Report of Society's Meetings. 319 
able W. Russell, having called attention to the 
suggestion made some time ago that Mr. Francis, 
the Government Chemist, and Mr. Jenman, the Govern- 
ment Botanist, should be associated in making experi- 
ments on the soils of the colony and on the capacity of 
these for the production of special subjects, gave notice 
that at the next meeting he would bring forward a resolu- 
tion to the following effect : — 
" Whereas there are now attached to the Government of this colony 
"■ two officers, namely Mr. Francis, the analytical chemist, and Mr. 
" Jenman, the government botanist, both members of this Society, and 
" highly distinguished in their respective callings ; and whereas these 
" gentlemen have expressed their willingness to give their services to 
" the Society in the prosecution of systematic research into the capa- 
" bilities of the soils of the colony for raising particular products, and 
" to find out as far as possible what treatment and fertilizers are 
" required in order to obtain the best results ; and whereas in order to 
" carry out these researches in a proper manner, and on a scale which 
" the importance of the subjects demands, a roomy laboratory roofed 
" with glass and furnished with suitable earthenware glazed vessels for 
" the reception of soil and plants, is absolutely necessary : 
" Be it resolved that a deputation be appointed to wait upon His 
" Excellency the Governor, to explain the object of the Society as 
" above detailed, with a view to asking his assistance in the matter, 
" and obtaining permission for Messrs. Frances and Jenman giving 
" their services in the manner proposed ; and in the event of receiving 
" a favourable reply from His Excellency that a subscription list be 
" opened, and members of the Society be invited to contribute towards 
" raising funds to cover the necessary expenditure". 
Amsterdam Exhibition of 1883 — A letter from Mr. 
William Walker, dated 1st July, with reference to the 
representation of this colony at the International Exhibi- 
tion to be held at Amsterdam in 1883, and enclosing 
letter from Mr. P. L. Simmons, offering his services to 
arrange any contributions which may be sent, was read, 
RR 1 
