The sewage being discharged in a concentrated form, undiluted with rain-water, its value would be much enhanced as a liquid manure for the purpose of irrigation, should it be decided to employ it in that manner. For the same reason the first cost and working-expenses would be greatly reduced. Provision for serving a population of 50,000 is, I maintain, ample, the possibility existing of extending the system to meet the future increase without sacrificing the work previously carried out. The remarks in this paper have, of course, a catholic application: what has been said with reference to the difficult of draining Wellington applies equally to all towns occupying flat sites, the difficulties which may arise, and sewage-gas nuisances which threaten, being the same. The pneumatic system has, I venture to submit, solved the problem of how to drain localities effectually and cheaply which do not possess the natural conditions suitable for drainage by gravitation.

Art. XLIX.—Notes on the Islands to the South of New Zealand. By A. Reischek, F.L.S; [Read before the Auckland Institute, 30th July, 1888.] At last the time came for me to say “Good-bye” to those solitary wilds on the west coast of the South Island where, amidst the grandest and most beautiful scenery, I had spent so many happy days. Truly, nature has lavished her favours on New Zealand, and I may well be excused for being sorry to leave it. On the 19th January, 1888, the “Stella,” under the charge of Captain Fairchild, left the Bluff for her annual tour to provision the dépôts kept up for the succour of shipwrecked sailors on the islands to the south of New Zealand. Mr. Dugald (the photographer), a few youths, and myself were the only passengers. We started first for Stewart Island, distant fifteen miles to the south-south-west. Passing through Foveaux Strait, dotted over with romantic little islands, we disturbed numerous flocks of mutton-birds (Puffinus tristis) which were feeding, playing, or sleeping on the water. A few nellies (Ossifraga gigantea) followed the vessel to pick up any scraps thrown overboard, which they greedily devoured. Stewart Island is of irregular shape: its western or longest side runs in a north-and-south direction for about thirty-nine miles; the north and south-east sides are each