Six boxes of prepared skins of birds, &c. as well as a number of choice shells, seeds, roots, &c. the result of Audubon’s researches, have been received in Charleston.

“In this collection there are between four and five hundred skins of Birds, several of them rare in this part of the United States—­some that are never found here, and a few that have not yet been described.  Of these are two of the species of Pelican (Pelicanus) not described by Wilson.  The Parrot (psittacus Carolinensis); the palm warbler of Buonaparte (Silvia palmerea), and the Florida Jay, a beautiful bird without the crest, so common in that genus.

“Among the new discoveries of Audubon in Florida, we perceive a noble bird partaking of the appearance both of the Falcon and Vulture tribes, which would seem to be a connecting link between the two.  His habits too, it is said, partake of his appearance, he being alternately a bird of prey, and feeding on the same food with the Vultures.  This bird remains yet to be described, and will add not only a new species, but a new genus to the birds of the United States.  We perceive also in Mr. Audubon’s collection, a new species of Coot (Fulica).[9]

    [9] Abridged from printed extracts furnished by our
    correspondent, M.L.B.

* * * * *

REMARKABLE JAY.

A lady residing at Blackheath has in her possession a fine Jay, which displays instinct allied to reason and reflection in no ordinary degree.  This bird is stated by a Correspondent, (A.T.) to repeat distinctly any word that may be uttered before.  She can identify persons after having once seen them, and been told their names; the latter she will pronounce with surprising clearness.  She has a strong affection for a goldfinch in the same apartment, the latter bird appearing to return this fondness by fluttering its wings and other demonstrations of delight.  The Jay has also been seen playing with two kittens, while the old cat looked composedly on at their gambols.  This bird is in beautiful plumage, and is about twenty years of age.  She is well known to the residents of Blackheath and its vicinity.

* * * * *

ENTOMOLOGY.

I have lately observed a curious fact, which I have never seen noticed in any book which has fallen in my way, viz. that it is the tail of the caterpillar which becomes the head of the butterfly.  I found it hard to believe till I had convinced myself of it in a number of instances.  The caterpillar weaves its web from its mouth, finishes with the head downwards, and the head, with the six front legs, are thrown off from the chrysalis, and may be found dried up, but quite distinguishable, at the bottom of the web.  The butterfly comes out at the top.  Is this fact generally known?—­Corresp.  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.