76 
THE MEDITERRANEAN NATt RALTST 
The Thernomoretz , a Russian survey ship unde 
the direction of M. M. Schlindier Androussoff, 
and Wrangel, is about to start on an expedition of 
exploration in the Black Sea. No expense has 
been spared by the Russian government to insure 
the success of the expedition, and it is conse- 
quently expected that the scientific results will 
be of the highest importance. 
The connection that lias been established bet- 
ween the Indian Ocean, by way of the Red Sea, 
and the Mediterraneon, has been the means of 
partially restoring the former physical conditions 
of the Mediterranean Area. 
Of late years most marked changes have been 
noted in the climate of the area; the average 
mean degree of humidity is now much higher, and 
the extremes of temperature are more marked, 
while the Sirocco instead of being an occasional, 
is now a constant visitant to the shores. 
The fauna, too, is undergoing remarkable 
changes, and it is now a not unusual occurrence to 
find the Great White Shark of the Indian Seas, 
which was until lately quite unknown in these 
regions, disporting itself in the waters of the 
Eastern basin of the Mediterranean. The waters 
of the Adriatic are especially favoured by these 
unwelcome intruders, owing no doubt to the more 
equable temperature of its waters. 
During the late naval manoeuvres, a specimen 
of the white shark was caught that weighed four 
tons, and that measured 33 feet in length. 
Our contemporary “La Neptunia” contains a 
brief, but interesting account of the equipment of 
the Italian war ships “Scilla,” and the object of 
the proposed scientific expedition in the Mediter- 
ranean in which it is about to be engaged. 
The 255th. anniversary of the foundation of the 
University of IJtretch has just been observed with 
great pomp and magnificence. 
A correspondent writes, “It may interest th 
of your readers who take an interest in the oi 
thology of the Mediterranean, to know the birds 
that are the most commonly met with in the 
eastern basin. While anchored in Besika-Bay a 
violent thunderstorm broke over the ship at about 
7 a.m. after which the rigging of the vessel lite- 
rally swarmed with birds among which I discermed 
Turtle-doves, Swallows, Grey-headed Wagtails, 
Titlarks, Whinchats, Striated Bunting, Shear- 
waters, and Cuckoos. 
Up the Dardanelles the most common birds ap- 
peared to be the Shearwater, and a very pretty 
gull with a black-head, and bright red legs and 
beak. I shot one of the latter, and am taking the 
skin home with me.” 
The Geological Society of Italy have organized 
a series of excursions to Sicily to take place 
during the month of October. 
On the 2nd. 3rd. and 4th. of the month, 
Taormina will be made the head quarters, and 
numerous trips will be made in the neighbour- 
hood for the purpose of examining the local 
formations. 
On the 5th. instant the party are to proceed 
to Catania; and on the following day Etna is to 
be explored. 
The 8th. instant is to be spent among the 
scientific institutions of the Sicilian city; while 
from the 9th. to the 12th. instant will be taken 
up with visiting and studying the various strata 
of Monte Pellegrino, Palermo, and Lereara, 
Further particulars of the programme may be 
had on application to Prof. R. Meli, 51, Via 
Teatro Valle Roma. 
A quarterly review, which is to be entirely 
devoted to the geology of Italy is about to be 
published at Rome under the direction of Messrs 
M. Cermenati and A. Tellini. The annual sub- 
scription is five shillings. Address “Eassegna 
delle scienze geologiche — Roma.” 
Editor J. H. Cooke B,Sc., F.G.S. Malta. 
