Auckland Institute. 451 



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. I am 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.L.S. (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.) 



Fifth Meeting. 23rc? 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. 



1. "On the Pate 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) ... ... ... 24 



Puriri ( Vitex littoralis) ... ... ... 20 



Mapau or Tipau, black var, {My r sine australis) ... 17 



