578 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION D. 
station for afew years. Within the last few days I have learned 
that Parliament has voted the sum asked for, and we, therefore, 
hope soon to be in a position to commence the erection of the 
necessary buildings, 
What we propose to do as soon as these are ready is to com- 
mence observations on our local fish fauna, as well as on the 
hydrographical conditions which prevail here, and with regard to 
which there is no information at present available. Then should 
the result of the experiments at Dunbar prove encouraging, we 
hope, in 1899, to commence the introduction either of individuals 
or ova of the Turbot and the Cod (Gadus morrhua), and, if possible, 
of the home Herring. Specimens of the true Lobster (Homarus) 
were liberated some few years ago at the mole at the mouth of the 
Otago Harbour, but it is extremely doubtful whether the locality 
was suitable, and no evidence has yet transpired as to the success 
or otherwise of the experiment. But there is no difficulty, beyond 
that of expense, in bringing out more of these valuable crustaceans, 
and if they were kept in confinement in suitable enclosures, the 
chances of their fry being liberated, and successfully distributed, 
would be much increased. The same remark applies to the edible 
Crab of Britain, which we also intend to experiment with, 
I hope that at the next meeting of the Association it will be 
possible to present a report of the work done at the Purakanui 
Fish Hatchery, and, meanwhile, we would be glad of the sympathy 
and co-operation of the Association. 
I remain, «c., 
GEO. M. THOMSON. 
No. 1.—NESTS AND EGGS OF THE HONEY-EATERS 
OR MELIPHAGOUS BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 
By A. J. CAMPBELL. 
(Read Saturday, January 8, 1898.) 
ENCOURAGED by the appreciation of my former articles ‘‘ Eggs of 
the Australian Breeders of the Plovers, Sandpipers, &e.,” and 
“Nests and Eggs of the Australian Diurnal Birds of Prey,” I 
have ventured to give, at the Sydney meeting of the Congress, a 
complete treatise on ‘‘The Nests and Eggs of the Australian 
Meliphagide, or Honey-eaters”—-a family of birds numerous, 
