Minutes of Meetings. xxxvii 



J. G. Knight, Esq., Architect of the Houses of Parliament. 



Edgar Ray, Esq., Melbourne. 



Wm. B. Hamilton, Esq., Melbourne. 



Matthew William Hawkins, Esq., Government Railway Offices. 



John Watson, Esq., 37, Bourke-street, Melbourne. 



Wm. Henry Green, Esq., C.E., Government Railway Offices. 



Thomas Hepburn, Esq., Smeaton House, Creswick. 



Robert Watson, Esq., C.E., Government Railway Offices. 



Rev. W. A. Fletcher, M.A., St. Eilda. 



The Hon. Secretary laid upon the table the following contributions, 

 viz. : — Vocabulary of Dialects of Aboriginal Tribes of Tasmania, by 

 Joseph Milligan, Esq., F.L.S. ; the Second Meteorological Report for 

 Victoria, by the Government ; Meteorological Tables for Tasmania, 

 from January to May inclusive, by the Royal Society of Tasmania. 



Edward Wilson, Esq., then read a paper " on the introduction of 

 the British Song Bird." Mr. Wilson specially adverted to the sky- 

 lark and nightingale. The essayist suggested that the Institute 

 should take a special interest in the disposal of the grant about to be 

 given by the Government for aiding the introduction of new animals 

 into the colony, and give the movement its countenance and advice. 



A discussion ensued, in which Dr. Iffla, Dr. Knaggs, the Rev. Mr. 

 Bleasdale, Dr. Eades, Mr. Hough, Mr. Elliot, &c, took part. 



Information was derived that many birds, as the linnet, bullfinch, 

 thrush, and others, could be safely brought here from the mother 

 country 



The Rev. Mr. Bleasdale moved, and Mr. Acheson seconded, a vote 

 of thanks to Mr. Wilson for his communication, which was 

 unanimously carried. 



Mr. Wilson then moved, — 



" That a Committee be appointed to consider the question of the 

 " introduction of the British Song Bird, as contained in the paper 

 "just read, and recommend to this Society the steps desirable to 

 " be taken. The Committee to consist of the President, Dr. Knaggs, 

 " the Rev. Mr. Bleasdale, James Smith, Esq., the mover, and the 

 " honorary secretary." 



This was seconded by Dr. Knaggs, and carried. 



From the lateness of the hour, Mr. A. K. Smith's paper an- 

 nounced for this meeting was postponed, and it was suggested that 

 the Council should appoint an extra evening to receive the arrears 

 of papers in the Secretary's hands. 



15th July, 1857. 



Extka Meeting. 



Professor Wilson, Vice-President, in the Chair. 

 A paper was read by Alexander Kennedy Smith, Esq., C.E., " On 

 the Application of Machinery and Mechanics to Agriculture." 



