THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE. 
.369 
1844.] 
1844, to make a report to the Institute, the Corresponding Secretary 
made a full report, embodying that called for by the resolution. The 
whole will be found below, in the “ Proceedings of the Meeting of 
the National Institute, in April, 1844.” 
Stated Meeting , December 9, 1844. 
Hon. Levi Woodbury in the chair. 
The following donations were received: 
For the Cabinet. 
Box, containing Living Plants of the Cherry, Wild Peach, Swamp 
Dogwood, &c., he.—From Major. E. G. W. Butler , Louisiana . 
Two boxes of Silver and Copper Ores, &c., &c., of Chile.—From 
General Aldernate , Secretary of War and Navy. 
Idol, carved in Jade, from New Zealand; Hotte, a remarkable in- 
sect or worm, found growing at the foot of the rata tree, with 
a plant growing out of its head. This animal, it is said, travels 
up both the rata and perriri trees, and entering into the top, eats 
its way, perforating the trunk of the tree, until it reaches the root. 
It then comes out of the root, and dies or lies dormant, and the 
plant propagates out of its head; the body remains perfect and 
entire, of a harder substance than when alive. From this insect 
the natives make a coloring for tattooing.— Presented by John 
B. Williams , Salem , Massachusetts . 
Box, containing two Horned Lizards, Agama , (alive,) from Galvezton, 
Mexico, and a Gofer, (alive,) from Pensacola, with Eggs of both 
Animals.— From Captain James T. Gerry , United States Navy . 
Painting, done on the interior of an Oyster Shell, by J. G. Bruff.—- 
From Mr. Bruff 1 
Sword of a Sword Fish killed near the Isle of Shoals.— From Lieut , 
Junius Boyle , United States Navy. 
Chinese Chop-Sticks, (five.)-— From Josiah F. Polk. 
Two boxes of Minerals, Shells, Sic., he.—From Dr. Frederick A, 
Davisson . 
Box of Botanical Specimens Plant® Select® ex Herbario Flor® 
Illyric® Mutii Tommasini.— From Signor Tommasini, through 
George Moore , United States Consul , Trieste. 
Box, containing one larg& Silver Medal; one large Copper Medal; 
twenty-seven Silver Coins; seventy-one Copper Coins; two 
Strings Chinese Cash.*—Box, containing- seven Coins, found at 
Pestum, Italy.— -From Mrs. Anne Izard Deas. 
Wolf Skin and Appendages, and Buffalo Hide, worn by an Indian 
Medicine Man; Sandstone, (variegated,) from Missouri.—From 
David Myerle . 
