398 



swell the dimensions of the address too much. I would particularly refer to one 

 subject, the measurement of an arc at the Cape of Good Hope, the result of which 

 measurement is to show that the Southern Hemisphere bulges as it were, or ' ' has the 

 mumps " as I have heard it graphically expressed. Thus the comparative low barometer 

 in the Southern to that in the Northern Hemisphere is accounted for. The boundary of 

 the atmospherical envelope being supposed to be in regular spheroidal gradation from the 

 centre of the earth, if the surface of the globe is irregular that part which is furthest from 

 the centre will of course have the least atmospheric pressure. I wdl mention, as a tribute 

 to the sagacity of Dr. Hector, that some five years ago, in Dunedin, he explained to me 

 the reason of the low barometer in the Southern Hemisphere, and his theory, then 

 expressed, has now been proved correct by observation. 



In conclusion, E would particularly impress on the members of this Society, the 

 necessity for striving to keep up its scientific tone, and for this purpose to provide as 

 many good papers as possible to be read at the meetings. I would particularly call their 

 attention to the "Transactions" of the Auckland Institute. Let us enter into a noble 

 rivalry with them, or with any others of the affiliated societies. One advantage hi a 

 warfare of this kind is that no one is the loser. Supposing that we are beaten we have 

 the advantage of the information supplied by our antagonist, if we can apply such a term 

 to a member of the affiliated society. Let us then do our best. 



Papers read : — 



(1.) "On the Anatomy of the Swordfish of the Southern Seas," by F. J. Knox, 

 L.R.C. S.E. (See ante, p, 13). The author stated that European naturalists were very 

 imperfectly informed about this species ; he made frequent reference to a. specimen on the 

 table which has been presented by him to the Museum, and the points to which he drew 

 especial attention were the following : — ■ 



The existence of well-marked incurved teeth of small size, covering the interior 

 surface of the jaws, and the sword-like prolongation. 



This circumstance is particularly noted, as characteristic of the genus Histiophorous, 

 by Guntker, but has not been recognised as a structure essentia) to the method by which 

 the swordfish captures its food. 



Dr. Hector stated that he understood from Dr. Knox that the whaler's account of 

 the conflicts between the whale and the swordfish were only due to their rivalry for the 

 purpose of obtaining the same food, which he believed to be the cuttle-fish or squid. He 

 pointed out the great development of the eye and optic nerve, far in excess of all other 

 similar sensory apparatus, also the contrivance by which the dorsal fin has both a lateral 

 and longitudinal motion, no doubt for the purpose of enabling it to direct its aim with 

 certainty when using its sword for impaling its prey. 



(2. ) " Preliminary notice on the Effects of the Application of the Hot Blast to Blow- 

 pipe purposes," by W. Skey. (See ante, p. 148.) The result of the author's experiments 

 has shown that, by a very simple and inexpensive contrivance, platinum and other 

 infusible substances can be melted, and the Bude light produced, and that the process 

 could not fail to replace the dangerous and expensive oxy -hydrogen flame. 



The author promised, if possible, to demonstrate the process by experiments at the 

 next meeting of the Society. 



(3.) "Remarks on the Coast Line between Kai Iwi and Waitotara, on the West 

 Coast of the Province of Wellington, " by R. Pharazyn (the Hon. Sec. ) (See ante, p. 158. ) 

 Several diagrams and sections explaining the author's views with regard to the origin of 

 the great sandhill formation which surmount high cliffs overhanging the coast, were laid 

 en the table. 



Dr. Hector, in the absence of Dr. Grace, exhibited a sample of the extract of beef 

 prepared by Mr. Roberts, of Wanganui, on a new principle, by which many of the 

 objections to the well-known Tooth's extract are considered to be avoided. The essential 

 feature in the process is the extraction of the juice of the raw meat by direct pressure, 

 after which it is evaporated to an extract. The sample appeared to be generally 

 approved of. 



Third Meeting. July 17, 1869. 

 J, C. Crawford, F.G.S., Vice President, in the chair. 



The election of the following new members was announced, viz. : — Messrs. T. 

 Buchanan, E. Gillon, and W. Luxford. 



The Honorary Secretary read a list of valuable scientific works, which have been 

 presented to the Society by Mr. W. Lyon, F.G.S., to whom a vote of thanks was passed 

 for his valuable donation. A communication was read from the Hon. the Colonial Secre- 

 tary relative to the scholarships which were formed last year by Mr. Whitworth, whose 

 name is so familiar in connection with the modern improvement in the manufacture of 



