Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute/Volume 18


TRANSACTIONS


AND


PROCEEDINGS


OF THE


NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE,


1885.


VOL. XVIII.

(First of New Series)


EDITED AND PUBLISHED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE INSTITUTE,


By

JAMES HECTOR, C.M.G., M.D., F.R.S.


Issued May, 1886.


WELLINGTON:
LYON AND BLAIR, PRINTERS, LAMBTON QUAY

TRÜBNER & CO., 57 & 59, LUDGATE HALL, LONDON, E.C.


PREFACE.



The present volume commences a new series of the "Transactions of the New Zealand Institute," in which, for convenience and economy, the size of the page has been reduced from royal to demy octavo. An alphabetical index has also been added to the volume for the first time. A General Alphabetical Index of Authors and Subjects, for the seventeen volumes which constitute the first series, has been prepared, and will be presented to all members of the Institute along with this volume.

J. H.


CONTENTS.




TRANSACTIONS.


I.—Miscellaneous.
PAGES
Art. I. The Maori in Asia. By E. Tregear 3–24
II. On the Stone Weapons of the Moriori and the Maori. By Professor Julius von Haast, C.M.G., Ph.D., F.R.S. 24–30
III. Notes on the Difference in Food Plants now used by Civilized Man as compared with those used in Prehistoric Times. By W. T. L. Travers, F.L.S. 30–37
IV. The Building Timbers of Auckland. By Edward Bartley, Architect 37–41
V. A Description of the New Volcano in the Friendly Islands, near Tongatabu. By the Rev. S. W. Baker, Premier of Tonga 41–46
VI. The Maori Language, with Remarks on the Reform of English Spelling. By James Coutts Crawford, F.G.S. 46–58
VII. The Non-Euclidian Geometry Vindicated: a Reply to Mr. Skey. By F. W. Frankland, F.I.A. 58–69
VIII. On a New Form of Seismograph. By F. Bull 69–71
II.—Zoology.
IX. On an Index-Collection for small Zoological Museums, in the Form of a Genealogical Tree of the Animal Kingdom. By T. Jeffery Parker, B.Sc, Professor of Biology in the University of Otago, and Curator of the University Museum 73–78
X. Notes on a Skeleton of Notornis, recently acquired by the Otago University Museum. By T. Jeffery Parker, B.Sc, C.M.Z.S. 78–82
XI. Remarks on the Feathers of two Species of Moa. By Taylor White 83–84
XII. Notes on New Zealand Ornithology: Observations on Pogonornis cincta (Dubus), Stitch-bird (Tiora). By A. Reischek, F.L.S. 84–87
XIII. Notes on New Zealand Ornithology: Observations on Procellaria parkinsoni (Grey); Brown Petrel (Taiko). By A. Reischek 87–90
XIV. Observations on Gould's Petrel (Hutton), Procellaria gouldi (Ohi), their Habits and Habitats. By A. Reischek 90–91
XV. Observations on Cook's Petrel (Grey), Procellaria cooki (Ti Ti), their Habits and Habitats. By A. Reischek 92–93
XVI. Observations on Puffinus gavius (Forst.), Rain-bird (Hakoakoa), their Habits and Habitats. By A. Reischek 93–97
XVII. Observations on Puffinus assimilis (Gould), Totorore, their Habits and Habitats. By A. Reischek 95–96
XVIII. Observations on the Habits of New Zealand Birds, their Usefulness or Destructiveness to the Country. By A. Reischek 96–104
XIX. Notes on the Habits of some New Zealand Birds. By A. Reischek; communicated by Professor Parker 105–107
XX. Observations on Sphenodon punctatum, Fringe-back Lizard (Tuatara). By A. Reischek 108–110
XXI. Notes on the Habits of the Polecat, Ferret, Mongoose, Stoat, and Weasel. By A. Reischek 110–112
XXII. The Protection of Native Birds. By Hugh Martin 112–117
XXIII. Notes on the Bones of a Species of Sphenodon (S. diversum, Col.), apparently distinct from the species already known. By William Colenso, F.L.S. 118–123
XXIV. A List of the Native Birds of the Petane District, Hawke's Bay, with Notes and Observations. By A. Hamilton, of Petane
XXV. A remarkable Variety of the New Zealand Pigeon (Carpophaga novæ-zealandiæ), with References to previous Notices. By T. W. Kirk 129
XXVI. Notice of an Instance of Abnormal Colouring in Platycercus auriceps, with Record of previous Notices of similar Variations. By T. W. Kirk 129–130
XXVII. On the Habits of Ocydromus australis. By W. W. Smith; communicated by Dr. Buller, C.M.G., F.R.S. 131–134
XXVIII. Description of Hybrid Ducks, bred from Common Duck (A. boschus) and Grey Duck (A. superciliosa). By Taylor White, Glengarrie, Napier 134–135
XXIX. Note on a large Sun-Fish (Orthagoriscus mola, L.), recently captured at Napier, Hawke's Bay. By A. Hamilton, of Petane 135–136
XXX. On a new Species of Chromodoris. By T. F. Cheeseman, F.L.S. 137
XXXI. On a new Paper-Nautilus (Argonauta bulleri). By T. W. Kirk 138–139
XXXII. Description of a new Pill-Millipede. By T. W. Kirk 139–140
XXXIII. Critical List of the Crustacea Malacostraca of New Zealand. By Geo. M. Thomson, F.L.S., and Chas. Chilton, M.A. 141–159
XXXIV. A new Species of Philygria. By Chas. Chilton, M.A. 159–161
XXXV. Description of New Zealand Micro-lepidoptera. By E. Meyrick. B.A. 162–183
XXXVI. Notes on Nomenclature of New Zealand Geometrina. By E. Meyrick, B.A. 184
XXXVII. On the Spiders of New Zealand. By A. T. Urquhart 184–205
XXXVIII. Description of Diadema nerina. By R. J. Kingsley 205–208
XXXIX. Life History of Epyaxa rosearia, Dbld. By A. Purdie, M.A. 208–209
XL. Notes on the so-called Vegetable Caterpillar of New Zealand. By A. Hamilton, of Petane 209–213
XLI. On the Metamorphosis of the Caddis Fly. By G. V. Hudson 213–214
XLII. On some Specimens of Vorticellæ, collected in the neighbourhood of Wellington. By T. W. Kirk, Assistant, Geological Survey Department 215–217
III.—Botany.
XLIII. A Description of some newly-discovered Cryptogamic Plants, being a further Contribution towards the making known the Botany of New Zealand. By W. Colenso, F.L.S. 219–255
XLIV. A Description of some newly-discovered and rare Indigenous Plants, being a further Contribution towards the making known the Botany of New Zealand. By W. Colenso 256–287
XLV. A brief List of some British Plants (Weeds) lately noticed, apparently of recent Introduction into this part of the Colony, with a few Notes thereon. By W. Colenso 288–290
XLVI. On Clianthus puniceus, Sol. By W. Colenso 291–295
XLVII. Description of new Species of Native Plants. By D. Petrie, M.A. 296–298
XLVIII. On the Classification of the Algæ. By R. M. Laing, M.A. 299–302
XLIX. Observations on the Fucoideæ of Banks Peninsula. By R. M. Laing 303–311
L. On the Growth of Transplanted Trees. By J. Baber, C.E. 311–314
LI. Description of three new Species of Coprosma. By T. F. Cheeseman, F.L.S. 315–317
LII. On Cyttaria purdiei, Buch. By John Buchanan, F.L.S. 317
LIII. Additional Contributions to the Flora of the Nelson Provincial District. By T. Kirk, F.L.S. 318–324
LIV. On a new Variety of Desmid. By W. M. Maskell, F.R.M.S. 325
IV.—Geology.
LV. On the Geology of Scinde Island. By Captain F. W. Hutton, F.G.S. 327–332
LVI. New Species of Tertiary Shells. By Captain F. W. Hutton, F.G.S. 333–335
LVII. The Wanganui System. By Captain F. W. Hutton, F.G.S. 336–367
LVIII. On the Age of the Napier Limestone. By A. McKay 367–374
V.—Astronomy.
LIX. The Total Eclipse of the Sun of the 9th September, 1885: being a Digest of Communications to the Institute on the subject 375–394
LX. The Maintenance of the Sun's Heat (Abstract of a Lecture). By Professor F. D. Brown 394–399
VI.—Chemistry.
LXI. On a new Mineral (Awaruite) from Barn Bay. By W. Skey 401–402
LXII. On Platinum Crystals in the Ironsands of Orepuki Goldfield. By W. S. Hamilton 402–404
NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE.

Seventeenth Annual Report 407–408
Accounts 408

PROCEEDINGS.

WELLINGTON PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.
Notice of an Ancient Maori Kite 411
Notice of Helix hochstetteri 411
Notice of an Auriferous Pinolite 411
Notice of Occurrence of a Bonita and Turtle 411
Old Books exhibited 411
Notice of a Geological Collection from Kaikoura, made by Mr. McKay 411
Portrait of Manihera exhibited, and remarks 411–412
Presentation to Mr. John Buchanan, F.L.S. 412
Suggestion as to Uniformity of Expression in the Transactions. By A. de B. Brandon 412
Notice of a Trout caught in the Silverstream 413
Nomination of Member to vote in election of Governors of N.Z. Institute 413
On the Coniferous Plants in the Botanic Gardens at Wellington. By J. Buchanan, F.L.S. 414
Notice of a Trout caught in the Hutt River 414
Notice of Fourcroya longæva 414
Notice of Geological Collection from the Bounty and Antipodes Islands and Campbell Island 414
Notes on an Ancient Map of New Zealand 414
Abstract of Annual Report 414
Report of the Microscopic Section 415
Journey to Murimotu and Ascent of Ruapehu. By J. Park 415
Election of Officers for 1886 415
AUCKLAND INSTITUTE.
Abstract of Anniversary Address by the President 416–419
New Species of Carabidæ. By Captain T. Broun 419
Objections to the Theory of Evolution. By J. Buchanan 419
Notice of the Death of Mr. J. T. McKelvie 419
The Sphygmograph. By J. Murray Moore, M.D. 420
Prehistoric Weapons. By J. Martin, F.G.S. 420
The Influence of the Means of Transit on the Social Condition of the People. By S. Vaile 420
The Minerals of the Cape Colville Peninsula. By J. A. Pond 421
Notice of Maori Carved House in the Museum 421
Reference to a new Volcano in the Friendly Islands. By W. S. Lane 421
The Survival of the Fittest. By E. A. Mackechnie 422–423
Abstract of Report for 1885
Election of Officers for 1886 423
PHILOSOPHICAL INSTITUTE OF CANTERBURY.
Letter from the Widow of Dr. von Hochstetter 424
Lucretius. By Professor Haslam 424
Buddha and his Philosophy. By G. Hogben 424
River Terraces. By Professor F. W. Hutton 424
Thought Transference. By R. M. Laing, M.A. 425
The Stone Age in Europe. By Professor F. W. Hutton 425
Annual Report
Election of Officers for 1886 426
The Role af Phosphorus in Nature. By the President 426
Moas and Moa-hunters. By Professor J. von Haast, C.M.G., Ph.D., F.R.S. 426
OTAGO INSTITUTE.
Protest against the Exportation of Tuataras 427
On the Preparation of Vegetable Tissues. By G. M. Thomson and Professor Parker 427
On Explosives. By Professor Scott 427
Description of a new Species of Acæna. By D. Petrie, M.A. 428
On Inebriety, and the Duty of the State with regard to Inebriates. By Dr. de Zouche 428
Resolution regarding the Publication of a new Handbook of the Phanerogamic Flora of New Zealand 428
On the Preparation of Sections of Bones and Teeth. By Dr. Lindo Ferguson 428
On the Preparation of Rock Sections. By Professor Ulrich 428
Notice of Trout from Lake Wakatipu. By Professor Parker 428
On the Early History of New Zealand. By Dr. Hocken 428
Regarding Evolution the Previous Question of Science. By Rev. Dr. Macgregor 429
Notice of Exhibits for the Colonial and Indian Exhibition. By Professor Parker 429
Abstract of Annual Report 429
Election of Officers for 1886 429
Abstract of Address by the Retiring President 429–431
WESTLAND INSTITUTE.
Abstract of Annual Report 432
Election of Officers for 1885–86 432
HAWKE'S BAY PHILOSOPHICAL INSTITUTE.
On the Rev. J. Pearson's Method of Computing Solar Eclipses and Occultations. By J. Harding 433
Notice of Neobalæna marginata, Stenorhynchus leptonyx, Hammer Shark, and Fossils from Takapau 433
On the Solar Eclipse. By T. Tanner 433
On the Solar Eclipse. By R. C. Harding 433
Notices of Phasma, Epiodon, Balænoptera rostrata, Coronula balænaris, and Conchoderma aurita 433
On the various Legends and Stories current among the Maoris relating to the Sea and Sea Monsters. By W. Colenso, F.L.S. 434
Notice of a Flying-Fish, and of Fossils from the Upper Mohaka 434
On the Early Discovery of Moa Bones in New Zealand, and their Identification. By Mr. Hamilton 434
Notice of Moa Bones from the North Island. By W. Colenso, F.L.S. 434
On some other Extinct Birds, more particularly the Dodo and the Great Auk 434
On the Study of Natural History. By Mr. Hamilton 435
Abstract of Annual Report 435
Election of Officers for 1886 435
SOUTHLAND INSTITUTE.
Abstract of Annual Report 436
On Sound. By A. Ireland 436
On the Geology of the Bluff District. By W. S. Hamilton
On Optical Illusions. By G. Baker 436
On Romance and Sensationalism. By Rev. H. Stocker 436
On Respiration. By D. Macpherson 436
On Encrinites and Crinoids. By E. Webber 436
On Blood, and the Circulation. By Dr. Closs 436
On Population. By A. Ireland 436
Election of Officers for 1886 436
NELSON PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.
Abstract of Annual Report 437
Election of Officers for 1885–86 437
A Rain Chart for the Year. By the Bishop of Nelson 437
Nomination of a Member to vote for a Governor of the New Zealand Institute 437
On Telegraphy. By J. C. Lockley 437
Description of the Stalactite Caves at Collingwood. By J. S. Browning 437

APPENDIX.
Meteorological Statistics for 1885 441
Notes on the Weather during 1885 442
Earthquakes reported in New Zealand during 1885 443
Honorary Members of the New Zealand Institute 444
Ordinary Members of the New Zealand Institute 445
List of Institutions and Individuals to whom this Volume is presented 460
Alphabetical Index 465

Preface iii.
Contents v.–x.
List of Plates xi.
Board of Governors of the New Zealand Institute xiii.
Abstract of Rules and Statutes of the New Zealand Institute xiii.–xvi.
List of Incorporated Societies xvi.
Officers of Incorporated Societies, and Extracts from the Rules xvi.–xix.



LIST OF PLATES.




Author TO FACE
PAGE
I. Haast.—Stone Weapons  24
II. White.—Moa Feathers  82
III. {{{1}}}{{{1}}}{{{1}}}  84
IV. T. W. KirkArgonauta 138
V. Chilton.Crustacea 160
VI. Urquhart.—Spiders 184
VII. {{{1}}}{{{1}}} 188
VIII. {{{1}}}{{{1}}} 192
IX. Hudson.—Caddis Fly 214
X. Laing.—Algæ 300
Xa. {{{1}}}{{{1}}} 302
XI. Buchanan.Cyttaria 316
XII. Hutton.—Wanganui Series 336
XIII. {{{1}}}{{{1}}}{{{1}}} 342
XIV. Various.—Solar Eclipse 394
XV. {{{1}}}{{{1}}}{{{1}}}
XVI. {{{1}}}{{{1}}}{{{1}}}