107 



tlieir colonies iu a place where tbey were almost surrounded by- 

 water. It was noticed also that ants shunned the heat of the 

 <iay. In reference to measures for expelling ants, it was stated 

 that kerosine poured through spills of paper into their nests 

 proved effectual; the application of fine wood ashes or sand 

 also caused them to forsake the nest. Other Fellows said they 

 had used hot and cold water, carbolic acid, bi- sulphide of 

 •carbon, gunpowder, and other remedies, but without avail. 



Another paper by Mr. Tepper, consisting mainly of extracts 

 from the Proceedings of the Linnean Society of London, was 

 read. It contained a description of the Mahwa-tree {Bassia 

 lonffifoUa), a well-known tree of India. The introduction of 

 this useful prolific tree into Australia was recommended, with 

 the argument that the natives of the interior would, by the 

 cultivation of the tree, be supplied with a sweet and nourishing 

 •diet from the Mahwa, which would thus compensate for the 

 game destroyed by the settlers. It was also mentioned that the 

 tree had been introduced into England with great success, and 

 the flavour of bacon from pigs fed on it was much improved. 



OEDTXARr MEETixa, Maech 7, 1882. 



Dr. E. C. STiRLTNCr in the chair. 



Mr. AV. J. E. Middleton and Dr. Alex. Henry were elected 

 Fellows. 



Mr. Chas. Todd, F.E.A S., C.M.G-., &c., stated that the new 

 transit instrument for the Adelaide Observatory had arrived, 

 but the building was not erected for it. He had also received 

 a new anemograph and a sunshine recorder. 



Mr. R. A. White, Superintendent of Signals, South Aus- 

 tralian Eailways, read a paper on "Safe Working of Eail- 

 ways." 



A discussion followed, in which the Chairman, and Messrs. 

 Todd, Pollitzer, Eutt, Cotton, Eoberts, and Allen took part. 



Ordinabt Meetixg, April 4, 18S2. 



Mr. D. B. Adamsox in the chair. 



The donations to the Library were laid upon the table. 



Dr. Eobertson, the Eev. X. Eodgers, of Moonta, and Messrs. 

 E. J. Eigaud and L. C. E. Gee were elected Fellows of the 

 Society. 



The AssISTA^'T-SECRETARY exhibited specimens of stone 

 from the Hundreds of Erskine and Oladdie, and taken from a 

 depth of 60 feet while well-sinking. These specimens, he said, 

 were interesting as showing what kind of rock the distressed 

 farmers had to penetrate in order to obtain water. There 



