716 Proceedings. 



connected with the movements in New Zealand. He did not see how the 

 coral-reefs referred to could help us, in the manner suggested, to form 

 our breakwaters. 



Sir James Hector, in response to the President's request, said he was 

 glad that the author had commenced the important work of colhcting 

 and placing on permanent record the changes now taking place in the 

 Pacific Ocean. Jt was the largest area of the earth's surface covered 

 by ocean, and volcanic forces were active in many parts of it, but 

 whether they were spoiadic or along defined lines due to structural 

 features in the underlying earth's crust had yet to be determined. 

 He was therefore glad that a start had been made by the author of 

 the japer lu colltcC the ephemeral records on the subject. 



Mr. Haylock exhibited and described a large sea- worm 

 found in Lowry Bay, and named by Professor Dendy Echiurus 

 novcR-zeaiandice. The internal anatomy was given in the 

 " Challenger " reports. 



Sir James Hector said it was formerly placed among the star-fishes, 

 but it was now in it-i proper place with the worms. 



Sir James Hector exhibited and described the following 

 specimens : — 



1. Two large live specimens of the tuatara, Hatteria 

 (Sphenodon) jncnctata ; also the eggs and young. 



This species of reptile, it was stated, was one of the proofs of the 

 evolutionary theory, it being the sole remnant of an ancient primordial 

 organism, and uniting in one form characteristics of birds and reptiles. 

 Attention was called to the pineal eye. 



2. A specimen of crocodile (CrocodUus americanus). 



3. The crayfish (Palinurus edivardsu), prepared to show 



the anatomy. 



It was a good type stuiy for students. Other specimens were ex 

 hibited and descnbeil, and the life-history given. 



4. Emmehchthys nitidus, a rare fish, allied to the kahawai. 

 One was previously obtained by Sir George Grey, and one by 

 Mr. Travers. 



5. Drake sent by Mr. Taylor White ; hybrid between New 

 Zealand grey duck and mallard. 



FouETH Meeting : 20th September, 1898. 



Mr. E. Tregear, President, in the chair. 



Papers. — 1. "The Fungus Flora of New Zealand," by 



George Massee, F.L.S., F.R.M.S.; communicated by Sir James 



Hector. {Tra7isactions, p. 282.) 



Sir James Hector explained the growth, nature, and composition of 

 the ordinarv edible musbmom and suchlike fungi, incliiding, of course, 

 toadstools, puff-balls, &c.. which, be said, formed almost the very lowest 

 grade in vegetable life. The extraordinary power of fungi to propagate 



