Mr. Ellis, in the Philosophical Transactions, has published some specimens of this extraordinary animal, of a kidney-shaped form, and observes that it nourishes and supports itself by the succours of polype filaments, which we have expressed in the Engraving in a magnified size.  By these they take in their food and discharge the exuviae.  In case of danger these little succours are drawn in.

Sea Pens are termed locomotive zoophytes, and swim in the manner of fish.  Five hundred polypes may frequently be numbered on a single feather; and they number among the most rare and interesting animals of the order to which they belong.

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SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY.

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Vermin in Ships.

Steam has been lately found very successful in cleansing ships from vermin, and especially the white ant.  In India, a steam boat was lately placed alongside a merchant vessel, and steam from its boiler conveyed by a very simple system of pipes in the hold of the latter, the apertures to which were closed as well as they could be.  The operation was continued for several hours; and there is reason to believe it was effectual, and will prove a valuable process in the navy.  Besides the direct object of cleansing the ship, another advantage accrued from the discovery of every leaky place existing, by the oozing of the water through it.  The expense is said to be very moderate; and it is further stated to be the only process at present known, not even except sinking, which effectually destroys the white ant.—­Brande’s Journal.

Agriculture.

England possesses more pasture land than any other European country; and
Spain the least.

In agriculture, France is a century behind England; and to equal England, France would have to make the immense progress which, since that time, has more than doubled the prosperity of the former country.

England not only surpasses France in the number of its cattle, but the animals are also finer, and their flesh is of better quality; so that an Englishman may enjoy nearly double the quantity of animal food that France supplies to each of its inhabitants, and with the further advantage of better quality.  “Oh, the Roast Beef of Old England.”

Indian Rouge.

We find in Jameson’s last Journal, a very interesting paper by Dr. Hancock, on a Red Pigment, called Carucru, or Chica, which appears to be the Rouge of the interior Indians.  It is produced like Indigo, from the plant chiefly found towards the head of Essequibo, Parima, and Rio Negro.  On breaking a branch, the leaves, when dry, become almost of a blood red, and being pounded, are infused in water till a fermentation ensues.  The liquor is then poured off and left to deposit a settlement, which forms the Chica paint.