■'4 ‘A A GENERAL ACCOUNT OF THE HUNTERIAN MUSEUM, GLASGOW: INCLUDING HISTORICAL AND SCIENTIFIC NOTICES OF TllE VARIOUS OBJECTS OF ART, LITERATURE, NATURAL HISTORY, ANATOMICAL PREPARATIONS, ANTIQUITIES, &c, IN THAT CELEBRATED COLLECTION. BY CAPTAIN .1. LASKEY, MEMBER OF THE EDIN. WERNERIAN SOCIETY OF NATURAE HISTORY, L. S. H. S, &C. &C. GLASGOW: PUBLISHED BY JOHN SMITH & SON; IN LONDON BY LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, & BROWN; AND BY A. CONSTABLE & CO. AND JOHN BALLANTYNE & CO. EDINBURGH. 1813. ENTERED IN STATIONERS^ HALL. I’RINTED BY WILLIAM LAXG, 62 , BELL-STREET, GLASGOW. HUNTERIAN MUSEUM, INTRODUCTION. This unrivalled collection was formed by the late celebrated William Hunter, M. D. from whom it derives its name Considered as the production of the labour and intelligence of one individual, the quantity of rare and valuable articles which it contains excites in the mind astonishment at the extent of ac- quisition, discovery and utility, to which the human powers can attain under due cultivation, even during the limited period of life. It is not within the scope of these prefatory remarks to give a detailed biography of Dr. Hunter: that is left to abler hands, and through a more extended channel. It may suffice to say here, that he was the framer of his own fortune; and amidst the toils of an arduous and laborious profession, of which he was at the head, his genius and resources enabled him to find time to cultivate, in an eminent degree, Literature and the Sciences; to acquire and to maintain the society and friend- ship of the most eminent Characters of his day, the circle of his friends extending even to the Throne itself; to live unriv- alled, and to die possessed of wealth, honourably acquired in the exercise of his profession, with the universal esteem and re- gret of all to whom he was known. Dr. Hunter was a native of Scotland. He was born at Long Calderwood in the parisii of Kilbride, Lanarkshire, tlie patri- monial estate of his father, in May 1718. At the age of four- teen he was sent to the University of Glasgow, where he prose- cuted a general line of study, being originally destined for the church. Circumstances, now immaterial, occurred to set aside this determination; and on leaving College it was his good fortune to meet with the late eminent Dr. Cullen, who then practised at Hamilton, He now turned his attention exclusively to the stu- IV INTRODUCTION. dj of Medicine, and in prosecution of this object, he resided three years with Dr. Cullen, as a private pupil. On leaving him he resumed his medical studies in Edinburgh, and from thence proceeded to London in 1741. There, in 1746, he commenced his public lectures on Anato- my. He was admitted a member of the Corporation of Sur- geons in 1747. In 1750 he obtained from the University of Glasgow the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and was afterwards successively elected Physician to the Lying-in Hospital, Lon- don; Fellow of the Royal and Antiquarian Societies; appointed Professor of Anatomy to the Royal Academy, and Physician Extraordinary to her Majesty; and in 1781, he was unanimous- ly elected President of the College of Physicians in London. His name, and the reputation of his talents, had at this peri- od become generally known on the Continent. Fie wns elected an Associate of the Royal Medical Society of Paris in 1780, and in 1782 he was chosen Member of the French Royal Aca- demy of Sciences. He had now attained the summit of his professional rank. The well known John FIunter, a name equally distinguish- ed as his own, was his brother, from whose congeniality of taste and study, he was greatly assisted in the admirable Anatomi- cal Depaitment of his Museum. The Doctor had an learly wish to benefit his country, by turning his attainments to purposes of public utility; and, regardless of personal emolument, he ac- cordingly presented a memorial to Government, about the year 176o, for the site ot an Anatomical Theatre, offering to expend seven tnousand pounds on the building, besides the endowment, in perpetuity, of a Professorship of Anatomy to be attached to the establishment. To this he meant also to devote his collection of Anatomical Preparations and Museum. It is fortunate for Scotland that the overture was declined, or neglected. Dr. FIunter, however, did not on that account either slacken his exertions, or limit the expense with Avhich the attainment of the peculiar objects of his research was accompa- nied. As his fortune increased, he enlarged the sphere and number of his acquisitions. Fie became a purchaser of the highest class of paintings, including many of the best speci- mens ot the difierent schools then to be met with; and, with in- tlefatigable pains, and unlimited expense, he accumulated the INTRODUCTION. choicest treasures of the Typographic Art, Coins in Series, Me- dals, Curious Works of Art, Natural History, Antiquities, &c. &c. Of these the Hunterian Museum is chiefly composed; but since its destination to the University of Glasgow, it is proper to add, that most of the departments have received valuable additions, partly from the munificence of the learned body under whose direction it is placed, and frequently from the liberality of pub- lic donation. Dr. Hunter, for many years previous to his death, was sub- ject to gout; and this disease proved fatal to him in 1783. By his will, the use of his Museum, under certain conditions and for a term of years, devolved to his Nephe\v, the present Dr. Baillie, and failing him, to Mr. Cruiksiianks; and the -whole •was thereafter bequeathed to the College of Glasgow, with the addition of £8,000 in money, towards its support and further augmentation. After the death of Mr. Cruiksiianks, Dr. Baillie, with the liberality which marks his character, relinquished his claim, and the Museum was accordingly transported to Glasgow in 1807. At the expense of almost £12,000, a magnificent and appro- priate building, from an admirable design of Mr. Stark, has been erected in the Gardens of the University for its reception; and the various and interesting particulars of w'hich it is com- posed, have been arranged and displayed with a degree of sci- ence and taste equally honourable to the memory of the Donor and the liberality of the College. The details of the value, rarity, and curiosity of the articles which it contains, are sufficiently full in the following pages to preclude the necessity of enumeration here. As a study of Ana- tomy, Natuviil History, Antiquity, and rare Literature, this Museum must rank amongst the highest; and the arrangements of the College render the attainment of its advantages easy to every one desirous of admission. The hours of attendance tor strangers are from twelve to two every day, except Sunday. Tickets of admission' may be obtained at the Porter s Lodge, Col- lege Gate, In presenting to the Public this account of the Hunterian Mu- seum, the Author is aware that an apology may be recjuired for the inaccuracies, with which, notwithstanding all the attention he has been able to bestow upon it, the volume may be charged; and he has only to plead for indulgence, that during its pro- giess through the press, his professional duties had called him from Glasgow, and prevented his personal reference to the ob- jects themselves, while their description was under his revision. It has, perhaps, also been detrimental to the work, that the distance of the Author rendered it impossible for him to avail Iiimself of the literary and scientific aid of friends on the spot, whose encomagement at first led him to extend memoranda, originally taken for his own gratification, into a regular and di- gested account of the Museum; and in compliance w'ith whose suggestions it has been his aim, not merely to afford a verbal catalogue for the assistance of the visitor, but to give such an analysis and detailed account of the establishment, as shall be sufficiently intelligible and interesting, in itself, to the public at large. The Author is desirous of acknowledging to Dr. Couper the Supeiintendant, and to the Trustees of the Museum, his obli« gations for the ready access afforded him, and for the polite at- tention with which his enquiries have been furthered. He feels himself peculiarly called upon to notice the beneficial assist- ance he derived from Dr. M'Dougall in the Anatomical De- paitment; from Thomas Hopkirk, Esq. Younger of Dalbeth, for the unreserved use of his valuable library of Works on Natur* al Histoiy and Science; and from Mr. Ssiitii, Youngest, Book- sellei, foi the aid afforded him in pointing out many rarities in the Bibliographical Department, for which his habits and acquaintance with the subject so peculiarly qualify him, Dumbarton Castle,! July Isif, 1813. y GENERAL ANALYSIS OF THE CONTENTS, ANTI -ROOM. Page Nat. Hist. Insects, 4 Antiquities, Miscell. 3 SALOON. Nat. Plist. Birds, Case 1, 7 Nat. Hist. Birds, Case 2, 9 Nat. Hist. Birds, Case S, 12 Nat. Hist. Birds, Case 4, 15 Nat. Hist. Minerals, &c 18 APARTMENT ON THE LEFT. South Sea Curiosities, Case 1 19 South Sea Curiosities, &c. Case 2 20 Nat. Hist. Fossils, Case 4 22 Nat. Hist. Reptiles, Fish, &c. Case 5, £2 Nat. Hist. Reptiles, &c. Case 6, 27 Nat. H St. Minerals, Centre Cabinet, 28 Nat. Hist. Animals, Reptiles in Window SO Antiquities and Miscellanies, 31 APARTMENT ON THE RIGHT. Nat. Hist. Zonphites, Case A 32 Nat. Hist. Spongice, Case B 35 Nat. Hist. Minerals, Case C. and D SS Nat. Hist. Botany, Case E 36 Medals, Modern, Case F 37 Nat. Hist. Minerals, Case 1 and 2, 37 Nat. Hist Minerals, Case 3 S3 Nat. Hist. Minerals, Case 4, 39 Nat. Hist. Minerals, 3 Cabinets, 41 Nat. Hist. Miscellanies, &c. Top Cabinet, 43 Antiquities and Miscellanies, Window, 45 HALL OF ANATOMY. Preparations on the Table, 47 Presses, West Side, Right Hand — Kidn' y. Bladder, Aneurism, 8cc 48 North End — Gravid Uterus, 51 Presse.=, East Side, Left Hand — Monsters, 52 Presses, East Side, Left Centre — Arteries, Small Intestines, Spleen, &c. 52 Presses, V/tst Side, Right Eland — Thorax and Abdomen, Heart, &c. ... 55 Presses, South End — Skin, Mouth, Nose, Far, Eye, Teeth, couth America, West India Islands, and even North America, i hese birds subsist on the nectnr or sweet juice of flowers, frequenting those most which have a long tube ; particularly tlie impathns noli me iSn~ gere, the itionarda, w th crimson flowers, and those of the convolvulus tribe: they never settle on the flower during the action of extracting the juice, but HUNTERIAN MUSEUM. 11 flutter continually like bees, moving their wings very quick, and making a humming noise; whence their name 'J'hey are not verv shy, permitting people to come within a foot or two of the place where they are, but on ap- proaching nearer, fly off like an arrow out of a bow; they often meet and fight for the right to a flower, and this always on the wing. In this state they often enter a room w'here the windows happtn to be open, fight a lit- tle, and again leave it. When they come to a flower wdiich is juiceless, or on the point of withering, they pluck it off, as it were in anger. The use of the bill in most birds is to collect their food, but in the Humming Bird, it serves no other purpose than as a case of di-fence for the tongue, as it is by means of this that it gets its nourishment, which is ever in a liquid state, and which it draws up in the manner of the Elephant, by means of the pro-, boscis or bifid tongue. In confinement, they always die in a few days, thd* fed with sugar and water Their nests are most freauently built on the middle of a branch of a tree, and the nest is so small, that it cannot be seen by a person w'ho stands on the ground; it is for this reason that the nests are not more frequently found ; it is quite round, the outside is composed of green moss, such as is common on old pales, trees, &c. the inside of soft down, collected from the leaves of the great mullein, or the silk grass, though it often varies in its texture by being formed of flax, cotton, hemp, hairs, or other soft materials. They lay two eggs of the size of a pea, which are white, and not bigger at one end than another. In the window on the right hand of the saloon, among the miscellaneous articles, is a fine specimen of the nest and eggs naturally- affixed to a branch of a tree, 5. PARADISE TANAGER. Tanagra Tatao, Linn. This extremely elegant bird is somewhat less than a Goldfinch, about six inches in length; bill black; the upper part and sides of the head yellowish green; the feathers small, and seen distinct from each other; the hind part of the head and neck, the upper part of the back and scapulars of a velvety black; the lower part of the back and rump of a bright fire colour, verging to orange towards the tail; the throat and fore part of the neck glossy violet blue; breast, belly, sides, and vent, sea green; thighs dull green; the lesser wing coverts green gold; the middle ones blue, and the greater violet blue; the quills black, with blue margins; the second quills, tail, and legs black. "Young birds want the fiery colour on the lower part of the back, also the females, as in that part it is wholly of an orange colour, and in gfeneral, the- whole plumage is less brilliant. The plumage also varies in the males as some of them are found of a bright red both on the back and rump, while others have those parts wholly of a golden yellow. This most beautiful species is pretty common about the inhabited parts of Guiana, and appear in large flocks in the neighbourhood of Cayenne about the month of September, frequenting a particular large tree which is just then in flower, and as soon as the fruit sets, begins its depredations thereon It gene- rally stays about six weeks; then migrates, but returns again in April and A'Tay, at which time the fruit ripens. It is about this tree alone that it is found, for it frequents no others. They are frequently kept in cages, fed on bread and water, have no song, but only a short and shrill note. 6. GREAT TERN. Sterna Hirundo, Linn. Length about 14 inches, breadth thirty, weighs about four ounces and a quarter; bill slender, two inches and a half long; the colour crimson, and pointed at the end, where it is black; the top of the head, taking in the eyes and nape, black, rapering to a point at the back part of the neck; between tlie nostrils -and eye, sides under it, neck and all the under parts, pure white; rhe back and wings are of a fine pale ash colour; quills grey; two or three of .Saloon. Birds. Case 2. 12 HUNTERIAN MUSEUM. Saloon. Birds. Case 2. Case No. the outer ones very dark; the shafts white; tail greatly forked, white excen* the outer web of the exterior feather, which is black; the„legs arecrimsor claws black. » This IS a very common species, and frequents our sea coasts, and banks of lakes and rivers during the Summer, but most common in the neighbourhood of the sea; found also in various parts of Europe and Asia according to the Season. In the Summer, as far as Greenland and Spitsbergen, migrating in turn to the South of Austria and Greece. It lays three or four eggs about the month of June of a dull olive-colour, an inch and three quarters in length marked with irregular black spots, intermixed with some others of a smdler size and less bright, the little end is almost free from any markings- these are laid among the grass or moss; the young are hatched in July, and quit the nest very soon after; they are carefully fed by their parents, and fly in a- bout six weeks. This bird appears to have all the actions over the water which the Swallow has on land; skimming over the surface, and seizing on every insect which comes in its way; besides which, the moment it soies a fish in the water, it darts into that element, and seizing its prey, arises as quickly to the place it dipped from. It is a bold bird, not fearing mankind; and in the time of incubation will attack any one; frequently darting down so as to touch a person’s hat, without his giving the least offence. 7. TURTLE DOVE, or COMMON TURTLE. Co- lumba Turtur, Linn. The length of this bird is above twelve inches; the bill is brown- the ir- rides yellow; the eyes surrounded with crimson; the top of the head cinereous olive; the forehead and chin nearly white; on each side of the neck is a patch coloured, margined with reddish brown; scapulars and wing coverts reddish brown; each feather black in the middle; quills brown, with pale edges and tips; the fore part of the neck and breast vinaceous, but pale; the lower part of the breast and sides usky gray; the belly, thighs, and vent white; the two middle feathers of the tail are brown; the others darker, tipped with white; and the outer one white on the outer edge; the legs reddish. This bird is not_ uncommon in these kingdoms, and I believe is wholly mi- gratory, none having been observed after the time of departure in Autumn - It arrives later and departs sooner than any of the pigeon tribe, and is very' common in Kent flocks of above twenty, frequenting the pea fields and doing much mischief. They build generally in the thick woods, on the highest ferees; lay two eggs, and are supposed to breed but once in the season. THE TOCO. Zj6 Toco^ BufFon, , ® or ^0 inches from the head to the end of the tail- the bill IS 7 inches and half long; the case of both mandibles black; the rest’ of the lower mandible reddish yellow quite to the end; the upper mandible IS reddish yellow for two-thirds of its length, and from this to the end black; the head, upper part of the neck, back, rump, wings, the whole of the tail, the breast, and belly, are deep black; the upper tail coverts are white, the under of a fine red; the throat and fore part of the neck are white, with a little mixture of yellow; between this and the black on the breast is a small circle of red; the wings are short, not reaching to one-third of the tail; the legs and claws are black; inhabits Cayenne. '•1. CRESTED CURASSOW. CraxAlector, Linn. Size of a small turkey; length near three feet; the bill is an inch and three quarters long, of a dusky or horn colour, and covered from the middle yyith 1^UNTERTAN MUSEUM. 13 a kind of cere or &kin, which passes backward? qui^e round the eyes, and be- Saloon, hind them; the <;eneral colour of the plumage is a full black; the feathers of ^ the neck soft and velvety; on the top of che head stands a kind of upright Birds. crest, composed of twisted black feathers, the longest of them three inches - and others much shorter; the low st part of the belly, vent, and thighs, are Case No. 3. white; the tail is eleven inches long, and consists of fourteen feathers, a little rounded in shape, and black; the legs are strong, of a dusky or brown colour. It vanes in some specimens m h ,ving the belly barred with white; and the ends of the tail feathers of the same colour. These are frequent at Guiana, and are called Powese by the natives, from their cry. They are pretty numerous in the woods, and make no small part of the food of the planters, being supplied therewith by the Indian hunters; and their flesh is reckoned delicate, much like that of a turkey. They are easily brought up tame, and are frequently found in the Dutch Settlements of Berbice, Essequebo, and Demerary. They are called at Bra- sil by the name of Ciirasso. 3. SCARLET IBIS. 'Tantalus Ruber, Linn. Length twenty-one inches; bill between six and seven long, and of a pale fed; eyes black; the base of the bill passes a little way back on the forehead; the sides of the head, quite beyond the eyes, are bare, and of a pale red; the whole plumage is of a glowing scarlet, except four of the outer prime quills, which are of a glossy blue black at the ends; the shafts of the quills and tail are white; legs pale red. This beautiful species is met with in most parts of America within the Tropics, also pretty common in East Florida, and a few are seen in the South of Carolina; in some of the West India Islands in great plenty, especially the Bahamas. It generally frequents the borders of the sea, and sk'es of t!ie neigh- bouring rivers, and lives on small fry of fish and insects, which it picks up when the sea retires from the shore. They frequently perch on trees in flocks, but lay their eggs on the ground on a bed of leaves; the eggs are of a green- ish colour, the young when hatched are black, in a little time grey, but are nearly white before they are able to fly; from this they change to red by de- grees, and about the third year are complete in their vivid red plumage. 4. ROCK MANAKIN, COCK of the ROCK. Pipra Rupicola, Linn. size of a small pigeon; length from ten to twelve inches; bill an inch and a quarter long, and of a yellowish colour; the head furnished with a double round crest; general colour of the plumage orange, inclining to saffron; the wing coverts loose and fringed; qu lls, part white, part brown; tail feathers twelve in number; the base half of the ten middle ones orange, from thence to the ends brown; the outer feathers brown, with the base half of the inner web orange; all of them fringed at the ends with the same; the upper tail coverts are very long, loosely webbed, and square at-the ends; legs and claws yellow. This beautiful species inhabits various parts of Surinam, Cayenne and Gui- ana in rocky situations; but is no where so frequent as in the mountain i u- ca, near the river Oyapoc, and in the mountain Courouaye. near the river Aprouack, where they build in the cavernous hollows, and the darkest reces- ses. They lay two round white eggs, the size of those of a pigeon, and make the nest of a few dry bits of sticks; are in general very shy. hut have been frequently tamed, so as to r n among the poultry. The female is wholly brown; except the under wing coverts, which are of a rufous orange; and the crest neither so complete nor rounded as in the male. In Case No. 2, is preserved the Female, marked 9. B 14 HUNTERIAN MUSEUM. 5 CRESTED BOAT BILL. Cancroma Cochlearia, Linn. Size of a fowl; length 22 inches, the bill is four inches long, and of a sin- gular form, not unlike a boat with the keel uppermost, or as some authors have desc.' ibed it, like the bowls of two spoons placed with the hollow parts together; the upper mandible has a prominent ridge at the top, and on each side of this a long channel, at the bottom of which the nostrils are^ placed; these are oval, and situated obliquely; the general colour of the bill is dusky , or in some specimens dark brown; the skin between the under jaw capable of distension; from the hind head springs a long black crest, the featimrs which compose it narrow, and end in a point; the middle ones are six inches in length, the others lessen by degrees, the outer ones being not more than one inch; between the bill and eye the skin is bare and dusky; the plumage white on the forehead; the rest of the bird of a pale bluish ash colour; across the lower part of the neck behind is a transverse band of brownish black, which passes forward on each side towards the breast, ending in a does not encompass it; the fore part of the neck, and under parts are bluish white, except the belly and thighs, which are rufous; the feathers which hang over the breast are loose like those of the Heron; the tail is three inches and a half long, and the wings when closed, reach nearly to the end of it; the leg is three inches in length; and the thigh, from its insertion to the knee, four; the middle toe two inches and a half, the bare part above the inch and a half, the colour of the bare parts yellowish brown; claws black, , the toes are connected at the base by a membrane, which is deepest on the outer one. Inhabits Cayenne, Guiana, and Brazil, chiefly frequents such parts as are near the water; in these places it perches on the trees which hang over the streams, and drops on the fish which may swim below; it is thought also to live on crabs, from whence the Linnean name, but this is not clearly ascer- tained, though it cannot be denied; yet we are certain that fish is its most common, if not the only food. 6. BLACK SKIMMER, or RAZOR BILL. Rynclwps NigrUf Linn. Size of the black Guillemot; length twenty inches; breadth three feet seven inches. The bill is of a singular structure, the upper mandible above an inch shorter than the under, the last inches in length; both mandibles are greatly compressed on the sides; the upper shuts into the un- der like a razor into its handle, and both of them very sharp on the edges; the base of the bill is red, the rest black, and on the sides of the under are several furrows; the forehead, chin, and all the under parts, are white; the rest of the head, and the upper parts of the body and wings, dusky black; across the wings a bar of white; the tail is much shorter than the wings, and forked in shape; the two middle feathers are black; the next on each side the same, margined outwardly with white; the four outer ones white, dashed with dusky down the shafts, least so on the outer feathers; legs weak and red; claws black. The male and female both abke. Some birds are brown instead of black, and the white beneath less pure This bird inhabits America from New York to Guiana, Cayenne and Su- rinam, and according to Ray, the East Indies also It is commonly on the wing, and slums the surface of the water, continually dipping in its bill, to take up small fish, on which it principally feeds. In stormy weather seeks the shores, and lives on oy.sters and other shell fish, which the shape of the bill enables it to open. It is called at Madras, Codbel C.^uka or buMMooDRA Cal’kv; at Guiana, TAVArTAVA; and at New York, Skippog; by s,onie Razor Bill, HUNTERIAN MUSEUM. 15 7. RED HEADED GUINEA PARRAKEET, or SalooQ. GUINEA SPARROW. Psittacus PutlariuSi lAnn. Birds. Size of a Lark; length five inches and a half; the bill is red, with a pale tip; cere ash colour; ' orbits bare, and the same colour; irides bluish; general q , colour green, palest beneath; fore part of thehead and throat red; ridge of the wing and the rump blue, but the upper tail coverts are green, upper part of the tail feathers red, beneath this is a narrow bar of black, and the tips are green; the two middle feathers wholly green; legs and claws grey. The fe- male is marked much the same, but the colours not so strong; the red on the face much paler, and the ridge of the wing yellow. These birds inhabit Guinea, where they are very common. They are also, found in Ethiopia, the East Indies, and the Island of Java. They are re- markable for their affection to each other; for this reason they are generally kept caged in pairs, the male is very affectionate to the female, hulling the seeds for her with his bill, and presents them to her in that state, and appears unhappy at the smallest separation; her affection is reciprocal; if one is sick, the other is melancholy, and if death should follow, it is not often the other ’long survives. They are exported from Africa in great numbers, but not above one in ten survives the passage to Europe, though they often live many years after their arrival. They are chiefly kept for their external beauty and docility of manners, rather than any thing else; for they do not talk, and the noise they make is far from being agreeable. 8. HORNED SCREAMER. Palamedea Cornuta^ Linn.^ Size of a Turkey, length three feet 4 inches; bill 2i Inches long. Mack, the upper mandible a little gibbous at the base, the under shutting beneath it as in the gallinaceous tribe; the nostrils oval and pervious, and placed near the middle of the bill; from the crown of the head springs a slender horn standing erect, (in this specimen more than three inches is broke off the length,) pointed at the end; the irides of the colour of -gold; the plumage on the head, neck, and upper part of the body is black, margined with grey on the first and downy; some of the feathers round the neck are likewise edged with the’ same; the under parts of the wings are pale rulous, appearing on the shoulders and edges of them, when closed; at the bend of the wing are two strong sharp, horny, yellow spurs, one above another, the uppermost an inch and a half in length; the belly, thighs and vent, are white; the tail 8i inch- es long, and black; the legs stout and dusky; the fore claws moderately bent; the hind one nearly straight, not unlike that of a Eark, and one inch in length. They are always met with in pairs, and if -ne dies, the other mourns to death for the loss; they frequent places near the water, make a large nest of mud, in the shape of an oven upon the ground, and lay two eggs the size of a Goose’s This specimen was brought from Cayenne, and is the identical specimen from which Latham drew his description. 1. WHITE STORK. Ardea Ciconia, Linn. Case No. 4. Length three feet three inches; bill seven inches and three quarters; the co- lour of a fine red; the plumage is wholly white, except the orbits of the eyes which are bare and blackish; some of the scapulars, the greater coverts and quills are black; the skin, legs, and bare parts of the thighs are red; male and female much alike. This familiar species inhabits in turn the various parts of the old Continent, but avoids alike the extremes of heat and cold, being never met with be- tween the Tropics, nor scarce ever seen more north than Sweden, nor in Russia beyond 50 degrees. It never frequents Siberia, though sometimes seen in 16 HUNTERTANT MUSEUM, Saloon. Bufharia, where it n^akes its nest; tending tow rd the south in autumn to win- ter in Egypt In Holland^ they t very where builci on the tops of houses, Bir .'s. where the inhabitanis provide boxes for them to make their nests in, and are portieularly careful that the young birds receive no injury, even resenting it Case No. > done to themselves. ^ The femalt makes a large nest, composed of sticks; and lays from two to four eggs, whith are of a dirty yellowish white, the size of those of a Goose, but a little longer. The young are hatched in a m^nth, and at first are brownj the male and female are said to watch them by turns, till they are fit to take care of themselves The ''fork sleeps on one leg, and snaps with its bill in a singular manner by turning the head backwards; the upper part of the hill placed on the rump, a»d the under, set into the quickest motion, made to act on the other Thefr food consists of frogs, snakes, and other reptdes; hence th veneration of all sects for this useful bird, which frees them from all these pests; the flesh is reckoned not good food, as it is allowed on all hands to be very unsavoury. 2. SECRETARY VULTURE. Falco Serpentariusy Linn. — Sagittariusy Phil. Trans. This is a most singular species, being particularly remarkable from the great length of its legs; which at first sight would induce one to think it be- longed to the Waders; but the characters of the Vulture are so strongly mark- ed throughout, as to leave no doubt to which class it belongs. The bird when standing erect, is full three feet from the top of the head t® the ground, the hill is black, sharp and crO"ked, like that of an Eagle; cere white; round the eyes bare of feathers, and of a deep yellow or orange co- lour; the 'rides pale grey; the upper eye-lid beset with strong bristles, like eye lashes; the head, neck, breast, and upper parts of the body, are of a bluish ash-colour; bastard wing, prime quills, vent, and thighs, black; in the last the feat’ ers have white tips; tail rounded, brownish ash; the end for above an inch, black; the tip white; the two middle feathers the same in colour as the others, but double the length of any of them; most frequently these two feathers are wanting; the legs are very long, stouter than those of a Heron, and of a brown colour; claws shorter, but crooked, not very sharp, and of a fclack. colour; from the hind head springs a number of long feathers, which ^ang loose behind, like a pendant crest; these feathers arise by pairs, and are longer as they are lower down on the neck; this crest the birds can erect or depress at pleasure; it is of a dark colour, almost black; the webs are equal on both sides, and rather curled; and the feathers when erected, somewhat in- cline towards the neck. This singular species inhabits the internal parts of Africa, and is frequent- ly seen at the Cape of Good Hope. It is also met with in the Philippine Islands. As to the manners of this bird it is generally allowed that it principally feeds on rats, lizards, snakes, and the hke; and that it will become familiar, it is cadeo, at the Cape of Gooci Hope, Slangeater, i, e. Snake-Eater» A great peculiarity belong to it, not observed in any other, which is the faculty of striking forward with its legs, never backwards. Dr. So- lander informs us that he has seen one of the.se birds take up a snake, small tortoise, or such like in its claws, when, dashing it from thence against the ground with great violence, if the victim was not killed at first, it repeated the operation till that end was answered; after which it eat it up quietly. 8. POMPADOUR CHATTERER. Ampelis Pompodo- ray Linn. I.ength seven inches and a half; bill brownj the plumage in general is of ^ HUNTERTANT MUSEUM. 17 ikic glossy purple; the lesser wing coverts the same; but the greater ones are narrow, long, and hollowed beneath, the upper surface appearing ridged, and the tips bare of webs; some of these are two inches n length, and hang in an elegant manner oyer the quills; the shaft^of them are white; the qu lls are all white, except just the tips of some of the greater ones, which are brown; the legs are black. Inhabits Cayenne, Guiana, &c. and is a scarce bird. It derives its name from the famous Madame Pompadour. 4. PAINTED PHEASANT, or GOLDEN PHEA- SANT. Phasianus Pictus^ Linn. This elegant bird is less than the common Pheasant; length 2 feet 9 Inches and a half; bill and irides yellow; genera! colour of the plumage crimson; on the head is a most beamiful glossy vellow crest, the feathers of which appear like silk, and fall backwards; cheeks almost bare, and flesh coloured; the feathers of the hind head are orange coloured, square at the ends, and crossed With black lines; these are long, and can be erected at will, like those on the Deck of the Cock; beneath these the feathers are green, very little rounded at tne ends, and tipped with black; the back and rump are yellow; the upper tail coverts long, narrow, and crimson, and fall on each side of the tail; the wing coverts chesnut and brown mixed; scapulars blue; quills brown, marked with yellowish spots; the tail is long and cuneiform, the longest feather 23 inches, and the outer one very short, the colour chesnut and black beautifully varie- gated; the legs are yellow, and lurnished with a spur a quarter of an inch in length. The native place of this beautiful species is China, where it is called Kin- Ki. It bears confinement well, and breeds easily in that state; the eggs are redder than those of the common Pheasant resembling somewhat the Guinea Fowl; the flavour of their flesh is said to exceed that of any other Pheasant. 5. RED-TAILED TROPIC BIRD. Le Faille en queue a brins rouges, BufFon’s Ois. vol 8, p. 357. This bird is not mentioned by Liimteus. The length of this species is tw« feet ten inches, of which the two long tail feathers alone measure one foot Bine; the bill is 3 inches and a half in length, and of a deep red; the plumage white, with a tinge of elegant pale rose colour; the crescent over the eve black, bu t somewhat abrupt in the middle; the ends of the scapulars markk with black; but what distinguishes the bird from others is the two middle long tail feathers, which are of a beautiful deep red their whole length ex- legs bhf which are black; the sides over the thighs dusky; the These birds are seldom seen on shore unless in the breeding season, but are frequently met at sea by our Navigators. Are in great plenty in the island of Mauritius, where they make their nest in hollows in the ground under the trees; the eggs are two in number, of a yellowish white marked with rufous spots; the Otaheiteaus and natives of the Friendly Isles call them Tawagge and Tot 1 o. 6. YELLOW-THROATED Dicolorus, Linn. TOUCAN. JRampJiastos The length from the tip of the bill to the end of the tail is seventeen inches' fell near three inches and a quarter long, and one inch and half thick at the base* both mandibles bend downwards, and are black at the base, broadest at the lower mandible; the rest of the bill is olive green near black, the base in- -ttmes to yellow, as does the whole length; in the middle and upper end Saloon. Birds. Case No. 4. 18 HUNTERIANT MUSEUM, Saloon, the edges of both mandibles are red, and serrated, but not deeply; the nos* trils are at the base of the bill hid in the feathers; the upper part of the head and Birds, body are greenish black; cheeks and throat brimstone; fore part of the neck o- range, surrounded with brimstone; breast, upper part of the belly, the upper Case No. 4. and under tail coverts, fine red; thighs greenish black; bottom of the belly and sides blackish; quills and tail of a greenish black; the last even at the end; legs and claws black. In the centre of the Saloon is placed a handsome Mahogany Cabinet, which contains part of the arrangement of Minerals, which will be noticed hereafter; on the top of the Cabinet are placed two elegant Glass Cases, divided into four compartments; containing in No. 1 and 2 a large and beautiful collection of Jaspers, Agates, &c. cut and polished, principally from Germany and o- ther parts on the Continent. Many of these elegant specimens are large blocks, and of great value. No 3 and 4 contain various miscellaneous articles among which are a small collection of Fossils, collected at Dunbar, Pennycuik, and Fhornlie Bank near this City, presented to the Museum by Captain Laskev. On the top are various articles placed under Bell Glasses, among which are two Sepulchral Urns, one found in the Isle of Bute, presented by the Rev. John Robertson; the other found under a Cairn near Lady-Land House in Kilbirnie, Ayrshire, presented by Wm. Cochrane, Esq. These Urns are of unbaked earth, and similar in form and ornaments; they are vulgarly sup- posed to be Roman, but the writer rather believes them to be of the aboriginal workmanship of the natives, or probably of Pictish origin. In the centre is an elegant Toy carved in Amber, agroup of bop forming the pedestal, supporting a vase cup on their head; the Amber is of different co- lours, the foot being of the rich dark brown colour, the pedestal light yellow, and the cup orange. , r . On each side a magnificent specimen of Amber, very translucid, one formed to the shape of a bottle, and from the light opposite, it has often been taken for a bottle of Oil; the other of a cake form, leafy within, or not pure. On the right a beautiful Echinus with its purple spines. On the left a fragment of Rock Crystal mounted on a pedestal, contain- ing Ore of Titaneum, resembling straws. A group of Crystals in their native state from Dauphiny, and two I ym- panums of the Ear of a Whale. APARTMENT ON LEFT OF THE SALOON. This contains six large Glass Cases nearly the height of the room In the cloth tree, neatly and evenly twisted together, in the same manner, HUNTERIAN MUSEUM. 19 Iv so as our twine or small cordage; another sort is of a softer nature, made Salooa- of the bark of a small shrub, called Areemah by the natives, plaited together, “ and is flat; another kind is made of the plaited sinews of some sea animal. Left Apart- aiid is of great strength as well as beauty, and a striking proof of their la- ment. borious ingenuitv- , , „ , . - ,, No. 1, A Bracelet made of thin plates of tortoise-shell and ivory or Miscell. bone interspersed, well polished, and fixed together by means of a string closely drawn through them. c v i ji • No. 2, Breast Gorget; this is an ornament in the form ot the handle ef a cup, made of wood, sometimes of ivory, bone or shell, which is hung about the neck by fine threads of twisted human hair, at times doubled aa hundred fold. — Sandwich Islands. No. 3, A Knife from the Friendly Islands, made of hard wood, elegant- ly carved and ornamented with the Iris ear shell, to represent eyes; it is edg- ed with shark’s teeth, and is used for common purposes; they use large knifes of the same materials, nearly a yard in length, for the purpose of cutting up their enemies talcen in battle, which are always put to death, and tro- phies made of their bones. , n j • i. i i j No. 4, Small Ornaments in ivory or bone, from the Sandwich Islands, worn by their women tied on their w^rists* No. 5, Bowl of Marble for playing with. Sandwich Islands. These are made of marble, slate, spar, &c. and are used in a game similar to our bowls. . 5 O J T No. 6, A singular formed Fish Hook, from King Georges Sound. It Is rather difficult to comprehend on what principle the barbing of this hook No. 7, Combs from Otaheite, which are specimens of their exquisite wick- er work. _ j • i T 1 j Ti. No. 8, A Sling for throwing stones with, from Sandwich Islands. 1 he centre formed like a small craddle or hammock, is made either of the husk or rind of a young cocoa nut, or the leaves of the Pandanus tree, neatly tied, and fastened to a Pandanus line at each end ; in this craddle the stone is plac- ed, One end of the string having a bow, is fastened round the wrist, while the other end is held between the fingers and thumb, it is whirled round the head two or three times, then projected with great force, and a degree of nicety, as seldom to miss the mark, to the great surprise of our voyagers. The stone is formed of an ovate shape, and may be seen lying in the sling; it is of a species of steatite, or micaceous slate, and has never been observ- ed to differ in its form or texture. ■ , i. No. 9, Bracelets of Boar’s Tusks, laid parallel to each other, with the concave part outwards, the points cut off, fastened together by means of a string closely drawn through them. No. 10, A Bracele f made of thin pieces or plates of ivory or bone, with similar plates of tortoise-shell interspersed, and well polished. Sand- No. 11, A small figure of a Turtle in bone, from Sandwich Islands, worn by the women tied on their wrists. No. 12, A Necklace of shells and berries from Friendly Islands. No. 13. Several Fisn Decovs, formed of the upper parts of the cypraea, or cowry shells, fastened round an oval stone which forms the nucleus, and at the same time acts as a sinker for the hook. New Zealand, &c.^ No. 14, Several specimens of the Nephritic Stone, from 1 ovy Poe- nammoo, the southern division of New Zealand, which country takes its name from this stone, it is there called Poenammoo, or the Ear Drop Stone; these are formed into a variety of chissels and other tools. See 1 aikinso.i $ Voyage round the World, page 93, 120, and 127; and Hawicsworth s oy- age, vol. 2, p. 400. j r • . No. 15, A Meat Hook made of the soft \yood of the bjoad-lfuit tree KUNTERTAV -MUSEUM’. Saloon. Otaheite. It IS used by the natives for suspending their meat, 4mal11 baskets, or li>;hing tackle on. Zealand, used by the natireS in entertainnaents. J'he great analogy between these p.pes, and Miscell U ^ r ® Ancients, as well as some other singular ar- Miscell. tides used by these natives, has given rise to many speculative theories respecting their origin. CaseNo. 1. a variety of Spear Heads, Fish Hooks, Fishivg Lines, from the various Islands in the Southern Ocean Vide the respective names attached to each article. Case No. 2. Glass Case, No. 2. contains principally the admirable and curious articles collected! during the voyages of Captains Cook. Ki no, &c. in the South Seas, amon^which we shall first notice the Flaxen Mantles from Nootka, or King George s Wd, and New Zealand, some of which are ornamented with a deep fringe. These kind of garments pass under the left arm and tie over the right shoulder, by which means both arms are left at freedom These different mantles are made by people to whom the use of the loom is totally unknown, and who live at a vast distance from each other; notwithstanding which, there is so great a similitude in the workmanship, that, on comparing them together, and considering how improbable it is that the latter should •ver have been peopled by the former, it naturally excites the idea, that in- vention IS not peculiar to any nation or clime. I hese flaxen garments with which they cover themselves, must necessarily engage their first attention and care, they are made of the bark of a pine tree, beaten into an hempen state; it is not spun, but after being properly prepared, is spread upon a stick, which is fastened across to two others that stand up* righC It is disposed m such a manner, that the manufacturer who sits on her hams at this simple machine, knots it across with small plaited threads, at the distance of half an inch from each other; though by this method it e not so emse or firm as cloth that is woven, the bunches between the knots make It sufficiently impervious to the air, by filling the interstices| and it has the additional advantage of being softer and more pliable. Also a great number of specimens of Plain Cloth from Otaheite and ether of the Friendly Isles with Painted or Stained Cloth from the feandwich, New Zealand, and Marquesas Isles. The Cloth is made of the in- wcle bark of the 1 outa, or Cloth Tree of the Natives, the Morus Papyrifera, ajier ulberry Tree of Botanists It is neither spun nor wove, but matted together somewhat in the manner our hats are made, by being beat for some time with an instrument of wood or bone, grooved on each side of different wict s an c epths, the coarsest being adapted for the first process of beating*, ^*”*^**^‘ ^pscimens ef this i:;strument may be seen in the Hall o.the Elephant.— That which is intended to be painted is of a thick and stronger texture than that which is to remain plain, they paint them of a va- riety ol patterns with a comprehensive regularity of de.sigii that bespeaks in- finite taste and fancy. 1 he exactness with which some of these intricate patterns are continued is surprising, when we consider that they have no stamps, and that the whole is done by the eye, with pieces of bamboo cane dipped in some colouring mixture made of the juices of vegetables or berries. They rest their fiand on another piece of cane in the same manner as our painters. 7 he busi- ness of painting belongs entirely to the women, and is called Hipparree; and It is remarkable, that the>y always gave the same name to our writing, fre- quently taking the pen out of the hand of the sailors, to shew them that they knew the use of it as well as they did, but that our pens were not so good as t.eirs. Jhey looked upon a sheet of written paper, as apiece of painted cloth, and it was not w ithout the greatest difficulty that they could be made to understand that our figures had a meaning by which we could communi- cate ou. ideas one to ai cther, W’ithont speaking. From the five following articles which appertain to the very curious and HUNTEilAN MUSEUM. 21 Singular dress of a chief mourner at Owyhee; it is presumed the whole of the Saloon, dress is here complete. It consists of No. 1. A large bunch of Feathers of the tail of the Tropic bird, these are Left Apart- worn on the head stuck in, in a radiated manner singly. ment. No. 2. Three Tawmees, or Breast Gorgets, The ground work is of '■■■" wicker work, covered and interwoven with feathers of the Poe bird, shark’s Miscell. teeth, and fringed with dog’s hair, ornamented on each side at the top, sometimes with one, at others with two circular plates of the shell or nacre of the Black Case. No. 2. Pearl Oyster, or the beautiful Iris Ear Shell, encircled with Poe bird feathers; the whole forming a very elegant and singular ornament. No. 3. Small Slips of Mother of Pearl very ingeniously put together; a work of incredible labour when it is considered with what tools and instru- ments they were wrought with; this was suspended over the breast of the wear- er. No. 4. Various Pieces of unwrought Cordage of the Aouta tree which bound the under part of the dress together; and No. 5. Several large strings of Feathers, tufted at the bottom also with feath- ers of the Poe bird; these w'ere suspended from the wrists, and hung dang- ling when the arms were extended. No. 6. Stone Pestles, or Bread-Fruit Pounder s from Otaheite; they are made of a kind of black basaltes, and are an astonishing effort of labour, executed by a people to whom the use of iron instruments at that time was unknown. The method of preparing the Bread-fruit for food is by pounding it on a block of wood with these Stone Pestles, occasionally sprinkling it with W'ater, or the milk of the cocoa nut, which operation reduces it to a paste; it is then put into a vessel, and either made up alone or mixed with ripe plantains, bananas, or the sour paste which they call Mahie; at times they roast or bake it in an oven, which renders it soft, and something like a mealy potatoe. No. 7, Vegetable Bottle, a species of Gourd. The description of these vegetable productions given by Captain King is as follows: “ The Gourd is applied to all manner of domestic uses, and the Sandwich Islanders, in order the better to fit them to their respective uses, have die ingenuity to give them different forms, by tying them with bandages during their early growth.” Thus some are of a longitudinal form to hold fishing tackle; some round, to hold provisions; and others are in the shape of a bottle to hold wa- ter, &c. They have also a method of scoring them with a heated instrument, so as to give them the appearance of being painted, in a variety of neat and elegant designs. No. 8. A Basket, from Sandwich Islands, made of fine wicker work, ornamented with a species of Dentalia shells. No. 9. Knee or Leg Ornament, worn by the dancers of New Zea- land. The ground work is a strong close netting, on which are fastened se- veral hundred small shells, which when put in motion, produce a rattling sound, to the music of which the dancers keep time; similar ones are fastened round the thighs and ancles. No. 10, A Pouch, of curious workmanship, formed of bugles, feathers, and dog’s hair, w'orn by men of high rank in New Zealand. No 11. A large specimen of the Inner Bark of the Lagetto Tree from the West Indies, the curious texture of which resembles Gauze. King Charles II. (it is said) had a pair of ruffles, a cravat and frill made from this species of bark, which were presented to him by a West India merchant, which he wore at Court several times. The cloth of the South Sea Islands is made from a similar bark. No. 12. A Boot of elegant workmanship from the neighbourhood of Hudson’s Bay, or Esquimeaux Country. It is formed of leather (said to be tanned with blood) ornamented in a singular manner with tassels of hoofs of a small species of animal, hair, feathers, and the fangs of dogs; the whole C 22 HUNTERIAN MtlSEUM. Saloon. Left Apart' ment. Miscell. Case No. 2 Case No. 3 Case No. 4 Case No. S Nat. Hist. ^rlously embroidered with the quills of the porcupine dyed of various colours The writer does not recollect having seen a similar specimen. No. 13. A singular Spur, formed of two pieces of Bamboo wood and theft Apart- could never keep them alive above ten days or a fortnight after their arrival ment. in the west of England. ^ arrival 2°' ^ ’P“™“ the T. >,1 1 R. See description in right hand room. K.t.H'.t. No 3t.rayonng,pecimenofthePo«co,,N.FisH.%;w.. .'°r; M c ^ commonly termed the Sea Porcupine, and is said to alFord vreat a- No. 5. musement when taken. After seizing the bait and finding itself hook^ it ex- hibits every appearance of rage, inflating its body, elevating its spines to the highest degree, endeavouring to wound in all directions, and springing to 1 'ft" h»»i»g tired itself by it. vain effort!, “ JnrM becomes flaccid; but on bein^ drawn near the shore, re- doubles Its rage, when it is left on the sand to die, it being impossible to danger till it is dead; it is a native of the Indian and Ameri- can Seas, seldom eaten, being a coarse fish. No. 32. Frog Fish, or Angler, {Lofiilus Europ^us, Linn.) This fish is re S^s^ef 1 appearance. It is observed to frequent shallow parts of ^e sea, lying in ambush, covering itself with the weeds and mud in such a ^ perceived but its tentaculs, or long processes n the head, which it moves about in every direction; the smaller fish bv T — blance' to worm;, and attempting seize them, become the prey of the Angler. “ ° 2°’ specimens of Monstro^’us Chicken, each with four legs. No. 34. A fine specimen of the Purple Creeper, in spirits. ^ No. 35. Several bottles containing a complete suite of the various transfor- Biauons of the SiLK_ Worm, from the egg to the winged state. Common Oyster, in various states, beautifully tbi P situation of the heart, blood vessels, &c. &c. Also of the Pecten Maximus, or common Escallop. No. 37. A dissection of a Pear, shewing the beautiful ramifications of the ligneous fibres when divested of its pulp. No, 38. Several Cashew Apples, with the nuts attached ^ No. 39. Eggs of the common English Viper, with a young one coiled tm in the position as lying in the egg. ^ ® " coned up •< 2°' !?■ Cricket, (Gryllus Grillotalpa.) This singular little insect wof a dark brown colour, and little more than two inchfs in len^ body 18 scaly; furmshed with two long pointed wings, and as many haify tails- the most remarkable part about it, howeveris its fore feet, which bear some faint resemblance to a human hand, and are admirably adapted for forming those ^bterraneous excavations wherein the animal resides and deposits ks eutrs With Its strong webbed and slightly incurvated paws, the^Mole Cridfet orks at a prodigious rate, and will burrow its way through a whole ridge of leguminous plants (of the roots of which it is very fond) m the course o/i single night. With these Instruments also it forms its neat habitation nous approaches to it. This domicilium is generally, in t^^sum^mer time ofth«gr„„„d, and hcmn the femak j.^siier eggsirom luoto 150. Towards winter, instinct ever faithfnl tr, Jfc office, informs the little being, that in order to secure his tender offspring ^ ‘he influence of the cold and’ frost; again he sets to work, and in a short time completes a commodious hybernaculem about 14 inches below the surface, hither he retires with hU family and patiently waits for the return of genial suns and warmer seasons when he again takes possession of his summer abode. * The chief food of the Mole Cricket is roots and vegetables, for which he sometimes travels at night by the assistance of his wings to a considerable distance; before morning, he returns to his subterraneous habitation; and HUNTERIAN MUSEUM, 27 strange to relate, is found to be employed there during the day, chiefly in ru- Saloon, minating or chewing the cud It is an inhabitant of England, &c. ‘ Glass Case No. 6. contains on the upper shelves a variety of Corals, LeftApart- Gorgonias, and Sponges- On the lower shelves are preserved in spirits, ment. a vast variety of the genus Coluber, Boa, AMPHisBiENA, and other reptiles, L forming as large and beautiful an assemblage as may be met with in this Hist, country; a few of which we shall specify. * No. 1. Rattle-Snake. (Crotalus Horridus, Linn.) Is one of the most Case No. poisonous of reptiles, and the largest of the serpent tribe that inhabit North America. A peculiar distinction, and in which it differs from all other of its species, is the rattle at the end of the tail, with which it makes so loud a noise when in motion, that its approach may be known, and danger avoided. It is asserted that this serpent has the power of charming or fascinating small animals within its reach, which it devours. Squirrels and small birds are its principal prey, and no sooner do they spy the snake, than they skip from bough to bough, and approach by degrees nearer to the enemy, until they enter in a manner wilfully the extended jaws that are open to devour them. Bartram observes, that some Indian nations, never kill the Rat- tle-Snake, alledging their motive, that it would influence its living kin- dred to revenge the injury or violence done to it when alive. The flesh of the Rattle-Snake is said to be much relished by the natives, and even by Euro- peans; of late years they, as well as other serpents, are much decreased in the States, owing to the great number of hogs kept by the planter^ who rove through the woods and devour them with avidity. No. 2. Speckled Viper. (^Coluber Maculatus^ Linn.) Gmelin in his Syst. Nat. ed. 1. considers this species as a-kin to the Neapolitan Viper; the head is compressed at the sides, which are white, while the upper part is ash co- loured, like the rest of the body, having a pale brown line on each side, which unite before the nostrils. Country unknown. ^ No. 3. Chain Viper {Coluber Getulus,\Awxi,') Catesby has figured this spe- cies which he found in Carolina, and which was afterwards transmitted to Linnaeus by Dr. Garden. The upper parts of the body are dark blue, almost black, having very narrow transverse bars, composed of small spots, which gives them a resemblance to chains. The under parts are dark blue, with small yellow spots, w'hich are almost square. No. 4. Long Green Borneo Snake of Petivers, Gazoph. t. 100. f. the Borga of Buffon, by Lacepede; and {C. Ahetula, Linn.) This species is remarkably beautiful, combining the richest colours of the finest gems, with the splendour of burnished gold, mingled with dark brown shades, which con- trast and heighten its brilliant ornaments. Among serpents it may be said to hold the same rank, in these respects, with the Humming Bird among the birds. To see the Borga in all its splendour, we must take it in all the re- flected tints of silver colour, golden yellow, red, blue, green and black, mingled and changing in the most extraordinary and beautiful manner pos- sible, so that when about to change its skin, it seems studded with a mixed assemblage of all the precious stones, tinder a thin transparent veil of bluish crystal. It is one of the most slender of serpents in proportion to its length. It can spring to a considerable distance with great swiftness; it feeds on small birds, by concealing itself under the foliage of the trees, and is said to at- tract them by a peculiar kind of whistling, to which Seba, in his description of his Museum, has given the name of song. This is doubtful, as its long divided tongue and the conformation of its other organs of sound, are only adapted for producing a hiss or species of simple whistle. In the Isle of Bor- neo, the children play with the Borga without the smallest dread, they carry It in their hands, as innocent as themselves, and twist it about their necks, aims, and bodies, in a thousand directions. We have to regret that this most elegant and beautiful of the species, should require a degree of heat greatly 28 HUNTERIAN MUSEUM. Saloon. Left Apart- ment. Nat. Hist. Case No. 6. Minerals. superior to that of our regions, and that only in those situations near tlxo tropics, tiieir splendour and beauty, as now described, can be observed. No 5. Lrotalus Dryinus, one of the species bt-longing to the ge- nus of Rattle-Snakes. We need not therefore repeat what already has been detailed at large on this subject in No. 1, as most of this genus possess nearly the same habitudes. The Dryinas is whitish, with pale yellow s^..ots. The top of the head has two scales considerably larger than the rest, the back scales are oval and ridged ; the belly has usually one hundred and s.xty- five plates, and the under surface of the tail thirty; it is found in America. No. G. Cylindrical Snake, {Anguis Scytale, Liiin.) I'his species is very common both in India and America, but is never found in the cold, or even in the temperate latitudes, its head which is somewhat convex hove, and concave underneath, is hardly distinguishable from the rest of the body, except by three scales on its upper part, a little longer than the rest, fhe teeth are numerous, and, being all equal in size, and having no poison fangs we may conclude that it is not venomous. The scales over the whole body are whitish, with rusty brown edges, which form brown circular bars. The full size of this snake is not completely ascertained, but supposed not to ex- ceed two or three feet in length, and half an inch diameter. No. 7. Lacerta, or Lizard-like Viper. (C, Saurita, Linn.) Thisspe- cies has a good deal of resemblance to the grey and green Lizards, both in its colours and in agility of motion, from which circumstance the trivial name is derived; its body is slender, and elegantly proportioneu; oi a dark brown colour, with three longitudinal white or green stripes extending from the head to the tail ; the belly is white, having an hundred and fifty-six plates; and the tail has an hundred and twenty-one pairs of small plates; it is a native of Carolina; the jaws have no poison fangs. No. 8. White Amphisbaina, {Amph. Alba. Linn.) The specific name is derived from its colour, in contradistinction to the Sooty or Black Amphis- brena. ft grows u,sually to the length of one or two feet, of which the tail ne«. ver exceeds an inch or inch and quarter. 1 he ej'es are extremely small, and covered in such a manner by a membrane as to be hardly perceptible, from which the Amphisbxna, like the snake has been called the blind serpent. The top of the head is covered by six large scales, in three rows of two each. The body has usually two hundred and twenty-three rings, and the tail six- teen rings; the upper edge ol the vent has eight perforated tuber..le5, and contains each the excretory ducts of small glandular bodies under the skin; the muzzle, before the eyes, becomes considerably narrower than the upper part of the head, and ends obtusely. Is a native of America. This singular genus, differs essentially from all other serpents. Those which belong to it are not above five, as the Sooty AMPHisisiENA, {Amph. Fuliginosay Linn.) Varieclyted Amphisbjena, {Amph. F~aria, Linn.) Yellow AMPHiSBiE- NA, {ylmph. Flava, Linn.) Magnificent AMpnisBa:NA, {Amph. Magmfica. Linn.) and the one above described. They are very easily distinguished, by being entirely covered by scales of an almost square form, more or less regular, which are arranged in regular transverse rings, surrounding the whole body and tail. The scales in these rings join together at their sides. 1 he upper and under surfaces of the body, or the back and belly, are so exactly alike, that, when the head and vent are concealed, it is impossible to say whether the animal is in its natural posture or turned on its back. Were it not for the situation of the head, and that the spine is nearer the back than the belly, it might be supposed they could crawl with equal ease on the back as on the belly; from the structure of these scaly rings, they have great liberty in turning and twisting their bodies in all directions. From it likewise they are enabled to crawl with almost equal ease and quickness backwards, as they can forwai;ds; and from this circumstance they derive the name of Amphisba;- na, which signifies advancing both ways. In the centre of this apartment is placed a handsome double mahogany C.a- binet, with horizontal Glast Cases on the top, containing in four compartmen.ts HUNTERUN museum. 29 various Minerals, among whiph may be seen in compartment 1, the Ore Salooiq. Platika, or White Gold;— fine specimen of Native Foliated — -1— - Gold; — Native Silver in a large mass;-rrSilver in its different combinations Left Apart- Vritfi other metals; — Natixe Copper, in an arborescent apd;comp;iCt form; — rnent. -^Malachite Copper Ore feom Siberia;— ^CpReER; Ore from China;'— Copper Azure, very rare; — a fine mass of Bi,ac-k Iron H'^MATitEs, Minerals. very heawtfful; — yariops specimjens of crystali^ed WajtTE LraQ; Ore, one beautiftiily tinged with green, in dehcate qrystals, frpm the ^risga.w; — two Centre singular crystRlizations of PvriteSj &c. &c. Cabinet. Compartment No. 2, contains a large s)a_b of common Fltnt above twelve Inches in length, on which Appear den^itic delineations pervading the whole mass, Rnd passing quite throngh; the specim,en is vaynished to sfievv more dis- tinctly thed^ndrites; — Asbestos, and.^MiANT-itv.s ip var.ioua states. This mi- neral, from its hejfibility, and its resisting the effects of fire, is said to haye been by the anpienfs, wove into a kmd of cloth (a specinien of vfhich is preserv- ed in this Case,) in \yhich they wrapped tlie bodies, of persons of distinction be- fore they were placed on the fuperal pile, that their ashes might be collected free frohi admixture; it was also used for inconibustible vyichs, but is in mo- dern days only considered as an object of curiosity. Compact Grey Anti- MONV Ore from KceyboEg;— and Radiated Grey Antimony Ore from iayruth ;-:-several specimensof Serpentine, or Jad Stone frqip Sandwich Islands and New Zealand; — tliese are fornted and used as hand-a.%es, chissels, qnd ornanients by the natives. Polished spedniens of Grern Stone, &c- &c. Compartment No. 3, contains several fine specimens of Dendrites in lami- ERted slate from Papenheim. Green Clay Slate with large brilliant cubic marcasites plentifully em- bedded on the surface. This specimen is supposed to have been found in Scotland. Several beautiful specimens pf Calc Sinter Blende; a large Arrow- I;Iead SttEiJiiTE from the gypsum quarries. in France; andvaripus other Mi- nerals, the names of which are attached to the specimens. The 4th Compartment contains a fine specimen of Calc Sinter, more generally known by the name of Flos Ferri. This is the corralloidal varie- tj of Calc Sinter, it is generally found in veins of sparry iron stone. Dr. Jamie- son says, from its peculiar external shape, and its occurrence in drusy cavities, he is ipplined to think it ought perhap? to be considered, either as a group of crys- talline shoots, or as aji aggregation of crystals, than as stalactitic. From Switzerland. A curious specimen of Gy psum, which cry stalized in the wood pipes which carry the salt water springs in Hungary. Several specimens cut and polished of Fluor Spar from Derbyshire, where a manufactory is established for forming this beautiful spar into vases, obelisks, and other ornamental and useful works. Arrow-Head and. other Selenite s from France. Straight lamellar Hdavy Spae, combined with lead glance; a singular and beautiful specime.n. Rhomboidal Calc Spar from Iceland, commonly known by the name of Double Refracting Spar. This spar possesses the singularity that by. view- ing a line dravyn by the pen pn the opposite side it appears double, or two lines; Jlrochant says, it is occasioned by splitting double six-sided pyramids. Several fine specimensof the PLUMB-PunniNG Stone, from Flertfordshire. These are a coiigeries of pebbles naturally cemented in one mass, by a silice- ous matter, and are peculiar to this county. They are distinguished by the colour of the cement, or ground, as white, yellow, red, Scq. The red is the. scarcest variety. On the top of the Cabinet are placed eight specimens of rare and valuable Etruscan Ware, under bell glasses andstands, amongwhich are two Lamps D so HUNTERIAN MUSEUM, Saloon. Left Apart- ment. ■with handles. These antiques were dug up at the foot of the Mont CatnpJ'-. nia in Italy, and are supposed to have been the household Utensils of the an- cient Greeks. Also a Roman Lamp in baked earth. In the Cabinets in tliis ropm are preserved the Herbarium, consisting of many thousand plants all uniformly spread on paper, and in good order. Ma- Nat Hist which are very rare. On each side of the window, in spirits are several curious specimens of the animal and reptile tribe, among these is a fine specimen of the Boa Snake. Marked A. This serpent being pre'viously described, we have only to remark that this is a young one, and a male. Marked B. Lepas A.vATiFERAj or Goose-bearing Barnacle Tree. It often occurs adhering, by means of its long pedicle, to the pieces of drift- wood floating in the sea about the Hebrides, and sparingly on other parts of the coast. This shell was formerly admitted to be the origin of the Bernade Goose! Isidore, Boethius, and several other ancient writers, relate a tale rela- tive to this circumstance, which is credulously repeated by Gerrard, and even by authors subsequent to his time. The tenor of their observations amount to an absolute assertion that they have seen the young of the Bfernacle Goose-, which have been hatched in those shells drop out partly fledged, and taking to the water, swim away! The beards of this animal have a feathery appear- ance, and being commonly observed hanging out of the shells, no doubt in- duced a ready belief, in those days of vulgar error, that they must be the ge- nuine feathers of a bird ; at the same time that the fertility of their invention enabled them to determine even the identical kind of bird to which those sup- posed feathers appertained. This is a similar group to the one exhibited about five years since in London as a great curiosity, under the name of the Goose Tree. Marked C. Rattle-Snake, {Crotalus Horrldm. Linn.) before describ- ed page 26. In the transactioirs of the American Phil. Soc. vol. iv. is a me- moir concerning the fascinating faculty which has been ascribed to the Rattle- Snake, by Benjamin Smith Barton, M. D. This ingenious essay will serve to eradicate the last remains of a superstitious opinion, long maintained in Natu- ral History. Dr. Barton proves by a variety of facts, that the motion of birds, which have been attributed to a fascinating power in the eyes of serpents, are in reality calculated to drive away the reptiles from the bird’s yvaung, or to di- vert attention from the nest. He saps, 1 have already observed, that the Rattle-Snake does not climb u^ trees; but the Black Snake and some other species of the Genus Coluber do. When impelled by hunger, and incapable of satisfying it by the capture of animals on the ground, they begin to glide up trees or bushes, upon which a bird has its nest The bird is not ignorant of the serpent’s object, she leaves her nest, whether it contains eggs or young ones, and endeavours to oppose the reptile’s progress. In doing this, she is actuated by the strength of her instinc- tive attachment to her eggs, or of affection to her young. Her cry is melan- choly, her motions are tremulous. She exposes herself to the most imminent danger; sometimes she approaches so near the reptile that he seizes her as his prey; but this is far from being universally the case. Often she compels the serpent to leave the tree, and then returns to her nest. Marked D. Torpedo RXy, Torpedo^ Linn.) This fish has been cele- brated both by ancients and moderns, for its wonderful faculty of causing a numbness or painful sensation in the limbs of those who touch or handle it; The shock or sensation given by the Ray is attended with all the effects of that produced by the Electrical Machine, so far as experiment has hitherto enabled \is to discover. Although this fish does not appear to be furnished with any striking exterior qualities, although it has no muscles formed for great exer- tions, nor any internal conformation differing from the Ray kind; yet such are the wonderful powers it possesses, that in an instant it can paralize the hand or bodv that touches it, and cause for a while a total suspension of the mental faculties. Reaumer has, by several experiments, attempted to demon- hunterun museum. 31 strate that it is not necessarily, but by a voluntary effort, that the Torpedp Saloon, benumbs the hand that touches it. On every trial, he could readily pertmve, when it intended to give the stroke, and when it was about to continue inoffen- Left .^part- "ve In preparing to give the shock, it flattened hs back, raised its head and J^n^ tnil and then by a violent contraction in the opposite direction, struck with its S k te body.whUhbrfore «a, fla., Nat, H.su became round and lumped. It is said that the negroes can handle the Torpe- do without being affected; and we are told the whole secret consists in keep- ins respiration suspended. The electrical power is, however, known to teimi- n^e with the life of the animal, and when dead, it is handled or eaten with per- fect s' fety. It is an inhabitant of the Northern, European, and Mediterranean Seas The parts containing the electrical organs are dissected open for tfie nurpose of displaying them to view. Mr. John Hunter ascertained the num- ber of columns in one organ to amount to 1182, and fully confirmed his opini- on at the same time, that their numerous horizontal partitions were very vas- cular These experiments were made on Torpedos t^ten »n 1 orbay, where iSyare not uncommon, of a large size, some of which has been known o wemh about 50 lbs; while those on the coast of France and the Mediteiianean Sea.^scarcely weigh 10 or 12 lbs. avoirdupois. Another specimen is preserved in (ilass Case 5 Marked E. . . r , *i In the L.eft Compartment of the Glass Case on the right of the room, near the Miscelk window, are placed a few miscellaneous articles; as IVo Celts of St on e neat- ly made, one of which marked (A ) was turned up by the plough in the paiish of Fenwick, Ayrshire, and presented to the Museum by the Rev. W m Bo i n , Minister. The other (B) was found in the remains of an old encampment m Denny Moor, presented by Mr. Richard Calenper. Many doubts have arisen respecting the origin of these instruments, called Celts; but our opinion is they weL implements; belonging to the aboriginal inhabitants of these ijlmds before the use of iron was known The strong resemblance they bear to the stone axes, chissels, &c of the native inhabitants of the new discovered is- lands of the South Seas may be seen by comparison with those of these islands. Preserved in the Case of South Sea rarities in this room. ^ Mr. Pennant observes in his History of Wales, that a flint axe used by the a- boriginesof our Island was discovered stuck in certain veins of coal exposed to the day in Craig y Pare, Monmouthshire; and m such a, situation as to render it very^ accessible to Inexperienced natives, whp m early times were incapable .rcow. The„ ofhair are incrusted with a smooth brown coat of about a line in thickness, ?y scraping off a small quantity, and pouring sphit of nitre on it, it occasions a st^ one ebullition. These balls are supposed to be formed by the motion of the stonwch which in these animals are very strong and frequent, by which motion the hair which is attained by the creature’s frequently licking itself, and carried into the stomach, is wrought and compacted together, as wool or flax by the hands of the workman in making a hat. Marked . . R^lng against the end of the Cabinet, on a base of stone, is a fine Egyptian fipure oflsis in a sitting posture, the arms crossed on the knees; in one hand [he Sistrum or Egyptian Lyre; on the front of the figure, various hieroglyphics. The whole is in fine preservation, and a very valuable antique. ZOOPHITES, IN GLASS CASE (A.) In the Ajjartment on the Might Hand of the Saloon., No 1. Red Organ Pipe Coral, {Tuhlpora Musica, Linn.) red pipe coral, with transverse partitions, connecting perpendicular tubes. The?e is but this one species of the genus yet discovered, but many v^i- tuL are to be met with in the cabinets oi the curious. colour someti^e^ 5^ HUNtERiAN MUSEEltf. Salb'oh, - ■ ^ oranjfe yellow; they grow to the srze of a foot Ri^ht U h fi The mariner of their growth ight IS by first adhering to a rock, shell or stone, and from a small beirinnfng- ei- !“'• ‘heir tnbts appearing lie so many Nat h;*i IT’ ^ ^ f increase in length, m order to fill uf, the space between the _J ■ f’®"' tubes arise Upon their transverse pardtidWs. The diameter of the Glass Gssp f medium about One-tenth of an inch, ahd in length they varv a e. from a quarter to half an-inch between the horizontal partkiOrfs. ^ ^ The M ^«hucca Isles, Java, and Malacca. The Malays call them Batu-Swange, that is to say, the Magician’s Stone- as they suppose them to have a magical virtue; for that reason they hang them them^^LriK?^!?'^''^' from the fruit, it being a prevailing opinion among them, that those who attempt to steal, where they are hnng up.^will be seiz? ed with eruption of red pimples. They are\lso c^rlful not to Sjav?and mT^ the Contrary the inhabitants i S i powder of this coral against the iranguary. The n tives of the Celebes put some of the powder on any wound tha^s mide by thlm.°™'’“' for this purpose always cawy a small piece of it with No. 2 Mushroom Madrepore, {Madrepova FungUa, Linn.) A great variety of specimens of this curious Madrepore. ^ ^ ^ r abundance in the Red Sea, and the East Indian ocean: and are often six or seven inches diameter, but more frequently smaller. The young are frequently seen adhering to the old oires. With large rising lamel- Rhumphius describes the animal. He says it is covered with a thick viscid Snrku folds or plaits have borders like the IsitieSormed^Pl that these are covered with innumerable oblong ves ties formed of the same gelatinous substance, which appear alive under water and may be observed to move like an insect; ffat when Zkel out of the sea, and exposed to the air, all the mucous part with the little vesicles shrunk in betvveen the erect little plates or lameL, and disappear- ed and in a short time, hke the Medusa, or Sea Jellies, melted away, leaving behind them a most disagreeable fetid smell. ^ ° M'AtoREPOT E, P/fex, Linn.) Inhabits the Indian Td ol eaSrsiS'l-k " ^ of with their lamella dispos- ed on each side, like parallel pmnas, or rays; under these on each side arc other rows of stars, as it were hnked together, with their rays nearly parallel, and a JpSiT"' * I his little Millepore is formed hke a net, funnel-shaped, and irregulLlv wa ved and plaited in the margin. It Is ft, 11 of pores only on one side. ^ ^ it dopli*not^I"^ ’“ I found on the British coast, though Mediterranean sl” ^ tT p ‘bat we find the specimens from the J Ilip r I ? i!)‘ a ^ ‘® generally of a funnel shape; but tlie foreign 48 more loosely folded and waved, and looks like open lace; the under parUs wh cl,r°,‘ ‘h««PP» sprflceh M ofSli which are disposea in a regular quincunx order. o. 5. Jo.NTED Red Coral, (Isis Oshra^esr, Linn.) This curious Isis has a stony stem irregularly channelled, as if eaten into; the branches arl many ichotomous, and .spread out; the joints are connected by deep yellow spongV t -tt li r s." ‘'-'over Xll filllo among the Spice islands. It is so veryliable to fall to pieces when dry, that good specimens are very rare. ^ No. 6, Black and White Jointed Coral, f/sh 77^/.„nV, Linn.) Thia HO^JtERiAN MUS^:UM. 33 Isfe liaJ a jointed stem, which rises into many loose branches; the bone or sup- Saloon, port of the animal consists of white, cylindrical, stony-ehannelled joints, con- ■ " nected top^ether by black contracted hotny interfnfediate ones. The flesh is whit- Right ish phiftip, and full of minute vessels; the surface of it is full of the little mouths Apartment, of the cells, which are deposited in a quincunx order, covering the polypes ■ ' ' with eight elawS. Nat. Histi This beautiful coral is frequently brought by our East India ships from Prince's Island, in the Straits of Sunda on the southern coast of Sunia- Glass Case tra. Specimens with the flesh oh them are rarely to be met with, as the sai- A. lors generally scrape it off to shew the beauty of the black and v»hite joints. No. 7. Under a bell glass is preserved a rare specimen of the Base or Root of the I SIS HipruRis, or Black AND White Jointed Coral. It is white, and not jointed with the black woody-iike part as in the stem and branches; the part that was next the body it was taken from is quite flat. It is not figur- ed or described by any author that we are accquainted with, and is deemed unique, being the original specifneh ih the late Duchess Dowager of Portland’s collection. No. S. Gorgonla Pretiosa, True Red Coral. Ellis Zoophites, {Li% NobiUs, Linn.) Gcrg-onia Nobilis Turtons, Linn. Thisgorgon grows spread flat, with dichotomous branches that lessen towards the extremities. The flesh is of the colour of red lead, soft, slippery, and full of minute vessels; the moutls are irregularly placed on the surface, and rise up in a conical form, consisting of eight valves just opening, from whence proceed polypes of a white colour with eigiit claws; each claW has a double row of fibres on both edges. The bone is stony, and of the brightest red, marked with minute furrows on the outside, and with little hollow places here and there, that have corresponded with the cells. This Specimen is very elegant in its form, mounted on a pedestal. Several other elegant branches are in the collection. No. 9. V-Entjs ¥ ATS GoviGoviiA,( Gnrgmia FlitbeUu?it,lAnn.) The trunk and branches of this sea fan are •pinnated, and by the means of the small branches crossing each other and blending together, they compose the elegant reticu- lated form. The polypes of the animal forming the fleshy part have eight tentacula or claws. It is found principally in the American seas, where it grows to three and four feet high; they are also brought from the Mediterra- nean and the East Indian seas. 10. Madrepora Cya'thus, {Var. Madrfbora C'ifllnJracm.,') Ellis Zooph. Cup Madrepore. It is a simple cylindrical coral, scarcely attenuated at the base. This coral is dragged up in abundance by the fisheimen on the coast of Italy, it is always found single without branches, and generally adhering to some other coral or other substance; it is of a white colour, and very hard; thi' lamellae are forty in number, with as many intermediate stiaall ones; the -latter extend to the margin, but do not reach to the bottom of the star, like tho larger ones 'I’he common or middle size of this coral is about two inches long, and three quarters of an inch diameter in the broadest part. It has been supposed by some writers to have been the beginning of Madre- pora Ramea, but the intermediate lamellae of the latter in a cross section ap- pear branched; besides the Madrepora Ramea is of a much looser texture, more deeply channelled on the outside, and of a ferruginous colour. 11. Madrepora Antiiophvllites, Flcnuered-leaved Madrepore, Fascicu- lated branches, clubbed, sliaped like horns, smooth, rather bending, and occa- sionally coalescing. From the East Indies. 12. Madrepora Fascicularis, Clustered Madrepore, Fasciculated with simple branches, clubbed, distinct, fustigate, grown together at the base; lamel- Ite projecting beyond the margin. Island Mauritius. 'I bis coral isfrequently found fossil in Egypt. M.4DREPORA Virginia,