150 JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, 
article; and then if each of the other societies will discuss the 
matter and send their answers to our secretary, a conclusive 
reply could easily be obtained to the question whether the 
societies think the time has come when a New Zealand Associa- 
tion of Science should be formed. 
REMARKS ON THE HISTERIDA OF NEW 
ZEALAND. 
BY CAPT. T.i1 BROUN,. M.E.S: 
As the exponents of this coleopterous family display habits 
somewhat at variance with preconceived notions, I have thought 
that a brief record of such observations as I have been able to - 
make may prove interesting to naturalists, who, perhaps, are apt 
to infer the mode of life of a New Zealand insect from what is 
known regarding similar or nearly related species found else- 
where. 
Our species vary in size from quarter of an inch to two- 
thirds of a line. They are of different forms, one or two being 
almost quadrate, whilst others are nearly hemispherical. All are 
hard polished insects which, when disturbed, contract the limbs 
so as to simulate death. The greater number are almost wholly 
black ; two only form exceptions to the rule. 
Before proceeding further, it may be as well to state that the 
European members of the group generally affect the excrement 
of cattle, their decomposing remains, or such like pabulum. 
The species at the head of our list, Platysoma cognatum, was 
discovered by Mr. T. Lawson and me, amongst decaying vege- 
table matter in the Domain at Auckland, and has not, I believe, 
been found elsewhere. 
The habits of A/zster cinnamoneus must remain in obscurity 
for the present, because no one, so far as I know, has been 
fortunate enough to find even a solitary example of it since the 
time of its description, many years ago. 
Epierus sylvanus and E£. purus occur in the forests adjacent 
to Whangarei Harbour, generally remote from human _habita- 
tions, and invariably on logs or amongst decaying leaves, woody 
fibre, etc. 
Sternaula szealandicus, the largest species we have, and 
moreover belonging to a genus peculiar to Madagascar, was first 
met with by me at Tairua some years ago, or, more correctly, 
one visited me, sedately marching into my house with the appa- 
rent intention of enriching my collection—at all events, such 
was the result. On one occasion, many months afterwards, 
whilst out in the woods, I came across a huge prostrate tree, 
dry, but quite rotten, which had obviously been tenanted by 
hundreds of this beetle, which, it was evident, had passed 
