MISCELLAOT. 
491 
This publication contains a specimen of the woodcuts of several valuable works 
published by Mr. Van Voorst, with a statement of the nature, objects, and 
extent of each work; and although intended as a prospectus, and gratuitously 
distributed as such, it is certainly a very beautiful production. 
We may here take the opportunity of observing, that there is not a publisher 
in London more deserving the praise of naturalists than Mr. Van Voorst, for 
the valuable and truly useful works announced by him in rapid succession. 
A practical Treatise on the Culture of the Melon. By John Duncan, Gardener 
to Thomas Daniel, Esq., President of the Horticultural Society of Bristol, 1839. 
London: Adams and Co.; Strong and Chilcott, Bristol. 1839. 8vo. pp. 110. 
The melon is an exceedingly delicious fruit when properly rUsed; but its 
culture appears to be but little understood by routine gardeners in England. We 
are therefore glad to find Mr. Duncan endeavouring to enlighten his brethren on 
this subject, in a well-written and altogether very able treatise, displaying a 
highly creditable knowledge of the point under discussion. It is to be hoped that 
the intelligent author will receive due support from melon-growers, who will here 
find much interesting matter, well digested. 
CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES. 
ZOOLOGY. 
Birds in the Neighbourhood of Godalming. —There is a great dearth of our 
Winter birds of passage in this district. With the exception of an occasional 
passing flock of Geese, I have scarcely noticed any other species. The Hooded 
Crow is quite unknown here, and the Golden Plover is rarely met with. I have 
seen a beautiful male Hawfinch which w$ite shot the other day in this county; and 
I should not be surprised if this species breed in some of our woods where Holly 
is abundant. I shall keep a good look-out in Spring.—J. D. Salmon, Godaiming , 
Surrey , Feb. 19, 1839. 
On the Species of Ptarmigan. —A pair of the Ptarmigan noticed by Mr. 
Johnson (p. 390) have been presented to the Natural-History Society of this 
town. The male appears to me to be distinguished by the red over the eye. The 
species is probably distinct from that described by Selby, but I am unable to 
speak at all positively.— Peter Hylands, Bewsey House , Warrington , April 9, 
1839, in a letter to the Editor. 
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VOL. IV.—NO. XXXIII. 
