Wellington Philosophical Society, 427 



Manifoldness of two Dimensions and of Finite Extent,' " by W. Skey. 

 {Transactions, p. 100). 



Mr. Frankland replied to Mr. Skey's objections, and said that he was glad this paper 

 had been written, as it would afford him an opportunity of bringing forward his views on 

 the subject more fully. 



Dr. Hector exhibited recent additions to the Museum, comprising a series of fishes 

 from Japan, presented by the Hon Mr. Waterhouse ; a series of the fishes sold in the 

 Melbourne markets ; birds and seals from the Auckland Islands ; collection of tapa cloth, 

 showing the process of manufacture ; and sugar grown in Fiji, presented by the Commis- 

 sioner for Fiji at the Sydney Exhibition; a specimen of Molock horridus, the horned 

 lizard of AustraUa, presented by Dr. Ealph, of Melbourne. Dr. Hector explained that 

 this hzard is probably the hving representative of a gigantic extinct dragon, lately found 

 in Queensland, the bones of which he had seen, and recognised their affinity, before 

 they were sent to Professor Owen by Dr. Bennett, in October last. He had just 

 received a copy of Professor Owen's paper containing the description read before the 

 Eoyal Society, which confirmed this identification. Lastly, attention was directed to the 

 large geological collection made during last year — in the South by Mr. McKay, and in the 

 North by Mr. Cox, among which occurred new and valuable minerals which may prove of 

 great economic importance. 



Second Meeting. 2,0th July, 1880. 

 Mr. Martin Chapman, President, in the chair. 

 Neiv Members. — Mr. Daniel Maunsell, and Mr. E. H, WiUiams. 



PAPEES. 



1. "On introduced trees and plants of economic value to New Zealand," 

 by Dr. Cm-1, F.L.S., of Eangitikei. 



ABSTRACT. 



The author gave the result of his experimental culture of a large number of different 

 fruit trees and other plants, the introduction of which he considered of value to New 

 Zealand. He showed that a much greater variety were suitable to the soil and climate 

 than was generally supposed, and that if the settlers devoted attention to such cultivation 

 they would add greatly to the resources of the country, and to the profitable employment 

 of their industry. He has found that a great many kinds of the vine can be cultivated 

 with success, and that even if wine coiili not be successfully made, the crop of grapes 

 would yield a large profit if converted into raisins by the artificial drying process adopted 

 in California. He has succeeded in growing twelve kinds of fruit trees from Japan, which 

 promise good results. In illustration of the importance of the subject, he quoted the 

 enormous sums of money obtained in other countries by the systematic cultivation of 

 fruits. 



Dr. Hector thought the paper valuable and suggestive, and pointed out that in the 

 North Island the settlers coming from Great Britain would have to rely upon many kinds 

 of produce with- which they were unfamiliar in the old country, if the best resources of 

 the country were to be developed. 



Mr. Lee was glad to know that the cultivation of fruit was attracting some attention 

 at last, as it was a valuable source of income, peculiarly adapted to the circumstances of 

 small settlers. 



