576 Proceedings. 



1. "On Forest Culture," by Mr. Hackett. 



In the course of the discussion which followed, attention was drawn to the number of 

 young birches which are growing up along the old Dun Mountain line, and the road 

 through the Big Bush, showing conclusively that New Zealand birch bush tends to 

 reproduce itself. 



The Be v. J. C. Andrew remarked that totara bush can be cultivated, but that the 

 trees grow very slowly. 



2. Mr. J. Park then read a description of the fossils exhibited on the table. They were 

 all found in the neighbourhood of Nelson, and included examples from the summit of the 

 Cambrian to the Trias inclusive. They were mostly obtained from the Baton Biver, 

 Eighty-eight Valley, and the Wairoa Gorge. 



The President suggested that a pamphlet should be prepared by the Society, con- 

 taining a short description of the fossils found ; and of the localities in which to look for 

 them. 



3. " Description of a new Octopus, recently captured iu the Harbour," by 

 J. Park. 



The author exhibited a drawing of the animal described. 



Uh February, 1884. 



Dr. L. Boor, Vice-president, in the chair. 



New Members. — C. E. Bunny, V. Harcourt (associate), Dr. Satchell. 



1. Mr. J. C. Lockley, of the Cable Bay Station, then read a Paper on 

 Electricity, entitled " Ohm's Law." 



2. " On the Formation of a Sanitary Section in connection with the 

 Society," by Colonel "Walcott. 



In consequence of the lateness of the hour, discussion on the subject was postponed 

 until the next ordinary meeting. 



Ordinary Meeting. 3rd March, 1884. 

 The Bishop of Nelson, President, in the chair. 

 New Member. — Moss Davis. 



1. " The Drift Beds of Wakapuaka and the Port Hills, with some remarks 

 on the Boulder Bank and its Formation," by W. Wells. 



In the course of the discussion which followed, Dr. Hector spoke at some leugth on 

 the geology of the district immediately around Nelson. In speaking of the Port Hills, he 

 said they were partly of river drift and of Miocene age. The Moutere and Wakapuaka hills 

 were of the same series. The Boulder Bank was undoubtedly derived from Mackay's Bluff ; 

 but the true Boulder Bank only extended about as far as the lighthouse, the portion be- 

 tween that and Haul Ashore Island being analagous to the bar of the Maitai Biver. 



The President spoke on the desirability of some Manual being compiled, 

 embodying the facts of the local geology of Nelson and other districts. 



2. " On the Leg Bones of a new Species of Kiwi," by Professor von 

 Haast. 



