acknowledged leader of the opposition--_From Foy's History of the
Peninsular War._



* * * * *

ARCANA OF SCIENCE _Museum of Natural History._

There is now exhibiting in one of the Saloons of "The Egyptian Hall," in
Piccadilly, an interesting collection of zoological rarities, stated to
have been assembled by M. Villet, at the Cape of Good Hope. Some of the
specimens, especially the birds, are really beautiful; none but the
smallest being cooped up in glazed cases; but many are effectively
placed on branches of trees, whilst the quadrupeds are arranged with
still better taste. Among the latter is a fine Hippopotamus, the
Behemoth of Scripture. We are happy to hear this exhibition has already
been numerously visited, since it augurs well of public taste and
intellectual curiosity.

_Conchology._

Akin to the preceding exhibition in its claim to popular attention, may
be noticed a pleasing collection of shells, now open to the public, a
short distance from Somerset House. To the mere tyro in zoology, shells
are attractive as the elegant sports of nature, in the beauty,
splendour, and intricacy of their colours and structure; while their
scientific arrangement is one of the most delightful pursuits of refined
minds.