SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES. 195 



Mr. S. W. Silver exhibited a specimen of the New Zealand Frost-fish, 

 Lepidopus caudatus, Giinther, and commented upon the causes which had 

 been assigned for the mortality to which this fish was periodically subject. 

 Prof. Stewart, in reviewing published opinions on the subject, suggested 

 the possibility of these fish (which in winter were often thrown up on the 

 beach in hundreds) being attracted by the silvery brightness of the frosted 

 banks, in the same way that birds perished from contact with the lanterns 

 in lighthouses to which they were attracted during their migrations. Prof. 

 Howes thought, from the published remarks of those who had written on 

 the subject, that in some instances at least the fish supposed to be Frost-fish 

 belonged to another species, and some confusion bad been thereby created. 



Mr. S. W. Silver also exhibited a large specimen of polished Totara-wood 

 from New Zealand as illustrating the ornamental nature of a remarkable 

 native tree which might be turned to good account, but which was being 

 generally destroyed by burning, to clear the ground and save trouble, as 

 was said, to agriculturists. 



Mr. George Murray exhibited some calcareous pebbles formed by fresh- 

 water Algae, and, with the aid of the oxy-hydrogen lantern, showed the 

 minute details of structure in specimens from different localities. 



Dr. J. D. Haviland exhibited a curious collection of Termites, including 

 living specimens of the White Ant of Borneo, and gave a brief account of 

 their habits. His remarks were criticised by Mr. A. Constable, who offered 

 some observations upon Indian species of Termites. 



A paper was then read by Mr. H. N. Ridley on the Cyrtandracece of the 

 Malay Peninsula, illustrated by selected specimens of some of the more 

 remarkable species. 



April 18th. — Mr. C. B. Clarke, F.R.S., President, in the chair. 



Surgeon-Capt. W. H. Elliot was admitted and Mr. W. Will was elected 

 a Fellow. 



In view of the approaching Anniversary Meeting, the election of 

 auditors was proceeded with, when Mr. A. D. Michael and Prot. J. R. 

 Green were nominated on behalf of the Council, and Messrs. E. M. Holmes 

 and H. Groves on behalf of the Fellows. 



Mr.T. B. Blow exhibited specimens of the river-weed Mourera fluviatilis, 

 Aublet, from the River Essequibo, with observations on its life-history, and 

 lantern-slides illustrating the natural haunts of the plant. 



Mr. J. E. Harting exhibited and made remarks upon a collection of 

 West African Lepidoptera which had been forwarded by Mr. J. T. Studley 

 from Old Calabar, and was to be presented to the Natural History Museum, 

 South Kensington. 



Mr. Howard Saunders exhibited a specimen of the European White- 

 winged Crossbill, Loocia bifasciata, which had been shot near Enniskillen, 



