— 108 — 



learned friend and correspondent in Eeunion, Dr. Vinson, is 

 a model to be copied. 



" 7. There remain the insects— and the articulate and 

 annular animals — and the zoophyts. 



" 8. Col. Pike and Dr. Le Juge's studies on the Geology of 

 Mauritius will be of great assistance. 



" 9. Mr. Meldrum is ready to undertake the meteorological 

 part and Messrs. Connal and Mosse the topography of the 

 island. 



" As regards Botany, the amabilis scientia, as was called by 

 Commerson, the specimens collected in Mauritius by the late 

 Mr. Bojer and myself, form the Herbarium which is now depo- 

 sited at the Pamplemousses Gardens. And we hope, we shall 

 have to thank Lady and Sir Henry Barkly for the list of 

 Perns and Lycopods which grow in Mauritius. 



" A collection of Mauritius Musci made by Col. Pike is at 

 present in the hands of Prof. Decandolle at Geneva ; and I 

 requested him by last mail, to find a Botanist who would be 

 able to undertake their classification, receiTiug a remuneration 

 for his pains. 



" As to the historical part, properly speaking, we know 

 that Mr. Doyen has in his hands materials collected for some 

 time past, and which he has placed, we have been heard, at 

 the disposal of Mr. Bruce. 



" I am fortunately in possession of numerous notes left by 

 Desjardins on the history of our Island, description of caves, 

 mountains, &c. and I am myself also in possession of great 

 many of my own notes and informations respecting the emi- 

 nent men of Mauritius. 



'' It seems therefore, that, with all these elements, we may 

 venture to undertake the work, "We are already assured of 

 the assistance kindly promised by His Excellency the Gover- 

 nor to Mr. Bruce. Why should we not equally count upon 

 the sympathy and support of these men who, by their situa- 

 tion in Society, and their infiuence over their follow citizens, 

 are in a position to smooth many difficulties and to ensure 

 the success of our enterprise ?" 



