COUNCIL FOR 1885. 
11 
Comparative Anatomy. —The Honorary Curator of this 
department reports that the collection under his care is in good 
order. The only additions of importance are a series cf jaws 
and teeth of Eays and Sharks (in the Demonstration Series, 
presented by Mr. Eeed); a Crocodile’s Skin, presented by 
Eowley C. Falkner, Esq.; and a large rostrum of Saw-fish, 
presented by Canon Eaine, D.C.L. 
Members are again reminded that the collection of crania is 
very deficient, especially in skulls of many of the commoner 
animals. 
Meteorology. —The late year was one of very average 
character, the pressure, temperature, and rainfall exhibiting 
no striking anomalies, and all approaching closely to the mean 
of previous years. 
We trust, however, that the small total effective sunshine is 
exceptional, hut consider that our records are as yet too scanty 
for comparison, although that may he looked for in future 
years. August was remarkably deficient, the percentage being 
little more than one-third that registered in September, which 
was the highest during the year. 
Eain fell on 187 days, 21 more than the previous very dry 
year. The amount was about IJ inches below the average. 
October regained its character by giving us much the largest 
share (over 4 inches). 
Floods have not been common. 
The Barometer range, rather less than 2 inches, may be 
considered normal; but July exhibited an unusually high 
mean, 30*167 inches, whilst that for October, 29’686 inches, 
is equally low. 
The Thermometer nearly covered 70°, but the monthly 
means showed nothing noticeable except the coldness of the 
spring months. 
Auroras were again insignificant. 
The abnormal sun-glows continued in very much the same 
manner as during 1884, the displays in December, especially, 
falling little behind those of the previous autumn. The 
remarkable diffractive effects of that December have again 
