Auckland Institute. 45] 
earlier, for at this date it would be less easy to trace its origin. It shows 
itself early in the spring, and spreads outwards like a ringworm all through 
the summer till the beginning of autumn, when it disappears, leaving a 
circular patch ; some of these patches have been seen fifty yards in diameter. 
In some instances, more especially in light good soils, as the circle extends the 
pasture springs up behind it, but upon heavy land the patch is usually quite 
denuded of vegetation. I have only seen it on red clover (Trifolium 
pratense) and cow-grass (T. medium) growing with such vigour that the 
unfortunate plant is quite hidden by the parasite. If taken in time its 
ravages may be checked by paring clean and burning, but if neglected during 
the first weeks of spring nothing short of turning up the whole field will 
destroy it. Tam indebted to Captain Rich of Fernside (where I first saw the 
Cuscuta growing) for information touching its habits. 
3. “ Notes on the Naturalized Plants of the Chatham Islands,” by T. Kirk, 
F.LS. (See Transactions, p. 320.) 
This comprised a catalogue of the introduced plants observed in a natu- 
ralized condition by Mr. H. H. Travers during his exploration of the islands. 
4, “On Compound Engines,” by W. Lodder. (See Transactions, p- 144.) 
Firta Meetine. 23rd September, 1872. 
T. Heale, President, in the chair. 
New members.—J. Henderson, J. Lackland, J. Lamb, J. M. Fraser, 
J. Webster. 
The monthly list of donations to the Library and Museum was read by 
the Secretary. 
l. “On the Rate of Growth of Native Trees under Cultivation,” by 
J. Baber, C.E. 
(ABSTRACT. ) 
In comparison with European and Australian trees, those of the North 
Island are slow in growth. 
Trees of the following kinds were planted by me in 1851-52 at Remuera, 
at an elevation above the sea of 210 feet, on a clay soil (Waitemata series) ; 
the height these have attained during twenty years is given in the following 
table :— 
Ft. In. 
Ti (Cordyline australis) Fi i He? BAe? GH 
Puriri (Vitex littoralis) ae 20 0 
Mapau or Tipau, black var. (Myrsine australis)... 17 0. 
