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3. "On tlie Anarhynclms frontalis," by T. H. Potts. (See 

 Transactions.) This paper confirmed the specific chai-acters of the 

 Crooked bill Plover, of the South Island, and by the description of the 

 young bird when only a few days old, a specimen of which was exhibited, 

 proved that the peculiar twist of the beak is congenital, and not an 

 accidental deformity. The eggs and manner of nidiiication were also 

 exhibited, and contrasted with those of Gharadrius hicinctus, with which 

 species the crooked billed birds have, by some naturalists, been con- 

 founded. 



The specimens attracted much interest, and some discussion ensued, 

 from which it appeared that that bird is by no means so rare as has been 

 supposed. 



4. " On the Habits of the Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)," by 

 "W. T. L. Travers, F.L.S. (See Transactions.) The author had enjoyed 

 a favourable opportunity of collecting facts on the subject, at Lake 

 Guy on, an inland lake situated at an altitude of 1,800 feet, between the 

 Kaikouras and the Spencer Mountains, where the manager of his station 

 lived. Among other points, the author stated that this bird made 

 additions to its nest, to avoid immersion when the water of the lake rose 

 during the period of incubation, and that from observation it had been 

 found that the eggs would maintain their vitality after immersion in 

 water for a considerable period. This bird is very rare, and is becoming 

 raj)idly exterminated. 



Dr. Hector j^ointed out as singular, that a bird possessing such short 

 feeble wings, and evidently adapted for swimming and diving, should 

 inhabit the mountain tarns in. all temperate parts of the world, — the 

 New Zealand bird not being distinguishable, according to Professor 

 Finsch, from the European. However, mountain tarns are much the 

 same all over the world, which is probably the reason why the species 

 has such a wide distribution, with so little variation of character. 



5. " On a Comparison of the Tooth of the Ziphid Whale with that of 

 the Cachelot,'''' by F. J. Knox, L.R.C.S.E. This paper, which was illustrated 

 by beautiful sections of the teeth and a large series of drawings, is supple- 

 mentary to the notice read before the Society, in January, of the dissection 

 of a specimen of this rare whale which was cast ashore at Worser's Bay. 



6. " On a Hybrid Acsena," by J. Buchanan. The Acsena, or Burr, 

 of Australia, has been inti'oduced, and has already formed a hybrid with 

 the New Zealand species ; specimens of which were exhibited. 



Mr. Hamilton pointed out that the Australian species was abundant 

 at Horikiwi, but very local. He was inclined to think that it was not 



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