550 Proceedings. 
duetions of many of the most marvellous feats of antiquity are procurable at no very 
great cost, whilst if even these should unfortunately be beyond our means, there sti 
remains to us the power of obtaining, in photography, facsimile representations of most 
great works of art; thus, to some extent, though not in its full perfection, bringing home 
to ourselves ocular proof of their existence and appearance. 
It has been well said that “the proper study of mankind is man," but man, in all 
ages, and under all conditions, prehistoric, ancient, modern, civilized, and savage—not 
that I have a word to say in disparagement of natural science. If we then, for ourselves 
and children, KH desire to derive ia ag advantages from our possessing a build- 
ing capable of displaying multifarious human productions, and in this way taking a 
foremost position as an educational tini we require to place together the means 
for comparing the works of man from his earliest existence down to the present day— 
the rude attempts of primeval man in fashioning himself an implement, through succes- 
sive modifications, to the complex machinery of the modern engineer, with specimens of 
art at various epochs, so as to mark the progress of human civilization; that thus, 
learning the status of man in the past, realizing his position at the present, we may be 
the better enabled to frame for ourselves that future which a beneficent Providence has 
left so materially in the power of ourselves. 
1. “ The Study of Statistics,” by F. J. Moss. 
2. * Descriptions of new Species of Coleoptera," by Capt. T. Broun. 
ABSTRACT. 
This paper named a new genus and twelve species, the descriptions of which will 
appear in a complete catalogue of the New Zealand Coleoptera, which the author is now 
engaged in preparing for publieation. 
3. * Notes on the Fertilization of Glossostigma," by T. F. Cheeseman, 
F.L.8. (Transactions, p. 353.) 
Sxeconp MagTING. 25th June, 1877. 
R. C. Barstow, President, in the chair. 
New Members.—W. J. Cochrane, J. Cunningham, H. A. C. Fergusson, 
J. B. Graham, J. Hardie. 
1. Mr. Ewington spoke at some length in reference to Mr. Moss’s paper on ‘“ The 
Study of esi read at the last meeting. In this utilitarian age men ask, ‘‘ What 
is the use of Statistics ?” ai some evidence of their use may be inferred from the efforts 
which all European Governments are making, and the expense to which they are going 
to collect statistical information. Statisties being a collection of facts systematically 
arranged and registered, must prove useful to Astronomers, Geologists, Political Econo- 
mists, and students of any department of knowledge, for statistics in the widest accepta- 
tion of the term embrace the whole field of learning. Where observations have to extend 
over a period of years before general principles ean be deduced, as in Mr. Darwin's and 
Mr. Herbert Spencer’s studies, statistics are invaluable; and the fact that the last-named 
writer has employed learned men to collect statistical information for this purpose shows 
that their utility is undoubted. 
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