Auckland Institute. 549 



If our Institute be successful in inspiring and maintaining a taste for the acquisition 

 of learning, and encouraging habits of observation and thought among its members, then 

 will the sense of its importance and the height of its aims grow with the growth of the 

 community, and in its career of usefulness it will be privileged to assist in laying the 

 foundation of accurate knowledge concerning the natural history and traditions of our 

 adopted country, while exercizing a healthful and elevating influence on succeeding 

 generations. 



PAPERS. 



1. " On the Occarreuce of the Eastern Golden Plover (Gharadnus 

 fulvus) in New Zealand," by T. F. Cheeseman, F.L.S. {Transactions, p. 

 265). 



2. "On the New Zealand Carabida," by Captain T. Broun, M.E.S. 

 (Eeserved for separate publication). 



3. Mr. E, A. Mackechnie exhibited some branches of the common furze 

 covered with a large scale-insect, and stated that a number of oranges, 

 lemons, and other trees in his garden had been completely destroyed by the 

 same insect. It appeared to be rapidly spreading. 



Dr. Purchas pointed out that he had previously brought this pest under the notice 

 of the Institute, as having destroyed some hedges of kangaroo acacia in the Ponsonby 

 district. It had since been described by Mr. Maskell in vol. xi. of the " Transactions," 

 under the name of Icerya purchasi. 



Second Meeting. 11th July, 1881. 

 T. Peacock, President, in the chair. 



1. " Notes on New Zealand MoUusca," by Mr. Justice Gillies. {Trans- 

 actions, p. 169). 



2. " On Orystalhne Eocks," by W. D. Campbell, F.G.S. {Transactions, 

 p. 460). 



Mr. Poud was sorry to see so many of Mr. Campbell's illustrations taken from foreign 

 rocks. Many of the metamorphic rocks existing in the province would repay a little 

 attention. Dr. Purchas and Mr. Martin also spoke on the subject. 



3. "On some Additions to the Flora of New Zealand," by T. F. Cheese- 

 man, F.L.S. {Transactions, p. 299). 



4. " New Species of Coleoptera," by Captain T. Broun. (Eeserved for 

 separate publication). 



Third Meeting. 8th August, 1881. 



T. Peacock, President, in the chair. 



New Members. — E. T. Dufaur, W. J. Palmer. 



1. " Notes on Experiments with Sorghum Cultivation," by Mr. Justice 

 Gillies. {Transactions, p. 373). 



