BER 3 MARCH, 1953. ■\ . ,J.Q jpi II e South Australian NATURALIST A Quarterly Journal of Natural History published by THE FIELD NATURALISTS' SECTION of the ROYAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA (INC.) # * # Hon. Editor - - - NOEL LOTHIAN Club founded 1883 — S.A. Naturalist 1919 The author is responsible for the facts recorded. # * # CONTENTS: Page PLANT DISTRIBUTION BY BIRDS— Prof. J. B. Cl el and 35 AN AUTUMN MORNING — Edgar W. Pritchard .... 42 WHAT OTHER NATURE SOCIETIES ARE DOING IN AUSTRALIA— Ken Dunstone 43 BOOK REVIEW:— FLORA OF THE BRITISH ISLES 45 CHECK LIST OF NORTH QUEENSLAND ORCHIDS 46 EXCURSIONS 48 # * * PRICE 2/6, post free Obtainable from Hon. Magazine Secretary— 3 Martindale Avenue, Toorak Gardens, South Australia. Registered at the G.P.O., Adelaide, for transmission through the post as a periodical. Specialty Printers Limited, 155 Waymouth Street, Adelaide FIELD NATURALISTS’ SECTION OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA (Inc.) OFFICE BEARERS 1952-1953 Chairman: MR. A. C. MOLINEUX, 31 Coorara Avenue, South Payneham; FA 1364 (or L05 ext. B 350 9-5 p.m.) ViceChairmen: Miss C. M. Eardley, Mr. S. A. Rowe. Honorary Secretary : Mr. K. Dunstone, 9 Constance Street, Cottonville. (J2257 between 1-2 p.m.) Hon. Assist. Sec.: Miss M. Lelliott, 22 West Street, Torrensville. (LU4861; LA3811 between 9.30 and 5 p.m.) Hon. Treasurer: Miss G. L. Gregor, 86 Kintore Avenue, Prospect. (W1771 between 10 and 4 p.m.) Hon. Editor: Mr. T. R. N. Lothian, Botanic Garden (W1487). Hon. Librarian: Miss G. R. Waterman, 24 Hewitt Avenue, Rose Park (F5402). Committee: Mrs. A. B. Daley, Miss V. Reimann, Miss O. D. Waite, Mr. C. G. G. Engel, Mr. P. M. Harrison, Mr. Schirmer, Mr. C. Tilmouth; and the President and Vice-Presidents of the Royal Society of South Australia (Inc .) — ex officio. BOTANY CLUB: OFFICE BEARERS 1952-1953 Patron: Professor J. B. CLELAND, C.B.E., M.D., Ch.M. Chairman: Mr. S. E. Rowe. Vice-Chairmen : Mr. H. Woodlands, Mr. E. W. Pritchard. Secretary and Treasurer: Mrs. N. L. Harry. Committee : Mrs. A. B. Daley, Mrs. J. J. Turnbull, Miss H. M. Stockham. GENERAL INFORMATION No special knowledge necessary to be- come a member, only a keen interest in natural history and a willingness to further the aims of the Section. This Section was founded in 1883 for the purpose of affording observers and lovers of natural history regular and frequent opportunities for discussing those special subjects in which they are mutually interested; for the exhibiting of specimens; and for promoting observa- tions in the field by means of excursions to various collecting grounds in and around the metropolitan area. The Monthly Meetings of the Section for lectures, reading of papers, and exhi- bition of specimens are held on the third Tuesday, at 8 p.m. at the Royal Society’s Rooms, Institute Buildings, North Ter- race, Adelaide. Visitors are welcome Subscriptions — Life Membership £7/7/- Ordinary Members 10/— per annum Student Members 18—21 years 5/- per annum Junior Members under 18 years .. 2/6 per annum Corresponding Mem- bers 5/— per annum Excursions — For excursions by train meet on train after obtaining ticket. For excursions by tram meet at T. & G. corner. Bus Trips (unless otherwise stated) leave from the corner of Kintore Avenue and North Terace; at 8.30 a. in. for all- day trips, and 1 p.m. for afternoon trips. Persons desiring to attend should contact the Treasurer, Miss G. L. Gregor, at the School of Mines (W 1771) at least seven days ahead. Members can take receptacles for the carrying of specimens, for at each outing members may desire to make collections of items for further study. Committee Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month. Postal address of the Section — Box M 1594, G.P.O., Adelaide; or — C/o Royal Society's Rooms, Insti- tute Building, North Terrace, Adelaide. “The South Australian Naturalist ,, — The Journal of the Section. Free to mem- bers. Exchanges may be arranged. Extra copies 2/6 each. Address communications to Hon. Editor. T. R. N. Lothian, c/o. Botanic Garden. Adelaide. March, 1953 THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST Thirty -three PROCEEDINGS Botanic Garden, January 31, 1953. There is a strong feeling among members of our Society that one meeting each year should be of a social nature, so that members, especially those who have recently joined, shall become better known to one another. The popularity of the idea was made apaprent on Saturday, January 31, when more than 40 members and friends met at the Botanic Garden kiosk. All were surprised and delighted to see Miss Bowden, who had obtained special permission from the hos- pital superintendent to be brought along. FEBRUARY MEETING During his existence on this planet, man has visited practically everywhere on its surface. How- ever, he knows but little of what lives in the great ocean deeps, and what he has learned has but whetted his determination to learn more. Mr. G. Thomas in his ad- dress on the evening of February 17, told of the conditions five or six miles below the ocean’s surface — a region where the temperature was within a degree or so of zero, where there was enormous pres- sure, no sound and absolute dark- ness, save that light emitted from some of the creatures there. There were fish which by a row of light cells along their sides, gave the im- pression of a small tramcar moving along. There were creatures blind, without eyes and others with eyes, inordinately large. The audience, which filled the Socety’s room to capacity, was fas- cinated by the lecture, which was illustrated by slides. Mr. Thomas pointed out that research in this field was originated and solely After some discussion about the previous year’s activities and other matters, members attended an en- joyable afternoon tea in the kiosk. Discussion was resumed by some, while others took short excursions to various points of interest in the Gardens, the classified section being very popular. Mr. Lin Williams, as usual, was very busy there, but found time to give some informa- tion about grasses. All agreed that this should be an annual fixture, possibly as an end of-the-year get-together. A.C.M. carried out by the British Admir- alty until practically the beginning of this century. The research done by the “Challenger” in 1866 is still regarded as authoritative. Mr. Dunstone described two plants which he brought along. They were Ambrosia psilostachya (Perennial Ragweed) Psoralea patens . These plants are rarely seen on the Adelaide Plains and it gave the finder much pleasure when he observed them adjacent to the railway track at Albert Park. Mr. H. V. McDougall, Nyabing, W.A., and Mr. R. Clements, Leigh Creek coalfield, were elected coun- try members. — A.C.M. As a complete list of financial members will be published in the June “Naturalist,” will all mem- bers who have not yet paid their 1952 subscriptions please do so immediately. If this is not done the Committee will have no alternative but to remove your name from the “S.A. Naturalist” mailing list. Thirty-four THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATU RALIS T March, 1953 Australian Natural All members of the Section will be delighted to learn that their nominee, Emeritus Professor J. B. Cleland, C.B.E., M.D., Ch.M., has been awarded the Medallion for 1952. This award, as you will re- call, is given to any person “who has increased popular or scientific knowledge of Australian Flora and/or Fauna, including Man; or has assisted notably in the propa- gation of Australian Flora and/or Fauna; or has discovered new species of importance; or has de- voted considerable time and care to the study of any phase of Aus- tralian Natural Plistory; or has performed definite service by the publication of articles of books.” As the above completely typifies the work which Professor Cleland has carried out during his entire life, it is felt that the Award Com- mittee has been right in making this notable Medallion available to Professor Cleland. Professor Cleland’s activities on the professional side have revolved principally around Pathology, but for hobbies (if they could be de- scribed as such!) he has interested himself especially in botany, prin- cipally systematics, ecology and plant distribution. Fie is our authority for Fungi, and his writings on ornithology, ethnology, anthropology are well known. His writings too on what could be best described as Natural History sub- jects arc a legion, and it is doubtful if there is any young naturalist to- day who has not received some help from Professor Cleland. In the Civic Field he has been most active and for this he was awarded by His Late Majesty George VI. the C.B.E. for “out- standing work in many fields.” History Medallion We are, in South Australia, I feel, extremely fortunate in having a man not only of the scientific calibre of Professor Cleland but in i having such a man who has achieved so much and yet is one of the most unassuming, helpful and kindly men one could ever wish to meet. His scientific attainments are great and many-sided, and whilst this present award is for “services rendered,” we know full well that the work will eo on. We o all offer our heartiest congratula- tions to Professor Cleland, and our best wishes for many years of use- ful life and good health to come. KANGAROO ISLAND FLORA AND FAUNA CLUB We are delighted to learn that a Club, covering the field of natural history of the Island has been es- tablished and has already a number of enthusiastic members. Mr. K. Dunstone, when visiting the Island last year, spoke to a gathering con- vened to form such a Club, and it is pleasing to note that part of his enthusiasm has been transmitted to its new members. The chairman is Dr. R. Burnell, and a warm invi- tation is extended to any member visiting the Island to meet their members and join in their activi- ties. “S.A. NATURALIST” The Editor will welcome sug- gestions to improve the layout and contents of the “S.A. Naturalist.” The best way this can be done is by sending along an article or short note on some phase of natural history not previously published. The Committee will welcome such contributions especially from our country members. March, 1953 THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST Thirty-five PLANT DISTRIBUTION BY BIRDS Before the European colonisa- tion of Australia, its animals (in- cluding man) and plants had reached more or less an ecological equilibrium. Doubtless this equili- brium oscillated at times over many thousands of years and major By ]. B. CLELAND < x ) changes must have taken place during glacial and torrid periods. With the white man came destruc- tion of native trees and shrubs to be replaced by crops and pastures, the introduction of farm animals, the accidental conveyance from other parts of the world of aggres- sive weeds, and the lamentable activity of acclimatisation societies who set free sparrows, starlings, blackbirds, English thrushes, gold- finches and so on. It is of interest to consider to what extent our native birds have been able to utilise the introduced plants as food, and on the other hand which of the introduced birds have found suitable native food-plants. Are the alien birds distributing almost entirely alien plants or have they aided in disseminating native ones? Native Birds Utilizing Introduced Plant Foods Good examples are parrots and silver-eyes in orchards, white cocka- toos in fields of grain, galahs and germinating grain, and the emu and prickly pear. Of these, only the emu is acting as a disseminator of the seeds of its food-plant. Introduced Birds and Native Fruits and Grains In South Australia, edible native fruits are few in number. They comprise the following:— Liliaceae : — RidleyP* says that Dianella, of which we have two species with blue berries, is a genus “which is far more widely spread and common than any of the sec- tion to which it belongs. The head- quarters of the genus is Australia, where are a number of species, whence it has radiated to many islands, Polynesia, Fiji. . . . There can be little doubt that these widely distributed plants owe their success to the conversion of the capsular fruit into a conspicuous berry, allowing of their dispersal by birds.” I do not know of any observations showing that the fruits of our species are eaten by birds. Santalaceae Our four species of Exocarpus (Native Cherry) and Leptomeria aphylla, sometimes called Native Currant, have edible fruits but I am unaware of birds feeding upon these. The Quan- dong or Native Peach ( Eucarya acuminata) is widely distributed, a fact of significance perhaps in con- nection with our subject. The Bitter Quandong (E. Murray ana) is similarly widely distributed. San- ta lum lance ol at inn and its variety augustifolium in our Far North has a dark blue plum-like fruit. Loranthaceae:— The Mistletoes are dealt with more fully later on. J doubt whether any of the introduced species feed upon its fruits. The Blackbird would be the most likely, but would not favour the altitude without cover of most of these parasites. Osborn (U Vide the S.A. Ornithologist Vol. XX., part 7, pp. 72-77, for a further article on this subject; (part of which is reproduced with further original observations. — Editor). ( 2 ) Ridley, H. N. "The Dispersal of Plants Throughout the World," 1930. Thirty -six THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST March, 195,? and colleagues, writing of the Koo- naraore Reserve near the Broken Hill line, mention that Emus eat the fruits of Loranthus Preissii in quantities, but of course, not being able to fly, could not spread this mistletoe to other shrubs. Chenopodiaceae The Ruby Saltbush ( Enchylaena tomentoso) with small red or yellow fruits (perianths) is widely distributed almost throughout the State. T. G. B. Osborn, J. G. Wood and T. B. Paltridge (Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., LX, 1935, p. 407) consider that Rhagodia and Enchylaena, with their fleshy fruits, are bird distri- buted and add: “It is very notice- able that the young plants of Rha- godia Crau dicaudi ana . . . have done so (i.e., appeared) under trees that had served as perching places for birds.” Osborn, Wood and Paltridge re- corded in 1935 that Galahs at Koonamore passed their beaks through the bracteoles of A'triplex v e-si c avium so that each pair was “neatly cut open with a semi- circular incision and the seed re- moved.” Pittas poraceae\ — The Native Pittosporum (. Pittosporum phil- lyraeoides) is also wide y distributed but never abundant. Its leaves, }. M. Black says, are eaten by cattle and the seeds by natives. The two species of Billardiera have berries, but I do not know whether these are eaten. B. cymosa is widely dis- tributed, but not abundant. Rosaecae: — The Native Rasp- berry (Rub us parvif alius) has a rather poor dry fruit, and is found over considerable areas in the South, but again is sparingly dis- tributed. Zygaphyllaceae:— Nitraria Scha- heri, Nitre-Bush, which grows along the coast and also occurs in- land, particularly in the North, has an edible purple, red or golden drupe half-an-inch or more long. The fruit is eaten by the natives, but I do not know of any records of birds feeding on it, though this is likely. Meliaceae: — Owenia acidula “Sour Plum,” grows in this State near Cordillo Downs and the fruits are eaten by Emus. Sapindaceae: — The Bullock Bush ( Heterodendrum alei folium) of our northern parts has a large scarlet arillus contrasting with black seeds, features, according to Ridley, inviting transport by birds. Sterculiaceae: — Brachy chiton Gregorii : — The Desert Kurrajong and Crows. N. B. T indale and C. Hackett. (Film of Mann Range, 1933, vide “Man,” London, 1937) have recorded a very interesting example of the distribution of seeds by birds, an example that recalls the feeding of Eliiah by the ravens. In the Mann Ranges in the North-West of this State they found the native women collecting in their coolamons the seeds of the Desert Kurrajong (Brachychiton Gregorii ), which had been passed by Grows (prob- ably the Little Chow, Corvus Ben- net ii) when they came to the rock- lioles in the Ranges for water. A number of seeds could be readily gathered and were pounded be- tween millstones into a meal, cooked and eaten. The Desert Kurrajong grows only on the sand hills well away from the ranges. The seeds are regurgitated as pel- lets (Condon, S.A. Orn. 16, Pt. 1. p. 3) round the rock-holes are left in an unsuitable situation to grow, but doubtless others were dropped in suitable places in the sandhills as the birds flew, and so the Desert Kmrajongs were distributed. THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST Thirty-seven March, 1953 As the seeds are eaten intact, one wonders what edible matter accom- panies them and why the crows in- gest them. J. M. Black, in his “Flora of South Australia,” says the fruit consists of 5 or fewer hard ovoid follicles, 4 to 5 cms. long, containing about 12 seeds, each seed with a loose brittle hairy coat which remains attached to the in- side of the follicle when the seeds drop out, giving it a honey-comb appearance. Most of us are familiar with the similar fruits of the Com- mon Kurrajong (/>. populneus) and of the Flame Tree (B. aceri- folius) grown so extensively in Ade- laide. Several young Brachychitons, probably the latter species, have appeared between the large pave- ment slabs between the main front building of the University and the Conservatorium, and another is several feet high growing through the asphalt and wooden steps lead- ing down to the new Physics Build- ing. Ascending the Gleeville spur at Beaumont is a wall of loose fiat stones — a Br achy chiton is growing from amongst these, the nearest tree being at least a quarter of a mile away. Have the seeds of these plants been dropped by birds and if so by what birds? This develop- ment in the interstices between stones and slabs — seedlings have not been seen in neighbouring open ground — is in contrast to the case of the Desert Kurrajong grow- ing in the sand. Myrtaceae : — Muntries (Kunzea pomifera) of our coastal sandhills has prostrate rooting stems and small edible berries tasting like apples. Epacrclaceae : — Native Cranberry (Astroloma humifusum) is a more or less prostrate heath with red flowers. Leucopogon paruiflorns is a tall | heath growing in the sandhills near the sea which has numerous small white edible fruits probably fed upon by silver-eyes, but here again we want definite observa tions. Acrotriche depressa, the Native Currant, is sufficiently common in some places such as near YVilliams- town, near Milang and on Kan- garoo Island as to have its fruits, which hang on the undersides of the branches, gathered for jam. 1 do not know whether birds feed on these. Solanaceae : — Several species of our Solan urns, such as S. esuriale, S. coactilliferum (Ooldea), S. ellip- ticum (in our North-West) and S. aviculare (Kangaroo Apple), have fruits eaten by the natives. There seem to be no record of their being devoured by birds but rabbits eat the latter at Forbes in New South Wales. Myoporaceae:— Myoporum de- serti , according to J. M. Black, is sometimes called “Turkey Bush” because Eupodotis australis , the Wild “Turkey,” is fond of the fruit. Ridley, in combing the literature for examples of fruits eaten by birds, came upon my record in “The Birds of Pearson Island” (Trans. Roy. Soc. of S.A., 47, 1923) of finding a fruit of a Myoporum (M. insular e } the Blue-berry Tree or Boobialla), in a Zosterops (Sil- ver-eye) on that island. Eremophila longifolia , sometimes called “Native Plum-tree,” has “very succulent, blackish-purple, ovoid or globular” drupes and is called “Emu Bush” (presumably because emus eat the fruits) in the eastern states (J. M. Black). Rubiaceae:— Possibly the drupes of Plectronia latifolia, which is found in our Far North-West, may | be eaten by birds. Thirty-eight THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST March, 1953 Cucurbitaceae:— The small red globular cucumber, up to \ inch in diameter, Melothria maderaspa- tana, a slender climber, may per- haps be eaten by birds. The green- ish, ovoid to elliptical oblong melon, about an inch long, of Cucumis Melo var. cigrestis, the Ulcardo Melon, found north of Oodnadatta and Cooper’s Creek, is eaten by the natives. A consideration of the above list of South Australian native plants with edible fruits and of their distribution, especially in the Southern parts, shows what diffi- culty an introduced fruit-eating bird would have to maintain its existence were it not for intro- duced plants, cultivated or wild. It is doubtful whether any native fruits are eaten by the in- troduced Blackbird or Starling. As regards grains of native grasses and dry seeds and fruits such as those of our Acacia , Chenopodiaceae, etc., it seems doubtful whether any of the introduced birds (Sparrows, Starlings, Blackbirds, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, English Skylarks and Lace-neck Doves) feed upon them at all. These pests are more or less confined to the more fertile South, where, with the exception of some of the Acacias, such seeds are not now common, many of the native I plants having been replaced by in- * troduced ones. In our dry north, the seeds of several grasses, of the native Portulaca, of species of Chenopodium and even of Euca- lypts are gathered by the natives, ground and eaten, and doubtless would be used by grain-eating in- troduced birds if they had reached these regions. The sparrow has certainly reached many townships in the north which are along the railway lines, having advanced from camp to camp during the construction and staying behind where settlement occurred. It could not cross over to Western Australia when the East-West Line was laid down, as this had been started from both ends, thus meeting in the middle and by that time rail- way camps on the Western Aus- tralian side had ended. This bird seems unable to maintain itself away from human habitations, un- like the Goldfinch. Native Birds and Their Food Emu and Cassowary:— North says that the fruits of the Quan- dong ( Eucarya acuminata), the Sour Plum or Emu Apple ( Owenia acidula), and the Prickly Pear form a large portion of the food of the Emu. It has been an extensive spreader of the latter pest. J. A. Boyd, quoted by North, mentions that in the Herbert River district in North-Eastern Queensland when the Quandong is ripe, the dung of the Australian Cassowary is a mass of stones of this fruit. Leipoa:— Robert Grant in- formed North that he had found the stones of Quandong and of Owenia acidula in the crops and stomachs of Mallee-Fowls in Wes- tern New South Wales. Quail:— Ridley points out that the quail are liable to be caught by birds of prey and in this way seeds in their crops may be liberated and so dispersal of plants may occur. He quotes M. M. Makai for the statement that “Colurnix australis, the Australian Swamp Quail” ( Synoicus australis , Brown Quail) was introduced into New Zealand and that these birds are “most ac- tive agents in the spread of black- berries and gorse in Auckland.” Thomson is his authority for the statement that Coturnix pectoralis (Stubble Quail) in New South March, 1953 THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST Thirty-nine Wales cats occasionally fruits of Solatium nigrum (a common weed with us in waste places) and of Phytolacca decandra (Ink Plant), not yet recorded for this State, the achenes of Ranunculus and the seeds of Stellana media (Chick- weed). Pigeons We have no Fruit Pigeons in South Australia but these birds in the sub-tropical brush forests of the Eastern States are doubtless responsible for the distribution of the seeds of various fruits, amongst them those of Ficus rubiginosa, which may begin its existence as an epiphyte. Ridley says that the Nutmeg Pigeons ( Carpophaga ) of the East Indies may feed on the aril of the nutmeg, which forms the soft aro- matic crimson network called the mace, round the black or dark brown nutmeg itself. He says that “it is probable that the birds some- times swallow nutmeg and all, and, digesting the mace, pass the seed by evacuation, as it has long been stated that the Dutch in the eighteenth century attempted to keep the nutmeg in cultivation only in Banda and Amboina, so that they might have control of the market, but their efforts were de- feated by the pigeons, who con- veyed the seeds to other islands.” The Torrens Straits Pigeon Myris- ticiyora (formerly Carpophaga ) Spilorrhoa , which occurs along the coast and islands of Australia from the Kimberleys to N.E. Queens- land and extends to New Guinea and the Aru Islands, feeds largely on the native Nutmeg, Myristica i ns i pi da, according to the Official Checklist of the Birds of Australia, 1926. The generic name comes from the nutmeg and vorare , to eat. This plant has been recorded from the Islands of the Gulf of Carpentaria, Brunswick Bay, Mel- ville Island, Port Essington and North Queensland. Our Bronzewing Pigeons may frequently be disturbed feeding along hedges of Acacia armata (Kangaroo Bush) but I doubt whether they distribute this or other Acacias. A ustralian Bustard (Native Turkey):- Mr. J. M. Black in his “Flora of South Australia” says that Myoporum deserti, which has a yellow drupe, is sometimes called “Turkey Bush,” because this bird is fond of its fruits. Ducks, Geese and Swans:— These with their broad webbed toes, are fitted for the transport of seeds of water and swamp plants from one lake or swamp to another, some- times probably over considerable distances. Birds of Prey:— The only role these birds are likely to play in the distribution of plants is that they may intercept birds such as pigeons and finches with crops full of seeds which are dispersed when the prey is torn in pieces (Ridley). Cockatoos and. Parrots:— I can- not see any part that these can play in plant dissemination. We do, however, require' lists of fruits and seeds, both native and intro- duced, eaten by various species. What other food besides nectar from Eucalyptus flowers do our Lorikeets get? Blue Mountain Lorikeets eat orchard fruit at times. The Mistletoe Bird and other Birds and. Loranthus:— South Aus- tralia has 12 species of Loranthus, and of the allied Phrygilanthus, and one Jointed Mistletoe. From their parasitic habitat, seeds must be transferred from plant to plant by mammals or birds. The Swal- low Dicaeum is admittedly the most common spreader of the viscid Forty THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST March, I9M fruits but sonic maintain that Opossums (Phalangers) also do so, and there are other birds which feed on the fruits. For instance, in a late number ol “The Emu ’ (Vol. 50, pt. 4, p. 325, 1951) K. A. Hind word and A. R. McGill, in their account of the 1950 camp-out at “Derra Derra” near Bingara in New South Wales, state that the Painted Honeyeater ( Grant iella picta) and the Spiny-Cheeked i Honeyeater (A can I hagenys rufogu- laris) were feeding on mistletoe berries. In the Adelaide district, the most common Loranthus are L. Exocarpi , widely distributed even within the city of Adelaide on Olives, the tall Norfolk Island Lagunaria Patersonii, Rob ini a, Orange, Ash and even on L. Miquelii growing on Eucalyptus; and L. Miquelii on Eucalyptus. The terete leaved L. Preissi may be found occasionally on Acacias. The Mistletoe Bird ( Dicaeum ) has not been recorded from Kan- garoo Island and for long it was thought that no mistletoe grew there. In the last few years, how- ever, L. miraculosus var. Mela - leucae, which parasitizes Melaleucas has been found on the island; this species is also common on tea-tree along the Coorong. Mrs. Coleman, in her interesting “Further Notes on the Mistletoe” (The Victorian Naturalist, Vol. 56, No. 10, Feb. 1950, p. 191) de- scribes having seen Mistletoe Birds voiding the viscid seeds and draw- ing the left foot swiftly backwards twice or thrice, as if to wipe off the seeds, as they were voided — quite unnecessarily in this instance be- cause they had dropped on to a branch.” Another bird defe- cated, Hung a foot backward and, apparently, caught the dropping on its leg. It then picked it off the leg and wiped it on a bough.” Mrs. Coleman was surprised at the small amount of nourishment that the bird could obtain from each fruit if the seed passed contained so much viscin. Birds feeding on mistletoe berries must also fre- quently get the sticky fruits on the outside of the bill and adjacent parts and get rid of these by wiping the fruits off on a branch. Mistletoe berries noted by Mrs. Coleman as being found on a tele- phone line must obviously have got there by this latter method and not by being passed by the bowel. Dicaeum has been found feed- ing on apple and the berries of Coprosma as well as the fruits of Loranthus and 1 have been given notes of Silver-eyes feeding on grapes, apples, pears, peaches, blackberries and the fruits of a yellow Crataegus , Cotone aster , Coprosma and even of the Pepper- tree ( Schinus molle), and at Cook- town of Lantana camara (G. M. Storr). Amongst the Honeyeaters, the larger species, particularly the Wattle-birds, the Spiny-checked Honeyeater and the Blue-faced Honeyeater and probably the Miners and Friar Birds are at times fruit-eaters and may spread the small seeds of figs and blackberries. The White-plumed Honeyeater has been noted eating apples, the Singing Honeyeater grapes on racks and the Yellow-wing Honey- eater loquats and pears. The seed- eating Finches, tending to break up the food ingested, are unlikely to aid in the spread of any plants. The Oriole has been found in Ade- laide to have African Box thorn berries in its stomach and at lmbil in Queensland the seeds of Ink- berries ( Phytolacca ). The Spotted Bower-bird and other members of the genus Chlaniydera are notori- THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST March, 1953 Forty-one ous fruit-eaters in gardens in the drier parts of the interior. Crows and the Magpie are distributors of seeds. Addendum Mr. G. M. Storr has given me the following records from Queens- land:— Cassowary ( Casuarius casuarius) —A feature of the scrubs South of Cooktown (N.Q.) is the excreta of these birds. They consist almost solely of pits of various fallen fruits of which only the pitted “stone” of the Blue Quandong ( Elaeocarpus grandis) were identified. The Cas- sowary could be an important agent in the spread of many rain- forest trees. Purple-crowned Pigeon (Ptilino- pus superbus )— Berries of the palm ( Archontophoenix alexandrae) and of Lantanci camara of Cooktown. Torres Strait Pigeon ( Ducula spilorrhoa ) — Blue Quandong at Cooktown. Brown Pigeon ( Macropygia pJuisianella)—S'drsp r dTiU'd, a small second growth tree of the rain- forested mountains, south of Cook- town. Fig Parrot ( Opopsitta dioph ihcilma)— Sarsparilla, Cooktown. King Parrot ( Aprosmictus scapu- lar is)— Acdcid, sp., Cooktown. Lewin Honeyeater ( Meliphaga lewinii )— Sarsaparilla, Cooktown. Lesser Lewin Honeyeater (M. no tat a)— Lan tana camara , Cook- town. Olive-backed Oriole ( Oriolus sagittatus)— Sarsaparilla, Cooktown. Spotted Catbird (A iluroedus melanotus )— Octopus Fig ( Ficus sp), Cooktown. Great Bower-Bird ( Chlarnydera nuchalis )— Custard Apple ( Annona squamosa), Cooktown. Victoria Rifle-Bird ( Ptiloris Vic- toriae )— Sarsparilla and Archonto- phoenix alexandrae, Cooktown. DROOPING RED GUMS Referring to the note in the | December issue of the South Aus- tralian Naturalist further speci- mens of Weeping Red Gums have been noted. Opposite the Water- fall Gully Road on the Burnside Road is a Red Gum with distinct weeping branches. This is a well established tree and its character- istic is quite easily seen. In High Street, Burnside, two further specimens were seen in a Garden. These have evidently been planted and they could have been grown from seed or are seedlings from the tree referred to above. J. B. Cleland. SPECIAL MEETINGS In conjunction with the Royal Society of S.A. (Inc.) the Section will hold two special meetings in March. These will be held in the Public Library Lecture Room, and members are invited to bring along their friends. The dates and lec- turers, both of which will be illus- trated, are as follows: — March 9th (Monday) — Professor Stilton, Prof, of Paleontology, University of California, LI. S.A. Subject will be “Fossil Horses.” March 25th (Wednesday) — Pro- fessor H. Creighton, Prof, of Botany, University of Massa- chusetts, U.S.A. Subject: “American Natve Plants.” WILD FLOWER SHOW The Committee has decided to hold a Wild Flower and Nature Show on October 2-3, 1953. The show convenor will be Mr. Noel Lothian, and a strong committee is expected to be appointed soon. Forty-two THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST March, 1958 AN AUTUMN MORNING It was a morning in May, When begins the Australian Autumn, Full of the peaceful influence Of ripening fruit and falling seed, Of the lull of rest and quietude After the strenuous ordeals Of the purifying summer’s heat. The morning broke bright and fresh. Away to the east there raged The perennial battle of the dawn. A great bank of cloud Hung pall-like over the mountains, And held the master of the day For a moment in check. But soon a rim of gold On their uppermost margin Heralded his triumph, And in a moment he burst forth In all his glory. At once the landscape was transfigured. The sky shone out in deeper blue, The trees and shrubs and rocks Made images of themselves In vivid light and shade. And every drop of dew On grass and bush and spider’s web Reflected the glory Of the great father of lights In numberless tiny twinkling rainbow orbs. Light and life. Glory and beauty. Everywhere. And yet the cool freshness of the night Still lingered in all things. The clean sweet air, Washed and purified by the gentle rain, Which the night before Had broken the long weary drought, Moved immaculate in all its new-born virginity. The white paths, the crisp grass, the turgid leaves And the spring of the cool damp earth. All spoke of renewed life and energy. Fresh as the morning too Was the song of the warbling magpies, Leaders of the morning choir, Which burst spontaneously From every tree and shrub and housetop. Edgar W. Pritchard. March. 1953 THE SOUTH AUSTRALIA N NATURALIST Forty I What Other Nature Societies Are Doing in Australia by Ken Dunstone To find out how other kindred societies function, I wrote to other naturalist clubs and societies in Australia whose addresses I could find. In due course I received most informative replies from the fol- lowing: — The Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria. Field Naturalists’ Club, Bendigo, Victoria. Portland Field Naturalists’ Society, Victoria. Launceston Field Naturalists’ Club. Naturalists’ Society of N.S.W. Fhe West Australian Naturalists’ Club. National Parks Association of Queensland (a most illumin- ating reply). The Townsville and District Naturalists’ Club. North Queensland Naturalists* Club. On presenting this information to the Committee, it was suggested that a precis of it be prepared for general information. Here it is! 1 he first thing that impressed me was the enthusiastic spirit in which all the letters were written. I he writers went to no end of trouble in supplying me with the information, such as the number of outings per month, number of juvenile members, how they get their leaders, etc. Some went so far as to place the information in a most systematic way under various headings, thus making it easy to compare one society with another. In the main, the aims and ob- jects of all societies are the same, ! the primary one, of course, being 1 the preservation of flora and fauna. As far as I can judge, all of the organisations from which I received replies are not affiliated in any way with parent bodies, but seem to be independent societies. The annual subscription for ordinary members is in the vicinity of 10/- per annum, in most cases with a reduction to 5/- or 7/6 per annum for junior members. Most of the bodies publish some sort of journal regularly and these are generally of very high order. It is significant in these days of high printing costs that these ab- sorb the larger part of the annual subscription. As regards programmes, most of the organisations supply printed or duplicated ones to their members: monthly, quarterly or half-yearly. In some instances, the society pre- fers not to publish a programme made up too far in advance but just work things out from month to month. Fhe programme of the West Australian Naturalists’ Club is a very attractive printed one on thin card, and covers a full year. A very important feature of this club is that they have only one field excur- sion her month, with one evening meeting a month for seniors and one a month for juniors. The Bendigo Club’s programme is revillea lavandulacea , / libber tia strict a and H, sericea , Acacia armata, Dodonaea viscosa , Pultenaea daphnoides and Leucopogon virgatus are some of the species to be seen growing in profusion. Eucalyptus leucoxylon is the dominant tree along the foothills and, in many cases, is the host to Loran- l litis. Some trees have succumbed com- pletely to the “mistletoe”. After leaving Tea Tree Gully and travelling cast to the Lop of the hills the vegetation shows a marked change, the dominant tree being the hybrid box Eucalyptus elaeophora in association with Eucalyptus fasciculosa (pink gum), known to the local people erroniously as the ‘‘scrub gum". Eucalyptus elaeophora is also mis- takenly called the “peppermint" gum by most people living in this area. This species has the glaucous coppice shoots which are often sold as “peppermint gum suckers". Professor J. G. Wood, in the “Vegetation of South Australia" mentions Eucalyptus elaeophora particularly. He says “large forests of this species, in asso- ciation with Eucalyptus obliqua , are grow- ing between Mount Crawford and the Torrens Gorge”! From the top of the range east of Tea Tree Gullv the road goes north-east past the Glen Ewin fruit preserving and jam factory to the Hermitage. The party of Field Naturalists went as far as the Little Para Cheek which thereabouts is travel- ling north. This turns west a little fur ther on and runs on through the hills to Salisbury emptying* into the sea near the Bolivar on the Fort WakcfiTd Road. Looking north from the Hermitage there is a view of the Eucalyptus obliqua | (Stringy bark) forest which comprises Humbug Scrub. It is particularly notice- able that the Stringybark never grows west of the Tattle Para although Eucalyp- tus elaeophora is abundant on both sides of the creek. Professor Wood states “It is apparent some hybridization between Eucalyptus elaeophora and E. obliqua has taken place”. This, of course, would mean east of the Little Para. West of this creek it would appear that some hy bridization has taken place between E. fasciculosa and E. elaeophora. The Little Para has its source at Para combe about two miles north of the Torrens Gorge and four or five miles from the Hermitage. Both Blue Gum, Euca- lyptus leucoxylon and Red Gum, E. ca i naldul crisis grow near the creek and occasionally an Acacia melanoxylon is noticed. This locality, rich in flora, is well worth investigation anti study. C. Tilmouth. “SEA ACRES," CORNY POINT, December, 1952. I he Field Naturalists held their camp for the second time at “Sea Acres”, near Corny Point, from Xmas Day to New Year’s Day. During these seven days, nature lovers had a most enjoyable and profitable time cither roaming the surrounding scrub or the long white beach, and on three occasions when bus trips were taken to other parts of the coast. Both shell-collectors and botanists found plenty to interest them. Although most shells were of the same species as those seen on our local beaches, it was a great delight that such vast quantities could be had, merely for the gathering. Among the favourites found were the cowries, the small cowry Notocyprea piperita , being plentiful, but the dis- covery of a black cowry, Zoila theresites, or a helmet shell. Hypocctssis bicarinata. would be the day’s news throughout the camp. The botanist found many specimens in the surrounding scrub, in which Casua- rina and Melaleuca were dominant. Hun- dreds of trees of Melaleuca pubescens were decorated with large patches of the scarlet flowering mistletoe, Loranthus preissii. Four species of Acacia were abundantly represented, Acacia brachy- botrya , A. euthycarpa, A. Bynoeana, and A. sophorae. Among the composites were hi elichrysuni Baxteri, H. leucopsidium , H. apiculat uvi ; Podolepsis rugata (a golden March, 1953 THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST Captain Cook's Tortoise Through the kindness of the Director of the S.A. Museum, the following notes on the above sub- ject are made possible. The letters are self-explanatory. 20th December, 1951. The British Agent and Consul, TONGA, POLYNESIA. Dear Sir, Dr. ). B. Cleland, Emeritus Professor of Pathology, at the University of Ade- laide, has drawn my attention to an article in “The Lancet” for 4th August, J951, by W. R. Thrower. On page 219 the author makes the following statement apropos of Cook’s third voyage, 1776-1779, “In Tonga the ships received a royal welcome, and among the presents given to the king was a tortoise, which is* alive to this day! It seems remarkable to us that taking all circumstances into consideration this tor- toise should be alive after such a long lapse of time. Any information, which you may be good enough to supply, would be much appreciated. Yours faithfully, (Sgd.) HERBERT M. HALE, (Museum Director). H.B.M.’s Agency and Consulate, TONGA. June 27, 1952. Sir, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 20th December, 1951, on the subject of Cap- tain Cook’s tortoise, and in reply, to record hereunder for your information, an extract from a letter written by H.R.H. Tungi on this subject: — “With regard to Tu’imalila the Tor- toise, I cannot say offhand whether Cook mentions in his voyages the occa- sion in which he gave the tortoise to the Tu’i Tonga or Sacred King of Tonga. However, reliable oral tradi- tions say the tortoise was given by Cook to the reigning Tu’i Tonga whose compound was named Malila. 1 he name Tu’imalila means King of the Malila. The tortoise being a valued gift, was given this name. Circumstan- tial evidence points to the reliability of this tradition. In the first place, the species is not indigenous to Tonga. Secondly, Tongan oral tradition is fairlv reliable concerning the names of early Navigators and Discoverers and the tortoise has not at any time been connected with the name of anyone ex- cept Cook or Tute as the Tonga ns called him The T and K sounds were often interchangeable in Polynesian speech e.g. present-day Samoan. This tortoise is still verv much alive today.” I have the honour to be. Sir, Your obedient servant, — J. E. WINDRUM, (H.B.M.’s Agent and Consul). everlasting in full bloom), and a coastal type of Ixoclia achilleoides. A stroll on the beach in the evening, never failed to provide some splendid entertainment for nature lovers. Being mid-summer, the sunset over the sea was ;i never-failing delight, but the moon-rise was even more magnificent. The con- stantly changing shades of pink and gold, in sky and sea resultant from the rising of the full moon, was something to watch for a long time, and to decide that it alone, was worth the bus fare down, to witness. At the same hour, the cormorants made their spectacular retirement to bed pre- ceded by an exhibition of aeronautics over the sea. till one bird, flving off to the roosting tree, was followed bv the remainder of the flock, a small group at a time, leaving an empty sky for the spectators on the beach. A tall, dead Casuarina was their roosting place, and was the scene of much commotion, until each bird had found its own spot to sleep. 1 crept nearer for a closer view of this extraordinary sight of a huge tree, bearing only a large number of dark, oval -shaped objects, when a snapping twig beneath my feet breaking the silence, about seventy heads on long white necks were thrust out towards me. hut being assured of no further disturbance, were one by one, telescoped back into normal position for sleep. I had witnessed a mar- vellous “show”, and slipping away (in silence, this time) I thought: “This alone, is worth the fare home”. H. M. Stockham THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST March, 1953 THE FIELD NA TURALISTS’ SECTION EXCURSIONS: 1958. March 7 — Escourt House. Subject: Shells. Leader: Mrs. ]. J. Turnbull. Grange train, 1.15 p.m. 15 — (Sunday). Mt. Lofty. Subject: Autumn Foliage. 10.45 a.m. train to Mt. Lofty. 28 — Botanic Garden. Leader: Mr. T. R. N. Lothian. Meet inside eastern gates, 2.15 p.m. April 3-6 — EAS IER CAMP, ALDINGA — National Fitness Council Hostel. Bus leaves Kintore Avenue 8 a.m. 18— Mr. Bagot’s Garden at Aldgate. Leader: Mr. Booth. 1.15 p.m. train. 25— ANZAC DAY HOLIDAY. Myponga Jetty. (Bus trip times to be arranged.) May 2 — ARBOUR DAY, National Park. Meet at Reserve, 2.15 p.m. 17 (Sunday)— Outer Harbour. Subject: Shells and Bird Life. 30— National Park. Subject: Fungi. 1.15 p.m. train to National Park. June 6— Henley Beach. First tram after 1 p.m. to terminus. Subject: Sea weeds. 21 (Sunday)— National Park. 10.45 a.m. train to National Park Station, thence to the north-east corner of the Park. MONTHLY GENERAL MEETINGS : March 17— Speaker: Mr. T. R. N. Lothian — Plants of Eastern Australia. April 21— Landscape Slides in Colour by Mr. J. VVindle. May 19 — Fungi, by Professor Cle- land. June 16— Subject: Coloured Films. COMMITTEE MEET IN ( rS: March 10 May 12 April 14 June 9 EXCURSIONS The Secretary will be pleased to receive suggestions of suitable localities to visit during 1953-54. BOTANY CLUB STUDY CIRCLE March 23— Plant Physiology. April 11— Meet in Museum at 2 p.m. April 27— The Cycle of Life. May 9— Meet in Museum at 2 p.m. May 25 — Polygalaceae and Stack- housiaceae. June 13 — Meet in Museum at 2 p.m. June 22— Sap in dace ae and Rharn- nacaeae. CONCHOLOGICAL SOCIETY: March 18— Scaphopoda April \b—Mytilidae May 20— American Gastropods June 17— Genotypes of South Aus- tralian Genera