My brother, Mr. F. D. Bennett, exhibited, at the meeting of the Zoological Society, on the 25th of June, 1833, a dried preparation of the upper larynx and adjoining parts of the Albatross, (_Diomedea exulans_, Linn.) for the purpose of demonstrating the existence in that bird of an epiglottis; and observed, “that the _rima glottidis_ is bounded by two elevated fleshy lips, which consist of mucous membrane and some few muscular fibres, and are armed with retroflexed spiculæ. These lips are in perfect contact at the hinder part of the glottis when it is closed, but diverge near their anterior part, so as to leave a triangular open space of about the size of a pea, the edges of which are incapable of being approximated to each other. In front of this triangular aperture, and at some distance behind the tongue, (to which it is connected by mucous membrane and muscular fibres,) is an elevated substance of a soft leathery texture, resembling that of the epiglottis of _Mammalia_: its form is triangular, the apex being inferior, and connected with the tongue, and the base being elevated, and terminating in three convex portions or lobes. The middle one of these lobes is the largest; it is free, and rests immediately over the triangular orifice of the larynx just described, which, when depressed, it is in size adapted to cover. In a line continuous with the floor of the upper larynx and penetrating beneath the epiglottis, is a cavity or sac lined with mucous membrane.” Having demonstrated these parts on the preparation exhibited by him, he added that as it had been the opinion of naturalists in all ages that no bird possesses an epiglottis, the structure which he had brought under the notice of the Society appeared to him highly interesting. So fixed was the opinion to which he had adverted, that when Warren showed the existence in the ostrich (_Struthio Camelus_, Linn.) of a structure which he regarded as an epiglottis, the denomination was generally rejected, even in this anomalous bird, and the part was considered as a mere elevation at the base of the tongue, a rudiment, but without the function, of the organ. In the Albatross, however, the function is that of an epiglottis; and the size, though small, is sufficient for the protection of that portion of the rima glottidis which cannot be closed in the manner usual in birds by the apposition of its margins. With a peculiar structure of the glottis there exists an apparatus equally peculiar in the class, as a provision against the inconvenience which might otherwise result from the deviation from the normal structure.[144] NOTES ON THE PLANTAIN AND BANANA TREES. (_See_ page 385, vol. i.) If we regard the immense varieties of the vegetable kingdom, their peculiar forms, large and minute flowers of splendid tints, and delicious fruits,—we find them all conduce to the happiness and luxury of man—affording him raiment, food, and adding to the comforts of his existence.