522 Proceedings. 
spread phenomena locally intensified, but it is the strong local convulsion that originates 
the oceanic waves. Such waves could not keep pace with a tremour propagated through 
the solid floor of the ocean, which travels at six times greater speed. The ocean wave 
once aoa would take its own time. 
Dr. Newman did not think we had yet sufficient data to decide on the subject. The 
depth of the ocean should be considered. He could not agree with Mr. Carruthers that 
earthquakes extended over so large an extent of the ocean bed. 
The President said that the works of Darwin, Humboldt, and Mallett, on this subject, 
would be found interesting. He agreed with Dr. Hector that we must look for reasons 
outside our globe for such disturbances, such as sun-spots, influence of the moon, etc. 
Before the close of the meeting, Dr. Hector drew attention to several exhibits on the 
table, more especially to an albino of the New Zealand crow (Glaucopis wilsoni), and to 
a tui with brown plumage. A fine series of Crustacea from the Californian coast, and a 
selection of the more interesting fossils obtained during the past year by the Geological 
D: partment, were also exhibited. 
Second Mretine. 4th August, 1877. 
W. T. L. Travers, M.H.R., F.L.8., President, in the chair. 
New Members.—Joseph Joseph, Gordon Saxby. 
1. Dr. Hector drew attention to several interesting additions to the Museum, which 
were arranged on the table. Among the most tant were a handsome bird from New 
Guinea, the Goura victoriæ; a collection of Éaluablo old etehings Jrosenten by Mr. 
William Swainson; a petition to the Queen, dated 1840, about which the Hon. Mr. 
Mantell gave some interesting information ; a collection of New Zealand plants from the 
Forests Department, which Mr. Kirk described ; iron-stones and fire-clays from Miran 
Redoubt, remarked upon by Mr. S. H. Cox; a specimen of patent building stone, two 
ve kakapos from Preservation Inlet, and some splendid specimens of copper ore, 
discovered by Mr. Docherty in Dusky Bay, which Dr. Hector spoke very highly of as a 
form of copper ore that frequently contained nickel. 
. Mr. Kirk called attention to a log of black maire, a species of olive, sent by Mr. 
Elliotte, of the Pakuratahi, which, on account of its great hardness, is much used for 
blocks and cogs in machinery, which fact was borne out by several presen 
Mr. Nicholl stated that he had used it in Nelson instead of brass in constructing 
water-whee!s. 
The Hon. Mr. Mantell stated that Mr. dg Kobbell had pronounced it superior, for 
urning purposes, to boxwood ; he had himself in the old days engraved a heading for 
= Zealand Spectator out of this wood. 
3. The President read a letter from a friend in Peru, which confirmed Dr. Hector’s 
estimate Bn at last meeting, of 8p.m.on 9th May as the tims when the earthquake 
occurred at that place, in connection with the tidal wave which was observed in New 
Zealand on the 11th May last. 
4. Dr. Hector read an interesting letter from Dr. Berggren, of Lund, regarding his 
description of certain New Zealand plants, and giving a short account of his discoveries 
relative to the development of the Azolla rubra. 
The —- remarked that this plant grew very abundantly, and was a trouble- 
£l 41. 
a ulscb throughout viv 
colony. 
* 
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