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FOR THE PEOPLE

FOR EDVCATION

FOR SCIENCE

LIBRARY

OF

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM

OF

NATURAL HISTORY

'OT

PapiTS and P^'oceedings

ROYAL SOCIETY

FAS MANIA,

8 7o.

T A s ^r

RESS OFF I'

MONTHEY NOTICES

Papers and Proceedings

OF THE

ROYAL SOCIETY

OF

TASMANIA,

FOR

I

8 7o.

^^

TASMANIA:

PRINTED AT THE " MERCURY " STEAM PRESS OFFICE, HOBART TOWN.

I 8 7 I.

Page

Proceedings of the Society for March , 1

Presentations to Museum, kc ]

Cuttle Fish 2

English Sparrow, and "White Eye 3

"Sea Hare" (Aphisiasp.), Specimen of 3

Sarcophilus, Fossil Remains of 3

Rocks from Port Cygnet, Rev. "W. B. Clarke's Remarks on 4

Proceedings for April 5

Ditto for INIay 7

Fossil Ripple Marks from Southport 7

Tasmanian Land Shells, New Species of 7

Red Spider, The, in Hops 8

Salmon Question, Present State of 8

Discussion on ditto 9

Salmon, arrest of development of, when retained in freshwater 10

Phytography of Tasmania, contributions to 11

1) Argus, additional observations on, changes in 21

Meteorology, &c., for Jan., 1870 i.

Ditto for Feb., 1870 ii.

Remarks on Observatory Records, with Health Report for Jan. and
Feb., and comparison of vital statistics of 1869 with those of

previous years iii.

Meteorology, kc, for March. 1870 iv.

Analysis of Observatory Records, with Health Report for March v.

Meteorology for April, 1870 viL

Analysis of Observatory Records and Health Report, April viii.

Meteorology for May, 1870 ix.

Analysis of Observatory Records, with Health Report for May x.

Meteorology, &c., for June, 1870 xi.

Proceedings for June 27

Heavy Rainfall at Swansea 27

Large Mussels from the Derwent 28

Red Spider of Hop Grounds 28

Ditto, Discussion on ... 29

Salmonoid, first sent from Tasmania to England, on the 29

Esparto Grass, conversation on 31

Proceedings, July 32

Cheironectes politus 32

Caterpillars, which destroyed crops, 1870 32

Letter from J. Walker, Esq., on manufacture of Beet Root Sugar in

England and on the Continent ". 33

Beet Root Sugar, manufacture of in Tasmania, discussion on 34

Proceedings, August 36

Salmon, a young, which had been detained in the breeding ponds,

remarks on 36

Prawns taken from stomach of Rock Cod 37

Proceedings, &c., printed, received from Societies in England 37

Remarks on the two books publisherl by James Bonwick, on the

Aborigines of Tasmania. By Dr. Milligan 37

Seed of Grass-cloth Plant

Crayfish, large freshwater, discussion on 38

Land Shells of Tasmania, on the, with list of species. By W. Legrand 39
Crayfish, large Freshwater, of Northern Rivers of Tasmania, Distribu-
tion anc; Habits of. By C. Gould, F.G.S 42

CONTENTS. iii.

Page

Notes on Meteorology and Mortality of month of June , xiii.

Meteorology, July, 1870 xiv.

Notes on ditto, and Mortality, July xv.

Meteorology, August, 1870 xvii.

Notes on ditto, and Mortality, August

Proceedings of Society for September 45

Books received from America 46

China Grass-cloth Plant 46

Proceedings f'>r October 48

Swamp Tea-tree, Bark of 48

Sulphur, experiment with fiimes of, for the destruction of Rabbits 49

Smolt caught at New Norfolk, remai'ks on 49

Salmon Experiment, extract from letter on 49

Proceedings of Society, November 51

Coal from Three Hut Point 52

Salmon Trout at Eiver Plenty, Notes on 52

Excursion to Curamings's Head and Falls of the Meander, Notes on.

By ^Y. Archer, F.L.S 54

The Sun and its Otfice. By F. Abbott, F.Pv.A.S 62

Califoruian Thistle, Notes on. By W. Archer, F.L.S 70

Meteorology for September xix.

Notes on ditto, with Health Report xx.

Meteorology for October xxii.

Notes on ditto, with Health Report xxiii.

Meteorology for November xxiv.

Notes on ditto, with Health Report xxv.

Meteorology for December xxvii.

Notes on ditto, with Health Report xxviii.

Meteorology^ for January, 1871 xxx.

Notes on ditto, with Health Report xxxi.

Meteorology for February xxxii.

Notes on ditto, with Health Report xxxiii.

List of Fellows 76

Minutes of Annual General Meeting 80

Report for 1870 62

Balance Sheet for ditto 88

Books Purchased and Presented 89

Presentations to Museum 91

Plants sent from Gardens 94

Ditto supphed for decoration of public places 95

Ditto, &:c., received at gardens 95

Plants introduced into gardens .. 96

€);vat».

Page 12. — Enrl of third, and beginning of fourth line for " Elseorarpus, "
read " Elseocarpus. "

Page 12. —Last line, for " desv. Journ. Bot.," read "Desv. : journ. Bot,

Page 14. — Third line of third paragraph, for " Pterygapappus," read
" Pterygopappus."

Page 14, — Ninth line of ditto for " Ptorygopappus," read " Pterygopappus."

Page 20. — First line of second paragraph, for " Gunii," read "Gunnii."

Page 32. — Tliird and fourth lines of paragraph beginning No. 8, for
" Chironectes," read " Cheironectes."

Page XXV.— Second line of heading, for "1820," read "1870."

Page xxvii. — Ninth line below table, (Barometer Mean,) for "29.813 in.,"
read "29.863 in."

Page XXX.— Last line of table. Barometer Mean, for " 29.877," read "29.887."

Page xxxii.— Fifth line, Barometer Mean, for "29.819 in.," read "29.879in."

EOYAL SOCIETY,

MARCH, 1870.

The first monthly evening meeting of the session was held on Tuesday,
the 8th March, J. Barnard, Esq., in the chair.

The Secretary, Dr. Agnew, laid on the table the following returns : —

1. Visitors to Museum during January and February, 1836.

2. Ditto Gardens ditto, 3687.

3. Time of leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few standard plants in

Society's Gardens during February.

4. Tench supplied from pond in Gardens during February, 12.

5. Books and Periodicals received in January and February.

6. Presentations to Museum since last meeting.
Meteorological Retiiyns.

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq., — tables for January and

February.

2. Port Arthur, from J. Boyd, Esq., — table for January.

3. Swansea from Dr. Story, — ditto for December and January.

4. Westbury, from C. Belstead, Esq., — ditto for January and February.

5. New Zealand, from the Government, — ditto for November and

December.

6. Brisbane, Queensland, from E. McDonnell, Esq., Government Ob-

server,—tables for October, November, and December, 1869.
The presentations to the Museum were as follow : — •

1. From Miss H. May son and Miss J. Mitchell — A collection of Shells

from East Coast of Tasmania.

2. From J. T. Leake, Esq., Campbell Town — A specimen of Eoman

Brick from St. Albans, England (the ancient Verulamium).

3. From the Very Rev. Archdeacon Marum, per Dr. E. S. Hall — A

collection of Fossils from neighbourhood of Dromedary Mountain.

4. From Mr. 0. H. Hedberg — A collection of Swedish Coins and Notes.

5. From Mr. Dinham — Two stone Hatchets made by Aborigines of

Australia and Tasmania. Portions of Skull, &c., of Aborigine
dug up ac Mona Vale, Tasmania. A fossil Seed from the sand-
stone, Somersetshire, England, found 80 feet below the surface.

6. From Mrs. S. Crouch — A collection of weapons, (fee, from Fiji and

Samoa, viz. : — One Fijian Pillow, two pieces Tappa cloth, one
female Fijian chief's Dress, one Paddle, two War Clubs, one
piece Samoan Cloth, one Sandwich Island Spear, one Spear,
Skull of Porpoise, Foetal Porpoise.

7. From Mr. M. Weber— A War Club from Fiji.

8. From J. W. Graves, Esq. — Two skulls of Axis Deer from Slopen

Main.
[These deer were bred from those imported by Sir W. Denison from
the Lower Ganges, and turned loose on Tasman's Peninsula.]

9. From Mr. Fencker — Four specimens of auriferous quartz from the

Pioneer Reef, Lyndhurst (Waterhouse).

10. From W. A. B. Gellibrand, Esq. — A stone Axe from New Zealand.

11. From H. M. Hull, Esq. — A Lizard, 8 Crickets, and two Fish.

12. From J. W. Graves, Esq. — Nest of Sparrow from a gum tree in Mr.

Turner's millyard. A Black Snake (Hoploccphalm curtusj.
[This snake was killed near the upper end of Goulburn -street, Hobart

Town, and measured 1ft. Hn. in Icnj^th. Tlio li<j;ht colour of the specimen
is due to its havinc: but recently chanf^ed its t?kin when killed.]

13. From I\Ir. G. Weaver— A Musk Duck ( liiziiira lohnta).

14. lYom I\Ir. Luttrcll — Specimens of (|uartz from Tomahawk River

and Pioneer licef, Waterhouse. that from the latter place being
auriferous. Four small Crabs from North Coast.

15. From INIr. D. Chisholm — A large Fungus from a gum tree. Skeleton

of young Sting Ray.
IG. From Mr. A. Nicholas, per Mr. F. Abbott — A fossil Spatangua
from New Zealand.

17. From Mr. R. Propsting — A Swamp Hawk (Circus Assimilis—AWiedt.
Harrier).

18. From Mr. Geo. "W. Rex — The crop of a Fowl containing an entire

Whip Snake.
[This specimen was discovered on the fowl being killed, and in course
of preparation for the table. The bird had previously presented no unusual
appearance, and had received no injury from swallowing the reptile.]

19. From Mr. A. Neilson — A very large specimen of the common Slug,

which when alive measured six inches in length.

20. From Mr. F. Smith, Holbrook Place — A large moUusk (Ajjlt/sia

sp.J, from Brown's River.

21. From Mr. R. James — Part of the skeleton of a Ray (?).

22. From Mr. G. J. Smith — Piece of native box wood, with thorns

embedded in its substance.

23. From Mr. Exton, Oatlands — A Rail (Ralhos Lewinii).

24. From Mr. H. Nelson — Sample of Coal from Greymouth, New

Zealand. The seam from which this coal is obtained is said to
be 16 feet, in thickness.

25. From Mr. Plunkett, Sandy J3ay — A Pair of Mittens made by

Esquimaux of Behring's Strait.

26. From M. Allport, Esq— A collection of Insects from Port Arthur.

27. From Mr. Gidley Lewis — A Russian Silver Coin of the Empress

Catherine, 1796. Specimen of handwriting of General Moreau.

28. From Mr. R. P5'bus, Bruni Island— A 5s. piece of Charles II, 1677.

29. From Mr. W. Cole, Cleveland — One Spanish silver coin, Carolus

III., 1781. One United States ditto, \ dime, 1854. One brass
ditto, Louis XVI. of France, 1792. One silver Coin unknown.

30. From H. Hopkins, jun., Esq., a foetal lamb (a monstrosity.) Two

Dories,

31. From the Trustees, Australian Museum, Sydney, per the Hon. E.

Deas Thomson, C.B. — Part of skull and upper jaw of fossil

Sarcophilus (Devil) from Wellington Caves, N. S. Wales. Eight

photographs of Ceratodus Forsteri, a fish inhabiting the Burnett

River, N.S.W.

[This fish is admirably adapted to many of the streams of the colony,

which although comparatively large rivers in the winter season, present

only a chain of pools in the summer. The Ceratodus by means of its

fins is enabled to travel considerable distances on land, and when a

pool in which it may be present is dried up it can thus go in search of

another.]

32. From M. Allport, Esq.— Part of skull of Tunny, washed on

shore. North Coast of Tasmania.

33. From Baron F. Von. Miieller — Skeleton of a White Swan.

34. From Mrs. Chapman, Macquarie-street — Seeds from Borneo.

35. From Mr. James, Collins-street — Jaw of species of Shark.

36. From Mr. Walter Paisley, Franklin, per Mr. Graves— A Guttle

Fish.
[This interesting Cephalopod belongs to the Octopodidcey and specimens

have several times been captured on our coasts. It is very rapacious,
and swims with great rapidity by means of its powerful fluke-like tail.
Any wounded fish in its neighbourhood are instantly attacked, and the
rapidity with which its parrot-like beak cuts into and kills its prey ia
astonishing. A few years back one of these cuttle fish was exhibited in
Hobart Town, and was described by an anonymous writer as belonging to
the genus Ouychoteutkis, but this was undoubtedly an error, as the hook-
like processes on the long tentacles, which are the distinguishing mark of
the Onychotenthidce^ and from which the name is derived, are absent in
this species.]

The only donation to the library was a work by Fleetwood Buckle, Esq.,
M.D., of H.M.S. Liverpool, on the "Vital and Economical Statistics of
the Hospitals, Infirmaries, &c., of England and Wales," presented by the
author, per Dr. E. S. Hall.

In reference to the nest of the Sparrow (Presentation No. 12), Mr.
Allport remarked, that he was, at first, adverse to the introduction of these
birds, but for some time back, he had reason for changing his mind. He
found, so far as his observation had as yet extended, that wherever the
Sparrow came, it drove away the White Eye (Zosterops dorsalisj^ a most
destructive bird to fruit.

Mr. Graves had a better opinion of the White Eye than Mr. Allport,
and had no doubt, that its good qualities were greater than the bad. The
benefit which these, and many of our smaller, and comparatively un-
known birds conferred on our farms and gardens, by destroying noxious
insects, &c., was incalculable. As an addition to our insectivorous birds,
he had himself liberated some Canaries, which already had progeny, and
if spared by their enemy the cat, would, he thought, become thoroughly
acclimatised.

Mr. M. Allport called attention to the presentation of the " Sea Hare "
(No. 20), by Mr. Francis Smith (son of the Chief Justice), which is of
peculiar interest, as being another example of the manner in which forms
of animal life of the lower types are reproduced at opposite ends of the
world. The present specimen is of the Genus Aplysia, and so closely
resembles the English creature Aplysia punctata, as to be all but identical
— the Tasmanian form being the larger. Its true position amongst the
mollusca is beautifully exemplified by the rudimentary shield — like shell
which is buried in the tissues of the back, and serves as a guard to the
delicate branchial organs of the creature. (This shell, dissected out, was
exhibited to the meeting.) Mr. Allport expressed a hope that others of
our youth would follow the good example set by Mr. Smith in forwarding
to the Museum that which struck him as being new or curious, instead of
casting it aside without enquiry, or heed to its scientific value.

Presentation No. 31 is interesting, as proving the former existence on
the main land of the larger carnivorous marsupials now found living in
Tasmania. In his paper on Mr. Krefft's " Notes on the Fauna of Tas-
mania," read before a meeting of this Society, Mr. Allport pointed out
the probability that the Dingo fCanis dingo) had usurped the position of
the Tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalusj and the Devil fSarcojMlus ursinusj
on the main land ; and that the absence of the Dingo in Tasmania ex-
plained their continued existence in the latter colony.

The Secretary read a paper,* entitled "Contributions to the Phytography
of Tasmania," by Baron F. Von Miieller, C.M.G., F.R.S., &c. The paper
was accompanied by notices of upwards of a hundred plants, many of
them hitherto undescribed, observed by the author in the region of Mount
Field, &c.

" This paper is tlie second on the same subject contributed by Baron Von MUeller,
for the first see Trans, lloyal Soc. Tasmania for 18G8, p. 7.

Mr. Stephens bogged to mention in reference to a paper which ho brought
before the 8ociety in October last, on " The occurrence of gold at Port
Cygnet," that he had sent some specimens of the rocks ho had found there,
and described, to tho Rev. W. B. Clarke of Sydney. Ho would read a
few lines from Mr. Clarke's reply, as it was satisfactory to find the theory
broached in his paper confirmed by so eminent an authority : — " I see so
much in those specimens like rocks I have often found in tho gold-fields,
and especially like tho porphyritic bands that traverse the gold-fields, of
the Gilbert Iviver and Crvmpio in (iuconsland, and I think there must boa
relationship. It would be premature to designate tho formation at Port
Cygnet geologically, but I agree with you as to its probable great
antiquity."

Mr. M. Allport proposed a special vote of thanks to Baron Von Miieller.
It was pleasant to find a savant of such world-wide fame, and whose
scientific labours are so much greater than wo are aware of, communicate
so freely with this Society, when so many of our other corresponding
members are silent. He would also include in the vote the name of Dr.
Hall, to whom on this occasion, and formerly for a period of several years
the Society was much indebted for the careful analysis he had given of
the meteorological records, in connection with the vital statistics of the
colony, which had so much enhanced the value and interest of these
tables.

Mr. Davies, after some eulogistic remarks on Baron Von Miieller's
labours on behalf of Tasmanian botany, cordially seconded the motion,
which was unanimously carried, and the usual vote h?^ving been accorded
to the donors of presentations, the meeting terminated.

APEIL, 1870.

The monthly evening meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, 12th
April, H. Bilton, Esq., in the chair.

W. A. Guesdon, jun., Esq., who had been previously nominated, was
duly elected by ballot as a member of the Society.

The Hon. Secretary (Dr. Agnew) submitted the usual returns for the
past month, viz. : —

1. Visitors to Museum, 722.

2. Ditto to Gardens, 1846.

3. Plants, &c., sent from Gardens.

4. Time of leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few standard plants in

Botanic Gardens.

5. Books and Periodicals received.

6. Presentations to Museum.
Meteorological Returns.

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq.— Table and Summary for

March.

2. Westbury, from C. Bel stead, Esq.— Table for March.

3. Port Arthur, from J. Boyd, Esq. — Ditto ditto.

4. New Zealand, from the Government, — Ditto for January.

6. Sydney, from G. R. Smalley, Esq. — Ditto for November and Decem-
ber, 1869, and January, 1870.
The presentations to the Museum were as follow : —

1. From Captain Williams, a manuscript newspaper, the Western Aus-

tralia Gazette, June 13th, 1830.

2. From Mr. Watson, Brown's River, a kingfisher (Alcyone azureaj.

3. From M. Allport, Esq., a Diamond Snake (Kopolocephalus superbusj.

4. From Miss Sherwin, a Lamprey, from Brown's River.

5. From T. Giblin, Esq., a Fish (Clinus sp. ?J from Risdon.

6. From Captain Dart, of the Sapphire whaler, four Sharks' Jaws, a

Crustacean, a small Pilot Fish, and a Native Hen, from Howe's
Island.

7. From Captain Forsyth, brig Waverley, a Snake and Lizard, from

Java.

8. From J. W. Graves, Esq., a Cape Barren Goose (Gereopis Nov(Z

Hollanclioe).

9. Two small Falcons fFalco front atus) , donor unknown.

10. From W. Knight, jun., Esq., samples of Cinnabar ore, from Cudge-

gong, New South Wales.

11. From Mr. G. Edwards, Oatlands, a White Kangaroo, an albino

variety of Halmaturus Bennettii.

12. From C. Degraves, Esq., four Fossils from the limestone at Cascades.

13. From Mr. W. Smith, a Flounder curiously marked.

14. From C. Dinham, Esq., a Collection of Mineral Specimens, «&:c.,

from Somersetshire and Cornwall, England.

15. From H. M. Hull, Esq., Specimens of Iron Pyrites and^ Malachite.

16. From Mrs. Makepeace, Swansea, four specimens of Echinodermata,

and the egg cases of Fasciolaria sp.

17. From Captain Clinch, the jaws of a species of Shark from Twofold

Bay.

18. From Mr. McKenna, a living specimen of Gordius aqtiaticus, from

New Town Rivulet.

19. From ]Mr. J. Young, Howrah, a Spider Crab.

20. From Mr. Docksey, three jNlineral Specimens, from Adelaide.

21. From Mr. Roblin, a specimen of Apli/sia sp., from Cornelian Bay.

22. From Mr. M. Tapfield, a specimen of Gorgonia, with species of

Astrophi/ton attached.

6

Mr. Abbott read a paper entitled " Rome additional observations on
changes which have taken place in the Star 77 Argus, and its surrounding
Nebula."

The paper was illustrated by drawings, showing the present appearance
of the star and nebula. Drawings of the same by 8ir J. Ilerschel in
1834, by Mr. Abbott in 1863 and 18G8, and by Lieutenant Herschel in
1869, were also exhibited, showing in a striking mauoer the great and
inexplicable changes which have taken place within a few years in this
very interesting object.

Some conversational discussion having taken place, the usual votes of
thanks were accorded to Mr. Abbott and to the donors of the various pre-
sentations, and the proceedings terminated.

MAY, 1870.

The monthly evening meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, the
10th May, J. Barnard, Esq., in the chair.

The undermentioned gentlemen, who had heen previously nominated
by the Council, were, after a ballot, declared duly elected as members of
the Society : —

1. The Rev. Dr. Bleasdale, of Melbourne, as corresponding member.
- 2. R. P. Adams, Esq., Hobaxit Town.
3. Frederick B. Walker, Esq., Rhodes.

The Secretary (Dr. Agnew) laid on the table the usual Monthly Returns,
viz. : —

1. Visitors to Museum during April, 642.

2. Ditto to gardens ditto, 1,314.

3. Seeds received at gardens.

4. Time of leafing, &c., of a few standard plants in gardens.

5. Books and periodicals received.

6. Presentations to Museum.

Meteorological Returns.

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq. — Table and summary for April.

2. Melbourne, from R. J. Ellery, Esq.— Tables for Jan., Feb., and
March.

The presentations to the Museum were as follows : —

1. From Mr. Edwards, Kewstoke, near Oatlands — A large specimen of

Carnelian.

2. From Sir Robert OflScer — A Platypus fOrnithorynchns anatinus).

3. From Mr. J. Smith, brig Waverley — A collection of Snakes, Lizards,

&c., from China.

4. From Mr. T. Parker — Two specimens of auriferous Quartz from

Pioneer Reef, Waterhouse.

5. From T. L. Gellibrand, Esq. — A Wedge-tailed Eagle {Aquila fucosa).

6. From Mr. Ballantyne — A curious Fish, caught in the Derwent.

7. From Mr. M. Allport — A Rail {Ballus Leivinii),

8. From Mr. Pearsall, Muddy Plains— A Chestnut-faced Owl {Strix

castano2)s)

9. From Mr. J. J. Low, Richmond — A Black-cheeked Falcon {Falco

melanogemjs).

10. From Master Ernest Bayley — A Falcon {Falco frontatiis.)

11. From Mr. Ikin — Two spines from Sting Rays.

12. From Mr. 0. E. Hedberg— Jaws of Shark.

13. From Mr. S. H. Wintle — Two specimens of Granite from the

Tomahawk River.
Fossil Ripple marks from Southport.

In reference to the last named presentation the following note from Mr.
Wintle was read : — " These fossil ripple marks I obtained from a vertical
section of the carboniferous strata at Southport, Tasmania. The shales
in which they occur are overlaid by a bed of sandstone 12 feet thick.
Underneath the smallest ripple marks I found a beautiful fossil impression
of GlossojHeris angustifolia (McCoy). The cliff is one of great geological
interest."

The following list of new species of Tasmanian land shells furnished by
Mr. Legrand was laid on the table. The specimens have been named and

described by Dr. J. Cox, of Sydney, and will form the subject of a paper
at a future meeting of the Society : —

He;
II.

lix modianus.
holice.

11.
H.
H.

CC0SU8.

austrinus.
occuUua.

H.
H.
11.
11.

ruga.

marchianno.
Stephensi.
Agnewi.

Helix ploxup.

H.

dubitans.

vigens.

fulgetrum.

Gonldi.

Kamsgatensis.
Halli.

Nelsonensis.

Allporti.

The Secretary intimated that he had received from Sir Robert Officer
some specimens of the so-called Kcd Spider, which had recently affected
the hops at New Norfolk, with a request to be furnished with any informa-
tion that the microscope, or the experience of any of the Fellows could
throw on its exact character, habits, food, &c. These observations had
been commenced, but as it had been found advisable to compare the insect
from the hop with those of a similar character from the apple tree, the hot-
house, and possibly other sources, no report could be laid before the
present meeting, but he hoped before the next some definite information
■would be obtained on the subject, if the season be nut too far advanced
for procuring the perfect insect.

Mr. M. Allport made the following remarks on the present state of the
salmon question : — As every step in the experiment for the introduction
of salmon has been from time to time recorded in the transactions of the
Society, it now becomes necessary to complete the series by a short account
of the last step. As the Fellows are aware, one of the smolts captured in
the Derwent was sent to Dr. Giinther for his opinion as to its species, and
that opinion is embodied in the following extract from a letter which I
received by the last mail : — " Some weeks ago a small specimen of a sal-
monoid was handed over to me by the Secretary of the Zoological Society,
•with the request to determine the species, and to let you know the result
of my examination. The example is 9 inches long, and from its general
appearance, small size of the scales, form of the caudal fin, arrangement of
teeth on the palate, number of pyloric appendages, there cannot be the
least doubt that it is an example of sea trout (Sahno tnittaj. I am in-
formed that a lot of sea trout eggs were forwarded to Tasmania several
ye.irs ago, and hatched in May, 1866 ; if you never on any other occasion
received eggs of salmo trutta, it would follow that this example is 3^ years
old, and consequently what may be called a stunted individual, as a fish
of that age ought to have attained to a larger size, and exhibit a certain
development of the sexual organs, of which no trace could be discovered
in the individual sent." Dr. Giinther is with respect to reptiles and fish,
■what Professor Owen is to mammals, and it would simply be presumption
in me to doubt the correctness of his opinion as to the species of the par-
ticular fish sent to England, but I must demur to his assumption that such
fish was 3| years old, and therefore a stunted individual. The fact that it
was immature, affords to my mind the most conclusive proof that the fish
sent was not S-^- years old, and my view is borne out by all the facts
relating to the salmon trout eggs received in this colony, such facts being
far more within the cognizance of the Tasmanian Salmon Commissioners
than Dr. Giinther. In April, 1866, the only salmon trout eggs ever
received by the Commissioners arrived. In May and June following they
hatched. The majority of the fry were placed in the same pond with the
salmon fry of that year, and the remainder were placed in a separate
pond and rill, specially prepared for them, in the hope that these salmon
trout might arrive at maturity, and spawn be obtained from them without

9

the usual migration to the sea. A large proportion of the young salmon
trout which were placed in the salmon pond, assumed the smolt dress, and
left for sea in October, 1867 ; and in October, 1868, all that were then left,
departed in the same manner. Of the salmon trout retained in the
special pond, several put on the smolt scales in November, 1867, became
uneasy at their detention, and one or two which jumped out of the pond
died ; of these latter, one is on the table before you. In November, 1868,
the same restlessness under restraint was exhibited by the remaining fish
and many died, leaving only 12 survivors. These 12 fish, however, were
kept well fed, and became handsome silvery fish, weighing from half a
pound to more than one pound, and in June, 1869, five pairs of them con-
structed spawning rids and deposited ova. In September last this ova
hatched, and the two fish now exhibited are of the produce of such ova
— these two fish are seven months old, and do not in the least re-
semble stunted unhealthy fish ; nor could they be the progeny of
such. They bear about them the distinct characteristics of the
parr of one of the migratory salmonidaB, and when fresh from
the water exhibited in great perfection the brilliant orange coloured
fins from which the parr of Salmo trutta derives its trivial English
name. Bearing in mind all the above facts, I must now revert to Dr.
Giinther's assumption, that the fish sent to England was hatched from
the ova received here in 1866, and was consequently 3i years old. I have
shown that the last of the fish derived from those eggs, which were at
liberty to do so, went to sea in November, 1868 ; in June, 1869, the smallest
of those unnaturally detained in fresh water weighed half a pound, had
tinmistakeably passed the smolt stage, and had arrived at sexual maturity.
Yet, we are asked to believe that the fish sent to England had found its
way more than 30 miles from its birthplace, and had been 12 months in
salt water without adding one inch to its length, or one ounce to its
"weight. If it can be shown that it is possible, nay even probable, that our
original salmon trout, spawned in Tasmania in the winter of 1868, all
difficulty in accounting for the capture of the specimen sent to England
vanishes, without the necessity of having recourse to the forced and un-
natural assumption that such specimen was an abortion. Our first salmon
trout smolts went to sea in November, 1867. If any of those smolts
returned (as many British authorities assert they would) in February
following the fish that so returned must have spawned in the winter of
1868, that is to say in June of that year, and a portion of the fry hatched
in September, 1868, would have arrived in October, 1869, at the very
stage in which the specimen sent to England was when caught. As
scientific truth is, to my mind, of greater importance than the discussion
of mere theories, I must here point out that none of the fish retained in
the special pond did spawn in the winter of 1868, but it is quite possible
that their unnatural detention from salt water retarded their sexual
development for a year beyond their brethren, which were free to seek
their own advantage in suitable waters. In conclusion, I may state that
the beautiful specimen now before you, and which was caught six weeks
later than that sent to England, will be forwarded (with tha other speci-
mens referred to) to the Zoological Society, London, _ by the outgoing
mail, and be submitted to the examination of any scientific men taking an
interest in the subject. In this large specimen, I found the rudimentary
sexual organs well developed, and, further, by the help of the written
descriptions of Yarrell and Dr. Giinther, I have come to the conclusion
that it is a true salmo salar.

Judge Francis, of New South Wales, offered some remarks to the effect
that he had had long and varied experience of fishing generally, and
although rather a practical sportsman than a scientific naturalist, was
perfectly well acquainted with the appearance and habits of the Salmonidae

10

in tho lakes and stroams of England, Wales, and Scotland. lie had also
frequently compared the young of the difl'ercnt varieties with each other
and could speak with confidence in tho matter. lie had not the slightest
doubt that tho specimen now before them (caught Dec, 1869) was a true
salmon, and a fine and well-grown fish. He would say it had been about
eight weeks at sea — was assuming the grilse condition, and would in the
course of the autumn have proceeded up the river to spawn. As to tho
fish sent home (of which an exact counterpart was said to be before the
meeting) he could not in any way agree with Dr. Giinther's hypothesis
that it might be a stunted or abortive individual, incapable of performing
the functions of reproduction. In the case of a young salmon in one of
the Welsh brooks, which had been accidentally debarred from proceeding
to sea, he had had the opportunity of noticing how these unnatural cir-
cumstances affected the appearance of the fish, and certainly its lanky and
big-headed figure was unmistakeable. There could, therefore, be no
difficulty in coming to a conclusion as to a fish being stunted or otherwise,
and no one could look on the comely and shapely specimen before them
and say it was imperfect in any respect. Even admitting, however, that
the fish sent home was, as Dr. Giinther admitted, a Salmo trutta, that fact
alone was confirmatory of the entire success of the experiment. They
knew, that of the Salmo trutta, about two hundred only were sent to sea,
whilst of the Salmo solar not less than four thousand five hundred were
liberated from the breeding ponds. If, therefore, several of the former
had been caught in the salt water, so full of health and vigour as to show
they were at home in these southern waters, a fortiori how much more
certain was it that the true salmon had escaped all their imaginary danger,
and in far greater numbers than the others had become thoroughly
acclimatised.

Discussion of a conversational character ensued, in which the Rev. Dr.
Bleasdale, Mr. Buckland, Mr. Giblin, Mr. Stephens, and Judge Francis
took part. In reply to an observation by the latter to the effect that he
wished we had a fresh supply of salmon ova at command, in order to try
if in the event of the young fish being retained in the ponds, and never
allowed to proceed to sea, they could arrived at maturity, and prove
capable of perpetuating their species.

Mr. Allpor t stated that in part II, of the proceedings of the Zoological Society
for 1868, there was a paper on the supposed arrest of the development of
the salmon when retained in the fresh water, by James Murie, M.D.,
F.L.S., F.G.S., and from which paper it would appear that the experiment
had been virtually tried if it could be positively ascertained that the fish
experimented on were really specimens of salmon salar, but on this point
authorities differed. In the account of the experiment the most curious
circumstance noted was that in the summer of the second year several of
the fish assumed the silvery scales of the smolt, which scales were partially
lost in the autumn following, the parr markings becoming again distinctly
visible. This was repeated in the summer and autumn of the third year —
after the fourth year the fish came to a standstill as to growth, and at the
end of the fifth year only two remained, figures of which accompany the
paper referred to. These figures show them to have been large-headed
long-bodied fish with the parr markings distinctly visible, and bearing
little resemblance to a healthy smolt.

A vote of thanks having been accorded to the donors of presentations,
the meeting terminated.

11

CONTEIBUTIONS TO THE PHYTOGEAPHY OF
TASMAJSIIA.

By Feed. Yon Mtjellee, C.M.G., M.D., F.E.S.

11.

The following pages have but slight claims on special
scientific consideration. They are merely the results of a
short excursion through Tasmania, at a time when the writer
sought invigoration from the bracing air and rural tranquillity
of the island, and preferred to spend the very few days allotted
to his stay rather in the undisturbed highland solitudes than
in the pleasures of sociality. He bent his way to the phyto-
logically unexplored ranges of Mount Field, to institute a
comparison of their vegetation with that of other alpine rises
of Tasmania. The charm of this occupation was augmented
by the circumstance that it was his first visit to a country
whose vegetation he had aided to elucidate from museum-
materials more than 20 years since, and with whose plants
he commenced to become acquainted fully 30 years ago. Here,
then, for the first time, he could glance over the many endeared
highland plants, in all their gay freshness and wild natural
grace ! This short exploratory tour had still another addi-
tional interest. It afforded means of contrasting not only the
considerations of many alpine plants of Tasmania with the com-
plexer of highland species in the Australian Alps, but it led
also to some researches by which the relation of the existing
Tasmanian vegetation to distinct geological formations should
be trac'ed. In this direction lengthened inquiries need yet
to be carried on — inquiries which are of general philosophical
importance.

For the notes herewith offered, some material was also con-
tributed by enlightened and generous friends, whose taste and
knowledge led them to observe the forms of vegetation near
their domiciles. It may encourage future inquiries to know
that the whole tracts of lofty ranges from West Mount Field
to Mount Humboldt and Frenchman's Cap remain, as regards
vegetable life, hitherto utterly unexplored ; that also from the
country about Port Davey hardly any plants have ever been
brought away, although the snow-clad summits of the former,
and the jungles of the latter, must teem with rarities. Even
the extreme north-east of Tasmania, as well as Hunter's
Island and the adjacent shores, promise to render known to
systematic searchers many kinds of plants, with which we are
only hitherto acquainted from Gipp's Land, and this remark

12

applies still more forcibly to portions of the Funieaux Group
and to King's Island. Indeed the three genera recorded on
this occasion for the first time as Tasraanian — viz., Elseo-
rarpus, Pseudanthus, and Lecuwenhoekia — came from the
islands of Bass Straits. The freshwater plants of all Tasmania
need yet largely renewed investigation. Again, any tide may
cast ashore additions to the 300 Algae which, through the
glorious labours of Professor Harvey and his co-adjutors,
rendered Tasmania famed as one of the richest and most
remarkable phycolagii stations of the globe. Since Flinder's
voyage in the beginning of this century, hardly any new
searches after marine plants have been instituted at Kent's
Group, yet Turner obtained, for his large work, from there some
ot his rarest treasures. Under any circumstances, we have still
much to learn in reference to the range of the species over the
main island and all the islets which stand under Tasmanian
dominion. To Wilson's Promontory, Queenscliff, or Cape
Otway, on the extremes of the Victorian coast, numerous
plants extend, of the existence of which on the islands of Bass's'
Straits we are as yet not aware, however likely such may be.
We may be thus reminded of the probability that such plants
as Cakile maritima, Erodium cygnorum, Drosera, Whitakiri,
Viminaria denudata. Acacia oxycedrus, Myriophyllum,
Muelleri, Leptospermum myrsinoides, Eclipta platyglossa,
Lobelia platycalyx, Banksia integrifolia, Hakea nodosa,
Triglochin muconata, Lemna oligorrhiza, Aspidium decom-
positum, Blechnum cartilagineum, &c., would likely not in
in vain be searched for on the Straits' islands, not to mention
many other species. Enough has been explained to demon-
strate the desirability of carrying phytological investigations
into many new directions within Tasmanian territory ; and
that this end may early be attained is all the more to be
desired, while yet the volumes of the universal work on Aus-
tralian plants are under elaboration. The writer of this brief
record, should life and health be spared him, will always
experience delight in the elucidation of plants from any of the
localities indicated, or of places otherwise remarkable ; and
this would afford him also the privilege of continuing this
series of essays for the meetings and literary notices of the
Tasmanian Eoyal Society,
Melbourne Botanical Garden,
New Year's Eve, 1869.

CaltJia introlola, F. M. in transact, Phil. See. Vict. i. 98.
On alpine brooks of Mount Field East, at an elevation of
4000'.

Lepidiumfoliosumj desv. Journ. Bot. iii. 164. King's Island.

13

*Fimaria officinalis^ L. sp. 984. King's Island, immigrated
but now naturalized.

*Papaver aculeaticm, Thunb. Fl. cap, 431. King's Island.

Drosera Arcturi, Hook. Journ. of Bot. i. 247. In Alpine
morasses of Mt. Field East, at 3-4000' elevation.

* Elceocarpiis cyaneus, Ait. Epit. bort. Kew. add. 367. In
various parts of King's Island; M'Gowan.

Lasiopetalum dasypliyllum, Sieb. according to Hook. Journ.
ii. 404. Scbouten Island ; Dr. Story.

Acaena onontana, T. Hook, in Lond. Journ. of Bot. vi. 276.
On alpine springs at Mt. Field East, 3-4O0G'.

Biihus Gunnii, Hook. icon, plant, t. 291. Descends on Mt.
Wellington and Mt. Field East to 2000.'

Bauera ruhifolia, Salisb. in Keen, and Sims's Annal. of Bot.
i. 514 t. 10. In a depressed small-leaved state, ascending tbe
summits of Mt. Field East and Mt. Wellington, therefore
undoubtedly hardy in Middle Europe.

JDonatia Novce Zelandice, J. Hook. Flor. Nov. Zel. i. 81, t. 20.
On moist alpine meadows bordering Lake Fenton, at about
3C0O' elevation. The remarkably rigid white flowers scattered
lite pearls over the shining green cushions of the foliage,
impart to this plant a singular beauty.

Flatyloliiimformosum, Sm. in Transact. Linn. Soc. ii. 350.
At Swanport ; G. Story.

Pultenoea pedunculata^ Hook. Bot. Mag. t. 2859. Kelvedon ;
a. Story.

Melaleuca squamea, La Bill. Nov. HoU. plant, spec. ii. 28, t.
68. On the summit of Mt. Field East, bearing flowers and
perfect fruit, although only a few inches high.

Eucalyptus urnigera, J. Hook, in Lond. Journ. of Bot. vi.
477. In the alpine regions of Mt. Field East, together with
E. coccifera and E. Gunnii.

^Fseudanthus ovalifoUus, F. M. in Transact. Phil. Inst.
Vict. ii. 66. Gathered in Flinder's Island nearly a quarter of
a century ago, by Dr. Jos. Milligan.

Hicinocarpus joinifolius, Desf. in mem. du mus. iii. t. xxii.
Schouten Island ; Dr. G. Story.

StachJiousia spatulata, Sieb. in Spreng. syst. cur. post. 124.
King's Island.

Spyridiicm serpillaceum, F. M. Fragm. Phyt. Austr. iii. 80.
At Swansea ; Story.

Spyridium ulicinumf Benth. flor. Austr. i. 434. The variety
with bifid leaves on the Derwent at Fenton's Forest. Fruits
separated by the bracts and often solitary. Carpels 1 line
long, ovate, without a spacious aperture.

Actinotus hellidioides, Benth. Flor. Austr. iii. 369. On moist
alpine meadows at Lake Fenton, 3000.'

14

Hnanara cordifolia, J, Hook, and Benth. gen. plant, i. 877 ;
Diplaspis cordifolia, J. Hook. Fl. Tasm. i. 157. On springs
in the highest regions of Mt. Field East.

GaJiinn albescens, J. Hook, in Lond. journ. of Bot xvii. 462.
Swan port ; Dr. Story.

Ahrotanella forsieroidcs, J. Hook. Handb. New Zeal. Flor.
139. On Mount Field at an elevation, from 3500' to 5000',
accompanied there by Pterygapappus Lawrencii. The dense
cushion-like patches of these two plants impress quite a
peculiar feature on the alpine vegetation of Tasmania, when
contrasted with that of the Australian Alps, although this
cushion-like vegetation of Composites is still more extensively
developed among the alpine plants of New Zealand. The
patches of Ptorygapappus are less vividly green and shining
than those of Abrotanella, and more velvety in aspect. The
former I did not observe on Mt. Wellington. Both deserve
to be transferred to Musea, and it might be even tried to
bring large aged masses to the Sphagnum-moors of Britain.
Out of these patches sprout species of Restio, Danthonia,
Sprengelia, Styphelia, and other plants in a diminutive state.
Pterygopappus forms either cushions by itself or is nesting
in those of Abrotanella. The peduncles of the former are
not rarely as much as one inch long.

Coticla JiUcida, J. Hook, in Benth. Fl. Austr. iii. 551. Mt.
Field East, 3-4000'.

Cotula alpina, J. Hook. Fl. Tasm. i. 192, t. 51 A. Mt. Field
East, 4-5000'.

Aster ledifoliiis, A. Cunn. in Cand. prodr. v. 269. Mt. Field
East.

Aster pinifolius, F. M. fragm. v. 71. Mt. Field East.

Aster persoonoideSf A. Cunn. in Cand. prodr. v. 268. Mt.
Field East.

Aster ohcordatus, F. M. fragm. v. 69. In the alpine and
sub-alpine regions of Mt. Field East.

Crospedia Bicliea, Cass. diet, soreni. nat. xi. 353, var.
leucocephala. Mt. Field East.

JELelichrysum scorpioides, Lab. Nov. Holl. plant, spec. ii. 45,
t. 191 ; var. pygmaea. Stems when flowering only 2-3 inches
high. Alpine summit of Mount Wellington ; Abbott and
Mueller.

Reliclirysum pumilum, J. Hook. Flor. Tasm. i. 213, t. 60.
Mt. Sorell ; Dr. Milligan.

RelicJirysiun Backliousii, F. M. in Benth. Flor. Aust. iii. 632.
Mt. Sorell and Black Bluff Mountain ; Dr. Milligan. Mt.
Field East.

Helichri/sum Gunnii, F. M. in Benth. Flor. Austr. iii. 630.
Flinder's Island j Milligan.

15

SelicJmjsum mitennariim, F.M. in Benth. Flor. Austr. iii.,
632. At an elevation of 2-3000' on Mt. Field East.

Relichrysum haccharoides, in Benth. Flor. Austr. iii. 633,
Mt. Field East in alpine regions.

Selichnjsum rosmarinifolium, Less, in Stend. nom. ed. i.,
1821 ; var. erubescens on Mt. Field East. This shrub is of
balsamic fragrance.

Helichrysum li/copodioides, Benth. Flor. Anstr. iii., 634. On
this rare plant Dr. Story offers the following observations : —
" I have discovered this on another locality, the summit of the
rocky hills above Kelvedon, not growing by itself, as I always
found it previously, but amongst other plants, much shaded
by them ; and hence instead of being a straight stiff plant
from 4 to 5 feet, it has grown slender, lax, and crooked, with
long naked stems, but is easily recognised by its peculiar
flowers. When in perfection it chose a bare spot with but
little soil, which forms a shallow basin on the rock holding
some water."

GnajyJialium indutum, J. Hook, in Lond. jour, of Bot, t. 121.
King's Island.

GnapJialium Jajponiciim, Thunb. Fl. Japon. 311, var.
monocephala. A dwarf variety less than one inch high,
forming dense tufts on the flat, cold summits of Mt. Field
East ; its leaves are very small, lanceolate or oval, densely
grey — downy on both sides. The precise position of Gr.
Travirsi to this variety merits further enquiry, especially as on
the Snowy River in the Australian Alps scapelus forms of G.
Travirsi occur, scarcely distinguishable from this one-headed
variety of G. Japonicum.

Antennaria nuhigena, F. M. in transact, Phil. Soc. Yict. i.
45, var. Meredithse. On the highest alpine meadows of Mt.
Field East in springy localities. This new form, to which
possibly specific value could be attributed, differs from the
ordinary plant in a less dense finally somewhat flavescent in-
dument which in age almost disappears ; moreover its stems
are often elongated into somewhat distantly foliate or bracteate
peduncles, which attain a length of 1^ inches; the radiating
scales are longer ; the female flowers are far less slender, also
less numerous and more persistent ; the bristles of the pappus
are more rigid and in their length more barbellate, while the
achenes are almost silky. These characteristics, whether
specific or indicating a singular variety, are sufficiently marked
to entitle this plant to a special record, and I avail myself of
this opportunity of attaching to this everlasting the name of
a lady, who by her artistic skill, her fondness for flowers, and
her literary accomplishments, has much contributed to raise a
taste for the local study of the lovely Tasmaniau vegetation.

16

To this species approach in many respects Helichrysium
Younfijii as well as Kaoulia suhsericea from the South Alps of
New Zealand.

Senrcio ccnlropappus, F. M. ratal. Melb. Bot. Gard. 1858,
pag. 26. Descends at least to 2000 feet on Mt. Wellington,
which as yet remains the only known locality of this singular
plant. It attains a height of at least 20 feet.

Senccio pectinatus, Cand. prodr. vi. 372 ; var. ochroleuca.
This variety is frequent on the alpine plateau of Mt. Wel-
lington, but I did not observe it on Mt. Field East. It pro-
duces short-toothed leaves, single flower heads and ligules
almost white. Although S. pectinatus is widely spread over
the Australian Alps, I never noticed it with cream-colored
rays. S. leptocarpus, a variety of this plant, occurs on Mt.
Field East.

^Lohelia pratioides, Benth. Flor. Austr. iv. 131. South Esk.

Gooclenia humilis, Br. pr. 575. A one-flowered variety, only
about one inch high, was discovered many years ago by Dr.
MiUigan at Macquarie Harbour.

ScaevoJa Hookeri, F. M. first gen. rep. xv. On springs and
in crevices of rocks. On the alpine parts of Mt. Field East.

* LeeuwenJioehia duhia, Sond. in Lehm. pi. Preiss. i. 392. A
solitary specimen of this minute plant adhered to a specimen
of Helichrysum bractatum, var. albiflora, from Strzelecki's
Peak, Flinder's Island, in Dr. Milligan's collections. The
plant abounds in some parts of Australia Felix.

*StypheUa lanceolata, Sm. Bot. New HoU. xlix. Port Dal-
rymple ; E.. Brown according to Bentham.

StyplieJia deaJhata, Br. pr. in nota 536. Depressed into
densely intricate very dwarf masses, like those of Decaspora
pumila on the higher parts of Mt. Field East, sometimes
growing out of cushions of Pterygopappus.

Styphelia Roolceri, F. M., fragm. vi. 44. Mt. Field East,
3^000'.

Styplielia pinifolia, Br. pr. in nota 536. Schouten Island ;
G. Story.

Styplielia straminea, Br. pr. in nota 536. In the higher
regions of Mt. Wellington and Mt. Field East. Flowers as
indicated by the specific name, greenish yellow, not white.

* Styplielia scopat^ia, Sm. Bot. New Holl. 48. Bav of Fires ;
Walt. Bissell.

^Styplielia elliptica, Sm. Bot. New Holl. 49. Swanport ;
Story.

Trochocarpa thymifoUa, Spreng. syst. veg. i. 650. Mt. Field
East.

*Bracliyloma depressvm, Benth. Flor. Austr. iv. 173. Biche-
no ; G. Story.

17

JEpacris acuminata^ Benth. Flor. Austr. iv. 240. New Nor-
folk ; Mt. Wellington; N. W. Bay; Gunn and J. Hooker.

Ricliea sjjrenr/eloides, F. M. Fragm. vi. 68. Mt. Field East,
3-4000'. Seldom above 3' high. Corolla yellowish-white.

Ricliea acerosa, F. M. Fragm. vi. 69. Mt. Field East,
3-4000', on Alpine flats. A shrub l|-3' high. Corolla nearly
white.

Richea scoparia, J. Hook, in Lond. Journ. of Bot. vi. 273.
Mt. Field East.

Ricliea Gtmnii, J. Hook, in Lond. Journ. vi. 273. Mt.
Field East.

Ricliea dracoph/IIa, Br. prodr. 555. Lake Fenton.

Ricliea iDandamfolia, J. Hook. Fl. antarct. i., 50. Under the
shelter of the highest alpine ridges of Mt. Field East, at
4,800' and descending to 4000' on the slopes towards Lake
Fenton. This magnificent plant is said to occur also on the
back parts of Mt. Wellington, but possibly Dracophyllum
Milligani, which attains on Mt. La Perouse a height of 40',
may have been confused with this Eichea, both being so
similar in habit. I noticed on Mt. Field stems clothed to
the length of 12 feet, with the very aged leaves and panicles,
which thus are shown to be sometimes persistent for many years.
The auxiliary inflorescence is remarkable. The flowers
occur as often brilliantly red as white, and in all intermediate
shades. Mess. Eayner contend that they had seen this Eichea
attaining a height of about 70 feet in the rich alpine valleys
of the Grordon Eiver.

Fernettya Tasmanica, J. Hook, in Lond. Journ. of Bot. vi.,
268. At Mount Field East, from 3000' to 4000' elevation.

Solatium vescum, F. M. in Transact. Vict. Inst. 1855, 69.
King's Island ; also towards the Eussell's Falls. Probably
hybrids between this species and S. avidilare may occur. It
produces occasionally white flowers.

Ourisia integrifolia, Br. pr., 439. On the highest alpine
brooks of Mt. Field East sparingly, but on the summit of
Mt. Wellington frequently occurring. The habitual aspect
of this neat plant is almost that of a G-eutian. It attains a
height of fully six inches, with occasionally three pairs or
whorls of cauline leaves. Corolla pure white.

Gratiola nana, Benth. in Cand. prodr. x., 404. Mt. Field
East.

* Veronica notahilis, F. M. First Gen. Eeport, 1853, 17. St.
Patrick's Eiver ; E. Gunn.

* Veronica plelej a, Br. pr. 435. At Swanport ; G. Story.
Veronica nivea, Lindl. Bot. Eeg. 1842, misc. 42. Mt. Field

East.
Mitrasacme montana, J. Hook. Fl. Tasm. i., 274 t. 88 c. On

18

Lake Fenton. The inequality of the sepals, faithfully repre-
sented by Fitch's drawing, is often particularly conspicuous in
the fruit-bearing calyx. The ri])e seeds of this and the
following species need still comparison.

Mitrasacme Archeri, J. Hook. Fl. Tasm. ii. 368. In the
most elevated valleys of Mt. Field East and also on Lake
Fenton. The leaves are singularly shining and rigid, along
the edge remarkably transparent, and not so distinctly
narrowed into the petiole as those of the M. montana.

* Litliosperimim arvense, L. sp. pi. 190. Naturalised in
King's Island.

* Mijopontm parvifolmm, Br. pr. 516. In marshes at Long
Point, Flinder's Island ; Dr. Milligan. To this plant belongs
probably M. Tasmanicum j. J. Hook. Fl. Tasm. i. 287.

Myojwriini insidare, Br. pr. 516. To this the ordinary forms
of M. Tasmanicum are referable.

Cheno])odiuvi gJaucum, L. sp. pi. 320. To this belongs pro-
bably C. furfuraceum, Mog. in Cand. prodr. xiii. ii., 64, re-
corded as a Tasmanian plant from D'Entrecasteaux's Straits.

Australina imsilla, Gaudich. voy. Uranie 305. Macquarie
Harbour ; Dr. Milligan.

Leptomeria glomerata, F. M. in Jos. Hook. Flor. Tasm. ii.
370. Macquarie Harbour ; Dr. Milligan.

*Pimelia axiflora, F. M. in Linnaea xxvi. 345. King's Island.

* Pimelea stricta, Meissn. in Linnaea, xxvi. 348. Swan-
port ; Dr. Story.

Fimelea serpillifolia, Br. pr. 360; Flinder's Island; Dr.
Milligan. King's Island.

Pimelea sericea, Br. jDr. 361. Frequent on Mt. Wellington,
but not noticed on Mt. Field East.

Orites aciciilaris, Br. suppl. 32. Abundant on Mt. Field
East from 3-4000'. The foliage of a remarkable yello\sish
green. Sepals white, with reddish tinge outside.

Orites diversifolia, Br. pr. 388 ; Mt. Field East, 2-4000'.
The leaves some times toothed from the base.

Hahea lissosperma, Br. pr. 382. In the fern tree regions of
Mt. Field East.

BeUendena onontana, Br. pr. 374, In the alpine regions of
Mt. Field East, descending to 2500'. Flowers almost white,
tinged at the upper extremities with red. The pedicels some-
times dark-red. Some of the leaves may occur perfectly entire.

Fagus Cunninghamii, Hook, journ. 1840, p. 152, t. 7 ; var.
alpina. Depressed by exposure and cold to a small shrub, as
well on Mt. Wellington as on Mt. Field East. Leaves only
3-4 lines long.

Athrotaxis cupressoides, Don. in Transact. Linn. Sot. xviii.
172 t. 13. On Lake Fenton at 5000' elevation.

19

Athrotaxis laxifolia ; Hook, icon-plant, t. 573. Among
boulders on the descent from Mt. Field East to Lake Fenton.
Nearer the following than the preceding species.

Athrotaxis selaginoides ; Don. L. P. 172, t. 14. At Mt. Field
East, from 3000' to 4000'.

Podocarpus alpina, E. Br. in Mirb. mem. du mus. xiii., 75.
Creeping over boulders on the summit of Mt. Field East.

Microcachrys tetragona, J. Hook, in Lond. Journ. Highest
alpine valleys of Mt. Field East. The whole fruit becomes in
maturity beautifully crimson.

Plierosphaera Hooheriana (W. Archer in Hook. Lond. Journ.
of Botany ii. 52 in part. ; J. Hook. 'Fl. Tasm. i. 355, t. I C).
On the highest springs of Mt. Field East. An erect shrub,
2-4' high. Mr. W. Archer, F.L.S., of Cheshunt, who many
years ago defined the genus Pherosphaera and more recently
aided Dr. Hooker in the elucidation of the Alpine Coniferse
of Tasmania, has shown me the kindness, while on a visit
to Melbourne, to examine this plant with me. We established
from remnants of the male amenta the identity of one of the
dwarf, but erect, Coniferse of Mt. Field with his Pherosphaera,
fruit not being found, although I searched long for it. It is
however not improbable, that Diselma exists also there, and
it seems even contained in my collection, as it is not easy to
distinguish these bushes, except when in flower or fruit. That
Pherosphaera much differs in habit from Microcachrys, is now
for the first time rendered known. The absence of the genera
Microcachrys, Diselma, Pherosphaera, and Athrotaxis in the
Australian and New Zealand Alps, and indeed, in any other
part of the globe, remains a remarkable phytographic fact.

* Potamogeton Qnarinus L. Sp. 184. In marshes between
Bridgewater and New Norfolk ; F. Abbott.

Hewardia Tasmanica, Hook. ic. pi., t. 858. Lake Fenton.

JJncinia compacta, Br. pr. 241. On alpine brooks at Mt.
Field East.

Oreololus Pumilio, E. Br. pr. 236. Alpine regions of Mt.
Field East.

Herpolirion Novae Zelandiw, J. Hook, Fl. N. Zeal. i. 258 ;
H. Tasmanise, J. Hook, Fl. Tasm. ii. 54, tab. cxxxii. B.
Found very many years ago by Mn Milligan on the summits
of the Hampshire Hills.

Lycopodiuin Selago, L. sp., pL, 1565. Mt. Field East.

Isoetes Gunnii, Al Braun in denMonat's berichten der Keen,
Akad., der "Wissensch. zu Berlin, 13 Aug., 1868. On the
shallow marginal bottom of Lake Fenton I observed tufts
fully half a foot in diameter. The leaves are so rigid, that
my companions bestowed jocularly the name " Water Porcu-
i)ine" on this plant.

20

The Tasmaniau species of Isoetes became very recently the
subject of Prof. Braun's masterly researches. From the
important memoir above quoted I have translated the cardinal
characters of the dia<j^noses, which I here the more readily
subjoin, as the essay will not be easily accessible to Australian
observers. The repetition of some of the characteristic notes
was deemed necessary to contrast the four Tasmanian species
with three or four from continental Australia, and with several
other, to us, exotic species, those of Tasmania being all
endemic. It is, however, possible that some of them may yet
be discovered in the Australian Alps, or in the rivers of the
lowlands of Victoria.

Isoetes Gicnii, Al. Br. L. C, and Monats Berrichton, 22 July,
1869. Lacustrial ; rhizome three-lobed ; leaves short, very
stout, rigid; cuticle olive- brown, thick; sheath brown; stomata
absent ; vellum, none or rudimentary ; sporangium small,
upwards flat, acute at the margin, with copious sclerenchymatic
cellules, macrospores very large, beset with numerous minute
tubercules, microspores indistinctly tuberculate. In alpine
lakes.

*Isoetes elatior, F. M. in Linnea 1852, 722 ; Al. Br. L. P.
536.

Fluvial ; rhizome 3-lobed ; leaves very long, flaccid, green ;
sheath pale ; stomata absent ; velum none or rudimentary ;
sporangium pitch-coloured, upwards flat, at the margins acute
with copious sclerenchymatic cellules; macrospores moderately
large, pale, beset with numerous minute tubercules ; micros-
pores distinctly tuberculate. South Esk.

* Isoetes Immiliar, F. M., L. P, 722 ; I. Hookeri, Al. Br.
L. P. 538.

Fluvial, rhizome, bilobed ; leaves hard ; cuticle thick, turn-
ing brown ; sheat brown, short ; stomata absent ; vellum
complete ; closed, brown ; sporangium without sclerenchymatic
cellules ; macrospores rather large, pale, beset with numerous
minute tubercules ; microspores intensely brown, short tuber-
culate, South Esk.

Isoetes Stuartii. Al Braun, L. P., 539.

Fluvial ; rhizome two-lobed ; leaves rather slender and soft,
green ; cuticle thin ; sheath pale ; stomata absent ; vellum com-
plete, closed, pale ; sporangium mottled with brown and pale
thickened sclerenchmatic cellules ; macrospores rather large,
pale, beset with numerous minute tubercules. South Esk.

An excellent series of specimens of Isoetes, very obligingly
secured by the Honourable W. Archer, from the waters of the
Western Mountains, are since some time in the hands of
Monsieur Durien de Maisonneuve, for elucidation in his illus-
trated monography of the genus.

21

SOME ADDITITIONAL OBSERVATIONS ON MOEE

EECENT CHANGES WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE

IN THE STAR r, ARGUS AND ITS SURROUNDING

NEBULA.

By F. Abbott, F.R.A.S., F.R.M.S., Read 12th April, 1870.

I would remind the members present, that many of the notes
in this short paper are intended to answer questions that have
arisen in various discussions which have taken place on the
preceding one on the same subject read in 1868.

These notes have been, for the most part, suggested by some
critical remarks, made on the subject by Sir John Herschel,
to which I shall presently refer.

In continuation of the observations detailed in the commu-
cations referred to, I now bring under the notice of the Society
a third paper, with accompanying drawings, relative to this
singular object which has of late caused long and animated
discussion in the astronomical world.

When I first bi ought the subject under the notice of the
Society (see Papers and Proceedings for June, 1863), I was
fully aware that the varied changes there recorded as having
taken place in the object, and particularly the fluctation of the
Nebula, would cause great excitement ; but did not expect it
would meet with the severe critical test to which it has been
subjected by Sir John Herschel, who, commenting on the
drawing at a meeting of the R.A.S., remarks that " The
question is not one of minute variations of subordinate
features which may, or may not be attributable to diiferences
of optical power in the instruments used by different oV)servers,
as in the case of the Orion Nebula — but of a total change of
form and character-— a complete subversion of all the greatest
and most striking features, accompanied with an amount of
relative movement between the star and the Nebula, and of
the brighter portions of the latter i^ifer se, which remind us
more of the capricious changes of form and place in a cloud
drifted by the wind. The great increase of light that has taken
place in the brightness of the Nebula is very remarkable ; it
could not be seen at all by the naked eye, when I was at the
Cape, but the changes which have taken place in the figure of
the Nebula are still more startling. Mr. Abbott supplies two
pictures, one representing the appearance of the Nebula as seen

22

in 1803, the other drawn in February 1868. Neither of these
pictures resembles my drawing of 1834-8 in the slightest degree,
nor do the two pictures in any way resemble each other, and
Mr. Abbott remarks that a series of drawings taken at
comparatively short intervals of time would afford even stronger
evidence of the mutability; this is very strange, no phenomenon
in nebulous or sidereal astronomy as yet ever turned up like
this, and it must be settled."

Sir J. Herschel clearly supposes by these remarks, that my
drawings are meant to indicate the true arrangement of the
stars. He has been at great pains to try all possible means of
reconciling his own splendid drawing of the Nebula with mine,
so far as the distribution of the stars is concerned, but without
being able to find a situation of the tracing paper, in which
any tolerable coincidence of the stars in the two drawings
could be noticed.

Lieutenant Herschel, Sir John's son, was sent out to India
at the head of a party of scientific men to observe the great
eclipse of August 18th, and was fully commissioned to settle
in some way the nature of the capricious changes recorded
of this object; how he succeeded can be seen by a comparison
of his drawings with my own, and that of the Cape Monograph,
now lying on the table. On the receipt of these drawings
Admiral Manners, President of the Royal Astronomical Society,
thought that Lieut. Herschel had not sufficient instrumental
means at his disposal to settle the question.

The first object to be examined with the large Melbourne
reflector was the Nebula in Argus, in reference to which Gen.
Sabine, in his recent address to the Royal Society, regrets the
temporary failure of that telescope from some cause or other not
clearly known, but reminds the Society that it has been able to
show some of the changes recorded in the Nebula of Argus.

These preliminary remarks will tend to show the present
meeting a part of the interest excited by my last remittance
to the Royal Astronomical Society on the subject, and I think
the present paper and drawing will tend to set all doubts as
to the fluctuations that have already taken place at rest.

The severe critical remarks of Sir John Herschel on the
drawing and notes of 1868 were made with a view of dis-
proving that which I never intended to prove, viz., a correct
measurement of the distance applied to all the stars in the
field of the telescope ; this in all probability arose from my
not having expressed myself with sufficient clearness in my
remarks on the drawing which acconipanied the observations.
In this way the road to truth often runs through the midst
of error, but that does not in any way alter the fact that changes
have been, and still are taking place in the object— such

23

changes being principally confined to a space near to t? and
the so-called lemniscate*

As some objections have been raised on the ground that
larger optical means than those employed by me are required
for recording truthfully the changes which occur in this object,
it may be well, perhaps, to state that the 5ft. equatorial pre-
viously mentioned, although the best for the purpose, is not
the only instrument at my command ; other telescopes have been
used in the open air, from a 3J inch Cook and Son's, to a 7ft.
Dollond — with, for the whole, a complete battery of Micro-
meters, and eye-pieces giving magnifying powers of from 25
to 450. This statement may go towards proving that with
due care such observations can be correctly made without very
large instruments.

In Mr. Proctor's article on the Nebula in Argo, {Frazers
Magazine for December, 1868,) it is stated not to be quite
clear that the stars which appear in my drawing of 1868 have
been really copied from the view given by the telescope, &c.
In reply to this I beg to state that all the drawings, the
present, as well as the former ones, were carefully copied from
the object,as described in the Astronomical JRegistei^ for January,
1869. There is little doubt but that Mr. Proctor's views on
this subject would be much enlarged if he had the opportunity
of seeing the star and its Nebula as they appear in the tele-
scope, when above the Pole, at Hobart Town.

Having now seen the object with the large Melbourne re-
flector, and compared the effect with that produced by my own
instruments during the last two years, I feel greater assurance
in communicating the result of observations on the changes
which have taken place since 1868.

On comparing the present with the former drawing, it will
clearly appear that alterations ha.ve taken place, both in the
magnitude of the star 7;, and in the dispersion of the Nebula,
and from what follows it will be seen that the remarks made
by Professor Loomis and others on the period of this star are
premature. At the time of my visit to Melbourne (21st June
last), Mr. Ellery considered the star -n to be of the 7th mag-
nitude, and Mr. Le Suer thought it to be Q\. On returning
to Hobart Town, and resuming the observations on this in-
teresting object, I found by comparison with other stars, given
in the drawing and recorded in the Cape Catalogue as of the

* I scarcely think this term a good one, Lemniscate, or Lemniscus — a
curve formed as the figure 8, or a bow tied of a riband (Barlow and B.
H. Smart). Such a curve is closed in the centre, which is not the case in
the Cape drawing, the space being there shown as a long enclosure, slightly-
compressed in the centre. It was in this compressed part of the dark
space that the star s- appeared when out of the dense Nebula in 1863.

24

7tli magnitncle, that -q Argns cannot now be more than a 7th
magnitude star. In the catalogue there are two stars of the
6th and nine of the 7th magnitude, the remainder being all
of low magnitude. In the drawing the two 6th magnitude
stars are out of the field, and the nine of the 7th magnitude
in the field, are by careful comparison exactly the same mag-
nitude as V, which is left among tbem not marked. The
magnitudes of these stars are given by Sir J. Herschel, and
may be considered correct.

Measures of these stars have recently been recorded ashaving
been made by small transit means ; but from my own experience
in such observations, I believe it all but impossible to measure
correctly such a cluster of small zenith stars by these means.
Two years ago I disxuounted a 24 inch transit by Varley in order
to re-place it with a 3 > inch by Dallmayer, made with a deep
diagonal eye-piece for the purpose of reaching small zenith
stars up to the 7th mag., as agreed upon for correcting any
error in longitude between Hobart Town and Melbourne. Mr.
Ellery selected 49 such stars, which were to be used at both
places, reversing the instiuments for each observation so as
to eliminate any errors. With these means, and for this pur-
pose, I find it difficult, and only under very favourable cir-
cumstances possible, to reach zenith stars of the 7th mag. My
reason for not attempting measures with the equatorial is in
consequence of a long experienced difficulty arising from the
want of clock movement, which I consider indispensable for
the accurate measurement of distances. I have therefore
preferred an eye and hand drawing when the object has been
inaconvenient position — approximately 75° from the meridian
towards the East, and 35° from the zenith.

A very singular circumstance in connection with the extra-
ordinary object under consideration is, that although it has
within the last few years undergone such rapid changes, causing
great excitement amongst astronomers in Europe, and laying
a foundation for new theories— yet, apart from the Melbourne
Observatory, scarcely any one in the Australian colonies appears
to know it, notwithstanding that on every fine night through
the year it is to be seen above the horizon at Hobart Town,
and particularly well situated for examination, when near the
meridian. The only person who occasionally studied this object
with myself was a member of this Society — the late Joseph
Facy — who on suitable occasions would devote a few hours to
an inspection through the telescope of some of the principal
objects in the great Creator's workshop. He would, in his
pious zeal, apart from theological theories, frequently comment
upon the mode of manipulating, mechanical, geometrical, and

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27
ROYAL SOCIETY.

JUNE, 1870.

The monthly evening meetin<? of the Society was held on Tuesday, Hth
June, James Barnard, Esq., in the chair.

The following gentlemen, who had previously been put in nomination
by the Council, were, after a ballot, declared duly elected as Fellows of
the Society :— F. Aubin, Esq., Spring Bay ; C. J. Willes, Esq., Oatlands ;
R. McI. Isaacs, Esq., Hobart Town ; R. C. Read, Esq., Redlands, New
Norfolk.

The Secretary, Dr. Agnew, submitted the following returns for the
month of May; viz.: —

1. Visitors to Museum, 514.

2. Ditto to Gardens, 1969.

3. Plants received at Gardens.

4. Leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few standard plants in Society's

Gardens.

5. Books and Periodicals received.

6. Presentations to Museum.
Meteorological Rctmiis.

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq., Table and Summary for May.

2. Port Arthur, from J. Boyd, Esq., ditto for April and May.

3. Swansea, from Dr. Story, ditto for February, March, and April.

4. Queensland, from the Government Observer, tables for August, Sep-

tember, and October, 1869 ; January, February, March, 1870 ; and
table shewing rain-fall at various stations during February.

5. New Zealand, from the Government, tables for February.

6. Melbourne, from R. L. J. Ellery, Esq., table for April.
Accompanying the returns from Swansea were some remarks by Dr.

Story, from which the following extract was read : —

" We have now (19th April) had nearly six inches of rain since the be-
ginning of the month, more than has fallen in so short a time for many
years ; it will no doubt act beneficially upon all vegetation. I have always
observed that after a drought the rain first began in New South Wales,
and when we heard of it falling there we shortly had it on the East Coast ;
but this time it has been longer in reaching us than I ever before knew.
Now we have had as much rain as will moisten the deepest roots."

The presentations to the Museum and Library were as follows : —

1. From G. Dinham, Esq. — A copy of "The whole workes of W.

Tyndall, John Frith, and Dr. Barnes, three worthy martyrs and
principal teachers of this Churche of England, collected and com-
piled in one tome together, being before scattered, and now in
print here exhibited to the Church. To the prayse of God, and
profit of all good Christian Readers. At London. Printed by
John Daye, and are to be sold at his shoo under Aldersgate,
An. 1573."

2. From H. Cook, Esq.—" A brief and accurate treatise concerning

the taking of the fume of tobacco." By Tobias Venner, Doctor
of Physic, 1621.

3. From T. Giblin, Esq. — A list of subscribers (with signatures), to

a testimonial for presentation to Mr. Taylor, of Macquarie
River, for his spirited and manly conduct in resisting an attack
upon his house by escaped convicts from Macquarie Harbour.
Dated 20th July, 1824. [Of the forty-six persons whose names
appear in this interesting document, only four are now living ]

4. From Mr. Cearna. — Large Bpecimens of Oysters from North-

West Bay.

28

5. From Mr. R. A. Jeffrey, Campbell-street.— Two large Mussels,

from near New Wliarf.

6. From Mr. K. Giblin. — A fish said to have been taken in Mr.

"Walker's mill-nice.

7. From J. Butlor, Esq., Dimodin, per J. W. Graves, Esq. — A thigh

bone of the Moa {Diiioniis up.)

8. From Rev. II. D. Atkinson.— Specimen of Ibacus, from Three Hut

Foint.

9. From the Hon. J. Maclanachan, Esq. — A Carolina Drake, and a

Peacock.
10. From Captain Serckoff, H.I.M.'s corvette " Boj^arin." — A collection

of Russian coins, viz : — Gold — 5 roubles (half imperial), Russian.

Silver — 20 kopeks, Russian ; 15 ditto ; 10 ditto ; 5 ditto ; 25 penny,

Finnish. Copper — 5 kopecks, Russian, old mint ; 3 ditto ; 2 ditto ;

1 ditto; 5 ditto, new mint; 3 ditto; 2 ditto; 10 ditto, penny,

Finnish ; 1 ditto.
In reference to presentation No. 5, Mr. M. Allport remarked that these
enormous mussels (which measure eight inches in length, and the same in
girth are of a different species to the small common kind. They are re-
markable for having a disk-like termination to the fibres of the byssus,
several of which fibres are seen to be attached to the external surface of
the shell. This species is found in mud in deep water, and specimens have
been obtained from Southport and Spring Bay, as well as in the harbour.
Dr. Agnew then referred to the subject of the red spider of the hop,
•which he had brought under the notice of the Fellows at the last monthly
meeting. As he then feared, he had not been able to procure from Sir R.
Officer any better specimens of the insect, owing no doubt to the lateness
of the season. On microscopic examination, however, of those sent they
were found to be identical with the Acanis tclarius, as figured in Mcin-
tosh's Book of the Garden, vol. 2, p. 77 ; although a later authority gave
it the name of Gamasus tclarius — an allied genus of the same great class,
Arachnida. It is oviparous, and many broods are hatched during the
season. The ova are probably for the most part deposited on the under
surface of the leaves, whence the young when hatched can extract nourish-
ment, but it is possible some may also be deposited in the bark of the hop
poles, or even in the ground (as suggested by Mr. M. Allport), where the
animals themselves are found in great numbers. The presence cf the pest
is attempted to be accounted for in two ways. Some think the hop itself
from exposure to high winds, from scant supply of water or manure, or
from other causes, first becomes sickly, and thus favours or provokes the
development of the spider. Others think the fault is not in the plant
in the first instance, but that under some peculiar and unknown influence,
whether atmospheric or telluric, or by consent of both, vast developments of
animal life take place at certain periods in a manner not yet accounted for.
We have all seen plagues of green beetles, aphides, and caterpillars, and
again we read of locusts, grasshoppers, etc., appearing in one year in over-
whelming numbers, and in the next being almost altogether absent ; and
as these visitations take place without any apparent disease having
previously existed in the plants destroyed by them, the inference was in
favour of the latter view, viz., the primary development of animal life,
and with this he (the speaker) was inclined to agree. In either case the
efi'ect would be the same ; the weak and sickly plants would first yield to
the attack of the enemy, whilst the strong and healthy would make a
struggle, in many cases a victorious one, for existence. By the assistance
of Mr. Roblin he had mounted specimens of the acari from the hop, from
some hot house plants, and from the apple tree. For the last, which was
accompanied with several ova, he was indebted to Mr. Stephens, who had
paid a good deal of attention to the subject. These were placed under the

29

three microscopes now before the meeting;, and the Fellows could examine
them for themselves. All were evidently of the same genus, which also
embraced the parasite of the itch in man, and of the scab in sheep, etc.
As to remedial measures, he could scarce offer any suggestions. As a
matter of course, seeing that the healthy plant alone had a chance of
resisting the destroyer, every suitable hygienic measure should in all cases
be adopted. Due shelter from winds should be afiforded. If the ground
■was found to be exhausted of any necessary chemical element, this should
be restored, and proper quantities of manure and water furnished. From
the numbers of the animals he had seen in the bark it was evident the
poles should be carefully deprived of their bark, and it would probably be
advisable to soak them in tar before setting them up. This could be done
very cheaply, by means of rude wooden troughs of the same length
as the poles, as coal tar could be procured at a nominal price from
the gas works. The poles would thus be no longer a nidus
for the parasite. As to any application to the plant itself, it
was difficult to imagine how it could be effected as it was impossible to
reach by any means at our command, the under surface of the leaf where
the insect and the ova were chiefly found. The soil itself, however, as
has been already noticed, was greatly infested, and here the same agent,
sulphur, which was so noxious to the acarus (itch) in man and in sheep
(scab) naturally suggests itself, as a possibly effective application.^ A
pound of sulphur mixed with a pound of quicklime, might be boiled in a '
gallon of water for half an hour. When cold, the clear liquor to be
diluted with water in the proportion of about one to sixty. This, by means
of a watering-pot, would be of easy application, and if found to answer,
would probably be as cheap as any other remedy, as sulphur, if in large
demand could, he was informed, be obtained in any quantity, and at a very
moderate price from New Zealand or its vicinity.

Mr. M. Allport remarked he had been speaking on the subject a few
days ago to Mr. Wright, who informed him that sulphur had been tried
at home, but was decidedly objected to as it was found to be injurious to
the plant, although it was made use of with advantage in the preparation
of the hop for market.

Dr. Agnew did not know anything of the matter practically, but
thought if the experiments made at home were not conclusively adverse to
the sulphur, it would be well worth trying it in the manner indicated, if
only, on a small scale, and on a few plants in the first instance. (As to-
bacco is noxious, to the parasite and can be grown so cheaply, would it
not, in the case of so valuable a plant as the hop, be worth a trial in the
form of a very dilute decoction applied in the same manner as suggested
for sulphur ? If the pest were treated vigorously by _ either of these
means, on its first appearance, even at the risk of injuring some of the
plants, a great discouragement might be given to its further progress, and
thus the nuisance be at least abated if not abolished.)

Mr. Davies considered the subject just treated was one of considerable
interest, and suggested that the remarks by the honorary secretary should
appear in the form of a paper. Dr. Agnew promised he would at all
events notice the discussion at length in the official report of the proceedings.

Mr. M. Allport said : Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, at the risk of
wearying you with the frequent recurrence to one subject, I must again
refer'for a few moments to the small salmonoid first sent to England. By
the mail before last. Sir Eobert Officer received a letter from^Mr. Youl,
which contains much that will interest the Fellows of the Society, espe-
cially as it tends to prove, as I have long suspected, that the difficulty of
distinguishing between the smolt of the true salmon {Salmo salar) and the
smolt of the sea trout {Salmo trutta) is very great. Mr. Youl says :— -" I
brought the little fish home from Dr. Giinther's, and carefully examined

30

it myself with my son-in-liiw, a medical man. Wo did thia first with the
description of the different varieties of the salmonidae and directions given
by " Yarrell" for distinj^uishing them, but not being able to come to any
decision we went to a fishmonger, and upon carefully comparing it with a
full grown salmo salar, concluded that upon the whole it was a salmon or
sea trout, Salmo trntfa, of Linnnous. After thia I took the fish to Mr. J.
K. Lord, the principal editor of La/id and iratcr, a person fully com-
petent to give an opinion, and with whom I had a personal acquaintance.
Upon examination Mr. Lord stated his belief that it was a true Salmo salar.
I asked him to examine it again, which he did in my presence and with
his pocket microscope, when he again stated his belief that it was a true
Salmo salar, but said if I would leave him the fish he would take time and
give it a more careful examination ; tliis I did, and upon seeing him
again he said that he had altered his opinion and thought it was a salmon
or, sea, trout. I then told him for the first time that the fish came from
Tasmania, and that Dr. Giinther had pronounced it to be a salmon trout
Mr. Lord at the same time assured me that he had never heard anything
about the fish ur.til that moment, and that his opinion was formed without
anj' knowledge of where the fish came from or that anyone had given any
opinion about it. He also mentioned tliat at the age of the fish it was
most difiScult in his opinion to decide positively to which ofthe two species
it belonged. I think it right to mention, that after leaving the fish with
Mr. Lord I went to one ofthe largest fishmongers with my "Yarrell "
and microscope, and was fortunate in seeing and examining three beautiful
sea trout weighing from 1^ to 3^ lbs., and certainly 1 must confess that
the teeth on their vomer corresponded exactly with those of your
fish. I cannot, however, I must candidly own, make up my mind
that it is a salmon trout, because if so it must have been as you
"Well know at least 3 years and 5 months old when it was caught, and
therefore ought to be half as large again as it is. You will note that Mr.
Lord at first, and after a careful examination, pronounced it to be a true
salmon. It was not till after a further and more extended comparison
that he altered his opinion ; it is, therefore, not to be wondered at if you
and Mr. Allport should prove to have formed an erroneous opinion upon
so difiicult a point." It is a law of nature that the species and varieties
of one given genus of animals resemble one another far more closely in
the early stages of their existence, than they do when arrived at maturity.
No birds differ more in the mature plumage than ducks, yet there are
dozens of species that no naturalist could determine during the first few
"weeks of their lives. I do not mean to saj'- that a Tasmanian black duck of
a fortnight old could not be distinguished from an English wild duck of
the same age, if they were placed in juxtaposition ; but that they resemble
one another so closely, that it would be next to impossible to determine
to which species either belonged, if examined alone. And no reference to
a fully mature duck or drake could be of any service in solving the
difficulty. Amongst the large carnivora in the genus felis we find the
tiger, the lion, and the panther, each perfectly distinct when full-grown,
yet the cubs all exhibit the striped skin, which is only found in the
mature tiger, the stripes being lost in the lion, and changed to spots in the
panther. Instances might be given from every division of the animal
kingdom, but to come to fish, the genus Thyrsites contains two of our
commonest fish, the king-fish and barracouta, and no one who has turned his
attention to the subject could have any difficulty in distinguishing between
them when grown, yet both Mr. Giblin and Mr. Buckland (either of
whom it would be difficult to puzzle with a Tasmanian fish), would find it
hard to determine the species of one or the other when four or five inches
long. From this natural law, it follows that the more closely species ap-
proach one another when mature, the more difficult is it to distinguish

31

between their young ; and as the mature salmon more closely re-
sembles the salmon trout than the kmg-fish resembles the barracouta, I
should expect to find that the difficulty of distinguishing the one smolt
from the other was enhanced. And if we turn to Mr. Youl s letter,
we find Mr. Lord, from the outer appearance of our fish, at once
pronounced it a true salmon, and, after re-examination again pro-
nounced it a true salmon, but, after having the fish left with him, changed
his opinion. Unfortunately, Mr. Lord does not tell us why he changed
his opinion ; but, from Mr. Youl's observations as to his own reason
for thinking the fish a salmon trout, it is all but certain they were both
puzzled by the presence of the vomerine teeth in our fish, and in the mature
salmon trout {Salmo trutta) whilst such teeth were absent in the mature
salmon {Salmo salar). And here I must trouble you with two short ex-
tracts from " Yarrell," who, at pages five and six, says : — " The teeth of
the salmon are short, stout, pointed, and recurved. As stated in the
generic characters, they occupy five situations at the top of the mouth : that
is, a line of teeth on each side of the upper jaw, a line on each palatine
bone, with one line on the vomer between the palatine bones when young ;
but the salmon loses a portion of the vomerine teeth during the first visit
to salt water. I have observed that some specimens of the migratory or
sea trout carry their vomerine teeth longer than the salmon ; and those
trout which do. not migrate, appear to carry their vomerine teeth longer
than those trout which do migrate. The teeth on the vomer of the
salmon, when the fish is old, seldom exceed two or three in number, some-
times only one, and that placed on the most anterior part. The salmon
has, besides these, two rows of teeth upon the tongue, and one row along
the outer upper edge of each lower jaw-bone." In speaking of the
teeth of the salmon trout, at page 79, Yarrell says : — " The teeth
are more slender, as well as more numerous, than in the salmon or grey
trout ; those on the vomer extending along a great part of its length, and
indenting the tongue deeply between the two rows of teeth that are there
placed, one row along each side." Does not this at once reconcile the
presence of vomerine teeth in our specimen with its being a true salmon
smolt ? The Fellows of this Society well know how much we are already
indebted to Mr. Youl for his unceasing exertions in this undertaking, and
the Salmon Commissioners had no right to expect him to give up more of
his valuable time for their advantage, still I hope that before the season
was quite over our fish may have been compared with an undoubted salmon
smolt from Stormontfield which had reached the same stage of develop-
ment, because I believe that vomerine teeth will be found identical in the
two specimens.

Mr. Davies, in referring to a paper by Mr. Barnard (read July, 1868)
on the Esparto grass, mentioned that the Hobart Town Mercury news-
paper had been printed for several months on paper manufactured from
that material ; and asked if Mr. Barnard had acquired any fresh know-
ledge on the subject.

Mr. Barnard stated that since the paper referred to by Mr. Davies, he
had laid further information on the subject before the Society (July, 1869),
from which it was evident that the cultivation of the grass could not be
attempted in this colony with any chance of profit or success, and he had
taken no further interest in it.

Mr. M. Allport observed it was well known that no vegetable product
■which required cultivation could be profitably grown for the manufacture of
paper. Even if the wastelands of the colony were sown with Esparto grass
seed, as had been suggested, this climate would be unsuitable for the plant.

Od the motion of Mr. Justice Dobson, a vote of thanks was given to
Mr. Allport, Dr. Agnew, and the donors of presentations, and the meeting
separated.

32

JULY, 1870.

The monthly evening meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, the
12th July, J. iiarnard, Esq., in the chair.

The following gentlemen, who had been put in nomination, were, after
a ballot, dechircd duly elected members of the Society, viz. : — G. Wilson,
Esq., J.P., lIobartTown; C. Ilazell, E.«q., J.P., Carlton; R. V. Legge,
Esq., J.P., Cullenswood ; and Hon. J. Aikenhead, Esq., M.L.C., Laun-
ceston.

The Secretary submitted the following returns :—

1. Visitors to Museum during June, G29.

2. Ditto to gardens during June, 1208.

3. Plants, &c., received at gardens.

4. Ditto sent from gardens.

5. Times of leafing, flowering, &c., of a few standard plants in Botanic

Gardens.

6. Books, &c., received.

7. Presentations to Museum.
Meteorological Ret urns : —

1. Hobart Town— From F. Abbott, Esq., Table for June.

2. Port Arthur— From J. Boyd, Esq., ditto.

3. Westbury — From F. Belstead, Esq., ditto.

4. New Zealand — From the Government, ditto for May.

5. Adelaide — From C. Todd, Esq., ditto for January.

The presentations to the Museum and Library were as follows : —

1. From Mr. H. Turner — A Persian or Hindoo copper coin.

2. From Mr. W. Maum — A copper medal (apparently Masonic), found

at Clarence Plains.

3. From Rev. H. D. Atkinson — A Spider Crab from Three Hut Point.

4. From Mr. Ikin — 12 specimens Crustacea.

5. From Mr. A. Wood — A curious Crustacean from Blackman's Bay.

6. From Mr. Brand, Oatlands, per the Hon. J. Wbyte, Esq. — A foetal

wallaby.

7. From E,. C. Eead, Esq , New Norfolk — A native devil {Sarcophilus

ursimis) with three young in pouch.

8. From Mr. W. Pelham — A curious fish from beach at Kangaroo Point.
[This fish belongs to the Lophiidce, and is figured and described under

the name of Chironectes politus in the Zoology of the Erebus and Terror
{Plate IX., 2^ci(/e 16.) Of the genus Chironectes Cuvier remarks ; — " These
tishes, from the peculiar conformation of their pectoral fins, can creep on
land almost like little quadrupeds. The pectorals, by reason of their
position, perform the office of hinder feet. They can live out of the water
for two or three days."

9. From H. M. JBCull, Esq. — Shells and corallines from Warrnambool.
The Secretary, after referring to the visitation of caterpillars with which

various parts of the colony were afflicted about six months ago, mentioned
that he had placed several of them under observation for the purpose of
determining their future development. He now brought under the notice
of the meeting the empty case of a chrysalis which formed on the 18th of
January, and a moth which was produced from it on the 14th of the
month following. The moth was apparently an Agrotis, and therefore the
of the same genus, but probably'- not the same species, as the one f Agrotis
vastatorj the caterpillar or larva of which was so destructive to the crops
and pastures of N. S. Wales in 1867. From the chrysalis of our cater-
pillar one observer (Mr. H. Nelson) has expressed his conviction that flies
have in some instances been produced. If this was the case it must have
been due to the parent fly depositing its ova in the chrysalis, the sub-

33

stance of which would afford aourishment to the strange larva, though of
course it would itself be destroyed.

A paper by Mr. Legrand, on "The Land Shells of Tasmania," with a
list of new species recently discovered by him was read by Mr. Stephens.
At the conclusion of the paper Mr. Stephens passed a high eulogium on
Mr. Legrand, for the great zeal and devotion with which he had pursued
this branch of natural history, at a cost he could ill afford, and with little,
if any, direct benefit to himself. If they had some kindred spirits to
work out other branches of natural history, valuable specimens would
rapidly accumulate, and their museum would soon be rich indeed.

Mr. Barnard read the following letter from Mr. John Walker to Mr.
Nowell, the Government statistician, and its enclosed communication
from Mr. Arnold Baruchson, on the manufacture of beet-root sugar : —

32, Lansdowne Road,

Notting Hill, W., London,

19th March, 1870.

My Dear Sir, — I suppose that long ago you heard of my intended trip to
Tasmania, and my unfortunate voyage, as the vessel was wrecked about 100 miles
from Rio de Janeiro, and eight of the passengers lost and my wonderful
escape, without any serious detriment to my health. I am, however, at
present determined not to attempt to take another voyage at my period of
life.

I see by the newspapers the subject of beet-root sugar has engaged the
attention of some of the colonists, and that James Barnard, Esq., has taken
an active part, so that the members of the House of Assembly have voted a
gratuity to any one who would first produce 200 tons of sugar from beet-root
grown in Tasmania.

In some of the letters I wrote on the subject, I took a different view, and
stated that an Act should be passed to protect the i^rodacers from any duty
for a stated number of years. I think I sent a letter from Mr. A. Bariichson,
of Liverpool and INIagdeburg, from whom I received part of the seed I sent
out, but I regret to say few tried it, and as it was a very dry season, those
who did, did not succeed. I tried a little in my garden here, and it answered
well. I let some grow, and it went to seed better than I expected.

I now send you a letter which I received from Mr. Baruchson on the 7th
instant, and you can use it as you think best. I see by an Act of Council
distillation is to be allowed. I do not think it would pay if made from malt,
as one bushel of malt would cost from 8s. to 10s., and would only produce
two gallons of proof spirit ; and the price of the rum exported from London
is from 2s. 2d. to 2s. 4d. per gallon.

As there is a considerable quantity of molasses from beet, as well as from
other sugar highly refined, it might be used for distillation ; but when I
wrote I was aware that no distillation was allowed. I suggested that the
molasses should be mixed with hay, made into chaff, as all kinds of cattle
are very fond of it.

I was at Mr. Duncan's beet-root manufactory on the 3rd Maich, 1869, and
saw his machinery at work, but as it was the first season, and the machinery
not ready in time, the root was deteriorated, it should have been all used
in January. The machinery was very inferior to what I saw in France and
Germany.

At one "fabrick," as they call it in Stuttgart, in Germany, they rent land,
and produce all, or nearly, the beet-root they require, and never dispose of
the pulp, but keep it in large pits, 150 feet long and 20 feet broad, and cover
the pulp with the stalks of maize, and then with earth sloped like the flat
roof of a house, and sow maize on the earth, as the pits are all adjoining each
other, and as the pulp ferments, the heat forces on the maize, and they get an
excellent crop at an early season. They keep 200 buUocks and about 140
milch cows, and feed them with the pulp and maize stalks, and get a large
quantity of excellent manure to keep tlae land in good order. "When five or
ten of the bullocks are fit for the butcher, they are sold, and their places
filled up with lean beasts, purchased at a low price. The milk is sold to milk-
men in the town, and as Stuttgart is a large place, there is a good demand.

34

It isa noble *' fabrick," and the owners, Germans, remarkably civil. As
ray daughter lives near it, I can see it whenever I go there. (See page 5.) At
Stuttgart, when I was there last year the concern was so successful that they,
for an increase of capital, then formed it into a company, and all was going
on prosperously. Tliey have to pay duty on all the sugar they make, both in
Germany and France, and seem to be very prosperous. At and about Douay,
they have all the means and appHances in the best order, and wherever you
travel you see little but crops of beet-root, and they get a full supply, and
dispose of the pulp instead of keeping it to feed cattle.

You will see by the letter I enclose, that the machinery is very elaborate
and expensive, and for many reasons tlie manufacture could not be com-
menced on a small scale Avith any prospect of success, nor is there any per-
son in Tasmania able to make the attempt, it would require at least ten
Germans who thoroughly understand the process, and as the work can only
go on in the winter months, say in November, December, and January, there
must be a relay of competent men for boiling and the other operations night
and day for three months, as any delay would probably be at a loss of at least
£500. , , , .,

On the Continent they have this advantage, that the men, women, and chil-
dren employed, could not procure any other work in the winter months, as
the climate is far more severe than in England, and they get people at very
low wa-^es. There may be employed in large manufactories about one hundred
and fifty persons in cutting off the tops, washing, and other parts of the
work. A large quantity of water is required, and at least two steam engines
of, say from Sweaty to thirty horse power, and at least four steam boilers, as
the whole system is carried on by steam. The so-called coppers have copper
spiral tubes in them, three inches in diameter, and are very expensive.

There must be a proper kiln for burning the limestone used in the process,
and the fume from the kiln is utilised in order to cause the lime which has
been added to the extract to subside to the bottom. When this has all been
deposited, it is thro%\Ti out and makes excellent manure. There is also a
very considerable quantity of animal charcoal (burnt bones), used to discolour
the extract, and make it as pure as clean water. This is used in all sugar
houses, even if the sugar is from the canes. It should be made on the pre-
mises, and reburned there also. This can be seen at Sandridge, and on a small
scale at oar brewery in Hobart Town.

I fear I will not ever see or hear of a beet-root sugar manufactory, during
my few remaining months or years, in Tasmania.

Make any use you please with this and Mr. Baruchson's letter.

I am, my dear Sir,

Your's truly,

JOHN WALKER.
In the enclosed letter Mr. Baruchson calculates that from £60.000 to
£100,000 would be required to establish in England a manufactory and dis-
tillery on a scale large enough to ensure success.

Mr. Justin Browne doubted if the beet could compete in these colonies
■with the cane sugar, and it was to the disadvantage of the former that it
was only used in the form of lump, or refined, not as brown sugar.

Mr. Barnard stated tbat on his visit to New South Wales, he had seen
some very good brown sugar from the beet, and had presented a sample to
this Museum. He knew that Dr. Coverdale had grown a quantity of the
root at the Queen's Asylum, and was now, and in order to produce the
Bugar, only waiting to be supplied with a machine which was found to
work successfully in New South Wales, and the cost of which would be
about £50. A friend of his in Sydney who has been engaged in the
manufacture, was about to write on the subject, and they would probably
hear something of it on the occasion of the approaching great agricul-
tural meeting.

Mr. Stephens thought if the sugar could be manufactured profitably at
all, they were in a better position than the New South Wales producer, as
his climate was not equal to this for the growth of root crops, and he had

35

a rival in the cane at his very door. It was to be recollected that they
could not hope to have any market for the sugar out of the colony.

Dr. Agnew, considering the risk and uncertainty incidental to the es-
tablishment of this industry, requiring, as it appeared to do, such a very
large amount of skill, capital, and experience for its successful conduct,
thought as it was being tried apparently in a very economical manner, on
a small scale, in New South Wales, it would be better to wait and observe
the result of that experiment. If it succeeded at all in that colony, no
doubt the great superiority of this soil and climate for the growth of root
crops, would make its success in Tasmania still greater in a financial point
of view.

Mr. Justin Browne observed, as apropos to the present discussion on
colonial enterprise, that he had received by last mail a letter from a mer-
chant in Madras, directing his attention to the tenders just issued by that
Government for Australian preserved meat for the Indian army, &c. The
opening up so vast and profitable an industry as this, both in the Home,
and Indian markets, was one of the happiest omens for the future of these
colonies.

The proceedings closed with the usual vote of thanks to the donors of
presentations.

36

AUGUST, 1870.

The usual monthly meetinpr of the Society was held on the evening of
Tuesday, the Dlh of August, T. Giblin, Esq., in the chair.

Amoni? the nionibers present were ^lossrs. M. Allport, Justin Browne,
G. R. Napier, 11. J. Buckland, C. Gould, J. M. Clarke, T. Stephens,
S. P. II. Wriglit, L. K. Castrav, Dr. Agnew, Hon. Sec, Rev. H. D.
Atkinson, and Dr. E. S. Hall; Dr. H. B. Hinton, of H.M. Bengal Army,
was also present as a visitor.

The Hon. Secretary submitted the usual monthly returns, viz: —

1. Visitors to JNIuseum during July, 7G7.

2. Do. to gardens do., 1152.

3. Plants "and seeds received at gardens — From Messrs. Taylor and

Singster, Melbourne, 26 plants. From Mr. C. F. Creswell, 24
packets imported flower seeds.

4. Plants, &c., sent from gardens: — To H. B. Laurie, Esq., Encounter

Bay, Adelaide, 100 plants of white mulberry. To Messrs. Todd
and Co., Dublin, 10 packets seeds. To Military Barracks, 36
sycamores. To Mr. J. Archer, for Church grounds, Longford, 14
Coniferas. For grounds of St. Michael's Church, Now Norfolk,
54 plants. For Castray Esplanade, 32 pines. For Domain, 120
plants. For Government House grounds, 50 plants.

5. Time of leafing, &c., of a few standard plants in Botanic Gardens.

6. Books and periodicals received.

7. Presentations to Museum.
Meteorological Bcinrns.

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq. Table and summary for July.

2. Port Arthur, from J. Boyd, Esq. Table for July.

3. Melbourne, from the Government Astronomer, Tables and Notes for

May and June.

4. Sydney, from the Government Observatory. Printed table for

February, jMarch, and April.

5. New Zealand, from the Government. Abstract tables from various

stations for April.
The presentations to the Museum were as follow : —

1. From H. M. Hull, Esq. — Nest of white shafted fantail fRhipidura

alhiscapa.)

2. From Mr. G. Gulliver, Melbourne — 125 specimens of Australian

Coleoptera, named.

3. From Captain Robinson, barque Free Trader — A sample of bituminous

coal from a new seam at Newcastle, New South Wales.

4. From Mr. Spurling — A specimen of Chimcera Australis caught in

the Derwent.

5. From Salmon Commissioners — A Salmon Parr from the breeding

ponds, River Plenty.

6. From M. Allport, Esq. — Prawns taken from stomachs of Rock Cod

(Gadus sp.j.
Mr. M. Allport exhibited a young salmon (presentation No. 5), about
four years old, from the breeding ponds at the Plenty, which had never
been allowed to visit the salt water, as it illustrated a peculiar circumstance
in reference to the development of the fish, which was stated in detail at
the meeting of the Society three months ago. It was then shown, from
the proceedings of the Zoological Societj" of London for 1868, that some
salmon parr were prevented from going to sea at their due time, that
they still assumed the silvery scales of the smolt but afterwards lost them,
reassuming the parr markings. This change went on for two or more
years, the fish becoming during the process sickly, stunted in growth,
and finally perishing. The specimen now shown was very like those

37

figured in the Zoological Society's Transactions, the parr markings were
very distinct, and the stunted and misshapen appearance of the fish was
unmistakeable.

Presentation No. 6 was interesting, as, according to Mr. Allport's
observations, nothing of the kind, as far as numbers were concerned, had
ever occurred till last year. Since that time large numbers had been
found in the stomachs of rock cod. This was a proof of the existence of
great quantities of these prawns in our waters, and a systematic search
would probably secure this delicacy for our market. The same might be
said as to the large edible crabs, numbers of which were formerly captured
on our coasts when the whales were brought on shore for the extraction
of the oil. It was to be hoped that fishing as practised at home would
be tried here for both these crustaceans.

The Secretary called attention to the following publications lately
received from London, viz. : — Proceedings of Zoological Society of London,
Journal of Linnean Society, Journal of Geological Society, Journal of
Royal Asiatic Society, Journal and Proceedings of Royal G-eographical
Society. Presented by the various societies. Also a complete set of the
reports of the Paris Exhibition of 1867, the gift of the Society of Arts, per
Dr. Milligan.

The following books, for which the Society subscribes, were also re-
ceived in the same parcel : — Ray Society's vol. for 1868, " Vegetable
Teratology," the Transactions of the Society of Arts for 1868-9, and the
report of the British Association for 1868.

The Secretary read the following extracts from a letter he had re-
ceived by last mail from Dr. Milligan : —

''London, I7th June, 1870.
" By the Ethel, Captain Harmsworth, you will receive a parcel contain-
ing a copy of each of the two books lately published on the Aborigines
of V. D. Land by Mr. James Bonwick, formerly holding some position on
the staff of the education department in Tasmania, and first known to me
as an author b^ his having applied to me for scraps of information,
touching topographical peculiarities, and geological conditions in sundry
parts of the colony, which he embodied in school geographies, which he then
brought out. I forget what I said (in a former letter) about the books
which I have sent to you, but whatever it was it would scarcely be in their
praise, for I consider that a spirit most unfriendly and disingenuous as
regards the early colonists pervades the whole production. It is a great
pity that he has not related a few of the numberless attempts which
were made by the more respectable and intelligent of the early settlers to
educate and improve the children of the aborigines, and the absolute
failure of success in ninety-nine cases out of every hundred. This would
have been only fair.

* * * * * * *

"In the same parcel you have three packets of seeds which I have pro-
cured for the Royal Society's gardens, from the Secretary of the Royal
Horticultural Society here : the several packets are respectively contribu-
tions to the flower and kitchen departments of the gardens, and to your
arboretum. Besides which I have sent one packet of seed of the plant
which yields the well known and valuable fibre of which the grass cloth of
China and India is manufactured. Should you succeed in maturing it,
and I can perceive no natural bar to your doing so, you will confer a
valuable boon on the colony, seeing that there must arise an unlimited
demand for such a fabric (as grass cloth) on the continent of Australia,
if indeed it does not already exist."

[This plant is now growing in the public gardens, and Mr. Abbott, the
Superintendent, states that it is readily propagated from cuttings. It also

38

grows freely in Queensland, where, however, sorao difficulty has hitherto
been experii-ncod in tho soparMtion of the libro for commercial purposes.]

Dr. Hall brouc;ht under tho consideration of the meetin*:? tho desira-
bility of procuring direct from Japan a quantity of the scods of the Um-
brella Pine, which Fortune, the Botanist, describes as such a magnificent
tree for shade and tho ornamentation of parks, &c. He says : — " A whole
company of soldiers could bivouac under a full grown tree safe from rain
and sunshine." The Society obtained some plants frorn England at great
cost some years ago, but only one has survived. Dr. Hall had no doubt
the seeds would grow better hero even than in England, and stated that
Mr. Assistant Commissary General Castray had informed him he could
procure them for the .Society direct from Japan. Mr. Custray kindly
undertook to do so, as it was the wish of tho meeting.

Mr. Gould read a paper on " The habits of the large crayfish ( /ifttaciix
sp. ?) of the northern rivers of Tasmania." The principal points adverted
to were the local character of its distribution, a comparison with the same
of the blackfish, a discussion upon tho nature of its food in regard to the
supply of the latter regulating the distribution of the species, a comparison
with allied forms in the Northern Hemisphere, and a citation of a few
other examples of allied, identical, or representative species, found in the
two hemispheres, and impressing the conviction that such species had not
originated in independent centres, but mutated under equal conditions, con-
cluding with a reference to examples of species, tending to show that Tas-
mania had been connected with the main land, within a late geological
period, even within the term ot life of existing species.

JNIr. Allport observed, as to the food of this Astacus, that although
large quantities of dead wood might be consumed, as noticed by Mr.
Gould, he thought some animal food must also be taken.

Mr. Gould, in reply, quite agreed with Mr. Allport in supposing that they
ate animal food when they could get it, but this was much seldomer than
generally imagined ; that in regard to the Unio, which had been supposed
to be the staple article of their food, it was his belief that it was entirely
absent from many of the rivers inhabited by the Astacus. Neither did he
think that the crayfish was by any means so destructive to the blackfish
as imagined ; they must have great difiiculties in capturing them, and the
blackfish did not seem to exhibit any of that fear and avoidance of these
crustaceans, which would naturally be induced if they had been habitually
preyed on by them.

In reply to Mr. Stephens, who wished to know if the crayfish was found
in rivers east of the Tamar, Mr. Gould mentioned the Piper and Forres-
ter Kivers, being from his own personal observation well stocked with
them.

Mr. T. Giblin stated that he had brought, about four j^ears ago, from
the North several living specimens of these era} fish, much larger than
that now before the meeting, and had liberated them in the Derwent, about
three miles above the falls at New Norfolk, but from that time he had
never heard of them, and it was not possible to say with certainty whether
they had succeeded or not.

Conversation having taken place as to the range of habitat of some of
our fish, Mr. Giblin mentioned that the so-called cucumber fish {Proto-
troctes imircena), of New Norfolk was at one time, and probably still is,
plentiful in the Yarra. Mr. Gould observed that the presence of these and
other fish in the rivers on opposite sides of Bass's Straits, was another
proof that at some former period Tasmania and the Australian mainland
had formed one continent.

A vote of thanks to Mr. Gould, Dr. .Milligan, the other donors of pre-
sentations closed the proceedings.

39

ON THE LAND SHELLS OF TASMANIA,
By W. Legrand.

When Woodward classed the Terrestrial Mollusks of Tas-
mania, with those of Australia, south of the tropic, but little
was known of them. At the time he wrote the number of
described species of Helix was six, two of which have since
proved to be identical, and two others doubtfully Tasmanian,
thus reducing the number to three.

Since that time much work has been done, the number now
described numbering over fifty. Tasmania has a fauna pecu-
liar to herself, more nearly related to that of the Northern
Island of New Zealand than Australia. Take the section
Videna, Australia proper does not possess a single species,
while Tasmania has five, Sinclairi, Hamiltoni, Launcestonen-
sis, dubitans, and a new species lately discovered by Mr.
Gould, at the Leven, proposed to be named DuGani (next to
Launcestonensis, the largest Helix yet found here.) If
the doubtful species bisulcata be admitted, the number is six.
New Zealand has two — Dunnise and Greenwoodi. This is
peculiarly an island section, the greater number being from
the Solomon's. Our number is nearly equal to those from all
other places together.

The nearest we have to the great New Zealand Busbyi
(except with Albers we admit Vitrina Milligani, a classifica-
tion which must have been made from the shell alone, the
animal being essentially different) is fulgetrum. A shell
found at Eingarooma, named by Brazier, Kingi comes very
near. Victoria has one belonging to the same section — Helix
atramentaria — which comes between, and is the largest land-
shell yet found in that province.

New Zealand has several of the section Conulus. We have
one, H. parvissima. Cox, which comes very near that, or such
shells as H. alpha and beta, Pfr. Of the sections Discus.
Patula and Hyalina, we have about the same proportionate
number as New Zealand and Australia, and of the section
Hemiplecta we have one, possibly two. This is also an island
shell. Like New Zealand, the greater part of our Helices are
minute.

Of the section represented by Allporti, Cox, there are six or
eight species. For beauty of colouring must be noticed
Tasmanise, fulgetrum, Juliformis, Nelsonensis, and ruga ; for
peculiarity of form parvissima may be mentioned ; and for
beauty of shape Stephensi and Kingstonensis must not be
passed by.

One very fine shell (H. Davcyciisis), the largest yet found

40

belonging to the section Discus, coming from Port Davey, de-
serves particular notice.

Austrinus is more noticeable from its habitat than from the
shell itself, which is allied to Allporti. It comes from the
extreme south of the island, near South Cape Bay.

We possess three introduced species, Morti, Sydneyensis,
and Alexandra), all from New South Wales, and most probably
brought in mould with plants.

Of our two species of Bulimus, the first well known one
B. Dufresni, belongs to the same section (Caryodes) as a
South Australian species, Angasianus. The second B.
(Mesembrinus) Tasmanicus, Pfr., is nearly allied to an Aus-
tralian species, Kingi. Nothing like either of these has yet
been described as from New Zealand. We have no repre-
sentative of sucli shells as Shongi. Our two Vitrinas belong
to the section Helicarion ; one is also found in South Aus-
tralia, and probably other parts of the continent. The other,
the fine V. Milligani, is found only on the western side of the
island.

Our one species of Succinea is also common to Australia.

We have neither Pupa, Pupina, or Balea, all found in North
and North-eastern Australia, or Truncatella, which is very
plentiful in South Australia. An gas gives us credit for a
Blanfordia, I never found it or heard of it here ; the shell
is however so minute that it might easily be passed by.

The materials yet collected are not sufficient to fix the
geographical limits of the different species. Subjoined is a
list of all yet described species : —

Helix.

Helix.

Helix.

Launcestonensis

Reeve

austrinus

, coepta

Same | Sinclari
shell \ bombycina

Pfr.

occultus

, positura ,,

,,

ruga

, vexanda , ,

bisulcata ?

,,

marchianae

, Nelsonensis Brazie

subangulata ?

,,

Stephensi

, dispar ,,

Diemensis

Cox

Agnewi

, Onslowi „

Le Grandi

»>

plexus

, neglecta ,,

Hamiltoni

?>

dubitans

„ Curacoa „

Hobarti

,,

vigens

Pvicei

lampra

Pfr.

fulgetrum

,, ammonitoides ,,

lamproides

Cox

Juliformis

, rotella ,,

minima

,,

Ramsgatensis

Kingi

similis

,j

Halli

Fordei „

Tasmanise

,,

Daveyensis

, DuCani Co3

Wellingtonensis

,,

trajectura

, Introduced : — •

AUporti

,,

tranquilla

, Sydneyensis ,,

meclianus

,,

mixta

Morti

belice

,,

parvissima ,

, Alexandras „

ccesuB

,,

Kingstonensis

M

41

BULIMUS.

Vitrina.

Succ

INEA.

Dufresni

Leach

Vei-rauxi

Pfr.

australis

Tasmanicus

rfr.

Milligani

i>

Helix

52

Introduced

3
— 55

Bulimus

2

Vitrina

2

Succinea

1

Total

...

60

Fer

42

ON THE DISTRIBUTION AND HABITS OF THE
LARGE FRESH-WATER CRAYFISH (ASTACUS
SP.) OF THE NORTHERN RIVERS OF TASMANIA.

By C. Gould, F.G.S.

I trust that the members of this Society may bo interested
in a few remarks, which I have to make upon the distribution
and habits of the large fresh-water Crayfish which is so
common upon the north side of the island.

I am not aware that this has been specifically described by
naturalists, although its unusually large size, abundance in
certain localities, estimation as a delicacy for the table, added
to its facility of capture and observation should long since
have acquired for it that attention at their hands.

Leaving its determination, however, to those within whose
province it belongs, it is my purpose, as a field naturalist alone,
to offer the result of a few observations, and collate them with
other facts connected with the natural history of the island.

And in the first place must be noted the remarkable repre-
sentative resemblance in most points, excepting size, of this
to members of the Genus Astacus of the Northern Hemis-
phere.

Here we have yet one more of the many numerous examples
of a certain similarity in point of type, if not of close specific
resemblance, obtaining under equivalent conditions between
the forms of life at one extremity of the globe, and those
existing at the other, while strongly distinctive, but often
gradational peculiarities attend the forms controlled by the
opposing conditions of the intermediate tropical regions.
Hence the difficulty of referring the existence of such repre-
sentative or affinitive types to independent acts of creation —
and the apparently more sustainable solution by the theory of
biological metamorphosis.

To instance 1st. The Rats and Mice among mammals ; 2nd.
Plovers, Eagles, Snipes, Ducks, Owls, and Thrushes amongst
birds ; 3rd. The Locusts and Painted lady and Admiral Butter-
flies amongst insects ; 4. The Ferns and Mosses among
plants, will be sufficient for my present purpose.

I may next remark upon the limited nature of its distribu-
tion, as worthy of more than passing notice ; occurring more
or less abundantly in all the rivers upon the northern side of
the island, and being entirely absent from those upon the
south, it follows closely in its distribution that of the Black-
fish, with which it is always associated in the rivers falling
into Bass' Strait, with the one exception of the Esk, from

43

which, as far as my knowledge serves me, it is absent — while, on
the other hand, the Aslacus alone is met with in the tribu-
taries of Macquarie Harbour. The range of these two then
the Astacus and the Blackfish, is nearly the same, neither of
them being found within the rivers flowing to the east or south
coasts of the island. Yet there is nothing in the habits or
the necessities of the Astacus which would explain its pre-
sence in, or absence from, respective rivers ; although pre-
ferring deep still pools and reaches, in which it may shelter
beneath submerged and partially decaying timber, it is also
commonly found in the shallower and swift running portions,
and there are few of the streams adverted to from which it is
absent, which do not, as far as may be judged from appearance,
offer in some portions of their course, the kind of harbour,
and if one may use the expression, cruising ground to which
the Astacus is familiar, while the myrtle shrouded waters of
the higher portions of the Huon identically resemble the
upper portion of the rivers to the northward, in which both
the black fish and the Astacus abound.

As to its ordinary food much misapprehension has hitherto,
in my opinion prevailed.

The eagerness with which it fastens on any animal bait,
the threatening aspect of its general appearance, and the
enormous crushing power of the claws with which it is armed,
have induced the belief that it mainly exists upon fish which
it has captured, or the large species of Unio found in some of
the northern rivers, and the absence of the latter from the
southern ones, were considered a sufficient explanation of its
being wanting also. This, however, appears to me to be
erroneous, and from my observation I have concluded that the
capture of fish or other animal prey by the Astacus is a rarity,
and that as in many instances the Unio is entirely absent from
the rivers which it inhabits this as a source of its food must be
entirely disregarded. Indeed, to my great surprise, I found
upon dissecting numerous examples of the Astacus, that the
contents of the stomach consisted almost entirely of crushed
and torn fragments of semi-decayed wood, and I have arrived
at the conclusion that the main source of its subsistence are
the slowly decaying stems and snags with which the timber
bordered rivers are always encumbered.

Now, as the adaptation of the Astacus to certain localities
in consequence of the presence of especial means of subsis-
tence is untenable, the decaying timber abounding equally in
the southern with the northern rivers, it becomes imperative
to seek another solution, and we are thus led in considering
the reputed identity of the Blackfish of this colony with that
abounding in Victoria, the close similarity of the species of

44

Astacus here with that found on the same continent, the
existence here of certain marsupial forms (Thylacinus and
Native Devil) and of fossil remains of the same in
caves in New South Wales, and in deposits of a late
tertiary period, coupled with many resemblances in the
vegetation of the two countries, which I hope to develope
and comment on fully at some future period — to recog-
nise as a fact that at some late period, so late indeed as to
be within the term of existence of an animal species, a direct
connection has existed between this island and what may be
termed the mainland of Australia, and the examples quoted
above, and many others which might be added to them, are
but the remains of a fauna and a flora once common to the
whole, and that the species of Astacus and other forms have
probably extended southwards to their present position, and
been arrested in their further progress by some physical diffi-
culty which a more extended acquaintance with the geological
history of the recent formations may reveal to us.

45

EOYAL SOCIETY,

SEPTEMBER, 1870.

The montlily evening meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday,
September 13th, Moiton Allport, Esq., in the chair.

The Secretary, Dr. Agnew, brought under notice the following returns
for the past month : —

1. Visitors to Museum, 957. ,

2. Ditto to Gardens, 1199.

3. Plants and seeds received at, and sent from gardens.

4. Tench supplied.

5. Time of leafing, &c., of a few standard plants in Botanic Gardens.

6. Books and Periodicals received.

7. Presentations to Museum.
Meteorological Returns : —

1. Hobart Town, from Mr. F. Abbott, Esq., table and summary for

August.

2. Westbury, from C. Belstead, Esq., ditto, ditto.

3. Sydney, from the Government Observatory, ditto for June.

4. Melbourne, from ditto, ditto, for July.

5. New Zealand, from ditto, ditto for May.

The presentations to the Museum were as follow : —

1. From Mr. Moir, junr., specimen of Alum from a cave near Mr. Moir's

house, Brown's Kiver Eoad.

2. From Mr. C. A. Gresley, 5 Eock specimens from Eiver Mersey.

3. From Mr. Gibbons, chicken with three legs.

4. From J. Forster, Esq., part of Human Skeleton dug up at Hamilton.

5. From Mr. M. Allport, specimen of Schorl from Flinders Ibland. A

lump ©f resin washed on shore at the same place. [This resin is
probably the produce of the Oyster Bay pine, Callitris Australis.']

6. From James Scott, Esq., M.H.A., the cast skin of a Snake from

Eingarooma.

7. From Captain Lloyd, per Mr. 0. H. Hedberg, a shingle of Macquarie

Harbour pine, from the gaol at Macquarie Harboui", built in 1826.
[This specimen shows in a very striking manner the great durability
of the wood. Although it has been exposed to the weather for a
period of 44 years it presents no appearance of decay — the saw
marks even being plainly visible — and on removing the surface
with a knife the wood is seen to be perfectly fresh beneath.]

8. From the Gore Browne Testimonial Committee, two photographs of

the testimonial presented by the colonists of Tasmania to Colonel
(now Sir Thomas) Gore Browne, C.B., on his retirement from the
Government of this Island.

9. From Mr. Philip, Franklin, part of Vertebra of "Whale.

10. From Mr. S. H. Wintle, 20 geological specimens from New South

Wales and Victoria, collected by himself ; with a descriptive cata-
logue.

11. From Mr. M. Allport, two fish caught in the Derwent, off Sandy

Bay. [These fish were unknown to the fishermen who caught them,
but closely agree with one figured and described under the name of
EuDudichthijs lutidus^ by Dr. Eichardson, in the " Zoology of the

46

Erebus and Terror," page 47, plate 29. This fish was first discovered
in Western Australia by (Sir G. Grey.]
12. Two fish caught off the South East Coast of Tasmania. [These are
also unknown to the fishermen.]

The Secretary requested special attention to the very liberal and valuable
presentation of books before the meeting, from the American Government,
the Smithsonian, and other scientific institutions in the United States,
comprising the following publications : —

Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge, vol. 15, 1867.

Ditto Iveports for 18GG-67.

American Patent Office Eeports, 1SG3, vols. 1 and 2.

Ditto ditto, 18G4,vols. 1 and 2.

Ditto ditto, 1865, vols. 1, 2, and 3.

Ditto ditto, 1866, vols. 1, 2, and 3.

Department of Agriculture, Washington, Report of, for 1866.

Ditto, ditto, monthly ditto, 1866-67.

Boston Society of Natural History, Memoirs of, vol. 1, part 3.

Ditto, ditto, Proceedings of, vol. 11, 1866-68

Ditto, ditto. Conditions and Doings of, 1866-8.

Portland Society of Natural History, Proceedings of, vol. 1, part 2, 1869.

Ditto, ditto, 6th Annual Report of Secretary of Maine Board of Agri-
culture, and Reports on Scientific Survey, 1863.

Ditto, ditto, 2nd Annual Report on Natural History and Geology, State
of Maine, 1861.

Ditto, ditto,Reports of Commissioners of Fisheries State of Maine, 1867-8.

Essex Institute, Salem, Massachusetts, Proceedings of, vol. 5, Nos. 5 to 8.

Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard College, Cambridge, Mass.

Ditto, ditto, Annual Report, 1868.

Ditto, ditto. Bulletin of, Nos. 6 and 7.

Ditto, ditto, Contributions to Fauna of Gulf Stream, by F. de Pourtales,
1867-8.

American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, Proceedings of,
Vol. 10, Nos. 78 and 79, 1867-8.

Ditto ditto, " General Connotations of Magnetism," and " Some Remarks
on the Fall of Rain as affected by the Moon," by Pliny Earle Chase.

National Academy of Sciences, Washington, Report of, 1866-67.

Cincinnati Astronomical Society, Annual Address.

Ditto ditto,' Oration on laying corner stone of Observatory.

Columbia Institution for Deaf and Dumb, 10th Annual Report of.

Public Schools, Washington, 22nd Annual Report.

The Secretary, after reminding the Fellows that at the last meeting of
the Society the subject of the Ramie plant (BceJimcria XiveaJ, from which
the grass cloth of China is manufactured, had been discussed, read the
following observations on it by Mr. F. Abbott, the Superintendent of the
Gardens : —

" In reference to the China grass, (Bcelimcria Nivea,) seeds of which have
been forwarded to the Society, through Dr. Milligan, it may be interesting to
the Fellows to learn that the plant has already been in the garden 10 or 12
years, but no attempt has yet been made to extend its cultivation.

" It is very doubtful whether the climate of Tasmania will be found suitable
for the successful cultivation of this fibre. The plant which is indigenous to
China, India, Sumatra, &c. , requires a rich porous soil, and warm moist climate ;
under these conditions it grows rapidly and affords from two to three cuttings
during the season.

" In Queensland, whei'e the plant succeeds well, great difficulty has been
experienced in extracting the fibre; this difficulty appears to have been generally
experienced, as the English Government, through the Indian Office, are at pre-
sent offering an award of £5000 for the invention of a machine capable of

47

extractinp; the fibre, the cost of separation not to exceed £15 per ton, and the
value of the separated fibre to be not less than £50 per ton.

"In China where the plant is extensively cultivated, the fibre is separated by-
hand, but this mode of separation, a tedious one, is only suited to labor of the
cheapest description, and could not be adopted in the colonies.

"I have planted a small bed in the gardens with this plant, with the view of
proving how far it is adapted for culture in Tasmania.

"F. ABBOTT, JuN.,

" 11. S. Gardens.

" 12th September, 1870."

A paper, entitled " Notes of an Excursion to Cummings's Head and the
Falls of the Meander, on the Western Mountains, Tasmania," by W. Archer,
Esq., F.L.S., was then read by the Secretary.

Special votes of thanks having been accorded to Mr. Archer, and to the
Smithsonian and other institutions in America, the meeting closed with
the usual thanks to donors of presentations.

48
OCTOBER, 1870.

The monthly evening meeting of the Fellows was held on Tuesday, the
11th October, Ilis Excellency, C. Du Cane, Esq., President, in the chair.
The Hon Mrs. Du Cane and ]\Ir. C. M. S. Chichester, Private Secretary,
were also present, together with the following members of the Society :
— Dr. Agnew, Messrs. M. Allport, J. W. Graves, L. ll.Castray, S.Wright.
F. Abbott. J. McC. Browne, F. Abbott, junr., H. Bilton, and Colonel
Crawford.

The following gentlemen, who had previously been put in nomination,
■were after a ballot declared duly elected as members of the Society,viz. : —
Mr. P, T. Smith, of Syndal, Koss, and Mr. J. Young, of Howrah, Belle-
rive.

The Hon. Secretary, Dr. Agnew, laid on the table the following returns
for the past month : —

1. Visitors to Museum, 685.

2. Ditto to Gardens, 1906.

3. Seeds received at Society's Gardens.

a. From Dr. Milligan — Collection of seeds of ornamental shrubs and

trees, flowers and vegetables ; from the gardens of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society, London. A packet of seed of the China grass
fibre plant {JBcehmeria mvea), from the Eoyal Botanic Society's
Gardens, London.

b. From Mrs. Woodin — Seeds of Umbrella Pine of Japan {Sciodopitys

verticillata.)

4. Time of leafing, &c., of a few standard plants in Society's Gardens.

5. Books and periodicals received.

6. Presentations to Museum.

Meteorological Returns.

1. Hobart Town— From F. Abbott, Esq., table &c., for September.

2. Port Arthur— From J. Boyd, Esq., ditto, ditto.

3. Swansea — From Dr. Story, ditto July and August.

4. Westbury — From C. Belstead, Esq., ditto September.

6. Sydney — From the Government Astronomer, ditto for July.

6. New Zealand — From the Government Observer, tables from various

stationsfor June and July ; and from Wellington for August.

7. From Government Astronomer, Melbourne, table for August.

The presentations to the Museum and Library were as follow : —

1. From Mr. Baynton, Brown's River — A small collection of Land

Shells, Crustacea, &c.

2. From Mr. W. Johnston, Trinity Hill — A specimen of the Bronze-

winged Cuckoo {Chrysococcyx lucidus), from Kangaroo Bottom.

3. From Mr. J. W. Graves — A Sparrow Hawk {Accipter torquatus).

4. From Mr. F. Butler — Four specimens of ore from Penguin Creek

silver mine.
6. From Rev. J. Hutchison, New Town — A Hermit Crab (Pagurus sp).

6. From Captain Williams— A Cuttle fish from the Fast Coast.

7. From Mr. T. Giblin — Specimen of the paper-like bark of a species

of Tea-tree {Melaleuca sp. ?), from New South Wales.
[The tree from which this bark was obtained is probably identical
with, or closely allied to the swamp Tea-tree {Melaleuca ericcefolia), of this
colony, in reference to which the following note appears in Hooker's
" Flora Tasmaniae," vol. 1, page 129:— "Mr. Gunn describes this as one
of the comm(mest inhabitants of the marshes, often forming an impene-
trable scrub, most expensive to clear. Trees of it attain 70 feet, and

49

4-5 feet in girth ; one which that naturalist has measured waa
unbranched for 27 feet, and was 5| feet in girth at 3 feet above the ground.
In poor sandy soil it forms a dwarf bush. Of the bark, he adds, the
natives used to make the catamarans, or canoes, so admirably figured in
Labillardieres voyage, which were stitched with the bark of Sida, pulchella
and Plagianthus sidoides.''] (Currajong.)

8. From Mr. F. Wise, a Smolt caught with rod and line in the Derwent

at New Norfolk.

9. From Dr. J. Milligan, F. L. S., a copy of " The I-ast of the Tas-

manians," and one of '* The Daily Lifeof theTasmanians," by J.
Bonwick, F.R.G.S.

The Secretary read some " Notes on an experiment with the fumes of
sulphur, and on other methods for the destruction of rabbits in their
burrows," by W. Archer, Esq., F.L.S. The fumes were forced into a
burrow by means of bellows, attached to a receptacle in which the sulphur
was burned ; and that this was effectually done was proved by the
escape of sulphurous vapour from the bolt-holes. When the burrow
was afterwards opened, however, no trace of the fumes was left, nor
•were the animals destroyed. The experiment was recorded as a " guide or
warning to others who may be induced to try further experiments with
the fumes of sulphur, or with any other vapour." (Carbonic acid gas
■would not become condensed, and it would be fatal to animal life, but
its use would probably be much too expensive).
Mr. Abbott read a paper " On the Sun and its Office in the Univers©."
Some discussion of a conversational character having taken place,
Mr. M. Allport begged to call the attention of the meeting to the fish
presented by Mr. Wise (presentation No. S), on account of its high scientific
importance, as furnishing a complete answer to the theory raised by
Dr. Giinther in reference to the salmon first sent to England. The Doctor
then assumed that the fish sent was hatched from one of the eggs imported
from England in 1866. This assumption was met by the statement that
the fry unnaturally detained in fresh water had reached a higher
state of development than the smolt sent to England, and as the fish
now presented was but just assuming the smolt stage, all the argu-
ments used in reference to the smolts first caught apply with tenfold
force to this specimen. It was, moreover, fortunate that the Museum
possessed one of the fry hatched from the English eggs received per
Lincolnshire in 1866, and which died in the spring of 1867. Upon com-
paring this with the fish now caught, it would be found that they accorded
with one another so closely, as to leave little doubt of their identity in
species. No report had yet been received from England as to the smolt
last sent, though they had heard of its safe arrival. Mr. Allport further
observed that Mr. Youl, in writing to Sir Robert Officer, had expressed
a wish that the Salmon Commissioners should make it publicly known that
after careful examination he entirely concurred with Dr. Giinther in
the opinion that the specimen first sent to England was a Salmon trout
{Salmo trutta.)

His Excellency read the following extract from a letter which he had
received from F. S. Corrance, Esq., M.P., an experibuced salmon fisher
in Scotch, Irish, and Norwegian rivers, and who had considerable oppor-
tunities of studying the habits of the fish : — " Concerning your salmon
experiment doubts will soon cease. For although a few fish would bo
undiscoverable in deep water, so soon as the spawning season begins they
will be evident enough upon the upper fords and shallow waters. The
success of the experiment will depend upon the mollusca upon the sea
banks, and the absence of formidable enemies outside, more than the
capabilities of the rivers themselves. And £ take it that the destruction

50

is so great that a constant and copious artificial supply will be requisite
for some time to establish the genus unless under most favorable circum-
stances. Whether they will rise to fly or not, is once more most uncer-
tain. I believe it to depend entirely upon the habits in that respect ac-
quired by the smolts before they leave fresh water. It is at all events
a most interesting experiment." His Excellency stated he would, when
replying to i\Ir. Corrance's letter, request him to examine the specimens
of our smolts at the Zoological Society's Museum, London.

IMr. M. Allport remarked that Mr. Corrance's statement, that the fish
would bo readily detected in the spawning season at the upper fords and
shallow waters of the Derwent, was undoubtedly correct, but the fact was,
it would bo quite impossible, with our pecuniary means, effectually to
watch the hundreds of miles frontage in the upper waters of the Derwent
and its tributaries. These streams run through great tracts of country
uninhabited, and in places almost impassable. It was to be recollected,
too, that all expense of this kind would bo virtually thrown away, as the
result of the experiment must necessarily soon be known in the due course
of events.

In order to show how unreasonable it was to argue that the salmon ex-
periment had not succeeded, because no large fish had hitherto been
caught. Colonel Crawford read the following extract from the " Reports
of the Commissioners of Fisheries of the State of Maine, 1867-8," p. 22 :
— " In the fall of 1850, I put into the Sandy River Ponds ten or twelve
trout. For seven or eight years no indications of them were to be seen,
notwithstanding thousands of people crossed those ponds every year.
Since 1857, it is judged that not less than 2,000 pounds have been
taken out annually."

The usual votes of thanks having been accorded to the authors of papers
and to the donors of presentations, His Excellency left the chair.

51

NOVEMBER, 1870.

The monthly meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, the 8th
November, J. Barnard, Esq., in the chair.

Among the Fellows present were Colonel Crawfoi-d, Dr. Agnew,
Messrs. J. Allport, H. J. Buckland, M. AUport, H. Bilton, F. Abbott,
jun., J. Roberts, J. W. Graves, L. Susman, L. R. Castray, C. M.
Maxwell, A. G. Webster, Justin McC. Browne. Messrs. Curtayne and
McFarlane (2) were also present as visitors.

The Secretary laid before the meeting the following returns for the past
month, viz. : —

1. Visitors to Museum, 737.

2. Ditto to Gardens, 2232.

3. Time of leafing, flowering, &c., of a few standard plants in Botanic

Gardens.

4. Books and periodicals received.

5. Presentations to Museum and Library.
Meteorological Returns : —

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq., table and summary for

October.

2. Swansea, from Dr. Story, ditto for September.

3. Port Arthur, from J. Boyd, Esq. , ditto for October.

4. Sydney, from Government Ol^servatory, ditto for August.

5. Melbourne, from ditto, ditto for September.

The following presentations to the Museum and Library were brought
under the notice of the meeting : —

1. From Mr. M. Allport. — A Black Snake ( Hoplocephalas curtus)

from near the waterworks reservoir. Length, 4 feet 6 inches. A
Fox Shark, or " Thresher " (Alopias vulpes) caught in Adventure
Bay.

2. From Caj)tain Warren, R.E. — Pair of feet of " Cariboo Deer " of

Nova Scotia, a pair of Indian mocassins made from skin of hocks
of "Moose Deer" of Nova Scotia. (A note from Captain
Warren, which accompanied these specimens, descriptive of the
mode of preparing the mocassins, was read. )

3. From Mr. J, Young, Howrah. — A human Skull from Fiji, Jaws of a

species of Shark caught in the Derwent. [The fish from which
this specimen was obtained is probably identical with the Port
Jackson shark {Cestradon Cuv. ), figured in " Phillips' Voyage to
New South Whales," p. 383, and is interesting as being the only
known living representative of an extinct sx^ecies found in the
European tertiaries.]

4. From Mr. F. Allison, Sorell. — A pair of Mexican Spurs.

5. From Salmon Commissioners. — A Salmon Trout Smolt, (Sahno

trutta) from breeding ponds. River Plenty.

6. From Rev. H. D, Atkinson. — Eleven specimens, embracing eight

varieties of Echini from Three Hut Point.

7. From Mr. Richard Robertson. — A large bony mass from a horse's

jaw which had been previously fractured.

8. From Mr. L. Henn. — Curious growth of Honeysuckle (BanJcsia

sp.) sapling.

9. From Mr. W. H. Price, Macquarie Plains. — A Ram's head with

four horns,
10. From Mr. T. Herpich, Glenora, Fenton Forest. — An Austrian note,
value 1 Gulden (9d. English) ; two quarters of ditto ; five
Turkish coins, one ^ Piastre, two I do. , two Paras ; Austrian
three Kreutzers ; two Skillings, Hamburg.

52

11. From Mr. H. M. Hull. — Butterflies from Benalla, Victoria,

12. From Mr. G. Davies. — A chick with four legs.

13. From tlie Government of Victoria.— Results of Magnetic Survey of

Victoria, by Dr. Neumayer, 1 vol., 4to.

14. From Government of United States, per the Smithsonian Institu-

tion, Washington, United States Coast Survey for 1863-4 and
5, three vols. 4to, bound.
[The Secretary called attention to the very great value of the presen-
tations so frequently received through the Smithsonian Institution. The
books before the meeting were profusely illustrated by valualjle maps,
and could only have been prepared and published at a very large outlay
by the American Government. ]

15. From J. Barnard, Esq. — Catalogue of Sydney Intercolonial
Exhibition, 1870.

16. From J. Abbott, Esq. — A specimen of Coal with its overlaying
shale, from Rook wood, Three Hut Point.

[Accompanying this presentations were several printed and other
documents, extending over a period of nine or ten years, in reference to
the value of the coal, &c.]

In reply to a query, the Secretary intimated that he had no informa-
tion as to the thickness of the seam, but he had heard a very favorable
opinion given as to the quality of the coal.

Mr. Maxwell suggested that the most practical and satisfactory
method of establishing its value would be by having a ton of it sent to
the Gas and Steam Companies for the purpose of being tested.

17. From J. J. Butler, Esq., Bagdad. — An English Perch (Per ecu
fluviatilis), aged seven months.

Mr. Allport at the same time exhibited several young perch from a few
days to three weeks old, in order to show the enormous rapidity of
gi'owth, and consequent value of these fish as an article of food.

The Secretary read a continuation of " Notes on an excursion to
Cummings's Head, and the Falls of the Meander," by W. Archer, Esq.,
F.L.S. Also a paper by the same author, entitled "Notes on the
Calif ornian Thistle."

Mr. M. AUport read the following notes on the salmon trout (Salmo
trutta) 3d, the River Plenty: — "Another, and an important addition
has, since our last meeting, been made to the history of* the salmon ex-
periment. It will be remembered, that in the winter of 1869, those of
the salmon trout (Salmo trutta), which were detained in fresh water,
first spa\\Tied, and when the eggs hatched, it became a question of great
interest, whether the fry would, in due season, exhibit the migratory
instincts of their species in the same manner as if the parent fish had
spawned after a visit to sea ; and this question became of still greater
interest from the doubts entertained by scientific men in England, as to
whether the fish detained at the Plenty were really salmon trout at all,
some going so far as to assert that they could not be genuine because
they had spawned, and that no migi-atory salmon ever would breed
without the pre%dous journey to sea. The Salmon Commissioners, some
time since, sent to England specimens of the young fish, hatched from
the first eggs laid by the salmon trout, such young fish being then seven
months old, at which time they exhibited, in a marked degree, aU the
characteristics of the par of migratory salmon, and especially the orange-
coloured fins, which are looked upon as peculiar to the par of the salmon
trout. Had the experiment stopped at the time when those young fish
were sent away, many people might have jumped to the conclusion that
some mistake had occurred, and that these young fish were really, as
Dr. Glinther suggested, hybrids and not salmon trout ; but, fortunately,

53

we have now in the specimen on the table the most convincing proof
that these young fish belong to some migratory species of salmon, and
we have, therefore, no right to doubt the statement of those who sent
the eggs from which the parent fish were produced, and must admit
that their progeny are true salmon trout. The specimen before
you (presentation No. 5) is a facsimile of some 300 others now in
our large pond at the Plenty, all of which have assumed the full
smolt dress of brilliant scales, which dress is not only the invariable
characteristic of those which migrate seawards, but also the unerring
sign that they are ready to depart. Besides the great fact of the final suc-
cess of the salmon trout,which this specimen abundantly proves, there is
another interesting point to which I desire to call attention. Of the
two smolts caught in the estuary of the Derwent in the end of October
last year (that is at the very same season at which this specimen has
been taken from the pond) one was sent to England and pronounced by
Dr. Gunther to be an abortive salmon trout, the other was kept here,
and is now before you. Upon comparing these specimens, you will find
that the salmon trout smolt from the pond at the Plenty, though a
healthy, well-fed, well-shaped, silvery fish, is not one-fourth of the weight
of its abortive brother, and they exhibit other differences which make it
difficult to believe that they are identical in species. During the last
fortnight the parent salmon trout, unhappily reduced in number to 11,
and which first assumed the smolt livery three years ago, have exhibited
marked restlessness at their forced detention, swimming round and round
their pond, seekmg an outlet, and even throwing themselves out of the
water at the lower grating in such a determined manner as to render it
necessary to increase the height of the guard to prevent their escape."

A list, in course of publication by Mr. Legrand, of 42 new species of
Tasmanian land shells, principally discovered by him, was laid on the
table for inspection. Accompanying and illustrating the list was a series
of lithographs, exquisitely rendered by Mrs. Forde and Miss Scott, of
Sydney.

A very beautiful collection of roses, comprising thirty-two named
varieties, from the Society's Gardens, was exhibited, and was examined
with much interest by the Fellows. Mr. Abbott mentioned that the
Gardens now contained about one hundred and fifty varieties of this
flower.

After some conversational discussion, the usual vote of thanks having
been accorded to the authors of papers and the donors of presentations,
the meeting terminated.

54

NOTES OF AN EXCURSION TO CUALMINGS'S HEAD
AND THE FALLS OF THE MEANDER, ON THE
WESTERN MOUNTAINS, TASMANIA.

By W. Archer, F.L.S.

Accompauied by a friend and two servants I started on the
morning of May lOtli, 1818, for an excursion to Cummings's
Head, a spur of the Western Mountains near Cheshuiit, with
the intention of visiting the falls of the Meander River, which
I had seen before in the summer, when a mere silvery thread
of water was all of them that was visible. We hoped at this
season to find a large stream flowing over the dark basaltic
rocks of the mountain side. Our provisions consisted of 411j.
of cold meat, 1211). of bread, 31b. of rice, 5ib, of sugar, and
|lh. of tea ; and we took with us an opossum-skin rug, a pair
of blankets, and a light tent weighing 3fib. — besides the
usual accompaniments of matches, knives, tomahawk, &c.

At the foot of the mountain we first passed through a gum-
tree forest, with a thick underwood of " native hop " or
"bitter leaf" (Daviesia latifolia), mixed with the "native
indigo plant (Indigofera tinctoria), the " clover tree " (Goodia
lotifolia), red and white Epacris (Epacris imjyressa) , "prickly
beauty " {Fiiltencea juniperina), the common " fern " {Pteris
aquilina, var. esculenta), and other less conspicuous plants, all
destitute of flowers at this season ; and then entered a dense
thicket composed for the most part of " musk- wood " {Euryhia
argopliylla), " dog- wood " {JPomadenns apetalci) " daisy-tree "
{Euri/Ua \lirata), "stink- wood" (Zieria laiiceolata), "fern-
trees " (^DicJcsonia antarciica), and the common " fern " 6 and
7 feet high — growing beneath gigantic trees of " stringy-bark "
{Eucalyptus rohastd), "white-gum" {Eucalyptus mminalis)
"blackwood" (Acacia melanoxyloii), and "silver wattle"
{Acacia deaThata) — and rendered almost impenetrable by
the huge trunks and branches of fallen gum-trees, and a
net-work of nettles (JJrtica incisa), with the rope-stemmed
Clematis {Glematis coriaceci) and Lyonsia {Lyonsia straminea),
here and there, stinging our hands and faces, or tripping us
up as we scrambled and cut our way through the entangled
mass of vegetation. To the right of our track were some
many-crowned fern-trees (Dicksonia antarctica), one with about
thirty crowns — a wonder of the vegetable world, — and some-
what further on we came to a white-gum tree of enormous
height, towering far above the surrounding forest, and rising
to an altitude of some 300 feet, with a trunk about 40 feet in
circumference at a height of 4 feet from the ground, tapering

55

very gradually up to the first branches, fully 150 feet from the

base.

At the height of 500 feet from the plain — about 1,400 feet
above the level of the sea — plants which grow to a height of
30 feet on the low ground are dwarfed down to shrubs.
"Native box" {Bursaria spinosd), for example, is here a
thorny little shrub a foot to 18 inches high, and the small-leaved
Coprosma {Coj^rosma micropliylld), is reduced from 12 to 2
feet in height. At an elevation of 2,000 feet above the sea,
the character of the vegetation is altered considerably, and
the gum-trees lose the straightness and slenderness of their
branches, and their now spreading tops approach the ground
more closely. The " waratah " {Telopea truncatci), 3 feet
high, and *' wax-cluster plant " {Gaultheria liispidci), 2 feet
high, grow here among the rocks ; and a little higher up the
pretty little Tetracarpsea {T. Tasmanicd) makes its appear-
ance. Huge masses of rock, detached from the crags above,
are now met with, and the shrubs and trees have a somewhat
battered and straggling form, until the summit is reached,
when they are found to assume a dwarfed and more compact
appearance.

On reaching the summit, we rested for awhile from our
labours, and ate our dinners, water being found in a little hole
which I had previously dug beneath a dripping rock. Before
starting again, my friend and I clambered to the very apex of
Cummings's Head, where there is a little plateau of a few
yards square. From this sj)ot, situated at the brink of a
terrific precipice, there is a wondrous view of the country
lying to the west, north, and east, including the towns of
Deloraine and Westbury in the middle distance, and the
northern line of coast as far as the eye could reach to the
eastward, and for a considerable distance to the westward,
until shut out by Mount Roland and other intervening
mountains. Wishing to get the bearings of some of the princi-
pal mountain peaks, and especially of Quamby Bluff", rising in
solitary grandeur on the east, I placed my compass on one of
the rocks of the plateau, — when, to my great surprise, the
bearing indicated was due west instead of due east; audit
turned out that the local attraction was so great that the
points of the compass were all reversed as long as the compass
remained in direct contact with the rock. On removing it
from the rock, and raising it to the height of three feet above
it, I found the bearings restored to their true position. This
fact shows how careful explorers should be in availing them-
selves of commanding points for the purpose of fixing the
positions of their camps of rest or observation ; or the routes
to be taken in order to reach other localities. AVe now

56

descended about 400 feet, to a plain lying between the beads
or sources of two rivulets, one flowing to the east and entering
the Meander, just above Archer's Sugarloaf, and the other
flowing to the north-west into Dale Brook, near Gibson's
Sugarloaf.

Upon this plain are found the large " mountain ranunculus"
{Ranunculus Gunniamis), with its bright, varnished yellow
flowers, purple underneath, and much-divided leaves, and the
curious little " Caltha" (C introloha) both found also on the Vic-
torian Alps by Dr. Mueller, — a little yellow-flowered " Stack-
housia" {S. 2^ulvinaris), occurring also on the Gipps Land
mountains, — a prostrate little Pultenaea (P. fascicularis)^
gathered also on the Cobberas Mounts in Victoria,— the singu-
lar little Liparophjllum Gunnii, belonging to the Gentian tribe,
found nowhere else in the world, small large-flowered plants of
the " mountain gentian " {Gentiana montana), found also on
the mountains of Victoria, New South Wales, and South
Australia, — the WiilQMitrasacme Arc]ieri,iovi^2^ nowhere else, —
Euphrasia alpina, striata, and cuspiclata, the first found on
Mount Kosciusko in New South Wales, and on the Cobberas
Mountains in Victoria, a most singular little plant — and the
last nowhere but on the Western Mountains, Mount Sorell,
and Mount La Perouse in Tasmania ; besides several other
plants peculiar to mountainous localities, and some that are
found also on the plains, such as the common "tea- tree'*
{Leptospennum lanigfirum) which grows here in thickets to the
height of 12 to 15 feet.

We erected our light tent — made of unbleached linen, and
enclosing a space of six feet by six feet and a half — and leav-
ing the servants to procure a large supply of dry fire-wood
for consumption during the long and cold night, made our
way down the valley of the eastern rivulet. After descending
about 200 feet to a spot where the rocky sides of the valley
rise steeply from each bank of the stream, we came to fine
specimens of different species of the largest kinds of " moun-
tain pine " — as I generally call it, — Atlu^otaxis cupressoidesy
selaginoides and laxifolia, — and also the "celery- topped pine "
Fhyllocladus rliomhoidalis, which occurs also on the Meander
near Cheshunt. Here were also many beautiful and rare mosses,
clothing or fringing the rocky margins of the brook ; here I
found a pretty white violet, — found also in New Zealand, —
Viola Cunnmgliamii ; here, straggling among the rocks, is
Decaspora disticha, with its little clusters of purplish berries.
Having gazed our fill at the rare and noble trees and curious
alpine plants around us, and made a collection of botanical
specimens, we returned to our tent.

One side of the tent being left open towards the large fire,

57

we passed a comfortable night, sleeping on a bed of tea-tree
branches, with our feet towards the blaze, and only waking
when the diminished heat warned some one of us to put on more
wood. The coldest part of the night was— to use the words
of a well-known song — " 2 o'clock in the morning,'' owing
partly, I suppose, to the fire having died down at about that
hour.

We started very early next morning in a direction nearly
due south, in order to skirt a rocky gully, the hidden source of
Dale Brook, and then crossed a plain in a south-easterly
direction. On our way we passed through a large quantity of
the mountain Bellendena (B. montana), a handsome glaucons-
leaved small shrub, with pointed spikes of cream-colored
flowers, followed by reddish-brown pods, — an alpine form
of that very graceful branched fern, GleicTienia dicarpa, — ■
the pretty and rare Eurylia abcordota, only found on the
Tasmanian mountains, with its wedge-shaped leaves, toothed
at the apex, and daisy-like flowers, — the bright " green
cushions," bespangled with the disproportionately large
berries of the tiny Pernettya Tasmanica, a plant of the heath
tribe, found only on the mountains of Tasmania, — and the
beautiful little Gaidtheria antipoda, not found anywhere else
in Australia, but occurring on lofty mountains of the Middle
Island, New Zealand, — the cider- tree {Eucahjpus Gunnii), —
and many other rare and interesting plants. On the plain
just mentioned we found a small group of the cypress-like
*• mountain pines" (Athrotajcis cupressoides), with a ragged
and broken-down appearance. Shortly after passing them
we began to ascend the western end of the Ironstone Moun-
tain range, and came upon a kind of saddle between the trigo-
nometrical station and " West Bastion Bluff." Here we
found that curious little coniferous plant, Microcachrys
tetragona, lying, here and there, perfectly flat on green-
stone rocks, whose surfaces were nearly level with the ground ;
and then, keeping too much to the left, we passed through
or over an underwood of a dwarf pine, about four feet high, —
which attains to the height of ten feet in very sheltered
situations — called Diselma Archeri, with many straggling
branches so close to the ground, that if one put one's foot
between instead of on them, one's progress became slow and
exceedingly laborious. My friend, who did not succeed well
in making his way through them, on coming up to me,
botanising while waiting for him, requested me particularly
to tell him the name of the plant, " in order," as he said,
*' that he might hate it all his life."

Looking from the top of West Bastion Bluff we saw Lake
Lucy Long— a somewhat appropriate name— extending in a

lengthened, narrow sheet of water to the westward, on the
plain below. Far away to the soutli-west the Frenchman's Cap
stood up against the horizon, and to the southward lay the
Lakes Augusta and Ada, and the other waters of the Nineteen
Lagoons. Turning to the lel't after leaving the saddle, and
skirting the upj)er part of Ironstone Mountain, we proceeded
nearly in the direction of the Split Rock trigonometrical
station, passing over ground covered with Astelia aljjiiia, and
soon came to a small lake, which proved to be Lake Meander,
the chief source of the Meander River.

Leaving Lake Meander, with its bright and pellucid water,
and scrambling down the bed of a rivulet running to-
wards the east, we soon found ourselves at the brink of a vast
precipice, over the face of which the water of th*^ rivulet was
falling in ar long silvery sheet, frayed at the edges into foam
and liquid ravellings, and plashing into a nearly circular
basin. Before us lay, in grand ruggedness and con-
fusion of huge crags and great bare patches covered with
rocks and stones, interspersed with lines and clumps of
small trees and straggling shrubs fighting a hard battle of
life for bare existence, the immense gorge at the bottom of
which the rapid and winding Meander rushes along its sound-
ing course to the plains below. This gorge extends upwards
beyond " The Falls " for about a quarter of a mile, and termi-
nates in a short curve where a stream runs under rocks from
a pretty, little shallow lake, not far off, which I named " Lake
Pediluvium," for a reason v/hich can be as well imagined as
described. From the cliff, to the westward of the end of the
gorge. The Falls looked like a tiny thread of silver, suspended
from the brink of the precipice above, and we could not hear
the noise they produced, after our rough scramble down the
rocks and through the shrubs at the end of the gorge, until
we were within about fifty yards of the pool into which the
water tumbled after its gigantic leap.

On viewing The Falls from the front they had the appearance
of an unbroken descending line ; but, on moving to the right
or left, it became evident, at once, that they consisted of two
parts separated by the basin which we had seen from the
summit of the rocks. When standing close to the foot
of the lower fall the effect was very grand, as the broken sheet
of bright water, splashing, foaming, hissing, rent into a
thousand fragments, then united, fell in a continuous torrent
at our feet, just, in a word, as "the water comes down at
Lodore."

One of my companions mounted to the summit of the
lower fall, close to the basin, which we had seen from
above, somewhat of a circular outline, and found it to

59

be about 100 feet across. From thence lie let fall a
stone, attached to a ball of twine, until it reached the foot
of the lower fall. On measuring the length of this line after-
wards I found it to be 150 feet. Judging bj this ascertained
height, the upper fall must have been fully 200 feet high, —
making 350 feet in all.

After refreshing ourselves, and dividing our provisions into
equal shares, in readiness for such emergencies as being lost,
or being the victim of hungry companions, we started on our
way homewards.

A little way above the Meander on the left bank, to which
we had crossed immediately after leaving " The Falls," a fine
specimen of the mountain pine called Athrotaxis selaginoides
met our view. It was covered with its small cones just ripe,
and afforded a rich harvest to one of my companions, who was
on the look-out for such treasures. A little higher up the
pretty Pimelea sericea occurs, a small shrub, with very pale
green leaves, smooth above and covered beneath with long,
silky hairs, and bearing (in December) rather large heads of
flowers. Passing through a grove of small gum-trees, (?)
Eucalyptus coccifera, and leaving the eastern bluffs of Ironstone
Mountain on the left, we had to scramble across a plateau of
great rocks, like those near the summit of Mount Wellington,
with deep caverns beneath them into which there was much
risk of falling, and then found ourselves on a plain sloping
gently towards the river on our right, and dotted with small
gum-trees and various shrubs. Here we pitched our tent near
a bright lil tie rill, many of which flowed across the plain.

Next morning, pursuing our way nortliwards,we found a large
patch of Coprosma oiitida, a kind of " native currant," — as it is
absurdly called, merely on account of the colour of its fruit, —
thickly covered with its shining, crimson berries. It occurs
also on the Bau-Bau Mountains of Victoria. On the plateau
of the mountain above us may be found another and much
smaller species, {G. pumild) which is found on the Bau-Bau
and Cobberas Mountains of Victoria. Two much larger species,
— G. liirtella with much larger berries and leaves, and G. Bil-
lardieri with berries and leaves smaller, — grow on the lower
ground, the latter being very common in some localities. The
berries of all the species named have a similar and by no means
pleasant flavour.

By the side of a murmuring rivulet which we now crossed,
were growing some beautiful plants of Athrotaxis laxifolia with
its graceful pyramidal form, and delicate branches covered with
bright yellowish-green leaves, only long and spreading enough
to give the branchlets a somewhat serrated appearance, as they
waved in the breeze. The Athrotaxis previously mentioned

60

(A. selaginoides), with loi ger and more spreading, prickly
leaves, is more prized in England than this species ; but I
think this is the more elegant of the two. The third species
{A. cuprcssoides) is a much more sombre tree, with smaller and
blunter leaves closely appressed to the branchlets. All the
species are, I believe, peculiar to Tasmania.

Among the many shrubs through which we now walked
and, sometimes, struggled, may be mentioned JPersoonia
Gunnii, with its olive-shaped leaves and black sloe-like fruit, —
Orites revolitta, Decaspora thymifolia, Tetracarpoea Tasmanicay
^i^;•yJm^Ji?^^/bZm, with itspungent leaves, — Ozothamnus Hooker i^
and Boeckia Gunniana. Above us, at a height of about 400
feet, was the summit of the mountain, to which we clambered
by a sinuous course over the loose stones, taking care not to
move until we were all proceeding in the same direction, in
order to avoid rolling down the stones on each other. Arrived
at the tolerably level ground above, covered here and there
with flat rocks, or with great stones among the smaller shrubs
and grass, we could see Cummings's Head to the northward,
while the Ironstone Range, with its trigonometrical station
and its " Bastion Bluffs," lay to the south-west, behind our
left shoulder.

"The cider-tree " {Eucalyptus Gimnii) was plentiful on the
stony rises, and various alpine shrubs grew beneath its shade,
or on the open ground. Sp)rengelia montana and Cystanthe
sprengelioides, — both of the Epacris tribe, the latter closely
resembling Sprengelia incar7iata,h\xt with the peculiar calyptrate
flowers of the genus Cystanthe, — are found here. Here are the
" green cushions," already mentioned, so well-known to moun-
tain excursionists, at first sight appearing to be composed of one
plant only, but proving, on examination, to combine four or
five ; for instance, Scleroleima Forsteroides and Pterygopappus
Jjawrencii, both plants of the Composite Tribe, — Coprosma
pumila, of the Madder Tribe, — Bernettya Tasmanica, of the
Heath Tribe, and Oreololus Fumilio, a cyperaceous plant, are
all found densely packed together in a green, rounded mass,
dotted here and there with the drupes of the Coprosma, and the
berries of the Bernettya, or powdered lightly with the tiny
flowers of the various plants composing it. The little Hubus
Gunnianus, of the Rose Tribe, with cream-coloured, bramble-
like flowers, followed by blackberry-like fruit of good flavour,
occurs in dry sandy spots ; the common burr {AccBna
^aiujuisorhcB), of the same tribe, exhibits its patches of pretty
green, wrinkled leaves, smaller and more wrinkled than those
of the variety on the low ground ; EuryVia persoonioides and
E. alpina of the Composite or Daisy-flowered Tribe, — thrown
together into one species by Bentham, but differing in some

61

important particulars, — are seen, often close together,witli their
leaves, dark green and glossy above, and covered with densely-
packed hairs beneath, — the flower-heads (daisy-like flowers so-
called) of the former being several together on long slender
stalks, while the latter bears single, larger heads of flowers,
on short, stout stalks ; Boronia rhomhoidea and B. pilosa,
with their pretty, pinkish, four-petalled flowers, and
leaves smelling like Eue ; the little Mountain Sun-
dew {Brosera Arcturi), found also in Australia, New-
Zealand, Europe, Africa, &c., with its largish, white flower, —
and the tiny Claijtonia australasica, of the Purslane
Tribe, found also in New Zealand and America, — Nertera
depressa, a very small plant of the Madder Tribe, found in
Victoria on the Bau-Bau Mountains, and on the banks of the
Snowy Eiver, — Liparophyllum Gunnii, a little plant of the
Gentian Tribe, which occurs in Europe, &c., — Oarisia integri-
folia, of iJie Foxglove Tribe, a small plant, found likewise in
New Zealand, — the little ^Va>MQX-woxt (JJtricularia lateriflora),
— and some other small plants are to be found in wet places ;
Cryptandra aJpina, of the Buckthorn Tribe, — the curious little
Stackhousia pulvinaris, with its stamens, abnormally, of nearly
equal height, — the handsome great mountain Daisy (Celmisia
longifolia), the large mountain Bachelor's Button (Craspedia
monocepliala), — avarietyof C. Ricliea, iouwd alsoin south-eastern
Australia, — Craspedia aIpina,io\ind on Mount BuUer in Victoria,
— Baoulia catipes, of the Daisy-flowered Tribe, in whitish tufts,
— the mountain GnapJialium (G. coUinum, variety ononocepha-
lune,) — the minute Mitrasacme Archeri, the singular little
iPimelea pyqmoea, the remarkable little Rib-grass {Blantago
Archeri,) with its minute flowers and its leaves closely appressed
to the ground, and hairy on both surfaces, — all these occur,
here and there, with numerous other plants, over the area
between Cummings's Head and Ironstone Mountain. There is
also the extraordinary little Eyebright {Euphrasia citspidata)^
together with two other herbs of the same genus (C. alpina
and C. striata) — to be found on the little plain below the
summit of Cummings's Hd. to the southward. We noticed also,
between and among the rocky rises farther back, plants o^ Bis-
elma Archeri, and Microcachrys tetragona, together with Bodo-
carpus alpina, — all belonging to the Coniferous or Pine Tribe.
We returned to the summit of Cummings's Head, passing
through a wood of dwarfed Beeches, called Myrtle Trees,
{Fagus Cunninghamii), a little after noon ; and having eat n
our dinner and refreshed ourselves with bush-tea, and enjoyed
again the extensive view over the low country lying to the west-
ward, northward, and eastward, we descended the mountain,
and thus terminated a pleasant and most interesting excursion.

62

THE SUN AND ITS OFFICE IN THE UNIVERSE.

JReatl at a meeting of the Royal Spciety, Tasmania.

By F. Abbott, F.R.A.S., &c.

The Bim, to us, is not only the largest apparent star in the
universe, hat also the most brilliant, and that which exercises
over the earth the most dominant influences. It is from hiiu
that all the energies developed on the surface of the earth
incessantly flow, and are continually and successfully carried
on by the two hundred and thirty millionth part of the force
radiated, ^vhich is all the earth is able to receive of the sun's
rays. From him also, at epochs immensely distant from us,
the planets have been thrown out successively, at first in the
form of nebulous rings — agglomerations of matter which have
in the end become condensed, and now form the planets of our
system.

Compared with the mass of the earth, the mass of the sun
is only about 355,000 times as great although its volume is
1,4C 0,000 times larger, which indicates a less density. The
matter of which the sun is composed is found to weigh but
little more, volume for volume, than a quarter of that of which
our own globe is formed. To express the weight of the sun in
tons, by figures, would be useless — the number ranks among
those which express nothing to the mind.

The light and heat received by our earth from the sun being
taken as unity, the planet Mercury would be 6.673, and the
planet Neptune, 0.001. Mercury is, therefore, lighted and
heated nearly seven times as much as the earth ; and the
light and heat of the sun have an intensity 6673 times greater
on the planet Mercury than at the surface of Neptune, where
the apparent diameter of the solar disc is only Imin. 4sec.
To compare and know correctly the calorific and luminous
intensity of the sun at the surface of the different planets
of our system, we must be acquainted wdth the nature of their
atmospheres, and in what proportion the waves of light and
heat are absorbed, in passing through those gaseous envelopes.
Mercury, for instance, may have an atmosphere so dense that
the soil does not receive more of the sun's influence than the
soil of the earth.

It was in August, 1612, that Galileo wrote, in the second
of his three celebrated letters, concerning the spots on the
sun. " For the time to come," he says, " there will remain
to physicists a field for speculations about the substance and
manner of production of such vast masses as are the solar-
spots, concerning which problem I would not venture to affirm

63

anything." It is now more than two centuries and a half
since Galileo discovered the solar-spots, and astronomers and
physicists have speculated, and still speculate much to explain
the phenomenon.

If the body of the sun be observed with a powerful telescope,
the eye being properly protected, the enlarged image of the
disc will usually appear more or less sprinkled with sun-spots
— moveable belongings to the surface of the sun — which spots
greatly help the study of the physical constitution of our
luminary. The number of these spots follows a certain
periodicity, which helps to establish a most interesting cor-
relation between sun-spots and terrestrial magnetism.

When the sun-spots are observed with care during several
consecutive days, they are found to vary both in form and
position, amidst which variations there is one common and
progressive movement in the same direction, from which has
been deduced the rotation of the solar globe round an axis
passing through its centre. This movement takes place from
west to east, and fourteen days is the time during which
a spot remains visible, and fourteen days is also the period
which elapses between the diasppearance of a spot at the
western border, and its re-appearance on the eastern. A point
situated on the solar equator travels with a velocity of 4,560
miles an hour, or about 1| miles per second.

Sun-spots consist generally of one or more dark portions
called umlrcB, which appear black in comparison with the
luminous parts of the sun's disc ; around this dark portion
is a grey tint, furrowed with dark striae, this forms the
penumbra. The spots are frequently composed of several
umbra, inclosed in one penumbra, and sometimes the penum-
bra is not provided with umbrae. The penumbra frequently
reproduces the principal contours of the umbra, and often
presents a great variety of shades when examined with high
powers.

The dimensions of the spots are variable, and are sometimes
enormous ; Schroter measured one which he found equivalent
to sixteen times the surface embraced by a great circle of the
earth, equal to four times the entire superficies of our glob(5,
or more than 29,000 miles. Sir William Herschel, in 1779,
measured a spot consisting of two parts, the diameter of
which was not less than 50,000 miles. In August, 1839,
Capt. Davies measured a sun-spot 186,000 miles in its great-
est length.

According to Sir W. Herschel the surface of the sun is made
up of " corrugations." Mr. Nasmyth describes the surface as
having the appearance of " willow-leaves." Mr, Daws asserts
that these interstices differ greatly in form and size — some-

(J4

times resembling:,' an ill-sbaped arrow-head, at others an
irregular trapezium with rounded corners, and that they vary
so much in these particulars as to defy every attempt to
describe them.

To try and explain the phenomena, in such a manner that
they can be connected with the sun's physical constitution,
has been the employment of astronomers since the time of
Alexander Wilson in 1774, and the results arrived at are
such as to satisfy nearly all the conditions required : —

1st. There is a dark central mass.

2nd. There is a luminous stratum, or photosphere, en-
closing the former.

3rd. There is a vaporous envelope in which the two are
enshrouded, and which constitutes the real atmosphere of
the sun.

4th. Is an outer chromosphere, lying on the surface of the
luminous photosphere, enshrouding the whole, and through
which the solar-spots, of various magnitudes, can all be seen
during their formation.

Solar- spots are cavities, or openings of enormous size in the
photosphere, and are caused by a down-rush or in-rush of
outer vapour into the photosphere — or general plane of con-
densation for gaseous matter in the sun — which forms a cavity
from 20,000 to 40,000 miles deep. On the 29th of August last
I counted 42 of these spots, in three groups, on the surface
of the sun while taking a transit, and about the same period
there were brilliant displays of Aurora on three consecutive
nights. On the 21st September I counted upwards of 70 sun-
spots, the whole of which were immersed in the penumbra,
and on the same evening appeared a strong Aurora. Sun-spots
are now at a maximum, and Aurora disj^lays frequent.

On the 26th of September, in company with Mr. Eoblin, I
counted 43 sun-spots and ;penumbra, and there were auroral
displays on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th ; the 26th was cloudy.

The truth of Galileo's opinion that the solar-spots have
some relation to the planets has been verified, first by Schwabe
of Dessau, and after by Lamont at Monaco, who individually
found that the maximum and minimum of solar-spots, and of
the variation of the magnetic needle had each a period of
about ten years.

Contemporaneously with Lamont, General Sabine — who
together with Hanstein investigated terrestrial magnetism —
from observations made at two opposite parts of the globe
(Toronto and Hobart Town), accomplished for the perturba-
tion of the magnetic declination, what Lamont had done for
the variations was intensity, and proved that a lite period of
about ten years was found for both inclination and intensity.

65

This period, observed in all the magnetic elements, precisely-
corresponded with that discovered by Schwabe for the number
of solar-spots.

This isochronous periodicity has been further proved by
M. Gautier, of Geneva, and M. Wolfs, of Zurich, each un-
acquainted with the other's researches, and ignorant of the
observations of Sabine, Hanstein, &c.

Since these discoveries have been made, other relations of
a different kind have been found to exist between the solar-
spots and the position of other planets in the system ; not
only the number or mpgnitude of the spots, but their position
also is in part dependent on the places of the planets in space.
The belief that the earth is a great magnet is of very ancient
date, and the same power may be conceded to the other
planets as being governed by the same laws. This was the
opinion of Euler, Tobias Mayer, and Hanstein ; next came
Gaus, whose system of terrestrial magnetism was what Newton's
theory was to the solar system, as the law of magnetic force
varies in inverse ratio of the square of the distance — just as is
the case with universal attraction. The result of M. Gaus'
investigations was a close agreement between theory and
experiment.

There is, however, another phenomenon recognised in the
Aurora, which is found to be produced by electro- magnetism,
and is connected with the spots on the sun, their maxima
and minima corresponding in every case.

It will be remembered by many members of the Society that
on the 14th March, 1860, I had the honour to read, in connec-
tion with Colonel Broughton, E.E., a paper on " Atmospheric
Electricity." At that time solar-spots were at a maximum, and
there were some very beautiful displays of Aurora Austral is.
In the paper referred to I ventured on the following theory,
viz., that the rapid rotation of the earth on its axis engendered
a large amount of terrestrial magnetism at the poles, which
becoming connected with atmospheric electricity, produced the
beautiful corruscations which were then seen. My observations
were sent home by Dr. Milligan, and forwarded to Professor
Loomis, whose investigation of these and other records of the
same nature enabled him to trace a period of about ten years
for the maximum of sun-spots, of terrestrial magnetism, and
of auroral displays.

Soon after that paper reached London I received a compli-
mentary letter from a scientific meteorologist, who agreed
with everything it contained except the theory of theproduction
of the Aurora. Since that time, however, and onlv latelv
(December, 1869), Mr. Balfour Stewart, Director of Kew
Observatory, read a paper before the Koyal Afcitronoraleal

GQ

Society, on the auroral displays, between which and terres-
trial magnetism he traced a connection.

This, as a theory, however, has been known since the
time of Halley, who suggested that the ])henomenon might
be due to the' passage of magnetism, from one magnetic pole
to the other.

Although electro-magnetic power is so strongly developed
in the universe, science has not as yet discovered the office it
holds, or the part it plays iu the movements so well known
to be influenced by it. The dynamical theory, according to
Faraday and Professor William Thompson, rests on no physical
hypothesis whatever, but on the fact that forces emanate from
the poles of magnets in certain directions, which are called
lines of force, and occupy a magnetic field. If any body is
plunged \vitbiu this magnetic field, it disturbs or modifies these
Hues of force according to its nature. If magnetic it concen-
trates the lines, or draws them towards itself ; if diamagnetic
it causes them to diverge — thus originating attractive move-
ments for magnetic bodies, and repulsive ones for those that
are diamagnetic.

These two forces when applied to the sun, in the same way
that we apply the term " gravity," are each capable of pro-
ducing the same necessary consequences, both varying accord-
ing to the inverse square of the distance, a property belonging
to the law of nature, and which law is capable of being
expressed by other terms better known to possess forces than
the one in present use. The law of universal gravitation has
this inestimable advantage — it may be reduced to calculation,
and by a comparison of the results with observation, gives
a certain method of verifying the existence of some such
force.

To use the words of Laplace, and follow this motion from
the departure of a planet on its perihelion passage, " the
velocity is then at its maximum, and its tendency to recede
from the sun surpassing its gravity towards it, the planet's
radius vector augments and forms an obtuse angle with the direc-
tion of its motion. The force of gravity towards the sun,
decomposed according to this direction, continually diminishes
the velocity of the planet till it arrives at its aphelion. At
this point its velocity is at a niitiimum, and its tendency to
recede from the sun being less than its gravity towards it, the
planet will approach it, describing the second part of its
ellipse. In this part the gravity towards the sun increases its
velocity in the same manner as it before decreased it, and the
planet will arrive at its perihelion again with its primitive
velocity and re-commence a new revolution as before. It is

67

liiglily probable that this law extends from one planet to
another, and to every distance from the sun."

To my mind this explanation of a planet's revolution round
the sun requires the knowledge to be conveyed by some better
term, without relying on the prestige of a name. From the
various results obtained by analysis of the solar spectrum may
be found the different forces produced by electro-magnetism,
so abundantly provided for in the immense magnitude of, and
power derived from, the sun.

Of late years a much closer relationship between the sun
and the earth than was formerly supposed, has been proved
by means of the Spectroscope ; and we may consider that there
is a still closer analogy between our own and other planets, so
that as electric currents exist on the surface of the earth,
similar currents exist on the surface of the other planets and
of the sun. Venus, when in a crescent form, often appears
to be covered with a phosphorescent light in the dark part,
which indicates the presence of Auroras at the poles of that
planet.

The sun is known to have a mean density equal to that of
water, but not everywhere homogeneous or uniformly dis-
tributed. The radiation, therefore, to which the sun is sub-
jected must greatly disturb the distribution of caloric, and
develope a large amount of electricity, which is a perennial
source of heat and light. " This heating force," says Professor
Donatti, " which the sun produces through infinite space,
when it comes to be confined in the bowels of the earth, is
changed into that force ^which the magnet obeys; in this
ma,nner all motions are produced, whence arises heat, then
electricity, magnetism, and light, which when combined form
universal attraction, and eventually gravitation."

In solar chemistry, it is concluded with certainty, that in
the sun's atmosphere, at a distance from us of 91,328,600
miles, the burning heat is produced by substances, the follow-
ing of which have been found, viz., — calcium, barium, mag-
nesium, iron, chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, strontium, cad-
mium, cobalt, manganese, aluminium, titanium, and hydrogen.
The lines of all these substances have their dark representa-
tives in the sunlight, and are so characteristic and distinct
as to leave no doubt of their presence. Many metals still
remain undiscovered in the spectrum of the sun. There is
exhibited in London a chromo-lithograph, which contains five
hundred of Fraunhofer's dark solar lines, which, in all pro-
bability, have a representative in both the stellar and solar
spectrum. In the former, especially in southern climes, where
the atmosphere is clear, the stars are not all white ; here and
there may be seen, in beauteous contrast, richly coloured

08

gems, red, oranpfo, yellow, blue, green, pnrple, &c. ; many
of which are double stars exhibiting beautiful phenomena of
complementary colours — yellow and purple, pale green and
blue, orange and sea-green, yellow and sapphire blue, &c., &c.
Coloured stars are also seen, with a good telescope, in small
clusters invisible to the naked eye, such as I Crux, the area
occupied by this object is about one-forty-eighth part of a
square degree, and when viewed through an instrument of
sufficient aperture, the object is extremely beautiful, giving
the effect of a rich piece of fancy jewellery. Another such
cluster in the same neighbourhood, about half a degree from
■n Argus, the constituent stars of which are equally brilliant
and beautiful, is entered in the Cape observations as a neat
cluster, but the colours are not named. These stars, either
single, double, or in groups, are amongst the most beautiful
objects to be seen with the telescope in either hemisphere,
and when we consider that the colours of these stars are
all produced by the same substances which we are so familiar
with in the earth, we are taught that our knowledge of
the universe does not depend only on the power of large
telescopes, but that the human intellect may become familiar
"with things which the human eye cannot see.

It is known from various reasons that the stars are all suns,
more or less chemically composed like our own sun ; many
of them are variable, some are known to have disappeared,
and have not been seen since. Others, which before were
invisible, have appeared, and remained visible since. About
two years ago, there appeared a star of the ninth magnitude
in the Northern Crown that all at once put on an unusual
degree of brightness, and shone equal to a star of the second
magnitude. The light of this star was examined by spectrum
analysis, from which it was found to have been suddenly
enveloped by flames of burning hydrogen. When the hydro-
gen was all consumed, the photosphere became less luminous,
and the star returned to its former state.

The question which concerns us is, whether our sun is likely
to undergo such a sudden change. The most recent observa-
tions show us that masses of hydrogen gas, in combustion,
rise from the sun's photosphere many thousand miles in
vertical height, and constitute the red prominences seen in
total eclipses. If such should be the case with our sun —
which the prolonged stability of our system does not justify
ns in believing — two opposite effects might naturally ensue.
Either the cause which produces the gaseous evolution may
gradually diminish so as to lessen the heat radiation ; or
this cause may augment and increase the power of the central
fire : but in either case it is not certain that life would

69

become extinct, although the altered conditions might
gradually give rise to a new Fauna and Flora. We maj
then console ourselves without indulging in such flights of
imagination as those so fitly pourtrayed by Lord Byron in
his poem " Darkness " : —

" I had a dream, which was not all a dream.
The hright sun was extinguished, and the stars
Did wander darkling in eternal space,
Eayless and pathless, and the icy earth
Swung blind and blackening in the moonless air.
Morn came and went — and came, and brought no day."

In concluding this brief paper I will mention a subject
with which the Society is acquainted. Mr. Le Sueur, who
had charge of the large Melbourne telescope, in his report
to the Royal Society, London, — and contained in the Pre-
sident's address— makes the following statement relative to
the star and Nebula 77 Argus :— " The Nebula around 77 Argus,"
says Mr. Le Sueur, " has changed largely in shape since Sir
J. Herschel observed it ; I believe the Nebula lies nearer to
us than the fixed stars seen in the same field." Mr. Le Sueur
also states his belief that the star -n shines with the light of
burning hydrogen, and thinks that the star has consumed the
nebulous matter near iv.

Without endorsing this opinion of Mr. Le Sueur, it is
something to know that the fluctuations in the star r? and
its Nebula have another authority, notwithstanding there
is pending a correspondence on several questions set forth on
the altered features of v Argus with a view to obtain a
solution, and a closer agreement between the drawings made
at Hobart Town, and those made at the Cape of Good Hope,
and in India ; which, under the circumstances I believe to be
impossible, as no two very dissimilar instruments will show
nebulous matter alike— to detect small fluctuations will re-
quire patient watching over a length of time, with one and the
same instrument (a standard) similar to the 18-inch reflector
used at the Cape of Good Hope by Sir J. Herschel.

70

NOTES ON " THE CALIFORNIAN THISTLE."
By W. Archer, F.L.S.

The genus Carduus, as established by Liniia3us, consists of
what are called " True Thistles," with a hairy pappus or calyx ;
"Plume Thistles," with a feathery pappus or calyx.

Bentham, in his " Hand-book of the British Flora," follows
Linnaeus ; but some botanists class the " True thistles " under
the genus ' Carduus' and the " Plume thistles " under the
genus Cnicus or Clrsium.

The " Milk Thistle " (Carduus Ilarianus) represents the
" true thistles " in Tasmania, and the Carduus lanceolatus^ or
" Spear Thistle " (Cnicus lanceolaius, of " The British Flora,"
by Hooker and Arnott), the Plume Thistles. The " Spear This-
tle " of England is what is called in Tasmania " The Scotch
Thistle ;" but it is not by any means peculiar to Scotland.
(The Scotch heraldic thistle is the Onopordon acantMwni,
which is a native of central Europe and of Asia, but certainly
not a native of Scotland, according to Bentham.) The " Spear
Thistle " (Carduus or Cnicus lanceolatus) has a biennial root-
stock, which sends up for two years, (after which it dies),
annual stems, winged and prickly, with broadish, pinnatifid,
prickly -lobed leaves, and large, egg-shaped flower -heads,
enveloped in involucral, spreading bracts, with stiif, largish
prickles. The " Creeping Thistle " (Carduus or Cnicus arven-
sis) has a perennial and creeping root-stock, which sends up,
perpetually, annual stems, with rather narrow, pinnatifid, very
prickly-lobed leaves, and dioecious flower-heads {i.e., the males
on one plant and the females on another), — the male flower-
heads nearly globular, and the female flower-heads egg-shaped,
enveloped in involucral, appressed bracts, with small prickles.

Both the Spear Thistle and the Creeping Thistle are found
abundantly in Europe and Asia. The Spear Thistle is, of
course, the more easily destroyed of the two. The Creeping
Thistle seems to be quite ineradicable.

The Creeping Thistle is mentioned by Professor Johnston
as being called in the United States of America the " Cana-
dian Thistle," — probably because it travelled thither from
Canada ; and so, I suppose, the same thistle is called here the
*' Californian Thistle " because it has come to us from Cali-
fornia. It is nevertheless the " Creeping Thistle " of Great
Britain, — and it never quits a country into which it has been
introduced.

METEOROLOGY FOR JANUARY, 1870.

Private

Observatory, Horart To-wn.

Bar. 37 feet

">j

ibv. sea level

Self-Registering

Wind.

.§ 12 a

corrected &

Thermometers.

1 ^^ g

reduced.

B

1

o

1

1

1
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1

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1

30-032

29-999

71

50

115-0

46-5

NW SE SW

104

2

29-971

29-829

70

51

117-0

48-5

NW SE

1-30

3

29-657

29-320

86

58

122-5

560

NWENW

1-04

4

29-570

29-460 83

50

1080

47-5

SW

8-33

1-71

^ g>o^^ i

5

29-665

29-650

j70

51

116-0

510

NW

1-04

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6

29-657

29-617

!69

54

113 0

51-0

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3-12

2 oS§^ 2

7

29-837

29-710

67

47

107-5

44-5

NW SW

3-64

- Sg-gl =

8

29-433

29-317

68

48

no-0

46-5

NE W

10-41

-1 fill 1

9

29-665

29-583 66

48

103-0

470

NW W SE

1-56

'0-06

10

29-684

29-504 76

49

106-0

43-5

NW SE NW

1-30 0-02

•s ^ 3^ -3

n

29-769

29-617

73

55

116-0

52 0

NW SE W

104

M g o 5j 2

12

29-671

29-46J

99

55

75-5

54-0

NW SE

-26 0-29

13

29-540

29-483

62

51

67-0

49-0

S SE

-52 1-53

14

29-954

29-842 64

48

108-0

46 0

SESW

1-30

0-14

15

30-094

30 070 63

48

110-0

45-0

SW SE

104

16

30-107

29-935 68

46

108-5

43-0

NE SE

1-30

17

29-826

29-795 69

55

114-0

52-5

SE

1-04

S -isso 2

18

29-535

29-240 82

58

122-0

55 0

NW

26-56

19

29-765

29-575 78

53

106 0

47 0

NW SW NW

7-80

20

29-977

29-800 69

55

112-5

50-0

NWSWW

1-04

3 :5^2« 1

21

30 090

30 049 '76

45

112-0

42-5

NW SE

1-30

22

30-076

29-89177

53

120-0

49-0

NWSE

1-04

M « S 2 rS

23

29-810

•29-683 99

58

138-0

54-5

NWW

104

24

29-852

29-817 78

61

99-0

59-5

SE

104

25

29-663

29 -604 '69

60

90-0

59 0

ESE

■52

0-74

^ I'^'l 5

26

29-874

29-684167

49

109-5

46-5

swsw

1-04

0-05

27

29-842

29-715 i66

46

101-0

44-0

NW

-78

.sal-"b§ i

28

29-870

29 -736 '67

54

95-0

49-0

SW SE

-78

sPlsl i

29

29-926

29-779 78

54

119-5

51-5

NWW

5-99

0-03

|||^;rs«s

30

29-879

29-871 75

53

86-0

46-0

NW

3-38

31

30-101

30-091 66

46

1080

44-5

NW SE

1-04

«> 3 03 S ■=« « o <u

S3 .S r> U

Monthly mean 62

62

107-60

49-08

Total Force . .

92-63

4-57

29-758 '

Leafing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a few Standard Plants in the Royal Society's
Gardens during the month.
1st. — First apricot (royal) gathered.
8th.— Gre-vdlea robusta in full flower.
9th. — Jargonelle pear ripe.
12th. — Mulberries commencing to ripen.
14th. — Veronica angustifoUa in fuU flo-wer.

Barometer mean, 29 758 in., being 0 031 in. above the average.

Temperature mean, 62 62', being 0-2-2° below the ditto.

Solar intensity mean, 107 60°, being 2-04' below the ditto.

Dew point mean, 49-0°, being 1-55' below the ditto.

Humidity of air mean, 64, being 03 per cent, below the ditto.

Elastic force of vapour mean, 361, being 012 per cent, below the ditte.

Total amount of rain, 4-57in., being 3-21in. above the ditto.

Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rain faU, 0-23in.

Mean amount of ozone, 5 85, being 102 of chromatic scale below ditto.

Electricity active on the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 14th, I7th, 19th,
20th, 21st, and 29th.

Hot wind on the 3rd, followed by thunder, lightning, and rain. Hot wind on the
18th. FRANCIS ABBOTT.

u.

METEOROLOGY FOR FEBRUARY, 1870.

Private

Observatory, Hobart Toy

Bar. 37 feet

abv. sealevel

corrected &,

reduced.

Self - Register-
ing Thermo-
meters.

Wind.

4

6

Si

S3

o

1

1

a
c

1

5

1

3

a
1

a

i
1

1

ft

m

p. .

a
a

1

In.

In.

0

o

,

o

1

30 121

29 936

82

55

1210

54-5

NW SW SE

•78

2

20-849

29-807

77

59

118-0

58-0

NW SE

6-25

3

29 830

29-752

73

60

1120

59-0

ESEE

104

4

30-239

30-213

68

46

106-0

43-5

SWSE

1-04

5

30 197

29-909

82

49

1160

47 0

NW NE SE

104

6

29-941

29-865

74

50

61-1

55-0

SE

2-82

0-03 ^

7

30-178

30-158

65

43

1050

40-5

NW SE

104

8

30142

30 057 70

47

110-0

45-0

NW SE

1-30

9

30 076

30-063 65

54

89 0

50-5

NW SE

-78

10

30-063

29-955 63

55

72-0

54 0

NW NE NW

■78

n

29-706

29-421 82

54

1200

52-5

NW W

10-68

12

29-726

29-697 72

54

103-5

53-0

NW

5-72

13

29-821

29-805 75

58

1100

55-5

NW

1-30

14

30-032

29-924 77

47

110-0

45-5

NW SE

1-04

15

29-768

29-570 89

52

129-0

51-5

NW SE

1-30

16

29-902

29-763 81

54

1110

53-5

SE SW SE

-52

17

29-975

29-883

68

43

108-5

39 0

NW SE

1-30

18

29-684

29-548

81

49

1140

47-5

NW E

1-56

19

29-772

29-617

74

56

115-0

54-0

NW W

6-25

20

29-917

29-821

76

52

113-0

49-0

NW SE

1-30

21

29-879

29-520

92

54

130-5

48-0

NW

•52

22

29-735

29-606

87

57

91 0

57-5

NW

1-30

23

29-735

29-606

:69

49

1130

47-5

N SW NW

1-04

0-01

24

30-092

29-874

!76

45

110 0

42-0

NW SE

1-30

25

29-824

29-771

71

52

108-5

48-0

SW NW

•78

0-03

26

30-233

30-045

59

43

95 0

41-0

W SW

5-66

0-24

27

30 500

30-438

60

45

103 0

42 0

SE

1-30

0-04

28

30-455

30-361

69

42

106 0

39-0

NWSE

1-36

Monthly mean

63

45

107-36

45 46

Total Force ..

60-88

0 35 J

29-928 ' '

a -6

a 0-" 2?

11

a 5

c'C >-
* s Si

-•3S" g

g°t:2 %

r-( <u o ea "

rS O 55 ^ O

•S S .5 fl *-

rj 3 X <u a>

c8 a >H.a> fl

.^^-^

>?^ •:§

mi's

5 g^-d

05

a

«.2 8^ 1

5 -o

3 « 03

' ;!!.a «^ §

d (D o ^ 0) o a>

Leafing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a fexo Standard Plants in the Royal Society's
Gardens during the month.
1st — Kerry pippin apple commencing to ripen.
2nd — Windsor pear ditto ditto.
4th — Bon Chretien pear ditto ditto.
6th— Greengage plum ditto ditto.
15th — Common ash commencing to shed seed.
18th — Common Sycamore ditto ditto.

Barometer mean, 29 928 in., being 0-097 in. above the average.

Temperature mean, 63 45°, being 1-57° above the ditto.

Solar intensity mean, 107-36°, being 0 51° belo-n: the ditto.

De-w point mean, 48-2°, being 2 35° below the ditto.

Humidity of air mean, -62, being •OS per cent, belo-w the ditto.

Elastic force of vapour mean, •355, being ^019 per cent, below the ditto.

Total amoimt of rain, 0-35in., being l-34in. above the ditto.

Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rain faU, 4-97in.

Mean amount of ozone, 6 37, being 0 64 of chromatic scale below ditto.

Electricity active on the 4th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 20th, 2l9t,
23rd, 25th, and 2Sth.

Strong Aurora Australis with frequent erratic meteors on the 1st. Wind strong from
N.W. and S.E. during the month. FRANCIS ABBOTT.

111.

REMARKS ON OBSERVATORY RECORDS, WITH HEALTH REPORT
FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY, 1870, AND A COMPARISON OF
THE VITAL STATISTICS OF 1869, WITH THOSE OF PREVIOUS
YEARS. BY DR. E. SWARBRECK HALL.

The only striking variations from the usual January weather to be seen in
the table are — First, the deficiency of ozone, the amount being much below
the January average, and less than for any of the previous twelve years re-
corded ; second : Windforce was much above the average with a great pre-
dominance from that point of the compass, N.W., most adverse to health;
third : though the temperature mean was not in excess, the extreme range in
the month was greatly so ; feurth : Rainfall was most advantageously above
the average, only one January in the twenty-nine years recorded having a
greater fall, i.e., 1849, with the small superiority of four-hundreths of an inch.
On the other hand humidity mean was considerably below the average. The
electrical condition of the atmosphere recorded shows nothing inimical to
health, the positive indications as well as the tension, being an usually fair
proportion of the whole. The Hobarton district deaths this month, so far
recorded, 64, are 15 above the average of the previous 13 years, 23 more than
1869 had, and considerably higher than any year since 1860, when 72 deaths
occurred. 1858, the highest of the 13, having had the maximum 74, and 1864
the minimum 24. This excessive mortality was not owing to the prevalence
of any epidemic disease, and it fell heaviest on adults and very aged persons.
Of the 64 deaths, 19 only were under one year old, while 1860 had 28, and
1858 had 32. From 1 to 5 years old the present January had only 3 deaths,
while 1860 had 7, but 1858 had 10, From 5 to 20 years old the deaths were
3, while 1860 had 7, but 1858 3 only also. From 20 and all ages above the
deaths were 38, while 1860 had only 30, and 1858 only 29. Above 60 years
old January, 1870, had 17 deaths, 1860 only 9, 1858 only 8. December, 1869,
however, had 6 deaths less than the December average, while December, 1859,
had 17 more than the average, and December, 1857, 3 more.

The Hobarton Registration District had the smallest number of deaths,
for the whole year of 1869, than any of the previous twelve, the number
being only 472, while the average of the previous 12 is 568, and the
least in the numbei', 492 in 1865. This is without reference to the
increase annually of the population by excess of births over deaths.
For the whole of Tasmania, too, the registered deaths, 1335, were
the fewest in proportion to population, being 129 less than 1868 had,
and 107 less than the average of the previous twelve years. 1869 was
entirely free from epidemic diseases. Estimating the population of all Tas-
mania at 100,000, the death rate would be about 13 ^ per 1000 per annum.
The death rate of England and Wales is about 22 per 1000, and the Registrar-
General of England considers 17 per 1000 a nominal death rate. So favourable
a condition of health cannot be expected to continue long in Tasmania, seeing
how wide-spread is the neglect of vaccination and other hygienic measures,
which most civilised communities elsewhere are so energetically enforcing.
The homely adage, " a stitch in time may save nine," is particularly ap-
plicable to Tasmania.

The deaths in February, registered up to the 6th March inclusive, were 48,
being 6 6-13ths below the February average of the previous thirteen years.

METEOROLOGY FOR MARCH, 1870.

Private Obsbkvatohy, Hobart Town.

g

Bar. 37 feet

abv. sea level

Self-Registering

Wind.

corrected iz

Thermometers.

reducetl.

6

'a

Si

w

»

■s

a

CO

0)

a

pa

.s
1

1

CO

111

0)

-s

a

M

.3

^

1

f

1

is

is*

a

O

rt

3

3

3

ft

3

P^

In.

In.

0

0

1

30-394|,30-195

76

45

1160

41-5

NW SE

1-28

2

30-02 5 2.VS07 79

52

1200

49 0

NW SE

1-28

3

29-829I29775 79

50

1170

47-0

NWSE

1-28

4

29-868 129-787 73

56

noo

55-5

NW

1-60

5

30 124

29-982 6<)

49

1060

44 0

SW

5-72

6

29-992

•29-863 iio

43

106-0

41-5

WNW

8-33

7

30-245

30 160 66

46

105-0

44 0

NW SW SE

1-04

8

30-330

30-344 67

40

106-0

37 0

NW SE

104

9

30-317

30-184 67

43

102-0

40-0

NW SE

1-04

10

30-184

30-124 64 56

71-5

55-5

SW SE

-78

n

30-437

30 181 61 51

81-0

48-5

SW SE

-52

0-07

12

30-335

30-308 60 52

70-0

51-0

NW E

•52

13

30-363

30-311 65 51

104 0

49-5

NW SE

1-04

0-04

14

30-344

30-259 73 47

115-0

44 5

NE SE

1-30

15

30-239

30-185 72 46

112-5

41-5

NWSE

1-04

16

30-2-25

30-193 72

54

108-5

50-5

NW SE

-78

17

30-230 30171 83

53

120 0

50-5

NWSE

10-4

18

30-200

30-008 81

54

117 0

51-5

NW

■78

19

29-963

29-902

76

50

74-0

52-5

NW

•26

0-75

20

30-222

30-142

75

50

94-0

49-0

SE

3-33

21

30-293

30-267

62

51

1040

46-5

SE

1-30

0-03

22

30-239

30-013

69

47

106-0

44-0

NWSE

104

23

30-230

30-175

62

53

64-0

540

SE

1-30 0-03

24

30-278

30-211

64

53

97-0

50-0

NWNE

-78

25

30-206

30-017

76

49

115-5

47-0

NW NE NW

-26

26

29-857

29-839

80

60

115-5

47-

NW SE

•73

0 02

27

30-300

30-230

67

49

104-0

43-5

SW SE

3-64

28

30-403

30-335

69

41

106-0

39 0

NW E

104

29

30-380

30-322

74

46

103-5

40-0

NW N SE

1-56

30

30-317

30-310

69

49

110-0

43-5

NWSE

1-04

31

30-349

30-324

63

54

92 0

50-5

SWSE

-52

Monthly mean

60-71

102-52

46-81

Total Force ..

47-33

0 94

301

77

/

o) o

ill

2? o ^ «

IH <u o cS

<« > " CO

ap -s'-a a ■

tc'o

O CD O >-!

» ^ ?J 3

<a S o c8

« 2i5 O

I ill 3

o>: So «

•2;2bo S
«S ■=* 43 o a>

Leafing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a few Standard Plants in the Royal Society's
Gardens during the month.
5th — Tips of hornbeam commencing to turn brown.
1 0th — Coe's golden drop plum ripe.
10th— Seckle pear ditto
12th— Tips of elm turning yellow.
16th— Horsechestnuts leaves turning brown
18th— Common ash leaves commencing to fall.
20th— Oak leaves ditto. Acorns ripe.

Barometer mean, 30 177 in., being 0 322 in. above the average.

Temperature mean, 60-71', being 0-95° above the ditto.

Solar intensity mean, 102-52°, being 0-77' below the ditto.

Dew point mean, 49-8°, being 0-58' above the ditto.

Humidity of air mean, -63, being -03 per cent, below the ditto.

Elastic force of vapour mean, -3u0, being -004 per cent, above the ditto.

Total amount of rain, OOlin., being 0-73in. below the ditto.

Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rain fall, 3-48in.

Mean amount of ozone, 6 87, being 0-14 of chromatic scale below the ditto.

Electricity active on the 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th, 13th, 20th, 22nd, 27th, 28th,29th.

Thunder, lightning, and rain on 20th.

A rich display of Aurora on the 22nd.

Aurora and Southern lights frequent. FRANCIS ABBOTT.

ANALYSIS OF OBSERVATORY RECORDS, WITH HEALTH REPORT
FOR MARCH. BY DR. E. SWARBRECK HALL.

More enjoyable weather than existed during this month could scarcely be
possible. Sunny, with moderate temperature, abundant and gentle ozone-
laden sea breezes, almost cloudless clear skies, with only one day of smart
rain and five others with sprinkling showers, formed altogether such genial
weather, that it well deserved the epithet of " heavenly " which our numerous
visitors from the Australian Continent and other less favoured climates so
rapturously affixed to it. Nevertheless most of the atmospherical phenomenon
varied greatly from the mean character of the month, as exhibited by the
Meteorological Records of the previous twenty-nine years.

Barometrical pressure mean exceeded the 25 years adopted standard average
by + -322 of an inch. Only once before in the previous 29 years had any
month of the twelve a higher mean, i.e., July, 1860, with 30-193 against
30177 of the present month. High barometrical pressure in Tasmania is
usually accompanied with a high death-rate, unless when counteracted by
other more favourable atmospheric influences, as it was in the present month.
Moreover, the extreme range of the pressure for the whole month was only '662
of an inch, being less than ever before recorded for March, while the minimum
29-775 was far the highest ever before registered. Only seven times during
the month did the range from noon to noon exceed a quarter of an inch, the
highest being a rise of + -433 on the 27th, which has been exceeded seven
times out of the previous nine years. The maximum record 30-437 on the
11th has been exceeded six times in the previous 29 years.

The Wind-force tot2i\, 47*33 lbs. was — 5*76 lbs. below the average for this
equinoctial month, but the falling off was entirely in winds from bhe points
of the compass (northerly) least favourable to health. Gentle health-bearing
sea breezes (southerly) prevailed to an unusual extent ; 5 out of the 93 records
being winds from south-east and south-west, and with one strong west wind,
having more than two-thirds of the total force, with only the one day referred
to on which the pressiire to the square foot amounted to 5-21 lbs. There
were only 18 calms registered being — 10-22 less than the March average.

Mean Temperature, 60-71 degrees, was less than one degree + 00*95) above
the March average. The extremes of the self-registering maximum and
minimum thermometers were respectively only 83 and 40, which have been
exceeded —in the one above, and in the other below— frequently. The highest
maximum for March being 99 in 1861, and the lowest minimum 38 in 1853,
1855, 1856. The daily range, however, was slightly (+ 1*02) above the March
average, and with high atmospheric pressure and cold dry winds caused sonae
cases of inflammation of the air passages, catarrh, bronchitis, pneumonia
and croup, and had a fatal effect on long standing cases of pulmonary con-
sumption.

The mean of Solar Intensity, notwithstanding the great prevalence of sun-
shine and the very small average of cloudy days was slightly ( — "77) below
the average ; and the extreme record 120 degrees on 2nd and 17th has fre-
quently been much exceeded in former years.

Terrestrial-radiation mean 46-81 degrees, was — 1*34 below the average.

Elastic force of Vapour, 360, was + 4 above average, ranging from 217 to
534, and therefore adverse to health.

Humidity mean, 68, was only — 3 below the average, notwithstanding the
dry sunny days and small rain-fall, but then the night dews were heavy.

Rainfall, -94 of an inch was '73 less than the average, "75 of it fell on
one day, the 19th, with heavier thunder and more brilliant lightningt ban has
been experienced for a long time in Hobart Town. This down-pour had the
effect of cleansing the gutters, sewers, and drains of the city, which Avanted
it badly. February and IVIarch of this year conjointly have had less rainfall
than any February and March upon record.

Spontaneous Evaporation, 4-42, was not much in excess above the averages.

Cloud mean, 4-32, was — 1*10 less than the 25 years' average, only two
years in the previous 29 years had a smaller mean.

Ozone mean, 6*87, was only -26 below the average of the previous twelve
years, no year since 1862 having had so small a mean. With such a small

rain-fall a much greater depression might liave been expected, but fortunately
for the public health sea breezes made amends for it.

Electrkitii was never absent at any of the recording hours, but negative
greatly predominated.

Tlie Deaths during the month were 47, being — 7 ll-13ths less tlian the average
of tlie previous l."i years. Only March, 18G9, had a smaller number (42) and
the maximum was 73 in 18G4. Males were 26, females 21. Nine only were
under one year old, 3 only between 1 and 5. Four were between 5 and 20.
From 20 to 60 there were 14 deaths only, but from 60 to 93 there were 16.
At the Cascades Prison and Invalid Station 8 deaths took place, aged from 40
to 79 ; at the Brlckfidds Invalid Station, only one, aged 93. At the Hospital
there were 11 deaths, including two Inquest cases. Consumption caused 6
deaths, three being nati\es of Tasmania. No disease prevailed epidemically,
but a youth of 18 died from Typhoid or Pythogenic fever, but more impres-
sively designated " filth-fever " by the best sanitarians. From time to time
deaths from this preventible disease are occurring in Hobart Town, and will
continue to increase as the population becomes more aggregated, seeing how
the excreta of the inhabitants are allowed to decompose in the middle of our
habitations, and how insufficient is the system (if it deserves such an appella-
tion at all) of sewerage. Formerly Typhoid Fever prevailed largely at the
Queen's Asylum, at New Town, notwithstanding its incomparable site,
sanitorily considered, but then the cloacae were within the buildings, and
th ir contents were removed by drains which passed beneath the buUdings ;
now the cloacae are away from the buildings, and their contents are removed
almost daily. The dry earth conservancy would be a still greater improve-
ment. Hobart Town, with its privy cesspools saturating the surface soil, and
with its drainage channels in many places converted into receptacles for
human execreta and other decomposing refuse, so valuable for manure, wiU
ultimately become a perennial hot-bed for those zymotic diseases which prove
such a di'awback on the health of the towns and cities of the United King-
dom. Yet a more advantageous site for sanitary purposes, in one of the
naturally healthiest climates in the world, few cities can boast of.

METEOROLOGY FOR APRIL, 1870.

Private Observatory, Hobart Town.

Bar. 37 feet

abv. sea level

Self-Registering

Wind.

corrected &

Thermometers.

reduced.

S

6

ai

<D

S

p

a

i
1

1?

1

O

'Ul

1

1
"3)

1

o

it

a

fi

rt

^

B

h^

s

h^

Q

fH

M

~

In.

In.

o

1

30-264

30-150 76

47

120-0

44-0

NW SW

-52

2

30-211

30 183 69

49

106 0

47 0

NW SE

•52

3

30-278

30-248 75

54

109 0

46-5

AVSE

•52

4

30-278

.SO -253 71

50

108-0

46-0

NWSE

1-04

5

30-411

30-3S6 69

54

107-5

53-5

SWSE

1-04

6

30-317

30-069 77

54

lOS-5

51-5

NW

-52

7

30 010

29-939 78

59

109-0

57 0

NW

-78

8

29-965

29-927,72

54

64-5

58-0

SE

-20

0-56

9

30-102

30-090 58

49

66 0

47-0

S N NW

-78

10

29-829

29-673 71

53

107-0

50-0

NW SE

-52

0-50

n

29-918

29-724 67

54

105-0

53-5

NW

1-30

0-02

12

29-992

29-868 64

47

81-0

44-5

NW

1-04

13

29-866

29-646 62

53

69-0

53-0

NWSE

-26

0-25

14

30-033

29-994 59

52

61-5

51-5

SE

0-

0-03

15

30-176

30-129 59 53

84-0

51-5

SE

-78

0-16

16

30-132

29-9-20 61

52

64-0

52-0

SE

-26

1-45

17

29-818

29-700 69

59

72-0

59-0

SE NE

-26

0-15

18

29-826

29-771 62

55

65-0

55-0

NWSE

0-

0-94

19

29-990

-29-937 54

42

56-5

42-5

SES

1-30

20

30 060

29-998 57

46

64-0

41-0

SW SE

1-04

21

30-136

30-087 64

45

99 0

41-5

NW SE

1-04

22

30 061

29-830 57

43

66 0

37-5

NWNE

0-

23

29-632 29-585 62

48

101-0

43-5

NW SE S

-52

0-02

24

29 -895 129-580 56

47

94-5

42 5

SW

3-38

25

30-300'30-216 54

40

90 0

34-5

NW SW SE

1-04

0-01

26

30-397|30-3s6;54

50

59 0

44 0

SW SE

;.-26

27

30-371

30-306 159

49

89-0

46-5

SW SE NE

0-

0-02

28

30-247

30-126,59

45

90 0

42-5

NW SE

0-

29

29-940

29-868167

49

101-0

46.5

NW SE

-26

30

30-164

30 060

59

49

72 0

44 0

SE SW

1-30

0 14

Monthly mean

57-21

8613

47-57

Total Force . ,

21-32

4-25,

30 0

45

5 o-'^ *»

a 5

- *^ "O S "^

•o <N o S « >

eS T-H g o eS ~

^ > U „j «>

. e8 ft«

^ *3 es ti,^ a>

2 o « o <- 2

^ -g O aj s a

a ^-^^l -i

2S«'2

§ss.2l:g "

2J -3 .J- |_3 •- 1) _■ «:;

H -^ H bc bn I H

rt .2 > S

Leafing, Flowering, and Fndting of a few Standard Plants in the Royal Socitty's
Gardens during the month.

10th — Leaves of Elm (Ulmus campestris) commencing to fall.

15th — Cliinese Chrysanthemum commencing to flower.

20th — Seeds of Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) lipe ; leaves of Mountain Ash commenc-
ing to fall.

25th— Ditto of Black Mulberry ditto ditto.

Barometer mean, 30045 in., being 0154 in. above the average.

Temperature mean, 57 21', being 218° above the ditto.

Solar intensity mean, 8613°, being 568' below the ditto.

Dew point mean, 493", being 219' above the ditto.

Humidity of air mean, 81, being 05 per cent, above the ditto.

Elastic force of vapour mean, 374, being 149 percent, below the ditto.

Total amount of rain, 4-25in., being 2-47in. above the ditto.

Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rain fall, lOOin.

Mean amount of ozone, 7 01, being 002 of chromatic scale above the ditto.

A feeble amount of atmospheric electricity all through the month.

The apex of Mount Wellington covered with snow on the 23rd.

A great number of calms registered, and a small amount of wind force.

FRANCIS ABBOTT.

ANALYSIS OF OBSERVATORY KKCOKDS, AND HEALTH REPORT

FOR APRIL BY DR. E. SWARBRECK HALL.
In most respects the climatic character of this month has deviated widely from
the normal standard, tliough on tin* whole most favorable to health and life.

BaroiiH'trical prciniirc mean, ;><) 01") was + 'LM above the mean for April.
Only three times in the previous 2\) Aprils has this high mean been exceeded,
and that by veiy little. Altogether in the liO years, the mean has only
reached 80*000 and u])wards eight tines. At the same time the extreme range
for this month was only 'SJiJof an inch ; tlie extremes being :i0'411 maximum
on the .5th, and on the 2}rd, minimum 29 "oS."). Equable high ])ressure was,
therefore, the character of the b iroinetrical records. Such phenomena are
generally associnted with an epidemic constitution of the air, but at this
time such a tendency was checked by a copious rainfall, and the unusual pre-
dominance of sea breezes.

Wind- force had only a total of 21-32 lbs., being 25-30 lbs. below the April
mean. Fifty-five out of the 90 records, were winds from the southerly points
of the compass, with about two-thirls of the total force. South-east winds,
the healthiest jioint, were 40 in numljer, being 2J above the April average,
and with an aggregate force four times greater than usual. North-west, the
least healthy point, was about the average in number, but much below it in
force. Calms were 37. being 7 above the average.

Mean Temperature, both l>y the three daily observations and the maxima
and minima self -registering thermometers, accorded more closely than usual ;
the former being 57 21 degrees, the latter 57-02. The mean is + 2-18 above
the average for April. The daili/ range, 13-97 degrees, however, was — 3-25
less than the 25 years' average. Only two years in the previous 29 had a
smaller daily range ; i.e., 1S51 with 11 "00 degree.s, 1852 with 12*60. The ex-
tremes also were not great, maximum being 78 at mid-day on the 7th,
minimum, 40 in the night of the 25th.

Solar I at emit y mean 86-13 was — 5"68 degrees below the average, owing to
the very cloudy and wet character of the month.

Terrestrial Radiation^ on the other hand, was -f 4*50 above the mean, being
47-57 degrees.

Elastic-force of Vapour ranged from 207 to 633, with a mean of 374, which
is -h 49 above the average, and would have been inimical to health, but for
humidity and rain-fall.

Humidity mean, 81, was + 5 above the average.

Rain- fall 4-25 inches was + 2-47 above the April average, and fell in such
a way as to be most beneficial to health and vegetation ; copious enough to
cleanse the sewers, water courses, &c. , yet not not so heavy as to cause floods,
and commencing so gently as to saturate the soil gradually. The number of
wet days, 13, were only slightly ( + 1-18) above the average. Only two Aprils
in the previous 29 years had a greater rain-fall, 1856 with 5 '01 inches, 1852 with
4-99 inches, 1860 -ndth 2-86 inches, was the next highest. Notwithstanding
the dry character of February and ]\Iarch, the fall of rain on the aggregate
of the first four months of this year exceeds the average by -h 3 '61 inches.
Snow existed on Mount Wellington on the 22rd and 24th.

Spontaneous-evaporation, with so little sunshine and winds, and so much
rain and clouds, was much less than rain-fall, i.e., 3 '19 inches.

Cloud mean, 7 '13, was -\- 1-39 above the average, contrasting remarkably
with the previous month of March.

O^one mean, 7 '01, barely exceeded the average, notwithstanding the heavy
rainfall and frequent sea-breezes. The gentle character of the latter accounts
for this.

Electricity of a positive character was very small, and nils very numerous.

There were only 34 deaths, being nearly — 10 less than the April average
of the previous 13 years. Seven (7) of these were under 1 year old ; two (2)
from one to five, none from that to twenty-two, but between that and sixty,
sixteen (16), the rest (9) were from sixty-eight to eighty-five years old. A girl
aged twenty-two died from Typhoid-fever, and there was only one other death
in the Zymotic class, a child aged three months, from Diarrhcea. Consumption
caused four deaths, none of them born in Tasmania. Scarlet-fever of a mild
type was pretty general, but without a death. Cutaneous diseases were very
prevalent, a result no doubt of the previous long-continued dry weather.

XI.

METEOROLOGY FOE, MAY, 1870.

Private Observatory, Hobart Tc

WN.

2.3

Bar. 37 feet

abv. sea level

Self-Registering

Wind.

corrected &

Thermometers.

reduced.

<n

rom t:

and

ity di
;orrec
•ed ea

6

^

Hi

S

,c

cS

ce

e

O S-

ft .

2

"« .*^ B -^ S

§

'So

5

%

3

a

bo

B

1

1

Mi

ll

1"'

o

a
.2

ters, and not

?ht of 192 fee
uniform velo
approximately
inds are regist^

m the average.

In.

Tn.

~

^

"

°

regis

, hei{
f an
only
ent w

jefro

1

30-339

30-300 55

27

85-5

34-5

NWNE SW

•52

2

30-310

30-286 62

37

96-0

33-0

NW SW

•78

>. ^I-- S

3

30-386

30-356 63

37

96-0

34 0

NW E

•52

B -S -2*3 2

4

30-286

.30-029 60

43

81-0

36-5

NW

■78

% .Jl^ ta

5

29-855

29-729 58

46

62-5

45-5

NW SW

•52

three

movinj
ho-we^
e consi
ler the

the di

6

29-792

29-779 58

46

88-5

43-0

SW NW

•78

0-05

7

29-810

29-715 67

48

95-5

44-0

NW

1-04

[0-03

8

30 015

29-948 62

45

93-0

41-0

SW

1-30

0-03

1 of the

urrents i
losition,
s can b(
1 fell unc

btaining

9

30 107

30-089 64

40

92-5

33-0

WNW

1-04

10

30161

30-150 71

45

99 0

43-5

NWW

1-04

11

30-266

30-230 68

37

94-0

36-0

NW SE

-26

12

30-255

30-180 67

40

94-5

37-5

NW E SE

•26

g ^ 5;:^ o o

13

30-053

29-890 53

41

53-5

37-0

NW

0-

,0^02

14

29-651

29-538 59

42

87-0

40-5

NWSE

•52

15

29-559

29-540 64

46

91-0

36-5

NW

•78

1 ^^'%% 1

16

29-655

29-638 60

46

76-5

41-5

NW SW

-52

fl 2^52 3

17

30-070

29-958 54

43

54 0

38 0

SE

1-30

0-39

o I .-^-o 2

18

30-391

30-310 57

43

86-0

37-0

SW E SE

-78

0-03

^ -ISdS^ s

19

30-360

30-311 51

40

62-5

39-0

NW Sv\^

•26

S 2i:-J 3

20

30-309

30-291 51

45

54-0

40 0

NW SW

0^

-^ .2 o § "-s 3

21

30-319

30-269 57

45

86 0

34 0

NW SW

•52

- -c-c^i J

22

30-260

30-232 64

41

95 0

39-0

NWSE

•52

•- -.SbS, -=5

23

30-211

30-102i64

42

95-5

38-5

WNWE

•52

s I'^tl J

24

29-956

29-87470

43

89-0

39-0

S NW SW

•52

^^•^»|5 1

25

29-653

29 -477! 63

44

89-0

430

NW

1-30

"s-^^:: J

26

29-595

29-52163

49

83-0

46-0

NW

5 47

0-02

nean in all
nd minimi:
lirection o:
ng to Lin
is a very a
relations o
iundo-wn.
25 years' s

27

29-926

29-778 63

47

87-0

42-0

NW

130

28
29

30-448
30-529

30-360 67
30-460 65

42
36

91-0
89 0

36-5
35-0

SWNW
NW SW

104

•78

30

30-321

30-162 56

38

84-5

36-5

NW

•78

31

30-109

29 -946; 62

42

79-0

40-5

NW

104

02

55 OJ "P ~? aj *a O

Monthly mean 51 63

83-95

38-74

Total Force ..

27-05 i

©•59^

30 054 1

Leafing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a few Standard Plants in the Royal Sonkti/i
Gardens during the month.
10th— First Medlar ripe.
21st — Coronilla Glauca commencing to flo-sver.
25th— Photinia serrulata ditto ditto.
28th — Diosma alba ditto ditto
30th— Spiroea prunifolia ditto ditto ; Alianthus sericeus ditto ditto.

Barometer mean, 30054 in., being 00207 in. above the average.
Temperature mean, 51 63', being 1-35° above the ditto.
Solar inten.sity mean, 83 95°, being 2 08' above the ditto.
Dew point mean, 42 08°, being 1-76° belo-w the ditto.
Humidity of air mean, 74, being -02 per cent, below the ditto.
Elastic force of vapour mean, 291, being Oil percent, below the ditto.
Total amount of rain, 0-59in., being l-2-2in. below the ditto.
Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rain fall, l-22in.
Mean amount of ozone, 608, being 072 of chromatic scale below the ditto.
Electricity active on the 8th, 9th, 10th, 17th, 27th, 28th, and 29th.
A light fall of snow on Mount Wellington on the Sth, the apex covered with ditto
on 17th, which was not totally absent till the end of the month.

FRANCIS ABBOTT

X.

ANALYSTS OF OBSERVATORY RECORDS, AND HEALTH REPORT
FOR MAY, WITH NOTE ON CENSUS OF 1870. BY DR. K
SWAKBRECK HALL.

Most of the meteorological phenomena of this month deviate from the 25
years adopte;! st.uiilanl. and thougli diseases of tlie respiratory organs pre-
vailed extensively, the effect on the mortuary returns was but slight, the total
mortality of the month being somewhat below the average of the previous 13
years, and no May of the previous six years having so small a number of
deaths as the present month.

Atmospheric prci^anrc mean, 80"0r)4, was considerably (+ "207) above the
average, and had a wide range, with some very sudden and extensive rises and
falls, within 24 hours, which told heavily on aged and enfeebled persons.

Wiml- force 27 "OS lbs,, was — 10 80 lbs. below the May average, and north-
west winds constituted nearly two-thirds of the numerical records, and more
than two-thirds of the total strength.

Temperature mean. 51*63 degrees, was + 1 "35 above the average, the ex-
tremes being 71 and 36.
Daihi ranae of Tem^perature 18 '4.5 degrees, was -f 3 "29 above the average.
Solar-intemitii mean, 8395 degrees, was + 2'08 above the average, the
maximum being 99 degrees.

Terrestrial-radiation mean, 38*74 degrees, was 0*57 below the average, the
minimum being 33 degrees.
Elastic force of Vapour mean, "291, was — '11 below the average.
Humiditfi mean, 74, was only — 2 below the average, though the rainfall
was so small.

Rainfall, "59 of an inch, was — 1*22 below the average, or about two-thirds
less than the i\Iay mean, and the number of days on which it fell, was little
more than one-half the usual rate.

Spontaneous-evaporation, I'Sl inches, was only equal to the usual rainfall for
May, which of course resulted from the slight wind-force.
Cloud mean, 5.99, was 4- "49 above the average.

Ozone mean, 6 "08, was "72 below the aA^erage, the natural result of the small
rainfall and small force of the winds, and their predominance from the north-
west quarter.

Electricity ^^% vioied "nil" only at three records. Negative greatly pre-
ponderated in frequency and strength.

Snoio appeared on Mount Wellington several times during the month, but
soon disappeared.

The Deaths amounted to 37, being — 3 7-13ths below the average of the
previous 13 Mays. At and under one year old the deaths were six. From one
to five there were three deaths. One of these, a child aged 4^ years, died
from traumatic tetanus, resulting from a wound in the hand. From five to
twenty there were only two deaths. From twenty to sixty the deaths were
ten. At sixty and above, to ninety, there were sixteen deaths, a very large
proportion indeed of the total mortality. No one disease influenced the
mortality unduly, the cases being principally of a long standing chronic
character.

The Population of the Hobarton Registration District, which includes, with
the city, the Electoral Districts of Queenborough and Glenorchy, has under-
gone little numerical alteration on the totals between the census of 1861 and
1870. In the former the total was 24,773, in the latter 25,004. But in the
constituent elements of age there has been a striking change. In 1861 all
under 20 years of age amounted to 10,960 ; in 1870 the amount is 13,025. From
20 to 60 in 1861 there were 12,592. in the present year only 10,154. At 60 and
all ages above there were in 1861 only 1221 ; in 1870 there were 1825. From
15 to 30, too, there has been a large increase of females, and a large decrease
of males.

METEOROLOGY FOR JUNE, 1870.
Private Obseuvatoky, Hobart Town.

Bar. 37 feet

abv. sea level

corrected &

reduced.

Self - Register-
ing Tliernio-
meters.

AVind.

1

S
5

rce accord-
nonth is a

evening at

.2;; ^
^■3 ««

•S

-s

«

Si

u

.

g

^

t3

tS

c

0

c >-

A .

s

0

•c a ^

fl

«

43

:i

1

i>.

-g

-g

is

is 1

M

a

c

a

a
o

ih

a
a

0

o

1

s

1
o

4=

1

o

h-1

-a

1

il

1

•Sail 5

.2

-^ § -2^ "S a

In.

In.

'

"

•

°

'ih

43 0 cj !f g

1

29-942

29-937

58

46

60 0

43-5

SW SE

0-

017

a

■<-) a .3 a *"

^ 3 (k! a> 5)

2

30-034

29-992

54

38

77-0

37-0

NW

•52

0 04

>J

eS g S .<u a

3

29-974

29-575

62

36

86-0

33-5

NW

156

bo's °^ ^ ta

4

29-430

29-326

55

42

82-5

37-0

NW W

3-64

0-32

1

6

29-733

29-661

55

41

61 0

38-5

NW

3-12

0-06

.2 ^2 ^

6

50 107

30-053

60

35

84-0

30-5

NW

-52

p

0 of 0 "s^ ■"

29-800

29-621

62

46

79-5

41 0

NW

1-04

,3

!= g^ <u 43

8

29-740

29-687

6-

44

86-0

38 0

NW

3 64

0-02

^2

"^S| §>

9

29-456

29-314

53

10

81-0

37 0

RW W

7-81

015

■S2^^ .9

]0

29-430

29-338

4.'-

40

52-5

33-5

W SE SW

10-68

5-47

^

b ^^2 -i

31

29-853

29-650

5b

42

84-0

30 0

SW

13-62

0-34

0

12

30-119

30-090

64

42

90.0

36 0

NW W

-52

s

13

30 106

•29-9.52

58

45

82-5

35-5

NW NE NW

4-72

0-22

0

14

30-369

30-349

51

43

60 0

35 0

N W SE

-26

0

15

30-500

30-458

52

31

76-5

30-5

NW

-78

43

iPI "

16

30-500

30-360

47

31

71 0

29 0

NW

-52

a
0

17

30-271

30-150

63

39

840

32-5

E NW SE

-ZC}

l^^o ^

18

20-842

29-692 65

48

76-5

41 0

SE NW

-52

0-36

>H

TcH g S ^

19

29-814

29-752 63

40

87 0

34 0

NW NE SW

•26

s

20

29-882

29-865 63

40

86 0

39 -5

NW

•20

1

21

29-969

29-903 57

39

59-5

37-5

NW

•52

■=§■!§ 3

22

29-842

29-804 55

37

820

34-5

NW NE

•52

.2

„, CO) rt

23

29-987

29-832 63

S6

83-5

34 0

NW

-52

"

24

29-464

29-216

5]

45

58 0

38-0

NW

■52

0 03

rf

1-5=^:3 "g

25

29-493

29'332

55

44

72-0

37-5

NW

1-56

^

^i^\ ^

26

29-738

29-642 67

48

92 0

480

W SE NE

3-12

"cS

0^50 M

27

29-700

29-477,66

45

87-0

41-0

NW

•52

•SS
J- ^

0 ^

§«>.i 2

28

29-351

29-16057

42

50-0

40-0

NW SW SE

5-47

•■S^^ Je-2 §

29

29-503

29-370 51

42

73'0

37 0

NW

•78

0-12

iJ.^^ -jr

30

29-620

29-348,51

44

74-5

39-0

NW

-52

0-02

B'S

■me

a. g

1

vr

Monthly mean' 4859
29-789

76-02 1

J6-83

Total Force . .

68-18

2-32;

Leafing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a few Standard Plants in the Royal Society's
Gardens during the month.
15th. — Early Narcissus commencing to flower.
18th. — Maclaura Aurantiaca leaves falling.
li)th. —Common Privet ditto.
20th.— Snow Flake commencing to flower.
24th. — Pyrus Jai)onica ditto ditto.
30th.— Black Mulberry leaves aU shed.

Barometer mean, 29789 in., being 0092 in. below the average.
Temperature mean, 48 59\ being 184° above the ditto.
Solar intensity mean, 7602°, being 108' above the ditto.
Dew point mean, 41-7°, being 046 above the ditto.
Humidity of air mean, 78, being 06 per cent.below the ditto.
Elastic force of vapour mean, -265, being 004 per cent, below the ditto.
Total amount of rain, 2-32in., being 0'49in. above the ditto.
Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rain fall, 0 79in.
Mean amount of ozone, 677, being 027 of chromatic scale above ditto.
Electricity active on the 8th, 9th, 25th, 26tli, and 27th.

Mount Wellington covered with snow on the 4th, which continued through the month
with frequent fresh deposits. FRANCIS ABBOTT.

XUl.

NOTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF THE MONTH
OF JUNE, 1870. BY DR. E. SWARBRECK HALL.

"The genei-al character of the month was not propitious to life, and the
deaths of adults, and particularly old people above 60 years old, were unusually-
large, while in children under 10 years of age, the deaths were remarkably
few. Nevertheless, there was no prevailing sickness of an epidemic character.

"Atmospheric pressure mean, 2978l>, was slightly — (0-92) below the 25
years' standard average for June. The range of the barometer, however, was
very great, 1-340 inches, the maximum 30-500 occurring on the 15th and 16th;
and the minimum, 29-160, on the 28th. The daily perturbations were also great.
On 15 days the rises and falls exceeded one-quarter of an inch, the highest
being a falls of '503 on the 18th.

" Wind force total, 68-181bs. was + 43-681bs. above the June average. Only
June 1866 had a higher force. At 62 out of the 90 records, north-west winds
prevailed. West and south-west \vinds, though only 15 in number, were very
strong, having about two-thirds of the total force for the month. The strongest
winds had 5"2llbs. pressure to the square foot, and occurred six times.

*' Temperature mean, 48 "59 degrees, was + 1-84 above the average. The
range was great, i.e. from maximum 67 on the 26th, to minimum 31 on the
15th and 16th.

"Daily range of temperature, 13'90 degrees was — 1'14 below the June
average. Nevertheless, there were nine days on which the range exceeded 20
degrees between the extreme shade heat of the day, and the extreme cold of
the night, the greatest being 26 degrees on the .3rd.

" Solar-intensity mean, 76-02 degrees, was + 2-08 above the average, des-
pite the numerous cloudy and wet days. The maximum, 92, was recorded on
the 26th.

Terrestial-radiation mean, 36-83 degrees was only + 0'20 above the average.
The coldest night was that of the 1 6th, when the thermometer on the grass
fell to 29 degi-ees, the air thermometer raised about four feet from the ground
being 31 degrees. A considerable thickness of ice formed on still water.

" Elastic force of vapour mean, 265, was — 4 below the average ; the
range being from 148 on the morning of the 16th to 431 at noon on the 18th.

" Humidity mean, 78, was - - 6 below the average.

"Rain fell to the amount of 2.32 inches, being nearly half an inch ("49)
above the June average. It fell on 13 days— on some very heavily— being +
1-36 above the average. For the first six months of this year the rainfall has
been very irregular, nevertheless the total fall, 13 "02 inches, is + 2*88 inches
above the 25 years' standard average. — Fortunately we have escaped floods,
which have been so numerous and destructive on the Australian continent.^

"Spontaneous-evaporation amounted to only 3.11 inches, notwithstanding
the hot sunshine and strong winds.

" Cloud mean, 6 '60, was + I'OO above the average.

"Ozone mean, 6-77 was -f- 0-27 above the average.— Saturation (10) having
been attained thrice i.e. on the 5th, 11th, 18th, with the heavy rains. —

"Electricity was weak and mostly of the negative kind, 46 out of 60
observations being so recorded, while 10 other records were nil, there being
only 4 positives registered.

" Snow was never absent from Mount Wellington after the 4th day of the
month, and on the 9th all the low hills around the City were coated with it.

"The deaths this month were 46, being a fraction above the average for
the previous 13 years. Under one year old there were only five deaths. At
one to five years old there was the unusually small number of one only, and
the same at five to ten. At 10 to 20 the deaths were five. At 20 to 60 there
were 16, being rather above the usual proportion. At 60 and all ages above,
there were 18 deaths, which is a very large share indeed of the total mor-
tality. The oldest was a man 88 years old, and two of the others were 82
each. No one disease prevailed, the deaths being pi-incipally in persons
suffering from long standing disease of a chronic character. Consumption
caused five deaths, one being a Tasmanian by birth, another a Russian from
H.I.R.M. corvette Boyarin. two English, and one Irish. Two (2) deaths were
caused by pneumonia, both in Hospital, The annual average from this
disease for the last thirteen years is 35, out of a total average from all causes
of 560. This is far less than the English proportion. Seven (7) inquests
were held, two injured by falls, two by burns, and three apoplexy.

XIV.

METEOROLOaV FOR JULY, 1S70.

I

*}U\

ATE Observatory, Hop

ART Town

Bar. 37 feet i

^

1 'H t

abv.sea level Self- Registering

Wind.

a ao o

corrected & 1 Thermometers.

1 il 1
1 l| 1

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29-792 29-734 56

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14 30-534 30-464 55

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130

15]30-432 30-321 57

34

80-5

32-5

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16:30-339 30-184 58

140

76-0

35-5

1 NW NE

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17 30-219 30-102 54'38

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18 30-05029-865 53,46

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29-864 29-815 50 41

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29-858,29-848 50142

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29-992 29-966.55|40

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69-5

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29-756;29-506,5f

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5 36

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) 30102 30-100;5:

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70-5

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31

)30-100,30-07l'48!36

52-0

33 -(

) NW S

0-

0-26

i.= 2rc^lii.^

3l'30-036'30-030|48'46

50 0

40-.

> SE E SE

-26

OIG

Monthly mean|4S-23

74-34

36-7^

t Total Force . .

31-74|2-61

2 a^ g ^.S'S.^!

30-008 '

; § §.s s

Leafing, Flotvering, and FruUing" of a few Standard Plants in the Roijal Society'it
Gardens during the month.
7th. — Arbutus unedo commencing to flower.
14th. — Garrya elliptica ditto ditto.
15th.— Morus alba commencing to break into leaf.
20th.— Conmion xVlmond in full flower.
28th.— Yellow Crocus ditto ditto.

Barometer mean, 3008 in., being 0.164 above the average.
Temperature mean, 4S^23, being 251 above the ditto.
Solar intensity mean, 7434°, being 117" below the ditto.
Dew point mean, 39-06", being 1-00' below the ditto.
Humidity of air mean, 78, being 05 per cent, below the ditto.
Elastic force of vapour mean, -262, being 005 per cent, above the ditto.
Total amount of rain, 261 in., being 0-65in. above the ditto.
Increase of rain fall on spontaneous evaporation, 0-54in.
Mean amount of ozone, 6 31, being 0 78 of chromatic scale below ditto.
Electricity active on the 3rd, 7th, 10th, 13th, and 28th.

A copious amount of snow on Mount Wellington all through the month, with fre-
quent fresh deposits. FRANCIS ABBOTT.

NOTES ON METEOKOLOGY AND MORTALITY OF JULY, 1870.
BY DR. E. SWARBRECK HALL.

Though the character of the inoiitli, climatically considered, was abnormal,
the deaths were much below the average, and never before were the deaths
under 20 years of age so few.

Atmospherie pressure mean, 30'008, was + "164 above the 25 years' adopted
standard. Only four out of the 25 years had a mean above 30 inches, i.e.,
1841, 30-005; 1848, 30-003; 1850, 30-113 ; 1860, 30-193. In the latter year
epedemic influenza prevailed, and the deaths of the month were enormous
—114— the 13 years' average for July being only 56. The daily perturbations
were not nearly so great as in June, neither was the month's range, 1-104, so
extensive. The maximum of the barometer, 30-610, occurred on the 13th,
and the minimum, 20 -506, on the 27th. Only twice in the last 29 years has
the maxinmm been higher, that is — 30-643, 1844; 30-812, 1846; the last
being the highest record of the barometer for any month during all these
years. Old people and invalids succumbed in great numbers to the gi-eat
atmospheric pressure of this month, but it had no lethal influence on children,
or young and healthy adults.

Wind force had a total of 31 -74 lbs. , being — 7 "81 IT^s. below the July average;
50 out of the 93 records were winds from the north-west, with two-thii'ds of
the total force, therefore least favorable to health. The highest pressure to
the square foot, 5-21 lbs., occurred with a north-west wind at the evening
record of the 26th inst.

Temperature, by the observed thermometers, had a mean of 48*23 degrees,
which is -t- 2-51 above the July average. By the self-registering maximum and
minimum thermometers the mean was 48-10 degi'ees ; so near a correspondence
between these two sets of instruments is of rare occurrence. The maximum
was 67 on the 6th ; the minimum 34 on the 4th, 15th, 24th. Five times only
in the 25 years was a higher maximum recorded, and the same minimum, but
none higher, was only recorded five times.

The tvet-hulh thermometer had a mean of 44-76, which is -\- 1-64 above the
average.

Daily range of temperature mean was, 14-81, degrees being — '30 below the
average. The greatest range was 26 degrees on the 6th, the smallest 2 de-
grees on the 31st.

Solar Intensity mean, 74 '.34 degrees, was — 1"17 below the average, which
is to be accounted for by the cloudy and wet character of the month. The
maximum, 91 degrees, was noted on the 6th.

Te?^r(?si?-iffi? i^arfia^iow mean, 36-74 degrees, was + 1-19 above the average.
On the nights of the 24th and 29th this thermometer fell to as low as 30 de-
grees. In June there was a record one degree colder.

Elastic Force of Vapour mean, 262, was -t- 5 above the average ; the range
in the month was from 165 to 377.

Humidity had a mean of only 78, which is — 5 less than the average, not-
withstanding the excessive rainfall.

PmIii occurred on 12 days which is — 1-73 less than the average, but the
amount was 2-61 inches, wliich is 4- -55 above the mean. On the three days
18th, 19th, 20th, the rain fell in large quantities, but so gently as not to cause
any approach to a flood. Snovj was never absent from Mount Welling-fcon
during the month, and received frequent copious additions.
Siyontaneous Evaporation amou.nted to 2-07 inches only.
Cloud Mean was 7-34 being, -f- 1-94 above the average.

Oao/ie ilfmrt 6 31, was — -78 below the average, which is to be accounted
for by the prevalence of north-west winds. Saturation was attained on two
of the rainy days with southerly winds.

Electricity was 43 times out of the 62 records registered as negative, 15
times " Nil," and only 4 times positive.

The Deaths amounted to 39, being — • 17 less than the Jxily average of the
previous 13 years, and 9 less than July 1869 had. There was only one death
under 1 4 years of age, a child aged 6 months, from a very unusual cause —
Intussiisception of the bowels. From 14 to 20 there were only 2 deaths — so
small a mortality under 20 years of age is without precedent in the records
of Hobart Town. At all times the deaths on the average, at this period of
life, are much below those of England, and the Colonies on the continent

of Australia. From UO to CO tlie ileaths were 11); onJ from CO to 90, there
were 17. In July, 1SC9, the deaths umler "20, were 14, and over 20, Xi. Up to
the i;ith day of the month, there were only 9 deaths, on that day and the 19th
the maximum of 'A each occurred. Uefore, and on the 20th, there were 7 days
on which no deaths took jtlace. After the 20th, not a day without one or
two deaths, three having oue and the rest two. (.'onsumption caused 5 deaths,
one a sailor, a native of the Sandwich Islands, the other four all Tasnianian
born. Never before have there been so many deaths of Tasmanians from this
disease in any single month. A death in hospital took jdace from tetanus in
a man brought up from the Huon, where he had suffered a compound
fracture of the bones of the leg ; he survived upwards of a week in hospital ;
the limb was not amputated. Only one inquest was held during the month.
In the Z^innotir chxss of diseases there was not a single death, which, hitherto,
is unprecedented.

xvu.

METEOROLOGY FOR AUGUST, 1870.

»

Private Observatory, Hobart Town

—

Bar. 37 feet

^

abv. sea level

Self-Registering

Wind.

corrected &

Thermometers.

reduced.

a>

Si

e

aj

m

O i-"

a^

g

1

c

p

2

'3

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1

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111

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a 2

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a
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3

5

1

s

3

ft

^

^

In.

In.

=

0

-

1

30-116

30-100

48

40

65-0

36-0

SE SW

-26

2

30-120

30-005

49

38

79 0

33-5

AVSE S

•26

0-03

3

29-819

29-702

57

37

84-0

34-0

NW NE SW

•52

0 08

4

29-722

29-670

58

37

89-5

33-5

NW SE

-52

5

29 613

29-363

56

33

85-0

31-5

NW

-52

6

29 020

28-852

55

41

82-0

35-5

NW SW S

5-73

0-22

7

29-566

29-390

49

38

68-5

330

NE S SW

•26

8

29-858

29-835

59

34

91 0

29-5

NW SW

■78

9

29-912

29-848

52

35

69-5

30-5

WESE

•26

0 01

10

29-808

29-712

58

32

83-0

28-5

NW

104

11

29-769

29-724

69

39

90-5

31-5

NW

•52

12

29-475

29-313

59

38

79 '0

30-5

NW

•52

13

29-375

29-212

61

44

90-0

39 0

NW

•78

0^09

14

29-278

29 049

56

46

84-0

32-0

NW

•52

0 08

15J29123

29-007

53

40

84-5

37 0

NW

1-30

1629-370

29-368

58

40

82-5

37-5

NW

•52

013

17

29-267

29-081

63

41

90-5

36-5

NW

10 94

0-05

18

29-290

29117

63

40

92-5

36 0

NW

•78

19

29-485

29-375 60

36

93 0

33-5

SW W NE

-78

0 01

20

29-766

29-718

64

41

90-5

37 0

NW

1-04

21

29-606

29-483

61

44

83-0

410

NWW

312

0 02

22

29-721

29-626

65

50

95-5

36-5

NW

•52

002

23

30-109 30 061

61

40

95-0

36 0

W NE SE

•52

24

30-100 29 959 63

34

890

31-5

NW SE

■26

25

!30-037i30016 68

40

96 0

34-5

NW SE

•52

26:30 081

30 026 60

52

810

36-5

NW E

0^

014

27

30-062

3005256

41

74-5

40 0

NW E

■26

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28

30-328

80-230 63

43

97 0

37-5

NVV £ SE

•78

0 02

29

30-402

'30-369'62

44

910

40 0

NW SE

•52

30

i30-375i30-300'56

46

700

43-5

S NW SW

3-64

31 '30 •453130 -444 63

36

95-5

31-5

NW NE E

104

Monthly mean

49-17

85-65

34 -93

Total force

39-81

102

29-723

'

£3 >
C a> "o
§ to ■«

.2 ;sc; 5 o

% iili

5^2 ^ £

, % 'n ■A

n ^ S •* 5"

Leafing, Flowering and Fruiting of a few Standard Plants in the Royal Society's
Gardens during the month.
10th. — Sambucus niger commencing to break.
36th.— Esculus hippocastanum ditto ditto.

„ Gooseberry ditto ditto.
20th. — Ulmiis campestris commencing to flower.
26th. — Lombardy Poplar commencing to break.
27th. — Royal Apricot commencing to flower.

Barometer mean, 29723 in., being 0-084in., below the average.

Temperature mean, 49-17", being 1-10° above the ditto.

Solar intensity mean, 85-65°, being 1013° above the ditto.

Dew point mean, 38 6, being 2 78 below the ditto. .

Humidity of air mean, 74, being 06 per cent, below the ditto.

Elastic force of vapour mean, 009 per cent, below the ditto.

Total amount of rain, l-02in., being 0-81in. below the ditto.

Increase of rain fall on spontaneous evaporation, 0-83in.

Mean amount of ozone, 5-97, being 155 of chromatic scale below ditto.

Electricity active on the 1st, 8th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 17th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 25th, and 31st.

Aurora Australis on the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd.

Snow never absent from Mount Wellington, with frequent fresh deposits.

FRANCIS ABBOTT,

XVlll.

NOTES OF METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF AUGUST, 1870.
BY DR. E. SWARDRECK HALL.

The weather this month deviated imich from the normal staudaid, and the
deaths were above the average, and embraced a due proportion in every group
of ages.

Atmo^phcnc prcs.mi'C had wide, sudden, and frequent variations, though the
mean, 21) "724, was — '083 below the 25 years' adopted August standard. The
month's range was 1*<J01 inches, being the liighest recorded for the last 10
years. The maximum .vas ;>0"4.");}, recorded on the 31st. The minimum, 28'852,
was registered on the (ith. Only thrice in the last 30 years have there been
b>wer minima, jjctweeu 1 p.jn. of the Hth to that of the Gth, the barometer
fell — '020 of an inch, and rose + •Gi>7 iu the following twenty-four hours.
On twelve other days the rises and falls exceeded quarter of an inch.

Wiii>l pnssurc was 3!)'81 lbs., being — 6'08 below the August average. Out
of the 93 observations, north-west winds prevailed 55 times, with 24'',)81bs. of
the pressure. The strongest wind was a north-west gale on the 1 7th, having
a pressure of 10'42 lbs. to the square foot. The calms, 3G, were a few fractions
only above the average.

Temperature mean, 49 '17 degrees, was + I'lO above the 25 years' mean by
the observed thermometers, and by the self-registering only -f '18 of a degree
more. The maximum record was 68 degrees on the 25th, and the minimum 32
on the lOth.
The vxt-hulh thermometer hsid a mean of 44 "84 degrees.

Daili/ range of temperature mean was 18 '71 degrees, being 4- 2*28 above
the 25 years' standard. The greatest range on any day was 29 degrees, recorded
on the 24th.

Solar intensitii mean, 85"65 degrees, was + 3*87 above the average. The
maximum was 97 degrees on the 28th.

Terrestrial radiation mean, 3498 degrees, was — 0*82 below the average. In
the night of the 10th, the temperature by this thermometer fell to 28*5
degrees.
Elastic force of vapour mean, 259, was — 9 below the average.
Humiditij mean, 74, was — 6 below the average.

Rainfall, 1"02 inches, was — '81 below the average, though the number of
days on which it fell— 14 —was slightly above the average.

Snow was never absent from Mount Wellington during the month, and
received frequent additions.

Spontaneous evaporation amounted to 1*85 inches.
(Jloud mean, 5'97, was -f- "27 above the average.

Ozone mean was only 6'57, being — "95 below the average. On the 15th
only was saturation — 10 — recorded. "With so little rain and wind, and such
a predominance of winds from the worst quarter, the air could not be as pure
as usual.

Elect ricitjj— There were 19 records of " positive" from 4 to 7 in strength ; 39
" negative" from 1 to 7, and 4 " nils."

The Deaths amounted to 49, being + 3 3-13ths above the 13 years'
average for August. Seven were under one year old ; 1 from 1 to 5 ; 2
from 6 to 10 ; 2 from 10 to 20 ; 18 from 20 to 60 ; a-id 15 at all ages above
60, the oldest being two females, 84 years old each. The contrast of 16 deaths
under 20 years old this month, with only 3 in July, is very remarkable. There
w_ere 4 deaths in the zymotic class of diseases, but no epidemic disease pre-
vailed. One of these deaths was in a girl, 15 years old, from inphoid-ferer
with ulceration of the bowels and peritonitis, indicating exposure to local in-
sanitary conditions, which are gradually intensifying in the city owing to want
of efficient sewerage and scavenging. This fever is denominated " filth-fever "
by the Registrar General of England, and ranks among his list of deaths from
preventable causes. A death from tetanus (lock jaw) in a man severely burnt
was remarkable. It occurred in Hospital, being the second death from this
rare disease this winter, though in different wards. Consumption caused 6
deaths, two of them born in Tasmania. There were 4 inquests.

METEOROLOGY FOR SEPTEMBER, 1870.

Private Observatory, Hobart Tow:Nr.

Ji;ir. 37 feet

^

abv. sea level

Self-Registering

Wind.

corrected &

Thermometers.

reduced.

6

S i

g

Ti

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p.^

J^

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3

s

3

fi

fe

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In.

T~

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0

1

30-539

30-448

62

34

91 0

32-0

NWSW

1-30

2

30-419

30-226

59

41

770

35-0

NW E

0-

3

30 048

29-910

65

47

91 0

44-5

NW

•52

0 01

4

30-199

30-060

66

48

1020

43-5

NW NE SE

-78

6

30-336

30-313

66

39

94-0

38-0

NW

1.56

6

30-197

29-964

67

52

79-0

46-0

NW

312

7

29-924

29-847

65

56

750

52-5

NW

•52

0-17

8

29-533

29-230

61

53

62 0

51-0

NW SE

•52

1-75

9

29-443

29-298

55

47

60-5

420

SW

5-72

0-17

10

29-782

29-706

58

45

95-5

40 0

SW S SE

3-64

11

29-844

29-837

57

43

95-0

37-5

NW SE SW

1-30

12

29-869

29-801

64

45

103-0

40-5

W S NW

•52

13

30 087

30 014

58

40

90 0

33-5

SW SE

104 0 01

14

30 186

30-079

61

38

85-5

34-0

NW SE

-52

15

30-061

29-863

67

40

98-0

35-5

NW

8-07

16

29-829

29-747

59

51

77-0

47-5

NW SW

-52 0-25

17

30-095

30 071

56

43

92-0

38 0

NW SE

1-30

0-09

18

30-039

29-97663

39

98-0

32-5

SWSE

1-30

19

30 011

29-865 68

40

98-5

36-5

NW NE SE

104

20

30-126

30-022 59

43

94-5

41-0

SWSE

3-12

21

30-172 29 865 69

35 ,100-0

32 0

NW

1-56

22

29-500 29-491i59

50

83-0

47 0

NW SE

.-52 0-53

23

29-970 29 -864, 53

39

81-5

35 0

SE.SW SE

5-72 0-05

24

29-966

29-812 59

39

96 0

34-5

NW NE SE

-78 ,0-03

25

29-724

29-57565

37

99-5

35 0

NWN

-78

26

29-508

29-446 70

47

100-0

40-5

NWAV

1 04 0 08

27

29-476

29-451 59

43

68-5

39 0

NW

•78 0 08

28

29-621

29-524 65

43

105 0

40-5

NW W

1-30

2!)

29-784

29-768 58

47

75-5

41-5

NW

]-30

30

29-650

29-472

m

49

102-0

39-9

NW

13-54

Monthly mean

52-69 88-97

39-50

Total force

63-73

317

29-871

1

1

2 ^B ..'^ «

«C3 ^ -S So ^

I Ills i

^ eS ft

<u

M o 2: c *^

-g^ S g bp

^ -2 a ^ •§

g-3 o^ if

o ^^-^.^ u

a^a ^ o

■tf "^ o S .rt

'So . S '-' 2

OJ oj !- CO c4

H 'C Eh o «e H bcH

Leofiag, Flowering and Fndfiwi of a few Standard Plants in the Royal Society's
Gardens during the month.
12th. — Ash commencing to break into leaf.
18th. — (Irape vine ditto.
21st.— Oak ditto.

22nd. — Moiitan jjeony commencing to flo-wer.
27th. — Horsechestnnt ditto.
30th. — Robinia pscudo acacia commencing to leaf.

Barometer mean, 29 871 in., being OllOin., above the average.
Temperature mean, 52 69°, being 1-93' above the ditto.
Solar intensity mean, 88 97°, being 093° above the ditto.
Humidity of air mean, -72, being 04 per cent, belo-w the ditto.
Dew point mean, 41 9°, being 027° below the ditto.
Elastic force of vapour mean, 284, being 005 per cent, above the ditto.
Total amount of rain, 3-17in., being l-091in. above the ditto.
Increase of rain fall on spontaneous evaporation, 0-66in.
Mean amount of ozone, 6 97, being 0-99 of chromatic .scale below ditto.
Electricity active on the 1st, 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 20th, 21st, 23rd,
25th, 26th, 2Sth, 29th, and 30th.

Aurora Australia on the 21st, 23rd, 2tth, and 27th.

tenow never absent from Mount W'eliingtou, with frequent fresh deposits.

FRANCIS ABBOTT.

NOTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF
THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, 1870,

By E. Swarbreck Hall.

In many respects tlie weather this month deviated from the September
average. The barometer was consideraVily above the mean, and very fluctu-
ating. The wind was in more constant motion than usual, but below the
average strength. Temperature was above the average. Kainfall was con-
siderably above the mean, though it fell on fewer days. Ozone was much
below the average. Nevertheless, though the mortality was but little short
of double the number that occurred in September, 18G9 (which, however,
was the smallest for any month in the year for the 13 years recorded), yet
it was above twelve per cent, less than the average of the previous 13 years*
Septembers.

Atmospheric pressure mean, 29871, was + '110 above the 25 years' standard
average. It ranged from the maximum 30"539 on the 1st, to minimum 29*230
on the 8th. The greatest movement in any twenty-four hours was a fall of —
•494 of an inch between 1 p.m. of the 21st and 22nd. There were movements
on ten other days exceeding one-fifth of an inch.

Wind force amounted to 63731bs. which is— 8"801bs. below the September
average. North-xccst wimls had 49 records out of the 90, with 35"911bs. of the
strength. South-west had 13 records with'16'12 of the strength. South-east
had 18 records, with only 8 06 of the total force. Calms, nevertheless, were
only 17 in number, being — 15 "45 less than the average. The strongest
wind, 10 ■421bs., was noted on the last day of the month, and was from the
north-west.

Temperature mean, 52 "69 degrees, was -f 1 "93 above the average. The
maximum was 70 on the 26th, the minimum 34 on the 1st. The wet-bulb ther-
momefer mean was 47 "86, being -f 129 above the average.

Daily ran(/e of temperature mean, 18 20, was only + "56 of a degree above
the average. The greatest range on any day was 34 degrees on the 21st.

Solar intensifi/ mean, was 88 '97, only x '43 above the average. The maximum
record was 105 degrees on the 28th.

Terrestrial radiation mean, 39*50 degrees, was + 1*11 above the average.
Twice in the month, on the 1st and 21st, the thermometer fell to freezing
point (32.)

Elastic force of vapour vnes.n was 284 -\- 5 above the average. It ranged
from 164 on the 1st to 453 on the 7th.

Humiditii mean, 72, was -f 4 below the average notwithstanding the exces-
sive rainfall.

^af/i fell to the amount of 3*17 inches, being -f 1*09 above the average.
On five of the days, three of which were continuous, 2*87 inches fell, yet
without causing any flood in Hobarton. Snow was never absent from Mount
"Wellington during the month, and received frequent and copious additions.

Spontaneous evaporation, 2*51 inches, was considerably below the rainfall,
an unusual event for the equinoctial month.

Cloud mean, 6*09, was 4- "25 above the average.

Ozone mean, 6*97, was 99 below the average. Only on one day, the 9th,
was saturation (10) attained ; this was the last of the three continuously wet
days.

The Electrometer records were : — Twenty positive with tension from 4 to 6 ;
negative, 36, with tension 1 to 7 ; and 4 " nils." On fine nights in the last eight
days of the month, there were brilliant displays of the Aurora Australis.

The deaths in the month were 37, being 5 less than the September average
of the previous 13 years, though -f 15 more than September 1869 had. Four
(4) were under one year old, one from 1 to 5, three from 5 to 10, none from 10
to 20, thirteen (13) from 20 to 60, and sixteen (16) at 60 and all ages above,
the oldest being a spinster aged 85 years. Altogether there were eight deaths
at and above 70 years old. No epidemic disease prevailed, and only 7 of the
total deaths from all causes were from diseases of an acute character. Con-
sumption caused three deaths, two of them natives of Tasmania, the third a
Swedish sailor. No deaths occurred at the Brickfields Invalid Station, but
four invalids died at the Cascades Station. The death-rates at these two

establishments differ widely. During the nine past months of this year, the
Cascades has had 33 deaths of adults, ranging from 39 to 90 years old, while
at the Brickfields there have been only 19, ranging from 62 to 93 years old, or,
including one sent to hospital, 20. Possibly the daily average strength of the
invalid paupers of the Cascades, may have been twenty to thirty more than
at the Brickfields, but then the average age of the latter is so much greater. The
average ages of the deaths were respectively : — For the Brickfields, a little
above 76 years :at the Cascades only a trifle above 68. Ko doubt the reluctance
of invalids to be sent to the Cascades, and the difficulty of retaining them
there, may, to some extent, be explained by the comparatively excessive mor-
tality there. On sanitary grounds, this old misplaced prison is an unfit place
for invalids and children, and now that the Military Barracks are likely to
become available for colonial use, they would afford cheerful, healthy, and
very eligible quarters for both the afore-named classes.

XXll.

METEOROLOGY FOR OCTOBER,

ISTO.

Private Ohskhvatoky, Houart Town.

Riir. 37 feet I

abv. sealevel' Self-Repistering
corrected A: Therinoineters.
rwluced.

1 2!)-5r)G

2 •2V>-821'
3130 015

4 30160,

30 150
29-770
29-807
30.061

29 792
30-087

30 330
30-412
30-224
29-984
29-945
30 084
30-258
30-29:
30-239
29-465
29-417
29-787
30 078
30-145
29-854
30-255
30-294
29-779
29-574
30-05G
30241

In

29-510 67 47
29-813 61 44
29-942 64 49
30 109 08 52

29 999 1 74 41
29 -749 i 75 53
29-879,70 49

015 66 44
29-477 m 44
29-858 54 42
30-293 69 39
30-361 69 44
«0-004 74 47
29-907 75 50
29 -866 00 44
30-000 64 47
29-230 n'.j 43
30-262 64 48

30 015 64 47
29-256 73l62
29-233 64 50
29-418 Oil 47
30-052 71149
29 -952 70 '44
29-793;74l53
30-14816243

29-977
29-600
29-451
29-774
30 150

Monthly mean 57 96 101 71 42'
29-939

71146

8li52
79 1 58

71 54
72148

lOTO

99 0

99 0

107 0

1100

110-5

83 0

105-0

95-0

80-0

109 0

107-0

109 0

1110

97 5

940

91 0

104 0

103-5

109 0

88-0

89-5

1100

1100

99-0

101-0

103 5

113 0

85 0

1140

109-5

Wind.

40-5

38 0
46 -O'

43 0
37-5
46-5
47 0
35-5
42 0
37 0
33-5
395
425

42 0
40 0
37 0

39 5
410
39 0
47-5
47-5

44 0
38-5

43 0
51 0
41-5

45 0
50-0
55-5
50 0
42-5

NW

NW

NW N

NW

NW SE

NW E

SE E

NW E SE

NW SW

SW SE

NW NE SE

NW SE

NW

NW SE

E NE SE

NW SE

NWSE

SW SE

NW NE

SE NW W

NW NE NW

NW W

NW SE

SE

NW SE NW

N SE

NW

N E NW

NAV

SW W SE

NW SE

3-38

10-94

1-56

104

104

10-68

•52

-78

2-86

1-30

104

1-56

5-72

-52

•52

104

•52

104

•78

-78

104

15-62

■52

-52

-78

3-38

312

•78

•78

8-33

1-44

Total force 80 53 2 34

a t^.

016
0 04

0.52'
0.01

0-21

0 24
0,01

0-42
0-05
0-22
0-29

0-07
0 07

0-03

0 S to

^ £ ".3
o ^ >.?

To c * c
■s:^ S 2

^ «« - Tj

to- ce^

sill

I o £ g

« !« ^

to H '73 ,„

"So M o

to . a>

(L D !- 05

to US S -.3

■g 2 «« S-

3 '^ '^

^.2 ^

O Jl

Leafing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a few Standard Plants in
Gardens dnrino the monili.

the

Royal Society's

10th. — Carpinus betulns commencing to break into leaf.

19th. — Ailanthus glandulosa ditto ditto.

24th. — Tilia Europea ditto ditto.

25th. — Morus niger ditto ditto.

28th.— Seeds of Elm commencing to fall.

31st.- Melia azederach commencing to break.

Barometer mean, 29 939 in., being 0155in. above the average.

Temperature mean, 57 96°, being 4 02° above tlie ditto.

Solar intensity mean, 101 71°, being 6 11' above tlie ditto.

Dew point mean, 46 "6' being 2 2° above tlie ditto.

Humidity of air mean, -08, being -05 per cent, below the ditto

Elastic force of vapour mean, 323, being 028 per cent, above the ditto.

Total amount of rain, 2-34in., being 0-37in. above the ditto.

Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rainfall, 2-20in.

Mean amount of ozone, 7-]0, being 0 82 of chromatic scale below ditto.

Electricity active on the 2nd, 3rd, 18th, 19th, 23rd, 26th, 30th, and 31st.

Aurora on the 12th and 25th.

More or less snow on Mount Wellihgton all through the month.

FRANCIS ABBOTT.

NOTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF
THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, 1870.

By Dr. E. Swarbreck Hall.

On the whole the weather this month was favourable to health, the deaths
being considerably below the average, and neax'ly half of them persons above
60 years old.

Atmospheric pressure was very high with wide ranges, and as is usual was
vei-yfatal to feeble, diseased, and aged persons. The mean 29 •930, was + "155
above the average. The extreme range was from 30 "4 12 on the 12th to 29 '256
on the 20th. On fourteen days the mutations exceeded one-fifth of an inch.
On the 20th it was nearly three-fourths of an inch ("520), both days of heavy
floods in Victoi'ia, though with only a moderate rainfall here.

Wind-force, 80'531bs., was, 19'421bs below the October average. Noiith-west
winds had 44 out of the 93 records, with more than half of the total forces.
The strongest \Wnd, 10'421bs. pressure to the square foot, was from the west
on the 22nd. There were 18 calms, being + 2 72 above the average.

Temperature, 57 '96 degrees, was + 4'02 above the mean. The maximum
81 occurred on the 28tli, the minimum 39 on the night of the 11th.

Daily range of temperature mean, 29'39 degi-ees, was -t- 1'72 above the
average. On the 5th the extreme range occun ed being 33 degrees.

Solar -Intensity mean, 101 '71 degrees, was -F 6*11 above the average. The
hottest day was the 30bh when the thermometer in the sun rose to 114 degrees.

Terrestrial Radiation mean, 42 '68 degrees, was -f 0'G9 above the average.
The lowest temperature by this thermometer was 33 '5 degrees in the night of
the eleventh.

Eladic force of vapour mean, 328, was -f- 28 above the average. The range
was from 104 on the 22nd to 581 on the 29th.

Humidity mean, 68, was — 5 below the average, notwithstanding the
copious fall of rain.

Rainfall, 2 '34 inches, was -f "37 above the average. It fell on 14 days
which is only — 90 below the average. The greatest amount on any day was
'52 of an inch on the 9th, and the next was '42 on the 10th. Other days also
had sufficient to flush the drains and sewers, bu.t none were heavy enough
to cause floods. Health and vegetation were promoted by this genial rainfall.
Snow was never absent from Mount Wellington during the month, and re-
ceived frequent additions.

Spontaneous evaporation occurred to the amount of 4 '54 inches, being nearly
double the amount of rainfall, as might be expected with so much sunshine
and wind.

Cloud mean, 5*68 was — '02 below the average.

Ozone had a mean of 7.10 which is - *02 below the average. The predomi-
nance of the north-west winds no doubt was the cause of this.

The Electrometer records wei'e positive 19, with tension from 2 '5 to 8 ;
negative 36, Avith tension from 1 to 6 ; nils 7.

The deaths in the month amounted to 34, being— 19 3-13ths less than the
average of the previous 13 years, and 15 less than October 1SG9 had. Under
one year of age there were five deaths, the oldest being only seven weeks, the
other four from twelve hours to nine days. From one to five years old there
were four deaths ; from five to ten, one only ; from ten to twenty the deaths
were two ; from twenty to sixty only six, while in October, 1869, there weie
twenty-one. At sixty and aU ages above the deaths were sixteen, the oldest
being a woman eighty-four years old. At all ages it is very remarkable how
large a proportion were males — twenty-eight to six females. There were only
three inquests, two of them cases brought to hospital from other districts ;
including these there were only six deaths in the public hospital. Both invalid
establishments at the Cascades and the Brickfields had four deaths each, the
mean age of each being respectively 59$ and 72:^. In the Zymotic class of
diseases there was only one death, a child aged between three and four years
from Diphtheria. Consumption caused three deaths, two of them, aged ttu
and fifteen years, were natives of Tasmania.

XXIV.

METEOROLOGY FOR NOVEMBER, 1870.

Private Observatory, Hobart Town.

Bar. 37 feet

^

a g^ 1

abv. sea level

Self-Registering

Wind.

corrected 6i

Theriuometera.

^ «fl -s

rednopd.

a

^ |-c 2

5
§

1

1

%

3

a

1

.a

6

•s

.9
1

d
a

i

a
o

1

ill

ft

•si

ers, and not from t

It of 192 feet and
liform velocity dv
oximately correct,
t winds are regist(

from the average.

.1 t^|5 s

In.

In

T

T"

o

°

£ ^''ti 2

1

30-009

29-847 71

50

96-0

47-5

NWSENW

1-30

0-06

^ ^"^^-^ 1

2 29-860 21)784 08

49

82-0

47 0

SEENW

104

007

^ ^ -^Z §

3 29-945 2!) 915 05144

105-0

42-0

NW SE

1-30

•3 tcPti

4 29-907 29810 72;45

1110

43-5

NWSE

156

0-12

« .2 5 ^ ^ «

6 29-560 29-424 75 52

1145

49-0

fN NW SW

3-38

5 g.n«a to

6 29-64S29-G20 68 46

99-5

44-5

NW

10-41

0-01

7 29-810 29-684 68 49

110-0

48 0

SE W SE

2-86

1 l§s=^ •§

8 29-800 29 -694 73 47

106-5

40-0

NW

5-46

9 29-910 29-875 68'51

90-5

48 0

NWWS

104

sof

Lirrei
ositi
nbe
h fe

obti

10 29-847,29-805 69147

94-0

44-5

NW

1-30

0 03

1129-879 29-7S2 63 51

95 0

50 0

SE

•78

0-80

i 'IP S

12 29-687,29-635 55;48

57-0

50-0

SE

1-30

0-60

13 29-593 29 558 52 48

51-0

47-0

S SE

3-64

0-62

« 2 9^ •«

14 30-009 29-903 58 45

100-5

40-0

SE

1-30

001

:2 -^2 1-9 i

15 30042 30014 62 48

92-0

42-5

NAV E SE

1-04

0-07

from 1

istered
e. Tl
I the ri
; of n

are v

16 30-240'30-118 54 42

63 0

41-0

NW SE

1-04

0-04

17 30-339130-324 63 48

99-0

42-5

NE SE

•78

18 30-378 30 253 70:53

100-5

505

N NW NE

1-04

C3 o ;3 S .2, 3

19 30195 29-969

77 54

1100

51-5

NWE

-78

20 29-910 29-767

77 53

1130

51-5

NW SE

1-30

0-27

rt .S '^ of-fl ««

2l!29-67l

29-522 65,53

67-0

50-5

NE SW SE

1-04

1-92

2 c 5 o S —

22 29-68r

29-649 57 48

700

45 0

SE

10-41

0-03

1 !i&« 1

23 29-69i

J 29-530 60 45

101-0

40-5

NE NW

1-30

24 29-798'29-758 69l47

1050

42-0

NW

1-56

5s^^|:«l

25 29-65920-1.50 68 50

750

47-0

NW

10-68

0-13

26 29-682;29-546 67 43

97 0

40-0

NW

5-72

'^«^J!!l-<,

27[29-929;29-890 57 39

97-5

37-5

NvV SW

1-56

.s^s§^fei«i

28129-876 29-796 64 45

101-0

43-5

NW SW W

1-04

0-01

^§--sS>^sSi

29;29 -834129-655 7050

112-0

42 -0

WNW

1-30

0 02

|CS^CS3^^

30,29-530,29-515 66 48

91-0

45-0

N NW

3-38

0-01

S c -c .S •'•' ^^ bo*'

Monthly mean 57 63
29-816

90-26

45-12

Total Force . .

85 -5£

4-82

The
mum

The
accon
montl

The
evenii

The

Leafing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a few Standard Plants in the Royal Society't
Gardens during the month.
12th. — First strawberry (British Queen) ripe.
17th.— First cherry (May Duke) ripe.
20th. — Black mulberry in blo.ssom.
25th.— Punica Granatum in flower.
30th.— First raspberry (Red Antwerp) ripe.
Ditto.— Bougainvillcea spectabilis in fuU flower

Barometer mean, 29 816 in., being 0 095 in. above the average.
Temperature mean, 57 63', being 0 09° above the ditto.
Solar intensity mean, 90 26', being 11 55 below the ditto.
Dew point mean, 474, being 093 above the ditto.
Humidity of air mean, 70, being 01 per cent, below the ditto.
Elastic force of vapour mean, -329, being 004 per cent, above the ditto.
Total amount of rain, 4-82in., being l-98in. above the ditto.
Increase of rainfall on spontaneous evaporation on rain fall, OSSin.
Mean amount of ozone, 6 93, being 0 63 of chromatic scale below the ditto.
Electricity active on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6tb. 7th, 8th, 16th, 18th, 24th, 26th,
27th, 28th, 29th, and 30th.

Auroras on the 19th, 20th, and 24th.

Sky cloudy and humid aU through the month. FRANCIS ABBOTT

NOTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALETY OF
THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, 1820.

By E. Swabbreck Hall.

Atmospheric pressure and terpperature this month closely approximated to
the mean of the 25 years' adopted standard, but rainfall was largely in excess,
the weather on the whole being highly propitious to health and life. No
November of the previous 13 years had so small a number of total deaths.
More especially were the deaths of young and middle-aged people the most
remarkable for their extreme rarity.

Atmospheric pressure mean, 29 '816, was + 095 only above the 25 years'
adopted standard mean. The maximum, 30 '378, occurred on the 18th ; the
minimum, 20*150, on the 25th. The extreme range, 1*228 inches, has often
been exceeded. On the 14th there was a rise of the barometer of + '432 of
an inch, and on nine other days movements exceeding one-fifth of an inch.

Wind-force, 85*95 lbs., was— 26*74 below the average, November being on
the whole the windiest month in a year. It was more continuous and steady
than usual, there being only four calms recorded, which is — 5 "67 below the
average. The strongest winds, 5*2J lbs. pressure only to the square foot,
were noted five times. North-%cest winds were recorded 41 times out of the
90 observations, and had rather more than half of the total force. Winds
from south-east to icest, the points most favourable to health, were nearly
equal to the former both in frequency and force. North, north-east, and east
were few and feeble.

Temperature mean, 57*63 degrees, only deviated from the 25 years' mean by
the scarcely appreciable difference of an excess of ■\- 00*09. The loet-hulh
mean, 52 '06, was 4- 00*21 only above the mean. The maximum shade temper-
ature of the self -registering thermometer, 77, was noted on the 19th and
20th. «.- This is the lowest maximum since November, 1853, when 75 was re-
corded, and only one other year, 1846, had a lower maximum than the jpresent,
i.e., 76. In 1869 it was as high as 95. The minimum, 35, was registered on
the 27th. The lowest ever before was 38 in several years. The exti'eme range.
38 degrees, was very small, though last year had the same, but only one
other, 1863, had less, i.e., 37.

Daily Range of temperature had the mean of 17*17 degi-ees, being — 1*31
below the average ; last year's was more than two degi-ees higher, and no year
since 1855 had one so small. The greatest range for any day was 27 degi'ees,
noted on the 4th. In 1861 the greatest range was the same, but every year
since has greatly exceeded this year's.

Solar Intensity mean, 90*26 degrees, was — 11*55 below the average, and
the lowest on record, which is in a great measure accounted for by the rainy
and cloudy character of the month. The maximum record was made on the
5th, being 114 "5 degrees.

Terrestrial Radiation mean, 45*12 degrees, was — 1"37 below the average.
No other year, except 1867, had so low a mean. The lowest temperature in
any night was 37*5 degrees. Many years have had lower minimums than this.

Elastic force of Vapo^ir mean, 329, was -f 4 above the average. It
ranged from 225 to 494 during the month.

Humidity mean, 75, notwithstanding the excessive rain-fall was — 1 below
the average.

Rain -fall amounted to 4*82 inches, being + 1*98 above the 25 years' mean ;
but this was twice exceeded within the previous 29 years, i.e., 1849, — 8*94
inches ; 1842, — 5*84 inches. There were 18 days on which the rain fell,
which is -\- 5*18 more than the average. On the three days, 11th, 12th, 13th,
the aggregate fall was 2*02 inches, but on the 24th 1*92 was registered. Still
it fell so steadily that no damage of any moment was inflicted, and the
thorough cleansing it gave the streets, sewers, and rivulet was highly advan-
tageous to health. No snotv could be seen on Mount Wellington from the
city during the month, but visitors up there on the 9th repoi-ted its presence
in patches.

Spontaneous Evaporation amounted to less than the rain-fall, i.e., 3*94
inches.

XXVI.

Cloud Mean, 7 '70, was + 1 -04 above the average, being the greatest on
record in 30 years.

Ozone Mean, G'93, was — '63 below the average. On four of the wet days
saturation (10) was registered.

Electricity records were 23 ])ositive, with tension from 3'5 to 8 ; 33 negative,
with tension from 1 to 8 ; an<l 4 nils. No thunder or lightning obsei-ved. On
three nights the Aurora Australis was seen.

The Deaths registered were only 24, being— 15 12-13 below the average of
the preceding 13 years, and the smallest number for any November of the
thii-teen. The November average of deaths is the smallest of any month in
the year. In the Hospital there were 8 deaths inclusive of an Inquest case,
the only inquest in the month. All these cases were admitted from rural
districts. Never before has it happened that no deaths of residents in the
Hobarton Registration District took place in hospital. Of the 24 deaths 6
were respectively aged 1 day, 5 weeks, 8 weeks, 9 weeks, 3 and 4 months.
Between the last and 17 years old, not a single death ! One at 17, another
at 20, and a third at 22 were all that took place, until 39, at which age there
was a death, and 4 more between that and 60 years old ; from GO to 86, at
which age the oldest took place, there were 10 deaths. So small a proportion
of young and middle-aged persons was never before recorded. There was not
a single death in the Zymotic class of diseases, except two babes, registered
as dying from diarrhoea and convidsions, can be properly considered to
belong to this class. There were 2 deaths irova. consumption, one a youth,
aged 22, bom in Hobart Town, the other a man aged 60, born in England.
From the details I have given it will be seen that out of a population of
25,000 persons in the Hobart Town Registration District only 16 died, being
at the rate of less than 8 per 1,000 per annum, or 192 total deaths in the
year. The annual average for the previous 13 years, including cases brought
to hospital from other districts, is 560 ; the first year of the thirteen (1857)
having 581, and the last (1869) only 462. The diminished death-rate of late
years, where from the changes in the ages of the population, there ought, by
the ordinary laws of mortality, to have been an increased death-rate (Vide
report for May), cannot be ascribed solely to improved climatic conditions.
Local sanitary improvements must claim a considerable share in the diminu-
tion, and of these our improved water-supply, I have data to prove, has been
most influential.', Were our scavenging and sewerage so amended as to ensm-e
the speedy removal of all animal and vegetable refuse, our dead no longer
interred amidst the living, and the ventilation of our abodes and public
places of assemblage better attended to, Hobart Town would be, as it ought
to be, one of the healthiest towns in the world, its local and climatic advan-
tages being unparalleled. No country with whose meteorological condition
I have become acquainted, equals ours in the purity of its atmosphere, as
tested by the ozonometer.

METEOROLOGY FOR DECEMBER, 1870.

Private Observatory, Hobart Town,

Bar. 37 feet

^

abv. sea level

Self-Registering

Wind.

corrected &

Thermometers

reduced.

^

C i

•c

6

O '-<

P^^

g

ee

1

c

1

=3

il

1

1

%

1

1

a

i

1

II

^

o

s

1

.in

3

s

fS

1

In.

In.

~

o

o

1

29-750

29-692 65

45

107 0

43-5

NW w

3-38

2

29-885

29-788,66

51

107 0

50 0

NW SE SW

3-38

0-2

3

30 068

30-04 65

46

1100

42-0

NSW

104

4

29-867

29-665 64

48

69 0

46-0

NW

372

6

29-606

29-567,68

45

109-0

41-0

NW SE E

-78

6

29-400

29-195^86

50

125 0

50-5

NNW

18-23

7

29-612

29 -372 '77

52

1110

50 0

NW SW

3-64

0-03

8

29-742

29-64766

46

103 0

43 0

NW W

6-23

012

9

29-985

29-929,67

46

980

42-0

NW

1-56

10

30-063

30019'69

46

1010

43-5

NW NE SE

•26

11

29-879

29-722 86

55

125-0

44 0

SE

-26

12

30 013

29-927 68

50

1100

47 0

ESE

1-04

13

29-826

29 775i72

48

111-5

45 '5

ESE

104

14

29-676

29-563 71

50

109 0

46 0

NW

-78

15

29-963

29-924 71

52

1030

46-5

SWSE

1-56

16

29-932

29-82378

52

110-0

47-0

NW SE

-78

17

29 675

29-625 82

57

112-0

51-5

NW

10 94

18

30-017

'29-95574

49

112-0

46-0

SENE

3-64

0 07

19

29-810

29-676167

52

108 0

45-5

wsvv

5-72

20

29-910

29-767,66

44

108-0

43-0

NW

1-30

21

29-843

29-73766

48

112-0

43-5

W SE SW

1-30

22

30 025

30 -015 '65

45

109-0

41-0

NW SE

1-30

23

30-084 30-063,70

45

113 0

4T0

NESE

104

24

30-239 30 186

64

49

103-5

43-5

SE

1-30

25

30-319

30-311

68

50

1110

43-0

SW SE SW

1-30

26

30-330

30-300

68

49

95-0

47-5

NW SE

•78

27

30-263

30-117

75

46

115-5

43-5

NW SE

104

28

30-124

29-939

75

49

115-0

47-0

NW NE

104

29

29-918

29-783

81

53

121-0

49-0

NW SE NE

1-04

30

29-763

29-558

71

58

76-0

57-0

NE

-26

0-20

31

29-774

29-567

68

52

69-0

50 0

SE

3-64

0-01
0-55

Monthly mean

61-51

106-30

4595-

Total force

85-34

29-863 1

' J

1 *^ 2 1

2 ^2 .^ ?
-g 0.^2" S3

- .S fl i> (3 "^

M •— JS .S "t2 t-)

o c o (» .;

^ -« " S 2 -0

O In'^ S-*-

«t-i to t} 1-1

- g aj t- w es

a iis

M

;z! "S^ t*."" -2
r; 5 -t^ o S -2 o St

5i
S 5 S ^ ■§ tl

S.S^.2 £?s S5-1

ojjJoj'pOai+iO
H -C H 8 =e H mH

i ^.2 .s

Leafing, Flnvering and Frmthuj of a, fevy Standard Plants in the Royal Society's
Gardens during the month.
12th.— Red currants commencing to ripen.
14th.— Common privet commencing to flower.
17th.— Black currants commencing to ripen.
24th. — Melia azederach commencing to flower.
25th. — Doyenne d'Ete pear commencing to ripen.
31st. — Juneating apple ditto ditto.

Barometer mean, 29 813 in., being OOOSin., above the average.
Temperature mean, 61-51°, being 0-39° above the ditto.
Solar intensity mean, lOOSO", being 2 33^ above the ditto.
Dew point mean, 47 9", being 1 12'' below the ditto.
Humidity of air mean, 03, being 05 per cent, above the ditto.
Elastic force of vapour mean, 341, being Oil per cent, above the ditto.
Total amount of rain, 0-55in., being 1181in. below the ditto.
Increase of rain fall on spontaneous evaporation, S'SSin.
Mean amount of ozone, 5 45, being 174 of chromatic scale below ditto.
Electricity active on the 1st. 3rd, 4th, 7th, Sth, ;)th, 10th, 15th, 18th 19th "Oth
21st, 22nd, 2Srd, 25th, 2Sth, and 29th.

Aurora Australis on tlie 10th. 16th, and 29tli.

Much wind from SE. and N.W. FRANCIS ABBOTT.

IXVlll.

NOTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF
THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, 1870.

By Dr. E. Swarbreck Hall.

Many of the meteorological phenomena of this month approximated very
closely to the standard noinr.il mean ; others, however, (littered widely from
the average, but tlie general result was favourable to health and life.

Atmospheric prct-nur mean, "Z'JSiJ'.i, was + 'US above the 25 years' adopted
standard mean for December. Only twice before in the previous 30 years,
had December a higher atmospheric jiressure mean. The maximum, 30 330,
occurred on the 2(3th, and the minimum, 29195, on the 0th the extreme
range of the month, therefore, being 1 '135 inches. In December, 1855, the
range was 1 "518 inches, being the only year which exceeded the present one.
The greatest range of the barometer in any twenty-four hours was a fall
of — '395 of an inch on the 0th. Only twice before in the previous ]5 years
was there a lower range in a simOar period of time in the month of
December. On 14 other days, however, there were variations of the baro-
meter exceeding one- fifth of an inch.

IViud-force amoiinie'l to 85 '34 lbs, being— 2"08 below the average. Light
sea breezes predominated in number, but north-west in aggi-egate force. On
the 6th and 17th there were north-west hot tcinds, with a force of 10 '42 lbs
each. Calms were 15 being -I- 211 above the average.

Temperature mean, 01 '51 degrees, was only + 00 '39 above the mean, and
the self -registering thermometers gave a much lower mean, than the observed
ones. The xoet-bulh thermometer mean, 54 "26, was — 72 below the mean.
The extremes of temperature were, 86 with a hot wind on the 6th, and
minimum of 44 in the night of the 20th.

Daily-range of temperature had a mean of 21*65 degrees, which is
-f 1 '74 above the average greatest range was 36 degrees on the 6th.

/S'o?a?'-m^e«si7,?/ mean, 10630 degrees, was 4- 2 '33 above the average. The
hottest record was 125 degrees on the 6th.

Terrestrial-radiation mean, 45 "95 degrees, was — 2 "29 below the average,
the coldest record being 41 degrees on the nights of the 5th, 22ad, and
23rd.

Elastic-force of vapour mean, 341 was 11 degrees below the average. The
range was from 235 to 492.

Humidity mean, 63, was — 5 below the average.

Rain-fall amounted to only '55 of an inch, being — 118 inches less than
the average. On only one occasion, in the night of the 30th, did sufficient
fall to flush the water courses and sewers. Snow was never visible from the
city on Mount Wellington during the month.

Spontaneons-evapiuration amounted to 4 "43 inches.
Cloud mean, 614, was -f- '53 above the average.

Ozone mean, 5 '45, was 1*74 below the average, and the smallest ever re-
corded for the month of December.

Electricity records were 30 positive, with tension from 3 tD 7*5 ; negative 32,
with tension from 2 to 6 "5. '^o thunder ox lightning A.VLr\ngi\iQ month. The
Aiirora Australis seen four times.

The deaths this month were 36, being — 8 9-13 below the average of the
previous 13 years. Out of the thii'teen only 1865 had fewer (30) ; 1864
had the same in number as the present month ; all the rest had more.
Under one year old there were 7 deaths ; from 1 to 5 the deaths were
4 ; from 5 to 10 no deaths ; from 10 to 15 there were 2 deaths ; and 2 also
from 15 to 20. Altogether the deaths under twenty years old form an
unusually large proportion of the total deaths. From 20 to 60 there were 12
deaths ; and at 60, and all ages above, 9, the oldest being 79 years old. The
deaths in Hospital were 7, four of which were from other districts, and another
was a sailor. The Brickfields and Cascades establishments had each 3 deaths.
There were 3 Inquests. In the Zymotic class of diseases there were 5 deaths :
— Four children from i)<arr/i*a, and one young woman from " /o?'; /ei'er."
One of the Hospital deaths was from Tetanus (lock-jaw), whether traumatic
or idiopathic is uncci'tain. It is remarkable that the boy's father died from
tiie same disease some years ago. The boy's sufferings were greatly miti-

gated by the Hydrate of Chloral, a medicine lately introduced as a powerful
hypnotic. Consumption caused 2 doaths, one Tusnianian born.

The total deaths in the registration district of Hobarton, during 1870, were
500. The population at the census on the 7th February, 1870, was 25,004, the
death-rate therefore was 20 per 1,000. Nearly 0,000, however, of the popula-
tion is extra-urban and purely rural. On the other hand 45 of the deaths are
known to have been of persons not belonging to the district, and 70 others
were invalids collected from all parts of the island, and concentrated within
two establishments in the district. It may therefore be fairly calculated that
about 400 was the actual number of deaths of persons belonging to the district,
being at the rate of 16 per 1,000 per annum. The Registrar-General of
England assumes 17 per 1,000 to be the normal death-rate, being that of the
65 healthiest districts of England and Wales. The average of the total deaths
in the Hobai-ton Registration District for the 13 years, 1857, 1869, was 564
8-13, the year 1858 having the largest number, 644 ; and 1869 having the
smallest, 462. Of the 500 deaths in 1870, January had the greatest number, 64,
November the smallest, 25. No disease prevailed epidemically, and the deaths
in the Zymotic class of diseases were only about one-tenth of the whole. From
the records of the 13 years ending 1869, the mean mortality of each month is as?
follows : — January, 49 1-13 ; February, 54 6-13, which considering the small
number of days in that month, is the most fatal month in the year ; March,
54 11-13 ; April, 41 1-13 ; ]\[ay, 40 7-13 ; June, 45 9-13 ; July, 56, this is
numerically the most fatal month, but not so if the number of days is calculated.
Moreover, an epidemic of influenza in July, 1860, when 114 deaths were
recorded, principally of old people, swells the average of this month differently
to any other of the months. Excluding this very fatal month, the average of
the other 12 years is only 50 4-12 August, 45 10-13 ; September, 42 ;
October, 43 6-13 ; November, 39 12-13, being the least fatal month to life ;
December, 44 9-13. In the year 1870 the deaths in each month under 5 years
old, were :— January, 23 ; Febniary, 18 ; March, 12 ; April, 9 ; Blay, 10 ;
June, 6 ; July, 1 ; August, 12 ; September, 6 ; October, 9 ; November*, 6 ;
December 11 ; total 123. This is a very small proportion of the total deaths
at all ages, according to the laws of mortality in England and Europe generally.
At 60 and all ages above, the oldest being 93 years old, the deaths were : —
In January, 16 ; February, 13 ; March, 16 ; April, 9 ; May, 17 ; June, 18 ;
July, 18 ; August, 15 ; September, 16 ; October, 16 ; November, 11 ;
December, 9 ; total, 174. The hot months are most fatal to children, the cold
months to old j)eople. By the census in February, 1870, thete were 3,402
children under five years old enumerated in the Hobarton Registration
District, and at 60 and all ages above, 1825. It is very remarkable that while
the constituent elements of the population as to age, have year after year,
been increasing in the proiDortionate numbers of the very young, and the very
old, the total death-rate has been decreasing. By the ordinary laws of
mortality it should be otherwise. This proves that our climatic advantages
have heretofore been under- estimated, not exaggerated, and that the native-
born have a much less death-rate than the imported inhabitants.

XXX.

METEOROLOGY FOR JANUARY, 1S71.

Private Obsekvatouv, IIobaut Town.

Bar. 37 feet

^

a

4> ^ ,S

abv. sea level

Self-Repistcring

Wind.

a

So <^

corrected 6i

Theriuouieters.

a, S ^

reduced.

S

J

a
a

6

a
1

1

(3

S

i£

Ti f

G
O

•s

4i
S

1

4i

.£3

a

i

Xi

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to

a

1

W

§

1

.5 2

o
.9

M

2

o

a

ight of 192 fee
form velocity d
lately correct,
ent winds are

the averege.

1

In.

30 149

In.

30 000

57

46

92 0

43-0

E

1-50

0 05

.2

a he
a uni;
roxin
differ

from

2

30 -222; 30 191

63

48

99-0

45 0

NW SE

•78

^rs:; 8

3

30315 30-2S3 63

50

101 0

47-5

SE

1-56

^^1 g

4

30-286

30-242 59

50

705

48 0

SE

1-56

'3

c ij K. ♦* a>

5

30149

30-002 68

54

89-0

52-0

NW SE E

-78

^

oigs ^

6

29-979

29-909 74

56

110-5

54 0

N.^*'

104

^

«!'«'§ ^

7

30 065

30-054 67

55

77-5

550

SE

104

r^

^^?i§ «

g

29-974

29-859 72

53

114-5

50-5

NESEE

•78

i

§ ^-s^ -

9

29-874

29-844 73

50

107 0

49 0

NESE

-78

6-2 §- 1

10

29-871

29-839 77

52

118-0

510

NWSE

1-04

. . » o

n

29-845

29-719 76

56

87-0

54-0

NW

104

0 19 °

om
posi
be c
hich

htai:

12

29-420

29-408 SO

60

1200

59 0

NW

5^46

3

13

29-484

29-381 74

58

99 0

54-5

NWW

3-12

g

a^a^ o

14

29-465

29-380 62

48

84-0

42 0

NWW

3-38

0 04 a>

"S^gfl g

15

29 765

29-692 62

43

97 0

40 0

NW SW

312

0 02 53

s .s " *i !^

16

29-857

29-807 68

48

1060

46 0

NAV SW

1-30

g

ri- 1

17

30130

30 086 71

43

no-5

38-5

NW SE

1-04

o

18

30-169

30 033 82

48

120 0

46-5

NW SE

104

a

£ « 2 » o

19

29-987

29-875 95

63

130 0

55 0

NW NE SE

104

§

20

30-217

30-195 73

56

1110

50 5

SE

1-56

OS

wind i
nd Ga

and tl
quanti

tables

21

30 194

30-073 86

54

125-0

53-0

NW SE

-78

.»J

22

30-059

29-853 92

54

1300

57 0

NW N

1-30

.2

23

29-847

29-783 89

54

120-5

59-0

NAV SE S

3 64

0-71 S

o >■ oT uj "p

24

29-895

29 868 68

54

72-0

49-5

SE

•78

.0-02 1

=^ s^ s

25

29 871

29-756 81

53

123 0

500

NW SE

104

.—1

■^ ^co O *a >C

26

29-810

29-623 86

57

120-5

51-5

NE NW SE

1-04

0 18 -3

°|b*ol3

27

29-825

29-562 76

57

108 0

50 0

NW SW

3-(!4

fl

c2 2 «5"

28

30 015

29-764,75

43

114 0

41-5

NW SE NW

1-04

lum.

ectic

to

arbil

itior

sum

ears

29

29-683

29 -554 [77

61

112-5

56-0

NW

130

30

29-774

29-651 180

51

116-5

48-5

NW W SE

104

<u

s 5 "> t^* ■* ^

31

29-734

29 -6891 58

56

115 5

50-0

NW

104

0.04 S

f3 0) ? K* 03 S <3>

Montlily inean|64 90

106-45

49 -71

Total force

49-66

1-25 S

-^ ^ g ^ ^ •r ^

29-877

>

§ 5i.s ^

—

Leafing, Floiveriwj, and Fruiting of a few Standard Plants in the Royal Society s
Gardens during the month.
10th.— Veronica angustifolia in flower.
11th.— First Apricot Eoman) ripe.
12th.— Grevillea robusta in flower.
14th. — Jargonelle Pear commencing to ripen.
19th —Black Mulberries ditto ditto.
Catalpa syringteflora not flowering this year. ^

Barometer mean, 29 887 in., being 0160in. above the average.

Temperature mean, 64 90 , being 206° above the ditto.

Solar intensity mean, 106-45", being 319' below the ditto.

Dew point mean, 51-2' btiag 065° above the ditto.

Humidity of air mean, "(M, being 03 per cent, below the ditto

Elastic force of vapour mean, 393, being 020 per cent, above the ditto.

Total amount of rain, 2-25in., being Ollin. below the ditto.

Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rainfall, 2-94in.

Mean amount of ozone, 543, being 144 of chromatic scale below the ditto.

Electricity active on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 27th, 2SLh,
SOth. and 31st.

14th.— The apex of Mount Wellington covered with snow.

19th.— Thunder ; 23rd, thunder, liglitning, and rain ; 26th, much thunder and
lightning, both sheet and fork, with rain. EUAN CIS ABBOTT.

NOTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF
THE MONTH OF JANUARY, 1871.

By E. Swarbreck Hall.

The year 1871 opened with weather of a very anomalous character, there
being a considerable covering of snow on Mount "Wellington, and a fresh cold
south-east wind, with sprinkles of rain. Nevertheless, the mean temperature
of the whole month was above the average, and nearly every other of the re-
cords departed more or less from the adopted mean. On the whole, this month
— following the very dry one of December— was not very favourable to health
and life, the deaths being within a trifle of the 14 years' average.

Atmospheric pressure had the mean of 29*887, being + "160 above the 25
years' adopted standard. With the exception of 1868, when the mean was
29 '918, the present year's January was the highest of 31 years now on record.
The maximum, 30-315, was registered on the 3rd; the minimum, 29-380, on
the 14th, the extreme range of the month being '935 of an inch. The greatest
movement of the barometer in any 24 hours, was a rise of -t- '458 on the 1st,
and there were only seven other days on which it exceeded one-fifth of an
inch — so that, tolerably steady, but high atmospheric pressure, may be
deemed characteristic of the present month.

TFi/io?-/(>rce total was only 49 -eClbs., which is— 28-631bs. less than the average
for January. Both in number and force, the ozone-bearing sea breezes from
the south-east to west far exceeded all from the other four points of the com-
pass, and, no doubt, to a great extent counteracted other phenomena less
favourable to health. At no one record was a stronger pressure to the square
foot recorded than 2-601bs. There were 15 calms, being —1-90 less than
the average. The 19th, 22nd, 26th were hot-ioinds,VQxy weak in point of wind-
force, but very hot as to temperature.

Temjoerature mean, 64-90 degrees, was -t- 2-06 above the 25 years' average,
and hotter than any January since 1863. The extremes of temperature were :
— Maximum, 95 degrees on the 19th (only one other above 90), and minimum,
43 _ on the 15th, 17th, 28th. The wet-bulb theimometer mean was 57-56,
being + 1-18 above the average.

Daily range of Temperature mean was 21-71 degrees,being ^- '95 above
the average. The greatest was 38 degrees on the 22nd.

Solar-intensity had the mean of 106*45 degrees, being •— 3-19 below the
average. This is singular enough, for the cloud mean was but a trifle above
the average, and the month was not a hazy one. The maximum was 130
degrees, on the 19th and 22nd.

Terrestrial-radiation mean, 49 "71 degrees, was — I'SS below the average;
the coldest night being the 17th, when this thermometer fell to 38-5 degrees.

Electric-fmxe of vapour, 393, was -f 20 above the average, and the highest
noted since January 1863. It ranged from minimum 245 on the morning of
the 15th to maximum 592 at noon on the 25th.

Humidity mean was 64, and — 3 below the average.

Rain fell on 8 days being — '64 below the average. The quantity gaug^ed
was 1*25 inches, being — '11 less than the average. More than half of it ('71)
fell on the 23rd, being a thunderstorm. Snow, to a considerable amount,
covered the summit of Mount Welhngton on the morning of the 1st, but did
not last long. A frost deposit appeared again on the 14th.

Spontaneous Evaporation amounted to 4.19 inches.

Cloud mean was 5-89, being -j- -19 only above the average.

Ozo^ie mean, 5-43, was— 1.44 less than the average. It is the lowest record
ever made for January. The maximum was 8 on the 1st and 24th, with
south-east bi'eezes. The minimum was 3 on the 21st.

The Electricity records were, 18 positive, with tension ranging from 2 to 8 ;
Negative 44, with tension from 1 to 6. No " nils." Thunder and Lightning
were observed on the 23rd and 26th, both grand displays, and of rare oc-
currence of late years. Lightning only was seen on the 15th. Thunder
only heard on the 19th.

The deaths in the month were 47, being — 3 2-14th less than the average of
the previous 14 years, but 17 less than 1870 had. Under one year old there

■were 17 deaths, many of tliem only a few days old. From nine months of ag#
to 21 years, there was only one death, and that from accident to a girl 7i
years old, run over on Regatta Day. This is a very remarkable and unusual
exemption at this season of the year in this group of ages. From 20 to 60
the deaths were 14 ; and from GO and all ages above, 15, the oldest being 82.
There were six deaths in liospital, four of them being from other registration
districts. There wore six inquests. At the Cascades invalid establishment
there were two deaths, but none at the Brickfields. In the zymotic class of
diseases there were 12 deaths, one from diphtheria, all the rest from
diarrhoea. Pulmonary consumption caused two deaths, both aged persons,
respectively born iu England and Ireland.

METEOROLOGY FOE FEBRUARY, 1871.

Private Observatory, Hobart Town.

(

[le maxi-

ihe force
ring the

red each

~J

Bar. 37 feet

ibv. sea level

Self-Registering

Wind.

Borrected &

Thermometers.

i lilt 1

reduced.

a£

^ "'^J (H ^< <J>

c

*" .kJ-j- M >

5

§

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60

c

1 '

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1

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3 '[

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s

3

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3

•1 ^"M i

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1

In.

30 015

In.
29-952 (

59 47

109-0

45-0

NW SE

1-04

2

30 034 29 -8391'

r948

120 0

46-0

NW SE

1-04

2 -iiii «

3

30 052 29-938

ri.54

101-0

51-5

NW W SE

1-30

4

30148 30107 68152

108-0

51-0

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1-30

6

30071: 29-970 76:55

119-5

50-0

NSE

104

3 i-il s

6

30-009 29-889 80 49

116-0

46-5

NW SE

104

0-15

1

29-687 29-298j72 60

73-0

58 0

NW

•26

0-41-<

1 |§§::l -2

8

29-795,29-312 70'56

94-0

48-5

NW SW SE

2-86

9

30-065 30-057 67'47

90-0

46 0

NW SE

•52

10

30-014 29-85278 47

114 0

44-5

NW SE

1-30

11

29-879;29-852 75 49

1120

46-5

NW

1-30

12

29-974 29-897|76'50

113-0

46-5

NW SE

•78

0-3

IS

29-82129-535 83 54

1180

51-5

NW SE

■26

0 20

1 *«i 1

14

29-50129-417 79 52

112 5

49-0

NW

5-72

1£

29-868 29-734 69;48

100 0

46-0

NW SE NW

104

1(

30-063i30-010 69 51

108-0

47-5

SE

1-04

1 ^6^ *

11

30-055 30-029,75 53

113 0

48-5

NW SE S

1-04

s till i

IE

$30-098 29-931

79 53

98 0

51-5

NWNE

2-60

It

) 29-787 29-525

8652

120-0

52-5

NW

10-68

018

2(

) 29-854 29-662

75:57

1140

48 0

NW SW NW

•78

2]

30-156I30-129

7552

113-5

50-0

NW SE

1-30

25

I 30-08

7 29-851

7847

114-0

45-0

NW E NE

-52

21

5 29-77

3 29-709

80 50

118-0

47-5

NW SE

1-04

2-

I 29-79

7 29-769

79 60

1170

55-0

NESE

104

2

5 29-98

Q 29-860

72;57

73-0

56-5

SW SE

1-30

0-33

26'30126]30-099

60:52

64-5

50 -C

SEE

0-

•^ir^iii

27|30026i29-839

7654

1100

50-5

NW

1-30

28i29-774:29-582

82'50

112-0

49 -£

NWSE E

-52

0 05

Mean monthly J64. 56

106 -2£

■49 -2i

i Total Force

.. 43-96' 1-35

-

29-879 '

1

1

ggg8§s'|g

^ a ga ^

Ltafing, Flotvering, and Fruiting of a few Standard PlanU in th6 Boyal Society^M
Gardens during the month.
eth— Kerry pippin apple commencing to ripen.
*th— W mdsor ^ear ditto.

XXXlll.

15th— Bon Chretien pear commencing to ripen.
16th— Green gage pluni ditto.
26th — Common ash commencing to shed seed.
26th — Sycamore ditto.

Barometer mean, 29819in., being0036in. below the average.

Temperature mean, 64 .5(3°, being 4 SO" above the average.

Solar intensity mean, 10G"25^ being 2 96' above the average.

Dew point mean, 51 2", being 198 above tlie average.

Humidity of air mean, 65, being 06 per cent, below the average.

Elastic force of vapour mean, 390, being 034 above the average.

Total amount of rain, ISSin., being 0'32in. below the average.

Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rain fall, 2 87in.

Mean amount of ozone, 508, being 193 of chromatic scale below the average.

Electricity active on the 5th, Sth, 9th, 10th, 11th, 14th, 15th, and 20th.

Hot wind on the 19th. Thunder and rain on the 28th.

FRANCIS ABBOTT.

NOTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF
THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY, 1871.

By Dr. E. Swarbreck Hall.

The atmospherical i^henomena of the month varied considerably from the
25 years' adopted standard mean for February, but were not on the whole
unfavourable to health and life. The deaths were twelve less in number
than the average of the previous 14 years, and six less than February, 1870,
had.

Atmospho'ic 2^ressure mean, 29'879, was x '048 only above the mean. The
greatest pressure on any day was, 30 "1.56, on the 21st ; and the lowest
was, 29-298, on the 7th. The month's range therefore was only -8.58, being
less than in any February since 1863. The greatest movement of the
barometer in any 24 hours was a fall of — '448 on the 7th, which was not
unusual in any respect. There were, however, 10 other days on which the
variations exceeded one-fifth of an inch.

Wind-force in the aggregate amounted to 43 "96 lbs., being — 13 "14 less
than the February average. North-ivest vdnds predominated over all others,
both in frequency and force, and were greatly in excess of the February
mean. On the other hand north wind was only noted once, and without
force (a calm) ; while the February average is 14"ll in number, 8*21 in force.
South-east winds were considerably more numerous than usual, but a trifle
below the average force. The strongest winds, 5*21 lbs. in force, were
noted tvsdce on the 19th, and were north-west hot loinds. Calms weve + 5*33
above the Februaiy mean.

Temperature mean, 64 "56, was + 2*68 degrees above the 25 years' mean,
only 1866 and 1855, during the past 30 years, had higher means, i.e., 6519
and 68 '00 respectively. Maximum, 86, was noted on the 19th. It has often
been exceeded. Minimum, 47, was recorded four times, being the highest,
with the exceptions of 1866, 1845, 1843, 1841, in the previous 30 years. The
wet-bulb thermometer mean, 57 "45, was + 1'74 above the mean.

Daily-range of Temperature mean, 22 '93 degrees, was -H 3'18 above the
average. It was never so high since 1859, when it was 23*17, and only in
three other years of the 30 had February a higher daily-range than the pre-
sent month, i.e., 1857, 1856, 1841. The greatest range on any day was 34
degrees on the 19th, and that has often been exceeded in former years.

Solar intensity mean, 106 '25 degrees, was — 1"62 below the average.
The greatest on any day was 120, recorded on the 2nd and 19th, and the lowest
since 1861. It is remarkable that the sun's heat should be so low while
mean shade temperatui-e was so high, more especially as the cloud mean
was below the average.

Terrestrial radiation mean, 49-23, was only— '34 below the average.
The lowest in any night was 44*5 on the 10th. In every year recorded,
except 1866, when it was the same, the minima have been much lower.

Elastic force of Vajmcr, 390, was + 16 above the average. It ranged

XXXIV.

from maximum 585 at noon on tlic 7th, to minimum 2G0 on tbo evening of
the 14th.

Humidity mean, 65, was — 5 below the average.

Rain-faU amountetl to J -.V) inches, being — "M below the average. It fell
on 7 days, being — 0'73 below the mean. It (lescende<l copiously on the 7tli
and 25th, so as to scoui- surface dniins and Hush sewers and water-courses
ethcicntly. Snow was never visible on Mount Wellington during the month.

Spontaneous Evaporation amounted to 4 22 inclies, being three times more
thaa rain fall.

Cloud mean was 5'08, being — "02 below the average.

Ozone mean was only 501, being — 1'40 below the average, and the lowest
ever registered for the month of Febiiiary.

The Elect rir if If records were :— 21 positive with tension ranging from 2*5
to G; and 32 negative, ranging f rom 1 to G, and 3 "nils." A short storm
of thunder, liffhtninp, and rain occurred on the last day of the month.

The mouth's Deaths amounted to 42, being — 12 less than the average of
the previous 14 years, and — G less than 1870 had. Under one year of age the
deaths were 12, being — 2 less than 1870 had. At 1 to 5 years old the deaths
were 7, being + 3 more than in 1870. At 5 to 10 there were no deaths, while
1870 had 2. At 10 to 15 no deaths occurred, though 1870 had 2. At 15 to
20 there were 2 deaths, while 1870 had none. From 20 to GO the deaths were
10, while 1870 had 13. At GO and all ages above, the oldest being 87, there
were 11 deaths, while 1870 hadl3, the oldest being 82. Zymotic diseases caused
10 deaths, all from Diarrhcca and Dysentery, the prevalent diseases always at
tliis season of the year. There were 4 Inquests. At the Brickfields Invalid
Establishment there were 2 deaths ; at the Cascades 3. The Hospital had 6
deatlis, two of them from other registration districts. Pulmonary Consicmpr-
Hon caused 2 deaths, one being a native of England, the other of Ireland.

REPORT

OF THE

ROYAL SOCIETY

TASMANIA

FOR THE YEAR

1 87a

TASMANIA :

PRINTED AT THE " MERCURY " STEAM OFFICE, HOBART TOWN.
1871.

I^u?^TI^O IT:

'§ixtxaxx :

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN.

HIS EXCELLENCY CHARLES DuCANE, ESQ.

i^ia-Umitofe :

Ven. AECHDEACON da VIES
HON. Sm E. OFJFICEE, M.H.A.

J. W. AGNEW, Esq., M.D..

M. ALLPORT, ESQ., F.L.S., F.Z.S.

Imim ot €omtxl:

* SIR R. OFFICER, KNT., M.H.A.
^ T. STEPHENS, Esq., M.A.

* H. J. BUCKLAND, Esq.

* J. BARNARD, Esq.

VEN. ARCHDEACON DA VIES
HON. A. KENNERLEY, Esq.. M.L.C.

M. ALLPORT, Esq., F.L.S., F.Z.S.

J. W. AGNEW, Esq., M.D.

F. ABBOTT, Esq., F.R.A.S., F.E.M.

T. GIBLIN, Esq.

JUSTIN McC. BROWNE, Esq.

A. G. WEBSTER, Esq.

fea^Hum :

Won, 3tmtm^:

J.

DUNN, Esq.

1 J. W. AGNEW, Esq., M.D.

,^uMtor^^ ot ^xxxxxmi ^tmuttfe:

F

BUTLER, Esq.

1 H. GOOK, Esq.

M. ALLPORT, Esq. [ F. ABBOTT, Esq,

€mntox ot % Hw^mm :

MR. T. ROBLIN.
* Members who retire next in rotation.

HIS EXCELLENCY SIR GEORGE GREY, K.C.B., &c., Governor
CHARLES JOSEPH LATROBE, Esq., England.

AY. H. ARCHER, Esq., Regi-trar-General, Melbourne, Victoria.

JOHN JOSEPH BENNETT, Esq., F.R.S., British Museum, London,

REY. W. B. CLARKE, M.A., F.G.S., &c., Sydney.

JOHN GOULD, Esq., F.R.S., London.

JOSEPH DALTON HOOKER, Esq., M.D., R.N., F.R S., &c., London.

JOSEPH H. KAY, Captain R.N., F.R.S., Melbourne, Victoria.

REV. R. L. KING, B.A., Sydney.

J. MITCHELL, Esq., Sydney.

BARON F. VON MUELLER, C.M.G., M.D., F.R.S , F.L.S., &c., &c..

Government Botanist, Melbourne, Victoria.
JOHN PEET, Esq., Professor, Grant's College, Bombay.
FREDERICK PENNY, Esq., F.R.S., Professor of Chemistry in the

Andersonian University, Glasgow.
W. J. MACQUORN RANKIN, Esq., C.E., F.R.S.L., and E., &c.
^Y. WILSON SAUNDERS, Esq., F.R.S., &c., London.
ALFRED R. C. SELWYN, Esq., F.G.S.
REV. CHARLES PLEYDELL N. WILTON, M.A., Newcastle, New South

Wales.
ADAM AYHITE, Esq., F.L.S., &c., British Bluseum, London.
E. S. P. BEDFORD, Esq., F.R.C.S.L., Sydney, New South Wales.
C. TOMLINSON, Esq., Lecturer on Physical Science, King's College School,

London.
G, BENNETT, Esq., M.D., F.Z.S., Sydney, New South Wales.
PROFESSOR G. NEUMAYER, Munich.
REV. JULIAN E. T. WOODS, F.L.S., F.G.S., F.R.G.S., &c., Penola,

South Australia.
DR. W. O. SONDE R, Foreign Hon. Sec. Society of Naturalists, Hamburg.
REV. J. J. BLEASDALE, D.D., F.G.S., Melbourne.

§is.t oi idlabs.

t Denotes Life Membership,

ALhott, Francis, F.R.A.S., F.R.M.S.
Abbott, F., jun.
Adams, G. P. . . .

Agnew, J. W., M.D

Allport, Joseph

Allport, Morton, F.L.S., F.Z.S. ...

Archer, William, F.L.S

Atherton, E. ...
Atkinson, Rev. H. D.

Aubin, F

Aikenhead, Hon. J., M.L.C
Adams, R. P. . . .

Hobart To^ii

Cheshunt
Hobart Town
Oyster Cove
Spring Bay
Launceston
Hobart Town

Bilton, H

Barnard, James
+ Barry, Sir R. , Puisne Judge
Boyd, James, Ci\'il Commandant ...
Butler, Francis

Butler, J

Bromby, Right Rev. C. H., Lord' Bishop of Tas-
mania

Bright, R. S., M.R.C.S.L.

Butler Henry
Buckland H.J.
Browne, Justin McC.

Baynton, W. E

Bomford, F. E

Glenorchy
Hobart Town
Melbourne
Port Arthur
Hobart Town
Bagdad

Hobart Town

Kingston
Rheban, Swansea

Chapman, Hon. T. D., M.H.A.
Cook, Henry, M.H.A.
Clarke, J. M. ...

CresweU, C. F

Cotton, Francis

Crawford, Lieut. -Colonel ...

New Town
Hobart Town

Swanport
New Town

77

Cruttenden, Thomas . . .
Oastray, L. R., A.C.G.

Woodsden
Hobart Town

Davies, Ven. Archdeacon ...
Davies, John, M.H.A.

Dear, R. E

Dobson, Hon. W.L., M.H.A.

Dobson, H

Dunn, J. A

Du Cane, His Excellency C.

Foster, Hon. John, M.L.C. ...

Hobart Town
>»

Hgbart Town
>>
>»
Government House

Hobart Town

Giblm, Thomas

Gould, C, F.G.S., Government Geologist

Gorringe, Thomas

Greig, C. F

+Gunn, R. C, F.R.S., F.L.S

Graves, J. W. ...

tGellibrand, W. A. B

Guesdon, W. A., jun.

Green Ponds
Hobart Town
Launceston
Hobart Town
River Ouse
Hobart Town

Hall, Dr. E. Swarbreck
Harris, Rev. R. D. P., M.A.
Hinsby, Henry
Hunter, Henry

Huston, G. F

Huybers, A

Hopkins, H. ...

Hazell, C ' ...

Hobart Town

New Norfolk
Hobart Town

Carlton

Irving, Professor

Irvine, P.

Ingle, J.

Isaacs, R. Mcintosh

Jackson, Adam
Jamieson, — ...
Jeffery, Molesworth

.Melbourne University
Hobart Town
England
Hobart Town

Ross

Hobart Tovnx
Bournbank

Kennerley, Hon, Alfred, M.L.C.

Hobart Towu

78

Knight, W., jun.

Samly Bay

Langdon, Captain the Hon. W., K.N., M.L.C.

Lewis, David, M.H.A.

Legge, R. V

Maclanachan, James...

Macfarlane, James

Macfarlane, J. . . .

Mather, J. B

Maxwell, CM.

tMilligan, Joseph, F.L.S

Moore, J. A

Meredith, Hon. C, M.H.A

Morrison, Askin

Marsh, H, J

Mace, J. C.

Mace, G.

Montacute
Hobart Town
Cullenswood

Ballochmyle
Hobart Town

England
New Norfolk
Hobart Town

Clarence Plains
Spring Bay

Napier, G. K.
Nelson, H.

Hobart Town

Officer, Hon. Sir Robert, M.H.A., Speaker ... New Norfolk
Pillinger, J Antill Ponds

Roberts, H. L.
Read, R. Cartwright.
Paile, J.

Hobart Town
Redlands, New
Norfolk.
Bellerive

Salier, G., M.H.A _

Sharland, W. S., M.H.A

Solomon, Joseph

Stephens, T., M.A., Inspector of Schools

Story, J. Y

Storie, "Rev. J.
Susman, L.

Stone, TV.

Swan, E. I>. ...

Scott, J., M.H.A

Hobart Town
New Norfolk
Hobart Town

Swanport
Hobart Town

Launceston

79

Scott, J. R., M.H.A

New Town

Travers, S. Smith

New Town

Walch, James

Hobart Town

Weaver, G. .."

Weston, W. P

Norfolk Plains

Whitcomb, G.

Hobart Town

Whyte, Hon. James, M.L.C.

,,

Wilson, George, jun

Mount Seymour

Wilson, Hon. J.M., M.L.C.

Hobart Town

Wise, F. H

>>

WooUey, J

>»

Wilkins,A

England

Webster, A. G

Hobart Town

Weight, Stephen P. H

>»

Wilson, George

,,

Willes, C. J. , M. P. C. S. Edin.

Oatlands

Walker, F. T

Rhodes

Young, Russell

Hobart Town

Young, James

Bellerive

80

MINUTES of the Annual General Meeting of
the Royal Society of Tasmania, held at tlie
Museum, Macquario-street, at 7 o'clock p.m.,
on the imh January, 1871 : The Vcn. Arch-
deacon Davies, Vice-President, in the chair.

The Chairman having read the advertisement
by which the meeting had been convened, called
upon the Secretary to read the report.

The Report for 1870 was then read.

It was moved by Mr. H. Bilton, seconded by
Mr. J. Allport, and carried, '' That the Report
be adoj^ted, and printed for circulation amongst
the Fellows."

Messrs. J. M. Clarke and F. Abbott, junr.,
having been appointed Scrutineers, the meeting
proceeded to the election of four members of
Council in place of those retiring.

The ballot resulted in favour of the undermen-
tioned Fellows, who were declared duly elected : —

F. Abbott, Esq.

T. Giblin, Esq.

Justin McCarthy Browne, Esq.

A. G. Webster, Esq.

Messrs. F. Butler and H. Cook were, on the
motion of Mr. M. Allport, seconded by Mr. F.
Abbott, Senr., re-elected Auditors of annual
accounts.

The following gentlemen, who had been pre-
viously nominated by the Council, were elected
by ballot as I'ellows of the Socioty : —

Molesworth Jeffery, Esq., of Bournbank, and
W. E, Baynton, Esq., of Kingston.

A vote of thanks to the Honorary Secretary,

81

Dr. Agnew, proposed by Mr. J. Allport, and
seconded with some complimentary remarks hy
Mr. Stephens, was unanimously adopted.

Dr. Agnew returned tlianks. He Avas much
gratified at being able to report that tlie financial
condition of the Society was so comparatively
satisfactory, and he hoped by the invaluable as-
sistance of tlieir Curator, Mr. Roblin, to be able
next year to state that all liabilities had been
cleared off. This was much to be desired, as it
was becoming a matter of necessity that some
portion of the funds should be devoted to the
purchase of recent books of reference, etc., and
to other objects connected with the Institution.

On the motion of Mr. Belstead, seconded by
Mr. J. M. Clarke, an unanimous vote of thanks
was accorded to the Chairman.

The Chairman returned thanks, remarking that
he considered it would be desirable to have a micro-
scopical reunion at an early date for the special en-
tertainment of ladies ; and stating that, in con-
formity with a suggestion made by Mr. Giblinat the
last annual general meeting, he purposed giving an
address next year, should he then have the pleasure
of occupying his present position.

The proceedings then terminated.

82

K E I* () R T.

The Sesssion of 1870 commenced on the 8th
of Marcli, with a paper by Baron F. Von j\Iiicller,
C.:\r.CT., F.R.S., etc., entitled '' Contributions to
the Phytography of Tasmania," and tlie follow-
ing papers were read at the meetings during the
year : — ^' Additional Observations on the changes
which have taken j)lace in the Star „ Argus and
its surrounding Nebula," by F. Abbott, F.R.A.S. ;
^' On the Land Shells of Tasmania, wdth a list of
new species," by Mr. W. Legrand ; '^ On the
habits of the large Crayfish fAstaciis sp.J of the
Northern Rivers of Tasmania," by C. Gould, Esq.,
F.G.S. ; ^^ Notes on an Excursion to Cummings's
Head and the Falls of the Meander," by W.
Archer, Esq., F.L.S. ; ^^ Notes on an Experiment
with the Fumes of Sulphur, and on other methods
for the Destruction of Rabbits in their Burrows,"
by W. Archer, Esq., F.L.S. ; ^^Notes on the Salmon
Trout fSalmo tntttaj at the River Plenty," by M.
Allport, Esq., F.Z.S., F.L.S. ; " The Sun and its
Office in the Universe," by F. Abbott, Esq.,
F.R.A.S. ; '^ Continuation of Notes on an Ex3ur-
sion to Cummings's Head and the Falls of the
Meander," by W. Archer, Esq., F.L.S. ; and
^^ Notes on the Calif ornian Thistle," by the same
author.

In addition to the j)apers read, the following
subjects were brought under discussion at the
monthly meetings : — ^' The occurrence of Gold at
Port Cygnet;" ^^ The Red Spider of the Hop
Grounds ;" '^ The Smolt captured in the Derwent
and forwarded to Dr. Giinther for identification
of Species;" "" The arrest of development of the
Salmon when detained in fresh water;" ^^ Dr.

83

Giinther's opinion as to species of the Smolt sent
to him ;" '^ The Caterpillars by which the
grain and other crops were so much injured in
the early part of 1870 ; " ^^ The Manufacture of
Beet-root Sugar in Tasmania, with correspondence
thereon ; " '^ The capture ot a Smolt by an angler
at New Norfolk ; '' Coal from Three Hut Point f
^' The rapid growth of the English Perch fPerca
fluviatilisj in Tasmania/' etc., etc.

The monthly Meteorological Tables have been
regularly published, and copies of them forwarded
to the Government Observatories in the neigh-
bouring colonies, from all of which similar returns
have been received. The thanks of the Society
are again due to Mr. F. Abbott of Hobart Towti,
Mr. J. Boyd of Port Arthur, Dr. Story of Swan-
sea, and Mr. F. Belstead of Westbury, for their
trouble in keeping these important records ; also
to the Superintendents of the various Lighthouses
and Coast Stations, who^ by direction of the
Marine Board, furnish monthly returns.

The Council has much pleasure in reporting
that the monthly " Notes on the Meteorology and
Mortality of the Hobart Town Registration
District," by E. Swarbreck Hall, Esq., have been
regularly supplied and printed during the year.

Our transactions have as usual been transmitted
to learned Societies in various parts of the world,
and the Fellows will no doubt have observed, by
our acknowledgments at the monthly meetings,
that very valuable presentations have been re-
ceived in return.

In order to aid in the advancement of the ob-
jects of the Society, it was thought advisable to
make an appeal to the public for such increased
assistance as they might be enabled to afford,
whether by scientific contributions, or by joining

84

as permanent members. Tlic^ results liavc been
such as to justlty us in still keeping" tlie subject
under notice during the present year.

COUNCIL.

No vacanc}' has occurred during the year. The
r(Mpiired list according to liule XXXII., as
amended at the General Meeting of 1868, has
been exhibited In the Library for the last fortnight.

FINANCE.

On reference to last year's Report it will be
noticed tliat it was expected our debt would be
considerably reduced at the end of the current
year. We are happy to say such has been the case,
and the state of the Balance Sheet warrants us in
hoping' that the debt will almost be extinguished
by the end of the present financial year.

The total income from all sources was as follows :
■ — Government Grant to Museum £200 ; to the
Gardens £400 ; subscriptions £127 10s. ; sale of
Plants, etc., £71 3s. 4d. ; amounting to £798
13s. 4d. This with £30 12s. in the hands of the
Superintendent of the Gardens for payment of
current expenses, 9s. petty cash in hands of
Curator of Museum, and £40, which we calculate
will be available from arrears of subscriptions,
will ffive a grand total of £869 14s. 4d. The ex-
penditure and liabilities amount to £899 lis. 4d.,
leaving a balance to debit of £29 17s.

As the following statement shows, the current
expenditure for the year has been well within the
income : —

£ s. d.

Total Receipts from all sources 798 13 4

Total Expenditure 757 11 8

Balance for meeting liabilities £41 1 8

85

GARDENS.

In the iipi^er part of tlie Gardens considerable
progress lias been made in laying out and j^lant-
ing the trenched ground, through which a broad
walk has also been carried. This walk will be
continued round the beach as soon as the necessary-
tract of ground has been reclaimed by the sea
wall now in process of erection. It is hoped that
this wall will be completed in the course of a few
months, and when the arrangements now in pro-
gress are fully carried out, this portion of the
Gardens will no doubt become exceedingly at-
tractive.

Preparations for the erection of a new boundary
fence have been commenced by the Government.
About two-thirds of the necessary quantity of cut
timber has been received from Port Arthur, and
as soon as the remainder arrives the work will be
proceeded with as rapidly as possible. It is hoped
that arrangements will be made at the same time
for the construction of a new entrance, more in
keeping with the general character of the grounds
than the present one, which is most inconvenient
and unsiffhtlv.

Owing to the very low state of our finances,
and consequently the want of a proper organisation
for the collection of suitable plants, our exchanges
with Europe are gradually falling of, and the
additions to our plant stock during the past year
have chiefly been received from the neighbouring-
colonies. To Baron Von Mueller, Director of the
Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, and C. Moore, Esq.,
Director of the Botanic Gardens, Sydney, we are
indebted for many valuable additions of which
the following are worthy of special notice : — A
valuable collection of Tea, — Cinchona, — various
OakS; including the Cork Oak, — Conifer?p of

so

economic value, — Hickory and Walnut plants.
Tlie above were sent by Baron Von ]\rueller as
test plants to prove the adaptability of Tasmania
for their cultivation on a larger scale. Several
new Palms, which were discovered by liimself on
Lord Howe's Island, were sent by Mr. Moore.
Among- them the Keniia Balmoreana^ K. Forster-
iana^ K. Cant crhnry ana ^ &c., Panax 3I.iirrajfii (the
Palm Panax), Eucalyptus citriodora (the Lemon-
scented gum), Laiirus cinnamomuni (the Cinnamon
tree), and many others equally interesting. About
250 new plants were received during the year.

The number of persons who visited the Gardens
during the year is estimated at 21,444.

MUSEUM.

As will be seen by the list of presentations many
specimens in various departments of Natural
History have been received during the year. All
of these for which room could be provided have
been arranged in their aj)propriate sections of the
collection, the remainder being placed in store
until additional case room, of which we are greatly
in want, has been j)rocured.

The spirit preparations in store have largely
increased, but, as our funds are not at present
adequate to meet the expense of mounting them
for exhibition, the most that can be done for some
time will be to provide sufficient siDirits of wine to
preserve them.

The collection of skeletons of native animals
has received many additions at the hands of Mr.
Roblin, and it is hoped that the majority of these
will be placed in the Museum duiing the ensuing
year.

Conchological sj)ecimens have been received
from several donors, but as they are principally

87

duplicates of those already in the Museum, they
will be chiefly valuable for purposes of exchange.
Mr. W. Legrand; to whom the Society is indebted
for many additions to this department, is arranging
a complete series of Tasmanian land shells, inclu-
ding all those recently discovered by himself, and
it is his intention to present the collection when
completed to the Museum.

The work necessary for the preservation of the
general collection, which requires much time and
care, has been carried out. Several alterations
have been made in various parts of the Museum
for the better disjDlay of the objects exhibited, and
the work of labelling is being proceeded with as
ojDportunities occur. Specimens have been sent
to the Museum of Magdalen College, Cambridge ;
and Brussels, from which places we shall doubtless
receive others in return.

The number of visitors during the year was
8718.

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§1
51

89
BOOKS PUEOHASED & PEESENTED DURING 1870.

{Presentations marked tlius.*^

Arts, Journal of Society of, Vol. 17, Nos. 885 to 888 ; Vol. 18, Nos.

889 to 936 ; Nov. 5th, 1869 to Oct. 28th, 1870.
Arts, Transactions of Society of, 1 Vol., 1868-9.
Ai-chiv fur Natiirgeschichte, No. 6, 1867.
*Astronomical Observations made at Melbourne, 1866, 1867, 1868.

From R. J. EUery, Esq.
Athenaeum, parts 502 to 513, October, 1869, to September, 1870.
*Agricultural Society of N.S.Wales, Journal of, current numbers.
^Academy, American of Arts and Sciences, Proceedings of, Vol. 7, page

343 to end.
*Builder, The, Nos. 226 to 237, October, 1869, to September, 1870.
British Association, Report of, 1868.
Birds of Australia, Gould's, sujjplement, Part 5.
■^Calendar of Science and Art Department, South Kensington Museum,

1870.
*Climate of London 1818-1820 — two volumes.
^Catalogue of Victorian Exliibition, 1861.

* of Maps of British Possessions in India.

* of Colonial Museum, Wellington, New Zealand.

* of Victorian exhibits to Sydney Exhibition.

Conchologia Iconica. Parts 282, 283.

Grayish, On the habits of the large Freshwater, of Northern Rivers of

Tasmania. From the Author, C. Gould, Esq. , F. G. S.
*Essex Institute, Salem, Massachusetts, America, Proceedings of. Vol.

5, Nos. 5 to 8.
*Earthquakes, Cause and Phenomena of, by the Rev. W. B. Clarke.

From the Author.
*Entozoa, Cobbold's. From the Government.
^Excursion to Cummmgs's Head, and the Falls of the Meander, Notes

on an, by W. Archer, Esq., F.L.S. From the Author.
Florist and Pomologist, Nos. 23 to 34, November, 1869, to October, 1870.
Gardeners' Chronicle, The. Current numbers.

* of New Zealand, from the author, F. Wake-
field, Esq., F.L.S.
*Geological Charts of Tasmania, North East Coast. By C. Gould, Esq.,

F.G.S.
*Intelligencer, Walch's Literary, current numbers.
Journal, Silliman's American of Science and Art, Vol. 48, Nos, 144,

145 ; Vol. 49, Nos. 146, 147 ; vol. 50, Nos. 148, 149.

Practical Mechanics, pts. 56 to 60.

Quarterly of Science, Nos. 25 to 28.

*Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard College, Cambridge,

America; Report of 1868, Bulletin of Nos. 6 and 7.
*Magnetism, General Connotations of. By Pliny Earle Chase, Esq.

From the Author.
*Minerology of Victoria, Contributions to. By G. F. Ulrich, F.G.S.

From Government ot Victoria.
*Mineral Statistics of Victoria. From ditto.
*Mining Surveyors, Victoria, Reports of. From ditto.
*Magnetic Survey of Victoria, Results of. By Dr. G. Neumayer.

From the author.
*Meteorological Returns, Hobart Town, monthly.
J Port Arthur, ditto.

90

* Meteorological Returns, Swansea, ditto.

, Westbury, <litto.

, Kent's C;V()up, ditto, July, 18G9 to June 1870.

, Swan Island, ditto, ditto.

, Goose Island, ditto, ditto.

, King's Island, ditto, ditto.

, South Bmni, ditto, ditto.

, Mount Nelson, ditto, ditto.

, Melbourne, monthly for 1870.

, Sydney, ditto, ditto.

New Zealand, ditto, ditto.

Natural History, Annals and Magazine of, Vol. 4, Nos. 23 and 24 ; Vol.

5, Nos. 25 to 34.

* American Museum of, Report of

*Proceedings, Royal Society, London, Vol. 18, Nos. 115 to 122.

* of New Zealand Institute, Vol. 2, 1869.

■ of Geological and Polytechnic Society of W. Riding of

Yorkshire, 1809.
*Patents for Preservation of Food, Victoria, two pamphlets on, by W.

H. Archer, Esq. From Government of Victoria.
*Patent Indexes, Victoria. From ditto.
*Patents, Specifications of, Victoria, 1854 to 1856. From ditto.

* and Patentees, Victoria, Vol. 3. From ditto.

* Public Ledger Building, Philadelphia, Account of, 1 Vol.
*Report, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, 1806-1867.
, American Patent Office, 1863 to 1866, ten volumes. From

United States Government.

■ , of Department of Agriculture, Washington, From ditto.

* of National Academy of Sciences, Washington.

* , 10th Annual, of Columbia Institution for Deaf and Dumb,

1867.

* Public Schools, Washington, 22nd Annual, 1867.

* ]Maine Board of Agriculture, 1863.

■* of Natural History and Geology of State of Maine.

* of Commissioners of Fisheries, State of ISIaine.

* on Paris Exhibition, 1807, 6 vols. From the Society of Arts,

per Dr. Milligan.

of Commissioners on ditto. From the same.

■^Reports on United States Coast Survey, 1863, 4, and 5 ; 3 vols. From

U.S. Government.
^Report of South Australian Institute, 1869-70.

■* Leeds Literary and Philosophical Institution, 1869-70.

* New Zealand Colonial Museum.

*Rain, remarks on, as affected by the Moon. By Pliny Earle Chase.

From the Author.
*Rot in Sheep, by J. B. Simonds. From R. C. Gunn, Esq.
Student, The, Nos. 22, 23, 24 for 1869 ; Nos. 1 to 4 for 1870.
*Statistics of New Zealand, 1869.

* Tasmania, 1869.

* ^ — Agricultural of Victoria, 31st March, 1870.

*Society, Zoological of London, Proceedings of. Part 3, June to December,

1868 ; Part 1, January to March, 1869.
Linnean, Journal of. Vol. 12.

, , Vol. 11, Nos. 50, 51, 52.

, , Vol. 10, Nos. 46, 47.

Proceedings of, 1868-69, Page 41 to end.
, 1869-70, Page 1 to 22.

91

'Society, Royal Geographical, Journal of, Vol. 38, 18C8.

' , , Proceedings of, Vol. 13, Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5,

' , Royal Asiatic, Jonmal of, Vol. 4, Part 1 .

f ^ Geological, Quarterly Journal of, Vol. 25, Parts 3 and 4.

List of, 18G9.

' , Boston, of Natural History, Memoirs of, Vol. 1, Part 3.

, Boston, of Natural History, Proceedings of. Vol. II., 1866-

1868.

^ , , , Condition and Doings of, 1867-68.

' , , , Annual of, 1868-9.

^ , Portland, of Natural History, Proceedings of. Vol. 1, Part 2.

'■— — — ; American Philosophical, Philadelphia, Proceedings of, Vol.

10, Nos. 77, 78, 79, 1867-8

^ , Cincinnati Astronomical, Amiual Address to.

Royal of New South Wales, Address to. By Rev. W. B.

Clarke. From the Author,
*Silk, Correspondence on cultivation of. From Dr. G. Bennett, Sydney.
*Star 7j Argus, Additional observations on changes in, 1870, by F.

Abbott, Esq., F.R. A. S. From the Author.
*Sulphur, Notes on an Experiment with the Fumes of, for destruction of

Rabbits in their Burrows. By W. Archer, Esq. , F.L.S. From

the Author.
*Salmon Trout, Notes on. By M. Allport, Esq., F.L.S., F.Z.S.
*Sun, The, and its Office. By F. Abbott, Esq., F.R.A.S.
*Shells, Land, of Tasmania, Notes on. By Mr. W. Legrand.
* Times newspajjer, the, copy of, October 3rd, 1798, containing an account

of the Battle of the Nile. From Rev. H. Kennedy.
*Tobacco, ' ' A Breif e and Accvrate Treatise, concerning the taking of the

Fume of ," by Tobias Vernier, Doctor of Physicke, 1621. From

H. Cook, Esq.
*Tasmania in 1870, by H. M. Hull, Esq. From Geo. W. Rex.
*Trade, Free Intercolonial, pamphlet. By D. Randall, Esq., Adelaide.
Teratology, Vegetable. Ray Society, Vol. for 1869.
*Tasmanians, Last of the. By James Bonwick, Esq., F.G.S. From Dr.

Milligan.
* , Daily Life of. By James Bonwick, Esq., F.G.S. From

Dr. Milligan.
*Thistle, Calif ornian, Notes on. By W. Archer, Esq., F.L.S.

LIST OF PEESENTATIONS TO MUSEUM DURING
1870, WITH NAMES OF DONOES.

Allport, M., Esq. — Insects in spirits, from Port Arthur. Part of Skull
of Tunny, from North Coast of Tasmania. A Rail (Rallus
Letoinii). Prawns taken from stomachs of Rock Cod. Schorl
from Flinders' Island, and a Mass of Resin washed on shore at
the same place. Two Fish, caught in the Derwent. [See Em-
meHchfhi/.s uitidiis in Zool. of Erebus and Terror, page 47, plate 29].
A Black Snake. A Fox Shark, or Thresher.

Allison, F., Esq. — A Pair of Mexican Spurs.

Atkinson, Rev. H. D. — Specimen of Ibacus Peronii. A Spider Crab,
Eleven specimens of Echinodermata.

Abbott, J., Esq. — Coal from Rookwood, Three Hut Point.

Bayley, Master E. — A Falcon ( Fako frontatus).

92

Butler, J., Ksq., Dumilin, per.J. W. Cnives, Esq.— A fuiuiir uf the

Moil ( Diiiiniiis s/i. )
Brand, Mr., Oatlaiids, \)vv the Hon. d. Whyte, Esq.— A fcotal Wallaby.
Baynton, Mr. W. K., Kingston. Land Shells, Cnistacea, &e.
Butler, F., Esq. — Four sjjeciniens of Silver Ore from Fenguin Creek.
Butler, J. J., Esq.— An English Ferch, from Bagdad.
Crouch, Mrs. S. — A collection of Weapons, &c., from Fiji, viz. :— 1 Pil-
low, 2 Fieces Tapjja Cloth, 1 Feniale Chief's Dress, 1 Paddle, 2
War C'luhs, 1 Fiece Samoan Clotli, 1 Sandwich Island Spear, 1
Spear, Skull of Porpoise, Fcetal Porpoise.
Chisholm, Mr. D. — A large Fungus from a Gum Tree.
Cole, Mr. W.— I Spanish Silver Coin, Carolus III., 1781. 1 Half Dime,
United States, 1854. 1 Brass Coin, Louis XVI. of France, 1792.
1 Silver Coin.
Chapman, Mrs. — Seeds from Borneo.

Clinch, Cai)t.— Jaw of Cestracion, or Port Jackson Shark.
Cook, H., Esq. — A Treatise on Tobacco, 1621,

Ceams, Mr. — Specimens of very large Oysters from North- West Bay.
Dinham, G,, Esq. — Two Stone Hatchets of Aborigines of Australia and
Tasmania. Portion of Skull of Aborigine from Mona Vale. A
Fossil Seed from the Sandstone, Somersetshire, England, found
80 feet below the surface. A Collection of Mineral specimens
from England. A copy of " The whole W'orkes of W. Tyndall,
John Frith, and Dr. Barnes," 1573.
Degraves, C, Esq. — Four Fossils from the Limestone at Cascades.
Docksey, Mr. — Three Mineral specimens from Adelaide.
Da\'ies, Mr. G. — Chicken witli four legs.
Exton, Mr., Oatlands. — A Rail (Rallus Leimnii).
Edwards, Mr. , Oatlands. —A White Kangaroo.
Edwards, Mr., Kewstoke. — A very large specimen of Cornelian.
Forsyth, Captain, brig Waverley. — A Snake and a Lizard from Java.
Forster, J., Esq. — Part of Human Skeleton dug up at Hamilton.
Graves, J. W., Esq. — 2 Skulls of Axis Deer from Slopeu Island. A
Nest of the English Sparrow. A Black Snake. A Cape Barren
Goose (Cereopsis JSfovce Holla ndice). A Sparrow Hawk.
Giblin, Mr. R. — A Fish said to have been caught in ISIr. Walker's Mill-

Race (?).
GeUibrand, T. *L. , Esq. —A Wedge-taHed Eagle.

Giblin, T., Esq. — A list of subscribers, with signatures, to a testimonial
for presentation to Mr. Taylor, of Macquarie River, for resisting
an attack on his house by escaped convicts, dated 20th July, 1824.
Paper-like Bark of Tea Tree.
Gulliver, Mr. G. — 125 specimens of Australian Coleoptera, named.
Gresley, Mr. C. A. — Rock Specimens from River Mersey.
Gibbons, Mr. — A Chicken Mith four legs.

Hedberg, Mr. 0. H. — A collection of Swedish Coins and Notes.
Hopkins, H., Esq. — A foetal Lamb, a monstrosity. Two Dories.
Hull, H. M., Esq. — Specimen of Iron Pyrites and Malachite. Shells,

&c., from Warrnambool. Nest of White-shafted Fantail.
Hedberg, Mr. 0. E. — Jaws of Shark.
Hutchison, Rev. J. — A Hermit Crab.
Herpich, Mr. — Three Austrian Notes. Five Turkish Coins. One

Austrian and two Hamburg Coins.
Ikin, Mr. — Two Spines of Sting Rays. Twelve specimens of Crustacea.
James, Mr. R. — Part of Skeleton of Ray (?). Jaw of Cestracion.
Jeffrey, Mr. R. A. — Two very Large Mussels, from near New Wharf.
Johnston, Mr. W. — A Bronze- winged Cuckoo.

93

Knight, W., Esq., junior. — Samples of Cinnabar Ore from Oudgegong,

New South Wales.
Leake, J. T., Esq. — A specimen of Roman Brick from St. Alban's,

England (the ancient Veriilamium).
Luttrell, Mr. — Specimens of Quartz from Tomahawk River and Water-
house. Crabs from N. Coast.
Lewis, Mr. Gidley. — A Russian Silver Coin of Empress Catherine, 1796.

Specimen of Handwriting of (leneral Moreau.
Low, Mr. J. I. — A Black-cheeked Falcon.
Lloyd, Captain, per Mr. O. H. Hedljerg. — A Shingle of Macquarie

Harbour Pine, from the gaol at JVIacquarie Harbour built in 1826.
Mayson, Miss H., and Mitchell Miss J. — A Collection of Shells from

East Coast, Tasmania.
Marum, Very Revd. Archdeacon. — Fossils from near the Dromedary

Mountain, Tasmania.
Museum, Australian, Sydney, Trustees of. — Part of Skull of Fossil Sar-

cophilus from "Wellington caves, N.S. Wales. Eight photographs

of Ceratodus Forsteri.
Mueller, Baron F. Von. — Skeleton of White Swan.
Makepeace, Mrs., Swansea. — Four specimens of Echinodermata. — Egg

cases of Fasciolarla sj).
McKenna, Mr. — Living specimens of Gordius from New Town rivulet.
Maclanachan, Hon. J., Esq., a Carolina Drake. A Peacock curiously

marked.
Maum, Mr. W. — A Copper Medal, apparently Masonic.
Moir, Mr., jun.— Native Alum from near Brown's River.
Milligan, Dr. — Copies of Bo3iwick's "Last of the Tasmanians," and

" Daily Life of Tasmania."
Nicholas, A., Esq. — Fossil Spatangus from New Zealand.
Neilson, Mr. A. — A very large specimen of the common Slug.
Nelson, Mr. H. — Sample of Coal from Greymouth, New Zealand.
Officer, Sir R. — A Platypus.
Propsting, Mr. R. — A Swamp Hawk.

Plunkett, Mr. — Mittens made by the Esqimaux of Behring's Strait.
Pybus, Mr. R., Bruni Island. — A Crown Piece of Charles II., 1677.
Paisley, Mr.— A Cuttle Fish.

Parker, Mr. T. — Auriferous Quartz from Pioneer Reef, Waterhouse.
Pearsall, Mr. — A Chestnut-faced Owl.

Pelham, Mr. — A Fish picked uj) on beach at Kangaroo Point.
Philip, Mr,— Part of Vertebra of Whale.
P^rice, Mr. W. H. — A Ram's Head with four horns.
Rex, Mr. Geo. W. — The Crop of a Fowl cqutaining an entire Whip-
snake.
Roblin, Mr. T. — Specimen of Aplysia sp. from Cornelian Bay.
Read, R. C, Esq. — A Native Devil (SarcophUus urs'mus), with three

young in pouch.
Robinson, Captain, barque "Free Trader." — A sample of Bituminous

Coal from a new seam at Newcastle, New South Wales.
Robertson, Mr. R. — A large bony mass from a horse's jaw, which had

been previously fractured.
Smith, Mr. F. — Specimen of Aplysia, from Brown's River.
Smith, j\Ir. G. J. — Piece of Native Box Wood, (Bursar la spinosa) with

thorns embedded in its substance.
Smith, Mr. W. — A Flounder, curiously marked.

Smith, Mr. J., Brig " Waverley." — Snakes, Lizards, &c., from China.
Serckoir, Captain, H.I.M's. Corvette "Boyarin." — A collection of Russian

Coins, viz., 1 Gold, 5 Silver, and 9 Copper.

94

Spurliiig, Mr. -.Specimen of the Chlnutra Au.slralli, caught in the

l)en\cut.
Salmon Connnissioners. ~A Salmon Parr from the breeding ponils,

River I'lenty.
Scott, J. Esq., M.H.A.— Cast skin of Snake, from Ringarooma.
Tapfiekl, Mr. M. — A specimen of Gorgonia, with a species of Astrophyton

attacliod.
Turner, Mr. H.— A Persian or Hindoo copper coin.
Weber, Mr. ]\I. — A War Chib from Fiji.
Weaver, Mr. G. — A Musk Duck.
Warren, Captain R.E.— Feet of Cariboo Deer. — Mocassins made from

hocks of Moose Deer.
Wintle, I^Ir. S. H. — Two specimens of Granite from the Tomahawk

River. Fossil ripple marks in sandstone, from Southport. 20

Geological specimens from New South Wales and Victoria.
Wood, Mr. A. — A very curious Crustacean from Blackman's Bay.
Williams, Captain. — A Cuttle Fish from East Coast.
Wise, Mr. F. — A Smolt caught by an angler at New Norfolk.
Young, Mr. James. — A Spider Crab. Human SkuU from Fiji. Jaws

of Port Jackson Shark (Cestracion).

PLANTS SENT FROM THE ROYAL SOCIETY'S GARDENS
DURING 1870, CHIEFLY TO PERSONS RESIDING ABROAD.

March 15th. — To the Sydney Botanic Gardens. — One Case containing

61 plants.
March 21st. — To Mr. E. B. Heyne, Seedsman, Adelaide. — Collection

Seeds and Bulbs.
March 29th. — To Mr. F. Terry, Government House, Brisbane. — Seven

species Tasmanian Ferns.
June 1st. — To Mr. G. Brunning, Nurseryman, Melbourne, — Twenty-

one plants, 12 packets seeds.
June 1st. — To Mr. J. Harris, Nurseryman, Melbourne. — Thirteen plants,

12 packets seeds.
June 10th. — To the Botanic Gardens, Sydney. — One Case containing 76

plants.
July 13th. — To B. F. Laurie, Esq., Encounter Bay. — One hundred

Morus alba.
July 16th. — To Messrs. Toole and Co., Nurserymen, Dublin, Ireland. —

Ten packets seeds.
August 17th. — To Messrs. Taylor and Sangster, Toorak Nursery, Mel-
bourne.— Twenty-five plants, 10 packets seeds.
August 17th. — To Ferd. Von Mueller, Director, &c., Botanic Gardens,

Melbourne. — 29 plants, 11 packets seeds.
August 17th.— To Mr. G. Brunning, Nurseryman, Melbourne.— 7 plants,

3 packets seeds.

95

PLANTS AND SEEDS SUPPLIED FOR THE DECORATION OF
PUBLIC PLACES, DURING 1870.

April 25th. — For Castray Esplanade. — Collections of Creepers.

June 2nd. — For j)lanting Church grounds, Bol^hwelL— Seventy plants.

June 3rd. — For planting Agricultural Society's grounds. Evandale. —

Seventy plants, Collection Roses, 12 packets seeds.
June 14th. — For planting in the Franklin Square. — 15 plants, 10 plants.
June 20th. — For planting at Hospital for Insane, New Norfolk. — Eighty

plants.
June 21st. — For planting round the foundation of Public Buildings,

Macquarie-street. — Seventy three plants.
June 24th. — For plantation at Cascade Factory, Upper Macquarie-street.

Sixty-three plants.
June 30th. — For planting about grounds of Government House. — Fifty

plants.
July 1st. — For planting avenue of Military Barracks. — Thirty-six plants.
July 11th.— Mr. J. Archer, for church grounds, Longford.— Fourteen

jjlants.
July 12th. — For planting grounds of St. Michael's Church, New Nor-
folk.— Fifty-four plants.
July 12th. — For planting ground at Macquarie-street entrance to Domain.

— One hundred and twenty plants
July 30th. — For planting at Castray Esplanade. — Thirty-two ^jlants.
July 30th. — For planting about gi-ounds of Government House. — Fifty

plants.
August 5th. — For planting grounds at Colonial Hospital. — Sixty-four

plants.
August 11th. — Ditto. — Thirty-three plants.
October 14th.— ]Mr. T. Reidy, for grounds at Gaol. Twenty plants, 3t)

packets seeds.

PLANTS AND SEEDS RECEIVED AT THE ROYAL SOCIETY'S
GARDENS DURING 1870, CHIEFLY FROM PERSONS ABROAD.

April 25th. — From Mr. E. B. Heyne, Seedsman, Adelaide. — One hun-
dred and thirteen packets seeds.

May 13th.— From Mr. Joseph Harris, Nurseryman, Melbourne. — One
case containing 28 plants.

May 13th. — From Baron Von MlieUer, Melbourne Botanic Gardens. —
Three cases containing 153 plants.

May 23rd. — From the Sydney Botanic Gardens. — Two cases containing
74 plants.

May 24th. — From Mr, G. Brunning, Nurseryman, Melbourne. — One
case containing 31 plants.

June 7th. — From Messrs. Toole and Co., Nurserymen, Dublin, Ireland.
Twenty-four packets seeds.

June 24th. — From Mr. G. Brunning, Nurseryman, Melbourne. — Bundle
containing 31 roses.

July 7th. — From Messrs. Taylor and Sangster, Toorak Nursery, Mel-
bourne.— One box containing 26 plamts.

July 13th. — From Mr. C. F. Ores well, Hobart Town. — Twenty-fonr
packets seeds received from Europe.

00

From t>ic MclVxuirne Botanic Gardeus. — Seeds of a new
Palm ( Ptht/ro.ipprma AJexnndrfe).
Sci»toml>ei*.— from Dr. J. Milligan, London. — Collection Flower and

Vegetal )lo Seeds, G8 j)ackets.
September .'iOth. Vnwn Mrs. Woodin, Hobart Town. — Seeds of the
I'mbrella Pine received by her from China. ( Scradojnlyn
rrrCnIhita. )
l>cceml)er 10th.— From Mr. C. F. Ores well.— Azalea and Camellia

plants.
December :{ 1st.— From the Sydney Botanic Gardens. — One Case con-
taining 4:> jdants.

F. ABBOTT, JuN.,

Superintendent li. S. Gard^m.

FLAXTS INTRODUCED INTO THE ROYAL SOCIETY'S GAR-
DENS DURING 1870.

Acanthus montana
Alocassia metallica
Alsophilla M'Arthurii
Alternanthera spathulata
Amaryllis reticulata
Areca rubra
Areca Baueriana
Asperula setosa azurea
Atherosperma niicrantha
Bambusa stricta
Bannisteria chrysophilla
Bauhinia tomentosa
Beleperone oblongata
Berberis pallida
Blaberopus sericeus
Blandfordia liammea
Ba'himeria argenteda
Boronia megastigma
Botryodendron latifolium
Bryonopsis laciniatia
Calocasia macrorrhiza variegata
Cassia Brewsterii
Centaurea Fenzlii
Cistus lusitanicus
Cleidon verticillatum
Clerodendron Thompsonianum
Cocos plumosus
Cryptocarya oblongifolia
Cycas Preissii

Dactylis glomerata variegata
Datura Carthagenensis
Datura fastuosa
Datura humilis pi.
Dicksonia Youngiana

Dipteracanthus affinis
Dombeya mollis
Dorstenia maculata
Edwardsia chrysophilla
ElcBocarpus Hinau
Elaeodendron glaucum
Epacris granditlora
Eranthemum tuberculatum
Ethionema graecum
Eucalyptus citriodora
Eucalyptus Preisiana
Eudiandra virens
Eugenia Brasiliensis

i< Ventenatii
Fagus Carrownii
Ferula communis
Ficus columnaris
Ficus peltata
Flindersia maculosa
Fraxinus elliptica
Frenela cupressoidea
Frenela verrucosa
Gardenia chartacea latifolia
Geranium crassifolium
Grevillea acanthifolia
Grewia denticulata
Hakea microcarpa

n pycnobotrys

11 ulicina
Helicia ternifolia
Helipterum anthemoide*
Hemicyclia australasica
Hibiscus Guilfoyleii
Hovea pannosa

97

Hydrangea japonica rosea

II japonica variegata
Incarvillea sinensis
Inga pulcherrima
Iresene Lindenii
Jambosa acida
Jasminum heterophyllum
Justicia Lindenii
Kentia Balmoreana

II Canterbury ana

II Forsteriana
Lasiandra Fontanesii
Laurus Cinnamomum
Licuala peltata
Linaria tristis
Linum perenne roseum
Magnolia anonse folia
Malpigia coccifera
Martynia proboscidea
Melathra scabra
Melicope ternata
Menyanthes trifoliata
Michellia champaca
Nephelium tomentosum
Octoclinus Macleayanua
Palava flexuosa
Panax Marrayii
Pandanus Fosterii
Pandanus spiralis
Papyrus antiquorum
Passiflora trifasciata
Pavia Californica
Pentas Kermessina
Pentstemon Jeflfreyanum
Pentstemon ovatum
Phillyrea media
Phytolacca sylvestria
Phoenix sylvestris
Pinus Aucklandiana

II contorta

II Fremontiana

ti Lambertiana

ti palustris

II pandurata
Pittosporum Zealanicum
Plattycodon grandiflorum
Plectroma ventosa
Pleroma heteromala
Podalyria myrtifolia
Podocarpus pruinosus
Prumnopitys elegana
Pteris tricolor
Pterospermum lancifolium
Quercus bicolor
M lanata
Quintinia Sieberii
Katonia tenax

Ruellia longifolia
Sanchezia nobilis variegata
Sansievera carnea variegata
Scolopia Brownii
Scutellaria Tranei
Stephania hemandifolia
Stipa pennata
Strobilanthus viscosus
Taxus baccata elegantissima

II umbraculifera
Tecoma grandiflora
Tarrietia Carrownii
Tatranthera ferruginea
Thunbergia javanica
Tilia argentea
Vancxueria lasiantha
Veronica diosmsefolia
Vitis capensis

II hypoglauca
Wliitlavia gloxineoides
Wigandia Caracassana
Wigandia Macrophylla
Xanthorrhcea arborea
Xeranthemum purpureum
Zaniia Preisseii
Rhododendron

II Gibsonii

CAMELLIA.

Aspasia

Atrorubena

Loweii

AZALEA.

Alba magna

Carininata

Due d'Nassau

Holdfordii

Magniiica

Ponticum glauca

Refulgens

Rubra ploeno

Smithii

Souvenir d'l Exposition

GERANIUM.

Bicolor
Celestial
Chief Justice
Emile Lemoin
Evening Star
Ephraim
Forestier
Madame Lemoin

98

Katonia Rose Cliarueaux Madame Annie Wood

Charles Crai)elet

George Paul

La Baronne de Rothschild

Marie Cirodde

Noman

Ledoux

Theresa Levet

i*rince of Orange

Rebecca

Sophia Cussack

Sophia Dumeresque

Tiara

Triumph de Themesnil

Troubadour

Marguerite de St. Amand
ROSE. IVIerveille d'Anjou

Miss Ingram
Alba Camea Model of Perfection

Charles Verdier President Willermoz

Clotilde Rolland <i Lincoln

Ernest Boncenne Princess Alice

Eugene Scribe n Mary of Cambridge

Gloire de Ducher Sophie de La Villeboisne

Horace Vemet Souvenir du Dr. Janiain

La France Yicomptesse de Vezina

Piinttd by John Davies, Macquarie-gtreet, Hobart fo-^-n.

MONTHLY NOTICES

Papers and Proceedings

OF THE

ROYAL SOCIETY

OF

TASMANIA,

FOR.

i87i.

TASMANIA:

PRINTED AT THE "MERCURY" STEAM PRESS OFFICE, IIOBART

1872.

KTjt

V

MONTHLY NOTICES

or

Papa's and Proceedijigs

OF THE

ROYAL SOCIETY

OF

TASMANIA,

FOR

87i.

T A S M A X I A :

FRlNiED AT THE '* MERCURY" STEAM FRESS OFFICE, H0I..*JIT TO'A'.-V.

1572.

Coutruts.

Parte

Proceedings for March, 1871 5

Jjctter from Dr. "Wallace on Sericiculture 7

Letter from Dr. Story, Swansea, on cultivation of Cork-Oak, and

Siiuill ill Tiismania .. ... ; 8

Proceedings for April, 1871 10

Letter from ^Ir. INIcIntyi-e on Alum from Brook's Creek, Tasmania ... 30
Remarks on Eev. H. D. Atkinson's Paper on the Geology of Bruni

Island 11

Proceedings for May, 1871 12

Letter from JMr. Ellery, Melbourne, relative to Eclipse Expedition to

Cape York Peninsula 12

Carnivorous Marsupials, alleged existence of, on Bmni Island) 13

Observations on the Progi-ess of the Salmon Experiment. By Morton

F.Z.S., F.L.S. 14

7j Argus and its surrounding Kebula, &c. By F. Abbott, F.R.A.S.,

&c 17

Pi'oceedings for June, 1871 23

Journals of House of Commons, 1644 24

Discussion on Sugar-Beet Cultivation 24

Cork, growth and preparation of 24

1^1 ulberry Tree, cultivation of, in China and Japan 20

Freshwater INIoUusks, new Genus of 27

Proceedings for Julv, 1871 27

August, 1S71 29

Destruction of Rabbits on Sheep Runs, best mode of, discussion on ... 30
The Sugar-Beet. By. F. Abbott, jun.. Superintendent Botanic Gardens 31

Sheep-breeding. By S. Smith Travers 34

The Salmon Trout. By M. Allport, F.Z.S., F.L.S 43

Rabbits. By Mr. John Bisdee, of Button Park 46

I'roceedings for October, 1871 49

Presentation of Books received from America ... 50

Sugar-Beet, value of, as food for cattle 51

Letter from Hon. J. Maclanachan on Rabbit Nuisance 51

Export of Rabbit Skins ... 52

Letter from F. S. Corrance, Esq., I\I.P., on Salmon Experiment in

Tasmania 53

Proceedings for November, 1871 54

Tr.tvertine from Dunrobin 54

Letter from Mr. S. Travers on a method of preserving the vitality in

Egffs for a lengthejied period of time

The Islands in Bass's Straits. By Charles Gould, Esq., F.R.S.

■n Argus and its Nebula. By F. Abbott, Esq., F.R.A.S., F.R.M.S.

List of Fellows

Mmutes of Annual General Meeting

Report for 1871

Balance-sheet for ditto

Books purchased and presented

Presentations to Museum

Plants and Seeds received at Gardens

Ditto sent from Gardens

Tench cUtto

Plants supplied for decoration of Public Places

Plants introduced into Society's Gardens dui'ing the year

Meteorology for March, 1871 i.

Notes on the Meteorology and Mortality for the month of March, 1871 ii.

CONTENTS. iii.

Page.

Meteorolo?:y for April, 1871 iv.

Notes on the Meteorology and Mortality for the month of April, 1871 v.

Meteorology for May, 1871 vi.

Notes on the Meterology and Mortality for the month of May, 1871 ... vii.

Meteorology for June, 1871 ix.

Notes on the Meteorology and Mortality of the month of June ... x.

Meteorology for July, 1871 xii.

Notes on the Meteorology and Mortality of the month of July, 1871... xiii.

Meteorology for August, 1871 xv.

Notes on the Meteorology and Mortality of the month of August, 1871 xyi.

I\Ieteorology for September, 1871 xix.

Notes on the Meteorology and Mortality of the month of Sept., 1871 xx.

Meteorology for October," 1871 xxii.

Notes on the INIeteorology and Mortality of the month of October, 1871 xxiii.

Meteorology for November, 1871 xxv.

Notes on the Meteorology and Mortality of the month of Nov., 1871 xxyi.

Meteorology for December, 1871 xxix.

Notes on Meteorology and Mortality of month of December, 1871 ... xxx.

Meteorology for January, 1872 ... xxxii.

Notes on Meteorology and Mortality of .month of January, 1872 ...xxxiii.

Meteorology for February, 1872 ... xxxvi.

Notes on Meteorology and IMortality of month of February, 1872 xxxvii.

^(Vittit.

Pii^e 23.— Omit the tweuty-nintla line, "The Secretary rea^ the followh-'."
Page 00.— Fifth line of fifth paragraph, for "rugs in the granite," reai^

*' vugs in the granite."
pAge Gl.— Second line of ninth pai-agraph, for " i-ugs," vea<l " vugs."

EOYAL SOCIETY.

MARCH, 1871.

A montlily evening meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday
the 14th March; Morton Allport, Esq., in the chair.

The following gentlemen, who had been previously nominated by
the Council, were, after a ballot, declared to be duly elected as Fellows
of the Society :— Mr. P. Irvine, Hobart Town ; Mr. Jamieson, Hojoart
Town ; Mr. J. Rule, Bellerive, Kangaroo Point ; Mr. J. Milward,
Hobart Town ; Mr. John Macfarlane, Hobart To^ii ; Mr. Jamea
Macfarlane, Hobart Town. »

The Secretary laid on the table the following returns : —

1. Visitors to Museum during January and February, 1788.

2. Ditto Gardens ditto, 4366.

3. Plants, &c. , sent from Gardens.

4. Tench ditto.

5. Books and periodicals received.

6. Presentations to Museum.
Meteorological Eeturns : —

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq., tables for January and

February.

2. Port Arthur, from J. Boyd, Esq. , ditto.

3. Swansea, from Dr. Story, ditto.

4. Westbury, from C. Belstead, Esq., ditto.

6. New Zealand, from the Government, ditto for 1869, and October,
November, and December, 1870.

6. Sydney, from H, C. Russell, Esq., Government astronomer, table

for December.

7. Melbourne, from R. EUery, Esq., tables for December, 1870, and

January, 1871.

"Notes on the Meteorology and Mortality of the Hobart Town registra-
tion district for March, 1871," by Dr. E. Swarbreck Hall.

The presentations to the Museum were as follow : —

1. From L. S. Travers, Esq., Collection of specimens illustrative of

the Carboniferous system of New South Wales, with notes by
W. Keene, Esq., F.G.S.

2. From Captain WiUiams, of the American whaler Osmanli, a

collection of Shells from Fiji, also a War Club from the same
place.

3. From Mr. W. E. Baynton, Land Shells from Brown's River.

4. From Mr. J. Buckland, Skin of Monitor Lizard.

5. From Master Hull, Nest and eggs of Honey Eater,

6. From Jas. Scott, Esq. , M.H.A., nine stone imislements made by

aborigines of Tasmania, from Macquarie River (with a note).

7. From Mr. T. B. Handley, a Harj)oon, much twisted, found in a

nine tun whale captured off Macquarie Harbour by Captain Smith,
of the Maid of Erin.

8. From Mr. Rowntree, polished specimen of Native Myrtle (Fagus

CunninghamiiJ.

B

9. From the Hon. ilic MinisttT of Ijaiuls and Works, a sample of

Stone Alum from Brooks' Creek, lUaek Boy.

[Tlie 8kohet.\ky observed that no information was forwarded with the
specimen as to tlie <|uantity whicli (undd be obtained, or tlie expenses
which woidd be incurred in purifying it on tlie spot, or in forwarding
it to a. shipi)ing port for exportation to Melbourne or England, for the
purpose of preparing it for the market. He had been informed by
Mr. Justin Browne tliat i)urilied alum was worth al)out 10s. Gd. per cwt.
in the English market. On the whole, however, he feared from what
he had occasionally learned that our supplies of alum, which occurred
in various localities in the island, were not so accessible or in suthcient
quantities to be of any economic value.

Mr. Justin Bikjwnk said the common alum was worth from 9s. to
lOs. per cwt., and the refined about 5Gs. There were only two
localities in Britain where it was prepared, Whitby and Hurlett,
whicli furnished uj) wards of 4,000 tons annually. About 7,000 tons
were also exported amiually from China. [Full information on the sub-
ject of alum can be obtained on reference to lire's Dictionary of
Manufactures, a'iid Muspratt's Chemistry. ]

10. From Mr. Nash, Kangaroo Point, a German Lottery Ticket,

11. From K. C. Read, Esq., New Norfolk, specimen of black marble
from the Florentine Valley, Eiver Gordon.

12. From Mrs. W. Giblin, two specimens, male and female, of the
Sydney Parrot, or King liory (A jjrosmictus scajnilaf us.)

13. From Mr. W. M. CampbeU, Port Cygnet, a White Hawk
( Leucospiza Novce HoUandm. )

14. From Frederick T. Walker, Esq., Rhodes, a bow, 6 arrows,
and a branch of coral used as a club, from Tanna, New Hebrides.
Two clubs, 2 pieces of Tappa cloth, 3 mats, a pillow, 3 pieces
of sponge, a sample of sugar cane, a piece of Angora root (from
which the drink called Kava is made), and 2 beetles, from Fiji.

15. From the United Happy Valley Company, per M. Seal, Esq.,
a specimen of auriferous quartz from Christmas Reef (very rich) ;
ditto from New Reef, Ovens, Victoria.

16. From Mr. Gates, Jerusalem, a Diving Petrel (Puffinaria urinatrix)
caught in a corn-field at a considerable distance inland. [These
birds have occasionally been found in similar situations, having
probably been driven in from the coast by stress of weather. ]

17. From Mr. W. Smith, Port Davey, portions of skull of Sperm
Whale, 1 pelvic bone of ditto, ear bone of whale, curiously twisted
saplings from Port Davey, nest and eggs of White-shafted FantaU,
( Rhipklura alh'iscapa. )

18. From Captain Fisher, of the Wild Wave, portion of tusk of
Mastodon, from Siberia. [This specimen was found underground
in lat. 65 N., long., 167 E. ; the length of the whole tusk was
about 15 feet.]

19. From G. Stokell, Esq., perfect skeleton of a Sandwich Island
native.

20. From Mr. J. Clark, a common rat caught by a mussel on a pile
of the fish market wharf. [The mussel had closed its shell with
one toe of the rat between the valves, and so held it firmly until
it was observed and destroyed. The mussel retained its hold for
two days after removal from the pile, and then the valves had
to be prized open with the point of a knife.]

21. From Mr. Oscar Hedberg, tanned skin ofaJaquar(?)

22. From Mr. J. Tapp, ship Figaro, a Danish coin, 1 mark.

23. From Mr. F. Abbott, jun., a Blue Mountain Parrot ( Trichoglossus
Swainsonii.)

24. From A. Allison, Esq., Macquarie Kiver, an eel of a bright golden

yellow colour.
25 From Mr. M. Seal, fossil seeds from a recent tertiary fcjrmation at
Haddon, near Ballarat, Victoria, found 120 feet from the surface,
and about 5 feet above the sandstone or bed rock. [These speci-
mens are of great geological interest ; many of them are ex-
tremely perfect. ]
26. From Mr. R. Thorne, Pittwater, two specimens of Spine-tailed

Swift ( Acanthylis ccuulacuta. )
26, From Mr. R. Wright, Glenorchy, one ditto.

The Secretary called the attention of the meeting to some packets
of silk worm ova, silk cocoons, and documents containing recent in-
formation on the subject of sericiculture. Tliese were presented to the
Society by His Excellency the President. Dr. Agnew having intimated
that they would lie on the table for some time, for the inspection of
visitors, read the following letter, adcbessed to His Excellency by Dr.
Wallace, of Colchester : —

" October 27th, 1870.
" His Excellency,. C. Du Cane, Esq.

" Sir, — I have had the honor to write to you on former occasions in
regard to sericiculture. I again take the liberty to direct your attention
to the progress that industry is making hi many of our colonies. Owing
to the efforts of the Silk Supply Association most of our colonies have
been stimulated to experiment and fresh exertions. The Cape of Good
Hope, New Zealand, and part of Australia, are commencing to take up
this industry on a secure basis, and I trust to hear that Tasmania will
not lag behind. I expect to hear in a few days that my friend Mr.
Charles Brady, of Curl Curl, Sydney. N.S. W., has received a grant from
Goverimient for his efforts during the last ten years in introducing silk
culture successfully — as also that a similar grant has been made in New
Zealand to the promoter there of that valuable industry — so valuable
that in 1869 £300 clear profit was made off one acre in California.

' ' I have the honor to enclose my friend and colleague M. Teutschel's
cards and cu'culars by this mail. He takes off my shoulders much of the
active work, lea\ang me the foreign correspondence, experiments, &c.
You will note that he offers to supply all that is wanting to intending
experimenters, on receipt of draft or good reference. He also receives
and disposes of, on commission, produce, such as cocoons and eggs, the
latter if of good races proving most remunerative — as much as 15s. to
25s. for good eggs being paid in the Continental market.

"M. Teutschel has received, for sale, eggs from Japan, Australia,
and expects others from New Zealand and the Cape. If eggs are
sent, empty cocoons should be sent with them as samples to show the
character of the parent stock, and the eggs guaranteed to come true
to sample. He supplies reeling and mulberry - leaf cutting machines
— the latter brought out by me this year is a great economiser of labour,
very valuable in a colony. Sample cocoons of the races sent out by M.
Teutschel this season shall be sent either via Brindisi, or by next mail.
Supplies of eggs and seed may be had either direct from M. Teutschel,
or, if small, on application to :Mr. Charles Brady, of Curl Curl, Manly,
Sydney, N.S.W., by mentioning my name, we supplying him.

" M. Teutschel has had eggs from Japan and Australia for sale in the
Continental markets, and expects more in 1871, with supplies from
New Zealand and the Cape.

'*I trust to hear shortly of silk culture being undertaken in Tas-
mania, and M. Teutschel will be glad to assist by all in his power to
develope the rich resources of the country as regards sericiculture.

" Will you kindly distribute his cards and circulars among those most
interested in the new pursuit ?

" Believe me to remain,

" Faithfully yours,
"Alex. Wallace, M.D."
Mr. Justin Browne said that, ha\'ing read various papers that had
been published on tlie propa<,'ation of the silk-worm with a view to
the production of silk, he was able to state that the early numbers of
the papers issued l)y the .Silk Sui)ply Association were now on the
table of the Hobart Town Chamber of Commerce, where they could be
examined by any person interested in the subject. The association
was established by gentlemen in London largely interested in the
silk trade, as well as by wealthy men who had retired from business.
The enormous importations of silk-worms egg from Japan had sup-
plied the Italian and French gr-owers with grubs, but for which the
culture of silk in France and Italy would have utterly failed, notwith-
standing the researches of M. Pasteur, who had applied himself to the
study of the cause of disease in the silkworm, and had perhaps found a
remedy. A letter had lately appeared in the London Times directing
attention to the restrictions placed uj)on the transmission of silkworms
eggs through the i>ost, and pointing out the injury that the silk culture
of Eurojje would sustain if these restrictions were maintained, the
Post Office having hitherto afforded a rapid and safe mode of conveyance
from the East to Eurojje. A series of articles, %vritten by Mr Cobb in.
Morijan^s Trade Circular of July and August last, were especially
worthy of notice. The writer quoting his experience in Italy stated that
when the worms no longer needed mulberry leaves for food, the re-
maining produce of the trees was gathered and used for sheep and
cattle food, the flavour of meat produced from mulberry leaf fed sheep
being sujjerior to that fed in the ordinary manner. The fruit, with
some rice, fonned almost the only food of the inhabitants while it was
in season, and the tree grew successfully in hedge rows. The speaker
went on to say that the late Mr. Stutzer had shown much more
foresight than had been attributed to him, in advocating the growth
of the mulberry tree, and the jjropagation of the silkworm, and had he
remained in Tasmania, and lived to superintend the plantation made
by him at the Orphan School, there would now, probably, have been
some small export of silk or cocoons (for the latter are now preferred
by English manufacturers) from this colony, as the product of a
branch of industry carried on by inmates of that institution. The in-
dividual parcels of silk hitherto produced here were rather the re-
sult of amusement than of any attemjjt to open a new branch of trade.

The Secretary read a letter from Dr. Story, Swansea, on the desi-
rability of introducing the cork oak, and the medicinal squill into the
colony, for both of which he thought the climate very suitable.

Mr. Abbott remarked that a cork oak (Quercus suher), about 14 ft.
high, now in the Society's Gardens, flowered for the first time this year.
From this a small supply of acorns will be obtainable by any one willing
to plant them ; but a large supply of the oak has been raised in Mel-
bourne Botanic Gardens by Baron Von Mueller, from whom lust
year the Government received some young trees, which are now grow-
ing on Tasman's Peninsula. In addition to these, a few remain at the
Society's Gardens for distribution. There is little doubt that Baron
Von Mueller would furnish plants to any one who would bestow a suffi-
cient amount of care on this valuable tree, as he thinks it will flourish
in Tasmania.

[The medicinal squill ( Urginea scilla) well thrives in the Gardens. Six

9

bulbs were planted out last year, three of which have divided into
two or three bulbs each.]

Mr. M. Allport read a paper entitled ** Observations on the progress
of the Salmon experiment."

Discussion followed, during which several of the Fellows expressed
their gratification at the tangible success which had been achieved by
the acclimatisation of the salmon trout (Salmo trutta). As so few ova
of this fish were received from England in comparison with the num-
bers of those of the S. salar, no doubt could be reasonably enter-
tained that the introduction of the latter has been equally^ successful,
although a specimen has not yet been caught ; a circumstance at
which no practical fisher, at all acquainted with the Derwent, can be
astonished.

Mr. Barnard moved, that the thanks of the meeting were due to
Mr. Allport for his highly interesting paper; and to Mr. Justin Browne,
to whose remarks, particularly those on the subject of sericiculture, he
was happy to listen. Although Mr. Stutzer was by some deemed
a \'isionary for his efi'orts to establish silk culture at the Queen's Asylum,
he had little doubt these efforts would bave been crowned with
complete success had their author been spared to conduct them to their
issue. It was stUl worthy of serious consideration, if the large amount
of juvenile labor at the command of Government could not be very
profitably exercised in establishing an industry which was so likely
to be of advantage to the colony, both by absorbing a large amount
of, at present, almost useless labour, and by furnishing a new and im-
portant article of export.

The motion having been carried, and a vote of thanks accorded to
the various donors of presentations, the meeting terminated.

10

APEIL, 1871.

The monthly evening meeting of the Fellowa was held on Tuesday,
the 11th April, M. Allport, Esq., in the chair,

S. Smith Travers, Esq. , who had previously been put in nomination,
was, after a ballot, declared duly elected a Fellow of the Society.

The Secretary, Dr. Agnew, submitted the usual returns for the past
month, viz. : —

1. Visitors to Museum, 998.

2. Ditto to gardens, 2,034.

3. Leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few standard plants in the

Botanic Gardens.

4. Books and periodicals received.

5. Presentations to Museum.

Meteorological Returns : —

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq., table and summary for March.

2. Port Arthur, from J. Boyd, Esq. , ditto for March.

3. Westbury, from F. Belstead, Esq. , ditto for February.

4. Sydney and other stations in New South Wales, from the Govern-

ment Observer, printed tables for January.

5. Melbourne, from R. L. J. Ellery, Esq., table for February.

6. Great Britain, from the Meteorological Office, London, Quarterly

Weather Report, part 2, 1869.

The Secretary read a communication from Dr. E. S. Hall, to the
effect that he had been unable to prejjare his usual analysis of the
meteorological records, &c., in time for the meeting, but giving instead
a short abstract of the general results, and promising a full return in a
few days.

The presentations to the Museum were as follow : —

1. From Lieutenant Leefe, B.N., a small collection of shells from Fiji.

2. From Mr. S. Dove, a very large Mussel shell from the Derwent,

near the New Wharf.

3. From Mr. John Gage, a skull, probably of an Aborigine, found on

Mount Direction.

4. From J. MaclanachanEsq., M.L.C., a Carolina Duck {Dendronessa

sponsa).

5. From Mr. B. Giblin, a Kingfisher {Alcyone azurea).

6. From Mr. M. Allport, a very large specimen of the Mantis, from

North Coast of Tasmania.

7. From Sir Bobt. Officer, a geological map.

The following letter from Mr. Mclntyre was read in continuation of
the subject. Alum, which was discussed at the last evening meeting.

"Sir, — Allow me to refer to the observations made at the last meet-
ing of your Society, respecting the sample of stone alum from Brook's
Creek, which I forwarded a few weeks back to the Hon. the Minister of
Lands and Works. I find that the members present were at a loss as
to the quantity of the mineral which could be obtained, the expenses
incurred in preparing it for the market, and the expenses attending expor-
tation to Victoria or England. The following I submit is an approxi-
mate of the cost : — Raising and crystallizing, 15s. ; transit to Launces-
ton, 40s. ; freight to England, 20s. ; extra commission, &c., 5s. ; total,
£4 per ton, and as to quantity thousands of tons are open to view. The
quotations in England by last mail are £7 5s. and £8 10s., which would
leave a handsome margin to exporters. I may, however, remark that I
have written by this mail to several drysalters in Manchester, and when

11

I receive authentic information, I shall take the liberty of supplying you,
on behalf of the Society, with the information I receive.

" I am yours respectfully,

"Peter McIntyre.

** Launceston, 29th March, 1871."

The Secretary read a paper from the Rev. H. D. Atkinson, of
Three Hut Point, entitled, ' ' Some Remarks on the Geology of Bruni
Island."

Mr. M. Allport doubted if anything mentioned in the paper war-
ranted the inference that there had been any long geological period of
separation between the island and the mainland of Tasmania. The
Flora, indeed, indicated a somewhat recent junction, that of South
Bruni was identical with that on the opposite shore ; the same was
generally the case with North Bruni, and no special Flora whatever
existed on the island. As to the carnivorous Marsupials he had
been told by Mr. Graves and others that the Native Devil ( Sarcophilus
ursinus) had been seen in considerable numbers on South Bruni.

Mr. J. Davies corroborated Mr. Allport's statement as to these car-
nivora, as he had himself seen them in the locality indicated.

The Secretary called the attention of the meeting to the collection
of fruit sent in from the Society's gardens, comprising about 108
varieties of apples, 60 of pears, and 4 of late plums.

Discussion of a conversational character ensued, and the business ter-
minated with a vote of thanks to the Rev. H. D. Atkinson for his
paper, and to the donors of presentations.

12

MAY, 1871.

The monthly evening meeting of the Society was hehl on Tuesday,
tlie 0th May, M. Alli)ort, Esq., F.L.8., F.Z.S., in the cliair.
The ftjUowing returns were brouglit undernotice, viz. : —

1. Visitors to Museum during April, 817.

2. Visitors to (Jardeiis during April, 2,050.

3. Time of leafing, ilowering, &c., of a few standard plants in Botanic

Gardens during April.

4. Books and periodicals received during April.

5. Presentations to Museum during April.

Meteorological Returns.

1. Hobart To'«ti, from F. Abbott, Esq., table for April, with summary

of observations.

2. Westbury, from F. Belstead, Esq. , tables for March and April.

3. Swansea, from Dr. Story, table for March.

4. Port Arthur, from J. Boyd, Esq., table for April.

5. Sydney, from the Government Ol^servatory, printed tables for

February. Abstract of Meteorological Observations made in New
South Wales, to end of 1SG9, byH. C. Russell, Esq., B.A., Govern-
ment Astronomer.

6. Melbourne, from E,. J. Ellery, Esq., table for March.

" Notes on the Meteorology and Mortality of the Hobart Town regis-
tration district for May, 1871," by Dr. E. Swarbreck Hall.
The presentations to the Museum were as follow : —

1. From Rev. Mr. Whitmee, two Mats as worn on festive occasions

by women of Samoa.

2. From Mr. Barwick, Tea Tree, a specimen of Eyton's Duck

( Leptotarsis Eijtoni, Gould) found dead near Richmond.
[The occurrence of this bird in Tasmania is remarkable, and difficult
to be accounted for, it being an inhabitant of the north-west coast of
Austraha. Gould states that "the farthest south it was afterwards
met with was on the Albert River, in the Gulf of Carpentaria, in
latitude 18° S."]

3. From Mr. W. Holmes, Jerusalem, a Parrot unusually marked.

4. From Mr. G. Whitcomb, a fine specimen of Kauri gum, from

New Zealand.

5. From Mr. W. B. Watchom, a Spider Crab.

6. From Mr. Lukin Boyes, a pair of Musk Ducks (Biziura lohata)

shot at Austin's Ferry ; a small Bat.

7. From Master A. Haywood, a Portuguese copper Coin, 1814.

8. From Sir R. Officer, a Land Rail (Rallus pectoralisj shot at New

Norfolk.

9. From Mr. Robert Gatenby, Macquarie River, a male specimen

of the Native Tiger (Thjlacinus cynoeephalus. )
The Secretary read the following letter from Mr. Ellery, President
of the Ptoyal Society of Victoria, and Government Astronomer : —

Royal Society of Victoria,
Victoria-street, Melbourne, 22nd April, 1871.
Sir, — A proposition has been brought before this Society for a joint
expedition from the several AustraHan colonies to Cape Yorke Peninsula, to
observe the total echpse of the sun, which will take place on the 12th
December next.

The scientific interest of this phenomenon is very great, and the points
to be determined are important. As far as is known there will be no further

13

total eclipse of the sun readily accessible from Australia during the remainder
of the present century.

The proposal is that a steamer should be chartered to start from Melbourne
about the 20th November, and touching at intermediate ports, to convey such
persons as may desire to witness the eclii^se.

It is expected that the total cost will not exceed £25 per head of those who
form the jjarty.

It is proposed that the expedition should be under the charge of the Go-
vernment Astronomer, so far as the control of the steamer is necessary to
prevent undue delay.

A committee of this Society has been appointed to make preliminary en-
quiries, and I have to re(]Ufcst that you will have the goodness to make the
proposal known, and to inform me how many gentlemen from Hobai-t Town
are likely to join it.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
Robert L. J. Ellert,
President of the Royal Society of Victoria.

To the President of the Royal Society,
Hobart Town.

Mr. M. Allport, in reference to the question of carnivorous
marsupials on South Bruni, mooted at last meeting, begged to say-
lie had recently been informed by Mr. Bennett (of Sandy Bay toll bar),
that he had not only seen the native devil on Bruni, but had actually
shot one when residing there some ten years ago. At that time, at
least, they were pretty numerous, and apjjeared to haunt a portion
of the shore where they could obtain portions of seal and whale flesh,
left after the process of " trying out" the oil.

Mr. Graves had never actually obtained a carnivorous animal from
South Bruni, but about 18 months ago he had seen from a boat a
number of small animals like black rabbits on the shore there. He was
puzzled at their aj^pearance, and soon afterwards visited the spot again
to make further examination. He could find no traces whatever of
rabbits, but afterwards meeting with Mr. Bennett, he was informed
by him that the animals were native devils, which was proved by the
fact of his having shot one.

Mr. Allport had himself seen one small carnivorous marsupial on
South Bruni, the Antechinus leucopus, which also occurs in considerable
numbers on Partridge Island. This too was an animal which must have
been indigenous, and not introduced by the natives.

Mr. F. Abbott read a long and interesting astronomical paper, the
subject being that of tj Argus and its surrounding nebula, which was
listened to with great attention.

Discussion of conversational character having taken place, a vote of
thanks was accorded to Mr. Abbott for his jjaper, and to the donors of
presentations, after which the meeting broke up.

14

OBSEEVATIONS ON THE PROGRESS OF THE
SALMON EXPERIMENT.

Br Morton Allport, F.Z.S,, F.L.S.

Since our last evening meeting several large fisli Lave-
been taken by a fixed net in the Derwent, immediately below
the mouth of the Plenty, which fish differed so materially
from the trout caught in the Plenty and those retained in
the ponds, as to induce a belief that a veritable grilse had at
leucfth been caught. The first of these fish, a female weiofhinor
4i lbs., was taken on the 26th December last, and is now before
you. On a casual inspection. Judge Francis, Mr.- J. Buckland,
and I, each took this specimen to be nothing more than a well
fed and exceedingly handsome river trout (Salmo fario), but
upon careful examination of the teeth and fin rays, and com-
paring them with the descriptions given by Yarrell, I found
that the teeth on the vomer were reduced to a single line,,
extending but a short distance back as they are found in
the salmon trout (Salmo trictta), instead of being placed in a
double alternating row, and extending far back, as they are
found in the river trout (S. fario), whilst the numbers of the
fin rays corresponded exactly with those of the salmon trout, and
differed materially from those of the river trout. Yarrell
gives such minute directions for counting the fin rays that it
is scarcely possible to be mistaken in the number where
the fish is as large as this specimen ; but to guard as much
as possible against error. Judge Francis kindly consented
to check my figures by a separate examination, and arrived
at the same result, as did Mr. Buckland on a subsecjuent occa-
sion. As it was determined by the Commissioners to present
this specimen to the Royal Society for preservation, I availed
myself of the able assistance of our Curator, Mr. Roblin, and
dissected out the pyloric appendages, the numbers of which
seem to be relied upon as a good specific test by Dr. Giinther,
who gives 36 as the number for the river trout, whereas
this fish has 42. The roe was found well developed, each
egg being about the size of No. 4 shot. The next specimen,
caught two days afterwards, was a female weighing If lbs.,
exhibiting the same characters as that last described, the
vomerine teeth being those of a migratory salmon after its
first trip to sea. The third specimen was a magnificent female
fish, over 7 lbs in weight, identical in character with the first.
This fish was in such excellent condition, and so much larger
than we could exhibit in spirits, that the Commissioners
determined to send it to His Excellency the Governor,
that it might be put to what is after all the most practical
test of its value to this colony, and his report of it was that

15

it was little inferior to salmon in quality. The fourtli specimen
was a female rather over 2 lbs. in weight, which was sent to
Captain Montgomerie, of H.M.S. Blanche ; and the fifth and
last is the small specimen now on the table, also a female,
which differs slightly from the others, and the roe of which
is not nearly so far advanced. It has been frequently noticed
in English rivers that the first salmon trout which ascend from
the sea to the fresh water are almost invariably females, and
the whole five taken here being females would of itself furnish
strong presumptive evidence that they belong to a migratory
species. I must now revert once more to an earlier part of
the experiment. It will be remembered that the last of the
salmonoids, caught in the estuary of the Derwent in December,
1869, was sent to the Zoological Society of London for identi-
fication, because I believed that it had passed the smolt
stage, and had attained such maturity as to render its classi-
fication no longer a matter of uncertainty. That speci-
men Dr. Giinther at once declared was a true salmon (^S'.
salar). I have already given my reasons for believing that this
fish was spawned in this colony, and need not go over the
same ground again ; but will now refer to the two small speci-
mens sent to England by the same opportunity, and which
were hatched in September, 1869, from eggs deposited by
the salmon trout {8. truttd), which had been unnaturally
detained in fresh water. These two fish were parr about
8 months old, and in reference to them Dr. Giinther wrote
to Mr. Youl the following letter : —

British Museum,

14th November, 1870.

My Dear Sir, — According to my promise I examined the two
small salmonoids about which I was in doubt the other day.

I shall shortly state the result of my examination. Externally,
they agree with each other in every detail ; they have the large
scales on the tail of a saimon-parr (11-12 above the lateral line) ;
and they agree also in all the other external characters with
salmon parr, and are very different from young trout, or sea trout.

Internally, they differ from each other : in one of the specimens
{yours) I find 54 pyloric appendages of the length usually seen in
salmon-parr. In the other specimen there are only 36, and they
are very short ; such a number I have hitherto found in the com-
mon river trout only.

I remain,

Yours very truly,

(Signed) A. GUNTHER.

To J. A. Youl, Esq.
"We will throw over the one specimen which has the short
number of pyloric appendages, and referring to the other
we can only arrive at one of three conclusions — 1st. — Salmon
and salmon trout up to the smolt stage cannot be dis-

16

tinguislied from one another by any scientific process at
present known ; or 2n(l. — Salmon trout dL'tainud lumaturally
in fresh water have spawned, and [produced a true sahnon ;
or 3rd. — We have accidentally, without our own knowledge,
detained true salmon in fresh water, which, contrary to all
former experience, have thriven and bred. Of these conclu-
sions, the first seems the best, as it is borne out by the fur-
ther progress of the experiment. One of the eleven parent
fish was lately accidentally killed, and has been preserved. It
is most certainly a salmon trout, and a beautiful specimen,
exhibiting none of the deformity which is always apparent
in these specimens of true salmon (S. Salar), which have
been detained from sea for more than four years. A large
number of the brethren of the parr, described by Dr. Giinther,
assumed the smolt dress in October last, and exhibited the
usual restlessness, travelling round the pond seeking an
outlet to get to sea, and one which jumped out and died
on the bank is now before you. As time passed on these
smolts did not (as true salmon smolts invariably do) revert
to the parr markings, but grew apace, and assumed all the
appearance and markings of the parent fish so completely
as to leave not a shadow of doubt as to their species. Two
beautiful samples are now on the table. Surely proof could not
be stronger that the salmon trout can be detained in
fresh water and reared in myriads with certainty. The
parent fish, the smolt, and one of the young ones which has
passed the smolt stage, will be sent to the Zoological Society
by next mail, and will form one of the most interesting and
practically useful exhibitions of pisciculture that the world has
ever seen.

by Sir *John Herschel wheii stationed at the Uape oi u-ooa^
Hope in tlie year 1837. It is quite impossible to say what,
if any, alterations may have taken place in the nebula before

APPROXIMATE DISTANCES AND MAGNITUDES OF THE

PRINCIPAL STARS AND NEBULA SURROUNDING ^ARGUS
TAKEN AT HOBART TOWN FEB^ 1871.

o/ nipznl Jiar&f Jrtrm ^ar^^hrre.

I

Sr/i/e ofeyual parfs J^^a'

fe, S/i, !«, <S. ^. i(, ft, ?! I

: t?. «. i> *., s. s s, i,. 'i. I

$. fe, %. s. t fe.

17

■n AEGUS AND ITS SUREOUNDING NEBULA, &c.

By F. Abbott, F.E.A.S., &c. .

Eead at a meeting of the Eoyal Society of Tasmania, 9th
May, 1871.

In the last paper I had the honour on bringing before
the Society I referred to a correspondence which was then
pending on the star v, and the attached nebula, in the con-
stellation Argo-Navis. It will be fresh in the minds of
many of the members of this Society that authorities, pre-
viously quoted, have confirmed the alterations which have
been recorded in this object. E. B. Powell, Esq., of Madras,
writing to the Eoyal Astronomical Society some observa-
tions on the binary star a Centauri, has a concluding note
thus : — "I have to observe that to Mr. Abbott must be
ascribed the first publication of the fact that v is no
longer in the dense portion of the nebula, where it was seen
by Sir John Herschel."— (F/t/e Monthly Notices E.A.S., Vol.
24, p. 172.)

It was in March, 1865, that I first pointed out the fluctua-
tions in this object, through the Melbourne equatorial, to
Mr. Ellery at the Observatory, when the star ?? was out of
the nebula, and the altered figure of the dark space was
filled with 12th magnitude stars, richly coloured as described
in Monthly Notices E.A.S., Vol. 25, p. 192.

Notwithstanding this in connection with all other evidence,
strong opposing influences have been brought to bear against
the movements which have been observed, although it is well
known to every astronomer that there is nothing stationary
in the universe. The distance of such objects as the nebula
about V Argus is in all cases so immensely great, their
position in the sky often unfavourable, and convenient
times for observing so far apart, that any alteration or physical
change may for centuries remain unknown.

The late Sir William Herschel . writes, and is followed
by Sir John, thus : " Gravitation still further condensing and
so absorbing the nebulous matter, each in its immediate
neighbourhood might ultimately become stars, and the
whole nebula finally take on the state of a cluster of stars,"
&c. — (Vide Outlines of Astronomy, htli edition, p. 640.) Mr.
Procter considers that an increased or decreased distance in
space may account for the fluctuations.

The present object was observed and faithfully recorded
by Sir John Herschel when stationed at the Cape of Good
Hope in the year 1837. It is quite impossible to say what,
if any, alterations may have taken place in the nebula before

18

that time, but it is certain that changes have taken place
both in the star and in the nebula since 1854; and these
fluctuations have been so great and unusual as to raise a
doubt in the mind of Sir John Herschel as to their reality.
This opinion, coming from such an authority, has influenced
many others, who, notwithstanding all evidence, and without
a single observation of their own, have refused to credit these
recorded facts. Some also, who have but lately commenced
observing, contrary to all scientific rule, ignore all pre-
vious observations made by others, in order to make an open-
ing for their own.

To decide certain points of difference which are said to
exist between the drawings made by Sir John Herschel, Lieut.
Herschel, and myself respectively, referees have been ap-
pointed by the Council of the R.A.S. The present paper
has relation to the observations made for, and the reply sent
to, the referees, in answer to their queries on the points
alluded to.

In carefully looking over the drawings taken at Banga-
lore by Lieut. Herschel, with the object, -n Argus, 15 '^ above
the horizon, and also the reversed copy of Sir J. Herschel's,
and on consideration of the discussion given with the draw-
ings, I do not think that Lieut. Herschel's observations tend
to disprove any one of the alterations which I have previously
communicated to the Society. The present drawing, and the
answers given to the referees, will, I think, render this clear.

The present observations have been made with the same
instrument as the former ones, the object in the same posi-
tion— approximately 80 ® above the horizon. The mea-
sures were taken with a bar micrometer by Cook and Sons,
the bars being carefully traced in pencil on the drawing
paper, in such a manner as to exactly fill the field of the
telescope. All the stars visible were dotted down, the
distances from v of the 6th, 7th, and 8th magnitude stars
were lettered, measured, and catalogued from a scale of
equal parts, after which the micrometer pencil lines were
rubbed out, and the nebula inserted.

The first question put by the referees relates to a com-
parison of the positions of the principal stars and smaller
groups as shown in my two drawings, which are said to have
a suf&cient general agreement with each other, considered as
eye drafts, while they are irreconcilable with both Sir John's
and Lieut. Herschel's configurations. A simple inspection of
my drawing of 1870 with the reversed drawing of Sir John Her-
schel {A. A., plate 4i,inthe Monthly Notices R.A.S,) will show that
the following principal stars hold a relative position considered
as eye drafts, but not with the Cape Monograph as expressed

19

in the letter, D.D., C.C, (^), («), B.C., (E.), 522, 558, 640,
337, 383, 415, (7), (a), &c., &c. There are many other stars in
my copy of 1870 that are not laid down in plate 4, pricked
off from Lieutenant Herschel's drawing.

The other question of note refers to my " having placed
within 11^ (on the scale of my drawing of (v) five stars of
magnitude at least equal to -n, that is, the 7th magnitude,
while in Sir J. Herschel's monograph only one star of that
magnitude (marked C.) occurs within that distance ;" and con-
tinues, " can you give any elucidation of the cause of the dis-
crepancy ?" also "if you would furnish some instrumental
determination of the difference of E.A., and P.D., between 17
and other stars of equal magnitudes."

In my acknowledgment of this letter to Mr. William
Huggins, F.E.S., &c., I mentioned that it was not my inten-
tion or desire to dispute either Sir John's or Lieutenant
Herschel's configurations, but to call the attention of the as-
tronomical world to the altered features of both the star
and the nebula, with a view of obtaining a solution of the
changes seen in this most remarkable object. I further stated
that the above question was of a physical nature, and could
only be answered as such.

On reference to my former papers it will be seen that
mention is made, more than once, of the fact that the in-
crease of stars of the same magnitude as v render it difficult
to know that star from others, but by its position, and a
marked difference in the li^ht. The present drawing will show
a still greater and more remarkable number of stars of a
similar magnitude.

It is to this cause I have so frequently referred the in-
crease of light, which I think is now clearly confirmed by a
comparison of Lieutenant Herschel's description with that of
Sir John. At one of the monthly meetings of the Society, Sir
John Herschel considered the increase of light in the object,
as recorded, very strange, and remarked " when I was at the
Cape the nebula could not be seen at all with the naked eye.'*
Lieutenant Herschel, when at Bangalore, compared the in-
creased light, when the object was only 15 *^ above the horizon,
to that of Pleiades in Taurus.

Mr. Le Sueur, in his report on the Melbourne reflector,
says " the nebula around v Argus has changed largely in shape
since Sir J. Herschel was at the Cape. The star shines with
the light of burning hydrogen," and in his opinion " has con-
sumed the nebula."

At the monthly meeting of the Eoyal Society of Victoria,
held on the 13th March, 1871, Mr. Fairie McGeorge, who has
now charge of the reflecting telescope at the Melbourne Obser-

C

20

vatory, read a paper in which he referred to some observations
made with that instrument on the star v Argus, and the
nebula ; and stated " that the object had evidently undergone?
great changes since Mr. Le Sueur made his sketches of it. It
was now beyond a doubt that enormous physical changes were
still taking place."

The catalogue accompanying my present drawing, made for
the referees, and laid on the table, will show that there are
now in the same field two stars of the 6th, two 6|, three 7th,
four 7|, four 8th, and nine of the 8| magnitude, and it is
literally crowded with others of from the 8| to the 12th mag-
nitude. Those lying outside the field and occupying an area
of about 1 1 ^ , have their magnitudes attached. The small
cluster I take to be Sir. J. Herschel's 3276, described as " a
fine, bright, rich, not very large cluster," if so it is now a
beautiful cluster of richly coloured stars, quite equal to « Crucis.

It is almost impossible to define the boundary of the nebula,
as it appears to be gradually fading away, and is not so distinct
in outline as formerly.

The finest nights have always been selected for observing,
and no delineation of the object has ever been given, but what
was an accurate representation of its appearance through the
telescope.

The following is an extract from a letter addressed by Mr.
Severn, of Melbourne, to the Astronomer Eoyal, and printed
in the Monthly Notices, Royal Astronomical Society, for April,
1870 : — " 1 may say that I cannot confirm the new position
given to v Argus in respect to the nebula. I have watched it
for 14 years, and it is just where it was ; of course much less
brilliant."

A letter dated 21st June in the same year, which I received
from Mr. Severn contains the following passage : — " My present
motive is to draw your attention to the injustice done you
in the v Argus business ; I have of course read all your letters
in the Monthly Notices of the R.A.S. on the subject. You
must not allow the Spectator, or Mr. Le Sueur, or any other
man to deprive yoio of your discovery ; yoio have at least done,
and that years ago, what the 4ft. Cassegranians and Mr. Le
Sueur are claiming as their discovery. I canH stand this, and
therefore if you don't defend yourself, by writing to our
papers, I must. I send you a Leader with my paper in it, also
another re t?."

On reading thesB two extracts, which are dated about the
same time, it will appear that the writer must have very sud-
denly changed his mind.

In June, 1869, 1 visited Melbourne for the purpose of seeing
the new large reflecting telescope, and must confess to being

21

mucli surprised on seeing the object v Argus in sucli a
small field with so large an instrument. Mr. Le Sueur
thought at the time that he saw a faint shadow of a
lemniscate ; and what I saw was a dark path across the
nebula, not unlike that portion of Eridanus, occupied by
188 and 198 1. C. and not far from the star Achernar.
The object was only seen between passing clouds, and although
the best speculum was in the instrument at the time the
definition was not good.

In June, 1862, I brought before this Society a copy of the
drawing made from observations on that beautiful cluster
of coloured stars known as « Crucis, the original drawing, &c.,
of which was at the time remitted to the Royal Astronomical
Society, with notes on the variation of both colour and posi-
tion when compared as eye draft, with Sir John Herschel's
observations made at the Cape of Good Hope. (Fide
Moiitlily Notices, B.A.S., Vol. 23, p. 32.;

As the instrument used at the Cape was in every respect
different from the one used in Hobart Town, and the effect
of colour varying, as it does, so much in different persons, I
discontinued observing to allow time for other changes to
become known, and have now waited nearly nine years, in
order to compare the object with the previous drawing
by the same optical means. Sir John Herschel estimated
this cluster to be formed of from 50 to 100 stars ; in the draw-
ing of 1862, a copy of which now lies on the table, there were
laid down 75 stars to which the colour of each was given. It
is now known that certain alterations have taken place
since 1862, but a series of cloudy nights has prevented the pos-
sibility of preparing a sequent to the former drawing in time
for the present meeting.

23

EOYAL SOCIETY.

JUNE, 1871.

The monthly evening meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday,
13th June, Justin McC. Browne, Esq., in the chair.

William A. Kermode, Esq. , of Mona Vale, who had previously been
nominated by the Council, was after a ballot declared duly elected a
Fellow of the Society.

The Secretary laid on the table the following returns for the month
of May:—

1. Visitors to Museum, 775.

2. Ditto to Gardens, 2315.

3. Plants received at Gardens : — From Dr. Schomburgh, Director of

Botanic Gardens, Adelaide, 29 Plants. From J. Miller, Esq.,
Mayor of Port Elizabeth, Cape, j^er J. W. Graves, Esq., a col-
lection of Bulbs from South Africa.

4. Plants sent from Gardens. To M. J. Linden, Brussels, 5 large

Fern Trees.

5. Tench supplied. To Bev. Canon Sharpe, 24 Tench, for Bathurst,

N. S. Wales.
6 Timss of leafing, flowering, &c., of a few standard plants in
Botanic Gardens.

7. Books and Periodicals received.

8. Presentations to Museum.
Meteorological Beturns.

1 Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq., Table, &c., May.

2. Westbury, from F. Belstead, Esq., Ditto.

3. Swansea, from Dr. Story, Ditto for April.

4. Melbourne, from B. L. J. EUery, Esq. , Notes for April.

5. Sydney, from H. C. Bussell, Esq., B. A., Printed tables for

i\Iarch.
The Secretary read the following : —
The presentations to the Museum and Library were as follow : —

1. From Master F. G. Bailey — A few very beautiful Butterflies from

Ceylon ; a purse made by natives of Ceylon, the material of
which the article is manufactured being paper prepared in such
a manner as to be readily mistaken for leather.

2. From Mr. Alexander Reid, Ptatho — An albino variety of the

common Quail.

3. From Mr. Blacklow, Brighton — A wedgetailed Eagle (Aquila

fucosa).

4. From Dr. Huston — A Paradise Duck.

5. From Sir R. Officer — A Rail (Rallus j^ectoralis) from New Norfolk.

6. From Mr. F. S. Edgar— The shell of a large Turtle.

7. From ISIaster C. Allport, four copper coins and tokens.

8. From Captain Gourlay, two very tine specimens of shells of the

Pearl Oyster, measuring 9| inches in length, by Sh inches in width.
[In a note which accompanied this presentation Captain Gourlay stated
that the shells were, he believed, brought from the Solomon Island
Group, in the Pacific. A cargo of 70 tons of these shells was sold in
Sydney about three months ago, and fetched about £150 per ton ; the
pearl being considered superior to any pre\dously taken to that port. ]

9. From Mr. J. W. Graves, a photographic copy of the deed of con-

veyance of Franklin Island, by Lady Franklin, in favour of the
Tasmanian Acclimatisation Society.

24

10. From the aixthor, Mr. M. Allport, a short History of the in-
troduction of the S.alinonidce to Tasmania, being a paper read
before the Zoological Society of London,

11, From Mr. Justin Browne, Journals of House of Commons, 1G44,
Mr. Browne remarked that he presented these papers both because

they were, he thought, new to the colony, and had reference to a
period of great historical interest. Mention is made of Lieutenant-
General Cromwell, Lord Fairfax, and other characters. The original
resolutrons as to the supply of armour, arms, and ammunition to the
army, raising of troops and loan money may be noticed, with many
other matters of interest to the student of the history of the day.

^Ir. Davies fully agreed with Mr. Browne in thinking these parlia-
mentary papers possessed very great interest, and thought the Society
was much indebted for a presentation of such value. He took this op-
portunity also of proposing that the photograph of the deed of gift from
Lady Franklin (Presentation No. 9) should be framed and hung up in
the Museum as a memento of a lady who had done so much in the
interest of the Society, both during her residence amongst us, and long
subsequent to her departure.

Mr. Gould cordially seconded. He thought we could not do too
much to indicate our appreciation of such a friend as Lady Franklin
had always shown herself to be to the cause of science in Tasmania.
The motion was unanimously agreed to,

A paper by ]Mr. F. Abbott, Superintendent of the Society's Gardens,
on the Sugar Beet lately gi'own by him was read. Discussion ensued
when it was suggested that Mr. Abbott might further extend the notice
of the root by making observations on its cultivation, value of crop,
its immunity or otherwise from the attacks of insects which are so
fatal to the Turnip, or Brassica tribe.

Mr. Abbott undertook to do so, and Mr. Davies promised to give
the paper as much pul)licity as possible in The Mercury.

It will be recollected that information on this subject has already
been laid before the Society by Mr. Barnard and jNIr. J, Walker. By
the former in reference chiefly to the extraction of sugar by private
individuals, and in an inexpensive maimer in New South Wales ; by the
latter as to the mode of extracting alcohol and sugar on a large scale
in extensive manufactories in England and on the Continent. (See
Monthly Notices for June and August, 1869, and July, 1870.)

The Secretary read the following communication on the growth and
preparation of cork-wood (for which the Society is indebted to Mr.
Justin Browne) from Mr. W. H. Reynolds, of Otago, who had been
formerly extensively engaged at home in the cork trade : —

" The Cork Tree is grown chiefly in the provinces of Catalonia, Estre
madura, and Andalusia in Spain ; in Alemtejo, Estremadura, and Beira
in Portugal ; in the south of France, the island of Sicily, and Algeria in
Africa. The tree is naturally of slow growth, but grows faster in rich
and sandy, than in rocky soils ; the best cork, however, is procured
from trees grown in the latter. When from 12 to 18 feet high, the
trunk, including the cork, generally measures about one foot diameter.
At about this stage the tree may be stripped of the cork. The first
strip is useless as an article of trade, and can only be utilised as a
material for the floats of fishing nets. Cork may be stripped without
detriment to the tree, and the proj^er time for the operation in Europe
is between the end of Api-il and the beginning of October, The tree
possesses a bark under the cork, and care must be taken in stripping not
to take off or materially injure this under bark. The only tool used
in stripping is an American axe having a straight handle of the ordinary

25

thickness, the end of which requires to be cut to the shape of a wedge.
A ring is cut with the axe round the foot and top of the trunk of the
tree, and then straight lines are cut along the whole trunk at a distance
from each other of about two feet, so as to connect the two rings ; this
done the wedge is inserted in the straight line towards either the top
or the bottom ring, and the cork- wood is gently pressed off. In the
case of a small tree, say, of one foot diameter, with much care it will
coma off in one piece.

" The tree also produces cork on its branches, which may be stripped
in the same way whenever they (the branches) reach one foot in diameter.
After the tree is stripped nothing is to be done to it. When the cork-
wood is taken off the under bark is of the colour of the human skin,
but gradually gets darker until it becomes the colour of chocolate, and
sometimes of dark lead. No sooner is the tree stripped of the cork-
wood than it again puts forth its functions to acquire a new inner bark and
form a new covering of cork. The cork (Epiphloeuin) is formed between
this new and the old bark, and takes from six to ten years before it is ready
again for stripping, that is, until it reaches the thickness of about an
inch. By examining the head of a common wine cork, lines are dis-
tinctly visible, between each of these lines indicates one j^ear's growth.
The older the trees are the better the cork gets ; being of slower growth
it is less spongy, and firmer in texture than that procured from young
trees.

' ' The Cork Tree grows to a large size, and like the English oak is a
long liver. Cases have been known where one tree, including its
branches, has yielded nearly half a ton of cork- wood.

" In Spain and Portugal the cork forests have been planted. The
acorns, so soon as they drop from the trees, begin to sprout ; they
should be put in the ground as soon as they fall. The young trees do
not like transplanting.

" After the second and following crops of cork-wood are stripped from
the trees the sheets or planks of cork ought to be laid on the ground for
about a week or so, bark upwards, as if the inside is exposed to a hot
sun for the first few days after stripped it is likely to curl and crack
when straightened. Up to some 40 years ago all cork- wood was subjected
to fire within a week or two after stripping. The object of this was to burn
off the outer bark (Epidermis) and soften the texture, but of late years
it has been submitted to a steaming process which softens the cork and
improves the texture. The bark is then scraped off with a tool almost
similar to a three-cornered ship's scraper ; this done, the cork is faced,
sorted into different qualities, and packed in bundles ; it is then ready
for the market. The firm of Thomas Reynolds and Sons, in their
several manufactories in Spain and Portugal, during the height of the
season, had occasionally in their employ between 1200 and 1500 hands.

"The value of cork- wood varies very considerably, ranging from about
£8 to £150 per ton. The best description is obtained chiefly from the
forests in Spain and the south of France. That obtained from Portugal
is of quicker growth, and consequently more spongy. The quantity
obtained from Sicily and Africa some 21 years ago was very trifling ;
the quality, however, was good. Of late years the duty on made corks
has been taken off in England, consequently, large manufactories have
been established in France, Spain, and Portugal for supplying England
with the corks instead of the cork-wood."

On discussion several members expressed a doubt if a tree which re-
quired a growth of 25 to 30 years before becoming useful could or would
be planted with a view to profit. On the other har(^. {*■•. is to be re-
collected that after the first returns are obtained the process of stripping

26

may be continued every eight or ten years for several centuries, and
that the quality of the bark, instead of becoming deteriorated, im-
proves according to the age of the tree.

Mr. Justin Browne read, as supplementary to some former publica-
tions by the Society on silk culture, the folloM'ing remarks on the
management of the mulberry tree in China and Japan : — " In China
mulberry trees grow on the hills in places unsuitable for ordinary
agricultural purposes. A temperate and cool climate produces the best
silks. The Morns alba contains in the greatest proportion both the
nutritive and silk forming substances. The Morus muUkaulis produces in
greater abundance a large leaf, which may be given to the worms in their
earlier stages, but, being watery, is not so nourishing as the smaller leaf of
the J/or».s' a^/^«, which has more resinous or silk-foiming quality. Mul-
berry trees grown in temperate or comparatively cold climates produce
more substantial leaves than those grown in tropical countries. A soil of
humid gravel and sand is best. The tree if planted in rows should be
two yards distant, and the rows four or five yards apart. Stripping
should be deferred till the tree is three years old ; it may then be thinned
and pruned to the extent of four-fifths of the leaves. Avoid tearing
off needlessly leaves and young branches, which bleed the tree. A
young tree will yield five or six pounds of leaves ; in eight or ten years
from thirty to forty pounds per tree. The value of young leaves is 4s.
per cwt.,and in their prime 10s. per cwt. In Japan mulberry trees
are planted along the borders of the fields, sometimes in rows across
them at such intervals from each other as not to interfere with the
other crops. In one district large fields are planted on ridges in lines at
a distance of over 2 feet from each other, the ridges being more than 3
feet apart ; as a rule the tree is kept in a dwarf state, the stumps
being only 10 to 18 inches above ground. Sometimes they are allowed
to attain a height of 4 or 5 feet, especially when grown in the middle of a
field, the few full-grown trees seen were in the vicinity of dwellings.
The Japanese state that dwarf trees produce leaves softer and better
adapted for feeding silk worms, they say also that trees raised from
suckers or layers are preferred, because they yield large leaves and a
small quantity of frviit, while trees raised from seed yield plentj^ of fruit
and small leaves. The Japanese manure their trees several times in each
year, and vise manure prepared from a liquor from the rice plants. "

The usual votes of thanks to the authors of papers, and the donors of
piesentations having been passed, the meeting terminated.

27

JULY, 1871.

The monthly evening meeting of the Society was held at the Museum
on Tuesday, the 1 1th July, M, Allport, Esq. , Vice President, in the
chair.

Mr. F. G. Salier, who had been previously put in nomination, was
after a ballot declared duly elected as a Fellow of the Society.

The foUowdng returns for the month of June were laid before the
meeting : —

1. Visitors to Museum, 805.

2. Ditto to G-ardens, 1652.

3. Plants and seeds received at Gardens : —

A. From Melbourne Botanic Gardens, 33 plants, chiefly of economic

value.

B. From Dr. Hooker, Pv-oyal Gardens, Kew, 88 packets Asiatic,

177 ditto American, and 234 ditto of European seeds, in all 499
varieties.

4. Books and periodicals received.

5. Presentations to Museum.
Meteorological Returns : —

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq., table and summary for June.

2. Port Arthur, from A. H. Boj^d, Esq., table for May.

3. Sydney, from the Government Observer, table for April,

4. The Secretary read the " Notes on the INleteorology and Mortality

of the Hobart Town Registration District duiing the month
of June, 1871," by Dr. E. Swarbreck Hall.
The presentations to the ISIuseum were as follow : —

1. From Mr. T. A. Shone, Back Eiver, a curious horny growth from

the haunch of a sheep.

2. From Mr. G, Dinham, a crown-piece of the " Gun Money" of

James II., 1690 ; struck during the war in Ireland.
[This coin is one of those originally struck as half-crowns, but metal
becoming scarce they were afterwards called in and re-struck as crowns.
The first impression is still partly "legible on the coin now presented.
Information on the subject was read by the Secretary from " Kuding's
Coinage of Great Britain," vol. 2, page 27.]

3. From Mr. B. Webb, a bronze coin, a copper do., (Guernsey 1834.)

4. From Mrs. J. Allport, a collection of Ferns from ]\Iadras.

5. From Mr. H. Gomolka, an extensive and valuable collection of

New Zealand Birds (80) Fishes (13), Crustaceans (27), Sheila
(36), European Mammals (5), Birds (12) ; and South Australian
Bu-ds (7), Shells (33.) These specimens were all collected,
prepared, and mounted by the donor.
The following remarks " On a new Genus of Freshwater Mollusks,"
by Mr. W. Legrand, were read by Mr. Allport : —

" Some time since Mr. INIaddock, of Dunrobin, sent some freshwater
shells to the Museum. One of them at the time struck me as being
new ; to be certain of the matter I sent specimens to INIr. Hanley,
of London, that gentleman's answer is as follows : — * One of j'our fresh
water species is quite a novelty, it is even of generic importance. It
is almost a Gundlachia, but merits distinction. I propose for it the name
of Legrand a in honour of the discoverer. '

"The shell mentioned in some respectsre sembles an a nc?/?MS, the finest
specimens that I have seen are those from Dunrobin, I have also received
some of a smaller size from between New Norfolk and Hamilton.
I propose for it the specific name Maddocki. A description with

28

figures will appear in my monograph of Tasmanian freshwater sheila
now in course of preparation."

An elaborate and interesting paper on " Sheep-Breeding" was read
by Mr. S. Smith Travers. Conversational discussion, in which several
of the Fellows took part, ensued. Some of the points referred to
in the paper, however, required much time for consideration, the tabular
details couhl not at once be followed, and no very definite expression
of opinion was therefore to be expected. It is probable another
opportunity will be taken for re-opening the discussion.

It was agi-eed that the paper should be published in the proceed-
ings of the Society, the subject being one of general interest. A vote
of thanks was given to the author, and to the donors of presentations.

The Secretary begged to call the special attention of the Fellows to
the presentation by Mr. Gomolka. It was needless for him to say any-
thing as to the value of such an acquisition to the Museum, and
he would therefore propose that a special vote of thanks should be
accorded to the donor. This was cordially and unanimously agreed to,
and the meeting terminated.

29

AUGUST, 1871.

The monthly evening meeting was held on Tuesday, the 8th August,
Morton Allport, Esq., in the chair.

The following gentlemen, who had been previously nominated by the
Council, were after a ballot declared duly elected as Fellows of the
Society : — The Rev. Brooke Bailey, A. Riddock, Esq. , and John A.
Jackson, Esq.

The following returns were laid before the meeting : — ■

1. Visitors to Museum during July, 809.

2. Ditto to Gardens during July, 1,662.

3. Seeds received at Gardens — From Royal Gardens 499 packets of

shrub and three seeds (referred to at last meeting), 300 of which
are of species not yet under cultivation at the Gardens. Of the
balance about 100 varieties will be valuable for exchange.

4. Plants supi^lied for planting public places.
(a.) For Bothwell Church grounds 100 plants.

(h.) For Catholic Cathedral grounds, Harrington-street, 192 ditto.
(c.) For New Norfolk Asylum grounds 61 ditto.
(d. ) For Longford Church grounds 80 ditto.
(e. ) For Cascade Asylum grounds 140 ditto.

5. Time of leafing, &c. , of a few standard plants in Botanic Gardens,

6. Books and periodicals received,

7. Presentations to Museum and library.
Meteorological Returns.

1. Hobart Town — From F. Abbott, Esq , table and summary for July.

2. Port Arthur — From A. H. Boyd, Esq. , table for June.

3. Westbury — From C. Belstead, Esq., ditto.

4. Swansea — From Dr. Story, ditto.

5. Melbourne — From R. J. L. Ellery, Esq. , notes for June.

6. Sydney — From H, C, Russell, Esq,, printed tables for May, and

" Results of observations for 1870."

7. Queensland — From the Rev. R. D. Harris, report of meteorological

observations for 1869.

8. The Secretary read the "Notes on the Meteorology and Mor-

tality in the Hobart Town Registration District during the month
of July, 1871," by Dr. E. Swarbreck HaU.
The presentations were as follow : —

1. From Mr. J. Kelly, 2 Chinese coins, and 1 Persian ditto.

2. From Mr. Schofield, shells from Wreck Reef.

3. From Mr. W. Josephs, Clarence Plains, a curious fish washed

on shore in that locality.
[This fish bears considerable superficial resemblance to the Chaetodona
(beautiful tropical lish). They seem extremely rare in Tasmania, and
Mr. Allport stated that he had seen but one other specimen, which
was procured on the North Coast by Mr. J. L. Smith, and is now in the
Museum. ]

4. A Whip Snake ( HoplocephaliLS coronoides) found alive in a hollow

log of firewood.

5. From IMr. H. Gomolka, a mineral specimen from Dun Mountain,

New Zealand.

6. From Meteorological Department, Board of Trade, London,

Quarterly Weather Report, parts 3 and 4, 1SC9, and Barometer
Manual, 1871.

7. From the author, M. Allport, Esq., F.Z.S., &c., additional notes,

in continuation of the history of the introduction of the Salmonidse
into Tasmania, from proceedings of the Zoolological Society of
London.

30

The Secretary remarked that the question as to the best method of
destroying rabbits on runs had become one of extreme importance, not
only to the sheepowners of the colony, but to the public in general ;
it was one, too, which lay strictly within the scope of the aims and
actions of the Koyal Society. He had recently learned that Mr. John
Bisdee had been very successful in destroying rabbits which had been
particularly numerous on his runs ; and he also had been informed by
Sir. Maclanachan that he had adopted Mr. Bisdee's method with very
excellent results. On communication with Mr. Bisdee on the subject,
he (the Secretary) had been favoured with the following observations
which he would proceed to read to the meeting, (^^iee pane 4>L)

Discussion ensued, in which Mr. W. Gellibrand, Mr. Justin Browne,
Mr. J. Pavies, Mr. Webster, Mr. Barnard and others took part. It
having been remarked that rabbits could readily be exterminated if all
sheepowners acted in concert, it was suggested it might be necessary
to obtain a compulsory Act of Parliament for the purpose of securing
united action. It was observed, however, that even this would scarcely
be effectual, as it could not readily be brought to bear in the case of
Crown lands where the rabbits w^ould still continue to breed.

The Secketaey intimated that he expected to hear frcm Mr. Maclan-
achan on the same subject before next meeting, and he hoped that
others also who may have tried experiments in the destruction of rabbits
might give him the results of their experience for the purpose of bringing
them under the notice of the Society, and thus securing for them due
publicity.

Mr. Morton Allport read a paper on the Salmon Trout (Sdlmo trutta)
lately sent to England, and a letter, received by last mail, from Dr.
Gunther on the same subject.

A vote of thanks to the authors of papers, and the donors of pre-
sentations, closed the proceedings.

31

THE SUGAE-BEET.

Bj E. Abbott, Jun., Superintendent Botanic Gardens.
Bead 13th June, 1871.

It may be remembered that in 1869 a plot of ground in the
Society's gardens was planted with the Silesian sugar-beet, for
the purpose of testing the suitability of the colony for the
culture of this plant. The intention at the time was to have
endeavoured to manufacture a small quantity of beet sugar,
not only with the view of ascertaining the probable percentage
obtainable, but also because it was thought it might have
the effect of stimulating the industry, if it could be proved
that sugar was obtainable in paying quantities.

Owing to various causes, among others the want of proper
appliances and funds, to carry the experiment to a successful
issue, no attempt was made to extract sugar from the roots
at the proper time, I therefore thought it advisable to select
the best roots for the production of seed, of which there
now is about 10 bushels on hand. It would be very desirable
that this seed should be distributed to persons willing to
give the root a fair trial ; as the season for sowing is now at
hand no time should be lost in the distribution.

It may not, perhaps, be generally known that the Silesian
beet is much more nutritious as cattle food than the common
mangold. According to recent analysis by Dr. Voelcker, 1
ton of sugar-beet is equal to at least 1| tons of common
mangold. The weight of roots produced per acre is gener-
ally about 20 tons, but 30 and even 40 may be secured by good
cultivation, so that apart from the value of this crop for the
production of sugar, it is worthy to be more generally grown
for feeding purposes. It enjoys as great an immunity from
insect pests as the mangold.

The following remarks bearing on its cultivation may not be
without interest to intending planters: — The proper time for
sowing the seed in Tasmania is about the middle of August ;
in the midland districts a little later, say about the beginning
of September. It should be dibbled in, a foot or fifteeen
inches apart, or it may be sown in prepared beds, and trans-
planted with as little risk as the mangold. From 10 to 151bs.
of seed will be found sufficient for an acre of ground. The
soil must be in good condition, it should have been well
worked, and if not in good heart manured in the autumn.
Unless the soil is in a finely pulverised state, the roots cannot
properly develope themselves. It is essential that the root be
well imbedded in the soil ; if this is not the case the amount
of saccharine matter is greatly diminished; as in both man-

32

golds and sugar-beet the portion above ground contains little
else than scouring salts, and would be rejected as worthless
by the manufacturer. Analysis proves that the portion farthest
removed from the liojht contains most sugar. Heavy dressings
of manure near seed sowing or transplanting time should be
avoided. Freslily manured and new land are not favourable
for the production of sugar, and, although under such circum-
stances the roots grow to a large size, the amount of saccharine
matter is but small ; roots from IJ to 2^ lbs. weight are
found to be richer than those of a larger size.

The after culture is very similiar to that for the common
mangold, and consists of thinning the crop and hoeing from
time to time, taking the precaution while hoeing to work the
soil round the tops of the roots, in order to bury any portion
that may chance to be exposed to the light. These are the
only operations necessary until the plant is sufficiently ripe
for harvesting, which may be known by the leaves having a
flabby, yellow appearance, when care should be taken that the
plants do not make a second growth, which they will be apt
to do should rain fall at this period. Should the autumn be
drv the roots may remain longer on the ground than if warm
and moist, but they should be harvested before frost sets in ;
both second growth and frost would greatly diminish the
amount of sugar. The leaves should not be stripped from
the plants during their growth, because if this be done the light
will have free access to the tops of the roots, causing them to
turn green, and diminishing the saccharine matter.

Should the weather be fine and dry when the crop is taken,
it is a good practice to allow the roots to remain on the ground
for a day or two, covering them with leaves to shelter them
from the direct rays of the sun ; by thus exposing them, they
part with a portion of their moisture, and are in better
condition for stacking. When carted from the field the roots
should be stacked in ridges, covering them but slightly at
first, in order that more moisture may pass off and heating be
prevented. So soon as all danger of heating has passed, the
heaps may be sufficiently covered with soil to exclude frost ;
beating it well down that rain may also be thrown off.

There can be little doubt but that the climate of Tasmania
is admirably suited to the requirements of this plant. With
an autumn sufficiently long and dry to thoroughly mature the
roots, the quantity of saccharine matter should be great. In
England and on the Continent this varies greatly, in some
cases being only 3 and in others as much as 15 per cent.;
the average appears to be from 10 to 12 per cent. ; 8 per cent,
can be profitably manufactured into sugar, but all over this
materially increases the profits of the manufacturer.

33

The most essential point for us to ascertain at present, is
the precentage actually yielded by roots grown in different
parts of Tasmania under different conditions. This most
desirable information once obtained, would be the key to all
future success in the cultivation of sugar beet in the island,
whether for the production of spirits, sugar, or for feeding
stock only.

The profits arising from the manufacture of spirit and sugar,
both in England and on the Continent, depend greatly upon
the amount invested ; the greater the amount invested in the
industry, the greater the profit. From 15 to 30 per cent, is
said to be realised from the manufacture of sugar ; the profits
arising from distillation are said to be much greater ; according
to recent continental returns from 30 to 60 per cent, of clear
profit is said to be netted.

At Lavenham, Mr. Duncan realised last year a profit of
15 per cent, on the manufacture of beet-sugar, although he
could not obtain sufficient roots to keep his machinery in full
work ; in addition to which he had to pay a duty of 8s. per
cwt., chargeable on English made sugar.

The object in penning the above lines being to draw the
attention of agriculturists to the importance of sugar beet
culture, sufficient has, I trust, been said to that end. I would
only add, that the more the root becomes cultivated the
greater the probability of manufactories being started in the
colony. It is not to be expected that capitalists will embark
in such an undertaking until the raw material is forthcoming
to warrant the importation and employment of skilled labour
and machinery.

34

SIIEEP-BREEDINQ.

By S. Smith Travees.
Eead lltli July, 1871.

In the remarks on sheep-breeding which I am about to sub-
mit to you, I must beg you to understand that I do not
profess to be able to offer you the results of any experiments
of my own, nor aiiy theory founded on the experiments of
others.

I cannot find, indeed, that any experiments have ever been
made upon any scientific principle, and upon such a scale as
to arrive at any defined and certain laws, such as must underlie
and govern the science of artificial selection, whilst on refer-
ence to those authorities who have written on the subject, I
find discordancies of opinion, coupled with vagueness of
technical phraseology, that must leave every one in doubt as
to whether indeed we do know scientijically more of breeding
now than we did one hundred years ago.

And if what we do know be not scientifically known, and
proved and arranged, I must contend that it is not really
known, and does not really belong to us. It is true that
owing to the attention of a very great number of highly edu-
cated men to the subject, the most extraordinary improve-
ments in our various breeds of sheep and cattle have been
effected. But if these distinguished breeders were to be taken
away, where shouM we find, or be able to lay down any of the
principles on which they have proceeded? It is very well to
point to Mr. Bakewell, who in the middle of last century
originated the Dishley Leicesters, and to the MacArthurs,
Learmonths, Coxes, Mr. Bailey, and others ' to whom we
owe our Australian breeds ; but the question is what are the
principles of selection on which they have proceeded ? Had
they any ?

The reply, I suspect, would be that the principle, the only
principle governing their selection, was to choose the finest
ram, and put it to the finest ewe or ewes, according to the
individual judgment. If we could ascertain the truth, we
should find that these celebrated breeders depended entirely
on their natural gifts of hand and eye, and upon some intuitive
sense of harmony, symmetry, and perfection which hag
enabled them to choose and artificially select, till in a certain
number of years, the same eye and hand and intelligence
always presiding at the drafting yard, they have culminated
in certain flocks of surpassing excellence. The question there-
fore remains — have these breeders, either in England or Aus-
tralia, anything in common in their plan of action ? Can we

35

ascertain if, apart from tlieir individual genius and aims, they
obey or seem to obey one common law ?

The English sheep-breeder — from reasons easy to compre-
hend, aims at carcase rather than wool — the Australian at
wool rather than carcase. In these different objects do we
find them both adhering to one practice. Is the path by which
each seeks to obtain perfection but a different bye- way of the
one high road ?

I believe the answer to be that all intelligent breeders pur-
sue and have pursued one common route, though their paths
may differ. They all breed, or try to breed, in-and-in.

Their aim may be for carcase or for wool ; and again,
amongst wool-breeders for combing or for clothing wools.
But all experience shows that speciality and excellence in any
one quality is to be obtained only by breeding in-and-in ; by
breeding like with like. And though not a part of my subject,
I may remark parenthetically, that with cattle and horses the
same general law is accepted.

This point, the necessity of in-and-in breeding, I am com-
pelled to assume ; it would take me too long to bring before
you evidence in support of what I assert, and I doubt if it be
necessary.

But it is curious and illustrative of our scientific ignorance
of breeding, that whilst every celebrated horse, or bull, or
cow, or sheep, is invariably' the result of in-and-in breeding,
th9 wide and fixed popular prejudice is against it, and is ia
favour of cross-breeding. And whilst every farmer or squatter,
if he wish to improve his breed, will give an extravagant price
for an animal, which is the triumphant proof of what in-and-
in breeding in certain hands can achieve, yet as a rule, you
will find he declines to breed in-and-in himself, generally
alleging that he has tried it and that it does not pay.

At present what is the practice, or what is I believe the
practice ? It is to confine on one station so many thousand
sheep of both sexes. If not to breed together absolutely
hugger-mugger fashion, yet subject to the selection of the
drafter, who culls and rejects all inferior specimens, to let
the rest breed together, fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters
promiscuously, and regardless of all shades of afiinity.

But I argue that this is illogical. If affinity considered in
the gross has worked such wonders— if the mere shutting out
all foreign strains of blood has done so much for breeding —
what might not be effected if the principle were carried out,
and applied in the minor shades scientifically ?

Might not this law, if applied scientiflcalli/, save the expense
and time wasted and lost in breeding the animals, which after
all have to be culled and sent to the butcher ? Not that the

36

breeder's judgment and experience would be less wanted, but
his time, the time of the station, now wasted in breeding use-
less varieties, might be saved, and instead of its taking thirty
years to bring a flock or a brand to perfection it might be
that ten years or loss would suffice.

My object therefore is to examine, if I can, this said system
of in-and-in breeding, this breeding like witli like, and by
symbolising the relations that arise amongst sheep on those
stations, where in-and-in breeding is observed, I hope to
suggest a method by which to classify and arrange the various
degrees of affinity into groups, as a preparatory step towards
those experiments, which will I believe, if made by competent
persons, and on a sufficient scale, enable us to lay down and
define the laws governing the art of selection.

I know that my method is crude and deficient in many
respects, wanting in the accuracy so necessary to scientific
research. I regard it entirely as the suggestion of an un-
scientific person to men more capable, who may be able to
discern the truth, if there be any in it, and who in that case
may give precision to the symbolisation I propose to use.

My proposal is to regard the organisation of the individual,
its race, its blood, or whatever is understood by these
generalisations, as a quantitative equality, and to treat it
quantitatively.

Thus if I call the ram A, and the ewe B, I term the product
of their union AB for the male issue, and BA for the female.
If I marry A the father with BA the daughter, I call
their issue A^ B if a ram lamb, and BA^ if a ewe lamb. If,
again, I marry AB the son with his mother, I call the progeny
AB^ if male, and B-A if female. If I marrv AB the son with
BA the daughter, I call the issue A2 B2 if male, B2 A2 if
female.

By this method I hope to make the changes in the shades of
affinity apparent and tangible.

In the sketches of pedigrees appended to the paper, and
which I now lay before you, I assume that the ewes produce
100 per cent., and an equal proportion of sexes. This for
convenience.

Pedigrees No. 1 and No. 4 show the breeding of a ram with
his daughters, grand, and great granddaughters, and if we
examine the practice of every station where in-and-in pre-
vails, it will be found that the results of this plan of breed-
ing, and the strain it produces, must be the prevailing strain,
and the action in that direction progressively increasing in
force.

It is true that the stud rams are each year recruited with
a small accession from their sons. But the number of sons

37

breeding with mothers, or of brothers with sisters, is small
compared to the regular and extensive majority of sires breed-
ing each season with their female progeny.

In pedigree No. 2 you will see the effect of four genera-
tions breeding back to the mother's race. But to be a toler-
ably perfect experiment you will remark that in this case it is
necessary that the 50 ewes or 50 B shall be whole sisters.
In breeding back to the father's line, from the powder the male
possesses of impregnating numbers, the relationship of his
ewes, one to the other, does not signify to the same extent.
Indeed, unless quite certain that they are of the highest
strain, it is better when starting a station that they should
not be whole sisters. For if not of the highest known strain
the breeder would lose the superior chance offered by putting
60 ewes of similar but not so closely allied family, the
chance of some atavism in some of them being awakened
and called out which should hit in with the male and produce
some exceptional animals.

To return to pedigree No. 2. If the ewes are not whole
sisters the experiment no longer carries out its intention,
as you will see by reference to pedigree No. 5, where I letter
the different ewes B C D E F. Turning to pedigree No. 4, if
B has a male lamb the experiment is only so far perfect that
I can breed him with his mother, and there will be 24 other
ram lambs to breed back with their mothers. The 25 ewes
that produce ewe lambs are out of the experiment, and those
ewe lambs go to strengthen pedigree No. 1 and its effects.

I must, you perceive, breed each ewe that has a ram lamb
with that son, or I do not breed back to her blood. For, if
I take any one ram lamb, say AB, and breed it next genera-
tion with all the ewes, they, not being sisters, would merely
receive and transmit B's influence, without in the least
effecting our purpose. AB with his mother would get, it is
true, AB2 or B^ A, but with the 24 other ewes, who are
C D E F G, the result would only be ABC, ABD, ABE,
ABF, ABa.

If AB begets from his mother a ram lamb or AB^ the next
generation would be AB^ , AB^ D, AB^ E, etc.

But this is not pure line breeding back to the mother,
except with one individual, and at any moment that too is
liable to stop, by B's progeny being female.

Again, if all the ewes are sisters, and you each generation
breed AB and AB^ with the original mothers, it is only
an approximation, and AB breeds back only with one mother
and 49 aunts.

I have gone into this to prove that without extraordinary
trouble pure line breeding back to the maternal line is

38

impracticable, unless you begin with whole sisters, and even
then it is only an approximation. AVith old stations, when
all the females become more nearly allied, the young rams,
when first put in, must be regarded as breeding with
their aunts, and producing a sensible effect upon the female
progeny.

The effects of breeding brothers with sisters, as in pedigrees
3 and 6, must again presuppose all the ewes to be sisters, for
if not sisters, vnu will find by looking at pedigree 6 that
instead of A^cbig and Bi6Ai<5 you get Ai^B^ D'^ FG or its
equivalent ; results so different from those of pedigree No. 1
that if tliat be the main principle which asserts itself, and if
that be the beneficial principle of in-and-in breeding, I doubt
if this be also beneficial.

In pedigree No. 1 you simplify and intensify. In pedi-
grees Nos. 3 and 6 you add continually equal increments to
each side, and it seems to me strive to intensify the crossing,
and not to eliminate a type.

I am, therefore, forced to believe that pedigree No. 1 is the
beneficial principle — not because I see that it carries out any
theory of my own, but because it is so much tho prevailing
and progressively prevailing eft^ect that I conclude, if it were
bad in principle, no in-and-in breeding on the present loose
system would have been possible without deterioration.

If, therefore, I am asked what deductions I draw from the
preceding figures, I would say that I am a believer in the
indestructildlity of type or organisation, but that I do not
believe those original types to have been inferior but superior
to the highest specimens now extant. I do not believe the
original Dishley Leicester sheep to have been an awkward,
ungainly, ugly wretch, with no good qualities of any kind.
Mr. Bakewell, doubtless, found such an animal, but I believe
that that was not the original type ; it was the result of
centuries — nay, thousands of years — of mongrelization, of bad
impressions and conditions, and of non-observance of the law
of in-and-in and like with like.

In every animal, I believe, a certain type resides, the charac-
teristics of which are confused or brought out by the most
recent female conjunctions. The male blood I regard as the
indestructible organisation, and the impressions of the female,
whether for good or evil, more or less temporary. But I do
not look on female blood as a thing apart. I regard her
only as the recipient, and as the conduct and channel for
other male blood. When A marries B we must enquire who
was B's father, for it is his blood, and B's father's father's
and mother's father's blood that, if it appear, is impressed on
A and B's offspring, and as it may be discordant or harmonious

39

with A, will clash or hit, and produce discordant or harmonious
results. The ram A in like manner has latent in him the
blood not of his mother, but his mother's father. But this,
like other maternal influence, is but temporary in its effect,
to be succeeded in coming generations by other temporary
female impressions, tbe blood he hands down permanently
being his father's father's father's and great-grandfather's
blood.

To give the question a human significance, I believe that a
man hands down to his sons his father's influence, modified
temporarily by his maternal male blood and his wife's male
blood — to be modified in their turn by their mother's male
blood and their wife's.

In all the pedigrees I have made out I have only treated of
one ram with 50 ewes. To examine the subject in the proper
manner, by the hypothesis of a number of rams put to a larger
number of ewes, would have made it too complicated for my
purpose. It suffices to point out that in due course the rams
become by the action of pedigree No. 1 brothers and half-
brothers, and that though their action is only in a certain
number of cases direct, that is to say, that of own great-
grandfather to own great-grand-daughter, yet if not direct,
it is indirectly so, and that it tends to become that of grand
and great -grand-uncle with their grand and great-grand-nieces.

The whole tendency of in-and-in-breeding with sheep, owing
to the power of one ram to impregnate 50 females, is more
and more to intensify and revert to A's type.

If these are the tendencies of in-and-in-sheep-breediug,
cannot the desired object be attained more effectually and
quickly than now ? I believe it can.

40

PEDIGREE No. 1,

Or, liuu-brccding l)ack to Siic.
a = 506

25 a b

'lo b a

2nd Generation.

a = 25 b a

VI (C b

12 b a''

3rd Generation.

a - lib a'
C a' b C b a-

4th Generation.

a = Cyb a'

Sa'b

3 b a'

PEDIGREE No. 3,

Or, Progeny mth Progeny.

« = 50 & (all whole

, ' , [sisters).

25 a 6 26 b a

2nd Generation.

ah — 26 b a

12 a' b''

\2b'

3rd Generation.

a^ b^ = 12 V~ a"

6a'b'

6 b'

4th Generation.

3 a'^ b''

3 b'' a'«

If Pedigree Ko. 1 be an instance of in-
and-in breeding, this is not. And yet
these two systems, so utterly opposed in
principle, come under the present nomen-
clature of " in-and-in breeding" ! !

PEDIGREE No. 2,

Or, line-broeiling Ijack to Maternal
line.
a = 50 b (all whole

f ' [sisters.)

25 a b 25 b a

2nd Generation.

a b = 50 b

25 a b'

25 b' a

3rd Generation.

a b- = 50 b

25 a b'

26 b' a

4th Generation.

a b' = 50 />

25 a 6^

25 // a

PEDIGREE No. 4,

Fathers with Daughters,
Or, No. 1 re-stated (the Ewes not

being Sisters).
To save trouble, those only are taken who
are supposed to have female offspring —
except in the last, where b a^ has a ram-
lamb.

a = 6 a — c a = d a=e

U U k k

b a c a da e a

2nd Generation.

a = ha a = ca a = da a = e.a

L k i. i.

ba^ c a^ d a^ e a^

3rd Generation.

a=h a^ a=ca'^ a=da^ a = ea?

i. U L L

h a^ c a^ d a^ e a^

4th Generation.

a — ba^ a=ca^ a = da^ a—ea^

a* 6 ca"^ da* ea*

The fact of the ewes not being sisters does

not affect the result which is, to breed

back to a without intermixture.

41

PEDIGREE No. 5,

Line-breeding back to Maternal-line (the Ewes
not being Sisters) ; and is No. 2 re-stated.

a=h a=c a—d a=e a—f

a 6 ca ad ea af

2iid Generation.

ah = b ah = c ah — d ah — e a'b-f
I J I II

V^a ahc dab abe fab

3rd Generation.

abc—b abc=c abc—d abc^e abc=f
J I t r J

ab"c c^ab abed eabc abcf

4th Generation.

abcd-b abcd = c abcd=d abcd = e abcd=f

b'^acd abc^d d^abc abode fabcd

In this scheme is shewn how impossible it seems to in-
tensify the mother's blood, unless all the mothers are
whole sisters. — Not being sisters, and assuming that you
must each generation take a young ram from a different
mother, which virtually must be the case, as you cannot
suppose one ewe always to produce ram-lambs, nor, if she
did, can you suppose them always fitted for the stud.
Suppose, however, this to be the case, and that the ewe h
had a grandson by her son, and a great-grandson by her
grandson, then it would show thus with the other ewes :—

2nd Generation.

ab = b ab = c ab — d ab — e ab—f
I I I I I

ab'^ cab dab eab fab

3rd Generation.

ab'=b ab'^c ab' = d ab' = e ab'^f
a6' cab' dab' eab' fab^

4th Generation.

ab^-b ab^=c ab^=^d ab^ = e ab^=f

a6* cab^ daV eab' fab'

Either all the ewes must be sisters, or you must find a ewd
who always breeds ram lambs.

42
PEDIGREE No. 6,

Or No. 3 re-sttatcil.

Or, half-Brotliers, half-Sistcrs and Cousins ; tlic original Ewes nnt'
being Sisters.

To save figures and trouble, the ewes are supposerl to give female lambs,— save and

except one in each generation, from which I take the ram to carry on with ; his

maternity I vary each generation.

a = h a = c a = d a = e a —f (f~(J a=k

^\ II I C C '-^

ah ca da ea fa ga ha

2nd Generation.

ab=ca ab=da ab=ea ab=fa ah=ga ab=ha

I J ' '^^ L, Q

ca^b a-bd ea^b fa'b ga^h ha'b

3rd Generation.

a'^bd=ca'^b a'^bd=ea^b a"bd=fa-h a'^bd=ga'^h a'^bd=ha-b
II I I l,_^

h'a*cd b'a'ed a'b^df b'a'gd h' a* hd

4th Generation.

a*b'd/=b'a*cd k =h' a' cd &,=b^a'gd & =b' a* hd

k '-. ^ ^

b*a''d'cf b*a''d'ef a''h'd'fg V a'' d' hf

43

THE SALMON TROUT.

By M. Allport, F.Z.S., F.L.S.

Eead Sth August, 1871.

Much doubt having been expressed by scientific men in
England as to whether young fish have really been reared
in this colony from one species of migratory salmon, viz.,
the salmon trout (Salmo trutta), without allowing the parent
fish first to make the usual journey to sea, it was thought
advisable to send one of such parent fish (which had twice
deposited ova) to England, for the examination of all persons
interested in that which will probably prove the most useful
discovery in pisciculture yet made.

Accordingly such parent fish was, in March last, sent to
the Zoological Society of London, together with two young
fish of different ages, the progeny of similar parents.

By last mail Mr. Youl forwarded the following letter from
Dr. Giinther in reference to these fish : —

British Museum,

13th June, 1871.

Dear Sir, — I have examined the three salmonoids sent by Mr.
Morton Allport, and mentioned in his letter directed to you, and
dated March 15th.

(1.) The laiger specimen is very interesting ; it is a female fish,
with the ovaries well developed. With regard to the external
characters, it agrees perfectly with the migratory sea-trout ; it has
the dentition and scales, caudal fin, and prteoperculum of that
species ; it shows also ten parr marks, a number met with only in
migratory species.

On the other hand, it has only thirty-six pyloric appendages, a
number which I have never met with in purely bred migratory
salmonidae, but very commonly found in the river-trout and hybrids
between river and sea-trout. (See my Catalogue of Fishes, &c. ,
p. 27.) I think that this specimen does not serve to convince the
sceptical that one species of migratory salmon will thrive in fresh
water. The coloration of this specimen is altogether peculiar, and
I have never seen a fish marked with spots so deeply black, so
large, and so numerous as in this specimen. In ordinary sea-trout
of the same size the parr marks would have disappeared, but here
they are present, and their co-existence with the black spots gives
to this specimen quite a peculiar appearance.

I need not give my determination of the species of the two
smaller fish, as it appears from Mr. Allport's letter that he is
acquainted with the parent fish ; but I think it right to state the
principal characters, which may lead to a proper determination of
these fish.

(2.) The larger, in smolt dress, has eleven series of scales below
the adipose fin, 47 pyloric appendages, deeply cleft caudal ; parr
marks entirely absent.

44

(3.) The parr has 10 parr marks, 11 series of scales below tlio
adipose fin, 47 pyloric appendages, and deeply cleft caudal.

I remain, tV:c., Ac,
J. A. Youl, Esq. (Signed) A. Gunther.

Before considering this letter, I desire to express my sense
of tlie great obligation the Salmon Commissioners and the
colony are under to Dr. Gi'intlier for the trouble he has,
on several occasions, taken to help us to a correct determina-
tion of the species of the various salmonoids sent to England,
and to state that, whenever I have arrived at a somewhat
different conclusion from so able an ichthyologist, it has been
from a conviction that we have much to learn on this im-
portant subject, which no experiments yet tried in Europe
have been sufficient to elucidate.

First, then, it would appear that in every external feature
except colour the large or parent fisli coincided absolutely
with the description of the salmon trout (Salmo trutta), but
that certain peculiarities of colour, and, on dissection, the
presence of only 36 pyloric appendages led Dr. Gunther to
doubt whether this specimen would convince the sceptical
that one species of migratory salmon will thrive in fresh water.

But, upon reading Dr. Giinther's own details of his ex-
amination, can any one doubt that this parent fish was a pure
salmon trout ? And would it not have been amazing had
it proved otherwise, for this fish was hatched, not from an
egQ laid here, but from one of the English eggs, and, if a
hybrid, those who obtained the ova must wilfully and
maliciously have played a trick upon all engaged, at great
expense,in carrying out the experiment — a conclusion not easily
arrived at by those who know Messrs. Toul and Eamsbottom.

As to the peculiarities of colour : variation in colour
amongst fish, even where the circumstances are most favour-
able to healthy development, occurs so frequently that no
one should be surprised at the peculiarities displayed by this
specimen after its unnatural detention in fresh water. With
true salmon (Salmo salar), if smolts are detained in fresh
water till the season for migration is past, the parr marks
reappear. (See Proc. Zool. Soc, 1868, part 2, p. 247.)
Before you is a beautiful specimen exhibiting this peculiarity ;
it was hatched from one of the English eggs of Salmo salar,
and died after having put on the smolt scales twice, and twice
returned to the parr markings when the period for migration
was past. As many present may remember, when the parent
fish sent to England was first placed in spirits the parr marks
were scarcely visible, but they became more intense after-
wards, and, from Dr. Giinther's description, must have
darkened considerably on the voyage.

45

On those parent fisli wliich remain in the pond, the parr
* marks are most apparent immediately after the spawning
time, and the fish get gradually more and more silvery till
the height of summer.

The deficiency in the number of the pyloric appendages
seems far more difficult to account for than the mere varia-
tion in colour ; yet even in this case may not variation be
due to the unnatural detention in fresh water? It is
certain that the number of these appendages varies greatly
in individuals belonging to the same species. Br. Giinther
gives 36 as the normal number for the river- trout (Sal mo
fario), yet I have found more than 40 iu several specimens
undoubtedly belonging to the latter species. •

One of the parent salmon trout from our pond, a male,
which died nearly a year before that sent to England, and
which is now in the Museum, was dissected in my presence by
our curator, Mr. Eoblin, who carefully counted the pyloric
appendages, and found 47. With these facts before us, we
should not place too much reliance on the number of the
pyloric appendages as a specific test. Such facts only show
the difficulty of what Dr. Giinther, in his preface to the Cata-
logue of the Fishes in the British Museum, vol. 6, 1866, calls
" finding a way through this vast labyrinth of variation of
character in the salmonidse."

Dr. Giinther speaks of having found 36 pyloric appen-
dages in hybrids between river and sea-trout ; but where were
such hybrids obtained, and how was the fact of their being
such hybrids authenticated ? To obtain a hybrid between
these fish, at the same stage of growth as the parent fish sent
hence, the ova and milt must have been obtained, the fish
hatched and carefully attended to for four years by compe-
tent persons. Has this ever been done ?

After all, the fact that the parent fish, in every minute
external detail of measurement, corresponded exactly with
the true salmon trout, and differed totally from the true
river-trout, while in colour it resembled neither, proves that
it was no hybrid beween those fish ; and the circumstance
of its having the same number of pyloric appendages as such
hybrids therefore matters little.

With regard to the two smaller fish examined by Dr. Giin-
ther, his written descriptions correspond with those of the
young of true salmon (Salmo salar). Yet these were bred from
eggs deposited by fish which never went to sea, and which
externally [are identical -with the large parent fish sent to
England ; and I am, therefore, driven to the conclusion that,
at this early period of their growth, the migratory species
of salmon cannot, with any degree of certainty, be distin-
guished from one another.

46

BABBITS.

The followiii<^ paper on the rabbit nuisance, sent to the
secretary by Mr. John Bisdee, of Hutton Park, was read at
the August meeting of the Society:—

The destruction of rabbits is now, I believe, generally
admitted to have become absolutely necessary, and from my
own experience I have no hesitation in saying that had not
some means been found of destroying them, one more year —
increasing at the rate they have been — would have ruined
every agricultural form near where rabbits were numerous,
and stock of all kinds must have starved. I have therefore
much pleasure in giving any information that will assist
fellow-sufferers in getting rid of one of the worst evils the
landholder ever had to contend with.

I may first of all state that I have given my plan to several
who have applied to me, and have been surprised to hear that
on trial they cannot get the rabbits to take grain, and that
when they do appear to have eaten it, it has not killed. My
opinion is that rabbits will always take grain, and that if they
do not, it is the fault of the person who mixes it — at all events
I have never found them refuse it poisoned with strychnine
except once, when the strychnine was dissolved in a copper
I had mixed lime and sulphur in, and a coating of the sulphur
had remained on the sides. To the second objection, that if
they do eat the grain that it does not kill, this may arise
from many causes, and I can assure anyone who has to con-
tend with rabbits, that he must not expect to be able to destroy
them without many difficulties and disappointments that his
own brains must help him to get over. If I were to describe
all the experiments I have had to make with strychnine,
arsenic, and other poisons, as well as other ways to destroy
these vermin, I should fill more paper than you would care
about reading. But that rabbits can be destroyed I think
would be evident to anyone who had seen them on parts of
this estate in May last, and who would take the trouble to ride
over it now. The expense of strychnine is, no doubt, a draw-
back, but until some way of getting them to take a cheaper
poison is found, there is no alternative. I have killed num-
bers with arsenic, but should never have cleared parts of this
property as L have done if I had not gone back to strych-
nine, and I believe that if properly dried the skins will pay
for the strychnine.

I commenced by dissolving loz. strychnine in 1^ gallons
boiling water, with five teaspoonsful of muriatic acid ; with
this solution I pickled four bushels of wheat crushed. This

47

killed a great many, but not so many as I thought it ought.
I then reduced the quantity of grain to three bushels, and
changed from wheat to oats, but still did not pick up the
numbers I expected. At that time I was using two different
brands of strychnine, and found a very great difference
in the numbers killed accordin^j to which sort I employed ;
so great was the difference that it took 2oz. of one brand to
kill as many as loz. of the other, and I have no doubt one was
a mixture of some sort. The brand to depend upon is " Jacop
Hulle," and with the mixture I give below, carefully prepared,
any number of rabbits can be killed. I have tried several
experiments with this, and have dissolved loz. to one bushel,
and yet did not pick up any more rabbits on the spot, they
still travelled some distance, I think the faculty will be able to
explain this ; but I find that I get quite as many rabbits with
loz. to two bushels, and have therefore lately kept to that
quantity. Many have asked me whether it can be placed
with safety on runs where sheep are running, and as I have
heard it reported I had killed upwards of 500 sheep, the
question is a serious one. I have laid it on some of my runs
for the last two months, and have only found three sheep
killed by it, and I think it likely they have been killed
by the grain having in some places been laid too thick. The
way to lay it on a sheep run is broadcast, and the quantity not
more than a sower would cast at the rate of one bushel to the
acre. I have laid many miles of it of this thickness with-
out harm to anything except the rabbits, and a few kangaroo
and kangaroo rats.

When I used wheat I found many white magpies were killed,
but since using oats only a few. Crows appear almost poison
proof. I think I have half the crows in the district here, and,
as yet, have only seen a few killed, although they manage to
clear up any number of dead rabbits the day after they (the
rabbits) are killed.

My dogs live on the rabbits, and, as yet, without much harm
— I have known them get a little too much, but a little strong
tobacco water soon puts them right.

I will now give you my recipe which I can warrant, and if I
was very hard up I would undertake to clear any estate in-
fested with rabbits. The oats, if possible, should be crushed —
as they absorb the poison better — and when once poisoned any
amount of rain does not appear to affect them, which might
not be the case if uncrushed ; if crushed they should afterwards
be winnowed to blow away the husks. In 1| gallons boiling
water with five teaspoonsful muriatic acid, put I oz. strych-
nine, (less water will be sufficient if the grain is not crushed,
say 1 gallon). Stir and let stand for 10 minutes. "With this

48

solution pickle, in a tub, 80 lbs. of oats, or 120 of wheat or rje.
Stir well until all is wet, let stand until next clay when it will
be read V for use. Lay it in trains, or broadcast it wherever
the rabbits feed — it' in trains not too thick — 2 bushels will
reach nearly two miles if properly laid.

As to the success I have met with, I can only say that I
have killed many thousands ; my men have collected some
thousands of skins for which I pay them, as an inducement
to them to lay the poison properly. I give them the use
of all the sheds to dry the skins, which is done by hanging
them on nails just as they come off the rabbits (inside out) ;
but it is impossible to say the numbers that are destroyed,
as in scrubby places I do not think more than half are found.
Where it is a marsh that rabbits frequent, and it can be
cleared of sheep, so that the grain can be spread thick, many
hundreds can be killed in one night ; but it is often the case
that the first evening it is laid it is not eaten— I think from
some smell about it they do not like, which goes off by ex-
posure.

I think that late in the summer will be a very good time to
work on them, as they leave the dry hills for any marshy
ground, and can then be got at easily. I killed a great
many with acorns, cracked and mixed with this solution, and
believe that in the dry weather leaves (such as elm leaves)
soaked in it and spread would kill numbers.

I never knew the rabbits before this season eat the ferns
and wattle bark. I also notice that where they bark the
wattles they are generally very poor. This, of course, may
arise from shortness of feed, but if you pass on half-a-mile, to
where there are few wattles, the rabbits are as fat as pigs.
I have weighed them upwards of four pounds, when skinned
and dressed. The leaf of the fern they leave, and eat only the
stem ; the same with dead thistles, they eat all the stem and
leave the old leaves.

49

ROYAL SOCIETY.

OCTOBEE, 1871.

The montlily evening meeting of tlie Society was held on Tuesday,
the 10th October, M. Alljjort, Esq., in the chair.

The following gentlemen, who had previously been nominated
by the Council, were after a ballot declared duly elected as Fellows
of the Society, viz., John Swan, Esq., M.H.A., W. E. Crowther,
Esq., and R. J. Creasey, Esq.

The following returns were brought under notice : —

1. Visitors to Museum during August, 1,241 ; September, 849.

2. Visitors to Gardens during August, 1,779 ; September, 2,214.

3. Plants, seeds, &c., received at and sent from Gardens during

August and September.

4. Plants supplied for decoration of public places during August

and September : —
a. For Government House grounds 50 plants.
I. For Public Offices and Franklin Square 48 plants.
€. For Public Buildings, Launceston, 18 plants.
d. For Green Ponds Church 100 plants.
€. For Catholic Cathedral, Harrington-street, 60 plants.

5. Time of leafing, flowering, &c., of a few standard plants in

Society's Garden, during August and September.

6. Books and periodicals received.

7. Presentations to Museum.
Meteorological Returns.

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq., table for September.

2. Port Arthur, from A. H, Boyd, Esq., table for August and

September.

3. Westbury, from C. Belstead, Esq., table for August and

September.

4. Swansea, from Dr. Story, table for August and September.

5. Sydney, from the Government Observer, printed tables for

June and July.

The Secretary then read the Notes on the Meteorology and Mor-
tality of the Hobart Town Registration District during the month,
of September, 1871, by Dr. E. Swarbreck Hall,

The presentations to the Museum were as follow : —

1. From the South Australian Institute Museum, Adelaide — A

named collection of bird skins from the Northern Territory.
(56 specimens, comprising 36 varieties.)

2. From Mr. D. Chisholm — An Arabic or Persian coin, found at

Clarence Plains by Mr. W. Free. A specimen of Syngnathus,
and one of Hippocampus.

3. From Mr. J. Cassidy — A Spirifer (silicified), from Point Puer,

Tasman's Peninsula.

4. From Mr. E. J. Webb — Two white cockatoos.

5. From Mr. Baynton, Brown's River — ^A specimen of the "native

bread."

5. From Mr. Ross, Battery Point — A Snake, said to be from Fiji.

6. From Mr. Stephens — A fine specimen of the large Australian

Volute. ( Voluta magnifica. )

7. From Mr. W. Simpson — An unusually large egg of the domestic

goose. "Weight of egg lO^^ oz.

50

8. From 'Mr. J. W. Graves — A common Sparrow, one of several
found <lead, prc)bal>ly ])oisoned. in Macquaric-street.

9. From Mr. J. Pearcc — Two American notes ("Greenbacks"),
ViUue 50 cents, and 10 cents.

10. From Mr. J. W. Graves — Bulletin of the French Acclimatisa-
tion Society, Nos. 3 and 4, Marcli and April, 18G9.

11. From Hon. J. A. Dunn, Esq. — Two pami)hlets on South Africa,
forwarded by Sir H. Barkly to the Government of Victoria.

12. From Mr. Clifford, per Mr, M, Alljwrt, skull of Wild Boar from
New Zealand,

13. From Mr. R, C, Read, New Norfolk — A recent specimen
of Swainson's Lorikeet ( Trichof/lossus Hwainmnu), shot at
New Norfolk, from among a flock of common green parrots,

14. From Mr. F. S. Edgar— Sliell of small Turtle,

15. From Mr. W. Felmingham, jjcr Mrs, C, Meredith — A fish,
( Urano>^copus sp. ) caught near Maria Island.

16. From Mr, W. Hatton, Elizabeth-street — A copy of Barker's Bible,
printed in 1637.

17. From Mr, Wiggins — A fish, probably a species of Carp, from
Mauritius,

18. From Captain Williams, of the Kestrel — Four shells from East
Coast, Tasmania,

19. From the executors of the late Mrs, Butler — 230 specimens of
shells. An earthenware lamp from a tomb at Misenum, Naples.
Portion of a human jaw from Pompeii, A small earthenware cup
from an ancient tomb at Athens, Mosaics, &c., from Baise
Beach, near Cumre, Naples ; &c,, &c,

20. From Mr. J, G. Moir— Fossils (casts of Spirifers, &c, ) from the
limestone, near Bro-^m's River,

21. From ]SIr. J. Mitchell — A French coin (Dix centimes) Napoleon,
III., 1856,

22. From the author. Baron F. Von Mueller — A pamphlet on ** Forest
culture m its relation to industrial pursuits."

23. From Mr. W. Blyth, Honeywood — Seeds of Waratah.

24. From the Rev. H. D. Atkinson — Three geological specimens
from Peppermint and Birch's Bays.

25. From Mrs. Fielding Bro^v^le — 23 silver, and 22 copper coins and
tokens, viz. : — Silver : One 5 lire, Italy, Napoleon I., 1808 ; five
10 cents, ditto ditto, 1808 ; one 10 soldi, ditto, ditto, 1813 ; one
franc, France, Charles X., 1826 ; one half ditto, ditto ditto, 1827 ;
one ditto ditto, Louis Philippe, 1843 ; one ditto ditto, 1835 ; one
coin, Spain, Philij) V., 1738 ; one quarter dollar, ditto, Charles
III., 1768 ; one ditto, ditto, Charles IV,, 1799 ; one dime,
America, 1845 ; ditto ditto 1845 ; one half-crown. Bank of Eng-
land token, George III., 1808 ; one shilling, colony of Essequibo,
George III., 1808 ; one quarter, ditto ditto, 1816 ; two quarters
(cut) of Spanish dollar, 2 unknown. Copper : One penny,
George III. (?) ; one half ditto, George II,, 1735 ; ditto. Prince of
Wales (no date) ; one haK anna, East India Co., 1845; one 20
cash, ditto, 1803 ; one coin, French Republic ; one coin, Isabella
II,, Spain, 1836 ; one ditto, Brazil, 1828 ; two ditto, Russia, 1831,
&c. ; one 10 cents, Napoleon I. ; two doits, Java, &c. ; seven
English and colonial tokens.

The Secretary directed attention to a handsome present of books
received from America, through the Smithsonian Institution, Among
these were the recent publications of the Smithsonian Institution ; the
Boston Society of Natural History ; the Department of Agriculture,

51

United States; tlie Essex Institute ; the American Phi! osopliical Society;
the Portland Society of Natural History ; the American Academy of
Arts and Sciences, Boston ; the United States Coast Survey Depart-
ment, &c. &c.

The Secretary in bringing under the notice of the meeting some
products of the beet prepared by Mr. Atkins, of the Cascades House
of Correction, observed it was well known that tlie Society had long
recognised the great value of the sugar-beet, and information in reference
to it has from time to time been obtained and placed before the public.
Papers by two of our members, Mr. Barnard and Mr. J. Walker,
giving some details as to the beet sugar manufacture have been read at
former meetings. From these and from other notices in the public press
a considerable amount of attention had been directed to the beet-root,
and in anticij)ation of a demand for fresh seed of the best quality— the
White Silesian — a plot of ground in the Society's Gardens, had been
planted with this variety. The meeting would be glad to hear that
this anticipation had been fully realised, so that within the last few
weeks applications had been received from upwards of seventy, individ-
uals from various j^artspf the colony, to all of whom parcels of seed have
been furnished. It had now, therefore, been extensively distributed
over the island, and no doul)t the gi'owers would of themselves take
care to preserve in future whatever seed they may require whether for
cultivation, sale, or distribution. As to attempts to extract the sugar
from the beet he (the Secretary) thought they would be premature. In
the neighbouring colonies they were vigorously at work attempting to
solve this j)roblem economically, \\ath greater means and resources than
Tasmania at present could command. In the course of a year or so we
should have all the benefit of our neighbours' experiments without loss
of capital, or misdirected energy on our part, and in the meantime it
would be well for our farmers to acquire further knowledge of the beet,
its best mode of cultivation, the soils most suitable for its growth, &c.
(Hear. ) Only an hour or two before the meeting he had received a note
from a correspondent, experienced in the general management of stock,
who inf onned him the beet was not only admirable for cattle and horses,
but was also most excellent for poultry of every kind. In all cases it
was given in the raw state. From Mr. Jackson, the owner of a dairy at
Sandy Bay, the Society had received a communication on this subject
from which he (the Secretary) would read " Last season was so bad
that I had got no crop from mangolds after sowing them twice. I put
in some beet seed quite as a forlorn hope in December, which was two
months later than it ought to have been. From these, late as the season
was, I had six tons of roots to the acre, and have since had reason to
be so satisfied of their value for feeding purposes that I shall for the
future pay a great deal more attention to their growth. The cattle eat
them most ravenously, and are not so subject to scouring as on man-
golds. They give no disagreeable flavour to either milk or butter."

The Secretary read the following communication, from the Hon. J.
Maclanachan, Esq., on the rabbit nuisance : —

Ballochmyle, Tunbriilge,

31st August, 1871.

My dear Dr. Agnew, — In compliance with your request I give you my ex-
perience in the destruction of rabbits as b'iefly as I can.

Previous to August, 1870, I used guns only without any apparent
diminution of their number. On the contrary they increased to such an
extent that I saw, if allowed to continue, starvation and death to every
other grass-existing animal would be the consequence. • I determined to
cut down all the gorse about the homestead and fences on the runs, <.nd
hearing that the Messrs. Taylor, of Macquarie River, had been very sue-

52

cessful in blocking them up in their burrows, I adopted this plan and suc-
ceeded beyond my expectations. The work is riither slow, but sure, if
properly done. My mode of doing it was with round wood of any sort cut
into billets 18 or 20 inches long, and in every burrow had a billet larger
than the hole, driven in by a strong man with a heavy iion maul, as far as
he coidd get it, which was generally a little way inside the burrow, then level
down the entrance of the hole over the end of the billet of wood, and the
thing is complete. Its success, as I have said before, depends entirely on
the work being properly done. Trustworthy men, if possible, should be
employed ; failing this, doubtful men require constant watching. When
properly done very little fear of rabbits burrowing out, but great danger
of outsiders burrowing in. To meet this I let the men have a fast dog to
pick up outsiders, and made them begin work at the homestead and work
outwards, so that they had to walk to and from their work daily over the
■work previously done, and wherever they saw a new burrow to block it up
at once. I continued this work until the end of October, 1870, when other
work compelled me to leave it off until March of this year. At this busy
time failing to get good men I adopted another mode— that of giving nine-
pence a dozen for all grown rabbits killed on my ground and brought to me
every night to be counted ; and to prevent the possibility of their being
brought a second time I cut one ear off each rabbit. For a short time
the hands employed killed at the rate of 1,200 and odd a week, but the
numbers soon became less and gradually decreased. On some parts of the
land not two rabbits are to be seen where hundreds were before, and on all
other parts, so much reduced in numbers, as to convince me that if every
sufferer from these pests would go at them with a will the nuisance would
soon be very much abated, and with perseverance put down altogether, but
this will not be done witliout the aid of Parliament.

During the lambing season I stopped the men and tried the poison
(strychnine), first with fruit aiid carrots with good results, and afterwards
with oats slightly crushed with still better I'esults. The mode of pre-
pai-ation has been so well described by Mr. Bisdee, of Hu ton Park, from
whom I got it, that I need not rei^eat it. I maile small enclosures to put
the poisoned oats in that the sheep could not get at it. I find now the grass
is gro\ving. The rabbits are so shy of the poisoned oats that I have again
employed hands to kill them at so much per dozen. I believe the blocking
up with good men to be the best mode tried except the poisoned oats.

Yours, &c.,

J. MACLANACHAK

Mr. SwA^r said when the ground was sandy the rabbits could easily
be destroyed, by simply filling in the burrows to the extent of a foot or
two with the sand. He had frequently seen dead rabbits taken out
after this process. It was satisfactory to know that the expense of
destroying them was partly recouped by the value of the skins in the
English market. In London they had sold at 2s. Id. per dozen, and at
Bradford as high as 3s.

Mr. T. GiBLiN observed the export of skins was assuming great pro-
portions. Mr. Fysh alone had exported 13 bales, in addition to which
Mr. Bidencope had sent a large number.

The Bishop of Tasmania felt that Government assistance was required,
in order that some general and systematic action should be taken in the
matter. It was useless for one or two settlers to destroy rabbits if
their neighbours, whether owners of land or Crown tenants, made no
attempt to clear their runs. It was well, however, to know that, as
far as he could learn, the rabbits were really not making much headway
except on sandy ground. He thought it would tend much to their
destruction if their flesh possessed an economic value, and this could
readily be given to it by the formation of meat-preserving companies.
Both flesh and skins could then be profitably disposed of.

Mr. Gould, whilst agreeing that some general action was necessary.

53

was afraid, if the tenants of the Cro^;v^l lands were taxed for the i^irposc,
that in many cases tliey woukl throw up their holdings, and how in such
cases could Government act ?

The following extract from a letter received by the Governor from
F. S. Corrance, Esq., M.P., was read : —

" In reference to your remarks on your salmon question, I have only to
observe that in my oiiinion, even after the inhabitant shall have declared
himself in a most unmistakeable way, it will be at least some years before
the fish could become sufficiently abundant for fishing for them, to have a
chance of meeting with much success. It is, moreovei-, by no means an
invariable projjensity of the race to rise at a fly at all, and in the European
rivets hmited to about one-half. In none of the Dutch, nor Swedish, and
in few English rivers is this the case, and it depends, as I think, upon the
habits of the parr and smolts in their early life whether they do so or not.
So you see that this part of the problem is scarcely likely to be worked out
in your time at least. You say that the fords, &c , of the upper waters are
more than 100 miles off, and that the banks of the river Derwent in those
parts run for many miles through an uninhabited and almost impassable
district. I do not think that ought to present an insuperable objection to
an exploring expedition to that district at the proper time of year, by com-
petent persons, and I should think such an expedition would be geneially
popular, considering the important results to the colony of a successful
solution of this problem. All the shallows should be watched and reported
upon. The time of year would be the autumn months."

His Excellency adds : —

" The writer of the above remarks is my brother-in-law, and there are few
more experienced salmon fishers to be found in England, or possessing better
knowledge of the salmon rivers of the United Kingdom and continent of
Europe. "

Mr. M, Alport repeated what he had expressed on a former occasion,
viz. , that the expense of watching the upper waters of the Derwent
would be far beyond the means at the disposal of the Salmon Com-
missioners. If we knew where the spawning beds were, it would be
easy to watch them ; but to search for them during the season would
be a work of vast trouble and expense.

Mr. Gould read a paper on the geological structure of Flinders'
Island in Bass' vStraits, and illustrated his remarks by a large and very
beautiful collection of specimens obtained by him during his stay there.
He especially directed the attention of the meeting to the exceptionally
line crystals of Orthoclase Felspar, which had been obtained from
cavities in the granite, and which he considered equalled in perfection
those obtained from any part of the world. He also exhibited speci-
mens of beryl, remarkable varieties of granite, specimens of crystals of
topaz and felspar in situ in masses of rock, and supplemented his paper
by a variety of additional observations elicited by the attention of the
members to the examples before them — more especially in regard to a
sample of tin ore of great purity and value.

Further discussion of a conversational character ensued, in which
the Pvev. Brooke Bailey, Mr, Barnard, Mr. Stephens, and others took
part. A vote of thanks having been accorded to Mr. Gould for his
valuable and interesting paper, and to the donors of presentations, the
meeting termmated.

5i

NOVEMBER, 1872.

The monthly evening? meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, the
Hth November, His Exnellency C. Da Cane, Esq., President, in the
chair.

The hon. Mrs. Da Cane was present, and also several visitors from the
neighbouriny: colonies.

The hon. P. 0. Fysh. Esq., M.L.C., who had previously been put in
nomination, was after a ballot declared duly elected a Fellow of the
•Society.

The following returns were bronght under the notice of the meeting : —

1. Visitors to Museum during October, 921.

2. Ditto to Gardens ditto, 2,568.

3. Times of leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few standard plants in
Society's gardens during October.

4. Books and periodicals received.
6. Presentations to Museum.

Meteorological Beturns.

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq., table and summary for October.

2. Port Arthur, from A. H. Boyd, Esq., ditto for September.

3. Westbury, from F. Belstead^ Esq., ditto ditto.

4. Swansea, from Dr. Story, ditto ditto.

5. Melbourne, from the Government Observer, printed notes for
August.

The Secretary read the notes on the Meteorology and Mortality of the
Hobart Town Registration District during the month of October, 1871,
by Dr. E. Swarbreck Hall.

The presentations were as follow : —

1. From Master Wm Jeflferson, Fernshawe, Victoria, (per J. "W.

Graves, Esq.\ nest and eg^ of Lyre Bird, {Meniira sitperba, and
four other nests, with eggs, from same locality.

2. From Mrs. J. Sanders, Hobart Town, a singularly shaped Sponge^

from Recherche Bay.

3. From H. B. Tonkin, Esq., 6 fossils, (casts of Helix sp.), from Ris-

don.

4. From Mr. "Weymouth, a small map of Tasmania published in 1830

by Ross. (This copy is believed to have been used by John
Batman, whose name it bears.)

5. From Mr. W. Josephs, a small copper coin, probably Persian,

picked up at Clarence Plains.

6. From Captain Williams, an English halfpenny token, 1788.

7. From Dr. Hector, Wellington, catalogue of birds of Xew Zealand.

8. From the Hon. J. Maclanachan, Esq., a Carolina duck (Dendronessa

sponsa.)

9. From M. Allport, Esq., specimen of Kauri Gum from Xew Zealand.

10. From T. Stephens, Esq., specimen of Travertine from Dunrobin.

11. From the author, Mr. W. Legrand, a copy of the 2nd edition of

" Collections for a Monograph of Tasmanian Land Shells."
13. From Mr. Hissey, Skeleton of a Fox (Canis vidpcsj
Mr. Stephens called attention to a specimen of travertine from
Dnnrobin (presentation Xo. 10), the property of Mr. Bethune. As in
most of the other instances which have come under notice, it appeared
to have been formed by the percolation of water, holding lime in solution,
and probably springing from beds of limestone concealed beneath other
members of the Upper Palaeozoic series which show on the surface. If
any extensive deposit of this rock should be found it might possess con-
siderable economic value, especially as a renovator of exhausted soils. Mr.
Stephens msutioned that two strange birds had been found lying dead

55

among the driftwood floating down the Derwent near its junction with
the Ouse. An examination of the beak and feet proved them to belong
to a small species of Petrel {Procellaria), a bird which is very rarely found
so far inland. He also exhibited an almost new shell (Fo/wfa .S'c/'^Ye;■^■),
of which not more than three specimens have been seen, and which is
therefore highly valued by collectors. It was obtained near Kelso, by
Miss Sharland.

As to presentation No. 11 Mr. Stephexs remarked that Mr. Legrand's
Monograph included 14 new species discovered since the publication of
the first edition. Several other members spoke of the great Zealand
energy of Mr. Legrand in this branch of Natural History.

Mr. Allport, in the absence of the author, read a continuation of
Mr. Gould's remarks on the islands of Bass' Straits. (The first part was
read at the last monthly meeting.)

As to the wanton and stupid destruction of the seals, referred to in the
paper, Mr. Allport remarked that nothing could more clearly show how
necessary it was that ihe Ici^islative measures for the protection and
preservation of our valuable fish and other animals should be strictly
carried out.

Mr. Abbott read some notes as to the recent results arrived at by the
Royal Astronomical Society relative to the fluctuations of the star tj argus
and its surrounding nebula.

Mr. S. Smith Travers read the following interesting and suggestive
communication : — " Our fellow townsman, Mr. Aldred, having descrioed
to me a process by which he was of opinion that fowls' eggs might
be imported from England, with their vitality so unimpaired, that they
might be hatched, I am happy to say that having tried the experiment
it has succeeded, and that an eg^ laid by a La Hecke hen in North Wales
on the 1st of May was hatched on 10th October, and produced a very
fine chicken. Mr. Aldred's instructions were to place the e^^, immediately
after laying, in an upright position, with the air bubble uppermost, that
is to say with the broad end of the eg^ upwards He insisted par-
ticularly on no time being lost between the moment of laying and the
placing the egg in this position. Whilst in this position they should
be dipped in a solution of gum arabic, and put in a case fitted
with holes, in which they would retain their vertical position. I
received only six eggs that were collected by a person in England
on whom I could depend for an exact obedience to these instructions,
and out of these six eggs two were found to be cracked. Of the four
which remained, and which were duly placed under a hen, one was
found to be decomposed. Two contained half-formed chickens, and the
fourth produced the fine chicken I have referred to. The success of the
experiment would have been on a larger scale, though not more perfect, if
more cure had been taken to preserve the case containing the eggs from the
effects of the incessant motion, and very often violent concussion incident
to a sea voyage. As it was, the case was fitted with a frame, in which
it hung by means of an universal joint. But the frame was screwed to
the deck, and only performed the part of keeping the eggs in the
desired vertical position. Had the frame been suspended by elastic
straps, I feel confident I should have had to report a larger measure of
success. I think it surprising the vitality of the eggs should have
survived the violent shaking that they must have endured owing to the
rigidity of their frame. The time that elapsed from laying to hatching
is remarkable, but still more when it is considered how much of that
time was passed in the tropics in a hot cabin ; and I hope that the ex-
periment will be carried out on shore, and for a longer period of time,
with the object of finding how long eggs under such conditions may be

56

kopt. If it bo posaiblo to hatch an egg after a lapse of fivo months, vrhy
not after five years ?"

Conversation ensued in which the President, the Secretary, Mr.
Abbott, Mr. All port, Sir. Stephen? and others took part.

Mr. Justin Browne proposed the usual vote of thanks to the authors
of the papers just read, and to the donors of presentations. He observed
that (although it did not apply to the present meeting) papers might
occasionally be brought forward of no, particular interest to any present,
yet these very papers might be of great interest to many readers at a
distance. They composed the bulk of the Society's Transactions, and
these were of great value as serving to keep up friendly relations and
exchanges throughout the world with kindred societies, which otherwise
might have little prospect of obtaining that knowledge of our Natural
History, &c., which was of peculiar interest to them. The vote having
been unanimously agreed to, the meeting separated.

57

THE ISLANDS IN BASS' STEAITS
Br C. Gould, F.G.S.

[^Eead 10th October, 1871. The paper loas illustrated hj a varietij
of choice and remarJcahle specimens.']

Visits to the islands in Bass' Straits are so rare that I feel
certain the members of this Society will accept a contribution
to the natural history of the group without objecting to its
brevity, and to its somewhat desultory character, induced by
limited opportunities of observation.

Indeed the position and grouping of the islands render
them especially interesting, whether our attention is directed
to them as affecting their geological aspect — presenting as they
do the connecting link between this island and Australia, and
containing integral though distant parts of formations common
to both countries — or to their mineralogical importance from
their presenting a variety of mineral species not hitherto found
elsewhere within the colony, or if so only rarely, many of them
beautiful, some comparable in point of crystalline perfection
with their congeners in any part of the world, and others
possessing a substantial value of such importance as to
justify a hope that at some future day their discovery in
greater abundance may initiate novel and important mining
adventures. Again, the researches of the field naturalist are
eminently favoured in this locality by the harbour which its
seclusion offers to various cetacea, and the numerous species
of waterfowl now so rarely met with, or even almost extinct
upon the shores of our own island, while the natural shelter
of the outlying reefs and larger islands encourages the j)ro-
duction of various mollusca less abundant or unknown on our
own exposed coasts.

My visits, made during the past summer, were principally
to the western side of Flinders and to Cape Barren, taking
incidentally the smaller islands lying off them ; but I had no
opportunity of visiting the eastern coast of Flinders, which is
an enterprise of some hazard from the heaviness of the seas
and absence of boat harbours, while my leisure did not permit
a visit to Clarke's Island, which is the southernmost of the
group.

The small coloured plan which I lay on the table of the
Society will convey a fair general impression of the structure
of the islands in so far as the oldest rocks are concerned.
To express, with any accuracy, the distribution of the tertiary
deposits which overlie them, would require a much more
minute examination than I was able to afford ; their sinuous

58

extension between the ranges, and somewhat capricious occur-
rence upon their flanks, correspodding with the similar
peculiarity observed in the occurrence of the tertiary deposit
upon the N.E. Coast, with which they perfectly correspond.

The physical features of these islands are expressed some-
what more minutely in the general map of the colony by Mr.
Sprent than is usually the case, but still it conveys no
adequate idea of the strange appearance presented by the
great granite ranges standing out abruptly like headlands
or craggy islands from the plains of tertiary land, level as a
sheet of water for miles, stretching for miles in length and
width around their base, and winding in bay like valleys
between them.

These plains are mostly sand or coarse quartz gravel
derived from the adjacent granite rocks. This has been
generally denuded away where the ranges butt against the
coast line ; but occasionally sections remain, showing friable
sandstones with an amount of false bedding, which almost
suggests unconformability, or impure limestone, the source of
springs crusting the cliffs with tufaceous deposit.

The ranges in Flinders are with one exception (that of the
Patriarchs), confined ;.o the western coast line, and the highest
point determined by Mr. Sprent was the summit of Strzelecki
Peak, which has an elevation of 2,550 feet. They are nearly
entirely composed of granite, and although, in some instances
covered by forest and scrub, are for the most part bare and
rocky masses, affording a great variety of really grand and
very beautiful scenery. The slopes of these ranges, and the
tertiary pJaiiis surrounding them, forma vast open grass tree
country with only occasional belts of tea tree, and similar
scrub. The true grassy portions of Flinders are restricted
and patchy, the most important being situated on the extreme
north end of the island, opposite to the Sisters, and in the
vicinity of the settlement. Cape Barren is generally
mountainous, and unfitted for occupation, the lower portion
and plains bordering the ranges forming grass tree open
country as in the case of Flinders. The smaller islands seem
to be those best adapted for pastoral purposes, and most of
them produce a rough coarse grass on which sheep manage
pretty well. These are chiefly granite also, but being of low
elevation have the advantage of exposing the most recent
tertiary beds, containing a large amount of lime in the form of
unaltered shells, closely allied to existing species. Many of
them have also been at one time, or are still, highly manured
by the existence on them of mutton bird rookeries. The
plan exhibits outlying patches of Silurian rocks ; these are of
unimportant extent, relatively to the general area of the island,

59

and for the most part occupy inconspicuous and low positions.
The only exception occurs about five miles eastward from the
settlement, where two parallel strips of clay-slates occur,
perched on the granite base, and culminating in hills about
1,000 feet in height. An area of about five miles in length,
and four in breadth, is chiefly occupied thus by clay spates
and sandstone ; these are traversed by thin quartz strings, and
occasionally by veins of quartz of tolerable dimensions.

Other outliers of slatey rocks occur on Badger Island, occu-
pying about one half of it ; upon the shores of Franklin Inlet
adjoininj^ Adelaide Bay, upon the north side of Cape Barren
near Deep Bay, and at Cape St. John.

These have hitherto proved barren in metals with
the exception of pyrites veins. And their chief in-
terest is derived from the proof which they offer of
the continuation northward and eastward of the great
system of anticlinal and synclinal folds, which I have at various
times shown before this Society to pervade and completely con-
trol the disposition of all the oldest formations in the colony.
Thus we may readily conceive the outliers at Brougham's
Sugar Loaf, and at Badger Island, and Cape St. John,
to be on the respective slopes, if the expression is intelligible,
of the anticlinal axis whose continuation traverses the main
land south of Waterhouse Point, in the direction indicated on
the chart, while the outlier fronting on the Franklin Inlet
may show a continuation of the line of flexure on the extreme
east of the colony, passing through Mt. William and the
Scamander tier.

Trap rocks are exceptional altogether among the islands,
hut occur to a limited extent, and most unexpectedly in a
few widely separated spots, either in the form of narrow
dykes traversing the granite or of overflows of basalt— such
as those marked at Killicrankie Bay, and in the nei _ hbourhood
of Mount Eliza and Sanfra Island ; these are chiefly compact
hard basalts, but on the surface vesicular and zeolitic.

The following is a list of minerals met with by myself, or
reported to me, as occurring among the islands, to which I hay©
appended the localities and the formation in which they
occur : —

1. Gold was obtained by me in traces on Cape Barren Island.
None whatever was found on any part of Flinders, and the stories
current as to the discovery of gold there have not been sub-
stantiated. It is almost needless, however, for me to add that it
is always possible that some may be discovered iu the Silurian
outliers near Brougham's Sugar Loaf, but the general aspect of those
rocks is certainly unfavourable.

2. Copper Ores. — Stains of copper ore are said to occur on Pruin,

r»o

Seal, or Hummock Island of the Chart, and on Kent's Group^
neither of which was I able to visit.

3. Arfvcdsouite. — "A higlily ferruginous variety of am pinhole or
black hornblende," containing one per cent, of copper. " The copper
which it contains exists in part or all as oxychloride coating the
crystals of Arfvedsonite" (G. Foord), locality 8 wan Island.

4. 7'in. — The oxide of tin occurs in various parts of Cape Barren
Island, and of Flinders Island as stream tin, in rolled fragments.
This is the most valuable form in which the ore is obtained ; it
contains about 75 per cent, of tin, and the value varies from £80
to £100 per ton, according to recent fluctuations of the market.

5. Bournonite. — An ore of antimony and lead, occurring in
patches near the junction of the slates and granite on the south-
east shores of King's Island.

6. Iron I 'y rites. — Marcasite, often mistaken for gold by the
islanders, is a variety of iron pyrites, and occurs in veins in the
slate formation

7. Topaz. — This mineral occurs in crystals and washed pebbles in-
great variety of form, colour, and size, and in many localities
associated with oxide of tin, zircons, tourmaline, etc., etc. It is
derived from the granite, and crystals may, though rarely, be
obtained in situ from rugs in the granite, together with rock
crystal and with crystallized feldspar. I have the pleasure of
introducing one very beautiful example of this to the notice of the
Society. They are abundant on the north-east side of Killicrankie
Bay in a creek descending from the ranges, and upon the beach,
and are equally so in a gulchway about two miles south of the
first-mentioned spot, and across the bay from it. I also found
them inland in the creek descending westward from the Quoin, and
in the Sanfra River on the south side of Flinders. 1 am also
informed of their discovery in other creeks on the south end of
Flinders, diverging from the peaks, and in a variety of spots
upon Cape Barren Island ; such as in Deep Bay and vicinity of
Dover River upon the north, and Battery Bay and Kent's Bay upon
the south side of Cape Barren. They are also occasionally found upon
the outlying islands.

In regard to their occurrence, I may note that a remarkable
feature in the granite is usually the index of their presence.

This rock which is in general throughout the islands an ordinary
ternary granite moderately close-grained, or occasionally some-
what porpliyrytic, appears to have been subjected to some
abnormal condition of cooling, which has resulted in certain
localities in the aggregation of its constituent minerals into masses
of exceptional siz^. Thus it is not unusual to see vein-like streaks
traversing the granite, varying from one to several feet in width,
and composed of a material which can only be illustratively des-
cribed as granite highly magnified. The materials are identical
with those of the surrounding granite, but the size of the individual
minerals is enormously increased, so that blocks of feldspar quartz
and even mica occur, up to several feet in dimensions. These ajDpear
to be the scene of the most abundant sources of the topazes which
have crystallised out into natural cavities, from whence they have
been delivered by erosion.

61

The colour of tho topazes varies from pure limpid white to various
shades of blue, faint pink, yellow, &c. Crystals are found up to
several inches in diameter. They are readily obtained by washing,
as their specific gravity, which varies from 3 '4 to 3 7, is considerably
in excess of the quartz (2 5 — 2-8) and other constituents of granite.

8. Beryls are occasionally obtained in the form of hexagonal
prisms, colourless or bluish green, free or in situ.

9. Zircons, are tolerably common, but rarely found in well defined
crystals.

They are usually met with in washing, in broken rolled fragments ;
localities, Killicrankie Bay, and in crystals in quartz from granite,
Long Islands.

10. Tourmaline, black variety, very abundant and in exceedingly
fine crystals on the northern side of Long Island ; also occurs on
various parts of Flinders and Clarke's Island.

11. Garnets, often found in washing in various streams, but
especially abundant on the south side of Cape Barren, near Half
Moon Bay, where they occur almost as a constituent of the granite
rock, and in confused crystallization.

12. Chrysolite. — 1 found only one example on Flinders, from the
granite formation.

13. Red Hematite, both in the hepatic form and in well defined
crystals, occurs on the south end of Flinders, on the beach in
basalt, S.W. of Mount Eliza.

14. Exceptionally beautiful crystals of feldspar occur in the
neighbourhood of Killicrankie, north boat harbour, in the rugs in
granite, often four or five inches in diameter, and very perfect.
The species appear to be orthoclase.

15. Boch crystal is not uncommon ; beautiful examples are ob-
tained from Kent's Bay, on the south side of Cape Barren Island ;
and very large crystals of smoky quartz are said to be obtained
from hollows in the granite on Flinders, opposite Woody Island.

16. Mica. — Large masses in spots indicated above.

17. Kaoli7i of fine quality is frequent about Killicrankie Bay,
and generally through the island.

18. Mineral Htcli, a species of, occurs on thenorth end of Pruin
Seal. I had no opportunity of visiting the locality.

\Read \Uh November, 1871.]

In continuation of my remarks upon the islands in Bass'
Straits, I have now to advert to the Mammalia and, more
especially to pen the deplorable memento of the gradual
decrease, and now rapidly approaching extinction of some of
those species adapted by form and structure to inhabit the
wildest and least accessible spots, and whose abundant
presence formerly on the detached reefs and rocky coasts
throughout the group must have imparted a gratifying air of
animation to what are now dumb and barren solitudes.

It is well, I think, for naturalists to begin to assemble the
pages of the history of a species without waiting until the
tombstone has been finally erected above it, and I have there-
fore gathered from the journals of the earlier voyagers such

62

incidental i*emarks as illustrate the aspect of the island in
point of the ahundance of the amphibious carnivora, prior to
the hostile invasion of man.

It seems hardly credible that wanton apathy should have
permitted a wholesale extermination at all seasons of so
valuable an article ot commerce ; but true it is that no steps
appear ever to have been taken to afford protection to the
various species of seal during the fence season, and the
inevitable result of so persistently ungenerous a persecu-
tion, has been their almost total disappearance from localities
once abounding in them by thousands.

A correct foreboding was expressed by a writer in the
Hobart Town Gazette, March 25th, 1826, in the following
terms : — " It is evident that the Legislative Government must
enact a law for the fishery of seals at improper seasons, else this
most valuable source of colonial export will soon be lost. There
are two species of seal in these seas. The early kind brings
forth its young from the 25th November to the latter end of
December, and the reefs and banks should be left undisturbed
until May followin^:, when the increase will be grown up and
the skins well furred. The black seal, which is the most
valuable, is a month later.

" The unthinking sealers harass these useful animals at all
seasons, and the consequence is that many reefs are deserted,
and inferior skins have been procured from animals too young,
and imposed upon the merchants."

I cannot find that action was taken upon this remonstrance.
The seals appear then to have been still abundant, and a
prompt interference might not have been too late. The skins
alone were valued at 5s. each, and a case is quoted in which
300 cubs had perished on one bank alone through the un-
timely destruction of the dams.

It is to be regretted that we have no reliable description of
all the different species of seal once inhabiting the coasts of
this island, and of those in Bass' Straits. That the number
was more considerable than is generally imagined may be in-
ferred from an expression occurring in Lieut. Colonel Collins's
History of New South Wales, conveying observations made
by Mr. Bass in the course of one of his earliest explorations,
to the effect that : *' The seals appeared to branch off into
various species. He did not recollect to have seen them
precisely alike upon any two islands in the Strait. Most of
them were of that kind called by the sealers hair seals, but
they differed in the t^hape of the body, or of the head, the
situation of the fore fins, the colour, and very commonly in
the voice, as if each island spoke a peculiar language." These
are clearly specific differences; and not such as might be

63

attributed to local variations. Mr. John Gould, in his large
illustrated work upon the " Mammals of Australia'' has figured
t\^o species, and speaks of the seals as being even in bis day of
rare occurrence or almost extinct. My own enquiries have
led me to the belief that three very distinct species still
remain extant, and possibly a stray wanderer from the south
belonging to the tribe of the great sea elephant may occasion-
ally pay a hurried visit to the ancient domain of his ancestors.
We have no authentic record, however, of such having been the
case within late years, but it must be remembered that the
once favourite spots of these gigantic sea monsters are upon a
remote island, and in that portion of it now rarely visited, while
it would be only during a limited period of the year that these
animals might be looked for.

It is remarkable that neither Bass nor Flinders give any
special account of the sea elephant, although the latter visited
King's Island in the year 1802, in the month of April, near
the time when sea elephants should have I'een arriving in
their migration from the southAvard. However, Mr. Flinders'
stay was short, and only paid to one portion of the coast, and
it is possible that as this island had already been known to
sealers for three seasons, having been discovered by a Mr. Reid
prior to 1799, that the wholesale slaughter of these helpless
and inoffensive monsters had already gone far towards their
expatriation. Mr. Flinders obtained one example of which he
says : " A seal of a species different to any yet seen by us was
also procured ; its flippers behind were double when compared
to the common kinds of seal, and those forward were smaller
and placed nearer to the head ; the hair was much shorter,
and of a bluish grey colour, the nose flat and broad, and the
fat upon the animal was at least treble the usual quantity. I
never saw the sea elephant, and possibly this might have been
a young female, but there was no appearance of any trunt."
It may be noted that both Bass and Flinders appear to have
been very familiar with both the hair and fur seal, with
neither of which does this description tally. The most full and
accurate description, however, has been left us by that very
excellent naturalist, M. Peron, in his, " Voyage de decouvertes
aux Terres Australes,'' who arrived at King's Island, in Bass*
Straits, on December 10th, 1802, and after landing at Sea
Elephant Bay was detained there for 15 d^^ys by the vessel
having to run off shore before a gale of wind through the
cable having been chafed asunder by sharp pointed rocks, which
are specially referred to as involving such a danger b}? M.
Peron, whose opinion has been fatally confirmed within our
own time by the disaster attending the telegraphic cal)le,
which must have been laid down upon the very rocks described

G4

by him. Although the bay was habited by a party of eleven
sealers, who had boeii for a long period employed in the
slaughter, he described the portion where he landed as being
covered witli sea elephants, whose brown colour rendered them
conspicuous on the beaches, and caused them to a])pear from
a distance like grent black rocks. On his approach some fled,
while others remained motionless on the sand and regarded
him with indifference. Elsewhere he says, "all the coasts of
this island are covered with a prodigious number of amphibia,
some of which nttain twenty-five or thirty feet in length, which
have become a source of valuable commerce to the English."
He speaks of an abundance of emu, and notes the absence of
aboriginal inhabitants. The sea elephant was killed for its
skin, for the oil which was obtained in large amounts, and for
the tongue which was considered a great delicacy. A small
portion remained all the year round but the great masses
migrated to and from the south, arriving about June, and
leaving some months later. It differed from other seals in
preferring sandy beaches to rocks, and evinced a partiality to
bathing in fresh water ; it was mild and inoffensive and easily
killed. It was almost entirely confined to the Hunter Islands,
King's Island, and New Year's Island, a very few were found
on the Sisters Islands, north of Flinders ; a few were occasion-
ally forced by tempests on the New Holland and Tasmanian
shores, the natives on such occasions destroying the exhausted
animal by thrusting flaming brands down its throat ! The
sea elephant appears to have browsed on kelp, and M. Peron
specially states that no remains of fish or any other bony
animal were ever discovered within their stomachs. Those
who feel further interested in the natural history of this
grand and valuable animal will find the amplest details in
M. Peron's volumes.

The species next in importance in point of size, though
not in value, is the sea leopard (Stenorynchus leptonyx) — ■
*' GoulcVs Mammals of Australia'' — which still occurs sparsely
throughout the islands, and occasionally on the coast. This
attains more than ten feet in length, and is distinguished
from the others by its spotted skin. M. Peron speaks of
"Waterhouse Island as frequented in his time by great numbers
of seals of enormous size, and which were probably individuals
of this species. I do not think, however, that it was nearly
so abundant generally as the next two to which I shall refer.
In regard to these great confusion prevails.

The species Arctocephalus lohatus is also figured in the
^^ Mammals of Australia,'' and Dr. Gray is quoted. He states
" that this species and the A. Roolceri are called hair seals
by the sealers, because they are destitute of any under fur ;

65

but this appears to be the case only with the older specimens,
for the young of A. lohatus is said to be covered with soft fur,
which falls off when the next coat of hair is developed."
Flinders describes hair seals of enormous size and extraor-
dinary power, as frequenting Armstrong's Channel, one
killed by him equalling an ox in weight. I cannot identify
this with the A. lohatus, as he describes it as having a bull-
dog nose, and thinly-set sandy hair, characters not possessed
by the A. lohatus.

Mr. Bass, in Collins' Hist. N. S. Wales, p. 158, in speaking
of Cape Barren Island, says, "The rocks were covered with fur
seals of great beauty of a species approaching nearest that
named by naturalists as the Falkland Island seal. And
Flinders gives a more particular description of them. In
speaking of Cone Point, on the extreme S.E. of Cape Barren
Island, his words are : — " The number of seals exceeded
everything we had any of us before witnessed, and they were
smaller and of a different species from those which frequented
Armstrong's Channel. Instead of the bull-dog nose and
thinly-set sandy hair, these had sharp-pointed noses, and
the general colour of the hair approached to black, but the
tips were of a silver grey, and underneath was a fine, whitish,
thick fur. The commotion excited by our presence, in this
assemblage of several thousand timid animals, was very in-
teresting to me who knew little of their manners. The
young cubs huddled together in the holes of the rocks and
moaned piteously ; those more advanced scampered and
rolled down to the water with their mothers ; whilst some
of the old males stood up in defence of their families, until
the terror of the sailors' bludgeons became too strong to be
resisted. Those who have seen a farm yard, well stocked
with pigs, calves, sheep, oxen, and with two or three litters
of puppies, with their mothers in it, and have heard them
all in tumult together, may form a good idea of the con-
fused noise of the seals at Cone Point."

Mr. Bass speaks of landing on the Patriarch. " He found
the outermost island well inhabited. The various tribes had
divided it into districts, one part was white with gannets,
breeding in nests of earth and dried grass, petrels and pen-
guins had their underground habitations in those parts of the
island which had most grass. The rocks of the shore, and
blocks of granite, were occupied by the pied offensive shag,
and common gull ; geese, red bills, and quails, lived in com-
mon, and the rest was appropriated to the seals, who seemed
to be the lords of the domain." " The males, who possessed a
rock to themselves where they sat surrounded by their
numerous wives and progeny, on his drawing near them,

G

66

lioLblctl np with a monacinf^ roar, and fairly commenced the
attack, SiC." Ho luiibrtunatoly does not indicate the character
of the species — the fur seal observed by Flinders at Cone
Point, its sharp pointed nose &c., distinguishing it from the
Otaria Falklandica, or ordinary fur seal of commerce, which
is described as having a broad head and rather flat. A
yellowish seal is described by M. Peron as occurring at the I.
des Phoques in enormous quantities. He says " the largest,
which were of a yellowish colour, occupied the upper portions
of the rock, while the smaller, which appear black, filled the
cavities in the rocks below." Probably the larger species
here referred to was identical with the sandy-haired large
seal described by Flinders in Armstrong's Channel, and the
smaller black ones with the fur seal at Cone Point. Many
other incidental observations on the habits and abundance of
seals are made by these old and intelligent observers, for
example M. Labillardiere especially draws attention to the fact
of a seal killed in D'Entrecasteaux Channel (which he calls
iPhoca menachus) having been found to have been feeding on
shell fish. But of these it will be unnecessary to quote more,
suflScient having been cited to prove that in the earlier times
four, if not five species of seals were abundant in the Straits,
viz., Macrorliinus proboscidens (Cuv.) or the sea elephant. The
sea leopard (Stenorynchus lej)tonyx), a fur seal, and one, or
perhaps two hair seals. At the present day from my inquiries
I learn that there remain the sea leopard and at least one hair
seal, and one fur seal. The haunts of these are on the double
rocks off Moriarty Bank south east of Clarke's Island, the
Stacks, or Craggy Island of the charts, between Flinders Island
and Kent's Group, Barren Joe's Island, Hogan's Group near
Wilson's Promontory, and some of the other rocky islands off
the Victorian coast line; nmre occasionally they are found on
the westernmost of Kent's Group and the Sisters Kock. Only
the hair and fur seal are pursued, and rather for the oil which
they afford than for the skins. One or two small sealing parties
still annually leave the islands in the Straits for the purpose of
their capture. The seals in Hogan's Group are described as
gathering into a vast cavern, only communicating with the sea
by a narrow outlet, impassable for a boat, but with a narrow
open crevice in the roof above which permits of the most
adventurous in the party being lowered by a rope down into
the midst of them ; they are killed by shooting and clubbing.
The number annually obtained, however, from the whole
group is but small ; what the numbers originally obtained
amounted to may be inferred from the following extracts of a
few takes recorded by old Sydney Gazettes, and quoted by
Mr. James Bonwick, from whom I borrow them : — " The

67

schooner Endeavour, from March 9th, 1803, to May 28th,
1804, got 9,514 skins ; the schooner Surprise, from March
11th, 1803, to September 15th, 1803, got 15,480 skins._ In
September, 1803, a vessel brought in to Sydney 11,000 skins."
Sufficient has been stated to show what the value of this
fishery might have been if ordinary forbearance had been
exercised, and it now only remains, as the past is irrevocable, for
those who are interested in the Natural History of these
islands to endeavour to procure examples of the different
species still existing, in order to clear up as far as possible
the doubts as to the nomenclature, before their final ex-
tinction.

68

rj ARGUS AND ITS NEBULA. By P. Abbott, F.R.A.S.,
F.U.M.S.

[Read l^th November, 1871.]

I beg to bring under the notice of tlie Society somo
preparatory results arrived at by the Council of the Royal
Astronomical Society, relative to the fluctuations of the Nebula,
&c., about the object v Argus.

lu the Monthly Notices R.A.S. there appears the following
note, together with two additional papers and drawings from
Hobart Town.

** Oil account of the interest attached to the question of the
variability of the nebula of tj Argus, the Council have determined
to print as well Mr. Abbott's communications as the remarks upon
them by the late Sir J. F. W. Herschel, and the Astronomer
Royal. For convenienc of reference it may be mentioned that Mr.
Abbott's former papers are printed in the Monthly I^otices, vol. xxi. ,
p. 230, (June 18G1); vol. xxi v., p. 2, (November 18G3), with plate;
vol. XXV., p. ]92, (April 18G5, paper dated 18th February) ; and
vol. xxviii., p. 200, (May 18G8, paper dated 29th February), with a
plate ; and that there is a paper by Sir J. F. W. Herschel, vol.
xxviii., p. 225, ((June 18G8 ; and one by him and Lieut. Herschel,
vol. xxix., p. 82, (January 18G9), with five plates." — Ed.

The Council have referred the subject to the Astronomer
Royal, who makes some comments on previous observations
to which I have temporarily replied as notes and queries,
pending the appearance of the object in a favourable position
for new observations, which will be about the month of
February, when the notes from the Astronomer Royal will
be dealt with seriatim.

The following passages occur in Mr. Airy's remarks on the
subject : —

* ' T duly received the packet of papers relating to Mr. Abbott's
observations on 77 Argus ; and with these I have perused also the
preceding papers in various volumes of the Monthly Notices. The
subject is really a very puzzling one.

"■ As regards stars only the map of 1870, and the map of 1871
have so much difference (not a great deal) that I conceive them to
be certainly independent ; and yet they have so much similarity
as to give strcng j^robability to their faithful representation of the
visible objects. See in particular the line of four stars convex
towards 7? Argus.''

" These four stars have some agreement, not quite good, with
four of Sir J. Herschel's. But other stars in the concavity of the
bend are wanting in Sir J. Herschel's.

K -^ # -jf -if I do concede to Mr. Abbott the merit of first
pointing out that the nebula has shifted its position with regard to
the star rj Argns, and has changed its form materially, both which
points I regard as certain. * -Jf- * * •*

' ' Allow me to suggest that papers of this kind o'.ight to be pre-

69

served more carefully. ]\[r. Abbott's maps were crimped up till I
could not read them. I have iiattcned them, and will endeavour to
persuade Mr, Dunkin to keep them Hat."

In the first paper referred to from Lieut. Herschel and Sir
W. F. Herschel, page 80, line 21, the former repudiates his
own observations as follows : —

^' You know how difticult it is to represent faithfully one's im-
pression of a nebula by a huriiod pencil drawing, and will understand
that the accompanying copy (based on all) has no pritension to
accuracy. In fact it is a wretched attempt.''^

On comparing drawings Nos. 1 and 2 by 'Lieut. Herschel,
although both were taken about the same time, it would be
extremely difficult to recognise them as applying to the same
object. The last two plates, 4 and 5, are by Sir John Herschel,
as noted, semi-reversed by being pricked off from his engraving
of 1834, or Cape observations.

Now, if we apply to this mode of procedure the article in
the Asironoviical Begister, by G. F. Chambers, on July 7th,
1866, it will appear difficult to reconcile its authority : —
"Sir John Herschel's Drawings of Nebula.
" To the Editor of the Astronomical Register.

" Sir, — I have lately made a discovery which, whether it be really
such or no, at any rate has not, so far as I aui aware, ever been
pointed out. All Sir J. HerschcVs draivings of (Husters and JSebidce
are represeided as they cannot be seen. The way this has come about
appears to be as follows : — The sketch is placed on paper in exactly
the position which the object has in tlie (inverting) telescope. This
sketch is copied on to the copperplate also exactly as it stands on
the paper, and the result is that when the paper is printed the
picture is reversed right and left. The inconvenience of this plan is
manifest as concerns observers working with the telescope, and
seeking to make comparisons between what they see and what Sir
John indicates that he saw ; but worse than all this, Lord Rosse
and, so far as I have noticed, all other celestial draftsmen, adopt
the common-sense plan of making their drawings to show exactly
as the telescope shows, conse(piently other sketches placed in juxta-
position with Sir J. Herschel's wholly mystify and delude the
reader ; indeed I am free to confess that I have myself thus been
taken in. More than once have 1 sought in vain to reconcile the
engraving of the nebula in Orion, appended to Herschel's Outlines
of Astronomy, with the original viewed in an ordinary inverting
telescope. Fortunately for me, 1 only copied into my book a
limited number of Herschel and Rosse sketches, but in Guillemin's
book Sir John's device leads to a far more serious amount of
confusion.

'*Iam, Sir,

" Sydenham, " Your obedient servant,

" July 7th, 1866. " G. F. Chambers."

In some of my early papers I have given an opinion that

79

no two very dissimilar telescopes will show nebulous matter
alike ; lake, for instance, the nebulee as portrayed by the Earl
of Rosse with those of Sir J. Herschel, and compare them
together with the drawings of G. P. Bond. The instruments
used by these observers respectively were a 56 feet reflector,
with 6 feet speculum ; a 20 feet reflector ; and an achromatic
of 22 feet 6 inches in length, with an object glass 15 inches in
diameter. The difference between them leads to much confu-
sion in Guillemin's fine book of the heavens. I have also a
strong opinion that the variations in the position of this
fluctuating object will have more or less effect in the sketches
made of it at different times.

The Astronomer Royal takes exception to my drawings on
the ground of inaccuracy in points of geometry. If Mr. Le
Seur's opinion that the star t? shines with the light of burning
hydrogen, and has consumed the nebula, is thought to be
correct ; or, if the communicated opinions of Dr. Halley and
the late two Herschel's that a nebula may concrete into indi-
vidual stars, are of any account, how can geometry be applied
to the object under consideration without certain fixed points?

An elaborate paper, with a drawing, has been prepared by
H. C. Russell, Esq., B.A., the Government Astronomer of
New South Wales, and read at a meeting of the Royal Society
of that colony, which I lay on the table. Mr. Russell, while
doing full justice to the object with the Sydney telescope, has
given due credit to the observations previously made at
Hobart Town.

If the Astronomer Royal had offered some opinion as to
the cause of the fluctuations of this extraordinary and
interesting object it would have been a boon to physical
astronomy.

As regards the accuraey of the Hobart Town drawings I
can refer to Mr. Piguenit, of the Survey Department, who is
now present, by whom they were checked and confirmed
previous to their transmission to the Royal Astronomical
Society.

The following is a reply to the notes and queries made by
the Astronomer Royal on the " Observations of v Argus and
its nebula." Monthly Notices, R.A.S., for June 9th, 1871,
pp. 233 and 234:—

"Note 1. — See in particular the line of four stars convex towards
17 Argus.

"These stars have retained their apparent position, <fec., more
than any others in the same object, although variations to a small
degree have taken place. In carefully looking over the drawings it
will be found that a similarity exists in the position of many of the
stars, but as a rule some changes have taken place.

71

" In regard to the use of geometry it was never my intention to
apply it, but only to sketch the object as an eye draft, and by
adopting the term ' line of sight,' it was intended to simplify by
always observing the object in one position, i.e., the telescope lying
in a direct line W.N.W. to E.S.E. (the drawing being reversed),
and at an angle of from 70*^ to 80° above the horizon, according to
the state of the atmosphere at the time, and in this line of sight all
the drawings have been made ; and in an easy sitting position, with
the light shaded from everything but the paper, the object has
always been carefully delineated.

" With regard to ' all the stars agreeing with either Sir John, or
Lieut. Herschel's configuration,' I never expected they would, as
apparent changes have more or less constantly been taking place.

" The question asked in No. 7, ' the drawing (Lieut. Herschel's)
had undoubtedly reached Australia, has Mr. Abbott copied it ?' I
answer no ! The whole of my drawings were made previous to, and
independent of any others.

"In making comparisons it would be desirable to refer to the
original drawing, as in the lithographs, which are on a reduced
scale, some trifling inaccuracies occur.''

[Sent October 7th, 1871, to the Hon. Secretary, R.A.S., and to
Mr. R. A. Procter, together with the plates and paper read before
the R. S. of Tasmania.]

METEOROLOGY,

MARCH, 1871.

Private Observatory, Hobart Town.

H

a>^ ,a

Bar. 37 feet

^

a

§3 ?i

«2 o <u

abv. sea level

Self-Eegistering

Wind.

^- 1

corrected &

Thermometers.

cS

reduced.

<u

-5 S

u

1

6

1

a

1

§

IS

.S ^

xn

1

a

53
1

o

S

S ^

1

1

1

1

IS-.

g"

a

s

1 Is 1

nil i

In.

In

o

0

=

°

1

1

29-774

29-554

69

5^

99-0

44-5

NW

1-30

^

2

29-665

29-586 68

53

97-0

50-5

NWSENW

104

3

30-001

\29-848 64

42

102-5

40-5

Nv\^ SW

3-12

i?

g^^^l s

4

30-252

SO -186

63

50

101-0

49 0

SWSE

•78

c«

5

30-264

30 241

66

53

98-0

50-0

NW SE

•52

0-03

<o

6

30-225

30 052

74

54

110-0

51-0

NW E SE

•78

u

7

29-897

29-752

72

48

109-0

45-5

NW S

•52

0-09

The Meteorology for January and February, 1871, was by
mistcike bound up m the Proceedings for 1870.

21

30 034

29-995 62

46

96 0

42-0

SWNW

104

>. -^

^ -o^-c^ ^

22

30 176

30-102 58

46

89-0

43-5

SE

1-60

•" -gl^g. 4S

23

30-186

30-126 61

40

91-0

37-5

NW SE

•52

1 'S'^S-I %

24

29-987

29-905:72

49

102-0

46-5

SE NW

•52

25

30 042

29-89973

49

109 0

48-5

SW SE

1^04

n allc

n of
Lind's
rary c
3 of t
do-wn.
' stanc

26

30-248

30-21974

41

108-5

38-5

NW SE

1-30

27

30-291

30-12385

45

118-0

45-5

NW SE

3-12

28

30-083

28-88788

48

120-0

50-0

NW

1-04

\u i
um.

Bctic
to

itior
sun
ears

29

29-679

■29-593 81

56

110-0

56-0

NWWNW

5-47

0-13

30

29-876

•29-685161

49

93-0

44-0

NWSW

•78

0-02

31

30-083

30-012 74

46

1135

42-5

SW SE

1-04

1-33;

Monthly meanl60-00

101-90

46-53

Total Force . .

46-30

H-^H 8 '^H |h

29-978 1

% §.S %

Leafing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a few standard plants in the Royal Society's Gardens
during the month.

14th.— Tips of hombean commencing to

turn yellow.
16th.— Coe's golden drop plum ripe.
18th.— Tips of elm turning yellow.
20th — Seckle pear commencing to ripen.

24th.— Leaves of horse chestnut turning

brown.
25th —Ash leaves commencing to fall.
26th.— Oak ditto.

Barometer mean, 29 978 in., being 0 123 in. above the average.

Temperature mean, 60 00°, being 0-24° above the ditto.

Solar intensity mean, 101 90°, being 139 below the ditto.

Dew point mean, 468, being 242 below the ditto.

Humidity of air mean, 66, being 05 per cent, below the ditto.

Elastic force of vapour mean, "337, being 019 per cent, below the ditto.

a

METEOROLOGY.

MARCH, 1871.

Private Observatory, Hobart Town.

a

Ear.

37 feet

abv. sea level Self-Eegistering

Wind.

corrected &

Thermometers.

reduced.

.13

6

1

aj

1

•4
111

si

1

^

+i

a

a

.9

1

il

1

"S

^

<D

u ^

!

%
rt

If

l_

S

1

.g^-ii

^

a

In.

In °

0

°

'

1

29-774

29-554 69

52

99-0

44-5

NW

1-30

2

29-665

29-586 68

53

97 0

50-5

NWSENW

1-04

3

30 001 129-848 64
30-252,^-186 63

42

102-5

40-5

Nv7 SW

312

4

50

101-0

49 0

SWSE

•78

5

30-264

30-241 66

53

98-0

50-0

NW SE

•52

0-03

6

30-225

30 052 74

54

110-0

51-0

NW E SE

■78

7

29-897

29-752 72

48

109-0

45-5

NW S

•52

0-09

8

30-010

29-962 72

48

109.0

46-0

NW SE

1-04

9

30-042

29-752 74

45

111-5

43-0

NWSE

104

10

29-815

29-587,69

50

105-5

48-0

SW

10-41

11

30-094

29-890 59

48

90 0

45-0

NW SE

104

0-28

12

30-275

30-229^73

43

108-0

41-0

NW SE

1-60

13

30-134

29-897 76

52

97-0

46-0

N NW

•78

0-40

14

29-684

29-606,75

56

108-5

54-5

NW

•78

15

30-167

29-984 68

50

110-5

42-0

SE

1-30

16

30-339

30-31973

52

L07-0

50-0

NWENE

•78

17

30-338

30 ■238162

51

69-5

49-5

NE E NE

•26

18

30-150

30 013 64

52

85-0

50-0

SW NW SE

•78

19

29-937

29-815 64

47

96-0

46 0

NW S SW

0^

0-22

20

29-782

29-734 63

50

95-0

50 0

SWSE

1-04

0 16

21

30-034

29-995 62

46

96-0

42 0

SWNW

104

22

30-176

30-102 58

46

89 0

43-5

SE

1-60

23

30-186

30-126 61

40

91-0

37-5

NW SE

•52

24

29-987

29-905172

49

102 0

46-5

SE NW

•52

25

30 042

29-89973

49

109-0

48-5

SW SE

1^04

26

30-248

30-21974

41

108-5

38-5

NW SE

1-30

27

30-291

30-12385

45

118-0

45-5

NW SE

312

28

30-083

28-88788

48

120-0

50-0

NW

1-04

29

29 679

29-59381

56

110 0

56-0

NWWNW

5-47

0-13

30

29-876

29-685161

49

93 0

44-0

NWSW

•78

0 02

31

30-083

30 012 74

46

113-5

42-5

SW SE

1-04

Monthly meanleOOO

101-90

46-53

Total Force . .

46-30

1-33,

29-9

78

1

I a -^5 s

eg bo
^'^ 2

^^^^

«^ g "-9

be o c« H
, p! .2 C "S

i ip2

< *" s s "^

: s? . s ^

£ (a >-( w

: 1.1 ^&

I .^-t-t be K.
I 3 '^ .S ^

Leafing, Flowering, and Fruiting ofaferv standard plants in the Royal SodeU/s Gardens
during the month.
24th.

14th.— Tips of hombean commencing to

turn yeUow.
16th.— Coe's golden drop plum ripe.
18th.— Tips of elm turning yellow.
20th — Seckle pear commencing to ripen.

-Leaves of horse chestnut turning

brown.
25th —Ash leaves commencing to fall.
26th.— Oak ditto.

Barometer mean, 29 978 in., being 0123 in. above the average.

Temperature mean, 60 00°, being 0 24° above the ditto.

Solar intensity mean, 101-90^ being 139 below the ditto.

Dew point mean, 46-8, being 2 42 below the ditto.

Humidity of air mean, 66, being 05 per cent, below the ditto.

Elastic force of vapour mean, •337, being 019 per cent, below the ditto.

a

Total amount of rain, rs^in., beintj 0-34in. below the ditto.

Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rain-fall, 200in.

Mean amount of ozone, 6 11, hcinjf 0 IK) of chromatic scale below the ditto.

Electricity active on tlio 1st. :{r(l, 4th, 10th, 21ml, 27th, and 2stli.

Strong southern lights on tlio 2;ird. Aurora Australia on the 24th.

FllANCIS ABBOTT.

NOTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF
THE MONTH OF MARCH, 1871.

By E. Swarbreck Hall.

High atmospheric pressure, gi-eat daily variations of temperature, cloudy
weather with deticiency of sunshine, small rain-fall, and paucity of ozone,
have characterised the present month, and told heavily on old and feeble
people, more than two -fifths of the mortality having fallen on persons at and
above sixty years old.

Atmospheric 2iressure mean, 29'978, was +'123 above the 25 years' average.
The maximum, 30 '039, was on the IGth ; the minimum, 29 554, on the
1st. The extreme range of the month, therefore, was small, only "785.
But the daily fluctuations were very great, 18 days having more than one-fifth
of an inch, and one of them, the loth, a rise of + "521 in the 24 hours.

Wind- force total, 46'30 lbs., was— 6 '79 lbs. below the average. North West
winds were more numerous than from any other points of the compass, but
were below the average in strength. North, North East, and Eaat were both
few in number and trifling in force. South East, our most propitious wind,
was largely over the average both in number and force. South was below
the average in both aspects. South West winds were about three times
more than the average in number, and double in force. TFifsi was only re-
corded once, but \vith the strength of 5 '21 lbs. pressure to the square foot. Only
one other wind of the same force was recorded, and that a South West
one. Calms were 25, being — 3*22 less than the average.

Temperature mean, 60 "00 degrees, only varied from the 25 years' average
by + 00 "24. The highest record was 88 degrees on the 28th, nine years out
of the 25 having a higher maximum. The lowest temperature, 40, was on
the 23rd, only five years in the 25 having lower minima. The wet bulb
mean was 53 "56, being 00.39 below the average.

Daily -range of temperature exceeded the average by +1'44, being 20*84
degrees. Tlie gi-eatest range in 24 hours, 40 degrees, occurred on both the
27th and 28th. These fluctuations of temperature, combined with high
atmospheric pressure, are very trying to diseased, feeble, and aged persons,
though young and healthy people are little affected by them.

Solar -inten sit ij mean, 101 '90, was — 1*39 less than the average. The maxi-
mum was 120 degrees on the 28th, which has often been exceeded.

Terrestrial-radiation mean, 46 '53 degrees, was — 1*62 below the average.
The minimum record was, for the night of the 23rd, the temperature being,
37 '5 degrees. Only thrice before in 15 years have there been lower minima
in March.

Elastic-force of vapour 337 was— 19 below the average ; ranging from 126 at
noon on the 28th, to 522 at noon on the 14th.

Humidity mean, 66, was — 5 below the average.

Rain- fall, 1'33 inches, was — '34 below the average. It fell on eight days,
being — 1 "09 less than the average. It was sufficient to flush water courses
and drains on the 11th, 13th, 19th, 20th. During the four months past,
December, January, February, March, the rain-fall has only amounted to
4*48 inches, being — 1 "97 inches less than the 25 years' standard mean. Snoio
never was visible from the city, on Mount Wellington, dviring the month.

Spontaneous-evaporation was 3 '33 inches.

Cloud mean, 6 06, was -t- '64 above the average.

Ozone mean, 611, was— "90 below the average, and the smallest on record
for the month of March.

Electricity. 14 positive with tension from 3 "5 to 6 were recorded ; nega-
tive 46 with tension from 2 to 6, and 2 " nils." The Aurora Australis was

seen on the nights of the 23r(l and 24th. There was thunder with rain on
the 29th.

The deaths during the month were 51, being— 3 4-14ths less than the
average of the preceding 14 years, though +4 more than March 1870 and
+9 more than 1869 had. In 1861 the deaths were the same in number, but
in every other year of the fourteen more ; the range being from 42 in 1869 to
73 in 1864. Thirty (30) were males, 21 females. Under one year old there
were 11 deaths ; from 1 to 5 the deaths were 4 ; none between 5 and 10 ; one
(1) from 10 to 15 ; one (1) from 15 to 20 ; from 20 to 60 there were 13 ; and
from 60 to all ages above 21, the oldest being 92, an old Waterloo soldier who
died at the Brickfields Invalid Asylum. The deaths in the General Hos-
pital were 13, seven (7) of which were from other Registration Districts, and
one a foreign sailor. At the Cascades Invalid Asylum there were 5 deaths,
at the Brickfields 2. There were 3 inquests. One died one hour after ad-
mission into hospital from a tumour of the liver ; another died there from
compound fracture of both bones of the leg, which occurred at Brighton. The
leg was amputated ; the third died before he reached the hospital from
inflammation of the boioels, having been brought down the long and torturing
journey from the Lakes. It is high time that cottage hospitals should be
established by the settlers in their respective districts to avert such suffer-
ings as this poor man must have endured. Zymotic diseases caused 13 deaths
mostly from bowel complaints, but no ejmlemic disease prevailed. Consump-
tion caused 4 deaths, none of the deceased having been natives of Tasmania.

APRIL, 1871.
Private Obsekvatouy, Hohart Tomts.

15ar. 37 feet

abv. sea level

Self-Repistering

Wind.

corrected ii

Thermometers.

reduced.

^

r2

tr.

a i

w.

w

JZ

's

5

C3

t

O '-'

a_^

o

"c

s

&

-.b

"=■ g

1

a

1

1

1

1

1

'I

a

1

o

1
3

ft

'at

In.

In.

0

1

30 191

30-153

75

45

1130

45-5

NWSW SE

104

2

30 19]

30 105

77

45

115 0

42-0

NW N SE

1-04

3

30177

30 148

74

48

100-5

48-0

NW NE SW

-78

4

30-217

30-125

63

54

67-0

52-5

NW SE

-78

5

30178

30-115

69

53

100 0

52 0

SW SE W

■52

6

29 126

30-085

74

48

105 0

44 0

NW NE SE

•26

V

30 005

29-813

67

45

95-5

43-0

NW

•26

8

29-940

29-844

69

50

1010

45 0

NW W NW

1-04

9

29-932

29-850

as

50

96-0

50-5

NW

7-80

10

29-824

29-647

74

55

104-5

52-0

NW

5-72

n

29-963

29-834

71

48

102-5

46-0

NW SE W

1-04

12

29-948

29-565

62

42

65 0

39-0

NW

3-38

0-10

13

29-598

29-499

62

43

87 0

38-5

W NW SW

7-80

0-62

14

30 189

30-011 59

43

91-0

37 0

SW SE

5-72

15

30-260 30-251 GS

38

95 0

37-5

SW NW

•52

16

30-278 30184 68

40

99-5

36-0

NW SE

•52

17

30-203I30-135 70

41

910

40-5

NW SE

•78

18

30-165{30055 71

44

1010

43-0

NW

•52

19

29-907

29 -679 79

48

105-5

47-0

NW W

5-63

20

30-279

29-942 61

47

95 0

46-0

SW SE

-78

0 06

21

30-464

30-378 71

45

99-5

43-0

NW SE

1-04

22

30-174

29-979 66

41

93 0

40 0

NW NE

•78

23

29-735129-614 65

50

84 0

49-0

NW

5-73

24

29-860

29-664 67

45

92 0

43-5

NW

2-36

0-10

25

29-824

29-693 64

45

88-0

440

NW

3 64

26

29-907

29-832 66

50

72-5

48-5

NW

•78

27

29-980:29-879178

53

105-0

51 0

NWW

130

2S

30 115 30 015 68

51

70 0

48-0

W SW

130

29

30-345 30-3041 68

42

97-5

39 0

NW NE SE

-52

30

30-361130-330 57

44

64-0

40 0

NW NE

0-

M

onthly

30 m

mean

9

58

•36

90-32

44-37

Total force

73-38

0-86;

25
a> a

S.tS *- 3

^ Z u <o >

^ p O) J3 ^

(SD £ ■- -r ^

's o 2 !* a

^ vj a *3 o

* pi P M o

^ ^ S OJ o

gg'ii .a

S C aj .2 o

Pi; ^

So « 2

« aj >H oj c8

'^ to aj .2 to

•" § 5 --s ^

c S S &

aj S qT aj eg

" °-^ S

=13.1 lip

= H 8 ceH boH

3 S » G

Leafing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a feiv Standard Plants in the Royal Society's Gardens
during the month of April, 1871.
12th. — Coe's late red ijlum-ripe.
15th. — Leaves of common elm falling.
20th. — Chinese chrj'santhemum commencing to flower.
22nd — Leaves of mountain ash commencing to fall.
25th.— Seeds of Carpinus betulus ripe.
28th.— Leaves of black mulberry commencing to fall.

Barometer mean, 30^019in., being 0128in. above the average.
Temperature mean, 58 36°, being 3 33° above the average.
Solar intensity mean, 90 32°, being 149° below the average.
Dew point mean, 466°, being 0-51 below the average.
Humidity of air mean, -67, being 09 per cent, below the average.
Elastic force of vapour mean, ^323, being 002 per cent, below the average.
Total amount of rain, OSOin., being 0-92in. below the average.
Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rain fall, 2-58in.

Mean amouni of ozone, 647, being 052 of chromatic scale below the average.
Electricitv active on the 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st, 24th,
25th, 27th, and 29th.

Mount Wellington covered with snow on the 12tli.

Strong Southern Lights on the 24th. FRANCIS ABBOTT.

NOTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF
THE MONTH OF APRIL, 1871.

By Dr. E. Swarbreck Hall,

This month though unusually mild as to temperature, arid with great aerial
anovements, was characterised by high atmospheric pz'essure, wide daily
range of temperature, defective rain-fall, &,c. The deaths were much
below the average, and with a veiy ec^uable distribution as to age, but a most
unparalleled inequality of the sexes, females exceeding males in the propor-
tion of 16 to 12.

Atmospheric pressure -mQ^in, 30*019, exceeded the 25 years' standard ave-
rage by -f 128. On ten days the variations exceeded one- fifth of an inch,
the maximum, a rise of + '040, having occurred on the 14th. Nevertheless the
range for the whole month was only '965 of an inch, the maximum being
SO -464 on the 21st, minimum, 29-499, on the 13th.

Wind-force amounted in the aggregate to 73'381bs., being + 26 '70 above
the average. North-icest winds were recorded 51 times out of the 90, with
a force of 41'381bs. On fou.r days these winds partook of the character
of hot-icinds though in a subdued form. West winds were unusually frequent
and strong. On the 19th one was registered as exercising a pressure of
10'421bs. to the square foot, the maximum of the month. South-tcest to were
more numerous and stronger than common ; no South winds were recorded ;
South-east were only IS in number with a total of 4*941bs. force; no £ast
winds ; North-east 5 in number, only "TB of a lb. in force ; one North wind
•26 of a lb. strength.

Temperature mean, 58*36 degrees, was +3 '33 above the April average.
The years 1855-6-7, only, out of the 30 years recorded, had a higher
mean. The maximum was 79 degrees on the 19th by the self -registering
thermometer, lent 80 by the observed thermometer at one p.m. There
was a strong hot-wind on that day. The April maximum has often been
higher than this. The minimum, 38, was recorded for the night of the 15th.
It has often been lower in ijrevious Aprils. The ivet bulb thermometer mean
was 52*11 degrees, being +1"02 above the average.

Daily range of temperature me-ATi, 21*93 degrees, was +4*71 above the ave-
rage. The highest recorded was 32 degrees on the 2nd.

Solar intensity mean, 90*32 degrees, was — 1*49 less than the average,
which may be accounted for by the excess of cloudy days. The maximum
■was 115 degrees on the 2nd.

Terrestrial radiation mean, 44.37 degrees, was — 1*30 above the average, the
minimum was 36 degrees in the night of the 16th.

Elastic force ofvajyour mean, 323, was —2 less than the average ; it ranged
from minimum 215 in the morning of the 14th to maximum 545 at noon on
the 19th.

Humidity mean, 67, was — 9 below the average.

Rainfall amounted to only *86 of an inch, — 92 of an inch below the April
average — *62 of an inch fell in one day, the 13th. Only 4 wet days were re-
gistered, being —7*82 less than the average. Though almost all the me-
teorological phenomena of this month were widely different from those of
April, 1870, in no one was the contrast greater than in rainfall. In that
month there were 13 wet days with an aggregate amount of 4*25 inches.
Snow appeared on Mount Wellington on the 12th, 13th, and 14th.

Spontaneous evaporation vf^iB 3*38 inches, a great excess over rainfall, as
was sure to be the case with so much wind and warmth.

Cloud mean, 6*26, was + *52 above the average.

Ozone, mean, 6*47, was —'52 only below the average. Saturation (10) was
registered on the mornings of the 14th and 25th. A much greater deficiency
of ozone might have been expected with such a prevalence of the anti-ozonic
winds from the north-west, and the very diy character of the month.

Electricity was indicated by the ehctrometer for all the 60 observations
during the month, 12 of the records being "positive" -with tension from 4 to
7*5 ; the other 48 "negative" with tension from 2*5 to 7*5.

Deaths.— OxAy 28 persons were registered as dying during this month,
though another is known of, but not yet registered as the law requires. The

VI.

average April deaths for the previous 14 years is 42 12-1 4th, ranging from
•27in. 180'J to 54 in 1804. No year had less than M, but tlie present one
and 18<;i). Under one year of age there were 5 deaths ; from 1 to 5 one death ;
from 5 to 10 tlie «leatlis were .'i ; from 10 to 15 one death ; from 15 to 20 one
death ; from 20 to (U) the deaths were 8 ; and at (50 and all ages above, 9,
tho oldest being 88 years old. So equal a distribution in the various groups
of ages is a very rare occurrence. 12 only were males, 10 females, the disparity
of the sexes being usually just the reverse. No epidemic disease was pre-
valent, and in all the Zinnotic class there were only 2 deaths, from diarrhcna,
aged 5 weeks and 15 months respectively. Consumption causerl 4 deaths, one
a native of Tasmania, the rest born in England, Ireland, and Scotland re-
pectively. The last was only a visitor for health from Ceylon. The public
Hospitd had only .3 deaths, one of which cam3 from another registration
district, another was from burns on which an inquest, the only one in the
month, was held. At the Brickfields Male Invalid establishment there was
only one death, but at the Cascades there were 5.

MAY, 1871.
Private Observatory, Hobart Town.

1

a

2

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abv. sea level

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corrected &

Thermometers.

reduced.

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Ledjing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a feio Standard Plants in the Royal Society's Gardens
during the month.

12th. — Medlar commencing to ripen.

18th. — Coronilla glauca commencing to flower.

20th. — Photinia serrnlata ditto ditto.

24th.— Diosnia alba ditto ditto.

2.5th.— Spirea prunifolia ditto ditto.

26th.— Ailanthus glandulosus leaves all fallen.

Barometer mean, 30 'OTlin., being 0 224in. above the average.
Temperature mean, 52-98°, being 270° above the ditto.
Solar intensity mean, 78-31°, being 3T)G° below the ditto.
Dew point mean, 45 '0', being 152° above the ditto.
Humidity of air mean, '78, being '02 per cent, above the ditto
Elastic force of vapour mean, "311, being '009 per cent, above the ditto.
Total amount of rain, 0'6t)in., being llSin. below theiditto.
Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rainfall, O'GOin.

Mean amount of ozone, 5-3Gin., being 144 of cliromatic scale below the ditto.
A small amount of electricity all through the month.

The early part of the month was notable for a large amount of cloud, and a frequent
register of calms, with dewy mornings, and low vapour.
Snow on the apex of Mount Wellington on the 29th.
On the 30th the mountain and low hiUa were capped with snow. FRANCIS ABBOTT.

NOTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF
THE MONTH OF MAY, 1871.

By Dr. E. Swarbreck Hall.

The character of the weather during the month was in almost every aspect
abnormal. Very high atmospheric pressure, very calm, very mild, very
cloudy, little rain, little ozone, little sunshine, little electricity. The deaths
were considerably below the average of the previous 14 years, falling princi-
pally ujion aged and infirm people, nearly one-half of the deaths being
at and above 60 years old, the oldest 84. Under 20 the deaths were remarkably
few.

Atmospheric pressure mean, 30*071, was -f- '224 above the 25 years' adopted
standard mean. Only three Mays in the previous 30 years have had higher
means. The maximum was 30 "386 on the 24th ; the minimum, 29 "4 13, on the
29th, the month's range consequently "973 of an inch. The greatest movement
in any 24 hours was a rise of + '389 of an inch on the 30th. On only 7 other
days did it exceed one-fifth of an inch. Steady high barometrical pressure
with moderate fluctuations, and small extreme range, characterised this month.

TFijtcZ /o/'ce, 16 "64 lbs, was —21*21 lbs. below the May average. North-west
winds were recorded 48 times out of the 93 observations, and had 10*66 lbs,
of the total foi-ce. The strongest wind had only 2*60 lbs. pressure to the
square foot ; it occurred on the 30th, and was from the north-west. Calms
were 52 in number being -f 9*20 above the average.

Temperaturem.e!xn, 52*98 degrees, was -t-2*70 above the average. Only four
Mays, out of the previous 30, had a warmer mean. The maximum was 75
degrees on the 21st. The minimum 34 on the 14th. Wet-bulb mean was
49*30, being -1-2*22 above the average.

Daily Range of Temperature had the mean of 16*32 degrees, being -hl*16
above the average. The greatest on any day wfis 33 degrees on the 20th.

Solar Intensity mean, 78*31 degrees, was — 3*56 below the average,
owing no doubt to the cloudy character of the month. The maximum was
100 on the 21st, the minimum 57 on the 8th.

Terrestrial Radiation mean, 41*15, was -f-l*84 above the average. The
lowest was recorded for the night, of the 30th, being 33 degrees. Often before
has it fallen below freezing point (32. )

Elastic force of Vapour mean, 311, was + 9 above the average. It ranged
from 503 on the 2nd, to 197 on the 15th.

Humidity mean, 78, was 4- 2 above the average.

Rainfall "66 of an inch, was— 1 *15 below the average. May 1870 was almost

VUl.

the same. It foil on 11 days, being — 3'09 below the average. On only one day,
tlie 2'.>th, (lid sulticient (*2r>) fall to cleanse the surface channels. Snoia
covered Mount Wclliugtou and all the low hills about the city on the morn-
ing of the ."{Oth.

i>j)o)ita7}<ous ci'aporation was 1*20 inches.

Cloud Mean, G"G8, was + 1"18 above the average. At .35 out of the 93
records the sky was entirely over-clouded.

Ozone Mran, 5"8(>, was— 1*44 below the average. No previous May record
had so small an amount.

Elcctricitij was almost confined to negative of a low tension, ranging from
1 to 5. There was only one positive with tension of 4. There were 7 nils. No
thunder heard or lightning seen during the month.

Tlie (Icdtlifi during the month were 33 being— 7 (M4 less than the average of
the i)revious 14 years, and— G less than INIay 1870 had. Again the female deaths,
17 out of 33, jn-eponderated. Under one year old there were 3 deaths ; from
1 to 5, also 3 ; from 5 to 10, none ; from 10 to 15, one ; from 15 to 20, none.
In May 1870 there were 12 deaths under 20 years old. From 20 to GO the
deaths were 1 0 ; and at GO and all ages above the large proportion of IG, the
oldest being 84 years old. May 1870 had 17, the oldest being 90. In the
zymotic c/a.ss of diseases there were only 2 deaths from erysipelas ; one an
old man from a country district, the other a child only 2 years old. From
consumption there were 2 deaths, one a woman aged 50, a native of Switzer-
land, the other a girl of 14, daughter of a coal miner from the coal mines, Tax-
man's Peninsula, born in Tasmania. Her mother and a sister both died from
the same disease in Hospital some time before, so that probably the here-
ditary tendency in the family is strong. In the public Hosintal there were Q
deaths, inclusive of the girl from consumption. At the Cascades there were
5 deaths, three females aged 60, 74, 75, and two males aged 71 and 81. At
the Brickfields there was only one death, a man aged 72. There was only oue
Inquest^ a man aged 75 who died from natural causes.

JUNE, 1871.
Private Observatory, Hobart Town.

Bar. 37 feet

abv. sea level

Self-Registering

Wind.

corrected A;

Thermometers.

reduced.

i

oil

22

^

5

4

5

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30132 30110

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29-887,29-821

62 51

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30-129 30 066

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30-264 30-220

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30-198 30 184 54 46

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130-142-29-992

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Mean monthly

50.41

80-28'37-67

Total Force

. 25 -4b

0-55

29-9

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1

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LeaJing,Flovxring, and Fruiting of a feio Standard Plants in the Royal Society's Gardens
during the month of April, 1871.

16th. — Maclaiira aiirantiaca leaves all shed.

17th. — Common privet ditto.

28th.— Black mulberry ditto.

Note. — The early narcissus, snow-flake, andpyrus japonica, which were in flower last
year, on the 15th, 20th, and 24th respectively, have not yet flowered this year, being
retarded, jirobably, by the unusually dry state of the ground.

Barometer mean, 29 925in., being 0-044in., above the average.

Temperature mean, 5041°, being 366' above the ditto.

Solar intensity mean, 80 28°, being 5-34" above the ditto.

Dew point mean, 41 8°, being 0-.56" above the ditto.

Humidity of air mean, 77, being 7 per cent, below the ditto.

Elastic force of vapour mean, 279, being 010 per cent, above the ditto.

Total amount of rain, 0-55in., being l-28in. below the ditto.

Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rainfall, 0-56in.

Mean amount of ozone, 613, being 337 of chromatic scale below ditto.

Electricity feeble all through the month.

The apex of Mount AVeUington covered with snow on the 10th and 2Sth.

Strong Aurora AustraUs on 11th. rjRANCIS ABBOTT.

NOTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF
THE MONTH OF JUNE, 1871.

By Dr. E. Swarbreck Hall.

This month has been more than usually fatal to persons above 15 years old,
and the mortality veiy small indeed to all under that age. The weather was
altogether abnormal, though very pleasant. This is tlie first month in 1871
in which the death-rate has exceeded the average of the previous 14 years.

Atmo.-'phcric-prcusure mean, 2i>'92r) was + '44 above the 25 years' average.
The extremes were, maximum, 30 "363, on the 6th ; minimum, 29-311, on
the 27th, being an extreme range for the whole month of 1'052 inches. This
was considerably exceeded in .June, 1870, though the average height of the
barometer was less. On ten days the range exceeded one-fifth of an inch, the
24th having a fall of more than half an inch, i.e. — 'oSO.

Wind-force total, 25-48 lbs., was only + "98 above the average, but north-
west -winds, the least favorable to health, had 04 out of the 90 observations,
with 20-54 lbs. of the strength. All the winds from the other seven points
of tlie compass were much below their average both in frequency and force.
The strongest wind, a. north-west on the 24th, had only a pressure of 2-60
lbs. to the square foot.

Temperature me^LU, 50-41 degrees, was + 3-66 above the 25 years' average,
and nearly two degrees warmer than June 1870 was. Only two Junes in the
previous 30 years had a higher mean, i.e. : 18G1 being 50-92, and 1867 51-64.
The extremes were 71 on the 2nd about noon, and 33 in the night of the
8th. The maximum was twice exceeded in the previous 30 years, the
minimum was less in thirteen out of the 30 years. The toet-bulb thermometer
mean was 46-53 degrees, being + 2-08 above the 20 years' average.

The daily ranfie of temperature was the most abnormal meteorological
phenomenon of this month, the mean being 19-83 degrees, wliich is + 4-79
above the 25 years' average. Only four out of the previous 30 years' Junes
had a hiiiher mean. Last year's daily range mean Avas nearly six degrees
less. The greatest range in any twenty-four hours was 33 degrees on the 1st,
but on 14 otlier days the range exceeded 20 degrees between the extreme heat
of the day by the self-registering shade maximum thermometer, and the
eelf-registering minimum thermometer in the night. To these extreme varia-
tions of temperature was no doubt owing the excessive death-rate in feeble,
diseased, ami aged persois, and the great prevalence of diseases of the re-
spiratory organs, catarrh, bronchitis, and pneumonia. No doubt, however,
the dry state of the air, and the great elastic force of vapour, tended also to
the same result. External warmth by fires and good bedding (not from
over crowding) is essential at such times to preserve life in aged, diseased,
and feeble people, together with warm nutriment in the long and trying
interval between the evening and morning meals. The Registrar-General of
England emphatically notices in his reports the greatly augmented death-rate
in old and ailing persons that accompanies a sudden and extensive fall of
temperature.

Solar Intensity meKTi, 80-28 degrees, was + 5 '34 above the average, and
more than four degrees higher than in June 1870. Only June 1856 exceeded
the present month. The maximum was 98 degrees on the 15th, being the
highest in our records. This extreme warmth of sunshine is the more remark-
able, because the cloudy days were above the avei'age.

Terreistrial-radiation mean, 37-67 degrees, was only -f- 1*04 above the
average. The minimum, 32 degrees (freezing point), was noted for the nights
of the 2nd, 8th, 10th, 18th, 23rd, 26th. To be exposed, as many persons
are, to the extremes of the sun's heat by day, and this cold by night, a varia-
tion of 66 degrees, must be trying to the strongest constitutions, and lethal
to weak ones.

Elastic force of vapour mean, 279, was + 10 above the average. It ranged
from minimum 175 on the morning of the 8th, to maximum 456 at noon
on the 29th.

Humidity mean, 77, was — 7 below the June average.

Rain fell on 14 days, which is -f- 2-36 above the average, but the quantity
was too trifling on any day but the 27th to make the channels run. The

total was'only -SSof aninch, being— 1-28 inches below the average. The
three Junes, 1852-3-4, were the only ones in the i^revious 30 years with less
rain-fall than the present month. But eveiy month now for the last seveu
months has had less than the average rain-fall ; altogether for the first half
of this year the deficit of rain amounts to 4 14 inches. Snoio remained on
Mount Wellington on the 1st of the month, and received a sHght addition
on the 11th, and a copious addition on the 28th.

Spontaneous Uvajjoration amounted to 1*11 inches.

Cloud mean, 610, Avas + •59 above the average.

Ozone mean, 6 "13, was — '37 below the average. Saturation (10) was
recorded twice.

Electricity was feeble, only 3 positive with tension from 3'5 to 5. Negative
50 tension 1 to 5. " Nils " 7.

The Deaths were 51, being -f 5 2-14ths above the average of the previous
14 years. Only four out of the fourteen had a greater number of deaths, the
highest being 1861 with 59. 36 were males, only 15 females. Under one
year there were 4 deaths ; from 1 to 5 there was only one death ; from 5 to 10
no deaths ; from 10 to 15 one death ; from 15 to 20 there were 4. Ten
deaths only under 20 years old out of 51 at all ages, is a very small proportion
indeed. From 20 to 60 there were 20 deaths ; and at 60 and all ages above,
the oldest being 94, there were 21 deaths. The Zymotic class of diseases had
only 3 deaths, two from Diarrhcea, one ^^ English Cholera." There were 4
deaths from Pneumonia, being an unusually large number. Consumption
caused 6 deaths, four of them Tasmanians by birth, one Englishman, and
the 6th a native of New South Wales on a visit for change of climate. The
deaths in Hospital, including inquest cases, were unusually large, 17. At
the Brickfields Male Invalid Asylum, there were 2 deaths, aged 68 and 94;
at the Cascades there were 4 deaths, three males, one female, respectively
aged 58, 68, 70, 73. The Inquests were 5, four of them in connection with
the gaol for males, one having died there, and three in Hospital shortly
after being removed from the gaol.

JULY, 1871.

Private Observatory, Hobart Town.

B:ir. 37 feot

.

a

i the force
; the mouth

itered eacl«

ftbv. sea level

Self-Regi.stcring

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corrected A:
reduced.

Tliermometers.

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1

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53

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1
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29772

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29-740

56

43

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29-584

29 426 53

40

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"2

-s^gs .s

8

29-837

29-787 61

44

83-5

40 0

NW NE

1-56

0 05

\^

\ih ^

9

30 009

30 000 60 44

72-5

30 0

NAV NE

-26

10

30-016

29-900 63 40

85-5

36-0

NW

■26

■s

E:|§;^ 1

n

29-678

29-635 60

46

82-0

43 0

NW

3-58

12

29-795

29 -753 57

40

80-0

36 0

NW

1-30

0-03

3

13

29-866

29-790 57

40

79-0

37-5

NW

-78

0-10

^

-Ifl'^ \

14

29-294

28-990 56

41

68-5

40-0

NW

1-30

0-55

2

15

-29-264

29-090 55

37

62-0

33-5

NW

1-30

0-18

:3

16

29-467

29-438 56 41

83-0

34-0

WNW

10-94

0-54

rt

17

29 000

-28758 57,42

60-5

40-0

NE NW SE

1-04

0-48

0

■| i"^ ^

18

29-139

29-114 51 3S

760

320

NW

104

0-06

Ck

19

29-714

29-483 46,36

74-0

31-0

SW SE S

3-64

0 01

0

2

20

29-85'J

29765 51! 43

71-0

31 0

NW SW

1-30

t

i|g| a

21

30 182

30 066 63 39

90-0

33-0

NW NE SW

0-

22

30-339

30-309 60 33

90-5

29-0

NW NW SE

-52

•^

2C

30-327

30-142 57] 34

84-0

29 0

NW NW SE

0-

0-04

«

i^j'i.l

2i

[ 29-81fl

29-556 52 37

65-0

33-5

NW

•78

0-13

-J

2t

) 29-20;

29-052 63 37

88-0

33 0

NW SW NW

•78

JH

2(

) 30-3SS

29-313 53 44

6r-o

41-0

SW NW

•78

%

2'

r 29-42(

29-287 59I37

72-5

32 -.-i

NW

-26

0-20

d

2{

i 29-491

29-236 60,43

91-0

38 -C

NW S SE

-52

0-05

""'

■S -^ M t^^lj c3 ^^

2<

) 29 -80^

) 29-742 64 '36

89-0

31 -C

NW NE SW

0-

g

3

) 30 -07 J

) 30-042 62138

90-0

Ml

W SE NW

■52

S

3

L 30-09(

5 30024 68l43

94-0

41 -(

NW

•52

0-04

s

S^.S fe^bc55

1

<u

Monthly meanl48-85

78-11

35 -4{

) Total force

60-01

3-59

;s

29-684 1

Ledfing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a few Standard Plants in the Royal Society's Gardens
during the month.
14th. — Arbutus -unedo commencing to flower.
20th. — Garrya elliptica, ditto.
21st.— Almond in full flo-wer.
25th. — White mulberry commencing to break.
31st. — Yellow crocus commencing to flower.

Barometer mean, 29-684in., being 0-160in. below the average.

Temperature mean, 48 85', being 3-13° above the average.

Solar intensity mean, 78 11°, being 2.60° above tlie average.

Dew point mean, 39-6°, being 0 46° below the average.

Humidity of air mean, -76, being -07 per cent, below the average.

Elastic force of vapour mean, ^-260, being -003 per cent, above the average.

Total amount of rain, SSOin., being l-53in. above the average.

Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rainfall, 0-42in.

Mean amount of ozone, 7-40, being 0 31 of chromatic scale above the average.

Surface-electricity feeble all through the month.

Snow never absent from Mount Wellington during the month. The low hUls and

ground covered with a thick layer of fresh snow on the 19th.

ERANCIS ABBOTT.

xm.

NOTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF
THE MONTH OF JULY, 1871.

By E. Swarbreck Hall.

The weather this month was unusually wet, windy, and warm, with great
mutations of atmospheric pressure, and an excessive daily-range of tempera-
ture, together with ozone above the average. It is very remarkable that
exactly one-half of all the deaths were at and above GO years of age, while
deaths under 20 years old were less than one-fifth of the whole. The total
deaths were about 24 per cent, less than the July average for the previous 14
years.

Atmospheric-pressure, 20"G84, was — "160 below the average. The extreme
range of the month was 1'581 inches, being the largest on record. The
extremes were : maxiiiiuu:', 303."^9 on the 22nd ; minimum, 28758 on the
17th. So low a minimum has only been registered seven times in the last 30
years. There was no excess of wind in Hobart Town, but great storms were
reported elsewhere. The greatest movement of the barometer in any twenty-
fours from 1 p.m. to 1 p.m. was a fall of — '600 of an inch on the 14th, but
on four other days there were movements of more than half an inch. Al-
together there were 18 days on which the variations exceeded one-fifth of an
inch, which is without parallel in the Hobart Town records. As is usual
these excessive fluctuations of atmospheric pressure caused many deaths
amongst old and debilitated people.

Wind-force ioi&X, 60'Oi lbs., was + 20 '46 lbs. above the July average. At
67 out of the 93 observations, with 30 "So lbs. of the force, the wind was
registered from the north-west, but there is no doubt that many of them were
really deflected west winds from theu' high ozonic character. It is, as has
often been before noted, that owing to the sudden angle in the valley of
the Derwent at Bridgewater eleven miles from the city, caused by the Mount
Wellington tier, winds from the west are liable to be deflected towards the
north-west. "West and south-west winds were 13 in number with 18 "22 lbs.
of the force. The other winds were unusually below the average in both
aspects. The strongest winds had only 5 '21 lbs. i^ressure to the square foot,
and were registered only three times. Calms were 23, being — IG'89 below
the average.

Temperature mean, 48'85 degrees, was -1- 3'13 above the 25 years' average.
In the jjrevious 30 years there have only been 4 Julys with a higher tem-
peratm-e. It is noteworthy that the mean by the self-registering maxima
and minima thermometers agree with that of the observed thermometers with-
in a trifle. The maximum was 68 on the 31st ; the minimum 33 on the 22nd.
The ivet-bulb thermometer mean, 44 "98 degrees, was -{■ 1 "86 above the average.

Daily range of temperature mean, 17 '23 degrees, was -F 2"09 above the
average. The greatest range was on the 29th, being 28 degrees. These ex-
cessive changes of temperature, together with fresh winds and an excess of
ozone, caused much disease of the organs of respiration, principally catarrh,
but popularly, through erroneously, called influenza.

Solar intensity xnB^n, 78'11 degrees, was + 260 above the average, which is
remarkable, as 'cloud mean was also considerably above the average. The
hottest sunshine was 94 degrees on the 31st.

Terrestrial radiation mean, 35 '40 degrees, was — 15 below the average.
The lowest records were in the nights of the 22nd and 23rd, being 29 degrees.

Elastic-force of vapour mean, 260, was -f 3 above the average. It ranged
from 175 on the 19th to 374 on the 14th.

Humidity mean, 76, was — 7 below the average. Saturation (100) was
registered three times.

Rain-fall &mowa.tc(\. to 3*59 inches, being -H 1"53 above the July average.
This is the first time since November, 1870, that the rainfall has attained the
average. It fell i a a gentle and continuous way, there being 18 wet days, or
-f- 4 '27 more than the average. No floods occurred in Hobart Town, at
the same time water courses, sewers, and rivulets were thoroughly flushed.
Snoio was never absent from Blount AVellington during tlie month, and re-
ceived frequent and copious augmentations. On the 19th the streets and

low hills about the city had a good coating, buh 'of short continuance. Na
ice was ever observed iu or near the city, in this usually the coldest mouth
in the year.

Spontaneous n'aporation, owing to the warm and windy character of the
month, exceeded iirecipitation, being 401 inches.

Cloud mean, O'.'Vi, was + V2 above the average.

0:one mean, 7-10, was + '31 above the average. Saturation (10) was
recorded H times,

Elcctricitti was registered 49 times out of the 02 observations ; 4 only
were positive with tension from 4 to 5, The negatives, 45, had tension from

1 to 5. There were 13 " nils." No thunder, or li'jhtnuKj, or auroral dispUiys.
The deaths during the month were 42, being — 12 12-14 below the

average of the previous 14 years' Julys. Under 1 year old the deaths were
4 (the registered births in the month being 05) ; from 1 to 5 the deaths were

2 ; from 5 to 10 one ; from 10 to 15 nil ; from 15 to 20 1 ; from 20 to 00 there
•were 13. At and above 00 the deaths were 21, the oldest being 00 ; 15 out
of the 21 were above 70. Males were 20 in number ; females only 16. In the
Zymotic class of diseases there was only 1 death, a case of crowp in a child
aged 5 years. In diseases of the brain and nervous si/stem there was the very
large number of 14 deaths, many of them sudden from apoplexy, &c., a con-
sequence of the rapid and extensive variations of atmospheric pressure. From
diseases of the organs of respiration there were 5 deaths. Consumption caused
only 1 death, a young woman born in Hobart Town. At the Hospital there
were 10 deaths, inclusive of 1 inquest case, the only one in the month. Six
of them were from other registration districts. One was one of the two last
females of the aboriginal natives of the island, who died from paralysis ; re-
corded as 50 years old only (?) At the Brickfields Invalid Asylum there
were 6 deaths, aged respectively 67, 71, 74, 77, 83, 90. At the Cascades there
only 2, aged 49 and 82.

AUGUST, 1871.
Private Observatory, Hobart Town.

—

Bar. 37 feet ,

abv. sea level! Self-Eegistering

Wind.

corrected &

Thermometers.

reduced.

1

1

fl
0

i

12

ill

^1

,£3

o

B

a

a

§

"s|

1

1

5

1

1

1

1

ft

p

2

In.

In

.

~~

■°

"

1

30-062

29-99557

4°7

72-0

43-0

WESE

104

2

30177

30-134 62

33

87-0

27-5

NW

-78

3

30161

30-024 65

41

89-5

38-0

NvV SE

0-

4

29-802

29-770 62

48

85 5

43 5

NWWNW

3-38

5

29-853

29-771 62

44

86 0

40-0

NW SW

-52

6

29-664

29-609 70

39

92 0

34-5

N NE

0-

7

29-684

29-598 63

44

88-5

41-5

NW W

1-30

0 06

8

29-678

29-656 54

41

57 0

39 0

SESSE

1-04

9

29-824

29-787 56

37

85-0

32-5

W SW SE

-52

10

29-812

29-80165

36

89 0

31-5

NENW S

•52

11

29-852

29-774 62

41

81-5

40-5

NW

•52

12

29-824

29-802 68

41

92-5

34-5

NW

•26

13

29-823

29-674 67

45

93-0

40 0

NW

2-86

0-16

14

29-934

29-790 58

40

87-0

36-5

NW

104

15

29-934

29-761

60

40

90.0

37-5

NW SW W

3-38

015

16

30-224

30-145

59

35

84 0

29-0

NWN

•26

17

29-970

29-726

61

38

84-0

36 0

NW

•78

18

29-556

29-543

56

42

60 5

37 5

NW

•52

'0-07

19

29-774

29-724

65

34

90 0

30 0

NNW

1-30

20

29-464

29-281

61

40

84-5

38-0

NW

2-86

015

21

29-603

29-467

58

40

87-5

37-5

NW W NW

1-56

0-09

22

29-865

29-838

61

46

93 0

43-5

NENW

104

0 05

23

29-976

29-848

58

44

86-5

43-0

NW S SW

-78

24

29-917

29-441

53

34

75-5

30-5

N^W

1-30

0-08

25

29-387

29-335

56

43

83-0

43 0

NW W

3-64

0-75

26

29-879

29-861

60

43

90 0

39-5

NW

1-04

27

29-882

29-800

60

45

87-0

40-0

NW SW SE

-78

28

30-032

29-957

62

32

91-0

29-5

NW SE

-26

29

29-C95

29-301

52

37

56-5

32-0

NW

1-04

0-31

30

29-530

29-409

58

42

86-5

41-0

NW SW NW

104

31

29-512

29-483

57I43

75-5

39-5

NW

•26

0-12

M

onthly

mean

51

45

83-56

37-08

Total Force

35-88

1-99

29-761

1.5 <o
0 2

^oS2

.Sg2^

> !S (U O
O C-CO

C ace o

S -So

■3 .SO^'-

— "43 O

eei«.

S c -s .s -^ ^

<V O

'^■5

©"S:

(U-g

Leafing, Floivering, and Fruiting ofafeiu standard plants in
during the month.
12th. — Sambucns niger commencing to break.
15th. — Gooseberries ditto.
18th. — Horse chestnut ditto.
23rd. — Elm commencing to flo-wer.
24th. — Poplar commencing to break.
29th. — Apricot ditto.

/ fl ee a o)

the Royal Society's Gardens

Barometer mean, 29-761in., being 0-046in. belo-w the average.
Temperature mean, 51-45°, being 3 38° above ditto.
Solar intensity mean, 8356', being 8-04° above ditto.
Dew point mean, 40'08°, being 076° per cent, below ditto.
Humidity of air mean, 71, being -09 above ditto.
Elastic force of vapour mean, -265, being -003 per cent, above ditto.
Total amount of rain. 1-99, being 0-16in. above ditto.
Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rainfall, 0-9:3in.
Mean amount of ozone, 642, being 118 of chromatic scale below the average.
Electricity active on the 2nd, 7th, 10th, Hth, 15th, 16th, 23rd, 26th, 27th, and 23th.
A brilliant Aurora on the 6th.

High wind, 15 •621b. to square foot on the eve of 21st.

Snow remaining on Mount Wellington dxiring the month, with frequent fresh
deposits. FRANCIS ABBOTT.

NOTES ON THE INIETEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF
THE MONTH OF AUGUST, 1871.

By Dr. E. Swarbreck Hall.

Except in a warmer temperature than usual, the weather during this
month departed less from tlie average normal cbaracter than usual. Tlie deaths
were much below tlie average of the previous 14 years, and specially so in
those at all ages under 20 years old.

Atino.-<i)lurU: pnsaare mean, 29 TGI, was only — '046 below the 25 years*
standard mean. The maximum, 30 '224, occurred on the IGth ; the minimum,
29 '281, was noted on the 20th. The extreme range of the barometer for
the month was only '943 of an inch, which has been largely exceeded in 12
out of the previous 16 years. Nevertheless, the daily mutations, within
this extreme range, were very great ; the greatest being a fall of — '589 on the
29th'; and on the 2Gth there was a I'ise of + "527. On 10 other days there were
variations exceeding one-fifth of an inch. As usual, these excessive fluctu-
ations of atmospheric pressure told heavily on diseased, feeble, and aged
peoide, while young and healthy persons were little affected by them.

Wind-force recorded at the usual hours of observation amounted on the
whole to 35 '88 lbs., being — 10 'Gl lbs. below the average ; but in the nights
of the 21st and 2Gth there blew gales having a pressure of 15'G2 lbs. each
to the square foot, which really made the wind-force of the month in excess.
The strongest winds recorded at the usual hours of observation, 7 a.m., 1
p.m., and sunset, were only 2 "GO lbs., registered four times. North-west
winds had GO out of the 93 observations with strength of 23*40 lbs,, but this
must be qualified by the same remarks that were made in the previous month;
many of these winds so registered being really deflected West winds.
The calms were 30, being — 5 '33 below the average.

Temperature mean, 51*45 degrees, was + 3*38 above the 25 years' average.
The extremes were 70 degrees at about midday on the 6th, and 32 in the
right of the 28th. Both higher and lower registers have often been made in
August. Wet bulb mean was 46*45, being only + 1*39 above the average.

Daily Range of Temperature mean, 19*90 degrees, was -f- 3*47 above the
average, showing how necessary it is to take into consideration every meteor-
ological record before drawing conclusions from the means of any one instru-
ment. The greatest range was 31 degrees, noted oq the 6th and 19th.

Solar-Intemity mean, 83*53 degrees, was -f- 8*08 above the average. The
maximum was 93 degrees on the 13th and 22nd, and much greater heat than
this has often been recorded.

Terrestrial-Rxdiation mean,37*08 degrees, was + 1*28 above the average.
The coldest night was the 16th, when this self -registering thermometer on
the grass recorded 29 degrees only.

Elastic-force of vapour mean, 235, was — 3 below the average. The range
was from minimum 175 at 7 a.m. on the 16th to maximum 353 at noon on the
6th.

Humidity mean, 71, was — 9 below the average. Saturation (100) was
never recorded.

Rainfall — 1 "99 inches was + "16 above the average. It fell on 11 days,
being — 2*45 below the average. In another and more elevated part of the
city 18 wet days were registered, with a total fall of 2*51 inches. It was
generally felt that this August was much wetter than usual. Snoio was never
absent from Mount Wellington during the month, and received frequent and
copious additions, but none ever fell in the city.

Spontaneous Evaporation amounted to 2*92 inches.

Cloud Mean, 5*39, was — "31 below the average.

Ozone Mean, 6*42, was — 1*10 below the average, ranging from 3 '5 to 9.

Electricity had 21 positive indications with tension ranging frooa 3 to 6. The
negatives were 36, with tension from 1 to 6. There were 5 nils. Neither
thunder nor lightning were observed during the month. An Aurora was
registered on the evening of the 6th.

The Deaths during this month were 34,being — 12 less than the average of the
previous 14 years. Only one year out of the fourteen, 1866, had less, i.e., 33.
The range being from that to 74 in 1858. Under one year old there was only

xvu.

one death ; from 1 to 5 there were 3 ; from 5 to 10, one; from 1 0 to 15 none ; from
15 to 20, one. So small a proportion of the total deaths under 20 years old is
very remarkable, August 1870 had ten more. From 20 to 60 the deaths were
17, being one less than in August 1870. At 60 and all ages above the deaths
were 11, being — 4 less than in 1870. The three oldest this month were above
80 years old, the oldest being 86. In the Zymotic Class only one death was
recorded, a man aged 60 from gastric fever. From consumiotion there were
4 deaths, 2 of them natives of Tasmania, born in Hobart Town, women, aged
21 and 25 respectively. One a man aged 44, a shoemaker, born in Dublin ; the
other a man, aged 52, a truss-maker, born in Middlesex. In the public
Hospital there were 11 deaths, aU belonging to the Hobart Town registration
district, except one from Green Ponds. There was only one Inquest on a
man who died in hospital to which he was removed from the gaol. At the
Brickfields Invalid Asj/lum there were 3 deaths, aged respectively 64, 68, 83.
At the Cascades establishment two men died aged 58 and 73, the average age in
the latter being eleven and a half years less than in the former. _ At the
Queen's Asylum for orphan and destitute children, a girl aged 15 died from
abscess of the liver.

SEPTEMBER, 1871.
Private Observatory, Hobart Tow?t.

Bar. 37 feet

abv. sea level

SeK-Registering

Wind.

corrected <fe

Thermometers.

reduced.

1

bo

1

1
1

"bo

i

1

.3
1

"bo

1

CI

o

1

S2
82-

ll

is*

1

.s

&

E

3

w

3_

w

o

fM

In.

In.

"

<•

»

o

1

29-670129-495

58

37

90-0

32-5

NW

1-04

0-04

2

29-792

29-572 53

38

85-5

35 0

NWSW SE

5-46

0-37

3

30-032

30-014 64 39

88-5

35-5

NW

104

4

30-092

29-950 58 46

06 0

42 0

SW N SW

2-86

6

30-219

30 176 61 39

91-5

33-0

NW SE

-26

6

30-027

29-710 66 35

96-0

31 0

NW

■52

0-21

7

29-307

29 185 6147

75-5

43-5

NW

•52

0 16

8

29-505

29-456 57 43

82-0

40 0

NW

•78

0-09

9

29-890:29-587 53 38

78-0

34-5

W SW

5-56

10

30-lll'30044'68 39

99-5

36 5

SW N NW

■78

0 02

11

30 0G030-002 63 49

88-0

47 0

NW

•52

0-05

12

30 014 29-990 60 46

60 0

42 0

SE NW SE

•78

0 01

13

29-848 29-707:64 47

82 0

43-0

NW N NE

•52

14

29-810 29-76370 46

104-5

42-5

NW SE

0^

15 30179!30061'60 41

95-0

37 5

NW SAV SE

•78

16 30-369 30-334 63 45

99 0

42-5

SW SE NE

•78

0-25

17

30-242 30 034 56 47

60 0

40 0

NW

1-04

18

29 977,29-890 71 49

1050

48 0

NW SE

•52

19

30-337 30-262 65 43

100-0

41-0

W NESE

•52

0 04

2(y30-24130115 63 49

95 0

45-0

SW NE SE

•78

2130 106 29-902 74 42

105-0

40 0

NW SENE

•26

0 06

22,29-77129-665 63 52

85-5

50-0

NWSW

•26

0-03

23'29-863 29-842

67 46

100-0

46-0

NW

•26

24

29-765 29-576

67 45

94-0

41-5

NW SW

•78 0-07

25

29 650 29-580

6144

95-0

38-5

NW SW

3-52

0 03

26

29-88129-751

69 49

98-0

39-0

NW

1-08

27

29-69129-484

69 47

95-0

45 0

NENW

7-84

0-12

28

29-830 29-742

64 47

94 0

42-0

SW

7-81

29

29-864 29-617

66 39

96 0

36 0

NW

•52

30 29-750 29-721

63 44

97-5

39-5

NENW

204

0-05

Mean monthly

54-22

90-23

40-32

160

29-86

6

^ I c c cs o §„

C .3 S i-< >^. g"g g

'"•2-2 o g.S § §

eS " (0 * ^ -1^
2 C T3 .S •'•' '- M<^

a §a ^

LeaJing,Flovjering, and Fruiting of a few standard x)lants in the Royal Society's Gardens
during the month.
14th.— Ash commencing to break into leaf.
22nd. —Grape vines do do.
26th.— Oak do do

27th.— Moutan Peony commencing to flower.
29th. — Horse chestnut do do.
30th.— Eobinia pseudo-Acacia commencing to leaf.

; 2 -a

o3 >-.<u oj

03 >.^

O (Hot

« n a> 2i ^ ^

.9

o _
2-^

■> & OJ IJ

o on^

•I s

"5.2"
p o ajs

w art «

a o •s ^

SS OT "S "-'
O -^ "C

.s 0)' I!

'>■ ct q

iar^

Barometer mean, 29 "Seein., being OlOSin. above the average.

Temperature mean, 54 22', being 3 46" above the average.

Solar intensity mean, 90-23°, being 1.69° above the average.

Dew point mean, 441°, being 193' above the average.

Humidity of air mean, "71, being 05 per cent, below the average.

Elastic force of vapour mean, 298, being 009 percent, above the average.

Total amount of rain, lOOin., being 0-48in, below the average.

Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rainfall, 1 •50in.

Mean amount of ozone, 8-35, being 0 39 of chromatic scale above the average.

Electricity active on the 3rd, 4th, 5th, Sth, 10th, 10th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25fll,
26th, 27th, 2Sth, 29th, and 30th.

Fresh fall of snow on Mount Wellington on the 2nd and on the 9th, a heavy fall on
the mountain and low hills, remaining in abundance until the end of the month.

FRANCIS ABBOTT.

d

NOTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF
THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, 1871,

By E. Swarbueck Hall.

With the excpption of June hist, this is the only month since August,
1870, in whicli the deaths have exceeded the average of the previous 13
and 14 years.

The detailed remarks on the various meteorological phenomena of the
month will indicate siine of the causes to which this excessive mortality
may reasonably be ascribud.

Atmuxphcric pressure mean, 2n'8r)G, was + '105 above the 25 years'
standiird mean for 8»'pteinber It ranged from minimum, 21) 18.") on the
7th, to ■iO;i(j'.> on the KJth, being an extreme rangi; for the month of
1"1S4 inches. The greatest movement of the barometer in any 24 hours
from I p.m. to 1 p.m., was .a fall of — •()82 of an inch on the 7th, being
the largest recorded durin,' the last 11 years. Ou 15 other days the
movements exceeded one-fifth of an inch, which is an unusually large
proportion for any month.

Wind-force total »vas 42 23 lbs., being — 30 "30 less than the average
for this usually very win ly equinoctial month. The strongest winds were
only 5 21 lbs. pressure to the square foot; one Avas from the north-west
recorde 1 on the evenin,' of the 27th ; the other west at the morning
observation on the 9tli. At only five other observations was the pressure
of 2'60 lbs. registered. At 50 out of the 90 observations the wind blew
from the north-west, with 2211 lbs. of the total force. Fi'om north,
north-east, east, south-east, and south, only 23 winds were recorded with
the very small united force of 4 94 lbs. Calms vfQve 28 in number, being
-f 5*55 above the average.

Temperafure mean, 54*22 degrees, was + 3*46 above the September
average. In the previous 30 years, only the Septembers of 1858 and 1855
were warmer than the jjresent month. The high-day mean was 63 23
degrees, the low-night 43*93 degrees. The maximum was 75 degrees,
noted on the 21st ; the minimum was 3.5, which occurred in the night of
the 6th. Wet-Bulb mean was 49*19 degrees, being + 2-62 above the
average.

Daily -range of temperature mean, 19*30 degrees, was + 1*66 above the
average. The greatest was 32 degrees on the 21st.

Solar intensity mean, 90*23 degrees, was 4- 1*69 above the average.
The liighest was 105 degrees recorded on the 18th and 21st.

Terrestrial-radiation mean, 40*32 degrees, was -f 1'93 above the average.
The lowest was 31 degrees on the 6th.

Elaafic-foi'ce of vapour mean, 298, was + 19 above the average, ranging
from 182 on the 6th, to 501 on the 18th.

Humidity mean, 71, was — 5 below the average.

Rain-fall amounted to 1 *60 inches, which is — "48 below the September
average. There were 16 days on which rain was registered, being + '73
above the usual number. On four days enough fell to scour the gutters
and drains, but not so heavily as to cause floods ; the rest was deposited
in light genial showers, keeping the ground in the most advantageous
state for vegetation. Snow was never absent from Mount Wellington
during the month, and received frequent and copious additions.

Spontaneous-evaporation amounted to 3*10 inches.

Cloud mean, 6*42, was + *58 above the average.

Ozone mean, 8*35, was 4- *39 above the average.

Saturation (10) was recorded 11 times. This excessive purity of the air,
together with excessive daily range of temperature and fi-equent variations
of atmospheric pressure, would account for the excessive number of
deaths.

Electricity had 20 positives with tension from 4 to 9 ; and 34 negatives
with tension from 1 to 10, and 6 " nils." So high a tension has never be-
fore been recorded either from positive or negative. No thunder heard
or lightning seen duiing the month. Southern lights were seen on the
evening of the 3rd.

T'he deaths during this month were 46, and as the average for September
for the previous 14 j-^ears was 40 '"/u the deaths were in excess by
+ 4 7i4 With the exception of June, this is the only month since
August, 1870, in which the deaths have exceeded the avera-^e. Tlie
range for September in the 14 years was from 50 in 1862 to 22 in 1869.
Under one year old this month the deaths were 7, while September, 1870,
had only 5 ; at one to five years of age there was ordy one death , being
the same as in September last year ; at five to ten there were two dea'hs,
while September, 1870, had three ; at 10 to 20 the deaths were thrf^e ;
while September- last year had not any ; at from 20 to 60 the deaths
were 16. while last year they weie only 13 ; at 60 and all ai^es above there
were 17 deaths, the oldest, being a man at the Brickfidds Invalid Asylum
aged 85 ; altogether 15 out of the 17 were aged 70 and above. Last year
the deaths above 60 were 16. In the Zrnnolic class of diseases only one
death can be tabulated, and that is doubtful, being a child IS months old
from Diarrhcea, an out-patient of the Hospital. Last year had two
deaths fiom croup in this class. In the Cachectic or Constitutional class
of diseases there were tlii-ee deaths : one from Dropsy, two from Con-
sumption, the latter were, a youth of 16, a married woman aged 38,
both natives of Tasmania. In 1870 this class had six deaths, three of
them from consumption, and two of them natives of Tasmania. In
3rd class, Monorganic or local diseases, there were 33 deaths, while 1870
had ouly 16. In the 1st order of this class, diseases of the hrain, and
nervous system, there were seven deaths, 1870 had only four. In the 2nd
order, diseases of the heart and organs of circulation, there were seven
deaths, 1870 had ouly four deaths. In the 3rd order, diseases of the
lungs and organs of respiration, there were 10 deaths, while 1870 had
only three. The excess in this class makes up the difference, within one,
of the total deaths from all causes between this year and the last. Last
year ozone was — '99 below the average, this year it was + "39 above the
average, and this valuable agent so antagonistic to diseases arising
from impure air— being natui-e's grand disinfecting agent — when in ex-
cess always over-stimulates the air passages of the organs of respiration,
producing catarrh (not influenza), bronchitis, and pneumonia. The
variations of temperature also were greater this month than in 1870.
The difference in the other classes and orders between the two years were
not material, and need not be detailed. In the public Hospital there
were nine deaths, all belonging to the Hobart Town Registration District ;
last year there were only seven. Inquests were three, all from natural
causes ; last year there was only one. At the Brickfields Male Invalid
Asylum there were two deaths, aged respectively 78 and 85 ; last year
there were not any. At the Cascades there were four deaths, two men
aged respectively 68 and 75, and two women, 58 and 70.

OCTOBER, 1871.

PlilVATE OdsEKVATORY, lIoiiART ToW.V.

Bar. 37 feet

,

a

3

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a
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corrected «lii

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reduced.

s

a
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29 -81 2! 29 775 57

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30-075 29 0^!) 49

38

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30 072 oO 021 57

38

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29-976 2>J-8(J5 (J2

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29-853129 763 62

42

101-0

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29 -954 1 29 853 55 44

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30 003 29 -976 55 45

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30 12 i] 30-005 62 44

107 0

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30-104 30 0it9 (JS 38

104-0

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29-'J50 29-667 7!) 44

112 0

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5-73

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29-752 29-721 56 45

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29-348

29 233 57 45

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29 614

29-570 62 42

91-0

400

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5-99

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29-892

29 669 as 47

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29-576

29-545 67 48

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29-655 29-559 66 50

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30-065 29-958 61 41

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30 -112 '29 -939 63 48

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30 161 129-995 00 46

97-5

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21

30 -266 '30 202 68 37
30-170 30 1-26 61 42

106-0
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29-892129-821 80 46

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29-9-20 29-857 64

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29-950

29-915 60

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29-912

29-871:64

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338

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29

29'937

29-899 68

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29-890

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Monthlv mean 1 55 '33 195-71

40-42,

Total force

126-74

1-52;

Slc^ggg

29-891

§

O 05 >

Leafing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a few Standard Plants in the Royal Society's Gardens
during the month.
8th. — Carpinus betulus commencing to leaf.
18th. — Aiianthus glandulosa ditto ditto.
24th.— Tilea Europea Lime: ditto ditto.
27th. — Morus niger ditto ditto.
28th.— Elm seeds commencing to fall.
31st.— Melia azederach commencing to leaf.

Barometer mean, 29 891in. , being 0107in , above the average .
Temperature mean, 55 33°, being 139° above the ditto.
Solar intensity mean, 95 71°, being 011° above the ditto.
Dew point mean, 432', being 120° below the ditto.
Humidity of air mean, 67, being 06 per cent, below the ditto.
Elastic force of air mean, 287, being 013 above the ditto.
Total amount of rain, l-5-2in., being 0-45in. below the ditto.
Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rainfall, 2-02in.
Mean amount of ozone, 8 47, being 0 55 of chromatic scale above the ditto.
Electricity active all through the month, with 17 positive, and 45 negative.
Snow never absent from Mount Wellington during the month, with a fresh deposit
on the 16th. FRANCIS ABBOTT.

NOTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF
THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, 1871.

By Dr. E. Swarbreck Hall.

The extreme purity of the atmosphere, very great aerial movement, with
strong t<^nsion and great prevalence of electricity, were the peculiar
characteristics of this month. Deaths were slightly lielovv the average, and
fell principally upon adults and old people, the deaths under 20 years old
being only about one-fifth of the total at all ages.

Atmospheric-pressure mean, 29 891, was + 'lOZ above the 25 years' adopted
standard mean for October. The minimum was 29 •23.3 on the 12th; the
maximum was 30"242 on tlie 20th ; consequently the extreme range in the
month was 1.009 inches The greatest movement of the barometer in any
24 hours was a fall of —-519 of an inch on the 12th. On seven other days
the movements exceeded one-fifth of an inch.

Wind-force total, 12().741bs. was -1-20.79 above the average for October,
and also above the average of any other month. North West had the
greatest numl)er aud the greatest force, though it is evident many recorded
for this point of the compass were really deflected AVest winds. 29 South
East winds out of the 93 ol'servations were registered, but with only a total
force of 12.741bs. ; nevertheless this is considerably in excess of the average
from this point of the compass, which in Hobart Town is the purest wind,
and most conducive to health. North, North East, and East winds were
scarcely appreciable ; but South West and West were above the average
number and strength. There was only one South noted, l»ut it had the force
of 2"601bs. to the square foot. The stroni2;est wind was a gale from the West
on the evening of the last day of the month, with a force of 15 "6211 is. to the
square foot. Hot winds of a moderate character were noted on the 10th,
24th, 31st. Calms were 12 in number, being 3 "22 below the average.

Temperature, mean, .55"33 degrees, was -f-1'39 above the average, according
to the three daily ob.-ervations, but more than one degree less by the self-
registering maximum and minimum th rmometers. The extremes were :
maximum, 84 on the 24th ; minimum, 37 in the night of the 20th. The loet
6i</6 thermometer had the mean of 40 22 degrees, which is only -f "03 above
the average.

DaiJy range of temperature mean, 20*39, was -1-1 "72 above the average.
The greatest range was on the 10th, being 35 degrees.

Solar-intensity mesiU, ^o'll de^^rees, was only -F 00 'll above the average.
The hottest record was 117 degrees on the 24th.

Terrestrial-radiation mean, 40'42 degrees was — 1'57 degrees below the
average. The coldest record was 32 degrees (freezing point) in the night of
the 3rd. On the day followiiig four deaths occurred, being double the
number for any other day of the month.

Elastic force of vapour mean, 287, was — 13 below the average, ranging
from minimum 179 at the evening observation on the 4th, to maximum 413
on the evening of the 23rd.

Humidity mean, 07, Avas — 6 below the average. The highest record was 93
on the morning of the 25th, but saturation (100) was never noted.

Rain-fall amounted to 1*52 inches, which is —45 less than the October
average. There were 12 days on which rain was recorded, lieing — 2 "90 less
than the average. On three days the rain fell suflBciently to cleanse water-
courses, sewers, &c., the heaviest fall being 42 of an inch on the 25th.
Snoio was never absent from Mount Wellington during the month, and
received frequent additions, so copiously on the 3rd as to coat the mountain
to its base. There was a smart hail storm in the city on the 2nd,

Spontaneous-Evaporation amounted to 3 '54 inches.

Cloud mean, 5'90, was -|- 20 above the average.

Ozone mean, 8 '47, was -t- 55 above the average. At 17 observations satur-
ation (10) was registered, which is without parallel in the Hobart Town
records. Deaths from diseases of the organs of respii-ation, consequently,
were above the average.

Electricity had 17 positives, with tension from 5 to 8*5 ; and 45 negatives,
with tension from 4 to 9 ; no nils.

Deaths were 41 in number being— 2 7-14ths less than the October rate.
The October range is from niininiuni 29 in 18G1, to maximum 59 in 18(39.
Under one year oM there were 0 <leaths, one being only '.i tlays, the second
two weeks, the thinl 'S weeks old. October, 1871, had the same number.
From 1 to 5 there were 2 deaths, last year had twice as many. From 5 to
10 there were no deaths. October, ISJU, had one. From 10 to 20 there was
one ilcath. while last year had 2. From 20 to GO there were 17 deaths,
while 1870 had only G. At 00 and all ages above there were 15 deaths, the
oldest being a woman of 82, last year had 10 the oldest a woman of 84. In
the zi/motic class of diseases there was not a single death. In the Cachectic
or Constitutional Class there were 7 deaths, three from cancerous affections
of various organs, three from Consumption, two of them natives of Tas-
mania, the third a German man, one from Z)ro;?.5^. In diseases of the Brain
and Ncri'ous System there were 10 deaths ; from tliseases of Heart and organs
of Circulation there was only one death. From diseases of the Lungs and
organs of Respiration their were 9 deaths. From old age, &c., 5. The remain-
der do not require particularizing. At the Hospital there were only 5 deaths,
two of them not belonging to the Hobart Town Registration District. At
the Brickfields Male Invalid Asylum there was only one death at 55 years old.
At the Cascades there were three men aged, one 69, two 70, and one woman
aged 47. There were two Inquests, one returned "manslaughter," the other
"found drowned," the poor Orphan Asylum apprentice Claravance Barker^

XXV.

NOVEMBER, 1871.
Private Observatory, Hobakt Town.

Bar. 37 feet

S

g^ CJ

abv. sea level

Self-Registering

Wind.

?

£§ t

corrected &

Thermometers.

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reduced.

5

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29-834

29-808

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29-834

29-691

68 43

104 0

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29-725 29-690

63 44

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29-658 29 509

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29-744 29-703

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-78

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6

29-869 29-845

66 45

94-0

42 0

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1-04

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29-834 29-613

68 47

94-0

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21-35

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29-844 29-517

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30-320 30 140

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30-347 30-168

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29-937 29-749

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29-863 29-795

7054

73-0

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29 -994' 29 -929

67153

90-0

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29-8241 29 -485

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93-0

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29 789 29-651

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410

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3-64

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16

29-959 29-934

55 45

65-5

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17

30 048 30-025

59 43

89 0

40-5

SW SE

1-30

f-

18

29-957 29-915 65 44

107 0

39-5

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2-86

S

19

30 145 30-120 62 45

97 0

41-0

SE SW SE

1-30

0-05

ii

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20

30 022 29-897 73 47

108-0

41-0

N"W SE

-78

017

0

21

30-026 29-984 63 51

68-0

48 0

49 0

SE

•26

22

30-034 29 972 67 [52

104-0

NE N NE

•78

0-60

23

29-677:29-462 66'53

91-5

49-5

SE

-78

0-62

.s

24

29-454 29-342 65 54

73-0

50-0

NW W SW

1-04

0-08

m

25

29-52129-35169 47

102 0

40-5

NW SE NW

•78

0-03

1

26

29-636 29-480 69 50

103-0

47-5

NW W

3-38

^

27

29-839 29-755 7153

105-5

50-0

NW^ W

104

"3

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28

29-866 29-799 71 56

1100

50-0

NW

1-30

.SpS;3iicg2

29

30-002 29 9-2168 49

94-0

45-0

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104

0-04

p

5"-So3.2og

30

30-1U4 30-074 72 52

107 0

60 0

NE SW SE

1-04

eS

32^^11^

' i '

1^

2^.Sb2g^

Monthly mean 58 39

93-2

44-38

Total Force 7

6-48 02

3-

29 "832

J

g S.S .s

LeaJiiKj, Flowering, and Fruiting of a few Standard Plants in the Royal Society's Gardens
during the month.
15th.— First strawberry ripe.
20th.— First cherry ripe.
22nil — 31ack mulberry in blossom.
27th. — Pomegranate in flower.
2Sth. — First raspberry gathered Antwerp^
30th.— Bougainvllloea spectabilis in full flower.

Barometer mean, 29-832in., being 0 0S7in. above the average.
Temperature mean, 5839°, being 273° below ditto.
Solar intensity mean, 93'20', being 10-77' below ditto.
Dew point mean, 46-6°, being 2 42° below ditto.
Humidity of air mean, 69, being 01 per cent, above ditto.
Elastic force of vapour mean, 337, being 015 per cent, below ditto.
Total amount of rain. 3-02in., being l-29in. above ditto.
Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rainfall, 0-49in.

Mean amount of ozone, 8-^2, being 113 of chromatic scale above the average.
Electricity active on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, Sth, 9th, 10th, IGth, I7tli, 19th,
20th, 26th, and 29th.
Mount Wellington covered with fresh snow on the 5th.
Heavy storm of thunder, lightning, and rain on the 23rd.

FRANCIS ABBOTT.

NOTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF
THE MONTH OF NOVEMliER, 1871.

By E. Swarbreck Hall.

The deaths this month were considerably above the average, though no
epitleniic disease jirevailed. There does not appear anything in the meteoro-
logical phenomena so adverse to health and life to have caused this excess in
the death rate, except excess of ozone and deficiency of sunshine, and gieat
elastic force of Viipour.

Atmospheric pressure mean, 29"832, was +111 above the 25 years' standard
average. The extreme range of the month was 1'00."3 inches ; the maximum,
30 347, having occuned on the 10th ; the minimum, 29 •3-42, noted on the 24th.
The greatest range in any 24 hours was registered on the 9th, being — '407.
On only nine other days woie the mutations more than one-fifth of an inch.
There was therefore nothing unusually remarkable in the barometrical
movements to affect the death rate.

Wind force total was 70"481bs., being — 35 "85 below the average for
November. The ozone bearing south-east winds were greatest in number, but
the north-ivest with the reverse character were above twice as much in force.
From the other points of the compass there was no remarkable deviation from
the standai-d average. The strongest Avind was a north-west on the 7th, having
a pressure to the square foot, at the sunset observation, of 15'621bs. Calms
were 16 in number, being + 6*33 above the average.

Temperature had the mean of 58 "39 degrees by the observed thermometers,
but more than a degree and a quarter less liy the self- registering. The former
was only + '85 of a degree above the November average. The extreme was
maximum 73 on the 20th, the mininjum 37 in the night of the 4th. The
latter was therefore tlie same as in October, while the former was 11 degrees
less. The wet-bulb thermometer had the mean of 52 "05 degrees, which is
+ '80 more than the average.

Daily-range of temperature mean, 17*70 deg,, was — 1"38 below the average.
The greatest range in any 24 hours was 28 degrees, noted on the 4th. On
several days in the month fires were essential to comfort in sitting rooms.

Solar-intcHsiti/ mean, 93 •20 degrees, being — 8 01 degrees below the average.
The numerous wei and cloudy days account for this. The hottest record was
110 degrees on the 28th.

Terredrial-radiation mean, 44 38 degrees, was -t- 211 above the average.
The coldest record was 33 degrees in the night of the 4th.

Elaatic-forcc of Vapour mean, 337, was + 12 above the average. This
condition of the atmosphere is adverse to health and life. The range was
from minimum 224 to maximum 550.

Humidity mean, 69, was — 2 below the average.

Rain-fall amounted in the aggregate to 3"02 inches, being +18 of an inch
above the average of this the wettest month in the year. It fell on 16 days,
which is + 318 above the average number. On the 23rd more than one-
third of the whole was precipitated, but in so moderate a way as not to cause
floods. The soil was kept moist during the whole month, greatly to the
advantage of vegetation ; and both the air and the surface of the earth were
well washed from impurities.

Spontaneous Evaporation amounted to 3'51 inches.

Cloud mean was 7 "69, being + 163 above the average, an unusual excess.

Ozone mean, 8 38, was + "82 above the average. .At 12 observations
saturation (10) was recorded. The excess of ozone did not, as in the previous
month, tell so much on diseases of the organs of respiration, as the Avinds
were not so high, or so dry.

Electricity had 12 positives, with tension ranging from 4 '5 to 8*5. The
negatives Avere 41, with tension ranging from 2'5 to 8"5. There were 7 nils.
There was a heavy storm of thunder, liylitniny, and rain on the 23rd.

The Snoio of the previous month continued on Mount Wellington until the
.5th, when it received a very copious augmentation, but disappeared altogether
after the 9th.

Deaths were 45, being + 7*6 — 14 above the average of the previous 14 years.

Under one yeai' old there were only 5 deaths. From 1 to 5 there were 4. In
the next three quinquennial periods there was one each. From 20 to GO there
were 13 deaths, and at GO and all ages above, the oldest being a man at the
Brickfields Invalid Depot, aged 88, there were the very large number of 20
deaths. The month, tlierefore, was very ausijicious to all under 20 years old,
but vei-y fatal to all above 20, and more esjiecially to those above 60. In the
Zymotic class of diseases there were 2 deaths from Diarrluea. In the
Cachectic class there were 4 deaths, 3 from Cancer of different internal
organs, and one from Consumption, the latter not belonging to Tasmania,
being a sailor from a ship in port and a native of the Sandwich Islands. In
diseases of the Broiin and Nervous System there were the unusually great
number of 13 deaths. In diseases of the Heart, kc. , .5. Diseases of the
Lungs and Organs of Respiration 5 also ; Stomach and Organs of Digestion 7.
Other classes a few only in each. At the Hospital there were 14 deaths, but
live of them did not belong to the Hobart Town Kegistration District. At
the Brickfields Male Invalid Depot there were 4 deaths, but another was
removed to and died in Hospital. At the Cascades Invalid Stations there
weie only 2 deaths, one male aged 60, one female aged 65. There were
only two Inquests.

DECEMBER, 1871.
Private Odservatory, Hobart Town.

Bar. 37 feet

£

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65-95

107-71

48-41

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96-51

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29-790

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Leafing, Flowerhig, arid Fruiting of a few Standard Plants in the Royal Society's Gardens
during tlie month.
8th. First bunch red currants ripe.
10th. Common privet commencing to flower.
12th. First bunch black currants ripe.
20th. Doyenne d'Ete pear ripe.
21st. Melia Azederach commencing to flower.
24th. Juneating apple commencing to ripen.

Barometer mean, 29790 in., being 0045 in. below the average.

Temperature mean, 65 95°, being 4-83° above the average.

Solar intensity mean. 107 71°, being 377° above the average.

Dew point mean, 49 7°, being 0-68° above the average.

Humidity of air mean, 59, being 09 percent, below the averasre.

Elastic force of vapour mean, 380, being 028 per cent, above the average.

Total amount of rain, 0'53in., being I'SOin. below the average.

Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rain fall, 3 40in.

Mean amount of ozone, 722, being 003 of chromatic scale above ditto.

Electricity active on the 5th, 6th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th,
22nd, 23rd, 24th, and 25th.

Hot wind on the 4th ; thunder, lightning, and rain on the 7th : fresh snow on Mount
WelUngton on tlie 10th. iRA ^ CI S A BBOTT.

NOTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF

THE HOIJART TOWN REGISTRATION DISTRICT DURING

THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, 1871.

By Dr. E. Swarbkeck Hall.

The hot and very dry character of this month, together with the ex-
cessive daily variations of temperature, might have been expected to cause a
death-rate largely above the December average, but the excess was only
tritliiig, three-fourths of the deaths being above 15 yeais old, children's
deaths under the a-^e forming an unusually small proportion of the total
deaths, while those above GO years old were more than one-third of tho
whole.

Atmonplieric pres.iior mean, 20790, was only + 45 above the average.
The maximum was :^0'174 on the 1st, the minimum, 20 262, on the 12th ;
the extreme range of the month therefoi-e being "912 of an inch. The
greatest movement of the barometer in any twenty-four hours was a fall of
— 'SLS on the 30th. There were, however, 12 other days on which the
variations exceeded one-fifth of an inch.

Wind-farce total, 96-51 lbs., was + 9'O0 above the average. Winds from
the north loest greatly exceeded those from any other point of the compass
both in frequency and force. Many of them, however, were no doubt
deflected west winds. Two of them were hot winds. West winds were the
next in point of strength, but south-east in regard to number. The strongest
winil of the month was on the 31st, when a gale from the west was recorded
as having a pressure of 10*42 lbs. to the square foot. There were only 7
calms being — 5 '80 below the avera.^e.

Temperature Mean was 65 05 degrees, being -1- 4'83 above the average.
Only one December in the previous 30 years was hotter, i.e. 185.5, when the
mean was 67. The extremes were 08 degrees on the 4th, and 42 degrees
in the nights of the 13th and 27th. The wet-bulb thermometer had the mean
of 57 '35, being -t- 2*37 above the average.

Daily range of temperature, 23 13 degrees, was + 3*22 above the average,
and was only exceeded in the previous 30 years by December 1857, when
25*50 was recorded. The greatest range of any twenty-four hours was 41
degrees on the 30th.

Solar Intensity mean, 107*74 deg., was -f 3*77 above the average, and only
once exceeded. The hottest record was 132 deg. on the 4th. In December
1850 one deg. higher was registered. The highest ever recorded here for any
month was in February 1857, when it was 143 deg.

Terrestrial Radiafinn mean, 48 44 deg., was only -f *20 above the average.
The minimum was 36 5 in the night of the 27th. It is one of the pleasant
jteculiarities of the weather in Tasmania, that cool nights generally prevail
even when the days are unusually hot.

Elastic-force of vapour mean, 380, was + 28 above the mean, and higher
than any December since 1860 when it was 302. It ranged from maximum
580 on the evening observation of the 8th, to minimum 165 on the morning of
the 25th. This range was unusually great.

Humidity mean, 50, was— 0 below the average— only in the first year
(1841) of the 30 years' series of meteorological records was humidity less,
i.e., 56.

Rainfall, '53 of an inch, was— 1*20 below the average. In five Decembers
out of the preceding 30 there have been less rainfalls than in this, and in one
the same. On only one day, the 8th, was there rain enough to flush the
drains, &c. - a thunderstorm. The rain fell on 5 days being — 7 below the
average. No snow on Mount Wellington during the month.

Spontaneous Evaporation was 3 '00 inches.

(iioud mean, 5 82, was + •21 above the average.

Ozone mean, 7*22, was -f* 03 above the average showing, in the absence of
the usual faU of rain, that many of the winds recorded noith west were really
ozone-boaring winds fiom the sea, and so maintaining a punty of fcJie atmos-
I'here counteracting other atmospheric phenomena adverse to health and
life.

JiUctricity had 20 positive indications, with tension ranging from 3 to 8 j

negatives 40, with tension from '2'5 to 8, and 1 nil. There was a smart
ihundemfoi-m, with liffhtninrf and heavy rain, on the 8th.

The deaths during the month were 40, being + l'7u only above the average.
December 1870 had 10 less. Under I year old there were 7 deaths, being
the same in number as 1870 ; from 1 to 5 years old there were 4 deaths,
exactly the same as in 1870. At 5 to 10 there were no deaths ; from 10 to
15 none, while December 1870 had 2 ; at 15 to 20 there was 1 death, 1870 had
2. It thus appears that in this month there were 12 deaths only under 20 years
old, while in 1870 there were 15. From 20 to 60 years there were 17 deaths,
being 5 more than in 1870. At 00 years old, and all ages above, there were 17
deaths, the oldest being 85 ; while 1870 had only 0, the oldest being 79. la
the zinnotic class of diseases there were 6 deaths, all cases of infantile diarrhcea.
In the constitutional class there were 4 deaths from Consumption, one a
native of Tasmania. One death from Cancer of the mouth. In the Diseases
of the Brain and Nervous Si/stem there were 7 deaths, 1 recorded as idiopathic
tetanus, 3 apoplexy, 1 hydrocei)halus, 1 convulsions, 1 diseased brain. In
December, 1870, there were 5 deaths in this class, one being from tetanus.
In Diseases of the Heart &c., there were 2 deaths ; in Diseases of the Lungs,
&c., 9, all being of a chronic character except 2. There were 4 inquests, one
of them a death in Hospit.il. In Hospital there were 11 others. At the
Cascades a child aged 15 months died in the gaol, registered bronchitis.
Three men died in the Invalid Asylum aged 67, 81, 85. At the Brickfields
Invalid Asylum there were 2 deaths aged 63 and 76.

In all 1871 there died in the Hobart Town registration district 507 in-
dividuals, being only 7 more than in the previous year, but 53 less than the
average of the previous 14 years. In the first quarter the deaths were 140 ;
in the second quarter 113 ; in the third 123 ; in the fourth 131 ; as usual the
autumn and winter quarters having the smallest moi-tality.

The Births registei^ed in all Tasmania during 1871 were 3,053, being one
less than in the previous year. The Deaths registered were 1,350, being .54 less
than in 1870, and about 13| per 1,000 of population, being somewhat less
than the death rate in the healthiest of the English registration districts,
notwithstanding a greater proportion relatively of very young and very old in
the population of Tasmania when compared with that of England and "Wales.

JANUARY, 187J.
Private Observatory, Hobart Town.

—

Bar. 37 feet

abv. sea level

Self-Registering

Wind.

corrected &

Thermometers.

reduced.

6

d

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S2

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29 S62 29-763

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46

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29 612 29-497

71

47 107-0

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8-33

0 08

3

29-919 29-906

71

40 in 5

36 0

NW NE NW

6 20

4

29-994 29-859

69 50 1 98-0

47 -5

NW SW NW

•52

6

30197 30165

74 44 112-0

410

NW SE

1-04

6

30151 30 049 77 52 11120

48-0

NW SE

104

7

30-065 30 025 77 56 ,112-5

55-5

N SE

1-04

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29-94729-943 78 58 lilO

51-0

NE SE NE

-78

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29-813 29 6(i7 96 62 126 0

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29-719 ,29-685,77 60 1 84-5

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110

11

29-915 29-871 71 43 IllOO

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104

12

29-99li29 963 75 46 1100

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SW SE

1-30

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30-028 30-005 69 53

72 0

515

SW NE SE

-26

14

29 960 29 762 82 59

1190

56 0

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1-30

15

29-857:29-8418160

93-5

59 0

SE

1-56

16

29-664 29-45192 62 1124 0

60-0

NW

5-99

0-23

17

29-559 29-364 86 56 11200

51-5

NW SE NW

573

18

29-94l|29 818 77 55 lll60

52-0

SW SE S

1-30

19

29-945;29 873 76 50 1140

46-5

NE SE

104

20

29 960;29-8f^5 77 58 1150

53 0

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1-04

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29-672 29-425 85 55 122-5

53-0

N SE

•52

22 29-477 29 170 84 59

1050

62-0

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10-41

005

23 30 065 30 034 80 49

109 0

46 0

SSE

1-30

24 30-381 29-982 77 47

1170

43-0

SW SE

1-30

25 30-044 29-967 78 57

115 0 1 560

NW SE

104

26 29-760 29-514 85 58 11180

56-5

SW SE

2-86

27 29-818 29-799 80 55 115 0

.54-0

NW

7-80

28 29-983 29 825 80 53 1115 5

49-0

NE SE

1-56

29 29-612 29-591 82 59 119 0

560

NE NW

5 20

30 29-747 29-66176 56 IllOO

510

SE NE

•78

3129-617 29-517 80 55

117 0

50-5

NWWNW

104

Monthly Mean' 66 -81

111-06

50-60

Total Force 7

7-52

172

29-8'

22

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iJoj/aZ Society's Garden

Leafing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a few standard plants in the
diiring the nwath.
8th.— First apricot gathered (Roman).
11th.— Jargonelle pear ripe.
12th. — Veronica angustifolia in flower.
15th.— Grevillea robusta in full flower.
18th.— Mulberries commencing to ripen.

Barometer mean, 29 -822in. , being 0-95in. below the average.
Temperatiire mean, 66-81', being 0 03° below the average.
Solar intensity mean, 111 06', being 1.42° above the average.
Dew point mean, 52 6°, being 2 05° above the average.
Humidity of air mean, 64, being 03 per cent, below the average.
Elastic force of vapour mean, 419, being 046 per cent, above the average.
Total amount of rain, l-72in., being l-36in. above the average.
Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rainfall, 3-80in.

Mean amount of ozone, 7 09, being 0 22 of chromatic scale above the average.
Electricity active on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 23rd, and 24th. Thun-
derstorm on the 8th.

FRANCIS ABBOTT.

NOTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OV

THE HOBART TOWN REGISTRATION DISTRICT DURING

THE MONTH OF JANUARY, 1872.

By E. Swarbreck Hall.

The meteorology of this month is quite peculiar, and had not some of tho
phenomena most adverse to health and life been counteracted by others of
the opposite character, the health of the community would have been
seriously affected, and the death-rate have been much in the excess of the 15
years' mean for January. As it was, the excess of deaths is scarcely appreci-
able, being only the fifteenth of one, and no epidemic disease became prevalent.

From the commencement of this year the meteorological standard of com-
parison for my monthly notes will be (in most of the phenomena) for 30 years
instead of for 25 years as before. By the conjoint labours of Mr. Francis
Abbott, F.R.A.S., Mr. Roblin, Curator of the Koyal Society's Museum, and
myself, tables for the longer period have been compUed, thus extending our
Meteorological Records from 1841 to 1870 inclusive. They will soon be in the
hands of the Government printer, and available for aJ& interested in the
subject.

Atmospheric-pressure mean, 29 "822, was only + '078 above the 30 years'
mean. The maximum, 30 •381, occurred on the 24 tb, the minimum, 29170,
on the 22nd, so that the whole range of the month was 1*211 inches, and
recorded within two days. This is by far the highest range in any January
since 1855, except 1856. Between the morning observations of the barometer
on the 22nd and 23rd the mercury rose + '864 of an inch. In January, 1856,
it was 1'014, but no other January approached to anythisg near that of the
present month. On 13 other days the variations of atmospheric-pressure were
a,bove one-fifth of an inch. The lethal influence of this, conjoined with great
heat, and wide alterations of temperature, wag exemplified in the heavy
death-rate from diseases of the brain, &c.

Wind-force total, 77 '52 5" lbs,, was -f 176 lbs. above the mean. The
ozone -bearing, health-promoting, gentle sea breezes from the South East
were the greatest in number, but those of the opposite character from the
North "West were the gi-eatest in force. The four strongest winds recorded
had 5*21 lbs. pressure to the square foot each, three were from the Norih
"West on the 2nd, 16th, and 17th, the other a South West on the 22nd, when
the barometer attained its minimum. Hot winds were recorded on the
9th, 16th, 21st, 22nd. Calms were 19, beinsr — 210 below the average.

Temperature mean, 66*81 degrees, was + 412 above the 30 years' mean for
January. Only January 18-56 had a higher mean, ie., 7110. The greatest
high-day temperature was 96 degrees on the 9th. The smallest low-night
temperature was 40 degrees on the 3rd, giving the extreme range for the
month of 56 degrees, the same as in the month of December preceding.
Only January 1849 had a wider range, the maximum being 305— (the highest
ever recorded here)— the minimum 43. The wet bulb thermometer mean
was 59*31 degrees, being -f 3*41 above the 30 years' standard.

Daily range of temperature had the mean of 25*00 degrees, being -f 4*36
above the 30 years' standard average. Three years only had higher means,
t.c., 1862, 25*03; 1856, 25*13; 1841, 25*50. The greatest range in any
twenty-four hours was 34 degrees on the 9th.

Solar intensity mean, 111*06, was -i- 3*04 above the mesm of the 15 years
recorded in the standard tables. The years 1856, 1857, 1862 only had higher
means. The maximum was 126 degrees on the 9tb, this has been exceeded
in nine years out of the 15.

Teirestrial radiation mean, 60*60 degrees, was — *10 below the 15 years'
average. The maximum was 62 degrees in the night of the 22nd, the
minimum 36 degrees in the night of the 3rd.

Elastic force of vapour mean, 419, was -f 46 above the 30 years' average.
In only three years was this mean exceeded, i.e., in 1856, 1859, 1861. The
range of the month was from minimum 214 on the morning of the 3rd, to
maximum 675 at 1 p.m. on the 16th.

Humidity mean, 64, was — 3 below the 30 years' standard.

Eain fell to the aggi-egate amount of 1*72 inches, which is + '15 of ao

XXXIV.

i«cU above the 30 years' mean for Jaimaiy. The gi-catest part of it (I'.'U
inches) wjis precipitated in 20 hours following the hot-wind on the 9th. Thin
Avas a most beiu'ticiul event on sanitary grounds, as it gave a thorough
cleansing to the gutters, drains, sewers, &c., which, from the previous long
continued dry weather, were full of decomposing organic matters, and very
offensive. The death records give one instance ut least of the effects of such
filth accumulations ; a boy of 1(> died in Hospital from Pythogenic or
Typhoid fever, or more exiiressively./fV^/j -/ever, taken from a bad street in the
centre and lower i)art of the city. Every year's delay in juoperly sewering
the city is causing an increased saturation of the soil with the seeds of thiti
and other zymotic diseases, as well as adding to the ultimate exi)ense which
will be entailed Upon the citizens. Fortunately our water supply is not
liable to be contaminated with the soakage of these pestilential products, but
it behoves every family to pay great attention to their water butts and
cisterns, for the dust which is so great in dry "windy weather is loa<led with
animal ortlure and other organic matters, and settles abundantly in the
uncovered receptacles of water, and there rapidly fern. en ts and decomi)Oses,
Every water-cask ought to be thoroughly cleansed at least once a week. I
demonstrated to the Royal Society some years ago how full of living
creatures water long stored in casks, &c., became. Our mountain supply of
water could not at its origin be of a purer quality ; but no pains or
expense should be spared to deliver it uncontaminated to the citizens. Too
much obnoxious dust settles in the reservoirs at the Cascades, and even in the
covered one in Hill-street, owing to the opening in the latter's gables not
being screened with gauze wire as I long ago suggested should be done.
The proposal before the Municipal Council to convey the water from the
'' Springs" to the " bower" in pipes, instead of the open channels, is in every
sanitary respect highly desirable, but there should be no union of different
metals in their construction. Nevertheless, I must repeat what I have said
heretofore, that since the new waterworks came into operation deaths fioni
Diarrhoea in the city have been much diminished, though liable to augment
again from the increasing accumulations in the vile cess-pits and cloaca?
so prevalent in the city. The dread penalty paid by so many towns in
Great Britain for this sort of sanitary neglect and mismanagement ought
to warn the authorities of all the yovxng cities and towns of the southern
hemisphere, how they overlook these most important matters. Pui'e as is the
air we receive in our happUy situated island, it can, and will be polluted by
local neglect of scavenging, sewering, and ventilating, and human lives will
have to pay the penalty of such want of hygienic forethought. The i-ain fell
on 6 days, which is — 2 "93 below the average of 16 years.

Snow was never seen on Mount Wellington this month.

Spontaneous Evaporation amounted to 5 '52 inches, thus far exceeding pre-
cipitation, as was sure to be the case w ith so much wind and heat.

Cloud mean, 4 '92, was — "82 below the average.

Ozone had the mean of 7 '09, which is + IG above the January average for
the 13 years of the new standard tables. On four observations saturation (10)
was recorded.

ElectHcity had 23 positives with tension from 3 to 8'ii, and 32 negatives with
tension from 1 "5 to 5 "S. Nils were 7. 2'hunder a,nd lightning were observed
on the 8th.

There were 50 deaths during the month, being + Vis above the January
average for the previous 15 years, and only + 3 more than 1871 had. Under
one year old there were 18 deaths— being one only more than Januaiy 1871 hacL
From 1 to 5 there were 4 deaths ; 1871 had not any. From 5 to 10 one death ;
1871 also one. From 10 to 15 no deaths ; 1871 the same. From 15 to 20 two
deaths ; 1871 none. From 20 to 60 there were 18 deaths, being + 4 more than
in 1871. At 60 and all ages above, the oldest being 94, there were only 7 deaths,
while 1871 had 15. In the Zymotic class of diseases there were 13 deaths,
being + 7 more than in the previous month, December 1871. Typhoid fever
1 ; croup 1 ; erysipelas 1 ; pycemia, after wound in the hand 1 ; diairho^a 9,
mostly very young infants. In the Cachectic or constitutional class there were
7 deaths, 2 of them from Consumption, one of them a girl of 20 being a native
of Tasmania, the other a sailor from a ship in harbour, a half-caste native of
New Zealand, aged 24. In diseases of the brain and nervous system there were

14 deaths, being twice as irany as in the i)revious month of December. In
diseases of the heart, &c., only one death. In diseases of the lungs, &c., only one,
"which is remarkable with such wide daily ranges of temperature, and verifying
the remark I have often had occasion to make, that mere alterations of tempera-
ture do not cause diseases of the organs of respiration to the extent that they
do in the British Isles. In the other classes there was nothing unusual. In
the Hospital there were 13 deaths, 5 of them not belonging to the Hobart
Town registi-ation district. There was only one Inquest, a suicide from
l^oisoning with strychnine. At the Cascades Invalid Asylum there was only
one death of a man aged 94, but a child of one of the officers of the House of
Correction there died at the age of 4 months, as its fellow-twin did on the
24th of December previous, but which was not entered into my report for that
month, as the death was not registered until the 11th January, notwithstanding
the penalty the Act provides for such neglect. At the Brickfields Male Invalid
Asylum there were two deaths, one aged 75 the other 77.

Bar. 37 feet I

abv. sea level

corrected &,

reduced.

1

In.

Tn. i

xxxvi,

FEBRUARV, 1872.
Pkivate Uuseilvatoky, Hobakt Town.

) 3

Self-Rej?istering
Thermometers.

1 21) -920 29 833

2 tJ9-694"29-602

3 29 -980, 29 799
4;29-70G:29G60
5,30 013 29 93i
6:29 •979129744
1 29 -439 29-409

29-899 29753
" 836; 29 -810
30 076,29-968
30 068 29-947
29-827 29-821
30068 30036
30 052 30 003
30 -266 '30 -159
30 -294 130 178
30140 30099

IS 30-163 30122

I 30130 29-962
I 29 -841 '29 -6.53
29-8.'.2 29-774
22 30-047i2i)-it45
23I30178 30123
24 29 •96S 29-794
25|30-060|2'.r947
26^30-225!30-17S
27 1 30 -429 '30 423
28!30-369l30-110
2f»; 30 -214 1 30 -116

SI ^

75 50

7151
72 40
7149
67 48

72 .52

73 50
7143

80 58

81 .55
SO 52
77 53
72 44
76,48

75 51

82 .53
71 159
66 57
83 '.58
81 66
79 53

74 44
79 52
80.54

76 49
79 51

75 51
8:t .56
86,60

Monthly meanl63-69
29 974

Wind.

% I
o I

ft

115-5
108 0
1130
112-0
liOO
95-0
106-0
103 0
1140

117 0
112-5

85-0
1100
1120
1100
1160
86-0
80-0
118-5
95-5
86-0
90 0
U8-0
102-0
107 0

118 0
1150
121-5
1-20 0

40 5
46 0,
34-0
44-5
43 0
50-5

46 0
39-5;
510
51-5

47 0
53-5
40 0
45 0
46-5
49-5
58-5,
55-5'
57-5,
65-5'
49-5
40-5
50 0
51-5
43-5
43-5
44-5i
49-5!
52 0'

SE

NW SW

NW NE S

NW SW W

NW SE

SW NE SW

NW W

KW

NW

NW SE

NW SW SE

NW SE

NE SE

NW SE

SE

NW SE

NW E SE

SE
NW NE
NW AV"

SE

NW SE

NW SE NE

NW SE
NW SE SW
NW SE
NW SE
NW i'^E
SE

-78
3 65
1-30
5-73
1-04

-52
5-99

-.52
3-65
1-56
1-30
1-30
104
1-30
1 -56
1-04

78

-26
104
1-30
1-30
104

•78
1.56
1-30

3-;i8

104
130
104

106 48147 -64, Total force 48 38

0 15

0-07
OOl

0.50

£2

I'd

t» o 2

1-41^

35

aZa

cS

4

^sn

s<

-s

2

£> 2

2

"^ cr S

s

a

ill

-ss-g

o

at

1%

5

i

>•

Sc

^.s^

tf.

^

S 2

05-2 g

4, ^

4>

esi

^ <s

^

H hn

H

?.

g.a

£3

Leafing, Flowering, andFndting ofafeiv Standard Plantsin the Royal Society's Gardens,
during the month.
4th. — Kerry pippin apple commencing to ripen.
5th. -Windsor pear commencing to ripen.
10th. — Bon Chretien pear commencing to ripen.
14th. — Green gage commencing to ripeu.
24th. — Ash commencing to shed seed
25th. — Sycamore commencing to shod seed.

Barometer mean, 29-974in., being 0143in. above the average.

Temperature mean, 63-69', being I'Sl" above the ditto.

Solar intensity mean, 106-43 . behig 1-44 below the ditto.

Pew point mean, 4S^;iS , being 217 below the ditto.

Humidity of airmean,-66,bemg 04 percent, below the ditto.

Elastic force of air mean, -iiSO, being 012 above the ditto.

Tf>tal amc^unt of rain, l-41in., being 0-2Sin. below the ditto.

Incre,a.se of spontaneous evaporation on rainfall, 2-6Sin.

Mean amount of ozone, 7 16, being 0 15 of chromatic scale above the ditto.

Electricity moderately active on the 1st, 2nd, .3rd. 4th, 5t)i, 8th, 10th, 14th, and -ZSth.

Squally on the 7th, with fresh snow on Mount Wellington.

A-arora Australia on the litli.

FP.ANCIS ACBOTT.

xxxvu.

KOTES ON THE METEOEOLOaY AND MORTALITY OF

THE HOBART TOWN REGISTRATION DISTRICT DURING

THE MONTH OP FEBRUARY, 1872.

By E. Swarbreck Hall.

Warm days, cold nights, numerous and gentle sea breezes with plenty of
ozone, nearly an average of rain-fall, but mostly precipitated on two days,
five days apart, thouglx Avith atmospheric pressure high and variable, and
temperature above the average, was conducive to the health of the com-
munity above five years old, the deaths at ail ages being considerably less
than the average of the previous 15 years.

Atmospheric-pressure mean, 29 974, was +'132 above the 30 years' adopted
standard average for February. The range of the month was 1*019 inches;
the minimum 29*409, noted on the 7th ; the maximum, 30*428, on the 27th.
The greatest movement of the barometer in any 24 hours was a rise of -f '487
of an inch on the 8th. On twelve other days there were movements exceeding
one-fifth of an inch. The influence of these mutations of atmospheric
pressure is visible in the deaths under " Diseases of the Brain," &c., and
of the "Heart," and "old age," which altogether were 15 out of the total,
from all causes, of 40.

Wind- force total, 48*38 lbs., was — 6*34 below the average, but south-east
sea breezes laden with ozone were not only unusually numerous, but prevailed
over winds from all other points of the compass, both in frequency and
force. The strongest winds had 5*21 lbs. pressure to the square foot, and were
recorded at noon on the 4th from the south-west, and at sunset on the 7th
from the west. No hot winds. Calms were 16 only, being — 1*67 below the
February average. Moderate, constant, and pure breezes from the best points
of the compass therefore characterised this month.

Temperature menn, 63'()9 degrees, was -I- l*.'i8 above the 30 years' average
for February. The extremes were maximum high-day temperature, 89
degrees, on the 28th. and minimum low-night temperature, 40 degrees, in the
night of the 3rd. The mean of all the maxima was 76 '31 degrees, the mean
of all the minima being only 51 97 degrees, and the highesfof the minima but
60 degrees. Warm days and cool ni2:ht8 were therefore characteristic of this
month. The ^oet-hulh thermometer mean was 56*79 degrees, being + 1*08 above
the average.

Daily range of temperature, 24*.34 degrees, was + 4*53 degrees above the
30 years' average. Only the first year of the series — 1841 — had so high a mean,
i.e., 24*30. The highest range on any day was 33 degrees on the 28th, that
being the extreme rnnge between the hottest pait of the day in the shade, 89
degrees, to the coolest record in the following night, 56 degrees.

Solar intensity mean, 106*43 degrees, was — 1*17 below the average.
The highest record was made on the 28th, being 121*5 degrees only. Twice
in 16 years only have there been lower records.

Terrestrial radiation mean, 47 64 degrees, was — 2*03 degrees le<?s than the
average, giving still stronger proof of the cool nights than the self-registering
minimum air-thermometer did. The coldest night was the 3rd, when the
thermometer sank to 34 degrees. On the night of the 20th this thermometer,
marked 65*5, being only half a degree less than was marked by the air-
thfermometer.

Elastic force of vapour mean, 386, was -F 11 above the average. The i*ange
was from 224 minimum on the morning of the 3rd, to 641 maximum at noon
on the 20th.

Humidity mean, 66, was — 4 less than the average.

Rain fell to the amount of 1 *41 inches, which is only — '12 below the
average. It was recorded on 6 days, being - 2 93 days below the average.
On the 20th half an inch fell, and on the 24th a little more, i.e., *57 of an
inch. These two events were highly salutary in scouting the water courses,
sewers, kc. of decomposing organic matters. Snow fell abundantly on
Mount Wellington on the 7th, and did not disajjpear until some hours after
sunrise on the 8th.

t^'pontaneoi'S evaporation amoiinted to 4*00 inches.

CIoihI mean, 567, was only -t- "Ol above the aveiage.

Ozone mean, 7*10, was but —"01 below the average. Saturation (10) was
registered 5 times.

Elcctvicitif had 17 positives with tension ranging from 3'5 to 6, and 35
negatives with tension from 2 to 7, and 0 nils. Neither thunder nor liyhlning
were observed. An Aurora was seen on the evening of the I'ith.

The Deaths numbered 40 only, being -- 13'/ 1,-, less than tlie average of the
previous 1;") yeais. C)nly February 1 807 had fewer, i.e., 34, and 1800 had
40 also. The highest February was that of 1850, i.e., 75. Two of the deaths
were in visitors from Victoria. Under one year old there were 13 deaths ;
from 1 to 5 there were 4 ; from 5 to 10 none ; fiom 10 to 15 there were 2 ;
from 15 to 20 there was 1. Thus exactly half the deaths of the month were
under 20 years old. From 20 to 00 there were only 7 deaths, at 60 Hud all
ages above there were 13, the oldest being a man aged 100 who h;ul been in
these colonics 07 years, and whose death was caused by the accidental fracture
of his thigh-bone.

In the Zi/nuitic class of diseases there were 13 deaths, all from bowel com-
plaints at and under twelve months old. By the new Nomenclature of
Diseases of the Royal College of Physicians of London now generally
adopted, Diarrhoea, which constituted 11 out of the 13 cases, would be classed
under diseases of the Digestive System amongst diseases of the intestines,
and not under tlie head of " Miasmatic" or '• General Diseases." During the
summer months in Tasmania, diarrhoea always jirevails with more or less
fatality amongst young children, and occasionally as an epidemic. In the
Cachectic or Constitutional class of diseases there were 5 deaths, 4 from
cancerous affections of various organs, one from Consumption, a man aged 27
born in Tasmania. In diseases of the Brain and Nervous System there were
9 deaths ; in diseases of the Heart, &c. 2 ; in the Lungs, &c., only 1 ; Stomachy
&c., only 1; Urinary organs, 1 ; hones, &c., 1 ; developmental, 1 ; old age,
4 ; violence, 2. There were no Inquests. In the Hospital there were 11
deaths, one belonging to another registration district. At the Cascades
establishment a man aged 81 died. At the Brickfields Invalid Asylum 3 men
died, aged respectively GO, 72, 81.

REPORT

OF THE

ROYAL SOCIETY

OF

TASMANIA.

FOR THE YEAR

i87i.

TASMANIA :

PRINTED AT THE ** MERCURY" STEAM PRESS OFFICE, HOBART TOWN,

1872.

'jE>j^n?:ROisr -.

^oyal ^ocifty of i?a^mjuuiu

^Patron :

IIKII MAJESTY THE QUEEN.

JPrcsftimt :

HIS EXCELLENCY CH\KLES DU CAXE, Esq.

Uicc^PrcsiCicnts :

A'ES. AR("linE,\("ON DAVIKS
Hon. am K. OFFICER, M.II.A.

.1. W. AC.NKW. Esq., M.T>.
M. ALLl'OUT, Esq., F.L.S.. F.Z.S.
C.M.A.l.

^tmbers of (Council

*\RS. ARCriDEACON DAVIRK
*ll.)\. A. KKNNKULHY, EsQ.,M.L.C.
*M. ALLl'OUT, Esq., F.L S., F.Z.S.,

CM A.I
M. W. A(;NEW, E.sq., M.D.
F. AlUiOTT, Esq, F.11.A.S., F.R.M.S.
T. CIULIN, E.SQ.

.TITSTIX M( C. BROWNE, Esq.

AC. WKHSTKR, H.sq.

SIR Rnnr OFFU'Eli. Knt.,M.H A.

T. STMI'IIKNS, KsQ, MA.

H. J. lUU'Kl.A.N'I). Esq.

J. BARNARD, Esq.

QTrr asurcr :

J. DUNN. Esq.

JLjon. Sccrctnrg:

J. W. AGNEW, Esq., M.D.

^utiitors of Slnnual Accounts

F. BUTLER, Esq.

H. COOK, Esq.

^utittors of fHontljlo Stccoimts:

M. ALLPORT, Esq. | F. ABBOTT, Esq.

Curator of tje fHuscum;
Mk. t. roblin.

Members who retire next in rotation.

]TTS EXCELLENCY SIK CKOIUiE (MIKY, K.C.B., tc, Covcnu.r
CHARLES JOSEPH LATIIOliE, Esq., Mn-l.ui.l.

AV. FI.. AIvCIIEIJ, l'ls«.»., Kegistnir-C Joiici-iil, Mclltouriic, Viotorirv,

.lOIlN .lOSEIMI liENNKTT, Esq., K.R.S., British Muacum, London.

RIOV. W. |{. CLAIHvE, M.A., ,E.(J.S., &c., Sydney.

.lOHN (JOIJLI), Esq., E.K.S., l^^mdon.

JOSEPH DALTON JlOOKEK, Esq., M.D., R.N., E.R.S., &c., London.

JOSEPH JL KAY, Captain R.N., F.R.S., Melbourne, Vietoria.

REV. R. L. KINO, B. A., Sydney.

J. MrnMlELL, Esq , Sydney.

P.ARON E. VON MUELLEi;, C.M.C,, M.T)., E.R.S., F.L.S., &o.,

&e., (Joverninent Botanist, Melbonruo, Vietoria.
JOHN PIOI^jT, Esq., Pnjfeijuor, < Jj'a,nt'H College, Bombay.
FREDERICK PENNY, Esq., F.ILS., Professor of CMiemistry in tlio

yVndersonian University, (llasgovv.
W. J. MACQUOUN RANKIN, Esq., (^E., E.II.S.L., and E., &c.
\V. WILSON SAUNDERS, Esq., E.U.S,, .to., London.
ALFRED R. C. SELWYN, Esq., K.(;.S.
REV. CIIAKLES l»L^:^l)ELL N. WIL'I'ON, M.A., Nevveastle, New

South VVal(!S.
ADAM WIIITI*:, Es(i.. F.L.S.,&.e., I'.ritish Museum, London.
E. S. P. REDEOLID, Esq., K.R, C.S.L., Sydney, New South Wales.
(!. TOMiilNSON, Esq., F.R.S., E.(;.S. &e., Jiigligato, near L(mdon.
(;. I'.ENNE'IT, Esq., M.D., F.Z.S., Sy(hiey, New South Wales.
PIIOKESSOR (i. NEIJMAVEII, Munieh.
JIEV. JULIAN E. T. WOODS, E.L.S., F.(i.S., E.K.Ci.S., &e., Penola,

South Australia.
DM. \V. O. SON DEB, Foreign Hon. Sec. Society of Naturalista, ILuu-

burg.
REV. J. J. BLEASDALE, D.D., F.{\.S., Melbourne.

73
Sist of ifUoto.

+ Denotes laife Membersliip.

Abbott, Francis, F.K.A.S., F.E.M.S. ...

Abbott, F., jun.

Adams, G. P

Agnew, J. W., M.D

Allport, Josepli

Allport, Morton, F.L.S., F.Z.S., C.M.A.l.

Archer, William, F.L.S

Atherton, E

Atkinson, FlCV. H. D, .„ .«

Anbin, F

Aikenhead, Hon. J., M.L.C.

Adams, Fu P., Solicitor-General »«

Hobai't To\»n

Cbeshunt
Hobart Town
Oyster Cove
Spring Bay
Lannceston
Hobart Town

Bilton, H. .^ _ ^ ^. ^ Glenorchy

•j-Barry, Sir R., Puisne Judge ^ ... Melbourne

Barnard, James .^ ... .-, — Hobart Town

Butler, Francis ^ — . ,,

Butler, J ,,

Bromby, Pdgbt Rev. C. H., Lord Bishop

of Tasmania ,,

Bright, R. S., M.F.C.S.L

Butler, Hon. Henry ,,

Buckland, H. J. ,,

Browne, Justin McC. ... ,,

Baynton, W. E Kingston

Bomford, F. E. Rheban, Swansea

Bailey, Rev. Brooke Hobart Town

Chapman, Hon. T. D,, M.H.A.
Cook, Henry »^

Clarke, J. M.

Creswell, C. F.

Cotton, Francis

Crawford, Lieut. -Colonel ...

Crosby, "W

Crowther, W. E

Creasy, R. J. .^ ^ ^

New Town
Hobart Town

Swanport
Hamilton-on-Forth
Hobart Town

79

Cmttenden, Thomas ...
Castray, L. 11., A.C.G.

Wooclsdeu
Hobart Town

Davies, Ven. Archdeacon ...
Davies, John, M.H.A.

Dear, Eev. R. E

Dobson, His Honor Mr. Justice

Dunn, Hon. J. A

Du Caaie, His Excellency Charles
Dobson, H. .^

Hobart Town

Government Houes
Hobart Town

Foster, Hon. John, M.L.C .^
Fysh, Hon. P. O., M.L.C. _

Hobart Town

Giblin, Thomas „

Gould, C. , F. G. S. , late Government Geologist , ,

Gorringe, Thomas ^. Green Ponds

Greig, C. C _ Hobart Town

tGunn, E. C, F.R.S., F.L.S. ... ... Launceston

Graves, J. W. ... Hobart Town

tGellibrand, W. A. B Paver Ouse

Hall, Dr. E. Swarbreck
Harris, Rev. R. D. P., M.A.

Hunter, Henry

Huston, G. F

Huybers, A

Hopkins, H

Hazell, C

HoweU, F. G

Hobart Town

New Norfolk
Hobart Town

Carlton
Hobart Town

Irving, M.H., M.A., &c. ...

Irvine, P

Isaacs, Pv. Mcintosh .^ ^

Jackson, Adam — ►.-.

Jamieson, Mr. ^ ^

+Je£fery, Moles worth... .«.

Jackson, J. A., M.H.A. ^

Melbourne
Hobart Town
Hobart Town

Pu)ss

Hobart Town
Boumbank, Lachlan
Hobart Town

Kennerley, Hon, Alfred, M.L.C. ^

Hobai-t Town

80

Knight, W., jiin.
Kcnnodc, W. A.

Saiidy Bay
Mona V^ale

Lewis, David, M.H.A.
Legge, 11. V

Ilobart Town
CuUenswood

!Maclanachan, James . .,
iMacfarlane, James ...
Macfarlane, J.

Mather, J. B ..,

Maxwell, CM,

i-Milligan, Joseph, F.L.S. .

Moore, J. A. . . .

Meredith, Hon. C, M.H.A.

Morrison, Askin

Marsh, H. J

Mace, J. C

Mace, G.

Ballochmyle
Hobart Town

England
New Norfolk
Hobart Town

Clarence Plains
Spring Bay

Napier, G. K.
Nelson, H.

Hobart Town

Officer, Hon. Sir Hobert, M.H.A., Speaker New Norfolk

Roberts, H. L.
Read, R. Cartwright

Rule, J

Riddoch, A

Ross, R. J

Hobart Town
Redlands, New
Norfolk.
Bellerive

New Norfolk

Hobart Town

Salier, G., M.H.A Hobart Town

Sharland, W. S., M.H.A. ... New Norfolk

Solomon, Joseph Hobart Town

Stephens, T., M.A., Inspector of Schools.., „

Story, J. F Swanport

Storie, Rev. J. ..,^ ... ... ..,,. Hobart Town

Susman, L ^ ... ..^ ,,

Scott, J., M.H.A. ... .... .... ... Launceston

Scott, J. R., M.H.A. ... ..,. .... ... New Town

SaHer, F. G Hobart Town

Swan, J., M.H.A. ..... ...... New Town

81

Smith, P. T

Ross

Travers, S. Smith

New Town

Walch, James

Hobart Town

Weaver, G

Whitcomb, G.

>>
Hobart Town

Whyte, Hon. James, M.L.C.

"Wilson, George, jun.

Wilson, Hon. J. M., M.L.C.

Mount Seymour
Hobart Town

Wise, F. H

Wilkins, A

Webster, A. G

England
Hobart Town

Wright, Stephen P. H

Wilson, George

WiUes, C. J., M.R.C.S. Edin.
Walker, F. T

Oatlands
Rhodes

Young, Russell

Young, James

Hobart Town
Bracknell

82

MINUTES of the Annual General Meeting of
the Royal Society of Tasmania, held at the
Museum, Macquarle-street, at 7 o'clock p.m.,
on the 29th January, 1872 : Morton Allport,
Esq., F.L.S., F.Z.S., C.M.A.L, Vice-President,
in the chair.

The Chairman having read the advertisement
by which the meeting had been convened, called
upon the Secretary to read the report.

The Report for 1871 was then read.

It was moved by Mr. Bilton, seconded by Mr.
Giblin, and carried, *' That the Report be adopted,
and printed for circulation amongst the Fellows."

Messrs. F. Abbott, jun., and C. Belstead, having
been appointed scrutineers, the meeting proceeded
to the election of four members of Council, in
place of those retiring.

The ballot resulted in the re-election of the
retiring Members, &c. : —

Sir Robert Officer.
T. Stephens, Esq.
H. J. Buckland, Esq.
J. Barnard, Esq.

Messrs. F. Butler and H. Cook were, on the
motion of Mr. T. Giblin, seconded by Mr. F.
Abbott, senior, re-elected Auditors of annual
accounts.

R. J. Ross, Esq., after due nomination, was
elected a Fellow of the Society.

Mr. T. Giblin observed that the Fellows had
great reason to be pleased with the present posi-
tion of the Society. The debt had been reduced
during the past, and was likely to be entirely
cancelled b}^ the end of the present year. The

83

general business of tlie Society bad been con-
cluctcd in a most efficient and satisfactory manner,
and for all these matters be was sure everyone
present felt tbey were much indebted to tbe zeal
and attention of the hon. secretary, who had
devoted a very great deal of valuable time to the
affairs of the Society. He therefore proposed that
the best tlianks of the meeting should be given to
the hon. secretary.

Dr. Agnew, inieturning thanks, exjoressed the
satisfaction he felt in being able to report that
the Society was so nearly clear of the debt which
had for so long a period embarrassed it. It was
not, he said, to be supposed, however, because we
had devoted a portion of income to clear off an
old debt that we had no other use for it. In fact
our income was still far below what it ought to be.
Our Museum was increasing, and required in-
creased expense to keep it up. To supplement
and explain it also, many valuable works of refer-
ence were urgently required for the library, and
as soon as we were clear of debt every effort
should be made to procure them. He might also
allude to the additional accommodation given by
the new building, which would greatly facilitate
the work of the Museum. More room would bo
available for the preparation and exhibition of
specimens, and on the whole he was glad to be
able to congratulate the Fellows on the present
state of the Society, which financially and other-
Ayise would bear very favourable comparison with
its condition at any former period.

A vote of thanks, on the motion of Mr. Castray,
seconded by Mr. Belstead, was accorded to the
Chairman.

Mr. Allport liaving returned thanks the meet-
ing terminated.

84
REPORT,

^^ The session of 1871 was opened on tlie 14tli
March, when a paper by M. Allport, F.L.S.,
F.Z.S., entitled ' Observations on the Progress of
the Sahnon Experiment ' was read. The follow-
ing papers were brought forward at the various
meetings during the year : — ' 8ome Remarks on
the Geology of Bruni Island,' by the Rev. H. D.
Atkinson : ' On the Star -n Argus and its Nebula,'
by F. Abbott, F.R.A.S., F.R.M.S. ; ' On the Cul-
tivation of the Sugar Beet,' by F. Abbott, jun..
Superintendent of Botanic Gardens ; ' On Sheep
Breeding,' by S. Smith Travers ; ' On a Mode of
Poisoning Rabbits on Sheep Runs, &c.,' by J.
Bisdee ; ' On the Geological Structm-e of Flinders
Island,' by C. Gould, F.G.S. ; ' On the Islands of
Bass' Straits,' by the same author ; ' On a New
Genus of Freshwater !Mollusks discovered in Tas-
mania,' by W. Legrand ; ' Notes as to recent re-
sults arrived at by the Royal Astronomical Society
relative to the Fluctuations of the Star ,, Argus
audits Nebula,' by F. Abbott, F.R.A.S. ; ^ On a
Process by which Vitality in Fggs (fowls') may be
Preserved for an Indefinite Period,' bv S. Smith
Travers.

" In addition to the above papers the following
subjects have been introduced and discussed during
the session : — '' Sericiculture ' (with correspond-
ence) ; ^ The Cultivation of the Cork Oak in
Tasmania ' ; ^ Stone Alum, from Brook's Creek,
Tasmania ' ; ^ The Growth and Preparation of
Cork in Europe and Africa ' ; ' The Management
of the Mulberry Tree in Cliina and Japan for Silk
Culture ' ; ^ The Extraction of Su^^ar from Beet-

85

root ' ; ^ Tlie Destructioa of Rabbits in tlicir
Burrows/ &(*., &c.

'' Our monthly meteorological observations have
been duly recorded, and the usual interchanges
made with the Observatories of all the neighbom^-
ing colonies. The thanks of the Society are again
due to all those who have so kindly assisted us in
making these returns, and to whom special allusion
was made in our last report. ^ Notes on the
Meteorology and ^lortality of the Hobart Town
Registration District/ by E. S. Hall, Esq., have
been regularly received and printed.

'^ Our usual friendly intercourse with kindred
Societies in various parts of the world has been
kept up by exchanges of publications. In this
respect, however, America has been by far the
most liberal contributor to om- library, valuable
publications having been received not only from
the Government, but also from the Smithsonian
Institution and various scientific bodies.

COUNCIL.

"No vacancy has occurred dming the year.
The required list according to rule xxxii., as
amended at the general meeting of 1S68, has been
exhibited in the library for the last fortnight.

FINANCE.

'' As was anticipated in last years report our
debt has been gi-eatly reduced during the year,
and will, it is confidently expected, be entirely
cleared off before the close of 1872.

" The total income from all sources was as fol-
lows : Government grant to Museum, £200 ; to
the Gardens, £J:00 ; subscriptions, £l-i2; sale of
plants, &c., £67 5s. 8d. This, with £30 12s. in

86

tlic hands of tlic Supcrliitcnclcnt of tlie Gardens
for ])ayiucnt of wa^^^cs, and £20 expected to be
realised from arrears of subscriptions, will give a
total of £859 17s. 8d. The expenditure and
liabilities, as per balance sheet, amount to
£885 12s. 2d., leaving a balance to debit of
£25 14s. 6d.

'' The current expenditure for the year has again
been kept well within the income, as the following
fio-urcs will show : —

£ s. d.
Total receipts from all sources 809 5 8
Total expenditure 781 3 11

Balance for meeting liabilities 28 1 9

GARDENS.

*' Dm^ing the past year a substantial boundar}^
fence has been erected, and about three acres of
ground added to the area of the Gardens. The es-
planade and sea-wall, the work on which necessarily
remained in abeyance during the erection of the
fence, are in such a forward state that the labour
of a few weeks only is required for their comple-
tion. When finished, this portion of the Garden
promises to become, as has always been anticipated^
exceedingly attractive.

'^ With a view of improving the main entrance
to the Gardens various alterations have been made
on the site occupied by the propagating yards,
&c. It is expected that this work will be com-
pleted before the close of the present year, and it
will greatly conduce to the convenience of visitors.

^^ About two hundred new plants, many of rare
merit, were introduced during 1871. From the-
Royal Gardens, Kew, we received an important
consignment of seeds, consisting of 88 Asiatic,

87

177 American, and 234 European species. Many
of these have already germinated, but others re-
quiring previous preparation Avill not be ready for
sowing till the coming autumn.

^^A considerable quantity of seed from the
Silesian Beet was saved from plants grown in the
Gardens. Practical information as to the value of
the root for feeding purposes having been made
j3ublic through the meetings of the Society, a great
demand for the seed sprang up as soon as it was
known that we had a supply on hand for gratuitous
distribution. Upwards of a hundred applicants
from various parts of the colony have received
supplies, and we may therefore hope that the
cultivation of this valuable plant will now be more
generally established in public favour than it has
ever yet been.

^^ The number of visitors to the Gardens during
the year was estimated at 26,273, or an increase
of 4,829 on the previous year.

MUSEUM.

*^ Our evening meetings have been made addi-
tionally attractive by some valuable donations to
the Museum. We make special mention of the
presentation of a mounted collection of Mammals,
Birds, &c., from Europe, South Australia, and
New Zealand, by Mr. H. Gomolka. Also of a
fine collection of Minerals from the islands in
Bass' Straits by C. Gould, Esq., F.G.S.

'^ From the South Australian Institute Museum,
Adelaide, we have received a collection of bird
skins, procured during the exploration of the
northern territory of tliat colony.

*' Specimens of the arms and war material
available for use in the colony have been furnished
by the Government for exhibition. These have

8S

been placed on a suitable stand in the lower rooTjay
and have attracted mucli attention from visitors.

'' The usual and varied work of the Museum
has been steadily carried on. This work in future
will be considerably facilitated by the acquisition
of a large building now on the premises of the
Museum. Possession has also been taken by per-
mission of the Government of the cottage formerly
the office of the Public Works Department. This
affords a very suitable residence for the Curator,
and its proximity to the Museum is in many
respects convenient.

^' The number of visitors during the year was
10,970j being an increase of 2,072 on that of the
previoiis year.''

89

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90
BOOKS PURCHASED S. PRESENTED DUPwING 1871.

[^Presentations marked thus *]

Arts, Journal of Society of, Vol. 18, Nos. 937-8 ; Vol. 19, Nos. 939 to

988.
Arts, Transactions of Society of. Vol. 18; (November 18th, 1809, to

Novemberllt.il, 1870.)
Athenteum, Parts 514 to 524. October 1870, to August 1871.
*Algj« of Tropical Sliores of Australia. By Dr. W. Souder, Hamburg.

From the Author.
*Africa, South, and its Resources.

* African Diamond Fields, ( Juide to.

*Barometer Manuel (Coast), 1870-1871. From the Director, Meteor-
ological Othce, London.
*Builder, The, current numbers.

*Bible, Barker's, printed in 1(537. From Mr.W. Hatton, Hobart Town.
(Jonchologia, Iconica, Nos. 284 to 289.

*Uensus of Victoria, 1871. From Government of Victoria.
*Camphor, Motions of, on Water. By C. Tomlinson, Esq., F.R.S., &c.
Emigrants, Hints to. By H. M. Hull, Esq. From the Author.
Florist and Pomologist, Nos. 35 to 4G, November, 1870, to October, 1871.
*Fosdil Oonifera;, Observations on a new genus of. By Baron F. Von

Mueller, C.M.G., F.R.S., &c., &c. From the Author.
*Fo8silen Mollusken des Terti?er-Beckens von Wien. By Dr. M. Homes.

From Oeological Society of Vienna.
Gardeners' Ohronicle, The, current numbers.
*Humboldt, Address delivered on centennial anniversary of birth of. By

Professor Agassiz. From the Boston (United States) Society of

Natural History.
*Invertebrata of Massachusetts. By Dr. A. A. Gould. 1 Vol., bound.

From the Boston (U. States) Society of Natural History.
*Islands in Bass' Straits, On the. Two Papers by U. Gould, Esq.,

F.G.S. From the Author.
Journal, Silliman's American, Vol. 50, No. 150. Vol. 1, n.s,, Nos. 1 to

6, Vol. 2, Nos. 7, 9, 10.
^Journal, Agricultural of N. S. Wales, Vol 3, Nos. 1 to 11.
Journal, Quarterly of Science, Current Nos.
Journalis of House of Assembly, Tasmania, Vols. 19 and 20.

* Journey to Musardu (Africa) .By B. Anderson, Esq., New York, From

the Author.

*Journal3 of House of Commons, 1644.

*Literary Intelligencer, Walch's, Monthly Numbers. From Messrs.
Walch and Sons.

Magazine, Country Gentleman's. Vol. 5, Nos. 29-30 ; Vol. 6, Nos, 31
to .36 ; Vol. 7, Nos. 38-39.

*Meteorological Returns, New Zealand, for 1869. From the Govern-
ment of New Zealand.

* , Monthly, September, 1870, to

January, 1871. From ditto.

— , Sydney, Monthly. From the Government

Observer.

-^ , South Australia, for 18G9. From C. Todd,

Esq., Government Observer.

Hobart Town, Monthly. From F. Abbott,

Esq., F.R.A.S., F.R.M.S.
, Swansea, ditto. From Dr, G. F. Story,

91

^Meteorological Hcturns, Westbiuy, ditto. From F. Belstead, Esq.

•■— — , Port Arthur, ditto. From A. H. Boyd, Esq.

^ , Melbourne, monthly. From R. J, L. EUery,

Esq., Government Astronomer.

, New Zealand, ditto. From Dr. J. Hector,

F.R.S., &c.
Natural History, Annals and Magazine of, Vol. C, Nos. 35-3G ; Vol. 7,

Nos. 37 to 44. Vol. 8, Nos. 45-46
* J Society of Wurtemberg, Annals of, 2 Parts, 1870,

Nature, Vol. 2, Parts 15 to 21.
*New Zealand Institute, Addi-ess of President of, 1871. From Dr.

Hector.
* Flax, Catalogue of Samples of Fibres prepared from.

From ditto.

Birds, Catalogue of. From ditto.

Proceedings, Royal Society, London, Vol. 19, Nos. 123 to 120.

* , Essex Institute, Salem, Massachusetts, Vol. 6, part 1.

From Institute. Also Bulletin of ditto, Vol. 1 .
* of American Philosophical Society, Vol. 11, No. 82. From

the Society.

of American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Boston, Vol. 8.

From the Academy.
*Patents, Victorian, Indexes of, Vol. 4. From the Government of

Victoria.
*Reports of Mining Surveyors and Registrars Victoria 1870, and first

quarter of 1871. From Victorian Government.
* Quarterly Weather, Parts 2, 3, 4, 1869; Parts 1-2, 1870. From

the Meteorological Office, Board of Trade, London.

of Meteorological Committee of Royal Society, London

1868-9-70. From ditto.

^Report of Inquiry into connection between High Winds and Baro-
metrical Differences, 1869. From ditto.

' on Meteorology of North Atlantic. By Captain Toynbee,

F.R.A.S. From ditto.

^ on use of Isobaric Curves. By the same Author. From ditto.

^ — on Barracks and Hospitals, American. By the Surgeon-
General, U. S. Army. From the United States Government.

^ Annual, of Department of Agriculture, U. S. America, 1868.

From the Department.

* , 3rd, of Commissioners of Fisheries, State of Maine, 1869.

From the United States Government.

* , of Superintendent of United States Coast Survey, 1866.

From the U. S. Government.

* , Monthly, of Deputy Commissioner of Revenue, United

States, 1869. From the Government, U.S.
of British Association, 1869. From the Association.

*Statistics of Victoria, 1869 and 1870. From W. H. Archer, Esq.

* , Mineral, 1870. From R. Brough Smythe, Esq.

*Salmonida3, History of Introduction of into Tasmania, by M. Allport,

Esq. , Esq. , F. L. S. , F. Z. S. From the Author.
* , Additional Notes

on. By the same Author.
*Society, Royal Asiatic, .Journal of. Vol. 4, Part 2 ; Vol. 5, Part 1.
■* , Royal Geographical, Journal of, Vol. 39, 1869. From the

Society.

— , Proceedings of, Vol. 14, Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5.

From ditto.

92

^Society, CJeological of Loiulon, Quarterly Journal of Vol. 20, parta 1 to
4, Vol. 27, Part 1.

List of 1870. From the Society.

-, Zoological of London, PrQceetlings of, 1809. Parts 2 and 3.
-, Linncan, Journal of, Vol. 10, No. 48, Vol. 11, Nos. 49 and 50
(Zoo/o>/i/.)

Vol. 11, Nos. 53, 54, 55 (Botany).

Proceedings of 1800-70, 1870-
Additions to Library, 18(50-70.

* , Italian Geographical, Bulletin of. Vol. 6, 1871.

*Solutions, on Supersaturated. ByO. Tomlinson, Esq., F.R.S., F.R.C.S.

From the Author.
* , Supersaturated Saline, Action of low temperatures on. By

the same. From ditto.

Sodic-sulphite, Constitution of. By the same. From ditto.

*Smithsoman Contributions to Knowledge, Vol. 10. From the Smith

sonian Institution, Washington.

* ■ — , Miscellaneous Collections, Vol. 8-9. From ditto.

* Report, 1808. From ditto.

Snakes of AustraHa. ByG. Kreflft, Esq., C.M.Z.S., &c., Curator of

Australian Museum, Sydney.
*Shells, Land of Tasmania. By Mr. W. Legrand. From the Author.
*Salmon experiment, Observations on. By M. Allport, Esq., F.Z.S.

From the Author.
*Star rj Argus and its Nebula. By F. Abbott, Esq. , F. R. A. S. , &c. From

the Author.
*SugarBeet, The. By F. Abbott, junr., Esq., Superintendent of Botanic

Gardens. From the Author.
*Sheep Breeding. Bv S. Smith Travers, Esq. From the Author.
♦Salmon Trout, On the. By M. Allport, Esq., F.Z.S., &c. From the

Author.
♦Transactions of Institution of Engineers in Scotland, Vols. 13 and 14,

From the Institution.

* of New Zealand Institute. From Dr. J. Hector, F.R.S.

♦Temperature, Surface, of South Atlantic (Icean, Charts of. From the

Director, ?\Iete^rological Office, London.
♦Timber Trees eligible for industrial culture in Victoria. By Baron F.

Von Mu 3ller, C. M. G. , F. R. S. , &c. , &c. From the Author.

LIST OF PRESENTATIONS TO MUSEUM DURING
1871, WITH NAMES OF DONORS.

Abbott, Mr. F., jun. — A Blue Mountain Parrot ( Trichoglossiis
Sicain.'^onU).

Allison, !Mr. A., Macquarie River. — An Eel of a bright golden yeUow
colour.

Allport, blaster C. — Four Copper Coins and Tokens.

Allport, Mrs. J. — A collection of Ferns from TNladras.

Adelaide (South Australian Institute Museum). — A named collection of
Bird Skins from the Northern Territory (50 specimens, com-
prising 80 varieties.)

Atkinson, Rev. H. D. — Three Geological Specimens from Peppermint
and Birch's Bays.

Allport, M., Esq. — Specimen of Kauri Gum from New Zealand.

93

Baynton, W. E., Esq.— Land Shells from Brown's River. A specimen
of " Native Bread. "

Buckland, J. , Esq. — Skin of Monitor Lizard.

Boyes, Mr. Lukin. — A pair of Musk Ducks (B'lziura lohata). A small
Bat.

Bailey, Master F. G. —Butterflies from Ceylon. A Purse from the
same place.

Blacklow, Mr., Brighton. — A Wedge-tailed Eagle (AquUafucosa).

Butler, Mrs., Executors of the late. — 2.30 Specimens of Shells. An
Earthenware Lamp from a tomb at Misenum, Naples. Portion
of a Human Jaw from Pompeii^ A small Earthenware Cup from
an ancient tomb at Athens. Mosaics, &c. , from Bai^e Beach,
near Cuma?, Naples, &c., &c.

Browne, Mrs. Fielding. — 23 Silver and 22 Copper Coins and Tokens,
viz. : — Silver : One 5 lire, Italy, Napoleon 1., 1808 ; five 10 cents,
ditto ditto, 1808 ; one 10 soldi, ditto, ditto, 1813 ; one franc,
France, Charles X., 1826 ; one half ditto, ditto ditto, 1827 ; one
ditto ditto, Louis Phihppe, 1843 ; one ditto ditto, 1835 ; one
coin, Spain, Philip V., 1738 ; one quarter dollar, ditto, Charles
III., 1768; one ditto, ditto, Charles IV., 1799 ; one dime, America,
1845 ; ditto ditto, 1845 ; one half-crown. Bank of England token,
George III., 1808 ; one shilHng, colony of Essequibo, George III.,
1808 ; one quarter, ditto ditto, 1816 ; two quarters (cut) of Spanish
dollar, 2 unknown. Copper : One penny, George III. (?) ; one
haK ditto, George II., 1735 ; ditto, Prince of Wales (no date) ;
one half anna. East India Co., 1845 ; one 20 cash, ditto, 1803 ;
one coin, French Republic ; one coin, Isabella II., Spain, 1836 ;
one ditto, Brazil, 1828 ; two ditto, Russia, 1831, &c. ; one 10
cents. Napoleon I. ; two doits, Java, &c. ; seven English and
Colonial tokens.

Campbell, Mr. W. M., Port Cygnet. — A White Hawk ('iewcos/jm A^ovas
Hollandice. )

Clark, Mr. J. — A common Rat caught by a mussel on a pile of the
Fish-market Wharf.

Chisholm, Mr. D. — An Arabic or Persian Coin, found at Clarence Plains.
Specimens of Syngnathus and Hippocampus.

Cassidy, Mr. J. — A Spirifer (silicified) from Point Puer, Tasman's
Peninsula.

Clifford, Mr.— Two Skulls of Wild Boars from New Zealand.

Dove, Mr. S. — A large Mussel Shell from the Derwent.

Dinham, Mr. G.— A Crown Piece of the "Gun Money" of James XL,
1690.

Edgar, Mr. F. S.— Two Turtle Shells.

Fisher, Captain of the "Wild Wave."— Part of Tusk of Mastodon,
from Siberia.

Felmingham, Mr. — A Cat Fish ( Uranoscojyus sp. )

Giblin, Mrs. W. — Two Specimens, Male and Female, of the Sydney
Parrot, or King Lory (Aj/rosmictus ficapnOatus).

Gates, Mr., Jerusalem. — A Diving Petrel (Puffinaria urinatrix) caught
in a cornfield.

Gage, Mr. John. — A human skull, probably aboriginal, found on Mount
Direction, Risdon.

Giblin, Mr. R. — A Kingiisher (Alcyom azurea).

Gatenby, Mr. R., Macquarie River. — A male specimen of the Native
Tiger ( ThyJadnn.-^ cynocephalux).

Gourlay, Captain. — Two very large and fine sheUs of the Pearl Oyster,
from the Solomon Island Group in the Pacific.

94

Graves, J. \A' Esq. — A Pliotographic Copy of the deed of conveyance

of Frail Klin Island l\y Tjady Franklin in favour of the Tasmaniau

Acclimatisation Society. An English Sparrow.
Gomolka, Mr. H.— An extensive and valuable collection of New Zealand

Birds (80), Fishes (13), Crustaceans (27), Shells (36); European

Mammals (5), Birds (12), and South Australian Birds (7), Shells

(33). These specimens were all collected, prepared, and mounted

by the donor. Also a Mineral Specimen (Chromate of Lead) from

Dun Mountain, New Zealand.
Hull, Master. — Nest and Eggs of Honey-eater.

Handley, Mr. T. B. — A Harpoon, much twisted, found in a whale cap-
tured off Macquarie Harbour by Captain Smith of the " Maid of

Erin."
Hedberg, Mr. Oscar.— Tanned Skin of a Jaguar (?)
Holmes, Mr., Jerusalem. — A Green Parrot, unusually marked.
Haywood, Master A. — A Portugese Copper Coin, 1814.
Huston, Dr. — A Paradise Duck.
Hissey, Mr. — Skeleton of a Fox (Cams vulpes.)
Josephs, Mr. W. — A small Copper Coin, probably Persian, picked up

at Clarence Plains.
Jefferson, Master Wm., Femshawe, Victoria (per J. W. Graves, Esq. —

Nest and Egg of Lyre Bird (Menura superba), and four other

nests, with eggs, from same locality.
Leefe, Lieut. — A small collection of Shells from Fiji.
Moir, Mr. J, G. — Fossils from the limestone near Brown's River.
Maclanachan, Hon. J., Esq., M.L.C. — A Carolina Duck (Dendronessa

spoiua). A ditto ditto.
Mitchell, Mr. J. — A French coin (dix centimes), Napoleon III, 1856.
Nash, Mr. — A German Lottery Ticket.
Officer, Sir Robert. — A large Geological Map. A Land Rail (Rallus

pectoralis).
Pearce, Mr. J. — Two American Notes ("Greenbacks,") value 50 cents

and 10 cents.
Rowntree, Mr. — Polished Specimen of Native Myrtle (Fagus

CunninghnmiiJ.
Read, R. C, Esq. — Specimen of Black Marble from the Florentine

Valley, River Gordon, Tasmania. Specimen of Swainson's

Lorikeet, shot at New Norfolk.
Reid, A., Esq., Ratho. — An Albino variety of the common Quail.
Ross, Mr., Battery Point. — A Snake said to be from Fiji.
Scott, Jas., Esq., M.H.A.— Nine Stone Implements made by the

Aborigines of Tasmania, from Macquarie River.
Seal, M., Esq. (on behaK of the United Happy Valley Gold Mining

Company). — A specimen of auriferous Quartz from Christmas

Reef (very rich) ; ditto from new reef, Ovens, Victoria.
Smith, Mr., Port Davey. — Portions of Skull of Sperm "SVliale, two

Pelvic bones of ditto, ear bones of ditto ; curiously twisted

saplings ; nest and eggs of White Shafted Fantail ( Rhipidura

alhiscapa).
Stokell, G., Esq.— A perfect Skeleton of a Sandwich (?) Island Native.
Seal, M. , Esq. — Fossil Seeds from a recent tertiary formation at Haddon,

near Ballarat, Victoria.
Shone, T. A., Mr., Back River. — A curious horny growth from the

haunch of a sheep.
Stephens, T. , Esq. — A fine specimen of the large Australian Volute

( Voluta magnifica. ). Travertine from Dunrobin.
Simpson, Mr. W.— Au unusually large Egg of the Domestic Goose.

95

Saunders, Mrs. J., Hobart Town.— A singularly shaped Sponge from

Recherche Bay.
Travers, S. Smith, Esq. — Collection of specimens illustrative of the

carboniferous system of New South Wales ; with notes on the

same by W. Keene, Esq., F.G.S.
Tapp, Mr., ship " Figaro." — A Danish Coin, 1 mark.
Thorne, Mr. R., Pittwater.— Two specimens of Spine-taQed Swift

(A canthylb caiidacuta).
Tonkin, H. B., Esq. — Six fossils from Risdon.
Williams, Captain, of American whaler "Osmanli." — A collection of

Shells, and a War Club, from Fiji. Four Shells from East Coast,

Tasmania. An English Halfpenny Token, 1788.
Walker, E, T. , Esq. —A Bow, 6 Arrows, and a branch of Coral used as

a club, from Tanna, New Hebrides. Two Clubs, 2 pieces of Tapa

Cloth, 3 Mats, a Pillow, 3 pieces of Sponge, sample of Sugar

Cane, a piece of the root of a plant from which the drink called

** Kava " is made, and two Beetles, from Fiji.
Wright, Mr. R., Glenorchy. — A Spine-tailed Swift.
Whitcomb, Mr, C — A fine specimen of Kauri Gum from New Zealand.
Watchom, Mr, W. — A Spider Crab,

Webb, Mr, B.— A Bronze Coin; a Copper ditto, Guernsey, 1834.
Wood, Mr. — A Whip Snake found alive in a hollow log of firewood.
AVebb, Mr. E. J. — Two White Cockatoos (Cacatua gcderita).
Wiggins, Mr. — A species of Carp from Mauritius.
Weymouth, Mr.— A small Map of Tasmania published in 1830 by Ross.

(This copy is believed to have been used by John Batman, whose

name it bears.)

PLANTS AND SEEDS RECEIVED AT THE EOYAL
SOCIETY'S GARDENS DURING 1871.

May 11th.— From Mr. E. B. Heyne, Seedsman, Adelaide. — 21 packets

seeds.
May 18th. — From Miss Huybers, Hobart Town. — 20 packets seeds.
May 27th. — From Dr. R. Schomberg, Director Botanic Gardens,

Adelaide. — One case containing 29 plants.
May 31st.— From Mr. C. HoUinsdale, Seedsman, Hobart Town.— 57
■^.- varieties imported hyacinth,

^une 23rd. — From Baron Von Mueller, Director Botanic Gardens,

Melbourne. — One case containing 33 plants.
July. — From Dr. Hooker, Director Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. —

One box containing 499 packets seeds.
September 1st. — From Mr. G. Brunning, St. Kilda, Victoria. — One box

containing 31 plants.
September 15th. — From Mr. J. Jones, Seedsman, Melbourne. — 22 packets

November 3rd. — From the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. — One box con-
taining 18 plants.
December 28th.— From J. R. Scott, Esq., New Town. — 2G varieties bulbs.

90

PLANTS AND SEEDS SENT FROM THE EOYAL
SOCIETY'S GARDENS DURING 1871.

January 21st. — By Her Majesty's ship *' Blanche," to Dr. Schomburgh,
Director of the Botanic Gardens, Adelaide. — One Case con-
taining 42 plants.

Februarj' 18th. -Per "Kunnymede," to Mens. J. Linden, Royal Zoo-
logical and Horticultural Gardens, Brussels. — Three Plants
Dicksonia antarctica.

May 11th. — Per "Wagoola," to Mons. J. Linden, Brussels. — Tliroe
Plants Dicksonia antarctica.

May 31st. — Per " Harrowby," to Mons. J. Linden, Brussels. — Two
large Plants Dicksonia antarctica.

September Oth. — To Mr. G. G. Brunning, St. Kilda Nurseries, Victoria.
— Thirty Plants, 24 packets Seeds.

September 6th. — To Baron Von Mueller, Director Botanic Gardens,
Melbourne. — 24 packets Seeds.

TENCH SUPPLIED FROM THE POND IN EOYAL
SOCIETY'S GARDENS DURING 1871.

February 14th.— J. Lord, Esq.— 12 fish.

18th.— Mr. Witt.— 6 fish.
May 2nd.— Rev. Canon Sharpe, Bathurst, New South Wales.— 24 fish.
Total, 42 fish supplied during 1871.

PLANTS SUPPLIED FROM THE ROYAL SOCIETY^S
GARDENS DURING THE YEAR 1871 FOE THE
PLANTING OF PUBLIC PLACES.

July 5th.— For the Church of England Grounds, BothwelL— 100 Plants.
July 11th.— For the Grounds of the Roman Catholic Cathedral, Hobart

Town.— 140 Plants.
July 11th.— For the Grounds of the New Norfolk Asylum.— 61 Plants.
July 11th.— For the Longford Church Grounds.— 80 Plants.
July 14th.— For the Grounds of the Cascade Asylum.— 140 Plants.
August 4th.— For the House of Correction, Hobart Town.— 24 Plants.
August 4th.— The Pubhc Works Office, for Franklm Square, Public

Buildings, &c.— 48 Plants.
August 8th.— For the Grounds of the Public Buildings, Launceston.—

18 Plants.
August 8th.— For the Church Grounds, Green Ponds,— 100 Plants.
August 18th.— For the Government House Grounds.— 50 Plants.

97

PLANTS INTRODUCED INTO THE ROYAL SOCIETY'S
GARDENS DURING 1871.

Abrus precatorius
Abutilon luteum erectum
If petiinice lioruiu

11 vexillarium

Acanthus latifolius
n spinosiis

Acer tataricum

Amaranthus melancholicus ruber
Amirola nitida
Aquilegia truncata
Aristolochia labiosa
Artemisia gracilis
Azalea pontica

«i n globosa

II II grandillora

II II macrantha

II II princeps

II miniata
Baliia lunata
Berberis asperima
II chiuensis

fi hypoglauca
II iberica

I? sinensis

Betnla fruticosa GjTnelina
Bomaria multiflora
Bowenia spectabilia
Cassia grandiflora
Cassia Mary landica

II Senna
Caryota sobolifera
Centaurea Babyloiiiea

•I Clementii

Chenopodium scoparium
Cbacnestes longipes
II ofticinalis

Ciatus canescens
u dauricus
II iucanus
II laurifolius
Clerodendron alEue
Clivea nobilis
Colchicum byzantium
II striatum

II variegatum

Cotoneastcr obovata
Crataegus Paul's scarlet
Crocus sativiTS
Cupressus Kewensis
Cydonia vulgaris
Cytisus alpinus
Dclpliiniiun Candalabnmi
Dianthus deltoides
J I ilentostiis

Dii)lacus Vcrchaffeltii
Echeveria bractealta

II retusa

Erica Candolleana
11 Gilede
II Peteveri
It ijbysoides
•I stricta
II vagans
II willmoreana
Erinus alpiuus albus
Erodium Muscarii
Gaultheria kShallou
Genista aphylla

II virgata
Gentiana acaulis
Gillia linifolia
Gloriosa viresccns
Godetia Whitneyii
Grevillea manglesii
Heleuium graiiditiorum
Hibiscus Lambertii
Hypericum Kalmianum
Iberis tenoreana
Kunzea peduncalaris
Leptosiphon roseum
Livistonia olivaoforaiis

It rotundifolia

Lonicera Xyltosteum
l^ycium Ptuthenicum
Macleaua calcagalli [glol)osa

Menziesia polifolia purpurea
jMyrica cerifera
Ophiopappus rubiginosus
Papyrus antiquorum
Pharbitis Huberii variegata
Philadelpbus Gordonianus

II grandiflorus

II 11 florabundus

II II laxus

II II speciosus

II tomentosus

Phleum pratensis variegata
Pliytosperma Alexandrae

It nibicola

Poa pratensis variegata
l^yrethrum Scbihatchewii
Pynis sinensis
llhus copallina
Tllius toxicodcndi'on radicans
Bibes glutinosum

II atrosanguineuDi
Paibus Balfouriana

11 biflorus

08

Kubus Korn-rii

II Cordifc-'irni

n k'ucost.vvliya

II Jiiiidlyanus

ri ^Jucrt)iuilatu3

•I occiileutalis

II parvifoliiis

II rliaijiuifolius

•I rudis

II Sprengelii

II suberectu3

u thyrsoides
Salvia caudalabrum
iSchizanthus papiliouaceus
►Sileue iSchafta
iSolanum robustiim
•Spircea canescens

II cauwfolia

M nutans argentea

II Is'obleana

11 opulifolia

II opulifolia nana
Statice spicata
Tacsonia Dr. Wylde
Thunbergia javanica
Tilia europaea glauca
Venideum calendulaceum
Zinphus mucronulatus

ROSE.

Baron Gonella
(Jamillc Bern ar din
Charles Eouillard
Climbing Devoiiiensia
Elie ^Nlorel
Fisher Holmes
Lady Emily Peel
Leoi>old Hausburg
Jjord Herbeit
Madame Barriot

II Boutin

II Calliat

II Jeanne Marix

Pulliat

Souvenir d'Elise Varden

riKRAXIUM.

Carolina Tiongflcld

Countess of Warwick

Duke of Edinburgh

Crand Duchesse Marie

L' Elegant

Aladame Rose Charneaux

Princess Thyra

Kose Bendlater

Sparkhill Beauty

Sunset

8urpasse Beauty Suresnea

Tom Pence Cerise

William Pfitzer

COLEUS.

Acquisition

Bewitching

Hon. Mrs. DuCane

Matchless

Prince Leopold

Refulgens

KAXUXCULUS.

Calypso

Cicoque blanc

Enchantress

FirebaU

(Jloria Mimdi

La Merveille

Leon d'Orango

Ophir d'Or

Orange Maxima brilliant

Perle blanc

Persiana

llegina Flora

Bougeater

Saturnus

Temple Van Opollo

Theodora

L'topia

F. ABBOTT, JuN.

PRINTED AT THE "MERCURY" STPJAM PRESS OFFICE.

MONTHLY NOTICES

Papers and Proceedings

«)F THE

ROYAL SOCIETY

OF

TASMANIA,

FOR

i872.

•.•'••.^•'..••..^•-..^•.

TASMANIA :

PRINTED AT THE "MERCURY" STEAM PRESS OFFICE, HOBART TOWM^

1873.

MONTHLY NOTICES

Papers and Proceedings

OF THE

ROYAL SOCIETY

OF

TASMANIA,

FOR

i872.

TASMANIA :

PRINTED AT THE "MERCURY" STEAM PRESS OFFICE; HOBART TOWN,

1873.

((^mimi^.

Page

Pniccodings for March, 1872 1

April, 1872 5

May, 1872 10

Political Economy. By E. C. Nowell, Government Statistician and

Clerk to the Lefjislative Council 12

Meteorology for March, 1872 i.

Notes on the Meteorology and Mortality of the month of March,1872 ii.

Meteorology for April, 1872 iv.

Kotes on the Meteorology and Mortality of the month of April, 1872 v.

Iileteorology for May, 1872 vii.

Kotes on the Meteorology and Mortality of the month of May, 1872 viii.

IJooks presented by Smithsonian Institution 2

Ditto Royal Astronomical Society 2

Silurian Kocks from Trial Bay 2

Vital Statistics of Tasmania, remarks on 3

Pisciculture in Tasmania 7

Tuicroscopical Meeting 11

Proceedings for June, 1872 21

July, 1872 23

August, 1872 ^ 26

7j Argus. Alterations whicli have taken place in the Nebula,
&c., surrounding tj Argus, from February, 1871, to Febru-
ary, 1872. By F. Abbott, F.KA.S., F.R.M.S 27

Large Aquatic Animals in Upland Lakes of Tasmania. By C. Gould,

Esq.,F.G.S 32

INIeteorology for June, 1872 xL

Meteorology for July, 1872 xii.

Meteorology for August, 1872 xiii.

"Whistling Duck ( Dendrociigna eytoni) shot at Bridgewater 22

Foetal ]\Iarsupial, development of 23

Kew shells from near Partridge Island 24

PorpTryries from neighbourhood of the Black Bluff Mountain ... 24

Iron from Ilfracombe 24

Tree Fern (Cyathea affinis) lately found on North Coast, Tasmania 25

Proceedings for September, 1872 39

October, 1872 42

November, 1872 46

Account of an Exploratory Tour from Port Esperance, towards

Adamson's Peak. By J. R. Scott 50

Irregularity in the Growth of the Salmon. By M. Allport, F.L.S.,

F.Z.S., &c 55

On the Technology of a Beet Sugar Factory, for "Working up the

Produce of Five Hundred Acres of Beet. By J. Barnard ... 57

Meteorology for September, 1872 xv.

„ October, 1872 xvi.

,, November, 1872 xvii.

Fi-uit Pigeon ( Lamprotreron superhus) shot at Quamby 40

Animal seen in Lake Tiberias, Tasmauia 40

CONTENTS.

lu.

Presentation skeletons of the Dugong

Ditto of Books from British Museum

Earthquake Wave of 1868, letter on the

Change of colour of blossoms of Potatoes, &c., grown in Gould's

Country, letter on

Sugar Beet, growth of, in Tasmania

Animal, probably a Seal, seen in the River Jordan, Tasmania, letter

on an

Scale Insect on Ferns

Sugar Beet, discussion on Mr. Barnard's paper on

Bituminous Shale from Piper's River

" Raggee " and " Coltee " seeds from India

Large Fish seen in the Derwent, above New Norfolk

Cuttle Fish, large, seen in New Zealand ^ ...

Angora Wool

Page

42
42
43

§n}xU,

Page 23. —Presentation No. 2. For " addressed Lord Monteagle/^ read

addressed to/' &c.

Page 31. — Third line. For " increasing," read " increase in."

Page 86.— Thirty-fourth line. For "Eclimus" read "Echinus."

Page 87.— Fourth line from bottom. For "seeding" read "seedling."

ROYAL SOCIETY.

MARCH, 1872.

The first evening meeting of the Society, iot the present session was
liehl on Tuesday, the 12th March, M. AU^Jort, Esq., V.P., in the chair.

Among the Fellows present were Dr. Agnew (Hon. Secretary), Br.
E. S. Hall, Messrs. Justin Browne, T. Stej^hens, J. M. Clarke, J.
Macfarlane, John Macfarlane, A. G. Webster, L. R. Castray, L.
Susman, C. Belstead, F. Abbott, jun., J. Paile, G. E. Napier, J.
Barnard, F. Abbott, sen., &c.

Mr. Frederick George Howell, who had been previously nominated
by the Council, was, after a ballot, declared duly elected as a Fellow
of the Society.

The Secretary submitted the following monthly returns : —

1. Visitors to Museum during January, 1,506 ; during February, 1,252.

2. Ditto to gardens ditto, 3,180 ; ditto, 2,089.

3. Time of leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few standard plants

in Society's Gardens during February.

4. Books and periodicals received.

5. Presentations to Museum.
Meteorological Returns.

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq. — Tables, «&c., for January and

February.

2. Port Arthur, from A. H. Boyd, Esq.— Ditto.

3. Swansea, from Dr. Story. — Ditto.

4. Westbury, from C. Belstead, Esq. — Ditto.

5. Lighthouses and other stations on Tasmanian coast, from the

Hobart Town Marine Board. —Monthly tables from July, 1870, to
December, 1871.

6. Sydney, New South Wales, from the Government Observer.—

Printed tables for October and November, 1871.
The Secretary read an analysis of the Meteorological observations
for Hobart Town, with a health rejjort for the month, by Dr. E. S. Hall.
The presentations to the Museum and Libi-ary were as follow : —

1. From Miss Burgess. — Skin of a large Bengal Tiger { Fells tU/riJ^J,

killed by the Hon. R. H. Drummond, Commissioner of Bareily,
and Captain Burgess in 1851.

2. From Captain Williams.— Shells from East Coast of Tasmania.

3. From Mr. Montgomery. — A Belgian Canary, prepared and mounted.

4. From Mr. P. Allen.— An almond tumbler Pigeon, prepared and

mounted.

5. From Mr. W. Legrand. — A large sponge from Recherche Bay.

6. From Hon. J. Maclanachan, Esq. — A Hen Pheasant.

7. From Master E. Hood. — Three Eggs, ^jrobably of a species of Petrel,

from Bird Island.

8. From Mr. J. W, Kellaway. — Two hair balls from the stomach of

a calf.

9. From Mr. Williamson. — A boulder taken from the solid rock at

Anderson's Quarry.
10. From Mr. R. J. Ross. — Two specimens of the Indian Boa (Python
i'KjriaJ from Ceylon.

11. From Mr, Rayiicr. — A Hawk with unusually coloured plumago

shot at River Styx.

12. From Mi-s. T. (Jibliu. — Two green operculoe of 9,hel[a ( Turbo sj).)

from Fiji.

13. From Master Allport. — An Irish farthing, George III., 1806.

14. From Master Hull. — Nest of the White Eye (Zestc.rops dorsalis.)

15. From the Kev. H. 1). Atkinson. — Rock specimens from Trial Bay.

One specimen of Carboniferous Limestone, with fossils, from
Arch Head, mouth of Huon lliver ; sample of Iron Ore from Three
Hut Point.

16. From J. Meredith, Esq. — Skin of a Musk Duck (Biziura lohata.)

17. From Mr. H. Owen. — A Japanese Coin.

18. From Mr. W. Blythe, Honey wood. — Skin of Black Snake {Hoplo-

cepha/us cnrtus).

The Secretary directed the attention of the meeting to a large and
valuable donation of books lately received from the Government of the
United States, and from the Smithsonian and other scientific institutions
in America, He also informed the meeting that, in consideration of
the very liberal presents which have on various occasions been received
from America, it had been determined, at a late meeting of the Council,
to have a case set apart in the Library, and appropriately labelled,
for their reception.

The following valuable publications presented by the Royal Astrono-
mical Society of London, in continuation of a former donation, were also
brought under notice : —

Monthly Notices of Royal Astronomical Society, vols. 28 to 31 inclusive
(1867 to 1871), with Index to first 29 vols. (1827 to 1863).

Memoirs of Royal Astronomical Society, vols. 35 to 39 inclusive (1865
to 1871).— Index to first 38 vols.

As to the specimens sent by the Rev. H. D. Atkinson (Presentation
A^o. 15 J, Mr. Allport remarked that they were of great interest as
giving some reason for believing that the mineral bearing Silurian Rocks
are to be found six miles nearer Hobart Town than heretofore supposed.
The felspathic rock was apparently identical with that found at Port
Cygnet, and which seems to be there associated with the small quantity
of gold, and traces of copper found in the neighbourhood. The dark
coloured sedimentary rock which comes from the same place had not yet
yielded any fossils, but Mr. Atkinson was fully aware of the importance
of searching for them as they alone could positively determine the
geological age of the formation in which the felspathic porphyry occurs.
He had hoped Mr. Atkinson would have been present at the meeting, but
in his absence begged to call attention to the following extracts from a
letter received from him on the subject : —

" I write to say that the rock of which I brought up specimens is much
more extensively distributed than I expected. I have traced it up two
creeks at Oyster Cove, and have seen some boulders excavated from
a shaft fifteen feet deep. I am of opiuion that it is Felspar Porphyry,
and I believe the rocks at Oyster Cove, &c., are of the same formation
as the Port Cygnet specimen.

"The Felspar Porphyry (if it be so) underlies the carboniferous
series at Oyster Cove, Little Oyster Cove, and Trial Bay ; the rock
immediately overlying it is a sort of clay slate (vide specimen) about
200 feet thick. In several places the Porphyry ( ? ) seems to merge into
Tt'ap which is the characteristic igneous rock of the neighbourhood."

Mr. Stephens fully endorsed the remarks made by Mr. AUport as
to the interesting character of the rock specimens from Oyster Cove,
one of which closely resembled the felspar porphyry of Port Cygnet,
but from atmospheric exposure had undergone partial decomposition. As

to sedimentary rocks, it was necessary to use great caution in expressing
an opinion upon tlie age of any rocks in which no fossils have been
discovered, but the characteristic flexures of stratification, and direction
of strike would often help to distinguish between rocks of upper and
lower Palaeozoic age. In the older rocks it was often very difficult to
detect any fossils, although some, especially the limestones, wei^e fully
charged with the remains of teeming organic life. In such cases the
indications of shells, corals, and other bodies embedded in the rocks, had
been obliterated by a partial metamorphism. One might examine for
hours the freshly broken surface of such rocks without finding a trace of
any fossils, and there would be little chance of success except in those
portions which exhibited a weathered surface. Here the traces of the
embedded organisms might often be detected standing out in low relief,
the result of atmospheric disintegration. As an instance of this Mr.
Stephens exhibited a weathered fragment of limestone recently ob-
tained from the Black River, Circular Head.

In reference to presentation No. 18, Mr. Stephens observed that it
was interesting, as it showed in a very marked manner the appendages
(? rudimentary extremities) near the vent, which some writers have sup-
posed to be confined to the Pythonidae and other hai'mless snakes. Fatal
mistakes might be committed were this supposition acted on as correct,
as probably no more deadly snake than our black one ( Hoplocepkahia
curtiis) is found in these colonies.

Mr. Allport remarked that these appendages were very common
in our black snakes.

A fine specimen of flax grown at the Huon, and an enormous sun-
flower, in reference to which a paragraph appeared in The Mercury a
few days ago, were brought under the notice of the meeting.

Mr. M. Allpokt read a letter from the Secretary of the Royal Museum
of Natural History of Belgium, returning thanks for our "Papers and
Proceedings," and specimens of Natural History, forwarded by the
Society and by Mr. Allport himself. The Secretary referred to other
Societies in Belgium which would be happy to make interchanges with
us.

Mr. F. Abbott, senr., read some notes on the Results of five years'
Meteorological Observations, made at his private observatory, Hobart
Town. With these were mcluded the twenty-five years' Results already
published, the whole being a series of observations extending over a
period of thirty consecutive years, and terminating at the end of 1870.
Dr. Hall, read a very elaborate and carefully drawn up paper on the
Climate and Vital Statistics of Tasmania for fifteen years, 1857 — 71.
Introducing the subject the author observed that the Royal Society
of Tasmania might well be proud of its Meteorological publications,
as he could state that they were greatly commended by the highest
authorities on the subject at home. The abstracts now before the
meeting embraced an uninterrupted series of observations far beyond
tliat possessed by any other British Colony. They show incontestably
that although the climate of Tasmania has always been recognised as
being salubrious it is so in reality to a higher degree than we have
hitherto supposed. Its advantages to invalids and others have indeed
been underrated, and it would be conducive to the bests interests of the
colony if this fact were made more generally known. Accurate statistics
of all kinds were valuable, but none were of such personal interest to
each of us as Vital Statistics, bearing as they do on the probabilities
of human life at all ages ; with the infiuences, favorable or unfavorable,
exerted upon it by surrounding circumstances. The intelligent recog-
nition of these influences, with their mode of action, was of the first
importance to the Sanitarian, whose object was the promotion of the

]>ublic licalth. Without this great boon of health, even wealth a,u<X
]t<)siti(ui were but of little avail to their possessor, or, to go further,
"What," as lias been facetiously runuirked, "is the whole world to
a man whose wife is a widow?" (A laugh.) He (Dr. Hall) was glad
to take tho present oi)portunity of heai'tily thanking the officers of the
Kegistration Department for the great courtesy he had invariably
received froin them, and he would especially name Mr. Seager,
who had on all occasions afforded him the most willing and valuable
assistance in searching the recoi'ds of the office.

Mr. Bakn.vrd moved a vote of thanks to the donors of presentations,
with special thanks to Mr. Abbott and Dr. Hall. Dr. Hall's comnuini-
cation, he observed, was one which concerned our most vital interests,
and was of such a nature — involving as it did such long and elaborate
calculations and comparisons — that nothing but the fact that it was a
labour of love could have enabled him to carry it on to completion. We
were much indebted to him for the proofs that our climate is the finest
of that of all the Australian colonies, and the most conducive to long
life. To have this generally established must be of benefit to the
colony, and it would redound to the credit of the Royal Society to be
the means of propagating such information. With the names of Dr.
Hall and Mr. Abbott he would associate that of the Curator of the
Museum, IVIr. Roblin, the value of whose assistance in making the
innumerable calculations and reductions required for these returns,
was only known to those who were engaged on the subject.

The motion was supported by Mr. Giblix and others, and carried
unanimously.

The Secretary having intimated that the Microscopical Meeting had
been, unavoidably, postponed till the month of May, the proceedings
terminated.

APRIL, 1872.

The monthly evemng meetmg of tlie Society, was held on Tuesday,
the 9th April, M. Allport, Esq., in the chair.

In addition to the members of the .Society, the following visitors from
Victoria, were present, viz. : — Messrs. Wanliss, of Ballarat, and Lewes,
of Geelong,

E. (J. Nowell, Esq., who had previously been put In nomination, was
after a ballot, declared duly elected a Fellow of the Society.

The Secretary brought under notice the usual monthly returns, viz : —

1. Visitors to Museum during March, 1075.

2. Ditto to Gardens ditto, 1813,

S. Plants and seeds sent from Gardens ; to Botanic Gardens, Adelaide,
66 plants ; to Botanic Gardens, Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope,
20 packets seeds; to 'Mr. ^\11son, St. George's Park, Port
Elizabeth, 25 packets seeds ; to Dr. Hooker, Koyal Gardens^
Kew, 60 ^jackets seeds.

4. Plants received at Society's Gardens— From Mr. Salier, one case
plants from Howe's Island.
Meteorological Returns -

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq,, Table, &c., for March.

2. Port Arthur, from A. H. Boyd, Esq., ditto.

3. Westbury, from F. Belstead, Esq., ditto for February.

4. Sydney,, from the Government Observer, printed Tables for

December, 1871, January, 1872..
The Secretary read the usual " Analysis of the Observatory Records^
with a Health Report for the Month," by Dr. E. S. HaU.
The presentations to the Museum, were as follow ; —

1. From Mr.. E. Gatenby, Macqiuirie Eiver :— A small "Tiger Snake,"

(Hoplocejjhalus cu7:tus) -^ & "Grass Snake." (Probably a young
specimen of Hoplocephalus curtiis) ; forty-eight eggs taken from
a Black Snake {Hoplocephalus ciirtus), eggs of so called " Iguana "
of Tasmania {Cyclodus w'grolufeus), two Lizards (Tasmaniau), one
ditto from Kemp's Lake, two Rock Lizards, a Lizard {Gecko) from
Ballarat, tongue of Echidna, round worm (Ascaria sp.) from
intestines of Kangaroo, a deformed Kitten, chrysalis of Motli,
Centipedes and Scorpions from Ballarat.

2. From C. M. S. Chicliester, Esq.— A specimen of the recently dis-

covered species of Volute ( Voluta EUiotti) from Western Aus^
tralia.

3. From Mr. W. Peacock, Sorell. — KVelicd^n {Pelecamisconspklllatus),

4. From Mr. J.. G. KroskeL — A Brazilian silver coin (Mille reis.)

5. From Mr. Niels C. F. Solomon.— Five Danish coins, (3 copper, 2

bronze. ) A fossil Echinus, and Flint Arrow Head from Denmark.

6. From Mr. G. Taylor, Valley Field.— A White Hawk, {Leuco.^pt.a

Kovoi Hollandke).

7. From Mr. Littlechild, Lindisfem. — 4 Spine-tailed Su-ifts,

{A canthylis ca udac uta ).
S. From Mrs. Hebblewhite.— A portrait of Dr. Leichardt, framed

and glazed.
9. From J. W. Graves, Esq.— A freshwater Crayfish, from Gordon

River, Macquarie Harbour.

10. From Mr. F. Ellwell.— Sample of Copper Ore, partially smelted in

a blast furnace. Probably from Adelaide.

11. From Mr. W. Legrand. —Specimen of the rare spotted Irish Slug

{Geomcdacus maculosui. )

12. From Mr. 0. H. Hedberg.— The Atlas of a Sperm ^Vhale.

The Chairman remarked that ho had received the following very

interesting communication on Pisciculture in Tasmanica from Judge
Francis, who would l)c recognised Ity all as an authority on the subject,
and he had much pleasure in bringing it under the notice of the
meeting : —

" My Dear Sir, — You know how fully I have shared your wishes
and hopes with regard to Tasmanian pisciculture. I have now seen a
good deal of its very satisfactory results, and am sure you will listen
favourably to a few suggestions for rendering its success even more
brilliant."

"As regards two of the fish now thoroughly naturalised, the tench
and the perch, everything seems to have been done to establisli them
in their appropriate waters. Only I tliink some pains should ha taken
to make the people of this island aware that they are not summer lish.
I have heard several persons complain that specimens which they have
tried have not been good lish for the table. They catch them, say in
December, when lank and sickly after spawning, and then wonder
to find them soft and flabby. It would be wonderful were they other-
wise. Reckoning by analogy from their respective times in England
the perch ought to spawn in October, and the tench towards the end
of November. The tench "comes round" I think the quicker of the
two, and I have little doubt that both of them, for various reasons
which your own better knowledge will supply, recover flavour and
firmness quicker here than at home. Still, March should be regarded
as the earliest month in which either can be really in season, and both
■will be at their best during the winter months. Perch-fishing in tlie deeps
from May to August ought to give excellent sport followed by a no less
excellent repast. Tench I have caught chiefly in soft cloudy spring
days ; they are good about up to their spawning time. If caught in a
muddy water they should be kept a week or a fortnight — the longer
as their colour is darker — in the clearest water obtainable a hoop-net
or rabbit-hutch makes a good purgatory.

" We come now to the trout. These are doing remarkably weU in
point of size, and fairly, though very unequally, as regards number.
In accounting for this diff"erence, I should say generally that I think
the stock have been placed too much in the lower and heavier reaches
of the rivers, and not supplied hberally enough to the upper, fleeter,
waters, where the best spawning beds are mostly found. No doubt this
is in a measure remedied by the ascending mstinct of the fish towards
breeding-time ; but this rarely carries them far, and is weakest in the
case of heavy, well-fed fish like those of the Derwent pools. I have no
doubt, for instance, that a vast deal of unproductive spawn has been
deposited in coarse stony gi-avels in the lower reaches of the Derwent,
Ouse and Clyde. In all these, the deeps — those of the Derwent espe-
cially— contain very large trout, but there are no small trout, or next
to none, on the shallows where they ought, by this time, to be swarm-
ing. On the other hand, the fish turned out in the upper waters of the
Clyde have multiplied greatly. So have those in the Ptussell's Palls
stream, which affords fleet water and good breeding ground from its very
mouth. I know also one or two rivulets where they are doing well.
On these grounds I would strongly recommend that of the next dis-
posable stock a supply should be sent : First to the neighbourhood of
Dunrobin Bridge, and that of the fine gravel beds near the mouth of the
Stjrx. Secondly, to the Ouse, say a mile and a half above Cawood.
Thirdly, to the ilussell"s Fall stream, some way about the Fenton Forest
dam. The ford, where the road crosses al)out 4i miles from Fenton
Forest, would be an excellent place. If more should be available then,
turn some out as far as may be above the * Cataract, ' which is passable
for salmon, but not for trout. You know all about Lake St. Clair, and

I will merely remind you tliat the roughness of a road is the greatest
possible help towards conveying trout alive. As long as the tubs or
cans containing them are well jolted about the water will be constantly
aerated, and the tish kept in health. If any be carried up to that noble
lake they should be turned out on the gravels at the upper end where
the feeder enters, that they may be near their spawning ground. A
few hundred tish would I think be well bestowed on the Lachlan above
the point whence the supply for New Norfolk is dammed off. They have
bred below, but the bed is too stony and the waters too hungry for any
great results — there is much better feeding as well as breeding water
above the fall. Four or live miles up the Styx is another likely place.

" I must again urge what I pointed out before, the importance of
having— not necessarily at the Plenty, but somewhere — a feeding-pond
for the stock-fish, where they may be nursed till they are 4 or 5 inches
long ; large enough to be safe from all finned enemies, especially from
those abominable sand-fish. This plan would also, I am convinced,
save them a year by bringing them earlier up to the breeding point. I
will not here enter into details as to such a pond, but should much like
to talk the matter over with you and some other earnest ichthyotrophisis (?)

" Before quitting the trout question, I -wish to say a few words as to
the Plenty, which has had great advantages in being early and well
stocked, and will always be the stream resorted to by visitors who
long to kill a trout and have but few days to spare. That stream — I
speak advisedly — was most abominably poached last season, and large
cajitures made with the silver hook after the stream had been
plundered. I believe the evil has much abated during the season now
drawing to a close, but still the show of tins is not what it ought to
be, especially on the upper waters. Better watch ought to be kept,
and some of the long shaded pools, fit only for the night-line, ought to
be carefully staked, a process with which I am practically familiar.
But beyond this, it ought, I think, owing to its peculiar history, to be
kept distinctly as a sportsman's river, and fished only with the artificial
fly. This restriction, once established, and the stream well looked after,
there will be fish for the fair angler any day and every day throughout
the season, which in that river at least ought to close with the 31st of
March. I hear it said that such a rule could not be enforced, I can
only reply, that it is enforced without difficulty in many English streams,
and that sundry visitors to the Plenty have expressed their regret and
surprise at its absence. The long deep below the bridge, which is in
effect a part of the Derwent, might still be left for the grasshopper. I
take this opportunity of assuring you from my own experience that
large fish — larger than the Plenty (which is not a first-rate feeding-
water) can ever bring to perfection — may be caught with the fly in Tas-
manian streams ; the lakes are yet untried, but fly-fishing in these is
always comparatively simple.

'* There is nothing at present to be said about the sea trout. Whenever
they become pretty numerous they will make themselves seen and felt.
But with regard to the salmon, I am very anxious to see something done,
and that speedily. There may be some in the river even now; any day
may bring news of a capture. But ha\dng never seen or heard of a parr
or a smolt, and having in vain looked long and often for the break of a
* fish, ' I cannot think that salmon are numerous, or have bred freely.
Surely it could do no harm to make assurance doubly sure by a fresh
importation of ova for two or three years in succession. This would
not only render the successful acchmatisation of that noble fish a cer-
tainty, but would aff"ord an opportunity for trying with salmo salar the
same experiment of breeding in confinement which has proved so
brilliantly successful in the case of salmo trutta marina. With the larger

8

iwf with tl^c sinallsr iiiigrntory species constant feeding may prove a%
efloctive substitute (as far as propagative vigour is concerned) foi?
irrigration to sea- water. To establish this principle, and reajj all thu
i>ractical atlvantages of its application, would be a great triumph for
Xjisnianian pisciculture. And I cannot but think that so near the salt-
water the experiment might be aided by supplying the detained fish-
with shrim2)S aiul other marine diet.

" I fully admit that the (piestion is mainly one of pounds shillings
and pem;e. A sum of not less than £500 should be raised by private
subscription before any further call is made on the public revenue.
The amount sounds Urge, but 1 feel sure it could be raised if the right
men were appealed to in the right way. In the course of a little casual-
canvassing for this object, I have met with a great deal of encourage-
ment from Tasmanians, and am convinced that many who like myself
have derived health and enjoyment from their occasional visits to the
island will also gladly become subscribers. Indeed, I l)elieve that on the
one hand the requisite funds will be forthcoming if the enterprise be
purely Tasmauian, while on the other hand Melbourne w^ould gladly
join in the enterprise should her co-operation be invited. And it should
be remembered tha-t the repetition of a process which has twice been
carried through with perfect success will be neither so costly nor so
difficult as the original experiment, The great point will be to set
the subscription on foot without delay, and to communicate with
England if possible by the next mail. There should I think be two sub-
scription lists, one for residents and another for visitors ; the latter class
of subscribers may else be discouraged by the large amounts which some
Tasmanians will, I know, contribute. Before quitting the salmon
question, I wish it to be clearly understood that I still believe there
are some salmon, though but a few, in the tideway and the river,. But
this, as I have already said, is no reason in a matter so important why we
should not "make assurance doubly sure;" and accelerate a result
which if in course of attaiimient is still being arrived at very slowly.

"And now let me revert to our friends the trout. Generally, I would
urge that with any stock-fish turned out hereafter, the neighbourhood
of good gravel beds should be especially attended to. Had the fish
thus far been placed where they could have bred as freely as they have
fed they would have been swarming. The fishmg season should, I think,
also be modified. For a year or two to come, it might with advantage
be limited to the 5 months from November 1st to April 1st ; after
that, October lOtli to April 10th, would be a reasonable extension for
all streams but the Plenty, which, as long as it continues the head-
quarters of the establishment, slwuld be exceptionally restricted. B^
the way, it would be an excellent thing if mullet fishing w^ere also
stopped from April 1st nntil, say, September 1st. These delicious fish
are now reappearing, and will again, the trout notwithstanding, become
numerous throughout the island if treated fairly and not killed wdiolesale
when spawning or " shotten."

It would much raise the general estimate of your naturalised fish if
people knew when they are in season (of which I have spoken already)
and also how to cook them. The trout served up at the farewell dinner
to the late Governor were left soaking in cold water for hours after they
were gixtted ; a blunder worse than many crimes. No fresh water fish
— a trout least of all— should be washed after opening. They should
be wiped out with care, and if boiled, be plunged at once into boiling
water pretty strong of salt. Fish up to Ulbs, may be fried or boiled ;
above tliat size, boiled or baked. A large trout is much improved for
the table by crinqnng the instant he is killed. A very large one may
be cooked in thick sliceslike a salmon. If jjeople will have sauce, cape*

9

sauce, or a very little anchovy sauce, in cream, suits the trout best.
But I must pull up here, especially if my remarks arc to come before a
learned body ! Seriously, I ought to apologise for a very loose and
rambling scrawl ; but the fact is, that I. can write but half-an-hour at
a time, and I find it dilHcult to keep any order in my remarks. Perhaps,
however, they may still contain something useful ; if so, pray deal with
them in any way you please. Should any active steps be taken in the
matter of the salmon ova, I will be a subscriber and canvasser in my small
way. Forgive me if I have tried your patience, and beUeve me, my
dear Sir,

*' Yours very faithfully,

"H. Ft. Francis.

** Morton Allport, Esq.

"P.S. — I still am strongly of opinion that the man who should
import the larvaj of the Green Drake, and also those of some of the
larger English Fhrygankv {e.r/,, the Stone-fly and Alder-fly) would
deserve well of Tasmanian pisciculture. All the Ephemeroi I have seen
here have been very small ; Phryganke, none. They could be brouglit
in an aquarium without difficulty — they both retain their aquatic state
very long."

Conversation ensued, in which many of the Fellows present, as
well as the visitors from the neighbouring colony, took part. As to a
fresh importation of salmon ova the general opinion was that it would
be impracticable at present to raise the amount of money required, and
Mr. M. Allport thought that the introduction of Ephemerce on a scale
to be of practicable benefit was accompanied with so many chances of
failure that it was not likely to be undertaken.

A suggestion, which met general approval, was made to the effect
that the introduction of ova to stock one of our large rivers — the Huon,
Gordon, or Davey — might be undertaken by an EngHsh company, if
the sole right of fishing such river or rivers was secured to them.

Mr. Justice Dobson, after referring to the value of some of the
presentations, and to the interest attached to the paper which had
been under discussion, proposed the usual vote of thanks. This having
been carried the meeting terminated.

10
MAY, 1872.

Tlie montlily evening meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, the
14th May, M. Allport, Esq., in the chair.

R. J. Lucas, Esfj., who had previously been nominated by the
Council, was elected by ballot as a Fellow of the Society.

The Secretary, Ur. Agnew, submitted the u^ual returns for the past
month as follows : — •

1. Visitors to Museum, 1,100.

2. Ditto to Gardens, 1,771.

3. Plants received at, and sent from, Gardens,

4. Leating, &c. , of a few standard plants in Royal Society's Gardens.

5. Books and jjeriodicals received.

6. Presentations to Museum.
Meicorolofjical Returns —

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq., table, &c., for ApriL

2. Westbury, from F. Belstead, Esq. , tables for March and April.

3. Swanport, from Dr. Story, tables for February and March,

4. Melbourne, from R. J. L. Ellery, Esq,, printed tables for

February.

5. Sydney, from H. C. Russell,'Esq., B.A., ditto.

6. New Zealand, from the Government, tables for November.
The Secretary read Notes on the Meteorology and Mortality c£

the Hobart Town Registration District durmg the month of April,.
1872, by E. Swarbreck HaU.

The presentations to the Museum were as follows : —

1. From J. Whitehead, Esq., M.H,A., specimen of the Australian.

Egret, (Herodias cdha.)

2. From J. Maclanachan, Esq., M.L.C., a specimen of the "Green,

Leek" Parrakeet of New South Wales [Polytelis barmbandi.)

3. From Mr. J. Watson, Muddy Plains, a pair (M. and F.) of Widgeon^

or White-eyed Ducks [Nyroca Australis.)

4. From Dr. Huston, New Norfolk, a pair of Paradise Ducks of New

Zealand.

5. From Mr. G. Paul, a mass of drift conglomerate, from near

Bridge water.

6. From Revd. H. D. Atkinson, Two specimens of Echini from Three

Hut Point.

7. From Mr. Manion, specimen of Copper Pyrites from Adelaide.

8. From W. Hodgson, Esq., M.H.A., Burnside, a specimen of the

Native Bread.

9. From Mr. Aldred, curiously shaped Fungus from Watchom.'s Hill..

10. From Mr. Simpson, a Butterfly Gurnard.

1 1 . From Mr. Maning, a ditto ditto.

12. From Mr. G. Everett, Cape Barren Island, per Mr. Legrand,.
curious abnormal growth of Horse's Hoof from Preservation
Island, Bass's Straits. (No particulars furnished with this-
specimen. )

13. From J. Barnard, Esq., Catalogue of Agricultural Exhibition,.
New South Wales, 1872; six specimens of auriferous conglomerate-
from Rouse's Paddock gold diggings, Guntawang, Mudgee, New
South Wales ; specimen of Auriferous Quartz from ditto ; 2
specimens of Sandstone with dendrites ; sample of Gum of an*
indigenous forest tree of New South Wales.

14. From Mr. Conrad Sidelin, 250 Danish coins (sdver and copper. )

15. From Mr. Wickborg, skin of a Toucan from Brazil.

16. From Captain Williams, a Bittern, (Botaurus Australis)^ from*
East Coast, Tasmania.

11

Mr. E. C. No WELL read a paper on Political Economy. The author
threw out some suggestions as to the education of our youth, which,
if carried out, would, he thought, be of great practical value, especially
to those who in future might be called upon to take a part in the
work of Government. Touching the labour question, he indicated
certain arrangements which might be eflfected, and which he thought
would be of mutual benefit to employers and employed, &c.

No discussion ensued, as the members were obliged to proceed to the
Microscopical Exhibition which was being held in the Museum, a
detailed report of which appeared in The Mercury of the 15th inst.

The Microscopical meeting was largely attended by visitors (introducol
by members) and a great number of interesting objects were brought
under notice. Thirteen microscopes were exhibited. The exhibition,
which was both scientific and popular in character, afforded the greatest
satisfaction, and at its close hopes were generally expressed that the
Society would be enabled still to continue in the future years to hold
similar meetings as heretofore.

A vote of thanks to the author of the paper, and for the presentations,
terminated the proceedings.

12

POLITICAL ECONOMY.

By E. C. NowKLL, Government Statistician and Clerk to tlic?

Legislative Council. Read 14th May, 1872.

Few subjects are so generally misunderstood as political
economy ; and not only among the masses is ignorance of its
simplest principles found, but even among those who aspire
to be the leaders of public opinion. And yet, no branch of
knowledge is more necessary for that large class of men whose
province it is to direct or to influence the destinies of States
by wielding the Executive and Legislative powers, by in-
structing the people, and by ministering in the way of
commerce, to its wants. Our educational systems are much
to blame for this defect. For while such sciences as philology,
geology, botany and zoology, which have a cornparativelt/
remote bearing on the welfare of a country, receive, and justly
receive, a full share of attention, that of political economy,
which closely concerns the supply of our physical wants,
and in consequence, our material well-being, and has even
an important bearing on our moral condition ; which shows
how communities are bound together in the bonds of brother-
hood by the ties of a common interest, teaching in the most
practical manner that each is but a part of the whole; and
how on the other hand by setting itself in antagonism to the
laws established by supreme wisdom, mistaken self-interest
not only breeds discord between different countries, but causes
a serious loss of national wealth, — this science, I say, has
been greatly neglected. " God meant man," says one of the
most able and earnest of living writers, " to learn more and
more continually of his need and ministry of other men for the
completion of his life. He meant to biad the tribes and the
nations together in a sweet interchange of gifts and influences,
man leaning on man, people on people, continent on continent,
each increasing the other's store, and gaining in return
increase of its own

" Commerce has failed signally in her peaceful and benign
ministry, because her activity has been degraded into a
selfish scramble for profit. She will never comprehend her
true position until she understands that she holds a commis-
sion from God to minister to the brotherly intercourse, and
to cement the brotherly relations of men." [" Buying, Selling,
and Getting Gain," by Rev. J. Baldwin Brown, p. 9.]

If the mission of Commerce be so lofty and so beneficent,
the laws to which it is amenable, it must be an object of the
deepest importance to discover ; and this is one of the branches
of Political Economy.

Could men be induced to act upon these just and noble

13

conceptions of commercial ethics as applied to tlie relatione
of States, there can be no question that the interests of all
parties concerned would be greatly promoted. A miserable
example of the contrary we have in the mode adopted of
dealing with the subject of the border duties as between New
South Wales and Victoria ; and, in a less degree, in the war
of tariffs between the colonies generally. The only remedy
for such a state of things is to observe in affairs of State
the same rule as all men of high morality consider themselves
bound to observe to individuals — that is, to treat them as they
would themselves wish to be treated. A thorough, intelligent
study of the principles of political economy will demonstrate
that the commercial intercourse of individuals and nations is
quite as much promoted by the practice of the great Law of
Love as is their moral welfare. It is an old idea that com-
merce is the handmaid or pioneer of civilisation ; and
Livingstone wisely made it a part of his scheme to establish
commercial relations with the natives before he set about
the task of Christianising them.

The older countries have had to work out through centuries
many a social and commercial problem, and have arrived
at a satisfactory solution only after many mistakes. The
facts thus gained often stand instead of principles,
" Till old experience do attain
To something like prophetic strain;"

axioms become established ; opinions fixed ; and there is a
practical creed from which public men do not think it safe
to depart unless for well considered reasons. But in new
countries the case is different ; the circumstances are novel,
the conditions varied ; and the mind needs a special educa-
tion before it can realise the fact that there are certain funda-
mental principles at work deep down below the surface of
things, which are the same in all countries, in all ages, and
in all circumstances. In the old countries there is a large
sprinkling of men whose minds, even if they have had no
special training, are yet prepared by high cultivation to
appreciate the force of the abstract truths of philosophy;
but in the new, the number is much smaller, and the general
tendency is to superficiality, the result of veiy imperfect
acquaintance with first principles ; and it is therefore far more
necessary in the latter that a science of such vital importance
in Government and legislation as political economy, should
be made a part of the higher studies of youth. It has
always appeared to me, therefore, to be a serious defect in
our Tasmanian Council of Education and Scholarships Act,
and in the regulations made under it, that they do not include
Political Economy in the subjects of examination prescribed

14

fof the Scholarships and the Associates* Dcgreci. If we af0
ever to ensure a succession of men really fitted for the work
of dealin*:^ with public affairs, it is only in this Way that they
can be obtained. Our lawyers must study law, our doctors
must study medicine and surgery, our clergy must study
theology and bibliology, and give proof of competent knowledge
of those subjects before they are allowed to enter their several
professions, in order that the interests of the public may be
protected against the wild work of ignorance. Why then should
state-craft be the only profession in which no special prepara-
tion—no study of its principles — is demanded ?

The lawyer, the doctor, and the clergyman, deal with
individuals only ; the statesman with the whole population and
interests of a country. To require from the three first a
particular training, but from the last none, — is it not to
allow that a part is greater than the whole ? As long as
the governing body in the State is chosen by the popular
suffrage, it is of course impossible to bring it about that
none shall be placed in a position of power but such as are
prepared by a course of special training ; but what I design to
urge is that, as our future rulers will in the course of things
be chiefly taken from those who have passed through the
highest educational institutions of the Colony, it seems a
public duty to prescribe such subjects of study as shall as far
as possible conduce to give the youth that skilled education
which he requires on his entrance into political life ; and of
this education Political Economy is an indispensable part.

These remarks have been suggested by an article apropos of
the reduction of wages by the companies at the London
Docks, in an English journal {Keen^s Bath Jov/rnaly December
2nd, 1871), in which these passages occur : — "Labour insuffi-
ciently paid by those who have its profits is not political
economy in an enlarged sense. It is not political economy
in the sense of those who relieve the poverty consequent
thereon." " What a difference then is there in political
economy as to practice ! " " Political economy individually
considered is one thing ; but nationally considered, it is
somewhat different. While it is prudent for everyone to
sell in the dearest market and buy in the cheapest, this
alone would not be political economy in the true sense."
" Political economy in this sense would profit the employers ;
but it would be at the cost of the London charities and of the
nation." " Political economy for the nation is the prevention
of pauperism and crime, and the sustentation of the working
power of the country."

There is here a confusion of ideas, by which the abstract
is put for the_ concrete. Mathematics do not build a bridge^

15

although it is perfectly true that a bridge is built upon mathe-
matical principles ; neither does political economy regulate
the affairs of trade and commerce, or make or mar the welfare
of a people, although it is wise to be guided by its principles
in dealing with such subjects. It is in consequence of this
misapprehension of the nature and scope of political economy,
that it has been decried as visionary and selfish, much as
geology used to be supposed by many well-meaning people to
be antagonistic to revealed religion. " Hitherto," says Newman,
" the value of the science has been great in dispelling false
and injurious theories, but very small in originating positive
benefit : and for this it has been scoffed at ; but very unjustly.
The same may be said of physic and of politics. Physicians
are themselves ready to allow how unsatisfactory are the
practical results of their art in curing diseases ; yet their
science is of great value in repressing false pretenders and
mischievous treatment. Were there no educated physicians
among us, we should be deluged with astrology, charms,
and magic. ... In political economy the danger of
quackery is immense ; as the history of opinion shows ; and
those who have not studied systematically the works of men
who have devoted themselves to the science, are (here as in
other branches of human knowledge) apt to trust their own
theories, and to name all others mere tJieorists." ["Lectures
on Political Economy, p. 19.]

In the beginning of the newspaper article quoted, political
economy is truly said to be " a science of rigid logic ;" and
it is that science which discovers the laws that regulate the
production, the distribution, and the exchange of wealth.
Newman is inclined to " call it simply The Theory of Wealth.**

Political economy being a science, before we can fix the
true limits of its functions, we must enquire what is a
science ? The best definition I have seen is in the Ency-
clopaedia Britannica: " Science (scientia), in its strictest sense,
is a body of organised knowledge, whose phenomena are
arranged so as to exhibit the reasons or causes by which they
are influenced, in their legitimate connection and interdepen-
dence. That science which deals mth the succession of reason
and consequent is entitled an abstract science ; while that
which deals with causes and effects is called, for the most
part, a natural or physical science. Those scien{;es which
are supposed to be complete are called exact sciences, such as
geometry. But the great majority of what are called sciences
— that is, all those branches of knowledge in which discovery
is possible — hardly deserve the name, being only a bundle of
theories or of facts, bound together with more or less exact-
ness, and which afresh discovery may any day untie. Science

16

not only sees, and sees with certainty, but the distinguishing
characteristic of it is, that it foresees. Thus it is distinguished
from art''

In its simplest enunciations, political economy is nearly as
much an exact science as mathematics ; as for example, when
it lays down the proposition that tJie demand creates the swpjply,
or that competition lowers prices, for these are matters of pure
reason, and are universally true ; but when facts have to be
observed, and disturbing elements are introduced, its character
becomes more mixed ; but it is always a science still, and nexer
an art.

As there is a good deal of confusion in the popular mind
as to the relative meaning of these terms, it may be as well
to say a few words by way of distinguishing them.

Science discovers law, and systematises or interprets facts,
which are, so to speak, fragments of law. Art is the appli-
cation of the principles discovered by science to purposes of
utility. Thus perspective, in as far as it treats of the angles
made by an object when viewed in different positions, is pro-
perly a part of mathematical science, but in as far as it is
applied in the delineation of objects, i'c is an art. So also
chemistry, when it discovers the laws which regulate the
combination of matter in different forms, is a science : but
when it is applied to the useful arts, it becomes itself an art.
Science discovers or demonstrates something ; art does some-
thing. Science enunciates principles ; art applies them.
Science is therefore theoretical ; art practical. The differ-
ence between science and art is pretty nearly the same as
between a theorem and a problem.

The determination of the relations existing between capital
and labour may be called a theorem, and is a proper function
of political economy; how to regulate them so as best to
reconcile the interests of both is a problem, which is beyond
its real scope.

From all this it will be seen that those persons who expect
political economy to settle the disputes between capital and
labour, to equahse the burdens of taxation, or directly to
interfere in any way in government or in the social relations,
simply look for that which, in the natureof things, can never
be. When men are on strike, for example, political economy
can never give them better wages, but it may show them the
consequences of their action, and make both their masters and
themselves more ready to accept a rational solution of the
difficulty.

We may compare this and other abstract sciences to a
monarch who, choosing to lead a contemplative rather than a
practical life, contents himself with laying down, as the fi-uit

17

of his meditations, certain general principles for tlie govern-
ment of his dominions, leaving it to his ministers and sub-
ordinates to carry them into practice. But, it maj be asked,
if political economy must never soil her hands with practical
work ; if she be a mere abstraction — an incorporeal essence —
instead of a creature of flesh and blood, bones and muscles ; of
what use can she be in the ordinary work of life, and why do
you plead so strongly for the study of the science as a part of
our higher education ? Let me answer this question by asking
another. What is the use of physiology, which is only a
systematised collection of facts and inferences relating to the
functions of the living body, which merely shows, in fact, how
the organs work ? Yet this purely theoretic knowledge is
the basis of much of the physician's practical skill, and his
constant guide in the treatment of disease. And just as
physiology is necessary to the physician, so political economy
is necessary to the publicist in order that his practice may be
founded upon correct principles.

The intention of the article upon which this paper is
founded was to treat of a question of labour ; and I shall,
therefore, not be travelling far out of the way if I add a few
suggestions, with the view of obviating some of the difficulties
in regard to labour and pauperism, which are felt in this
colony.

In order to transfer the unemployed from the two principal
towns into the country, where there would be a constant
demand for their labour, I would propose the following plan.
A labour office to be established in connection with the
arrangements for dispensing State Relief, in Hobart Town,
and another in Launceston. Any person in those towns in
want of work should go to the Labour Office, and have his
name, age, qualifications, references, number of children, and
any other necessary particulars, registered. Printed forms
should be sent to, and be obtainable from, every head of
police, and every postmaster in the country districts, in which
should be entered the name and residence of any one who
might state his desire to procure labourers, the description
of labour required, and any other like particulars. If the
form were filled up by the police or postmaster, at the request
of the applicant, a small fee, not exceeding sixpence, might
be paid by him to the person performing the service for him.
The forms thus filled up should be sent, franked by the
Wardens, or by some one else authorised to do so, to the
nearest labour office. The next step would be to select and
forward suitable persons from among those registered, who are
not, or from those who are, receiving relief for themselves or
their families from the public funds. In the first case they might

18

l)e sent either at their own, or at their employer's expense, as
might be arranged, or in order to keep them or theirs from
becoming objects of charity, some help might be given from
the public purse ; and in the second, the State would often be
a gainer by bearing the whole cost of their transit, if it were
thereby relieved of all further expense on their account ; but
whenever the cost of transport could be recovered, it should
"be done. A notification of the despatch of any such person
should be posted to the employer, containing a directed and
franked form, on which he should be requested to note the arrival
of the person so sent, then to return the form, as addressed,
to the Labour Office. Any person whose passage had been
paid, who had thus been forwarded to an employer, and who
without valid excuse, had failed to present himself, or had
left his service before the time of his engagement had expired,
should, if he were found idling or begging, be sent to the
House of Correction to hard labour; and with this view,
the co-operation of the municipalities should be solicited.
Such an arrangement could, however, be much better worked
if the police were under the control of the general Govern-
ment.

By thus bringing employers and unemployed into con-
nection, the towns, where there is a surplus of labour, would
be cleared of able-bodied men who are really desirous of
getting work, but either know not where to obtain it, or have
not the means of finding their way into the country ; and those
who are too idle to work, and prefer to prey upon others, would
be seen in their true colours, and treated accordingly.

Relief should never be given in the form of money if it
can be given in kind, and whenever practicable, a certain
amount of work should be required as an equivalent, from
women and children, as well as from men. The former
might be employed in making up clothes, er washing for
the children in the Queen's Asylum, the Hospitals and other
Government establishments; the men in public works — stone
breaking, &c. The avoiding money payments, the helping
people to help themselves, and the exacting a quid pro quo in
the shape of labour, would conduce to preserve the feeling of
self respect, which is always impaired if it be not altogether
destroyed, by the acceptance of eleemosynary aid, and to
foster or form habits of industry, and might be regarded as
one mode of industrial education for the more indigent
classes.

A well-organised system such as that established in Boston,
and described in Macmillan for November last, would do
much to relieve the public funds, the charge upon which for

19

charitable purposes lias increased to so serious an extent, ancT
will probably be still further augmented.

Since these remarks were written I have met with the
following passage in an article entitled " The secular studies
of the Clergy," in Tlie Gontemporarij Review for December,
1871. The writer is speaking of the value of various secular
studies to clergymen : — " So too with political economy. I
suppose no one can be blind to the terrible evil of English
pauperism, but 1 am afraid a majority of the English clergy
through their ignorance of political economy, are quite blind to
the large share they have in maintaining and propagating that
pauperism by their unwise and indiscriminate almsgiving, which
is as far removed as possible from true charity. The same
Apostle who wrote that famous panegyric of charity which
has commended itself to the heart of all Christendom, is also
he who has laid down the stern rule, * He that would not
work, neither should he eat.' The fatal encouragement of
sloth and dirt, of lying and theft, of ignorance and disease,
from generation to generation, through clerical neglect of
this Apostolic law, has done incalculable harm to the
morality and progress of the country. And, on the other hand.
Canon Girdlestone^s example has taught us that a careful
observance of the laws of political economy may enable a man
to confer permanent benefits on his poorer neighbours, instead
of merely giving them continual and useless sops ; for he
struck at the root of the local pauperism in an overcrowded
rural district, by providing means for the transfer of labour
to places where work was abundant and well paid, but men
scarce."*

If some such plan as this were adopted, the constant
applications to Government for work by " the unemployed"
would be avoided ; and by equalising the supply and demand
in regard to labour, the productive power of the country
would be materially increased, as well as its power of con-
sumption.

But it may be urged on the other side, that in
establishing such an arrangement. Government would be
overstepping the proper limits of its functions, and that
supply and demand ought to be left to adjust them-
selves. Theoretically this is true ; but the theory is pushed
aside for the time by a disturbing force, just as a comet is
drawn out of its orbit by ihe attraction of some other body.
When the supply of labour in the towns greatly exceeds the

* Until my sclieme had been matured and committed to paper, I was not
aware that it had occurred to any one else. That it has been tried, and
has succeeded elsewhere, makes me feel the less hesitation in proposiug ita
adoption here.

20

demand — that is, when work is more than usually scarce—
Goveniincnt is asked to j^rovide it, and does so. But such
relief is only temporary. Since then Government must inter-
fere, the only question is, how may it do so most perma-
nently and effectually ? And the answer is — by cutting up
the evil at the root, and taking measures to prevent people
from becoming paupers, rather than by giving them alma
when they have become so.

" A stitch in time," says the old saw, " saves nine ;" and
the needle of political economy, judiciously plied, may save
many an ugly rent in the garments of the body politic.

21

ROYAL SOCIETY.

JUNE, 1872.

The monthly evening meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday,
the 11th June. M. Allport, Esq., in the chair.

The following returns for the paat month were brought under notice: —

1. Visitors to Museum, 1,054.

2. Ditto to Gardens 1,500.

3. Plants supplied for decoration of piublic places : —

a. For ChM-ch of Eagland grounds^ Longford^ 7.0 plants*

b. For ditto, Campbell Town, 83 ditto.

c. Fo^r ditto, Broadmarsh, 84 ditto.
(L For ditto^ Avoca, 55 ditto.

e. For Jews Synagogue, Hobart Town, 64 dittoi

/. For grounds of High School, Hobart Town, 64! ditto;

4. Plants received at Gardens. From Melbourne Botanic Gardens lOOi

5. Plants sent from Gardens, perWynaud. ToMons. J. Versehaffelt,

Ghent,. Bel^um,. six tcee ferns.

6. Leafing, flowing, &c., of a few standard plants in Botanic

Gardens during, the month.

7. Books and perioducals received*.

8. Presentations to Museum.
Meteorological Returns. —

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Efeq.. Table and" Summary for

May.

2. Port ArthuK, from A. H. Boyd, Esq. Ditto for April.

3. Tamar Head^, fiom R. Henry,. Esqf Ditto, for May.

4. Sydney, from the Government Observer. Printed tables for March

and ApriL

5. Melbourne, from R. J. L. Elkry, Esq^ Ditto, ditto.
Statistics. —

1. Statistical Summary of Victoria, from 1863 to 1870 inclusive.
The Secretary read the following note, which he had received from
Dr. E. S. Hall ;—

"Melville-street,
"11th June, 1872.
"My Dear Dr. Agnew, — I have had miy- time somuch engaged, that
I have not been able to complete msy usual HeaJth Report. The deaths
were 51, being + 11 l-15th abave the June average for the prex'ious
15 years. Curiously enough the fenuile deaths were one more than the
male. Only 7 under 20 years old ; 15, 60 and upwards. No par-
ticular disease prevalent. Great variations of tempei'atujre, the principal
abnormal conditicHi. The mean daLJy range of temperature being
-j- 4*94 above the average.

" During the Sood last Tuesday, I measured in my rain-gauge 5 91
inches in the 24 hours. In all June, 1842, had before the highest
rainfall 4-41 inches. In 1854 flood there feH 8 inches in 38i hours.

" Very truly yours>

"E. SWARBRECK HALL.
*' Dr. Agnew, Hon. Secretary

"Royal Society."
The presentations to the Museum were as follows : —
1. From Mr. F, E. Nichols, Gould's Country. Two specimens of
chain cut with a pocket knife from solid pieces of Honeysuckle
wood.

32

2. From Captain Fisher, a I^a found alive on board the brig "Wild

Wave," ninfe days after leaving Sourabaya.

3. From Mr. 11. (iatenby, Macquarie River, a Native Devil

{Sarcoph'dn,<i vrsimt-'i.)

4. From Mr. Sydney Thome, an Egret {Herodias alba) shot at Sorell.

5. From Mr. Koblin, specimens of Echinida and Haliotis, from East

Coast, Tasmania.
C. From Mr. K. J. Lucas, a. ^sh horn Svtndy Bay {CJieironectfs poliius.)

7. From Mr. G. Wilson, sample of Tin Sand from the Ovens,

Victoria.

8. From Mr. Conrad Sidelin, a Copper Modal of Peter the Great of

Russia ; a Danish Copper Coin.

9. From the author, Baron F. Von. Mueller, Fragmenta phy-

tographia3 Australiae. Vol. 7.

The Secretary called attention to a specimen of the Whistling Duck
{Dendrocygna eytoni), lately received from Bridgewater, being, as far as
was known, the second of the kind found in Tasmania. It appeared,
however, that it was perhaps becoming more common, others of the
same species having been recently heard of at SorelL It was formerly
supposed their true habitat was the north west coast of Australia,
where they were very common. They are also found on the lagoons
in the interior {Goidd's Birds of Attstralia, Handbook vol. II., p. 376.)
That the range of habitat, however, of this beautiful duck extended
further than was formerly supposed, was evident by the fact that it
was found in New Zealand, both on the Thames on the Northern,
and as far south as Otago on the Southern Island. {See Catalogue of
Bitds of Neio Zealand, hy F. W. Hutton, page 35. )

Dr. Agnew brought under the notice of the meeting two specimens
of diatomacea {Licmophora sp.), discovered by Mr. Hannaford on*
Tasmanian algae, and beautifully mounted for the microscope by Mr.
Harrop, of Launceston.

Mr. F. Abbott read a paper entitled, ** Observations on some ad-
ditional changes which have taken place in the Nebula surrounding
the star tj Argus."

Discussions of a conversational character ensued, and the meeting ter-
minated with a vote of thanks to Mr. Abbott, and to the donors of
presentations.

23
JULYi 1872.

*rhc monthly evening meeting oi the Society was held oh Tuesday,
the 9th July, The Eight Rev. the Lord Bishop of Tasmania in the chair.

E. Gatenby, Esq., of Macquarie Eiver, was after a ballot, declared
duly elected a Fellow of the vSociety.

The Secretary brought forward the usual returns for the past month,
Viz. : —

1. Visitors to Museum, 1,059.

2. Ditto to Gardens, 1,345.

3. Plants &c., supplied from Gardens; to Eoyal Gardens, Kew, 101

packets seeds indigenous to Australian Colonies ; to Public
Offices, LauncestoUj 21 plants ; to Public School, Bagdad, 60
plants.

4. Time of leafing, flowering, and fruitilig of a few standard plants

in Botanic Gardens.

5. Books and Periodicals received.

6. Presentations to Museum.
Meteorological JRetUrns.

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq., Table for June.

2. Westbury, from F. Belstead, Esq., Table for May.

3. Swansea, from Dr. Story, Tables for April d,nd May.

4. Port Arthur, fi'om A^ H. Boyd, Esq^, Table for June.

5. Melbourne, from Government Observatory, Tables for May.

The presentations to the Museum were as follows : —

1. From Captain Clinch — A Bow, nineteen largCj and twenty-severi

small poisoned arrows, a head-dress, neck ornament^ &c., formerly
belonging to a chief of New Guinea.

2. From Mr. Cearns— Fac simile of the letter addressed Lord Mont-

eagle, which occasioned the discovery of the gunpowder plot.

3. From J, W. Graves, Esq; — Photographic copy of the portrait of

Mr; G. A. Eobinson, the protector of the aborigines.

4. From T. E. J. Eoss, Esq; — A plumed Bronze Wmg Pigeon (Ocyphaps

lophotes. )

5. From Mr. Luckman, Sorell — A pair of Shoveller Ducks {Spatula

rhynchotis. )

6. From Mr» Groom — A bronze Portuguese Coin.

7. From Mr. E. W. Stuart — Eleven specimens of Garnets found near

Table Cape.

8. From W. A. B. Gellibrand, Esq. — A preparation of the gravid

uterus of the Kangaroo Eat, shewing the foetus so far advanced
as probably to be within a few days of removal to the pouch.
[Mr. M. Allport observed that this presentation which had been
carefully dissected by the curator, was of great interest. It was known
to the members that the mode of development of the fcetal marsupial
was for a long time a disputed point ; and even at this late date many
who had not had the opportunity of studying the writings of Owen and
others, still believed that the fcetus was developed on the teat in the
maternal pouch. An inspection of the preparation now on the table
would, however, satisfy the most sceptic d that up to a certain period
the foetus was develoj)ed in the uterus. How it was removed from the
uterus to the pouch and applied to the nipple was still a matter of
doubt, some observers thinking it was effected by the mouth, and others
by the paws of the mother. Perhaps it was effected in each way by
various species according to the fitness of the formation of their mouth
or paws for such purpose.]

24

9. From Mr. F. J. Salicr— A War Canoe, from the Solomon's Island

(^iroup, South Pacilic.

10. From Mrs. Willett — A small Snake, and a young Viper from the
Cape of (iood Hope.

The SEtKETAKY callcfl attention to a specimen of iron smelted from
Tasmanian ore, which liad just been received through The Mercury office.

The Kev. JI, T). Atkixson brought under notice two shells which he
thought were new, and which he obtained by dredging near Partridge
Island, at a depth of thirty-live fathoms. One is a Modlola, and the other,
Mr. Legrand thought, was a Diplodonta, each being a new species.
Mr. Atkinson hojjes to obtain other specimens of these shells for pre-
sentation to the Museum.

Dr. Agnew exhibited an apple, from the Cascadea garden ; a portion
of which was covered with a growth that on a cursory view appeared
to be a species of blight. Under the microscope this was seen to con-
sist of a series of very line lilamentous stems each supporting a small
sac which was the receptacle of an ovum. (On tlie tahle were tioo
microscopes exhihUin{i the object.)

Mr. M. Allpokt stated that the ovum was that of a small green fly,
with a veiy brdliant eye. Mr. Swan had noticed the same deposit of
ova on the leaves of the Bay and other shrubs.

ISIr. Gould called the attention of the society to some specimens of
two rocks, somewhat unusual in the island, porphyries from the neigh-
bourhood of the Black Bluff Mountain, near the Middlesex Plains ; one
variety consisted of felspar porphyry, characterized by small crystals
of pink orthoclase felspar, and of glassy felspar ; the other is a quartz
poqDhyry, and both differ materially from the felspar porphyry occurrmg
in the neighbourhood of Port Cygnet, and also as elicited by recent
observations of the Rev, H. D. Atkinson, at Oyster Cove. He also referred
to some large specimens of Iron Pyrites, taken from a vein in the
neighbourhood of the Leven, exliibiting crystallisations in the form of
the pentagonal dodecahedron, which he remarked had been exploited
by him to some extent in the hope of discovery of underlying ores of
copper. The pyrites had been tested for gold, which it was not found
to contain.

The Bishop speaking in reference to the specimen of smelted iron upon
the table adverted to the immense advantage likely to accrue to the
country if the ores stated to be so abundant could be profitably worked,
and asked Mr. Gould whether he had any acquaintance with the
Ilfracombe district.

Mr. Gould stated that he had carefully examined the district, and
made a very full report upon it some years ago, and that it was in con-
sequence, as he understood, of that report having attracted the attention
of Mr. Lennard that tliis gentleman had come over for the purpose of
inspectLQg the locality and ascertaining the correctness or otherwise of
the statements contained in it. He understood that Mr. Lennard was
a gentleman of practical experience in the smelting of iron ores ; and
that his opinion of the quantity easily available was so favourable that
he had induced a Melbourne capitalist to subsequently visit the district,
who had been equally satisfied vnth. the abundance of material, and had
assured Mr. Gould that on his return to Victoria he should initiate
steps for the employment of capital in the reduction of the ores and
manufacture of iron in this colony. Mr. Gould considered that although
some years since the prices of iron hardly permitted its profitable pro-
duction ia this colony, the present great increase in its value rendered
■worthy of very serious consideration, the question of the possibility of
the production at a profitable rate of malleable iron by a direct process

25

by means of charcoal. The Melbourne gentleman before referred to, had
estimated that charcoal could be produced in the locality at a cost of
ten shillings i^er ton ; and if so, no doubt it would be desirable to enter-
tain the question very fully. The ores were of two kinds, magnetic
oxide, yielding by assay, 70 per cent, of iron, and brown hematite having
a rather less per-centage, both are in great abundance, and their point of
occurrence fully described in the report upon the iron ores of Ilfracombe,
by Mr. Gould, in the library of this society.

Mr. Stephens said that he had to report an interesting addition to
the Flora of Tasmania, a Tree Fern [Cyathea affinis) lately discovered
on the North Coast. During a journey to Circular Head in February
last, his attention was called by Mr. S. B. Emmett to an unusually
tall and slender tree fern, which on examination appeared to be quite
distinct from the two genera already described. The general character
of the fern, its great height (40 feet, or thereabouts), and the mode of
its occurrence brought to recollection one of a similar description dis-
covered a few years ago in the Cape Otway ranges by a party of the
Geological Survey of Victoria, and then named C. medullar is. The
Circular Head specimen, however, differed in some points from Hooker's
description of C. meduUaris, which is common in New Zealand, but as no
frond exhibiting the fructification could be discovered all speculation as
to its generic character was futile. Some months later Mr. Emmett
succeeded in obtaining a seed-bearing frond, and forwarded it to Mr.
R. C. Gunn, who identified it as a species of Cyathea. Mr. Gunn for-
warded the frond to Baron von Mueller who has removed all doubt by
pronouncing it to be Cyathea. affini^, under which name he also describes
the tree-fern from Cape Otway. Baron von Mueller further stated that
it is stni an open question, which he hopes soon to settle, whether
C. affin'is is really distinct from C. meduUaris.

In answer to a question from Mr. Gellibrand who thought that the
interesting stranger must be identical with a noble tree-fern of New
Zealand, which was highly esteemed as a food producer by the Maories,
Mr. Stephens stated that Cyathea meduUaris was famous for a pre-
paration resembling arrowroot, which was obtained in great abundance
from the heart of the stem.

Mr. M. Allport proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Walter Gellibrand
for his very valuable and interesting donation. He was glad Mr.
Atkinson had conmienced deep dredging, and that he had already been
rewarded by a discovery. He hoped that other naturalists would follow
in the same course, as he was fully persuaded that it was one which
must be attended with very briUiant results.

Thanks having been accorded, the meeting separated.

26

AUGUST, 1872.

The monthly evening meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, the
13th August. His Excellency Charles Du (Jane, Esq., President, in the
chair.

T. Westbrook, Esq., who had previously been nominated by the
Council, was after a ballot declared duly elected a fellow of the Society.

The following returns were brought under notice : —

1. Visitors to Museum during July, 1,399.

2. Ditto to Gardens, ditto, 1,542.

3. Plants received at gardens : — From Melbourne Botanic Gardens, 50

plants of the lied Gum of Victoria {Eucalyptus rostrata) ; from
Mr. G. Brunning, St. Kilda Nurseries, Melbourne, 30 Gladioli.

4. Plants, &c., sent from gardens : — ToMellx)urne Botanic Gardens, 30

packets seeds ; to Mr. G. Brunning, 32 plants, and 50 packets
seed.

5. Plants supplied for decoration of public places during July : — For

Castray Esplanade, 17 elms ; for New Cemetery, Cornelian Point,
286 plants.

6. Time of leafing, flowering, &c., of a few standard plants in Society's

Gardens during July.

7. Books and periodicals received.

8. Presentations to Museum.
Meteorological Returns —

1. Hobart Tomti, from F. Abbott, Esq., Table, &c,, for July.

2. Swansea, from Dr. Story, ditto for June.

3. Westbury, from F. Belstead, Esq. , ditto July.

4. Port Arthur, from A. H. Boyd, Esq., ditto June and July.

5. Tamar Heads, from R. Henry, Esq. , ditto, ditto.

6. Sydney, from the Government Observatory, Printed Tables for May,

and " Results of Observations made during 1871."
The presentations to the Museum were as follows : —

1. From Mr. Hissey, a Cape Barren Goose {Cereopsis novce liollandice},

prepared and mounted,

2. From Mr. K. Gatenby, Macquarie Biver, a recent specimen of the

Native Tiger {Thylacinus cynocephalus). A specimen of Native
Bread {Mylitta australis).

3. From Mr. Thome, a Parakeet from Brazil.

4. From Captain Williams, Skin of Avocet {Recurvirostra ruhricolUs^

5. From Mr. J. Home, a French Passport of the year 1819.

Mr. M. Allport (in the absence of the author) read a paper by C
Gould, Esq., F.G.S., " On the existence of large animals (probably feresh
water seals) in the upland lakes of Tasmania."

The paper, which was of considerable length and of much interest, was
listened to with great attention, and, after a conversational discussion on
the subject treated of, a vote of thanks was accorded to the author.

The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the donors of presenta-
tions.

27

■n AEGUS.

ALTERATIONS WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN THE

NEBULA, &c., SURROUNDING 77 ARGUS, FROM FEBRUARY,

1871, TO FEBRUARY, 1872.

By F. Abbott, F.E.A.S., F.E.M.S.

(Read llth June, 1872.) ■

If it were not for the certainty tliat many and important
changes have of late years taken place in connection with the
star y] in Argo Navis, and the surrounding nebula, I should
feel some diffidence in replying to the queries set forth by
the late Sir John Herschel and tlie Astronomer Eoyal.

Sir John Herschel, when he wrote the Cape observations,
expressed a desire, in different parts of the book, that any
astronomer who followed him would carefully observe certain
points in connection with nebulous matter, in order to ascer-
tain if any such alterations as those referred to did take place.
If Sir John, at the time he wrote, had thought the nebula
inflexible, he certainly would not have expressed such a desire.
Why, then, is this wish ignored ? and against such observa-
tions as have been made on the nebula uj) to the present
time, why has so much negative evidence been offered by
astronomers who have not even seen the object ? and who
offer no inductive evidence to disprove the alterations, but
from the evidence they have examined (what evidence ?) have
come to the conclusion that no change has taken place. This
result was not arrived at by the Astronomer Eoyal after
examining the evidence produced.

It is scarcely likely that Australian astronomers will relax
observing so interesting an object, which they have the oppor-
tunity of seeing every fine night through the year, and of
the changes in which much strong corroborating evidence is
being adduced when only brought in comparison with the
few casual observations made at Bangalore and Cordoba ;
or with any such reasoning as that offered by Mr. Procter,
which must have been conceived by him since he wrote the
article (" The Great Nebula in Argo ") in Fraser's Magazine
for December, 1868. This kind of reasoning reminds me of that
fine double star tj Coronae first seen double by the late Dr.
Herschel. Many a star-gazer lias turned out on a bitterly
cold night to inspect -n Coronae, and, being unable to divide it,
arrived at the conclusion that no one had seen it double.

In a letter received from Mr. Severn, dated 29tli June,
1870, the following passage occurs : — " Have you seen the tenth
and new edition of the Outlines of Astronomy, in which it is

28

stated that no alteration has taken place in the star v or its
.surrounding nebula since Sir John Herschel was at the Cape."
Was it here Mr. Severn changed his mind when he wrote to
the Astronomer Royal ?

In the Enghsh Mechanic, '^o. 352, December 2ord, 1871, an
article from Mr. Procter appeared, in which (after using a
not very scientific term) he states his belief that he has found
out the cause of this imaginary discovery ! After carefully
examining tlie evidence adduced he found the result to be
that Mr. Abbott's field was 1 degree 7 minutes in extent, while
Sir John Herchel's drawing embraced a space of 28 minutes
in polar distance, and 32 minutes in arc of light ascension,
and this he considers to cause all the confusion. Mr. Procter
is under a great mistake if he thinks that either the size of
the telescope, or the diameter of the field will prevent the
effect of any alterationr, which may have taken place in the
nebula, being seen. And this fact the most sceptical will soon
have to admit ; alterations in the object have been detected
even with the naked eye. All my own observations and
drawings have been made with the one telescope, and without
reference to the Cape drawings, how does Mr. Procter account
for this ?

Lieutenant, now Captain Herschel in a letter to Sir J. F.
Herschel thinks I must use low powers as I never mention
the lemniscate ; this is true, I do use a low power with large
field and plenty of light for the drawings ; but I saw the
object with the large Melbourne reflector in June 1869,
and was unable to detect the lemniscate of the late Sir J.
Herschel. At that time the so called lemniscate as seen with
my instrument had two openings, one at each end ; shortly
after three openings, next four, then five, and now six, as
seen in the present drawing.

In the same letter Captain Herschel enquires, " is it rash
to suspect that Mr. Abbott has mistaken the star 77." This
question is answered in the notes and queries of the Astronomer
Eoyal, for if I had mistaken the star it is clear that Captain
Herschel had also mistaken it or the question asked by the
Astronomer Royal " has Mr. Abbott copied Lieutenant
Herschel's drawing of 1868 ?" would net apply. It was from
nightly watching the reduction of this star that the rapid
fluctuations in the nebula were observed.

Mr. La Sueur discovered great changes in the nebula on
first applying the large Melbourne reflector to the object, and
comparing it with Sir John Herschel's Cape drawing ; and in
following up his observations during his stay at the Obser-
vatory has left certain drawings, finished and unfinished,

29

wliicli show unmistakably that frequent alterations were then
going ou in the object.

Since Mr. La Sueur left Melbourne the large telescope has
been under the charge of Mr. Farie McGeorge whose careful
research has brought more recent alterations to light,of which
he has given drawings down to the present time.

Mr. H. C. Russell, B.A., of the Sydney Observatory, has
produced a large drawing showing considerable changes in
the object as seen with the Observatory telescope, which if I
rightly remember, is a seven feet achromatic.

The good quality of an instrument best suited for showing
minute changes in nebulous matter is more important than its
size. Light, definition, and penetration, will show depth and
outline most distinctly. Two dissimilar instruments will seldom
shew configurations of nebulous matter alike. Powell and
Leyland's l-16th immersion lens, and Tolles' l-6th ditto, will
resolve Noberts' 19th band on his new test plate, when many
superior instruments and higher powers have failed to do so.
This difference in size and magnifying power^does not prove
that Noberts' 19th band is irresolvable— nor does the size
and magnifying power of the telescope prove that the Nebula
around v does not fluctuate.

Sir J. Herschel did not wish to longer endorse the theory
of the concretion of nebulous matter into isolated stars ; this,
however, is not without its supporters. M. Delaunay, Cours
Mementair Astronomie, 4th Edition, — " In adopting the idea
of Herschel concerning the progressive condensation of nebu-
lae, and their transformation into stars, and applying these
ideas to our planetary system, Laplace arrived at the most
satisfactory mode of explaining their formation. " Exposition
du systeme du Monde."

Mr. Procter releases himselfby a correction given in Nature,
for October 19th, 1871, page 487, from longer considering that
the fluctuations may be accounted for by an increased or de-
creased distance in space, but that the object is nearer than it
was formerly supposed to be.

Another opinion offered is that of Mr. La Sueur, while
observing the object with the Melbourne reflector. " The
star n now shines with a light different from other stars in the
field, and more the colour of burning hydrogen," and, Mr. La
Sueur thought, " had consumed the nebula."

How were the small coloured stars, seen lying on the dark
ground of the sky along with ^ produced ? — M. N., vol. 24,
page 5. They must either have been concreted from the
nebula as it drifted away, or by underlying it became visible
with the telescope when the nebulous matter was removed.

Mr. Powell, of Madras, does not seem to have observed

30

these minute coloured stars, when informing the Royal
Astronomical Society that v was out of the Nebula and in the
dark space. They wore seen here and at the Melbourne Ob-
servatory.

No communication, excepting my own, has appeared in refer-
ence to 77 having been seen some months later in quite a
different portion of the Nebula, after it had left the dark
ground of the sky. This is one amongst other changes which
has certainly been misconstrued, as very shortly after the
account of it reached England a statement appeared in the
Quarterly and other journals to the effect that the star t] re-
mained in the thick of the nebula — where it was in the Cape
drawing — which was not true.

Owing to a continuation of dry and hot weather, followed
by wet and cloudy nights through the month of February and
part of March, the present drawing was not completed until
the object had reached near the zenith, consequently for
checking and completing it, a total reflecting prism by Cook
and Sons, with an orthoscopic eye-piece by Ross, was used.
With this adoption no sensible difference could occur, as both
the size of the field and the definition were much the same ^as
in the case of the other drawings.

The same means for ascertaining the distance of the stars,
as adopted in 1871, were again used on the present occasion.
The bars of a Cook and Sons Micrometer were traced on the
drawing paper so as to just fill the field of the telescope. The
value of each bar of the micrometer is sixteen seconds of time.
The stars were then pricked down on the paper and the dis-
tance of each ascertained by the lines traced from the bar
micrometer, which is then taken out of the telescope, and
the original eye-piece inserted to finish the drawing. By
these means, little or no sensible error can, I apprehend,
occur.

The cardinal points have been omitted in the present draw-
ing, and the meridian line only approximately inserted. The
telescope used being a refractor, the drawing will require
reversion to bring the object into its true position.

It will be found, on comparison with former drawings,
more especially with that of 1871, that although considerable
alterations have taken place in the position of the stars sur-
rounding 7? Argus, still sufficient similarity exists to allow of
their identification, as, for instance, in the case with the four
stars convex to 7? (alluded to by Professor Airey).

The four stars marked 5, 7, t, and |, the small adjacent ones
marked 77, p, s, r, x, ^, and the small stars immediately sur-
rounding 7?, though agreeing very closely with the drawing

31

of 1871, have but little agreement with Sir J. Herschel's
monograph.

It will also be observed that a very considerable increasing
the number of stars has taken place, there being now visible
in the field of the telescope one hundred and seventy of the
7th, 8th, and 9th magnitude, as compared with one hundred
and thirty-four in the drawing of last year.

The boundary of the dark space has now six openings, as
shown in the drawing, but is gradually becoming less distinct.

For the purpose of seeing the original lemniscate, eye-
pieces of 60, 80, and 130 powers were used, but without avail.

[In the present drawing, the term ** line of sight " has been
omitted, some exception having been taken to it, but I find it is
still in use — Fraser's Magazine for January, 1872. The term oc-
curs twice in Mr. Procter's article, *' New Survey of the Northern
^eayens," page 91.]

32

LARGE AQUATIC ANIMALS.

The following j)aper on tlie existence of large animals,
(probably fresh water seals) in the upland lakes of Tasmania,
prepared by C. Gould, Esq., F.G.S., was, in Mr. Gould's
absence, read at the last meeting of the Eoyal Society: —

I wish to lay before the Society a statement of facts, which
is full of interest and surprise, and which will show, if corro-
borated by further investigations, that the existence of rare,
perhaps undescribed, animals may be generally unknown, and
entirely so to science, for long periods after the occupation of
a country.

It may be noted that while easy credence cannot be given
to the tales of aboriginals who too often fancy that their
only chance of evading the dominating intelligence of their
conquerors rests in their endowments of low cunning and
mendacity; yet that many of the wonderful stories which such
aboriginals relate and which, when handed in turn to those
who are unapprcciative of the infinite diversity of the forms of
animal life are considered to be mere " traveller's tales," are
in reahty entirely true or substantially based upon fact. The
investigator of natural science will, therefore, never entirely
abandon the enquiry in such cases until some completely
satisfactory disproof or explanation has been arrived at, and
he will be the more resolved in this upon reflecting that the
specific features of the savage intellect consist in the possession
of great powers of observation rather than in those of origi-
nality or invention. Hence the traditions or myths of uncivi-
lized countries are more susceptible of direct tracement to
an origin than the transmitted stories of more instructed
nations who conserved knowledge under the form of allegory
or fable — the true meaning or explanation of which was under-
stood only by the few — and has, in many instances been com-
pletely buried under the successive increments of time.

It will be only necessary to instance, as examples upon the
one hand, the distorted accounts which have travelled from
the interior of Africa, and of Madagascar, of the Ehinoceros,
and the Epiornis, and to which we are indebted for the story
of the Unicom, and of that most wonderful bird the Eoc.
Again the Eastern story of Sinbad familiarizes us with a liberal
interpretation of the Chimpanzee or Gorilla under the form
of the " Old Man of the Sea." And the Kraken is simply an
enormous exaggeration of the gigantic species of cuttle fish
known or believed to exist in the Indian Ocean.

The Anaconda of South America has supplied the Indians
of the Amazon with the fable of the " Spirit of the Waters j'*

33

while the Moa of New Zealand has only been checked from
expanding into some horrible prodigy by the fortunate fact
of its bones having been secured as unimpeachable witnesses
of its true nature and dimensions.

But on the other hand, the history of the Golden Fleece
guarded by dragons, the object of the expedition of Jason and
of the Argonauts, is the result of an entirely different opera-
tion of the mind, and may be well considered (as suggested
by Sir Redmond Barry) as being merely an allegory depictive
of the jealous care with which the diggers at Colchis con-
cealed a productive placer, and of the methods used by thein
for the purpose of collecting fine gold, viz., by placing sheep-
skins in the streams as is done in South America with ox-hides
for the same purpose at the present day.

It will be unnecessary for me to illustrate my meaning by
other examples, and I, therefore, pass at once to the confession
that I have never considered the question of the Australian
Bunyip as completely disposed of, but have always fancied that
a satisfactory explanation of the tradition of the natives, might
some day be arrived at by the discovery of some species
hitherto unfamiliar to us.

In regard to the northern portions of the continent there
is no great difiiculty in the matter — the presence of huge,
hideous alligators would explain this or any other horrible
story. But the belief in the Bunyip was just as prevalent
among the natives in parts hundreds of miles distant from any
stream in which the alligators occur, and among tribes who
could have no communication with those to the northward.
Some other animal must be sought for, therefore, as the source
of the story in these localities. And the question then resolves
itself into whether this should be some already known animal
appearing in unusual haunts, or an undescribed species.
With a view to the consideration of these points, I now place
the Society in possession of statements in regard to which I
cannot, of course, pledge myself further than by expressing my
personal belief in them.

Having heard rumours, ever since my arrival in this colony,
of some large and unusual animals being occasionally observed
in the lakes in the great central plateau, I had often projected
a trip of exploration to them, which circumstances have con-
tinuously prevented. However, I always bore the point in
mind, and, therefore, when passing the evening at Constable
McPartland's hut at the Picton, while on an expedition to the
Cracroft, knowing that he had been for a long time stationed
at the Great Lake, I made enquiry whether he had seen any
strange animals in the lake. He told me instantly that he never
had himself, but his son, who was much more about the lake,

34

had done so several times, and calling liim, desired him to
tcU mc at once all about them.

I iind from my notes that the date of our conversation was
September, 1870, and that young Francis McPartland, who
was an extremely intelligent and apparently truthful youth,
stated that " two years previously he had several times seen
water animals in the lake at different places ; he had a good
view of thein off the shore of Swan Bay ; going from the
station towards Mr. Smith's Neck. They were within a-
stone's throw of the shore, and seemed to be three or four
feet long, they were three or four in number, and seemed to.
be playing about ; they did not jump out, but were splashing
about, and sometimes threw the water seven or eight feet up
in the air. They showed their backs -above water, also their
heads, which were round, " round like a bull dog." They
were darkish in colour ; he had seen them several times, once
one alone, but generally two together ; they swam about,
keeping the head above the water, you can also see the
shoulders ; they show the back when they are splashing.
These were always seen by McPartland in some part or other
of Swan Bay ; sometimes near the shore, sometimes in the
middle.

Immediately on my return I asked Mr. John Forster to
favour me with a few lines to the chief constable of the lake
district, and through his hands I received the following,
statement : —

Steppes,

25th October, 1870.

Sir, — With regard to your memo, of the 23rd of September last,
relative to animals reported to have been seen in the Great Lake
by young McPartland, and supposed to be seals, having made
their way from the sea up the Derwent and Shannon Rivers,

I now beg to inform you that I have made enquiries amongst
the shepherds in the vicinity of the Lake, and I find that several
of them have seen an animal swimminaj in the Lake very much,
resembling a black sheep dog with only its head above the water.
I cannot find that more than one has been seen at a time. I do
not think it possible for seals to make their way from the sea to the
Great Lake, in consequence of a very considerable water -fall being
in the Shannon near its junction with the Ouse, unless being
amphibious they could escape the faU and reach the river above by
land.

The people that have seen this animal in the Lake maintain that
it is not a platypus, but twice as large and much darker, but as
it has never been very plainly seen, and considering the difficulty
of any sea animal getting as far as the Lake, I think it must un-
doubtedly be a very large platypus. Mr. Headlam's shepherd saw
one at the very top of the Lake, which he say was four or five feet
longjwith a very large black head. A shepherd of Kermode's also

35

saw one. Ryan saw one at Swan Bay in the moonlight. Ridgers
the contractor, has also seen them, and I am told Mr. Kenrick
Flexmore saw one at the Sandbanks.

I am. Sir,

Your obedient servant,
John Forster, Esq., JAMES WILSON,

Hobart. Chief Constable.

Mr. Morton Allport having informed me that Mr. Charles
Headlam had seen such a beast in the lake, proceeded to
correspond with that gentleman, from whom I furnish the
Society with the following note. I need hardly say the testi-
mony of so well known a gentleman as Mr. Charles Headlam
is unimpeachable : —

Egleston, Macquarie River, Tasmania,

29th April, 1872.
Dear Sir, — Yours of the 25th inst. I have, asking for infor-
mation in reference to an animal I saw in the Great Lake some
years ago. I have looked over my journal, which I have kept for
the last 32 years, and find that it was on Monday, 25th January,
1863, that I saw the animal. My son Anthony was the only person
with me at the time ; the time of day was about 11 o'clock. The
lake was very rough, and we were pulling our boat against a strong
head sea, when my oar nearly came in contact with a large-looking
beast, about the size of a fairly-developed sheep dog. The animal
immediately st.irted off at great speed towards an island in the
Great Lake known as Helen Island. It appeared to have two
small flappers, or wings, which it made good use of, as I should
think it went at the rate of 30 miles per hour. We watched it
as far as the eye could reach, and it appeared to keep on the face
of the water, never appearing to dive. I never remember seeing
such an animal before or since. My sons have just returned from
the Great Lake, and crossed over the lake twice in the boat, but
saw nothing of our strange friend. It was in the middle of the lake
where we saw the animal, and in deep water. Should I ever fall in
with the beast again T will not fail in securing him if I can, and you
shall then see him in person.

I remain, yours sincerely,

CHARLES HEADLAM.
Morton Allport, Esq. ,
Hobart Town.

Having arrived thus far, I was much gratified by seeing
in The Mercitry of the 26th of April, 1872, an extract from
the Waqgcb Advertiser, which I copy as follows: —

What is the Bunyip ? (inquires the Wagga Advertiser), There
really is a Bunyip, or a Waa-Wee, actually existing not far from
us ; and others probably nearer than we imagined. The animal
has been seen by many persons whose veracity is unimpeachable,
and whose intimate acquaintance with the Fauna of the Murrum-
bidgee, coupled with their general intelUgence and observation,
puts it altogether beyond doubt that in the Midgeon Lagoon,

3(3

sixteen miles north of Narandera, there exists an animal which in
every respect tallies with the description of the creature fre-
quently reported as seen in various places. Here is the account
of a gentleman who had a (juiet half-hour's view of this strange
nondescript. "A few days since, Mr. A., who was driving sheep
across country to Melbourne, camped on the lagoon. He called at
my house and asked what the animal was that we had in our swamp
and proceeded to describe something which had alarmed him and
the shepherds ? I ridiculed his report, and he got angry, inviting me
to come down and see for myself. I went down early next morning,
between six and seven o'clock, accompanied by two other persons,
and had not waited long before I heard the sound as of a body
rushing rapidly through the water, making a noise as load as that
caused by a North Shore steamer. Looking in the direction of the
sound I saw a creature coming through the water with tremendous
rapidity, and directing its course immediately towards us. We stood
still, deeply interested, and watched the approach of the animal,
which having, as we presumed, lately risen to the surface, was
evidently not aware of our presence. It came on with great swift-
ness until it was scarcely 30 yards from the edge of the lagoon,
when it appeared suddenly to catch sight of us, and stopped
instantly. It lay on the water then perfectly still, and I had a
splendid view of a creature that surprised me more than anything
I had ever before seen in my life. The animal was about half as
long again as an ordinary retriever dog, the hair all over its body
was jet black and shining, its coat was very long — the hair spreading
out on the surface of the water for about five inches, and floating
loosely as the creature rose and fell by its own motion, I could not
detect any tail, and the hair about its head was too long and glossy
to admit of my seeing its eyes ; the ears were well marked. It made
no noise, but kept its position for half-an-hour, surveying us, no
doubt, leisurely, although its visual organs were hidden from us.
At length it turned quietly round and swam off easily, without any
manifestation of alarm, and we watched it moving leisurely along
the surface of the lake until it was hidden by the distance. We
have been greatly excited by its appearance, and I have offered £20
for its dead body, and £50 if captured alive. " This statement may
be relied upon, and there can be no doubt whatever the gentleman
saw all he has described. Could not a party be fitted out to earn
the reward, and ennoble Wagga in the annals of Natural History ?

And I was still more interested by the spontaneous infor-
mation received a few days back that several townsmen of this
city had seen a remarkable beast in Lake Tiberias, while on
a shooting expedition. My information is from Mr. Howe,
market gardener of Campbell- street, a keen sportsman and a
lover of natural history, evidently a good observer and not
likely to mistake a tadpole for a crocodile, who states that in
company with Messrs. Shadwick and Currie of New Town, and
five others, he was at the Lake Tiberias on the 17th July last,
and that while on the shore at the north-east end, he observed
swans, and creeping to the edge of the lake, fired at them, imme-

37

diately on the report of the shot, a great splash was seen, and
some large beast started off iu the water from a point about 100
yards distant, dashing towards some rushes, and forming great
wave by his passage through the water. The rushes swayed about
violently as he passed through them, and one of the party who
had the opportunity of seeing the beast more distinctly than
the other, estimated the length at 5 or 6 feet, and the breadth
of back at nearly two feet. About one hour afterwards the
party saw, what they believed to be the same beast behind
the rushes and out in the lake, splashing up the water to a
height of ten or twelve feet ; this was noticed several times.
Enquiries made by Mr. Howe of persons in the neighborhood,
islicited no information beyond that loud roarings had been
heard at night.

Mr. John Butler of Shene, Bagdad, informs me that when
on a visit to Lake Echo, in company with the E,ev. H. D.
Atkinson, some years back, they several times saw water
thrown eight or ten feet high in the air, without any obvious
cause ; this happened right out in the lake, and was considered
by them unaccountable. The only other information I have
is from Mr. Morton Allport, to the effect that some aquatic
beast, as big as a calf, was reported several times last summer
as being in the deep pools of the Jordan River.

The evidence then shows that in the Great Lake, possibly
in Lake Echo, certainly in Lake Tiberias, some unusual
animals of large size have been seen at various times answer-
ing in general description to a seal, but not corresponding
with any species hitherto described.

In regard to Mr. Headlam's estimate of the rate of speed
of the animal seen by him, and which might be considered an
exaggeration, I append an extract from a popular account of
seals contained in the " Museum of Animated Nature," at
page 222.

" The common seal can remain under water for about five
minutes, and swims so rapidly that if alarmed, it will proceed
nearly half a mile during that period."

While the description of the ursine seal " lowing like a
€alf," and of the sea elephant " in which the voice is deep,
hoarse, and terrific," may give the clue to the mysterious
sounds said to have been heard at night issuing from many
of the Victorian lakes, and notably, if my memory serves me
correctly, from Lake Werribee.

Now even should the animals, whose existence seems proved
upon such good testimony, simply prove to be known seals, a
good and substantial foundation for the Bunyip story will
have been arrived at. The mysterious appearance and horrible
sounds will be fully accounted for, and a very interesting and

38

novel page in llic chapter of seals supplied to us ; how muoli
more interesting then will be the discovery should they prove
to differ specifically or even generically from any hitherto
described form, and to be some fresh-water-inhabiting mam-
mal analogous or allied to " the otter-like or seal-like animal,"
whose existence in the rivers and lakes of the mountain dis-
tricts of New Zealand has recently been established by Dr.
Haast without doubt. See Hochstetter*s New Zealand, page
161. Dr. Haast writes, in June 1861, " At a height of 3,500
feet above the level of the sea, I frequently saw its tracks
on the Upper Ashburton River, in a region never before
trodden by man. They resemble the tracks of our European
Otter, only a little smaller. The animal itaelf, however, was
likewise seen by two gentlemen who have a sheep station
at Lake Heron, not far from the Ashburton, 2,100 feet high.
They describe the animal as dark brown, of the size of a stout
cony. On being struck at with the whip, it uttered a shrill
yelping sound, and quickly disappeared in the water among
the sea grass."

I may, in conclusion, mention that, while on a recent visit
to Sydney, I saw in the Museum a young specimen of a
species of seal entirely new to me, of which the colour was
black like that of the Wagga individual, but concerning which
Mr. Gerard Krefft was unable to give me further information
than that it was caught near Newcastle, New South Wales,
Mr. Krefft also tells me that one seal in that collection had
lived on platypuses, and must have been a great distance from
salt water.

39

ROYAL SOCIETY.

SEPTEMBER, 1872.

The monthly evening meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday,
the 10th September. JVl. Allport, Esq., in the chair.

C. H. Grant, Esq., who had been put in nomination, was after a ballot
d-eclared duly elected a Fellow of the Society.

The Hon. Secretary, Dr. Agnew, brought under notice the usual
monthly returns, viz. : —

1. Visitors to Museum during August 1,340.

2. Ditto to Gardens 1,930.

3. Plants received at Gardens : —

a. From Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, 20 species of Eucalyptus
(new varieties), and other plants.

b. From Mr. J. Baily. 30 imported plants, including 11 new
varieties of holly.

c. From Mons. J. VerscliafiFelt, Ghent, Belgium, 170 plants, of
which all but 30 were dead on arrival.

d. From Mr. G. Bz'unning, 18 varieties of Fuchsia, and 12 ditto
of Verbena.

e. Time of leafing, &c., of a few standard plants in Botanic
Gardens during the month.

f. Books and Periodicals received.

g. Presentations to Museum, &c.
Meteorology.

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq., Table and Summary for

August.

2. Port Arthur, from A, H. Boyd, Esq., Table for August.

3. Westbury, from F. Belstead, Esq., Table for August.

4. Tamar Heads, from R. Henry, Esq., ditto.

5. Swansea, from Dr. Story, ditto.

The presentations were as follows : —

1. From H. S. Lewes, Esq., A collection of weapons, &c., of

Aborigines of Victoria.

a. A Stone Tomahawk of Mulgoa Tribe, near Penrith, N. S.
Wales.

b. A ditto, dug up on site of a very ancient camp at Buckley's
Basin, Fdver Barwon.

c. Basket made by Aborigizial women at the Protector's Camp,
Upper Yarra, Victoria.

d. Shield, Waddy, and Club, of natives of the Lower Murrry
District, Victoria.

e. Two Waddies, and two Clubs, from Lower Loddon District.
/. Boomerang, Waddy, and Club, from Upper Yarra, Victoria.

2. From C. Degraves, Esq.— Sample of Tin Ore and metallic tin

smelted from the same, from Brisbane, Queensland.

3. From Mrs. Robinson, Cascades — Tin Ore from New South Wales.

4. From Mr. F. Abbott, jun. — A Blue Mountain Parrot (" 7Vic/toy/o5A-ws

multicolor. )

6. From Captain G. McArthur— Lower Jaw of Square-headed

GrampusfOrcasp.)— Lower Jaw of Cestracion from Jervis Bay — 24
specimens of laud shells (Bidimus sp.) peculiar to Howes Island.

40

6. From J. W. Craves, Esq.— Cast of face of Timmy, an Aborigine

of Tasmania ; Cast representing an interview between G. A.
Kobinson and a group of Tasraanian Aborigines.

7. From the Zoological and Acclimatisation Society of Victoria, Pro*

cecdings of the Society, Vol. 1.

8. Fnmi Mr. F. J. Salier — A "Frigate," or Man-of-War, Bird.

9. From Lady Dry— A specimen of the Superb Fruit Pigeon

(Lauijn-otreron .superhtift), shot at Quamby by the late Sir R.
Dry, after a heavy northerly gale.

10. From Skelton Enimett, Esq. — A young specimen of a Tree
Fern (Cyathea affinls) from Circular Head.

As to presentation, No. 9, the Secretary remarked that this pigeon
was not indigenous to Tasmania. The preparation was that of a young
bird, which consequently had not been able to contend against the
" heavy northern gale, " and had been blown across the Straits. An
extract from Gould's Handbook, Vol. II., page 108, was read, pointing
out the extreme beauty of the bird. Its habitat is the northern portion
of Australia, and the islands of the Pacific.

The presentation (No. 11) of the Cyathea affinis was brought under
particular notice as being a specimen of the Fern which formed the
subject of Mr. Stephens remarks at the July meeting.

Bearing on the subject of Mr. Gould's paper, read at last meeting,^
the Chairman read the following letter from Mr. Joseph Barwick of
the Tea Tree :—
(Copy.) "Tea Tree.

" September 2nd, 1872.

*' Dear Sir, — Having seen a copy in The Mercury of a paper read by
yourself at a meeting of the Royal Society, written by Mr. Gould in
reference to a large unknown animal supposed to exist in some of the
lakes of Tasmania, and having positively known of such an animal, I
take the opportunity of sending an account of as near as possible under
what circumstances I became aware of its existence. In the autumn of
1852 I was lying in ambush near Lake Tiberias for wild ducks. It was a
fine moonlight night, when my attention was attracted by a commotion
in the water some 15 yards from me among the debris of a fallen tree.
I noticed a large animal, which, after watching him for some time, I
concluded must be a large devil. I fired at him, which caused him
to flounder in the water, I saw he was seriously w^ounded and went
in to secure him, but when I got within 3 yards of him I saw to my
surprise it was quite unlike any animal I ever saw before, his length
appeared to be about 4ft. or 4ft, 6 inches, colour black, w ith a remark-
able round bull dog like head, and. w^hat surprised me at the time was,
instead of his making for the land he made for deep water. I had only
a single barrel gun or I could have shot him again, and I have re-
gretted ever since I had not hit him with the gun, even though I had
broken it. Upon my reporting the circumstances the following morning
in Oatlands, the late Mr. Burbury and two other gentlemen, accom-
panied me to the lake. I feel certain I must have mortally wounded
the animal, but our search proved unsuccessful, but we found large
quantities of his hair some having been cut off with shot, and some when
making his escape against the timber. Some of this hair we took with
US, and showed it to a Mr. Dean (known as Dr. Dean) who was making
a collection of Tasmanian birds and animals, and had at the time I
believe a specimen of every known animal in the colony, and also a
large bush experience, and his opinion was that it was from some
unknown animal, and he then offered £20 for the animal from which
the hair came. The hair was unlike that described by Mr. Keach, a»

41

it was only about 2 inches long, quite black and glossy at the outside,
but of lighter colour near the skin. Dr. Dean was most anxious to
possess the hair, and stated his intention of making enquiries about the
stranger, but he left Oatlands soon afterwards and I do not know what
became of his collection. The animal I speak of must have had very
short legs, as there was only 15 inches of water in the place where 1
saw him, and his back was not much above the water.

' ' I must aj)ologise for sending this to you. I intended to send it
to Mr. Gould, but do not know his address.

" I may remark that at the time I saw this animal I had never
heard of anything of the kind having been seen, and but for the hair,
I believe my friends were disposed to consider it the result of nervous-
ness, but this hair was considered quite conclusive.

*' Yours obediently,

" Joseph Barwick.

*' Morton Allport, Esq.,
*' Hobart Town."

Mr. M. Allport read a very interesting paper by J. R. Scott, Esq.,
M.H.A., being an account of an exploratory tour from Port Esperance
towards Adamson's Peak in March last. Mr. Scott on this occasion
discovered a supposed new species of tree fern {Ahophila), specimens
of which accompanied the paper.

The attention of members was directed to the object under the micro-
scope on the table, the young of the brown trout, which had been
hatched out ten days' previously in a tank in the Museum. The circula-
tion of blood in the net work of vessels covering the umbilical vesicle
was very clearly shewn,

(This object will be exhibited at the Museum during the present
week, when visitors will have an opportunity of observing it. )

After a vote of thanks (on the motion of Mr. Giblin, seconded by
Mr. Stephens) to the donors of presentations, a special vote was accorded
to Mr. Scott and Mr. Barwick. The meeting then terminated.

42

OCTOBER, 1872.

Tlie monthly evening meeting of the Society waslielJou Tuesday, the
8th October, M. Allport, Esq., in the chair.

The following gentlemen, who had Ijeen previously nominated hy
the Council, were, after a ballot, declared duly elected as members
of the Society :— Mr. J. S. Dodds, Hobart Town ; Captain H. O'Reilly,
Brisbane (corresponding member).

The Secretary (Dr. Agnew) brought under notice the usual returns,
&c., for the past month, viz. —

1. Visitors to Museum, 1,460.

2. Ditto to Gardens, 2,276.

3. Seeds, &c., received at Gardens -.—From Mr. W. Ball, London,

141 packets of choice flower seeds. From Koyal Gardens, Kew,
511 packets seeds of hardy trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.

4. Time of leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few standard plants in

Society's Gardens.

5. Books and periodicals received.

6. Presentations to Museum.
Meteor olo'jical Returns : —

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq. Table and Summary for

September.

2. Swansea, from Dr. Story. Table for August.

3. Tamar Heads, from E. Henry, Esq. Table for September.

4. Sycbiey, from the Government Observer. Printed tables for

July.

5. New Zealand, from Dr. Hector. Monthly tables (printed) from

September, 1871, to June, 1872.
The presentations to the Museum were as follow :

1. From Captain O'Reilly, Brisbane, Queensland. Two perfect skele-

tons of the Dugong {Halkore du(f07ig).

2. From Mr. J. Bidencope. Six samples of tin ore, from New Eng-

land, New South Wales (assay from 71 to 76 per cent, of tin>.
Two specimens of stanniferous quartz from same locality. Two
ditto of topaz, from New South Wales. Specimen of Hartley
bituminous shale from New South AVales. Rock specimen from
the Blue Mountains. Specimen of iron ore (magnetic oxide) from
the Leven District, Tasmania.

3. From Mr. John Page, Lemon Springs. Specimen of "Native

Bread " {Mylitta Australis) and the skin of an usually large
domestic cat.

4. From Mr. Davis. A brass weight 5dwt. 6gr3., being the correct

weight of the guinea of 17T2.

5. From the Government of Netherlands, India, Vol, 1, of Magnetical

and Meteorological observations made at Batavia.

6. From Mr. H. Sale — A Brazilian copper coin.

The Secretary requested the special attention of the meeting to pre-
sentation No. 1. It was a great acquisition for the Museum and of
considerable intrinsic value. The Council felt much indebted to the
liberal donor, and had thought it their duty not only to forward a special
vote of thanks to Captain O'Reilly, but also to recommend him for elec-
tion as a corresponding member of the Society.

The Secretary read a letter from the principal librarian of the British
Museum, intimating that the trustees of that institution had presented
to tlie library of the Royal Society of Tasmania, a valuable series of
Natural History publications, comprising about sixty- five volumes and
J -Arts.

A letter from Mr. IL V, Barclay, of Spring Hill, was read, relative to

43

the origin of the so-called tidal wave which caused so much destruction
on the west coast of South America on the 13th August, 1868, and
the effects of which were felt on these coasts on the 15th of the same
month.

The following letter from Mr. A. Johnson, Gould's country was read : —

"September 12th, 1872.

** Sir, — I do not know if you will think the following particulars
worthy of being brought under the notice of the Society. Four years
ago I brought from Scotland a white kind of potato called "Patterson's
Victoria " a seedling then, as now, in great repute as prolific and of first-
rate quality. I have grown these potatoes here for the last three
years, but last year I noticed that the blossom had changed from white
to a pale blue, but there was no difference discernible in the potatoes.
This year, however, upon lifting them, they had pink eyes, not unlike
a very white Californian potato, and their general shape appeared to
have altered from round to a flattish kind of oval.

"My own opinion is that they are probably a hybrid, and that they
are returning to the kind from which the blossoms had been inoculated.

* ' I may add that I have grown these potatoes each year on new
ground.

"I am, &c., &c.,

"A. Johnston.
" The hon. secretary Koyal Society."

The Chairman stated that the flowers of the Hydrangea, grown in
the part of the colony referred to, invariably turned blue, probably from
the presence of iron in the soil, and it might be that the blossom of
the potato was changed to blue by the same cause.

Dr. Agnew remarked this would not account for the change in the
shape of the potato. This rather favoured the idea that the plant
might be reverting to an original type. He would be glad to know if
the common white Epacris, or other white flowers, existed in the
district. If so, the circumstance would be unfavourable to the theory
as to the effect of iron on the blossom.

Mr. GiBLiN observed it was well known that the colour of the blossoms
of the Hydrangea could be changed to blue by adding a small quantity
of an iron solution to the water supplied to the plant. This experi-
ment had frequently been tried, with success.

A second letter from Mr. Johnston was read, being a very favour-
able report of the sugar beet from seed supplied from the Society's
Gardens.

On the same subject, Mr. Barnard read the following extract from
a letter from a settler on the Leven : — " The sugar beet is a complete
euccess, notwithstanding the unfavourable season for other crops, and
most useful in fattening pigs and all kinds of stock. Some sixteen
pigs that we have killed were entirely fed with the beet, and, although
running about, were quite fat. The poultry, too, were very fond of
it. My son purposes growing a large quantity next year." Mr. Bar-
nard proceeded to remark that seed, he behoved, had been distributed
by the Royal Society to about one hundred persons, upon the simple
condition that they would report to the Society the degree of success
which had attended the experiment. But as only one or two reports
had been received, he thought a circular should be addressed to those
who had been supplied with the seed, asking for a statement of results ;
as he felt convinced that, were the great advantages of this crop more
fully known, its cultivation would become the rule, instead of as now
the exception. It was useless to expect the manufacture of sugar
from beet until the root became generally grown ; it was putting the cart
before the horse. As soon, however, as the exception became the

44

nile, and an adequate 8ni>i)ly of the roots could be depended on, there
is no doubt there would be some one in advance to initiate the
manufacture ; and cajntalists would be found with sullicient enterprise to
engage in an undcrtakiu'^ fraught witli such l)enelits to tlie country. He
was glad to see that four pt»uiuls was the average weight of tlie roots in
Mr. Johnston's crop, as this was just the standard weight likely to
contain the proper (quantity of sugar. Mr. Barnard added that he had
procured the most recent work on making sugar from the beet, and
would be happy to give full information on the subject to any intending
manufacturer.

Mr. T. GiiiLiN observed that many years ago he grew the beet largely
for feeding all sorts of stock, for which it was admirably adapted.
Although the roots singly were smaller than those of the mangold the
weight of the crop per acre was really greater. He had had as much
as twenty- six tons from the acre.

At the request of several members present, Mr. Barnard promised to
prepare a paper on the subject,from the latest authorities, for the next
meeting.

The Chairman read the following letter : —

** Black Brush,

" September 6th, 1872.
"Morton Allport, Esq.

"Sir, — I have to acknowledge receipt of a letter from Mr, Charles
Gould, soliciting information from me of a strange animal seen in the
pools of the Jordan, My reason for not complying with the request
before, was, that I was not able to see the parties in consequence of
the dreadful state of the weather and the flooded state of the river
Jordan, I have since obtained the information required, and will now
state what I know of the affair.

** It was first seen about 2 years ago in the large pool at Mr. Munday's
farm at the Black Brush by Mr. Munday himself. He states that it
was like a seal with round head and two flippers, and plunged into the
river. It was afterwards seen by the Messrs, Tonks further up the
river ; it was then seen by the Cox family near their house ; and by
several others afterwards in the large lagoon under the rocks opposite
my house, and by Mrs. Chaplin on the bank of the river close to the
cows in the meadow, "When approached it bounded into the river.
She describes it as having a round head and flippers ; that it was about
four feet long, of a dark grey colour, and made a noise like *' hu " " hu"
I have myself seen the water thrown up, but could not account for it.
Others have seen the same — Mr. Gunn and the Messrs. McLaren. It
was afterwards seen farther up the Jordan by Mr. Collis's shepherd, who
states that it was lying by a log, and when disturbed it went into the
river. It has not been seen lately, my impression is that it has made
its way up the Jordan, perhaps as far as Lake Tiberias, At night was
the time it was heard to make a noise. It very much alarmed one of
Mr, Cox's sons when watering his horses at the Jordan, He thought it
was one of the cattle which had fallen in the river ; he has seen nothing
of it since. Should I hear anything further I will communicate with
you,

** Your obedient servant,

"Edward Chaplin,"

"P.S. — Tuesday morning, 10th September.

"Mr. Fane Cox was at my house this morning, and informs me
that going home a few nights since, when passing by the rocks opposite
the lagoon by my land, some large animal went down the rocks into
the river, making a loud noise and throwing up the water. He waited

45

some time thinking it would make its appearance again ; it did not and
he could not tell anything about its description. He thought it was a
beast of some kind, it made he says a loud gurgling noise like that a
horse would make.

"E. C."

Dr. Agnew thought this description pointed pretty clearly to the
assumption that the animal seen was a Seal.

Mr. M. Allport read an interesting paper on the " Irregularity
in the growth of the young salmon," and subsequently called attention
to the young trout occupying a slate trough in the large room of the
museum, and said he did so with great satisfaction, because they were
placed there as ova, not merely to gratify a little idle scientific curiosity,
but to enable those of the public who had small streams or rivers La
their neighbourhood to judge for themselves with what ease such
streams and rivers could be effectually stocked, at far less cost to the
salmon commission than when fish are sent. Any person expending a
few shillings in the construction of a wooden trough on the principle
of that in the next room, will be enabled next season to obtain a few
hundreds of ova ready to hatch within a fortnight of their being
placed in the trough. The number of people (many hundreds) who
had inspected the process of artificial hatching carried on in the museum,
proved that the Society had done a wise and useful thing in taking
this extra trouble to induce the public to assist in spreading the fish
throughout the colony. Another object which the council of the Society
and the Salmon Commissioners had in view, was to demonstrate the
advantages to be derived from feeding the young fish in their early
stages on living animalculse, larvae, and small crustaceans, rather than
on dead food ; the young trout, like the young of all predaceous fish,
much preferred living food, and though it is quite true that they can be
taught to take the grated liver upon which they are usually fed,
whilst the particles are moving through the water, when once those
pieces which are not eaten get amongst the gravel they are left undis-
turbed and become fertile sources of mischief in destroying the quality
of the water ultimately causing disease and death to the fish. Un-
questionably much of the mortality in piscicultural establishments was
due to this cause, and, therefore, young gentles were always used at the
Plenty for feeding the fry as they crawled about till devoured; even with
the gentles, however, some would escape and die among the gravel,
causing more or less mischief, but with the larvge of mosquitos and gnats
and small crustaceans no such mischief could occur, as being in their
proper element, they roamed about devouring minute particles of vege-
tation and doing positive good to the water, till their inevitable turn
came and they fulfilled one object of their being by furnishing food for
others.

To obtain an ample supply of such food it was only necessary to
use a fine muslin net in any stagnant weedy pool or ditch and enough
minute creatures could thus be obtained in a few minutes to last many
hundreds of young fish a week.

The usual vote of thanks having been accorded to the donors of pre-
sentations, and to Mr. Allport, a special vote was given to Captain
O'Reilly for his valuable donation to the Museum.

The meeting then terminated.

46

NOVEMBER, 1872.

The monthly evening meeting of the Society waa held on Tuesday,
the 12th November, M. AUport, Esq., V.P,, in the chair.

The Secretary, Dr. Aguevv, submitted the following returns for the
past month : —

1. Visitors to Museum, 1,421.

2. Ditto to Gardens, 2,349.

3. Seeds received at Gardens.

4. Time of leafing, flowering, &c. , of a few standard plants in Botauic

Gardens.
6. Books and periodicals received.
6. Presentations to Museum.
Meteorological Returns : —

1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq. — Table, &c., for October.

2. Swansea, from Dr. Story — Ditto, for September.

3. Westbury, from F. Belstead, Esq. — Ditto, ditto.

4. Port Arthur, from A. H. Boyd, Esq. — Ditto, ditto.

5. Melbourne, from R. L. J. Ellery, Esq, — Ditto, ditto (printed).

6. Sydney, from H. C. Russell, Esq., B.A. — Ditto, August, (printed).

7. Queensland, from E. McDonnell, Esq, — Printed tables, for various

stations, from December, 1871, to June, 1872.
The presentations to the Museum were as follow : —

1. From Jas, Scott, Esq., M. H, A, — 16 Stone Implements of Aborigines

of Tasmania found at Mount Morriston.

2. From Captain Bailey. — An Albino Pheasant from New Zealand,

prepared and mounted.

3. From Mr. J. Chishohn — New South Wales Government Gazette,

1833, vol, 2, bound,

4. From Mr. Bromfield — A Beaver Rat, ( Hydroviys chrysogafser. )

6, From W, V. Legge, Esq., R.A,, Ceylon — Two nests of the Weaver
Bird.

6. From R. Gatenby, Esq. — Two "Native Tigers, (Thylacinvs cyno-

cephalus. )

7. From Mr. Blythe, Honeywood — Specimen of Antechinus svjainsonii.

8, From Mr, C, Sprent, Table Cape. — Twelve Mineralogical Specimens

from vicinity of Mount Bischoff, with a note.

9. From Mr, T. C. Just, Launceston. — A small bar of Malleable Iron

manufactured from Tasmanian ore.

The following note from Mr. Just accompanied this presentation : —

" By post to-day I send you a small bar of malleable iron, manufac-
tured from earthen brown hematite and magnetic ore, from the ground
of the Tasmanian Charcoal Iron Company at Anderson's Creek. I may
state that this iron has never been smelted, but merely burnt from the
ore in a forge, and the particles welded together in the form in which you
now see it. It was, in fact, treated on the Catalan forge principle which
the company is about to adopt for the production of malleable iron
from the richer class of ores.

"I may mention that the company's ground is not at Ilfracombe, as
erroneously stated by some correspondents, but about three miles to the
westward, and about the same distance south-east of York Town.

" Please place the specimen in the Museum, and oblige."

10, From Mr, H, Pearce. — A Tippet Grebe (Podiceps australis)
shot at New Town.

11, From Mr. J. M, Clarke.— A specimen of Gordiua aquaticus,
from River PlentJ^

12. From Mrs. Stokell.— A piece of South Sea Island Tapa cloth.

13, From T. Stephens, Esq. — A sample of Bituminous Shale from
Piper's River.

47

Dr. Agnew produced a fern which had been sent to the Museum for
the purpose of determining the nature of the small scales which were
thickly distributed all over it, especially on the stems. He had placed
two of these apparent scales under microscopes where the Fellows could
perceive they were in fact small animals of the Coccus tribe. The
following extract which he would read from "Carpenter's Zoology,"
Vol. 2, p. 191, clearly explained their nature. " The bark of many of
our trees often appears warty, by reason of a great number of small
oval or rounded bodies, like a shield or scale, which are fixed to them,
and in which no external traces of the insect are to be observed. These,
however, are larv« belonging to the tribe (Coccms) in question. Some
of them are females ; others young males, which are similar to them in
form. At a subsequent period they all undergo singular transformations.
The males fix themselves to the plant, and pass into the pupa state, in
which they remain completely at rest, and at last emerge as winged
insects, coming out of their cocoons backwards, with the wings extended
flatly over their heads. The females on the other hand remain attached
to the plant, and increase in size, in consequence of the development of a
large number of eggs in their interior, but they undergo scarcely any
other change. The eggs are deposited between the lower side of the
body, and the surface to which it is attached; the latter having been
previously covered with a sort of cottony secretion. The parent then
dies, and her jbody dries up and becomes a solid cocoon, which covers
the eggs. Here the eggs are hatched ; and young larvae, which are at
first active in their habits, quit their envelope, and ascend to the extremi-
ties of the branches ; there they affix themselves by their sucking beak,
gradually increase in size, and lose their activity. In this ^condition
they pass the whole winter ; and it is not until the succeeding spring
that the characters of the sexes, which are henceforth to be so distinct,
begin to show themselves. "

Several reports from farmers who had planted sugar-beet seed,
furnished by the Society, were read, the general experience being highly
in favour of the root as being very productive and excellent for fattening
stock of all kinds,

Mr. Barnard read his promised paper describing, in detail, from the
latest authorities, the best method of extracting the sugar from the
beet. The cost of machinery capable of using up the produce of five
hundred acres was given and its mode of action explained.

Discussion ensued, when the general opinion of the members seemed to
be that it would be imprudent at present to advise the establishment of
a manufactory. It was thought that the culture of beet should in the
first place be much more extensively introduced, so that Tasmanian
farmers should become familiar with its growth.

It was also remarked that much practical experience would be gained
from the results of the large beet-sugar manufactory now in operation
near Geelong. Mr. Justin Browne mentioned that Mr. S. P. H. Wright,
of Glenorchy, informed him that machines of about the value of £150
were made for the purpose of manufacturing smaU quantities of sugar,
and if such machinery could be purchased, and made use of by private
individuals, it would be of great interest to have some definite infor-
mation as to their action.

Mr. Stephens called attention to the specimen of bituminous shale
from Piper's Pdver, and described its geological position. It was
chiefly interesting as affording a new link in the carboniferous series
of Tasmania, and its discovery might eventually lead to important
results.

Mr. Stephens also remarked that it was desirable there should be on
the records of the Society some account of the recent laudshp near

48

O'Brien's Bridge, and mentioned some of the conclusions arrived at
during a recent examination of the interesting phenomena connected
therewith. The subject would afford good material for a future paper.

Discussion followed in which various opinions were expressed upon
the original cause of the landslip.

A letter from Colonel Crawford (of Castra) was read in reference to
two parcels of seed from India, sent for planting',in the Society's Gardens,
One, tlie " Raggee " (Eleusina coracana) was extremely productive, and
a staple article of food for the poorer classes in India, in the hilly and
wilder districts, and Colonel Crawford thinks it might be very valuable
for forage in the form of green stuff or hay.

The other ** Coltee " {DoUckos nn'iflora) was a sort of bean which fur-
nishes the ordinary grain ration of horses in Southern India. It does
very well in Victoria, where it is specially valued for its yield of green
fodder.

A letter was read from Mr. Davis, Ark Inn, above New Norfolk, giving
a description of some very large fish, thirty or forty in number, which
had recently been seen on several occasions, and on each occasion higher
up the stream. The general behef was that they were salmon on their
way to spawn.

The Chairman read the following extract from a letter written by a
lady in New Zealand : —

" Sometimes the surf rolling upon the beach after a storm is magnifi-
cent. About ten days ago two gentlemen were riding along the beach,
when they came upon a huge monster cuttle-fish, which was rolling
about in the surf quite dead, haWng been washed up by the storm.
It was so large they could not possibly drag it up on the beach. They
said it must have weighed six hundred weight at least. It had eight
feelers or arms, one of which was fourteen feet, the others eleven feet
long. They could not turn it over to see its eyes, but they must have
been terrific. I think it must have been carried out to sea again, for
only some small portions of its arms are to be seen now (on the beach)."

[The beach referred to is on the east coast of the North Island, about
80 or 100 miles north of Cape Palliser.]

Dr. Agnew had been informed by one of the whaling captains out
of this port that these creatures are the principal food of the sperm whale,
which, when severely wounded, frequently throws up large quantities of
them. The whale appears to eat little more than the body of the cuttle-
fish, the greater portion of the arms being left untouched. These float
on the surface of the water, and when seen indicate that sperm whales
are in the vicinity. Cuttle-fish (inclusive of the arms) twenty and thirty
feet long are frequently seen, but they are reported to have been ob-
served at least double this size, especially in the Japan Seas, which are
therefore favourite " feeding grounds " of the whale. Dr. Agnew further
remarked it would be of great interest to have accurate measurements
made of some of these horrible monsters, and that Captain McArthur
had promised he would endeavour to accomplish it.

Mr. J. Swan introduced a subject of great practical interest — the
economic growth of Angora Wool. In doing so he exhibited a series of
fleeces ; the first from a cross between a pure Angora ram and the
common goat. This was gradually improved by the same ram until
the fourth cross, and the fleece of each cross was brought under the
notice of the meeting. Tew objects could be of greater interest than
these fleeces, the last, especially, affording a long silky staple of almost
pure Angora wool, valued at not less than four shillings and sixpence
per pound. Other fleeces were also brought forward which exhibited
several peculiarities— the results of cross breeding — but in all, the gradual
disappearance of the hair of the goat, and the gradual substitution for

49

it of the beautiful Angora Wool was very striking. These and other
points connected with the subject were noticed and lucidly commented
upon by the speaker, whose remarks throughout were listened to with
marked attention. At the request of several of the members Mr. Swan
promised to resume the subject next session, when he hoped to treat it
at greater length and with fuller details, as he felt he had done little
more than introduce it on the present occasion.

The usual vote of thanks, proposed by Mr. Giblin, was seconded by
Mr. Sharland, who felt specially indebted to Mr. Swan for bringing so
important a matter as the production of Angora wool before the Society,
and through it, the public. He was very glad indeed that Mr. Swan
was still at work on the subject, and he would look forward with the
greatest interest for the more detailed information which Mr. Swan had
kindly promised to lay before the Society at an early date next session.

The vote having been passed the proceedings terminated.

50

ACCOUNT OF AN EXPLORATORY TOUR FROM PORT
ESPERANCE TOWARDS ADAMSON'S PEAK.

By J. R Scott.

(Read September lOih 1872.;

According to promise I send, for the Royal Society, speci-
mens of an Alsophila tree-fern, which I found near Port
Esperance, and of which R. C. Gunn, to whom I applied for
its name, wrote as follows : —

Newstead, 1st August, 1872. ..." Tour fern is an
Alsophila, but does not agree well with my specimens of A
Australis. It maybe A. Leichardtiana* a very slender species."
The specimens consist of — (] ) the extreme tip of a frond ;
(2) one of the pinnse from near the base of a frond ; (3) a
pinnule ; and (4) a piece of the rachis of the frond showing the
prickles. I beg you will particularly understand that I did
not go " botanising " or take any appliances for collecting
plants. My sole object was, by way of exercise, to reach
Adamson's Peak, sometimes called " The Cow and Calf,"
and go farther if possible. Accordingly specimens (1), (2),
and (3), were carried in my pocket memorandum book, which
will account for their damaged condition, and (4) has been
subject to all sorts of rough usage, knocking about in my
knapsack. It has contracted in drying, and they have all lost
their natural bright green colour.

The individual plant from which these were taken was
growing among Dichsonia tree-ferns by the side of a small
creek, probably without any stream in the summer, and in a
spot shaded from the sun by trees and underwood, just such
as naturally suits the -D/c/t5o;2i«, whereas the Alsophila Australis,
although nominally " shade-loving," is often seen in Tasmania
in open situations where a Dichsonia would not attain perfec-
tion. I was made aware that this was not an ordinary tree
fern by suddenly finding my hands hurt by the sharp spines
when breaking down branches &c., to make a track through
the scrub. The spines become smaller and blunter after
passing the second pair of pinnae from the base, and gradually
disappear. The fronds were from 8 to 10 feet long, and
more graceful in appearance than Dichsonia. The trunk
was about 6 feet high, very similar in proportion and
appearance to Dichsonia, being fibrous, and the marks of

* Mr. Abbott writes me that a description oi Alsophila Leichardtiana
will bo found in the Gardeners' Chronicle of 20th October, 1866, where it
is said to be synonymous with A. Mooreii and A. Macarthurii. I have
not addressed Mr. Gunn, again, knowing his time to be much occupied.

51

fallen fronds not more conspicuous. The other tree ferns in
the same neighbourhood also attained a height of about 6 feet
only, so that no criterion of the average or extreme height
of this AlsopMla can be obtained from this specimen. The
situation was not high, (probably 150 feet, or so, above sea
level), and just at the foot of a low ridge or spur extending
easterly from Adamson's Peak, and from which several small
streams run to join the Creekton Kivulet. A short account
of my trip will possibly best explain the locality, and the
reason why I did not search to ascertain if there were any
more specimens near.

I started from Port Esperance on the 15th of March last,
with one companion, Frank McPartlan (well known as a good
" l)ushman ") and, passing Andrewartha's mill, followed the
Southport road for about three miles beyond the bridge,
until, at a small plain recently burnt, the peak was almost
West. We then steered for it by pocket-compass, deviating
occasionally as a spur or other natural feature promised
more easy walking.

The first piece being burnt, was easy enough for about
quarter of a mile ; then a short piece of Bauera scrub, under
trees, brought us to the Creekton Eivulet, which we crossed ;
and pushing through or rather over, some very tall Bauera,
we reached a long plain clear of large timber. The first
hundred yards was over heath and button-grass, a relief after
the Bauera, but the remainder (half a mile at least) was a
dense mass of tea-tree and very tall cutting-grass, with blind
creeks and hidden spars under foot, the pleasantness of
which can be imagined. After crossing this we entered
timbered country, which continued all the way. The creek
were I found this fern was just within the timber. The trees
are principally stringy-bark, with sassafras, blackwood, &c.,
and the most frequent under-growth is either Bauera, or
else the fern Lomaria procera, with plenty of dead timber and
fallen logs.

After being detained a couple of days by rain at this creek,
we took into consideration the nature of the country and
vegetation, the weather, and the heavy loads we carried in
anticipation of a more extended trip beyond the Peak, and
determined to mark a track by which we could return quickly.
Our system was to start unimpeded in the morning, and cut
and break down the under- wood for about six hours, then to
return and bring the knapsacks, tent, <fec., to the farthest
spot along the route suitable for camping. We had but
one tomahawk, which McPartlan carried, while I used hands
and pocket-knife on the smaller obstacles; and when bo
employed laid hold of this fern.

52

Tlie spur continues at a nearly uniform height of about 500
feet to the foot of the steep ascent, at the top of which is a
plateau or table land about 3,000 feet high, — the Peak itself,
4,017 feet, rising above it. Our course led us up and then
along this spur, crossing numerous small runs of water
flowing to the Creekton Kivulet. The shrubs we had to cut
through were chiefly pepper, Anopferiis, Correa, EucrypJiiay
&c. We had also to cross several extensive patches of
Weinmaunia or horizontal scrub (Anodopetalum) , where our
track will be seen for considerable distances a long way above
the ground ; — the peculiar growth making it easier for us
to walk along the top, like monkeys, than to cut or force" a
passage below. The stems invariably grew from the roots
down the slope of the hill, never inclining upwards. Most
of them were at least 60 feet long, sending out their thin,
tough, perpendicular branches every yard or so, but the sight
of the luxuriant growth of the Frionotes repaid the whole of
the toil : in*large patches, along a distance of two or three
miles, this prince of heaths grew in profusion, covering every
prostrate log, twining up large trees and shrubs, and, at the
height of 10 or 20 feet, bending over so as to resemble fes-
toons from tree to tree, covered with long red flowers, in all
shades from flesh colour to bright carmine. The effect was
enhanced by the sun's rays being able to penetrate to these
spots, an unusual occurrence along the rest of our route.

At the foot of the steep ascent were a few beech, and blue
gum took the place of stringy bark. The Anopterus disap-
peared, and Cenarrhenes and Agastachys were found in place —
Bauer a, Correa^ &c., still continuiug. About half way up, we
passed through a thicket of Bichea pandanifolia, palm-like
plants, 30 to 40 feet high, generally growing upright, a few
almost horizontal. Those upright were almost all clothed
down to the ground with the dead leaves, and looked like
thick posts, instead of presenting their usual graceful appear-
ance. Some had the Brionotes twining up to the very top.

After scaling two sandstone cliffs we got among stunted
timber and bushes of tea-tree, &c., and soon reached the
Table-land, which, about 3,000 feet high, extends to the base
of the Peak, and beyond westerly nearly level, to the Picton
Valley, stretching northward to the Hartz Mountains, and
southward to Mount La Perouse. There are here many
shallow pools and springs and clumps of dense bushes, chiefly
tea-tree, and dwarf BicJiea. The Bucrypliia, here a round
bushy shrub, was at this time a mass of white blossoms, and
very conspicuous. The common mountain shrubs were present,
euch 9,s Qaultheria, Decaspora^ Bellendena, Bersoonia and
Others, but I did not see a single plant of the Waaratah,

53

although we passed many spots favourable to its growth. There
were many tracks of kangaroo, some of large size.

A short walk brought us to the Peak, which is of trap
rock, very much laminated, many large stones being not more
than an inch thick, and the exposed boulders all showed
signs of regular cleavage. Many were clothed with the native
cherry, Exocaiyus humifusa, like a covering of moss. The
Peak is surmounted by a trigonometrical-survey Tower of
stones, telescope shape in two tiers, with 6 or 7 stakes fixed
on the top, altogether about 20 feet high. I remarked that
the stakes and also all the shrubs on the Tableland have
a decided leaning towards the south-east.

The view from the top is very extensive. Mount Wellington
and its range to Mount Field West, with the Dromedary
showing through a gap. Mount Picton and the Arthur
Range seemed quite close, and the broken mountain scenery
from La Perouse to the south-west was very grand. On the
other side was the Huon at Victoria and Franklin, and the
southern part of D'Entrecasteaux Channel, a coast line re-
markably beautiful, but almost destitute of signs of civili-
zation. But for a few bush fires and small green specks near
some point or bay I could hardly realise the fact that I was
looking over a district so long inhabited.

We would not have been Britons if we had not marked our
names ; and accordingly they may be found, written on paper
and corked up in a bottle, under a heap of stones at the base
of the Tower, on the eastern side. We found a line of stakes
placed in crevices of the rocks, evidently to mark a track,
leading to the south-east. They were well bleached by the
weather, and must have been there a long time.

The weather frustrated my intention of proceeding farther
west, so we returned by the track we had cut, reaching the
main road by a walk of 8 hours. We were out once on the
Table-land during a wet windy night, under the lee of a bush,
having left our camp and rugs at the foot of the hill, and
being overtaken by darkness before we could get back. Except
on that night leeches and mosquitoes were abundant and
voracious as usual. The birds were very tame and confident,
especially a yellow-breasted honey-eater.

I have tried to keep this paper short, a most difficult task
in writing about scenery or personal adventures, as one feels
inclined to expatiate upon incidents and mention occurrences
of little interest to any except the members of the party. With
regard to the fern,which has been the cause of my writing,
— if it proves to be an Alsophila, and not the A. Australis
(^the only species hitherto known to inhabit Tasmania), I will
be delighted, in summer time, to conduct any gentleman,

54

who likes a little " roughing," to the spot to obtain better
specimens and a more accurate description ; as I did not pay
much attentiou to the plant, feeling certain that, although it
might be new to me, Mr. Gunn could at once supply its name
as one long since discovered and described.

I cannot conclude without asking for the origin of the
name, " Adamson's " Peak. Who and what was Adamson ?
In an old MS. chart in ray possession, made by Captain
Welsh in 1827, 1 find Port Esperance designated Adamson'a
Harbour; which latter appellation I am happy to say has
not been adopted, and the Port still commemorates the visit
of Labillardiere in retaining the name of the ship Esperance,
commanded by Captain Huon Kermandee, as Recherche Bay
still bears the name of the sister vessel.

55

IRREGULARITY IN THE GROWTH OP THE SALMON.

By M. Allport, F.L.S, F.Z.S., &c.

(Bead 8tJi Octoler, 1872.J

In the proceedings of the Zool. Soc. of London for 1870,
Part 1, which reached our library only a few weeks back, I
find a paper by Dr. James Murie, F.L.S. , Prosector of the
Society, entitled " Additional Memoranda as to Irregularity
in the Growth of Salmon,'' so completely bearing out my often
expressed conviction that the difficulty of determining the
various species of the salmonidse from immature specimens
amounts almost to an impossibility, that an extract may prove
interesting

Dr. Murie' s paper refers more particularly to two fish,
reared in the Zool. Gardens, and figured in F. Z. S.,
1868, Plate xxiii. In the present paper full details
are gone into showing the grounds for believing these
fish to be the young of true salmon (>S^. salar), the weak
places in the evidence being also fully pointed out. On the
whole, the evidence seems in favour of these fish being genuine
salmon, and this view is curiously confirmed by the wonderful
resemblance between one of these fish and the specimen in our
Museum, hatched from the eggs of S. salar, which specimen
died, after being detained in fresh water for two seasons, after
first assuming the smolt scales. Dr. Giinther, after a careful
examination of the two English fish, came to the conclusion
that they were not young salmon, but probably hybrids, and
based his opinion (amongst other reasons) on the fact that the
number of the pyloric appendages in them differed from that
found in Salino salar. After a most elaborate consideration
of the subject in all its details, Dr. Murie says : —

"It seems to me also a legitimate inference that the two fishes
reared in our aquarium are Salmon, inasmuch as they difi'er in a far
greater degree from all other European species than from S. solar ^
Indeed, as is broadly admitted in the British-Museum Catalogue,
p. 3, of the genus Salmo, ' The almost infinite variations of these
fishes are dependent on age, sex and sexual development, food, and
the properties of the water ;' hence this very same reasoning which
demonstrates pecuharities in the twe Salmonoids and brood in
question, logically points to their immaturity, retardation, or
masking of the normal adult characters of the species. If their
entire growth has been prejudicially influenced by continuous
retention in fresh water, so may a defect or abnormal number of
scales (two traversely) and pyloric appendages (three or four) be but
the concomitant efiect of unnatural development. "

With this paragraph of Dr. Murie's paper I was much struck,
because early in 1871 1 sent to England a salmon trout (S.

66

trufta) wliicli had been hatched from an English ovum, and
which had spawned in this colony, after being unnaturally-
detained in fresh water, and Dr. Giinther wrote to Mr. Youl
in reference to this fish as follows : —

" (1.) The larger specimen is very interesting ; it is a female fish,
with the ovaries well developed. With regard to the external
characters, it agrees perfectly with the migratory sea-trout ; it has
the dentition and scales, caudal fin, and praeoperculum of that
species ; it shows also ten parr makes, a number met with only in
migratory species.

"On the other hand, it has only thirty-six pyloric appendages, a
number which I have never met with in purely bred migratory
Balraonidre, but very commonly found in the river-trout and hybrids
between river and sea-trout. (See my Catalogue of Fishes, &c.,
p. 27.) I think that this specimen does not serve to convince the
sceptical that one species of migratory salmon will thrive in fresh
water. The coloration of this specimen is altogether peculiar, and
J have never seen a fish marked with spots so deeply black, so large,
and so numerous as in this specimen. In ordinary sea-troufc of the
same size the parr marks would have disappeared, but here they
are present, and their co-existence with the black spots gives to this
specimen quite a pecuhar appearance."

On the 1st August, 1871, 1 wrote Dr. Giinther the following
letter : —

" Mr. Youl kindly sent me a copy of your remarks on the sal-
monoids, last sent to the Zool. Soc. I feel personally greatly
obliged to you for the trouble you took in examining them, and see
no difficulty in reconciling the peculiarities of colour in the large
specimen with the fact of its being a salmon trout, the presence of
parr marks is due entirely to the unnatural detention in fresh
water. Here we detained a few smolts of the salmon {S. solar) in
the same way, and the parr marks returned after the season for
migration was past, but the fish never arrived at the plump healthy
appearance exhibited by the salmon trout under the same circum-
stances. I cannot at all account for the deficiency in the number
of pyloric appendages, but have found the number exceedingly
variable in specimens of S.fario. Do the number vary at difierent
ages ? Would the detention in fresh water cause the normal
number to diminish ?

" One of the parent fish, a male, died 12 months before that sent
to England. I carefully coimted the pyloric appendages, and
found 47."

It will thus be seen that I had myself arrived at much the same
conclusion as Dr. Murie, as to the doubtful value of the number of
pyloric appendages as a specific test. As Dr. Murie specially
Bohcits information from pisciculturists at home or abroad, I
purpose sending the specimen of salmon smolt which died after the
long detention in fresh water, for his inspection.

57

ON THE TECHNOLOGY OF A BEET SUGAR FACTORY,
FOR WORKING UP THE PRODUCE OF FIVE HUN-
DRED ACRES OF BEET.

By J. Barnard.
{Bead November 12th, 1872.)

" In tracing the history of any great enterprise, it will rarely
appear that success has been attained all at once, but in most
instances the progress gained has been slow and gradual ; and
it has generally been found to be a work of time to wear
down prejudices, alter the course of habitual thought and
practice, as well as to overcome that vis inertice which is opposed
to all innovation and change. The cultivation of the White
or Silesian Beet, with its many attendant advantages in
relation to agriculture, and as a sugar-producing root, has
proved no exception to this ordinary experience. In support
of this, it may be well, before passing on to the particular
object of this paper, to draw attention to what has been done
towards the establishment of the important industry now under
consideration.

" In 1868, a Select Committee of the House of Assembly,
inquiring into the best means of encouraging manufactures,
reported in favour of a subsidy of =£500 being paid to the pro-
ducer of every 500 tons of sugar manufactured from beetroot,
under certain conditions ; and so impressed were the com-
mittee with the great advantages to be derived from its
introduction, that they added the recommendation to re-print
an excellent treatise by Arnold Baruchson, ' for the information
and guidance of the colonists.'

" The Government promptly carried these suggestions into
effect,by printiugand widely circulating throughout the com-
munity an abridgement of Baruchson's pamphlet ; and they
also, in the succeeding session, introduced and passed a measure
to encourage this among other manufactures, which enacted
that ' there should be paid to the person or company who first
manufactures, to the satisfaction of the Governor-in-Council,
200 tons of good marketable sugar in any one year from beet
or other product grown in Tasmania, the sum of .£2,000.'

" Several able leading articles have also, from time to time,
appeared in The Mercury newspaper, urging upon public atten-
tion the special importance of cultivating the sugar-beet.

" The little share that I have had in the same direction, I
may now be permitted to mention, without, I hope, any
imputation of undue egotism.

" In June, 1869, after my return from Sydney, I read a short
paper before the Royal Society, describing the simple and
inexpensive, if somewhat rude, process which was adopted by %

58

settler in the interior of New South Wales for extracting the
sugar for his household from this invaluable root.

"In August following I supplemented that paper by another
communication giving some account of a cheap American
machine for making beet-sugar upon a somewhat larger scale,
but still within moderate limits. At the same time I furnished
some statistics, affording a sound basis for the encouragement
of all practical agriculturists.

" Having cleared my way by these few preliminary remarks,
I now advance a step further, and place before the Royal
Society the requisite data for the establishment of a sugar
factory, calculated to work 150,0001bs. of beetroot per 24 hours,
during a campaign of 100 days, a.nd corresponding to the
average product of the cultivation of 500 acres in beets. The
scope of this paper may be described as the technology of the
manufacture, with its estimated cost of buildings and
machinery, and working expenses, together with the probable
results to be annually realized, derived from the most recent
and reliable publication on the subject.*

"1. Froduction of steam. — Beetroot sugar works consume a
large amount of steam for driving engines, which propel root-
washers, hydraulic pumps, and presses, pulpers, water pumps,
centrifugals, &C; Steam also conveys the juice and syrups
from one place in the building to another, and is the agent
used for evaporating and boiling them. The steam depart-
ment of a 500 acre beetroot sugar factory comprises three
steam boilers of 40 h.p. each, with two internal pipes and one
flue ; two steam drums, with fittings complete ; and one 4 h.p.
donkey engine, driving two feed pumps. The total cost of the
appliances for the production of steam is stated at =£925.

"2. Washing and Fulping the Beefs and Extracting the
Juice. — Operations, in Tasmania, should be commenced early
in April, when steam should be got up in the boilers to 40 or
45 lbs. pressure, and the beets should be regularly carted in.
An exact account should be kept of each load entering the
works, and of every pound of beet consumed. The beets as
they are brought in are placed in piles alongside of the beet-
root washer, which is a long cylindrical drum revolving in an
iron tank, furnished below with a man-hole door, for allowing
it to be occasionally cleared out ; the refuse being carted off as
manure. The proper speed for a root- washer is from 20 to 30
revolutions per minute. The more water employed in washing
the beets the better, but the supply of both roots and water must
be regular. On leaving the root- washer, the beets are pitched

* The work referred to is entitled " On the manufacture of beetroot
sugar in England and Ireland. By William Crookes, r.R.S., editor of
the Chemical News. — Longmans, 1870.

59

into the jaws of the pulper, where they are seized between revolv-
ingcjlinders armed with knife blades,which speedily reduce them
to fragments. These fragments pass into the pulper proper, to
which consists of a double revolving drum, driven by belting ;
and the speed of this drum is 600 to 700 revolutions per
minute. The pulp is received in front of the pulper in a small
reservoir. The next stage is extracting the juice from the
pulp by hydraulic presses worked by steam power, and is at
once simple, easily managed, and efficient. For this purpose
the pulp is put into wool bags, 33 inches deep by 22 inches
broad, in a quantity not to exceed, when slightly flattened,
the thickness of a finger. These bags, or sacks, are piled up
one over the other, separated by sheet iron trays, and, after
some preliminary pressure, are transferred to the hydraulic
presses, where the remainder of the juice is squeezed out.

" The cake obtained after this pressure is used as fodder for
cattle, or in the manufacture of brandy and vinegar, as well as
for the manufacture of paper, for which it is increasingly in
demand.

" The total cost of the machinery and implements employed
in the washing, pulping, and pressing department to work
160,000 lbs. of beet per 24 hours is stated to be ^1,967.

"3. The Woollen Sachs.— From 900 to 1,000 sacks are sent
to the washing machine every six hours ; and the price of
a sack varies from 2s. to 3s. The first cost of a full set of
them for a 500-acre factory is .£400. About 2,000 trays are
required, costing about .£200 ; and the price of a sack-
washing machine and connections is <£20 ; making a total
under this head of £620.

"4. Defecation of tTie Juice. — After the liquid product has
been collected into a special reservoir, there are various im-
purities to be eliminated, some of which can be removed
before crystallisation of the sugar by the combined action
of heat and the use of lime. This operation is known as
defecation of the juice, when a certain portion of the sugar
combines with some of the lime used, forming the saccharale
of lime ; and from this saccharate the sugar has to be freed
by the action of carbonic acid gas, which, having a greater
affinity for the lime, combines with it, forming insoluble car-
bonate of lime, while it liberates the combined sugar. This
process is called the " carbonatation " of the juice. Defecation
is effected in a batch of open, circular, round-bottomed pans,
made of copper, into which the liquor, after being conveyed
from the juice reservoir, into an upright iron boiler, called a
" monte-jus " (literally mount juice), is then passed into the
defecating pans, when milk of lime is poured into the warm
juice, and well stirred into it.

60

" The defecating operator must always be a man of ex-
perience, as much must be left to bis empirical judgment.

" The total cost for the defecating department of a 500-acre
factory is given at c£295.

" 5. The scmtis of Defecation. — The scums formed during
the process of defecation of the beetroot juice, being rich in
saccharine matter, must be made to give up as much of their
valuable contents as possible ; and this is effected by collecting
them into a special reservoir, and the action of powerful
presses, followed by other minor processes.

" The " dead " scums constitute a valuable fertiliser, rich in
nitrogen and lime, and are hoarded with care for sale to the
farmers.

" The total cost of the "scum" department of a 500-acre
factory would be .£134.

" 6. Carhonatation. — This process is the saturation of the
defecated beetroot juice by means of carbonic acid gas, which
may be effected in a simple, easy, and cheap manner by the
combustion of charcoal. The combined defecated and scum
juices are conveyed into carhonatation pans, and the carbonic
acid is passed through the liquid. When the " foaming " has
ceased, the carbonatated juice is run into large receivers, to
Bettle, after which the juice is ready for the filters.

" The deposit formed during carhonatation is a valuable
manure, which must not be lost or wasted.

" The total cost for the carhonatation department of a 500-
acre factory is stated at ^632.

" 7. Filtration and concentration of tlie juice. — Is the next
process after leaving the carhonatation pans, and usually takes
place twice before crystalized sugar is produced. The first
filtration is that of the carbonatated juice, the second is this
juice after evaporation until it has become a thin " syrup."
Evaporating pans were formerly simple contrivances, and con-
sisted of open boilers ; but these have now given way to the
more perfect appliances known as the " triple-effect vacuum
pans."

" The total cost of the filtering department is .£595 ; and
of the concentration and boiling department of a 500-acre
factory is given at de2,300.

" 8. Bone-llach, or animal charcoal. — Is a very important
item in the manufacture of beet sugar. The average quantity
needed is 20 per cent, of the quantity of beets, by weight,
worked up every 24 hours. A factory consuming 150,0001bs.
of beetroot per diem, would thus need 30,0001bs. of bone-
black. The residue from the bone-black washer is collected
in cisterns, where it deposits itself as fine mud, and constitutes
a highly valuable fertilizer.

61

" The cost of the bone-black department of a sugar factory,
working 150,0001bs. of beets, every 24 hours, is estimated at
£267.

" 9. Crystallization. — The syrup boiled to a consistency of
from 40 to 42deg. of Baume's areometer, is distributed into
iron forms or crystallizers of a capacity of about 12 gallons
each. These are left quiet for 18 or 20 hours in a room,
the temperature of which is kept at 95deg. F. ; and in from
5 to 8 days the sugar is " made." The contents of the forms are
next emptied into " centrifugal turbines," revolving drums, the
outer surface of which is covered with metallic tissue, through
the meshes of which the syrups flow, by the action of the
centrifugal force, while the crystals of sugar are retained
within. These centrifugals are of various construction, but
the velocity of their circumference must not be inferior^ to
from 160 to l&O feet per second.

" In a very short space of time the sugar (first product) is
ready to be scooped out from the inside of the centrifugals.
Then follow other processes for securing the second and third
qualities ; the residue from the third sugar is molasses, and
is collected into cisterns for the distiller's use.

" The cost of the crystallization department is .£760.

" To the foregoing estimates must be added piping and cocks,
d£750 ; vats, =£60 ; various tools, £200 ; packing and unpacking
of machinery, £400 ; besides freight and other expenses on
the whole apparatus, the total weight of which is estimated to
be about 200 tons.

" Water supply. — Perhaps the most important consideration
in the choice of a locality for a beetroot sugar establishment
is an abundance of water, as will be seen from the following
estimate of the quantity required per hour for the daily
washing of 150,000 lbs. of beets ; viz. : —

lbs.

For the supply of the steam generator 3,000

Washing and pulping 6,000

Defecation 1,000

Milkof lime 100

Filtration 4,000

Bone-black washing* 6,000

Concentration of juice , 73,190

Boiling 19,900

113,190
or 1882 cubic feet, which is equal to a deUvery of 32-5 lbs.
per second, or about half a cubic foot.

" Labour and general estimates. — With some few exceptions
no skilled labour is required in new beetroot sugar works,
as most of the operations are of a simple mechanical nature.

62

The only skilled liaiuls really needed are an engineer, an
hydraulic pump man, a defecator, a sugar boiler, and a bone-
black burner.

" Based upon a campaign of 100 working days, the follow-
ing is the general estimate given of the cost of labour for
a factory upon the scale mentioned. The work is continuous
day and night, being divided into two shifts ; and the average
daily rate of wages is taken at 4s., but a higher rate of pay
is, of course, given to the skilled labour. The various pro-
cesses, with the cost of each, are as under : —

1. Washing and pulping. — Carriage and washing of the £

beets, 14 men, 2 shifts for 24 hours, 2,800 days'

labour, at 4s 560

Press Department, 28 men, 2 shifts per 24 hours,

o.GOO days, at 4s 1,120

Sack washing and darning, 8 women, 2 shifts, 1,600

days, at 4s 320

2. Pefacation. — 8 men per 24 hours, 800 days' labour, at

4s 160

3. Scums. — 0 men per 24 hours, 600 days, at 4s 140

4. Carhonatation —

250 days, at 4s 50

Monte-jus 40

Carbonic acid gas (preparation of) 40

5. Filtration. — 3 men every 24 hours, at 4s 60

6. Concentration. — Two men, every 24 hours 80

7. Boiling. — Two men, every 24 hours 80

8. Crystallizations and Centrifugals — 1,500 days' labour,

at 4s 300

9. Generation of Steam. — Two shifts of 3 men, 600 days,

at 4s 120

10. Breaking' and Packing. — Five men, at 4s. per day ... 100

11. Men in the Yards, &c.— Five men at 4s 100

12. Mariagemenf —

One general superintendent and two overseers 800

Bookkeeper and clerk 320

13. — Extras —

Carpenter, plumber, and smiths (3 months) 300

Extra pay to skilled labour 500

General cost of labour for one year's campaign £5,190

*'The quantity of coal consumed by such an establishment would
average 600 tons, which, at 20s., would cost £600.

" The bone-black, 30,0001bs., would cost, for the first outlay, at
2^d. per lb., £312, but in succeeding years would only amount
to replacing waste.

"The Hme used would amount to 4,500 bushels, and cost about
£280.

" The cost of 15,000, OOOlbs. of beet root to be worked up into
sugar would be, at 123. per ton, £4,500.

63

ANNUAL EXPENSES

" Summing up the above, the yearly expenses would be —

Labour 5,190

Coal ^iOO

Bone-black (waste) 10^^

Lime 280

Purchase of beet roots 4,500

Add 20 per cent, for incidentals 2,100

£12,620
To which has to be added taxes, and insurance,

computed at • '*0^

Interest on capita] invested 960

Making a grand total of £13,980

FIRST COSTS.

*' The first outlay for the establishment of machinery, build-
ings, &c., may be summed up as follows : —

Production of steam 925

Washing and pulping 1,967

Defecation 295

Scum 134

Sacks, trays, sack- washing 620

Carbonatation 632

Filtration 595

Evaporation of juice 2,300

Crystallization and turbines 760

Bone-black department 257

Pipes and cocks 750

Packing and unpacking 400

Tubs and tanks 60

Brickwork 500

Sundries and tools ^^

Carriage of 200 tons of machinery, &c 250

£10,845
*' Adding £2,000 for the erection of the works, and £312 for first
cost of bone-black, we have the sum of £13,157 needed for the
first establishment of a manufactory of sugar from beet roots for
the produce grown on 500 acres of ground, and which ought to
produce at least 1,200,000 lbs. of raw sugar.

"By the statistics for 1871, the quantity of sugar imported
into Tasmania for that year, was 3,737 tons, (or 8,359,8801bs.)
for a population of 101,785, giving an average consumption
annually of 821bs. for each person.

REALISATION.

" The products to be realised in the foregoing example of a
sugar manufactory would be as follows : —

64

Sugar from 15,000,000 lbs. beet at 8 per cent, of sugar, the £

sugar being sold at 243. per cwt., 2^d. per lb., GOO tons 14,400

2,700,000 lbs. pulp , at U. per lb 5,020

5,000 gallons molasses, at Is. per gallon 250

Kesidues, as fertilizers 200

Total £20,470

Deducting annual expenses and interest as above 13,980

Leaves net annual profit £6,490

or 31 '7 per cent.
There is every reason to believe that, with careful management,
the quantity of sugar obtained will range as high as 10 per cent,
instead of 8 per cent. , taken as the basis of the foregoing compu-
tations. In such a case, the net income would be £24,170, and
the net annual profit £10,090, or 41-2 per cent.

" Such is a mere outline from the elaborate specifications and
estimates given by Mr. Crookes in his admirable work ; and
Bo cogent are the facts and figures detailed, as to fully justify
the conviction that a Beet-root Sugar Factory upon the scale
of magnitude set out would prove to be a grand commercial
success."

REPORT

OF THE

ROYAL SOCIETY

OF

TASMANIA,

FC:l THE YEAR

i872.

TASMANIA :

PRINTED AT THE "MERCURY" STEAM PRESS OFFICE, HOBART TOWN.

1873.

F-A-TI^OIDT :

PATRON.
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN.

PRESIDENT.
HIS EXCELLENCY CHAPwLES DU CAXE, Esq.

VICE-PRESIDENTS.

Vex. AECHDEACOX DAVIES J. W. AGNEW, Esq., M.T).

SIK R. OFFICER, KxT., M.H.A. M. ALLPORT. Esq., F.L.S., F.Z.S.

C.M.A.L

MEMBERS OF COUNCIL.

*F. ABBOTT, Esq., F.R.A.S., F.E.M.S. J. B^VRXAED, Esq.

*T. GIBLIX, Esq. Vex. AECHDEACON DAVIES, B.A.

*JrSTIX McC. BROU^NE, Esq. EIGHT Eet. BISHOP BEOMBY, D.D.

*A. G. WEBSTER, Esq. M. ALLPORT, Esq., F.L.S., F.Z.S.,

SIR ROBERT OFFICER, KxT. , C.M.A.L

T. STEPHENS, Esq., M.A. J. TV. AGNEW, Esq., M.D.

H. J. BUCKLAND, Esq.

TREASURER. HON. SECRETARY

J. DUNN, Esq. J. W. AGNEW, Esq. M.D.

AUDITORSOFANNUAL ACCOUNTS.
H. COOK, Esq. JOHN MACFA PLANE, Esq.

AUDITORS OF MONTHLY ACCOUNTS.
M. ALLPORT, Esq. F. ABBOTT, Esq.

CURATOR OF THE MUSEUM,
Mr. T. ROBLIN.

SUPERINTENDENT OF GARDENS.

MR. F. ABBOTT, Jrx.
" Members who retire next in rotation.

HIS EXCELLENCY SIR GEORGE GREY, K.C.B., &c., Governor

CHARLES JOSEPH LATROBE, Esq., England.

W. H. ARCHER, Esq., Registrar-General, Melbourne, Victoria.

JOHN JOSEPH BENNETT, Esq., F.R.S., British Museum, London.

REV. W. B. CLARKE, M.A., F.G.S., &c., Sydney.

JOHN GOULD, Esq., F.R.S., London.

JOSEPH DALT.ON HOOKER, Esq., M.D., R.N., F.R.S., &c., London.

JOSEPH H. KAY, Captain R.N., F.R.S., Melbourne, Victoria.

REV. R. L. KING, B.A., Sydney.

J. MITCHELL, Esq., Sydney.

BARON F. VON MUELLER, C.M.G., M.D., F.R.S. F.L.S., &c.,
&c., Government Botanist, Melbourne, Victoria.

JOHN PEET, Esq., Professor Grant's College, Bombay.

FREDERICK PENNY, Esq., F.R.S., Professor of Chemistry in the
Andersonian University, Glasgow.

W. J. MACQUORN RANKIN, Esq., C.E., F.R.S.L., and E., &c.

W. WILSON SAUNDERS, Esq., F.R.S., &c., London.

ALFRED R. C. SELWYN, Esq., F.G.S.

REV. CHARLES PLEYDELL N. WILTON, M.A., Newcastle, New-
South Wales.

ADAM WHITE, Esq., F.L.S., &c., British Museum, London.

E. S. P. BEDFORD, Esq., F.R.C.S.L., Sydney, New South Wales.

C. TOMLINSON, Esq., F.R.S., F.C.S., &c., Highgate, near London.

G. BENNETT, Esq., M.D., F.Z.S., Sydney, New South Wales.

PROFESSOR G. NEUMAYER, Munich.

REV. JULIAN E T. WOODS, F.L.S., F.G.S., F.R.G.S., &c., Penola,
South Australia.

DR. W. O. SONDER, Foreign Hon. Sec. Society of Naturalists, Ham-
burg.

REV. J. J. BLEASDALE, D.D., F.G.S., Melbourne.

LIEUT. W. V. LEGGE, R.A., Ceylon.

CAPTAIN O'REILLY, Brisbane, Queensland.

70

mt 0J itllmt

t Denotes Life Membership.

Abbott, Francis, F.R. A. S., F.R.M.S Hobart Town

Abbott, F., jun „

Adams, G. P. ... . . ,.

Agnew, J. W., M.D ,,

Allport, Joseph ... ... ... ... ... ,,

AUport, Morton, F.L.S., F.Z.S., CM. A. I.,
^Member of the Entomological Society of
Belgium, &c. ... ... ... ... ... ,,

Archer, William, F.L.S ... Cheshunt

Atherton, E. Hobart Town

Atkinson, Rev. H. D Oyster Cove

Aubin, F Spring Bay

Aikeuhead, Hon. J., M.L.C Launceston

Adams, R. P., Solicitor-General Hobart Town

Bilton, H

tBarry, SirR

Barnard, James

Butler, Francis ... ...

Butler, J

Bromby, Right Rev. C. H., Lord Bishop of
Tasmania

Bright, R. S., M.R.C.S.L

Butler, Henry

Buckland, H. J

Browne, Justin McC.

Baynton, W. E

Bomford, F. E

Bailey, Rev. Brooke

Chapman, T. D., M.H.A.

Cook, Henry

Clarke, J. M

Creswell, C. F

Cotton, Francis

Crawford, Lieut. -Colonel

Crosby, W

Crowther, W. E

Glenorchy
Melbourne
Hobart Town

Kingston
Rheban, Swansea
St. Leonards

New Town
Hobart Town

Swanport
Hamilton-on- Forth
Hobart Town

71

Cruttetiden, Thomas

Castray, L. R., A.C.G

Davies, Ven. Arehdeacon...

Dear, Kev. R. E

Dobson, His Honor Mr. Justice

Dunn, Hon. J. A. ...

Du Cane, His Excellency Charles

Dobson, H. ... .*.

Dodds, J. S

Foster, Hon. John, M.L.C.

Fysh, Hon. P. 0., M.L.C

Gibliuj Thomas

Gould, C, F.G.S;, late Government Geologist

Gorringe, Thomas

Greig, C. C

tGunn, R. C, F.R.S., F.L.S

Graves, J. W.

i-Gellibrand, W. A. B

Grant, C. H.

Gatenby, R.

HaU, Dr. E. Swarbreck

Harris, Rev. R. D. P;, M.A

Hunter, Henry

Huston, G.F

Huybers, A.

Hopkins, H.

Hazell, C

HoweU, F. G.

Irving, M. H., M. A., &c

Irvine, P* »

Jackson, Adam * ...

Jamieson, Mr. ;

tJeffery, Molesworth

Jackson, J. A., M.H.A

Kennerley, Hon. Alfred, M.L.C.

Knight, W. jun

Kermode, W. A.

Woodsden
Hobart Town

Hobart Town

Government House
Hobart Town

Hobart Town

Green Ponds
Hobart Town
Launceston
Hobart Town
River Ouse
Hobart Town
Macquarie Rivet

Hobart Town

New Norfolk
Hobart Town

Carlton
Hobart Town

Melbourne
Hobart Town

Ross

Hobart Town
Bournbank, Lachlan
Hobart Town

Hobart Town
Saudy Bay
Mona Vale

72

Lewis, David, M.H.A.
Legge, R. V.
Lucas, R. J.

Maclanachan, James
Macfarlane, James ..
Macfarlane, J.
Mather, J. B.
MaxweU, CM. ...
tMilligan, Joseph, F.L.S
Moore, J. A.
Meredith, Hon. C, M.H.
Morrison, Askin ...
Marsh, H. J.
Mace, J. C. ...
Mace, G

Napier, G. R.
Nelson, H. ...
NoweU, E. C.

Officer, Hon. Sir Robert, M.H. A., Speaker
Pillinger, J

Roberts, H. L

Read, R. Cartwright

Rule, J

Riddoch, A.

Ross, R. J.

SaUer, G., M.H.A

Sharland, W. S

Solomon, Joseph

Stephens, T., M.A., Inspector of Schools

Story, Dr. J. F

Storie, Rev. J

Susman, L. ...

Scott, J., M.H.A.

Scott, J. R., M.H.A

Salier, F. J

Swan, J., M.H.A

Smith, P. T

Hobart Towu
Cullenswood
Hobart Town

Ballochmyle
Hobart Town

England
New Norfolk
Hobart Town

Clarence Plain*
Spring Bay

Hobart Town

New Norfolk
Antill Ponds

Hobart Town
{ Redlands, New
I Norfolk.

Bellerive

New Norfolk
Hobart Town

Hobart Town
New Norfolk
Hobart Town

t>

Swanport
Hobart Town

)>
Launceston
New Town
Hobart Town
New Town
Rosa

73

leavers, S. Smith

Nevr Towu

Walch, James

HobartToMrn

Weaver, G

>»

Whitcomb, G

,,

Whyte, Hon. James, M.L.C

>»

Wilson, George jun.

Mount Seymour

Wilson, Hon. Sir J. M. , M. L. C

HobartTown

Wise, F.H

»»

Wilkins, A

England

Webster, A. G

HobartTown

Wright, Stephen P. H

»»

Wilson, George

»»

Willes, C. J. , M. R. C. S. Edin

Oatlands

Walker, F. T

Rhodes

Westbrook, T

Bellerive

Young, Russell

HobartTown

74

MINUTES of the Annual General Meeting of
the Royal Society of Tasmania, held at the
Museum, Macquarie-street, at 7 o'clock p.m.,
on the 28th January, 1873 : Morton Allport,
Esq., F.L.S., F.Z.S., C.M.A.L, &c., Vice-
President, in the chair.

The Chairman having read the advertisement
by which the meeting had been convened, called
upon the Secretary to read the Report.

The Report for 1872 was then read.

It was moved by Mr. Howell, seconded by
Mr. Abbott, jun., and carried — " That the Report
be adopted, and printed for circulation amongst
the Fellows.''

Messrs. H. J. Buckland and Justin McC Browne
having been appointed scrutineers, the meeting
proceeded to the election of four members of
Council, in place of those retiring.

The result of the ballot was the election of the
following gentlemen : — •

The Ven. Archdeacon Davies.

M. Allport, Esq.

J. W. Agnew, Esq.

The Right Rev. Bishop Bromby.

The Hon. Secretary having reported that Mr.
F. Butler was desirous of retiring from the office
of Auditor of Annual Accounts, it was resolved
that Mr. John Macfarlane should be requested to
act as auditor with Mr. Cook for the ensuing year.

Lieut. W. V. Legge, R.A., of Ceylon, was
elected as a corresponding member of the Society.

Mr. Justin McC. Browne proposed a vote of
thanks to the Honorary Secretary for the efficient
manner in which the affairs of the Society had

75

been conducted during the year. Mr. J. Barnard
seconded. The vote having been accorded,

Dr. Agnew expressed his gratification at re-
ceiving the thanks of the Fellows. On this occasion
he had quite hoped to be able to say the Society
was free from debt, but the unforeseen expendi-
ture referred to in the report (the greater portion
of which would not occur again) had deprived him
of that pleasure. He might mention that we were
about to make use, for the first time, of the large
building we had recently become ^possessed of.
A quantity of unclassified material would soon be
removed into it from the large room upstairs,
which would be a great boon to the Museum by
affording greater sj^ace for the exhibition of speci-
mens of the Tasmanian Fauna and Flora. To
carry out these arrangements would, of course, be
the duty of the Curator, Mr. Eoblin, and he (Dr.
Agnew) was glad to take this opportunity of
expressing his sense of the great value to the
Museum of the services of the Curator. Not only
was Mr. Eoblin well versed in all the duties
peculiarly incidental to a Museum, but his accuracy
in all the various accounts of the Society and the
Public Gardens was well known to, and appre-
ciated by, both the Monthly and Annual Auditors.
He only regretted that the Society was not in a
position to ofPer Mr. Eoblin a salary at all com-
mensurate with his deserts.

Mr. Allport also bore testimony to the skill,
courtesy, and devotion to his duties of the Curator.

The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks
to the Chairman.

76

The Session of 1872 was opened on the 12th
March with a paper by F. Abbott, F.R.A.S.,
F.R.M.S., entitled '^ Notes on the results of Five
Years' Meteorological Observations made at Hobart
Town ; " and the following papers were read at
the various subsequent monthly meetings, which
were held without intermission : — '^ Climate and
Vital Statistics of Tasmania," by Dr. E. Swarbreck
Hall ; " *' Tasmanian Pisciculture," by Judge
Francis ; ^^ Political Economy," by E. C. Nowell ;
'^ Observations on changes which have taken place
in the Nebula surrounding the Star v Argus," by
F. Abbott, F.R.A.S., &c. ; '' On the existence of
large animals, probably Seals, in the upland Lakes
of Tasmania," by C. Gould, F.G.S. ; '' Account
of an exploratory tour from Port Esperance to
Adamson's Peak, and discovery of a supposed new
species of Tree Fern," by J. R. Scott, M.H.A. ;
^^ Irregularity in the growth of the Salmon," by
M. Allport, F.L.S., F.Z.S. ; '' Technology of a
Beet Sugar Factory," by J. Barnard.

In addition to the above papers the following
subjects have been under discussion : — '' Minera-
logical specimens from the neighbourhood of
Oyster Cove (with correspondence)," '^ Develop-
ment of Foetal Marsupial, " *' Mineralogical
specimens (Porphyries) from near Black Bluff
Mountain, Middlesex Plains," '' Manufacture of
Iron from Tasmanian Ore," ^^ A Tree Fern lately
discovered on the North Coast of Tasmania,"
'' Artificial hatching of Trout Ova," " The
economic growth of Angora Wool," '' The growth
of Sugar Beet in the Colony," &c., &c.

The Meteoi^ological Observations have been

77

carried on as hitherto at the various stations, and
abstracts of the results of five years' registers for
Hobart Town have been incorporated with the 25
years' abstract already published, affording, in a
condensed form, a meteorological record extending
over thirty consecutive years. These latter have,
by the permission of Government, been printed at
the Government Printing Office, and copies have
been forwarded to various Governments, Institutes,
Hospitals, Libraries, and individuals of scientific
repute throughout the world.

The Society is much indebted to Dr. E.
Swarbreck Hall for his very elaborate and
valuable paper on '' The Climate and Vital
Statistics of Tasmania," which is printed with the
Meteorological Abstract.

We have, as usual, received many valuable
donations of books from learned Societies. In this
respect America has been, so far, our largest
contributor that the Council, in recognition of such
liberality, have determined to set apart a special
case in the Library for the exhibition of books
from that country.

COUNCIL.

^' No vacancy has occurred during the year.
The required list according to Rule xxxii., as
amended at the general meeting of 1868, has been
exhibited in the Library for the last fortnight.

FINANCE.

The total Income from all som-ces was as
follows : — Government Grant to Museum, £200 ;
ditto to the Gardens, £400; subscription, £123;
from Marine Board, £20 ; deducted from ^ salary
of Curator on account of repairs to his residence,
£10; sale of Plants, &c., at Gardens, £66 4s. ;
special donation to Garden Funds, £1. This

78

witli £30 12s. in tlic liands of the Superintendent
of tlie Gardens for payment of wages, £30,
which will certainly be realised from the amount
of subscriptions in arrear, and £6 in the hands of
the Collector, will give a total of £886 16s. The
expenditure and liabilities as per balance sheet,
amount to £901 17s. 6d. leaving a balance to
debit of £15 Is. 6d.

It is much to be regretted that some of the
Members are dilatory in paying their subscrip-
tions. Reminders have been regularly sent when
payments were due, and had these in all cases
l3een responded to, we should at present have
been quite clear of debt.

GAEDENS.

The portion of the sea wall referred to in last
year's Report has been completed, and a continu-
ation of it is now in process of construction.

During the year the line of the Main Railway
has been laid out through the lower part of the
gardens, and it is probable the work will be carried
out to completion without delay. It is not anti-
cipated, however, that any inconvenience will
accrue from the work, as the contractors are most
desirous of meeting the views of the Society in
taking such measures and adopting such pre-
cautions as will ensure the safety of visitors.

Very little progress has been made with the
new entrance, but this work will be resumed
forthwith.

The expenses for the gardens have, to the
detriment of the funds of the Society, exceeded
the income by about £13. This unusual outlay
has been incurred in part by repairing damages
done by the floods, and partly by laying on water.
The latter work has long been a great desideratum

79

for the comfort of visitors, and will also be to some
extent reproductive.

New plants, in greater variety tlian usual, have
been introduced, many being of considerable
interest. To Dr. J. D. Hooker, of the Royal
Gardens, Kew, we are indebted for a very liberal
donation (about 600 packets) of seeds, many of
which have not hitherto been under cultivation
here.

The number of visitors has been estimated at
24,666.

MUSEUM.

As will be seen by the list of presentations many
objects of interest have been added to the collection.
The majority of these have been placed in their
appropriate sections, some (chiefly skeletons) are in
course of preparation, and others (shells, speci-
mens in spirits, &c.) have been placed in store
until proper cases, glass jars, &c., can be procm-ed
for their reception and display.

Among the donations to the Museum worthy of
special note may be mentioned two complete
skeletons of the Dugong fHalicore dugongj pre-
sented, and very liberally forwarded to Hobart
Town free of all charge, by Captain H. O'Eeilly,
of Brisbane, Queensland.

To H. S. Lewes, Esq., of Geelong, the Society
is also indebted for a fine collection of weapons of
the Australian Aborigines, procured in various
parts of Victoria and New South Wales, especially
for this Museum.

R. Gatenby, Esq., of Macquarie River, has
presented (and forwarded free of cost) several
specimens of our Mammals, Reptiles, &c.^ Many
of these have been added to our collection, and
others as a means of effecting exchanges with other
Museums, have been of special value. The Native

80

Tl^ors fTJniJ(irim(s c^jnoccphalus) have been particu-
larly useful in this respect, special requests for this
animal having been received from Adelaide, and
Christchurcli, New Zealand.

Correspondence with Dr. Haast, of Christchurch,
New Zealand has been entered into for the pur-
pose of enlisting his interest for our acquisition of
some perfect skeletons of the Moa.

Specimens of iron ore from various parts of the
Colony have been received, and have excited
much attention.

The number of Visitors to the Museum was
14,956, being an increase of nearly 4,000 on that
of any previous year.

81

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82

BOOKS PURCHASED & PRESENTED DURING 1872.

[P7-(\'^r))fn(ions vmrked ihufi *]
Arts, Journal of Society of, Vol. 19, Nos. 989 to 992 ; Vol. 20, Nos. 993

to 1,039.
Arts, Transactions of Society of. Vol. 19.
Athenaeum, Current numbers.

*Acclimatisati()n Society, Victoria, Reports of 1871-2. From the Society.
*Animals, large, on the existence of, in the upland Lakes of Tasmania.

By C. Gould, F.G.S. From the Author.
*Builder, The, Current numbers. From Dr. Agnew.
*Beet Sugar Factory, The Technology of. By J. Barnard, Esq. From

the Author.
♦Catalogue of Plants, Huber, 1872.

* of Books, 3, Quaritch.

* of Parliamentary Library, Tasmania.

* of Agricultural Exhibition, New South Wales.

Conchologia Iconica. Parts 290, 295.

*Census of Victoria. Parts 1 and 2. From the Registrar-General,

Victoria.
♦Currents and surface temperature of North Atlantic Ocean, 1872. From

the Meteorological Office, Board of Trade, London.
*Coast Survey, United States, Report of , 1868. From U.S. Government.
♦Climate and Vital Statistics of Tasmania. By Dr. E. S. Hall. From

the Author.
*Discursos sobre su inauguracion, Observatorio Astronomico Argentino.

From Professor B. A. Gould.
♦Echmodermata of New Zealand. By F. W. Button, F.G.S.,,

C. M. Z. S. From the Author.
Florist and Pomologist, Nos. 47 to 58 (Nov. 1871 to October 1872.)
Fishes of New Zealand. By F. W. Hatton, F.G.S., &c. From Dr. J.

Hector, F.R.S.
Gardeners' Chronicle, The, current numbers.
♦Intelligencer, Literary, Walch's Monthly Numbers. From !Messrs..

Walch & Sons.
Journal of Science and Art, Silliman's American, Vol. 2, Nos. 11 and

12 ; Vol. 3, Nos. 13 to 18 ; Vol. 4, Nos. 19 to 21.
Journal, Quarterly of Science, current numbers.

Journal of Agricultural Society of New South Wales, current numbers..
♦Journey to Musardu, Appendix. By B. Anderson, New York. From

the Author.
Magazine, Country Gentleman's, Vol. 7, Nos. 40 to 46 ; Vol. 8, Nos.

47 to 52.
♦Medical and Surgical Pamphlets (30) by Dr. Amussat, Paris, From

the Author.
♦Meteorological and Magnetical Observations, made at Batavia, 1870..

From the Government of Netherlands, India.
♦Meteorological Reports, Quarterly, 1870. From Meteorological Office,,

Board of Trade, London.
♦Meteorological Observations, made at Radcliffe Observatory, Oxford,

1871, Results of. From F. Abbott, Esq.
♦Meteorological Returns for New Zealand, 1870. From the Government..
Sydney, 1872, monthly. From the Govern-

ment Observer.

1872, monthly.

Melbourne. From R. J. L. Ellery, Esq.

Abbott, Esq., F.R.M.S.

Montlily, for Hobart Town. From F.

83

^Meteorological Returns, Monthly, for Swansea. From Dr. Story.

* , Ditto, for Port Arthur. From A. H. Boyd,

Esq.

* , Ditto, for Westbury. From F. Belstead, Esq.

-, Ditto, Tamar Heads. From E,. Henry, Esq.

* Observations, Results of 30 years', for Hobart Town.

ByF. Abbott, F.R.M.S.
Nature, Current Numbers.
Natural History, Annals and Magazine of, Vol. 8, Nos. 47-8 ; Vol. 9,

Nos, 49 to 55 ; Vol. 10, Nos. 5G to 58.
*Nebula surrounding i? Argus, Notes on changes in. By F. Abbott,

F.R.A.S., &c.
^Observations, Astronomical and Meteorological, made at United States

Naval Observatory, Washington, 1871. From the United States

Government.
■^Proceedings of American Philosophical Society, Vol. 2, Nos. 83, 84, 85.

From the Society.
* of Essex Institute, Salem, Massachusetts, Vol. 6, pt. 2,

1871 ; and Bulletin, Vol, 2, Nos. 1 to 12. From the Institute.

of Geological and Polytechnic Society of West Riding of

Yorkshire, 1870. From the Society.

of Royal Society (London), Vol. 20, Nos. 130 to 136.

^Patents, Abstracts of, Victoria, Parts 1 and 2, 1871 ; Indexes, 1870.

From W, H. Archer, Esq.
■^Pisciculture, Tasmanian. By Judge Francis. From the Author.
^Political Economy. By E. C. NoweU. From the Author.
■"Report, 2nd Annual of Board of Indian Commissioners. From United

States Government.
■* — of Geological Survey of Indiana, 1869. From U. S. Govern^

ment.
* — , Smithsonian for 1869, 1870. From the Smithsonian Institution,

Washington.
* , of Department of Agriculture, Washington, 1869-70. From

the Department.

* on the Water of the State of Maine. From U. S. Government.

* of Commissioners of Fisheries, State of Maine. From Ditto.

* , Annual of Philosophical and Literary Society, Leeds.

* of Mining Surveyors and Registrars of Victoria. From Vic-
torian Government.
■* of Colonial Museum, Wellington, N. Zealand, for 1870. From

J. Hector, Esq., M.D., F.R.S.

■* of British Association, 1870. From the Association.

* of American Patent Office, 1868, vols. 1, 2, 3, 4. From the

U. S. Commissioner of Patents.

* Report of Board of Public Education, 1870. From the Board of

Education, Philadelphia, U. S. A.

* Annual of Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard CoUege,

Cambridge, U. S. America. From Director of the Museum.
^Statistics of New Zealand, 1870-71. From J. B. Bennett, Esq.,
Registrar-General, New Zealand,

* of Victoria, 1870. From W. H. Archer, Esq., Registrar-

General.

of Tasmania for 1871. From E. C. Nowell, Esq., Govern-

ment Statistician.
*Society, Royal Astronomical. — Monthly Notices of vols. 28 to 31

inclusive. Index to first 29 volumes.
Vols. 35 to 38, inclusive ; and Part 1,

vol. 39. General Index to first 38 vols. From the Society.

84

'Society, Royal Oeographlcal, Proceedings of, Vol. 15, Nos. 1 and 5 J
V'ol. IG, Nos. 1 and 2.

» , Journal of, Vol. 40. From the Society.

* , Linneau, Journal of, Vol. 11, No. 5G ; Vol. 13, Nos. 05. G6,

Botany.

, Vol. 11, Nos. 51 to 54. Zoology.

Proceedings of, Session 1871-2.

-, Geological, Quarterly Journal of. Vol. 27, Nos. lOG-108 ; Vol.
28. No. 109.

-, List of, November 1st, 1871.

♦ , Zoological, Proceedings of. Parts 1, 2, 3, 1870 ; Part 1, 1871.

From the Society.

, Ray, The, Volume for 18G9.

*Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge, Vol. 17. From the Smith-
sonian Institution.

*Salmon, Irregularity in the growth of. From the Author, M. Allport,
Esq., F.Z.S., F.L.S., C.M.A.J., &c.

*Transactions of Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences. Vol. 1,
Part 2 ; Vol. 2, Part 1. From the Academy.

New Zealand Institute, 1871. From Dr. J. Hector,

F.R.S.

Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland.

Vol. 15, 1871-2. From the Institution.
*Tour from Port Esperance to Adamson's Peak, Account of. By the
Hon. J. R. Scott, Esq., M.L.C.

PRESENTATIONS TO MUSEUM DURING 1872, WITH
NAMES OF DONORS.

Allen, Mr. P., Hobart Town. — An Almond Tumbler Pigeon.

Allport, Master C. — An Irish Farthing, 1806.

Atkinson, Rev. H. D., Thi-ee Hut Point. — Porphyry from Trial Bay.

Carboniferous Limestone from Arch Head. Iron Ore from Three

Hut Point. Two Echini from deep water.
Aldred, Mr. — Specimen of a curious Fungus from Watchorn's Hill.
Abbott, Mr. F., jun. — A Blue Mountain Parrot ( Trichoglossus multicolor).
Burgess, Miss, Hobart Town. — Tanned Skin of a very large Bengal

Tiger (Fells tigris).
Blythe, Mr. J. B., Honeywood.— Skin of Black Snake (Hoplocephalus

curtus). Specimen oi Antechlnus swainsonii and young.
Barnard, J., Esq., Hobart Town. — Six specimens of auriferous Con-
glomerate from Rouse's Paddock Diggings, Mudgee, N. S. Wales.

Two Species of Sandstone, with Dendrites from ditto. Gum of

an indigenous Forest Tree of N. S. Wales.
Bidencope, Mr. J. — 6 samples of Tin Ore from New England, N. S. Wales,

2 specimens of Stanniferous Quartz from ditto. 2 Topazes from

ditto. 1 specimen Hartley Shale. Rock specimen from Blue

Mountains, N. S. Wales. 1 specimen Iron Ore from the Leven,

Tasmania.
Bayley, Captain, New Town.— An Albino Pheasant, from New Zealand.
Bromfield, Mr., Hobart Town. — A Beaver 'Ra.tfHydromys chr ysog aster. )
Butler, F., Esq., Director of Public Works.— A block of Red Granite

from Gabo Island.
Chichester, C. M. S., Esq., Private Secretary.— Specimen of Valuta

elliotti from Western Australia.

85

Clinch, J., Capt. — A Bow, 19 large and 27 small poisoned Arrowi, a

Neck Ornament, and Head-dress of a New Guinea Chief.
Cearns, Mr., Hobart Town. — A fac-simile of the letter, addressed to
Lord Monteagle, which occasioned the discovery of the Gunpowder
Plot.
Degraves, C, Esq. — Sample of Tin Ore, and Tin smelted from the same.

From Queensland.
Dry, Lady.— Specimen of the Superb Fruit Pigeon ( Lamprotreron super-
bus) shot at Quamby after a heavy northern gale.
Davies, Mr., Hobart Town. — A brass weight 5dwts. 6grs. (Weight of

Guinea of 1772.)
El well, Mr., Hobart Town.— Piece of Copper Ore, partially smelted in a

blast furnace, probably from Adelaide.
Everett, Mr. G., Cape Barren Island. — Large abnormal growth of Horse'a

Hoof, from Preservation Island, Bass' Straits.
Emmett, Mr. Sketton, Circular Head. — A young Tree Fern (Cyathea

affinis. )
Fisher, Captain, brig "Wild Wave." — A Boa (Python sp.) found aliv©
in the cabin of the vessel nine days after leaving Sourabaya,Jaya^,
supposed to have been taken on board in a bag of clothes belonging
to a passenger.
Giblin, Mrs. T. — Two operculae of a species of Turbo, from Fiji.
Gatenby, E., Esq., Macquarie Kiver. — A small "Tiger" snake (Hoijlo-
cephalus curtus.) A " Grass " snake, probably a very young
specimen of H. curtus. 48 eggs taken out of a black snake. Egg3
of so-called " Iguana " (Cydodus nigroluteus. ) 2 Rock Lizards.
1 Lizard. 1 Gecko from Ballarat. Ascaris sp. from Kangaroo.
Deformed Kitten. Centipedes, Scorpions, &c., &c. A Native
Devil (Sarcophilus ursinus. J 2 Native Tigers (Thylacinus cyno-
cephalus. )
Graves, J. W., Esq., Hobart Town.— A Freshwater Crayfish (Astacu»
sp. J from Gordon Eiver. Cast of face of Timmy, a Tasmanian
Aborigine. Cast representing an interview between G. A.
Robinson and a party of Tasmanian Aborigines. Photographic
Copy of Portrait of G. A. Robertson, Protector of the Aborigines.
Gellibrand, W. A. B., Esq. — Gravid uterus of Forester Kangaroo Rat.
(Bettongia cuniculus.) Ditto of Wallaby (Halmaturus hillardieri. )
Groom, Mr., Hobart Town.— A Bronze Portuguese Coin 1814.
Hood, Master E.— 3 Eggs (probably of a species of Petrel) from Bird

Island.
Hull, Master. — Nest of White Eye (Zosterops dorsalis.)
Hebble white, Mrs. — Portrait of Leichardt, framed and glazed.
Hedberg, Mr. O. H. — Atlas of Sperm Whale.
Huston, Dr., New Norfolk,— 2 Paradise Ducks (Casarca varigata) oi

New Zealand.
Hodgson, W., Esq., M.H. A. —Specimen of Native Bread (Mylitta

australis) from Sorell.
Hissey, Mr. W. — A Cape Barren Goose (Cereopsis novcB JioUandke.)
Just, T. C, Esq., Launceston.— A small bar of malleable iron manu-
factured from Tasmanian Ore.
Kreskel, Mr. J. G.— A Brazilian Silver Coin (Ilille rei.)
Legrand, Mr. W. —Sponge from Recherche Bay. A specimen of rare

Irish Slug (Geomalcu^ maculosus. )
Littlechild, Mr. H., Lindisferne.— 4 Spine- tailed Swifts (Chxztura.

caudacuta. )
Lucas, Mr. R. J.— Specunen of Fish (Cheironecfes polUus. )
Luckman, Mr., Sorell.— 2 Shoveller Ducks (Spatula rhynchotis.)

86

Lewes, U.S., Esq.,|Geelong. — A collection of Weapons, &c., of Aborigine*
of Australia. 2 Stone Tomahawks. Basket made l^y women. One
ISliield. 4 Waddies. 4 Clubs, and one Boomerang.
Legge, Lieut. W. V., B.A., Ceylon.— 2 Nests of Weaver Bird, and a

collection of Ceylon lleptiles.
Montgomerie, Mr., Hobart Town. — A prize Belgian Canary.
Maclauachan, Hon. J., Esq. — A Green Leek Parrakeet (Polijtelis
harrabandi) from New South Wales. A Hen Pheasant (Phaaianus
colcliicus. )
Meredith, J., Esq., Swansea. — A Musk Duck (Biziura lohata.)
Maniou, Mr. P. — Copper Pyrites from Adelaide.
Maning, Mr. A. H. — A Butterfly Gurnard.
Mc Arthur, Captain G. — Lower Jaw of square-headed Grampus, ditto of

Cestraciou, 24 Land Shells (Bidimus sp.) from Howes Island,
Nichols, Mr. F. E. , Gould's Country. — Two Pieces of Chain cut with a

pocket knife from solid wood.
Owen, Mr. H. — A Japanese Coin.
O'Reilly, Captain, Brisbane. — 2 Skeletons of the Dugong (Halicore

dugonn.)
Peacock, Mr. W., Sorell. — A Pelican (Pelecanus conspidllatus. )
Paul, Mr. G. — A mass of drift conglomerate from near Bridge water.
Page, J,, Esq., Lemon Springs. — Specimen of Native Bread (Mylitta

australis. ) The skin of a very large domestic cat.
Pearce, Master H., New Town. A Tippet Grebe (Podiceps australis.)
Eoblin, Mr. T., Curator of Museum.— Echini and Haliotis from East

Coast of Tasmania.
Eoss, T. R. J., Esq., Huon. — A plumed bronze wing Pigeon (Ocyj^haps

lophotes) from Australia. Two Indian Boas (Python tigris) ivoTct

Ceylon.
Robinson, Mrs,, Cascades, — Tin Ore from N. S. Wales.
Rayner, Mr., River Styx. — A Hawk with curiously coloured plumage.
Simpson, Mr. — Sample of Flax groA\Ti at the Huon,
Solomon, Mr. N. C. F,, ship "Eugenie." — Five Danish Coins, A fossil

Eclimus from Denmark. A Flint Arrow Head from ditto.
Seidelin, Mr. Conrad, — 251 Silver and Copper Danish Coins. A Bronze

Medal of Peter the Great of Russia.
Stuart, Mr, R. W,, Table Cape,— 11 Specimens of Garnets from that

locality.
Salier, F. J,, Esq, — A War Canoe, with Paddles, &c,, from the Solomons

Island Group, South Pacific. A "Frigate" or "Man of War"'

Bird.
Sale, Mr. H. — A Brazilian Copper Coin.
Scott, Jas,, Esq., M.H.A, — 16 Stone Implements of Tasmanian'

Aborigines, from Mount Morriston.
Sprent, Mr, C, Table Cape,— 12 Mineralogical Specimens from the

neighbourhood of Mt. BischofiF.
Stokell, Mrs, W., Hobart Town.— A piece of " Tapa" cloth from South

Seas,
Stephens, T,, Esq,, M,A.— Specimen of Bituminous Shale from Piper's

River, Tasmania.
Taylor, Mr. G,, Valleyfield,— A White Hawk (Leucospiza novce hoi-

landkc. )
Thorne, Mr, S.— An Egret (Herodias alba.)
Thome, Mr., Hobart Town.— A Brazilian Parakeet.
Williams, Captain, " Kestrel."— Shells from the East Coast of Tasmania.

A Bittern (Botaurus australis.) Skin of Avocet.
Williamson, Mr., Hobart Town.— Sandstone Boulder from Anderson's

Quarry.

87

Whitehead, J., Esq., M.H A.— An Egret (Herodias alba.)

Watson, Mr. J., Muddy Plains. — Two White-eyed Ducks (l^yroca

aust7-alis. )
Wickborg, Mr. — Skin of a Toucan from Brazil.
Wilson, G., Esq. — Tin Sand from the Ovens, Victoria.
Willett, Mrs., New Town.— A young Viper and a small Snake from

Cape of Good Hope.

PLANTS AND SEEDS RECEIVED AT THE ROYAL SOCIETY'S
GARDENS DURING THE YEAR 1872.

Principally from Foreign Parts.

January. —From Mons, J. Linden, Brussels. — Two cases containing 71

Plants, 46 alive, 25 dead.
March 1st. — From Mr. F. Salier. — One case of Plants from Lord Howe's

Island.
April. — From the Royal Gardens. — Kew Seeds of Cedrus atlantica.
April 15th.^ — From Dr. Schomburgh, Botanic Gardens, Adelaide. — 35

species Bulbs.
May 10th.— From Mr. C. Hollinsdale. — 60 packets imported Seeds.
May IStli. — From the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. — Two cases con-
taining 100 Plants of utility for distribution.
June 3rd. — ^From Ch. Huber, France. — Seeds of Pterocarya caucasica.
July 6th. — From the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. — 50 Plants Eucalyptus

rostrata.
July 6th.— From W. G. Brumming, St. Kilda.— 30 Plants, 30 varieties

Gladioli.
August 2nd. — From the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. — 31 Plants, princi-
pally Eucalypti.
August 2nd.— From Mr. J Bailey. — 32 Imported Plants of Ilex, &c.
August 23rd. — From Mr. William Bull. — New Plant, Merchant, London;

141 packets seeds.
August 28th. — From Jean Kerschaflfett, Ghent, Belgium. — 200 Plants,

all dead from salt water.
September 28th. — From the Royal Gardens, Kew. — 511 packets of Seeds.
October 2nd.— From Ch. Huber, France. — Nine varieties Chinese

Primrose.
August 19th. — From the Royal Gardens, Kew. — 19 species Aconitum

Seeds.
November 4th. — From C. Gould, Esq. — Four Plants Aralia bidwilli ;

Cuttings of Bougaiuvillcea species.
November 23rd. — From the Royal Gardens, Kew. — 60 packets seeds.
November 23 rd. — From Mr. C. F. Cress well. — 100 named Hyacinths

(Imported.)
December 9th. — From Mr. C. Hollinsdale. — 28 varieties of Bulbs.
December 24th. — From Mons. Verschaffett. — 160 varieties Dutch Bulbs.
December 27th. — From D. Manning, Sydney. — Seeding Norfolk Island

Pine.
December 28th. — From the Chamber of Agriculture, Smithsonian

Institute. — 36 packets Vegetable Seeds.

8S

PLANTS AND SEEDS SENT FROM THE ROYAL SOCIETY'S
GARDENS DURING THE YEAR 1872,

Principally to Foreign Parts.

March 1st.— To tlie Botanic Gardens, Adelaide. — 2 cases containing G6
Plants.

March 5th.— To Mr. McGinn, Botanic Gardens, Cape Town. — 25 jmckets
Seeds.

March 5th,— To Mr. Wilson, St. George's Park, Port Elizabeth, South
Africa. — 25 packets of Seeds.

March 25th. — To the Royal Gardens, Kew.— 60 packets of Seeds.

May 31st.— To Mons. J. Verschaffett, Ghent, Belgium.— G Tr-ee Ferns,
6 and 8 feet.

June 18th. — To the Royal Gardens, Kew. — 100 packets of Seeds.

July 24th.— To the Melbourne Botanic Gardens.— 30 packets of Seeds.

July 24th. — To Mr. G. Brunning, Nurseryman, St. Kilda, near Mel-
bourne.— 32 Plants, 50 packets of Seeds.

October 2nd.— To D. Manning, Sydney.— 24 Plants.

December 2nd. — Per "Ethel," to Mons. Jean VerschafFet, Ghent,,
Belgium. — 3 Tree Ferns, each about 12 feet in length.

PLANTS SUPPLIED FOR THE DECORATION OF PUBLIC
PLACES, DURING 1872.

May 7th.— H.M. Gaol, Campbell-street.— 68 Plants.

May 22nd. — The Longford Church Grounds. — 70 Plants.

May 22nd. — The High School Grounds, Hobart Town. — 64 Plants.

May 22nd. — Campbell Town Church Grounds. — 83 Plants.

May 22nd. — Jew's Synagogue, Hobart Town. — 64 Plants.

May 30th. — Church of England Grounds, Broadmarsh.— ^84 Plants..

May 31st. — Church of England Grounds, Avoca. — 55 Plants.

June 6th. — The Public Offices, Launceston. — 21 Plants.

June 10th.— Public School, Bagdad.— 60 Plants.

July 6th. — Hobart Town City Council for Castray Esplanade. — 17 Elms.

July 16th.— For Town Hall Grounds.— 100 Plants.

July 30th.— The Cemetery Grounds, New Town.— 286 Plants.

F. ABBOTT, JuN.

89

LIST OF PLANTS INTRODUCED INTO THE ROYAL
SOCIETY'S GARDENS DURING 1872.

Acer Tataricum
Alnus macrophylla
Amaranthus atropurpureui
Amelanchier montana
Ampelopsis japonica
Anona cherimolia de loia
Antigonon leptopus
Arabis aremosa
Arbutus andracbne
Betula lutea
Bontelona curtipendula
Brabia egregia
Calodendron capense
Campanula altiidiifolia

,, medium roseum

Carica gracilis
Centaurea candidissima
Ceroxylon niveum
Cliamoerops stauracantba

,, tomentosa

Chamcedorea Ernest Augusti
Cbrysopbyllum carinito
Cinnamomeum cericeum
Citrus limoton
Clivia miniata
Cocos australis

,, flexuosa

,, wallisi

,, yurumaguas
Coreopsis aristosa
Cotoneaster acuminata

„ boxlearia

„ granatensis

,, rotundifolia

,, vulgaris

Cratcegus fructo lutea

,, oxycantha flava

,, ,, lutescens

Cupressus Lawsoniana argenta
erecta
gracilis
Cyclobothria pendula
Cjrperus cylindrostachys
Datura gigantea
Delphinium nudicaule

, , regninii

Deutzia creuulata variegata
Ebenus criticus
Echeveria secunda
Erigeron glabellum
Eschsclxoltzia rosea
Eucalyptus alpina

„ bebryana

,, corymbosa

Eucalyptus colossea

,, elliptica

,, eugenoides

„ gonyocalyx

„ gunni

,, hemipbleia

„ lencoxylon

„ madrorhyncha

„ megacarpa

„ nutans

„ pilularis

„ poly anthem

,, punctata

,, resinifera

,, siderophleia

„ stricta

Fagus nigra
GaiUardia admiration

,, loisellii

Galasine azurea
Genista radiata
Glaziova insignis
Hsemanthus insignis
Hedera canariensis maculata

,, helix marmorata
Hyacinthus candicana
Iberis linifolia
Ilex hodginsi

„ laurifolia

,, myrtifolia

,, scottica

,, shepherdii
Jubaea torallis
Juglans granatensis
KyUingia triceps
Lachenalia rosea

,, superba

Lantana sellowii
Lecythis ollaria
Lilium thompsonianum

,, thunbergianum
Livistonia rotundifolia
Lupinus mutabilis

,, subcarnosuB

,, venustus

Lychnis lagascoi
Lycium arnosum

,, chinense
Macliirerium firmum
Mahortica speciosa
Martinezia lindeniana
Mathiola tricuspidata
Morenia lindeni
Myosotis dissitiflora

90

Narcissus monophyllus

Neriiie corusca

Nigella hispanica atropurpurea

()rl)igiia dubia

Oxalis andrieuxii

,, articulata

,, I )i punctata

,, deppei

,, filifolia

,, flava

,, grandiflora

,, ,, alba

rosea

,, lactiflora

, , lasiopctala

,, monophylla

,, multitiora

,, obtusa

,, pentaphylla

,, rosacea

,, rubella

,, rutilans

,, tetraphylla
Pectis angustifolia
Persia f rigida
Pho3nix tenuis
Pinus tongiana
Piper fucudosuro
Pittosporum ralphii
Platystemon californicum
Plumbago rosea
Populus angulata

, , betulfef olia

,, grseca

,, macropliylla

Prunus candicans

,, orientalis

,, padus

,, semperflorens
Pterocarya caucasica
Pyrus aurantiaca

,, baccata macrocarpa

,, communis nivalis

,, hyemalis

, , pinnatifida
Quercus serrata
Ilhapis flabelliformis variegata
Rhopala granatensis
Kosa arvensis andersoni

,, barkeri

,, cinamonica

, , hailstoni

,, lucida

,, microphylla

, , moUissima

,, rubiginosa latifolia

,, ,, major

,, spinosissima

llosa spinosissima astifloriv

,, ,, pusila

,, ,, rubra

,, ,, variegata

,, ,, vulgaris

Sabal princeps
Salix alba

, , americana pendula

,, conifera

,, lambertiana

,, napoleana

,, rosmarinifolia

,, russelliana
Salvia camphorata

,, pischeri

,, russelliana
Sedum maximoniczii
Senecio centropappus
Spircea chamsedrifolia

,, cratasgifolia

,, grandiflora

,, indica

,, nutans rhamnifolia

„ salicifolia paniculata

,, tomentosa

,, vacciniEefolio
Spondias pleiogyne
Swainsonia splendena
Syringa emodi

,, vallettiana

,, virginalis
Theoplirasta imperialis
Thermopsis fabacea
Thuja orientalis sieboldtii

,, ,, elegantissima

Tilia grandiflora

,, pubescens
Triconema rosea
Tripsacum monastachym
Vitis hypoglanca
Weigela lavallii
Zea Cuzco

ROSES.

Abb^ Girandiere

Alphonse Fontaine

Berthe Baron

Christine Neilson

Climbing Victor Verdier

Grand Duchesse Marie

General de la Martiniere

Louis Van Houtte

Madame Alice Dereau

Madame Decour

,, Eugenie Verdier

,, Hippolyte Jamin

91

Madame Tauffle DOUBLE GERANIUM.

William Paul
Marquis de Castellane

PaulNeron Andrew Henderson

Princess Christian Camellice flora

Consul

Crown Prince
FUCHSIAS. Memmon

Pink Perfection

Victor Lemoin
Angelena Braemt Ville de Nancy

Angelic

A X70 1 O Tl p fl p

Blanchette ZONAL GERANIUM.

Catherine Parr

Gazelle

Herald Dr. Meuret

Inimitable Lavinia

JoUy

Lady Dumbello

Lustre Hyacinths, 100 named varieties

Model Tulips, 30 named varieties

Purple Prince Crocus, 12 named varieties

Tower of London Gladiolus, 30 named varieciea

Vainquer de Puebla

Warrior Queen

White Eagle F. Abbott, Jrx.

PRINTED AT THE '^ MERCURY " STEAM PRESS OFFICE.

METEOROLOGY.

MARCH, 1872.
Private Observatory, Hobakt Town.

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29-915 29-899 69 57

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29-940 29-909 7160

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53-6

99 -15^49 -Gsb

rotal Force

32-70

30 018

;

rt.2

Ho,

H

Barometer mean, 30 •OlSin., being 1 -163in. above the average.

Temperature mean, 6368°, being 392' above the ditto.

Solar intensity mean, 9915°, being 1004° below the ditto.

Dew point mean, 53 08°, being 3 86° above the ditto.

Humidity of air mean, -71. being the same per cent.

Elastic force of vapor mean, '418, being 052 per cent, above the ditto.

Total amount of rain, 2-27in.. being 0-60iii. above the ditto.

Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rainfall, 58in.

Mean amount of ozone. 7 32, being 0 31 of chromatic scale above the ditto.

Electricity comparatively feeble through the month.

Thunder, lightning, and rain on the 13th.

leafing, Floxoering, and Fruiting of a few Standard Plaiits in the Royal Society's Gardens,.

during the month.
15th.— Coe's Golden Drop Plum ripe.
20th. — Seckle Pear commencing to ripen.
21st.— Tips of Elm turning yellow.
25th. — Leaves of Horse Chestnut turning brown.
28th. — Ash leaves commencing to fall.
SOth.— Oak ditto ditto. FRANCIS ABBOTT.

NOTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF

THE HOBAUT T(nVN 11E(HSTRATI0N DISTRICT DURINli

THE MONTH OF MARCH, 1872.

By E. SvvAREiiEOK Hall.

The most marked phenomena in the weather this month were the high
but tolerably steady atniosplieric pressure ; the warm mean, but very
variable dady-raiige, of temperature ; great elastic force of vapour ; heavy
rain-fall ; small aerial movement ; cloudy skies ; i^ure air ; and unusually
defective electricity indications. The death rate total was above the average,
but priucii)ally in children under one year old, and persons above 60 years
old.

Atmospheric pressure mean, 30 '018, was -f'Hl above the 30 years' mean for
March. I\Iininuim, 29"574, was registered on the 27th ; maximum, 30319,
on the 30th, being a range in three days of 745 of an inch. Within this
period 10 deaths occurred, while in twice that number of days previously
there were only 3 deaths. The gi-eatest movement of the barometer in any
24 hours, from 1 p.m. to 1 p.m., was a rise of + '386 of an inch on the 29th.
On eight other days there were movements exceeding one-fifth of an inch.

W i lid -force, '62 '7 a Ihs., WAS —21*89 below the average. Gentle sea-breezes
from the south-cast preponderated both in frequency and force. The wind
from any quarter only attained the force of 2 '(JO lbs. pressure to the square
foot, twice, on the 25th and 27th, one a south the other a south-east wind.
Ca/??i.s were 24, being — 4 '22 below the average. Teinperatitre mean, 63 "GS
degi-ees, was -f 3"7G above the 30 years' average for March, and was as hot as
the mean for February. The maximum, 96 degrees, was noted on the 7th,
and the minimum, 40 degrees, in the night of the 11th, being a range in
five days of Sij degrees. On these fire days there were 13 deaths, but the
effects of this rapid and extensive variation in temperature, with rain
and cold winds, extended to the 13th inclusive, there being altogether within
this period of the month 22 out of the total deaths of the month. The wet bulb
thermometer mean, 57 '99 degrees, was -f 4 '04 above the average.

Daily-range of temperature mean, 23 '61 degrees, was +3 "77 above the
average. Only March, 1856, "had a higher mean, i.e., 23-80. The greatest
range in any 24 hours was registered on the 9th, being 38 degrees.

Solar-intensity m.QA\\, 99 15 degrees, was — 4 '35 below the average. There
was, however, so great an excess in the cloud mean that the sun's rays
when unintercepted were reaUy unusually hot. The maximum was 126*5
degrees on the 7th.

Terrestrial-radiation mean, 49*65 degrees, was +1*72 degrees above the
average. Of course this is usually the case with an excess of cloudy nights.
The lowest record was 35*5in the night of the 11th.

Elastic-fmxc of vapour mean, 418, was +61 above the 30 years' mean.
March, 1856, only had a higher mean, i.e., 450. The range was from maxi-
mum 598 at nooQ on the 5th, to minimum 215 at 7 a.m. on the 11th.

Humidity mean, 71, was exactly the March mean of the 30 years.

Rain fell to the aggregate amount of 2*27 inches, which is +'67 'of an
inch above the average. There were 12 days on which rainf ell, being +3
above the average. On the 8th, 13th, 16th, 24th, 26th, enough feU to flush
di-ains, sewers, &c.

Spontaneous evaporation exceeded rain-fall very slightly, being only 2*85
inches. This is a very small amount of evaporation for March, but of course
IQ this mouth the small wind-force and the excess of cloudy weather account
for it.

Cloud mean, 6*16, was + '74 above the average.

Ozone mean, 7*32, was +*21 above the average. Saturation,, 10 was
recorded five times. The prevalence of sea-breezes and the gi-eat rain-faU
maintained high aerial purity.

Electricity was in a very unusual state this month. There were only 5
positives with tension from 4 to 5*5; negatives were 36, with tension only
f roni 1 to 4. There were 21 nils. Thunder and lightning occurred with rain
in the afternoon of the 13th.

The deaths were 58, being +3"/i6 above the average for March of the
previous 15 years. 1858 and 1864 alone exceeded the present month, having

111.

respectively GQ and 73 deaths each. The smallest number in any month
was 42 in 1869. Under one year old there were 16 deaths, several only a few
hours or days old ; from 1 to 2 there were 3 ; from 2 to 3 the deaths were
two ; from 3 to 4 one ; from 4 to 5 none ; from 5 to 10 one ; from 10 to 15
none ; from 15 to 20 two ; from 20 to GO there were 13 ; at GO and all ages
above, the oldest being 92, there were 20. In the Zymotic class of diseases
there were 14 deaths ; of these 11 were from bowel complaints^ nearly all
young infants. One, a girl of 18, registered Coinmon Continued Fever, but
with suspicion that sunstroke was the exciting cause. A young wife, aged
22, died from Typlioid Fever, and her only child, aged 11 months, died the
day after, registered Diarrhoea, most probably typhoid also. In the pre-
vious month a woman, aged 21, died close to the above, registered Enteritis,
but very likelj' the result of the typhoid poison. Intelligent neighbours report
six cases with three deaths from this c;iuse in a group of houses in Warwick-
street, between Argyle and Campbell-streets. The drainage there is very
bad, and at the back and on one side of these houses the soil in two paddocks
is a swamj) from sewage. From time to time deaths occur from this
preventible disease in Hobarton, warning us to put our sewage in order, ere
this disease becomes the terrible scourge that it is in the home country. If
not thoroughly disinfected, the dijecta from typhoid patients become carriers
of the disease to others in various ways of the most repulsive nature. The
14th death in the zymotic class was from Thrush in an infant. In the 2nd, or
Constitutional class of disease, there were 12 deaths, 6 of them from
Consumption. Two of these were natives of Tasmania, 2 Irish, one being a
visitor from Victoria, 1 English, 1 a sailor, a native of the South Sea Island
of Tanna. Diseases in the 3rd class. Local Diseases, need not all be com-
mented on, but those of the Brain and Nervous System caused 10 deaths ;
the Heartand Organs of Circulation 3 ; the Lungs and Organs of Respiration
3 ; Organs of Digestion only 1 ; Urinary Organs 3. Of the remaining classes
it will suffice to state that Old Age caused 7 deaths ; Atrophy and Debility 3 ;
Premature Births, &c., 2 ; Accident only 1. No Inquests were held this
month. In the Hospital there were 8 deaths, five of them belonging to
other " Registration Districts." At the Brickfields Male Asylum for
Invalids there were 3 deaths, faged respectively 64, 66, 71. At the Cascades
Invalid Asylum two men, aged 61 and 65, and one woman, aged 68, died.

APRIL, 1872.
Private Observatory, Hobart Town.

Bar. 37 feet

i

85

S

abv. sealevel

Self-Registering

Wind.

a

,2 2

(u a

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corrected &

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cq'

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29-940 66

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44

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6

29-580

29-547 70 52

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29-832,67 49

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29-704 68 49

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29-929

29-829 70 49

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30 065 67,40

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30-192

29-976 65:45

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30-135

30 010 74 1 44

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41-0' SW E SE

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30-182

30 135 72 '50

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1-30

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30 194

30-157170145

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30-174

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29-918

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49

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29-945

29-776

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29-818

29-752

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30-075

30-029

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53

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27

30-198

30-179

70

44

97-0

40-5

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0-

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30-242

30-224

67

45

81-0

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0-

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30-2.'-.5

30-085

70

41

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Monthly mean
29-981

56-42

90-07

42-78

Tota force

53 07

2-oi;

H-

Barometer mean, 29-9Slin., being 0090in above the average.
Temperature mean, 56 42', being 1-39' above the average.
«olar intensity mean, 9007,° being 0074 below the average.
I»ew point mean, 482,° being 1-09' above the average.
Humidity of air mean, 75, being 01 per cent, below the do.
Elastic force of vapour mean, -338, being 013 per cent, below the ditto.
Total amount of rain, 2-Olin , being 0-23in. above the ditto.
Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rainfall, 0-24in.
Mean amount of ozone, 741, being 042 of chromatic scale above ditto.
A feeble amount of electricity all through the month. Thunder on the 4th.
fall of snow on Mount Wellington on the 21st. Aurora on the 29th.

Large

LeaJing,Floivering, and Fruiting of a few standard plants in the Royal Societi/s Gardens
during the month.
18th. Goes late red plum commencing to ripen.
14th. Cliinese Chrysanthemums commencing to flower.
16th. Elm leaves commencing to fall.
26th. Black Ash ditto ditto.
26th. Black Mulberry ditto ditto.
30th. Seeds of Hornbeam ripe.

FR4NCIS ABBOTT;

V.

NOTES OX THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF

THE HOBART TOWN REGISTRATION DISTRICT DURING

THE MONTH OF APRIL, 1872.

By Dr. E. Swarbreck Hall.

Tlie only meteorological phenomena of this month adverse to health
■were excessively high daily-range of temperature and high eU'stic-force of
vapour. On the other hand, wind-force, tem^Derature, rainfall, serial purity,
were all propitious to health and life, and consequently the deaths in the
month were one-sixth less than the average of the previous 15 years' Aprils.
Atmospheric-pressure mean, 29"981, was only -f '069 above the 30 years
average for April. The maximum was 30 "302 on the 12th, the minimum
29*547 on the 6th, the extreme range of the barometer being therefore only
'755 of an inch- The greatest movement in any 24 hours was a fall of — '395
of an inch on the 13th. On eight other days the movements exceeded one-
fifth of an inch.

Wind-force total, 53 "07 lbs., was, -1-6 '13 lbs., above the April average.
From the four healthiest points of the compass, S.E., S., S.W., W., the
winds, both in frequency and force, greatly predominated over the other
less favourable points. The strongest winds had a pressure of 5 '21 lbs. to
the square foot, and were recorded three times. Calms were registered at
32 out of the 90 observations, being +2 above the average.

Temperature-mean, 56 '42", was -M'09 above the average, ^he maxi-
Jnum was 76 on the 19th, the minimum 38 on the 12th. The tvet-bulb
Thermometer had the mean of 51 '91°, being -fO'82 above the average.

Daily-range of temperature, 21-83°, was -f-4'47 above the average. In
only two years out of the 30, in 1857 and 1858, was the daily-range higher.
Its effects were scarcely appreciable on deaths from diseases of the organs
of circulation and respiration, but the deaths from apoplexy and paralysis
were unusually numerous. The gi-eatest range on any day was 34 degrees
on the 12th ; the high day maximum of that day being 72 degrees, and
the low night minimum 38 degrees.

Solar-intensity mean 90 '07 degrees, was — 1*67 below the average, the
cloudy days being above the average. The maximum was 105 degrees on the
16th. Only two Aprils in the last 18 years have had a lower maximum.

Terrestrial-radiation mean, 42 '78 degrees, was - '91 below the average.
The minimum was 33 '5 degrees in the night of the 12th.

Elastic-force of vapour mean, 338, was x 9 above the average. The range
was from 226 on the 12th tq 485 on the 24th.
Humidity mean, 75, was — 1 below the average.

Rain- fall was 2 '01 inches, being x '24 of an inch above the average.
It fell on 9 days, being — I '70 less than the average. On two days, how-
ever, the rain was very heavy, i.e., half an inch on the 13th and nearly
three-quarters of an inch on the 20th, and nearly one-quarter of an inch on
each of the two following days, so that as far as rain-fall can cleanse our
drains, sewers, and city rivulet, they had this desirable advantage. Snmo
fell abundantly on Mount "Wellington on the 21st and 22nd, but was not
visible during the rest of the month.
Spontaneous evaporation amounted to 226 inches.
Cloud mean, 6 '59, was x '85 above the average.

Ozone had the mean of 7 "41, which is x '35 above the average. Only
twice before in the previous 15 years has there been more ozone in April.
Satui-ation (10) was recorded 7 times.

Electricity. — There were 15 "jjositive" records with tension 2 to 5. The
*' negatives'" were 26, with tension from 1 to 4. " Nils " were registered 16
times out of the 60 obsei-vations.

T/twn(Ze?' was heard on the evening of the 4th. An Aurora was seen on
the evening of the 29th.

The Deatlis were 35 in number, being — 6'7,5 less than the average of
the previous 15 years. Under one year old there were 6 deaths ; from 1 to
5 there was only 1 ; from 5 to 10 also 1 ; from 10 to 15 there were 2 ; from
15 to 20 none ; from 20 to 60 there were 14 ; at 60 and all ages above there
were 11 ; the oldest being 79 years old. In the Zymotic class of diseases,
^here were 4 deaths, all from Diarrhoea. One of these, a child aged 7 months,

died in the group of houses where the deaths from typhoiil fever occurred,
referre<l to last month. Altogetlier the deaths in this group of houses during
the three months (t.'stimating the i)opulatiun at loO persons) has been about
six times more than the average for the whole city. In the Constitutional
cla^ss of dise;v«es tliere were 8 deaths. Cancer 3 ; Tabes Mesenterica 1 ;
Consumption 4. Of the latter, two boys, aged 11 and 13 respectively, were
natives of Tasmania. In the Local class of diseases — The 1st order, the
Brain avd Nervous Si/atem, had 7 deaths ; 6 of them from Apoplexy, 1 from
Paralmis. In the 2nd order, the Heart and Organs of Circulation, there
was only one death. In the 3rd order, the Lungs and Organs of Respiration,
there were 3 deaths. In the 4th order. Stomach and Organs of Digestion,
there were 3 deaths. From old age there were 6 deaths, which \vith a chUd
5 weeks old from malformation, and one from suffocation (overlaid), and
another /o««</ drowned, makes up the total deaths for April. There were
3 Inquests. In the Hospital there were only 4 deaths ; two of thf^m from
other Registration-Districts. At the Cascades Invalid Asylum two men died,
agetl 69 and 77. and two women, aged 62 and 69. At the Brickfields Male
Invalid Asylum 5 died, aged 49, oO, 57, 67, 75. One of these, however, had
been removed from the public Hospital only five days before, and should
therefore have beeu a Hospital death. In March, too, one of the deaths at
the Brickfields was a man nearly moribund sent there instead of to the
Hospital He died a few days after admission. This practice was condemned
long ago, and it was under stood that the dying should not be sent to an.
establishment which has not proper hospital requisites. >

MAY, 1872.
Peivate Observatory, Hobart Town.

Bar. 37 feet]

~

abv. sea level

Self-Registering

Wind.

corrected t

Thermometers.

reduced.

1

6

■3

1

1

'1

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1

2

1

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a

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1

29-638;29-59l'64

46

66-5

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0-20

2 29-822;29-803 64

37

87 0

33-0

NW SW

1-30

3 29-976:29-892,66

32

910

30-0

SW XE SW

•52

4 30154 30 072 63

34

90 0

29-5

XAV E

-78

0-02

5 30 181 '30 134 02

38

83-5

33 0

XW

-78

0 09

630-328 30-260l63

40

87-5

35 0

Is-W SW W

-52

7;30-421

30-3-26 68

34

92 0

30-5

SE NW

-26

8'30-322

30-147

62

35

85-5

30-0

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1-56

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29-922

59

45

63-0

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29-729

57

47

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29-533

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78

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68

46

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65

45

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42-0

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14,29-893

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59

46

79 0

42-0

NW XE SE

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29-431

57

44

68-0

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29-525

64

40

87-0

36-5

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1-04

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29-688

63

48

88-5

43 0

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-52

18 29-730

29-723

61

50

62-0

44-0

SE

5-72

0-45

19 29-402

29-302

.54

48

60-0

43-0

SW S

7-80

0-42

20 29-606

29-312

51

39

53-0

34-3

NW NE SW

3-38

0 19

2130-045

30-019

63

43

89 0

33-5

NW

1-30

22^30 -095 30-079

66

48

66-0

33-0

NW

3-64

012

23130-040 29-727

65

48

89 0

46-5

NW

312

0-44

24 30069 30012

67

37

81-0

31-5

NW

1-30

25 30 085 30 033

55

45

54-0

42-0

NAV N

1-30

0-01

26 29-837 29 735

70

49

910

44-5

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1-30

0-30

27,30-290 30-002

66

45

88-0

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1-30

28 30-380 30-341

50

33

80-5

29 0

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-78

0 01

29 30-377 30 '301

59

34

76 0

29-5

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104

30 30198 30-142

58

36

75 5

310

NW

-78

31:30093 30002

57

36

so-0

79-50

32-0

NW

104

Mean Monthly

5119

37-21

Total Force

2-64

29 ^C

5

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2 - 5- ^

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Barometer mean, 29"905in.. being 0-05Sin. above the average.
Temperature mean, 51 19°, being 091' above the average.
Solar intensity mean, 79 50° being 2 37' below the ditto
Dew point mean, 42 S', being 0"6S' below the ditto.
Humidity of air mean, 78, being 02 per cent, above the ditto.
Elastic force of vapour mean, -294, being 008 per cent, below the ditto.
Total amount of rain, 2-64in., being OSSin. above the ditto.
Increase of rain fall on spontaneous evaporation. l"2.5in.

Mean amount of ozone, 7 05, being 0 25 of chromatic scale above ditto. , „, .

Electricitv active on the 4th, 6th, 7th, Sth, 13th, 14th, 21st, 24th, 26th, •2rth and 31st.
Mount Wellington covered with snow on the 20th, with a fresh additional faU on
the 21st.
Auroras on the 27th and 2Sth.

Leafing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a few Standard Plants in the Boyal Socuty's Gardent
during the month.
21st — CoroniUa glanca commencing to flower.
2.5th— Photinea serrulata ditto
27th — Diosma alba ditto.
30th — Spiroja prunifloia ditto.
Slst-Ailanthus leaves all shed. FRANCIS ABBOTT.

vni.

is^OTES ON THE METEOROLOGY AND MORTALITY OF

THE HOBART TOWN REGISTRATION DISTRICT DURING

THE MONTH OF MAY, 1872.

By E. Swarbreck Hall.

The total deaths this month exceeded that of any IMay in the previous
15 years. Great fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, and very great <laily
variations of temi)erature, seem to have been the i^rincipal agents in causing
the high death rate in previously diseased and debilitated persons. Deaths
from zymotic and acute inflammatory alfectious were very small, and of
youDg persons below 20 years ohl the deaths were at a minimum.

Atmospheric pressure mean, 21)'905, only exceeded the 30 years' average for
May by +'094 of an inch. The maximum, 30 '421, occurred on the 7th;
the minimum, 29"302, on the 17th, being an extreme range in the month of
1*119 inches. But the daily fluctuations were very great, the highest recorded
being a rise of x '505 on the 21st, and on 13 other days there were movements
of the barometer above one-fiftli of an inch. In all respects atmospheric
jjressure differed much from what it was in May, 1871.

Wind force.— loial 45'241bs., was + 12*25 above the average, and nearly
three times as much as IMay, 1871, had. Out of the 93 observations 60 were
from the Nortk-ivcst, with nearly one-half of the total force. Soath-toest came
next, both in frequency and force, being 12 of the former, 10*661bs. of
the latter. The strongest winds hatl only 2'60Ibs. pressure to the square foot,
and were registered 7 times. Calms were registered at 20 of the observations,
being 22*80 below the May average. Constant moderate winds prevailing
principally from the quarter least favourable to health was therefore the
wind character of the month.

Temperature mean 51.19 degrees was only +0*57 above the 30 years'
average, and — 1*29 less than in May, 1871. The maximum high-day tempe-
rature by the self-registering thermometer was 70 degrees on the 2Gth, and
the mean of all the maxima was 62*06. The minimum of the low-night
temperature was 32 degrees (freezing point) in the night of the 3i-d. The mean,
of all the minima was 41*77 degrees. The Wet-Bulb Thermometer mean of
the self-registering thermometers was 46*77 degrees.

Daily Range of Temperature had the mean of 20*29 degrees, being -f4'94
above the 30 years' average. Only May, 1857, exceeded this, being 22*40.
May, 1871, had only 16*32. The greatest range in any 24 hours was 34 degrees
registered both on the 3rd and 7th.

Solar Liiensiiy mean was 79*50 degrees, being 2*66 less than the average.
The maximum was 93 degrees on the 5th and 13th.

Terrestrial Radiation mean 37*21 degrees, was — 2*77 below the average.

The minimum was 29 degrees in the night of the 28th. In 6 other nights
it was below freezing point. In May, 1871, this thermometer never fell below
freezing point, the minimum being 43 degi*ees.

Elastic force of vapour mean 294, was — 10 below the average.

Humidity mean 78, was —2 below the average, notwithstanding the excess
in rain-fall.

Rain-fall total was 2.64 inches, being -f '87 above the average. It was
recorded on 15 days, which is -f 2*25 above the average. Snoio appeared on
;Mount AVellington on the 19th, and never disappeared during the rest of the
month, but received some additions.

Spontaneous Evaporation amounted to 1*39 inches only.

Cloud mean, 6*58, was + 1*08 above the average.

Ozone mean, 7*05, was + 20 more than the average. Saturation (10) was
recorded 8 times out of the 26 observations.

Electricity. There were 15 positive with tension from 3 to 6 ; negatives 31
T^dth tenrsion from 1 to 4, and 16 nils. No lightninr/ seen or thunder heard.
Aurora- Australia visible on the nights of the 28th and 29th.

The Deaths were 51 in number, being -\- 11 1-15 above the May average of
the previous 15 years, one more than May, 1857, had, and 18 more than in May,
1871. The third week had the most deaths, 16 ; the first week the fewest, 6 ;
the second and fourth weeks each 13 ; the last 3 days 3 ; on 3 days there were
no deaths} on the IGth, 17th, 25th, there were four deaths each day. The

five days 15th to 19th inclusive had the greatest number (15) of consecutive
deaths. Under one year old there were only 4 deaths, two of them accidentally
suffocated in bed with their mothers, and respectively aged G weeks and two
months ; another only 14 days old died of "convulsions and general debility."
The fourth, 5 weeks old, is supposed to have died from " some disease of the
bowels." Between 1 and 5 years old, there was one death; none in the
next quinquenium ; one between 10 and 15 ; two between 15 and 20.
Altogether there was only one more death this month under 20 years old than
in May last year. At 20 to GO years old there were 28 deaths, being an un-
usually large proportion of the total deaths, 1871 having only had 10 deaths.
At 60 and all ages above, the oldest being 87, there were 15 deaths, being one
less than May, 1871, had. In the Zymotic class of diseases there was one
death, a man aged 40, registered "Dysentery." In the Constitutional class
there were altogether 10 deaths, 6 of them from Consumption, of whom 3
were born in Tasmania. In one of these, however, I have reason to doubt
the accuracy of the Diagnosis. One of the others was a gentleman lately
from England, the other 2 born in Ireland. In the Local class of diseases,
always the most numerous, the total deaths were 27 : of these 11 were
of i'he Brain, &c., mostly sudden deaths, from apoplexy and paralysis ; 6
were from diseases of the Heart; &C., only 4 from Lung, &c., affections ; 4
from organs of Digestion &c, ; 2 from Kidneys, &e. In the Developmental
class there were 6 deaths, two of young women a fe'rt' days after childbirth;
4 only fx'om old age. In the Violent and Accidental class, there were 7
deaths. In Hospital there died 9, two of them received from other Regis-
tration Districts, other 2 sailors. There were 7 Inquests, inclusive of 4 of
the deaths in Hospital. At the Brickfields Invalid Asylum for men, there
died 3, aged 48, 58, 74. At the Cascades Invalid Asylum for both sexes,
there died 2 uoen aged 40 and 76, two women aged 55 and 61,

JUNE, 1872.
Private Observatory, Hobart Town.

Bar. 37 feet.

N

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Mean Monthly

48.36

Total Force

35-91

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29-712

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Barometer mean, 29-712in.. being 0-179In. below the average.
Temperature mean, 48-36°, being 127° above the average.
Solar intensity mean, 73-70° being 1-79° below the ditto
Dew point mean, 41-7°, being 0 01° below the ditto.
Humidity of air mean, 81, being -02 per cent, above the ditto.
Elastic force of vapour mean, 274, being 005 per cent, below the ditto.
Total amount of rain, 6-33ln., being 4-53in. above the ditto.
Increase of rain fall on spontaneous evaporation, 2'98in. ditto.
Mean amount of ozone, 689, being 028 of chromatic scale above ditto.
A very feeble amount of atmospheric electricity all through the month
records there were 53 nils.
Aurora on the 10th and 27th.

Snow never absent from Mount AVellington with frequent fresh deposits.
Lightning on the 30th.

out of 90

Leafing, Flowerhig, andFndtingofafeio Standard Plants in the RoyalSocicty's Gardens
during the month.
18th -Osage Orange leaves commencing to fall.
20th— Common Privet leaves shedding.

28th— Calycanthus prsecox in full flower. ^ . ^^^r.^

30th-Black Mulberry leaves all shed. FRANCIS ABBOTT.

Xll.

JULY, 1872.
Private Obseuvatory, Hobart Towit.

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Monthly meanUs
29-842

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77-80

5476"

Total force

24-71

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Barometer mean, 29-842in., being 0^025in. below the average

Temperature mean, 48 0°, being 1-93° above the ditto

Solar intensity mean, 77 80°, being 1-72° above the ditto.

Dew point mean, 39 6°, being 0 43° below the ditto

Humidity of air mean, -79, being 03 per cent, below the ditto.

Llagtic force of vapor mean, 263, being 005 per cent, below the ditto.

lotal amount of ram, 2 17in., being 0-07in. above the ditto

Increase of rainfall on spontaneous evaporation, 0-42in

Mean amount of ozone, 7 10. the same as 30 years standing

29th 30th! tnd 3m*''' "'* ^'^' ^^^' '^^' ^**^' ^^^^' ^^^^' ^^^^' ^^^^' 24tfa. 26th, 28th,
Aurora on the 8th and 9th.
Snow never absent from Mount Wellington with frequent fresh deposit*

Leafing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a /cm, Stuiidnrd Plants in the Royal Society's
, ... ^ „. ,. Gardens, durihg the month.

14th.— Uarrya elhptica commencing to flower
20th.— Arbutus unedo ditto ditto.

Ia*!!"^^.^'""^ 5^J** commencing to break into leaf.

30th.— Almond m full flower.

31st.— Common yellow Crocus in flower. FRANCIS ABBOTT:

AUGUST, 1872.
Private Observatory, Hob art Town.

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39-5

NW SE

•26

25

29-844

29-676 62

40

88-0

37 0

NW

104

O

O

■S

26

29-467

29-428 64

40

89-0

330

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•78

0-40

^.^

5 .

1

27

29-»30

29-766161

40

84-5

34-5

SW

7-80

0 03

t'o-Z

^i

28

30-066

30-054

61

40

87-0

35-5

NW SE

1-30

ooS

^

29

30102

30 062

64

33

90-0

26-0

NW SE

104

g^b

S'S

>«

30

30-054

29-887

61

36

78-0

28-5

NW SE NE

•52

0^23

"".2

:§!

SI

29-654

29 577

77

44

72 0

40-0

NAV

•52

a S

<«*,

a1

2^.

^1

V'P'S,

©.2

Monthly mean
29-924

149-66 1 83-53143-95

Total Force

61 16 2-88

H

si§

s|

^

Barometer mean, 29-924in., being 0-104in above the average.

Temperature mean, 4966°, being 119* above the average.

•Solar intensity mean, 83-53,° being 071 above the average.

Dew point mean, 38-60,° being 2-20° below the average.

Humidity of air mean, 72, being 07 per cent, below the do.

Elastic force of vapour mean, 252, being 017 per cent, below the ditto.

Total amount of rain, 2-88in , being llBin. above the ditto.

Increase of rainfall on spontaneous evaporation, OSSin.

Mean amount of ozone, 870, being 114 of chromatic scale above ditto.

Electricity active on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd. 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th,
17th, 21st, 22nd, 25th, 28th, and 29th.

Aurora on the 4th. Snow never absent from Mount Wellington, with frequent
fiesh deposits.

LeaJing,Flovjerlng, and Fruiting ofafero standard plants in the Royal Society's Gardens
during the month.
14th— Sambucus niger (elder) commencing to break.
18th— Gooseberries ditto
24th— Horsechestnut ditto
25th— Elm commencing to flower.
27th— Poplar commancing to break.
31st— Apricots commencing to flower. FRANCIS ABBOTT.

SEPTEMBER, 1872.
Private Obsekvatohy, Hobaut Town,

Bar. 37 feet

\

abv. sea level

Self-r^egistering

Wind.

corrected &

Thermometers.

reduced.

r- i

^

£

1

6

5

c

rt

p,

g

-S

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0

1

29709

29-663

62

55

87-0

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29730

29-644

70

50

95-5

47 0

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10-94

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29-848

29-752

69

47

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4

29-842

29705

75

49

104-0

46-0

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104

0-03

5

29-680

29-62U

71

45

96-5

43 0

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7-81

017

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30 195

29-911

67

42

81-0

36 0

sw

10-41

7

30 153

30-074

62

37

83-5

29-5

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10-41

0-01

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30 095

30-037

68

48

95-5

44-0

NW

1-56

9

30-122

30.046

80

50

106 0

47-5

NW

1-30

10

29-987

29 837

80

48

95 0

41-0

NW

2-86

0-51

11

29-684

29-651

73

53

76-0

53-5

NW

10-94

0-55

12

30 199

29-980

69

40

77-5

37 -5

NW SW

-52

001

13

30-469

30-441

66

44

92 0

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1-04

14

30-478

30-409

64

34

92-5

30-5

NW E SE

•78

]5

30 391

30-241

65

39

90-0

30-0

NWNESE

104

16

30 194

30-093

69

39

95 0

30-5

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1-30

17

30-043

29-861

71

41

97 0

33 0

NW

3-38

18

29-890

29-783

79

50

107-0

42-5

NW

78

19

29700

29-591

77

47

107-0

40-5

NE NW

10-42

20

29-815

29-695

72

46

98-5

42-5

NW

7-80

0-43

21

29-974

29-791

69

37

102 0

33-5

NW E SE

-52

0-02

22

30-145

30 106

64

43

77-0

37 0

SW SE

1-56

23

30-169

30-115

65

41

95-0

31-0

NWSE

1-30

24

30 -161

30-060

67

43

99-5

31-5

NW SE

i-04

0-07

25

30 081

•29-963

69

47

104-0

33-5

NW SE NW

1-62

26

30 187

30-048

64

46

89 0

40 0

SW SE

3-64

27

30-242

30-121

6Q

37

95-5

31-0

NWSE

-52

28

30 076

29-863

68

44

99 0

35-0

NWSE

•78

29

•29-742

29-740

52

48

59-5

44-0

SW

5-72

0-67

30

■29-811

29-779

63

38

95 0

32 0

SW SE NW

1-30

Monthly mean.

55-70

92-78

37-68

Total Force . .

118-73

2-53

29 2

87

;

5 -^^ ^ >>?,

'% =* ^ 2 2

S o > o .

£ c (u

^ M _. p

? c =3 -

-g _o ^ .2 o
H 8 =e H ti

Barometer mean, 29-287in., being 0-486in. belo-wthe average.

Temperature mean, 5570', being 458° above the ditto.

Solar intensity mean, 9278°, being 332 ditto

Dew point mean, 41 3°, being 0.94" below the ditto.

Humidity of air mean, 64, being -12 per cent, below ditto.

Elastic force of vapour mean, '280, being the same as ditto.

Total amount of rain, 2-53in., being 0-33in. above ditto.

Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rain-fall, 122 in.

Mean amount of ozone, 870, being 0 78, of chromatic scale above ditto.

Electricity active on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, Otli, 10th, 13th, 14th, 15th,
16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 2«th, and 30th, with
44 positive, and 12 negative, the remainder nil.

An aurora on the 3rd. Snow never absent from Mount Wellington, with frequent
fresh deposits.

Leafing, Floiocring, and Fruiting ofafevj Standard Plants in the RoyalSocicti/'s Gardens,
during the month.
12th— Ash commencing to break into leaf.
17th — Grape vines ditto.
19th— Oak ditto.

20th — Mountain Peony commencing to flower.
24th — Horsechestnut commencing to flower.
2Sth— Kobinia pseudo-acacia commencing to leaf. FKANCIS ABBOTT.

OCTOBER, 1872.
Private Observatory, Hobart Town.

^

•q

ti-^

^

Bar. 37 feet

5

i

abv. sea level

Self-Registering

"Wind.

s

ifi

corrected 6i

Thermometers.

2

2 =

«

reduced.

t.

1>>I

■^ g,

Ji

4

i

£ i

1 1

^

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s

c

to

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g

a

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=* 2

o

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0 °^

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29 750129-737

60

46

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2<J-672 29 626 71

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8 29 906 29-874 64 53

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9;29-932 29-912 60 50

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10 29 -840 [29 -71 9 70 46

104-0

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•78

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11:29-756 29 544 67 47

69 5

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« £^ 2

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12 29-719129-671 70 48

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104

ooi

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13;29-685;29-397 68 48

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14 29-330 29-277 64 46

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13-42

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15129-570 29-404 6143

93-0

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17 30 -002] 29 -968 67143

18 30 053,30-026 69 50

98-0
94-0

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g

111

.2 s

19l30 149i30-114 68 50

105 0

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312

£5 a

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20 30-236 30 053 79 45

111-0

43-0

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3-64

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21i29-713 29-633 86 50

1170

47-5

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6 25

0-34

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22; 29 -522 '29 -417 78 49

99-5

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23 30 -003] 29 -865 74(40

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104

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30-191i3010j

) 69146

110-0

38-0

1 NW SE

1

1-56

2-60

^ i i

" so

Monthly mear

I 58 0

£3-42

41 IC

J Total force

106-78

H 1 H

29-837

/ 3

e; s

0

Barometer mean, 29-837in., being •059in above the average.
Temperature mean, 58 0, being 371'' above the average.
Solar intensity mean, 9342', being 3-70' below the average.
Dew point mean, 46 6', being 2-04' below the average.
Humidity of air mean, -69, being -04 per cent, below the ditto.
Elastic force of air mean, -3-23, being -020 per cent, above the ditto.
Total amount of rain, 2-60in , being 0-.54in. above the ditto.
Increase of rainfall on spontaneous evaporation, OlOin.
Mean amount of ozone, 81, being 019 of chromatic scale above ditto.
Electricity active on the 5th, 15th, 16th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th,
29th, 30th, and 31st.
Thunderstorm on the 10th and •21st.
Aurora on the 15th.

LeafiPAf, Flowering, and Fruiting of a few Standard Plants in the Royal Society's

Gardens, duriv^j the m/mth.
10th.— Carpinus betulus commencing to le«f.
20th.— Ailantbus glandulosa ditto.
23rd. — Common Lime ditto.
24th. — Morus nigra ditto.

26th.— Common Elm seeds commencing to fall. ■DDr^TT

30th.— Melia azederach commencing to leaf. FRANCIS ABBOTT.

NOVEMBER, 1872.
Private Observatoky, Hojbart Town.

Bar. 37 feet

1

g

15

"o

abv. sea level

Self-Registering

Wind.

^1 H

a. 0

eS

corrected &

Thermometers.

•S

1

reduced.

1 S

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6

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c

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30-195

30-167 69

49

106 0

360

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104

0-07

¥

ill

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2 30-230

30 206 65

50

lOSO

49-5

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104

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3 30-243

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50

112-5

42-5

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130

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4 30101

30-093*85

60

1190

48 0

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29-639,79

60

112-0

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29-45l'73

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29-619'75

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118 0

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29-585 66

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12 30184

30 150 '63
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1430194

29-989:75

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109 -0

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1-56

?

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15 29-886

29-750 86

50

1250

46 0

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5-72

0-16

£

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16 30 107

30 022 'so

46

85 0

40-0

SE SW SE

312

010

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30-317

30-250 75

40

119-5

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1-56

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29-88976

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114 0

37-0

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•78

c:

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19

29-807

29-737 72

58

76 0

52 0

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•26

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20

30 027

29-997 70

52

1110

38-5

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3-64

1

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s

s

21

30-127

30 106 67

54

94-0

50-0

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1-30

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3

22

30-126 29 -935!68

54

780

48-0

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-26

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23

29-915 29.894|70

57

99-0

55-0

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-26

0-87

0

"2

24

30013

29-988167

56

78-0

54 0

SE

5-46

0-03

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^

^

25

30 066

30-055

64

53

78-0

52 0

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1-56

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0

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a

26

29-996

29-789

76

54

104 0

52 0

NE NW NE

-78

=3

^ c b

"^

_g

27

29-607

29-438

78

59

1115

55-0

NW SE

-52

0 45

a

§'^-§

0

to

28

29-428

29-41275

57

116-0

55 0

SE SW

1-30

0 02

s

^o3

0 2

i

29

29-699

29-627,70

51

110-0

47-5

NW

572

g =

g°§

!t3 S

0

30

29-943

29-922,71

49

1140

46-0

NW

3-64

n

^.ss

1^

2-=

0

Monthly mean{62-53

103-30

47-30

Total Force

62-41

2-85

'^ 2

2^ ^

0

29-93 '

>

^"2

hS=^

hI

H

Barometer mean, 29-93in., being OlSOin. below the average

Temperature mean, 62-58'', being 4 91 above the ditto.

Solar intensity mean, 103-30', being 4-61' belo-w the ditto.

Dew point mean, 52-7", being 6-21" above the ditto.

Humidity of air mean, -71, being -01 per cent, belo-w the ditto.

Elastic force of vapor mean, -399, being "073 per cent, below the ditto.

Total amount of rain, 2-S5in., being 007in. above the ditto.

Increase of rainfall on spontaneous evaporation. l-07in.

Mean amount of ozone, 8 5, being 100 on chromatic scale above ditto.

Electricity active on the 1st, 3rd, 11th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 17th. 16th, 2yth, and 30th.

Aurora on the 3rd and 17th. Heavy thunder, lightning, and rain on the 25th.

Leafing, Floicering, and Fruiting of a Jew standard plants in the Eoyal Society's Gardens
during the month.

14th.— First Strawberry gathered.
20th.— Ditto Cherry ditto.
20th.— Black Mulberry in blossom.
26th.— First ripe Raspberry gathered.
29th.~Bougainvillea spectabilis in flower.

FRANCIS ABBOTT.

III.

DECEMBER, 1872.

Private Observatory, Hobakt Town.

Bar. 37 feet

abv.sea level Self-Registering

Wind.

corrected &

Thermometers.

reduced.

oi

oi

t«

1 g i

IH

2

5

1

-%

0

2

tt.

P.^

"o

a

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bo

rs

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a

o

a

a

C
o

1^2

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a

1

1

3

1

fee

1

3

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S

1

11

o

3

1^"

In

~

o

»

°

1

29 •960129-826 67

53

104-0

49-0

NW SW W

7-80

2

30-087,30-068 65

46

107 0

40 0

NW SW SE

1-30

3'30 -172:30 099 68

47

106 0

42-5

NE SE

104

4 ,30 -099 29 -923 77

46

116-5

38 0

NW NE NW

104

5 29 -933 129-875 82

53

J 20-0

48 0

NW SE

1-30

6 29-882;29-649 89'58

1260

50-5

NW

1-30

0-01

7 29-681 29-646 84J60

116-0

60 0

NW SE

1-30

8;29-695 29-505 78,55

112-5

47-0

NW

13-54

0-05

9129-730

29-630 72

47

109-5

42-0

NW SW

6-25

0 08

10 29-997

29-834 69

47

1100

44-5

NW SE

3-64

1129-233

29-210 70

43

1080

37 0

NW SE

1-30

12 30-114

29-942 69

51

79-5

450

NW NE

104

0-05

13

29-707

29-615 83

56

123-5

52 5

SE

1-30

14

29-711

29-674 73

53

1160

49 0

NW SE

1-04

0-03

15

30-459

29-343 74

57

114 0

55-0

NW SE

-78

16

29-545 29-464 73|53

114-0

45-0

NAV SE

1-30

1-0

17

29-389 29-018 70 47

91-0

44-0

NW

1-04

0-28

18 29-235i21 -173 69148

114 0

44-5

NW

1-56

0-31

19129-428 29-376 68 48

114-0

45-0

NW

3-64

0-20

20 29-557 29-532 72'52

1180

44-5

NW SE

1-04

0-02

21

29-593:29-590 68:50

86-5

45-0

SE

1-56

0-12

22

29-865;29-749 67 49

106-0

46 0

SW SE

1-04

23

29-70l'29-639|64 49

107-0

42-0

NW SE

1-56

0-12

24

29-580 29-549 70 49

1140

48 0

NW

1-56

0 02

25 29 -401 29-3621 71 1 54

105-0

51-0

NW

5-72

0 08

26 29-702;29-585l68l47

107-0

45-5

NW

20-84

0 01

27

29-707129-664 75 51

81-5

46-0

NW

7-80

28
29

29-8-24!29-59l|73 50
29 -531 1 29 -504: 72 50

105-0
108-0

42-5
48-0

NE NW

NW

2-86
5-40

30

29-867 29-829,7149
29-918 29-82582 50

115-0

40-5

NW NE

1-30

31

120-0

45-0

NW SE

1-50

Mi

jnthly

mean!

64

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108 -90'

45-90l

Total Force 1

03-80

2-35

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29-807

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Barometer mean, 29-807in., being onsoin. above the average.
Temperature mean, 64 0', being 2 81' above the aver.-vge.
Solar intensity mean, 108 90°, being 4 ■12" above the ditto.
Dew point mean, 49-4°, being 0 49" above the ditto.
Humidity of air mean, -60, being 07 per cent, below the ditto.
Elastic force of vapour mean, -357, being 004 percent, below the ditto.
Total amount of rain, 2-35in., being 0-54in. above the ditto.
Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rainfall.
Mean amount of ozone, 7-7, being -04 of chromatic scale below ditto.
Electricity active on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 21st, 24th, 25th, 26th. 27th,
29th, 30th, and 31st.
Thunder and lightning on the 5th and 15th, heaw.

Leafing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a feio Standard Plants in the RoyalSociety't Gardans
during the month.
10th.— First bunch of Red Currants ripe.
12th.— Common Privet commencing to flower.
16th.— First bunch Black Currants ripe.
20th.— Melia Azederach commencing to flower.
24th.— Doyenne d'Ete Pear ripe.
28th.— Juneating Apple ripe. TRJINCIS ABBOTT.

xl.

JANUARY, 1873.
Pkivate Observatory, Hobart Town.

-

IJar. 37 feet

;il>v. sea level

Self-Registering

Wind.

corrected i:

Thermometers.

reduced.

c

1

1

1

S 2

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bo

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In.

In.

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1

29-614

29-504

73

53

110-0

48-0

NW w

11-20

0-07

2

29 834

29-777

(i9

4S

97-5

42-5

NWSE

3 64

3

29-959

29-876

74

49

112-0

45-0

W NW SE

3-64

4

30 092

30 033

77

46

1140

40-0

NW SE

1-04

5

30-051

29-803

78

51

114-5

49 0

NE SE

■78

0-07

c

29-937

29-802

75

57

103.5

57-0

BESSE

1-30

7

30-291

30-184

70

48

93-0

44 0

SVV SE

3-64

8

30-216

30.194

65

47

101-0

44 0

SE

1-04

9

30 199

30 173

66

51

1100

48 0

SE

1-56

10

30-178

30 127

70

45

112-0

47-0

KESE

-78

11

30 174

30150

70

51

89-5

46-5

SE

-62

12

30-026

29-860

66

52

76-0

50 0

SWSE

-78

13

29-876

29-766

62

49

105 0

49-0

SSE

3-64

0-10

14

30-092

30-019

76

43

110-5

38-0

NW E NW

1-56

15

30-037

29-916

77

44

1160

39 0

SE

-78

16

30-097

29-998

72

55

107-0

49-5

SE

104

17

30-312

30-214

80

46

117.0

42-0

NW SE

1-04

18

30 151

30-056

86

50

122-5

45-5

NWSE

3-38

19

29-933

29-879

85

53

113-0

48-0

NWSE

1-56

20

29-757

29-620

87

54

124-0

49 0

NWSE

1-30

0-32

21

29-530

29-509

78

55

105-0

55 0

SWSE

-78

0-97

22

29-892

29-826

71

57

115-0

49-5

SE

1-30

23

30-031

30-009

78

50

118-0

46-0

NW SE

1-04

24

29-961

23-914

7&

52

118.0

49-0

NW SE

1-04

25

30-348

30-274

70

54

104-0

50 0

SE

1-56

26

30-392

30-344

7-2

48

110-5

44-0

NWSE

1-30

27

30 344

30-231

74

56

110-5

55 0

NW E SE

-78

28

30 168

29-970

S3

52

124 0

49 0

NW SE

1-30

29

29-962

29-773

82

60

112-0

52 0

NW E SE

-52

30

29-677

29-5:3

85

59

119-0

60 0

NW

1-56

016

31

29-955

29-832

SO

48

1110

45 0

NW SE SW

5-72

0-01

Monthly mean

d4 55

109-4

47-6

Total Force . . .

61-38 1-70

29-992.

'

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Barometer mean, 29-992in., being 0-248in. above the average.

Temperature mean, 6455°, being 1 86° above the ditto.

Solar intensity mean, 1094°, being 138 above the ditto

Dew point mean, 51-2°, being 0.79° above theditto.

Humidity of air mean, -64, being "03 per cent, belo-w ditto.

Elastic force of vapour mean, -391, being -018 per cent, above the ditto.

Total amount of rain, l-70in., being 0-23in. below the ditto.

Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rain-fall, 2 66 in.

Mean amount of ozone, 77, being 077, of chromatic scale above ditto.

Electricity active on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 20th,

"^Thunder and lightning on the 5th, and ditto with rain on .the 21st; aurora on th«
20th.

Leafing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a few Standard Plants in the Royal Society's
Gardens, during the month.

10th— First ripe apricot gathered (Royal).
14th— Veronica AngustifoUa in full flower
,, —Jargonelle pear gathered.
16th— Grevillearobusta in full flower.
20th -Mulberries eoramencing to ripen.

yKANCIS jLBBOTT.

Vi

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AMNH LIBRARY

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100125047

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