42 [Senate 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



From John C. Stmmes of the U. S . Ordnance Department, who received the 

 specimens from Capt. Jarvis of jTorfolk Navy Yard. 



Ship Worm [Teredo navalis), from Norfolk harbor, the growth of one year. 

 Also a piece of Pine Wood, of one year's exposure in the same locality. 



The worm grows forward as it bores ; coats its shell with lime, impervious- 

 ly to water; never penetrates through to another cell, or to the outside; 

 and dies if its cell is opened to air, or water, fresh or salt. The bark, 

 white zinc paint, or copper sheathing alone as yet are found to resist it. 

 Its entrance into the timber is not pereceptible, and it never leaves its 

 piece. 



From Messrs. Gallup & Machin, of California. 

 Nest of the Tarantula. 



The following is a copy of the letter accompanying the specimen : 



'Green Spring, California. 



July 21, 1853. 

 Dear Sir — Enclosed please find the top or cover of a " Tarantul9,'s Nest," 

 which, from its peculiar shape and structure, cannot fail to arrest the attention 

 of the inquiring naturalist. As there are none of the Tarantula in your State, 

 we hope this specimen of their ingenuity may not prove uninteresting to you. 

 The nest is a small hole in the ground, made waterproof by means of the web 

 or lining (as seen in the accompanying specimen). It is about a foot deep, ier- 

 minated at the top by a cover which is made even with the surface of the earth. 

 It is in these nests or holes that their young are hatched and nurtured. 



Most respectfully yours, 



GALLUP & MAOHIN. 



From Dr. Charles Martin, U. S. Navy. 

 Nest of a Southern Hummingbird. 



