414 Proceedings. 



Papers. — 1. " On the Coniferous Plants in the Botanic Gar- 

 dens at Wellington," by J. Buchanan, F.L.S. 



Dr. Hector, who read this paper, said that it was a most valuable con- 

 tribution, containing a complete list of trees grown in the gardens, with 

 remarks on the habits of the trees and the influence of the climate on them, 

 also remarks as to the attack of blight on these pines. The author pointed 

 out the advisability of growing more trees of the gum family. This was the 

 last work of Mr. Buchanan, and would be most useful in future planting in 

 this colony. 



Mr. Kirk agreed with what Dr. Hector said. He thought this good 

 work should be continued, and that specimens of these introduced plants 

 should be placed in the museums. He hardly thought the gams would 

 prove a good substitute for the pines. Mr. Kirk gave some interesting 

 information respecting the growth of gum trees in other countries. 



Mr. Maxwell remarked that the blue gum timber cat in New Zealand 

 shrunk to a great extent, he supposed owing to want of age. 



Mr. Tregear said that this question of the quality of these timbers 

 could only be settled after having been locally studied. 



2. " On the Habits of the South Island Weka, or Woodhen," 



by Mr. Smith, of Oarnaru. Communicated by Dr. Buller. 



{Transactions, p. 131.) 



Before proceeding with the paper, Dr. Buller gave a most interesting 

 account of these birds, and exhibited specimens of the different species. 



Exhibits : — (1) Cast of a male trout, caught beyond the Hutt Bridge 

 by Mr. Pearcy. It weighed 121bs., and was similar to the one exhibited 

 at a previous meeting. (2) Photograph of the plant Fourcroya longceva, 

 now flowering in the Botanic Gardens, taken by Mr. Davis. (3) Rocks 

 from the Bounty Islands and Antipodes Islands, collected by Captain Grey 

 of the Stella ; and a collection from Campbell Island, presented by Captain 

 Greig of the Kekeno. (4) An old map of New Zealand (1816), presented to 

 the Museum by Mr. Evans. 



Annual Meeting. 1885-86. 

 Abstract of Report. 



During the year seven general meetings of the Society were held, at 

 which twenty-five papers or short notices had been read. 



Nine new members have been added to the roll, making a total of 270 

 members. A Microscopic Section of the Society has been formed, and a 

 statement by the Chairman of the section is attached to this report. 

 Fortnightly meetings of the section are held in this room, and members who 

 wish to join can do so by applying to Mr. Maskell, the Chairman. 



Library.- — A catalogue has been compiled by the librarian, in which are 

 included all the publications belonging to the Society, with those of the New 

 Zealand Institute, the former being identified by a stamp upon each work. 

 The total number of volumes belonging to the Society now in the library is 

 upwards of 1,300. The works added to the various sections in the library 

 during the year are : donations, 10 vols., and 56 purchased. There are still 

 a large number of new works already ordered, but not yet received ; and 

 besides this, the members have the advantage of using the large donations 

 which are added yearly to the Institute Library. Eighteen of the best 

 scientific journals, British and American, are received regularly. 



The balance-sheet appended shows the receipts to have been £322 Is. 8d., 

 including the balance brought forward from the previous year (£195 0s. 8d) ; 

 the expenditure, £176 6s. 4d. ; and the balance now in hand, £145 15s. 4d. 



