'188 Scientific Intelligence. — Zoohgy. 



communication of discoveries and opinions, — the planning of new 

 experimenis, new scientific expeditions, and new works, in natu- 

 ral history. The scheme, at first, was but coldly received, and 

 the meetings but indifferently attended ; of late, however, a great 

 change of feeling, in regard to Oken's view, has taken place ; 

 and now we find collected together at these interesting meetings, 

 many of the most distinguished writers and travellers. The 

 meeting for this year took place last autumn at Berlfn, and was 

 of the most splendid description. Naturalists from all parts of 

 Germany were present, and the interest of the scene was height- 

 ened by the appearance of Berzelius, and other distinguished phi- 

 losophers from Scandinavia. Humboldt, who was conductor, 

 gave, on one of the last days of the meeting, a splendid assem- 

 blee in the magnificent hall of the Royal Theatre, which was 

 attended by all the naturalists and artists in Berlin, and honour- 

 ed by the presence of the king, the different princes of his house, 

 all the foreign princes at the time in Berlin, the ministers of 

 state, generals, ambassadors, and strangers of distinction. The 

 King of Prussia, although he very wisely refrains from en- 

 couraging the wild and visionary political views of some of the 

 learned of his kingdom, not only honours science and literature, 

 but encourages, in a munificent manner, those who devote 

 themselves to their advancement. 



ZOOLOGY. 



11. New Metlwd of Preserving Fishes. — Whenever it is pos- 

 sible, the person intending to preserve fishes ought to catch 

 them himself, or be present at their capture ; for, in order to 

 make them retain their colours, they must be killed in alcohol 

 at 36% in which they are to remain for six days ; the precaution 

 being always taken after their death of opening the belly with- 

 out disturbing the intestines, and emptying the latter of their 

 contents, which may be done by pressure. The manner in 

 which the opening is made is not a matter of indifference. The 

 fish should be placed on its back, the head towards the opera- 

 tor, who then commences his incision under the pectoral fins, 

 and continues it obliquely to the left side of the tail. This 

 opening, so made, affords more facility afterwards for sewing, 

 when the skin of the fish is to be prepared. After these prcpa- 



