MISCELLANY. 441 



to Pigeons by its feet, to the Gallinaceous birds by its wings, and by its beak and 

 nostrils approaches a genus of Palmipedes. Philepitta belongs to the Passeres, 

 and bears the specific name of sericea ; Oriolia Bernieri to the Orioli among the 

 Passeres ; and Mesites will probably form the type of an entirely new family. — 

 Athenteum, May 26, 1838. 



Scientific Expedition. — We have frequently had to report the progress of the 

 Bonite during her voyage round the world, in order to take out the consular 

 agents of France to different colonies. The following is a brief summary of the 

 scientific labours of the officers on board. The voyage was completed in 631 

 days, during which the corvette only anchored 151 days ; it has therefore been a 

 matter of surprise that so much should have been done for Zoology, for among a 

 considerable collection of rarities five have been added which form types of new 

 genera, and of which there was either no vestige in museums, or only imperfect 

 specimens ; and besides these there are many new species. Among the fishes 

 are several which tend to confirm the truth of Chinese drawings, in many 

 instances reckoned fabulous. The class of insects has been equally enriched, and 

 particular attention has been paid to those orders which have been hitherto 

 neglected. The Arachnidce and Crustacea have received important augmenta- 

 tions ; the numerous drawings of Mollusca, extending even to the microscopic 

 orders, prove that in the open sea there has been equal activity ; and 4,000 

 observations on the temperature of the human body attest the fact that it rises 

 and falls with that of the atmosphere. The phosphorescence of the sea has been 

 an object of continual research, and the organized beings which cause it have been 

 carefully preserved in spirits-of-wine. To all this wealth in Natural History 

 may be added a portfolio of more than 200 drawings, and numerous accurate 

 descriptions. With respect to Physics, observations with the barometer, thermo- 

 meter, and other instruments, have been made at every hour of the day and night. 

 Seven experiments made with the apparatus of M. Biot, to ascertain the com- 

 position of sea-water at a great depth, have produced some unexpected results ; 

 and among other things, Terrestrial Magnetism has been carefully studied. M. 

 Gaudichaud has been equally indefatigable with respect to Botany, and has 

 brought back an immense collection of woods, plants, fruits, seeds, drawings and 

 notes. A Tree-fern, Cyathea arborea, from which some of the pieces of the 

 trunk were taken, measured 40 feet, and was not the largest which M. Gaudi- 

 chaud observed in Bourbon. He has sown several seeds, and has also brought 

 three young plants of the Dragon-tree (Dracoena draco), three of the Chili Balm 

 ( Cocos Molinii), besides several other palms. — Id. 



BOTANY. 



Effects of the Winter of 1838 on Vegetation. — The late severe weather has 



