Vili Proceedings. 
Ludwig Becker, Esq., read a paper “On Meteorological Observa- 
tions at Bendigo.” 
Presents acknowledged,—Collection of Crystals of Gypsums 
from the Salt Water River—Edward Wilson, Esq. 
January Ith, 1855. 
Montuty Merrtine. The President in the Chair. 
The minutes of the last Meeting were read and confirmed. 
The Honorary Secretary informed the Meeting that in compli- 
ance with the resolution agreed to at the last General Meeting, 
respecting the application to His Excellency the Lieutenant-Go- 
vernor, for a grant, for the purpose of carrying out the scheme of 
an Exploring Expedition contemplated by the Society, the following 
correspondence has taken place between His Excellency the Lieu- 
tenarit-Governor and one of the Honorary Secretaries :— 
Museum of Natural History, Melbourne, 
December 14th, 1854. 
Sir,—I have the honour to enclose the copy of a memorial of the 
Members of the Philosophical Society of Victoria to His Excellency the 
Lieutenant-Governor, and request you will be pleased to ascertain when 
it will be convenient to His Excellency to meet the deputation, consisting 
of the Surveyor-General, Dr. Hutchinson, and Dr. Iffla, appointed to 
present the said memorial. 
I have the honour to remain, Sir, 
Your most obedient Servant, 
S. Wexry, Hon, Sec. 
Captain J. H. Kay, R.N., Private Secretary. 
To the above letter the following reply was received :— 
Government Offices, 
Melbourne, 18th December, 1854. 
Sir,—I am directed by the Lieutenant-Governor to acknowledge the 
receipt of your letter of the 14th inst.; and in replying to it His Excel- 
lency trusts that the Philosophical Society of Victoria will not think 
him inattentive to their wishes, if he conveys his views to them in 
writing. 
The Lieutenant-Governor regrets that the insufficiency of the public 
funds to meet the public requirements renders it imperative upon him 
to stay every possible expense ; but that with regard to gold, the nume- 
rous prospecting parties (which are searching the length and breadth of 
