Page:Transactions NZ Institute Volume 9 Supplement.djvu/7

3. "On a few of the Grasses and other Herbage Plants that might be advantageously introduced into Cultivation in New Zealand," by S. M. Curl, M.D. (Transactions, p. 531.)

Read for the author by the Hon. Mr. Mantell, and discussion postponed until next meeting.

4. "On probable Reasons why few Fossils are found in the Upper Palæozoic and possible Triassic Rocks of New Zealand," by J. C. Crawford, F.G.S. (Transactions, p. 561.)

Dr. Hector thought that the author might have overlooked the existence of lower mesozoic rocks in the localities named. During his absence from New Zealand, both Mr. Cox and Mr. McKay had found fossils in this formation. He rather thought that the formation in question would be placed under the head of Permio-carboniferous. He was inclined to think that the absence of fossils from the Tararua ranges was due more to the fact that they had not yet been properly searched for.

Mr. Cox agreed with Dr. Hector's remarks.

Mr. Crawford was glad that his paper had drawn forth such a clear statement regarding the existence of these fossils.

5. "Description of a New Species of Rumex," by T. Kirk, F.L.S. (Transactions, p. 493.)

6. "On the Ornithology of New Zealand," by Dr. W. L. Buller, C.M.G., President. (Transactions, p. 327.)

Mr. Travers agreed with the author as to the undesirability of destroying the Harrier, which he considered a useful bird to the agriculturist. He had found that this bird subsisted almost entirely on rats, locusts, mice, and lizards. He could also confirm what had been said of the increase of Ocydromus earli.

The President, in replying, drew attention to the mistaken zeal of Acclimatisation Societies in hunting down some of the indigenous birds.

7. At the invitation of the President, Dr. Hector then gave a short account of his travels in Europe and America since he left New Zealand.

Dr. Hector thanked the President for the kind terms in which he had welcomed him back to the Society, and said he was not prepared on such short notice to say much. He would first express his deep obligation to the Hon. Mr. Mantell, who, during his protracted absence from the colony, had voluntarily carried on the work of his department, accepting the whole of the responsibility, and performing duties of a multifarious and very laborious kind. He next called attention to the numerous exhibits on the table, for the bulk of which he was indebted to the liberality of Captain Dow, F.Z.S., of the "City of Sydney;" also, to a magnificent Orchid (Dendrobium tokai), standing two feet high, and in full flower, which was also the gift of Captain Dow. This plant was particularly interesting, from the circumstance that the New Zealand flora contains a very diminutive representative of the genus. He pointed also to skins of several remarkable birds from the Farallone Islands, together with a fine series of the eggs of one species, which exhibited a marvellous variety of character, some being creamy white, others green or blue, and others brown. He mentioned that 18,000 dozen of these eggs are annually taken to the San Francisco market, where they are sold for 18d. a dozen. It is computed that 100,000 of these birds breed every season on the islands. He exhibited