Aucklaoid Institute. 555 



had to deposit itself on the ground, and the circle was the most easy shape 

 it could assume. If this supposition be correct, this Passifiora affords an 

 example of a iDlant availing itself of gravitation to accommodate its growth. 



The Centipede. 

 Until I saw the contrary, I was not aware that this insect had any power 

 of progression except by the use of its many legs- 

 One evening I found a centipede cHmbing the wall of an old room, it was 

 of a yellowish-brown colour, about five inches long, and very thin. Brush- 

 ing it down, I was about to crush it under my boot, when the creature clapt 

 its head to its tail, formed a chcle, and sprang a distance of 3 feet. In 

 three bounds it cleared 10 feet, and escaped between floor and skirting 

 before I could overtake it. 



Artesian Wells inverted. 

 Water in an artesian well comes to the surface when an aperture is pro- 

 vided through a water-tight stratum which has kept it down. 



At the request of two Highway Boards, I inverted this action, sunk 

 through a water-tight stratum, and found below a porous one, which has 

 provided di-ainage for the heaviest rainfalls. This has been done at One- 

 hunga and Epsom, both volcanic districts. Depth of wells, 8 feet, 20 feet, 

 and 34 feet, filled to the top with large stones. 



The Weka. 

 It is refreshing to find that some of our indigenous birds thrive under 

 the altered circumstances produced by civilization. The weka or Maori 

 hen is an instance ; twenty years ago, it was a very rare bird in the wooded 

 districts north of Waikato. In the clearings of Waiuku and Pukekoke its 

 evening cries show that though seldom seen the bird is plentiful. Twice I 

 have lately heard one at Eemuera. I do not know the habits of the bird, 

 but it seems to follow settlement. 



4. "On the Percentage of Citric Acid obtained from Limes grown in 

 Auckland and Taliiti," by J. A. Pond. {Transactions, p. 405). 



5. " Translation of the Maori Tradition of Maui," by F. E. Maning. 



6. " On the Shore of the Unknown," by E. A. Mackechnie. 



Annual Genebal Meeting. '2,1st February, 1882. 

 T. Peacock, President, in the chair. 

 The minutes of the last general meeting were read and confirmed. 



ABSTRACT OF ANNUAL EEPOKT. 



The number of members now on the the roll of the Society is 302, 48 new members 

 having been elected, while 3 members have died, and 20 members have withdrawn, 



