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EXTRACTS FROM THE FORFIGN PERIODICALS. 



ZOOLOGY. 



1. Hybernation of Swallows. — M. Isidore Geoffroy, in his zoological in- 

 structions, drawn up for the new scientific expedition to the north, calls upon 

 naturalists to observe any facts which they may meet with concerning the hyber- 

 nation of Swallows. In consequence of this, M. Dutrochet communicates to 

 him, that he found two of these birds in a state of torpor, in a recess, formed in 

 the wall of a building. On being warmed by the hand they flew away, proving 

 thereby, that Swallows are occasionally capable of wintering in a northern climate. 

 To this M. Larrey adds, that in the valley of Maurienne he saw a deep grotto 

 in a mountain, called L'Hirondelliere, because it is covered with Swallows at the 

 beginning of winter. In this the birds were suspended, like swarms of Bees, in 

 the corners of the roof. 



2. Sponges. — M. Dujardin having repeated his observations on Spongillce, or 

 fresh-water Sponges, as well as others on marine Sponges, thinks he has proved 

 that these ambiguous beings are positively groups of animals, capable of con- 

 traction and extension. If a piece be detached from a living Sponge, and 

 submitted to a microscope, it will be seen to group itself into irregularly rounded 

 masses, and change the form of its edges incessantly ; isolated portions, detached 

 from the general mass, move slowly in the liquid, and creep along by means of 

 their alternate contraction and expansion. 



3. Extravagant feathered Architect. — Dr. Coko, of Westchester, recently 

 took a bird's nest which was entirely framed of silver wire. It was the nest of 

 a Hanging-bird, found on a Sycamore tree, the extravagant little builder having, 

 probably stolen some young lieutenant's epaulette to form his future nursery 

 with. — New York paper. 



4. Silkworms. — The experience of M. Bonafous proves the efficacy of the 

 Chinese method of feeding Silkworms on Rice flour ; and he has even gone fur- 

 ther, and discovered that these caterpillars will eat various kinds of farina, and 

 even the fecula of Potatoes. 



5. Malayan Albino. — On landing at Gressik I was struck by the singular 

 appearance of a Malay lad, an albino, standing under the shade of a tree on the 

 river bank. His skin was of a reddish white, with blotches here and there, and 

 thinly covered with short white hairs. The eyes were small and contracted ; the 

 iris of a very light vascular blue ; the lids red, and fringed with short white 

 lashes ; the eyebrows scant and of the same colour ; the pupil much contracted 



