There are three other species of the genus _Swietania_ besides the mahogany tree, two of them natives of the East Indies. One is a very large tree, growing in the mountainous parts of central Hindostan, and rises to a great height, throwing out many branches toward the top. The head is spreading and the leaves bear some resemblance to those of the American species. The wood is a dull red, not so beautiful as that known to commerce, but harder, heavier, and more durable. The natives of India consider it the most durable timber which their forests afford, and consequently use it, when it can be procured, wherever strength and durability are particularly desired. The other East Indian species is found in the mountains of Sircars, which run parallel to the Bay of Bengal. The tree is not so large as any of the other species described, and the wood is of much different appearance, being of a deep yellow, considerably resembling box. The grain is close, and the wood both heavy and durable. The third species, known as African mahogany, is brought from Sierra Leone. It is hard and durable, and used for purposes requiring these properties in an eminent degree. If, however, the heart of the tree be exposed or crossed in cutting or trimming the timber, it is very liable to premature and rapid decay. * * * * * ANIMALS AND THE ARTS. In many of the museums efforts are made to perfect economic collections of animals, so as to show how they can be applied to advantage in the arts and sciences. The collection and preparation of the corals, for example, form an important industry. The fossil corals are richly polished and set in studs and sleeve-buttons, forming rich and ornamental objects. The fossil coral that resembles a delicate chain has been often copied by designers, while the red and black corals have long been used. The best fisheries are along the coasts of Tunis, Algeria, and Morocco, from 2 to 10 miles from shore, in from 30 to 150 fathoms. Good coral is also common at Naples, near Leghorn and Genoa, and on various parts of the sea, as Sardinia, Corsica, Catalonia, Provence, etc. It ranges in color from pure white through all the shades of pink, red, and crimson. The rose pink is most valued. For a long time Marseilles was the market, but now Italy is the great center of the trade, the greater number of boats hailing from Torre del Greco, while outside persons are forced to pay a heavy tax. The vessels are schooners, lateen-rigged, from three to fourteen tons. Large nets are used, which, during the months between March and October, are dragged, dredge-like, over the rocks. A large crew will haul in a season from 600 to 900 pounds. To prevent the destruction of the industry, the reef is divided into ten parts, only one being worked a year, and by the time the tenth is reached the first is overgrown again with a new growth. In 1873 the Algerian fisheries alone, employing 3,150 men, realized half a