Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute/Volume 2

TRANSACTIONS

AND

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE,

1869.

VOL. II.

EDITED AND PUBLISHED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE INSTITUTE,

BY

JAMES HECTOR, M.D., F.R.S.

Issued April, 1870.

WELLINGTON:
JAMES HUGHES, PRINTER, LAMBTON QUAY

TRUBNER & CO., 60, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON.

PREFACE.

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The first volume of the "Transactions" contained several Communications and Essays that had accumulated from previous years, and it was therefore anticipated in the Preface that the succeeding volumes would not equal it in size. The present issue, however, has not fallen off in this respect, as it contains almost an equal number of pages, which are of larger size; while the number of original Articles has increased from twenty-three to sixty-three, contributed by thirty-two different authors.

The arrangement of the work has been improved by dividing it into Sections, according to the subjects treated of.

Part I. contains the original communications of the various Societies, during the Session of 1869, which have been selected for publication by the Councils of the Societies, and approved by the Board of Governors of the Institute.

These Articles have been classified, for convenience of reference, under the following Sections: I. Natural History,—II. Botany,—III. Chemistry,—IV. Geology,—V. Miscellaneous.

There are three exceptions to this arrangement, owing to the papers not having been received in time for insertion in their proper places:—a Zoological paper by Dr. Haast, "On the Ziphid Whale," and one on a Botanical subject by Mr. Buchanan, appearing among the Miscellaneous Articles; and at page 385, near the end of the volume, an Ornithological paper, by Mr. Buller, has been inserted.

Part II. contains Lectures on Scientific subjects, delivered during the year, in addition to one, by Mr. Fitzgerald, reserved from last year.

Part III. consists of the Minutes of the Proceedings of Meetings of the various Incorporated Societies, which have been condensed from Reports furnished by the Secretaries. Among these Reports will be found abstracts of papers that have not been printed at length, and the Annual Addresses of the Presidents of the Societies.

In the Appendix will be found an abstract of the Meteorological Returns for the year.

The number of members of affiliated Societies, who are entitled to receive copies of this volume, gratis, according to the lists published in the Appendix, has increased from 255 in 1868, to 342 in last year. The Governors also distribute, as presentations or in exchange, about fifty copies in addition, to various Learned Bodies and Public Libraries.

Although the supply of algebraic type, obtained for the purpose, is still imperfect, the two papers by Captain Hutton, reserved from last year, have been printed in this volume; the deficiencies being supplied by a few letters and signs not generally used in mathematical formulæ, for which the reader's indulgence is requested.

Amongst the papers reserved are several relating to purely medical subjects, chiefly communicated to the Medical Section of the Auckland Institute. As these papers do not contain matter of general interest, the Board considered it advisable to hold them over for future publication, in a separate form, for the professional reader.

Whenever it was found possible, without delaying the progress of the work through the press, proof sheets were submitted to the authors for revision, but in the majority of cases this was found to be impracticable; in which case the final revision, as well as the preparation of the papers for the press, was performed by the Editor. In one instance, the author, Mr. Potts, came from Canterbury to revise the proof sheets of his paper on "Birds," for which attention the Editor desires to express his thanks.

Although every care has been taken to avoid typographical errors, it is necessary to call the attention of authors, and the Secretaries of Societies, to the desirability of forwarding the manuscripts in a more legible form; as, in several instances, the papers had to be re-copied before they were placed in the hands of the printer, thereby greatly increasing the chance of misinterpreting the author's meaning.

Several small errors have been observed since the work has passed through the press, but only those that seriously affect the author's meaning have been placed in an errata slip.

The Illustrations to the present volume have all been drawn on prepared paper, by Mr. Buchanan, and transferred to stone at the Government Lithographic Press,—the Hon. the Colonial Secretary having allowed the Board to make an arrangement with the Government Printer, for the purpose of securing for the work the superior appliances and skill available in the Government Printing Office.

The Editor has again to acknowledge the great assistance which he has received from Mr. R. L. Holmes, who, at considerable personal inconvenience, remained in Wellington to superintend the passing of the work through the press.

The thanks of the Board are also due to Mr. J. Buchanan, who has devoted a large portion of his leisure time to the illustrations of the work.

ERRATA.

Page	49,	in Foot-note, for "170,000" read "189,000."
{{{1}}}„	101,	line 23, for "sepals, 4-valvate" read "sepals 4, valvate."
{{{1}}}„	107,	{{{1}}}„ 39, change parenthesis from before "Eleogeton," to commencement of line.
{{{1}}}„	145,	{{{1}}}„ 31, for "unitica" read "mutica."
{{{1}}}„	164,	in Foot-note, for "scientific" read "specific."
{{{1}}}„	165,	line 7, for "extinct" read "recent."
{{{1}}}„	167,	{{{1}}}„ 21, for "Turritella" read "Tornatella."
{{{1}}}„	222,	{{{1}}}„ 48, for "our" read "one."
{{{1}}}„	285,	{{{1}}}„ 30, for "instructive" read "instinctive."
{{{1}}}„	289,	{{{1}}}„ 29, for "quarrel" read "general."
{{{1}}}„	371,	{{{1}}}„ 53, after "rocks," for full-stop insert a comma.
{{{1}}}„	388,	{{{1}}}„ 50, for "white-crested" read "white-breasted."

CONTENTS.

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			PAGES
Anniversary Address of the President, Sir George F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., delivered to the Members of the New Zealand Institute, July 24, 1869			3–9
Anniversary Address, delivered to the Members of the Wellington Philosophical Society, June 19, 1869, by J. C. Crawford, F.G.S., Vice-President			306–398
Anniversary Address, delivered to the Members of the Auckland Institute, June 7, 1869, by T. B. Gillies, President			405–410
Anniversary Address, delivered to the Members of the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury, October 8, 1869, by Julius Haast, Ph.D., F.R.S., President			421–424
Inaugural Address, delivered to the Members of the Otago Institute, July 20, 1869, by His Honor Mr. Justice Ward			425–427
TRANSACTIONS.
Natural History.
Art.	I.	On the New Zealand Sword-fish. By F. J. Knox, L.R.C.S.E.	13–16
	II.	On the Tuatara (Hatteria punctata). By F. J. Knox, L.R.C.S.E.	17–20
	III.	On the Anatomy of Naultinus Greyii. By F. J. Knox, L.R.C.S.E.	20–21
	IV.	On the Balænidæ, or Whales with baleen. By F. J. Knox, L.R.C.S.E. With Notes by Dr. Hector	21–28
	V.	On Seals of the genus Stenorhyncus, captured on the East Coast of Otago. By J. S. Webb	28–32
	VI.	On a (probably new) variety of the Small-nailed Seal,—Stenorhyncus Leptonyx, of Cuvier, and De Blainville, and allied to the Phoca Leopardina of Jameson. By Rev. Charles Fraser, M.A., F.G.S.	33–34
	VII.	On a species of Ophisurus, found on the Coast of New Zealand. By James Hector, M.D., F.R.S. With anatomical observations by F. J. Knox, L.R.C.S.E.	34–40
	VIII.	On the Birds of New Zealand. By T. H. Potts	40–78
	IX.	Description of two Birds new to the Fauna of New Zealand. By Captain F. W. Hutton, F.G.S.	78–80
	X.	On the introduction of the Pheasant into the Province of Auckland. By Captain F. W. Hutton, F.G.S.	80
	XI.	On the Katipo, a poisonous spider of New Zealand. By F. W. Wright, L.M.P. New Zealand	81–84
	XII.	On four Fishes, commonly found in the River Avon; with a consideration of the question, "What is Whitebait?" By Ll. Powell, M.R.C.S.St.A.	84–87
	XIII.	On the New Zealand Frog (Leiopelma Hockstetterii); with an account of a remarkable feature in the history of some species of Australian Frogs. By A. Wander Aitken	87–88
	XLV.	Preliminary notice of a Ziphid Whale, probably Berardius Arnuxii, stranded on December 16, 1868, on the sea beach, near New Brighton, Canterbury. By Julius Haast, Ph.D., F.R.S.	190–192
	LXIII.	Notes on the Ornithology of New Zealand. By Walter Buller, F.L.S., F.G.S.	385–392
Botany.
	XIV.	On some new species of New Zealand Plants. By John Buchanan, of the Geological Survey Department	88–89
	XV.	On the Botany of the Thames Gold Fields. By T. Kirk	89–100
	XVI.	An account of the Puka (Meryta Sinclairii). By T. Kirk	100–102
	XVII.	On Grasses, and other plants, adapted for pasturage in the Province of Auckland, especially with regard to indigenous kinds. By T. Kirk	102–106
	XVIII.	On the occurrence of Orobanche; a genus new to the Flora of New Zealand. By T. Kirk	106
	XIX.	On the discovery of Isoëtes, and other genera of Rhizocarpæ, new to the Flora of New Zealand. By T. Kirk	107
	XX.	On Epacris purpurascens, Br., in New Zealand; with remarks on Epacris pauciflora, A. Rich. By T. Kirk	107–108
	XXI.	On the structure and colour of the fibre of Phormium tenax. By T. Nottidge	108–111
	XXII.	On the structure of the Leaf of Phormium tenax. By Captain F. W. Hutton, F.G.S.	111–116
	XXIII.	On the New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax). By Major Heaphy, V.C.	116–117
	XXIV.	On the Vegetation of the neighbourhood of Christchurch, including Riccarton, Dry Bush, etc. By J. F. Armstrong. With Introductory Remarks on the Distribution of Plants in the Province of Canterbury. By J. Haast, Ph.D., F.R.S.	118–128
	XXV.	On Irrigation as applied to the growth of New Zealand Flax. By J. C. Crawford, F.G.S.	129–131
	XXVI.	On the Naturalized Plants of New Zealand, especially with regard to those occurring in the Province of Auckland. By T. Kirk	131–146
	LXI.	List of Plants found in the Northern District of the Province of Auckland. By J. Buchanan, and T. Kirk	239–247
Chemistry.
	XXVII.	On the production of certain Crystalline Phosphates and Arseniates. By W. Skey, Analyst to the Geological Survey of New Zealand	146–148
	XXVIII.	On the effects of the application of the Hot Blast to Blow-pipe purposes; and the proposed substitution of Heated Air for Oxygen in the production of certain thermal and illmninating effects. Preliminary notice. By W. Skey	148–150
	XXIX.	On the alkalinity of Carbonate of Lime. By W. Skey	150–151
	XXX.	On the absorptive properties of Silica; and its direct hydration by contact with water. By W. Skey	151–152
	XXXI.	On the examination of the bark of Coprosma grandifolia, for Alkaloids. By W. Skey	152
	XXXII.	On the extraction of the poisonous principle of the Tutu plant (Coriaria ruscifolia). By W. Skey	153–155
	XXXIII.	On the Fusibility of Platinum in the Blow-pipe Flame. By W. Skey	155
	XXXIV.	On the application of Iodine and Bromine, for the detection of gold when in minute quantities. By W. Skey	156–157
Geology.
	XXXV.	Remarks on the Coast Line between Kai Iwi and Waitotara, on the West Coast of the Province of Wellington. By R. Pharazyn, F.R.G.S.	158–160
	XXXVI.	On Alluvial Gold in the Province of Wellington. By J. C. Crawford, F.G.S.	160
	XXXVII.	On the Geology of the North Head of Manukau Harbour. By Captain Hutton, F.G.S.	161
	XXXVIII.	Description of Lava Caves at the "Three Kings," near Auckland. By James Stewart, C.E., Assoc. Inst. C.E.	162–163
	XXXIX.	On the Wanganui Beds (Upper Tertiaries). By J. Buchanan, of the Geological Survey of New Zealand	163–166
	XL.	On the Tertiary Series of Oamaru and Moeraki. By Charles Traill	166–169
	XLI.	Account of a visit to a Hot Spring called "Te Puia," near Wangape lake, Central Waikato, Auckland; in August, 1868. By R. Gillies	169–173
	XLII.	On Improvements in the Processes for Extracting and Saving Gold. By T. Heale, C.E.	174–176
	XLIII.	Notes on the Geology of the Outlying Islands of New Zealand; with extracts from Official Reports. Communicated by James Hector, M.D., F.R.S., Director Geological Survey of New Zealand	176–186
	XLIV.	Notes on a Collection of Saurian remains, from the Waipara River, Canterbury, in the possession of J. H. Cockburn Hood, Esq. By J. Haast, Ph.D., F.R.S.	186–189
Miscellaneous.
	XLVI.	On University Education, as adapted to the circumstances and prospects of the Colony of New Zealand. By Rev. Charles Fraser, M.A., F.G.S.	192–196
	XLVII.	On the General Principles of an Education Scheme for New Zealand. By W. S. Hamilton, Mathematical Master, Wellington College and Grammar School	196–197
	XLVIII.	On the River Systems of the south portion of the Province of Wellington. By J. T. Stewart	198–203
	XLIX.	On the Raising of the s.s. "Taranaki." By J. T. Stewart	203–211
	L.	On Thorough Drainage. By J. C. Crawford, F.G.S.	211–213
	LI.	On the Surface Fall of Water, as a guide for Under Drainage. By James Baber, C.E.	213
	LII.	On Sewage Irrigation, and its results, with a Sketch of the Main Drainage Systems of London and Paris. By S. Tancred, Assoc. Inst. C.E.	214–218
	LIII.	On the Drainage Works at Remuera Swamp. By J. Baber, C. E.	219
	LIV.	On the Comparative Performances of certain River Steamers on the Waikato. By James Stewart, C.E.	220–221
	LV.	On the earlier Earthquake Waves observed on the Coast of New Zealand. By C. Davie, Chief Surveyor, Province of Canterbury	222–223
	LVI.	On a series of Tables for facilitating the Calculation of Altitudes from Barometrical Observations in Mountainous Countries; with explanations. By E. Dobson, C.E., Assoc. Inst. C.E.	223–226
	LVII.	The earth of New Zealand, a bad Conductor of Electricity, as compared with that of other countries. By F. E. Wright	226–227
	LVIII.	On the Mechanical Principles involved in the Flight of the Albatros. By Captain F. W. Hutton, F.G.S.	227–232
	LIX.	On the Mechanical Principles involved in the Sailing Flight of the Albatros. By J. S. Webb	233–236
	LX.	On Sinking Funds. By Captain F. W. Hutton, F.G.S.	236–239
	LXII.	On the Sand-worn Stones of Evans' Bay. By W. T. L. Travers, F.L.S.	247–248
LECTURES.
On the Nature of Art. By James Edward Fitzgerald			251–265
Man's Place in Creation. By C. W. Richmond, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of New Zealand			267–281
The Modern Aspect of Natural Theology. By C. W. Richmond, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of New Zealand			281–297
On the Changes effected in the Natural Features of a New Country by the Introduction of Civilized Races. By W. T. L. Travers, F.L.S. Part 1			299–313
Dittodittodittodittoditto Part 2			313–330
On certain Modern Projects of Inter-communication, and their relation to New Zealand. By F. Wakefield, F.L.S.			331–341
On the Geology of the Province of Wellington. By J. C. Crawford, F.G.S.			343–360
On Mining in New Zealand. Abstract of four Lectures. By James Hector, M.D., F.R.S., Director Geological Survey of New Zealand			361–384
PAPERS AND VERBAL DESCRIPTIONS.
1.	On the preservation of meat by bi-sulphite of lime. By J. C. Crawford, F.G.S.		396
2.	On dusting vines and fruit trees, affected with blight, with flour of sulphur, etc. By J. C. Crawford, F.G.S.		396
3.	On the poisoning of an Elephant, through eating Tutu (Coriaria ruscifolia). By J. Haast, Ph.D., F.R.S.		399
4.	On Silver Ore from Stewart's Island. By W. Skey, Analyst Geol. Survey of New Zealand		399
5.	Comparative review of the way in which gold occurs in the North and South Islands of New Zealand. By J. Hector, M.D., F.R.S.		400
6.	On the Mud Fish (Neochanna apoda, Günther), from Hokitika. By J. Hector, M.D., F.R.S.		402
7.	On a remarkable Meteor observed in Wellington, November 8, 1869. By Rev. A. Stock, B.A.		402
8.	Preliminary notes on the bones of a fossil Penguin. By J. Hector, M.D., F.R.S.		403
9.	On the decrease of Honey in the Auckland Province. By R. Todd, C.E		411
10.	On Artificial Stone. By A. G. Purchas, M.D.		411
11.	On the Latent Heat contained in the aqueous vapour in the Atmosphere. By J. A. Wilson		413
12.	On a remarkable Phenomenon observed at a Hot Spring near Lake Taupo. By Captain J. G. Corbett		414
PROCEEDINGS.
Minutes of Meetings: Session of 1869.
Wellington Philosophical Society			395–404
Auckland Institute			404–417
Philosophical Institute of Canterbury			417–425
Otago Institute			425–430
APPENDIX.
Meteorological Statistics of New Zealand for 1869			431
List of Earthquakes in New Zealand in 1869			433
List of Members			435
Board of Governors of the New Zealand Institute			x
Abstract of Rules and Statutes of the New Zealand Institute			xi–xii
List of Incorporated Societies			xiii
List of Office-bearers, and Extracts from the Laws of Incorporated Societies			xiii–xvi

ILLUSTRATIONS.

PLATE.		PAGE
1.	Sword-fish of the Southern Seas, showing anatomy of the head	14
2a.	Skull of Balæna marginata, Gray	22
2b.	Rorqualus major, and R. minor	26
3.	Ophisurus Novæ Zelandæ	34
4.	Nests of New Zealand Birds	50
5.	Dittoditto	58
6.	Dittoditto	66
7.	Isoetes Kirkii, Braun.	160
8.	Phormium tenax—showing stracture of leaf	112
9.	Sections between Kai Iwi and Waitotara rivers	158
9a.	Section along the coast north of Manukau Harbour, etc.	160
10.	Sketch Plan of Caves at "Three Kings," near Auckland	162
11.	Map showing river systems of the southern parts of the Province of Wellington	198
12.	Lifting apparatus used for s. s. "Taranaki"	204
13.	Junction of Moawhanga with Rangitikei rivers	354
14.	Geological Map and Section of Grey Coal-field	380
15.	Section of Shakespere Cliff, Wanganui	164
16.	Fish of the River Avon, Canterbury	84
17.	Sand-worn Stones of Evans' Bay	246
18.	Sketch Map of Province of Auckland, North	132
19.	Map and Section of North-Western District of Otago	372
20.	Drainage Works at Remuera Swamp	218
21.	Comparative Map of New Zealand and Australian Cordillera	366