MISCELLANY. 
441 
to Pigeons by its feet, to the Gallinaceous birds by its wings, and by its beak and 
nostrils approaches a genus of Palmipedes. Pkilepitta belongs to the Passeres , 
and bears the specific name of sericea ; Oriolia Bernieri to the Orioli among the 
Passeres ; and Mesites will probably form the type of an entirely new family.— 
Athenaeum , Map 26, 1838. 
Scientific Expedition.— We have frecpiently had to report the progress of the 
Eonite during her voyage round the world, in order to take out the consular 
agents of France to different colonies. The following is a brief summary of the 
scientific labours of the officers on board. The voyage was completed in 631 
days, during which the corvette only anchored 151 days ; it has therefore been a 
matter of surprise that so much should have been done for Zoology, for among a 
considerable collection of rarities five have been added which form types of new 
genera, and of which there was either no vestige in museums, or only imperfect 
specimens; and besides these there are many new species. Among the fishes 
are several which tend to confirm the truth of Chinese drawings, in many 
instances reckoned fabulous. The class of insects has been equally enriched, and 
particular attention has been paid to those orders which have been hitherto 
neglected. The Arachnidae and Crustacea have received important augmenta¬ 
tions ; the numerous drawings of Mollusca , extending even to the microscopic 
orders, prove that in the open sea there has been equal activity; and 4,000 
observations on the temperature of the human body attest the fact that it rises 
and falls with that of the atmosphere. The phosphorescence of the sea has been 
an object of continual research, and the organized beings which cause it have been 
carefully preserved in spirits-of-wine. To all this wealth in Natural History 
may be added a portfolio of more than 200 drawings, and numerous accurate 
descriptions. With respect to Physics, observations with the barometer, thermo¬ 
meter, and other instruments, have been made at every hour of the day and night. 
Seven experiments made with the apparatus of M. Biot, to ascertain the com¬ 
position of sea-water at a great depth, have produced some unexpected results ; 
and among other things, Terrestrial Magnetism has been carefully studied. M. 
Gaudichaud has been equally indefatigable with respect to Botany, and has 
brought back an immense collection of woods, plants, fruits, seeds, drawings and 
notes. A Tree-fern, Cyathea arhorea, from which some of the pieces of the 
trunk were taken, measured 40 feet, and was not the largest which M. Gaudi¬ 
chaud observed in Bourbon. He has sown several seeds, and has also brought 
three young plants of the Dragon-tree ( Dracaena draco), three of the Chili Balm 
( Cocos Molinii), besides several other palms.— Id. 
BOTANY. 
Effects of the Winter of 1838 on Vegetation.- —The late severe weather ha^ 
