9 



of many colours which are manufactured by the natives ; their em- 

 broideries, sometimes fantastic, but generally very tasteful, and always 

 very rich ; their dyed goods, and a variety of things prepared by 

 artificial means and human labour, throw a light over these branches 

 of productive industry. 



Connected with these objects of a commercial character, there are 

 others combining with them matters of philosophical research. 

 We allude to the collection of mineralogy, in which the pure ores of 

 gold and silver are seen in their native state; other metallic substances 

 display their several appearances, and a multitude of new and ex- 

 quisite spars, crystals, &c. &c. engage the admiration not only of the 

 unstudied beholder but of delighted science. Many novel forms occur 

 among these specimens, and it is hoped they will be as much appretia- 

 ted by the public as even the richer temptations of their neighbour 

 ores. Having examined the manufactured articles and the mineral pro- 

 ductions of Mexico, and viewed its general aspect as exhibited by 

 picture and model, there are still further illustrations of its natural 

 produce to be found in the remaining depositories. Classed and 

 arranged as completely as the nature of the exhibition allowed, the 

 room is surrounded with examples of the vegetables, the animals, 

 birds, fishes, &c. of this climate. As these are enumerated in the 

 Catalogue, it is unnecessary to enter into particulars; but Mr. B. 

 cannot help flattering himself that the rarity, the entire novelty, the 

 curiosity, and the beauty of most of these specimens, will be gratifying 

 to his friends. The enormous size of many of the fruits and plants; — 

 the almost unnatural appearance of a number of shrubs, parasites, 

 vegetables, and trees ; gourds which resemble those of Nineveh ; nuts, 

 the fall of which must bring death upon heads below ; and all the odd 

 as well as fine varieties of this prolific garden, afford the mind cause 

 for surprise and admiration at the wonderful works of nature. The 

 animals are not numerous, but they are in excellent preservation ; 

 while the fishes and the crustaceous tribes are remarkable for the 

 contrast they afford of extreme beauty and extreme deformity. But 

 the class most worthy of notice is that of the humming birds. With 

 the exception of a few, these are unique and exquisite. The brilliancy 

 of plumage, vieing with the brightest gems; the diversities of shapes; 

 the minuteness of size (some so small that a cockchaffer would destroy 

 them by collision in mid- air) ; and, in general, the disposition of so 

 great a number of extraordinary creatures ; confer upon this branch of 

 the collection an uncommon degree of interest. 



We shall not however prolong these introductory remarks by dwell- 

 ing upon objects which we trust will please without being boasted of. 



