2 PROCEEDINGS. 



the locality they frequent. The difference in colour between the fish of 

 warm climates and those of northern or temperate waters, was noted — the 

 tintsof the former being warm and bright — the latter generally sombre and 

 subdued; it was also remarked that the colours of southern fish become modi- 

 fied when, as is sometimes the case, they travel northward. The species 

 described by Dr. Gilpix were stated to weigh about 3 lbs. full grown, but 

 they have been taken weighing 6 lbs. The opinion of the meeting was in 

 favour of the fish being considered a new species. [This opinion has not 

 been sustained on further enquiry and research.] 



Dr. GiLPlx read a paper — "On some of the Mammals of Xova Scotia" — 

 being a continuation of papers under his name, in the published Transactions 

 of the Institute. The paper described the Condylura cristata ; also the only 

 two species of Bat known to exist in Nova Scotia — Vespertilio subulatus, and 

 V. pruinosus. (See Tra/iisactions.) 



In the conversation on these subjects, some doubts were expressed as to 

 the Condylura cristata being the only species of mole in Nova Scotia. It was 

 stated that 7. pruino.ms was found occasionally, but rarely, in Canada, — that 

 one had been taken in Bermuda, brought from other parts in the sail of a 

 ^hip, — that a similar instance had occured, of one being found in the sail of 

 a ship belonging to Mr. West, lying at his wharf in this city, which had just 

 arrived from the West Indies. 



The President read some notes on the Great Auk, (Alca impermis,) a 

 very perfect skeleton of which was produced. It had been procured through 

 thekindness of the Bishop of Newfoundland, (the Right Rev. Dr. Field,) 

 from the Funk Islands off that coast, and was one of the only two spedmens 

 that remained of the bird, which like the Dodo had become extinct. (See 

 Appendix.) 



Various speculations were hazarded on the causes which may have led to 

 the extinction of the Great Auk, once so numerous on the coast of New- 

 foundland and adjacent islands— the principal of which was supposed to be 

 the destructive agency of man. Some doubt was also expressed as to the 

 total extinction of the species. 



Ordinary Meeting, Dec. 5, 1864. 



A note was received from His Excellency the Lieut. Governor, Patron 

 of the Institute, regretting his inability to be present, owing to previous 

 engagements. 



Professor Johnson, of Dalhousie College, proposed at a previous meet- 

 ing, was duly elected a member of the Institute. 



Lieut. Webber, R. A., proposed at a previous meeting, was duly elected 

 a member of the 'Institute. 



Dr. B. Gilpin read a communication from the Essex Ihstitute, Mass., 

 calling attention to a proposal to publish a Naturalist's Directory. It was 

 accompanied by a blank form to be filled up with Naturalists' names, and 

 their special departments of study. [The publication has since been re- 

 ceived, and is a very useful book of reference.] 



