VT 
which is frequently seen on our coasts. It is found within 
the Arctic Circle with the exception oi the west coast of 
N. America, in every country of the world. 
A specimen of a bird of prey was presented by Col. 
Pike by whom it was killed in the neighbourhood of 
Pieter Both. It is a species of the genus Milvus , — a na- 
tive of India from whence it probably was introduced into 
Mauritius. 
The question raised last year as to cane seeds, has been 
solved in accordance with the opinion put forth by the 
Secretary, Dr Hooker in London and Dr. A. Vinson and 
Jacob de Cordemoy at Reunion — Professor A. De Can- 
dolle to whom the same question had been referred after - 
wards replied to your Secretary’s letter— Ilis reply re- 
ceived long after those of our learned correspondents, 
entirely concur with the opinion referred by them. 
Professor De Candolle believed that the cane seldom 
flowered and suggested a method of forcing it to seed. 
But, he adds, it would be only a Botanical curiosity as its 
value in an agricultural point of view appears to him 
problematical. The rearing of potatoes from seedlings 
with the view of avoiding the disease, has led to no result. 
“ Generally speaking, he says “.seedlings from cul- 
" tivated species produce specimens of bad quality, which 
“ are not more free from disease than the other indivi- 
" duals of the same species.” 
One of our London correspondents, Mr Daniel Ilan- 
bury, F. R. S., addressed to your Secretary a pamphlet on 
the “ Great Cardamom of Madagascar,” known here un- 
der the name of Lonyouse and growing in marshy lands 
and in the borders of our forests. 
It was some time before Mr Hanbury could decide to 
what species of Amoinum, it belonged. But having fouud 
some of the seeds in the collection of medicinal plants 
sent in 18G7 by Mr L. Bouton to the Paris Exhibition, 
he sowed them and they grew. 
