650 Proceedings. 



ductions of many of the most marvellous feats of antiquity are procurable at no very 

 great cost, whilst if even these should unfortunately be beyond our means, there still 

 remains to us the'power of obtaining, in photography, facsimile representations of most 

 great works of art; thus, to some extent, though not in its full perfection, bringing home 

 to ourselves ocular proof of their existence and appearance. 



It has been well said that "the proper study of mankind is man," but man, in all 

 ages, and under all conditions, prehistoric, ancient, modern, civilized, and savage — not 

 that I have a word to say in disparagement of natural science. If we then, for oui'selves 

 and children, really desire to derive the greatest advantages from our possessing a build- 

 ing capable of displaying multifarious human productions, and in this way taking a 

 foremost position as an educational institution, we require to place together the means 

 for comparing the works of man from his earliest existence down to the present day — 

 the rude attempts of primeval man in fashioning himself an implement, through succes- 

 sive modifications, to the complex machinery of the modern engineer, with specimens of 

 art at various epochs, so as to mark the progress of human civilization ; that thus, 

 learnmg the status of man in the past, realizing his position at the present, we may be 

 the better enabled to frame for ourselves that future which a beneficent Providence has 

 left so materially in the power of ourselves. 



1. " The Study of Statistics," by F. J. Moss. 



2." " Descriptions of new Species of Coleoptera,'^ by Capt. T. Broun. 



ABSTBAOT. 



This paper named a new genus and twelve species, the descriptions of which will 

 appear in a complete catalogue of the New Zealand Coleoptera, which the author is now 

 engaged in preparing for publication. 



3. "Notes on the Fertilization of Glossostigma" by T. F. Cheeseman, 

 F.L.S. (Transactions, p. 853.) 



Second Meeting. 25th June, 1877. 

 E. C. Barstow, President, in the chair. 



Xeiv Members. — W. J. Cochrane, J. Cunningham, H. A. C. Fergusson, 

 J. B. Graham, J. Hardie. 



1. Mr. Ewington spoke at some length in reference to Mr. Moss's paper on "The 

 Study of Statistics," read at the last meeting. In this utilitarian age men ask, "What 

 is the use of Statistics ?" but some evidence of their use may be inferred from the efforts 

 which all European Governments are making, and the expense to which they are going 

 to collect statistical information. Statistics being a collection of facts systematically 

 arranged and registered, must prove useful to Astronomers, Geologists, Political Econo- 

 mists and students of any department of knowledge, for statistics in the widest accepta- 

 tion of the term embrace the whole field of learning. Where observations have to extend 

 over a period of years before general principles can be deduced, as in Mr. Darwin's and 

 Mr. Herbert Spencer's studies, statistics are invaluable; and the fact that the last-named 

 writer has employed learned men to collect statistical information for this purpose shows 

 that their utility is undoubted. 



