IX 



Mr. E. *A. Counsel interestingly reviewed the development of time- 

 keeping, and pointed out the great consequence correct time was now 

 in these days of quick communication, and the disastrous results likely 

 to follow to life and commerce in places where railway facilities were 

 numerous it correct time were not maintained. 



The Chairman followed the previous speakers in praise of Commander 

 Gust's work, and hoped that the colony would be long supplied with 

 Mr, RingsmiU's observations. With the assistance of the Leake bequest 

 he hoped that the Obervatory would be made one of the permanent 

 attractions of the City of Hobart. Although the present was not a 

 propitious time to approach the Government for assistance, still he 

 thought the Royal Society would help in securing the modest additions 

 necessary to enable the work to be done more accurately, 



Mr. Kingsmill referred to the difficulties experienced with the 

 present a-racgsments for working the time- ball and gun. The electrical 

 method was the most perfect, and as the use of the current wrwld be 

 but momentary, he suggested that arrangements might be made with 

 the Tramway Company for utilising their powerful current to work the 

 Ml and fire the gun simultaneously. (Applause.) 



The Chairman thought that there would be no difficulty in securing 

 such an arrangement, 



a new eucalyptus. 

 Mr. L. Bodway read some botanical notes on new and rare plants, 

 the chief interest centering on a further description of a euoalyptua 

 (described in 1886 by Mr. T. B. Moore, and named Eucalyptus miielleri, 

 after Baron von Mueller), from specimens found on the southern slope 

 °i Mount Wellington, just below the Springs, where the tree attains a 

 height of 200ft. and more. With regard to the timber he said— "The 

 wood is ot a pale red colour, and rather heavy ; of a close fibrous 

 texture, of great tenacity, and is commonly used for palings and 

 shingles, but it makes excellent axe handles, and would be very useful 

 for all purposes where considerable strength and toughness are required, 



a correspondent lost. 

 The Secretary read a letter from Baron von Mueller, stating that 

 some gentleman in Launceston had asked him for his opinion regarding 

 the reservation of several acres of public land for preservation in its 

 pristine beauty. The answer was delayed, the Baron wishing to send 

 a book with the reply. When the book was obtained, the letter con- 

 taining the name and address of the correspondent could not be found. 

 The Baron now foi warded the book to the Secretary of the Royal 

 Society to hp.ad to his -correspondent if discovered. 



