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, 



