61 
the Shin of the Dormouse . 
Feb. 15. At l h 15' p. m., air 46°, under breast 104° 
— At 8 30 --- 47°.5, 69° semitorpid. 
__ At 3 30 — 52°, 102°.5 
19. At 2 — 56°, — 99° 
21. At 10 SO — 54°.5, 102° 
22. At 12 30 _ _ 57°, 97° 
On the 14th and 15th February, the dormouse was roused from its appa- 
rent death by heat cautiously applied. 
The box which contained the dormice had a partition. One 
compartment contained fresh moss, well dried, in which the ani- 
mals reposed during day , having formed for themselves a some- 
what elliptical nidus. Two openings conducted into the outer 
court , where the dormice had their food prepared for them, 
consisting of wheaten bread (sometimes softened with water), 
and a basin of milk. Great attention and care were bestowed 
on them, and the food daily supplied. 
Though their cage was frequently in darkness during the 
day, the night season was the exclusive period in which they 
took food. One of them had a singular expedient, when the 
liquid was too low in the basin. It dipped its brushy tail 
(somewhat resembling that of a fox) into the dish , and carried 
the milk in this manner to the mouth. When the dormice are 
torpid, they may be thrown up like a ball, &c. without any in- 
dication of motion, or change of state. 
9th Nov . 1825. 
3. On the Temperature of the Egg of the Hen , in relation to 
its Physiology. 
There has long existed a curious and very peculiar test for 
discovering the relative freshness of the egg. I particularly 
advert to that of the hen, but presume the same discriminating 
test would be generally applicable. 
The tip of the tongue, when brought in contact with the se- 
veral ends of the egg, experiences a peculiar sensation, caused 
by a difference in temperature , the great end being sensibly 
warmer. The following experiments, made with a very delicate 
thermometer, and effected with considerable care, determine 
that this peculiarity is not imaginary ; and though the slight 
difference may, at first sight, appear to militate against the con- 
clusion, let it not be forgotten, that the tongue, thus applied, 
is a very sensible and delicate test. I feel persuaded, that, in 
