4 
Mr. Biggies’ paper was a most valuable addition to our 
transactions, introducing, as he did, written descriptions of four 
birds new to naturalists, which he has named — 
Poephila atropygialis , 
Acanthiza flavig aster, 
Guculus JBrisbanensisy and 
Lampro coccyx modesta. 
Messrs. Staiger and Bancroft have also rendered help by 
exhibiting various interesting objects during the year. 
The Council have to express their regret at the loss sustained 
in the death, during the year, of Chas. Coxen, Esq., Vice- 
President of the Society. 
The Council have to announce that two interesting papers 
have been already promised for the present year, viz., one by Dr. 
Bancroft on “ The Platypus and Echidnse,” and another by Mr. 
Diggles on “ The necessity of securing Specimens of the Fauna 
and Flora of Australia and Oceanica,” and express a hope that 
members will assist in making the meetings, during the present 
year, more instructive and interesting than hitherto. 
The Society has drawn the attention of the Government to 
the necessity of an official true time for the colony, and sug- 
gested means for securing that object. 
The library has been increased by the addition of the 
following works : — 
“ Short History of Natural Science” — Buckley , 
“ Climbing Plants ” — Darwin , 
“ Eorms of Water” — Tyndall , 
“ Conflict between Religion and Science,” 
“ Magnetism and Electricity 
and by the following donations, ail of which have been suitably 
acknowledged : — 
“ Minerals in New South Wales ” — Liversedge , 
“ Rust in Sugar-cane in Queensland ” — Liversedge , 
“ Results of Meteorological Observations made in New 
South Wales during 1874” — H. G. Bussell , 
