Xll PKOCEEDINGS, JULY. 



Sir Roberto. C. Hamilton, K.C.B., LL.D,, presided, and there was a 

 large attendance. 



The Secretary stated he had received a telegram from Mr. Russell, 

 the Government Astronomer of New South Wales, informing him that 

 it would be impossible for his paper to arrive in Hobart by that night's 

 train. The paper was one of very great importance, dealing as it did 

 with the late Leake bequest in connection with astronomy. Under 

 the circumstances he would ask for the paper to be postponed till next 

 meeting. 



SOME PLANTS NEW TO TASMANIA. 



Mr. Leonard Rodway read some notes on this subject, 

 Mr. A. J. Ogilvy read a paper entitled "Artificial obstructions to 

 the occupation of the land." 



The Rev. Dr. Scott, and Messrs. C. H. Grant and A. J. Taylor 

 spoke on the subject. 



The Secretary (Mr. A. Morton), on behalf of Colonel W. V. Legge, 

 R.A., read a paper " On the Occurrence of some Australian Ardeidce 

 in Tasmania," discussion being postponed. 



The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to all who had taken part 

 in the proceedings. 



AUGUST, 1892. 



The monthly evening meeting of the Royal Society of Tasmania was 

 held at the Museum on Monday, August 8. The President (His 

 Excellency Sir Robert G. C. Hamilton) K.C.B., LL.D., presided, and 

 there was a good attendance of Fellows. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



The Secretary (Mr. Morton) read a letter from Mr. H. C. Russell, 

 the Government Astronomer of New South Wales, with reference to 

 his paper on the Leake bequest. The writer said he had ascertained 

 that it would not be possible to get for Tasmania one of the telescopic 

 instruments sent to South America. It would, therefore, be necessary 

 to order one from the manufactory — either Sir Howard Grubb or M. 

 Gautier, of Paris. Sir Howard Grubb's price was £1,800. He was 

 unable to ascertain M. Gautier's figures. About 12 months would 

 elapse from the date of the order until the instrument was ready for 

 use. He had made no provision in the paper for architect's fee, as he 

 had drawings and specifications for the Observatory which would serve 

 the builder's purpose. For teaching purposes it would be convenient 

 to have the Observatory close to the University, but as far from the 

 railway as possible, as the vibrations caused by trains passing would 

 to some extent interfere with photographic work. He hoped the Leake 

 trustees and the Council would be able to carry out the proposal. The 

 time for the institution of an Observatory in the southern hemisphere 

 was most opportune and might not come again for years. 



the LEAKE ASTRONOMICAL BEQUEST. 



Mr. A. Morton (Secretary), in the absence of the author, read a paper 

 entitled the proposed "Leake School of Practical Astronomy," by Mr. 

 H. C. Russell, F.R.S., the Government Astronomer of New South 

 Wales :— 



Mr. Russell said during his visit to Hobart in January last he was 

 struck with the brightness and translucency of the atmosphere, and it 



