HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY. 
563 
the Swordfish, illustrated by a magnified Sketch, and by 
preserved parts of the eye, taken from the animal lately 
killed in the Frith of Forth. — The Reverend Dr Scot of 
Gorstorphine then read a Dissertation on the Saphan of 
the Sacred Writings, proving it to be the Hyrax Syriacus, 
although rendered ' coney ' in our common version. 
Reverend DrBrunton, V. P. in the chair. — At this meet- 1827. 
ing the Secretary read a communication from the Reverend 
William Scoresby of Bridlington, containing Descriptions 
of some remarkable Rainbows. — Professor Jameson then 
read Mr William Bald^s Geological Survey of Clare Island, 
on the west coast of Ireland, illustrating the same by Maps 
and Sections executed by Mr Bald. — The Professor then 
gave a general descriptive account of a splendid series of 
the Pheasants and Peacocks of India, specimens of which 
were placed on the table. A stuffed specimen of a Persian 
Sheep, presented to the Royal Museum by James Gibson 
Craig, Esq. was also exhibited. 
Professor Jameson, P. in the chair. — The Secretary read Feb. 24. 
a communication from Mr David Don, on the species of 
Rheum which affords the rhubarb of commerce. This has 
been ascertained to be the Rheum Emodi of Dr Roxburgh, 
the R. australe of the Flora Napalensis. — Mr John James 
Audubon of Louisiana, being present, read an account of 
the Natural tlistory of the Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), 
illustrated by a very beautiful drawing of the animal suf- 
fering the attacks of mocking-birds. — At this meeting, a 
series of models of Sailing Vessels of different descriptions, 
employed in the Chinese Seas, was exhibited and explained 
by Professor Jameson. These models were wholly the work- 
manship of native artists, and regarded as very faithful re- 
presentations. 
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