‘ 
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. 271 
weathering—one of a chemical, the other of a mechanical nature. 
The chemical change occurs near the surface by oxidation, and 
by the formation of hydrates. The mechanical effect of weather- 
ing—exhibited principally in the more exposed lower portion of 
the rock-shelter—consists in the formation of flakes from % to 
14 inch in thickness, and from 2 to 12 inches in diameter, follow- 
ing the contours of the rock-shelter, and altogether independent 
of stratification. 
I may also be allowed to observe that Professor Hutton has 
misapplied the term stalagmite, because, according to the usual 
geological nomenclature, stalagmite is only used for that calcare- 
ous deposit which is found on the bottom of a cave or a similar 
sheltered locality from the evaporation of water, holding car- 
bonate of lime in solution, as stated by Professor Hutton himself 
on page 25 of his “Class-book of Elementary Geology ” :— 
“Thus water dripping from the top of limestone caves forms 
long icicle-like pendants called stalactites, and where the same 
water drops on the floor of the cave, it forms a crust called stalag- 
mite.” According to English custom* the expression stalactite is 
used in a general sense for all deposits of that nature, therefore 
also for a calcareous crust on the walls, for which the continental 
geologists use the expression, calcareous matter. 
However, as before observed, Professor Hutton’s so-called 
stalagmite is, when present, only the outermost portion of the 
chemically weathered darker surface of the limestone itself. In 
many instances, that very thin whitish outer layer does not exist, 
and the paintings are executed on the darker portions forming 
the very surface. 
JULIUS VON HAAST. 
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. 
—<——. 
BAWKE’S BAY PHILOSOPHICAL INSTITUTE. » 
Napier, 14th Aug.—The President, the Bishop of Waiapu, in 
the chair. 
New members—Messrs Balfour and Drennan. 
Papers—(1.) ‘‘ Historical Traditions of the Taupo and East 
Coast tribes,’ Mr. Locke. This had general reference to the 
Taupo Maoris, and to the people of Tuwharetoa in particular ; 
their ancient feuds and fightings, their genealogical descent, and 
consequent claims on the Taupo district. At the close, enquiries 
and remarks were made bearing upon it by Messrs Weber, Holder, 
Hamilton, and Dr. Spencer, also by the Hon. Secretary, which 
were replied to by Mr. Locke. 
Mr. Colenso read a few pertinent extracts from Mr. Montague 
Lubbock’s article on ‘“‘the Colour Sense” (in the April number of 
- the Fortnightly Review), as ably and clearly sustaining and prov- 
ing the practical and entire colour sense of all people, civilised and 
savage, and that from the most ancient times—as was brought 
* See Lyell's “‘ Students’ Elements of Geology ” (1871), Pr 133. 
