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Commission, or to to the branch of it which he represents, in respect of the Government's share of the recent shipment, and to authorize you to draw for the same upon the Colonial Treasurer. In conclusion I am directed to convey to you the thanks of the Government for the trouble you have taken in giving effect to their wishes upon this subject. I have, <fec, E. J. Creighton, Esq., San Francisco, California. &. S. Coopee.

No. 16. Mr. E. J. Ceeighton- to Mr. G. 8. Coopee. Sie, — San Francisco, California, 7th November, 1876. In continuation of my letter by last mail, on the subject of salmon ova for New Zealand, addressed to Mr. E. Fox, for the information of the Premier, I enclose a note from Professor Baird, in which he states that no charge will be made for the shipment by last steamer, beyond the cost of packing at the station and transportation to San Francisco. He also intimates that the white-fish, which Dr. Hector arranged for, will be forwarded in due course. I shall attend to his request, and write reminding him of the matter. I think the liberality of the United States Fish Commissioners should be suitably and promptly acknowledged by the New Zealand Government. In the matter of acclimatization much might be done if the Societies would place themselves in the hands of the Government, and permit them to conduct the negotiations. It would be an easy matter to arrange for distribution in the colony. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, "Wellington, New Zealand. E. J. Ceeighton.

Enclosure in No. 16. The Hon. Spenceb F. Baied to Mr. E. J. Ceeighton. United States Government Building, Centennial Grounds, Deae Sie,— West Philadelphia, Pa., 20th October, 1876. In reply to your letter of the 10th of October, I beg to express my gratification at hearing the salmon eggs were duly received, and would be shortly forwarded by the "Zealandia." lam not entirely satisfied as to the propriety of enclosing them in an air-tight ice-house, as they will require a certain amount of oxygen for their proper development. I do not propose to make'any charge for supplying the eggs for the present shipment, merely reclaiming the cost of packing at the station and transportation to San Francisco. Possibly, in any additional contributions of magnitude, I may feel bound to assess a portion of the actual expenses. The white-fish are provided for, and I hope will be furnished at the proper time. May I ask you to remind me of this by letter, to reach me about the Ist of January ? I have, &c, Eobert J. Creighton, Esq., San Francisco, California. Spenceb F. Baied.

No. 17. Mr. E. J. Cbeighton to Mr. G. S. Coopee. Sih, — San Francisco, California, 3rd January, 1877. I have to state, in reply to your letter of 16th November, 1876, that I put myself into communication with Professor Baird and Mr. Stone, as therein directed. I have not heard from the latter. I enclose correspondence. During my absence in Southern California two boxes of white-fish eggs arrived, as advised by Dr. Baird, and were placed in the ice-house here waiting the departure of the mail. Preparations were made for their reception on board the steamer, and yesterday I saw the box for New Zealand packed in ice in a loose case, and drove with it to the vessel, where it was transferred to the ice-house in my presence. It will be similarly packed for transfer at Kandavau. Next steamer the second instalment of 125,000 white-fish eggs will be forwarded. I trust these will arrive safely. As I have not been furnished with any account for salmon shipment, I cannot draw upon the Government for any amount. I am greatly indebted to Hugh Craig, Esq., Agent for the New Zealand Insurance Company, who, in my absence from town, gave the necessary instructions. I have, &c., G. S. Cooper, Esq., Under Secretary, "Wellington. Eobt. J. Cbeighton.

Enclosure 1 in No. 17. Mr. E. J. Cbeighton to Mr. L. Stoke. " Sib, — San Francisco, 14th December, 1876. I have the honor, by direction of the New Zealand Government, to request that you would be good enough to inform me the amount that is due from said Government to the United States Fishery Commission, or to the branch of it which you represent, in respect of the Government share of the