Ixvi 



Sound. The variability of individuals in Tasmanian waters covers not 

 only the two fishes referred to, but it probably may embrace the fish 

 recently described by Mr. Macleay (p. 439, Proc. Lin. Soc, New South 

 Wales) as Psilocranium Coxii. It is clear, therefore, that Richardson's 

 name— Chilodactylufe nigricans— must be retained for the "Butter Fish" 

 of Tasmania, unless we are prepared to erect the inconstant variations of 

 individuals into equal rank with the more constant types of species. Mr. 

 Johnston also announced the existence in Tasmanian waters of Syngna- 

 thus curtirostris Cast, (a species of pipe fish.) He also states that the 

 common kelp fish — Haplodactylus arctidens Rich.— is a very variable 

 fish, and occurs in great abundance among kelp about Maria Island and 

 towards the mouth of the Derwent, although it was formerly considered 

 rare on account of its infrequent occurrence in the market. 



NOTICES AND EXHIBITS. 



The hon. secretary exhibited, on behalf of Mr. J. B. Walker, an atlas 

 voyage of La Recherche, by La Perouse and Le. Cen. Labillardiere. The 

 atlas contained a large collection of plates of various subjects, date 1791 

 and 92, and was examined with great interest. 



1. On the table a fine collection of nickel ore, fossils, etc. 2. An 

 interesting collection of ethnological specimens from the South Seas were 

 exhibited. (As various articles in this donation presented points of 

 pecuhar interest, it was agreed that they should be specially brought 

 under notice at next meeting with some descriptive observations by the 

 donor.) 



Mr. R. M, Johnston exhibited a specimen of a fossil shell— Pachydomus 

 globosus. 



Mr. C. H. Grant, in moving a vote of thanks to the authors of the 

 various interesting papers that had been read, and also to the donors of 

 presentations, said he felt highly pleased in doing so, and was glad to see 

 Mr. R. M. Johnston among them once again. And in a few chosen words 

 he referred to the very high and eulogistic terms Mr. Johnston had been 

 spoken of by such eminent authorities as Baron F. Von Mueller, and by 

 Professor Dr. C. Baron Von Ettingshausen, of the University, Austria. 



Dr. Agnew cordially seconded the motion, observing this was by no 

 means the first occasion on which they had to thank their good friend 

 Baron Von Mueller for his learned and valuable contributions. It was very 

 gratifying, too, he was sure, to them all to notice by the remarks of Baron 

 Von Ettingshausen, how the work of Mr. Johnston was appreciated by 

 high authorities abroad — work, too, not confined to one branch alone of 

 Natural History. It was also a matter of congratulation that another 

 student in the same field, a native of the colony, and who had earned the 

 favourable notice of such an authority as Baron Von Mueller, was soon to 

 be at work among us. He referred to Dr. Barnard, son of our excellent 

 chairman, who he had no doubt would prove a valuable and he hoped 

 frequent contributor to the transactions of the society. 



The Chairman returned thanks for the kind mention made of his son, 

 whose return from England was daily expected. His son had, he believed, 

 in some degree, won his spurs in the cause of Natural History in the 

 district of Gulgong, N.S.W., and, as he had given much attention to 

 kindred subjects during his stay in England, he (the chairman) quite 

 hoped he would be an occasional contributor to their evening meetings. 

 However, if all went well, he would soon put in his appearance, and would 

 then have the opportunity of speaking for himself. 



The motion having been put and carried with applause, the proceedings 

 terminated. 



May Meeting lapsed through inclemency of the weather. 



