﻿Auckland InstitiUe, 391 



Some remarks were made upon the apparently small density of the vapours 

 near the sun under so prodigious a vertical pressure. 



The author then referred to the projected expedition to Cape York to 

 witness the total eclipse of 1 2th December, and expressed a trust that it would 

 furnish a quota to the scientific information derived from the many expeditions 

 sent by the Grovernments of Europe and America to many parts of the world 

 to witness the eclipses of 1868, 1869, and 1870, which would be worthy of 

 the young energies and rising greatness of Australia. 



This paper was copiously illustrated by large diagrams. 



5. Mr. Dyson suggested the desirability of procuring drawings and specifi- 

 cations, or, if practicable, working models of the machinery used in various 

 nianutactures, for display in the MuseuA. He believed that an exhibition of 

 this kind would be highly attractive to the public, and of direct practical value 

 to those about to embark in manufacturing pursuits. 



Mr. Tinne supported the suggestion, and stated that the Superintendent 

 was engaged in obtaining information relative to several manufactures which 

 it was desirable to introduce into the colony. 



The Pi'esident considered it doubtful if manufacturers of machinery would 

 care to forward drawings and specifications of their i-espective machines simply 

 for exhibition, although there could be no doubt of the actual vahie of infor- 

 mation on the subject. He ventured to suggest to members the desirability of 

 making themselves acquainted with the new adaptations of force to industrial 

 pursuits which were continually being reported in the scientific periodicals of 

 the day, and instanced the adoption of nitro-glycerine for blasting purposes in 

 the Welsh slate quarries as being well worthy of careful study by all who were 

 interested in the Thames goldfields. 



Third Meeting. ?,lst July, 1871. 

 T. Heale, President, in the chair. 



Neio member. — H. A. Mair. 



The list of donations to the Library and Museum was read by the Secretary. 

 It embraced a large number of valuable books from Captain F. W. Hutton, 

 F.G.S. ; models of the egg of the Moa, presented by the Director of Colonial 

 Museum ; fine specimens of crystallized sulphur from White Island, presented 

 by Major Mair ; and Moa bones from Turanganui, presented by Archdeacon 

 W. L. Williams, were laid on the table, and excited considerable interest. 



The President stated that arrangements had been made for lighting the 

 Museum with gas, and keeping it open for the convenience of visitoi-s on 



