402 Miscellanies. 
only in the recent scientific journals of Europe are here presented 
for the first time to the English reader. 
The natural historical names of Mohs are given as synonyms to 
the trivial ones, in the characteristic, as well as the chemical designa- 
tions and those names which were necessary for the purpose of elu- 
cidating the new views of mineralogical species, above alluded to. 
The nature of physiography—the fifth part in this treatise—is sim- 
ply explained ;—the general descriptions of which it consists being 
reserved for a future volume, in the preparation of which the pre- 
face states the author to be now engaged. : 
5. West Chester County Cabinet of Natural Science.—By the 
5th report it appears that the Institution is in a flourishing condition ; 
that its collections in several branches of Natural History parieele 
ly Botany, Mineralogy and Conchology are already very considerable 
and increasing ; its herbarium contains about 4000 specimens, 3000 -. 
of which are presents from abroad ; it has a collection of coins, and a 
telescope which formerly belonged to General Anthony Wayne, pre- 
sented by his son, Isaac Wayne, Esq. 
The collections of the Society are, from time to time, increased by 
the public spirit of our naval officers and others who travel abroad. 
A considerable number of original papers on subjects of Science 
has been contributed by members of the society. 
6. Destruction of Birds by starvation. 
Extract of a letter to the Editor from S. Woodruff, Esq. dated Windsor, oh 
June 12,-18382. 
Among other effects produced here by the late unusually cold 
weather, it may be thought worthy of notice that swallows and some 
other small birds which feed principally on flying insects have, in 
vast numbers, perished by hunger. Between the 6th and 28th days 
of May, 14 barn swallows were picked up in and about one barn in my 
neighborhood ; and I am credibly informed that at many other barns 
in the vicinity, from ten to fifteen, in each barn, were found in a like 
condition. Several hundreds have perished in the single town of Gran- 
"by. By reason of cold the insects continued in a torpid state, and 
afforded no opportunity for the birds to come in contact with them. 
About the 12th of May (eight days later than their usual period) 
the martins appeared ; but finding little or no food, soon disappeared, 
and for the twelve or fifteen days following none were seen, and up 
to the present time but few have returned. 
About the 10th of May several flocks of wild geese passed over 
on their return to the south. 
