Edited and Published under the Authority of the Board of Governors of the Institute

Wellington, NZ

John Mackay, Government Printing Office

WM. Wesley and Son, 28 Essex Street, Strand, London WC

Contents.

Proceedings
of the
New Zealand Institute., 1910.
Part III.

Hector Memorial Fund.—The individual members of the Board having signified their concurrence with the request of the Wellington Hector Memorial Committee (a body acting independently of the Institute) that the Institute should assume, under certain stated conditions, the custody and management of the fund, the Standing Committee has given effect to the wishes of the Governors. The report of the Institute's Hector Memorial Committee, presented with this report, deals fully with the subject. A deed of trust will be prepared.

Hutton Memorial Fund.—The Committee of Award in Sydney has been instructed in the conditions under which an award may be made, and their recommendation will be opened later at this meeting. The Standing Committee recommends for the favourable consideration of the Board an application for a research grant from the fund.

Purchase of Back Numbers of the Transactions.—The Secretary is corresponding with the owners of certain volumes, and if negotiations are successful a number of complete sets will be available for sale.

London Agency.—The transfer of this agency to Messrs William Wesley and Son has been completed, and the engagement existing with the previous agents satisfactorily terminated.

Publications.—The cost of the publications—Transactions, Proceedings, and Bulletins—issued last year was somewhat greater than usual, and prompts the suggestion that there should be a closer connection between the Standing Committee and the Publication Committee on the question of finance. The publication of bulletins requires to be authorized and regulated.

As before, publications have been distributed direct from Wellington to members, according to the roll kept. The matter of distribution is, however, somewhat bound up with the succeeding subject here dealt with, and the practice of distribution will not be entirely uniform until that matter is settled.

Copies of Vol. xlii of the Transactions were, in accordance with the Act, laid on the table of the House of Representatives on 6th July, 1910, and of the Legislative Council on 5th July, 1910.

The Board at the last meeting decided to bind up the Proceedings published during the year with the Transactions, but this could not be accomplished with Vol. xlii, as the limited number of Parts i, ii, and iii had been distributed. The Secretary was, however, able to obtain about a hundred complete sets of the year's Proceedings, which were bound with Vol. xlii, these copies being supplied to the leading libraries on the exchange list. The new rule will commence with Vol. xliii

Position of Incorporated Societies.—The sub-committee which was appointed by the Standing Committee has not been able to make any report, owing to the absence from Wellington of one of the members.

British Association in Australia in 1914.—A resolution was passed at the last annual meeting of the Board, assuring the Melbourne University and the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science of the Institute's sympathy and support in the endeavours of those bodies to induce the British Association to visit Australia. It may be possible to go further than this and invite as many of the British delegates who can to visit New Zealand. The matter is obviously one in which the Institute can only act by suggestion, and it is hoped that the Government may be induced to take part in the movement.

Resolutions having the Force of Regulations.—As resolved at the last annual meeting, the Secretary has prepared a list of the resolutions passed by the Board and Standing Committee from time to time since 1904. It is desirable that a Committee be appointed to formulate these so that they may be gazetted or printed, as may be decided.

Exchange List.—The Standing Committee has added to the list the Cambridge Philosophical Society and the New Zealand Geological Survey. Other applications are held over to await the decision of the Board.

Outlying Islands of New Zealand.—Professors Easterfield and Kirk and the Secretary were appointed a sub-committee to inquire into the conditions for leasing the outlying islands of New Zealand. A report from Professor Kirk is appended

For the Standing Committee.
Wellington, 19th January, 1911.
A. Hamilton, President.

Committee to deal with the Australian Visit of the British Association.—It was resolved, on the motion of Professor Benham, seconded by Mr. Speight, that the President (Mr. Hamilton) and Professor Easterfield be appointed a committee to deal with the Australian visit of the British Association, with power to add to their number.

Hutton Memorial Trust Fund.—The following statement, showing the position of the Hutton Memorial Research Fund, was received from the Public Trustee :—

Position of the Incorporated Societies.—It was resolved, on the motion of Dr. Hilgendorf, seconded by Dr. Cockayne, that Mr. Martin Chapman, K.C., Mr. Hamilton, and Dr. Cockayne be a committee to consider the position of the incorporated societies.

Hutton Memorial Award.—A recommendation, dated 6th December, 1910, was received from Professors T. W. E. David, W. A. Haswell, and Mr. Maiden, the Committee of Award appointed to recommend a suitable recipient for the Hutton Medal. The committee recommended that the medal be awarded to Professor W. B. Benham for his contributions to the zoology of New Zealand.

On the motion of Dr. Cockayne, seconded by Dr. Hilgendorf, it was resolved that the report of the committee be adopted.

It was resolved that the Secretary be authorized to act with the President in getting a suitable inscription engraved on the medal.

It was resolved that the Chancellor of the University of Otago be asked to present the Hutton Medal to Professor Benham at the first public ceremonial held by the University Council.

On the motion of Mr. Speight, seconded by Dr. Hilgendorf, it was resolved that the thanks of the Institute be accorded to the committee for their assistance in making this award of the Hutton Medal.

On the motion of Dr. Hilgendorf, seconded by Dr. Cockayne, it was resolved that Professor David, Mr. Maiden, and Professor Benham be appointed a committee to make the next award of the Hutton Medal.

Hutton Fund Research Grant.—An application, dated 26th September, 1910, from Dr. C. Chilton, applying for a grant of £10 towards the cost of preparing illustrations for a revision of the New Zealand Crustacea, was, on the motion of Dr. Benham, seconded by Dr. Cockayne, granted.

Hector Memorial Committee Report.—The report of the Institute's Hector Memorial Committee was then read and received, together with the audited statement of the fund at the time of taking it over on 30th August, 1910. A statement by the Public Trustee showing the condition of the fund on 21st January, 1911, was also received.

Report.

memorial the great services rendered to science and to the colony by the late. At the fifth annual meeting of the New Zealand Institute, in January, 1908, a committee of the Institute was appointed “to co-operate with the other, committees already moving in the direction of collecting funds for a memorial.” This committee consisted of Professor Benham, Mr. M. Chapman, Dr. Cockayne, Professor Easterfield, Messrs. T. Gill, D. Petrie, and R. Speight. The Wellington Philosophical Society elected a committee consisting of Messrs. G. V. Hudson and A. Hamilton, and the Canterbury Philosophical Institute a committee consisting of Dr. Chilton, Dr. C. C. Farr, Messrs. Speight and Waite. Committees formed outside of the Institute were the Wellington Hector Memorial Committee, consisting of Sir Robert Stout, Mr. M. Chapman, Mr. A. Crawford, Professor Easterfield, Dr. J. M. Mason, with Mr. T. King as Secretary. This was the chief committee, to which the other committees remitted the funds collected by them. The Dunedin Hector Memorial Committee consisted of Professor Benham, Dr. Colquhoun, Dr. Hocken (Secretary), Professor Marshall, Professor Scott, Professor Park, and Mr. G. M. Thomson. By May, 1908, the chief committee had in hand £230, the greater portion of which had been collected in Wellington Province. In July, 1908, the Standing Committee of the Institute passed the following resolution: “That Dr. J. M. Mason be informed that the Standing Committee is of opinion that the several Hector Memorial Committees should issue a joint circular inviting further subscriptions to the fund, and undertaking “that the final allocation of the fund shall not be decided on until the subscribers have been duly consulted upon the subject. On 4th February, 1909, a conference of the delegates from the various committees was held, and it was agreed to issue a joint circular appealing for more funds. The circular was issued on 1st March, 1909, and resulted in a considerable augmentation of the funds.

The Institute's Wellington committee was not reappointed at the sixth annual meeting in February, 1909.

Your committee was not appointed until the annual meeting in January, 1910.

On 1st March, 1910, the Government having promised the fund a pound-for-pound subsidy up to £500, the Wellington Hector Memorial Committee issued a further circular calling for additional subscriptions before 31st March. Subscriptions more than enough to enable the Government subsidy to be earned were quickly received. The subscribers were then appraised of the proposal of the Wellington Hector Memorial Committee to hand over the funds to the Institute in the following circular (dated 18th April, 1910), a copy of which was sent to every subscriber :—

Circular to Subscribers.

I have the honour to state that there is now £1,045 10s. 2d., which includes a subsidy of £500 received from the Government, standing to the credit of the fund.

The following terms under which the Hector Memorial Committee is prepared to hand over the management of the fund to the Governors of the New Zealand Institute have been approved by the committee :—

Whilst not wishing to lay down any hard-and-fast rule, it is the desire of the Hector Memorial Committee that the recipient of the prize devote the same towards defraying the expenses of further investigation, or of the publication of researches already completed.

Robert Stout,
On behalf of the Wellington Hector Memorial Committee

No replies of any kind were received from any subscriber.

The following correspondence then took place between the Wellington Hector Memorial Committee and the Standing Committee of the New Zealand Institute :—

Hector Memorial Committee, 20th June, 1910

SIR,—

At a meeting of the Hector Memorial Committee, Sir Robert Stout presiding, it was resolved that a copy of the circular to subscribers to the fund, dated 18th April, 1910, be sent to the New Zealand Institute, with the addition of the words “including physiology” after the word “zoology” in condition 3; and after condition 2 the words “The Governors may also cause a medal to be struck in connection with this memorial, and may decide under what circumstances it shall be from time to time awarded”

I am directed to inquire whether the Institute will, under the terms of the amended circular, undertake the management of the Hector Memorial Fund, and in the event of your reply being in the affirmative, to ascertain your wishes as to the custody of the funds in hand.

Yours faithfully,
B. C. Aston, Hon Secretary

The President, New Zealand Institute, Wellington.

The President of the Institute thereupon circularized all members of the Board of Governors as under :—

New Zealand Institute, Wellington, 24th June, 1910.

SIR,—

The President of the Institute has received a letter from the Hector Memorial Committee, asking if the Institute will undertake the management of the Hector Memorial Fund in terms of the amended circular enclosed.

The President desires me to ascertain by application to each Governor of the Institute whether he is willing that the Board of Governors should administer the fund. The conditions of the circular are such that most of the details of the administration may be provided for by regulation to be made at the next annual meeting of the Board. Your reply merely in the affirmative or negative is therefore only desired at present.

In case the majority are in the affirmative, the President proposes to accept the fund from the Hector Committee, and to consult the Standing Committee as to the future investment of it.

Yours faithfully,
B. C. Aston, Secretary.

Sixteen Governors replied to the circular, three qualifying their replies by suggesting the inclusion of other subjects; in all other instances the replies were in the affirmative, and unqualified.

The following minute of the Standing Committee, dated 13th July, 1910, was duly communicated to Sir Robert Stout, Chairman of the Hector Memorial Committee: “It was resolved that the inquiry of the Hector Memorial Committee as to whether the Board of Governors would be willing to undertake the management of the fund be answered in the affirmative, and that the Hector Committee be informed that the Institute is prepared to accept the custody of the fund forthwith.”

On 13th August the following inquiry was addressed to the Wellington Hector Memorial Committee by the Standing Committee :—

This was dealt with on the same day by the Hector Memorial Committee in the following minute, which was duly communicated to the Standing Committee: “It was decided to inform the Institute—(1) That it is the Committee's intention that, if an award is made, the medal and prize should go to the same individual in each year, and that the money awarded should not be divided among several recipients; and (2) that the Committee agree to the addition of the words quoted above to condition 5, last paragraph, of the amended circular of 18th April.”

On 15th August Messrs. Chapman, Skerrett, Wylie, and Tripp were instructed by the Wellington Hector Memorial Committee to hand over to the Board of Governors of the Institute the funds collected, and on 16th September the transfer was completed.

The Hector Memorial Medal and Prize Fund.

Resolved by the Board of Governors of the New Zealand Institute that,—

several of them have been sent on to the Government Printer for insertion in the volume, and the rest will be definitely dealt with at a subsequent meeting of the committee. Three short papers have already been printed in the Proceedings at the request of the authors, and several of the others sent in seem suitable for dealing with in the same way. The committee would, however, like to have some expression of opinion from the Board of Governors as to the policy to be adopted in future with regard to the insertion of such papers in the Proceedings. Their insertion in the Proceedings would insure more speedy publication, and would probably encourage members to present their papers at an earlier period of the year.

A considerable number of papers are still hand-written, although the instructions to authors are that the manuscripts must be typewritten unless special permission to send in written manuscripts has been given by the Editor. Some opposition has been shown to the strict interpretation of this rule. Unfortunately, in written manuscripts there is room for much difference of opinion as to what constitutes a clear manuscript, and many, though apparently clear, contain numerous technical terms which are by no means clear to those unacquainted with them, and unnecessary trouble and mistakes are thus caused. The committee is of opinion that the Editor should have the support of the Board of Governors in returning any manuscript which in his opinion is likely to give the compositor more trouble than a typewritten manuscript would do. It is desirable also that greater attention should be paid to the instructions issued for the preparation of drawings for the Transactions.

The question of the number of reprints to be supplied to each author has been brought before the notice of the committee, and after carefully considering the matter the committe recommends that, as hitherto, twenty-five should be the ordinary number supplied gratis, but, in consideration of the facts that a wide distribution of the scientific work done in the Dominion is desirable, and that reprints reach many more persons interested in a particular subject than the complete volume of the Transactions can do, the committee suggests that authors who so desire may, with the approval of the Publication Committee, be allowed fifty copies free of charge, and that additional copies, if required, be charged for at cost-price, the rate to be duly announced; the committee to have power, subject to the approval of the Board of Governors at its annual meeting, to deal with any exceptional cases that may arise.

The committee has also considered the possibility of more fully indexing the future volumes of the Transactions as they appear. There are several difficulties in the way, and the preparation of a complete index might delay the appearance of the volume, but the committee hopes that when the second part of the index to the first forty volumes, containing the titles of the papers classified according to the subjects dealt with, has appeared it may be possible to include in each volume of the Transactions a subject-index on somewhat the same plan.

For the Publication Committee.
Christchurch, 11th January, 1911. Chas. Chilton, Hon. Editor.

On the motion of Professor Benham, seconded by Dr. Hilgendorf, it was resolved that the report of the Publications Committee be received.

Papers to be printed in Proceedings.—On the motion of Mr. Petrie, seconded by Dr. Cockayne, it was resolved that the Board of Governors approve of the policy of printing short scientific papers in the Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute.

Instructions to Authors of Papers.—On the motion of Professor Benham, seconded by Mr. R. Speight, it was resolved that the memorandum for authors in the Transactions, section 1, be amended by the insertion of the words “for the time being” after the word “Editor”; also that the words “By order of the Board of Governors” be placed at the end of the memorandum.

Authors' Separate Copies.—On the motion of Mr. Speight, seconded by Mr. K. Wilson, it was resolved that the recommendations of the Publications Committee re authors' separate copies be approved, and that the authors must intimate their wishes as regards the number of copies required when sending in manuscript.

Presidential Address.

The following is the presidential address delivered at the annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the New Zealand Institute at Auckland, 26th January, 1911, by A. Hamilton, Director, Dominion Museum :—

Gentlemen of the Board of Governors,—It is my duty to lay before you a few remarks relating to the progress of the work of the Institute during the last year, and to supplement in some cases the items which you will find in the annual report of the Board of Governors and the balance-sheet.

In accordance with the resolution of the Board passed last year, the Secretary has drawn up a list of the resolutions of the Standing Committee which have the force of regulations, and these are submitted for the purpose of being put into such form as may be required to bring them into line with the regulations originally gazetted. As I have said before, I think it is our duty to have these duly printed and set forth for the information of members so long as they stand as valid and operative regulations of the Board of Governors. I have suggested that instead of their being dealt with seriatim in this meeting they should be referred to a small committee, who could report later on to the Council, and that we should consider the report of the committee as a whole.

In the report of the Publication Committee you will find a good many practical suggestions for the improvement of the Transactions. It is a matter which requires constant attention, and although many improvements have been brought about within the last few years, still much might be done with advantage, especially in the way of condensing a good deal of the matter which is now printed in full. The question of the expense of publishing is also one which will require very careful consideration, as the publication of Proceedings quarterly increases the total annual cost of publication.

When in Australia, recently I noticed that there is also a movement there in the direction of co-ordinating the serial publications taken by the various bodies, and that an effort is being made to avoid the duplication of necessary and expensive works in the collection. The same movement is being initiated in Wellington, and the various libraries in that city have agreed to a systematic and mutual co-operation in the procuring of magazines, and have agreed to render them available to all students under certain conditions. By this means a certain amount has been set free for expenditure in magazines not hitherto taken. There are still several important serial publications which are not taken by any branch of the Institute or by any public library in New Zealand, and I think it would be within the province of the Institute to ascertain which of these are most necessary and desirable, and to subscribe for them for the library of the Institute, where they would be at the service of students generally. I think also that it would be to our advantage to circulate within the year, if possible in the first part of the Proceedings, a full list of the periodicals received by the societies, universities, parliamentary and public libraries, and that the list should indicate how far the back volumes are available. I do not propose that in the list any of the regular publications of learned societies, public institutions, and museums should be included, but a separate list might be published quarterly of these. It is true that all the universities, colleges, and public libraries have not hitherto been asked to agree to render their serial publications available under certain conditions, but I feel sure that we are approaching a time when universities and public institutions will do more in this direction than they have done. In the Librarian's report the necessity is pointed out for a Librarian who can give some time to library work and cataloguing. I must not omit to mention that the Hon. the Minister of Internal Affairs consented to the employment of a lady for library work for two months. During that time lists were prepared showing the completeness or otherwise of the most valuable serial publications, and from these lists the missing parts can be ordered and procured if possible.

A sum of money has been collected and placed in the hands of the Institute for the purpose of providing a memorial medal and prize in memory of the late Sir James Hector, who devoted so many years of his life to the furtherance of the interests of the Institute. This year, too, the Institute is bringing into operation the memorial fund raised in honour of the late Captain Hutton, whose researches laid such a good foundation in a number of branches of natural history. There is also an application for a grant from the fund in aid of research, which will be submitted for your consideration.

private work, but an annual conference of workers would stimulate research and eventually its methods and aims. The geographical difficulties to which I before alluded to, which keep us separated by wide intervals during the year, are in one respect advantageous, as they give opportunities for detailed study over areas of the Dominion which vary much in their natural-history productions. By the Act of incorporation we are given a great opportunity, and we should see to it that we break new ground well in the forefront of our onward track.

The body of research work done is much larger than those unacquainted with it might suppose, and much of it is of excellent quality within certain narrow limits. Those limits are in part inevitable and in part justifiable. So far there has been little endowment of research, and nearly all the work is done in a necessarily scrappy fashion by men in professional employment. The man who can give his life for an idea is unknown among us, and, following the line of least resistance, we are apt to do the work nearest us with no eagle eye on ultimate issues. Once we are made to feel the influence of science, not merely on the accelerating progress of the State, but on the world of ideas, of morals, and of emotion, we may expect endowment to be much more frequent than it has been in the past. Men could be found to do the work if the opportunity was present. Undoubtedly the best plan is to provide research scholarships for young graduates, tenable for short terms: from them in time will come the born investigator—the one in a thousand—who should be permanently kept at work by private endowment or by the State.

Auckland Institute.
Eighth Meeting: 22nd November, 1910.

Mr. E. V. Miller, Vice-President, in the chair.

Papers.—1. “Maori Rock-engravings in the Kaipara District,” by R. Buddle.

2. “Maori Methods of Shark-fishing and Pigeon-snaring Fifty Years ago,” by R. H. Matthews.

3. “Descriptions of New Genera and Species of Coleoptera,” by Major T. Broun.

4. “Additions to the Coleopterous Fauna of the Chatham Islands,” — by Major T. Broun.

5. “Descriptions of New Native Phanerogams,” by D. Petrie, M.A.

6. “Contributions to a Knowledge of the New Zealand Flora: No. 4,” by T. F. Cheeseman, F.L.S.

7. “On some Recently Discovered Additions to the New Zealand Flora,” by T F. Cheeseman, F.L.S.

8. “On the Flora of the Mangonui County,” by H. Carse.

9. “The Economic Aspect of the Sugar-beet Industry in New Zealand,” by S. Gray.

The last paper called forth a lengthy discussion, in which the Chairman, Mr. Bagnall, Mr. H. B. Morton, Mr. J. A. Pond, Professor Segar, and others took part. Most of the speakers supported the contention of the author, which was to the effect that it would be an economic mistake for the Dominion to embark in the production of beet-root sugar, which was an industry hardly likely to succeed against the competition of cane-sugar, unless a bonus was granted, or unless import duties were levied on cane-sugar.

Ninth Meeting: 6th February, 1911.

Dr. R. Briffault, President, in the chair.

Lecture.—Professor E. W. Skeats, D.Sc., F.G.S., Professor of Geology and Mining in the University of Melbourne, delivered a lecture, illustrated with lime-light transparencies, on the “Relation of Scenery to Geology.”

The lecture was an attempt to show how far the scenery of any country was dependent on its geological structure and previous geological history.

Annual Meeting: 27th February, 1911.

Wellington Philosophical Society.
Sixth (Annual General) Meeting: 5th October, 1910.

The important subject of tidal observations at the outlying islands has also received consideration, and the Council is now endeavouring to obtain the services of an observer at the Chatham Islands.

Since the last annual meeting twenty-two new members have been elected, three have resigned, two have died, and one has been struck off the roll for non-payment of subscription. The total number on the roll is now 132, including five life members and one honorary member.

A statement of the receipts and expenditure for the year ended 30th September, duly audited, shows that, inclusive of the balance brought forward from last year (£39 9s. 8d.), the receipts amounted to £163 8s. 2d., and the total expenditure was (£108 0s. 9d., leaving a credit balance of £55 7s. 5d. The Research Fund, on fixed deposit with the Bank of New Zealand, now amounts to £48 1s. 4d., making a total sum in hand of £103 8s. 9d.

Alteration of Rules.—In accordance with Rule No. 26, the resolution of the Council of 27th July, 1910, to rescind the following paragraph at the end of Rule No. 26, was submitted for confirmation :—“Resolution for by-law, -adopted by the society 7th April, 1868: That one-sixth part of the annual income of the society be contributed towards the extension and maintenance of the museum and library of the New Zealand Institute.” On the motion of Mr. Thomas King, seconded by Mr. P. G. Morgan, the Council's resolution was confirmed.

Papers. — 1. “The Post-Tertiary Geological History of the Ohau River and of the Adjacent Coastal Plain,” by G. Leslie Adkin.

2. “The Igneous Rocks of the Waihi Goldfield,” by Percy G. Morgan, M.A.

3. “A Note on the Structure of the Southern Alps,” by Percy G. Morgan, M.A.

4. “Notes on Actinians from the Kermadecs,” by F. G. A. Stuckey, M.A.

5. “Notes on Tunicates from the Kermadecs,” by F. G. A. Stuckey, M.A.

6. “The First Noted Occurrence of Pentathionic Acid in Mineral Waters,” by Dr. J. S. Maclaurin.

7. “The Harmonic Analysis of Tidal Observations,” by C. E. Adams, M.Sc., F.R.A.S.

Abstract.

The ‘paper gives a complete example of Dr. Börgen's method ^* of harmonic analysis of tidal observations. The observations submitted to analysis are those given in the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India, Vol. xvi, and are hourly observations for Bombay for the year 1884. The hourly observations were first summed continuously throughout the year, and were cut down to one decimal of a foot and written out in a list of sums, as under :—

The figures in the list are given in tenths of a foot. The method consists in selecting from the list the particular days that will give the best values of the tide sought, at the same time eliminating the effect of the S. tides and reducing the effect of the other tides as much as possible.

Example for K₂ tide :—

If the following lines are used from the list :—

(185 – 97); (96 – 8)

—i.e., equal intervals of 88 days—then the S. tides are completely eliminated, and the maximum value is obtained for the K₂ tide.

If the following lines are used (when the observations extend over a year), a further value is obtained :—

(362 – 274); (273 – 185).

The selection of these lines and the sums from the list is shown in detail on the schedule, giving the 24 values of Dt, which are subjected to analysis. St and Sh₆ + t are next formed, and then Δt. The calculation of the values of

[The section below cannot be correctly rendered as it contains complex formatting. See the image of the page for a more accurate rendering.]

F_k^′ = Σ_o⁵Δt sin (9 + t) i_k and G_k^′ = Σ_o⁵ Δt cos (9 + t i_k

is most readily done on the calculating-machine. The corrections due to the tides M₂, N, L, V, T, and R are calculated and applied to F and G. The rest of the calculation is shown on the schedule, where comparisons with the results in Vol. xvi of the Indian Survey (p. 296) are also given, the differences in the values of k and R being 4·745° and 0·0020 ft

reference must be made to Dr. Borgen's paper for details of the method. The whole of the calculation is, however, given in full, and the brevity of the method will be appreciated by those who have had experience in the analysis of tidal observations.

For the other tides more lines from the list of sums are used, but even then the labour of analysing a year's observations is estimated by Dr. Börgen to be about a tenth of the labour of the method proposed by Sir W. Thomson and Mr. Roberts, and to be about a third or a half of that of Darwin's abacus

8. “The Time-control of the Wellington Tide-gauge,” by C E. Adams, M.Sc., F.R.A.S.

Abstract.

Owing to the situation of the Wellington tide-gauge ^* in one of the cargo-sheds on the wharf, it was considered desirable to have an independent control of the time, for owing to the vibrations of the shed the gauge-clock's rate has been found to vary irregularly, and the clock has occasionally been stopped by the vibrations. A time-control has been attached to the pencil-carriage, carrying a small plunger in circuit with the Observatory clock, and by means of this plunger a mark is made on the record-paper every mean solar hour. The distance between the pencil and the plunger is 1·14m, the line joining them being always at right angles to the axis of the cylinder It is found that the tide-gauge clock runs regularly while undisturbed by cargo-shifting, but that at other times its rate is affected by the vibrations of the shed

9. “Further Contributions to the Chemistry of the Flora of New Zealand;” by Professor Easterfield.

10. “Notes on the Lepidoptera added to the Collection in the Dominion Museum during the Season 1909–10,” by H. Hamilton, A O.S.M.

11. “Some Recent Discoveries of Moa-bones,” by A Hamilton, F.L.S.

12. “Notes on Some Strange and Rare Fishes,” by A. Hamilton, F.L.S.

13. “Sponges from the Kermadecs,” by Professor Kirk.

14. “Chemistry and Toxicology of New Zealand Plants,” by B. C. Aston, F.C.S.

15. “List of Indigenous Phanerogamic Plants of the Wellington Province,” by B. C Aston, F.C S.

16. “A Further Botanical Exploration of the Tararuas,” by B. C. Aston, F C.S.

17. “Notes and Descriptions of New Zealand Lepidoptera,” by E. Meyrick, B.A., F.R.S., F.Z.S

Astronomical Section.
Meeting, 22nd August, 1910.

Dr. C. Munro Hector in the chair.

The section was formed with the following objects: To promote the study of astronomical subjects generally, and to secure the establishment of an observatory in or near Wellington.

The following officers were elected: President and Treasurer—Mr. C. P Powles; Council—Mr. C E. Adams,’ M.Sc., F.R.A.S., Dr. C. Munro Hector, Rev. Dr. Kennedy, F.R.A.S., Professor Picken, Mr. G. Hogben, M.A.; Hon. Secretary—Mr. A. C. Gifford, M.A.

A fund in aid of the proposed observatory was opened by subscription.

Meeting, 29th September, 1910.

Mr. J. P Firth in the chair.

The Rev. Dr. Kennedy, F.R.A.S., gave an illustrated popular lecture on astronomy, in aid of the Observatory Fund, in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall, which was granted free by the City Council.

Meeting, 11th October, 1910.

Mr. C. P. Powles, President, in the chair.

The rules of the section, which had been drawn up by the Council, were read and confirmed.

Mr. C. P. Powles then gave his presidential address on astronomy, which was illustrated with a fine collection of lantern-slides.

Philosophical Institute of Canterbury.
Eighth Meeting: 2nd November, 1910.

Present: Mr. R. M. Laing, President, in the chair, and sixty others.

New Members. — Messrs. A. G. Marshall, N. C. Staveley, G. W. Bishop, and M. H. Godby.

Captain Scott, of the British Antarctic Expedition, wrote acknowledging with thanks the offer of the Institute to place its library at the disposal of the officers of the “Terra Nova.”

Animals Protection Act.—A copy of the Animals Protection Act as amended by the Legislative Council was received from Colonel Heaton Rhodes, M.P. General approval of the Act in its present form was expressed by the meeting, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Colonel Rhodes for his energetic support of the proposals submitted to the Government by the Institute.

Papers.— 1. “Classification of British Poetry: the Verse-unit,” by Johannes C. Andersen.

This is the second paper dealing with the analysis of the units that form the metrical scheme of poetry. The former paper analysed the “foot” or “stress-unit”; the present paper analyses the “line” or “verse-unit.” The lyric line only is dealt with; the heroic and blank verse must be the subject of separate analysis. It is shown that the lyric verse (the two lines as ordinarily printed) is normally a verse of eight stress-units, with varying number of syllables. The ordinary ballad verse of seven stress-units still observes the eighth in its end-pause; the Alexandrine and Nibelungen metres of six stress-units observe mid and end pauses. Upon these four main types is built the whole body of lyric poetry. The paper shows how certain constant variations may be taken as the forms for classifying poetry.

2. “Further Notes on New Zealand Bird-song,” by Johannes C. Andersen.

This is a continuation of a previous paper, and it contains all the new notes or songs, or variations of the same, which have been recorded since the last paper was printed.

3. “The Rate of Oxidation of Acetaldehyde to Acetic Acid,” by D. B. Macleod.

4. “The Conductivity of Aqueous Solutions of Carbon-dioxide prepared under Pressures of from One to Thirty Atmospheres,” by C. M. Stubbs; communicated by Dr. W. P. Evans.

5. “The Depression of the Freezing-point by Carbon-dioxide,” by F. D. Farrow.

6. “The Velocity of Evolution of Oxygen from Bleaching Powder Solutions in Presence of Small Quantities of Cobalt Nitrate,” by N. M. Bell.

7. “The Chemical Composition of Meat-extract,” by A. M. Wright.

8. “On certain Changes in the Composition of the Nitrogenous Constituents of Meat-extract,” by A. M. Wright.

Annual Meeting: 7th December, 1910.

Hawke's Bay Philosophical Institute.
Sixth Meeting: 4th November, 1910.

Mr. J. Wilson Craig in the chair.

New Members.—Mr. W. J. W. Turvey and Mr. R. L. Paterson.

Paper.—“Torpedoes in Peace and in War,” by W. J. W. Turvey.

The lecture gave an account, illustrated by lantern-slides, of the history, construction, machinery, and action of the torpedo.

Hocken Endowment Fund.—£5 was voted from the funds of the Institute in support of Hocken Endowment Fund.

Annual General Meeting: 6th January, 1911.

Manawatu Philosophical Society.
Annual Meeting: 7th December, 1910.

The President, Mr. W. F. Durward, in the chair.

The annual meeting (adjourned from the 24th November) was held on the above date. The annual report and balance-sheet were adopted.

Annual Report.

Observations of Halley's comet were interesting, specially before its passage of the sun, when its tail was increasing. At 5 a.m. on 18th May the tail, well defined, exceeded 75° of are, and at 3 a.m. on the 19th the tail, very diffused, covered the N.E. quarter of the heavens nearly to the zenith; at 5 a.m., no defined limits to the tail—apparently the earth was in the tail.

The dates of the comet's first appearance may be of interest. On 14th September, 1909, it was seen at Yerke's Observatory, when the observed position differed only 3″ in R.A. and 4′ in decl. from the position calculated for the Pulkowa Observatory. On 18th October, 1909, it was found on a photograph-plate at Meeanee. Here it was not seen till 18th April, 1910, in the constellation Pisces, where, though approaching the earth rapidly, it appeared to remain till 4th May, when change of position was easily perceived. On 21st April the tail extended about 45′; on 13th May I estimated it at 20°, reaching about 5° above a Pegasi. The observed position of the nucleus was then R.A. 0° 39′ 40″, decl. 11° 48′ N. At 5 a.m. on 18th May the tail stretched from the horizon at E.N.E. to a point about 7° above Altair—say, 75° of are. At 6 a.m. the nucleus had not risen, and daylight effaced the light of the comet. On 21st May I observed the comet in the evening, in position R.A. 5h. 51° 45′, and decl. 18° 11′ N. This is near the calculated position between the 18th and 19th, but 3° further north. This looks as if the comet had been retarded in its progress, though I have not heard of any one who observed the position that evening. On the following evening, 22nd May, Mr. Ward's observation at Wanganui agrees closely with mine; but if the comet was checked, subsequent observations on fourteen evenings up to 24th June show that it was gradually making up for lost time.

Observations of sun-spots have been interesting, confirming me in the idea, put before you some three years ago, that we must consider solar forces as converging on our earth and planets of our system, rather than that these bodies catch the chance rays which may hit them from a body which radiates force into space, heedless whether there is matter for those forces to act on. Unfortunately, times of magnetic disturbance are generally accompanied by bad weather, when the sun is obscured by clouds, so simultaneous observations of spots and magnetic oscillations are rare; but on two occasions—25th September and 29th November, 1909—I noted considerable movement in spots on the southern hemisphere of the sun, and the Surveyor-General's report, when published, showed that on those days there had been magnetic disturbance in the observatory at Christchurch. Commenting on these coincidences to the Surveyor-General, I was able to draw his attention to solar disturbances which [ unclear: ] I suspected had caused magnetic disturbances between 29th September and 6th October, 1910. He referred my letter to Mr. Skey, at Christchurch, who replied that the magnetograms showed considerable disturbance from 29th September to 7th October. This encourages us to ask for more observers of these phenomena, so that we may get more knowledge of that mysterious force magnetism.

We have received from Messrs. Home and Thounthwaite, at a cost of 16s., an eyepiece to replace the 70-power one that was injured.

I have to thank Messrs. Eliott and Glendinning for kind assistance when I have been unable to attend.

Papers.—1. “Local Vegetable Parasites,”

by D. Sinclair, C.E.

This paper dealt with some of the New Zealand mistletoes, contrasting them with the European species; also with Dactylanthus Taylori, which was stated to grow on the roots of the white miri (Pittosporum), appearing about 2 in. above ground like a fir-cone on end, and with the flower in the centre tinged with pink. The plant is rare, and its means of propagation unknown. reference was also made to various New Zealand epiphytes.

In the course of his paper the author suggested the formation of a field naturalist club in connection with the society.

2. “Assumption of the Sword of the Sutter of the Maldive Islands,”

by W. F. Durward.

This was an account given by the brother of the author, an officer on H.M.S. “Proserpine,” of the curious ceremonies on the “assumption of the sword” by the sutter of the Maldive Islands, the local equivalent to coronation. Special attention was called to the employment of seven as a mystical number symbolic of loyalty, the whole procession being arranged in sevens, and the proceedings being repeated at seven different stations.

Otago Institute.
Seventh Meeting: 1st November, 1910.

Eighth Meeting: 6th December, 1910.

Professor Waters, President, in the chair.

New Members.—Messrs. J. Laing and G. E. Thompson, M.A.

Exhibit.—Professor Benham exhibited a very fine greenstone axe, measuring 11 in. by 6 in., discovered at a depth of about 6 ft. at the corner of Leith and Hanover Streets, Dunedin. The axe had been dug up by the workmen of the Drainage Board, which body had commendably donated the implement to the Museum.

Governor.—Mr. G. M. Thomson being unable to attend the next annual meeting of the New Zealand Institute, Dr. P. Marshall was elected a substitute Governor in his place.

Annual Meeting: 6th December, 1910.

Professor Waters, President, in the chair.

The annual report and balance-sheet were adopted.

Annual Report.

Work of the Council.—The Council has met twelve times for the transaction of the business of the Institute, of which the following is a summary :—

Your Council co-operated with the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury in sending an emphatic protest to the Prime Minister against the destruction of seals on the outlying southern islands. The Prime Minister promised that the matter would have his attention in due course.

Your Council this year decided to offer three prizes of half a guinea each to the primary schools of Otago for the best naturalists' calendar, the best collection of insects, and the best collection of plants. The awards for this year have not yet been made.

A contribution of £25 was made to the Hocken Memorial Fund, and your Council endeavoured to induce the affiliated societies to assist in the upkeep of this national asset. We regret to say that we have received no satisfactory response from any of the affiliated societies.

Having considered the amendments in the Animals Protection Act submitted by the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury, and having found them satisfactory, your Council sent word of our willingness to act with it in urging the Government to accept the amendments.

During the year your Council communicated with the Southland Land Board and the Minister of Lands, protesting against the re-lease of the Auckland Islands to a whaling enterprise, on the grounds that such enterprise is very destructive to the flora and fauna of the islands. A satisfactory assurance was received from the Minister that Adams Island would be set apart as a reserve, and that every endeavour would be made to preserve the flora and fauna on the most important areas of the islands.

Viewing with regret the great destruction of penguins and sea-elephants on the Macquaries, your Council sent representations to the local members of Parliament, the Prime Minister, and others, protesting against this, and asking for protection of the animals mentioned. Unfortunately, these islands are under the jurisdiction of Tasmania, and the New Zealand Government declined to interfere. Correspondence also took place between your Council and the Tasmanian Government and several scientific societies in Tasmania and Australia. Unfortunately, your Council has no means of proving the amount of destruction or the actual decrease of these interesting animals beyond hearsay, and the Government of Tasmania seems disposed to grant a re-lease to the owner of the oil industry on the islands. Mr. Hatch, who flatly contradicts our statements as to the damage done.

Recognizing the need for expert advice in dealing with the subject of afforestation in New Zealand, your Council sent a strong letter to the Prime Minister urging such an appointment. The Prime Minister, however, assured us that the Government have at their disposal at the present time several highly trained experts, and do not consider any further appointment necessary.

Personnel of the Council.—Dr. Fitchett was appointed a member of the Council. vice Dr. Malcolm (resigned); Mr. Alex. Bathgate was appointed Vice-President. vice Dr. Hocken (deceased); and Mr. E J. Parr was appointed to a vacancy on the Council.

Ordinary Meetings.—Papers and addresses have been given by the President (Professor Waters), Professor Marshall, Professor Park, Dr. Fulton, and Mr. F W. Payne, and a number of technical and scientific papers have been read and placed upon the table for publication in the Transactions. Many interesting exhibits have been shown by Professor Waters, Dr. Benham, Mr. George Howes. Professor Park, Professor Marshall, and others.

In pursuance of its custom, your Council invited Dr. Leonard Cockayne, F.L.S. of Christchurch, a specialist in ecological botany, to deliver an address before our members. The lecture, which was beautifully illustrated with lantern-slides, was well attended and much appreciated. The subject was, “The Scientific Importance of our Scenic Reserves and National Parks,” and the speaker gave a graphic account of the various types of floral growth upon our islands and forest areas.

Membership.—During the current session thirteen new members have joined the Institute, two have resigned, and one—our lamented Vice-President, Dr. Hocken—has been taken from us by death. Full references to his eminent services and

the great loss sustained by the New Zealand Institute will be found in the minutes of the ordinary meetings and inscribed in a permanent memorial in the volume of Transactions and Proceedings.

The Hocken Memorial, or Museum Wing, is a permanent landmark which will keep fresh in our memory one of our most active workers, and a member of the Otago Institute for a period approaching half a century.

Our membership is now 134, an increase of ten over last year's roll.

Library.—The additions to the library during the last year have been greater than usual, partly owing to the generous donation of books by the late Dr. Hocken, and partly to the number of purchases of zoological works made in accordance with an agreement with the other libraries that this Institute should specialize in works on general zoology and geology. The existing shelves are nearly full. A few years back additional accommodation was effected by the erection of shelves in the room of the Curator of the Museum, and this year the librarian was compelled to obtain permission from the Council to have some small ones built over the door. But the time is close at hand when the accommodation for periodicals will be fully occupied, and it will be necessary to consider seriously how further accommodation can be provided. A judicious culling-out of old out-of-date works ought to be undertaken this summer.

The Council authorized the sale to Messrs. Bowes and Bowes, of Cambridge, of our set of the Philosophical Magazine, for which those booksellers were advertising. As this periodical is taken by the University, and as it had not been consulted by our members for some years, the opportunity of disposing of the set for a fair price was taken.

The following additions have been made during the year. Donations (in addition to the reports presented by the Government): Dr. Hocken— “Geographical Journal,” for the last nine years; “Journal of the Anthropological Institute,” for ten years; “Man,” six volumes. Mr. G. M. Thomson—Twenty-seven pamphlets on zoological subjects; Forster's “Character: Generum Plantarum” (folio), 1776. Dr. H. Lindo Ferguson—Twenty-two volumes of the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute (volumes xvii-xxxix, minus xxxiii and xxiv). Dr. P. Marshall—Nicholson's “Palaeozoic Corals—the Monticuliporidae.” Numerous additions by purchase were also made.

Thanks.—The Council and members desire to thank those ladies who have been kind enough to provide and superintend the distribution of refreshments at our meetings. Our thanks are due to the Otago Employers' Association for kindly allowing the Council to hold its meetings in its board-room.

Balance-sheet.—The balance-sheet, presented by the Treasurer (Mr. J. C. Thomson), showed a credit balance of £59 11s. 8d. The finances of the Institute are in a satisfactory condition.

Officers for 1911.—President—Mr. Alex. Bathgate; Vice-Presidents—Professor W. B. Benham, D.Sc., F.R.S., Professor D. B. Waters, A.O.S.M.; Council—Dr. R. V. Fulton, Dr. S. C. Allen, Mr. J. C. Thomson, Professor P. Marshall, M.A., D.Sc., F.G.S., Professor J. Malcolm, M.D., Mr. F. H. Statham, A.O.S.M., Mr. G. M. Thomson, M.P., F.L.S.; Hon Treasurer—W. Fels; Hon. Secretary—E. J. Parr, M.A., B.Sc.; Hon. Librarian—Dr. Benham; Hon. Auditor—Mr. D. Brent, M.A.

Papers.
1. Glaciated Surfaces and Boulder-clay near Bealey.

By R. Speight, M.Sc., F.G.S. (Read before the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury, 7th December, 1910.)

Glaciated surfaces where actual striae still remain clearly visible have not been often recorded as occurring in this country, nevertheless a careful inspection of likely places shows that they are by no means infrequent. During a visit to the Bealey I had opportunity to examine minutely several places where ice was likely to leave its traces, and specially the large roche moutonnée near which the Bealey Hotel is situated. This is in all probability an outlying fragment of a former spur which has been almost entirely removed by the erosion of the great valley glacier which occupied the Waimakariri Valley in former times, and its surface exhibits in many places the characteristic striae and flutings due to glacier erosion. These have remained hidden for years, but recent heavy rains have removed the covering of soil and clay and exposed the surface of the solid rock to view for over 3 chains along the roadside. The flutings and striae are not parallel to the axis of the valley, but make a small angle with it. The general surface of the mound shows the dimples usually associated with glacier-eroded surfaces. Similar dimples are to be observed on Goldney's Saddle, about seven miles below the Bealey near the junction of the Cass with the Waimakariri. In order that these forms may be well preserved, they must be protected from the disintegrating action of frost, which quickly breaks up any exposed surface in this region. The rapidity of this mode of disintegration is well shown on the surfaces of rocks on Goldney's Saddle, where they have been deprived of their blanket of clay, loess, or peat. The completeness of this protective covering accounts for the surface markings being so well preserved at the Bealey. On close examination this appears to be composed of an upper layer of loose material, yellowish-brown in colour, closely resembling loess, but not a true loess. The actual thickness is doubtful, and no doubt highly variable, but where exposed on the roadside it is from 4 ft. to 5 ft. thick. This portion owes its origin partly to material contained in the ice and left behind when it melted, partly to material weathered at higher levels and carried down by the action of water, snow, &c., and partly to the fine rock-flour which has been swept by strong winds from the dry river-beds left exposed as the ice retreated. The most interesting part, however, is the bottom layer of about 18 in. thick. This consists of a stiff clay containing subangular stones which are frequently striated—that is, it is a true boulder-clay, the first recorded from New Zealand which exhibits all its special characters. Such clays have been reported, but without the presence of scratched stones. In this case they are common, and a dozen good examples were collected in the course of two forenoons It must be stated, however, in order to prevent possible misunderstanding, that a portion of the upper surface of the roche moutnnée had been ploughed, and scratched stones were turned up in this part of it. It might be urged that the scratches on the stones were marks produced by the ploughshare were not equally good specimens found in the clay on that part of the hill which had not been broken up. No doubt this clay collected in some of the hollows formed in the rock-surface by the erosive action of the glacier.

Striated surfaces are also to be seen in the locality on the side of the road just past the hotel, and a very well-marked occurrence was pointed out to me by Mr Patterson, the Public Works Engineer, about six miles below the Bealey, on the Waimakariri cutting near the site of the projected railway-bridge over the river. Curiosity-hunters are rapidly destroying this surface in the desire to obtain specimens.

Both these occurrences owe their preservation to the protection afforded by the surface layer of loose material, and they have only been recently exposed.

2. Notes on the Discovery of Dactylanthus Taylori.

By James Grant, B.A.;

communicated by Mr. T. W. Downes. (Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 7th September, 1910.)

In Vol. xli of the “Transactions of the New Zealand Institute” Mr. H. Hill, in describing the Dactylanthus Taylori, Quotes a letter he received from Mr. D. H. Williamson, in which that writer claims that his father, the late Francis Williamson,

was the discoverer of the plant, but that instead of sending it to England as he originally intended he gave it to the Rev. Richard Taylor, who was then on the point of paying a visit to the Old Country. The concluding sentence of the letter indicates that Mr. Williamson has a grievance against Mr. Taylor because Dr. Hooker (now Sir Joseph) associated the name of the veteran missionary with the plant.

The Rev. R. Taylor came to New Zealand in March, 1839, and paid his first visit to England in 1855. Hence the late Mr. Williamson must have found his specimen early in that year. Possibly Mr. D. H Williamson was led to make the claim on behalf of his late father on reading an article in Vol. xxviii of the Transactions where the late Mr. T. Kirk mentions 1857 as the probable date of Taylor's discovery. But as Mr. Hill points out, there is a sketch of the Dactylanthus in Taylor's “Te Ika a Maui,” which was published in 1855.

In the second edition of “Te Ika a Maui” (page 697) Taylor says, “I first found it (Dactylanthus) on a mountain range near Hikurangi, returning from Taupo, and noticed it growing among the roots of a tree near the path…. Mr. Williamson afterwards brought me another specimen which he had found in clearing some ground. The whole plant and flowers were entirely covered with vegetable mould; the stem between the bracts was of a rusty brown. There were twenty-five flowers open all at once; another excrescence had eighteen. He states the odour of one plant was something like that of a ripe melon, whilst the other had a disagreeable earthy smell.”

Dr. Hooker, who described and named the plant, says, “For a specimen of this singular plant I am indebted to my friend the Rev. R. Taylor, of New Zealand, who brought a fragment of it to England in 1856, and, on my pointing out its probable interest, promised to procure more on his return to New Zealand. This he did, and early in the present year (1859) I had the pleasure of receiving from him a dried specimen of a female plant, a perfect male inflorescence in a letter, and a pen-and-ink sketch of the peduncle and flowers, with notes on the same.”

The most important evidence was discovered by Mrs. Harper, the wife of Mr. H. S. G. Harper, in whose possession the Rev. R. Taylor's unpublished journals are. The whole entry for the day is copied out exactly as it stands, except that the writer of these notes has supplied the punctuation-marks.

“March 18, 1845.—It was a rainy night, and very cold, wet, and cheerless. In walking through the dense, humid forest I was soon as wet as if I had been in the water. We had constantly been ascending and descending. We crossed the Mangawera [Mangawhero] after dinner. The stream here makes a remarkable noise, which I fancy is occasioned by its flowing through some cavern in the rock. The Natives say it is a large tuna. I found the Parei myself to-day. It is certainly one of the most remarkable vegetable productions I have seen, and appears to be the union of fungus with the plant. I passed several, taking them for toadstools, but one more remarkable than the rest caused me to stop and gather it. I then found that it was a plant in full flower, although very much resembling a fungus. It has no leaves, and has a calyx containing a kind of pollen with rather a disagreeable smell. The Natives say it is more prolific than the potato, but will only grow in the forest We passed through several small manias to-day and had some very wearisome and precipitous ascents. We are encamped for the night where the road for Pukehika branches off from that to Ikurangi [Hikurangi].”

This quotation, the compiler ventures to think, establishes the fact that the Rev. R. Taylor discovered the Dactylanthus in 1845. It is not improbable that the specimen received by Hooker in 1856 is the one Mr. Williamson refers to in his letter. But as Taylor had seen the plant more than ten years previously, he could hardly be expected to represent it to Hooker as the discovery of another man. Besides, he is quite frank in mentioning the specimen he received from Williamson. So I think the hint in the conclusion of Mr. Williamson's letter that Taylor was guilty of something akin to sharp practice has nothing to support it.

These notes have been compiled to vindicate the character of the Rev. R. Taylor, a man who worked strenuously not only for the good of the Natives, but also for the public generally. Like many more overworked men, he found time to study the natural history of the district over which he made so many journeys. He wrote two books, the second edition of one of these being practically a new work, numerous articles of a scientific nature, besides many volumes of unpublished matter.

Unfortunately, no biography of Taylor has yet been written. Until some one accomplishes that work the man will remain unknown. Suffice it to say here that, even if the evidence in his diary had not been forthcoming, the man was so upright in character that he would never have been guilty of attempting to appropriate another man's discovery.