0n Norfolk Island, its character and productions.

It was intimated at a recent meeting of this Society, that as Norfolk Island is about to pass into the hands of new occupants, it would be desirable to have some record of its natural history and resources. In accordance with the wishes of the members, I have drawn up a short paper on the subject, though with considerable diffidence, in the hope only that fresh facts will be elicited in the after discussion. The sources from whence my information has been drawn have been the histories of the early and later navigators—Cook, Anson, Hunter, Keppel ; the narratives of those who have visited or resided at the place ; and all those records, correspondences, and reports to which I could obtain access otherwise. As far as possible, I have verified the accounts of others by my own personal observation and experience during three visits to and short residences on the island. Still, this essay, should only be regarded as a resume—as little more than a collection and arrangement of scattered facts, drawn up in the simple and terse style most suitable to this Society.