1120.

Literary Notice, 467

TernauXy M., aind : Sur les Obstacles qui s'opposent encore a la Propagation
des Merinos en France. Paris, 1828, 4to.
This work contains curious facts respecting sheep.

Macquarty M. J. : Insectes Dipteres du Nord de la France (Platyp^zines,
Dolichopodes, Empides, Hybotides). Lille, 1827. Svo, pp. 159, avec pi.

Borj/ de Si. Vincent, M. le Colonel : R^sum^ d'Erpetologie, ou d'Histoire
Naturelle de Reptiles, accompagnee d'une Iconographie. 1 vol. ISnio,
avec atlas, 1 8mo.

An exceedingly interesting and instructive production, by one of the first
naturalists in France.

Germany.

KreTjsig, Fr^dMc Louis : Ueber den Gebrauch der natUrlichen und kiinst-
lichen Mineralwasser. Leipzig, 1828. l2mo, pp. 350.

This little work contains an account of the mineral waters of Carlsbad,
Embs, Eger, Marienbad, Pyrmont, and Spa.

MencJce, Dr. C. Th. : Synopsis Methodica MoUuscorum generum omnium
et Specierum earum quae in Museo Menkeano adservantur. Pyrmont,
1828. Svo, pp.xii. et 91.

Harswegy M. : Hortus Carlsruhanus, oder Verzeichniss soemmtlicher Ge-

wachse, &c. Carlsruhe. Svo.
Transactions of the General Helvetic Society of Natural History : Verhand-

lungen der AUg. Schweizer, Gesellschaft, &c. Zurich. 8vo, pp. 160.

Perleby M. C. ; Lehrbuch der Naturgeschichte, &c. Elements of Natural
History.

LeichtensterUy M. de : Umriss der Naturbeschreibung, &c. Elements of

Natural History, &c. Berlin. 8vo, pp. 200.
Bluff, M. J. : Entwickelungs-Combinationen Organischer Wesen. Cologne.

Svo, pp. 51.
Duvernay, Dr. G. L : Discours prononc^ le 22 Decembre, "k I'Ouverture

du Cours d'Histoire Naturelle de la Faculty des Sciences de Strasbourg,

Strasburg, 1828. Svo, pp. 418.

Holland and the Netherlands.

Anslijn, M. N. : Natuurk. Verhandel., &c. Catalogue of the Insects <A
the Netherlands, particularly those found in the vicinity of Harlem.
^ 1828. Tom. 16. pt. 1. pp. 125.

Lejeune. M. A. L. St. : Revue de la Flore des Environs de Spa. Li^ge
Svo, pp. 265.

Art. IV. Literary Notice*

The Arcana of Science and Art for 1829 will be published early in
January, and will contain all the popular discoveries and improvements of
the past year, in mechanical and chemical science, natural history, rural and
domestic economy, the useful and fine arts, and a miscellaneous register.
The forthcoming volume will be somewhat larger than that of last year, and
will be illustrated with upwards of twenty engravings.

468

PART III.

MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.

Art. I. Natural History in Foreign Countries.

FRANCE.

Epinal, Oct. 1 5. — There is a small miscellaneous Museum here, but it
is more remarkable for Roman sculptures and coins dug up in the neigh-
bourhood, than for specimens of natural history. The attention to this
science, however, is increasing, as appears both by the specimens lately pur-
chased and added to the collection, and by the communications to a very
useful periodical which appears here every three months, Le Journal de la
Societe cCF/mulation. There is a tolerable collection of minerals, and a
number of precious stones of different kinds procured from the shrines of
saints, or sacred relics of monasteries or convents, formerly existing in the
department of the Vosges. A number of pearls have lately been taken from
the fresh-water muscle (iliya.margaritifera), found here in the river Valogne ;
and when the Duchess of Angouleme, who lately visited Epinal, saw those
in the museum, she very patriotically ordered a necklace from the director
and librarian, M, Petit-Jean, a liberal minded excellent man, who seemed
to us to unite the best parts of the French and English character.

Strasburgi Oct. 19. — The Museum of Natural History here contains
an extensive collection. It is more than usually rich in corals, sponges,
star-fish, and marine MoUusca. There is an excellent specimen of Asterias
caput Medus<F, a great number of Gorgonia, of Scalaria speciosa, and of
Cypr^^'a, and a pair of gloves manufactured from the fibres of Pinna nobi-
lis. There is an excellent collection of birds, especially those of Alsatia,
which is rich in this division of animals, and contains some species found
but in few other countries. Several species of owls, birds in which Alsatia
is verv prolific. 5trix uralensis (the owl of the Ural mountains), rare, and
worth fifty Napoleons. Certhia muraria, only found in Alsatia. TVochiiidae,
a lar»e collection. Charadrius gallicus and Phaenicopterus ruber, found on
the banks of the Rhine. A considerable collection of fishes. Diodon ma-
culatus. A good specimen of the rattle-snake. (Sorex moscellatus, from
Siberia, very rare, presented by Pallas. Myrmecophaga jubata, the ant-
eater, a remarkably fine specimen. Sciuropterus volucella. One of the best
collections of butterflies in existence out of Paris and Vienna ; and the same
may be said of the collection of organic remains, and petrified productions.
Physeter macrocephalus, the head and part of the vertebrae. Large frag-
ments of mammoths, elephants, hyenas, and other fossil quadrupeds. A
good collection of minerals. Hyalia roule, a species of quartz found in the
Rhine, but rare. A collection of the minerals of Alsatia, with those which
have been applied to purposes of utility particularly indicated.

An apartment devoted to vegetable productions, contains the section of
the trunk of a silver fir tree {Ahies picea), called Le grand Sapin de Hoch-
wald, a forest at Barr, in Alsatia. This tree was 150 ft. high, with a trunk
perfectly straight and free from branches to the height of 50 ft., after which it
was forked wim the one shoot 100 ft. long, and the other somewhat shorter.
The diameter of the trunk at the surface of the ground was 8 ft. ; at 50 ft.

' . Natural History in Foreign Coimtries. 469

from the ground, 5 ft. ; estimated age, 360 years. It was cut down on the
3d of June, 181.6, the branches having begun to wither at the top, and the
trunk to decay at the centre. There is another silver fir tree standing near
where this one stood, nearly of the same height, and estimated to be of
the same age. The forest of Hochwald (High-wood, in allusion probably
to the height of the trees) consists almost entirely of silver firs, and before
the revolution belonged to the town of Strasburg.

There is a good collection of specimens of different kinds of timber,
which, instead of exhibiting a series of polished tablets, as is generally the
case, consists of oblique sections of the trunk with the bark on, of the ave-
rage size which the trunk attains. Specimens polished, and otherwise
manufactured, are also exhibited ; so that the collection becomes at once
instructive to the botanist, and to the cabinet-maker and joiner. It also
contains a collection of seeds, with their pods and other integuments or
receptacles, arranged according to the natural system, amongst which the
different cones of the Coniferae, and the pods of Leguminosae, form very
interesting assemblages j and a herbarium, arranged after the manner of
Jussieu. , :

The whole of this museum is in excellent order. Among the quadrupeds
and birds there is no appearance of moths, and at the same time no smell
of camphor, or other preservative ingredients. On enquiring of M. Vinet
what means he used to preserve in such excellent condition the objects un-
der his care, he answered, " Nothing more than frequently inspecting them,
airing them, gently brushing them over, or wiping off any thing extraneous,
and keeping the cases perfectly clean.'^ He observed that camphor, pepper,
cedar wood, savine, &c., which were used by some housewives to keep moths
from clothes, had been found perfectly useless if the clothes were not fre-
quently taken out, brushed, and aired ; and that if clothes were taken out
frequently, and brushed and aired, no camphor or "other ingredient was ne-
cessary to keep them from the moth, or other insects. The idea occurred to
him that what held good in keeping furs, leather, woollen cloth, feathers, and
other articles of dress, free from moths, might hold good in preserving the
same articles in their unmanufactured state, and he tried it and was success-
ful. The same idea has been applied in England to the keeping of speci-
mens of plants, which require to be frequently turned over. To convince
himself and others of the uselessness of camphor and other nostrums alone,
M. Vinet has hatched moths in an atmosphere impregnated with camphor,
and the other substances mentioned. This hint, as to the preservation
of articles of dress made from animal substances, will, we know, not be lost
on our female readers. .

M. Vinet, besides being the keeper of this museum, collects and prepares
objects of natural history for sale, and sends the natural productions of Al-
satia to other countries.

The Botanic Garden here contains a tolerable collection, the hardy
plants arranged in the Jussieuean manner. There are some good specimens
of exotic trees and shrubs, of which the most remarkable is a iSalisbuna
adiantifolia, the male plant, as in England, and almost every where else in
Europe, which flowers freely every year ! It is about 18 ft. high, and has
no leading shoot, having been completely overshadowed for many years by
an immense Populus angulata, which was taken down about twelve years
ago. Professor Nestler conjectures that the change of circumstances pro-
duced by the removal of the poplar, may probably be the cause of the
inflorescence. A female Salisbiiria is now planted beside the male, raised
from a bud received from Professor Decandolle, who, some years ago, found
accidentally, in a garden near Geneva, the only female plant at that time
known in Europe. We suggested the idea of inserting buds of the female
plant on the points of the extreme shoots of the male, thinking it probable
that, by becoming a part of the same tree, it will become subject to the

^t© Natural History in- Foreign Cmintries,

same disposition to produce blossoms. The amentums of the male flower
are small, like those of the walnut. Other interesting gpecimens are: —
Gymnocladus canadensis, which flowers and fruits most abundantly every
year, and the pods, which remain on the tree till spring, produce a fine effect
during winter. J^uglans nigra, very large, and bearing immense crops of
fruit. Qadrcus C^rris, 100 ft. high, flowers and fruits every year, but the
fruit never ripens, ^cer raonspessulanum, very large. Cornus alternifolia,
18 ft. high, iaurus Sassafras, Fiburnum nudum, Lentago, and /jrunifohum,
very large, iycium europae'um, as a standard, laden with fine, large, deep
red fruit ; very ornamental. L. barbarum beside it, with fewer, smaller, and
paler-coloured fruit, and with ovate leaves, while the other has lanceolate
leaves. Xanth6xylum/raxlneum, large; the male and female plant beside
each other, and ripening seeds every year. A collection of wild gooseber-
ries and currants, lately collected in the Vosges, among which it is possible
there may be some new species or varieties. /Sonchus Plumieri, also from
the Vosges ; it grows 5 ft. high, with fine blue flowers, and large succulent
leaves and stems which might probably be rendered useful in agriculture,
and possibly even for salading. Lycopodium denticulatum, commonly kept
in green-houses, and sometimes even in hot-houses, in England, but here
growing most luxuriantly on a bed of peat, where it remains during winter,
being covered with loose dry leaves. We may remark that the winters in
England have at least ten times as many rainy days as those of the north of
France, and that to render this plan of preservation successful in the for-
mer country, a covering of boards or. of thatch matting would require to be
suspended over the leaves.

The Empress Josephine Bonaparte, allowed by all parties to have been
an excellent woman, and known as a great patroness of botany and garden^
ing, resided three months at Strasburg in the year 1808. She walked
almost every day in the botanic garden, conversed respecting the collection
with the director and the gardener, and sent a number of exotics from Mal-
maison, among which the following have attained a large size, and some of
them are obliged to be cut down every year when replaced in their winter
quarters. Banksia praemorsa, .Schinus Molle, Uvularia guineensis ; Acacia
acanthocarpa, floribunda,and lophantha var. coarctata; i^icus pdndula, 12 ft.
high, and now covered with yellow fruit, about the size of gooseberries ;
ZVc/o«fl grandis, Cheirostemon jolatanoides j -Euphorbia 7zeriif61ia, 10 ft.
high ; Ekeb^rgia capensisj and (Solanum auriculatum, 10 ft. high, turned out
ofthe pot every year in the open garden, where it attains the height of 1 5 ft.,
and forms a magnificent object of its kind, covered with flowers and fruit.
There are two large date palms, and a number of the other old inhabitants
of hot-houses, which we need not notice.

Metz, Dec. 8. — There is a small Cabinet of Natural History here, formed
by M. HoUandre, the professor of natural history and botany and the libra-
rian. He has prepared most of the subjects himself, and is obviously wholly
devoted to natural science. He seems very properly to aim at collecting
together something of every order in the different classes and families of
animals and minerals, and has already formed a complete herbal of the
plants which grow in the neighbourhood of Metz. Tlie animals and birds
are in cases, fitted up with three or more stories of stages, each stage of
three or four shelves, according to the size of the subjects to be placed on
them. As the mineral specimens are small, there are five or six small
shelves to each stage devoted to that part of the collection. Nothing is
gained in point of room by these stages, but a great deal in the convenience
of viewing the objects placed on them. The cabinet tables in the middle
of the apartment bear glass cases with small objects in the usual manner,
and their interior contains a stage, facing the light, and enclosed by glazed
frames, for objects of a larger size. The advantage of the stage disposition
in -reflecting the objects to the eye, is here strikingly obvious. Every spe-

Natural History in Foreign Countries.' 471

$imeh is conspicuously named in French, and after Linnseus or some more
recent author. There are few Mammalia, but a considerable collection
of birds, the greater part prepared and mounted by the professor himself. All
the birds of the department of the Moselle, and as many as possible of those
which are indigenous to France, are contained in this collection ; and as
owls and the falcon family are much more common on the Continent than
in Britain, these birds make the most conspicuous appearance. There is one
large sea eagle which was shot in the neighbourhood ; a bird which one
would not have expected so far in the interior. The Flora of the environs of
Metz is arranged according to the natural system ; each specimen attached
by narrow slips of paper to the third page of a folio leaf; the class, order,
family, tribe, name, locality, &c., being inserted on the first page, under
printed heads or titles, the last of which is " General Remarks." Unfor-
tunately, the Professor being out of town, we could not ascertain the
number of families, species, or rare plants ; but we were assured gene-
rally by M. Clerc, the sub-librarian (whose grandfather, a native of Scot-
land, accompanied King James to France and settled there), that it was
rich. M. Clerc is much attached to agriculture and gardening, and was
a particular friend of the late JBaron Tschoudy, of this neighbourhood,
the inventor of the Greffe herbac^e. There are a magnificent specimen of
j9oletus ramosus, and a very curious fragment of the trunk of a beech tree,
which the Professor discovered in the street when passing by a man who
was sawing up some fire-wood. This fragment is a portion separated longi-
tudinally from a cross section of a tree, which may have been 18 in. or 2 ft.
in diameter, and from fifty to sixty years of age. At the age of fifty years,
some person had cut in the bark, and through the liber and alburnum, the
form of a cross, about a foot long, and had, by some means or other, black-
ened or oxidised (or probably the weather might have effected this) the
denuded surface which formed the cross. The tree had been felled about
ten years afterwards, and happened to be split by the wood-cutter, exactly
at the layer where the cross was formed j the fragment now displayed a black
cross on the wood or interior side, and a corresponding cross on the bark
side of the section, though the two are three inches apart from each other.
On counting the layers of wood between the internal and external cross, it
appears that the former had remained two or three years uncovered, be-
cause two or three layers are lost there ; but eight between the inner cross
and the bark are very distinct. In the effort of nature to cover the cross,
a portion of bark, which had formed the edges of the wound, had been com-
pletely enclosed and covered with wood, and still remains sound, but not
lignified. This fragment is not described as being particularly important,
in a physiological point of view, but still it shows that the accretions to a
timber tree are added from without, and that bark cannot be changed into
wood, any more than the skin of an animal can be turned into flesh. There
is a very complete collection of specimens of timber of all the trees which
the late Baron Tschoudy knew, and proved would bear the open air in the
department of- the Moselle ; indeed the greater part of the specimens were
taken by M. Hollandre from trees planted by the Baron; but we must
reserve further particulars respecting this museum, and other subjects con-
nected with Natural History at Metz, till we can seee Professor Hollandre,
the plantations of the late Baron Tschoudy, and the Natural History Cabi-
net of M. Meslier de Rocan.

The Botanic Garden here is small, but not without interest. It was for-
merly the garden of a convent of Capuchins, whose church now forms a
very good orangery, and contains 140 large handsome trees, some of them
20 ft. high, and a Magnolia grandiflora exceeding that height, and finely
furnished with branches and leaves. This change took place about twenty-
eight years ago, at which time the present curator, M. Coutie, a native ot
Strasburg, who has been three years in Paris, and six years in England,

472 Natural History in Foreign Countries,

and is, consequently, a very superior botanist and gardener, was appointed
to its management. The hardy herbaceous plants are arranged in beds
edged with box, according to the natural system, and the hardy ligneous
plants are also arranged according to that system, at the north end, and
along part of two sides of the garden, leaving the area open to the south.
There are none of the specimens of extraordinary magnitude, but some are
worthy of notice for the progress they have made in twenty-eight years.
The largest specimens belong, of course, to the genus Populus ; but !i4'cer,
Tilia, i?etulus, Pinus, Platanus, and some other genera, have attained re-
spectable dimensions. A handsome specimen of Guilandinw Bonduc is here ;
and a T'ilia arg^ntea, grafted at the height of 6 ft. upon a common lime
tree, the diameter of the stock about 1 ft. 6. in., while that of the graft
projects abruptly, like a capital of a column, nearly 1 ft. all round, so that
the diameter of the graft is upwards of 3 ft. ; the head is ovate, about 50 ft.
high, and 30 ft. in diameter. Other specimens which have grown vigor-
ously are, Pinus romana, sylvestris, Miighus (such as we saw in abundance
in the neighbourhood of Munich), maritima, and Laricio ; iarix americana
/2hus Toxicodendron, and JETippophae rhamnoides. The first plant which
attracted our attention in the stove was Anbna Cherimolia, 1 5 ft. high, in a
pot not quite a foot in diameter at the surface. It was raised from seeds, about
twenty-eight years, ago, and fruited six or eight years ago It produced, in
two years, nine or ten fruit, about the size, shape, and colour of oranges, and
very palatable. The seeds were perfect, and young plants have been
raised from them, which are now nearly as large as their parent. There is
a specimen of i^icus bengalensis, nearly twenty feet high, with a root pro-
ceeding from the trunk at the height of twelve feet from the surface of the
pot. This root, without any assistance from art, has descended to within
1 ft. 8 in. of the ground ; and the fibre, in its descent, has in some places
become monstrous, and expanded into a lamina nearly half an inch broad.
Having in this state left off growing, the recommencement of growth was
in the form of small round fibres from the lower extremity of the lamina ;
these, in their turn, have again become monstrous, and the tongue-
shaped monstrosities again fringed with fibres, so that the entire tissue of
roots has rather a singular appearance. Nothing can prove more clearly
that the fibres of plants, like the leaves and every other accretion, are nou-
rished by the prepared sap of the plant directed towards them, and not
immediately by the substances which the roots absorb from the ground,
water, or air ; just, in short, as an animal is nourished by its blood, and not
immediately by the food received into its stomach. There is a fine plant
of Bombax pentaphjUum, 15 ft. high, and only ten years old, raised from
seeds received from Kew. Ehretfa rinifolia, Malpighia ijrens, and Piper re-
ticulatum, received from the late Mr. Loddiges. Psidium montanum, 15 ft.
high. Sterculia />latanif61ia, upwards of 20 ft. high, raised from seeds,
twenty years ago. In the green-house there is a considerable collection of
Cape and Australian plants, the greater part received direct from Kew gar-
dens, either as seeds or small plants. Massonia pustulata. Primula sinensis,
and fourteen sorts of Chrysanthemum, are the principal plants in flower. Mi
Coutie, though within three weeks of being eighty years of age, is still as
fond of plants as ever, and showed us some recent arrivals from M. Cels,
of Paris, which he had received in exchange ; a proof, if proof were
wanting, of the congeniality of botanical and gardening pursuits to age,
which ought to induce such as are young to take every reasonable op-
portunity of laying in a stock of ideas on these subjects, for use in that
period of life. Of the numerous nurseries and gardens in the neighbour-
hood of the town, and of the pine-apples grown in this garden for the use
of the Mayor of Metz,we shall have to speak in the Gardener's Magazine.
— Cond.

'Natural History in Foreign Countries, 473

Hesearches on the Pollen of Plants and the ultim^ite Particles of Matter.*-^
The Academy of Sciences, at their Meeting of Dec. 8., heard the report of
MM. Cassini, Desfontaines, Mirbel, and De Blainville, on a memoir on
Pollen and the Spermatic Granules of Animals, by M. Adolphe Brongniart.
In a former memoir on the same subject, this gentleman had detailed some
interesting and accurately analysed facts ; on the theory contained in it the
Committee had not given any opinion, but had requested the writer to per-
severe in his observations. In a subsequent paper, M. Raspail, an experienced
microscopic observer, had combated the opinions of M. Brongniart, and
endeavoured to demonstrate that the granules contained in the grains of
pollen, so far from being analogous to spermatic animalcules, are not even
organised bodies. After adverting to these memoirs, M. Cassini noticed the
opinions contained in a paper by the celebrated English botanist, Mr. Robert
Brown. This gentleman thinks, with M. Brongniart, that the granules of
pollen are endued with a distinct and independent motion ; but on various
theoretical points he differs from him. He has not only observed this
motion in the granules of living plants, but has also perceived the same pro-
perty in those of plants dried for a centurj', and preserved in spirits of
wine, and in those of mosses and equisetums living or dried ; in the mole-
cules obtained by triturating in water the organic tissue of animals or vege-
tables living or dead ; and in those obtained in the same manner from all
sorts of inorganic substances, as glass, granite, &c. In short, he thinks
that all the active molecules, organic or inorganic, are the same in nature,
form, and size, and endued with the same properties ; and not in the least
different from those observed in pollen by M. Brongniart.

In the present memoir, which is principally devoted to the refutation of
M. Raspail's objections, M. Brongniart cites, in support of his own mode of
observation, the curious fact, that plants made to flower in winter, by means
of shelter and artificial heat, have generally their grains of pollen filled with
a mucilaginous substance, devoid of regular and moving granules ; and, as
these plants rarely fructify, he thence draws an inference favQurable to his
system.

Thus, then, the question discussed by M. Brongniart is now debated by
three very skilful observers, and resolved in three different ways : for, whilst
M. Brongniart admits, in the interior of grains of pollen, regularly organised
corpuscles, of a very peculiar nature, distinct from all other bodies, analo-
gous to spermatic animalcules, and essentially destined to produce the
embryo ; M. Raspail sees nothing in these corpuscles but little resinous
masses, shapeless, variable, and absolutely deprived of organisation and of
life ; and Mr. Brown, discarding at once the exclusive opinions of both,
admits in all natural bodies, whether organic or inorganic, active molecules
of the same form, size, and nature, and exhibiting a spontaneous motion as
soon as they are disintegrated and plunged in fluid.

The Committee, on the one hand, agreed with M. Brongniart and Mr.
Brown, that the causes to which M. Raspail attributes the motion of the
granules, exercise, in reality, no influence over them; and, on the other,
they coincided with Mr. Brown, that various inorganic bodies, triturated in
water, offer, if not always, at least sometimes, corpuscles whose size, form,
and motion are nearly the same, under the microscope, with those of the
granules of pollen. They also remarked, that the resemblance between the
active molecules of Mr. Brown and the spermatic granules of M. Brongniart,
furnishes strong presumptions against the hypothesis of the latter. They
called the attention of botanists to the singular phenomenon of apparently-
spontaneous motion, and asked if it might not be attributed to mutual
attraction and repulsion. Great difference was observed in the manifest-
ations of this phenomenon ; so much so, that, under circumstances to all
appearance alike, the granules of the same plant at one time exhibited a
very perceptible motion, and at another perfect immobility.
Vol. I. — No. 5. k k

474 Natwal History in Foi'eign Countries,

" Siich,*' said M. Cassini, " are the external appearances. But must we,
from these, necessarily conclude that the internal nature, and all the pro-
perties and functions, are absolutely the same, in bodies of so different
origin ? On this we have not had the temerity to decide ; it can only be
done after researches much more numerous and profound than we have
been able to make." {Le Globe, Dec. 13.)

GERMANY.

Munich, November 6. — The attachment of the late King of Bavaria,
Maximilian Joseph, to the pursuit of natural history, was evinced by the
expedition of Drs. Spix and Martins to examine the natural productions of
Brazil ; by the botanic garden at Munich, and by the rich collection of
exotics in the hot-houses at Nymphenburg, in the neighbourhood of that
capital. The Museum of Natural History is also much indebted to the late
King, and especially for the Museum Brasilianum, which contains a great
number of articles, collected by Drs. Spix and Martins. The present king
does not neglect natural history, and has lately purchased in Holland
upwards of twenty large specimens of palms, which have been conveyed to
Nuremburg ; but his attention is chiefly directed to the advancement of
agriculture and other arts of industry^ and to the fine arts. New roads are
projected ; a rail-road (the climate being unfavourable for canals) to join the
Rhine and the Danube is talked of; an immense building for containing a
collection of pictures is in progress, and one for a collection of antique
sculpture nearly completed. Works like these constitute the capital of a
country, by which its industry is employed to advantage ; and though gal-
leries of pictures will not return to the nation the same interest on their
cost, as money laid out on roads, bridges, general drainages, &c., yet in the
way of attracting strangers, such expenditure will bring something; and, at
least, more than money laid out in multiplying palaces, which are much less
interesting to mankind in general, and which cannot, like gardens, mu-
seums, and collections of objects of art, be enjoyed by every body, and
afford instruction and entertainment at the same time.

The Museum of Natural History at Munich may be divided into two
parts ; the original collection, and that from Brazil. The former is arranged
according to the Linnean system, and may be considered as extensive.
Among the Mammalia are good specimens of the rhinoceros, the elephant,
the reindeer, the elk, and, as an interesting curiosity, the horse of the late
Count Rumford, on which he is said to have rode out of Munich, to hold
a conference with the army of Conde, and on which occasion he prevented
the threat of that army to burn the town from being carried into execution.
The collection of birds combines also a collection of nests and of eggs.
The birds are placed on sloping stages, enclosed in upright glass cases ; the
advantage of the slope is that the objects receive the light from the win-
dows, and reflect it to the eye of the spectator, at a better angle than when
placed in ranges of shelves rising perpendicularly. Among the insects is an
excellent collection of exotic butterflies, and the Mollusca and Zoophites
are numerous.

The Museum Brasilianum, besides a great many domestic, personal,
warlike, and regal instruments and ornaments of the Indians, contains large
specimens of the siren and the dolphin ; a beautiful assemblage of birds ;
a snake above 30 ft. in length ; skeletons of Mammalia, including those of
two alligators ; and a great many specimens of amphibious animals, fish,
shells, and insects. Among the minerals is a large fragment of meteoric
stone. Respecting the description of this collection Dr. Martins has pub-
lished the following

" Liilerary Notice. — The sudden death of his fellow-labourer and travel-
ling companion has given occasion to Dr. Martius to notify to amateur^,

Natural History in Foreign Countries* 4? 75

and to the subscribers to the literary undertaking relative to his voyage to
the Brazil with the deceased, that the description of that voyage will be
continued, the King having communicated to him the papers of the late Dr.
Spix, The greater part of the second volume, and of the atlas, is already
printed. It being impossible to comprise every thing in this second volume,
a third, without an atlas, will by necessity be published, which will contain
the voyage on the river Amazon, and some geographical, statistical, and
physical details. Dr. Martius will study to keep the work within mode-
rate limits, so that it may be sold at a reasonable price ; the atlas will c6n-
tain twenty sheets, instead of fifteen, as originally announced, with views,
portraits, &c., a second sheet of the general map of South America, and
several subordinate maps.

. " The botanical works will also be continued on same principle. The
genera and species of palms will be finished with the delivery of the fifth
part, and the Nova Genera Plantarum will be completed by a third volume,
which will contain a very curious monograph of Cryptogamia, half of
which, on twenty-five plates, is already finished.

" The description and figures of the the fishes of Brazil, which death
prevented Dr. Spix from completing, will be published by Dr. Martius, who
hopes to effect all these objects with respect to Brazil in the course of two
or three years, and in this manner to give an idea of the riches, in natural
history, of a country which, in every respect, merits the attention and the
interest of Europe. ,

Dr. Martius's works already published are :

Imo dela description du voyage: le Imier Volume (en allemand) avec un
Atlas de 15 grandes feuilles lithographi^es, une feuille supplementaire de
musique et la partie septentrionale de la carte g^nerale de I'Amerique
meridional e. Edition Velin Imperial, 4/. 145,6^.; Royal, sans I'Atlas,
1/. 1*.; Edition in English. v. ,. . .. I

2do des ouvrages botaniques : vs.. . ;';•%..{.-'■■/. v/*

1. Mart. Palm. Gen. et Species, grand in folio avec 108 tableaux, con^
tenant en partie I'analyse des palmiers et en partie des paltnier^s
represents dans des paysages tropiques. Prix color. 52/. ; en noir.

2. Mart, nova Gen. Plant. Imperial-Quarto ler et 2d volume, avec 200
tableaux. Vol.1, color Imp. Quarto, 16/. 165. j Vol.11., 16/. 16*.;
Vol. I. et II. en noir.

3d des ouvrages zoologiques: Testacea fluviatilia, descnpsit Wagner,
Imp. Quarto, 29 tab. 4/. 4*.

S'addresser a Treuttel, Wiirtz, et Richter, London.

Dr. Martius is at present occupied with an original and ingenious
theory of the structure of plants ; the Doctor gave some account of it a
few weeks ago at Berlin, where it excited a great sensation ; it will very
soon be published in a German periodical, and we are promised a copy on
its first appearance, for the purpose of translating and laying before our
readers. In the mean time we put down one or two ideas recollected froni
a general outline of the theory which the Doctor stated to us. The knot,
or joint, of plants with stems, or the collar of plants without stems, con-
tains the life, and is for all the purposes of reproduction as perfect as the
seed. The leaves of plants are protruded from the stem in the order of
circumvolving lines ; the fifth or the sixth leaf will always be found over
the first, and no plant can produce a flower till the leaves have made at
least one circumvolution. The flower and all its parts are but modifications
of the leaf; and the calyx, the corolla, and the stamens follow the same law
in their developement as the leaves. The whole of that part of the plant
which is above ground, may be described as a travelling leaf. Supposing
this theory to be supported by facts, the uses to be derived from it, in vege-*

K K 2

%i6 Natural History in Foreign Countries,

table culture and scientific description, are various and important. In the
first place, an end will be put to the doubts respecting the comparative
durability of plants propagated by extension, and those propagated by seeds.
In the second place, from details which we cannot fully enter into, the de-
•criptions of natural orders and genera may be reduced to short definitions,
and the employment of signs, somewhat in the manner of algebra, be
adopted, instead of long descriptions. Dr. Martins showed us a proof-
sheet, in which a number of natural orders, beginning with J^anunculaceae,
were defined in less than two lines each, and some in only one line, by signs
arid numerals. We shall not follow these very remarkable views further,
lest we should fall into error, and because we hope, in our next Number,
to give them in more detail.

It is possible that, as the study of natural science advances, the language
of scientific description may be greatly simplified and abridged. This haa
already been done by Linnaeus, and may be carried still farther by such in-
ventions as that of which we have endeavoured to give an idea. It is more
easy to conceive this, than it is to conceive with what facility, and in how
short a time, a knowledge of all the objects of natural history may ulti-
ihately be acquired j and that which is at present considered learning and
science, and confined to a few specially devoted to it, may at length be
universally possessed in every civilised country, and in every rank of life.
To have speculated, two centuries ago, on the probability of all the inha-
bitants of a country being able to read, write, and count, as they now are
in Bavaria and Wurtemberg, would not have been thought more preposte-
rous than to assert, at the present day, the practicability and probability of
mechanics, chemistry, and natural history being, two centuries hence, com-
mon acquirements of the country labourers of Europe;

Ratkbony Nov. 10. — There are a Botanical Society here and a small
Botanic Garden. A periodical, exclusively devoted to botany. The Bo-
tanische Zeitung, has been published at Ratisbon since 1801. Its projector
and first editor was Dr. Hopp^, the president of the Society; and its present
editor is his pupil. Dr. Eischweiler, who has lately commenced another
periodical, in like manner exclusively devoted to botany, entitled LUeratur
blinker fiir reine und angetv-andte Botanich, &c. The Doctor is of opinion,
that there ought to be a periodical exclusively devoted to every separate
division of natural history and literature; for he finds, in the present state
of things, in which one journal embraces so many objects, that he cannot
discover every thing which is published respecting botany, though he devotes
himself entirely and exclusively to that science, and has access to all or most
of the periodical publications of Europe. The Bulletin des Sciences Natu-
relles of Baron Ferussac, which he acknowledges to be the most complete
thing of the kind in existence, he says, does not contain notices of the half
of what is published in Germany on natural history ; and his own journal,
be doubts not, is likely to be deficient, both in respect to England and
America. The truth is, that ninety-nine hundredths of what is published
in the world of literature is mere repetition, in one country or language,
of what has been published in another, or known long before. What is
really new is like a grain of Virheat in a bushel of chaff. At all events, we
are certain of this with respect to agriculture and gardening, in which there
has been very little novelty since the time of the Romans, who, on their
part, seem to have added nothing to what was known to the Greeks. With
the progress of things, it is probable that th^ literary men of every country
may finally arrange themselves in one grand republic ; and that all which is
already known and worth becoming acquainted with, in each particular
department of science and literature, being fixed in one elementary and
fundamental work, a committee of the whole world, for each particular
department or subdivision, may be employed to record the increments
liyhich are added to WHrh as they are discovered. There will then be such

Natural Histori/ in Foreign Countries, 477

periodicals as Dr. Eischweiier would approve of. In the mean time, it must
not be forgotten, that the nearest approximation to such a state of things
has been made by the Baron F^russac, in his system of Bulletins Universals
des Sciences et des Arts, a work which, it is to be hoped, will meet with
such encouragement as to enable its conductor to render it as perfect as the
present state of things admits of.

Nuremberg^ Nov. 12. —There is neither botanic garden nor public col-
lection of natural history here ; but there is a lady, Madame de Hepp, who
is one of the greatest botanical amateurs in Germany. Her collection of
hot-house and green-house plants is the most extensive which we have seen
in Bavaria, next to those or the government at Munich, and of the king
at Nymphenburg. This lady makes an extensive journey almost every
year, to see what is new or rare in Holland, France, Prussia, and Austria;
and no price deters her from purchasing what she considers desirable. She
has also an aviary with a variety of birds. The garden of Madame de Hepp
is close to the town, beautifully laid out, and highly kept ; but of this we
shall speak elsewhere, though we cannot help adding, that we have seldom
been more delighted than when we were conducted through it by this
charming woman,

Stttttgard, Nov. 21. — There was formerly a very considerable menagery
here, the private property of the late king ; but it was given up on the pre-
sent king's accession to the throne ; some say, as being too expensive to
support; and others, because the king is so great a lover of liberty, that he
cannot bear to see any animal in confinement, not even birds in cages. The
inhaWtants of the menagery were poisoned by prussic acid, and stuffed for
the Cabinet of Natural History ; where they may now be seen, bearing, with
other objects there, evidence that this institution also is found rather ex-
pensive to keep in order. It deserves to be noticed, that the academy of
Stuttgard, celebrated about thirty years ago, and in which were educated
several great men from every part of Europe, many of them now living, no
longer exists, and for the same reason. The building is now occupied by
the king's private library ; and the grounds, for every pupil of the academy
had a small garden for his recreation, have been levelled, and formed into
an English garden, in front of what is called the New Palace. The truth,
probably, is, that poor kings, like other poor men, are generally blessed with
large families ; like other poor men, they, too, feel it necessary to economise ;
and collections of natural history, being luxuries, are dispensed with, in
order to build palaces, and lay out gardens, for the rising generation of
princes. This evil, however (which, it must be observed, neither applies to
Wurtemberg nor Bavaria), like other evils, will, in time, work its own cure;
and what was proposed to be brought about in some of the German states,
in the beginning of the present century, and rejected at the time, will, pro-
bably, before the century is completed, be adopted as the result of public
opinion throughout Europe, and as matter of necessity.

The Museum of Natural History is placed in a very suitable building,
and, compared with the collections at Strasburg and Munich, is respect-
able. In every department there are species of most of the Linnean genera ;
and, in the class of birds, there are several hundreds, not yet mounted,
which have been sent from the Cape of Good Hope by Ludwig, a native of
Wurtemberg, resident at the Cape, and a great lover and promoter of natu-
ral history. A considerable proportion of the articles are neither arranged
nor named; some of those which have names do not present the labels to
advantage; and the cases, in respect of light and the convenience of the
spectator, are not either so favourably designed or placed as in the museums
of Strasburg and Munich. These defects are not the result of any want
of skill or anxiety on the part of the naturalists who are connected with
the establishment. Professors Jager and Bopp, but are evidently unavoid-
able, for want of funds. The most remarkable objects, and, happily, those

K K 3

ii^ Natural History in Foreign Countries.

which require least expense for their preservation, are, specimens of the"
mineral products of Norway, Iceland, and Siberia; a collection of fossil
bones of the mammoth, elephant, stag, horse, and other animals, dug up at
Canstadt, near Stuttgard, which are frequently referred to by Cuvier (who
was educated at the academy here), Buckland, and other authors. There is
also a collection of specimens of native marble, of which the most remark-'
able variety is that of Bdttingen, which, being formed of an agglomeration
of stalactites, when sawn up longitudinally, presents the appearance of pur-
ple stripes passing into white, and, of course, transversely, of concentric
circles similarly coloured. As an appendix to this museum, there are a
number of curious pictures, books, relics, and other articles, selected from
the suppressed convent, among which is a portrait of the Countess of Salz-
burg, who, at the age of fifty years, had raustachios, whiskers, and a beard,
as long and black as those of any man.

The Botanic Garden here contains a tolerable collection ; the herbaceous
plants are arranged according to the Linnean system ; and the trees and
shrubs grouped in masses, after the natural orders of Jussieu. To zoology
and botany, however, Wurtemberg has contributed less than to geology, the
fossil remains of this part of Germany being highly interesting. On this
subject we are promised communications, from time to time, by the corre-
spondent whom we have had the good fortune to establish here.

Heidelberg, Nov. 25. — A Museum of Natural History was commenced
here in 1821, and has already made considerable progress. The collection
of birds is very considerable : they are, arranged in glass cases along the
sides of a narrow gallery, and each subject has a label of green paper pasted
on the glass, with the name printed, according to Linnaeus, Cuvier, or such
other modern naturalist as may have proposed a nomenclature which has
been received in the scientific world, jn French and in German. As good
specimens in excellent preservation, were pointed out to us, Tultur fuscus,
Falco Albicilla ; Gapeatus barbatus, young and full grown ; O^tis tarda,
Tringa pugnax, Vanellus melanogaster, Turdus roseus, Rhynchops nigra,
and a number of others, which we had not time to note down. The other
divisions of zoology are not yet so rich; but there are a great many
specimens of reptiles and amphibia, and a good many insects ; each insect
fixed in a small case, with a glass bottom and top, which admits of viewing
it minutely and completely on both sides, and without derangement. Every
day this collection is receiving accessions from different quarters. Much
taste and spirit are shown by those who have commenced it and are promot-
ing its progress ; and the curator, who shows it to the public, is a man who
takes the greatest pains to excite an interest in the spectator, by pointing
out the more interesting specimens, and accompanying his indications with
short historical details.

There are two Botanic Gardens here : one adjoining the museum, chiefly
for the sake of the medical students, and containing a collection of her-
baceous plants, arranged according to the Linnean system ; the other on
the eminence on which stand the ruins of the castle of Heidelberg, con-
taining a collection of hardy trees and shrubs for the students of forest
jculture (forstwissenschaft), and also a collection of agricultural plants for
the students of agriculture (ackerbau). Forest culture is a subject of great
importance in densely peopled countries, where wood serves not only for
the purpose of architectural construction, but is the only fuel. The garden
round the castle is well known and justly celebrated for its picturesque beau-
ties, its antiquities, and its views of the town and the valley of the Neckar.
The agricultural garden contains one of the most extensive collections of
Cerealia cultivated in Europe, unless we except that of M. Lagasca, as far
as respects the genus J'riticum. The director of these gardens, M. Metz-
ger, has written Europaeische Cerealien in Botanischer tend Landwirihschaft-
licher Himicht, &c., Heidelberg, 1824, folio, 20 plates; a work of which we

Natural History in Foreign Countries, 479

have already given a short account in the Gardener* s Mafrazine, and which,
on our return to England, we hope to make better known. In the meau
time we may state that M. Metzger cultivates, yearly, a bed, about 30 ft,
long and 4 ft. broad, of each of the marked varieties of Cerealia grown
in Europe, of which he willingly distributes the seeds to all who will
make a good use of them. We declined accepting of a collection which
he offered us till we could find an East Lothian farmer, or some nobleman
like the late Duke of Bedford, who would undertake to cultivate them, and
persevere in their culture, till their comparative value, with respect to
Britain, be ascertained. M. Metzger is a learned and scientific gardener of
great ingenuity ; he lives in a habitable fragment of the ruins of the castle,
has a considerable library of gardening and topography, and a good herba-
rium. He keeps an assistant and an engraver, and is occupied in preparing,
among other works, A Description of the ancient and present State of the
Castle and Gardens of Heidelberg^ in which some very curious information
will be given from two very rare works ; the one describing the ceremonies
which took place on the arrival at Heidelberg of Elizabeth, daughter of
James the First of England ; and the other Hortus Palatinus a HeidelbergcB
extructus, S. de Caus Architecto, 1620, in folio, with many plates. M. Metz-
ger has also, in his own room, by a very simple process, which he has
described to us, prepared paper, resembling that of the Chinese, from the
bark of Morus papyrifera ; and a still more perfect paper, peculiarly
adapted for taking tracings of drawings, from the roots of ^Ithge^a officinalis.
Both processes we shall elsewhere describe.

The grounds adjoining the castle occupy several acres, and are laid out
with winding walks in the natural style. The trees and shrubs are not
arranged according to any system, because the collection has been assem-
bling for several years ; but each genus is kept by itself, and the individuals
are disposed on the turf in natural or picturesque groups. Every spe-
cies and variety has placed by it a tin label on an iron rod, on which is
written the Linnean name and synonymes, the German name, the natural
order (?), and the native country. Close to the building, and also within
its ruined walls, it is in contemplation to have collections of alpine and
other herbaceous plants, and small American shrubs. These gardens are
open to every body, and constitute one of the principal promenades of
Heidelberg. There are not many instances in which the grounds of ruined
castles, or what may be called the feudal wastes of ancient cities, are
arranged in so instructive and agreeable a manner; and we should like to,
see something of the kind imitated here and there in Britain, for instance,
at Ludlow, Stirling, &c.

The museum and clinical botanic garden occupy what was formerly a
monastery and its burying ground ; a change of destination not less bene-
ficial to society.

At SchwetzingeUy in the post-house, we witnessed, for the first time, what
we have since seen frequently, an amusing application of zoological know-
ledge, for the purpose of prognosticating the weather. Two frogs, of the
species ^ana arborea, are kept in a crystal jar, about 18 in. high and 6 in,
in diameter, with a depth of three or four inches of water at the bottom,
and a small ladder reaching to the top of the jar. On the approach of dry
weather, the frogs mount the ladder ; but, when moisture is expected, they
descend into the water. These animals are of a bright green, and in their,
wild state here climb the trees in search of insects, and make a peculiai*
singing noise before rain. In the jar they get no other food than now and
then a fly ; one of which, we were assured, would serve a frog for a week,
though it will eat from six to twelve in a day if it can get them. In catch-
ing the flies put alive into the jar the frogs display great adroitness. In the
gardens and hot-houses of Schwetzingen are extensive collections of plants,
but nothing in the way of zoology or mineralogy worthy of remark.

K K 4

480 Natural History in jForeign Countries,

Carlsruhe, N'ov. 50. — In the Museum here there is the best collection of
shells which we have seen out of Paris, in excellent preservation, but, un-
happily for the visitor, not named. A number of the specimens are very
striking, from their size or singularity of form ; and of some of the rarest,
as of the Geometrical Stair (?), there are duplicates and triplicates. The
collection was made by degrees, .at the expense of the late Marchioness
Caroline Louisa, known to botanists by the genus of exotic trees Carolines.
Of the C. prfnceps there is a dried specimen, framed and glazed, suspended
in the museum. The collection of Mammalia and other zoological sub-
jects is limited, but still respectable, though not in remarkably good order,
and none of the species named. Among the curiosities is a fibrous or fox-
tail root of P6pulus italica, the thickest part of which does not exceed one
fourth of an inch, while its length is 24 ft. A small root had found its way
into a wooden pipe which conveyed water to a fountain, and gradually
increased in length and in number of fibres, lessening, of course, the quan-
tity of water delivered, till at last the current was entirely stopped, when,
the pipe being taken up, the root was removed.

The collection of minerals is rich. Besides the granites, marbles, ores,
stalactites, petrifactions, crystallisations, salts, agates, and other rare stones
of the country, there is a collection of Siberian minerals, presented by the
late Emperor of Russia, containing emeralds estimated to be worth 14,000
florins ; a mass of rock crystal, 2 ft. square by 18 in. deep, for which, accord-
ing to the guide, two Englishmen offered 20,000 florins j a number of large
masses and beautifully formed specimens of rock crystal, from St. Gothard ;
a piece of the trunk of a petrified beech tree, 2^ ft. in diameter and 5 ft.
long; bones of the head and legs of a mammoth ; the head of a rhinoceros ;
a great number of impressions of fishes, plants, leaves, &c. The apartment
in which these articles are exhibited is too small, and it is also badly lighted ;
still the collection is very interesting, and we cannot but regret that it is not
placed in a suitable building, with all the ai'ticles conspicuously named, and
a careful and skilful attendant appointed to keep the whole in proper
order. We think it would contribute to the instruction and enjoyment oi
the public who visit such museums, and especially of country people who
have not much leisure for reading or the culture of their minds, if a pro-
fessor or professors were appointed to show and describe the articles, and
even if the professors were to accompany their indicative remarks by others
of a scientific, philosophical, moral, or theological character, according to
the apparent wants and wishes of the visitor. It would not cost the three
governments of Baden, Wurtemberg, and Bavaria, for each professor of
this description, more than what it now costs them for each couple of game-
keepers. Gmelin, the professor of botany here, is said to be occupied
in preparing a catalogue of this museum ; but, as he was at this time absent,
we had not an opportunity of ascertaining what progress he had made.

There was formerly an interesting raenagery in the grand-ducal garden
here, kept up at the expense of the same munificent princess, who devoted,
as we were told, her pin-money to the formation of the collection of shells
in the museum, already mentioned ; but, at her death, the menagery was
sold, and, as at Stuttgard, the skins of some of the animals are now in the
museum.

The Grand-Ducal Botanic Garden is known, by the Hortus CarlsrwkanuSf
to contain one of the first collections of exotics in Germany. Cliamas'rops
humilis ripens perfect fruit here every year, the plant bearing both male
and female flowers. Wistam Consequawa (Glycine sinensis) appears to
have been introduced here long before it was known in Britain, there being
a large plant against the end of a green-house, which has been there for
upwards of fifteen years, under the name of Glycine arborea : it is as hardy
as Gl;ycine frut^scens, flowers profusely, and ripens seeds, from which young
plants have been raised. American trees and shrubs thrive remarkably

Natural History in Foreign Countries, 481

well ; they are not planted in peat earth, as in England, but in rotten,
wood, mixed with common garden soil. Andromeda arborea has attained
the size of a tree, and ripens seeds every year ; Dlrca palustris is large, and
has also perfected seeds, from which plants have been raised. Many other
interesting particulars we omit, as belonging rather to gardening than
natural history: but we must notice a very extensive collection of seeds,;
perhaps 1000 species, in small flat crystal bottles, conspicuously arranged
and named ; and a collection of woods, indigenous and exotic, perhaps
100 species, each specimen in the form of a book, lettered on the back, and
placed in a bookcase. In the green-house of this garden, as in that of the
botanic garden of Heidelberg, plants of Vallisneria spirMis, male and female,-
are kept for the purpose of illustrating the sexual system.

In the centre of the principal green-house there is a fountain, and over
it a large wire cage, containing a collection of hardy singing birds, which,
when those parts of the windows that are opened for air are covered with
wire netting, are allowed to fly about the house ; but as they are only fed
in the cage, or rather wire tent, they always return to it, and are easily re-
eDclosed. In the bark bed of the stove, M. Harsweg, who is a great lover
of insects, inserts the eggs of ^carabae'us nasicornis lAn.y a singular-looking
beetle, in the beginning of February : the perfect insects appear in the
course of the summer, and in the evening fly about the garden, and add to
the variety of twilight sounds and insect forms. The eggs, unlike those of
the common cockchafFer, which require upwards of a year to become per-
fect insects, are perfected in the course of three or four months. He has
not found that this beetle does harm to any thing, though he has found the
common Rose Cockchaffer, in its winged state, attack and eat ripe pine-
apples. He also observed that the S. nasicornis, or the Horned Cock-
chaffer, frequently deposited its eggs in soft earth and rotten dung in the
open air, but that they were always destroyed by the winter frost ; so that
there is no danger of their being naturalised in Germany. Those who wish
to try this experiment, may procure the eggs, as well as those of a number
of other curious insects, from, or through, M. Cels, nurseryman, Mont-
rouge, Paris.

Koelreuter (known to botanists by his name-plant, Koelreuteria panicu-
Ikta), who was formerly professor of botany here, is said to have made a
great many observations on the pollen of plants. The Chevalier Zeyer, the
garden-director of Schwetzingen, a scientific and ardent botanist, who has
formed and collected a herbarium of upwards of 20,000 species, informs
us that he has seen drawings, by Koelreuter, of the magnified particles of
pollen, of upwards of 2000 genera ; that Professor Koelreuter considered
that every genus that was truly distinct had a distinct form of pollen, and
that the magnified figures of the ultimate particles of pollen would probably
be found the most definite of all generic distinctions. The drawings are in
the hands of his son, a physician here, who, it is regretted by M. Zeyer,
does not communicate them to the public, or state his reasons for with-
holding them.

We have brought away from Carlsruhe one live J?ana arborea, not being
able to procure a second or third individual ; plants of Vallisneria, a genus
which, we believe, is not yet introduced into England ; and, as souvenirs.
Wistaria Consequana, Andromeda arborea, and Dirca palustris, raised from
seeds ripened at Carlsruhe^ We hope we shall be more successful with Val-
lisneria than we were with Salvinia natans in 1819, which we succeeded in
bringing from Lago Oscuro to Paris, but lost there, by placing it, floating
in a vessel of water, on the outside of our chamber window, whence it could
only be taken by sparrows or swallows. The grief and pain of disappoint-
ment that we experienced on this occasion, can only be understood by those
who have liad a similar trial, or who know, from reasoning and reflection.

482 Natural History in Foreign Countries.

the value which care and labour give to any thing ; in short, who can apply
the theory of the value of labour metaphysically as well as physically.

Man in the South of Germany. — It cannot be altogether foreign to
natural history, to notice the influence of climate, food, and political and
religious regulations on the human species ; and we are unwilling to leave
Germany without saying something on so interesting a people as the Ger-
mans. It will not be denied that man is subject to the same laws as other
animals, and that his natural or inborn character must depend principally
on the climate and products of the soil where he is placed. His factitious,
or civilised, character will as certainly depend on his education, taking that
word in its most extensive sense, as including parental care and example,
scholastic tuition, religion, and government. In warm fertile countries,
where nature produces every thing spontaneously, man becomes inactive,
and has naturally few labours and few enjoyments. In extremely cold and
inhospitable climates, the enjoyments of man are also few, because the
labour necessary to overcome natural objects is too great for his powers.
It would seem, therefore, that intermediate climates are more favourable
for human happiness than either extremes ; but whether such as are at all
times temperate, as those of many parts of Italy and Spain, or such as
are alternately temperate and severe, as those of the south of Germany and
the north of France, are the best, may perhaps be doubted. It appears that
a climate where the winters are severe, has a considerable influence on the
human character, by the necessity which it induces of forethought, in the
laying up a provision of food for winter, and the greater attention and
labour that are requisite in the article of clothing for that season. It is
certain, on the other hand, that, in climates at all times temperate, the
health, other circumstances being alike, must be better than in severe cli-
mates, where it is impaired by the artificial atmosphere of apartments during
the winter season ; and constant good health must necessarily have a con-
siderable influence on the character. Supposing, therefore, all the artificial
circumstances to be the same in two climates, such as that of the south of
Germany, and that of Italy or the central parts of France, it seems reason-
able to conclude that man would attain to a higher degree of perfection
in the latter climates than in the former. So much for our theory of the
influence of soil and climate on man ; and, for further details, we refer the
reader to Dr. Falconar's work on the subject (Bath, 4to, 1788 ?).

Of all the artificial or accidental circumstances which influence the cha-
racter, personal education must be allowed to be the greatest, and, next,
religion and government. Manner of life, occupations, and pursuits, and
even amusements, have an important influence. To do more than premise
these matters, would be unsuitable to this Magazine ; but what has been
said became necessary as an introduction to what is to follow.

Applying the above theory to the three states of Germany which we have
passed through, Wurtemberg, Bavaria, and Baden, the climate and soil of
these states seem favourable in the second degree; education, to a certain
extent, is there universal ; religion is, on the whole, more simple than in
some other countries ; and the laws and governments seem, at least, equal,
in constitutional merits and impartial administration, to those of any people
in Europe. The manner of life, or occupation, is chiefly agricultural ; which,
though not favourable to luxury and refinement, seems, without doubt, for
the great mass of the people, the happiest mode of existence. Local and
personal attachments are universally felt to be essential sources of happi-
ness ; and in no way can this feeling be gratified so easily and effectually as
by the possession of land. In the three countries named, the great majority
of the population are occupiers in perpetuity, of a portion of the soil,
either as absolute proprietors or as perpetual renters. This state of things
is far from being favourable to what is called making money ; but it is highly
favourable to health and contentment. It is a great deal for a poor man to

Natural History in Foreign Countries. 4'S^-

have something which he can call his own ; something on which he cai^
bestow labour, and from which he can, in consequence, extract enjoyment,"
The absolute necessities of life are few, and derived directly from the soil;
the labouring man, therefore, who has a house and a few roods of land, is
certain of a home and food ; he increases the interest of his home by a wife ;
and parental care and solicitude, with connubial and filial attachment, fill
up the measure of his happiness. These are the essential purposes and
enjoyments of life, which nature intended for all men ; which the poor man
can enjoy as well as the rich ; and for which no other enjoyment, either of
the rich or the poor, the wise or the learned, can entirely compensate. In
no part of Europe^have we seen, or thought we have seen, these enjoyments
so generally diffused as in the countries we have recently passed through,
and more especially Wurtemberg. We entered on these countries, expect-
ing to find the people not much better off' than in France ; but we could
not resist the conviction, produced by constant observation, and the result
of various enquiry, that comfort and happiness exist to a much greater de-
gree among the labouring classes of society in the south of Germany, than
they do in Britain. The people, at first sight, have a milder and more
civilised aspect. The dress of the country labourers, male and female, does
not consist of such fine materials as in England ; but one part of the dress
is of a quality consistent with the others, and the whole is in a superior
style, compared with the dress of the other classes of society. There is no
such thing, in this part of Germany, as a man or woman in rags, or with a
coat or gown of the best quality, and the hat or stockings in tatters, as is
frequently the case, not only among labourers, but even among mechanics,
in England. In short, the dress in Germany is in much better keeping.
Both men and women of the labouring class here are more intelligent in
their aspect, much more civil and polite on a first acquaintance, and much
better furnished with conversation, than the British labourers. What struck
us particularly were, the great rarity of exceptions to this general descrip-
tion, the general uniformity of manner and character throughout the whole
country, and the total absence of public beggars. On enquiry, we found
that there were few or no poor supported publicly, though every parish is
obliged to support its poor when unable to work ; and, also, that there were
very few people in prison, either for debt or for crime of any kind.

This state of things more particularly applies to Wurtemberg ; and the
causes, we think, may be very easily traced. The first and principal cause
is a law respecting schools, which has existed, more or less, in the states of
the south of Germany, for above a century, but which has been greatly im-
proved within the last thirty years. By this law, parents are compelled to
send their children to school, from the age of six to fourteen years, where
they must be taught reading, writing, and arithmetic, but where they may
acquire as much additional instruction in other branches as their parents
choose to pay for. To many of the schools of Bavaria large gardens are
attached, in which the boys are taught the principal operations of agriculture
and gardening in their hours of play ; and, in all the schools of the three
states, the girls, in addition to the same instruction as the boys, are taught
knitting, sewing, embroidery, &c. It is the duty of the police and priest
(which may be considered equivalent to our parish vestries) of each com-
mune or parish, to see that the law is duly executed, the children sent re-
gularly, and instructed duly. If the parents are partially or wholly unable
to pay for their children, the commune makes up the deficiency. Religion
is taught by the priest of the village or hamlet ; and where, as is frequently
■ the case in Wurtemberg, there are two or three religions in one parish,
each child is taught by the priest of its parents ; all of which priests are,
from their office, members of the committee or vestry of the commune.
The priest or priests of the parish have the regular inspection of the school-
master, and are required by the government to see that he does his duty.

48 4j Natural History in Foreign Countries,

while each priest, at the same time, sees that the children of his flock attend
regularly. After the child has been the appointed number of years at
Bchool, it receives from the schoolmaster, and the priest of the religion to
which it belongs, a certificate, without which it cannot procure employment.
To employ any person under twenty-one, without such a certificate, is ille-
gal, and punished by a fixed fine, as is almost every other offence in this
part of Germany ; and the fines are never remitted, which makes punish-
ment always certain. The schoolmaster is paid much in the same way as in
Scotland ; by a house, a garden, and sometimes a field, and by a small salary
from the parish j and by fixed rates for the children.

A second law, which is coeval with the school law, renders it illegal for
any young man to marry before he is twenty-five, or any young woman be-
fore she is eighteen ; and a young man, at whatever age he wishes to marry,
must show, to the police and the priest of the commune where he resides,
that he is able, and has the prospect, to provide for a wife and family.

There are minor causes, but these two laws, and the general possession of
land both by labourers and tradesmen, are the chief. Amongst the minor
causes are the general simplicity of their forms of religion, and universal
toleration ; even the Catholic faith, in Wurtemberg, is unattended with the
ceremony and spectacle with which it is exhibited in various parts of Ger-
many and France. The equal footing on which the different religions are
placed, is also favourable to liberality of sentiment and good neighbourhood.
That particular mildness of feature and character, so different from what is
met with in the labouring classes in England, is, no doubt, partly owing to
the greater proportions of vegetables and fruits which enter into the general
diet of the population ; the almost total abstinence from strong liquors or
spirits, the general drink being wine ; and, perhaps, to the almost unremitted
smoking of tobacco from morning to night.

If we seem to have wandered a little from our direct path, in order to
bring these particulars into the view of our readers, it is because we think
similar laws, in respect to education and marriage, would be of the greatest
importance to Britain and Ireland. Nothing could be easier than for every
vestry and parish clergyman to see them executed. Such laws would be a
small infringement, it is true, on personal liberty; but an infringement
which, we should think, every reasonable parent would assent to, and for
which, we are sure, every child, on its arrival at the age of maturity, would
be thankful. We most ardently wish that the state of things in the three
countries mentioned, might attract the attention of some person of parlia-
mentary interest ; and that those who have doubts on the subject, would
consent to inform themselves by a residence of a few weeks in Wurtemberg,
and especially at Stuttgard, round which city will be found one of the richest
and most picturesque countries in Europe. If we have made any mis-
takes in this hurried relation, written without leisure to refer to the docu-
ments which we have in our portmanteau, M. ZoUer, one of the Commis-
sioners of National Schools, and our principal informant, will correct us, or
supply our omissions. — Cond.

ITALY.

Flora Virgiliana. — Sprengel of Halle, and Martin of London, have en-
deavoured to ascertain the identity of the plants mentioned by Virgil; and,
more recently, M. Fee of Paris, was employed upon the same subject by the
editor of the Latm Classics; but 8ig. Tenore of Naples, has not only had the
advantage of their remarks, but has travelled over Italy with his Virgilin his
hand, and has just published the result in a brochure entitled Osservazioni
tulla Flora Virgiliana. He only mentions eleven. 1. The .^rundo of
Virgil is not necessarily the ^rundo Donax, nor the J. Phragmites, as M.
F^e decides ; for Italy possesses other species of ^rundo. 2. The J?accar
is not the Valeriana celtica, as M. F^e thinks, but rather the ^'sarum. 3. The

Natural History in Foreign Countries. 485

Cerinthe must be either the 5'aturfeja TTif rabra, or &. capitita. 4. The Cu-
cumis of the line

" Cresceret in ventrem/' &c.

is not the common cucumber, but the Cucumis Ch^te of Linnasiis, a plant
originally brought from Egypt, by the conquerors of the world. As to the
Cucumis caeruleus of Virgil, Sig. Tenore thinks it must be the Melone vev
nico of the Italians. 5. The JB'sculus is, without doubt, the Quercus i26bur
var. latifolia, and not the Qu^rcus ^'sculus, of which the existence in the
Flora of Virgil is doubtful. 6. The Hider-a. 4lba is not the Antirrhinum
Asarina, a common plant in the South of France, but which is not found in
the Neapolitan territory. It must be that variety of H4dera called by Pliny
Chrysocarpum. 7. The /Zyacinthus is not the Milium Mdrtagon. It accords
better with Gladiolus byzantlnus. 8. The Ole^ter is not the jEleagnus an-
gustifolia, or Bohemian olive, which never grew spontaneously in Italy, but
the wild olive at present known all over the south of Italy by the name of
Olivastro. 9. The Cerea prima belong to the variety named by the Italians
Scaldatelle. 10. The J?oseta is the cultivated rose. 11. The Fiburnum is
not the Lantana, but the riburnum Tinus. {Bulletin des Sciences.)

Flora Cldssica. — Dr. J. Billerbeck is publishing, under this title, descrip-
tions of all the plants mentioned in classic authors, with the original pas-
Bages in which they are mentioned. {Announc Sclent, de Gotting,, p. 479.)

DENMARK.

Erratic Boulders' and Blocks. — The huge blocks of granite and other
primary rocks, which are found scattered over plains and ravines at a great
distance from any rocks of the same species, whence they could have been
detached, have long been a subject of interesting study and speculation to
geologists ; and numerous facts connected with their phenomena may be
found in the papers of De Luc, Saussure, Von Buch, Hausmann, and Sedge-
wick, of which a brief summary, along with some original facts, may be found
in the Conversations on Geology, p. 257. To these facts we have to add an ex«
cellent paper, by M. Brongniart, in the Annales des Sciences Naturelles for
May, on the rock blocks of Sweden. The author agrees with Hausmann and
Von Buch, in tracing the erratic blocks which are scattered over the plains of
Seeland, Holstein, and the southern shores of the Baltic, to the table lands
(plateaux) of Scandinavia. Their size is frequently enormous, and they abound
in the sandy plains of Holstein, still more in that of Seeland, and in the vici-
nity of Copenhagen, even to Elsineur. They furnish, indeed, the only building
stones in those districts. It v/as at first supposed that they must have come
from the Hartz mountains, the nearest district of granite in situ, but more;
minute inspection proved their identity with the rocks of Sweden, particu-
larly in the minerals contained in them such as wernerite, and in the cal-
careous blocks, trilobites, and orthoceratites, as M. Brongniart proved. The
greatest difficulty of explaining the transit of these blocks is the Sound,
which, though narrow, is very deep ; and it does not appear in what man-
ner they could have cleared it, as they continue to be found in Scania the
same as in Seeland. A similar difficulty is presented by the deep valley of
the Aar, with respect to the blocks of Mount Jura. They are so abundant
in some places, as to form a sort of hill, which the Swedes call ose, or sand-'
osar, according to the predominance of blocks or of sand. These M. Bron-
gniart found more particularly in Scania, Smoland, Sundermania, and Up-
land. They are seldom high, and usually long and narrow in form, being
rather larger, and more elevated at one extremity than another, and some-
times interrupted towards the middle with a tranverse ravine. They main-
tain a constant direction from N.N.E. to S.S.W., extending to considerable
distances, and rery nearly in parallel lines. M. Brongniart aptly compares

486

Natural History in Foreign Countries',

them to the little mounds of sand or gravel formed in streams of running
water, when interrupted by a large stone, or any other obstacle. One ose,
in particular, named Kinnekulle, and situated on the shore of the Lake
Wenern, at the foot of a plateau of basalt, is composed of sand and black
coloured blocks, in form of a cue from north to south. Here the origin of
these blocks is obvious ; for they consist of the same basalt as the plateau,
from which they have been detached, and transported to different distances.
Upon the plateau of Kinnekulle there are many blocks of granite of consi-
siderable size, and also similar masses of the inferior sandstone, presenting
a striking example of primary rocks, placed upon rocks of newer formation,
and also upon alluvial soil of more recent origin.

M. Brongniart remarked, that both in Sweden and in many sub- Alpine and
5ub-Apennine hills, in proportion as the transported blocks are nearer the
summit they increase in size. Thus, in going towards the summit of Su-
perga, near Turin, the blocks at the bottom of the hill are little more
than boulders ; towards the middle they are several pounds' weight, while
near the top they are large. A British instance, no less striking, of the same
fact, may be seen in Conversations on Geology ^ p. 122.

201

T)esciiiption.
Fig. 1. View of a hill of sand, covered with erratic blocks, on the confines

of Scania and Smoland.
Fig. 2. Reduced copy from Hermelin's map of Sweden, to show by pointed

tracks the direction of the long, narrow, sand hills, covered with erratic

blocks, N. and W. of Upsal.
Fig. 3. and 4. Chart and section of the mountain Kinnekulle, on the east

bank of the Lake Wenern.
A, Plateau of compact pyroxenous basanite, very like dolerite. This pla-
. teau is depressed in the centre, and contains a marsh.

Natural H.istor\) in Foreign Countries. 487

B, Slaty marl, with some vegetable impressions, and the small bodies named

graptolites, by Linnaeus,
c. Compact limestone, brownish, yellowish, and greenish, containing trilo-

bites, orthoceratites, &c.

D, Aluminous ampelite, containing trilobites, paradoxites and agnostes.

E, Inferior sandstone, containing doubtful vegetable impressions.

F, Sand and basalt.

G, Gneiss. \

ASIA.

Fishes peculiar to certain Lakes. — Several travellers confirm the account
given by Josephus {Antiq. iii. 1 8. and De Bello Jud., &c.), that the fishes of
the Lake of Gennesareth are peculiar to it. Hasselquist says, " I thought
it remarkable, that the same kind of fish should here be met with as in the
Nile, such as Charmuth, .S'ilurus, Boenni, Mulsil, and .Sparus galilse\is.
Josephus says that some consider the fountain of Capernaum as a vein of
the Nile, because it brings forth fishes resembling the Coracinus of the
Alexandrine Lake.

Supposed Change of Climate. — Professor Schouw, of Copenhagen, has
argued plausibly against the opinion, that certain climates have changed in
the lapse of ages. The date tree, for instance, he says, requires a mean
temperature of 78° Fahr., to bring its fruit to perfection ; and it is as suc-
cessfully cultivated in Palestine now as it was m the earliest times, of which
he gives interesting notices. Jericho was called Palm town ; and Deborah's
palm tree was mentioned between Rama and Bethel. Pliny mentions the
palm tree as being frequent in Judea, and chiefly about Jericho. Tacitus,
Josephus, Strabo, Diodorus Siculus, and Theophrastus, all speak of woods
of palm trees there ; and on the Hebrew coins date trees are by no means
rare, and are easily recognised by their fruit. {Okenh Ms.)

Coral^olypi. — MM. Quoy and Gaimard, the naturalists of the Astro-
labe, in her late voyage of discovery, paid considerable attention to the
habits of the numerous Polypi inhabiting corals and corallines, and have
thrown some light on their history. They always found, on examining with
attention, that the Polypi protruded only a very little their lamellar and
fringed tentacula (les etoiles lamelleuses et decoupees) from their abode,
a circumstance which gives them a very peculiar appearance. In some
Milleporae, the animals are very obvious, though in others they cannot be
seen ; but on passing the hand along the surface, the touch does not indi-
cate the feeling of an immediately stony basis. In some, no organic sub-
stance can be perceived, the surface being rough and dry, as the most arid
limestone ; but in others, such as the elk's-horn, though similarly rough and
dry, very minute Polypi, can be detected burrowing in the stony matter. It
may be remarked, that touching those Polypi produces the same stinging
sensation, followed by redness, as that produced by certain Medus<^, which
has obtained for them the name of sea-nettles. The sting of the Polypi, it
would appear, is produced by some acrid fluid, for it is communicable from
the hands to any other part of the skin. ;

MM. Quoy and Gaimard could find no trace of animation in the sub-
stances called Nulliporae, by Lamarck, from their exhibiting no perceptible
pores. They profess entire ignorance of their manner of growth.

Corals and corallines of recent formation are much more porous and
fragile than when of some age; because the interstices, in the former case,
have not been filled up, and even the parts which have been formed require
exposure to the air to consolidate and harden them.

No Polypi appear to possess, as has by some been supposed, life or ani-
mation in common. If they did, they would enjoy, as M. Lamarck shrewdly
observes, qualities repugnant to the nature of every known animal, namely
the faculty of never dying. The stars and rosettes of the Polypi, therefore.

488 Natural History in Foreign Countries.

however numerous, and however closely contiguous, have no mutual commu-
nication, nor continuity of substance j the only evidence indeed of which
is the instantaneous and simultaneous retreat by the Polypi into their cells,
when accidentally disturbed.

It has been supposed by some naturalists, and is universally believed by
the negroes, that fish are rendered poisonous by feeding on the coral Polypi ;
but MM. Quoy and Gaimard argue, that the flat obtuse nose of fishes can-
not possibly detach the Polypi from their encasements. In the instance of
fish which have jaws strong enough to break coral, such as the Diodon
caBruIeus, whose stomach they found filled with fragments of Madreporse,
no nation is known to eat them. In the Mariannes they are looked upon
with disgust.

NORTH AMERICA.

Impressions on Rocks. — About two miles south of Brasstown, m the
United States of America, there is a mountain which is called the En-
chanted Mountain, celebrated for the curious impressions, resembling
the tracks of turkeys, bears, horses, and human beings, found on its rocky
surface, as perfect as they could be made on snow or sand. [Lon. Gen.
Gazetteer.) It is probable that these appearances are much indebted to the
imaginations of the describers. — J. R.

Description of the Passenger Pigeon. — Length from tip of the bill to
the oil-bag 8^ in. ; to the end of the tail 8=1 6-^ in. Breadth 24^ in.
Weight 9 oz. Bill an inch, black, lengthened, slender ; nasal scale wrinkled ;
a slight flexure in the line of the gape immediately under the nostrils.
Upper mandible longer than the under and bent downwards, with the
rudiments of a notch ; symphysis of the lower mandible short sub-ascend-
ing, slightly prominent retrally, with a shallow mesial groove ; inside of the
mouth Hvid. Tongue blunt. Bare place round the eyes livid. Irides
reddish orange. Feet reddish, paler behind than before. Tarsus 1 Jij^ in, ;
the middle toe, exclusive of the nail, the same ;Xclaws black, [arched, and
grooved below. Chin, cheeks, head, back, and rump, bluish grey ; shoulders
with yellowish brown. Side of the neck and behind, reddish purple, iri-
descent. Fore neck deep chestnut, becoming paler on the breast, or rather
salmon-coloured, and passing to white on the belly and vent, thighs like the
breast.' Quills brownish black, the grey column of the mq/gin of the outer
web increasing at the base of the secondaries, and towards the ends of the
inner ones. Bastard wing and greater covers of the primaries brownish
black ; greater covers of the secondaries grey. Lesser covers and outer
scapulars tinged with yellowish brown, with black spots. The second
quill the longest, the first and fourth equal, but these not at full growth.
Tail of twelve feathers, the two middle produced, the rest decreasing to the
exterior. The two middle dusky black, the next grey, the inner margin
white towards the extremity, with a black and brown spot near the base ;
the fourth and third grey, with the black and brown spot. The outer web
and tip of the first white, lower half of the inner web grey, with a black
and brown spot. The upper tail-covers long, produced; the lower ones
white. {Dr. Fleming.)

SOUTH AMERICA.

Magellanic Clouds. — In the sixth or eighth degree of south latitude, the
phenomenon called the Magellanic clouds is visible. These supposed clouds
are three in number, one black and two white. At the first sight they may
be mistaken for clouds ; but their being stationary, and their appearance when
attentively viewed, show that they are not genuine clouds. The black one
is only a spot in a galaxy, in which there are very few visible stars, and,
being surrounded by a milky whiteness, shows much darker than the

Natural History m Foreign Countries.

489

other parts of the sky. The other two white ones are only clusters of small
stars, which emit a hining whiteness like the galaxy. They appear nearly
as in the following figure: — a, the galaxy; b, the black spot; c and d,
white ditto •

202

Mount Sorala. — From the observations of Mr. Pentland it. appears that
the Nevado de Sorata is the highest mountain in America. It is situated
towards the northern prolongation of the eastern Cordillera, and almost in
the centre of a group of snow-covered pics. Its latitude is 15° 50^ south,
and it is to the east of the large village of Sorata inhabited by native Peru-
vians. Mr. Pentland has determined its height to be 25,200 feet, by means
of trigonometrical observations taken on the shores of the lake I'iticaca,
compared with the usual limits of perpetual snow in this climate, namely,
17,100 ft.

It is composed of transition slate in which porphyritic syenite abounds,
traversed by auriferous veins, from which particles of gold are washed down
into the streams which run into the Rio Beni, that runs through the cele-
brated El Dorado.

Mr. Pentland announces that he will publish, in a few months, the
detail of his observations upon this and the other mountains of the Andes,
as well as his researches into the history, antiquities, geography, and natural
history of Bolivia, or Upper Peru. {Annates des Sciences y xiv. 299.)

Mount Illimani. — The Nevados de lUimani, the second American moun-
tain in point of altitude, is situated in the province of Paz, in Bolivia, or
Upper Peru, and twenty marine leagues south-east of the city of Paz. It is
farther south than any of the other snowy pics of the eastern Cordilleras ;
and, according to the astronomical observations taken near its northern
base by Mr. Pentland, it is situated between 15° 35'', and 16° 40' south
latitude, and between 67° and 68° west longitude. Its summit forms a
ridge traversed by four pics in a line parallel to the axis of the chain, and
lying north and south. The most northern of these pics is 24,200, and the
most southern appeared to Mr. Pentland still higher, but he has not yet
determined the exact difference.

The mountain is composed of grauwack^ or transition slate, the beds of
which are often separated by strata of quartz rock and flinty slate. These
are associated with porphyritic syenite and true granite veins, beds, or stra-
tified masses. The transition slate is traversed by numerous veins of vitreous
quartz, containing particles of native gold or auriferous pyrites. Some of
these veins, at the height of 16,000 ft., appear to have been explored by
the ancient Peruvians.

Captain Basil Hall, it appears, has objected to the statements of Mr.
Pentland that Illimani cannot be seen from the sea, forgetting that it is 310
geographical miles from the coast, and could not there be seen.
Vol. I. — No. 5. l l

490 Natural History in the English Counties.

AUSTRALIA.

Lmid Crabs. — In the forests of Guam, more than a mile from the shore,
MM. Quoy and Gaimard found a very large species of Pagura, with violet
claws, lodged in the shells of ^uccina, and covered with an earthy crust,
which appears to be their constant abode. Some of these Pagurae had the
faculty of emitting a sort of froth when they were irritated. They were
attracted by light ; for one night, when encamped on shore, the sailors
lighted a fire, and a large Pagura came towards it from a considerable dis-
tance, and became the victim of his curiosity, being cooked in his own house,
and afterwards devoured.

It appears that there are two divisions of this tribe ; one living on land,
the other in water; the marine species being distinguished by rounded eyes,
set upon the extremities of long cylindric peduncles. The land species, on
the approach of danger, always retreat, either into accidental crevices or
holes, or preferably under the roots or into the hollow trunks of trees ;
never, or, at least, rarely, into the sea, though it be near them.

Art. II. Natural History in the English Counties.

Liverpool Botanic Garden. — A clever sketch of the origin, rise, progress,
and present state of this establishment is given in the Albion, a Liver-
pool newspaper, for June 4. 1827, from which we make the following
extract : —

" The garden was laid out, about twelve years ago, under the auspices of
several gentlemen, amongst whom was the venerable and gifted Mr. Roscoe,
and its success has fully equalled the most sanguine expectations. It com-
prises five acres of land, and is well enclosed by a stone wall, which is over-
topped by a thriving hedge, giving it at once privacy and shelter. The
ground narrows towards the north, and terminates in the frontage formed
by the gate, and two plain lodges on each side of it. The visitor, after sur-
veying the monotony of the surrounding fields, which are barren and
mossy, is agreeably surprised to find himself embowered, on entering within
the inner gate, in shady walks skirted by the choicest ornamental shrubs and
trees. On leaving this pleasure-ground, which is laid out with much taste,
.and contains an extensive rockery, in which, amongst many curious speci-
mens of stones and minerals, are seen a fragment of the Giant's Causeway,
the conservatory presents itself, an erection of great magnitude and ele-
gance of structure {fig- 205.), extending across nearly the whole breadth of
the ground, and sheltered, at the back, by a row of black Italian poplars.
The middle apartment of this splendid range is the most lofty, and projects
with a semicircular front, supported by four handsome Ionic columns. At
each end is a similar projecting apartment, on a smaller scale and less
elaborate in style. From the latter, spacious walks run southward to the
bottom of the garden, which also terminates in a delightful pleasure-ground,
variegated by beautiful shrubs, amongst which are observed the copper
beech, the scarlet thorn, the snow-drop tree, and numbers of tribes of
rhododendrons, and every choice shrub which will flourish in the open air.
This ground embraces also the angle at the southwest corner, formed by
the widening of the ground to the south ; the main portion, for the culture
of fine flowers, being embraced in a square, running parallel with the east
wall. Nothing can be better contrived upon the allotted space than the
windings of the walks in the pleasure-ground, the margins of which are
closely carpeted with grass, affording a variety of occasional glades or
recesses.

Natural History in the English Counties, 491

* Where, all unseen, the cavalier
May pour his love in maiden's ear.
And kiss the hand he loves so dear,*

" The main portion of the garden is divided, by luxuriant hedges of privet
and beech intermixed, into eight sheltering compartments, in which are
arranged, after the system of Linnaeus, the several classes of plants. The
neat and appropriate manner in which these are laid out in beds, intersected
by minor walks, and affording, at each progressing step of the visitor, new-
objects of admiration, can only be estimated by inspection. Suffice it here
to state, that the collection is copious, and comprises all the rare tribes and
varieties in every class of Linnaeus, beginning with the second and ending
with the twenty-fourth. The health and vigour of the plants, numbers of
which are delicate to rear, * bearing,' as they do in their alternate seasons,
* their blushing honours thick upon them,' is the highest testimonial of the
taste and liberality of the proprietors, and of the skill of Mr. Shepherd,
the superintendent botanist. Their several tribes and species are distinctly
labeled on small white boards, thus affording to the botanical student the
utmost facility in his researches. In the borders the shrubs and flowers are
placed, indiscriminately, in a pleasing variety; and the attention of the
lounger is often arrested to examine some hitherto unobserved, beautiful, or
extraordinary relative of the numerous family of Flora. The collection
also embraces many varieties of mosses, and creeping shrubs, and grasses ;
and we never beheld richer specimens of the Paedni^ and the genus Z>el-
phfniura.

203

" We now return to the conservatory. In front is a spacious walk, on
each side of which are placed commodious garden seats. Close to this, and
between it and the main compartments of the garden to the south, is a rich
grass-plot, decorated with shrubs and trees at each end, and in the middle
beautified by an extensive oval pond, full of pure water, and partially over-
grown with the yellow and white water-lily, the bulrush, and other rarer
aquatic plants. The enchantment of this delightful little sheet of vvater is
such, that it is found necessary to encircle a considerable space round its
margin with an almost invisible wire fence, to prevent the banks from being
trodden in. The pond abounds with the silver and gold fish, which, at this
season, when they are about casting their scales, are either purely scarlet or
gold coloured, white and glittering like silver, or present a motley appear-
ance of both. Here are also tench and carp (some of the former two or

L L 2

492 Natural History ifi Scotkmd,

three pounds' weight) living in harmony with their feebler but more beautiful
finny brethren ; and all are so much accustomed to be fed with bread by
the ladies who visit them, that they exhibit no shyness at the approach of
strangers, and, swimming to the edge, seem to implore a crumb or two from
every passer by. The conservatory, is divided into five compartments or
chambers, of which the three in the middle are maintained at a high tem-
perature for East and West Indian, South American, and South Sea Island
productions. The two at the extremities are reserved for the finer plants,
which are affected only by the sharpness of the winter, and are, at this
season, nearly stripped of their inmates,, which are deposited in a warm
recess behind the building, formed of a thick enclosure ofhedging."

Accidental Preservation of Hen^s Egg Shells. — As some workmen were
employed in repairing a part of the building of the New Inn, Gloucester,
in removing a lead spout, they discovered a hen's nest, containing eleven
eggs, which must have been deposited there about two centuries ago ! The
shells of the eggs were perfect, but of a very dark colour, and the inside
quite dried up. {Cheltenham Chronicle ^ Feb.)

Coleopterous Insects driven from their Winter Quarters. — The marshes
and low meadows about Bungay were flooded for several days in January last,
and-the water was as high as had been known for some years. This produced
a very singular spectacle on the 19th and 20th of that month; but espe-
cially on the 19th, when, from the rushing down of the waters, the insects,
chiefly coleopterous,' were driven from their winter quarters, and being
washed to the land, had taken refuge by crawling up the posts by the side
of Earsham dam, adjoining the town, and in such numbers as to be truly
astonishing. I have no doubt from the quantity which I saw floating on
the water, but myriads must have been destroyed. — D. S. Bungay,
March, 1828.

Art. III. Natural History in Scotland.

MiNEBAL Waters. — Dr. Thomas Thomson, the distinguished Professor
of Chemistry in the University of Glasgow, has just published an excellent
memoir on the mineral springs of Scotland, in the Glasgow MedicalJournal^
now on our table, from which we shall abridge his remarks on the sulphu-
reous and chalybeate waters.

Moffat Water. — The village of Moffat lies at the bottom of a range of
transition hills, consisting of greywacke, transition green stone, and transi-
tion slate ; and, though Dr. Thomson did not observe any alum slate, he
thinks it not improbable that the spring originates in it ; but the rocks in
the vicinity are so covered with soil, as to preclude examination. Dr. Gar-
nett, who resided for a summer at Moffat, "found that a urine-gallon of the
water contained 56 grains of common salt, 10 cubic inches of sulphuretted
hydrogen ; 4 cubic inches of azotic gas, and 5 cubic inches of carbonic acid
gas. Dr. Thomson found the constituents of an imperial gallon to be as
follows : —

Sulphuretted hydrogen gas - 21-290 cubic inches.

Common salt - _ . 1 76*569 grains.

Sulphate of soda - - 16*562

Sulphate of lime - - - 11-579

Sulphate of magnesia - - 5*474

210*184

Natural History in Ireland, 493

' Strathpeffer Water. — These wells are situated in the vaHey of Strath-
peffer, near Dingwall, in Ross-shire. The spring seems to originate in the
new red sandstone, and not far from Ben Wevis, one of the most conspi-
cuous mountains in the north of Scotland. When the temperature of the
air was eo'^. Dr. Thomson found that of one of the springs 39° and of the
other 39f °. The upper well was obviously the strongest, and had a smell
of sulphuretted hydrogen gas, with a specific gravity of 1*00 193. The im-
perial gallon was found to contain

Sulphuretted hydrogen gas - 26*167 cubic inches.

Sulphate^ of soda - - 67-770 grains.

Sulphate of lime - - 39*454

Common salt - - . 24*728 ;

'r Sulphate of magnesia - - 6*242

138*194

Hartfell Spaw. — This spring arises from the base of Hartfell, about five
miles from the village of Moffat. The water is quite transparent, and free
from smell ; the taste sweetish, and astringent ; the specific gravity 1*0007.
Dr. Garnett says, the rock from which it originates possesses the characters
of alum slate. One thousand grains of the water contain

Sulphuric acid - - . 0*276 grains.

Muriatic acid - - - - 0*269

Protoxide of iron - . - 0-306

Lime - - - - 0*291

1*142

Second Moffat Chalybeate. — This water is described as running in consi-
derable quantity down the face of a mountain. It is of a red colour, and of
a harsh, astringent, chalybeate taste, having a specific gravity of 1*00965.
It reddens vegetable blues. An imperial gallon contains

Sulphuric acid - - - 437*559 grains.

Peroxide of iron - - - 236*410

Alumina - - - 34984 :

'08-953

Diluvial Remains. — Among a collection of fossils and other curiosities,
in the possession of Mr. David Buist, land-surveyor, Perth, is the lower
jaw-bone of a shark, with the teeth entire and in good preservation, found
below the surface of the ground, in the inland part of the county of Perth.
Mr. Buist is silent as to the locality, expecting yet to find some other
remains of the skeleton near the place. {Dundee Courier, May 9th.) \

Art. IV. Natural History in Ireland,

Rare Bird. — It is now above 20 years since, in visiting my friend Mr.
Lane at Roxton, I found him in his garden endeavouring to shoot a strange
l)ird, which had, for several days previous, been making sad^havoc among

L L 3

494' CaL of Nat, for London, — Indicator ial Calendar.

his cherries. After two or three unsuccessful attempts on the part of Mr,
Lane, the bird at last fell to my barrel. It was about the size of a starling,
and resembled that bird in its manner of standin<T and flying, more than any
bird I am acquainted with. The tail was, I think, rather longer, and more
like that of a blackbird. The head, and down half the neck, save the billj
which was yellow, and a large tuft of feathers on the crown, the colour of
the back ; the wings and the tail were a beautiful, glossy, jet black ; the
back, breast, and belly (the latter somewhat lighter) were the colour of the
Royston crow, but beautifully speckled all over, at regular distances, about
1 in. apart, with three small bright red spots placed equidistantly in tri-
angles, not in regular lines, but becoming more crowded towards the neck.
The tuft on the head was of the same ash colour as the body, but I am
uncertain whether this was also speckled or not. This tuft the bird seemed
to have the power of raising at pleasure. Its cry resembled that of the
water ouzel, and its legs and feet those of the starling. It was quite a rara
avis in this country, no one knowing anything of it ; nor could any descrip-
tion of it be found in BufFon, Goldsmith, Mavor, or Bewick. Whether this
bird was a strayed exotic, or a variety or mule of any indigenous species, I
am not sufficiently acquainted with natural history to say. Mule birds,
even in their wild state, are sometimes met with. I once saw a perfectly
white starling among a flock of them, by the road-side; and a nearly white
hen-sparrow, for several years, had her nest within 20 yards of my bed-room
window.

This strange cherry-bird was given, for the purpose of being preserved in
the Dublin Museum, to Mr. Healy Button, who happened to be in the
neighbourhood, collecting materials for his statistical survey of the county,
at the time it was killed. Whether it was preserved and lodged in the
museum or not, I have never learned, nor indeed have I ever enquired ; but
I should think, from even the imperfect description given above, it might,
if in existence, be identified : at any rate, my account may call the attention
of some ornithologist, who may be pleased to give his opinion as to what
this stranger really was. — Charles Adams Drew. Ennis, June 25. 1828.

I Art. Y. Calendar of Nature for London.

The remarkably mild and open weather which has prevailed since our
last report, has been attended with its usual consequences, viz. late vege-
table productions, as flowers, &c., rarely seen in the months of November
and December.

Early flowers, as the primrose, polyanthus, and Christmas rose, are already
in bloom. The song-thrush frequently, and the redbreast constantly,
singing.

Many insects still swafm under hedges j and the blind beetle (Geotrupes
stercorarius) is seen on wing every evening.

The weather, since our last, has only been varied by two or three frosty
nights in the early part of November, and a storm of thunder about the 8th
instant. — J. M. Dec. 23. 1828.

Art. VI. Indicatorial Calendar,

The two ensuing months, as the first of the year, are full of promise, by
presenting, on sheltered spots, the opening buds and peeping flowers. If
the weather be severe, there will be but few attractions for the naturalist.
The entomologist, however, may detect the Hyphydrus ovatus, the Colym-

Queries and Answers, 495

betes bipunctatus, and the iVepa cinerea, in ponds or ditches ; the Salplngus
roboris, Coccinella humeralis, and Dromius quadrimaculatus, under the
bark of trees ; and, perhaps, may meet with the Geometra primaria and
brumaria moths in hedges. — J. M. Dec, 25. 1828.

Art. VII. Queries and Answers,

The TIeather-hluiter of the Scotch (p. 297.) is the common bittern, mire-
drum, or marsh-boomer (^'rdea stellaris Linn.) ; and the sound of the bird
is so very common, that every child is familiar with it, though the birds,
from being shy, are not often seen. The poet Thomson seems to have had
a very erroneous notion of the manner in which the bird produces the noise,
when he says,

" So that scarce

The bittern knows his time, with bill engulpht, \
To shake the sounding marsh.'* Seasons.

On the contrary, I have repeatedly remarked that the bittern usually
booms while flying high in the air. Its lofty spiral flight, indeed, is a mat-
ter of common remark.

" Swift as the bittern soars on spiral wing.'* Southey,

A line which, I may remark, is not very ornithological ; inasmuch as neither
the bittern, nor any other bird, has spiral wings. Southey, however, seems
to be well acquainted with the boom of the bittern,

" At evening, over the swampy plain.

The bittern's boom came far." Thalaha. J. Rennie.

Edible Lizards, (p. 591.) — Is not a large species of lizard eaten, and
reckoned a delicacy, in Jamaica? — M. [Yes ; the fact is well known. —
J.R,]

Bulla ligndria. — Sir, Will you favour me, in one of your succeeding
Numbers, with a few remarks upon the gizzard of the Bulla lignaria. I am
anxious to know whether the inhabitant of this shell is endowed with any
peculiar digestive power, or whether this organ may be met with in any
other species of shell fish. A little information on this subject will greatly
oblige, Sir, &c. — C. S. July 18. 1828.

Parrots in Van Diemen^s Land. — A friend, residing in Van Diemen's
Land, has asked me if I can suggest any means of preventing parrots from
destroying seed when first sown ; and I ask you or any of your correspond-
ents. — A Subscriber. London, Augtist 11. 1828.

Organisation of Plants. — I take'^a great interest in the physiology of botany,
and have often lamented the insufficiency of microscopes to enable me to
ascertain the organisation of plants From a number of the Library of Use-
ful Knowledge, I learn that this enquiry is facilitated, by plunging the parts
to be examined in a phial of nitric acid, placing the phial in boiling water,
and keeping it at the boiling point for 12 or 15 minutes. I have tried this,
but cannot succeed ; the contents of the phial, when taken out, were merely
the acid, and a portion of pulp totally disorganised, and in a state of effer-
vescence that would admit of no examination, had there been anything to
examine. I tried it with half the boiling, but, even then, the parts were one
confused mass, from which nothing could be understood. Can you give me
any information about this ; or, if not, will you put a query to that effect in
the Magazine ? — E.K. August 3. 1 828.

L L 4

4-96 Retrospective Criticism.

Art. VIII. Retrospective Criticism.

Food of the Lapwing. — Under Art. Zoology, p. 374., on the mis-
takes of instinct in animals, it is said that " the lapwing, when it cannot
find a sufficiency of slugs, pats the ground with its feet, to bring forth
earthworms." That the lapwing devours slugs is enough to propitiate the
farmers in favour of the bird, however averse they maybe from the land they
frequent. I have often tried to discover what the food of these birds was,
but never could be satisfied on this point. Within the last month I de-
sired a gamekeeper (Nash, gamekeeper to G. Farley, Esq., Crowle House,
Worcestershire) to shoot a couple, out of hundreds which frequented a
field of fallow then sowing with wheat. I saw them opened. The gizzard
contained small stones, and morsels of green vegetable matter. The vessel
which the gamekeeper called the trail, was charged with a thick mucus, in
which were small stones, pieces of the Elytra of small beetles, and seeds of
some species of Polygonum ; but no slugs (though the field swarmed with
them), earthworms, wheat (of eating which the birds were accused by
the bailiff), nor any other matter which could be distinguished.

I have often observed that the lapwing finds some part of its food a little
way below the surface of the ground, as the moist sides of the furrows are
ftill of perforations made with their bills. At the same time, I have noticed
very little hills of fine earth, resembling those of the little ground bee,
thrown up out of round cavities or cells, each of which contains the larva
of some insect of the beetle tribe, as they are in colour like those of the
ladybird, but in shape and size very like the Lepisma sacchaiina. These
larva, I suspected, might be the prey of the lapwing ; but this I never could
determine. — M.

Foi-eiffn Migratory Bi7-ds. (p. 516.) — On the notice respecting the introduc-
tion of foreign or migratory songbirds, J. R. seems to doubt whether redbreasts
would take to strange eggs, because, he says, " they readily forsake their
own, if touched." J. R. ought to have known, that, though redbreasts, as
well as other birds, will forsake their eggs and nests, if disturbed in the
early part of the season, or while they are laying, they seldom do so after
they have begun to sit. Mr. Anderson only stated facts. — M.

J. R., in reply to these remarks, professes his ignorance of the circum-
stance that birds seldom forsake their nests after beginning to sit, and is
certain of many particular facts authorising a contrary opinion. Many birds
will forsake their young, much more their eggs, of which the domestic pigeon
is a well-known example.

Biography of J. Templeton, Esq. (p. 403.) — Sir, The biography of the
late Mr. Templeton, which has been commenced in the last Number of the
Magazine of Natural History was not written by me. This I stated to you
before, a circumstance, which, in consequence,! suppose, of the manuscript
coming through my hands, had been overlooked. It is the composition of
the Rev. Thos.D. Hincks, M.R.I. A., and Principal of the Classical Depart-
ment of the Belfast Institution. Mr. Hincks was, when he read the paper.
President of the Belfast Natural History Society, but on account of a mul-
tiplicity of engagements, he resigned that office, and I was elected to it.
The very interesting account of our late excellent naturalist, has been given
hy Mr. Hincks in such a way as might be looked for from one of his long
acknowledged talents and extensive erudition, and is much superior to any
thing I could have produced on the subject. I therefore request that you
will publish this note in your next, and alter the heading of the article in
your continuations of Mr. Templeton's life. By so doing, you will much
oblige your constant wellwisher. — Jas. L. Dnimmond. Belfast^ Dec. 6.
^828.

INDEX.

J\ aar3ber;ettelse om nyare Zo6logiske ar-

breten och iipptasckter, 176.
Aaarsbersettelser om Vetenskapernas framsteg,

176.
Abdomina, in insects, 423.
Abyssinia, exploring of, by Edward Ruppel, 286.
Acanthiirus, from akantha, thorn, owra,tail, 163.
Acarides, systematic arrangement of, 281,
jiccipitres, from accipiter, a hawk, 121.
Achatin^lla, dim. oi achates, an agate, 168.
Adie, Mr. Alex. J., jun., on the habits of a Man-

gouste, 21.
Aerial spider, on the, by John Murray, Esq.

F.S.A. &c. &c.,320.
African bull, lateral hoofs of, 114 ; peculiarity

of the dewlap of, 114.
Air, to ascertain the course of, 384.
.,4'lgae, metamorphoses of the reproductive bodies

of some, said to possess successively an animal

and a vegetable existence, by A, 305.
u^'lgse of Great Britain, 64.
Alligators, remark on their swallowing stones,

Altaic mountains, tour to, 73.

Ament explained, 429.

Amp611a,,from ampulla, a bottle, 28.

Anapheles, from a intens., apheles, slender, 54.

Anatifera, from anas, a goose,/ei-o, to bear, 30.

A'ndria, from the Greek for husband, 253 j ex-
plained, 233.

Animal and vegetable remains, and rocks, col-
lection of, 186.

Animal kingdom, basis for the four grand divi-
sions of, 97; natural order of the progress of,
4.

Animals and vegetables, on the distinctive cha-
racters of, 97.

Animals, metamorphoses undergone by all, 103.

A'nodon interrafedius, 428. ■

Anonacea;, description of, 139. 438.

A'nscres, from anser, a goose, 121.

Ant and the AVhis, notice on, 66.

Anther described, 232.

Anthol^za, fiom anthos, a flower, lyssa, rage,
474.

^Antirrhinum Linilria, 379.

Aphyllese, from a, privative, and phyllon, a leaf,
136.

Arcana of Science, notice of, 467.

Argil tor, from argutor, to make a shrill noise. 55.

Arnott, G. A. Walker, Esq., N6tulse Botanicje,
240 ; continued, 339.

Articulated animals, 105.

Artus, in insects, 423

Ascent of the spider into the atmosphere, 157.

Ashmolean Museum, at Oxford, 16.

Asses, Spanish, 191.

Aster, mistake respecting the Italian, 232.

Ava, hairy man of, 286.

Audouin's Annales des Sciences Naturelles, &c.,
63 ; Dictionnaire Classique d'Histoire Na-
turelle, 63.

Audubon, John James, Esq. F.L.S. &c., on the
Bird of Washington, 115.

Audubon's Birds of America reviewed by W.
Swainson, 43.

Aviary, notice of Mr. Sweet's, 81.

Australian botany, 281.

Babington, C. C, Esq., rare insects found in

Huntingdonshire, 290.
Baboon, a dog-faced one figured and described,

Bainbridge's Fly-flsher's Guide, &c. noticed, 173.

Baird, W., Esq., description of a specimen of
Lemur, 2(58.

Bakewell's Introduction to Geology, reviewed
by T., 353.

Baltimore Orioles, 47. 418.

Banksia, from Sir Joseph Banks, 362.

Barometer, description of a portable one, 203 :
query on the rise and fall of, by X.'Y., 407.

Basin of London, section of, i:58.

Bath, plants and insects in the neighbourhood
of, by C. C. Babington, 392.

Bottersly, Mr. W., notice of Ellis's work on
corals, 177.

Beavers on the Severn, 394.

Bees, psahn-singing to, 303 ; query on putting
in mouiTiing, 93 ; answer to, 196 : superstition
relating to, by W. T. Bree, 303.

Belfast botanic and horticultural garden, 85.

Belfast Juvenile Natural History Society, 86.

Belfast Natural History Society, 85 ; donations
to, 86 ; meeting of 24th of May, 19.2: address
to, 192.

Bennet's Fishes of Ceylon, &c.. No. I., for June,
reviewed, 162. 273.

Berberidca;, description of, 140.

Berlin, literary notices of, 73; university of,
minerals bequeathed to, 73.

BernardMs, from St. Bernard of Menthon, 26.

Betcke's Animadversiones Botanicae in Valeri-
anellas, 175.

Biography of J. Templeton, 403.

Biography of plants, on the utility and enjoy-
ments derived from a knowledge of, 3.

Bird of Washington, or Great American Sea
Eagle, notes on, by John James Audubon,
Esq. F.L.S. &c., 115.

Bird-catchers in the vicinity of London, evils
produced by, by J. B., 288.

Birds, foreign, introduction of, 376; Linnean
arrangement of, 122 ; Pennant's arrangement
of, 121 ; Brisson's arrangement of, 121 ; La-
tham's arrangement of, 121 ; of America, by
M. Audubon, reviewed, 43 ; rare ones shot in
the neighbourhood of Yarmouth, by T. W. S.,
290 ; shot in the neighbourhood of Newcastle,
83; terminology of, figured and described,
276.

Birds of passage, arrival of the summer ones in
the neighbourhood of Carlisle in the year
1808, by T. C. Heysham, 290; Swedish, 282,
283.

Birds, rare, observed m the neighbourhood of
Halifax, in Yorkshire, by II. Leyland, 395 ;
account of a rare one, by Charles Adams Drew,
494.
Biscacho described, 285.

Bischof 's Chemische Untersuchungen, &c. 175.
Bitter Blairr figured and described, 189.
Bixinece, oS5.
Blackwall, John, Esq., manners and economy of

the Pied Fly-catcher, 331.
Blights, 180.
Blocks and boulders, erratic, 485.

k

498

INDEX.

Blume and Fascic's Etiuracratio Plantarum
Javae, &c. &c., 175.

i?olfetus described and figured by J. A., 289.

^olfetus, from tolos, a mass j form, 289. j_

BombacesB, 338.

Bombay, rain at, 71.

Books on natural history, expense of, 17.

Boon's Disputatio Geologica, &c., 175.

Borax and soda, as tests for manganese, by M.,
384.

Bory de St. Vincent's Resume d'Erpetologie, ou
d'Historie Naturelle de Reptiles, &c., noticed,
467.

Botanical Cabinet, for April, 1828, reviewed, 60 ;
May, 165 ; July, 360.

Botanical characters of the oak, 248.

Botanical Magazine for April, 1828, review of,
59; May, 163; June, 165; July, 274.

Botanical Museum of Cambridge, 82.

Botanical periodicals, list of, 58 ; 163 ; 274 ; 3S0.

Botanical Register for April, 1828, reviewed, 59 ;
May, 1&5; June, 166; July, 274.

Botanic garden at Havannah, 284; at Stras-
burg, 469 ; of Edinburgh, rare plants at, 84 ;
of Liverpool, 490.

Botanic gardens at Heidelberg, 478.

Botany, as a study for young people, by Miss
Kent, 124.

Botany, discouragements in the science of, 126 j
in Australia, 281 ; in Germany, 410 ; lessons
in, by Miss Kent, 96 ; particular advantage of,
131 ; query on commencing the study of, 197 j
answer to, 197.

Botany Bay Devil, notice of, 75.

Boulders and blocks, erratic, 485.

Bowdich's fresh-water fishes of Great Britain,
reviewed, 53.

Bowdich, Mrs., anecdotes of a tamed panther,

"2 108 ; on the natural order of plants, Dicotyle-

" dbneae, Anonatece, 438.

Branch iostegous, from branckue, gills, siege, a
covering, 162.

Brandes' and Kruger's Pyrmonts Mineralquel-
len, 175.

Brandes' Quarterly Journal for April, reviewed,
168;.for June, 362.

Brayley, E. W., jun., A. L. S. Introductory
sketch of the objects and uses of meteoirologi-
cal science, 147.

Bree, W. T., Esq., answer to query on preserv-
ing plants, 298 ; critique respecting the least
woodpecker, 301 ; further information on su-
perstition relating to bees, 303 ; on white cats
with blue eyes, 178 ; query on a natural his-
tory conversazione, 196.

Brewster's Journal for April reviewed, 169 ; for
July, 364.

Brisson's arrangement of birds, 121.

British Entomology, by John Curtis, F.L.S., for
April, reviewed, 54 ; May, 160 ; June, 272.

British Flower Garden, for April, 1828, review-
ed, 61 ; May, 168 ; June, 168 ; July, 362.

British Museum, and Museum of the Jardin des
Plantes, 15.

British Museum, 181; hint to curators of, 182;
origin of, 74.

British plants, localities of, 83.

British Warblers, by Robert Sweet, F.L.S., &c.,
reviewed, 57.

Brongniart's Histoire des V^g^taux fossiles, 63.

Brookesian Museum, 96,

Brown, H. J., notice of the ladybird, 191.

Buckland's formation of thevalley of Knigsclere,
&c. &c., reviewed, 249.

Buffon's GSuvres complt^tes, &c., 63.

Bull, account of a particular variety of, now ex-
hibiting in London, by Mrs. Harvey, 113; par-
ticular expression of the eye, 114.

Bulla, from bulla, a bubble, 27.

Bulla lignkria, query respecting by C. S., 495,

Bunting, the black-throated, 419.

Burrow's Elements of Conchology, according to
the Linnean system, noticed, 173. j

Butterflies, migration of, 387. I

Byttneriacc^, 338.

Calendar of Nature for London, £8. 193. 295. 402.

Calochortps, from kalos, handsome, chortos, a

grass, 166.
Calyciflbrffl, from calyx awAflos, 136."

Calyx, from the Greek signifying a cover, 231 ;
description of, 231.

Canary bird fed by a sparrow, account of, by C,
375.

Cannon Mills, Mr. Neill's villa at, 191.

Capparideee, oo3.

Ckput, in insects, 42.3.

C4rdium, from kardia, the heart, 29.

Carinkria, from carina, a keel, 30.

Carlisle, arrival of the summer birds of passage
at, in 1808, by T. C. Heysham, 290.

Carlsruhe, natural history at, 480.

Carp^lla, dim. of karpos, a fruit, 137.

CaryophylleEB, 336.

Cassia, notice on that of Port Royal, by Y. B.,
284.

Cassini's Oimscules Phytologiques, 174.

Catalogue of works on natural history, 466.

Catkin explained, 430.

Cats, white, with blue eyes, 66 ; notice of, by W .
T. Bree, 178.

Caudal, from cauda, the tail, 163.

Cedars of Lebanon on Mount Libanus, 181.

Cellulares and Vasculkres, tabular view of their
systematic subdivisions, 136 ; figured and de-
scribed, 32.

Cellulhres, from cellula, a little cell, 136.

Cephalopodous Mollusca, 72.

Chffi'todon, from chaite, a bristle, odous, tooth,
163.

Ch&ma, from chaino, to gape, 26.

Chat, the yellow-breasted, 417.

Chameleon, notice of one, 192 ; on the pheno-
mena of the, 157.

Characters of vegetables and animals, 97. to 108.

Chevallier's Flore gen^rale des Environs de
Paris, &c, 63.

Chiage's Memoire sulla Storia e Notomia degli
Animali senza vertebre, &c , 176.

Chichester, John, Esq., M.D., account of a mon-
strous production of the sheep genus, 325.

Chione, from Chione, the daughter of Dsedalion,
SO.

Chiton, from chiton, a coat of mail, 26.

Cinereous eagle described and figured, 219.

Circinalis, from circus, a circle, 165.

Circular System, remarks on, 65.

Cistlnese, 335.

Classification, remark on, by C.N.,370.

Clausilia solida, 426 ; ventricosa, 426.

Climate, supposed change of, 487.

Cloth fabricated by insects, 65.

Clouds, Magellanic, 488.

Coccini^lla, dim. of kokkos, a berry, 54.

Coleopterous insects driven from their winter
quarters, by D. S. of Bungay.

Colouring of the oak, 244.

Colours, standard of, required, 198.

Colynibttes from kolijnibetes, a swimmer, 54.

Corastock's Elements of Mineralogy, &c., 176.

Conch ilia, ideas of, for a national museum of
shells, 24.

Connate, derived from con, together, natus^
born or grown, 431.

Contributions of the Maclurian Lyceum to the
arts and sciences reviewed,* 177.

Conversations on geology, &c., 279. 463.

Conversazione, query respecting a Natural His-
tory, by W T. Bree, 196 : answer to, 196.

Convolvulus arvensis and sepium, seed of, £80.

Corainna oflScinMis, 278.

Coral Polypi, 487.

Corals, notice of Ellis's work on, by W. Batters-
ly, 177.

Corolla, dim. of corona, a crown, 231 ; descrip-
tion of, 231.

CoroUiflbrse, from corolla and Jlos, 136.

Corymb explained, 430.

Cowthorpe oak described and figured, 246.

INDEX.

499

Crabs, land, 490.

Critique on the terra noble, 221.

Crocodile, notice of a tame, one, 73 ; remains of

a stupendous, 74.
Cromer, section of part of a cliff west of, 260.
Crossbill, remark on the, 394.
Crow with red legs, 394.
Cruciferse, description of, 141.
Crystallisation of gold, on the, by the Rev. John

Stevens Henslow, 146.
Curtis's Botanical Magazine for April, 1828,
review of, 59 ; May, 163 j June, 165 ; July,
274.
Curtis's British Entomologv for April, 1828,

reviewed, 54 ; May, 160 ; June, 272.
Curwillet, figured and described, by J. M., 297.
Cuttle fish, 278.
Cuvierian, or natural, system of zoology, 97.

309
Cuvier's Discours sur les Revolutions de la Sur-
face du Globe, &c. &c., 175 ; Histoire Natu-
relle des Mammifdres, 63; Cuvier's System,
14.
Cypr^V, from Ci/pris, one of the names of Ve-
' nus, 26.
Dargassies's Lettres h Anais sur la Botanique,

63.
Davies, J. H., Esq., on the instinct of insects,

332.
De CandoUe's Collection de Mt'^moires pour ser-
vir h. 1' Histoire de Rfegne Vegetal, and Prodro-
mus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis,
noticed, 280.
Deciduous scale on the bills of birds, 200.
Delta of the Oroonoko and the Maragnon, 391.
Demerara river, scenery on, 390.
Descourtils's Flore Pittoresque, &c., 63.
Desvaux's Flore de 1' Anjou, &c. &c., 175.
Devotion to nature, 370.
Diandria, 234. 236.
Dichlam^deae, from dis, two, and ehlamys, a

coat, 136 ; description of, 136.
Dicotyl^dones, dis, two, and cotyledon, 136.
Dicotyl^dones figured and described, 34.
Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles, &c., 63.
Digynia, order of, described, 433.
Dilleniace^^) description of, 138.
Dinner in commemoration of Ray, 408.
Dioscbrtfa, from P. Discorides, a Greek physi-
cian, 164.
Dipsacus, from dipsa, thirst, 431.
Domestication of mammiferous animals, 171.
Dorsal, from dorsum, the back, 162.
Droserkceas, 335.
'DryanAxbides, from Dryandra, and eidos,'\\k.e,

362.
Duck, curious one, by H. S., 377.
Dupont's Trait6 de Taxidermie, &c. &c., 174,
Eagle and the hawk, characteristics of, 94.
Eagle, large one caught, 84.
Earwig, natural history of, 168.
East winds, 180.

Edinburgh, rare plants near, 292.
Education, remarks on natural history as a

means of, 10.
Edwards's Botanical Register for April, 1828,
reviewed, 59; May, 165: June, 166: Julv,
274.
Elef:tricity as an agent in the movements of the

spider, 158.
Ellis's work on corals, &c., by WiHlam Battcrs-

ly, 177.
Embryo in grasses, 283.
Emmons's Manual of Mineralogy and Geology,

&c., 176.
Emys, large fragment of, 187.
Enchanter's Nightshade, from the enchantress

Circe, 235.
Engelspack's Essai Geognostique sur les Envi-
rons de St. Petersbourg, 176.
Entomology, from entoma, insects, and logos, a

discourse, 421.
Epipactis latifblia, 393.
Erddium cicutarium^remark on, by E. K., 378.

Eri6phorum, 240.

Evaporation on mountains, 231.

Examen dedeuxMt^moires de Physiologic Vde^-

tale, &c. &c., 175. ^

Eyes of crabs and lobsters, 373.
Faculties of brutes, 377.

Falcons, Great-footed, 48; of Great Britain,
arrangement of the different species of. bv
T. F.,217. ' ^

Fasciol&ria, from fasciolft, a winding band, 56
Father Lasher, figured, 277.
Fauna for June and July, 295; August, 296

402 ; September, 402 ; October, 403.
F^e's Notice sur les Productions Naturelles de

risle de Java, 175.
Feline animals, characteristics of, 371.
I-erussac's Bulletin des Sciences Naturelles, &c.,

63.
Filament described, 232.
Fish-hawk, 95.
Fish, migration of, 372.
Fishes of the Lake of Geneva, works on, 282.
Fishes peculiar to certain lakes, 487.
Fitton, W. H., M.D. F.R.S. &c., his address to

the Geological Society, 75. 78.
Flacourtiancce, 333.
Floating Island, 283.
F15ra Altaica, 74.

Flbra Australasica for April, 1828, reviewed. 61 •
May, 167 ; June, 167. '

Flbra B^lgica, 387.
Flbra Classica, 485."
Flora for June and July, 295 ; August, 296. 402 ;

September, 402 ; October, 403.
Flbra Helvetica, by M. T. Gaudin, 73.
FJbra Hib^rnica, contributions towards a, by
Edward Murphy, Esq. A.B,, Trinity College,
Dublin, 436.
Flbra Mt^dica, &c., 62.
Flbra Virgilikna, 484.
Flowers, beauty of, 128; proliferous, 387.
Floyd's Observations on Dog-breaking, re-
viewed, 172.
Flycatcher, Pied, manners and economy of, by
John Blackwall, Esq., 331; the Red-eyed,
song of, 420 ; the White-eyed, song of, 420 ;
spotted, nest of the, by Edwin Lees, 394.
FoliacccB, from foliaceus, leafy, 136.
Foliage of the oak, figured and described, 245.
Fontelle's Manuel de I'Herboriste, &c., 64.
Fontenelle's Bibliotheque Physico-Economique,

&c. &c., noticed, 466.
Footmarks in sandstone, 69. 144.
Foreign migratory birds, 496.
Forest trees of Europe, as elements of land-

scape, by J. G. Strutt, 37. 242.
Formation of soils on a small scale, 179.
Fossils, query respecting, by Vectis, 300.
Fossil remains of two species of Mastodon and

other vertebrated animals, 185.
Fossil shell attached to a flint, 69.
Foul water of fishermen, query on, 198.
Francisceo, from Francis, Emperor of Germany,
165. ""

Frankeniflc^te, 337.
French philosophers, remarks on those of the

present age, 66.
Fresh-water Fishes of Great Britain, by Mrs,

T. Edward Bowdich, 53.
Fries's Ursachen der Erdbeben, &c., 175.
Fritillkria tessellata, habitation and figure, by

D. S., 289.
;^rogs kept for prognosticating the weather, 479 ;

^all ones attached to leaves, 284.
Gallinas, from gallus, a cock, 121.
Gaudin's Flbra Helvetica noticed, 73.
Geoffroy's Shrike figured, 276.
Generalisation of the objects of natural history,

remarks on, 11.
Genera of recent and fossil shells, &c., by George

Brettingham Sowerby, F.L.S., reviewed, 56.
Generation of insects, Redi's experiments on,

by T. S. H., 221.
Geography of animals, 388.

500

r^DEX.

Geological indications, 387. ""

Geological Society, origin and notice of, 75;
address to, by W. H. Fitton, M.D. F.RS.,
&c. 75. to 78; meeting of April 18th, 185;
May 2d, 188.

Geologist, pleasures derived by, in travelling,
&c., 5.

Geology, connection of the study of, with mine-
ralogy, 4; faults in, 255; progress of, 442;
of Palestine. 390.

Geology, anticlinal lines in, 257 ; stratification,
2.57 ; conformable and unconformable, 253 ;
derangements by subsidence, 254 ; dip or
angle of inclination, 253 ; elevation, 255 ; out-
liers, 253. by denudation, 254. by protrusion,

^ 254; saddle-shaped arrangement, 255; valleys

[ of elevation, 256 ; transverse and longitudinal,
256.

Geology, reflection on the present state of, 249.

Gerfalcon described and figured, 218.

Germany, remarks on the present state of na-
tural history in, by W. J., 409.

Gcrmen, described, 232.

Gill's Technological Repository for May and
June, 169 ; for July, 363.

Glasgow Royal Botanic Garden, 399.

Glokder Versuch einer Characteristic der schle-
sisch-mineralogischen Litcratur, &c., 175.

Glowworm, description of, 155; query on the
light of, by A. A., 300.

Golden-crested wren, 179.

Goldfinch, the American, 419.

G6rdius aquaticus, query on, by H„ 301.

Goshawk, described and figured, 219.

Grain and bread in an Egyptian tomb, 390.

Grallae, from grallcc, stilts, 121.

Granite, north of the Umber, by L. E. O., 396.

Grasses, formation of tlie embryo in, 283.

Griffith's Animal Kingdom described, &c. &c..
reviewed, 275.

Grubs, query in ground, 93.

Gymnbtus, from gymnos, naked, mtos, back,
107.

G^nia, from the Greek for wife, 233 ; explained,
233.

Habitats, former, of extinct animals, by Edwin
Lees, 394.

Halibut, large one, 84.

Halibtis, from hals, the sea, ata, ears, 27.

Ham&dryas, from hamadryades, nymphs who
preside over trees, from hama, with drys, the
oak, 287.

Hann's Recherches sur 1' Anatomie, &c. &c., 174.

Hare, black one, 84 ; account of a remarkable
one, by John V. Stewart, Esq., 216.

Hartfell Spaw, 493.

Hart's Philosophical Enquiries, &c., noticed,
366.

Harvey, Mrs., account of a particular variety
of bull, 113.

Hatching of female eggs, by J. Rennie, Esq.,
373.

Haustell^ta, division of insects so called, 461.

Hawfinch's nest, remark on, by T. F , 374.

Hawk and the eagle, characteristics of, 94.

Haworth's Lepid6ptera Britannica, reviewed by
A. R. Y., 348.

Hay, cause of the smell of new-made, by D.
Stock, 381.

Heather-blite, query on, by J. N., 297 ; answer
to, by J. M., 297.

Heather-bluiter, 495.

Hedwig's Species Muscorum, &c., 64.

Heidelberg, natural history at, 478.

J/elix, from heileo, to twist round, 25.

iKlix sylvatica, fCisca, and earth usian 611a, 427 ;
cellkria, nitida, rufescens, hispida, and sericea,
428.

Hendrick's Lecture on Geology, &c. &c,, no-
ticed, 173.

Hen-harrier, described and figured, 220.

Hen's egg shells, accidental preservation of, 492.

Henslow, the Rev. John Stevens, on the crys-
tallisation of gold, 146 ; Malaxis paludbsa, 441.

Hepp, Madame de, her garden and aviary, 447.

Herbarium, account of a juvenile one, 4l2 ;
query on forming one, by the Rev. George
> Munford, 196 ; answer to, 197.

Hessian fly, account of, by the Rev. W. Kirby,
M.A. F.R. and L.S., 227.

Heysham, T. C, arrival of the summer birds of
passage in the neighbourhood of Carlisle in
the year 1808, 290.

Himalaya mountains, 286.

Hinsinger's Anteckningar i Physic och Geog-
nosie, &c., 176 ; Mineralogische Beschreibung,
&c., 175.

Hippopotamus, 288.

Histoire des Animaux, &c., 64. '

Histoire Naturelle des Poissons, 72.

Hogg's Natural Hi.-itory of the^ Vicinity of Stock-
ton-on-Tees, reviewed, 277.

Holoc^ntrus, from holos, all, kcntron, a spur,
163.

Hooker and Greville's Figures and Descriptions
of Ferns, 279.

Hope«7^a, from Mns. Thomas Hone, of Deep-
dene, 165.

Hornet of New South Wales, described and
figured, 170.

Horsefield's Descriptive Catalogue of the L^i-
dopterous Insects, &c., reviewed, 172.

Humanity, on a too great degree of, to animals,
407.

Human voice, and that of beasts, query respect,
ing, by C, 299.

Humboldt's Tableaux de la Nature, &c. 64.

Humming-bird, food of, by J. Rennie, Esq., 371.

Huntingdonshire, rare insects in, by C. C.
Babington, Esq., 290.

Hyacinth, supposition respecting, 229.

Hydropeltideae, description of, 140.

Jameson's Philosophical Journal, for April, re-
viewed, 170 ; June, 364.

Jardine's Illustrations of Ornithology, 62.

Jasmine, perfume obtained from, 236.

Jennings, Mr. James, on the technicalities of
science, 178.

Jennings's Ornitholbgia, 62. 341.

Jennings's Pleasures of Ornithology, 279.

Jet, origin of, 383.

Ignis fatuus, 156; critique respecting, by W. H.,
304.

Illustrations of British Entomology, &c. &c., by
James Francis Stephens, F.L.S., &c., reviewed,
459.

lUustraiionsof Zoology, by W. Wilson, F.R.S.E.
&c., reviewed, 52.

Indicatorial calendar, 296. 403 ; object of, 88 ;
weather, 88. 196 ; quadrupeds, 89 ; fishes, 89.
195; birds, 00. 194; insects, 90; reptiles, 90;
worms, 90; plants, 90. 195; astronomical in-
dications, 91. 196 ; animals of the chace, 194.

Indigo bird, 419.

Inflorescence, modes of, 429.

Inoceramus Cuvi&ri, figured and described, 70.

Insecta, from insectus, cut or notched, 421.

Insects, British, description and history of some
of the principal, by A. J. N., 421 ; Linnean
orders of, 424 ; method of killing, for the use
of naturalists, QQ ; cloth fabricated by, 66 ;
near Bath, 392 ; query on a scientific book on,
by T. L. H., 407 ; rare ones found in Hun-
tingdonshire, by C. C. Babington, Esq., 290 ;
Redi's experiments on the generation of, 221.

Instinct, mistakes of, by J. Rennie, Esq., 373.

Instinct of insects, by J. H. Davies, Esq., 332.

Interior of the earth, temperature of, 70.

Ornithology, introduction to the study of British,
121.

Plants, introductory view of the Linnean sys-
tem of, by Miss Kent, 228 ; continued, 429.

Journals, scientific, 168.

Journey, notice of a scientific one in process,

Jussieuean, or natural, system of plants, intro-
ductory view of, 30. 135. 288. 332.
Juvenile museums, by J. Rennie, Esq. A.M. 412.
Juvenile Natural History Society of Belfast, 86.
Kaiser's Mineralquellen zu St. Moritz, &c., 175.

NDEX.

501

Kangaroo, dissection of the mammary organs of,

Kent, Miss, introductory view of the Linnean
System of Plants, 228 ; continued, 429 ; on
botany as a study for young people, 124 j Syl-
van Sketclies,!&c. &c. reviewed, 173.
Kenyon, Mr. Joseph, remarks on British land

and fresh-water shells, 424.
Ker's /ridearum Genera, &c., noticed, 62.
Kingfisher, on the habits of the, 23.
Kirby, the Rev. W., M.A. F.K. and L.S., ac-

count of the Hessian fly, 227.
Kite described and figured, 220.
Kittell's Memoires d'Histoire Naturelle, 174.
Kreysig's Ueber den Gebrauch der NatOrlichen
und Kunstlichen Mineralwasser, noticed, 467.
Krubut, or great flower of Sumatra, figured and

described, 67, 68.
I^achmann's Flora der Umgegende von Bruns-

chweig, 64.
Ladybird, notice respecting, by H. J. Brown,191.
Lag6stomus, from lagos, a hare, and stotne, a

mouth, 185.
iampyris, from lampo, to shine, pyr, fire, 155.
Land crabs, 490.

Landscape, on the forest trees of Europe, con-
sidered as elements of, by J. G. Strutt, 37. 242.
Lapwing, food of, 496.
Latham's arrangement of birds, 121.
Lathras'^a squamaria, query respecting, by G. E.

Smith, 407.
Latreille's natural system, query respecting, 94.
Leaves covered with frogs, 284.
Leaves of plants, influence of light on, 179.
Leaves, electro-attraction of, 281.
Lebreux's Histoire Naturelle dcs L^pidopt^res,

ou Papillons, 174.
Lecoy's Recherches sur la Reproduction des V6.

g^taux, 174.
Lectures on the universe, 96.
Lees, Edwin, affinities of plants to birds and

insects, 200.
Lemming, query respecting, 198.
i^mna muior and major figured and described

by D. Stock, 290.
Lempriere's Popular Lectures on the Study of

Natural History, &c., reviewed, 174.
Lemur, description of a specimen of, by W.

Baird,Esq., 208.
i^pas, from lepas, a rock, 30.
Lesson's Complement des CEuvres de BufFon,

&c., 174.
Library written by negroes, 377.
Lightning, destruction of an oak by, 71.
Lignite, 388.
ZinesB, 336.

Links' figures of select plants from the royal
botanic garden of Berlin, &c., reviewed, 280.
LinnJBUs, merits of, noticed, 10.
Linnean orders of ornithology, description of,

121 ; of the class insects, 424.
Linnean Society, origin and notice of, 74 ; meet-
ings of March 4th and 18th, and April 1st and
15th, 75 ; May 4th, 184 ; May 24th, 185 ; June
3d and 10th, 185 ; presents to, 75.
Linnean system of plants, introductory view of,

by Miss Kent, 228. 429.
Literary and Philosophical Society of Hull,

meeting of April 25th, 289.
Liverpool botanic garden, 490.
Living principle, and its effects, 310.
Lizard, remark on the monitor kind, 391.
Localities of rare plants, 84.
Loddiges's Botanical Cabinet for April, 1828, re-
viewed, 60 ; May, 166 ; Jul3^, 360.
London, calendar of nature for, 295. 402.
London Institution, April 16th, 80.
Luminosity of the sea, cause of, 154. 156. 304.
Zychnis dioica, query on the red and white, 300.
Lycoperdon Prbteus, 399.
Lymnae^a fragilis, detrita and ovkta, 425.
Lyonnet, posthumous works of, 282.
iysimachia Nummularia, 393.
Macrocirpus from makros, long, karpos, fruit,
166.

Magazine of Natural History, principal objects

of, 9.
Magellanic clouds, 488.
Magnoliflc<'^, description of, 138.
Mal&xis paludbsa, on the leaves of, by tiie Rev,
John Stevens Henslow, professor of botany in
the University of Cambridge, 441.
Malvaceae, 337.

Mandibulilta, division of insects so called, 461.
Mandrake, large root of, 83.
Mangouste, on the habits of one, by Alex. J.

Adie, jun., Esq., 21.
Marmot, figured and described, 377.
Martius, Ur., his theory of the structure of
plants, 475 ; Geological Memoir on a Part of
Western Sussex, &c., 62. 249.
Maryland yellow throat, song of, 420.
Maund's Botanic Garden for May, 1828, review-
ed, 163.
Mauritius, botany in the, 67.
Medicago denticul^ta, 398.
Medical and Physiological Essays, 64.
Medico- Botanical Society of London, origin and
notice of, 79 ; meeting of, in October, 1827, 79 ;
April 11th, 1828, 80; medal offered, 60 ; May
9th, 189 ; June 13lh, 286 j June 11th, 287.
Medusa, an immense, 286.
Menispi^rmeae, description of, 139.
Menzies, Mr., ascent and barometrical measure,
ment of Wha-ra-rai anountain, in Owhyhee.
201. ' '

Mermaid, tests by which a real one may be dis-
covered, 106.
Meteorological science, introductory sketch of
the objects and uses of, by E. W. Brayley, jun.
A.L.S., 147.
Meteorology, utility and progress of the science

of, 5,
Metz, cabinet of natural history at, 470 ; botanic

garden at, 471.
Meyer's Houttuynla atque Saurureis, 175.
Migration of fish, 372.
Millepbra foli^cea, 278.

Mineralogy, importance of the knowledge of, 4i
Mineral waters, 492.
Mineral waters of Geilnau, Fachinger, and Set-

tiers, 386.
Mitchill's Catalogue des Fossiles, &a &c,, 176.
Mocking-birds, 48. 416.
Moffat water, 492.
Moisture of climate influenced by trees, by J.R.,

384.
Molluscous animals described, 105.
Monandria, 234.
Monochlamydeas, from monos, one, chlamys,

a coat or covering, 136.
Monocotyledones figured and described, 34.
Monocotyl^dones, from monoSy one, cotyledon^

136.
Monogynia, order of, described, 431.
Morals, cultivation of, through the understand.

ing, 13.
More lovable than wise, 199. Z

Movements of the spider, electricity as an agent

in, 158.
Mount lUimani, 489.

Mount Sorata, description of, 489, ^

Munford, the Rev. George, query on forming a
herbarium, 196 ; answer to, 197 ; by W. T.
Bree, 298.
Munich, museum of natural history at, 474.
il/Qrex, from murex, the point of a rock, .56.
Murphy, Edward, Esq, A.B., contributions to-
wards a Flbra Hib^rnica, 436.
Murray, John, Esq. F.S. A..&C. &c., on the aerial

spider, 320.
Murray's Experimental Researches in Natural

Histoi-y reviewed, 154,
Muscular motion, 314.
Museum Brasilianum, 474.
Museum at Epinal, 468 ; at Strasburg, 468 ; at
Norwich, 397 ; of the Royal Naval Hospital,
191.
Museum of shells, fanciful ideas for a national,
by Conch ilia, 2*

;o2

INDEX.

Museums, on the defective state of our public

ones, 14.
Musical ear, remark on, 571.
M^a batiiva, query respecting, 93.
M^a, from myo, to compress, 5J7.
National distinctions, 375.

Natural history, agreeableness and facility of
the study of, 6. ; catalogue of works on, 466 ;
evidence of the antiquity of the study of, 6 ;
fondness of children for, 126; of France and
England compared, S85; in Germany, re-
marks on the present state of, by W. J., 409 ;
prize proposed in, S;82 ; remarks on the study
of, 370.
Naturalist, test of a good one, by J. Rennie,

Esq., 369.
Natural system of plants, introductory view of,

SO. 135.
Natural system of zoology, 97. to 108.
iVautilus, from naus, a ship, 28.
Neck of birds, mechanism of, by J. Rennie, Esq ,

372.
Neill, P., Esq. M.A. &c. &c., on a specimen of

the Simia J&cchus, 18.
Neritina virginea, query respecting, 425.
Nightingale, the Virginian, 418.
N6tulae Botanicse, by G. A. Walker Amott,

Esq., 240 ; continued, 339.
Nubia, natural history of, 72.
Nuthatch, on the manners of, by H. S., 328.
iVymphaeaceae, description of, 140.
Oak, fine one at Lord Cowper's, figured and de-
scribed, 38 ; at Lord Darnley's at Cobham,42.
Oak, spray of, figured and described, 243; rami-
fication of, 244 ; foliage of, 245 ; colouring of,
244; botanical characters of, 248.
Oaks, in groups, 40 ; as forming the line of a
distant forest, 40, 41 ; trunk and limbs qf, 41.
Ocellata, from ocellus, a little eye, 54.
Odolant's Precis de MiniSralogie, &c., 64.
Olives and olive-oil, found at Pompeii, 73.
Olive tree, value of, 235.
O^hrys apifera, 398.
Orchard oriole, 418.
O'rchis pyramidalis, remark on, by D. Stock,

378.
Organic and inorganic matter, great difference

between, 151.
Organisation, 312.

Organisation of matter, spontaneous, 65. 370 j
of plants, query respecting, by E. K., 495 ;
origin of colour, 155 ; origin of light, 154.
Ornithological novelties from Mexico, 82.
Ornithology, description of the Linnean orders
of, 121 ; :new work on, 82 ; of Tuscany, 282 ;
splendid work on, 74 ; terminology used in,
123.
Orobdnche caryophyllacea, 398 ; minor, by D.

Stock, 300,
Oural Mountains, visit to, 73.
Owhyhee, ascent and barometrical measurement
of a mountain in, communicated by Mr.
Menzies, 201.
Owls feed their young with fish, 179.
Owl, the Biscacho, or Coquimbo, 285.
Oysters, propagation of, 281.
Pae'cilus, from poikilos, spotted, 55.
Panicle explained, 429.
Panther, anecdotes of a tamed, by Jlrs. Bow-

dich, 108.
Papaveraccae, description of, 140.
Parrots, Carolina, 49 ; query how to prevent

their destroying seeds when first sown, 495.
Pas«£res, from passer, a sparrow, 121.
Patella, from patella, a little dish, 28.
Pearls in Goyaz, in Brazil, 391.
Pennant's arrangement of birds, 121.
Pentandria, class of, described, 433.
Perennial Calendar for various parts of Europe,

86. 193. 292.
Pericarp, from the Greek, signifying around the

seed, 233 ; described, 233.
Periodicals, list of the Botanical, 58. 163. 274.

Pheasants, query on roaring, by Vectis, 301.
Pliiilips's Floral Emblems reviewed bv E., 350.
Philosophers, remarks on the French ones of

the present age, 6(;.
Philosophical Magazine for May and June, 169 :

July, S()3.
Philosophical Society of Southampton, 191.
Philosophic Institution of Newport, notice of.
190. •

Phblas, from pholeo, to seek a hiding place, 25.
Physiology, competitors for the prize of, in

France, 72.
Plc£B, from pica, a magpie, 121.
Pigeon, passenger, description of, 488.
Pine gros beak, 418. .'
Pinna, from pinna, a wing or feather, 30.
Pistil describetl, 232.
Pitcher plant figured and described, 80.
Plan6rbis nitidus, 426.
Plants near Bath, 392.

Plants, affinities of, to birds and insects, bv Ed.
win Lees, 200 ; Dr. Martius's theory o'f the
structure of, 475; introductory view to the
natural system of, 30 ; on the Jussieuean, or
na'ural, system of, 135; rare ones near Edin-
burgh, 292 ; remarks on the true knowledge
of, 1 ; researches on the pollen of, 473.
Platyderus, from platys, broad, dere, a neck,

55.
Plinian Society, 291 ; library of, 292.
Podophyllkceae, description of, 140.
Pogbmus, from pogon, a beard, 55.
Polembnium ca-nMeum, noticed, 83.
Pollen, described, 232.
Pollen of plants, researches on.the, 473.
Polygalea;, 334.
Polypi, coral, 487.
Popocatapetl mountain, ascent of, 284; crater

of, 285.
Portsmouth Philosophic Society, origin of, 190;

museum of, 190.
Preservation of hen's egg shells, accidental,

492.
Preservation of natural history subjects, remark

on, 469.
Preserving natural history specimens, answer ta

queries on, 298.
Privet, 235.

Prize proposed in natural history, 282.
Propagation of oysters, 281.
Proteus's Zeitschrift, &c., 64.
Puffins, remarks on, 394.
Pupa britannica, 426 ; muscbrum, 427.
Purple grakles, 47.
Purple martins, 49.

Quercus, from quer, fine, cuex, tree, Celt., 248,
Quinary system, notice of, 81.
Raceme, explained, 429.
Radiated animals, 105.
Rafflfesirt Arn61d«, or Great Flower of Sumatra,

figured and described, 67, 68.
Rain, extraordinary fall of, 384.
Rain-gauge, new one figured and described, 71.
/lanunculaceaD, description of, 137.
Ranunculus and tulip, on the difference of their

respective rank in the vegetable creation, 1.
/Ranunculus bulb5sus, remark on, by D. S., 380.
Ramification of the oak, figured and described,

244.
Ratisbon, natural history at, 476.
Ray, dinner in commemoration of, 408.
Ray's Toothed Gilthead figured, 277.
Receptacle described, 233.
Redi's experiments on the generation of insects,

221.
Redoutd's Choix des plus belles fleurs, &c., 64.
Red Sea, cause of the colour of, 69.
Reichenbach's Icones Plantarum, &c., 64.
Rennie, J., Esq., A.M., on juvenile museums,
412 ; sketches of twenty-four American song
birds, 414; test of a good naturalist, 369;
technicalities of science, 369; food of the
humming-bird, 371.
Report of the Committee of the Portsmouth and

INDEX.

503

Portsea Literary and Philosophical Society
' reviewed, 364.
Rice bird, song of, 419.
Rock bloclvs, 388.
Rocks, impressions on, 488.
Rose, remark on the tall bristly, 394.
Rose- wood, answer to query on, 196.
Roux's Iconographie Conchyliologique, &c., 64.
Royal botanic garden of Glasgow, 399.
Sab^Ua, from sabulum, fine, sand or gravel, 26.
Sago palm, 84.

Salamanders, some new ones figured and de-
scribed, 177.
Salmon, natural history of, 170.
Salpigl6ssis, from salpigx, a trumpet, anAglossis,

a tongue, 362.
Sandstone, notice of the occurrence of footsteps

in, 144.
Savi's Ornithologia Toscana, &c., 176.
Scabibsaarv^nsis, notice of, 83.
Scale on the bills of birds, 200.
Scandinavian cats, 74.
Scarlet Tanager, note of, 419.
Schools, law respecting, in the south of Ger-

many, 483.
Scientific institutions, 80.
Scientific journals, 168. 362.
5cilla niltans, 83. 191. 379 ; with white flowers,

by William Perecval Hunter, 393.
Sc61op.ix described by J. M., 297.
Scorpge'na, from skorpios, a scorpion, 162.
Skulls of brutes, query on, by C, 299.
Sea air, remark on, 384.
Sea eagle, 47.
Sea fir, 278.
Sea serpent, new one, figured and described,

169.
Sebright's Observations upon Hawking, &c.,

reviewed, 366.
Second Moffat Chalybeate, 493.
Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology, 62.
Sensatien, 316.

Serpents, on the charming of, 372.
5erratula tinctbria, notice of, 83.
Shark, lower jaw-bone of, found in the county

of Perth, 493.
Sheep genus, monstrous production of the, by

John Chichester, Esq. M.D., 325.
Shells and minerals, collection of, for sale, 96;

exchange of, 96 ; fanciful ideas for a national

museum of, by Conchilla, 24 ; juvenile cabinet

for, 413 j marine, by R. Reid, 393 ; remarks on

the British land and fresh -water ones, by Mr.

Joseph Ken yon of Preston, 424.
Shore lark, song of, 420.
Shrieke, query respecting, 93; answer to, 93.
Siberia, natural history of, 74.
Simla .Jacchus, account of a specimen of, by P.

Neill, Esq. M.A. F.R.S.E. &c., 18.
Siren lacerfina, figured and described, 171. 192.
Smith's English Flora, noticed, 62.
Smith, Sir J. E , Pres. Lin. Soc, biography and

obituary of, 91 ; criticism respecting, 198.
Snakes caught by fishermen, by Henry Slight,

Snapdragon, ivy-leaved, remark on, by T. F.,
378.

Soil, formation of, on a small scale, 179.

Sblen, from solen, a tube, 28.

Song birds, American, sketches of twenty-four,
by J. Rennie, Esq. A.M., 414.

Song sparrows, 49. 419.

Sorata, description of the mount so called, 000.

Sowerby, J. D. C, Esq., critique of, respecting
the late Mr. Sowerby, 304.

Sowerby's genera of recent and fossil shells, re-
viewed, 5(^.

Sparrowhawk, described and figured, 220 ; query
the female, 220.

Spider, ascent of, into the atmosphere, 157 ;
curious remark on, by A. A., 304 ; of Solomon,
875; on the aerial, by John Murray, Esq.
F.S.A., &c. &c., 320.

Spix's shells of Brazil, notice of, 73. .j

Spundylus, from spon</7//o5, the prickly head of
an artichoke, 28.

Sp6ngia occulJita and fluvi&tilis, 278.

Spontaneous organisation of matter, 370.

Spray of trees, Gilpin's remarks on, 243.

Stamen, described, 232.

Stark's Elements of Natural History, 62.

Starwort, query respecting, by An Apiarian, 299.

State of man in the south of Germany, 482.

Steiner's Gebirgshcehendes Salzkammerguthes,
175.

Stephens's Illustrations of British Entomology,
for April, reviewed, 55 ; May and June, 161 ;

Stewart, John V., Esq., notice of a remarkable
hare, 216.

Stigma described, 232.

Stock, Mr. D., on the i^mna mkjor and minor,
290; on the Orobinche minor, 300.

Strasburg, museum of natural history at, 468 ;
botanic garden at, 469.

Strata, age of, traced from their organic re-
mains, by J. R., 383; consequences of con-
tinued disintegration, by J. R., 383.

Strathpeffer water.

Structure of plants. Dr. Martius's theory of, 475.

Strutt, J. G., on the forest trees of Europe, as
elements of landscape, 37. 242.

Stuttgard, natural history at, 477.

Style described, 232.

Succinea amphibia, 426.

Summer red bird, note of, 420.

Swainson, W., F.R.S. &c., • on the Nuthatch,
330 ; review of Audubon's Birds of America,
43. .

Sweden, rare plants in the north of, 282.

Sweden, works published in, 368.

Sweet's Aviary, Cameron Square, noticed, 81 ;
British , Flower Garden, for April, 1828, re-
viewed, 61 ; May, 168 ; June, 168 ; July, 362.
British Warblers, reviewed, 57. FIbra Aus-
tral&sica, for April, 1828, reviewed, 61 ; May,
167 ; June, 167.

Sylvan Sketches, &c. &c , reviewed, 173.

5ymphytum ofl[icinale, 397.

Tabasheer, notice of, 67.

Taste, on the improvement of, by natural his-
tory, S.

Technicalities of science, by J. Renhio, Esq.,
369 ; by Mr. James Jennings, 178.

Technicalities, on translating, by B., 303.

Temminck's Nouveau Recueil, &c., 64.

Templeton, J., biography of, 403.

Tenore's Saggio sulIa Geografia Fisica e Botta-
nica del Regno di Napoli, con Carte, 176;
Osservazione sulla Flbra Virgilikna, 176.

Terminology of birds, figured and described, 276.
of British insects, 421 ; used in ornithology,
123.

Terms, translation and derivation of, 200.

Ternaux sur les Obstacles qui s'opposent k la
Propagation des Mtrinos en France, noticed,
467.

Testkcea, from testaceous, having a shell, 27.

Test of a good naturalist, by J. Rennie, Esq., 2,&9.

Tetrag;^nia, order of, described, 433.

Tetrandria, class of, described, 431.

Thalamiflbrse, from thalamus, a bed or recep-
tacle, and Jlos, a flower, lo6 ; description of,
137.

Thompson's Memoir on the Pentacrinus euro-
pae"'us, 62.

Thrush, theBrown, 415 ; the Red-breasted, 415 j
the Wood, 415 ; the Lesser, 386,

Thyrse explained, 431.

Titmouse, the Crested, song of, 420

Toad and lizard, lethargy of, 159.

Torpidity of the common tortoise, 159.

Transactions of theLinnean Society of London,
62.

Trees, large ones, 191.

Triandria, 237.

Trimingham, mass of chalk in the cliff at, 259.

Trbchus, from trochus, a boy's top, 29.

Trout, varieties of, 372.

504

NDEX.

Truffle, organisation and reproduction of, 380.

Tr6ncus, in insects, 423.

Tubulkria rambsa, 278.

Tulip and ranunculus, difference between, in
their physiological structure, 2.

Turkeys, young ones noticed and figured, 46.

Turtle doves of Carolina, 48,

Tuscany, ornithology of, 282.

Tussac's Flore des Antilles, &c., 63.

Tyrian purple, 373. 389.

Valvata piscinalis, 425.

Vasculares and Cellul^res, tabular view of their
systematic subdivisions, 136.

Vasculares, figured and described, 33.

Vascultires, from vns, a vessel, 136.

Vegetable and animal remains, and rocks, col-
lection of, 186.

Vegetables and animals, on the distinctive cha-
racters of, 97 to 108.

Vegetation, experiments on, 378.

Ventral, from venter, the belly, 162.

Vertebrated animals described, 104.

Fespertilio, from vesperiilio, a bat, 163.

Vesuvius, eruption of Mount, 181.

Vignette on the cover, critique on, by A Lover
of Nature, 302 ; apology for, 302.

Vigors's Zoological Journal noticed, 61. 278.

Vimon, M., notice of his collection of sculls, 72.

Violet, diffusion of seeds in the, by J. Rennie,
379.

Vittktus, from vitta, a band, 163.

Umbel explained, 429.

Volcano at Bakon, in Persia, 286.

Volitans, from volito, to fly about, 162.

Walnut tree, large trunk of a, 288.

Warwickshire, plants found in, varying with
white flowers, by W. T. Bree, 393.

Water rail figured and described, 289,

Water-spouts figured and described, 458.

Waterton's Wanderings in South America, &c.,

reviewed, 365.
Weald denudation, geological position of, 264.
Weald, arrangement of, 256.
Weather of July and August, 296; of August,

September, and October, 403.
Wernerian Natural History Society, meetings

of, 84. 291.
Whale, an enormous one, 283.
Wha-ra-rai mountain, ascent and barometrical

measurement of, communicated by Mr. Men.

zies, 201.
Whimbrel figured and described by J. M., 297.
Wiegmann's Observationes Zoologicse, &c., 175.
Willughbie^, from Willughby, a friend of

Ray's, 273.
Wilson's Illustrations of Zoology, reviewed, 52.
Wind reels, on the modification of the clouds

so called, 454,
Woodcock's nest, 83.
Woodpecker, critique respecting the least, by

W. T. Bree, 301.
Woodpeckers, family of Red-headed, 49.
Woods's Introductory Lecture on the Study of

Zoology, 62.
Worm of corruption, query respecting, by S. T. ,

Wren, the Marsh and the House, notes of the,

420.
Yarmouth, rare birds shot in the neighbourhood

of, by T. W. S., 290.
Zoological Society, origin and notice of, 78;

meeting of April 29th, 188 ; May 14th, 188 ;

regulations of, 188.
Zoology, advantage and pleasures of the scien-
tific knowledge of, 3 ; on the Cuvierian, or

natural, system of, 97. 309.
Zygop^talon, from zvgos, a pair, petalon, z. petal,

163.

END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.

London :

Printed by A. & R. Spottiswoode,^,

New-Street- Square.

T\

W^'JO/^^/^^^

^?'^oo:^:^?'J^^5;^o.. MA^n^A A^^.^AA^A"

,^i?»o.fiafiA.

^^A'"^.f^^mi

mt^^^0^$

X Aift. ^ ■- '

««»?«,%>:■ A :'?flAS''l'*4/1^/^/1.

i^^/^fl.>««^

'c«m^';

^misik

M^^^fi

A-^^W^^i^S

«(J''A/i

A I'M

A '^ . /^aA'

MM

if'.^.htth^^'

■Am'

,AA^ '■: / :^^

''^fl'^.'^„./^ A """a' 'V:yi^. '•.^^■;- I/^m

vl' ' iAi»B

'^'^wme

l''^^(^^^^»^^n^^,„,.

^^^^^^. .■;

♦ "it'J^^H