Proceedings. 505 
grass-seed submitted to-night, to give it due attention, and to report the 
result. The Secretary mentioned having already confided packets of the 
seed to Captain Dixon, to be tried on the Isis; to Mr, G. Marshall, for trial 
at Noble Farm, Pittwater; and to Mr. James Whyte, to he tested at the 
Cross Marsh. 
The following papers were read :— 
A richly emblazoned autograph letter in the English language, dated 
“Royal Residence named Rajmanderri House, Grand Palace, Bangkok, 
Siam, 20th June, 1852.” From the reigning King of Siam to the Hon, 
Colonel Butterworth and Lady, transmitting presents, &c., ‘ according 
to ancient Royal custom,” on the occasion of his Coronation and of his 
Marriage, &c. Also an English translation of a document drawn up by 
Siamese officers, entitled ‘‘ an account of the most lamentable illness and 
death of her young and amiable Majesty the Queen Somanass Waddhana- 
waddy, the lawful Royal Consort of His Most Excellent and Gracious 
Majesty Somdetch Phra Paramendr Maha Mongkcet, the reigning King 
of Siam,” 
The autograph letter of His Siamese Majesty excited much surprise by 
its style, its correct mode of expression, and the liberality of sentiment 
and just appreciation of public principles of action which it evinced, Mr, 
Francis Smith thought the letter gave evidence of its having been written 
by a man of very great capacity. Dr. Officer understood that the present 
Sovereign of’ Siam had effected numerous and very great reforms in the 
administration of public affairs, 
Mr. Milligan produced a communication from R, Kippist, Esq., of the 
Linnxan Society, touching botanical specimens sent home, the reading of 
which was postponed on account of the lateness of the hour, 7 
The most important of the illustrated works recently received by the 
Society lay on the table. Part IV. of Gould’s Birds of Asia; Part IV, of 
Gould's Mammals of Australia; Parts 10 to 15 of Reeves? Concholovia 
Tconica; Parts 2 and 3 of Dr. Hooker’s Flora of New Zealand; and Part 3 
of the Rhododendrons of Himalaya; all executed in the highest style 
of art. 
Upon the motion of Henry Hopkins, Esq., secondea by Mr. Moss, the 
thanks of the Society were voted to the various persons who had fas 
donations and communicated papers, and the meeting Separated soon after 
nine o’clock. 
lor Avausr, 1853.—Monthly Evening Meetings Joseph Hone, Esq, 
in the chair. , 
The following gentlemen were elected into the Society :—C. J, Weedon 
Launceston; Isaac Sherwin, of Sherwood, Bothwell; Adam Jackson BS 
Williamswood, Ross, ) 
3D 
