65 



16. From Mr. Luckman, Sorell— Two specimens of the Fan-tailed 

 Cuckoo (Cacomantis flabeUiformis). 

 Boohs Presented. 



1. From Jas. Hector, Esq., M.D., F.R.S.— Report of Colonial 

 . Museum and Laboratory, Wellington, New Zealand. 



2. From the Literary and Philosophical Society of Manchester — 



Memoirs of the Society, Vol. 4. Proceedings, vols. 8 to 12, 1869 

 —1873. 



3. From the Zoological Society of Philadelphia, second 'annual report. 



4. From the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia — Pro- 

 ceedings, parts 1, 2. 3. 



5. From Dr. J. Hector, F.R.S. — Proceedings of New Zealand Insti- 



tute, Vol. 6. 



His Lordship, the Chairman, read a paper on "The Law of Storms." 

 Conversation followed. Amongst other matters which were discussed, 

 particular interest was expressed in the fact of Cyclones north and south 

 of the Equator revolving in opposite directions. The general feeling 

 appeared to be that although some very ingenious theories had been 

 offered, no explanation of the phenomenon in every respect satisfactory 

 had yet been arrived at. 



Mr. Napier, after bringing under notice the circumstance that 

 the Gardens were closed at an hour (6 p.m.) when many persons 

 would like to visit them, begged to know if any means could be adopted 

 for keeping them open a little later. 



The Secretary replied that the question of keeping the Gardens 

 open for longer hours than at present was to a great extent a mere 

 matter of money, and it was well known to all the Fellows that the means 

 at the disposal of the Society were so limited than any action entailing 

 further outlay would probably be impossible. He would, however, be 

 happy to bring the matter under the consideration of the Council at the 

 next meeting. 



Mr. P. T. Smith begged to ask if it was within the sphere of the 

 Society's action to do anything for the Domain. Here were large 

 public grounds set apart for the necessary recreation and health of the 

 inhabitants, left in a perfectly disgraceful condition, and a spot which, 

 by the exercise of taste and skill, might be made equal to anything of 

 the kind in the world, was utterly neglected. It was in the highest 

 degree discreditable to all concerned. 



The Secretary replied that, by a very singular coincidence, the 

 same question had been brought under the notice of the Council that 

 afternoon, and some propositions in reference thereto were about to be 

 forwarded to Government. He had no doubt some action would be taken 

 in the matter forthwith. 



Mr. Stephens observed this was a subject in which he took a 

 very lively interest, and made some remarks as to the proper method 

 of proceeding, pointing out that great care and skill would be required 

 in carrying on efficiently, and under a well considered system, the 

 various works necessary for the undertaking. 



The Bishop expressed his warm concurrence with everything which 

 had been said as to the contemplated improvements. At present 

 the innumerable beauties of the Domain were almost altogether lost, yet 

 he knew of no locality anywhere for which Nature had done so much, 

 and which would better repay a proper expenditure of skill and taste. 



A vote of thanks was accorded to His Lordship for his paper, and a 

 similar vote to the donors of presentations, terminated the proceedings. 



