522 | Proceedings. 
Dr. Newman remarked that few reptiles cared to devour any object that was 
stationary, they require to see it move. He did not agree in thinking that so slight 
a difference as indicated by Dr. Buller in regard to the birds mentioned could make 
a distinct species. 
Dr. Buller, in reply, pointed out that the great test as regards species was to ascertain 
whether the differences were constant. As naturalists understood the term he considered 
his examples were distinct species. 
6. ““ Notes on the Breeding Habits of the Katipo (Latrodectus katipo )," 
by C. H. Robson. (Transactions, p. 891.) 
Dr. Buller called attention to his paper, in Vol. III. of the Transactions, on this 
spider, which gave a good deal of information regarding its habits. A professor in Sweden 
had since pointed out that the Katipo was the representative of an entirely new genus; 
and Dr. Smith, a celebrated homceopathist, considered the extract from the spider in 
question would produce a most valuable drug in homeopathy. He had requested him 
(Dr. Buller) to forward a quantity to England for experiment. 
The President said that it was strange that this was the only poi imal in New 
Zealand, and also that only two plants were known to be poisonous. 
Tarp Meeting. 17th August, 1878. 
T. Kirk, F.L.S., President, in the chair. 
New Member.—W. G. Rutherfurd. 
1. “On the Deflection of Shingle-bearing Currents and Protection of 
anks by Douslin's Floating Log Dams," by H. P. Macklin. (Trans- 
aho. p. 144.) 
Mr. Maxwell said that this plan had been successfully carried out in many places 
He did not think there was anything new to engineering in the paper. 
Dr. Hector explained that the author did not give this as a new invention, but 
merely wished to point out how successfully the plan had worked as applied to the Opawa 
River, in protecting the town of Blenheim. 
2. “ Remarks on a Species of Lestris inhabiting our Seas," by Walter L. 
Buller, C.M.G., Sc.D., etc. (Transactions, p. 855.) 
The author exhibited specimens in illustration. 
Dr. Hector pointed out the difficulty of obtaining many of the oceanic birds, 
naturalists having to depend on stray specimens cast ashore by the waves or blown 
inland by a storm, and he expressed a hope that members of the society would never lose 
an opportunity of securing such specimens and forwarding them to the Museum for 
critical examination. He mentioned another larger species of Lestris known as the sea- 
hen, of which he obiained some examples in Otago soon after he came to the colony. 
The President said that Dr. Buller’s paper would form a valuable contribution to the 
Transactions. The sealing parties visiting the various islands might be arranged with to 
collect such specimens. y 
8. “ Further Observations upon certain Grasses and Fodder Plants," by 
S. M. Curl, M.D. (Transactions, p. 403.) 
