96 Queries and Anmers. 



intestine answering to the rectum. Yet it is not an anomalous circumstance 

 that the intestines and stomach of the frog should be perforated in so 

 curious a manner. I may mention that it is not a solitary instance, as I 

 have seen the same appearance in several frogs, and also in the common 

 toad (^ufo vulgaris) ; though in these cases the Gordii were not so nume- 

 rous. Has the Gordiu^ any preservative power to escape the solvent action 

 of the gastric juice of the batrachians ? Perhaps some of your readers can 

 throw light upon this curious subject. I am. Sir, yours, &c. — H. T. Clarke. 

 East Bergholt, Suffolk, Sept. 1830. 



Hard Substances in the Stomach of the Alligator. — Sir, With reference to' 

 the round and hard masses, resembling petrified wood, which are asserted 

 (in Jameson's Journal^ No. xiv. p. 280.) to have been taken from an alligator's 

 stomach, and from which your correspondent Perceval Hunter has made 

 an extract in your Number for September (Vol. HI. p. 447), I have in my col- 

 lection two hard substances, given to me under the name of bezoar stones, 

 and said to be taken from the stomach of some animal, of the same texture 

 as petrified wood, and as if, in some places, intermixed with hair. They 

 are of a fine dark brown, and take a rich glossy polish. If Mr. Hunter, or 

 any of your correspondents, could give me information of what the bezoar 

 stone is composed, they would greatly oblige. Sir, yoiu-s, &c. — A Mine- 

 ralogist. Sept. 10. 1830. 



The Portuguese Man-of-War. — The following description of this insect 

 is given in a recent number of the North American Review : can any of your 

 readers furnish an engraving and scientific description of the animal ? — 

 R. S. Nov. 1830. 



" This polypus, zoophyte, or probably molluscous animal, resembles a 

 worm, between 6 in. and 8 in. in length, and is only found in certain lati- 

 tudes ; it has seemingly the skill and knowledge of an experienced navi- 

 gator, and is in itself a little ship. Its evolutions are according to the 

 winds ; it raises and lowers its sail, which is a membrane provided with 

 elevating and depressing organs. When filled with air, it is so light that it 

 swims on the surface of alcohol j and is at the same time provided with a 

 structure which furnishes it with the necessary ballast. When high winds 

 would endanger its existence, it descends into the deep, and is never seen 

 on the surface of the water. From the under side of the body proceed 

 tubes, which extend 20 ft. in length, and are so elastic and delicate that 

 they wind in a spiral form like a screw, serving at once as anchors, defen- 

 sive and offensive weapons, pneumatic tubes, and feelers. The insect has 

 the colours of the rainbow ; its crest, which performs the office of a sail, is 

 intersected with pink and blue veins, trimmed with a rosy border, and swells 

 with the winds, or at the animal's pleasure. The fibres contain a viscous 

 matter, which has the property of stinging like nettles, and produces pus- 

 tules. It acts so strongly, that vessels in which they have been kept for a 

 time must be repeatedly washed before they can be used. These fibres may 

 be cut off without depriving them, or the rest of the insect, of the principle 

 of life ; and the separation takes place spontaneously whenever the gluti- 

 nous matter comes in contact with a hard surface, like the sides of a large 

 globe. The insect has, however, dangerous enemies in small dolphins and 

 medusae, against which neither its nautical skill nor its poison can de- 

 fend it." 



What is the best Work on Vegetable Physiology ? — Should you recom- 

 mend M. Mirabel's Traite d* Anatomic et de Physiologie Vegetale, or any 

 other in preference ? If you would mention what you think most advisable, 

 with its price, together with a microscope best suited to observe what the 

 author describes, you would much oblige. Sir, yours, &c. — L. D. Sept. 28. 

 1830. 



