EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PUBLICATIONS. 
377 
thinly over a stone, or other flat substance of the required size. He then, with 
a Camel-hair pencil dipped in Olive-oil, draws the pattern he wishes the insects 
to leave open. This stone is placed in an inclined position, and a considerable 
number of the caterpillars are placed at the bottom. A peculiar species is chosen, 
which spins a strong web; and the animals commence at the bottom, eating and 
spinning their way up to the top, carefully avoiding every part touched by the 
oil, but devouring every other part of the paste. The extreme lightness of these 
veils, combined with some strength, is truly surprising. One of them, measuring 
26J by 17 inches, weighed only a grain and a half, a degree of lightness which 
will appear more strongly by contrast with other fabrics. One square yard of 
the substance of which these veils are made weighs 4J grains, whilst one square 
yard of silk gauze weighs 137 grains, and one square yard of the finest net 
weighs 262 \ grains.—No mention is made of the particular species of caterpillar 
employed in this manufacture. 
BOTANY. 
3. Cultivation of the Tea-plant. —M. Guillemin, assistant naturalist to 
the botanical department of the Jardin des Plantes, and who has been sent to 
Brazil to study the mode of cultivating the Tea-plant in that country, and bring 
back seed and plants, with such information as may lead to its successful intro¬ 
duction into France, arrived at Rio de Janeiro at the end of October. Letters 
have been received from him, dated Nov. 17, in which he states that he has been 
most favourably received by the authorities and the botanists of Brazil, who have 
promised him every assistance in attaining the object of his mission. He relates 
that the culture of the Tea-tree, which was introduced into Brazil in 1812, has 
made such progress, particularly since 1825, that it affords a sufficient supply for 
a considerable part of the consumption of the country. It is in full cultivation 
at Ouro Preto, and especially in the province of St. Paul. It is also general in 
the province of Minas, and is carried on in the Botanical Gardens at Rio, where 
there are about 1,200 plants. The inspector of this establishment, Dr. Jose de 
Serpa, has promised to afford M. Guillemin every assistance in his power. 
M. G. was preparing to visit the province of St. Paul; and there is every reason 
to expect that the hopes of the Government from his mission will be realized. 
