ft.-BTo. 29,

PAPERS RELATIVE TO TRANSFER OE

4

specimens represent only fifteen very common species, owing to the number of duplicates ; nevertheless, as being the type collection containing the actual specimens which form the groundwork of what will be the standard book on the birds of New Zealand, I would strongly urge that they should be purchased for the Museum, with the stipulation that the Government should receive, in addition to the collection of birds, say twenty-five copies of the work for distribution to the various Public Libraries in the Colony, when it is published. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. James Hectob.

No. 4. Dr. Hectoe to the Hon. W. Gisborxe. Sib, — Colonial Museum, Wellington, 21st November, 1870. I have the honor to report that, in accordance with your minute of 7th October last, I have made arrangements with Mr. Buller for the transfer of his collection to tho Colonial Museum, in the terms of the attached letter, in consideration of his receiving the sum of £300 from Government to assist him in publishing his work on the " Ornithology of New Zealand." I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. James Hector.

Enclosure in No. 4. Memobandum of Articles to be handed over to the Colonial Museum by Mr. W. Bulger. 1. Collection of New Zealand bird skins, to be forwarded complete within one month; 255 specimens, as per list. 2. Besides the thirty-two specimena now mounted in the Museum, ten of the foregoing are to be mounted in the new case. 3. All deposits in the Museum at the present time to be presented to the Museum. [See attached list.] 4. All nests and eggs of New Zealand birds in Mr. Buller's possession to be presented to the Museum. 5. Publication to be proceeded with as soon as compatible with scientific accuracy. 6. Twenty-five copies of work on " New Zealand Ornithology " to be presented to the Colonial Government. Sub-Enclosure to "Enclosure in No. 4. List of Deposits at present in Colonial Museum, to bo presented by Mr. Bfller. Deposited 17th September, 1865. —1 Pishing Eod, 5 Spears, 7 pieces of Cloth, 2 ditto, coloured, 2 Mats, 2 pieces of Fringe, 4 large Clubs, 6 small Clubs, 6 Fish-hooks, 7 pieces of Stone, 1 Hatchet, 1 Cocoanut Wood Stick, 2 Bone Kings, 1 Stone covered with Shell (sniker), 1 Tongese, 1 small Paddle. Deposited 30th August, 1866.—Tooth of Cetacean. Deposited 2nd May, 1867. —Skeleton of Kiwi, prepared by Dr. Knox. Deposited 23rd September, 1867. —Cetacean Jaw. Deposited 29th September, 1867. —1 carved Box (Maori), and 1 Heitiki, very old (Maori). Deposited 19th September, 1868.—5 Clubs and 1 Spear; 1 model Maori War Canoe. Deposited 15th June, 1870.—2 Teeth of Cetacean. Deposited 16th July, 1870.—Stone Adze, mounted on carved pedestal; 2 Spears (one bone mounted, and one barbed : South Sea Islands) ; 1 Bow and 5 Arrows. The following were formerly in Museum of New Zealand Society. Also 14 specimens of New Zealand Lizards in spirits ; Pigeon Feather Eobe (Maori); Spine Fish, stuffed ; Crocodile Lizard, stuffed ; Head of Tunny (New Zealand) ; Fish-hook (South Sea Islands) ; Bone Walking-stick (New Zealand); Cabinet, with folding doors.

No. 5. Mr. Bbxleb to Dr. Hectoe. Sib, — "Wanganui, 20th December, 1870. In reply to your letter of the 21st ultimo, I have tho honor to state that I accept the proposal made therein on behalf of the Government. To prevent any future difficulty, I would here state that by "handing over" I understand you to mean presenting the whole of my collection of New Zealand birds to the Colonial Museum. In thus assenting to the terms of your letter, while not in a position to make any conditions, I assume of course that you will assist me in my projected work by a loan of such specimens as may be required by the artist in England, for the purposes of illustration. I have &c, Dr. Hector, F.K.S., Walter Buller. Director of Colonial Museum.