Third Meeting: 5th July, 1910.

The President, Professor Waters, in the chair. New Member.—Mr. Peter Barr.

Papers.—1. “Description of an Undescribed Barnacle of the Genus Scalpellum from New Zealand,” by Dr. Annandale, Superintendent of the Indian Museum, Calcutta; communicated by Dr. Benham.

2. “The Occurrence of the Starfish Nectria in New Zealand,” by W. B. Benham, F.R.S.

3. “Note on a Male Coccid (Leachia zealandica Maskell), by W. B. Benham, F.R.S.

Dr. Pickerill showed the tooth of a deer which was supposed to have a coating of gold upon its grinding surfaces. He then read an interesting paper entitled “Golden Teeth.”

Dr. Pickerill pointed out that, though cases of alleged golden teeth had occurred from time to time in human beings and various lower animals, when the matter came to be carefully investigated it was evident that the golden sheen or fluorescence upon the teeth was really due to the presence of an organism which had the power of giving a greenish-golden tint to any substance on which it was growing. It is probable that a thin deposit of calculus on the teeth was thus coloured, giving them a peculiarly golden appearance.

Dr. Benham exhibited the decorated skull of an Andaman-Islander, which was a most interesting relic of mourning worn by the widow on various occasions. The skull was curiously marked with circular patches of colour, decorated with shells, and was worn suspended from the back of the head. Dr. Benham also showed a human lower jaw from the Andaman Islands, which was similarly worn by relatives of a deceased native, as a mark of mourning or respect. These interesting exhibits had been presented by Captain Malcolm Thomson, M.B., late of the Indian Medical Service.

Dr. Fulton then read a paper giving a description of a visit to Rio de Janeiro in 1889.

Dr. Fulton pointed out the very unhealthy condition of the city at that date, yellow fever being very prevalent. He described many prominent features of the city, its magnificent harbour, the interior of the Cathedral, the Jardin Botanique, the Corcovado Railway, and, after giving a few statistics of modern Rio, showed how, under improved conditions of sanitation, destruction of the mosquito-larva, establishment of electric tramways and lighting, the city had become one of the finest and most up to date of the New World. In concluding the lecturer showed some fine photographs of Rio and suburbs, which were kindly exhibited by means of the lantern by Dr. Benham.