On Timber Trees of New Zealand. 225 



and the gradations in the eggs (which had all the appearance 

 of having been impregnated), were very consistent with the 

 notion of the whole brood being a series, the completion of 

 whose gestation would be acomplished at intervals, as in the 

 case of birds. It has been observed that in the highest 

 cartilaginous fishes, of which this is one, there is in their 

 mode of reproduction an approach toward the type of this 

 process in the superior Vertehrata ; and that the fertilization 

 of the ova, whilst yet within the ovary, takes place by actual 

 congress of the sexes. The condition of the ova and of the 

 young in this case seems to warrant such a conclusion. I 

 have to express my regret that the opportunity of making 

 the examination with reference to this important point, 

 which the specimen would have afforded, did not fall into 

 the hands of some more experienced physiologist. 

 I have the honour to be. 



Yours faithfully and truly, 



J. E. BIOHENO. 



Joseph Milligan, Esq., 



Sec. Roy. Soc. V. D. Land. 



XVIII. 



On Timber Trees of Neiv Zealand. By Capt. Collinson, 

 K. E., loith Notes by Wm. Swainson, Esq., F.R.S., &c. 

 [Read 10th July, 1850.] 



1. Totara. — (New Zealand Yew, Vodocarpus Totara). 

 This is a soft close-grained wood of a red-brown colour, 

 with shades of yellow occasionally, something like a light 

 cedar ; has a short fibre, and breaks easily ; dries light, 



