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Mr. Travers stated that he had he believed discovered a new fish, which had been sent to Captain Hutton for description. On its return from Dunedin, it would be deposited in the Colonial Museum.
Mr. Kirk did not agree with Mr. Buchanan's view that the trees in the Gardens were injured by the weight of parasites; if they were injured at all, it must be owing to the decay of the timber and not from the weight of the parasite. He drew attention to the report of the wild flora at Kew. He considered it a pity that the planting in the Garden was confined chiefly to the pines; he thought that deciduous trees should be introduced, and that more attention should be devoted to native plants. The various grasses also should be planted to afford information to the farmer.
Mr. Mantell said that the want of deciduous trees has long been felt, and that, as the locusts are disappearing, there will be some chance that they will flourish.
Mr. Travers was glad to say that the sparrows were helping to rid us of this insect.
Discussion on Mr. Travers' paper on “Moa.”
Mr. Kirk read extracts, bearing upon this question, from a letter addressed to him by Judge Maning. (See Transactions, page 102.)
Mr. Mantell hoped that when further collections of the bones were made, they would be made systematically. He read notes regarding the finding
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of a body in a cave at Sumner, which went to prove that it could not possibly be of the great antiquity attributed to it.
“On the habits of the Frost Fish.” By C. H. Robson. (See Transactions, page 218.)
Mr. Travers could hardly agree with Mr. Robson's theory that this fish committed self-destruction by rushing on shore; but that probably, as with the ling, the wind-bladder becoming inflated, it floats belly upwards and is driven on shore; possibly it tries to get into shallow water from its enemies.
“Is access to the Sea necessary to Eels,” by James Duigan.” (See Transactions, page 221.) This paper went to prove that access to the sea could not be necessary, and instanced the Virginia Water, Wanganui, as a place where eels live, and from which it would be impossible for them to get to the sea.
Mr. Mantell said that eels travelled for long distances through the grass.
Mr. Travers pointed out that there was a creek supplied from the Virginia Water, and they might get that way. He still thought it was necessary for at least the young fish to frequent the sea.
Mr. Kirk thought it quite possible for eels in Virginia water to visit the sea. He did not think there were any eels in New Zealand that did not go to sea.
“On the probability of Finding Coal in Wellington Province,” by J. C. Crawford. (See Transactions, page 379).
Mr. Mantell said that he thought the discussion of this paper should be postponed until next meeting, when perhaps the author would be present.
Mr. Travers said that coal had been found in Wanganui.