On South American Geology and Topography.

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 5, 1872, Page 425

1. “On South American Geology and Topography,” by J. C. Crawford, F.G.S. (Abstract.) The author proposed to show what connection exists and has formerly existed between this country and South America. He said it appeared that the fossil shells of littoral character of tertiary times found in New Zealand and in South America have much in common, the relationship being much nearer than between New Zealand and Australia, and that the floras of the former countries have also a considerable number of species common to both. “It is almost impossible to resist the inference that in tertiary times (notwithstanding the great extent of deep sea which now separates the shores of New Zealand and of South America) these countries were more intimately connected, probably by land towards the antarctic circle, but at all events by a considerable extension of land in that direction, with the necessary consequence of a shallower adjacent sea, and with probably a large extension of the

land area, both of New Zealand and of the southern part of the American Continent.” He then proceeded to show that if a great depression were to take place in the Northern Hemisphere a corresponding rise would occur somewhere else, probably in the Southern Hemisphere, and a considerable amount of water being also drawn off to fill up the gap formed by the northern depression, these two causes would probably together have allowed of a junction between New Zealand and South America in the direction of South Georgia and Mounts Erebus and Terror. The author then gave a vivid description of the country from Buenos Ayres to Mendoza, and of the grand scenery of the Andes between that place and Santiago. Between Valparaiso and Santiago the country had been travelled over by him, and with regard to the river Maypo he says that it “attracted the attention of Darwin from the constantly grinding noise of its shingle bed. This will recall to the New Zealand reader the grinding sound from the beds of the Rakaia, Waitaki, and many other New Zealand rivers.” “The southern parts of the Andes and the deeply intersected district of Tierra del Fuego point to similar conditions to those of Dusky Bay, Milford Sound, and the other depressed vallies of the south-west coast of New Zealand. Tierra del Fuego appears to be composed of granites and silurian schists.” The author concluded with a general description of the continent of South America, and finished by saying that “there is a certain resemblance between the Southern Indians and the Maori, both in colour and fleshiness. The Patagonians whom I have seen were men with large bodies and short arms and legs. Sitting on the ground or on horseback they would appear gigantic, but standing up they would not be beyond the average height. It would, however, be an injustice to the Maori to compare him intellectually with the southern tribes of America.” A discussion ensued, in which Drs. Comrie and Hector and Capt. Hutton took part. 2. “Contributions to the Ichthyology of New Zealand,” by Capt. F. W. Hutton, F.G.S., C.M.Z.S. (See Transactions, p. 259.) The President stated that he had obtained from the fishermen in Wellington many of the specimens described by Capt. Hutton, showing that there is still rich field for discovery in this branch of natural history. 3. “Notes on the Stone Epoch at the Cape of Good Hope,” by B. H. Darnell; communicated by Dr. Hector. (See Transactions, p. 138.) 4. “Notice of a new species of Senecio (S. hectori),” by John Buchanan, of the Geological Survey of New Zealand. (See Transactions, p. 348.)