482 Obituary. 



terprising and efficient endeavours to introduce the numerous species 

 which might so advantageously be added to our stock of domesticat- 

 ed birds. It is positively disgraceful to this country, that we have 

 no ponds planted with Valisneria, and stocked with the canvass-back 

 duck, that venison of the feathered race. The Curassows are still 

 strangers in the land. The glorious capercailzie has not been re- 

 called from exile ; and for cage-birds, why, the very sounds are 

 mockery. Humming birds, and a bird of Paradise, have been 

 brought alive into this country — Here is encouragement for the en- 

 terprise of this society ! We must not forget to mention, that all 

 the superabundant eggs and birds are to be gratuitously distributed 

 among the members : this will not only act as an inducement to 

 join the society, but is perhaps the very best means that could be 

 devised for diffusing the introduced species throughout all parts of 

 the united kingdom. 



Shows are to be instituted, and premiums given ; ornithological 

 works are to be published and patronized ; and lectures have been 

 already commenced. At the last general meeting on the 7th July, 

 when the ordinary business had been completed, Mr Vigors deli- 

 vered a masterly and interesting introductory lecture, exhibiting the 

 five types, and aberrations from the types, of ornithological forms, 

 explaining their typical stations, and adaptations to their modes of 

 life. The lectures will be resumed in November. 



There are now about two hundred members. The scientific cha- 

 racter of the society may be estimated from the following selection 

 from the list : Dr Burchell, the Earl of Derby, J. E. Gray, John 

 Gould, Dr Horsfield, W. S. Macleay, the Bishop of Norwich, Dr 

 Royle, Wm. Swainson, Col. Sykes, N. A. Vigors, and Wm. Yarrell. 

 In addition to the above, Dr Richardson, Mr Selby, and Dr Andrew 

 Smith, have promised their assistance. — H. C. 



Obituary. 

 On the 15th of April 1837;, a t his residence in Norwich, Joseph 

 Sparshall, Esq. F. L. S., in the 45th year of his age. There is a 

 notice of his character in the Mag. Nat. Hist, for October, p. 559. 

 He was a well-known practical entomologist. 



EDINBURGH : 

 PRINTED BY JOHN STARK, OLD ASSEMBLY CLOSE. 



