Wellington Philosophical Society. 381 
Spider is occupying its place, the blight existing on the extremities of the 
branches. Of course I have not actually seen this species of Red Spider 
devour the Aphis, but this I say, where the Red Spider exists there is not an 
Aphis amongst them. They would require to be watched in an insect-breeding 
case, which I have not got at present. Should you feel interested in this, and 
desire me to send you a piece of branch with the Red Spiders on it, I will be 
glad to do so. I also tind the Red Spider on plums and other trees which the 
Aphis does not inhabit, the trees apparently not suffering from any effects of 
this Red Spider.” 
Mr. W. Travers did not consider this spider to be a new discovery. It had 
been largely developed during the drought. of last year, and the Aphis dis- 
appeared. He thought the spider was, if anything, the worse pest of the two. 
A Bar of Iron, made from ore at Parapara, Collingwood, was exhibited 
by Dr. Hector, who described the locality and the nature of the оге. - 
Тнівр MEETING. lst September, 1873. 
J. C. Crawford, F.G.S., Vice-President, in the chair. 
About thirty-five members were present. 
New member.—William Mouton. 
1. “On the Formation of Mountains ; a Reply to the Rev. O. Fisher,” by 
Captain F. W. Hutton, F.G.S. (Transactions, p. 284.) 
Mr. Carruthers, C.E., said he had great difficulty in seeing how arches of 
such magnitude could be supported in the manner pointed out, as they would 
rise, so far аз he could see, in an irregular form. Не also thought that 
the elasticity of the rocks would be sufficient to take up the pressure, unless 
the heat was considerable, say 200*. 
2. “On a New Genus of Rallide,” by Captain F. W. Hutton, C.M.Z.8. 
(Transactions, p. 108.) 
3. “ List of the Alg@ of the Chatham Islands, collected by H. H. Travers, 
Esq., and examined by Professor John Agardh, of Lund," communicated by 
Baron Ferd. von Mueller, C.M.G., M.D., F.R.S., Hon. Mem. N.Z.I. 
(Transactions, p. 208.) 
4. The chairman read the following communication, addressed by him to 
the Colonial Secretary, giving Suggestions for the conversion of Sawdust into 
Fuel. 
“11th February, 1873.—I think that the suggestions given in the enclosed 
extract might be of advantage to the Government at a time of scarcity of 
fuel, such as exists at present. 
