NATURAL HISTORY. 
189 
GALLERY.] 
As illustrative of the natural order of Chelonhle, we 
have some interesting specimens, chiefly from the isle of 
Sheppey, and the coast of Essex. 
The only fossil species of the Batrachian Reptiles in 
this collection is the gigantic Salamander, the subject of 
Scheuchzer’s dissertation. Homo diluvii iestis et theoscopos . 
Tiguri, 1726. 
In the central passage between the Table Cases of these 
Rooms are placed various objects illustrative of particular 
mineral substances. One of the most interesting is a Table, 
presented by H. G. the Duke of Rutland, the slab of which 
is composed of a stalagmitical deposition which was found 
investing the interior of a square wooden pipe in Blithe 
Lead Mine, Derbyshire. 
The sculptured tortoise near the centre of the Gallery, 
placed on a round table inlaid with various antique mar¬ 
bles and other mineral substances, is wrought out of ne¬ 
phrite or jade. It was found on the banks of the Jumna, 
near the city of Allahabad, in Hindostan, brought to Eng¬ 
land by Lieutenant-General Kyd, and presented to the 
Museum by Thomas Wilkinson, Esq. 
K 
