PROCEEDINGS, AUGUST. XXV 



the existence of chromium in a free state. He believed that _ a similar 

 relationship existed in connection with the rocks near Penguin. The 

 importance of this paper could not be over-estimated, and he hoped the 

 reading of it would lead to new interest being taken in the science leading 

 up to an intelligible account being prepared of the order of rocks from 

 Mount Heomskirk on the west to Patrick's Head on the east. 



Mr. Cuhzon Allpobt thought that the Secretary (Mr. Morton) was 

 entitled to credit for the pains he took in arranging to have such excellent 

 papers read before the Society. The paper just read brought before them 

 matters of great importance, and he thought such an important subject 

 could not be dealt with upon one evening. He suggested that the 

 consideration of the paper should be adjourned till next meeting, when he 

 Would be able to produce some information on matters touched on in the 

 paper, and also photographs of some of the districts on the West Coast. 



Mr. Alfred J. Taylor seconded, and the motion was passed. 



FERNS. 



Mr. R. M. Johnston read some notes on a fern which had been 

 found at George's Bay by Mr. George Hinsby, and was submitted to 

 him by Mr. Leonard Rodway. He described it as belonging to the 

 Bleechnum Cartaligenum, a species common to Australia, but hitherto 

 unknown in Tasmania. 



Mr. A. Morton read a paper entitled "A complete list of ferns found 

 Ju Tasmania, with full descriptions of the genera and species," in which 

 he had adopted the elaborate description, as published by Mr. G. 

 Bentham, F.R.S., in his "Flora Australiensis," giving wherever 

 practicable the authorities and localities where the fern is found, also 

 the localities in which the species is found in the other colonies. It 

 was his intention, if possible, to have the list of ferns of Tasmania 

 illustrated. 



Sir Lambert Dobson said that all those who took an interest in Botany 

 would be be glad to find that a good description of ferns has been compiled. 

 They had this shortly done in Spicer's book, but this would be much 

 more complete, and would be of great interest to all who enjoyed a walk in 

 the bush. Comparatively few knew the number and names of the ferns, 

 but this book would enable them readily to identify the plants. At one 

 time, when Sir Henry Lefroy offered a prize of £5 for the best collection of 

 ferns, he made a collection of 50, comprising every fern he knew of in 

 Tasmania. He was very much pleased to see that Mr. Morton had given 

 Ms attention to this matter, a pleasure which would be shared in by all 

 those who took an interest in this attractive branch of science. 



A GUM TBEE GRUB. 



Mr. Alfred J. Taylob submitted the branch of a gum tree sent by 

 Mr. Ward, Government Analyst, which had been eaten off by a grub. 



His Excellency in moving the usual vote of thanks to those who had 

 read papers, expressed the pleasure with which they had listened to Mr. 

 Montgomery's paper, and hoped they might often receive papers from that 

 gentleman. (Hear, hear.) He was sure that they all agreed that Mr. 

 Morton's work would be of very great interest, and he had no doubt it 

 would assist in cultivating a love of flowers among the rising generation. 

 (Applause). 



The vote of thanks was cordially passed, and the meeting adjourned. 



