AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 209 



[Bulletin Mcnsuel De La Socirte Impt'riale Zoologique D'Acclimatation, Paris, Nov., 1858.] 

 Mons. Drouyn de Lhuys, Vice-President of the society, and the Cheva- 

 lier Debranz, Counsellor of the Emperor of Austria, a memhcr of this 

 society, communicated to the President the desire expressed by the Counts 

 Castellani and Freschi, to obtain the aid of this society in a scientific 

 expedition to China, with a view to endeavor to regenerate the silk worm, 

 which has recently shown an alarming evidence of a falling off by disease. 

 A meeting was held on the ITth of September, 1858. The Counts Cas- 

 tellain and Freschi were present by invitation and explained the object in 

 view, and the necessity of fully examining the silk worm and importing 

 eggs on the largest scale, should they find that the disease does not exist 

 there. These learned Italians exhibit great self-devotion, courage, 

 and patriotism in this undertaking. They do it under the auspices of his 

 serene highness the Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria, together 

 with the assistance of the French and English governments. These com. 

 missioners in the silk interest of the world, are to examine how the worm 

 has been managed for the last forty centuries^ and to learn how to do so 

 in Europe. The Counts are proprietors of very extensive silkworm nur- 

 series and are equally rich in knowledge of silk both scientifically and 

 practically. They propose to send packages of from two to five ounces 

 weight of ttie eggs, and as many of the packages as may be wanted for 

 experiment in Europe, upon the largest scale, from Asia and China. This 

 society subscribes 2000 francs 



The Minister of Commerce, Agriculture and Public Works, has 

 addressed a circular to the chambers of commerce, and the learned socie- 

 ties inviting subscriptions for packages at $4 per ounce of eggs. Address 

 for subscription the Chevalier Debranz. 



Messrs. Castellani and Freschi have tried many experiments to feed the 

 silk worm. They pulverized dry mulberry leaves and rice for feed with 

 some success. 



As to the silk worm of the ash tree, it is now certain that it is the true 

 Bombyx Cynthia. 



Camels are being introduced into Brazil. The Marquis D'Olinda inte- 

 rests himself much in the plan. 



Gambras partridges, and some Gangas, are received from Algeria for 

 acclimation. Sent home by General Gastu. 



Mons. Gaguin, president of a committee on pisciculture, established 

 by the agricultural society of Louhans, announces a donation of one thou- 

 sand francs to the committee. 



Mons. Jules Poinsard, from Texas, presented seeds, and the book, 

 "Army Meteorological Register," and the " Reports on the purchase, the 

 importation and use of Camels and Dromedaries," by Major Henry C. 

 Wayne, of the regular army of the United States, 



A specimen of Pyrethrinn Caticasian, Chamomile of Mount Caucasus^ 

 now first grown in France, was presented. 

 [Am. Inst.] 14 



