96 THE PROCEEDINGS OF»THE LINNEAN SOCIETY 



exist did not exist at a previous period. And Ave know that no 

 apparent variation can be traced in any existing species since the 

 period assigned for man's first appearance on the globe. And it 

 must be admitted that the testimony of the rocks, so far From 

 giving ground for a theory of a continuous modification of form, 

 seems rather to afford proof that there have been many successions 

 of distinct creations at long intervening periods. 



Our knowledge of creation or of the order of creation 

 extends no further than this, notwithstanding the anxious efforts 

 of the most accomplished men of the present and past generations. 

 It seems really as if we had, at this point, reached the utmost 

 range of the human intellect. 



But if the mystery of creation is ever to be unveiled by man — 

 if the plan of the universe, or, in other words, the mind of the 

 Almighty is ever to be ascertained by human means, it will be by 

 a thoughtful study of the works of the Creator, and by a genuine 

 searching after truth, unbiassed by all previously-conceived 

 theories. 



The business of the ordinary monthly meeting was then 

 proceeded with. 



William Macleay, Esq., President, in the Chair. 



MEMBERS PROPOSED. 



Mr. Harrie Wood, Under-Secretary for Mines ; Mr. Guilfoyle, 

 Director Botanic Gardens, Melbourne ; the Hon. F. Lord, M.L.C., 

 St. Leonards ; Mr. Alfred Brown, of Queensland. 



Mr. Brazier read the following Paper : — 



