1844.] THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE. 369 



1844, to make a report to the Institute, llie Corresponding Secretary 

 made a full report, embodying that called for by the resolution. The 

 whole will be found below, in the " Proceedings of the Meeting of 

 the National Institute, in April, 1844." 



Stated Meeting, December 9, 1844. 

 Hon. Levi Woodbury in the ehair. 

 The following donations were received : 



For the Cabinet. 



Box, containing Living Plants of the Cherry, Wild Peach, Swamp 

 Dogwood, &c., &tc. — From Major E. G. W. Butler, Louisiana. 



Two boxes of Silver and Copper Ores, &c., &c., of Chile. — From 

 General Aldernate, Secretary of War and Navy. 



Idol, carved in Jade, from New Zealand; Hotte, a remarkable in- 

 sect or worm, found growing at the foot of the rata tree, with 

 a plant growing out of its head. This animal, it is said, travels 

 up both the rata and perriri trees, and entering into the top, eats 

 its way, perforating the trunk of the tree, until it reaches the root. 

 It then comes out of the root, and dies or lies dormant, and the 

 plant propagates out of its head ; the body remains perfect and 

 entire, of a harder substance than when alive. From this insect 

 the natives make a coloring for tattooing. — Presented by John 

 B. Williams, Salem, Massachusetts. 



Box, containing two Horned Lizards, Agama, (alive,) from Galvezton, 

 Mexico, and a Gofer, (alive,) from Pensacola, with Eggs of both 

 Animals. — From Captain James T. Gerry, United States Navy. 



Painting, done on the interior of an Oyster Shell, by J. G. Bruff. — 

 From Mr. Bruff. 



Sword of a Sword Fish killed near the Isle of Shoals. — From Lieut. 

 Junius Boyle, United States Navy. 



Chinese Chop-Sticks, (five.) — From Josiah F. Polk. 



Two boxes of Minerals, Shells, &c., &c. — From Dr. Fredericlc A. 

 Davisson. 



Box of Botanical Specimens Plantae Selectae ex Herbario Florae 

 Illyricse Mutii Tommasini. — From Signor Tommasini, through 

 George Moore, United States Consul, Trieste. 



Box, containing one large Silver Medal ; one large Copper Medal ; 

 twenty-seven Silver Coins ; seventy-one Copper Coins ; two 

 Strings Chinese Cash. — Box, containing seven Coins, found at 

 Pcstum, Italy. — From Mrs. Anne Izard Deas. 



Wolf Skin and Appendages, and Buffalo Hide, worn by an Indian 

 Medicine Man ; Sandstone, (variegated,) from Missouri. — From 

 David Myerle, 



