128 



Mr. T. C. Magarej, M.B., exliibited a number of shells, in- 

 eluding a valve of the Pinna, or Razor Shell, covered with 

 aviculcT or butterfly molluscs. Mr. W. H. Selway, jun., showed 

 an interesting collection of coralline algfe, and a specimen of 

 a brilliant species of Stigmodera. The Hon. Secretary showed 

 galls of the golden wattle (i\cacia pvcnantha), and a remark- 

 able specimen of a fungus mycelium taken from decaying 

 timber in a cellar in Currie-street. 



The President then vacated the chair, which was taken by 

 the Eev. W. Howchiu, F.G-.S., whilst Prof. Tate proceeded to 

 address the members on "How Plants are Fertilised," and 

 "The Mode How to Preserve Herbarium Specimens." The- 

 lecturer explained the various modes in which fertilization was- 

 brought about, especially noticing the provision in nature to 

 prevent self-fertilization of j^lants. On preserving specimens 

 the lecturer said a large amount of care had to be exercised in 

 the collecting, and that the specimens must be dried between 

 sheets of paper without the use of any hot iron. Exhibiting- 

 his own collecting case and travelling press, the Professor ex- 

 plained their working, and said that he would always be glad 

 to assist the members in their botanical investigations. After 

 showing some microscopical slides illustrating the structure 

 of plants the proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks ta 

 the lecturer. 



Sixth Evexing Meeting — Tuesday, September 16, 1884. 



The meeting was held in the Eoyal Society's room, in the 

 Institute. About 70 ladies and gentlemen were present. 

 Prof. Tate, E.G.S., in the chair. Mr. (1. Mayo, E.E.C.S., 

 exhibited some lizards from Hergott Springs, which Prof. Tate 

 stated were a species of G-rammatophora, or some allied genus. 

 Mr. S. G. Magarey, M..B., a number of shells (Bulimus imbri- 

 cata), and Helix Bednalli found near Stirling. Mr. E. H. 

 Pulleine showed the nest of a trapdoor spider found near 

 Hackney and Mr. H. A. A. Dombrain a rare Australian bird 

 (Pratincola australis), at home in the deserts of the interior, but 

 occasionally migrating southward to the coast. Mr. Tepper,. 

 E.L.S., exhibited Eriostemon pungens and a showy species of 

 Aster (teretifolius) found growing near the highest ridges of 

 the Mount Lofty Eange. A number of dried plants brought 

 from the South-East were shown by Mr. A. Molineux, among 

 which were some specimens of the poisonous Swainsona, and 

 canes of the " bulb-oak" (Casuarina suberosa ?) 



Mr. E. L. Mestayer, C.E., E.E.M.S., delivered a very in- 

 structive lecture on " Mounting Objects for the Microscope,'* 

 in which he described some of the most useful methods em- 



