2. “On Nephrodium pentangularum,” by T. Kirk, F.L.S.

3. “On the New Zealand Species of Phyllocladus,” by T. Kirk, F.L.S. (Transactions, p. 378.)

4. “Notice of a new Variety of Tuatara Lizard (Sphenodon) from East Cape Island,” by Walter L. Buller, C.M.G., ScD., F.L.S. (Transactions, p. 220.)

The author said that Dr. Newman agreed with him that it was probably a new species, though it was just possible that it was an accidental divergence from a kind previously discovered, and not a distinct variety. Still, he was informed by Mr. White that he had seen another exactly similar in the possession of a Maori. Speaking of the lizards in his possession, Dr. Buller stated that they had lived without food for twelve months, and had fattened during that time. However, they had taken to food three or four months ago, but they had not thriven so well since. One of the lizards he found dead on the previous day, and some of the others did not appear in as good health as formerly.

Dr. Newman said there was more interest attaching to this animal than to the moa and others which had created a great deal of talk. It was the last of its race, and its study would, in his opinion, throw a good deal of light upon much that was not now clear, and would extend even to the organization of man, and prove the correctness of theories which had been recently advanced.

5. “Further descriptive Notes of the Huia (Heteralocha acutirostris),” by Walter L. Buller, C.M.G., ScD., F.L.S. (Transactions, p. 211.)

6. “Further Remarks as to the Cause of the Warmer Climate which existed in high Northern Latitudes during former Geological Epochs, by W. T. L. Travers, M.H.R., F.L.S. (Transactions, p. 470.)

Mr. Carruthers differed from the general opinion held as to the internal heat of the earth. It had never been proved that such heat existed. People had simply inferred it from the existence of volcanoes; but it was now placed beyond doubt that volcanoes had no connection with the centre of the earth. As for the belief that mines got hotter as a further depth was reached, that would only be the case in volcanic localities. If a shaft were sunk in a place free from volcanic influences, he believed it would be found that the earth got colder the further they descended, and at twenty or thirty miles it would probably be found that there was a mass of ice.

After a few remarks from Mr. Travers, in reply to Mr. Young as to the eccentricities of the earth's orbit, the discussion closed.