Auckland Institute. 447 
8. “ On the Habits of Prionoplus reticularis, with Diagnoses of the Larva 
and Pupa," by Capt. T. Broun. (Transactions, p. 284.) 
r. Cheeseman exhibited, on behalf of Capt. Broun, specimens of the larva and pupa 
of Prionoplus, and pieces of timber perforated by the larva. 
Szconp MzzriNG. 80th June, 1879 
Dr. Purchas, President, in the cha r. 
New Members.—T. W. Gudgeon, C. H. Haines, M.D., F.R.G.S., C. T. 
Hetley, J. McElwaine, John Reid, J. H. Upton, E. S. Wilcocks. 
l. ** Notes on the Growth of certain Trees on Seoria Soil near Mount 
Eden, Auckland," by Mr. Justice Gillies. (Transactions, p. 857.) 
2. ** On the Botany of the Pirongia Mountain," by T. F. Cheeseman, 
F.L.S. (Transactions, p. 817.) 
8. “ On the Mound-builders of North America,” by J. Adams, B.A. 
This paper was illustrated by a collection of crania, pottery, stone adzes, arrow-heads, 
etc., taken from mounds in Illinois, and presented to the Museum by Mr. H. N. Rust, of 
Chicago. 
Tarp Merete. 27th July, 1879. 
Dr. Purchas, President, in the chair. 
New Members.—J. Alexander, E. Burgess, C. La Roche. 
1. The Secretary read a letter from Mr. W. Atkins in reference to the growth of trees 
in clay soils near Auckland. He pointed out that many of the Conifer enumerated by 
Mr. Justice Gillies in his recent paper on the growth of trees on volcanic es - € 
well on stiff elay soils, provided that care is taken to prevent water st 
roots while the trees are young. Mr. Atkin also alluded to the death of dán in near 
Auckland from the supposed attacks of a fungus on the roots, as a subject worthy of 
enquiry. 
2. “ The possible Pacification of the World by means of a rational Inter- 
national Policy," by the Rev. S. Edgar. 
9. ‘The Distress in England; its Causes and Remedies,” by J. C. Firth. 
4. Dr. Purchas hibit la number of irenails tal f th h ** Kenilworth,” 
now being repaired at Auckland. The greater number of the trenails in the vessel were 
eaten in a spiral manner on the outside by the larva of some beetle, so that many were . 
quite loose in the planking. None of the Auckland ship-builders were acquainted with a 
similar case. The vessel was twelve years old, and for the last nine had been trading in 
the Malay Archipelago and South Sea Islands. 
