Papers and proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
Royal Society of Tasmania
S. L. D. deuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeuddeud Contents, Page eee erin LOR AQIIU LS: My eet tin cc cee estas a Ana ccs) 1/6 alts sta aeeee pean neat ae Gt Shaw, Mr. Bernard, elected a Fellow..................... sera ees et u Remembered On VN GW > COASpavAQe Of 2.08. cis sta ta as< nance s «vonee AOR Spend t RE MecR UNV S (CONG OUAL se enes Si wnclealc deers “os Gccens ake ouase en Ore Podge ee ail oT PYCHE S78 IGA 0) A 2 eg SA ete V Kucalyptus hzemastoma.............06.6. esse eee AfSee tascam me Saree aE! Perea tia es Ober NIG. va. n in. Fe. ceivieot unis Home Meivad Seieci's 5 Gund abeaeeee s Tooke eee ELE Parsons, Cecil, Mr., elected a Fellow..........:.0cssc.008 0s weeeietta he ‘see LVENUE. 5 UP OS eS bie oc A ae Sane ee ee Pree Oe a aan tes eee RO me eee AR Ct tt TIN CPE TC MC LO. 02 \t sual? uatihurs slde snsse > Naas CMaaeees fh lverea ts oo Snes " “2 Jp Leiter Lares 0.0 UT ge een ee eater ee Ro eine OT a jp. Petterd, W. F., Mr., elected a Fellow..................... Sane ones t Domain Committee. appointed..... 0.0.2.2... ccc orescence Seis Chainer " Melbourne [Exhibition Commissioners, Presentation from............... % Memorialorical 'Tables, by Mr. Nowelline. 2...0.2.20es0ncc0s Gees Mencran Sen xh SEVERE WERE COSC VI) il w ler: 6 See ea a nee a pe eli eMC PC EEO Tor AUC UB, ¢.25.c5 aooes des sateen orb nudeeoeaavek eee Conner " Ree E CEM ION Ola s.0 5 +4 soiutakiuig malin cas a dea Coakinaubniees Saree eum: XIV 1D bPBEG NYU STOR GST] O72) 001] 002) Cannas ae Ake I eS Ee Re a XVI Brosoys av e.tNrr, «elected a: Pellow...3 dissec ss dso apds hana dewetsson esos " Wintle, Ss. Ee Nir erat GO: sobenine Saye we are Saver nets Ae cet. ee ‘ Rock Specimens, perforated, from Table Cape.................... ce00es “ Magnetic Variation, discussion on Sir J. H. Lefroy’s Paper on........ XVI Class-ground in Botanic Gardens, Proposal for forming a, discussion on... X VIL Proceedings for inte Wik a Pe ee ae Wijk lepraent ee Se, SRE rimintiporn, Wir. J., elected as Pellows, succeeds. Hall, Dr. E. S., as late, Presentation of Books from the Library of 4 Broceeded: for NOVEMBER 25, 1905. PAPERS Address. Opening by Sir J. H. Letroy... Derwent, Notes on the Estuary of the. By R. M. Johnston... Marine Shells, Description of Two New. By C. E. Beddome, as 21 Plants of Tasmania, Suggestions for an extended elucidation of. Notes on a Species of Eucalyptus (L. hamastoma). By T. PILOT eet. CBee eee cee a. hcs aw napae ame soe sites y Alte Se Aaue gee 24 Anriferous Country and Gold-bearing Rocks. By C.E. Barnard, M.D. 25 Shells, Type Species of Tasmanian. By Prof. R. Tate................ 3 Zieria, Notes on a Species of, new to Tasmania. By A. Simson.... 32 Domain, on the improvement of. By Dr. Crouch..................... 33 Class-ground, On the question of establishing a, in the Botanic Rp ar Gaenicn elev tbe PGMs 2 12 ial debe sutaea hs vine Soeemecmmrneetete 36 Magnetic Variation of Hobart, On the. By Sir J. H. Teteays ae 3s Scamander Gold Field, Remarks on the. By S. H. Wintle......... {2 Leontopodium catipes, Notes on. By Baron von Mueller............ 44 King’s Island, Notes on Vegetation of. By Baron von Mueller... 46 Sea Bream (Girella tricuspidata), Description of a Species of. ge Sat fo co 0) 0 ee ae ee eisanassenS Scie wr... 49 APPENDIX :—Meteorological Table for New Norfolk, 1881............ "heport of society; [8S. 4. i caesvscevees Eat aie asa s nukes a x Sasa 8 (eit a * ; “As N bap mp eve raw eentens Pyrat ens adie i ad semen T Le wae ih ert bean Pad en. «0 a 2a wes eee i. 6 ce ¥ a Se wae eats Ore Ld Pree ee ee Tee ee ee Ob iguien vy genet ete ees ae hee at dhe pen cin ned yea yt «4 eae -~ is "ue cr iNeed teens Pe es ee tt Zh... payee Bahay pasha eee a nite 7 ee ee ee ae) ae ‘ t Sou ine x oo penetnn nen lEO = ae ee fw t “ie 5 3 + Pes are ;: rx (a ‘ : sae ree on > +. eee awe- abe ene ‘ 5 3 Naka gr qgaieh se oP ees fin ; : , eee nee “a Saban te 7 a af am weg Risa in et od i ‘Son 4 + Sasa mapa ink n x Z " © hashes & eg papi» wtike cbt ati , : ae weer vere i ere a Pi kes WET. a aS oy. ae Le r-% & : Ranclapieateahutbectcnn'se* *> we # sen Ee Reeginisie ea me we. [ r ve. ptprdicd oste » any we. eed su . : 4 , OI =; Geese anid se Betas singling nie atin . 5 i . iy sath ina tons ad “or he wi fs [. ie | ere eee £5l. tis Ps ; 4% ae ee” Seas yeoG bath . sf ef vay i oe mh Sa sowie +i este tb Pk te g rhea | a ee + ere ene ee Nin Li r4 44-38 : a eth a ad n a3 yy seek 3; ‘ Be hn geen alge <2 Ee Cepia Mba ne 4 “9b ae me 3 epee wooed ‘jc ee a woettat Sega us ha 8) RB pave: fee en cmitnes earn ; * ie * Seat oh tone wemen en eee ene ac aca ae ee 4 _ sonetcte Ei epee Wen, ae “ee ay rae pee Ri Ue. AE? eshte ‘ add tt yeddiiledae 40 mabianss): wae as chad} ll nanan em an sees wie ie at. The annual meeting of the Society, the first of the present session, was held on Tuesday, the 12th April. His Excellency Sir John Henry Lefroy, K.C.M.G., F.R.S., the President, in the chair. Mr. Bernard Shaw, who had previously been nominated by the Council, was balloted for, and declared duly elected as a Fellow of the Society. The Honorary Secretary (Mr. BARNARD) brought forward the usual returns, viz.:— 1. Number of visitors to Museum during March—On Sundays, 558; on week days, 940; total, 1,498. 2. Plants and seeds received at Gardens, March, 4. Books and Periodicals received. 3. Presentations to Museum, Meteorological Returns. 1. From the Hobart Marine Board, Tables from Brunswick Island for January, February, and March; Swan Island for ditto; Goose Island for January; King’s Island for ditto; and Kent’s Group for ditto. 2. From Mr. D. C. Purdy, observations taken at Macquarie Harbour during January and February. 3. From Mr. Roblin. Tables of Results of Meteorological Observations. tions taken at the Lighthouses, etc., on Tasmanian Coasts during 1880, compiled from monthly returns furnished by the Hobart Marine Board. Time of leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few standard plants in the Botanic Gardens during January, February, and March:— January 10. Veronica angustifolia in full flower, February 12. Jargonelle Pear ripe. March 28. Grevillea robusta in full flower. March 28. Black Mulberry commencing to ripen. March 30. Kerry pippin Apple commencing to ripen. March 31. Windsor Pear do. Greengage Plum do, do. Bon Chretien Pear do. do. Ash commencing to shed seed. Sycamore do. March 6. Seckle Pear commencing  paper, on the condition of the Estuary of the Derwent during the tertiary period, read at the same meeting. From Mr. H. Wright, Glenorchy. Head of Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus) from George’s Bay. From His Excellency Sir F. A. Weld, K.C.M.G. A collection of Bird Skins (14), and three nests of Weaver Bird (Ploceus baya) from Singapore. From Captain Boon, barque Mary Blair. Fragment of an earthen vessel from the ruins of the Castle of Henry IV., at Dieppe, France. Specimen of Granite broken from Cleopatra’s Needle. From Mr. Finlayson. A Modern Greek Copper Coin. From Mr. G. A. Power, Ross. Specimen of “Native Bread” (Mylitta Australis), which, when fresh, weighed 25lbs. From Mr. Ormond FitzGerald. A White Hawk (Leucospiza Nove Hollandie). A collection of British Birds’ Eggs, from Mr. W. R. Stephens. Mr. E. D. Swan drew attention to this valuable donation. The collection contains more than 500 eggs and about 150 species, many of them of rare occurrence in the British Isles. As they were all procured by Mr. Stephens himself, the various specimens can be properly identified. Should, as has often been proposed, the introduction of many of the English birds into this colony be carried out, some legislation for their protection, especially during the breeding season, would be necessary. This collection would then be of very great use in making the eggs of the protected birds familiar. From Mr. S. H. Wintle. A sample of the so-called Mineral Wax (Zictrisikite, Dana) from Utah, America. Section of Pepper Tree (Drimys aromatica) from George’s Bay. Specimens of Sandstone and Slate in contact with Granite, from George’s Bay. In reference to this presentation, Mr. Wintle remarks: "For a long time the question of the age of the granite so extensively developed in the stanniferous districts of the North-east Coast of this island has been one of much interest for me. My efforts to obtain a clue to that age had been unrewarded till about three years ago, when, near the head of the Scamander River, I picked up a specimen of slate in contact with granite. (See specimen No. 1.) Not succeeding in finding the parent rocks in contact, I had to be content to wait till I could obtain further evidence of what I conceived to be the facts of the case, viz., that the granite of this region was eruptive, and consequently of more recent age than the associated sedimentary rocks of older palzozoic date." The missing link in the geological chain was supplied about six months ago, through blasting operations being carried on in the creek of the Saxby tin claim, seven miles from George’s Bay. Here, then, was brought to light the further evidence required to support the conclusions at which I had arrived from an examination of No. 1 specimen. In obtaining the granite in contact with sandstone transmuted more or less at the point of contact. In No. 1 specimen, it will be seen that the slate has been altered to no small extent by the granite, and that there has been an interchange of particles as though the slate had been rendered soft or plastic by the heat of the eruptive rock under great pressure; while in No. 2 specimens the sandstone has been changed at the point of contact into quartzite by fusion of the silicious particles, the result of the same agency. In the Ringarooma district, I have since found examples of the same character, i.e., granite with altered sandstone attached. Here, then, is to be seen good evidence of the granite being of later origin than the stratified formations associated with it. But there is no evidence, that I have seen, of the precise geologic age during which the granite made its appearance, nor have I succeeded in discovering any paleontological remains in the sedimentary rocks of the districts in question that would enable the geologist to decide whether they were either upper or lower Silurian or still older Cambrian systems. In New South Wales there are Devonian granites, according to the late Rev. W. B. Clarke, if I quote that geologist correctly, and as there is much in common with the Tasmanian formations, it is not unlikely the granite. Under consideration may be referable to the same epoch. This granite, having burst through and displaced the older paleozoic strata, has in turn been erupted by the greenstone and basalt. Striking examples of this are to be seen in the Fingal district, where greenstone caps the granite, while in most of the higher hills in the vicinity of Thomas’ Plains basalt is the capping rock of the granite. From Mr. James Barnard. A miniature Silver Medal, struck at the Mint in commemoration of the Melbourne Exhibition, having the words “Melbourne International Exhibition, MDCCCLX XX,” encircling the Queen’s Head, and on the obverse the motto “Vitam excoluere per artes.” Sample of Victorian Coal from Cape Patterson, 80 miles from Melbourne, taken from the “Queen Seam,” 4ft. thick. Distant 18 miles from the shipping place. With a printed description and opinions of the Press. From Mr. J. S. Butters, Melbourne. Coloured view of the Island of Ovalau and the Town of Levuka, Fiji. From the same gentleman. Sample of Alluvial Tin, from Aberfoyle, Avoca, received from Mr. F. A. Padfield, Campbell Town. Sample of Tin Stone from the lode of the Great Extended Pieman River Co, From the same gentleman. From Mrs. W. Murray. Specimen of the Indian Minah (Acriothes tristis), prepared and mounted. From Mr. KE. D. Swan. Specimen of Shell (Cassis rufa), with cameo cutting. From Mr. Wm. Exton, Oatlands. Specimen of the Grey Flying Opossum (Belideus sciurus). From Mr. Wm. Exton, Oatlands. Specimen of the Australian Crane (Grus Australasianus). From Mr. Wm. Exton, Oatlands. Specimen of the Australian Crane (Grus Australasianus). From Mr. Wm. Exton, Oatlands. Specimen of the Australian Crane (Grus Australasianus). H. Burgess, M.H.A. Specimens of Auriferous Quartz from the “New Chum,” West Chum, and “Golden Era” companies claims, Lefroy; and Tasmania Co., Beaconsfield. Tin ore from Cumberland Co., West Coast; and from Ben Lomond Co., Ben Lomond. From Mr. C. C. Nairn. Specimen of Fossil Wood, from railway cutting, Jerusalem. From Masters G. Stewart and B. Edwards. Nests and Eggs of Tasmanian Birds. 23. From Mr. R. B. Sheridan, Maryborough, Queensland. Specimen of the peculiar fish, Ceratodus forsteri, from the Burnett River. 24. From Mr. Terry, Lachlan, New Norfolk, A Cormorant (Phalacrocarpus carboides), unusually marked. 25. From His Excellency Lieut.-General Sir J. H. Lefroy, CB., K.C.M.G., F.R.S. A handsomely framed portrait of Admiral Sir James Ross, R.N. Also, a specimen of a fossil (Sanquino-lites Hitheridgei?) from the excavation at the New Battery, Kangaroo Point. 27. From Mr. T. Stephens. Specimen of Hucalyptus cordata. [In reference to specimens of Hucalyptus cordata, which had been forwarded to the Museum by Mr. Richard Hill, of Hospital Bay, and were on the table for the inspection of the Fellows, Mr. STEPHENS remarked that this interesting tree, discovered and described long ago, had been lost to sight for more than forty years. It was originally reported as a denizen of Recherche Bay by the French expedition under Labillardière; and long afterwards, in Sir John Franklin’s time, it was found by Sir Joseph Hooker and the late Mr. Ronald Gunn “in the Huon district,” no precise locality having been recorded. From that time to the present it appears to have eluded the search of botanists; and it was only in October last that, in answer to reveated enquiries, specimens were at last obtained from Recherche Bay, but without flower or fruit. A few weeks later it was found by Mr. Hill, on the Hudson road, probably on the same spot where it was last seen. Shortly after the date of this communication, Hucalyptus cordata was found by Mr. Stephens and Mr. Abbott on the foot hills of Mount Wellington near the Hudson road, within five miles of Hobart. From Mr. C. E. Beddome. Specimens of two new Marine Shells (Delphinula Johnstoni, and Leda Lefroyi), dredged off Three Hut Point, D’Entrecasteaux Channel, with descriptive notes. Mr. STEPHENS said that the Royal Society could not meet for the first time since the death of the late Mr. Ronald Gunn without paying a passing tribute (a more formal record being reserved for a future occasion) to the memory of one whose name was intimately associated with its earliest history. From the time of his arrival Mr. Gunn’s name appears associated with every early attempt to cultivate a knowledge of the natural products and resources of the colony: in the department of Botany he was one of the first pioneers, and for many years stood almost alone. As a genial and kindly companion and friend, ready at all times to place his stores of general and special information at the service of any one interested in his favourite studies, he would long be remembered by those who had, if only for a brief period, the advantage of his acquaintance; while as an explorer of some of the wildest parts of Tasmania, at a time when settlement in the north-western and western districts had not yet begun, he had rendered important service to the colony, and had had few to rival him since for indomitable energy and fertility of resources. As one of the founders of the Royal Society his name would always be held in honour in this place. His Excellency, the President, then read the opening address. Mr. R. M. Johnston, F.L.S., read an elaborate and carefully prepared paper, illustrated by coloured diagrams and a map, entitled "Notes showing that the existing Estuary of the Derwent was occupied by a Fresh-water Lake during the Tertiary Period." The PRESIDENT having invited an expression of opinion on the subject of Mr. Johnston’s paper, Mr. STEPHENS said that if there appeared to be any hesitation on the part of members present in volunteering remarks, it was not caused by any want of appreciation of the admirable paper which had just been read, but rather by the evident impossibility of properly discussing the numerous questions of interest which had been brought forward. The formation so fully described by the author of the paper had frequently been brought under the notice of the Fellows in former years, and, among others by one whose presence at their meetings would long be missed, the late Mr. Morton Allport, who was intimately acquainted with the surrounding district; but these had been chiefly conversational discussions, of which no record had been preserved, and the Society was greatly indebted to Mr. Johnston for having presented in concrete form so much interesting matter for future study and consideration. He (Mr. Stephens) was inclined to regard the tertiary deposits in the lower part of the Derwent basin rather as of estuarine and fluviatile origin, with land springs, which he thought were the chief agents in the formation of the beds of travertin at Risdon, and in the suburbs of Hobart, and by the process which is still going on in the formation of similar deposits in various parts of the island. Of the existence of a series of lakes in past times, far up the valley of the Derwent, which had been successively drained by erosion, and had exposed the remains of tertiary beds in the ancient valleys, there could be no doubt. These lakes indeed belonged to a later age, but there was nothing at present known which could invalidate the general conclusion so carefully stated by Mr. Johnston. A vote of thanks to His Excellency for his opening address, and to the authors of the papers read, as well as to the various contributors to the Museum, closed the proceedings of the meeting. MAY, 1881. The monthly evening meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, the 10th May, Mr. Justin Browne in the chair. Mr. Barnab (Hon. Sec.) laid on the table the usual returns for the past month, viz.:— 1. Number of Visitors to Museum, on Sundays 356; on week days 685; total, 1,041. Ditto to Gardens, 4,385. Books and Periodicals received. Presentations to Museum. Time of leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few Standard Plants in the Botanic Gardens during April :— 12th. Common Elm, leaves commencing to fall. 14th. Coe’s late red Plum ripe. 15th. Chinese Chrysanthemums commencing to flower. 24th. Mountain Ash leaves commencing to fall. 28th. Seeds of Hornbeam ripe. 30th. Black Mulberry leaves falling. 6. Meteorological Returns.—From the Marine Board, tables for April, from Bruni Island, Swan Island, and Mount Nelson; Goose Island for February and March. The presentations to the Museum and Library were as follows :— 1. From Mr. A. Wilkins, Hobart. An albino variety of the Brush Kangaroo (Halmaturus Bennettii), from Spring Bay. From Mr. Richard Chick. Sections of five telegraph cables from India, Egypt, the Balearic Isles, the Mediterranean, etc. From Mr. R. M. Johnston. Specimens of lignified Pine, from the deep lead auriferous drifts, Back Creek, Tasmania. From His Excellency Sir J. H. Lefroy. Specimens of Marble from Beaconsfield. From Mr. R. B. Dyer. Specimens of Crustaceans and Echinodermata from Southport. Specimens of the foliage and fruit of the so-called “Pepper Tree” (Drimys aromatica). Eggs of Mutton Bird (Nectris brevicaudus), and Penguin (Spheniscus minor). From Mr. Rayner. Specimens of Iron Ore from the New Norfolk District. Library.—From Mr. H. J. Buckland.—1. Buckland’s “Geology and Mineralogy,” 2 vols., 1837 (Bridgewater Treatise). 2. “Reliquize Diluvianae,” 1 vol., 1823, by the same author. The SECRETARY read a paper by Baron von Mueller, K.C.M.G., M.D., F.R.S., entitled “Suggestions for an extended elucidation of the Plants of Tasmania.” The CHARMAN said that it would be seen that Baron von Mueller was desirous of getting information upon the botany of Flinders Island; he had already applied to the Society to assist him in this direction, and steps had been taken which would probably result in local assistance being procured. In the way sought by the Baron, if not for Flinders, at least for Clarke’s Island, and probably the botany of both islands is nearly the same. Mr. R. M. Johnston hoped that the local collectors in Tasmania would further the object of the learned phytologist. It was very desirable that the natural history of the Cryptogams of Australia should be brought up to the same state of perfection as the other divisions of the “Flora Australiensis.” Mr. Bentham committed the completion of this onerous task to the illustrious Baron, and he (Mr. Johnston) was glad that there was now a probability of its being carried out. Mr. STEPHENS read notes on a species of Hucalyplus (EH. hemastoma), not hitherto recorded in the Flora of Tasmania, with its identification by Baron von Mueller. This tree is commonly known as the Gum-topped Stringy Bark. Mr. JOHNSTON was glad that Mr. Stephens had devoted his attention so closely to the study of our Eucalypts, for it was only by a close special study of some particular family or group that we could now hope to improve or add to our existing knowledge. The proper classification of the Eucalyptus is a very difficult matter, and the exact determination of closely allied species is rendered still more perplexing on account of the extreme variability due to local environments. Mr. Johnston gave an instance of this variability by reference to amygdalina as it grows in the Domain, in comparison with the same species as it grows on the hills around Launceston. Mr. Dowell remarked that the timber of the Gum-topped Stringy Bark was known to be of a very superior quality—in fact, second only to that of the Blue Gum—and always commanded a ready sale in the market. The wood was easily distinguished from that of the Swamp Gum by the greater firmness. Of its grain. Mr. Grant expressed his surprise at learning that the Gum-topped Stringy Bark—the subject of the paper—had not been previously described by botanists, since it had long been well known in commerce, and was a valuable timber. He had been supplied with a large number of sleepers of this wood by Mr. Oates, whose mills were near Victoria, Huon River, and, therefore, the trees must abound there. The timber could readily be recognized by those accustomed to notice sawn woods. It had a different shade of culour to stringy bark, and to white or swamp gums, and also a different grain, which more nearly resembled that of blue gum. It was a close, heavy timber, remarkably clear and free from knots, which, independent of the colour, distinguished it from blue gum, that otherwise it most resembled. Mr. Grant had not observed the tree growing, or noticed its wood in any large quantity, in the Midland districts, and, therefore, as it was common about the high lands, he thought it probably preferred more humid atmosphere than obtained in the interior of the country along the course of the railway. There was also another apparent variety which he had heard called “celery-topped” gum, but which was probably a slightly modified furm of the gum-topped stringy bark, since it frequented the same habitats. The SECRETARY read a paper by Charles E. Barnard, M.D., etc. “On Auriferous Country and Gold-bearing Rocks.” Mr. STEPHENS said that the paper which had just been read indicated much thoughtful study on the part of the author, who evidently took a lively interest in his subject. He did not quite understand whether the author intended to mean that the views which he expressed as to the surface indications of the presence of gold were to be taken as universally applicable; but it would be improper to attempt to discuss in detail a paper covering such a wide range after only hearing it once read, and he would only venture to criticize one point which was too important to be passed without notice. The relations of intrusive rocks, especially those of granitoid character, to the primary strata had furnished matter for innumerable pamphlets and papers; but it might be sufficient to say that although the granite was often found as a disturbing element in Silurian districts, it was clearly proved to have formed no part of the agencies which had produced those remarkable flexures and contortions which are special characteristics of the primary rocks all over the world, and which were attributable to forces operating on a much wider scale. This question, however, would in itself furnish matter for a lengthy paper. Mr. Johnston complimented Dr. Barnard on the very interesting sketch he had given of the wonderful results produced by the discovery of gold in Australia, and upon the very faithful picture he had given of the principal features of gold-bearing rocks and drifts. Only in regard to some of the minor points, touched upon incidentally, could he desire to offer any additional comment in the way of qualification. With respect to the effect produced by intrusive rocks, Mr. Johnston inclined to the view taken by Mr. Stephens, viz., that only to a trifling extent could the disturbed condition of the auriferous rocks be attributed to the immediate influence of the intruded rocks. Mr. Johnston stated that Mr. Mallet's theory was best in accord with facts. Mr. Mallet attributes the crushing and crumpling of the surface rocks principally to the secular cooling of the earth, together with gravitation. The cooling of the earth, at a greater rate near the surface, must have caused at first violent contraction, and consequently violent rifts, crumplings, and local heat. To the latter may be attributed the chief immediate cause of the principal masses of molten eruptive rocks. With respect to the association of certain vegetable remains with our gold drifts in Australia and Tasmania, Mr. Johnston agreed with Dr. Barnard that the knowledge of such association might be useful to the miner as a guide in his search for free gold. Still it should be borne in mind that the vegetation only pointed to the age during which the principal formations were deposited. It might happen, as in the case of the Derwent leaf beds, described by him (Mr. Johnston) on a former occasion, that same vegetation might be associated with a matrix derived from non-auriferous rocks of Upper Pale. ozoic age. These were incidental matters, however, which did not affect the great value of Dr. Barnard’s paper. The usual vote of thanks having (on the motion of Mr. Jones) been accorded to the authors of the papers read, and to the donors of presentations, the meeting closed. JUNE, 1881. The usual monthly meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, the 14th June, Mr. T. Stephens, vice-president, in the chair. The following gentlemen who had previously been nominated by the Council were balloted for, and declared duly elected as Fellows of the Society, viz., Messrs. Cecil J. Parsons, Frederick Mace, and Charles C. Nairn. The SECRETARY brought under notice the following returns for the month of May, viz.:— 1.4 Number of Visitors to Museum—On Sundays, 476; on week days, 610; total, 1,086. 2. Ditto to Gardens, total 4,029. 3. Plants and Seeds received at Gardens:—From Mr. C. F. Creswell, Melbourne, Palm seeds from Lord Howe’s Island, and 50 plants. From Mr. J. Sangwell, Melbourne, 48 Ferns. From Mr. Wm. Bull, London, 30 packets seeds. From Mr. J. T. Duthie, Superintendent Botanic Gardens, Saharanpur, N.W. Province, India, seven varieties of seeds of Conifere. From Mr. J. Latham, Liverpool-street, 30 packets imported seeds. From Baron Ferd. von Müller, 3 packets seeds. 4, Plants, etc., sent from Gardens:—To Messrs. Shepherd and Co., Sydney, 1 box Bulbs, various. To Mr. C. F. Creswell Melbourne, 1 ditto ditto. To the Horticultural Gardens, Melbourne, 1 ditto. To Melbourne Botanic Gardens, 1 case of plants and Sphagnum Moss. To Lieut. James, H.I.J.M. ship Rijio, 25 packets seeds. To Captain Fukushima, of the same ship, 50 ditto ditto. 5. Tench supplied:—To the Acclimatisation Society, Geelong, 132 fish. Meteorological Returns. 1. From the Marine Board:—Tables from Mount Nelson and South Bruny for May. From Mr. D. C. Purdy:—Tables from Macquarie Harbour for March and April. Time of leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few Standard Plants in the Botanic Gardens during May, 1881:— 10th. Medlars commencing to ripen. 21st. Photinia serrulata, commencing to flower. 23rd. Diosma alba, ditto. 28th. Ailanthus, leaves all shed. 380th. Spirea prunifolia plano, commencing to flower. The presentations to the Museum were as follows:— 1. From Mr. H. A. Ward, Rochester, New York:—Skin of fox prepared for mounting. Cast of Upper Silurian Fossil (Homalonotus delphinocephalus). 2. From the Exhibition Commissioners:—Specimens of Minerals, Models of Fruit, etc., etc. 3. From His Excellency Sir J. H. Lefroy, C.B., K.C.M.G., etc.:—A framed portrait of Captain Cook. The CHAIRMAN exhibited some specimens of the rocks of Port Cygnet, together with rolled pebbles from the drift of the Huon Valley, which had been forwarded to the Museum; and remarked that the latter were representatives of rocks not now found in situ within the settled districts of the south, and that with reference to the question of the auriferous capabilities of Port Cygnet there was not yet much that could be added to the information already communicated to the Society. The Hon. Secretary read a paper contributed by Professor R. Tate, Assoc. Linn. Soc., F.G.S.S. “On Type Species of Tasmanian Shells, unre-corded in the ‘Census of Tasmanian Shells.’” The CHARRMAN read, “Notes on a species of Zieria (Z. veronica)” by Augustus Simson, F.L.S., with its identification by Baron von Müller. Mr. E. J. Croucu, M.R.C.S., Eng., read a paper on “The Queen’s Domain, with suggestions for its improvement.” A long and animated discussion, in which most of the Fellows present took part, followed the reading of this paper, and many valuable and practical suggestions were brought out. It was ultimately determined, on the motion of Mr. BARNARD, seconded by Mr. James Grant, that a committee of this Society, consisting of Mr. Belbin, M.H.A., Mr. F. Abbott, Superintendent of the Botanic Gardens, Dr. E. L. Crowther, M.H.A., Captain Stanley, R.N., Mr. John Swan, Mr. Justin Browne, and Mr. E. J. Crouch, with power to add to their number, be formed to consider the subject in all its bearings, and to confer with the Government as to the best means of contributing to the improvement of the Domain. The meeting closed with the usual vote of thanks to the authors of the various papers, and the donors of presentations to the Museum. JULY, 1881. The monthly evening meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, the 12th of July; His Excellency, the President, in the chair. Mr. W. F. Petterd, of Launceston, who had previously been nominated by the Council, was balloted for, and declared duly elected as a Fellow of the Society. The hon. secretary, Mr. Barnard, brought forward the following returns for June: 1. Number of visitors to Museum:—On Sundays, 374; on week days, 843; total, 1, 217. 2. Do. to Gardens, 3,495. 3. Plants received at Botanic Gardens:—From Mr. J. Smith, Riddle’s Creek, Victoria, 45 varieties of Fruit Trees. From the Horticultural Society’s Gardens, Melbourne, one bundle new Fruit Scions. From Royal Gardens, Kew, England, one case of Willow Cuttings. From the Rev. — Codrington, Norfolk Island, one sack of Norfolk Island Pine Seeds. 4. Plants sent from Gardens:—To Rev. M. W. Gilleran, for church grounds, Ouse, 50 plants. To Right Rev. Bishop Murphy, 50 plants. 5. Books and Periodicals received. 6. Presentations to Museum. Meteorological Returns:— 1. From the Marine Board, tables from Kent’s Group Lighthouse for February, March, April, and May; Cape Wickham, do.; Goose Island, do, for April and May; Swan Island, do. for May; Bruny Island, do. for June; and Mount Nelson, do. do. 2. From Mr. D.C. Purdy, Macquarie Harbour, table for May. Time of leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few standard plants in the Botanic Gardens during June, 1881:— 17th. Maclaura aurantiaca, commencing to shed leaves. 20th. Common Privet, ditto. 25th. ris alata, commencing to flower. 28th. Calycanthus preecox, in flower. 30th, Black Mulberry, leaves all shed. The presentations to the Museum were as follows:— 1. From Captain Rapp, barque Italy, Stalactites and Crystals of Carbonate of Lime, from a cavern at Hamelin Bay, West Australia. 2. From Master B. Watchorn, specimens of Tin Ore, etc., from Mount Bischoff and Heemskirk. 3. From Mr. E. D. Swan, a Black Magpie (Strepera arguta), mounted. 4. From Mr. W. Murray, Glenorchy, a Brown Trout (Salmo fario), caught in the O’Brien’s Bridge Rivulet. From Mr. A. J. Taylor, cast of face of Lord Brougham. From the Tasmanian Commissioners, Melbourne Exhibition, 1880-1881: A. From the Belgian Court, Melbourne Exhibition:--Samples of Cardboard; two do. of Indigo; one of Ultramarine; four do. of manufactured Sulphur; Iron Carriage, and Spiral Springs; Specimens of Artificial Marble, samples of Tiles, Slate, etc. B. From the Victorian Court: Two Cores from Diamond Drill from Stawell and Creswick, Victoria. Arsenical Pyrites, from 954 ft. level, Sandhurst (from Sandhurst School of Mines); Burnt Pyrites and Pyrites Tailings (from do.); Phacolyte, with Calcite (from do.); Lava Dyke Stone, associated with Garden Gully Reef (from do.); Iron Ore from Traralgon Creek (from do.) Iron Ore from Traralgon Creek (from do.) Do. from Dookie (from do.) Cobalt Ore, from Walhalla and Alexandra (from do.) Antimony, Sulphide and Oxide; Antimony Regulus; from Ringwood (from do.) Calcite, from Dookie (from do.) Lignite, from Lal Lal (from do.) Mammillated Sandstone (metamorphosed) ; the bounding rock of the Garden Gully Reef (from do.) Infusorial Earth, from Amherst (from do.) Crystal Sand, from Brighton Beach, Victoria. C. From the South Australian Court: Pyrolusite, from Tangie, S. A. Rethangar Copper Ore, two specimens. Atacamite and Red Oxide of Copper, from Moonta Mine. Copper Pyrites, from do. Ditto, from Wallaroo Mine. Yellow Copper Ore, from do. Copper Pyrites, from Kurella Mine. Atacamite, Massive, from Moonta Mine. Borinite, from do. Peacock Copper Ore, from Moonta. Ingot of Smelted Copper, from Wallaroo. D. From New South Wales Court: Kerosene One Shale, from Hartley, N.S. Wales. Lignite, overlying do., N.S. Wales. Shale, from Tyer’s River, do. Antimony Ore, do. Sulphide of Antimony, do. Asbestos, do. Ingot of Smelted Tin, N.S.W. Fibre, from Fiji. Coffee, from do. Seed of Sea Island Cotton, from do. EL. From Tasmanian Court: Polished Slab of Fossiliferous Limestone, from Bridgewater. Donor, Mr. E. Rayner. Ditto, from Maria Island. Donor, Mr. R. Robinson. Mineral Map of Tasmania. Serpentine, Polished Cube of, locality not stated. Two Photographic Views of Hobart, framed. Library. From Mr. J. Barnard. Two copies of Baron von Mueller’s work, entitled “Select Extra-Tropical Plants, suitable for Industrial Culture,” for Library, and for the use of the Superintendent of the Botanic Gardens. Mr. STEPHENS exhibited specimens of a paper-like material used in stereotyping at the office of the Launceston Examiner, and one from the establishment of the Hobart Mercury. This soft and flexible material has almost universally superseded the use of plaster moulds in stereotyping, and the sharpness of the type cast from it, when properly prepared, is quite remarkable. Mr. NEWELL presented some tables which he had compiled with the assistance of Mr. Langworthy, showing the mean of the observations for the five years, 1871-5, taken at the lighthouses and other coast stations in Tasmania, and published by the Society; and read some remarks upon the subject, with special reference to the winds in Bass’ Straits and the climate of the West and North-West Coasts. The CHAIRMAN remarked that he entirely agreed with the author as to the importance of multiplying registers of the rainfall, the simplest and easiest of all observations, and one which becomes very interesting for comparing different seasons. Probably the amount of rainfall has more to do with the agricultural or pastoral value of different districts than temperature or anything else; and he had on a previous occasion advocated the employment of the masters of common schools, many of whom would no doubt be very willing to take charge of a rain-gauge, and perhaps of other instruments. Captain STANLEY remarked that he thought there must be something wrong with the figures relating to the pressure of the wind. He believed that those adopted at the lighthouses were guessed by the observers, and not arrived at by the aid of anemometers. It was not the custom in the colonies to use Beaufort’s scale. That in use was one common to all the Australasian colonies, and consisted in supposing that the wind ranged in force from 0 to 6, the figure 6 representing hurricane force. Beaufort's scale, or that in common use in the Royal Navy, supposed the force of the wind to be represented by figures, ranging from 0 to 12—0 representing a calm, and 12 a hurricane; the intermediate figures were judged by the description and number of sails the ship would carry or might be happening to carry at the time, and in relation always to a well-conditioned man-of-war. As regarded private observations, great care would have to be taken by observers, and it would be necessary to know what kind of instruments were used. Aneroids were less trustworthy instruments than marine barometers; their corrections varied according to their readings; as, for instance, an aneroid might be perfectly correct when registering a height of 30°50, and much in error at a height of 29°50. This description of barometer would most likely be the one chosen by private observers, as being portable and simple. On board a man-of-war it was only used in conjunction with a marine barometer. With regard to the force of the wind observed at Mount Nelson and Kent’s Group being so much lower than at other localities, he thought it might be owing to the fact that easterly winds, which blew during several months of the year, appeared to blow much stronger at sea level. He had noticed when employed in the survey of Bass’ Strait that often he had been able to observe with a theodolite comfortably on the summit of a high hill when it was blowing a strong easterly wind at sea level; in fact, the diminution of the force of the wind was quite noticeable during the ascent. Mr. Justice Doxson thought it undesirable to publish any meteorological observations with the imprint of the Royal Society unless we were satisfied as to their accuracy. That Mr. Nowell’s paper cast a doubt upon the accuracy of the instruments used. That these might be tested when the lighthouses were visited, by procuring a duly regulated barometer and thermometer of the New Standard, and by taking these instruments round and comparing with them those used at the lighthouses, the accuracy or errors of which would then be ascertained. The CHAIRMAN remarked that he agreed very much with Mr. Justice Dobson that it was not desirable to publish the observations taken at the lighthouses. The great value of these observations was to enable meteorologists to know the course of great atmospheric disturbances; to give information to the Board of Trade and Marine Courts of Enquiry, and to meet exceptional occurrences; but they are not, and cannot be, made sufficiently complete and accurate to have scientific value; nor are the observers, however intelligent and willing, sufficiently instructed. There is great danger of adding to the masses of unreliable figures already before the world, which it is almost impossible to discriminate from the good data. At the same time, he thought the Society under an obligation to Mr. Nowell for taking the trouble to examine and adjust these returns, and hoped his remarks would not be taken as depreciating that gentleman’s labour; he could only deal with the figures furnished him. Mr. Nowell was quite willing, as there appeared to be doubts as to the accuracy of the observations themselves, or of the instruments with which they were made, that the paper should not be published. His object would have been to some extent attained by directing attention to the subject, and by eliciting the information with which they had been favoured by the members who were present. Since he had come into that room he had casually taken up a publication, emanating from the Sydney Observatory, containing a large number of meteorological observations extending over several pages; and on looking at the prefatory matter, he found that the work was done by the astronomer, with the aid of amateurs whose assistance he had solicited; and the speaker suggested that something of the same kind might be done here. Meteorological observations had been taken at New Norfolk for a series of years by Mr. W. E. Shoobridge, but they had not been reduced. Work of this kind might, he thought, easily be done by organised cooperation among a few volunteers. He hoped that the discussion which had taken place would be the means of obtaining further information as to the climate of the West and North-west Coasts, a part of the colony which at the present time was exciting so much interest. Since the meeting the following interesting observations have been received from Mr. S. B. Emmett, of Circular Head:—"The annual fall of rain here is about 45 in., in the most 69 in., and least 33 in. Mean range of thermometer, 57 degrees at 9 am. Heaviest gales from N.W. 