[33] This large species I understand has been mistaken by a writer on Natural History for _Boa constrictor_: this is mentioned to show how remotely it is possible to diverge from accuracy in this science. [34] I have been since informed by Mr. Lesueur, that to his taste the poison was bitter. [35] The terminal caudal plates of this individual were bifid, as in the one of Peale's Museum. [36] This last is the animal, beyond a doubt, judging from the detailed description and plate, which has lately been erected into a new genus, under the name of Scoliophus..............................the identity is immediately obvious, to any one acquainted with the specific characters of the above-mentioned coluber. And I presume it can be made apparent, to any one tolerably versed in the science, should proof be thought necessary. [37] Dr. Barton remarked that this part is rounded, (cauda teres,) this observation was not autoptical, but dictated most probably by the appearance of Catesby's figure. In the young animal the tail is less compressed than in the old one. [38] Here we might properly enough notice the high-ways, streets, and pavements of cities, &c. on which the materials being minutely divided by attrition, are in a better state for the sun to act freely on, and will consequently yield greater products than equal areas of undisturbed surface, under like circumstances of heat. [39] Perhaps there is no body in nature absolutely incombustible, but I use the term here in common acceptation. [40] It may be easily proved that water evaporates (though slowly) at a temperature many degrees below its freezing point; and these vapours are more subtle and elastic than those formed at the boiling point of that fluid. REMARK. It is indeed proved that vapour is formed from water at the lowest temperatures, but is _less elastic_, the lower the temperature, as appears from its sustaining a continually decreasing column of mercury, the lower the temperature at which the vapour is formed. Vide Dalton's and Gay Lussac's experiments. _Editor._ [41] We have taken the liberty to give Mr. Atwater's Memoir a more extensive Title, for reasons that will be obvious on a perusal of the piece. [42] Genus, _platanus_--species, _occidentalis_, popular name, sycamore, or button-wood. [43] The collection of Mr. Perkins became, in 1807, (partly by the liberality of its possessor, and partly by purchase,) the property of Yale College, and is now in the cabinet of that institution. It is believed that few cabinets of equal extent, ever contained more instructive and beautiful specimens, with less that is unmeaning or superfluous. The cabinet of Dr. Bruce has, since his death, been purchased by a gentleman in New-York, for 5000 dollars. _Editor._ [44] On account of its peculiar cadaverous odour Dr. Hayden proposes to call this mineral (should it prove to be a new one) Necronite, from the Greek Νεκρος.