Natural History Society of the Mauritius
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21504/saqj.15.2679Keywords:
Natural History Society of the Mauritius, Lyceum, Cuvier, La Place, Astrolabe, Dr. R. Lyall, Mr. C. Telfair, Mr. J. Desjardins, Mr. W. Bojer, Mr. G. Bouton, Mr. Faraguet, Geology -- Mauritius, Geography -- Mauritius, La Riviere du Rempart, Les Plaines Wilhems, Grand Basin, Isle of Ambre, Isle Rodrigue, Fossil Tortoises (Flacq), Madagascar, 19th-century zoology, Fauna of Mauritius, Fauna of Madagascar, Flora of Mauritius, MeteorologyAbstract
This Annual Report chronicles the establishment and first year of operations for the revitalised Natural History Society of the Mauritius, which began its formal labours in 1829.
The report details the Society's broad scientific engagement across various disciplines, with the central aim of compiling a comprehensive Fauna and Flora of Mauritius.
Key Achievements and Papers:
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Physical Sciences: Proposals were made by Mr. Hioart for establishing a Meteorological Observatory to predict the approach of hurricanes.
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Geology: Members studied the island's volcanic structure (Geognosie), debunking the Madrepore theory for the Isle of Ambre. Mr G. Bouton concluded that the Grand Basin rests in an extinct volcano crater.
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Botany: The section highlights descriptive works on indigenous and cultivated species, including Mr W. Bojer's description of the new Hybiscus Genevii and his work documenting over 70 varieties of the Mango. Mr G. Bouton investigated the unusual phenomenon of a fruit-bearing male Papaw tree.
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Zoology: Mr J. Desjardins compiled a memoir on the 26 species of mammals on the island (mostly introduced). Extensive work was done on Birds and Reptiles, including the description of three new skinks (Scincus Telfairii, S. Bojerii, S. Boutonii). Papers were presented on the local fish, annelids, and Crustacea, with Mr Delisse (Father) proposing a new crustacean genus, Scyllibacus. The rare appearance of a snake, Coluber rufus, was noted.
The report concludes by noting the Society is thriving, with 39 members, financial resources, and a treasury of more than 50 memoirs and descriptions produced in its first year.
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