404 Abhandlungen der Koniglichen 
employed for various purposes. Acsena sanguisorba or native burnet, with 
the kangaroo grass, much deteriorate the Van Diemen wool. The thorns of 
the one, and awny seeds of the other get into the fleece, and cannot be remov- 
ed by washing ; it is recommended, if possible, to have the sheep shearing season 
over before the seeds of these plants reach maturity Arundo phragmites is 
apparently the same with the European plant ; it is abundant, and is useful for 
thatching. The panicles dye wool green, and the root is said to be useful in 
liver complaints. Will it not possess the same qualities here ? Banksia 
australis, " when planted in rows arid well clipped, forms a stout and impervi- 
ous hedge, not surpassed by the hawthorn or holly." Dacrydium? cupressinum 
or Huan pine, must be a noble tree, " A height of one hundred feet, and a cir- 
cumference of thirty, are generally attained by this splendid pyramidal tree." 
The Eucalypti are most useful, and are also numerous in species ; easily 
felled and wrought when green, they become hard as oak when dry, and are used 
for economical purposes. The leaves also exude a sort of " Manna," greedily 
devoured by birds and insects, and picked up and eaten by the aborigines. A few 
of the more common or remarkable plants are also noticed, and the paper will be 
found worthy of perusal either by the popular or scientific reader. Illustra- 
tions of Indian Botany, by Dr Wight and G. A. W. Arnot, Esq. continued, with 
a figure of Sesuvium repens " Botanical information," announces the publica- 
tion of 2d Fasciculus of Berkeley's Fungi, (See Bibliog. notices, p. 401.) The 
3d will be published in March 1st 1837 Some interesting notes relative to 
the botany and horticulture of some of the German towns, follow extracts from 
the correspondence of a friend : and the number is concluded with the com- 
mencement of " a brief Memoir of the Life of Mr David Douglas, with extracts 
from his letters, accompanied by a portrait," which occupies also the whole of 
No. xvi. We shall wait for its completion, and shall then give some extracts 
from the adventures of one who has introduced so many beautiful and hardy 
plants to the gardens of Britain. 
TRANSACTIONS AND PERIODICALS Foreign. 
Abhandlungen der Koniglichen Akademie der Wissenschqften 
zu Berlin. Aus dem Jahre 1834. Berlin, 1836. 
Vergleichende Anatomic der Myxinoiden, der Cyclostomen mit durchbohrtem 
gaumen. Von Herrn MiiLLER Comparative Anatomy oftheMyxinoidece, Sfc. 
The author begins by stating the great advantages which zoology has of late years 
derived from the habit which has arisen of either pursuing the history of some 
particular organ through each branch of the animal kingdom, or of giving a very 
accurate anatomical description of some individual, which may serve as a basis 
for farther comparative observation. The works already published upon the 
anatomy of the tortoises, the Ornithorynchus, the Cossus of Lyonnet, the Cock- 
chaffer, the Nautilus, &c. are admirable instances of accurate detail. But it is of 
still more importance that we should be well acquainted with the structure of 
those animals which stand as it were upon the boundary of some other class, and 
partake at once of the characters of both. On this account, a knowledge of the 
anatomy of the Ornithorynchus, and of the Echidna, throws light on the study 
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