a
7
Be A —~
QO\LV! lNOs ye
“The Wororontmuo
South Australian’ Naturalist. }
VOR, 3s = T NOVEMBER; 1929 o> Se or
NOTES ON THE BOTANY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.
PART I
By J. Burton Cietanp, M.D.
The expedition, organised by the Board of Anthropological
Research of the University of Adelaide, to Alice Springs and
Hermannsburg during August, 1929, coincided unfortunately with
a period of long drought which had lasted for five years. The
consequence was that, except here and there where a few points
of rain had fallen, the country was remarkably dry and mostly
waterless and only those plants had survived which were peculiarly
fitted for eremian (desert) conditions. The notes here submitted
attempt to give an indication of the plants to be found under such
conditions, which must form a striking contrast to the wealth of
grass and herbage after a soaking rain.
The members of the expedition, eight in number, left Adelaide
on August 4th to study various aspects of the aboriginals, jour-
neyed to Stuart (Alice Springs) by the first passenger train to
open the new line from Oodnadatta, arrived there early in the
afternoon of August 6th, left for Hermannsburg Mission Station
via the Jay River (about 90 miles) next morning, and commenced
to retrace their steps on August 20th, 1929.
The country in the McDonnell Ranges and their neighbour-
hood consists of bold and precipitous mountain masses, with lower
outliers, mostly running east and west, the plains being flat or
slightly undulating. The mountains average about 3,000 feet in
height, but some of the taller peaks reach 5,000 feet. The plains
themselves are some 2,000 feet above sea-level. Cutting through
the ranges and running more or less at right-angles to these, are
a number of watercourses, dry except for pools in sheltered places,
unless after heavy rains. The gaps through which these cut their
way are sometimes only ten yards or so wide, sometimes a chain
or more, and the immediate sides, rising perhaps for 500 feet
before opening out in a V fashion, are often unscalable from their
precipitous nature and projecting rock masses. The length of the
gaps through the ridges may be not more than 200 yards. On
; S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
74 Notes on the Botany of S.d. 1.) Novemper, 1929.
such places, partially protected from evaporation by the shade,
pools ef water twelve or more feet deep may remain for years,
occupying the deep holes scoured out by the torrential rush of
waters that at rare intervals sweep through from the mountainous
surroundings. Passage through such narrow gaps may be barred
by these refreshing waterholes, as for example at Emily Gap,
Simpson’s Gap and Glen Helen.
The MacDonnells themselves consist of a series of more or
less separate ranges running east and west, separated by valleys
which are very narrow or a few miles wide and to which the
various gaps are exits, giving escape also to the watercourses. ‘To
the south of the MacDonnell Ranges lie the lower James Ranges
separated by the Missionaries Plains, some 10 to 15 miles wide.
The Krichauff Range is that part of the James Ranges immedi-
ately west of the Finke Gorge where that broad and usually dry
sandy watercourse cuts its way through at the foot of Hermann’s
Berg. Close by is the Hermannsburg Mission Station, beside the
river, some 85 miles south of west of Alice Springs.
From the botanical point of view, the district may be divided
broadly into the following divisions:—(1) The plains and broad
valleys, (2) the foothills, mountains and gorges, and (3) the
watercourses and their pools.
(1) THE PLAINS AND VALLEYS. These in most parts
consist of a sandy loam, though in places more clayey so that
they here readily become waterlogged and boggy and form small
clay-pans, in places covered with loose stones when in proximity
to weathered hills thus forming a kind of gibber, in places show-
ing sand ridges and in still other others when near watercourses
forming part of flood-plains.
Most of the direct road to Hermannsburg from Alice Springs
runs over the Missionaries Plains. In drought time, the chief,
almost the entire, vegetation, vegetation is shrubby, and the
predominant shrubs are acacias. Of these, the mulga (Acacia
aneura) is in places dominant, and in other parts another Acacia,
a spreading shrub up to about 10 feet high with rather broad but
short multistriate phyllodes and neither in flower or fruit at the
time of our visit. ‘The mulgas as now growing are rarely so close
together as to prevent a motor car from being driven between
them, and often they are widely spaced. Mr. Johansson, a local
resident, tells me that he recognises three kinds, one a shrub only,
the other two, one narrow-leafed, one a little broader, growing
into small, rather shapely trees with upright phyllodes. In passing
across the plains, the young mulgas are clothed with branches
re,
[Photo—J. B, Cleland, M.D.
(1) Emily Gap, Macdonnell Ranges.
&)
Be ee eo
[Photo—J. B. Cleland, M.D.
(2) Mlulga trees (Acacia aneura) and “Desert Spinifex”
(Triodia irritans ).
wy
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
Novemper, 1929. By f. Burton Cleland, M.D.
Sod
nearly to the ground passing out almost horizontally—perhars
these represent its shrubby form. When grown into a tree, the
stem is free from branches. ‘The lronwood (4c. estrophiolata,
plate 1) is a taller tree, with pendant narrow phyllodes giving it
a willow like appearance, and with a dark furrowed stem. It 1s
widely distributed but much less abundant than the mulga and
the trees are a pleasing feature in the landscape. ‘The prickly
Dead Finish (Acacia tetragonophylla) with sharp-pointed
phylodes occurs as occasional bushes, some being in flower during
our visit and presenting quite a pretty appearance. A. grey-
leaved Loranthus was seen on the mulga and ironwood. ‘This was
probably the same as one (L. gibberulus) with terete grev-hoary
leaves which was found in flower on another 4cacia (or perhaps
on Cassia eremophila which was collected at the same time).
L. gibberulus usually pe species of Grevillea (as was seen at
§ i
Glen Helen) or Hakea. ‘Three species of Hakea occur on the
plains or valleys, two ol which, both corkwoods, are small trees.
These latter are met with usually in little colonies and both may
be seen round Stuart and on the track to Emily Gap. They.often
grow on the higher ground near watercourses. Hakea intermedia
has terete leaves which fork several times in a rather zig-zag way
and have a total length e about 34 to 44 inches; the flowers are
greenish, in dense racemes, the fruits in thick clusters and readily
opening in the tree; it grew in the Missionaries Plains near the
Hugh and on the flood-plains of the Finke to the south of Glen
Helen as well as near, or actually in, Stuart. In Hakea lorea the
leaves are also terete but considerably longer (8 or more inches)
and divide into only two or three bunches; the flowers and fruits
resemble those of H. intermedia; the corky bark may project as
ridges more than an inch deep; it grew near Stuart and on the
higher plain-la ind to the west of the Finke at Hermannsburg., ‘The
third Hakea is the Needle-bush (#7. leucoptera), usually a rather
fan-shaped shrub 6 or 8 feet high, readily recognisable by the
presence of numerous unopened ovate-lanceolate basally swollen
woody fruits. This species was widely but sparsely distributed on
the plains between the mulga. The Beef-wood (Grevillea striata),
a small tree, was similarly w videly and sparsely Lome it grew
amongst other places with /7. lorea to the west of the Finke at
Hermannsburg; the leaves are long (up to 10 inches), narrow
(4 inch wide) and multistriate and the fruits are nearly disc-
shaped and thin like those of other Grevilleas. Here and there
were a few Cassia bushes belonging to two species, the two leaflets
being terete in one species CG cremophila), the several leaflets
broad in the other (probably C. Sturtii). In the sand ridges
grew another Cassia (C. ple wrocarpa) with distantly separated
S.A. NAT., VOL. Xt
4 Shell Collectors’ Committee. NovEMBER, 1929
broad leaflets. Amongst other shrubs were occasional examples
of Acacia ligulata, of an :nemophila, of an acacia-like shrub with
a few prickles and small berries but not in flower, of a Dodonaea
(D. attenuata) with narrow leaves, and Bullock-bush (fHeteroden-
dron oleifolium). Porcupine grass (Triodia sp.) was occasional.
When, as near Alice Springs, we came to patches where a
little rain had fallen, the bare spaces under and between the
perennial shrubs above-mentioned were clothed with annuals such
as composites (Everlastings, etc.), Chenopodiaceae (saltbushes,
etc., especially where there had been more moisture as near
runnels), Amarantaccae, Malvaceae and a few grasses (Aristida,
Lragrostis, etc.).
(To be continued.)
mie A) ae ee
SHELL COLLECTORS’ COMMITTEE,
This club met on twenty-two evenings during the year, with
an average attendance of fourteen members. Interest in the aims
and objects of the club has been well maintained throughout,
resulting in members having now a good working knowledge of
the various shell families under review. Twenty- -seven distinct
families of Bivalve Mollusca were studied in the order now
generally placed by modern Conchologists. A majority of the
many species coming under these families, collected by members.
from various points on our coast line, was exhibited. Without
facilities for dredging in deep water members of the club have
had little chance of discovering new species in beach collecting
and thus adding to the excellent tabulated list now in hands of
members, but much work still remains in the way of uncovering
the habits and life history of many of our common species, which
should prove of practical value. This aspect has been fully dealt
with at every meeting.
At the Annual Native Wild Flower Show the club exhibited
a typical collection of South Australian shells, which was favour-
ably commented on by visitors.
W. J. Kinser, Chairman.
F. Trice, Hon. Sec.
7
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
Novemper, 1929, Australian Rotanical Nomenclature 3
AUSTRALIAN BOTANICAL NOMENCLATURE.
The Committee appointed in 1924 by the Australasian.
Association for the Advancement of Science to deal with this.
subject came to a decision regarding certain generic names in
1925 and again in 1929. The Committee recommended that, in
order to ensure stability of nomenclature, several names should
be placed on the list of xomtna conservanda and the synonyms
on the list of xomina rejicienda, These will form an addition to
the list of such names adopted at the Vienna Congress of 1905,
and they will be presented to the International Botanical Con-
gress to be held at Cambridge (England) in August, 1930. The
full list of Australian names is as follows:—
NOMINA CONSERVANDA,. NOMINA REJICIENDA.
ORCHIDACEAE.
Corysanthes, R. Br. (1810). Corybas, Salisb. (1807).
Goodyera, R. Br. (1813). Eprpactis, Boehm. (1760).
Peramium, Salisb, (1812).
POLYGONACEAE.
Muehlenbeckia, Meisn. Calacinum, Rafin. (1836).
(1840). Karkinetron, Rafin. (1836),
Sarcogonum, G. Don (1839).
LEGUMINOSAE,
Dichrosiachys, Wight et Cailliea, Guillem et Perr.
Arn. (1834). (1833).
CELASTRACEAE.
Denhamia, Meisn. (1837). Leucocarpum, A. Rich. (1834).
UMBELLIFERAE,
Oreomyrrhis, Tendl, (1839). Caldasia, Lag. (1821).
EPACRIDACEAE.
Leucopogon, R. Br. (1810). Perojoa, Cav. (1797).
STYLIDIACEAE.
Stylidium, Swartz. (1805). Styhdium, Lour. (1790).
COMPOSITAE.
Angianthus, Wendl. (1809). Siloxerus, Labill. (1806).
Olearia, Moench. (1802). Shawia, Forst. et f. (1776).
Cassinia, R. Br. (1817). Casstnia, R. Br. (1813).
The Committee also considered certain other generic names
which have already the right of priority in their favour, but which
have been replaced by later names in several important works
dealing with the Australian flora, and it was decided to oppose:
any proposal which might be made at the Congress to displace
the earlier names. These generic names are:—
8.4. NAT., VOL. XT-
6 By f. BR. Black. _NoveMBE R, 1929,
Themeda, Forsk. (1775) as against Anthistiria, L. f. (1779).
—Graminede.
ree, Rafin. (1825) as against Bulbostylis (Kunth)
C. B. Cle 1Yy peracede.
Stemona, Lour. ( (1790) as against Roxburghia, Banks (1795).
Lomandra, Labill. (1804) as against Xerotes, R. Br. (1810).
Corymborchis, Thou. (1809) as against Corymbis, ‘Thou.
(1822).
Lindernia, All, (1762- 65) as agafnst Bandellia, L. (1767).—
Scrophulariaceae.
The personnel of the Australian Committee was as
follows :—
J. W. Audas, F.L.S., Curator, Victorian National Herbarium.
J. M. Black, Hon. Lecturer in Botany, Adelaide University,
and Hon. Secretary of the Committee.
R. A. Black, Botanist of Agricultural Dept., ‘Fasmania
(1925).
W. M. Carne, Government ‘Botanist, Western Australia
(1925).
IE. Cheel, Curator, New South Wales National Herbarium.
G. P. Darnell-Smith, D.Sc., Director, Botanic Gardens,
Sydney (1929).
A. J. Ewart, DSc, F.RS., F.LS., Professor of Botany,
University of Melbourne.
C. A. Gardner, Government Botanist, Western Australia
(1929).
E. J. Goddard, B.A., D.Sc., Professor of Biology, University
of Brisbane.
T. Harvey Johnston, M.A., D.Sc., Hon. Professor of Botany,
University of Adelaide (1929).
W. Laidlaw, Government Botanist, Victoria (1925).
A, A. Lawson, D.Sc., Professor of Botany, University of
Sydney (1925). :
J. H. Maiden, 1.8.0., F.R.S., F.L.S., late Government
Botanist of New South Wales (1925),
T. G. B. Osborn, D.Sc., Professor of Botany, University of
Sydney (1929).
F, J. Rae, B.A., B.Sc, Government Botanist, Victoria.
L. Rodway, C.M.G., Government Botanist, Tasmania.
R. S. Rogers, M.A., M.D., Adelaide (1929).
C. T. White, F.L.S., Government Botanist, Queensland.
. G. Wood, M.Se., Lecturer in Botany, University of
Adelaide (1929).
mz
-
Annual Report, F. MS. . 7
FORTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FIELD
NATURALISTS’ SECTION OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY.
Year Ending 3lst August, 1929.
ry
1}
ane
last twelve months, and the following report is presented for the
information of members.
MEMBERSHIP. Last year’s membership was 188, and of
this total 118 were financial. The figures this year are 150 mem-
bers, of which number 110 are financial. While 17 new members
were admitted, the losses were two by resignation and twa by
death,
EXCURSIONS. Outings in the field have been wide to
many points, and the leaders are to be thanked for the time
devoted to the enlightenment of the members. ‘Trips have been
made to coast, plains, foothills, river, forest, and the Gulf, whilst
visits to the Museum, Botanic and private gardens provided much
instruction. A more intense concentration of the study of wild
life in the field, the source, after all, of our knowledge of Natural
History, is desired. It is there that we may solve the secrets of
nature, which she guards very jealously from the merely curious,
but reveals unreservedly in all their infinite variety and beauty
to the patient and zealous investigator. ‘he Committee would
like to see better attendances at the excursions and more mem-
bers taking up a definite line of study.
LECTURES. Our standard of lectures has been well main-
tained, and we have been favoured with excellent lantern lectures
by the following:—
A. I. V. Richardson, on “Nature Notes and Scenes in
Japan and Java.”
Mir. N. B. Tindale, on “Aborigines of the West Coast.”
Mr, R. W. Segnit, B. Sc. on “The Oxford University Expedi-
tion to Spitzbergen.”
Rev. A. M. Trengove, on “Some Critical Aspects of Aus-
Inland.”
H. Basedow, M.P., on “Some Critical Aspects of Aus-
tralian Anthropology.”
Mr. H. M. Hale, on “Mosquitoes,” ete.
Others who assisted with papers or lecturettes were:—
Nir. W. Cl ram pion Hackett, on “The Protection of Our Fauna
and Flora.”
Prof. J. B. Cleland, M.D., a paper on “The Original Flora
of the Adelaide Plains,” and lecturettes on “Our
Herbarium” and “Botanical Notes on a Trip North of
Port Augusta, and Bird Observing.”
work of the Section has been well maintained for the
S.A. Nav, VOL. 36
NovemsBer, 1929,
8 Annual Report, FNS.
Mr. [. H. Ising, on “Herbarium Work,” on “Native Plants
at Mile Ind, near Adelaide,” on “Botanical Notes on
Alligator Creek and Mount Remarkable.”
Mr. B. B. Beck, on “A Trip to Alligator Creek.”
Mr. W. Ham, on “Geological Specimens from Kingscote, K.1.”
Mr. J. F. Bailey gave a lecturette on “Some Australian
Flowers.”
Messrs. W. J. Kimber, F. Trigg, Broadbent, H. Williams,
Misses V. ‘Taylor, Moore, J. Murray, and R. E. Kentish
showed specimens in connection with the Shell Com-
mittee.
Mr. F. B. Collins, on “Insect Pests of the Dried Fruit
Industry.”
EXHIBITS. Many members contributed to this important
part of our programme, and the members are thanked for their
interest in bringing objects of Natural History. Every exhibit
brought to the meetings has created a certain amount of interest;
members are urged to foster this interest by bringing specimens
and giving observations concerning them.
THE “SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST.” Our
Journal has been published regularly each quarter under the
editorship of Mr. W. Ham. ‘The part to be issued this month
(No. 4) will complete Volume X.
The subject of Botany has been dealt with by Prof. J. B.
Cleland and Mr. FE. H. Ising, Aboriginal Rock Carvings by Mr.
H. M. Hale, Fresh Water Fishes by Mr. C. Blewett, and Shell
Studies by Mr. F. Trigg. The Committee hope to enlarge and
further illustrate the Journal, and the Editor will be pleased to
receive contributions of original Natural History observations,
with illustrations. We have received £5/15/- from the Royal
Society for this purpose.
WILD FLOWER SHOW. 1928 Annual Show was held on
October 12th and 13th in the Adelaide Town Hall, which was
made available by the kindness of the Lord Mayor. ‘The exhi-
bition was up to the usual standard, and flowers were contributed
by schools, mutual clubs, friends and members. Many branches
of Natural History were represented, including shells, microscope
subjects, botany (pressed specimens and native timbers), aquatic
life (prepared by the S.A. Aquarium Society and the Education
Department through Mr. Machell), entomology—an exhibit of
butterflies, beetles, etc., from the Museum—wild flower paintings,
etc.
‘The show proved successful, and £33/10/- profit was made.
I
wy
3.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
Novemser, 1929. dnnual R
HERBARIUM. ‘The work in the Herbarium has been con-
tinued under the able direction of Professor J. B. Cleland and
Mr. J. G. Wood, M.Sc. Increased numbers of specimens have
been drafted into their orders and filed into cardboard boxes. The
painting of specimens with a poisonous mixture and mounting of
specimens has proceeded a further stage. Lists of plants in the
Morialta, Waterfall Gully and Belair National Park Reserves
have been prepared and are ready for publishing when funds
permit. ‘Chere is a large amount of work to be done and more
helpers are needed. ‘he work is engaged in on certain Mondays
from 5 to 6 p.m.
OBITUARY. By the death of Mr. Walter Gill, F.L.S.,
F.R.H.S.. we have lost one of our oldest and best members. Mr.
Gill was best known for his many lectures on forestry and forest
trees and for his particularly fine lantern slides all made from
views taken by himself in various parts of the State. Mr. Gill’s
store of forestry information was almost unlimited, and he had
the valuable asset of being able to impart his knowledge to others
in a fluent, pleasing and instructive way. Mr. Gill will always
be known, at least in the forestry world, for his planting of pines
which he was able to cut into merchantable timber in his own
life time. His keenness and zeal in all forestry matters were
well known.
Mr. T. P. Bellchambers, that noted and wonderful naturalist,
an honorary member, passed away in July, and was buried in the
Sanctuary at Humbug Scrub, which he, almost unaided, had
created in the heart of the hills near One ‘I'ree Hill. This great
nature lover will always be known for his unselfish and untiring
efforts to preserve our native wild life, especially the fast dis-
appearing fauna of our State. Perhaps his best work, and it is
really famous, was in connection with the Mallee Fowl. A pair
of these birds he had kept in captivity for more than fourteen
years and as they bred freely, he was able to observe their habits
and learn their life history in a way that was incomparable. His
observations are recorded in “Nature, our Mother,” and also by
a fine series of lantern slides taken by himself of his birds.
Mr. Bellchambers also secured specimens of kangaroos,
wallabies, emus, Mallee fowl, ducks, etc., and provided them with
a secure and permanent home in natural surroundings. Among
the very numerous visitors to the Sanctuary were Sir Arthur
Conan Doyle, Commonwealh Governors-General, State
Governors, and many prominent South Australians. It is a
pleasure to learn that Mr. Bellchambers’ sons will carry on the
good work.
port, FNS. G
Hersert M. Hare, Chairman.
Ernest H. Istxc, Hon. Sec.
8.4. NAT., VOL. Xt
10 Wild Flower Show. NoveMBE Ry 1929 :
THE TENTH ANNUAL WILD FLOWER AND
NATURAL HISTORY EXHIBITION,
October 10 and 11, 1929.
The tenth annual fixture of the Section was held in the
Adelaide Town Hall on Uhursday and Friday, 10th and Lith
October, and proved very successful from all points of view. A
good rain fell in the Mount Lofty Range several weeks before the
Show, and the flowers from the hills were exceedingly good as a
result of it. School teachers and scholars from many country
centres contributed the bulk of flowers from this State, while
Field Naturalists’ Clubs and friends supplied the interstate flowers—
‘These latter were sent by the following:—
West Australia—Field Naturalists’ Club, flowers from near
Perth, per Lt.-Col. B. T. Goadby, Hon. Sec.; Mr. R. B. Ackland,.
Wongon Hills; Mr. R. ‘LT. Stubbs, a laree and extensive collection
from Brunswick Junction.
Victoria—Victorian Field Naturalists’ Club, per Mr. J. W.
Audas.
New South Wales—Mr. D. Chalker, Hilltop, Waratahs and
Boronia.
me oBeeNS land—Qucensland Vield Naturalists’ Club, per Hl. N.
Slaughter, ae from ‘Thulimbah.
“Mr. . F. Berthoud, Hamel, a fine collection of W.A. ever-
eae eit
The following committees were formed with the following
conveners :-—
Scientific Classification: A large number of species were
labelled with their botanical names and were very instructive to
students and others, Messrs. J. M. Black and J. F. Bailey (Dr.
R. S. Rogers named the orchids); School Flowers, Mr. W. H.
Selway and Miss J. M. Murray; Massed I[ffects: Mrs. B. B.
Beck arranged a very effective pyramid in the centre of the hall:
Cultivated Flowers were exhibited by Mr. W. Burdett, who
showed a magnificent collection grown by him at Basket Range;
Mr. I.dwin Ashby, an excellent variety from several States grown
at Blackwood; Mr. 'T. C. Wollaston, many fine blooms cultivated
by him at Bridgewater, and Miss Parkhouse a number of species
crown at Woodville. > & = 6? & Ee
>
4
«
2
ec
lad
-
x
>)
So
PLEISTOCENE
hi
PLIOCENE _ ah
OLIGOCENE yaa Mi Z Vm Yr
DRYOPI THECUS
SS :
Mey
ESS Ake
feocene ey
Copy
The study of the psychology of primitive people helps us; the
anatomy of man and the higher vertebrates is of very great
importance; the evolutionary history of horses, camels, elephants,
and whales gives us new ideas that bear closely on the matter;
and the study of ancient geography and past climates of the world
must also be considered.
baad
OE
ee VOL ERT:
Fesruary. 1930. Primitive tluman Skuils.
2
ue
Lately, in China, fresh discoveries have been made of the skulls
of a primitive type of man. These have been proved to be of
first-rate importance, and have been linked up with similar skulls
found in the same Jocality at intervals since 1903. ‘These remains
were found in the same locality at intervals since 1903. These
remains were found in the lower Pleistocene rocks, and have
characteristics quite their own. On them a new race of primitive
man has been raised, with the name Sinanthropus pekinensis (the
Chinese man of Pekin). We have read so much of was discovery
of new skulls of primitive man that we may think they are of
endless number. Actually, as we shall see, the number of accepted
primitive skulls relates to only about 130 individual persons.
PRIMITIVE, HUMAN SKULLS.
We have said that about 130 accepted primitive skulls are
known. In some cases, naturally, the skulls are incomplete; in
other cases there are a few additional body bones available. But
the skulls are of mere importance; not only are they usually
better preserved, but they tell us much more about their original
owners than any other bones would do. In the multiplicity of
skulls that have been reported, we may have wondered whether
the accumulation of material was not being overdone. Here,
then, ts Professor Henry Fairfield Osborn’s list of the known
primitive remains :—
(a) Piltdown: the “dawn-man,” Foanthropus dawsoni, two
specimens.
b) Trinil, Java: the “ape-man,” Pithecanthropus erectus,
two specimens.
(c) Heidelberg: the “ancient man,” Paleanthropus heidel-
bergensis, one spec ciment (possibly two others).
d) China: the “Chinese man,” Sinanthropus pekinensis, 27
specimens.
(e) Neanderthal: the Neanderthal man, Paleanthropus
neanderthalensis, 48 specimens (plus).
(f) Cro-magon: the Cro-magnon man, Homo sapiens, 42
specimens.
Tf you add these up you will find they total 124. In addition,
there are stray skulls which have not been finally accepted, or
which have not yet found a place in the main listy of these, we
may mention the Rf -adesian and Talgai skulls, the more pro-
blematic Taungs sku, and others. This table will, I am sure.
clarify the minds of many interested readers regarding the chief
relics of primitive man. :
SAC NATE VOLS.
MA Oshorn’s Theory. Prpruary,.
~OSBORN’S THE ORIES.
It would not be appropriate here to attempt to discuss
Osborn’s theories of man’s ancestry in detail. They comprise in
at least two important points a distinct bre ikaway from olde:
theories. But it may be added that, so far as man’s ape ancestry
is concerned, there are many workers who have long maintained
that man did not evolve by way of the apes—that the only
in common was an ancestral stock, far back in time, from which
both groups evolved. Professor Wood-Jones has indeed demon-
strated that in certain important features man is anatomi
much more primitive than the apes
‘Vhe othei point el mp apinodl by Osborn is that pears elton
goes back into the ‘Tertiary, that is, pre-Pleistocene time. Here
also there has been a tendency for a long time among some of
the best workers to lengthen the period previously allowed for
man’s history. ‘The geologist and the physiographer also are
finding that the number of years usually allotted to Pleistocene
time (about 1,250,000 years) is far too short. Right back. from
the time of Bishop Ussher, who dated Creation as 4004 B.C.,
man has had continually to yield to the pressure of inevitable
fact, and to extend his pericds of earth history still further and
further back in time.
Professor Osborn, whose complete address on this matter
appears in “Nature” (January 11, 1930), concludes his claim for
the greater antiquity of man as follows:—‘“To my mind the
human brain is the most marvellous and mysterious object in the
whole universe, and no geological period seems too lone to allow
for its natural evolution.”
Programmes for the year have been posted to members.
Application for copies should be made to the Hon. Secretary.
Members will notice that the programme provides for only one
charabanc trip. There has been a debit balance on these trips
for some time past, and the Committee has, verv reluctantly,
decided to reduce their number, ‘ :
sd
$.A. NAT., pa XI.
o 7
i EBRUARY, 193¢ ol VCNTSIONS. 27
EX CURSION TO BRIDGWATER.
November 16th, 1929.
A fairly large party travelled by train to Bridgewater by
train to Bridgewater under the guidance of Mr. Ising. Unfor-
tunately the afternoon proved very wet and members had to seek
shelter rather than search for specimens in the dripping scrub.
However, the walks were not wholly unproductive, and a fair
number of flowering plants were seen and identified, and Mr.
Tsing was able to point out many unique features of some of the
species growing amongst the gums of the hilly gorges of Cox’s
‘Creek,
EXCURSION TO MR. W. BURDETT’S GARDENS,
BASKET RANGE.
November 30th, 1929,
arty of members travelled to Mr. Burdett’s
is The scenery of this part of the hills
he most strikingly beautiful scenes in our State.
i
orchard
t
includes s¢ u
The party availed themselves of their host’s kind invitation to
sample the fruit of some of the hundreds of cherry trees then in
full bearing.
Mr. Burdett’s hobby is the growing of native flowers from
every part of the Continent, as well as many species collected
foreign lands. The collection of Australian flowering shrubs is
probably unique in the Commonwealth. Even in November
there was a wonderful show of flowers of every hue. Especially
striking were the many varieties of blue flowers, parti lena of
the many species of Leschenaultias. A stony hillside, otherwise
valueless, is clothed with profuse growths of plants from every
State in the Commonwealth and from South Africa and other
countries.
The party were received by Mr. and Mrs. Burdett, and
turned loose in the cherry orchard.
The party were then invited to inspect the special features
of the, garden—the growth of native flora. A fine avenue of
stately eucalypts, sti ill young, but with every evidence of vigorous
and healthy promise, was first examined. Besides the South Aus-
tralian species, most of the other States were represented on each
side of the sinuous path, “Vhese included Lucalyptus Tetraptera
(from the four-cornered involucre), with its broad leaf-like
petiole), £. dlpind (a mere shrub in the Grampians, but here
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
28 Excursions. Fesruary, 1930.
—
growing into a forest tree); /. Sieberiana, from the Australian
Alps: E. Saligna (the willow gum); £. Cortacea (leathery leaves.
to protect them from heat and drought); /, Radiata (ray
branched); &. Pressiana, E. Sideroxylon (iron wood), E. Tetra-
gona (four cornered); £. Polyanthema (many ornaments), J.
Piperita (the “pepper gum,” from the shape of its leaves), F-
Rubida (candlebark), &. Goniocalyx (angular calyx), EB. Tor-
quata (a beautiful ornamental tree, suitable for street planting),
Lh. Sepulcralis, &. Megacarpa (great fruited), #. Macrocarpa
(the beautiful large flowering gum of Western Australia), and
many others of the eucalypt family.
Another typical family, “the Grevilleas,’ were represented
by many species, including Grevillea eriostachya (woollyeared),
C. Stenocarpa (narrow fruit), and C. Oleoides (olive like). The
gorgeous kangaroo paws were seen in several rare colours—
yellow, scarlet, green, and green with black base.
Magnificent proteas from South Africa contrasted with the
gorgeous Australian waratah, one of the finest of our indigenous
erowths. Blue Leschenaulitas formed some azure patches. The
rare scarlet variety of this latter flower was also noted, The
“Flannel Flower” and the New South Wales Christmas bush,
Pimeleas, daisies from the Grampians, the wild currant
(Acrotriche) from the Barossa hills; hibiscus of several varieties.
The “Suthern Cross” from Albany is a pertect floral replica of
the well-known constellation. Verticordia, the dessert rose, many
beautiful varieties of boronia and erica and epacris; Cheiranthera
(hand flower) added to the attractions of this charming
pleasaunce. Fine blooms of Callistemon (bottle brush) and
Daviesia, a peculiar kind of erica, with viscid leaves, which had
caught a number of insects, and even a small bird.
Besides the eucalypts several varieties of firs and the
Queensland kauri were observed; also the silver leaf of South
Africa,
After the inspection the party were entertained at afternoon
tea, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. and Mrs.
Burdett and family.
a
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
Fesruary, 1930.
Shell Collectors’ Glut.
SHELL COLLECTORS’ CLUB.
The fortnightly meetings have been well attended.
Univalves which have been recently reviewed are:—
Faminy PLEvuROTOMARIIDAER,
Shells minute, trochiform, characterized by a deep slit in
the outer margin of the body whorl. The part of the slit which
has been progressively filled up during growth, forms a band
round the whorls. Schismope atkinsont (Ten. Woods). S,
lchra (Petterd) have been taken by bers he sand-spi
pulchra (Petter nave been taken by numbers on the sand-spit
at the Outer Harbour, but both are rare.
Faminy FissuRELLIDAE.
Shells conical, limpet shaped, depressed with apex in front
of centre. Anterior margin notched or apex perforated. Scutus
Anatinus (Donovan). Specimens were tabled up to 5 inches
in length. Members have taken this shell on various rocky
coasts of the State. ‘This is a distinct species from S. antipodes
of N.S.W. ‘The animal is much larger than the shell and is
blackish.
Tugalia cicatricosa (A. Adams). Specimens shown measured.
about one inch. A small bare patch appears at the apex—hence
its specific name.
T. parmaphoidea (Q. & G,). Exhibited specimens were
about one inch and a quarter, and were taken at Wallaroo.
Sculpture is finer than 7. cicatricosa. Shell depressed; anterior
margin slightly channelled.
Montfortula rugosa (Q. & G.) has been taken at Pt.
Willunga, a specimen measured 12 m.m. x 5 mm. and is un-
common.
Faminy Hauioripar.
Ear shaped shell with small flat spire: aperture very wide,
iridescent; having a row of perforations near the outer edge;
commonly known as mutton-fish, or sea-car, the “abalone” of
California.
Haliotis albicans (Q. & G.). The largest of the genus in
South Australia. his shell is smooth-backed, although the
growth lines are plainly visible. Members have taken this alive
at Port Victoria and Stansbury, but it is usually considered a
deep water species. Specimen measured 7} in. x G4 in.
H. cyclobates (Peron). Rounded, elevated, medium size.
Common, attached to Pinnas at Outer Harbour. 34 in. x 34 in,
SA. NAT. VOL. XI
30 Shell Collectors’ Club, Feurvary, 1930.
H. roci (Gray. Uncommon—occasionally taken at Pt.
Willunga and Cape Spencer on rocks at low water. ‘This shell
is distinguished its close accremented growth lines. Medium
size. Specimen on table: 3% in. x 24 in.
H. naevosa (Martyn). ‘The common type in South Aus-
tralia on rocks generally. Has a flat back. § in. x 34 in.
H. naevosa var tubipora. Has clevated or projecting tubes
and is concave between the spire and the tubes. Specimens taken
at Robe. Not reported from St. Vincent or Spencer Gulfs.
54 in. x 34 in.
H. conicopora (Peron). Syn: H. emmae. Distinguished by
a well defined high ridge or band, vein-like, about midway be-
tween spire and the tube-like perforations, there being a corre-
sponding groove within the shell. Pt. Willunga—uncommon,
3% in. x 22 in.
Faminy STOMATIDAE.
Iar-shaped, regular; SP anne large aperture, Nacreous.
Stomatella imbricata (Lamarck). Shell like Haliotis, but
without perforations. Has a horny operculum. Common under
stones at Pt. Noarlunga. Specimens averaged about 1 inch in
length. :
Gena strigosa (Adams). A frail nacreous ear-shaped shell
about | inch x 4 inch. Colour varies in browns and greens and
variegated. Smooth with very fine striations. No operculum.
Common on Gulf beaches.
Famity TrRocuipar,
Shells conical and nacreous.
There is no true ‘Vrochus in South Australia.
Clanculus (Montfort). Australia is the metropolis of this
genus. J’oreign collectors appreciate the several species, some of
which are common on our beaches. 'he genus may be briefly
described :—
Shell conoidal—whorls mostly granulated—marked-
ly striated—brightly coloured. Aperture contracted, not
entire; outer lip denticulated within. Umbilicus runs up
almost to spire. Inner lip denticulated. Size ranges
from 4 in. up to IT in, in height.
Clanculus dunkeri (soch). Very common, bluish shell,
turning to dull red on exposure. Average about # in.
cm fagellatus (Philippi). Average about 3 in, Not so com-
mon as dunkeri, ts he or less irregularly blotched or lined.
Whitish in colour with brown markings, ladder-like striations
oetween rows of nodules. More angulated than dunkeri.
C. euchelotdes (Yate). About % in. Rounded with tiny
nodules and well defined lines. Rare. Has been taken at Pt.
Willunga.
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI,
Feprvary, 1930. Shell Collectors’ Club, 3
C. limbatus (Q. & G.). About Jin. Somewhat similar to
flagellatus, but has more pronounced crown blotches. Body
whorl of limbatus is also more angulated. Common on roe.’
near low water at Pt. Willunga.
C. ochroleucus (Phil). The least nodulous of the genus in
South Australia. General appearance is ochre like. Devoid of
distinct coloration. Not found on local beaches. About 4 in.
C. plebejus. (Phil). Body whorl not angulated. About
+ in. Pt. Willunga, on rocks.
Members will exchange shells with foreign collectors.
F. KR. GODFREY,
Acting Secretary,
Epworth Buildiing, Adelaide.
Box 951H, G.P.O., Adelaide.
Phone Cent. 3026.
Phone T°, 2455 (Evening).
ne « Se
SHELL COLLECTORS’ CLUB.
Excursion.
On the holiday, January 27th, a party of nine members of
the Shell Club went to the Outer Harbour under the leadership
of their Chairman, Mr. W. J. Kimber. The tide was low and the
party got out on to the Pinna bed amongst the weed quite near
to where the bank shelves suddenly, probably 30 feet, into the
channel of the Port River. Here were taken Pinna dolobrata
(Syn: P. inermis), attached to which were found the Chiton
Ischnochiton contractus (large specimens in a range of colours),
Murex triformis, Conus anemone. In dead shells of Pinna were
found Pyrene lincolnensis. Amongst the weed were taken
Fasciolaria australasia, Fustnus australis, Pecten medius.
Contained within the valves of a dead Pinna was taken an
Octopus with a spread of nearly a foot. Mr. Edwards took this
home in a jar. Some very small Octop! were also obtained.
After lunch a walk across the sand flats round the next point
up river brought the party to a beach of dead shells and a search
here resulted in Mr. Kimber making the best find of the day,
Murex umbilicatus, a rare shell of about one inch in length.
Members lying prostrate and using lenses, some very good minute
shells were taken and shell sand collected for further examination
at home. Back over the sand flats. under rock fragments, were
taken live Cominella eburnea, and Monodonta constricta. On.
the sand, Modiolus inconstans, Laternula creccina, Marcia
scalarina, Marcia corrugata, Marcia aphrodinoides, Bittinm
granarium, were added to the spoils.
—F, K, Govrrey.
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
Fepruary, L930.
32 Our Exchanges.
OUR EXCHANGES.
1. The ‘Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of S.A. Vol. LMT.
1929,
The volume for 1929 contains many important papers dealing
with various branches of science. One of the most interesting
to our members is Dr. Fenner’s “A Geographical Enquiry
into the Growth, Distribution, and Movement of Population
in South Australia, 1836-1927." Prof. Howchin writes on
the Geological History of the River Murray, and Professor
David publishes further notes on the Newly-Discovered Fossils
in the Adelaide Series (Lipalian or Proterozoic). Mr. Lea
adds additional notes on Coleoptera. with description of new
species, and Mr. Hale has several notes on Crustaceans from
Ouecensland and West Australia. There are a number of other
very important papers contained in the 400 pages of the
Proceedings.
2. The Australian Forestry Journal. September and December Numbers.
3. The Queensland Naturalist. October, 1929.
4. ‘The Victorian Naturalist. November, 1929; December, 1929; January,
1930: February, 1930.
5. The WA. Naturalist Club Journal. November, 1929,
6. Journal of the Armold Arboretum. October, 1929.
The trees, ete. of Papua are dealt with in this number.
7. The Annual Report of the Woods and Forests Department for S.A. for
1928-9.
Diagrams iustrate the remarkable increase in the area nlanted
during recent years. In the year ending June 30, 1929, this
area exceeded 5.500 acres.
8. “The Work of the Division of Economic Entomology.’ By Dr. R. J.
Tillyard, M.A. D.Sc, F.R.S. .
9 Journal of the American Museum of Natural History. Quarterly Numbers
from January, 1919, to December, 1929,
These volumes published quarterly by the American Museum of
Natural History of New York, contain articles of topical
interest in matters of Natural History, Exploration, ete. A
great feature is the wealth of fine illustrations, many of them,
especially in the later numbers, printed in full colour. They
represent a mine of interesting and authoritative information
tor the investigation of our members,
10. The Australian Naturalist. January, 1930,
11. The S.A. Ornithologist, January. 1930,
&
ys
r=
e)
®)
et)
The
South Australian Naturalist
MARS T 19gBeriw jocks sari eitilN ese
NOTES ON THE BOTANY OF CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
PART III*
PLatTe IV,
By J. Burton CLELAND, M.D.
(4) PALM VALLEY AND ITS FLORA.
Palm Valley partakes both of the characteristics of the gorges
and of the watercourses. The palms, however, give it such a
unique feature that we shall describe its flora under a special
heading and refer to the significance to be attached to this palm
and other plants in Central Australia.
The road to Palm Valley (about 14 miles south of Hermanns-
burg) and the Glen of Palms runs down the Finke Valley along
the Finke Gorge. It is very rough and rocky in places and sandy
in others, winding in and out and crossing the river-bed several
times. In the bed itself, River Red Gums (Eucalyptus rostrata)
are numerous. Melaleuca glomerata is common. Near the en-
trance to the Gorge a beautitul Eucalypt (2. papuana), with pure
white barrel which gives off a white powder when rubbed, may be
found growing on the side and away from the water. Bloodwoods
(either £. pyrophora or E. terminalis) grow amongst the rocks.
Triodia tussocks also grow in this situation. Buck Porcupine
Grass, the largest of the three species of Triodia occurring in this
district, is found in the little valleys and even in the bed of the
river itself. Here we found a plant flowering luxuriantly. By
kicking into the base of a tussock some of the tall flower stems
were dislodged when they could be handled without undue prick-
ing of the fingers by the needle-sharp leaves. Mr. J. M. Black
found that the Buck Porcupine of the Finke Valley was an un-
described species and has named it Triodia longiceps.
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
34 Notes on the Botany of C.A. May, 1930.
About 10 miles down from Hermannsburg, the first paims
are seen with their crowns of fan-shaped leaves towering up 50
to 80 feet from amongst the Eucalypts and shrubs in the river-
bed. Here one branches off to the right (westerly) to Palm
Valley or one continues on along the Finke Gorge some three
miles or so to the Glen of Palms. We did the former, travelling
about 44 miles up this subsidiary valley. Bold and often nearly
vertical cliffs close the winding valley on its northerly side, whilst
on the opposite aspect they are less steep and tend more to be
dissected by further branches or to be etched out into bold bluffs.
The palms (Livistona Mariae) naturally prefer the more shady
side and grow in abundance along the creek bed and at the base
of the cliffs, but some nevertheless are to be seen on the southern
aspect, more fully exposed to the sun and dryness. Here they
often make striking pictures as their crowns appear silhouetted
against the sky-line with distant cliffs as a background. The
original estimate by the Horn Expedition of only about 100 adult
palms seemed to.us to be far under the mark. Palms were seen
in all stages of growth. We noticed, as they did, many young
ones growing amongst the rocks. The butt of one they cut down
to measure (it reached 60 feet) and to search for animal life
amongst its leaves was still to be seen. The many fallen palm
leaves made dangerous walking amongst the rocks if one stood on
the slippery petiole. JLivistona Mariae is a fan palm and is
closely allied to the Cabbage Palm (L. australis) of the East
Coast as for instance in the Illawarra of New South Wales.
Next in interest to the palms, found only in Palm Valley and
the Glen of Palms, are magnificent cycads (Macrosamia Mac-
donnellu) each plant a striking feature with its long spreading
pinnate fronds. The nuts are much larger than those of the
Macrozamias seen near Perth and in New South Wales. They
weigh 1} to 24 oz., and the largest measure nearly 24 by 14 inches.
The cycads also prefer the shaded cliffs on the north side and do
not descend into the creek bed like the palms. A remarkable
feature was to see large specimens growing on mere ledges of
rock high up on vertical cliff sides. No bird surely could have
carried “the nuts there—these were too large—though the natives
say that the Bower-bird can and does carry them. No mammal
could have reached some of these situations. How then could
the cycads have got there and how long had they been there?
We did not visit the hill top above the site where we noticed the
cycads, but we climbed to other similar positions. On such bare
stony sun-exposed tops cycads do not now grow. But it seems
1
i
_
S.A, NAT., VOL. XT. 7
May, 1930. By J. Burton Cleland, M.D. f 35
evident that at one time they must have done so and the nuts
must have fallen over the cliff-edge to be caught on the ledges
where plants are still to be seen. It must be many thousand
years back and the climate must have been moister when cycads.
grew also on the tops of the ranges. Are the ones we see growing
now the direct offspring of these long-departed cycads growing
on top? The Macrozamia is a slow-growing plant. Eventually
a very thick trunk-like base is formed. ‘These trunks are pro-
bably in some cases hundreds of years, possibly thousands of
years old. But though one may attribute great antiquity, possiblwv
two or three thousand years, to occasional cycads, it can hardly
be that the plants we see now grew from the seed that fell from
those cliffs before the Pharaohs were or Babylon’s glory had
appeared. ‘The original cycads on the ledges, some male, some
female, would in the latter case set seed. Thus, as old age over-
took one here or there, if indeed old age does overtake such plants,
its place might be taken by the germination of some nut that it
had shed. This species of cycad grows not only at Palm Valley
but elsewhere in the MacDonnell Ranges as at Heavitree and
Simpson’s Gaps and near the township of Stuart. Its nearest
allies are far away in the Northern Territory, in Queensland, in
New South Wales, and in Western Australia. Another plant,
Trema cannabina, grows in the MacDonnell Ranges as at Simp-
son’s Gap and also in the Illawarra brushes. A Tecoma (T.
doratoxylon) also occurs, which was for long considered identical
with that of coastal New South Wales (7. australis R.Br.).
How can the presence of these four species, especially the palm
and the cycad, suggestive of moist semi-tropical jungle, be ex-
plained? They must surely all be relics of an ancient flora,
indications that at one time a jungle with a moister atmosphere
and good rainfall stretched north and east and perhaps west as
well, linking up Central Australia’s vegetation with the coastal
brushes of the East Coast and the cycads of the South-west. The
fertile plains of Adelaide probably then were not and the
diprotodon whose remains have been found at L. Callabonna,
doubtless roamed amongst the luxuriant vegetation. Eheu
fugaces!
I have made enquiries as to the nearest places in the other
States in which palms are known to grow. In F. Bailey’s Flora
of Queensland, there is reference to some palm leaves from the
Campaspe R. which it was thought might belong actually to this
Central Australian species, Livistona Mariae, F.v.M. Mr. W. D.
Francis, of the Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, has kindly located for
me the Camraspe R. of Queensland, which is not very far from
Charters Towers. Nothing further seems known of this palm.
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
36 __Notes on the Botany of CA. _ May, 1930.
Amongst the specimens of palms in the Brisbane Herbarium, the
nearest locality sites to Central Australia are Mt. Perry and the
Bunya Mountains for the palm Archontophoenix Cunningham
Wendl. et Drude.
Mr. E. Cheel, Curator of the Herbarium, Botanic Gardens,
Sydney, tells me that Livistona australis Mart. occurs at Stan-
well Park, the Ilawarra generally, Cambewarra Mountain, Berry,
Kangaroo Valley, Bateman’s Bay, Geringong, and at Orbost in
Victoria.
In Ewart and Davies’ “The Flora of the Northern Territory,”
L. Mariae is given for the MacDonnell Ranges and it is stated as
being recorded for ‘Arnhem’s Land, R. Brown; Adam River,
McAdam Range, F.v.Mueller; Port Darwin (Scultz); Port
Essington, Armstrong; Liverpool River and Wood Island,
Gulliver” ZL. inermis R. Br. is given for the Islands of the Gulf
of Carpentaria, L. Alfredi F.vM. for North Australia, Keutia
Wendlandiana F.v.M. for Liverpool River and K. acuminata
Mend. for North Australia. Professor A. J. Ewart tells me that
he has not been able to verify personally the records of L. Mariae
for the far north.
Mr. C. A. Gardner, Government Botanist of Western Aus-
tralia, says that Livistona is the only genus of palms in that State.
He says:—“L. Alfredi F.v.M. occurs at Millstream Station on
the Ashburton River and the palm at Yardie Creek near the
North-West Cape is probably the same species. L. Easton
Gardner is a North Kimberley species found around Admiralty
Gulf, the tallest of our palms. L£. inermis is a Kimberley species
extending almost throughout the district but never common.
As regards Cycads, Mr. Cheel tells me that the Sydney
Herbarium has a specimen of a form of Macrozamia spiralis Mig.
from Coonabarabran, which place is about 470 miles distant
easterly from the South Australian border, and which he thinks
is the nearest point to Central Australia where cycads grows in
New South Wales.
Mr. Francis says that in the Brisbane Herbarium there is
a specimen of Cycas Cairnsiana F.vM. from the heads of the
Robertson and Percy Rivers. This locality is east and a little
south of Normanton and the southern end of the Gulf of
Carpentaria. There are specimens of Macrosanu Pauli-Grilielmi
F.v.M. from Inglewood, 50 miles east of Goondiwindi.
Ewart and Davies cite Cycas media R.Br. for ‘North-west
and North Coasts, A, Cunningham; Port Essington, Armstrong;
a
S.A. NAT., VOL. ‘XI.
May, “1930. By I. Burton. Cleland, M.D. te
Beathe Cliffs, Hulls’ and Macrozamia pistons Pw, for
Simpson’s Gap and (apparently) Hermannsburg.
Mr. Gardner has kindly pie 2 the follow ing information
from Western Australia: “Cycas furfuracea oceurs on the moun-
tains of the Leopold Range in the Kimberley district. It was
described by W. V. Fitzgerald in 1918. C. Lane-Poolei Gardner
oecurs near Mt. Ham in the Central Kimberleys. ©. basaltica
‘Gardner occurs towards the estuary cl the Lawley River in the
Northern Kimberleys. C. augulata WAbr., which Bentham in-
cludes under C. media, occurs at Camden flarbour on the north-
west Kimberley coast. These four are the only recorded species
of Cycas in Western Australia. Macrosamia. Vhere are two
species, M. Reidlet and M. Dyeri. The former, which is a new
combination as yet unpublished (will appear in my census now
nearing completion) is commonly known as M. Frasert. It is
the common Cycad Palm of S.W. Australia, extending as far
north as the Moore River at Mogumber and as far east as the
Pallinup River. It is purely south-western, not exceeding the
domain of the savannah. M. Dyeri is a closely allied species
found on the south coast between Stokes Inlet and Israelite Bay.
tt is a much larger plant than M. Reidlet.
A Cycad, either Macrosanua or Cycas, occurs not far from
Marble Bar in the Pilbarra district. No botanist has collected it,
but I have received reports of its occurrence from several persons,
but unfortunately no specimens. It is a north-west plant.”
Mr. Gardner goes on to say:—‘‘It will therefore be seen
that our palms and cycads are isolated from their relatives in the
MacDonnell Ranges by a wide strip of Eremaea. Their distribu-
tion in Western Australia is determined by the favourable con-
ditions of the south-west province for Macrozamia, and the higher
rainfall of the Kimberley district for Cycas and Livistona. These
areas are separated from the MacDonnell Ranges by a wide strip’
of Eremaea, which is in part arid desert.
“T have regarded the MacDonnell Ranges as an oasis in the
Central Australian Eremaea in which survive a few elements of
the pan-Australian species of former times. I regard it as practi-
cally impossible at the present time to try and trace distributions
connecting the elements of this area with the more favoured pro-
vinces of Australia. At the same time, since these ranges lie so
closely to ranges near the eastern boundary of this State, it is
possible that some outposts for a species such as Macrozamia
Macdonnellu might still be discovered in places like Giles Pinnacle
and the Rawlinson Ranges, but our knowledge of these botanically
is practically nil.”
S.A. NAT, VO 41.
38 Notes on the Botany of CA. May, 1930. _
We roamed in delight along the creek bed and up its forking
branches. Though the drought had been so persistent, several
pools of water still remained amongst the rocks, being fed by
springs. Round the edge of the water in the mud a light bright
green plant with pink flowers turned out to be Samolus repens—
in appearance unlike the plant of the south found usually near
salt water. A little Nardoo (Marsilea Drummondti) was also
seen. Many young Sow Thistles (Sonchus oleraceus), an intro-
duced species, were coming up. Shrubs were numerous. A tea-
tree, Melaleuca nodosa, grew in or near the water as did
Myoporum montanum. Some Native Pines (Callitris glauca (C.
robusta) var. microcarpa) also grew near, these three species
harbouring a beautiful Loranth (Loranthus Exocarpi) with scarlet
flowers having green tips. Red Gums (Lucalyptus rostrata) were
common. Several small shrubs of Plectranthus parvifolius with
small bluish flowers were seen—the natives use the plant for
medicine. Also growing amongst the rocks. were occasional figs:
(probably Ficus platypoda), Pittosporum phillyreoides, and
Tecoma doratoxylon, a rock-loving shrub with long lithe bending
branches which the natives straighten by means of heat and use
for spears, hence the specific name. High up on ledges of the
rock in the shade was a little comfosite, locally called ‘edelweiss”
from its resemblance to this plant. It had broad green sticky
leaves and heads of pure white flowers, as yet unexpanded. It
looked rather like a Cassinia in appearance, but turned out to be
a Helichrysum, probably H. Thomsoni. Native tobacco plants
grew near the creek, Nicotiana suaveolens and probably also the
larger N. excelstor with sheathing leaves that the natives chew as:
a narcotic. A Didiscus (D. glaucifolius) was in flower, the head
about the size of a shilling and quite showy. A clump of shrubs
of Santalum lanceolatum (7), in flowers and early fruit, grew
near the bed on an island of soil. It differs from ‘the South
Australian S. lanceolatum. A small rock fern (Pleurosorus rutae-
folius) grew in a crevice. Numbers of a young Gnaphalium (G.
luteoalbum) were coming up in the mud left by drying pools.
Here also a small Triglochin was found. A few grasses grew in
soil caught between the rocks. ‘These comprised Themeda
Forskali (Kangaroo Grass), Andropogon exaltatus with scented
leaves and species of Eragrostis and Aristida, A bush of Cassia
artemisioides in bloom was a beautiful sight. A frickly Solanum:
growing amongst the stones had fine large pinkish-purple flowers.
ow
ad
®)
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
_ May, 1930. _ Visit to Yorketown. 39
A FIELD NATURALIST’S VISIT TO YORKETOWN.
Yorke’s Peninsula forms part of the great mallee region of
South Australia, so that, especially in autumn, there is very little
variety in the botany to be seen on the journey to Yorketown.
Speeding over the bitumen road to Port Wakefield, the mallee
country comes in just north of the Gawler River, and mallee,
with a few teatrees and peppermint, are practically the only
trees seen. A few farmers have planted the sugar gum along the
fences. The best plantation we saw was made by harrowing
alongside the fence, then dragging a fruiting branch of sugar gum
along and finally firing the grass. Young trees have come up
very freely and look healthy. One wonders why farmers do not
try the olive, which should do well here.
The Peninsula is very flat. In the southern part one cannot
see any rise deserving the name of a hill, and the eye’roams far
afield to discover any relief. A few trees are left along the roads
and rare blocks of scrub remain here and there. In the middle
of the Peninsula the road runs through the prosperous town of
Maitland, centre of a most productive wheat area, and the driver
points out the farm that brought £29/17/6 per acre! The fine
modern residences scattered over the country testify to the fact
that the farmers have done well.
Nearing Yorketown, we begin to pass the salt lakes for which
this part is famous. There are many scores, if not hundreds, of
these lakes, though only a few are scraped for salt. ‘There is so
little relief that there are no streams, the rain when it does fall
accumulating in hollows and forming swamps, marshes, and lakes.
During the drier part of the year the water evaporates, in some
cases leaving a more or less thick crust of salt covering the muddy
flat bottom of the lake. Very small and shallow depressions are
usually covered with the so-called ‘“‘samphire” bushes (Arthrocne-
mum). The next stage is that of shallow lakes, into the surface of
which the water sinks before forming salt. A final stage is that
of the larger lakes where the bottom is quite flat, and where salt
is deposited as the waters evaporate. Hundreds of thousands of
tons have been collected and refined, but for many. years the
supply seemed to be inexhaustible. Of late years there can
be little doubt that the annual increment fails to keep pace with
the amount scraped from the lakes. From any little elevation
these lakes form a most picturesque feature of the landscape, with
their snowy white expanses of salt.
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
40 Visit to Yorketown. May, 1930.
The problem of the origin of the salt has been a matter of
dispute, but much light has been thrown on the question by a
careful scientific research by Mr. R. Lockhart Jack, B.Sc., Deputy
Government Geologist of S.A. The local theory is that there is
somewhere below the surface a great mass of salt from which
the water obtains its supply, but Mr. Jack points out that the
facts of the case render this highly improbable.
There are no such lakes in the northern part of the Penin-
sula for the reason that there is no sheet of impermeable clays
to impound the waters and prevent them sinking. The southern
part of the Peninsula is underlain by Permo-Carboniferous till
very largely impermeable. This till was distributed over the
land by the glaciers of the Permo-Carboniferous age (possibly
200 million years ago). These glaciers were, of course, formed
of fresh water ice, and no large amount of salt could be entangled
in the muds derived from the wearing down of these rocks by
the ice. And even if this is admitted possible the salt would have
gone into solution during the long ages since the period of distri-
bution. The scientific theory is that of “Cyclic salts.” It is well
known that a certain amount of salt is blown off the ocean by
the winds and tests made in many countries show that there is an
appeciable amount of salt deposited on coastal lands everywhere.
Examination of rain water tanks gave an amount of over one
hundred weight of salt per acre per year. In the case of Yorke-
town the amount was shown to be over r4t lbs. to the acre each
year. In a wet climate this amount is returned to the sea by
streams, but in an area of inland drainage the salt is drained into
the hollows forming salt lakes.
Another feature of great interest is the occurrence of gypsum
deposits. The larger lakes have banks of more or less pure
gypsum (sulphate of calcium) on the south or south-east edge
of each lake. On Lake Fowler, the largest of the lakes, having
a coast line of over 14 miles, the gypsum forms a long hill rising
to 70 ft. high and extending along a mile and quarter of the
shore.. The gypsum is practically pure, and is bagged and sent
to the factories to make “Plaster of Paris,” etc. The explanation
for this separation of the gypsum from the salt is that gypsum
crystallizes more easily than salt. When in the hot summer a
certain part of the water has been evaporated the gypsum be-
comes so concentrated that it begins to crystallize out as feathery
crystals on the surface of the water. The northerly winds of this
season carry the crystals to the southern shore where they accu-
mulate. But what a time it must have taken to pile up a minia-
ture range of the mineral!
©
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
May, 1930. By W. Ham. 41
On this lake a certain amount of scraping has been done
this year, but the recent rains have probably ended this for the
year, and the lake is now mainly covered with a thin sheet of
water. On the northern side the geologist is interested to see the
glacial till covered by modern travertine, and here, too, may be
seen several great erratics, blocks of granite and of quartzite
carried by the great glaciers of the bygone age probably from
the far south of what is now the mainland of South Australia.
In another way, too, the east coast provides interesting
material for observation. At Klein’s Point the Adelaide Cement
Company has built a fine jetty (claimed to be the first one built
wholly of cement in the world). Here a most complete plant has
been established for the handling of large quantities of the pely-
zoal limestone of which the cliffs are composed. A large electric
generating plant supplies current to work the whole plant. The
rock face, a mile long and about 60 feet high, is blasted down
and a big electric shovel bites into it, taking a ton at a bite.
Dumped into trucks it tipped into crackers which reduce the
great blocks to handy sizes. ‘hese are then carried by belts to
a hammer mill, by which they are broken to a fineness of less
than five-eighths of an inch and carried by belts into great storage
bins, from which other belts automatically carry the crushed rock
to the end of the jetty where it runs into the waiting barge. Our
visit was at a slack time, about 50 tons per hour were being
collected from the face, crushed and delivered into the bins by
a total force of eight men! The Klein’s Point Quarry was opened
in October, 1920. Over 500,000 tons of limestone have been
taken out of the quarry the machinery of which can turn out
approximately 500 tons daily crushed to quarter inch size.
The rock supplied is a very pure limestone made up of the
fossilised shells of tiny sea animals (mainly polyzoans) of the
Miocene age (possibly living in the shallow seas of 19 million years
ago). Careful search reveals many fossils which establish the
period of the deposition.
W. Hane.
S.A. NAT., VOL. XT.
42 Al Fresh Water Crayfish. _ May, 1930.
A REMARKABLE FRESH-WATER CRAYFISH.
By HERBERT M. HALE
(Curator, South Australian Museum).
Mr. A. J. Williamson, of Dunolly, Victoria, recently sent me
for examination a curiously abnormal Yabbie (Parachaeraps
bicarinatus) from his State. Unfortunately the specimen, a male,
is dried, and the internal parts have been largely destroyed. The
exoskeleton, which is practically intact, is remarkable in that the
lateral parts of the carapace, posterior to the cervical groove, are
raised to form a conspicuous elevation on each side, while at the
summit of each elevation is a comparatively large aperture (with
a thickening ciliate margin) leading to the branchial chamber.
The rims of the apertures resemble the crassate inferior edge of
the branchiostegites, while the fringing hairs also are similar to
those on the lower margin of the gill-cover, and not to the longer
hairs on the inner face of the latter, The opening on the right is
more slit-like than that of the left side; the apertures are other-
wise dissimilar, for the rim of the left one is completed by a
ciliate lappet (text fig. 1).
Fig. t on (A) left and (B) right side of carapace.
Dorso-lateral view of openings.
>)
S.A. NAT.,
Puate III. oe
lig. 2. Fresh-water Crayfish.
Dorsal and lateral views, showing openings.
VOL.
S.A. WAT), VOL. XI
PLATE IV,
Photo—J, B. Cleland.
Palm Valley, Central Australia.
Photo—J. B. Cleland,
Palm Valley, Central Australia.
a.
—-
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
__ May, 1930. __ __By Herbert M. Hale, 43
Comparison with normal individuals shows that the chelae
(of which the left is larger than the right) are more slender than
is usual, and the fingers, particularly the dactyli, are narrower;
also, the abdomen is quite markedly roof-shaped, but this may
be in part due to drying.
It is evident that the inhalant currents, which normally flow
into the gill-chambers only between the bases of the legs and the
lower edge of the carapace, would in this specimen pass in through
these dorso-lateral openings as well.
It seems rather improbable that this individual is a mutant,
but if it be a “sport” its occurrence is of considerable interest;
the animal can have suffered no severe inconvenience through its
abnormality—in fact it is reasonable to suppose that under certain
circumstances the additional inhalant apertures might be advan-
tageous rather than otherwise.
The abnormalities in the exoskeleton may, of course, have
developed during the hfe of the creature. The almost sym-
metrically placed apertures were possibly primarily due to injury
(such as might conceivably be inflicted by the beak of a bird).
In this case water would doubtless enter the gill-chambers through
these dorsal openings as well as inferiorly, and this may have
resulted in their persistence and the development of “straining”
marginal hairs and an incrassate margin.
My best thanks are due to Mr. Williamson for the oppor-
tunity of examining this interesting crayfish.
THE CINEMATOGRAPH OF LIFE.
Throughout the seasons of the year the Field Naturalists in
their excursions to beach or hillside, by winding streams or
whispering forest, are witnesses to the moving scenes of Life’s
great spectacle. On the world’s broad stage a continuous drama
is being enacted. Without fall of the curtain scene has followed
scene since life began. In spite of its spaciousness the stage is
always crowded. [Everywhere we see repetitions of the same
episodes and situations on different scales. Here a scene among
the birds and there among the insects. What the mammals are
acting is being caricatured by the amphibians. Nor are the actors
altogether silent. As in the latest mechanical spectacle sound
sychronises with movement. The bee’s quest of honey is accom-
panied by the drowsy hum and the assaults of the mosquito are
heralded by her dreary monotone. The graceful evolutions of
S.A. NAT., VOL. XT.
May, 1930.
44 The Cinematograph of Life. :
the bird are timed to the thrilling love song. It is a world of
echoes and refrains. - The actors and actresses always appear
artistic in their proper setting and scenery. Some are on the
boards for minutes, some for days like the adult and aerial phases
of scrub flies or ephemerids. Some tor weeks, like the house flies
or mosquitoes, some for months like the humble bees, some for
years like the wedge-tailed eagle, the cockatoo, the swallow and
many other birds, some for centuries like the eucalypts or the
redwoods of California, but all in the end succumb to the scythe
of the Great Reaper. So automatic is the succession among the
short lived creatures that no gap is ever apparent. ‘There is
always an understudy to fill a vacant place.
When, however, we lengthen our vision scientifically we see
that in spite of the apparent sameness there is continual change
and that one cast foilows another as age succeeds age. Many
great actors like the sea scorpions, the giant saurians, the flying
dragons, the diprotodons, have made their final exit and have
left no successors. Nor has their mantle fallen on any other.
The play goes on, but the players change. Throughout the age-
long drama known as “Evolution” nothing must be new, and yet
paradoxical as it may seem, all must be new. Everything in the
present is linked to the past and grows out of what has gone
before. Just as Shakespeare developed his wonderful plays from
the prosy tales of Holinshed, the “Parallels” of Plutarch and
other sources, and other sources, but in so doing entirely trans-
formed the original so Nature in her eternal drama has steadily
evolved characters and situations from apparently primeval con-
fusion. Yet there is nothing in the end that was not potentially
in the beginning, although the original may have been profoundly
modified. All must be new or it would not be a drama, and
would not be life if it were static. Beyond doubt the most im-
pressive fact about animate nature is the “Ascent of Life,”
though there have been many backslidings and disappearances.
Life has gone marching on from step to step. It is a well estab-
lished fact that nobler and finer forms have appeared on the
world’s stage as one geological period has followed another.
D. J. McNanrara.
.
.
S.A. NAT., VOL. XT, ; : 4
May, 1930. Botanical Notes—E. FH. Ising. areal 45
BOTANICAL NOTES.
By ERNEST H. ISING.
Daviesia corymbosa, Smith (Leguminosae). The reticula-
tion of the veins on the leaves is different'on the top and bottom
surfaces. ‘By holding the leaves up to the light this is easily
observed and the veins can be seen crossing one another. The
leaves also have longitudinal furrows on both surfaces which may
correspond to the space between the veins.
Pultenaea daphnoides, Wendl. (Leguminosae). On the
upper surface of the leaf there are some fine white appressed
hairs on the midrib. Commencing at the lower half they are
sparse, but become more numerous as they reach the fetiole,
which is also somewhat hairy all round. The under surface also
has very scattered hairs on the midrib as well as on the blade.
Tretratheca pilosa (Tremandraceae). In a previous article (1)
I referred to this species (under 7’. ericifolia) growing from some
exposed roots in a cutting. On 18/4/30, at Mount Lofty, I ob-
served another instance of this species growing from some dis-
turbed roots on the bank of an old road. There are four plants
growing in the cutting, one each at 15, 19, 26 and 29 inches below
ground level from roots more or less exposed. The plants consist
of shoots 6 to 12 inches in length, and each has several branches
in the cluster. These exposed roots, if they belong to the plant
growing on the edge of the cutting, are at least 29 inches long.
The lowest root is about 3 mm thick, and evidently descends even
further into the soil. This shows to what a great depth even
small plants send their roots to obtain the necessary moisture.
Goodenia geniculata (Goodeniaceae). A plant was observed
at Mount Lofty flowering on 18/4/30. Flowering was stimulated
by a light rain of about 30 points several weeks earlier. This
species flowers from November through all the heat of summer
and into the autumn, its bright yellow flowers making an attrac-
tive sight in the forest which is, at this time of the year, mostly
devoid of flowers.
Eucalyptus leucoxylon, F.v.M. (Myrtaceae). This species
was flowering at Belair on 21/5/28, and there appeared to be a
general flowering of these trees along an ironstone ridge near the
yailway line. It was also in flower at Blackwood on 3/7/28. As
Black’s “Flora” does not give the flowering times for this genus,
vf is interesting to record this for the genus in the various districts.
(1) This Journal, Vol. IV., No. 4 (1923), p. 142.
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
46 Botanicel Notes. May, 1930.
Acrotriche serrulata, Labill (Epacridaceae). This is an early
flowering species, and flowers were observed on 1/7/28 at Mount
Lofty and again on 11/8/29. On the latter date the plant pro-
duced its first flowers, as all except one cluster were in bud. ©
Another plant was in full flower on 15/9/29 at Aldgate. On
17/4/29 new growth was developing at tips of branches.
Haleocharis acuta, R.Br. (Cyperaceae). This rush is grow-
ing below a permanent spring along the roadside near Crafers.
It grows from near the spring to 56 yards below it in the gutter
downhill towards Stirling. At 18 yards from the spring to 26
yards the rush is crowded out by other growth. The gutter in
which this plant grows is always moist and full of vegetation, and
there must be a large quantity of water soaking down this gutter
below the surface all the year round. This is evident from the
constant freshness of the growth and the damp condition of the
soil. The rush flowered on 23/11/28 for about 2 months. In
this situation it grows very densely and practically forms a closed
community. It has underground horizontal stems, with the buds
an inch or so below the surface. It grows from 12 to 18 inches
in height. On 28/12/28 this rush had died down and 2 months
later new growth had come up and was several inches high. The
spring and summer had been very dry, for no rain had fallen
from 6/10/28 to 15/1/29. On 16/3/29 the spring was almost
dry. At this time the gutter was cleaned out by workmen and
the rush was skimmed off with a shovel, but the roots were not
disturbed. By 16/8/29 the rush had developed new shoots from
9 to 12 inches in height, and two months later had grown up to
20 inches and was in flower.
Persoonia juniperina (Proteaceae). I noticed a cluster of
buds apparently about to flower on 28/8/29, which must have
developed 4 to 6 weeks earlier. This appears to be very early
for buds to mature, as this species does not usually flower until
early in January. The past unusually dry winter may have a
direct influence on the flowering time.
Pterostylis nana (Orchidaceae). This small greenhood orchid
was growing and flowering very plentifully on road cuttings near
Mount Lofty Station, in spite of a dry winter. On 8/9/29 many
plants were growing on the steep side of a cutting, from the top
to the bottom, a distance of about 5 feet. They were also grow-
ing on a deep cutting near the Cross Roads, Mount Lofty, on
the exposed rock face. These plants must have been dormant for
several years, or they were seedling or young plants vegetating
by tuberous expansion, as during the last 10 years they had not
been seen previously although I had kept a close watch on the
cutting. Growing as they are in this situation seems to foint to
their propagation by means of seed.
&
. ©
h
f
.|s
S.A. NAT, VOL. XI.
May, 1930. By Ernest H. Ising. 47
REGENERATION OF NATIVE PLANTS AFTER
BEING CUT DOWN.
By Ernest H. Istnc,
On a part of the roadside that was cleared of vegetation in
the winter of 1928 (June to August) the following plants have
grown again apparently from the root-stock or underground
stems of the old plants. (Date 17/8/29).
1. Persoonia juniperina. Several plants have grown and one
was 12 inches in height.
2. Banksia marginata. A plant had grown up 6 inches.
3. Lepidosperma lineare. In fairly young fruiting stage and
leaves about 6 inches in length. On 20/7/29 the flower
stems were fully developed and fruits appearing. Evi-
dently flowers in May or June.
4. Olearia grandiflora. Very healthy growth on 12 or more
branches, which were cut off at about ground level and
were now 12 inches in height. A month or two later
there were 40 branches, each with a terminal flower.
The rough “pruning” to which this plant was subjected
produced very vigorous new growth.
5. Xanthorrhoea semiplana. New leaves had grown and
were 18 inches in length.
STARTING TIME OF MEETINGS.
Members are asked to note that the evening meetings will
commence at 7.30 p.m. in the lower room. This will allow time
for disposal of business so that at 8 p.m. the lectures can be
commenced.
EXHIBITS.
Will members please endeavour to bring exhibits at all
meetings, especially the one to be held in October.
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
48 Lectures. May, 1930.
NATIVE FLOWER SHOW.
After some discussion, it was resolved that the Show be held
again this year on the dates assigned in the programme, October
10th and llth. Don’t forget Collecting Day, October 8th, at
Mt. Compass. ‘The members realize that in all probability the
financial returns may not be so high as in former years, but that
the value of the exhibition is in many ways so great that it is
worth while going on with it. Its real success will depend upon
the enthusiasm and hard work of the members themselves. In
particular everyone is asked to bring exhibits relating to any
branch of natural history.
LECTURE ON “THE ARCHITECTURE OF INDIA.”
By REV, J. H. ALLIEN, B.Sc.
March 18th, 1930.
With the aid of slides the lecturer gave a vivid description
of the notable works of Indian builders through the centuries
interspersed with a great deal of information on the development
of Indian life and customs.
LECTURE ON “HONOLULU, CALIFORNIA.”
By DR. R. H. PULLEINE, M.B., Ch.M.
April 15th, 1930.
Dr. Pulleine gave an interesting account of visits to Honolulu,
California, and Arizona. Of pazticular interest were his descrip-
tions and views of arid districts in the western United States,
and of the peculiar plants found in such desert conditions, with
their many adaptations enabling them to flourish with the
minimum of water supply.
LECTURE ON “A TRIP TO CAIRNS.”
By MR. A. J. MORISON.
A feature of Mr. Morison’s lecture was the wealth of beauti-
ful slides by which the lecturer’s interesting remarks were illus-
trated. The audience was taken to Melbourne, Sydney, Towns-
ville, and Cairns, and thence to the many places of interest in
this tropic land of palms and sugar canes.
EXCURSION TO GLENELG AQUARIUM.
April 26th, 1930.
A party visited the Glenelg Aquarium and were greatly in-
terested in the various forms of marine life collected there.
EXCURSION TO MT. LOFTY.
March 15th, 1930.
Mr. A. J. Morison led a party of members to Mt. Lofty.
The Flower Show was visited by members, who were greatly
interested in the fine exhibition of hills plants.
<
S.A. NAT., VOl, XI.
May, 1930. Excursions. 49
EXCURSION TO HALLETT’S COVE.
Dr. Fenner led the party and explained the physiographical
features of the Cove, and by the aid of a map distributed to each
visitor pointed out the nents of special geological interest, includ-
ing Tate’s Rock, the polished pavement at Black Point, ‘and the
fossiliferous Miocene limestone which runs across the Cove. Dr.
Fenner was particularly interesting when dealing with the geolo-
gical history of the Cove from early Cambrian times through the
period of Permo Carboniferous fluvio glacial action, the Miocene
life now represented by a fossiliferous limestone, the deposit of
Pleistocene mottled clays, the travertine lormation and recent soil
formation.
EXCURSION TO OUTER HARBOUR.
The party, under the leadership of Mr. F. K. Godfrey,
found such a rich harvest of shells on the bank at the north end
of the harbour that they failed to notice the encroaching tide
till they were surrounded and had to wade out. On Snowden’s
Beach specimens are found both of estuarine and open sea shells,
and a good number of species was collected.
Among the estuarine shells reference was made to Mono-
donta obtusa, which in appearance resembles the common winkle.
Modiolus inconstans has an almost transparent shell. The shells
from the open sea washed in by strong tides into river mouths
included Mitra Australis, characteristic of this beach. Chlamys
bifrons belonging to the family of the Pectenidae, but unlike the
ordinary pecten, the two valves being convex. Haliotis cyclo-
bates (circular lobed sea ear) is often “found attached to a Pinna
or Razor Shell, and within the two valves of the latter a small
Pea Crab is sometimes observed. This is not a parasite, but
while enjoying the protection of the Pinna enjoys its meals in
common. The Pinna is deficient in carbonate of lime, the usual
shell-forming material, but its valves are formed of horny matter
known as Chitin. It is generally found up-right in the sand,
moored to the bottom by its byssus or fringe. Pyrene lincolnensis
was another interesting find.
Nassarius victorianus, a prettily marked red shell, and
Conus anemone is another beautiful shell, and Murex triformis.
Polynices contca is a carnivorous mollusc, which bores holes in
other shells, generally the portion covering the vital organs. Bit-
teum granarium is an open sea shell, generally much deformed
by rock and waves before it reaches the beach. In the sand the
tracks made by the Amphidesma cuneata were pointed out and
near the nodes several of these shells were unearthed. The
egg nidus of Polynices conica, a strap-like structure of fine grains
of sand in which the eggs are deposited. Other shells found were
Clanculus dunkert (peculiar to Australia), Salinator, sp., Coro-
vella, pp. Stliquaria and the dainty Oliva australis.
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
50 ___ S.A. Shell Collectors’ Club, May, 1930.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SHELL COLLECTORS’ CLUB.
The attendance at the regular meetings on first and third
Mondays is well maintained.
Family Trochidae has been under review during the
quarter. Many of these shells are amongst the most common
found on our beaches, and a little trouble is worth while to be-
come familiar with those which the young folk are most likely to
pick up and ask questions about.
Genus Cantharidus may be summarised—pyramidal—not
having a depression at the centre of the base, which de-
pression would be called an umbilicus—outside smooth, spirally
sculptured—brilliantly iridescent within—colours generally bright
and variegated. Mouth is less than half the length of the shell,
longer than wide, egg-shaped. Columella, the upright pillar in
the centre, toothed or notched near base. Shell is rather thin.
Australian Seas the metropolis of this genus.
Cantharidus apicinus (Menke). Much variety in coloration.
About four-fifths of inch in height. Base of the shell is flecked
or blotched. Interior is violet. Port Willunga and farther south.
C. bellulus (Dunker). A real gem and common on
almost every local beach. Half-inch in height and a quarter-inch
diameter. Base colour is brownish or greenish, with about 16 to
18 reddish bands, narrow, some of which appear to be doubled.
Between the bands are numerous nearly circular white lined
figures. The spire of the shell is elevated, but not very slender.
The outer lip appears folded or plaited within.
C. conicus (Gray). Solid appearance, elevated, conical.
Pinkish or grey-white, with crimson apex and close dark red-
brown stripes. Spire is straightly conical. Protoconch, that is,
the first formed portion at the apex is bluntly conical and is
eroded as though the baby shell could not stand the weather.
Outer lip thick and plaited within. Reddish iridescent within
the mouth. Three-quarters inch in height, half-inch diameter.
Very common on all local beaches.
C. eximius (Perry). Common on beach at Port Noarlunga
and farther south, not found on beaches nearer Adelaide.
The ocean beaches produce the best specimens. Colours
green and red with interior greenish sheen. The shell shows
numerous narrow spiral bands which are not much coloured and
are not prominent. Fairly solid looking and generally attractive.
The shell is brilliantly iridescent beneath the outer coating. About
14 inches in height by half-inch diameter.
a
vw
May, 1930. S.A. Shell Collectors’ Club, 51
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
C. fasciatus (Menke). Common most beaches, This shell
is elongated, thin, polished and shining. Colour white, creamy,
or pink, with spiral bands of pink, purplish-red, brown. Spire is
elevated and slender. Apex is dark and acute. Whorls about
nine, very slightly convex. Mouth smooth, whitish within. Outer
lip thin, acute. Inner lip (near centre of base) narrowly reflexed.
‘This: shell is not iridescent. Ocean beaches yield the best speci-
mens. Up to about # inch high and 4 inch diameter.
C. irisodontes (Q. & G.). Common all beaches. Any size
up to three-fifths inch high by three-eights inch diameter. On
almost every patch of shell sand little green shells of this species
are present. Shell is small, but stout looking. Not very polished.
Sculpture dense with several concentric, impressed lines on base.
Colour greenish, with several whitish dotted spiral lines. Spire is
but moderately elevated. Apex greenish-brown. Whorls about
seven, slightly convex. Mouth greenish-white within. Outer lip
not very sharp on the edge. Inner lip set with small teeth.
C. pulcherrimus (Wood). This shell may best be distin-
guished from irisodontes by its distinct rosy lip encircling the
mouth. Shells mostly green, some are reddish. Interior irides-
ecnt. Common on local beaches. About 4 inch in height by
+ inch diameter.
Genus Monodonta (Lamarck). Shells of this genus are
shaped like a top, and have few whorls, which are spirally grooved
and beaded. The lip is thickened internally and grooved. The
sand at Outer Harbour is mainly this shell in abundance. Shell
columella—the upright central pillar, is toothed. ‘The name
Monodonta signifies “one tooth.” Operculum or trap door is
horny and, viewed through a lens, is many-whorled, that is, with
many wreaths or turns. Monodonta is without the depression in
the centre of the base which is styled the umbilicus. Mouth is
rounded, but is angulated towards the centre of the base.
Monodonta concamerata (Wood). Prefers the less exposed
crevices in rocks, very common at Marino, under stones between
tide-marks. Has strong solid appearance and is pearly, with well-
marked green lines parallel with the line of growth. Any size up
to rather more than 14 inches height by 1 inch diameter. ‘This
js not common at Pt. Willunga.
M. constricta (Lamarck). The common winkle. Rocky
coasts exposed at low tide. It is good eating. About an inch in
height and diameter.
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
Bi) Presentation to Retiring Secretary May, 1930.
M. Adelaidae (Phil). Smaller than “concamerata” and better
sculptured, with greenish interior sheen. Fairly common certain
local beaches, look for them on the shell sand patches. About
4 inch high and nearly # inch diameter.
M.. odontis (Wood). More finely sculptured than “ade-
laidae” and of similar size and outline. Many have well pro-
nounced yellowish spots in lines, but this does not always apply.
Uncommon on several Gulf beaches.
M. obtusa (Dillwyn). More acute and angulated than
“constricta.” Might be taken for young “constricta” but for its
zebra-like markings. About # inch high by 4 inch diameter.
Look for this shell in life amongst the weeds in the mud between
the sand spit at the Outer Harbour and the shore line which leads
up the Port Creek, on the same side of the stream.
M. rudis (Gray). In general appearance and size this is
like “constricta,” but on the base is a black patch, and the black
line around the outer lip is unbroken—in “constricta” the line is
broken in several places. Nearly 14 inches high by 1 inch dia-
meter. On rocks, not so common as “constricta.”
The quarter’s review also included the genera Cantharidella
and Calliotrochus; although these shells are not large they are
full of interest to students, instancing:—
Calliotrochus Reedi—named by Sir Jos. Verco after Mr. Wal-
ter Reed, a member of this Section. This shell is found in shell
sand at Corney Pt., Wardang Island (Kimber), Edithburgh,
Holdfast Bay, Levens Beach. The type is 6.2 mm diameter by 3
mim height.
F. K. Goprrey, Hon. Secretary.
PRESENTATION TO RETIRING SECRETARY.
At the conclusion of Mr. Morison’s lecture opportunity was:
taken to make a presentation to Mr. E. H. Ising, who recently
retired from the position of Hon. Secretary after 12 years of
devoted service.
In making the presentation the President, Mr. H. M. Hale,
referred in felicitous terms to the deep debt of gratitude for the
splendid services rendered to the Society by Mr. Ising during his
long term of office.
The remarks of the President were supported by Messrs.
W. Hz. Selway and W. Ham.
The presentation took the form of a wallet of notes.
7
c)
)
The South Australiana
The Journal of the Ficld Naturalists’ jon id rh yaa? Ss,
Society of South Australia and of 6 South Australian
Aquarium Socie
:
Adelaide
Gee te ee Hon ee ee ORT CMT
VOL. XI.
CONTENTS.
Qur Beautiful Southern Coast (By L. Reynolds) 0. cc. ce cae ee 53-60
BAe AAUAN NM NOCE See inthe oe. ices ne cep oe cals eae vans OB PL
MPECHESIONS Atl MS COULOR apn Sin sie eco nsis Cin Gas men ig ota ae 72
—:0:——
The authors of papers are responsible for the facta
recorded and opinions expressed.
Address of the Bection: C/o Royal Society’s Rooms, Institute
Building, North Terrace, Adelaide.
Published Quarterly Single Copy—NINEPENCE
Obtainable from Cole’s Book Arcade, No. 14 Rundle Street,
Adelaide.
Felstead & Omsby, Printers, Delmont’s Building, Anster Avenue, Adelaide.
en
©)
©)
The
South Australian Dalsetise,
Vol. XI. Zan Rian No. 4.
At
OUR BEAU L SOUTHERN COAST.
fi —. sp ainping See
mn Fleurieu Peninsula.
——__—__—__
ALS Repsyoppsry (O%
Fleurieu Peninsula is that section of country stretching:
between Cape Jervis and ending near Rosetta Head (the
Bluff), Victor Harbour. This extreme Southern Peninsula is
unfamiliar to the average person. Less familiar still is the
rugged precipitous coast, intersected by steep gullies and
ravines, sheltered coves and ocean beach. Throughout the
ages, the free and mighty rollers from the far southern ocean.
have piled high the foam and spray along this rugged shore,
Devoid of tracks or signs of habitation, this ever changing:
coast offers much to artists, naturalists, and sportsmen, for
the last named may hunt the kangaroo, or ply the line for the
fish which abound along this coast. In the valleys, too, bird
life is prevalent.
With haversacks rammed with provisions—bread, rice,
potatoes, and a dozen other lines, including sleeping kit and
camera, we stepped away from Second Valley on the Good
Friday morn of last Easter.
My companion, Ted, civil servant, and Y.M.C.A. Field
Naturalist Secretary, wanted to forget office routine, and test
the beauty of the Southern shore. His swag of forty pounds
was found to weigh heavier on his shoulders than some of his
office problems. Being much shorter and broader than my
companion, with the advantage of having humped the same
weight for eight days from Moana, via Cape Jervis to Victor
Harbour on November last, I felt a greater degree of comfort
than my handicapped pal.
We passed the pretty little home of the late Henry Var
Raalte picturesquely situated upon the hillside of the Dela-
mere Valley.
A Record of
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
54 Our Beautiful Southern Coast. _Aveust, 1930.
As we ticked off each of the thirteen miles separating us
from Cape Jervis, we stopped to investigate a very old, but
distinctly charming little Church of England, standing in an
atmosphere of peace and indeed “afar from the madding
crowd.” From her elevation she looks down and watches over
the hallowed spot surrounded by trees where her faithfu!
departed are sleeping. A point of interest presented itself as
we passed into the church. Near the entrance doors stood a
font, and a tablet nearby indicated that this font had been
presented to Archdeacon Moyes, and was over 200 years old,
having served in a parish church in England.
A winding hilly road brought us to Cape Jervis—our
“hopping off” place. Here we obtained a good supply of fish
for tea and breakfast from a visiting fisherman.
Lack of water at the lighthouse is the bugbear. Disappoint-
ment awaits visitors if they have not been wise enough to
bring supplies. At one time visitors could obtain any little
common want from the kindly keepers of the hght, but now
‘the keepers are gone, their cottages demolished, and an
automatic light now flashes nightly without man’s help.
The following morning (Saturday) we breakfasted,
‘packed, and pushed away from the Cape, heading in a south-
easterly direction.
Beyond an old homestead of J. Malthouse, near the sea,
stood the new cable station. The old station at Yankalilla
carried the cable to Kangaroo Island, but from this new
position the cable distance is shortened, being only 8 to 10
miles across to the island,
Fishery Creek (23 miles from the Cape) has bad drinking
water. Here at one time mining was pursued, but now just
‘the slaggy dumps remain.
From Fishery Creek to Campbell’s Creek the contour of
the coast changes. Short scrub appears, and from the sea the
land slopes gently inland, meeting the hills and valleys, which
become steeper as one moves eastward. Campbell’s Creek is
one of the many sheltered sandy coves encountered after
leaving the Cape country. An islet of rock stands guard at
the sea entrance, while the surrounding hills dip-slope to the
‘sandy beach which is a few hundreds of yards in length. From
the valley between the hills, pure fresh water finds its way to
the beach. In wet seasons the supply flows over the sand, but
in a dry season, it filters beneath it. By scooping a hole in
the sand, one can intercept the stream and obtain excellent
drinking water.
(hes
S.A. NAT., VOL. XT. i
Aucusr, 1930. By“ L. Reynolds. : SoS
Blowhole Creek (why thus named, | don’t know) also con-
dained abundance of fresh water. It was reached on Saturday
afternoon, and by this time the coast was rapidly assuming
proportions of scenic splendour. A prettier scene than that
which now presented itself would be difficult to find. From
a sandy knoll I surveyed the sight before me, and just
wondered how Nature from a continuity of rocky cliffs and
rugged broken coastline should suddenly see fit to mould such
a snug little haven, a real shelter from the outside breakers
and southerly squalls and winds. The cove entrance was
guarded by storm-worn sentinels of high jagged rocks, follow-
ing around and hemming in the cove. The rocks terminated
in deliberate slopes to the beach. The hills to the east of the
cove were broken by a rocky steep-sided valley, which frowned
upon the little winding fresh water stream as it turned and
twisted its way between rock and bushes, and presently
flowed into the sea. Strange to relate, white lilies grew in
profusion up this valley. Here the prospects were so inviting,
we decided to camp.
A fire was lighted in a sheltered spot on the beach, and
sufficient wood and water secured for the night. It is most
interesting to observe the varying amounts of driftwood found
along this coast. Bleached white with exposure, I have seen
it piled high and dry the whole length of a sheltered cove, and
sometimes three to four feet deep. Huge trunks of ancient
trees rest along with timber and boxes lost or thrown over by
ships at sea. As night descended, two fine leather jackets were
placed on a flat stone to sizzle before the fire—a good method
of cooking fish, no pots or pans! When cooked, peel off the
skin or scales, and “Goodbye, Fish!” Ted scratched around
for seaweed, and soon reported beds made. Shielding my
face from the heat of the fire, I plunged a fork into the fish
and dragged them to the festive scene. At about 10 p.m. that
evening a big mail boat hove into sight ablaze with electric
lights. Although she appeared quite near, over three miles
must have separated her from the mainland.
The following morning was dark and threatening. Half-
way through breakfast down came the rain, and continued for
some hours. Beneath the canvas we dismally watched the
rain falling whilst the fire spluttered and eventually fizzled
out. The tin plates which were thrown on to the sand were
now filled with water. At 11 a.m. the rain ceased, the clouds
rolled away, and the warmth and cheer of the sun poured
upon us. We hastily packed and moved away down the coast.
$.A. NAT., VO 41.
56 Our Beautiful Southern Coast. ___Aucust, 1930
Directly south were two islands. They appeared to be some
miles from shore, but were recognised as The Pages—North
and South Page (70 feet high). Travelling now becomes
slower and more difficult. Valleys are steeper, hills higher,
and dense scrub appears. Mr. Madigan, in his report before
the Royal Society, refers to this section of the coast as “A
succession of rocky bluffs, small shingly coves, and the ridges
between the gullies reaching from 200 to 300 feet high.” He
continues by stating the going to be difficult and tiring, and in
one day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. only six miles were covered.
The approach to Deep Creek was lined with dense scrub.
Shorter scrubs grew on the hilltops, but the descent into the
valleys was checked by high scrub reaching over our heads.
One had to force one’s way through this dense growth.
The needle bush (Hakea rugosa) kept us well awake. It
is covered with sharp needles one inch long.
The silky teatree (Leptospermum pubescens) welcomed
us more kindly as we tramped through its territory. A few
members of the daisy bush family seemed to be well repre-
sented and widespread along the Peninsula.
Near Porpoise Head a little surprise awaited us. We had
just emerged from a particularly steep and rocky valley,.
puffing and blowing like a pair of mountain-type engines. A
fine panorama lay before us, and also another view, but not so
pleasant as the former. In the grass ahead, at full length, lay
a five foot snake. While he wondered who and what we were,
I also pondered the question as to why he should choose to be
directly across our track, and what the result might have been
had one of us stepped on him. Keeping an eye on him, I
slipped the haversack to the ground, but he anticipated my
move, and quickly glided away. One, two, three, and the
fourth bush proved fatal to him. I broke his back as he
emerged and after a few sundry taps for luck, he was pre-
sented before the camera. We displayed a sudden interest
in ground study for the next few miles—maybe the thoughts
of meeting the relatives of our late friend were responsible
for this.
a
i
%.A, NAT., VOL. XI. *
_ Aveust, 1930. By_L. Reynolds. a oi og
PART IL.
The coast continued steep and rocky, and from every
vantage point, one saw scenes of varying coastal splendour.
Every mile revealed something new; miniature coves and
inlets were sheltered by sheer walls of rocks, whilst deep
down one became fascinated with the rise and fall of the
swell, causing a gurgling stifling noise as it receded, leaving
a struggling surging backwash to follow in its wake. Many
beautiful views were unravelled as we lessened the distance
to our objective—Deep Creek. By now the sun was dropping
away to the west. At intervals, as we gained the hilltops,
we observed its rays grow less, whilst down in the valley,
the shades of night were gathering. In a_ neighbouring
valley, we heard welcome sounds of the surf playing on the
rocks outside Deep Creek.
Ten minutes later, torch in hand, we stood on the top of
a particularly high and steep valley, which surrounds and
overlooks and gives to this creek the name of “The Deep
Creek.” Aided by torchlight, we descended from the hilltop
down the valley to a sheltered sandy cove beneath. The
valley darkness had completely enveloped us; although not
able to see, we could plainly hear the boom of the rollers
outside crashing on the precipitous cliff rocks. With the
crash of each roller a silvery serpentine stream wound its
way over sands and rocks into the sheltered creek, and
mingled its salt with the fresh water. But thanks to Nature,
the might and volume of the sea was kept outside shelter
cove. Directly above, the stars were contesting with the
clouds for the supremacy of the night. At intervals, they
were obscured by the dark clouds, which were driven by the
same wind that caused the trees and shrubs growing high on
the valley tops above to sing and whistle a mournful welcome
to a tired pair gazing from the valley below, where silence
and peace prevailed and contrasted strangely with the -ele-
ments outside and above.
Here we were to camp for the night. To an observer
from the valley heights, our campfire would appear no
brighter than one of the stars above, but to us it was a
cheerful blaze. High seas had washed seaweed and sand
into the creek, and the decaying vegetation polluted the
water. Although temporarily disappointed we found suitable
water for boiling, and with the failing torchlight we hastily
gathered our supply of firewood for the night. It was a
tired, but contented pair of tramps who dried their clothes
and camped by the fire that night.
S.A, NAT., VOL. XI.
58 Our Beautiful Southern Coast. _
_Aucusr, 1930.
The camera worked overtime on the following morning
(Monday) depicting scenes inside the valley and outside by
the ocean. It is difficult to paint a word picture of a coast so
beautiful. The best attempt is indeed poor, so I say one
must see for oneself “our charming Southern Coast,” this
“rugged loveliness.” As the sun penetrated the valley, we
broke camp, and wound away up creek, searching for a
convenient exit from this deep gorge. The little vale below
was clothed with bracken fern, and along the creek and right.
into the gully the silky teatree grew. Beneath its shelter
grew what every woman admires—the delicate maiden-hair
fern. Yo the right and leit along the creek and afar into the
hillside, maiden-hair flourished and grew in unpretentious
profusion. I photographed a view looking through this fern
valley to the Pages Islands in the distance.
The most difficult part of the journey ended at Deep
Creek, although the coast ahead was by no means easy. The
cabbage or scrub gum (Eucalyptus cosmophylla and
Eucalyptus fasciculosa) grew in the scrub a short distance
from the cliff. Pleasant grassy patches were in evidence, and
the country generally appeared more hospitable. A unique
sight presently loomed up. From a point on the cliff face, 2
delightful panorama stretched 10 to 12 miles eastward,
bringing within range the beautiful Tunkalilla Beach, Tunk
Head and Newland Head. I had just recorded this scene by
camera, when quite near us the Yacca or grass trees rustled,.
and away hopped a pair of fine kangaroos, and made into the
scrub. A few minutes later we surprised another big chap
which had been feeding too intently to hear our approach,
There are signs of the presence of numerous ’roos throughout
this country. On one occasion we made a circuitous track
through some scrub, when we came upon a large species of
eagle, being the second one seen. From here to Tunkalilla
Beach the Black Boy, Yacca or Grass Tree, grows in
abundance. These old man trees are reputed to reach a great
age, and from certain of their species, the Yacca Gum is
extracted.
At Tapanappa Creek we had lunch, and presently set off
for Tunkalilla Beach. Ted’s eyes sparkled as we walked and
talked. I had told him great. things concerning Tunkalilla
Beach of the straight flat walk of 4 miles along a marvellous
platform. It would be a welcome relief to us both, being the:
first flat section of country encountered since the start.
Tunkalilla Beach is uniquely set out. It is a memorial
picture as seen from a hill looking eastward along the beach.
a
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI. ann
Aucust, 1930. By L. Reynolds. 5
In stormy weather the fury of the unbroken rollers spends
its strength and spray along the four miles of this beach.
During these four miles, the tramper has the incessant drone
and boom of the thunderous breakers ringing in his ears, as
each roller leaves the shore laced white with foam. Ten feet.
above beach level is a platform about 200 yards wide running
the whole length of the beach. It is composed of alluvial soil
washed down from the hills) The background, a marginal!
line of steep hills, follows this platform to Tunkalilla Head,
four miles away. Sheep graze along this plateau and about
in the centre, is an old woolshed, where I believe the sheep:
are still shorn.
As a rule on this trip we are continually racing the sun-
set, and this night was no exception. Callawonga Creek was
the goal for the night. At the summit of Tunkalilla Head,
we had the pleasure of seeing the sun go down. In order to
save time and skip a few hills, we made a detour into the
scrub. This proved disastrous, and landed us into trouble
Darkness rapidly descended, and after much blind walking
and stumbling, we were reluctantly obliged to make camp:
where we stood, being temporarily bushed for the night.
Under a few Yacca trees, we dumped the haversacks,
and went away to gather firewood. With our arms full, we
turned in the direction of the haversacks, but to our surprise
and disgust, the darkness had made all Yacca trees appear
the same. The firewood was dropped, and a good ten
minutes search revealed the swags some distance beyond
where we had been searching. Of course, it seemed humor-
ous then, but we were not to be caught again.
In the light of a regular bush-fire, we were much more
at ease, but our good cheer fell a few degrees when the water
bottle registered half-full and the contents had to be divided.
The food supply looked very sick, so that also suffered
division. It was quite certain that if we had tea, nothing
would be left for breakfast. We hoped to reach Victor the
next day, and by that time something was bound to turn up.
That night saw a very heavy dew fall, so we formed a
human hob on each side of the fire, and with the inner man
still demanding his rights, we did our best to sleep.
The morning following being Tuesday, our fast day, we
were astir early. While the stars were yet shining, we
warmed ourselves around the fire, and wondered what a
decent breakfast would taste like. Not a remnant of food
was in the tucker bag. After much diving into his bag, Ted
reappeared with a little cocoa and coffee. I suggested that
; S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
60 Our Beautiful Southern Coast. Aucusr, 1930.
he should undertake another submarine excursion to the
depths of his bag, in hopes of digging up something that
would look or taste like sugar or milk, but by the expression
on his face, I saw that he also realised our mutual dis-
appointment. He handed me a little bag, the substance left
from the wreck of our gloriously ladened swag of five days
before. He grinned as I steered my nose into the bag. Salt!
‘Greet Scott, of all the unwelcome stuff in the world. Salt!
For days we had seen oceans of it. Salt! Certainly not. So
in the light of dawn, we gulped down the world’s worst com-
bination—coffee and cocoa, minus milk and sugar.
Callowonga, the evasive creek of the night past, was
reached in the early morning. The creek had a good flow
of fresh water, and somewhere inland Wolfram has been
found. This valuable metal was used extensively during the
war, adding properties of toughness to steel for armour plate
and shell making. Beyond Callawonga appeared excellent
grazing country, the grass seemed plentiful, and long.
Bolloparudda and Coolawanga Creeks were crossed, showing
Newland Head covered with a dark scrub. We skirted the
scrub on Newland Head, and passed into the Waitpinga
country. This country was inviting, and by the well kept
fences, we judged that settlements were at hand. After mid-
day we were feasting at a kindly settler’s cottage, and this
-welcome meal provided sufficient fuel to complete the remain-
ing 8 miles journey, arriving at Victor Harbour the same
Tuesday afternoon, having completed forty to fifty miles of
‘ocean coast.
This State possesses an almost unknown rugged coastal
gem unspoiled and unpolished by the ways of man. To those
who are lovers of natural scenery, to botanist and marine
scape admirers, to camera enthusiasts, and to the army of the
young and active, and all those who long for the unbeaten
ways, I commend this trip, that they too may see and
‘appreciate our Southern heritage.
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
Ausust, 1930. S.A. Aquarium Society. 61
S.A. AQUARIUM SOCIETY.
A meeting of the above society was held on July Ist, when
Mr. H. M. Hale presided over a large attendance of members and
visitors.
Mr. A. G. Edquist delivered an instructive address on
“Nutrition in Relation to Aquatic Animals.” The lecturer ex-
Flained that all living organisms require food to sustain lite, lack
of suitable food ultimately resulting in death. All living sub-
stance breathes, and in the process uses oxygen, liberating carbon
dioxide. The carbon of the carbon dioxide formed during respira-
tion is derived from waste tissues of the body and such waste has
its origin in food, so that in order to maintain life an organism
must ingest as much carbon as it loses in the process of breathing.
From this we see that carbon or charcoal is a most important food,
and that as a result of breathing it is oxidized or slowly burnt by
combustion. The process of combustion produces heat which
maintains the temperature of the body, and thorough oxidation of
the body is as necessary to growth as is an abundance of food
material.
Awatyses or Bopy SupsTaNcr.
Analyses of the body substance of fish reveal the following
facts: Water, 10.8 per cent.; Carbohydrates, — per cent.; Protein,
44.1 per cent.; Fat, 10.3 per cent. of a digestible nature, and
minerals such as lime, silica, soda, iron, magnesia, phosphorus,
sulphur, manganese, todine, fluorine, etc. The absence of any
one of these substances means a cessation of growth and probably
breakdown in the health of the organism by food deficiency
diseases. All living organisms consist of water, carbon, nitrogen,
and minerals, hence it is clear that success is only attainable to
the aquarist by careful selection of foods containing the substances
mentioned, and those substances must be given in correct propor-
tions. In other words the food must represent a properly balanced
ration. By this we mean: that the carbon must bear a definite
ratio to the nitrogen and the minerals. ‘The ratio of the proteins
to the carbohydrates is 44.1: 23.2
Constirution oF Foops.
Solid foods are divided into groups according to theit chemi-
cal composition and the part they play in the economy of the
organism.
CarBoHYDRATES
' Typical examples “of eaibohgd rates are sugar and starch.
Sapai consists of carbon plus oxygen and hydrogen in the pro-
portion in which they exist in water, i.e. two parts hydrogen
combined with one part of oxygen. (Cy Hes Ci) or
(Cy2 He; Oy). Other carbohydrates are cellulose, glucose,
dextrine, maltose, caramel, etc.
S.A. NAT. VOL. XI.
62 S.4. Aquarium Society. Avcust, 1930.
Fars anp Otts.
Another group of substances, very like carbohydrates in
composition, contains the fats and oils. In these compounds the
oxygen and hydrogen do not always exist in the proportions
found in water. They may be looked upon as concentrated
carbohydrates. In this group we have lard, suet, tallow, butter,
olive oil, linseed oil, fish oil, cocoanut oil, cottonseed oil, and
margarine. Some of these fats are of a very complex nature,
butter for instance containing stearine, clein, palmatin, butyrin,
myristin, caprin, caprylin, caproin, and laurin,
Proteins.
Proteins are more complex in composition than carbo-
hydrates, having in addition to carbon and the elements of water,
nitrogen, and mineral salts, including phosphorus and sulphur.
In this class of foods we have gluten, legumin, albumin, casein,
globulin, myosin, fibrin, etc.
Funcrion or Foopsturrs.
Food is necessary to maintain the body and to produce a
growth of body tissues. The carbohydrates and fats supply
bodily heat and heat energy which exertion requires. The heat
energy is derived from the oxidation of carbon in the carbo-
hydrates and fats, any carbohydrate ingested and not oxidized
being stored up as fat between the muscles and around the
kidneys, nerves, liver, etc., in the form of animal starch named
glycogen. Too much carbohydrates is detrimental to general
health and the so-called lower animals, in their natural state,
choose a correctly balanced diet. Man, with his superior know-
ledge, gorges geese with food rich in carbohydrates and eats the
livers in the form of pate-de-foie-gras, which is considered a
great delicacy in France and other countries of advanced civilisa-
tion. The temperature of fish is that of the water in which they
live, hence they are classed as cold-blooded animals, so that they
do not require heating foods as do birds with a body temperature
of 103 to 108 degrees Fah. For this reason it is inadvisable to
provide fish with a diet consisting of breadcrumbs, oatmeal and
suchlike farinaceous foods. Fishes should have a diet very rich
in proteins, a ration of about 1 of carbohydrates to 4 of proteins
being ideal, although a ration as narrow as | to 3 would not be
harmful. Proteins, on account of the carbon content, maintain
bodily heat, but they do more than this. The nitrogen and
minerals contained, particularly the phosphorus and sulghur,
build up flesh, bone, blood, nerve, brain, scales, and the elements
of reproduction.
a
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
Cape fJervois, showmg Lighthouse.
Campbell's Creek, showing Island.
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI
e)
Coastal scene between Blowhole and Deep Creek.
©)
~emnted oo
©)
Scrub and Grass Trees near Deep Creek.
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
Aucust, | 1930. _S.4. Aquarium Society. 4, 63
MINERALS.
Minerals are necessary in the building up of bone, scales,
blood and reproductive organs. Without these fish may live for
quite lengthy periods, but growth is impossible. Lack of minerals
leads to lack of stamina and resistance to disease, and fish so fed
are very susceptible to fungoid diseases. Such minerals must be
ingested with the food, it being useless to add soluble minerals
to the water excepting for its beneficial effect on plant life.
Nature provides foods rich in proteins and minerals in the form of
small aquatic creatures such as daphmnia, cyclops, estheria, cypris,
branchipus, and other crustaceans, while for small fry such
organisms as amoeba, vorticella, volvox, diatoms, protococcus,
euglaena, paramoecium, larvae of mosquito and chtronomous are
particularly good.
Meruops or Freprnc.
Feed regularly, and give little at a time. Provide living
food as much as possible, this is rich in vitamines. Never allow
food to lie in the tank after the fish have satisfied their hunger,
such debris rapidly giving rise to bacterial action with dire
results. Weed eating fish get their minerals from the plants, and
in standing water these minerals are soon depleted, so that
soluble minerals should be added from time to time to counter-
balance the loss. Minute animal life is also attached to the
weeds eaten and is of course highly beneficial. Plant life becomes
very scanty and attenuated when minerals become depleted.
ConcLusIon.
Living tissues are always preferable to dead matter as food
for fish. Such food (living) contains substances which undergo
chemical changes immediately the protoplasm in the tissues dies.
In a battery of wooden tubs or ponds small animal life such as
that enumerated above may be successfully bred for the use of
aquarists in feeding their pets.
OUR EXCHANGES.
“Annals of the National Zoological Museum of Poland.” Four Numbers.
“The Australian Forestry Journal.” June, 1930.
‘The Annual Report of the John Crerar Library, Chicago. 1930.
“The W.A. Naturalists’ Club Magazine. May, 1930.
-venre
ee
S.A NAT., VOL. XI
$4 Bush Fires and Our Native Fauna and Flora. A+ iG UST, 1930
BUSH FIRES AND OUR NATIVE FAUNA AND
FLORA.
By J. B. Curtanp, M.D.
In Nature for May 24, 1930, page 783, Dr. G. P. Bidder,
under the title of “The Importance of Cataclysms in Nature,”
points out that from time to time, at intervals of perhaps
hundreds or even thousands of years, great catastrophes may
occur which may overwhelm living things with the excertion of
only a few individuals which differ from their fellows in possessing
some factor which has proved of survival value under these ex-
ceptional conditions. ‘The survivors would tend to transmit to
their descendants this fortunate factor even though it might never
again be operative in saving the species from destruction. The
species after the ordeal would differ in certain features from its
ancestors. It would constitute a variety on the road to the
establishment of a new species. As examples of such cataclysms,
prolonged drought, flood and fire are given. To these might be
added for Australia the effects on our native fauna and flora of
exotic introductions such as rabbits, foxes, cattle, sheep and
noxious wéeds. The object of this note is to call attention to the
author’s references to the the effects of fire in Australia. He
says:—“I am told that in Australia, the first sign of a fire in the
forest is the escape of the winged things—birds and insects.
This gives another reason for delicate olfactory organs in insects,
equally cogent with sex and food. In Australia every tree and
bush. is burned, and nothing remains but hot ashes—through
which the seedling eucalypti rise to refill the long swath in the
forest.”
May I suggest that the Field Naturalists’ Section should make
a study of the effects of fire in our Mt. Lofty Ranges? Is Dr.
Bidder correct in his statement that the first sign of a forest fire
is the ‘escape by flight of birds and insects? It is certainly not
the case that every tree and bush is burned so that hot ashes
alone remain. Most of our eucalpyts are fire resistant, even
though they may be severely scorched. Sprouting occurs
abundantly from the main trunk and larger branches. Many of
the undershrubs have resistant butts. But do we know suff-
ciently well what species do survive and how they are able to do
so and which are those that first appear as seedlings and how
the order changes and other species appear as the eucalypt forest
or scrub gradually returns ta the normal’ It would surely be of
considerable interest for our members to collect this information
and publish it in The South Australian Naturalist.
2G
$.A. NAT., VOL. XL
Aucust, 1930. Lectures. 65
LECTURE: “THE PHENOMENA OF ‘THE ATMOSPHERE.”
By Mr. A. G. Epeuist. June 17, 1930.
Mr. Edquist dealt in a very interesting way with the ocean
of air round the earth. By the help of a fine collection of lantern
slides he made the whole subject one of very great interest.
OU
LECTURE: “THE ASSOCIATION OF INSECTS WITH
PLANTS.” By Dr. J. Daviwson, D.Sc. July 15, 1930
The lecture proved most instructive. The lecturer stated
that insects develop in a natural area in association with climate
and flora, the latter being affected by geological formation and
soil conditions. With the development of virgin country for
agriculture the balance of insect life is disturbed, owing to change
in flora, large areas of one crop being grown. Some native insects
may take to feeding on the cultivated plants and may become
pests; some insects may be introduced into the area from other
countries and similarly become pests in the cultivated plants.
Insects in their relation to plants are of two classes: (a)
biting or chewing, like caterpillars, bettles, locusts and grass-
hoppers; (b) sucking, such as aphides, scale insects, and
plant bugs. The large orders of insects like butterflies and moths,
beetles, flies, exhibit a very wide range of habit in relation to the
food plant—some eat the leaves or young shoots or bore in the
stem, many of them in the young larval stage bore in the wood,
mine the leaves, destroy the buds or blossoms and fruit.
‘The sucking insects in addition to causing serious damage to
the plants on which they live by destroying the leaves or fruit
are important in that several species have been shown to be able
to transmit diseases of plants known as “virus diseases.”
The manner in which insects find the correct food-plant is
not yet fully understood—they are attracted to the plant for food
and for the purpose of laying eggs.
The association of insects with plants has an important
economic side in that certain insects may prove to be useful in
keeping down noxious weeds. The work on the control of Prickly
Pear in this way is well known—certain insects are associated
with furze or gorse, blackberry and ragwort and they do great
damage to these plants.
——
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
66
Excursions.
Aucust. 1930.
VISIT TO MUSEUM: JULY 26, 1930.
Members were received by the Curator (Mr. H. M. Hale)
and ‘first viewed the recent acquisitions of the Museum. These
included a Conger Eel found in S.A. waters. A most interesting
exhibit was made of material unearthed by Messrs. Hale and
Tindale on the Murray, below Swan Reach, The exhibits in-
cluded certain human bones in a semi-fossilised condition. Other
finds were numbers of chipped stone implements and implements
of bone. Four different culture phases are represented. Shells
of different ages were also found as well as many bones of the
animals used as food by the aborigines of long past ages. These
included some bones of the Tasmanian Devil, long extinct on the
mainland. Aboriginal weapons and articles fabricated mainly by
the lubras of the tribes formed an exhibit of great interest.
Among many exhibits were some flimsy-looking rafts of reeds,
on which the dark man ventured to navigate the Murray.
Mr. Lea, the Museum Entomologist, exhibited a great num-
ber of specimens, including the Cactoblastis cactorum, the insect
that is doing such fine work in destroying the pest pear of
Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Over 35 million
acres of land have been so densely covered by this prickly pest
that they were rendered useless. After years of world-wide re-
search an insect has been found which attacks the pear. Photo-
graphs showed that the insect is destroying the cactus over large
areas, Mr. Lea also showed specimens of the parasite which he
was the means of introducing into Fiji to attacking an insect pest
which was destroying the cocoanuts.
In showing an immensely varied collection of spiders, Mr.
Lea said that brightly coloured spiders were usually venomous.
In the basements the ravages of. the white ants or termites
had been led to the employment of “steel” cabinets for the pro-
tection of the valuable collections. These destructive insects
penetrated the cement floors.
The Kea, with a long hooked beak, formerly lived mainly
on honey obtained from the nectar of flowers. The advent of
the white man led to a remarkable change in its dietary. From
a"
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
Avucust, 1930. Excursions. 67
drinking the blood from slaughtered carcases the bird took to
attacking the living animal, especially seeking the fat around the
kidneys. The Kaka, a closely allied species, is, however, content
with honey. The Kiwis nostrils are seen at the end of the beak,
and its egg is of abnormal size for a bird not much larger than
a pigeon—the egg being equal almost to an emu’s.
Among the handiwork of the Murray Blacks the cat’s cradle
of childhood is a favourite product with some mysterious
meaning. This simple but peculiar device prevails among the
children of nearly all races, but the origin and meaning is hidden
in prehistoric antiquity. A flimsy raft of reeds is still used by
our natives in fishing on the lakes. It is ingeniously made and
buoyant in spite of its siight appearance. Well constructed hand
baskets made of rushes occupy the spare time of the lubra’s.
They exhibit very clever workmanship and design. In the
armoury were more than 2,000 spears, all barbed, some singly
and some doubly, with barbed heads of flint or bone; those
with spines being considered especially deadly.
Rings with red feathers outside and white pigeon in the
inner ring came from Santa Cruz. One of these would purchase,
two wives or one pig.
NATIVE FLOWER SHOW.
The Sub-Committees are busy planning for the Show to be
held on October 10th and 11th. -Members generally are desirous
of making this Show as wide and varied as possible. Members.
are asked to send in every sort of natural history exhibit they
think would be of interest to nature lovers. Timbers, plants,
insects, shells, curios of all kinds, anything you think would prove
of interest, bring them along. uD
S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
68 We ild Flower Show, Aucusr. 1930.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SHELL COLLECTORS’ CLUB.
Ist August, 1930.
The interest of the members is well maintained, and the
meetings have been well attended.
The Chairman (Mr. W. J. Kimber) continued his review of
Family Trochidae:—
Genus Calliostoma (Swainson). Shells conical, without de-
pression at the centre of the base (umbilicus); largest or body
whorl angulated and usually ribbed at its periphery or circum-
ference; mouth somewhat squarish; columella or central pillar
oblique, often ending in a notch or tooth at the basal front.
C. meyeri (Philippi). A vertical section would appear al-
most as an equilateral triangle. ‘The shell is rather solid, pearly,
also closely and conspicuously beaded in spiral lines from the
apex to the base; the fifth spiral constituting the suture or line
which separates the whorls, is more coarsely beaded than the rest.
Colour is pinkish-red, regularly blotched with red. There are
numerous impressed concentric lines on the base. Height one
inch. Greatest diameter is slightly larger as 26:25. Not com-
mon—Pt. Willunga, Pt. Lincoln, Corney Point, Pt. Victoria. A
handsome shell.
C. nobile (Philippi). From C. meyeri this pink shell is more
acutely conical, the mouth is more angulated, the sutural ridge is
more prominent, also there are five well defined finely beaded
spiral lines in addition. About one inch high, about one-eighth
less in greatest diameter. Not common—Pt. Willunga, Pt.
Lincoln.
Six other species of Calliostoma are rare, C. incerta (Reeve)
being a left-handed shell.
Genus Euchelus (Philippi). Shells conical, top-shaped, with
umbilicus or deep depression at centre of base; whorls rounded
with beaded revolving ribs; columella or central pillar drawn
out at base to a central tooth; outer lip of the mouth scalloped
or milled within. Operculum or trap-door with but a few whorls.
Euchelus baccatus (Menke). A creamy white shell, blotched
‘or perhaps spotted with red, the beaded spirals showing well
under a low power lens. About one-third inch in height, nearly
half-inch greater diameter. Fairly common in South Australia
generally. In life it adheres to the under side of stones at low
water. As a beach shell it is found amongst shell sand.
§.A, NAT., VOL. XI. :
Shell Collectors’ Club. 69
E. fenestratus (Tate). The type was from West Australia,
but it has since been taken at Normanville. A small white shell
with reddish-brown spots on the spirals which are not conspicu-
ously beaded. About one-sixth of an inch high and slightly less
in diameter.
E. scabriusculus (Adams & Angus). A top-shaped shell,
with narrow, deep depression at centre of base; creamy white,
usually spotted with red; spirals thickly beaded on the whorls,
and with a channelled impression at the sutures. About one-
sixth of an inch in height and about one-fourth greater in dia-
meter. Not common—Outer Harbour, Pt. Willunga, Norman-
ville, Semaphore, Grange.
E. vixumbilicatus (Yate). Somewhat like E. scabriusculus
but broader and whorls more convex, with fourteen beaded
girdles on the body whorl between the beaded umbilical border
and the suture. White with pink spots. About one-fifth of an
inch in height and diameter. Somewhat rare—West Coast,
Hardwick Bay.
Tallorbis ampullus (Tate). A plump conical shell with a
small narrow depression at centre of base. Whitish with red
spots, about eight girdles on the large whorl and trellised be-
tween them. Barely half-inch either way. Uncommon—Corney
Point.
Family Trochidae occupied nine meetings of the Club.
Family Turbinidae.
Genus Phasianella (Lam:). Shells elongated, polished,
tichly coloured; whorls convex; aperture oval, not pearly: inner
lip callous, outer lip thin. Operculum or trap door, shelly, with
a suggestion of a spiral on the inner face.
The foot of the animal appears to be divided longitudinally
into halves, which advance alternately with an undulatory motion.
The larger species are found only in Southern Australian
waters.
P. australis (Gmelin). The Pheasant-shell or Painted-Lady
is common from Swan River to Victoria (Western Port) and
Tasmania. No two specimens are exactly alike in colour and
pattern. Shells in a cabinet are apt to become dull and lose their
freshness: Mr. Edwardes, of the Shell Club, found that by first
S.A. NAT., VOL, XI.
70 , Shell Collectors’ Club. Aveust, 1930.
smearing the shell with vaseline, dipping it, enclosed in a cloth,
in boiling water, then removing the animal, left the shell bright
and fresh as in life; the film of vaseline tending to prevent the
multitudinous surface cracks which disfigure so many specimens.
The largest Pheasant shell tabled was by Mr. Kimber, from
Levens Beach, 97 mm, or nearly 4 inches.
P. kochi (Philippi). Small, pinkish, not very thin for its
size, not very elevated, with white blotches on the upper part of
each whorl. One-sixth of an inch. South-East Coast. Not
common.
P. perdix (Wood). The body whorl occupies rather more
than two-thirds of the entire height. (P. australis is about half).
Also, there is not the same diversity of pattern as in the larger
shell. 13 inches for the largest specimen. Fairly common
Encounter Bay, and farther south.
P. rosea (Angas). Only about three whorls, yet somewhat
elongated; the body whorl occupies about seven-eighths of the
entire height, and the outer lip at its posterior extremity forms
an obtuse angle with the descending body whorl. Pink to crim-
son. One-sixth of an inch. South-East only, in shell sand.
P, variegata (Lam:). Small, narrow, reticulated, and with
lines of coloured and white spots spirally round the whorls—
about twelve such lines on the body whorl and base. Colour
mostly rose with white stripes. inch. Pt. Willunga and farther
south. Fairly common.
P. virgo (Angas). Pink, flamed with white at the sutures,
which are deep. Base, white flamed with brown. Whorls about
three, swolien in the middle. One-sixth of an inch. Pt. Mac-
Donnell, in shell sand. Not common.
Genus Turbo (Linne). ‘Top-shaped shells, solid, whorls
convex, smooth or often grooved or’ beaded. Mouth round,
large, slightly drawn out in front. Operculum shelly and solid,
the inner face’ horny and with a few spiral turns.
T. jourdani (Kiener). Our largest univalve. Very rare.
Mr. Kimber’s specimen was 34 inches by 34 inches. ‘The speci-
men in the Museum is larger and worth a visit. Some of the
members of the Club are delighted to possess even the central
axis without the rest of the shell, not having anything better.
Some of us have not that. Francis Island, Corney Point, Cape
Borda, Wallaroo.
‘S.A. NAT., VOL. XI.
E Aucust, 1930. - Shell Collectors’ Club. 71
T. grunert (Philippi). With transverse granular ribs, deeply
channelled. Seventeen such ribs on the body whorl and base.
The shell is not umbilicated, that is, no deep depression at the
centre of the base. Pinkish-brown, mottled with a lighter tint.
The aperture or mouth is two-thirds of the height. Height, 14
inches; greatest diameter, 13 inches. Ranges from Swan River
to Bass Straits. Not common, but occasionally found on shell
sand, Adelaide beaches.
T. stamtneus (Martyn). A reef loving shell at Pt. Noar-
lunga and farther south; not often on beaches. Very deeply
umbilicated; whorls four, are somewhat angulated at their
greatest circumference, and coronated above near the suture or
dividing line. ‘Colour greyish. Height, 34 inches; diameter, a
third greater.
T. undulatus (Martyn). ‘The Warrener or periwinkle, and
common on all coasts of South Australia. Smooth, bluish-green,
with white zigzag streaks. Deeply umbilicated. Operculum
solid, white, about five whorls, elliptical, outer surface grunulose
(under a lens) shining, centre raised; inner surface flat. About
two inches.
Genus Astrea (Bolten). A yellowish shell with diagonal ribs
about } inch in height and diameter and often found on the shell
sand patches is Astrea aurea—a pearly shell somewhat like a
small Trochus with the whorls flattened at the edge to a kind of
flange, about the same size, is Astrea fimbriata, also found on the
shell sand.
Family Liotudae.
This was also included in the quarter’s review. ‘There are
several genera and about thirty species, many of which are micro-
scopic, taken from shell sand. A number are discoidal, or disz
shaped, that ts to say, the apex of the spire is no higher than the
mouth, like the well-known fossil Ammonites.
Members of the Club will exchange shells with foreign
collectors.
F. K. GODFREY, Hon. Secretary.
$.A. NAT., VOL. XT.
7 es : _____Aucusr, 1930. |
Members are notified that the trip to Mount ‘Compass on
October 8th will instead be to Basket Range. The charabanc
fare has been fixed at 5s. per passenger. Members are asked to
invite their friends for this outing. Seats will be reserved in
order of booking. This is the only charabanc trip for the year.
; EXCURSIONS.
Sept. 20—Mt. Lofty. Train at 2.14 p.m. Botany. Leader, Mr.
E. H. Ising. Please note train time alteration.
Sept. 27—Waite Research Institute. 2 p.m. Take Fullarton
tram to terminus.
Oct. 8—Basket Range, 9 a.m. Flinders Street. Charabanc
seats are 5/- each and must be paid for at time of
booking. Book with Mr. Beck in Cole’s Book
Arcade. Tea and sugar will be provided, but
members bring their own lunch and milk.
Members are asked to collect flowers for the Show
and bring a bag or basket to put them in.
Oct. 18—The Knoll, Upper Sturt. ‘Tram at 2.14 p.m. Botany.
Leader, Mr. J. A. Hogan.
Nov. 1—Botanic Gardens, entrance at 2.30 ¢.m. Australian
Flora. Mr. J. F. Bailey.
Noy. 15—Blackwood. Mr. E. Ashby’s. Train at 2.14 p.m.
Cultivated Native Flora. Leader, Mr. F. K.
Godfrey.
EVENING MEETINGS.
On September 16 and November 18, the meetings will
commence at 7.30 p.m. in the lower room, where the business
items will be gone through, adjourning to the upper room in time
to enable the lecture to begin promptly at 8 p.m.
LECTURES.
*Sept. 16—“Trees of Adelaide Plantations,” by Mr. J. F. Bailey.
Oct. 21—Exhibit Evening. Mr. E. H. Ising. Members are
to bring something of interest no matter how
small.
*Nov. 18—“The Unknown Bali,” by Sir W. J. Sowden
* These lectures will be held in the Lecture Room, and will be illustrated by
lantern. slides.
'(e