Page:Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute - Volume 1 (2nd ed.).djvu/465

Rh An analysis showed it to contain 13.60 per cent, of silver, a rather large proportion, making it approximate in this respect to the least argentiferous gold from Coromandel, but having an excess of silver over the Whakamarina gold.

3. "Results of an Analysis of the fixed Constituents of Rain Water collected from a Galvanized Iron Roof," by W. Skey.

The analysis was undertaken more especially with the view to determine the quantity of zinc and arsenic present.

One gallon of the water yielded 1.16 grain of matter, fixed at a dull heat, which analysis divided as follows:—

4. "On supposed Coal from the Auckland Islands," by W. Skey.

This proved to be crystalline hornblende.

5. "On Extract of Towai Bark," by W. Skey.

The bark was furnished by Mr. Grayling, of Taranaki.

These results show that the substance is chemically allied to the gum kino of commerce. The towai is the Weinmannia sylvicola, and is closely allied to the tree that affords that gum, so that their value is about equal.

6. "On the Water from the Whangaehu River, Onetapu, Auckland," by W. Skey.

The Whangaehu River rises from within a few yards of the source of the Waikato, on the eastern slopes of Ruapehu Mountain, in the interior of the North Island, and flows into the sea south of the Wanganui River. Its waters are intensely bitter, and of a milky colour for many miles from the