lix 



BischofF. Some interesting remarks by Mr. T. Stephens, F.G.S., on the 

 genuineness of the specimens sent to, and described by, the Baron, will 

 be found in the proceedings. Mr. Stephens also exhibited and described 

 a photograph, the natural size, of a bone of the Labyrinthodon order, 

 Mastodonsaurus robustus, which he had received from Professor W. 

 Stephens, of the Sydney University. 



In Ichthyology Mr. Saville-Kent, F.L.S., F.Z.S., has contributed 

 two papers, one describing a suspected hybrid trumpeter and other rare 

 fish found in lasmanian waters ; the other, a note upon the occurrence 

 of the Sydney crawfish on the c iast of Tasmania. Mr. Kent has also 

 communicated some interesting notes on oyster culture, which he ex- 

 emplified by specimens grown on split palings covered with cement, 

 showing the progress made towards the success of this grand experi- 

 ment. 



In Conchology, Professor Tate, F.G.S., F.L.S., contributes a critical 

 paper in which he discriminates certain Australian Pectens, hitherto 

 confounded with those from New Zealand. To our corresponding 

 member, Mr. J. Brazier, F.L.S., of the Australian Museum, Sydney, we 

 are indebted for a very comprehensive paper on the Trochidte and other 

 genera of Mollusca from Tasmania, with their synonyms, being the first 

 of a series of papers on the Molluscs of this colony. 



In Ornithology, Colonel Legge has read two papers towards his con- 

 templated Catalogue of the Birds of Tasmania, together with a syste- 

 matic index ; dividing the list into twelve orders or families, giving 

 both their classical and English names. This work, when completed, 

 cannot but be greatly appreciated. 



In Botany, Mr. R. A. Bastow has dealt exhaustively with the attractive 

 subject of the " Mosses of Tasmania," dwelling upon their collection, 

 ■observation, and identification ; and the paper is profusely illustrated 

 with lithographs. Mr. Abbott, of the Botanical Gardens, has described 

 a remarkable ease of poisoning by exhalations from the plant Rhus 

 ■radicans, which elicited an interesting discussion. Mr. T. B. Moore 

 has given an account of the discovery of a new species of Eucalyptus, 

 discovered at an altitude of 2,000 feet above the sea level, to which has 

 been added some notes by our highly distinguished honorary member, 

 Baron Von Mueller. 



Astronomy has been represented by communications from Mr. A. 

 Biggs, on certain phenomena of Jupiter ; and his hypothesis on the 

 question, "Is Jupiter self -luminous?" Mr. McCance, F.R. A.S., read 

 some notes on sun spots, accompanied by photographs. 



Natural geometry, illustrated by diagrams, was the title of an ad- 

 mirable paper by Mr. A. Mault, C.E., having for its object the true 

 method of teaching mathematics by the use of visible concrete demon- 

 strations instead of abstract ones. So clear and convincing did this 

 Mode appear that it received the unqualified approval of the Fellows pre- 

 sent, who at once recognised its value in education, and the soundness 

 of the principle in teaching the concrete first and the abstract after- 

 wards ; and a general desire was expressed that steps would be taken 

 »y the Director of Education to have this method of instruction in- 

 troduced into the State schools. 



Historical Geography. —A valuable presentation of photo-lithographs 

 of four early charts of Australia of the 16th century having been made 

 to the Royal Society by the trustees of the Melbourne Public Library. 

 Mr.^ J. R. McClymont, M.A., has read two very able papeis towards 

 their elucidation. These maps tend to show "the probability of the 

 discovery of some portions of Australia by the Portuguese ; and the sub- 

 ject is invested with a consideraole amount of historical interest. 



