xx Proceedings, &c, for 1868. 



cesses. Of Mr. Dahlke's late gigantic experiments the Society had 

 no opportunity of expressing an opinion. And while all latitude 

 must be permitted to the Press, it was only right that facts should 

 be ascertained before criticism should be indulged in. 



The President read a paper by T. E. Rawlinson, Esq., C.E., 

 Belfast, " Speculations of the Zodiacal Light." (See Part 1, 

 Transactions.) 



Messrs. Ligar, Professor M'Coy, and the President took part in a 

 discussion arising out of this paper. 



Rev. J. J. Bleasdale read a paper, "On Colonial Gems" (See 

 Part 1, Transactions.) 



Several rubies found near Berwick were exhibted. 



In reply to several questions, Dr. Bleasdale said he believed the 

 specific gravity of the ruby was about 4" 01 2. He had tested it by 

 every known process. Specimens of sapphires had also been found 

 in the same creek. There was some difference between the 

 specimens now produced and those found in Gipps Land and 

 Daylesford. 



Mr. Ulrich said six years back he had found an Oriental ruby in 

 a little black sand, and thought records might be found in the 

 Geological Department as to the condition of the specimens from 

 Mount Eliza. He was aware that sapphires had been obtained at 

 Cape Schanck, where the course-grained granite about there formed 

 possibly the matrix. 



Dr. Bleasdale, Professor M'Coy, Mr. Ligar, and the President 

 joined in a discussion on the specimens exhibited. 



The President gave a description of "A Clock Made for the 

 Sorting Office, General Post-office, Melbourne," and exhibited some 

 photographs of the dial, &c. (See Part 1, Transactions.) 



In reply to some questions, the President said the Post-office clock 

 was at present lying by, for although the money had been voted, 

 there was none yet applicable for the work. The iron girder was 

 fitted, and he believed the plan could be carried out. It was 

 intended to have four dials of 6 ft. diameter, arranged to admit of 

 being illuminated at night. The clock would strike upon a ton 

 bell o ft. diameter with four quarter- hour bells to chime, after the 

 plan at St. Mary's Cambridge. He would mention a novelty 

 connected with it. It was that the minute-hand instead of pro- 

 gressing, would stop at the thirty seconds, and then jump the 

 following half minute. This plan enabled chronometers and watches 

 to be more securely regulated. A valuable suggestion had been 

 made by Mr. A. K. Smith as to the winding-up of the clock, and 

 this was a question of importance, as it must be remembered that 

 the clock at Westminster took nine hours to wind. Mr. A. K. 

 Smith proposed to utilize the Yan Yean, and thus to a certain 



