been on deck to air, and had left a number of small flies (Tyróphaga càsei Curt.), which they soon discovered. It was pleasing to see their quick and varied evolutions, as they darted through the rigging, and not unfrequently within a few inches of our heads, after the flies. They appeared quite cheerful, and chirped with as much glee as if on the margin of a pond, and at dusk they took up their lodging in the rigging. They continued with us till the 16th; but for the last two or three days appeared much weaker, frequently settling within a few inches of the man at the helm, and suffering themselves to be taken.

The fruit and vegetable markets of this place are well supplied. Amongst the vegetables I observed excellent cabbage, lettuce, plain parsley, watercress, white radishes (red radishes, but very small), mint, sage, rosemary; of capsicums, the C. ánnuum, C. gróssum, and C. baccàtum, and another small yellow species, I think new; of tomatoes, the small red; fruit of the egg plant, yams, Convólvulus Batatas, and A'rachis hypoga'a; of gourds and squashes several of the varieties common in England. The fruit is not in such variety, as many of them are not in season. I observed the following kinds: cocoa-nuts, guavas, jambos (Eugènia Jámbos), oranges, very large and sweet, rather scarce at present, bananas, and tamarinds. Pine-apples are just coming in, two thirds of a dollar each; and of grapes I saw only one basket. In all the gardens round the suburbs, the Coreópsis tinctòria seems as universal a favourite as in England. Some of the gardens are laid out with some taste, but contain fewer species and varieties than might be expected in a country like this. In the public garden, on the road to Cateta, are some very fine specimens of the indigenous trees; the Salvia spléndens seems to be a favourite here, and also the Hibiscus Ròsa sinénsis; the latter is in every garden. On my arrival at Balparays, I hope to be able to send you something of more interest than the present. In the mean time, believe me, Sir, &c.-A. Matthews. Rio de Janeiro, Nov. 23.

1829.

ART. II. Natural History in London.

THE Geographical Society of London. This Society seems to have been originated by John Barrow, Esq., of the Admiralty, a gentleman who, during a long life, seems to have devoted every spare moment of it to the advancement of geography; perhaps we should rather say chorography: because geography, in the modern sense of the word, includes statistics, more or less of natural history, the general history and present state of the human species; and, in short, the moral and political, no less than the physical state of the earth's surface. At a Meeting held May 24th, John Barrow, Esq., in the chair, the objects of the Geographical Society were declared to be:

1. To collect, register, and digest, and to print, for the use of the members and the public at large, in a cheap form, and at certain intervals, such new, interesting, and useful facts and discoveries as the Society may have in its possession, and may, from time to time, acquire. 2. To accumulate gradually a library of the best books on geography; a selection of the best voyages and travels; a complete collection of maps and charts, from the earliest period of rude geographical delineations, to the most improved of the present time; as well as all such documents and materials as may convey the best information to persons intending to visit foreign countries; it being of the greatest utility to a traveller to be aware, previously to his setting out, of what has been already done, and what is still wanting, in the countries he may intend to visit.-3. To procure specimens of such instruments as experience has shown to be most useful, and best adapted to the

compendious stock of a traveller, by consulting which he may make himself familiar with their use. - 4. To prepare brief instructions for such as are setting out on their travels; pointing out the parts most desirable to be visited; the best and most practicable means of proceeding thither; the researches most essential to make; phenomena to be observed; the subjects of natural history most desirable to be procured; and to obtain all such information as may tend to the extension of our geographical knowledge. And it is hoped that the Society may ultimately be enabled, from its funds, to render pecuniary assistance to such travellers as may require it, in order to facilitate the attainment of some particular object of research.-5. To correspond with similar societies that may be established in different parts of the world; with foreign individuals engaged in geographical pursuits, and with the most intelligent British residents in the various remote settlements of the empire.-6. To open a communication with all those philosophical and literary societies with which geography is connected; for as all are fellow-labourers in the different departments of the same vineyard, their united efforts cannot fail mutually to assist each other. - 7. And lastly, in order to induce men of eminence and ability in every branch of science, literature, and the arts, and in particular those who have travelled by sea and by land, and all such as are skilled in geographical knowledge, and likely to become useful and efficient members, it was suggested that the admission fee and annual contribution should be on as moderate a scale as, with the number of subscribers calculated upon, would be sufficient to enable the Society to fulfil the important objects herein alluded to.

A provisional committee was appointed, who, on May 26th, agreed to a number of resolutions; among others, that as soon as 300 subscribers could be obtained a president and officers should be elected; that the admission fee of members should be 31., and the annual subscription 27.; and that a composition of 201. shall be a substitute for the entrance-money and annual payment. Commander M'Konochie, R.N., was appointed provisional secretary; and the Society's Office in the mean time is at 99. Quadrant, Regent Street.

We have always said, that the principal use of societies in the present day is to bring together people who are occupied in the same pursuits. Something is also effected in the way of stimulus; but the great use of a society, and that alone, in our opinion, which can justify it in attempting any thing as a body, is in effecting, or endeavouring to effect, that which individuals in general could not undertake of themselves. Many statistical enquiries may certainly be considered of this description; because the documents which must be had recourse to will not often be entrusted to individuals; and the publication of the result, after it has with infinite labour been condensed into perhaps a tabular view of a few pages, will nothing like remunerate either an author or a bookseller. The main object of geographical enquiries, in the extensive sense in which the word has been employed since the time of Pinkerton, is to make any one and every country thoroughly acquainted with any and every other country, physically, morally, and politically." To prepare brief instructions for such as are setting out on their travels" (Art.4.), is one of the objects of the Geographical Society; and, if it can induce tourists to acquire a thorough knowledge of the language of the countries through which they intend to pass, and to collect facts, in addition to the usual observations, the service to the public will be considerable. After fifteen years of peace, how very little do we know of the statistics of Germany, of the state of education and morals through that extensive and very interesting country; and of the state of morals, politics, and education in Sweden! The voluminous travels of Dr. Clarke scarcely touch on these subjects. One reason is, that very few Englishmen who travel know any thing of the German language. Of the numerous works in that language on statistics we know little, except what has been from

time to time given by the editor of the Morning Chronicle, the only newspaper editor in London, we believe, who thoroughly understands German, and more recently in the Westminster and two Foreign Reviews. The Geogra phical Society will unquestionably render good service to their country, by translating and concentrating information of this sort: but, as it is with an unpalatable medicine, the good will be in the final result, and not in the commencement. It will not be palatable to the true-born Englishman to feel, that the more he knows of the laws and institutions and state of morals of other countries, the more he must lower his exalted notion of his own. Estimating, however, the happiness of every country, in Mr. Bentham's manner, by the happiness of the greatest number, France, America, Sweden, Switzerland, and Germany are all much happier countries than England; unless, indeed, the happiness of a country consists merely in the happiness of its aristocracy. With a view, therefore, to the great changes preparing for this in common with other countries, and foreseeing no chance of the Geographical Society ever becoming very rich; for it has chiefly the attraction of public utility, and not that of personal honour like the Royal, or personal advantage (fruits, seeds, plants, books, and saving a nurseryman's bill,) like the Horticultural, we sincerely wish it success, and will give it all the support which lies in our power.

One object (Art. 6.) is, " to open a communication with all those societies with which geography is connected:" in this we sincerely rejoice, because it is liberal on the face of it; and because we believe the Geographical and Statistical Society of Paris, and also another party in that city, have collected much statistical information, which, if translated and printed" in a cheap form," would be useful in this country. Cond.

The Labels in the Zoological Society's Gardens. — Pray suggest that these labels, besides bearing the name, country, and year of introduction or scientific name of the animal, should also bear the name of the donor, when it has been a donation. This, I think, is the least compliment that can be paid to donors; and I know some who are much offended at its neglect, and will not repeat their gifts.-J. M. May 1. 1830.

The Zoological Farm. I was the other day at the Zoological Farm, where things are not going on very prosperously; for, with the exception of the dromedary, a rein-deer, and the llama, which are come down for change of air, the stock has not increased since last autumn. Some new enclosures have been made this spring for the poultry, and two huts, which serve as shelter for some of the sheep, the llama, &c.; but, as Mr. Burke observed the other day at the Meeting, "Subscribers need only go to look at the farm, to see what a miserable concern it is." With its locality, of course, you are well acquainted; the shrubbery walks are beautiful, and the view from the grounds magnificent. The hen-houses, rabbit-hutches, pigeon-houses, &c., are all built in the neatest manner, but the stock does not appear to thrive. Last year they had a great number of lop-eared and Angora rabbits, for some of which the most enormous prices are said to have been given; but during the winter they lost a few, and as they do not permit them to increase during the winter months, their stock is at present diminished, and the greater part of them are affected by some kind of disease in their coats, which makes them look ragged and miserable.

Their poultry does not appear fine of its sort, except a few handsome specimens of the speckled Poland. The Dorking are not large; the turkeys are unhealthy; and from their whole stock they have only, as yet, produced three broods of chickens.

The pigeons are magnificent of their kind, and appear to flourish; but the original object of keeping them is defeated, in their being suffered to breed together, so that all of the young ones are cross-bred.

A few Indian cattle (Zebus), of various sizes, a young deer from Richmond Park, some half-bred Cape sheep, an Angora and a few other goats,

Six

a Shetland pony, and, if I recollect rightly, some silver pheasants, and Curaçoa birds, complete this collection, the future expense of which is to be limited to 1000l. a year, it having hitherto much exceeded that sum. men are employed on the premises, as keepers, watchmen, gardeners, &c., and most of them reside in the house, which is very pretty, and two rooms of which are reserved for the use of subscribers. There is a small green-house filled with plants, which go to decorate the garden in London; and a fishpond, which, I believe, is stocked with carp.

This is all I can tell you of the farm, the ostensible object of which is to preserve the different races of British animals pure and distinct;" instead of which, with the exception of the rabbits, they are now all together: and thus the Society is paying 10001. a year in order to maintain diseased rabbits and cross-bred pigeons, and to offer a country residence for their sickly quadrupeds, which surely might be obtained at a much slighter expense. -Confidential. May 29. 1830.

The Nightingale was heard for the first time this season on Sunday evening, the 18th of April, and again in another part of the Regent's Park last evening, by, Sir, &c. - R. G. Sussex Place, April 20. 1830.

It was heard at Bayswater and in Kensington Gardens about the 18th or 19th; there are now (23d, mid-day,) two birds singing in Hopgood's nursery, not far from our window, most delightfully; and in the evening these birds and others in Kensington Gardens may be heard from Hyde Park Corner to Kensington Gravel Pits. The bird-catchers are already watching in the lanes, and we fear will succeed, as they did last year, in capturing some of them. We certainly think the legislature ought to forbid birdcatching for a distance of twenty miles round St. Paul's, not only for the sake of the song of singing birds, but for the service which the birds render to gardens by keeping down the insects. Cond.

ART. III. Natural History in the English Counties.

MIDDLESEX.

ARRIVAL of the Thrushes and Fieldfares. Perhaps it may be worth mentioning, that the redwing thrushes and fieldfares arrived earlier last autumn than ever I knew them before. On the 15th of September, a large flock came into the orchard at the end of our garden, about which they remained for several weeks, feeding on the yew berries and haws, which were plentiful there. At the end of the same month the fieldfares arrived, and they had cleared the whole of the berries before the cold weather set in; and at the time that the snow lay so long on the ground, they were so distressed for food that they cleared the whole of the ivy berries when they were scarcely larger than shot, so that I do not believe there will be a ripe ivy berry to be seen in the neighbourhood of London this year. At any rate, that is the case about here, and also on the walls on and near Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath. I have this spring seen but one summer bird of passage, the willow wren, and that was on the morning of the 24th of March. I am, Sir, yours, &c. R. Sweet. Pomona Place, April 6.

SURREY.

Early Appearance of Swallows. On the 1st of this month, passing along the river-side at Barnes, in Surrey, I observed (with others) several swallows, very strong and lively, flying close to the water, although the snow was falling rather fast at the time. Several hot days had preceded, the latter end of March having been warm and fine, which might have brought them into action: none have appeared since that I know of. Supposing the

time mentioned to be an early appearance, and always having observed the first appearance to be on the river, I take the opportunity of noting it. D. Brentford, Middlesex, April 13.

KENT.

Birds (some of them rare) shot and collected in the immediate Vicinity of Dartford, during the last Winter:

P.S. Although I have personally, for the last three years, anxiously sought after, on Dartford Heath, Bexley Heath, and elsewhere in this neighbouring locality, the Motacilla provincialis, or Dartford warbler, it has been without success. The local cognomen of this little bird evidently resulted from chance, and the more indefatigable research of that eminent ornitho logist and my late townsman Dr. Latham. On Saturday, April 3., I observed three swallows earlier than usual; and to-day heard the wryneck (Yúnx Torquilla). - April 8. The Motacilla Luscínia (nightingale) enlivened us with its song for the first time, last evening, in serene moonlight; the Hirundo ripària (sand marten) appeared to-day. James C. Hurst. Dartford, April 8.

1

Orobanche cærulea. -The account of the spontaneous appearance of the Epipactis latifòlia in your Magazine (Vol. II. p. 70.), leads me to send you a statement of a similar fact respecting what I suppose to be the Orobanche cærulea, and which, in the year 1821, I found abundantly in some of the low pastures, and also some specimens in an elevated dry chalky situation, at Bishopsbourne, in Kent. I had for many years preceding been an assiduous collector of plants in this and various parts of Kent, and never before saw it, nor have I since met with it again, although my attention has been directed to the fields in which I found it. — Anon. Bishopsbourne, March 26. 1829.

* I particularly enumerate this bird (which was run down by a boy, and captured in Bexley marshes), from discovering in his stomach a very largesized mature male Mús amphibius Linn. (water rat). It had been lately swallowed, occupying, even to distension (with portions of partially digested fish), 'the ventriculus of the heron. The only injury apparent to the animal was, a puncture made by the beak of the bird in the frontal part of the skull, by which life was destroyed. On referring to the only works I have in my possession on ornithology, no mention is made in any of so large a creature as the rat constituting the food of the Ardea genus. I think it appears evident (as the bird was in good condition, and other food in the stomach), that, although the winter has been severe, yet necessity did not enforce such means to satisfy its hunger. The size of the oesophagus would also elicit a contradiction to its capability of such distension, if the proof were not positive. No evident cause of its easy capture existed, but the probable one, of repletion.