Ul 



is very common about the end of Octobei* and beginning of November. It is 

 of a reddish bi'own, with lighter longitudinal spots on the upper wings ; the 

 larvae feed on the roots of grass, and the chrysalides I have found in great 

 numbers in newly-turned grass land early in October. There is another form 

 with two white longitudinal lines on the fore wings. 



There is a moth which, though not a native of Otago, I shall bring imder your 

 notice, as it is one of the natural curiosities of 'New Zealand .*" It is a 

 native of the North Island, and its peculiarity is a disease in the larvse state. 

 Many of these are killed just before turning into the pupa form by a fungus 

 which grows upon them, which is known as Sjohceria Robertsii. I have seen a 

 dried specimen, and it presented a very singular appearance, with the fungus 

 nearly twice as long as the caterpillar, growing from the neck. It is called 

 aweto by the natives, by whom it is eaten. 



I obseiwed in the Otago Daily Times, some little time ago, some extracts 

 from a paper read by Mr. Travers before the Institute in "Wellington, in which 

 he stated that moths were very numerous in New Zealand. Whatever may be 

 the case in the North, I do not think his remark would apply to Otago ; at 

 least, so far as my observation goes, I should say that, compared with Britain, 

 the varieties of moths are few, although some species abound in very great 

 numbers. 



Before concluding, I shall offer a suggestion to the Institiite, which I trust 

 they will at least deem worthy of consideration. It is, that they should offer a 

 prize for the best collection of some natural objects which may be decided on, and 

 perhaps varied every year, the collections, or the best and rarest specimens, to 

 be retained for the Museum ; such prize to be competed for by the children 

 attending the various schools in Otago. I think that a few pounds annually 

 expended for that purpose would be well spent. As an instance of the probable 

 good effect such incentives might produce, I may state that there is a well 

 known school in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, called Murchiston Castle, 

 where for a long time it has been the custom to turn the attention of the boys 

 to scientific studies, and that that school had the honour of educating both the 

 first and second naturalists chosen to accompany the late Abyssinian expedition. 

 And though few, perhaps, can earn their livelihood by such pursuits, yet they 

 beget in all, habits of observation. But apart from any consideration of mere 

 utility, by encouraging boys in such studies you open to them the doors of 

 a boundless store of enjoyment. I know of few greater pleasures than 



" To wander fortli, rejoicing in tlie joy 



Of beautiful and. well-created things. 

 * * * * 



To see and hear, and breathe the evidence 



Of God's deep wisdom in the natural world. " 



* It is to be found among the roots of rata trees in many parts of Otago and 

 near Dunedin. — Ed. 



