41 



it was only about 2 inches long, quite black and glossy at the outside, 

 but of lighter colour near the skin. Dr. Dean was most anxious to 

 possess the hair, and stated his intention of making enquiries about the 

 stranger, but he left Oatlands soon afterwards and I do not know what 

 became of his collection. The animal I speak of must have had very 

 short legs, as there was only 15 inches of water in the place where 1 

 saw him, and his back was not much above the water. 



' ' I must aj)ologise for sending this to you. I intended to send it 

 to Mr. Gould, but do not know his address. 



" I may remark that at the time I saw this animal I had never 

 heard of anything of the kind having been seen, and but for the hair, 

 I believe my friends were disposed to consider it the result of nervous- 

 ness, but this hair was considered quite conclusive. 



*' Yours obediently, 



" Joseph Barwick. 



*' Morton Allport, Esq., 

 *' Hobart Town." 



Mr. M. Allport read a very interesting paper by J. R. Scott, Esq., 

 M.H.A., being an account of an exploratory tour from Port Esperance 

 towards Adamson's Peak in March last. Mr. Scott on this occasion 

 discovered a supposed new species of tree fern {Ahophila), specimens 

 of which accompanied the paper. 



The attention of members was directed to the object under the micro- 

 scope on the table, the young of the brown trout, which had been 

 hatched out ten days' previously in a tank in the Museum. The circula- 

 tion of blood in the net work of vessels covering the umbilical vesicle 

 was very clearly shewn, 



(This object will be exhibited at the Museum during the present 

 week, when visitors will have an opportunity of observing it. ) 



After a vote of thanks (on the motion of Mr. Giblin, seconded by 

 Mr. Stephens) to the donors of presentations, a special vote was accorded 

 to Mr. Scott and Mr. Barwick. The meeting then terminated. 



