450 Proceedings. 
Tarp Meetine. 22nd July, 1872. 
The Hon. T. M. Haultain in the chair. 
New members.—D. E. Macdonald, W. H. Floyd, H. P. Higginson, C.E. 
The monthly list of donations to the Library and Museum was read by the 
Secretary. It included a copy of Loudon’s “ Arboretum Britannicum,” eight 
volumes, from the Hon. Col. Haultain. 
1. Referring to the occurrence of the sprat and anchovy at the Thames, as 
reported at the last meeting, Mr. G. Thorne, jun., stated that in 1867 a small 
herring had appeared at Melbourne in such abundant shoals that the water 
looked quite black at a short distance. It had not been seen in that locality 
since that date. He inferred from this that it was possible that the sprat and 
anchovy were not regular visitors to the Ourakei Gulf. 
Mr. Kirk remarked that these fish had been observed at various parts of 
the coast of both islands, and he was inclined to regard them as periodical 
visitors which, until recently, had escaped notice. 
2. “Notes on the Flora of the Lake District of the North Island,” 
by T. Kirk, F.L.S. (See Transactions, p. 322.) 
This was the concluding portion of the paper begun at the last meeting. 
Fourtu Meetine. 19th August, 1872. 
T. Heale, President, in the chair. 
New ‘member.—Dr. Spencer. 
A list of donations to the Library and Museum was read. 
A collection of gems and precious stones, also several rare minerals, 
recently added to the Museum, were laid on the table. 
1. “On the Flight of the Black-backed Gull (Larus dominicanus),” by 
Capt. F. W. Hutton, C.M.Z.S. (See Transactions, p. 140.) 
2. “On the Occurrence of the Clover Dodder (Cuscuta trifolii) in the 
Waikato District,” by Major W. G. Mair. 
The existence of this vile parasitical plant in Waikato is a matter of 
serious import to agriculturists. As far as I can ascertain, it was first noticed 
in 1869. It is to be met with now on most of the farms about Ohaupo and 
Pukerimu. In some places it was first observed springing from horse drop- 
pings, and for this reason it is supposed by the settlers to have been introduced 
ae in horsefeed. It is unfortunate that its appearance was not remarked upon 
