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to the Fauna of Tasmania, read a paper in reply to some of his observa- 

 tions, especially (amongst other matters) in reference to the existence of 

 two species of Thylacine. Mr. Allport thinks the evidence is not conclu- 

 sive as to the existence of more than one. 



Mr. Gould agreed with Mr. Allport's remarks as to the unity of species 

 of the so called " Bull Dog" and " Greyhound" Thylacine. As to the 

 Eagle (presentation No. 5) he coincided with Mr. Allport in considering 

 it a new species. He had never seen one like it till last year, when he 

 saw several pairs at Port Davey, which appeared to differ from those 

 with which he was already acquainted, but unfortunately he was not then 

 able to secure one as a specimen. 



Mr. Dobson noticed that the Whip Snake was said by Mr. Krefft to be 

 innoxious, and wished to know if that was the case. 



Mr. Allport said, although venomous, it was practically almost harm- 

 less, on account of the small size of the mouth. It could not possibly 

 inflict a wound through clothes. 



Dr. Agnew stated he had dissected the heads of several of these snakes, 

 and found that the poison gland was very large for the size of the animal. 

 He did not think it safe therefore to look upon it as tolerably harmless, as 

 the bite on some exposed part of the body such as the finger, especially 

 in the case of children, might be attended by serious symptoms. 



Mr. Gould observed that in addition to those catalogued, there was also 

 the so-called Green Snake in the colony. 



Mr. Graves corroborated Mr. Gould's statement, and adduced two in- 

 stances where this snake had come under his immediate notice. 



Mr. Allport after such evidence could scarcely doubt we had a Green 

 Snake, but he had never seen one, and would be glad to have it known 

 that he would give five pounds for a specimen. On this subject, too, he 

 might say he would gladly give the same amount for any of our snakes 

 measuring six feet or upwards. 



Mr. E. D. Swan, in addition to the birds enumerated by Mr Krefft, 

 mentioned he had seen of late years in the vicinity of the domain, and 

 elsewhere numerous specimens of the Epthianura Albifrons. 



Mr. Barnard read a paper on the Esparto or, Spanish Grass, in refer- 

 ence to its value for the manufacture ot paper. He also gave some details 

 as to the expense of erecting a paper mill, and alluded to the advantages 

 to the community of the establishment of this and other manufactures. 



Mr. Gould asked if calcareous soils, as stated in the paper, were abso- 

 lutely necessary to the growth of the Esparto ? If it grew on silicious 

 soils, it would in all probability be a great boon to the colony, as most of 

 our poor and waste lands were silicious, but if on the contrary it required 

 a calcareous soil its benefit would be but limited. 



Mr. Barnard replied that the Economist paper, the source whence ho 

 obtained his information, certainly spoke of calcareous or marly soils 

 only. 



Mr. Davies was glad to see so important a subject brought under 

 notice, but would have been still more so had Mr. Barnard been able to 

 lay before them more full and precise information. He had seen a very 

 good account of the matter in Lloyd's Newspaper some time ago, but 

 although desirous to refer to it on a subsequent occasion, he had been 

 unable to do so, the paper having been mislaid. His impression, however, 

 was that the Esparto Grass was said to grow well on poor silicious soils, 

 and if so, it would prove to be a great boon to the colony, as said by Mr. 

 Gould. 



Colonel Crawford had also read on this subject. The grass was found 

 on the coast of Barcelona, and he presumed therefore the soil was sandy. 

 It was certainly poor and waste as the sailors used to go ashore and cut it 

 without being interfered with. 



