have been collected in New Zealand, with their Stratigraphical Position, is in course of publication, and will shortly be followed by the Sixteenth Progress Report.
The Handbook of New Zealand, prepared by Dr. Hector for the Melbourne Exhibition, is now out of print, and a third edition is in preparation.
Progress is being made with the preparation of several important works bearing on the Natural History, Mineralogy and Geology of the colony.
Libraries.
The libraries in connection with the Museum have increased rapidly during the past year, and it was thought necessary that a librarian should be appointed. Mr. T. W. Kirk has been placed in charge of the Patent and Public Libraries, the work being performed out of official hours.
New Zealand Institute Library.—The additions to this library comprise about 255 volumes received in exchange for the Transactions from the various societies and institutions whose names appear in List III.
Patent Library.—This collection remains as hitherto in the lecture-room, and appears to be greatly appreciated, especially by those engaged in mechanical pursuits. Thirty-two volumes have been added during the year.
Public Library.—It was stated in last report that very many of the works belonging to this library were missing when it was removed to the Museum. Private inquiry by the librarian resulted in the recovery of sixteen volumes, and it has now been decided to advertize in the local newspapers and the Government Gazette requesting persons having in their possession books belonging to this Library, to return the same to the Museum as soon as possible; it is hoped that by this means a large proportion of the missing works may be recovered.
Meteorology.
Meteorological statistics are collected at four second-class stations in New Zealand, at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin; and observations of rainfall, temperature and wind-direction are received from thirty third-class stations. The results are published monthly, and will be collected as usual into a biennial report. There is no first-class meteorological station in New Zealand having the equipment required by the Intercolonial Conference.
The system of intercolonial telegraphic weather exchange has now been in operation for twelve months, and the results obtained and the proposals for securing earlier publication, in an easily comprehensible form, of the weather changes, will form the subject of a special report.
