Page:Transactions NZ Institute Volume 9 Supplement.djvu/20

628 give some interesting particulars. There was another species in Tasmania of a reddish colour, which formed borrows for similar purposes in the Hardest clay.

Mr. Gore said that he had found a nest in the tube of an old barometer hanging in the porch at the observatory.

5. "Notes on the Economic Properties of certain Native Grasses," by T. Kirk, F.L.S. (Transactions, p. 494.)

New Members.—George Lambert, F. W. A. Skae, M.D., F.R.C.S.E., J. T. Thomson, C.E., F.R.G.S., Major W. J. Willis, James McKenzie.

1. "On Hedges and Hedge Plants," by J. C. Crawford, F.G.S. (Transactions, p. 203.)

Read by Dr. Hector.

Mr. W. R. E. Brown objected to the thorn, as it was subject to attack from a maggot that eats into and runs down the pith of the tree and so destroys it, as well as from the insect mentioned by the author. Gorse is also objectionable, as it gets too open in exposed parts. In Natal, there is a plant with a large thorn (Mimosa) which would answer well here.

Mr. Wallace considered that the Laurustinus made a good break-wind fence.

Dr. Hector stated that the Public Works Department wanted a fence to protect the railway lines. The difficulty was to get a plant that would suit all the different soils met with in a straight line through the country. He had seen a good fence-plant in California, seeds of which are on their way here for experiment.

Mr. Kirk thought that the great drawback with fences here was the want of culture. If we want good fences we must expend labour on them. There were some plants in the Colony good for shelter, among others the Totara, which stands cutting and seeds freely. Pittosporum is also good, and the Pohutukawa. The Holly, after a growth of nine years, makes the best fence, but care should be taken not to cut it until it has been one year in the ground. The Olearia of the Chatham Islands mentioned by Mr. Crawford, is also suitable for fencing purposes. He was rather in favour of the thorn, if it was allowed to grow for the first year without cutting.

Mr. O'Neill was not aware that the Pohutukawa grew inland. The oak seemed a quick-growing tree in this country.

Mr. Kirk said he thought the Pohutukawa would grow anywhere in New Zealand. He had not noticed any difference in the growth of the oak in New Zealand.

Mr. Graham mentioned the prickly Acacia of Australia.

Mr. Buchanan thought that gum trees, planted nine feet apart as live posts, upon which to stretch wire, would prove the most durable living fence that could be obtained. This would also be suitable for railway lines, for the gum would grow in any soil. None of the plants mentioned by previous speakers would, in his opinion, be suitable to keep out stock.