192 



the three first are already anchylosed, the two first completely, and the second 

 and third only partially, as the neural arches and transverse processes are not 

 yet united in one bone. In the allied Hyperoodon all the cervical vertebra? 

 are coalesced, and it is therefore possible that when Berardius is in an adult 

 state, the same will take place. The Ziphius has six cervical vertebrae 

 separate, and it will therefore be necessary to examine very carefully into the 

 character of the uncoalesced vertebrae of our skeleton before giving a decided 

 opinion upon the subject. It possesses ten dorsal vertebra?, in common with 

 Ziphius Sowerbiensis ; the hyperoodont whales have nine, and the dolphins 

 thirteen to fifteen. T have not yet been able to count and examine the lumbar 

 and caudal vertebra?, as the animal was in such a state of putrefaction, that 

 after cleaning the bones as well as possible, and leaving often a great portion 

 of the vertebral column together, w T e put them at once to macerate. We 

 obtained only one of the small pelvic bones, the other having probably been 

 washed away by the surf; it might, however, owing to its diminutive size and 

 sticking loosely in the flesh, easily have been overlooked. As soon as the 

 bones are clean, so that I can examine them, I shall offer a few more observa- 

 tions upon the osteology of this remarkable animal, for the complete skeleton 

 of which, the Canterbury Museum is indebted to the members of the Philoso- 

 phical Institute, without whose pecuniary assistance I should have been 

 \mable to secure it for the Provincial collections. 



Art XLYI. — On University Education, as adapted to the circumstances 

 and prospects of the Colony of New Zealand. By Charles Fraser, 

 M.A., F.G.S. 



[Bead before the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury, June 2, 1869.] 



Much useless discission may be avoided, and our progress greatly facilitated, if 

 from the very outset, we come to a distinct understanding upon the following 

 three points : — 1. What is a University 1 2. What should be its distinctive 

 objects in the colony 1 3. How far may we expect to carry out any good 

 system within the next few years ? 



(1.) In regard to the first question, — What is a University? the two 

 oldest Universities in Europe furnish us with someAvhat opposite definitions. 

 The University of Bologna was a Corporation of Students ; the University of 

 Paris was a Corporation of Teachers. It would probably be nearer our mark 

 to combine the two, and to contemplate the establishment of a Corporation of 

 Teachers, Graduates, and Students, under the presidency of certain officers 

 appointed by the Government. Of course the privileges and powers of the 

 three classes named would be different ; but it seems to me that all ought to 

 have their share of influence in the conduct of business. 



(2.) The distinctive objects of a Colonial University cannot be better 

 described than in the words of the charter, granted by Her Majesty to the 

 University of London: — "the advancement of religion and morality, and the 

 promotion of useful knowledge, by holding forth to all classes of Her Majesty's 

 subjects, without any distinction whatsoever, an encouragement for pursuing a 

 regular and liberal course of education, by offering to persons who desire to 

 prosecute or complete their studies such facilities, and conferring on them such 

 distinctions and rewards as may incline them to persevere in their laudable 

 pursuits ; and for the purpose of ascertaining by means of examination, the 

 persons who have acquired proficiency in literature, science, and art, by the 

 pursuit of such course of education, and of rewarding them by academical 

 degrees, as evidence of their respective attainments and marks of honor pro- 

 portioned thereunto." In other words, University Education in the colony 



