The Secretary read a letter from Mr. Calder, the Surveyor- General, 

 relative to the destruction of the Mutton Birds fFtiffinus hrevicaudiisj , and 

 their eggs on the islands in Bass' Straits, and suggesting that steps 

 should he taken with a view of protecting them, at least during the 

 breeding season. 



Mr. M. Allport fully agreed with the statements in Mr. Calder's paper 

 as to the ultimate effect of the wanton destruction now going on, both of 

 the birds themselves and their eggs, and he hoped that some practical 

 effort would be made for their protection. 



Mr. "Wright suggested that some controlling power by the agency of 

 the police should be exerted. 



Mr. Gould made some observations on the paper referring to a visit 

 made by him to the " rookeries" at Port Davey, pointing out as interest- 

 ing the habit of a small Petrel occupying to some extent the same burrows 

 as the Mutton Birds, prior to their arrival, from which, however, they are 

 at once expelled by the latter ; and while agreeing in the object of the 

 author, stated that some difficulties would arise in the adoption of steps to 

 prevent the destruction of the Mutton Birds from the fact of the subsis- 

 tence of the islanders in the Straits being dependent to a considerable ex- 

 tent upon the harvest of young birds procured by them. They were not 

 contented, however, with this, but also destroyed the old birds and eggs, 

 and preservation ought therefore to be provided. 



The Biahop thought it would be well if the islanders themselves could 

 be induced to take an intelligent interest in the preservation of a bird 

 •which was of vital importance to them. 



Discussion ensued, in which Colonel Crawford, Mr. Barnard, and others 

 took part. It was suggested that the law now in force to protect nutive 

 game during the breeding season, might be made applicable to these birds. 

 Finally, it was proposed by Mr. Barnard, seconded by Mr. Justin Browne, 

 and carried, " That the suggestion contained in the paper should be 

 remitted to Government, in order that action, if possible, might be taken 

 in the matter." 



Mr. F. Abbott road an interesting paper on " Spectrum Analysis, and 

 its application to Science." The subject was subsequentl)' illustrated by 

 the exhibition of spectra from flames, in which various metals (Sodium, 

 Potassium, Strontium, &c.,) were burned. The lines characteristic of 

 each metal were well shown, and were examined with much interest by 

 the Fellows present. 



A vote of thanks to the authors of the papers, and donors of presenta* 

 tions having been accorded, the meeting separated. 



