unusually well suited for this purpose, but it was raided in September and the whole of the eggs were stolen. Native Bush Protection: The Society is in full sympathy with the various movements at present active in this field. Honours: The Otago Branch of the Royal Society extends to Sir William Benham, F.R.S., its hearty congratulations on the well deserved honour recently conferred on him by His Majesty the King. He was for many years a member of the council of this society, and was secretary for six sessions and president for three. The society also extends its congratulations to Dr. J. E. Holloway for the honour conferred on him by the Royal Society of London in making him a Fellow of the Royal Society. Ordinary Meetings (Public Addresses): April 18: Conversazione organized by the Microscopic Branch (The old Medical School Bldg., King Street, at 8 p.m.) May 2: Presidential Address “The Age of the Earth.” Remarks on the chemical and geological evidence by Dr. Soper and Dr. Benson. June 13: Mrs H. D. Skinner. “Native Birds in a Littlebourne Garden.” Mr. L. E. Richdale, M.A., “A Bird Island In Foveaux Strait.” Both illustrated by slides. (Joint meeting with Dunedin Field Naturalists' Club). July 11: Dr. F. G. Soper, “Wool Textile Research.” Exhibits. (Joint meeting with Agricultural Section). August 8: Dr. R. Jack, “Some Recent Applications of Physical Science.” Demonstrations and Experiments. (Physics Lecture Room, University Bldgs., Union Street.) September 12: Mr. W. G. McClymont, M.A., “Centennial Retrospect—Geographical Horizons.” Maps and slides. (Joint meeting with Historical Section.) October 10: Original papers by members. November 14: Annual Report and Balance Sheet. Exhibits from the Museum Collections. Original Papers: W. N. Benson and J. T. Holloway: Notes on the Geography and Rocks of the Ranges between the Pyke and Upper Matukituki Rivers, N.W. Otago. O. D. Paterson: Geology of the Lower Shag Valley. George Simpson and J. Scott Thomson: Notes on Some New Zealand Plants, and Descriptions of New Species. George Simpson and J. Scott Thomson: Growth Rates of Certain Indigenous Species. Wm. B. Benham: (1) Fossil Cetacea of New Zealand. (a) Further Notes on Mauicetus (new name for Lophocephalus). (b) Remains of Balaenids. (c) Notes on Fossil Cetacea in various collections. (2) A New Earthworm from Napier of the genus Megascolecides. Junior Branch: The work of the Junior Branch is still being carried on successfully. Six lectures were given during the winter term on a varied syllabus. The talks were received with enthusiasm and appreciation, but the average attendance has fallen to approximately eighty. The decrease was due in some measure to unavoidable clash with school, social and sporting functions; but there are probably other causes connected with the modern attitude towards serious education. It is, however, too early to make any definite comment on the tendency to smaller attendances. Next year should show clearly what to do in future years. It is scarcely necessary to point out that the lectures in themselves are excellent and thoroughly appreciated by the audiences.