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EXTRACTS FROM THE FOREIGN PERIODICALS. 
ZOOLOGY. 
1. Hybernation of Swallows. —M. Isidore Geoffroy, in his zoological in¬ 
structions, drawn up for the new scientific expedition to the north, calls upon 
naturalists to observe any facts which they may meet with concerning the hyber¬ 
nation of Swallows. In consequence of this, M. Dutrochet communicates to 
him, that he found two of these birds in a state of torpor, in a recess, formed in 
the wall of a building. On being warmed by the hand they flew away, proving 
thereby, that Swallows are occasionally capable of wintering in a northern climate. 
To this M. Larrey adds, that in the valley of Maurienne he saw a deep grotto 
in a mountain, called L’Hirondelliere, because it is covered with Swallows at the 
beginning of winter. In this the birds were suspended, like swarms of Bees, in 
the corners of the roof. 
2. Sponges. —M. Dujardin having repeated his observations on Spo7igillce y or 
fresh-water Sponges, as well as others on marine Sponges, thinks he has proved 
that these ambiguous beings are positively groups of animals, capable of con¬ 
traction and extension. If a piece be detached from a living Sponge, and 
submitted to a microscope, it will be seen to group itself into irregularly rounded 
masses, and change the form of its edges incessantly; isolated portions, detached 
from the general mass, move slowly in the liquid, and creep along by means of 
their alternate contraction and expansion. 
3. Extravagant feathered Architect. —Dr. Coko, of Westchester, recently 
took a bird’s nest which was entirely framed of silver wire. It was the nest of 
a Hanging-bird, found on a Sycamore tree, the extravagant little builder having 
probably stolen some young lieutenant’s epaulette to form his future nursery 
with .—New York paper. 
4. Silkworms. —The experience of M. Bonafous proves the efficacy of the 
Chinese method of feeding Silkworms on Rice flour; and he has even gone fur¬ 
ther, and discovered that these caterpillars will eat various kinds of farina, and 
even the fecula of Potatoes. 
5. Malayan Albino. —On landing at Gressik I was struck by the singular 
appearance of a Malay lad, an albino, standing under the shade of a tree on the 
river bank. His skin was of a reddish white, with blotches here and there, and 
thinly covered with short white hairs. The eyes were small and contracted; the 
iris of a very light vascular blue; the lids red, and fringed with short white 
lashes; the eyebrows scant and of the same colour; the pupil much contracted 
