Mr. Travers drew Capt. Hutton's attention to the fact that Mr. Rochfort had seen newts in a lake on the top of Mount Arthur; that he had in his garden a carnivorous slug, and he also referred to a red parasite he had seen on a reptile on his station. He thought many distinctive forms of life had been introduced from other countries, but owing to the time required for distribution they were but imperfectly known. Dr. Haast would like to know if submergence had only been partial. There was no doubt that New Zealand was originally part of a large continent. Captain Hutton felt doubtful about the newts until he had heard further of the matter. The President after discussing some of the points raised by Capt. Hutton, said that the Society should be congratulated on the paper, which was a practical application of the Darwinian theory. 2. “On the Birds of the Chatham Islands,” by H. H. Travers; “With Introductory Remarks on the Avifauna and Flora of the Islands,” by W. T. L. Travers, F.L.S., (See Transactions, p. 212.) Mr. J. D. Enys asked if Mr. Travers could account for the gizzard stones of the kiwi being found in the Chathams, if it did not belong to it. Mr. Travers said it might have been taken over by the Maoris, but it certainly did not belong to the islands. A skeleton of a Wallaby, prepared by Dr. Knox, was exhibited. Eighth Meeting. 18th September, 1872. Dr. Hector, F.R.S., President, in the chair. New member.—J. B. Bradshaw, M.H.R. Publications received since last meeting were on the table.

1. The President read a letter from Dr. J. E. Gray, expressing his opinion that the Seal described by Dr. Hector in last year's Transactions as the young of the Fur Seal of the West Coast is in reality a different species. Dr. Hector gave reasons why he still adhered to his opinion on the subject, and was supported by Capt. Hutton.

2. “On the Chief Features of the Vegetation of the District between Maketu and Lake Taupo,” by T. Kirk, F.L.S. This paper gave an instructive account of the culture of tobacco by the natives in the vicinity of the Hot Springs, and urged the necessity of preserving the scanty remains of forest in the district, and of extending them by artificial plantation.