Proceedings, <&c. xxv 



Sizar Elliot, Esq., considered that the specimens were not suffi- 

 ciently treated to be indcstructable by fire. Dr. Mueller stated that 

 the fabrics treated in a similar manner, usually were so. Dr. Mac- 

 adam explained the difficulties the inventor laboured under, in secur- 

 ing efficient machinery, that required being of a very costly de- 

 scription. This was corroborated by the inventor himself, who in 

 the discussion which ensued, and in which several members took 

 part, stated that the process was applicable only to recently cut tim- 

 ber — certainly not to dead wood. 



Professor Neumayer read a paper entitled — "Description and 

 System of Working of the Flagstaff Observatory," accompanied with 

 drawings. 



The Chairman, Dr. Macadam, Messrs. Manuel, Hough, Clarson, 

 and other members referred to Professor Neumayer's labors, and com- 

 plimented him, in the highest terms, on the systematic prosecution of 

 the inquiries committed to his charge. They further bore testimony to 

 the vahie of his labors, and to the attention and politeness paid by 

 Professor Neumayer to visitors, and particularly to the numerous cap- 

 tains of vessels, who readily handed over their ship-logs for the 

 purpose of being copied, or who required Professor Neumayer's 

 assistance in the correction of their chronometers. In answer to a 

 question as to the most convenient time for members availing them- 

 selves of Professor Neumayer's kind invitation to visit the Observa- 

 tory, the Professor stated that the time would be that suitable for 

 the convenience of members. 



Mr. Acheson having taken the chair, Dr. Mueller, in reference to 

 his paper on "A new Plant from the Chatham Islands," said that 

 the plant was not yet sufficiently developed in fruit for description, 

 and requested that its consideration might be postponed till next 

 meeting, which was willingly granted by the members. 



Dr. Mueller intimated his intention of bringing before the Institute, 

 on an early day, some specimens illustrative of the Flora of the 

 Chatham Islands. 



The Institute then separated. 



Sth Nov., 1858. 



Ordinary Meeting. 



Sir Win. F. Stawell, President, in the Chair. 



His Excellency the Governor was present. 



The minutes of the previous ordinary meeting were read and con- 

 firmed, and several recently elected members were introduced to the 

 Institute by the President. 



The Secretary read the names of three candidates for membership, 

 to be balloted for at the first ordinary meeting of the ensuing 

 session. 



