PREFACE 



The Editor has much pleasure in submitting to the 

 Members of the Royal Society the second part of 

 Volume IX. , bringing the Transactions and Pro- 

 ceedings to the close of the year 1868. 



The papers are of a varied character, and of some 

 value as an index to the progress of Science in the 

 colony. The views entertained by the individual 

 members on many of the topics brought under dis- 

 cussion, and duly recorded in the proceedings, will be 

 found worthy of consideration. 



Arrangements have been made by which the 

 convenience of members contributing papers will be 

 extended, and facilities afforded for more efficiently 

 working the Society. It is therefore with confidence 

 the Editor looks forward to the Session of 1869 for 

 increased activity in every department of Science, 

 and trusts the future publications of the Society will 

 bear testimony that this expectation has been 

 realised. 



