Minutes of Meetings. xxxv 



Wm, Henry Archer, Esq., enclosing a prospectus of Dr. Petermami's 

 Geographical Journal, published in Hamburgh, and soliciting in the 

 name of the Hamburgh Consul and on behalf of this Journal, con- 

 tributions bearing upon meteorology, terrestrial magnetism, the 

 distribution of plants, &c. 



The communication was remitted to the Council. 



Professor Wilson read the report drawn up by the Committee 

 appointed by the Council of the Institute, to enquire into the cir- 

 cumstances relating to Mr. A. K. Smith's paper on " Wood Pave- 

 ment." Professor Wilson then moved that the report be received. 

 This motion was seconded by Thomas E. Rawlinson, Esq., and 

 unanimously carried. (See " Reports of Committees, page x.") 



The Honorary Secretary intimated that the "Transactions" of the 

 Institute for 1856 had been published, and that copies were upon 

 the table for distribution to such members as were not in arrear of 

 subscription. He also requested the contributors to furnish him with 

 a list of any errors existing in their papers, as published, with the 

 view of issuing, if necessary, a table of errata. 



A paper was read by F. C. Christy, Esq., C.E., " On the Construc- 

 tion, Working, and Management of Railways in Victoria." The 

 paper was illustrated by a large colored map, exhibiting the proposed 

 inland railway routes from Melbourne and Geelong respectively, as 

 also the summit levels of each when crossing the dividing range. 

 The following subjects were adverted to, viz., features of country — 

 effects of inclines and curves — laying out of stations and workshops — 

 permanent way — rolling stock — construction of locomotives and per- 

 manent works — fuel — general management, and tramways or feeding 

 lines. Mr. Christy recommended the use of flange rails which could 

 be laid down without the use of wooden sleepers, since, in his opinion, 

 wood might be expected to decay rapidly from atmospheric influence, 

 and was, besides, objectionable from its liability to the ravages of 

 the white ant, as also to combustion either from falling fuel or from 

 bush fires. Mr. Christy believed that Barlow's plate rails would be 

 found serviceable in this colony when fairly tried, and was inclined 

 to disbelieve that any untoward influence from expansion would 

 ensue. 



A lengthened discussion followed. Mr. Rawlinson objected to the 

 use of iron sleepers, because of the rigidity of the road and conse- 

 quent increased wear upon the rolling-stock. He doubted the freedom 

 of Barlow's rails from the effects of expansion. 



Mr. Elliot questioned the influence of the white ant. 



Dr. Mueller confirmed the opinion stated as to the destruction of 

 hard woods by this insect, and cited his own observations in North 

 Australia, and even far southward. He had found the white ants 

 in great numbers in growing wood, particularly in the medullary 

 rays, in which their ravages apparently first began. 



Mr. Swyer believed that, under certain circumstances, larch 



