Auckland Institute. 56 ( J 



2. " Notes on the Destruction of Kumaras by Beetles," bv 

 Major T. Broun (p. 262). 



3. " Remarks on a Parasitic Fungus allied to Cordyceps 

 clavatnla," by Major T. Broun. 



In a report for the Agricultural Department, dated the 30th June, 

 1897, when dealing with a fungus found destructive to the codlin-moth, 

 I also mentioned the discovery, in 1895, of another fungus which still con- 

 tinues doing valuable service in destroying some pernicious scale insects. 

 As that report was a mere record of its discovery, it may prove interesting 

 to gardeners and fruit-growers if I now add something more about it. It 

 may be stated that this fungus is better known by the name applied to 

 it by local nurserymen — i.e., " Broun's fungus." 



If the black scale (Lecanium olece) on an affected lemon or orange 

 tree be carefully examined it will be seen that a few slender grey filaments 

 stretch across it ; these in time form a film over the surface, and ulti- 

 mately a complete ring which wholly embraces the base of the scale as 

 adhering to the leaf or branch. This greyish deadly circle forms a sort 

 of cement around the waxy covering of the female insect and scale in such 

 a manner that the eggs and young larvae must remain under the scale 

 itself. There is no possibility of escape, so they die, sealed up under 

 their natural protective waxy shield or scale, and are thus prevented from 

 spreading and injuring the tree or its fruit. 



Some lemon-trees at Whangarei that were badly infested with this 

 scale, accompanied by this natural enemy, were again examined within 

 a year after my first visit to them, when I failed to detect a single Lecanium 

 olece : all had been destroyed by this fungus. There had been no spraying 

 and no artificial removal. 



Lecanium hesperidu?7i, often called the holly and ivy scale, besides 

 heing perforated by minute parasitic flies (Encyrtus flavus, for example) is 

 also destroyed by this or a nearly related fungus. 



4. " Notice of the Occurrence of the Lesser Frigate-bird in 

 New Zealand," by T. F. Cheeseman (p. 265). 



5. "On the Occurrence of certain Marine Reptilia in New- 

 Zealand," by T. F. Cheeseman (p. 267). 



Annual Meeting : 2ith February, 1908. 



Mr. E. V. Miller, President, in the chair. 



The annual report and audited financial statement was 

 read and adopted. 



Abstract of A3tnitai1IRepo:rt. 



During the year seventeen new members have been elected, and 

 fourteen names withdrawn from the roll, leaving a net gain of six. The 

 total number on the roll is now 176. Among the members removed by 

 death were Mr. T. H. Smith, who served for some years on the Council, and 

 who was well known as a leading authority on the language, manners, and 

 customs of the Maori race ; and Mr. W. Will, late editor of the Weekly News. 



Eulogistic reference was made in the report to the great services 

 rendered to science, and especially to the New Zealand Institute, by the 

 late Sir James Hector. 



The balance-sheet showed a total revenue of £1,805 18s. 3d., exclusive 

 of a balance in hand at the commencement of the year of £84 4s. 3d. This 

 includes a Government subsidy of £660 on the amount raised by subscrip- 

 tion for the erection of the Maori house and the purchase of Mr. Fenton's 



