PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 41 



from three to five feet in circumference ; and although it exudes sponta- 

 neously, the natives make large punctures in the tree, in order to obtain it in 

 greater quantities. The tree which yields the Socotrine Aloes, thrives only 

 in barren spots ; the island of Socotra being most thickly studded with them, 

 from which 202 tons were exported in 1813. The commencement of a paper 

 from Mr. Lusborough was next read, •' On the importance and practicability 

 of adopting a more correct and systematic method in describing and arranging 

 the genera of Grasses." 



March 7. — A. B. Lambert, Esq., in the chair. — The Chairman exhibited a 

 stalk of the Cow-tree, from Sir William Symonds, which was nine feet four 

 inches long, the circumference, at eighteen inches from the root, being 5? inches, 

 and in two other parts 3£ inches. It has been known, by Lord Lauderdale, to 

 grow to the height of twelve feet six inches, and is frequently found but little 

 inferior in size. He also read a description of the Courie (Dalhara Australis), 

 an immense tree, being in one instance forty-two feet ten inches in circumference, 

 at a height of eight feet from the ground, and sometimes growing to sixty-four 

 feet, clear of the branches. A communication was read from Mr. Bennett, 

 being "Botanical Notices made during a late excursion to the South Seas." 

 These were, — 1. The South-sea Arrowroot, growing generally in the Polynesian 

 Islands, and some few in China, but more particularly in the Georgian and 

 Society Islands. The plant is herbaceous, not exceeding five feet in height, the 

 root being broad, and in three divisions. Its more favourable habitat is on the 

 hills near the sea-coast, where it flourishes amongst rank herbage. The root is 

 ground with a rude instrument formed of the husks of Cocoa-nuts, or rubbed 

 against the rough and strong tubercles of the skin of a fish of the Ray kind, when 

 it is collected in water and washed. 2. The Nankin Cotton, from which this 

 celebrated fabric derives its colour. 3. The Mountain Plaintain (Musa speciosa), 

 growing in the groves to a considerable extent, each tree bearing only one cluster 

 of fruit, and that but once, when it decays. 4. Casuarina aquacetafolia y one of 

 the numerous iron roots of Europeans, the specific gravity of which being greater 

 than that of sea- water, is hence used in making wooden anchors. 5. South-sea 

 Chesnut, a lofty and umbrageous tree, the fruit of which is pulpy and fibrous, 

 and the kernel dense, but when roasted making good food ; and 6. Irum hcemo- 

 phyllum, a valuable timber and furniture tree, which is much used in the con- 

 struction of churches and houses of Assembly. — Athenaeum. \ 



ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



Jan. 10 — W. B. Scott, Esq., in the chair. Mr. Reid described several Mam- 

 malia presented to the Society by Mr. Darwin, who accompanied the surveying 

 ship Beagle, as naturalist to the exnedition. The collection obtained by Mr. 

 No. 7, Vol. II. g 



