372 Proceedings. 
Hutton's essay on the geographical relations of its fauna. In this paper the 
author traces the relationship of the representatives of the different orders 
of animal life with those of other countries, and arrives at conclusions 
respecting the geographical relations and changes in outline during past times 
of the area of which New Zealand forms part. Whatever difference of opinion 
there may be respecting the more theoretical deductions in this paper, there 
can be no question about the immense industry and research which it displays. 
To some extent the conclusions arrived at support the speculation on which I 
entered in my last address, that the peculiar insular character of the forms of 
life in New Zealand have been preserved from a very remote period. But on 
this subject I am still of opinion that the evidence to be derived from the 
recent and fossil botany of the country should have much greater weight than 
mere considerations of the fauna, The investigation of the southern ocean 
by sounding and dredging, which is to be performed by the scientific staff now 
on board H.M.S. Challenger, will add so many new facts relative to this 
subject that it is premature to discuss it at present ; but it behoves us in 
these colonies to use the utmost diligence in the collection of facts that will 
assist the eminent naturalists belonging to that expedition in making the 
most of the short time which has been allotted in their programme for their 
examination of this area. The collection which our Museum contains will, 
no doubt, be scrutinized with keen interest, and the more ample material we 
can obtain for their inspection, the greater advantage will the colony receive . 
from their reports ; moreover, collections of even the most common objects of 
natural history will be welcome additions to their stores, which are being 
formed with the special purpose of obtaining accurate information respecting 
the geographical distribution of species. 
As relating to the study of the South Pacific Ocean, and especially its 
meteorology, I must call the attention of members to the magnificent charts 
recently issued by the Hydrographie Office, copies of which have been 
presented to our library by our distinguished honorary member, Admiral 
Richards, It is highly probable that the ensuing year will add to our 
knowledge of the great southern continent, which lies only 1,200 miles off, or at 
about the same distance as Melbourne from Otago. The little we know of 
this land is full of interest; its active volcanos, raising vast piles of scoria and 
lava streams amidst the perpetual antarctie snows, probably exercise a marked 
influence in producing the variations of our climate. There is a strong agitation 
in progress to have a party of observers stationed at Possession Island, on the 
coast of Victoria Land, in latitude 71° 8., for a whole year prior to the transit 
of Venus, in December of 1874 ; and it has been justly pointed out that 
collateral observations in meteorology and magnetism, which the party would 
have an opportunity of making during this long period, would probably not be 
the least valuable and interesting results of the expedition. 
