The Sun.
London, England, 1853-11-16 00:00:00

BOTANIC! GARDEN.

The Professor of Botany, Dr. Daubeny, has added a
new feature to this establishment by the formation of a
marine vivarium on a small scale. Only one glass
tank of moderate dimensions has yet been provided ;
but in this a number of sea-anemones have been in-
troduced, being specimens sent home by the profes-
sor in the course of a recent sojourn on the sea-
coast. The tank is furnished, conformably to the
habits of the zoophytes, with pieces of reek, and a
quantity of the algw, or seaweeds growing upon
them, and there is a simple but ingenious arrange
ment for keeping it supplied with fresh seawater from
a jar near it. These ser-anemones are objects of
much admiration from the elegance of form and
beauty of colouring which the different species present.
They belong to a family called the Actinece, of which
there are a number of species. They are considered by
the ancients as belonging to the vegetable kingdom ;
but subsequent study of their nature has clearly de-
monstrated that they belong to animated nature, having
a progressive motion, means of defence, deglutition, diges-
tion, and other functions of animal life. They sometimes
Present to the eye the appearance of a truncated cone
but can expand themselves into a beautiful disk of varied
colours, presenting a striking resemblance to the corolla
of certain flowers, with numerous tecles, or feeders at-
tached. Like the zoophytes in general, they are deeply
interesting to the naturalist, as forming the last link be-
ween the animal and veget 'ble creation, marking the
gradation of life in the sense in which sensation and voli-
tion are implied by the term to the lower stage of vitality
which belongs to the organisation of plants. It is not
always easy to see them to advantage in their artificial
habitation, but in the present moment all their beauties
and peculiarities are to be seen in great perfection at the
Botanic Garden. The time and duration of their appear-
ance are both sudden and uncertain, but during the last
few days an unusual number have expanded.
The preservation of these animal plants is attended
with great difficulty, which can only be overcome by
care and skill, combined with scientific knowledge ; but
the sucbess which has attended Dr. Daubeny's labours
in this very interesting department will doubtless induce
him to extend this new feature, and to carry it out on a
larger scale.

ECCLESIASTICAL INTELLIGENCE.

PREFERMENTS.

The Bishop of Oxford has instituted the Rev. Henry
Templer, M.A., late curate of Little Missenden, to the
rectory of Thornton, near Buckingham, rendered vacant
by. the death of the Rev. John Risley, M.A., on the
nomination of the Hon. Richard Cavendish.
The Bishop of St. Asaph has instituted the Rev. John
Husband, M.A., late of Aston Hale, Flintshire, to the
rectory of Selattyn, near Oswestry, rendered vacant by
the death of the Rev. Henry J. Lloyd, M.A., on the
nomination of Mrs. Lloyd, of Aston Hale, Salop.
VACANCIES.
The rectory of Curry Mallet, with the incumbency of
Curland annexed, near Taunton, has become vacant by
the death of the Rev. John Haydon Cardew, M.A. The
beneficer, which is worth 4001. a year, is in the gift of
the Crown. By Mr. Cardew's death the vicarage of
Salcombe Regis, near Sidmouth, has also become vacant.
It is worth 2001. a year, and is in the gift of the Dean
and Chapter of Exeter.
GENERAL ORDINATION.

The Bishop of Ely held a general ordination in the
Cathedral Church of his diocese on Sunday last, when
the following gentlemen were admitted into holy orders,
viz. :