380 Intelligence and Miscellanies. 



Mr. Peak, of the Parthenon Museum, exhibited a small 

 fresh water, double headed tortoise, in a living state. It ap- 

 peared to be the young of the T. Muhlenberg-ii. or T. bigut- 

 tata of Say. 



A superb copy of Ruiz and Pavons' Flora Peruviana, in 

 three folio volumes, and other rare and valuable works on 

 Natural History, were presented by Dr. David Hosack of this 

 city. 



A paper was read by the Prince of Musignano. describing 

 several species of birds, recently added by him to the Orni- 

 thology of the United States. 



Dr. Mitchill communicated a paper entitled observations 

 on the Lythrum verticillatum. popularly known as loose strife, 

 milk- willow-weed. (fcc. Many facts were stated exhibiting its 

 deleterious effects upon parturient animals. 



April. — A letter was read from Dr. "Woodbury, a corres- 

 ponding member, now in the city of Mexico, accompanied 

 by a box of clover seed, of a peculiar species. It is said to 

 grow to the height of four feet in twenty or thirty days. 



Mr. Cooper reported on the large serpent, recently exhibit- 

 ed alive, in this city, as the Boa constrictor. It was obtain- 

 ed from Batavia. and Mr. C. regarded it as the Python ty- 

 gris. the rock snake of the English residents at Batavia. 

 Mr. C. presented, at the same time, prepared specimens of 

 the tibia of this animal, illustrating the recent discoveries 

 made bv Mayer, of Bonn, that many serpents are provided 

 with feet, although they exist only in a rudimentary state. 



Professor Dana offered precious garnet from Hanover. 

 Xew Hampshire. 



A paper was read by Dr. Torrey on several new plants col- 

 lected by Dr. James, from the Rocky mountains. 



Major Delafield offered, for inspection, crystalized brucite, 

 from Franklin. X. J. This specimen was interesting, as 

 some foreign mineralogists have doubted whether it ever oc- 

 curs in this form. The specimen exhibited, is conclusive on 

 this point. The same gentieman also exhibited crystals of 

 sapphire, from Xewton. Sussex county. N. J. 



Prof. J. A. Smith announced his intention of delivering a 

 course of lectures on comparative anatomy, before the society. 



