XXVI PKOCEEDINGS, AUGUST. 



heads flowed over the surface of the shaft for three years. When the 

 other mines sunk below 200ft. the water subsided. Another proof, the 

 three mines, viz., Lefroy, Florence Nightingale, and the Tasmania have 

 been pumping 1,852 gallons of water per minute, which is far in excess 

 of what might reasonably be expected from a quartz lode only 400ft. 

 below the natural surface. No. 2 sketch shows ancient channel.' 



At the conclusion of the paper Mr. Johnston said he could (juite 

 confirm what Mr. Davies had said. He had an intimate knowledge of 

 the district, and the fruit and flowers he had obtainei from that part 

 of the country during the last eight or ten years had enabled him to 

 increase his store of the tertiary flora of the island. His own 

 impression with regard to the phenomenon was that there was a large 

 underground channel running through the limestone, the upper part of 

 which constituted the roof of the channel. The extensive pumping 

 operations which had been going on had reduced the water, which 

 previously supported the roof, and its withdrawal had caused the roof 

 to fall in. 



VOTE OF TH.\NK.S. 



The President moved a vote of thanks to the gentlemen who had 

 contributed papers, and the motion was carried by acclamation. 



.\NT.\KCTIC EXPLOR.\TION. 



Bishop S.ANDFORD mentioned the matter of Antarctic Exploration, as 

 he noticed that the (jermans were moving in the matter, and tlie vaiious 

 Australasian societies were quiet about it. The President also asked 

 to be informed as to the exact position of afi"airs connected with the 

 question. Mr. Morton stated that the Imjierial (.Government having 

 refused to submit proposals to the Legislature for tlie undertaking it 

 had dropped for a time, but meetings would be held in Melbourne and 

 Sydney shortly. 



the NATIVE OPOSSCM. 



Mr. A. J. T.WLou drew attention to the destruction of the native 

 opossum, and said that something like 75 per cent, of the animals killed 

 had young in the pouch at the time. The opossum had a large com- 

 mercial value, and he mentioned the matter, as there was a member of 

 the Government present, but thought the Society siiould make represen- 

 tations to the (lovernment for the protection of the animals. 



Mr. Ijiiu) (the Treasurer) said he would be pleased to receive any 

 information upon the matter. 



This concluded the business of the evening. 



