LOA i
166 WELLIN ETON p p Fy
TRANSACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS
OF ree
a ae WADE
[Wits Etcur Patzs, AND Tuirty Ficukes tn THE Tuxt.]
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EDITED BY PROFESSOR WALTER HOWCHIN, F.G.S.
Assistep By ARTHUR M, LEA, F.ES.
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TRANSACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS
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ROYAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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VOL. LV.
[With Eicur PLates, AND Tuirty Figures tn THE TEXxT.]
EDITED BY PROFESSOR WALTER HOWCBHIN, F.G.S.
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ROYAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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Patron:
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OFFICERS FOR 1931-32.
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CONTENTS.
Cuewines, Dr. C.: Delineation of the Pre-Cambrian Plateau in Central and North
Australia, with Notes on the Impingent Sedimentary Formations. With Map
ADELAIDE University FIELD ANTHROPOLOGY, CENTRAL AUSTRALIA—
Fry, Dr. H. K.: No. 8.—A Table showing the Class Relations of the Aranda
Fry, Dr. H. K.: No. 9—On the Class System, Kinship Terminology, and Marriage
Regulations of the Australian Native Tribes
Best, E. W.: The Anatomy of an Australian Leech, Helobdella bancrofti ..
Trinpae, N. B.: Geological Notes on the Iliaura Country North-east of the MacDonnell
Range, Central Australia ..
Lea, A. M.: Notes on some Miscellaneous Coleoptera, with Descriptions of New Species.
Part viii.
Prescott, Pror. J. A.: Atmospheric Saturation Deficit in Australia ..
Fintayson, H. H.: On Mammals from the Dawson Valley, Queensland. Part I.
Plates i-iii, ..
Murray, B. J.: A Study of the Vegetation of the Lake Torrens Plateau, South Aus-
tralia. Communicated by J. G. Wood, M.Sc. Plate iv.
Howcnin, Pror. W.: The Dead Rivers of South Australia. Part I. The Western
Group. Plate v.
Buack, J. M.: Additions to the Flora of South Australia. No, 29. Plate vi.
Rocrers, Dr. R. §.: Pollination of Caladenia deformis, R. Br. ..
Woops, N. H.: Pelecypoda from the Abattoirs Bore, including twelve New Species.
Plates vii. and viii. ..
CLELAND, Pror. J. B.: Australian Fungi. Notes and Descriptions. No.8 ..
Fintayson, H. H.: Notes on some South and Central Australian Mammals. Part 2
ALDERMAN, A. R.; Petrographic Notes on some Basic Rocks from the Mount Barker and
Woodside Districts
ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS
ANNuAL REportT
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Rutes, as AMENDED, 1931
By-Laws
INDEX
Page
1
12
20
a)
32
39
65
67
91
113
136
143
147
152
161
163
168
184
185
186
187
189
190
196
199
200
201
204
208
2
“GP ano? Well fone)
} 1g) 3
i Conal¥3 Well/ape)
i
Wop bbe Flot Well
¢
ae
°
4 5H
~ hos
"1920, + ey ee
. a he
1 + “Green Swomp™
om Dairmid Hill
Mt Davidson
1
tgarie WH
Silerrenu WH
= Mt Lothario
ae
al eBore| Hole
8 WMoevonsan? 22, doitle Swamp Well
eGreen Swomp Well
Pd
x
2 eHit or Miss\Well
oy Soo. \ ;
co se Folge Wet! ' f3
‘ Native Well
“Tomson RH Allent RES
iz Boombrorn W.H. ad
(Pert) ef
3¢ Bennett Hills
Hills
=H
4¢Shepherd Knoll
Hi Taylor Crossing Well
3 Wyckham Ca 145)
«Jardaiyarda to one
another. These are represented by the al’ and al” groups (thick and thin line,
respectively) mentioned above.
If the Aranda table be compared with Table II., in which the class names of
a typical four-class tribe, the Kariera, are tabulated by a similar representation
of marriage and descent, it will be seen that the eight-class table represents a
quadruplication of a four-class diagram, by a duplication of class names
(ipmunnas) and a change from a two-generation to a four-generation cycle.
The complexity of the linkage lines of the eight-class table is due to the inter-
change of the female ipmunnas Al’ and Al”, Bl’ and B1”, A2’ and A2”, and
B2’ and B2”, in the third and fourth generations as compared with the first
and second generations.
If the class names of 4 two-division tribe such as the Warrunjerri be charted
on the same plan as above, it will be found that the pattern of the four-class
diagram is reproduced.
So far tribes of paternal descent only have been considered. In the case of
tribes of two moieties or four classes, such as the Urabunna and Kamilaroi,
respectively, in which maternal descent is the custom, the four-class diagram
will be found to hold good if the al, Al, etc., terms be transposed so that
the male vertical lines then show the alternation of moiety in succeeding
generations.
No instance is known of a fully-fledged eight-class system with maternal
descent, but the table would work out equally well for maternal descent. There
is the interesting example of the Dieri, with two moieties only but with an
eight-class organisation. Howitt’s genealogical table of the Dieri‘?) will be found
to follow the pattern of the Aranda table if the al, Al terms be transposed.
14
With regard to the form of the four-class table, the following more simple
linkage would appear to give a satisfactory picture of the marriage and descent
relationships :-—
a A ; B i ;
re 4 5 =e
a B b A a B
| |
| | _
a A b B a A
But it will be noticed that the only marriages provided for in this arrange-
ment are those of a man’s marriage with his father’s sister’s daughter, and a
woman’s marriage with her mother’s brother’s son, The converse marriages with
mother’s brother’s daughter and [father’s sister’s son are not represented. To
provide for these the long links of the four-class diagram are necessary, and it will
be found that this diagram in a new way represents a three dimensional form.
Imagine a square vertical column seen from the front of one face, and let each
vertical edge represent one of the vertical lines of the diagram. The Banaka
BURUNG marriage links will run across the front face, the BANAKA Burung
across the back face. The marriage links Palyeri KARIMERA, and PALYERI
Karimera, will run from before backwards on the lateral faces of the column.
Marriage links of alternate generations are, therefore, diagrammatically on planes
at right angles to one another. This can be shown in another way. If each line of
the diagram be written as if seen from above, the form of the three rows will
be as follows :—
Al bl B2 b2 Al bl
al Bl a2 A2 al Bl
First Row Second Row Third Row
where sides aA, bB represent brother and sister relationship, and sidcs aB, bA
that of husband and wife.
The geometrical form of the eight-class table can now be reviewed and
interpreted in the light of the information provided by this simpler table,
The point of view is from above in the following representation of the suc-
cessive rows (generations) of the more complex table.
Al’ bl’ Al” bl” B2’ b2’ B2” b2”
al’ Bl’ al” Bl” a2’ A2’ a2” A2”
First Row Second Row
Al” bl’ Al’ bl” B2” b2’ B2’ b2”
al’ Bl” al” Bl’ a2’ A2” az” A2’
Third Row Fourth Row
15
If these diagrams are compared with the four class, it will be found that
exactly the same process is taking place, only the marriage links of the second and
third rows join corresponding units of two squares. In the first row marriage
lines connect units of front and back rows of individual squares. In the second
row the lines, instead of running back along the sides of individual squares, join
the “opposite number” of the other square, a2’ links with B2” instead of B82’,
b2’ with A2” instead of A2’, and so on. In the third row the transverse connec-
tions run between squares round the ring of the diagram, and in the fourth row
the linkage is front to back in individual squares, as in the second figure of the
four-class diagram.
The ring structure of the diagram is readily reconstructed for the four-class
table; for the Aranda table a form comprising the outer and inner surfaces of a
hollow ring would appear to be necessary.
Turning now to the practical value of the table. Firstly, there are two
interesting features in regard to nomenclature. In tribes with an eight-class
organisation and a four-class nomenclature, the named classes are almost invari-
ably those represented by the al’, b1’, a2’, b2’ positions in the table. The Mara‘
and Anula tribes are exceptions. Here the four named classes, when charted,
occupy the top line of the diagram in the positions al’, bl’, al”, b1”. Otherwise
the tabulation works out quite normally. Spencer states that the Mara represent
an instance of direct as opposed to an ordinary indirect paternal form of descent.
If I read the table rightly, the Mara represent an unusual form of nomenclature
not of descent.
Some eight-class tribes, such as the Warramunga“) (male descent) state that
their classes are grouped in pairs, and the paired classes bear a mutual relation of
mother’s mother to one another. If the class names are tabulated according to the
Aranda diagram, it will be found that these paired names fall into relative posi-
tions, such as that of PURULA and NGALA.
A most important service is rendered by the table in the study of relationships.
The vertical lines of direct male and female ascent have been mentioned
before, the male showing four groups of subclasses of constant moiety and two-
generation cycle, the female two groups of alternating moiety in a four-generation
cycle.
For diagonal lines of symmetry the ring nature of the diagram demands a
repetition of the plane table in all directions.
Firstly, take any female name of “A” moiety. One generation below and
one female place to the right will be found brother’s daughter. Lay a ruler on
the diagonal line set by these two names, and the diagonal will be found to traverse
a series of female names representing the relationships: father’s father’s sister,
father’s sister, self, brother’s daughter, brother’s son’s daughter. This series
represents a complete circuit of the ring, and therefore is capable of extension
ad infinitum.
From the woman’s brother’s point of view the same series of relations is
expressed by the same line, except that the names are altered to father’s father’s
sister, father’s sister, sister, daughter, and son’s daughter. The relationship of
wife is one generation directly above that of daughter, and one female place right
of sister in the same generation.
An exactly similar series will be found for “B” moiety males and females,
only in this case the diagonal extends from above downwards to the leit.
‘ +Since this paper was written, I find that Brown has made this same deduction,
“Oceania,” vol. i., 1930, p. 40.
16
VIVON Bean VIYANM BLInwy viInund ening VIAINVNVd BYURUET
Ad ald alV al® AG Td AV le
I : 1 '
Se ekee =e 7 | : '
, ‘ '
— ' t
| ' 1
1 i
VIVONVE euetiiqn VUVAVA ereyed Vuvitvd BIPIUE VNVILIAN eiesueg
ev raat ca uc? utV e at ce
‘ 1 . i
rs es H i rs
1 | 1 f
| 1 1
1 1 :
: bow nme ome ee ‘ee = ee oe ' i
1 : ; j
i 7 t '
1 : 7 t
VTonawNnd ees N VINVNVd BLinuy VIVON pning VIYOANS equeued
Ad ald AV al® ld A alV Ae
‘ f ,
| re Cli i is \ .
;
: ;
4 1 i laiatalialllenietaiel | et ee mamnmer
1 H
ci 1 r
Py i
' ; .
VUVLIVd eueliqa VNVILIGW Bseyeg VLVONVG BIVUIe Sy VUVAVSL epesurg
weV uc rast wee wv cd ed we
i ; i I
[rteeeesesees | ! !
| _ I 1
; | oe eee se ee i
' ; ' 1
‘ ; 1 !
1 ‘ et
i 1 t a
VIVON ues Ni VION eNU yy vinund ening VUNVNVd equeued
ald al al V ul® Ad Ad AV Ae
‘VONVAY FHL JO SNOILVIRY SSVI) AHL ONIMOHS— J ATEV
17
ONNaANG suning VUIVNVG eyeued ONAN suning VAVNVG eyeued
Ta TY IV 12 1e3 | Tq IV Te
1 4 ' i]
1 \ H
t i
Idd ATVd BIOUIC YT VUAWIaVa Madjeg TYaATVd ELUTE] VaAAWNIdvya wade
ZV cq ca ce ZV eq cd ce
eee eee eel
a i
‘ 1
{Sa Cen peed
! '
| ©
: t H 7
ONNANG suning VAVNVd eyeueg ONNaANG Suning VAVNVd eyeueg
Id 14 TV ye Ta TY TV ; 1?
I f ry .
1 : i
I i]
omcaeomemny eleiatietetalatatatale
: i
1 ! ‘ !
i H : '
TYAATVd EAVES VaAWNIiva Mead[eg IWHATVd PAUTIE VUAWIAVI Headed
ev <4 ca ce ZV 24 2d ce
. 1 1 4 a
a
,
ij
t ’
ONNANE Suning VAVNVG eyeurd ONNUNG suning VAVNVG eqeueg
Ta 14 IV Te Ta 14 IV re
‘SdIHSNOILVTAY SSVID ANNOY ONIMOHS—T] aIavy
18
| See
a &
VIYON STSSN
ud wbF
i Set
WRIVd eBUubeg
TON WNYC LIGN
. wed
SS
a ~S
BlB4 Led
ace
3 fj
sewuuuAeu &
wa etna vu
d At
A’ ;
8
a he ww ced
mre
eee — ;
Va waaurey YNVCLIGN eaesueg
gq FAS
ed
y4
Wwrt sqesueg
“ qd x oa" 2
1 A
. § ‘
#5 :
_~S
~
: Se.
d BUBB J
lets.
19
The relationship series mother’s mother’s brother, mother’s brother, brother,
son, and daughter’s son, from a female standpoint, will be found to lie on a
diagonal swinging down and right for subclasses Al’, Al”, B2’ B2”, down and
left for subclasses A2’, A2”, Bl’, B1”. Husband relationship keeps step one
generation above that of son, and one male place right or left of brother. This
line indicates the series mother’s mother’s brother, mother’s brother, self, sister’s
son, sister’s daughter’s son, from the male point of view.
On these diagonal lines of relationship, it will be found that the female names
recur in pairs of constant moiety, the males in two groups .of alternating
moiety. This is the converse of the vertical lines of relationship.
In Table III, where these lines are indicated, it will be seen that there are
four lines of male and four of female connections, the same number as are repre-
sented as vertical lines in Table I. If any female oblique line series is compared
with any male oblique line series, it will be found that the class names of the
respective male and female of the same generation bear to one another a relation-
ship of husband and wife, brother and sister, “ipmunna” to husband or wife,
‘“ipmunna” to brother or sister, in a cycle of successive generations. This again
is the exact counterpart of the relation of male and female expressed by the
vertical lines. In other words, the pattern of the oblique system of lines is that of
Table I., charted for maternal instead of paternal descent, which, as we have stated
before, involves no change of pattern of the linkage system. Consequently, the
table can be looked upon as a lattice system, hinged on class names of one hori-
zontal row. If the lattice is built with the paternal descent pattern in rectangular
form, swinging the vertical lines to a diamond pattern will give the maternal
descent form in vertical series; conversely, if built for a maternal descent pattern
in the rectangular form, swinging it to a diamond lattice will give the paternal
descent arrangement in vertical series. The reciprocating nature of the oblique
and. vertical relationship series of Table I. with the alternation of paternal and
maternal descent is clear.
An expert practical craftsman devoid of theoretical knowledge, can adapt his
materials to a new use with the correct technique. In the same way the Urabunna,
a two-moiety tribe with maternal descent, and the Aranda, a tribe with an eight-
class organisation and paternal descent, are able to make satisfactory arrange-
ments for inter-marriages®), This is an interesting example of successful prac-
tical application without, necessarily, any appreciation of the theoretical principles
involved.
The lattice for the four-class system is similar to the eight-class table, except
that in the four-class type there are no “ipmunnas,” so the relationships of the
class names in the same row in both vertical and oblique systems are those of
sister and wife alternately, and four vertical and four oblique lines with a two-
generation cycle comprise the relationship series.
REFERENCES,
(1) Spencer and GiLten, “Native Tribes of Central Australia,” p. 71.
(2) SPENCER and GILLEN, “Northern Tribes of Central Australia,” p. 118,
SPENCER, “Native Tribes of the Northern Territory,” p. 60.
(3) Howitt, “Native Tribes of South-East Australia,” p. 159,
(4) SPENCER and Gitten, “Northern Tribes,” p. 104.
(5) SPENCER and GILLEN, “Native Tribes of Central Australia,” p. 69.
ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY FIELD ANTHROPOLOGY,
CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
NO. 8 - ON THE CLASS SYSTEM, KINSHIP TERMINOLOGY, AND
MARRIAGE REGULATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN NATIVE TRIBES
BY H. K. FRY, B. Sc., M.B.B.S (ADEL.), ETC
Summary
In a recent paper I have described tables of Australian class systems.‘'’ These were a development
from one of several attempts to represent compactly the class organisation of the Aranda. Class
names were charted in vertical lines of male and female descent, and horizontal lines were drawn to
indicate marriage unions. The class names of a four-class system were arranged, then, on a similar
plan, and the implications of the eight-class table began to appear. The class names of a two-
division tribe were found next to fall in the same pattern as the four-class table. An attempt to find a
more simple pattern for the two-class tribal system gave the clue to the “double cross-cousin
marriage” nature of the form of the table which had been found previously. This led to the full
interpretation of the form of the eight-class table. Diagonal lines of “wife” relationships were
apparent in the Aranda table as soon as it was drawn up. Other lines of relationship series were
found by charting simple relationships on the table in the manner of plotting graphs on squared
paper. The tables were drawn up, therefore, without any reference whatever to native relationship
terminology, but show patterns of relationships.
20
ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY FIELD ANTHROPOLOGY,
CENTRAL AUSTRALIA.
No, 9—ON THE CLASS SYSTEM, KINSHIP TERMINOLOGY, AND
MARRIAGE REGULATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN NATIVE TRIBES.
By H. K. Fry, B.Sc., M.B.B.S., D.P.H.,, DipLAnth.
[Read July 9, 1931.]
In a recent paper I have described tables of Australian class systems.)
These were a development from one of several attempts to represent compactly
the class organisation of the Aranda. Class names were charted in vertical lines
of male and female descent, and horizontal lines were drawn to indicate marriage
unions. The class names of a four-class system were arranged, then, on a similar
plan, and the implications of the eight-class table began to appear. The class names
of a two-division tribe were found next to fall in the same pattern as the four-class
table. An attempt to find a more simple pattern for the two-class tribal system gave
the clue to the “double cross-cousin marriage” nature of the form of the table
which had been found previously. This led to the full interpretation of the form
of the eight-class table. Diagonal lines of “wife” relationships were apparent in
the Aranda table as soon as it was drawn up. Other lines of relationship series
were found by charting simple relationships on the table in the manner of plotting
graphs on squared paper. The tables were drawn up, therefore, without any
reference whatever to native relationship terminology, but show patterns of
relationships.
Radcliffe Brown has made an intensive study of Australian social organisa-
tion, especially from the point of view of native kinship terminology. He has
drawn up tables of Kariera type and Aranda type kinship terminology.@? In
these, kinship terms are correlated with an arrangement of classes which are
represented by a notation which is different to the general notation used in my
tables. Brown adopts capital letters for males, small type for females, I happened
on the opposite convention. Brown’s notation corresponds with mine as follows :—
In the Kariera tables, A=al, B=bl, D=a2, C=b2; in the Aranda tables,
Al=al’, A2=al”, Bl =bl’, B2 = bl”, D2 = a2’, D1 = a2”, Cl = b2’, C2 = b2”.
The similarities between the two sets of tables are interesting. The Kariera
tables are very much alike. In the Aranda tables the same males appear in the
vertical lines, which are in different order. If the order of the lines in the kinship
table is altered from P R S Q to P R Q,5S, so making the left half of the table
symmetrical with the right half, it will be found that the correspondence of the
males in the two Aranda tables is as close as that shown in the two Kariera tables.
The four vertical series of “wives” in the kinship table are represented in four
diagonal lines in the class table, and conversely the four vertical lines of direct
female descent in the class table appear in four diagonal lines in the kinship table,
in the P R QO S rearrangement.
The relationships are expressed in the kinship table as translations of the
actual native terms, which Brown supplies elsewhere.“ “) Several alternative
translations are possible for many of the native terms, as will be seen by tracing
41
out the linkages of either the kinship or the class table. Either table is equally
effective.
This demonstration is of importance because it shows that virtually identical
results can be obtained by working out the implications of either native kinship
terminology or class division.
Brown has taught“) that the regulation of native social life in general, and
of marriage in particular, is the result of native kinship terminology alone. These
views have been widely accepted. But this acceptance has been more passive than
active, owing to the extreme difficulty of comprehending the complexity of the
terms, involving multiple variants, with which the theory in question has been
supported. With the aid of the class tables it is possible to visualise the sig-
nificance of involved relationship terms,
A close study of the data, which have been used to support the theory that
social organisation and marriage are dependent only upon the laws of relationship
terminology, will show that an explanation is provided equally well by the use of
class considerations alone.
The same will be found to be true in regard to the “characteristic features”
of Type I. and Type II. marriage law. Further, the marriage permitted by the
Variety (a) of Type II. marriage law will be found to be, not a variety of, but a
direct contradiction of, the marriage law Type II.
In typical Australian tribes, all the tribal members are representatives of some
one class, and are all relatives.
Class tables are genealogical tables of male and female representatives of all
the tribal classes, and show relationships genealogically.
The virtual identity, with these, of the tables of kinship terminology is due
simply to the fact that the tribal representatives in the latter are arranged in
accordance with the genealogical interpretation of their respective relationship
terms, and are built up in this way into a genealogical table.
It will be seen, therefore, that Radcliffe Brown in his tables, and in his writ-
ings generally on Australian social organisation, is dealing, not with mere native
kinship terminology, but with the genealogical significance of native kinship
terminology, which is identical with the genealogical significance of the native
class system.
The theory that Australian native social organisation and marriage are deter-
mined by kinship terminology, and not by class system, therefore depends upon
a subtle distinction which is actually non-existent.
The question as to what has been the determining factor underlying the
development of the more complex class systems is a matter for speculation. There
is the explanation from the premises of kinship terminology that an antipathy to
marriages of near consanguinity has demanded marriages between individuals of
local groups representing comparatively distant degrees of consanguinity, and
that a systematisation of such arrangements has resulted in a dichotomy of class
nomenclature This can not be disproved in the absence of historical evidence.
On the other hand, with the key of the existing class systems, it is a simple matter
to draw up organisations for sixteen and thirty two-class systems, the latter with
two main alternatives and several minor alternatives. It would be a very difficult
matter to work out such arrangements from the basis of relationship terminology.
An argument based on class arrangements could explain the more complex organi-
sations by dichotomy or agglutination of pre-existing units. Whether class con-
siderations of themselves have been a primary factor in such development or not
is again only speculation, but they have the virtue of enabling things as they are to
be expressed graphically and simply.
22
_. Similarly the conditions of native marriage may be summarised simply as
follows :—
1. The tribal class system determines that a man may marry any woman
of his own generation and of a certain class or subclass, named or un-
named, and each such woman is called “wife.”
2. “Local rules” in different tribes may:
(i.) Prohibit marriage with certain “wives.”
(ii.) Permit marriage with women of the same class as “wives” but
belonging to a second ascending or descending generation.
tii.) Permit “prohibited” marriages with women of a different class
Py bs a rs &
to that of “wives” under exceptional circumstances.
The attempt to formulate these conditions into “fundamental laws of relation-
ship terminology” has resulted in an increased complexity of reasoning, and
fallacy in deduction. There is also a constant tendency for arguments based on
native kinship terminology to drift into arguments involving relationships of con-
sanguinity only.
The class nomenclature system provides relatively simple and safe lines of
argument in the investigation of the Australian social organisation, and a useful
check on deductions drawn from the more complex terms of kinship.
.ADDENDUM.
An illustration of the above is provided by Brown’s description of the
Yaralde kinship and marriage system, in “Oceania,” vol. i. part iv., 1931, p. 452,
in terms which imply a latent organisation into at least thirty-two subclasses in a
tribe without any class nomenclature. This, of course, is not impossible, but
certainly raises the question whether an error has not crept in somewhere.
REFERENCES.
(1) H. K. Fry, Trans. Roy. Soc. 5S. Austr., vol. lv., 1931, p. 12.
(2) A. R. Brown, Oceania, vol. i., 1930, pp. 49 and 50.
(3) Ibid, p. 323,
(4) A. R. Brown, Journ. of the Royal Anth. Inst. of G. B. and L, vol, xliit.,
1913, pp. 153 and 154.
(5) Ibid, p. 190, et seg.
THE ANATOMY OF AN AUSTRALIAN LEECH, HELOBDELLA
BANCROFTI
BY EFFIE W. BEST (NEE DELAND), M.SC
Summary
The material studied consisted of three specimens collected by Dr. T. L. Bancroft, and presented to
Professor T. Harvey Johnston, by whose kindness I was enabled to examine it. Two individuals
were in the form of whole mounts, and the third has been prepared as a series of transverse sections.
The leeches were obtained from a turtle, Emydura krefftii, in the Burnett River, Queensland, but no
information is available as to their colour and markings in life. The crops of all three specimens
were distended with blood.
23
THE ANATOMY OF AN AUSTRALIAN LEECH, HELOBDELLA BANCROFTI.
By Errig W. Best (née DeLanp), M.Sc.
[Read May 14, 1931.]
The material studied consisted of three specimens collected by Dr. T. L.
Bancroft, and presented to Professor T. Harvey Johnston, by whose kindness I
was enabled to examine it. Two individuals were in the form of whole mounts,
and the third has been prepared as a series of transverse sections. The leeches
were obtained from a turtle, Emydura krefftii, in the Burnett River, Queensland,
but no information is available as to their colour and markings in life. The crops
of all three specimens were distended with blood.
This species of Helobdella is small, measuring only 6°8 mm: in length and
2°6 mm, in greatest width, and is greatly flattened dorso-ventrally. The leaf-like
general form is shown in fig, 1, The mouth is sub-terminal, lying on the second
annulus, and the anterior sucker is inconspicuous. The posterior sucker is
circular, with a diameter of 1 mm. and is distinctly marked off from the body.
The anus opens in the centre of its disc. A pair of eyes is conspicuous at the
anterior end of the body, but no segmental sense organs could be recognised. The
genital apertures are situated immediately in advance of ganglion 12, and are
separated by a single annulus.
Annulation was not obvious in the preparations as mounted, so that internal
structures are referred for their position to the nerve ganglion rather than to the
superficial marks of segmentation unless the contrary is definitely stated.
The general form of the body wall shows a certain amount of variation in
different regions. This is due to the variable proportions of muscular, glandular,
and other elements present, rather than to any alteration in the structures com-
posing it. A typical section is shown in fig. 7. The cells of the epidermis are
very irregular in shape, approaching a columnar form only at the extremities of
the body and in the neighbourhood of the genital apertures. A very large number
of epidermal cells are highly granular and modified as unicellular glands. Some
of these may be sunk two or three times the depth of the epidermis below the
surface, in which case their secretion is poured out through a narrow duct-like
prolongation. The epidermis rests on a layer of fibrous connective tissue, the
cells of which have particularly dceply-staining, compact, spindle-shaped nuclei.
There is no sign of the definite arrangement of longitudinal, circular, and dorso-
ventral muscle layers which characterises the more highly organised leeches. Most
of the muscle fibres, except those which run in the incomplete septa dividing the
somites, are longitudinal. ‘They form irregular masses beneath the epidermis
and are almost lacking at the margins of the body (fig. 5). Lying amongst the
muscle fibres and. scattered in the connective tissue are a number of very irregular,
large, pigment cells containing a highly refractive, granular substance. Minute
capillary vessels of the coelomic system form an intricate network among the
superficial layers of the body wall, and the larger collecting sinuses with which
these ultimately communicate, lie in the deeper layers.
The main coelomic’ spaces are four in number, dorsal, ventral, and lateral.
The largest is the ventral sinus (fig. 4, 5, 8), in which jie the nerve ‘cord, ventral
blood vessel, and the various ducts of the reproductive systems, as well as portions
of the alimentary canal, and into which the ciliate funnels of the nephridia open.
For the greater part of the body length this space assumes almost the dimensions
24
25
and relationships of an ordinary coelomic cavity, At both extremities of the body
the ventral sinus narrows considerably and is lost among the network of fine
cavities connecting it with the dorsal and lateral sinuses. The dorsal sinus is
much smaller and would be indistinguishable from the larger of the subcutaneous
sinuses if it were not for the presence of the thick-walled dorsal vessel within it.
It is connected at both ends with the ventral and lateral sinuses by the network
of capillaries already mentioned. The lateral sinuses run very close to the margin
of the worm, and the body wall above them is composed of the epidermis and a
loose parenchyma, but no muscle fibres. These sintises are dilated somewhat in
each segment and give off metamerically-arranged branches (the transverse
coelomic spaces) to the ventral sinus, They also receive numerous branches from
the subcutaneous system of spaces whose arrangement has already been described
in the account of the body wall. Except in the large size of the ventral sinus
this arrangement of sinuses closely follows that described by Bourne in Glosst-
phonia (ulepsine). All these coelomic spaces are lined by an epithelium of large,
squamous cells whose nuclei project into the lumen of the sinus. The coelomic
corpuscles are small, usually rounded and often binucleate (fig. 7).
Closely connected with the sinus system are the so-called blood vessels. There
are two main trunks, dorsal and ventral, lying in the corresponding sinuses and
connected at both ends by a series of capillaries indistinguishable from those of the
sinus system. ‘The dorsal vessel is strongly muscular and lies immediately above
the alimentary canal (fig. 5, 6,8). The ventral vessel is larger, thin-walled, and
lies just above, and usually close to, the nerve cord.
The alimentary canal has the same general arrangement as is present in other
members of the genus. There are a retractile proboscis, an oesophagus, a crop
with seven pairs of diverticula, and an intestine. The proboscis sheath is lined
by a layer of squamous cells continuous with those of the epidermis and, like them,
often granular, showing their glandular function (fig. 6). Outside this is a layer
of loose muscular tissue whose fibres are more or less circular, and in which the
thick-walled dorsal blood vessel is present. This, in turn, is surrounded by the
ventral coelomic sinus. The lumen of the proboscis is trifid in transverse section,
and is lined by an irregular columnar epithelium. The muscles of the proboscis
consist of a very thin sheet of circular fibres and a number of radial fibres with
which are interspersed groups of granular secreting cells. In a whole preparation
these radial fibres and the gland cells are seen to be quite regularly arranged, giving
the peculiar appearance shown in fig. 15. The epithelium surrounding these
structures is squamous, like that of the sheath. A very fine ctiticle was observed
in places, lining the lumen of the proboscis and of the sheath, and covering the
former. Towards the base of the organ the structure of its wall becomes rather
looser, and the gland cells stain more deeply with eosin. At the base of the
proboscis a thin-walled portion of the alimentary canal receives the ducts of the
ocsophageal glands, and may he termed the anterior region of the ocsophagus.
This forms loose coils when the proboscis is retracted, but is probably drawn
taut by its extension. The posterior region of the oesophagus is lined by a
columnar epithelium, similar to that of the anterior part and surrounded by large
glandular cells with peculiar and very obvious nuclei (fig. 8). The stomach or
crop follows upon the oesophagus in somite 12 and with its diverticula occupies
the greater part of the body from somite 11 to the base of the posterior sucker.
The form of these structures may be seen in fig. 1. The stomach passes into the
intestine at somite 19. The latter is lined by a glandular, columnar epithelium and
bears four segementally arranged caeca whose epithelium is of a similar type. At
somite 24, the intestine opens by a sphincter into the anterior swollen portion of
the thin-walled hind gut. The narrow rectum opens by the anus in the centre of
the posterior sucker. "
B
26
“i
SSS ee Fn
= : Cyl terns ge 3
é
se Aig, : Ercan gr noe Be Bs
y f
Ngee ce OY Aeraninans f
See he my
f 1 = ued Ny,
Ty LSS ot NM Ny ad
27
t
‘The oesophageal glands are a pair of conspicuous, compact, triangular organs
-tying in somites 8 and 9. The cells composing them are large, with densely granular
protoplasm which stains deeply with eosin. The nuclei are rather small and are
situated against the outer boundary of the organ. The cells are pyriform and
their tapered ends unite to form the duct of the gland, so that the constituent cells
retain their individual connection with the oesophagus in spite of the compact
nature of the gland.
There are six pairs of testes, situated between the crop diverticula in
somites 13/14 to 18/19. From each testis a thin-walled vas efferens unites with
the vas deferens of its own side. This duct passes forward within the ventral
sinus and median to the ovary where this is present. Each vas efferens runs side
by side with the vas deferens for some distance, eventually joining it at about the
level of the preceding testis. In somites 10 and 11, the vas deferens of each side is
thrown into coils within the space median to the anterior cacca of the stomach.
This coiled ejaculatory duct passes anteriorly into a large club-shaped vesicula
seminalis on each side of somite 10. These organs extend posteriorly to the
boundary of the annulus containing the male aperture, and are 1 mm, in length
and ‘04 mm. in their greatest diameter. The wall of the vesicula is composed of
an outer layer of circular muscle continuous with that of the ejaculatory duct
and an inner zone of very large cells, clear towards their outer extremities and
very granular towards the lumen of the organ. At the narrow anterior end these
cells merge into the clear, tall columnar epithelium of the ejaculatory region of the
vas. The nuclei of the secreting cells are small and close to the muscular coat.
The lumen of the vesicula is irregular, the tapered distal portion of each secreting
cell projecting into it in the form of a minute papilla (fig. 8). This arrangement
is doubtless connected with the formation of spermatophores within the organ.
The two vesiculae seminales unite near the midline, below the ventral nerve cord,
to form a short muscular common duct opening at the male aperture. Below this
duct is a small blindly-ending depression lined with columnar epidermal cells
similar to those covering the immediate neighbourhood of the genital apertures,
and opening at the male pore. In the sectioned specimen male activity was
apparently nearly past. The testicular sacs contained only a few scattered sperm
morulae and a number of large cells with a reticular or highly vacuolate proto-
plasm. On the other hand, the portions of the male ducts contained within the
ventral sinus, both vas deferens and vasa efferentia, were swollen with masses of
sperms embedded in some sort of prostate secretion, The histological form of
these various cells is shown in fig. 9a, b, c.
The ovisacs apparently vary considerably in size according to the sexual con-
dition of the individual. In oné specimen examined as a whole mount they
extended very little behind the ganglion of somite 12, whereas in the material
sectioned they reached somite 16 posteriorly and showed. in addition. an anterior
caecum which extended into somite 10. The structure of the wall of the ovisac
varies little in its entire length. Both within and without there is a squamous
epithelium which may be thrown into small folds. The main thickness of the
tube consists of a layer of very small muscle fibres in a connective tissue matrix.
In the neighbourhood of the genital pores these and the fibres of the common
male duct approach those of the body wall in size and become indistinguishable
from them.
Nephridia are absent from the part of the body anterior to the genital aper-
tures and from the posterior sucker. The nephridial funnel is connected with the
ventral sinus and the nephridiopores open ventrally in the median third of the
body. The coils of the nephridia extend to the margin of the body just inwardly
from the lateral sinus. The ciliate funnel (fg. 10) is long and narrow and lined
with very long cilia. Its extremity is bifid, each lobe being further partly sub-
28
29
divided into two, and each of these four divisions bears a nucleus. Another
nucleus is present at the base of the structure. The funnel projects a little into
the dilatation following upon it, and here two smaller nuclei are present. This
dilatation takes the form of a large sac whose walls are formed of a single layer
of cells surrounding a fibrous capsule. Its lumen is filled with coelomic corpuscles.
The tubules of the nephridium extend outward to the margin of the body and then
return to open by the nephridiopore just ventral to the ciliate funnel and a little
behind it. Typical cells of this nephridial tissue, with their intracellular ducts,
are shown in figs. 11,12. The ciliate funnels lie just in advance of the ganglion in
the somite which contains them. In all these respects the nephridia resemble those
of other members of the same family fairly closely.
The central nervous system has the general character described in detail by
Ilemmingway for Placobdella pediculata, The highly organised eyes lie well
beneath the surface on the third annulus. Each consists of a cup-shaped mass of
pigment of the same type as that contained in the ordinary pigment cells of the
body wall, which are in this region very numerous (figs. 17, 18). The cup is filled
with clear cells of the usual type, but no axial fibres were observed. The front of
the cup is filled by a mass of cells reaching the surface of the body at one point
and extending slightly beyond the limits of the pigment layer. The nuclei of these
cells are seen in section to be situated round the periphery of the mass which is
enclosed in a distinct capsule. The protoplasm of these rod-like cells is finely
granular. They are homologous with the “tactile cells” described by Whitman,
but appear to be more specialised as an optical medium than any studied by him,
judging from Miss Merrill’s summary of his work. In the present species these
cells form a distinct, clear cornea-like structure, filling the space between the cells
of the optic cup and the surface. The nuclei of these “tactile cells” differ from
those of similar cells of the marginal sense organs in the more open nature of
their chromatin network.
Segmental sense organs or sensillae of the usual type were not observed, but
the anterior margin of the body is bordered by marginal sense organs. These take
the form of groups of rod-like sensory or tactile cells whose protoplasm is densely
packed with fine granules and whose nuclei are spindle-shaped. Capillary vessels
occur among the sensory cells.
Attached to one of the specimens were many solitary, peritrichous ciliates,
collected along the edges.of any depression on the surface, Their form is shown
in figs. 13, 14.
The new species of leech has all the characters of the genus Helobdella
R. Blanchard, 1896 (Glossiphoniidae), and the name H. bancrofti is proposed for
it in recognition of assistance rendered by Dr. T. L. Bancroft. Its most obvious
specific characters are the absence of a dorsal scute, the very compact nature of
the oesophageal glands, and the small size of the intestinal caeca.
This appears to be the first record of a member of this genus from Australia,
though Goddard (1908-9) described several species of the related genus Glossi-
phoma.
The type slide is being deposited in the South Australian Museum.
30
co
oS
\
\
qh
ts
\\ NY
LIST OF FIGURES.
31
Fig. 1: Entire animal. Fig. 10: Section of nephridial funnel (semi-
» 2: Detatls of region of genital aperture. diagrammatic).
,» 3: LS. Oesophageal gland. » 11: Lateral loop of nephridium.
» 4: Portion of T.S., showing sex ducts » 12: Cell from median loop of nephri-
within the ventral sinus. dium.
» 5: T.S. in region of intestine. » 13: Epizoie ciliates.
» ©: T.S. proboscis and. sheath. » 14: Group of similar ciliates.
» 7: T.S. body wall. , 15: Anterior end of leech.
» 8: Portion of T.S. passing through male » 16: Marginal sense organ.
aperture. , 17: Oblique section through eye.
» 9a:T.S. testis; 9b: sperm mass from vas , 18: Eyes viewed from above.
deferens; 9c: detail of contents of
testis.
All the transverse sections are somewhat oblique.
EXPLANATION OF LETTERING.
a.g.m., anterior ganglionic mass; a.oe., anterior region of oesophagus; b., vertebrate
blood in crop; b.c.c., binucleate coelomic corpuscle; b.v., blood vessel; ca., capsule. sur-
rounding corneal cells; caec., caecum of crop; cap., capillary; c.c., clear cells; c.c.t., corneal
cells, “tactile”; c.f, ciliate funnel; c.m., circular muscle; coe., coelomic space; coe.c.,
coelomic corpuscle; c.t., connective tissue; c.t.c., connective tissue corpuscle; d., duct;
d.m.a., depression below male aperture; d.s., dorsal coelomic sinus; d.v., dorsal vessel;
e, eye; ej.d, ejaculatory duct; ep., epithelium; epd., epidermis; g.c. gland cell; i,
intestine; ic., intestinal caecum; ic.d., intra-cellular duct; Im., longitudinal muscle;
ls., lateral coelomic sinus; m., mouth; m.f., muscle fibre; mi.n., micronucleus; m.1., mus-
cular layer; m.n., meganucleus; m.s.o., marginal sense organ; n., nucleus; n.c., nerve cord;
n.d., nephridial dilatation; o.d., oviduct; oe.d., duct of oesophageal gland; oe.g., oesophageal
gland; o.n., optic nerve; ov., ovisac; ova., mass of developing ova in ovisac; p., proboscis;
pb.s., proboscis sheath; p.c., pigment cell; pig., pigment cup; p.oe., posterior region of
oesophagus; p.s., prostate secretion; p.t.c., prolongation of corneal cells (“tactile”) towards
surface (cut obliquely); r.m., radial muscle; s.m., sperm morula; s.n., sperm nucleus;
t.c., tactile cell; tv.c., transverse coelomic space; v.c., vacuolate cell; v.d., vas deferens;
y.e,, vas efferens; ves., vesicula seminalis; v.s., ventral coelomic sinus; v.v., ventral vessel.
BIBLIOGRAPHY.
1884—Bournp, A. G.: ‘Contributions to the Anatomy of the Hirudinea.”
O.J.M.S. 24, 1884, 419-506.
1908-9—Gopparp, E. J.: “Contribution to Our Knowledge of Australian
Hirudinea.” Part I, P.L.S. N.S.W., 33 (2), 320-342; Part IL,
Id. 33 (4), 854-866; Part IIT., Id. 34 (3), 467-486.
1927—-Harpinc, W A., and Moorg, J. P.: ‘‘Hirudinea, The Fauna of British
India.”
1898—Lampert, A. M.: “The Structure of an Australian Land Leech.” P.R.S.
Victoria, 10, 1898, 211-235.
1894—MerriLL, —: “Preliminary Note on the Eye of the Leech.” Zool. Anz.,
17, 1894.
1912—-NacutTries, H. F., Hemminoway, E. E., and Moore, J. P.:
Leeches of Minnesota.”
“The
GEOLOGICAL NOTES ON THE ILIAURA COUNTRY NORTH-EAST OF
THE MACDONNELL RANGE, CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
BY NORMAN B. TINDALE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA MUSEUM
Summary
During the combined Adelaide University and Museum Anthropological Expedition to MacDonald
Downs, August-September, 1930, some notes were made on the geology of the country forming the
headwaters of the Mubunji (Bundey) Creek and its tributaries, the Abmoara (Fraser), Alpara, and
Irukaru Creeks.
32
GEOLOGICAL NOTES ON THE ILIAURA COUNTRY NORTH-EAST OF
THE MACDONNELL RANGE, CENTRAL AUSTRALIA.
By Norman B, Trnpare, South Australian Museum.
[Read June 11, 1931.]
During the combined Adelaide University and Museum Anthropological
Expedition to MacDonald Downs, August-September, 1930, some notes were
made on the geology of the country forming the headwaters of the Mubunji
(Bundey) Creek and its tributaries, the Abmoara (Fraser), Alpara, and Irukaru
Creeks.
The outward journey from Alice Springs was made by means of motor trucks,
and followed a new track on the northern side of the MacDonnell Range, zeta
Bird and Turner Wells, South Point, Tlarndanga (Kerr’s Station), Tjeruka
(Peaked Hill), and down the Abmoara Creek to Lilatara (135° 9’ east long. x
22° 25” south lat.), at the junction of Abmoara and Alpara Creeks, where the
head station of MacDonald Downs (owned by Mr. C. O. Chalmers) is situated.
The outward journey did not afford many opportunities for detailed observations,
but on the return trip, which was made by a different route wa Mlarndanga, the
Upper Mubunji, Table Hill, Hart’s Range, Arltunga, and thence by the main
track through Undoolya to the Alice, several short detours were made to points
of interest in the area herein discussed.
During our three weeks’ sojourn, the localitics examined included the vicinity
of Lilatara; Undala or Bundey Gap, six miles north; Arapia, eight miles north:
India Range, three miles south; Ataparapara (Mount Ultim), twelve miles east
by south; Mopunja Range, eight miles south-west of Mount Ultim; also Table
Hill and its vicinity.
The Alpara Creek rises near Mount Swan and follows first a north-easterly
and then a northern course to Lilatara (lila, creek; tava, two), where it joins the
Abmoara, On the present official maps it is wrongly shown as a tributary of the
Apewunga (Plenty) River, which has its source near the Hart Range, and flows
eastward and then somewhat morc southward past the Jervois Range.
Irukaru Creek has its sources in the gently undulating plateau country south-
west of Mount Ultim and, after skirting the western flanks of the latter, enters
the Mubunji (Bundey) at Undala.
The Alarinjela (Marshall River) has one of its sources on the southérn side
of Mount Ultim, and flows south-eastward past Atnoala Springs, to join the
Apewunja River. The low plateau between the Alarinjela and Irukaru is, there-
fore, on the north-south divide of the MacDonnell Range, which has hitherto been
placed much too far to the north-west. Mistake Creek rises on the eastern flank
of Mount Ultim and flows east, and then north, to the Sandover. Apparently
no previous description of the geology of the area has been published. The country
further east was examined by Brown (1), who approached it by a southern route
via Arltunga and the lower reaches of the Plenty River.
The MacDonnell Range Pre-Cambrian complex underlies the area at no great
depth. Gneisses, schists, with both acid and basic igneous rocks, are present.
At Mopunja Range (fig. 2) these rocks form an extensive peneplain emerg-
ing from a mantle of sediments. At this place three small outcrops of basic
igneous rocks have been extensively worked by aborigines for the manufacture
of stone axes.
33
uotypadxy oyy fo aqnod .
OF San J@Mol1y Oo
arn Snes meee en | .
S S%1lWwo
TUBING 3
eal
LNIod AWG Fr ss
re Aa rr *) ( fa a i ee coal VW, y
ade vpoquvuigenne, 39 ’ Raat VA
td MND 53 4 % VaI Wy
Wired hee SANDAL DID] T Bae °s
R
FNS, of: 0
se Mery i “ ‘ i
wmnuowy se. NG |
mardiroun, SLHOI3H “ WY \
WILTN *
Pe) VURdIVENTS |
unyndy]
oon
Fig. 1.
Sketch Map of the Hiaura Country, North-east of MacDonnell Range, Central Australia.
34
Several vertical dykes of coarse granite-porphyry run east and west across
the country on the Pre-Cambrian plateau south of Peaked Hill. This plateau
extends eastward from Ilarndanga (Kerr’s Station), for about twelve miles, to
within a mile of Atjerukarukuda Rock, a characteristic outcrop of weathered
granite rising a hundred feet from the alluvial plain. Further south the Old
Mepenga Barge
sid Papp : 7 Eepabiceurtate SE
: Pop ma ater Hels.
EE) schist and qos
a
baste Iymeus,
Fig. 2.
Sketch Section at Mopunja Range (c, 2 miles).
Rocks are concealed by limestone and chalcedony beds which form low table-
topped hills. Still further south they reappear in the area dissected by the head-
waters of the Apewunja River.
Lying directly on the Pre-Cambrian gneisses and schists at Mopunja Range
is an extensive sedimentary series, consisting in the main of shales and quartzites
(fig. 2}. These beds dip at an angle of about 25° to the east-north-east, presenting
jAmberlon Bangs
_Uilsters of Macdomla Downs
Fig. 3.
Sketch Section, Abmoara Creek to Amberakana Range (3 mile).
on their western aspect a steep quartzite scarp and a slope estimated to be seven
hundred feet in height.
Further to the south the strike of these beds sweeps to the east in an even
cutve, while to the north-west the strike turns gradually to the west, so that at
Lilatara similar beds dip a little east of north.
At India Range, which runs almost due east and west, sections of beds which
appear to be somewhat higher up in the Mopunja Range series are met with
(fig. 4). The beds dip at about 20° to the north-north-cast. They consist of
Abmoaya or Frases Armberikana Barge Mabunji Bundey “Monrange Benge
ree) 1 + $
a ,Tndia Range b Lilatare r ban 1 preyia ne
* Macdwnald. Downs ‘tation.
» {WM Goorsy a
Sketch Section, India Range to Bundey Gap (10 miles).
alternating quartzites (sometimes very fine grained, but usually coarse and fels-
pathic) and altered shales containing abundant large flakes of detrital mica. West
of the gap (three-quarters of a mile wide) through which the Alpara Creek passes,
35
the Mopunja Beds are overlain by horizontally-bedded limestones capped with
chaleedony. The unconformity is well revealed in a series of small side valleys.
Three miles north of this gap, across an alluvial plain strewn with chalce-
dony gibbers derived from the breaking down of the limestone plateau, a further
section of the Mopunja Beds is revealed at Lilatara (figs. 3,4). The well on the
bank of the Abmoara Creek (in which good water was struck in a coarse fels-
pathic grit at 90 fect) revealed some of the features underlying this plain :—
Feet.
Red soil .. oe ae se iy .. to 10
Horizontal Cemented grit with white chalcedony pebbles... ., 18
Beds. Limestone - hg 2 me ey «620
Feet.
Beds Purple and yellow shales Py + .. to 64
Dipping Coarse red siliceous sandstone .. wep a tat a fF
c. 20° to Shale ie is any nh, on an 3) 78
North. Felspathic grit » 90
Purple shales similar to those present in the well outcrop at the base of
Uldaritja Hill, several hundred yards to the north-west, and are conformable with
alternating thin quartzites and shales, with some fine conglomerates. These beds
may be enumerated here, in descending order (with approximate thicknesses), as
being typical of the Mopunja series as a whole :-— ;
Coarse felspathic quartzite .. 7 7 = .. 10
Coarse quartz grit .. i ie ” he on . 45
White shale .. 5 is ms ae re! _ .. 10
Coarse felspathic quartzite a. Ke $4 ahs cm 2
Purple shales rae oh sg st a ei ne .. 30
Coarse felspathic quartzite .. ahs i fy. Me ae
Tine quartzite a <* te oe ~ Me .. 10
Coarse felspathic quartzite .. af 3 af ite o. 55
Shales with a thin quartzite and some argillaceous sandstone .. 90
Coarse felspathic quartzite _ ts ka . .. 20
Coarse iron-stained grit or fine conglomerates with unabraded
fragments of crystalline constituents ag Bch 73 20
Purple shales
The shales everywhere show signs of disturbance, and the felspathic quartzites
are permeated by polished slickenslide faces. The aborigines naively account for
the latter by saying that some mythical ancestors milled grass seeds upon the rocks.
Looking northward from Mopunja, and from Lilatara, across an alluvial plain
about five miles wide, ithere can be seen a series of almost horizontally-bedded
sediments (of different character from those already described) which extend for
some twenty miles across the northern horizon, These beds consist of bright red
sandstones and fine quartzites, together with a few argillaceous sandstone horizons.
They dip at a low angle (about 3-5°) to the north-north-east, and by their
character indicate that they are of littoral origin. Current-bedded and ripple-
marked sandstones are well developed, together with numerous fossil beds. In
character and content they stand in marked contrast to the beds of the Mopunja
series, and, therefore, it is suggested that an unconiormity may be discovered
between them.
Between Undala and Mount Ultim these sandstones form a plateau sloping
gently to the north; it stands four to cight hundred feet above the plain. The
south-western margin of this plateau forms a steep scarp and slope, only slightly
cut into by a series of small valleys at regular intervals along its margin. Upon
36
the top of the plateau there is a series of smaller flat-topped residuals (culminat-
ing in Mount Ultim itself) which have resisted weathering. North of Undala
this plateau dips gradually towards the vast Sandover Plain,
Fig. 5.
Sketch Section, from Alarinjela Creek to Mount Ultim (2 miles).
The first observations on these beds were made at Arapia and at Undala,
where fossils, in the form of “worm-tracks” and ? Orthoceras casts were dis-
covered, but, as the same horizons were afterwards identified and examined in
detail at Mount Ultim, the latter occurrence will be described in preference.
kon, Mabini o Bundey Creek Moran Arapio
Fig. 6.
Sketch Section, from Undala to Arapia (c. 2 miles).
The Mount Ultim occurrence consists of a thickness of about 800 feet of
sediments (fig. 5) which, in descending order, consist of :—
Feet
Current-bedded Sandstone “i £i rs .. approx. 100
Massive red sandstone... 80
White quartzite with an Orthovera as hotizot ati its base bs 20
Red sandstone with Raphistoma ons be, _ 7 100
Current-bedded_ gritty quartzite ei aL ee 30
Argillaceous sandstone with “worm- tracks” and ripple-
marks .. es te A A a s - 50
Fine Quartzite f. ei a ty As 4 v 10
Red sandstone with “worm-tracks” and ripple-marks .. __,, 60
Quartzite .. - Per: c.5
White argillaceous satidstarte with fagsits Ws aS: a 100
Quartzite Ne i % ee _ of 3 10
Argillaceous sandstone... és ik ee a a Sy 120
Highly crystalline quartzite : i i thy 20
Grey argillaceous sandstone with foedhe me ere: 100
Shale a f if, os a A - 7
The current-bedded quartzite forming the summit of Mount Ultim is
weathered into numerous shallow caverns and leaning rock-shelters, which have
been made use of by aborigines. The mode of weathering is so characteristic a
37
feature of this bed wherever it outcrops that the natives have a rational explana-
tion for the occurrence, which takes the form of a legend explaining how a
mythical being commenced shelter-making operations many miles to the west and
proceeding south-eastward, excavated shelters in turn at Arapia, Mount Ultim,
Mistake Creek, etc.
At Undala (fig. 6) a bed which was identified with “fine quartzite” of the
Mount Ultim series forms a smooth flat surface, upon which the natives have cut
a few simple figures. Above and below it there are, as at Mount Ultim, red
y Mt OLTIN
:
Ath _ Cc ,
Fig. 7.
Block diagram of the vicinity of Lilatara.
sandstone beds with abundant ‘“worm-tracks.” Many of the boulders also show
fine ripple marks. Beds lower in the series do not outcrop.
North of Arapia the current-bedded sandstone, corresponding to the beds
forming the summit of Mount Ultim, are capped by silicified sandstone. Further
to the north the beds appear to dip at a low angle towards the alluvial sediments
of the Sandover. Limestone beds, capped by chalcedony, are stated to occur
further to the north, but were not examined,
A representative series of fossils from these beds has been lodged in the
Palaeontological Collection of the S.A. Museum, and it is hoped that their identi-
fication will be soon carried: out.
38
Several references have been made to the occurrences of limestone beds
capped by chaicedony. At India Hill they lie unconformably on the Mopunja
series (fig. 4), while according to Mr. C. O. Chalmers similar beds to these occur
north of Arapia. At the first-named place the beds in descending order were
observed to be :—
Feet
Chalcedony .. a 4 7 ws bs - .. 6
Limestone... bd a 2S ae tf ve . 6-20
Kaolin roe - ne ns ok bs a .. 10
Red ferrugineous grit i 7 vt oe ie a ?
In the whole of the south-eastern part of the area under discussion and
around Table Hill and South Point this formation has given tise to a partly
dissected plateau, traces of which can be seen in the form of table-topped hills up
to one hundred feet in height. The breaking up of this extensive formation has
also given rise to the larger or smaller chalcedony gibbers which everywhere strew
the alluvial plains and, as coarse grit or gravel, helps to choke the wide sandy
beds of the creeks.
SUMMARY.
Representatives of what appear to be three, possibly four, geological series
(fig. 7) have been noticed :—
A. Pre-Cambrian gneiss, schist, with granitic and basic intrusions.
B. Mopunja Range series of coarse felspathic quartzites and purple shales
resting upon a peneplaned Pre-Cambrian pavement.
These beds have a general dip of about 20°-25° to the north-east; the strike vary-
ing from north to east and then back to north as one travels from east to west.
C. Almost horizontal red sandstones, fine-grained quartzites, and some
argillaceous beds, littoral in character and containing numerous
fossils, which suggest a tentative “Ordovician” age for the beds.
D. Younger limestone series of thin horizontal beds capped by chalcedony,
found resting unconformably on sediments of the Mopunja Range
type.
In the accompanying block diagram (fig. 7) the relationships of the four series
are set out in a.simplified manner.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
We are indebted to Dr. C. Chewings, who suggested that these notes should
be placed on record, and to the members of the Expedition, especially to
Dr. H. K. Fry, who was particularly interested in the geology, and to
Prof. T. Harvey Johnston, who located the “Orthoceras” horizon at Mount Ultim.
Mr. C. O. Chalmers provided native guides and horses, and thus enabled us to
visit several otherwise inaccessible spots. Finally, we are indebted to an Mliaura
native, Akoambaka by name, who on our first arrival in the district explained the
principal details of the physiography of his country by means of a relief map,
voluntarily constructed in the sand of the creek bed.
REFERENCE,
1. Brown, H. Y¥.L.: “Reports on Arltunga Goldfield . . . and Explora-
tions North-east of Hart’s Range, in South Australia.” Parlia-
mentary Papers, No. 1,353, Adelaide, 1897, pp. 5-8, and map No. 2.
NOTES ON SOME MISCELLANEOUS COLEOPTERA, WITH
DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SPECIES. PART VIII
BY ARTHUR M. LEA, F.E.S.
Summary
The transverse arrangement of the prothoracic granules, often so exaggerated that the prothorax
appears traversed by fine carinae, is a very distinctive feature of many species of the genus, and
easily recognisable, although abrasion is sometimes necessary to see it. In the 1926 key, a special
section, "G," was given for fourteen of them. Other species not previously referred to "G," but with
transverse arrangement, are: M. canalicornis, n. sp., contortus, n. sp,, excavatus Lea, ferrugineus
Lea, incisipes, n. sp., medianus, n. sp., melancholicus, n. sp., octagonalis Oke, and valgus Pasc.
39
NOTES ON SOME MISCELLANEOUS COLEOPTERA, WITH
DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SPECIES.
PART VIII.
By Artuur M. Lea, F.E.S.
(Contribution from the South Australian Museum.)
[Read July 9, 1931.]
Family CURCULIONIDAE.
MANDALOTUS.
‘Since the key given in the Records of the South Australian Museum, on
March 31, 1926, species of this genus have been dealt with as follows :—
1927. Lea, Proc. Linn. Soc., N.S.W., pp. 356-357.
1929. L.c., pp. 528-533.
1931. Oke, Proc. Roy. Soc., Vic., pp. 181-190,
The species there dealt with, and the new ones described in the following
pages, may be associated with the key in the following positions :—
B. ae ere pentagonoderes Lea G,qq... .. .. medians, n. sp.
C, ddd, 5a Be leat Oke, and parenthet-G,t. .. .. .. canalicornis, n. sp
cus, 1. sp. G,w.. .. 6. «corrugicollis Lea
C,h. .. .. «. sternocerus Lea G,v. 2... 2.4. melancholicus, n. sp.
Cn... .. dolens Lea H. -. +e +e 6goudiet, n. sp.
Dis... 1. «. tstgnis, n. sp. I(or NN,v) .. femoralis Lea
DD. e. .. .. rufipes Lea Jum... 6... minusculus Oke
DD, eee. .. .. egenus Oke Jipp. 1. .. «. gramnicollis, n. sp.
DD, nnn, .. .. fimbriatus Lea K (or YY) .. willosipes Lea
DD, r. «. .. explanicollis Oke NN (or NNN) oculivorts, 1. sp.
F,dd. .. .. .. tuberipennis Lea NNN. .. +. modicus, n. sp.
F,l. ow. 4.) 6.) armicoxis Lea 0. se ee ae 6Geanthocnemis Lea, and
F,m(orNN,ww) octagonalis Oke bryophilus Oke
G, q. .. contortus, n. sp. and W. 1. oes 4.) 6Cinereus, 1. Sp.
tnctsipes, 1. Sp.
This leaves two species (excluding synonyms and others transferred to
Timareta) for which no positions have yet been suggested, as their types are
females.
M. imponderosus Lea. A minute species (1°5 mm.), from Queensland.
M. latus Lea. A wide, tuberculate, densely clothed species, from Tasmania.
The transverse arrangement of the prothoracic granules, often so exaggerated
that the prothorax appears traversed by fine carinae, is a very distinctive feature
of many species of the genus, and easily recognisable, although abrasion is some-
times necessary to see it. In the 1926 key, a special section, “G,” was given for
fourteen of them. Other species not previously referred to “G,” but with trans-
verse arrangement, are: ‘4. canalicornis, n. sp., contortus, n. sp., excavatus
Lea, ferruguneus Lea, incisipes, n. sp., medianus, n. sp., melancholicus, n. sp.y
octagonalis Oke, and valgus Pasc.
On fairly numerous species the middle coxae are armed, although to see the
armature clearly it is sometimes necessary to twist the leg, or to view it from
several angles, and a small amount of grease or dirt may easily obscure it.
40
On several species there is a shining ridge, but not a dentiform process, The
species so armed, owing to the exigencies of tabulation, were not all associated
together in the key. The following are also so armed:—M. contortus, n. sp.,
ferrugineus Lea, dentipes Lea, medcoxalis Lea, medianus, Lea, oclagonalis Oke,
oculivorus, n. sp., oryomus Lea, (more a ridge than a tooth), and valgus Pasc.
I do not think the femora in any of the species could fairly be regarded as
dentate, the apical incurvature in several species, from certain points of view,
appears sudden, but the part before it is rather the abrupt termination of a swell-
ing than a distinct tooth, and clothing may also cause deceptive resemblance to
dentition, Although in figure 3 (especially on Cand H) Mr. Oke has shown quite
strong tecth, he nowhere mentions femoral dentition in his descriptions.
The tibiae are very distinctive on the males of many species, but it is usually
necessary to examine them from several points of view, or even to detach them
from the body (in the case of species with the inner side distinctive), to see their
structure clearly; clothing and dried mud are also apt to disguise their features,
so in the sketches given no clothing was shown.
In sending specimens of M. goudici, Mr, Goudie called my attention to the
fact that each of its claw-joints was apparently terminated by a single claw; this
at first appears to be the case, but on close examination it may be seen that there
are really two claws, very closely applied together; and they are very similar to
those of the other species (H of the key) with the scape very thick (except in
M. nodicollis, on which the claws are normal), vis —M. ammophilus, crassicornis,
herbivorus and pondericornis. This character was previously overlooked, except
that for amnophilus it was noted: “Claws subsoldered together at base.” On
M. howensis, with a heavy scape, although less heavy than on the species of H,
the claws are also approximate. On M. acutangulus, on which the scape is stouter
than on most species, other than those of H, the claws are normal.
Mandalotus parentheticus, n. sp.
4. Dark brown, antennae and tarsi paler, some parts obscurely darker.
Densely clothed with dull brown and grey scales, becoming almost uniformly pale
grey on under parts; in addition with stout and usually curved setae, on the elytra
confined to a regular row on each interstice.
Rostrum with median carina normally concealed. Antennae moderately long.
Prothorax moderately transverse, sides strongly rounded, derm concealed, Flytra
subcordate, shoulders rounded, base wider than prothorax, interstices even except
for feeble alternate elevation; punctures large, but appearing much smaller
through clothing, Intercoxal process of mesosternum small, but obtusely conical,
Metasternum very short. Basal segments of abdomen flattened in middle. Legs
moderately long, front coxae touching, T.ength, 3°5-3°8 mm.
9. Differs in being slightly more robust, intercoxal process of mesosternum
unarmed, abdomen more convex, and legs slightly shorter.
Australia (Dr. W. Horn).
By the upper surface practically indistinguishable from M. blackmorei, but
the mesosternum armed in the male, and both sexes distinct from those of that
species by the front coxae in contact. The intercoxal process of the prosternum
is but little produced, and is obtusely pointed, but in the key the species could only
be placed in C, ddd, and associated with M. vacilans, in which the process is also
rather feeble; but on that species the front coxae are distinctly, although not
widely, separated. The clothing is also different, although not much reliance is
to be placed on this. Both specimens have the derm brownish or castaneous. as
may be seen where slight abrasions have occurred ; the only parts that are apparently
black are on the head. he scales on the prothorax are mostly pale, with five
distinct dark lines from base to apex, the median straight, the others evenly
41
curved (less distinct on the female than on the male) ; on the elytra the paler scales
are in the minority, and are irregularly distributed. The derm of the pronotum
is entirely concealed, but feeble granules are indicated. There are no striking
features on the legs, the right front tibia of the male has a minute denticle near
the base, but it is not present on the left one.
Mandalotus insignis, n. sp.
Figs. 1, 14, 17, 18.
g. Black, parts of antennae and tarsi obscurely reddish. Densely clothed
with scales and setae.
Rostrum with median carina indicated throughout. Antennae moderately
long. Prothorax slightly transverse, sides slightly increasing in width from base
to apical third, and then rapidly narrowed to apex; with large, normally con-
cealed granules. Elytra rough, base narrower than widest part of prothorax and
unevenly arcuate; with rows of large punctures, distinct on sides, but almost or
t 2 3 ‘
4 , 18 tt
EXPLANATION OF FIGURES.
t ; 4 ip uN 1"
, :
1, front tibia of AMandalotus insignis Lea; 2, of M. contortus Lea, type; 3-5, of M. con-
tortus {rom Barrington Tops; 6, of M. melancholicus Lea; 7, of M. incisipes Lea; 8, of
M. medianus Lea; 9, of M. acanthecnemis Lea; 10-11, of M. pentagonalis Lea; 12-13, of
M. tibialis Lea; 14, middle tibia of M. insignis Lea; 15, of M. glaber Blackb.; 16, of M. canali-
cornis Lea; 17-18, hind tibiae of M. insignis Tea; 19-20, of M. medianus Lea; 21, of
M. decipicns Lea; 22-23, of M. glaber Blackb.; 24, antenna of M. canalicornis Lea; 25, inter-
coxal process of mesosternum of M. niger Lea; 26, variety of same. All without clothing.
on
13
s
2%
AL
3
quite concealed elsewhere ; alternate interstices irregularly elevated, the third and
Afth tuberculate. Basal segment of abdomen with a strong subconical tubercle on
each side of middle, slightly nearer base than apex. Front coxae widely separated,
but not quite as widely as middle ones; front and middle tibiae notched near apex,
hind ones strongly bisinuate on lower surface, the apex incurved and bidentate.
Length, 6°5-8°0 mm.
9. Differs in being wider in proportion, elytral tubercles less conspicuous,
basal segment of abdomen more convex and non-tuberculate, and tibiae not notched.
New South Wales: Bombala. Types, in Australian Museum.
42
Remarkably distinct by the bituberculate abdomen and tibiae of the male.
In the key could be associated with M. glaber and decipiens, two polished black
species, with very different tibiae, The clothing is so dense that the derm is
everywhere concealed, and the type is rather dirty, To the naked eye it appears of
a muddy-brown, but on close examination numerous small golden scales may be
seen; the setae are numerous, and all the tibiae are fringed with long hairs. The
third interstice on each elytron has a fairly large, round tubercle, crowning the
apical slope, the fifth has a swelling at the basal third, and then curves outwards,
and has three tubercles, one before the one on the third, and two beyond it, there
is also a small posthumeral tubercle, invisible from directly above. The pronotum
of the female appears to have four feebly elevated tubercles: two in the middle,
and two at the base; on the male the two basal ones are very feebly indicated,
but not the two median ones.
Mandalotus contortus, n. sp.
Figs. 2-5.
8. Black, some parts paler, parts of antennae and tarsi obscurely reddish.
Densely squamose and setose.
Rostrum with median carina obscured but traceable, Antennae moderately long.
Prothorax slightly wider than long, angles rounded off, but sides subparaliel in
middle; granules conspicuously transversely arranged or subcarinate. Elytra at
base narrower than widest part of prothorax, but quite as wide across the post-
humeral swellings; with rows of large punctures, partly or entirely concealed by
clothing; suture on apical slope, and parts of odd interstices elevated. Meta-
sternui and two basal segments of abdomen widely and shallowly concaye. Front
coxae widely separated, middle ones each with a conspicuous tooth; front tibiae
dilated and suddenly deflected at apex, with an obtuse notch near outer apex, the
apex itself acute, middle tibiae strongly arched near apex and acutely pointed,
hind tibiae rather strongly curved. Length, 7-9 mm.
@. Differs in being more robust, elytra less strongly narrowed behind the
posthumeral swellings, two basal segments of abdomen gently convex, middle
coxae unarmed, front tibiae less suddenly deflected at apex, the other tibiae
shorter, and all with shorter clothing.
New South Wales: Ebor (C. F. Deuquet), Barrington Tops (H. J, Carter).
A remarkable species. ‘The prothoracic granules transversely arranged,
dentate middle coxae, and front tibiae notched near apex, associate it with
M. dentipes, from which it differs in being much larger, and elytra rougher. The
front tibiae are much wider near apex, the external notch, although distinct,
is rather shallow (it is less defined on the type than on the Barrington Tops
specimen), and the tip is actually pointed (it is necessary, however, to examine
the tibiae from several directions to see these particulars). The general outlines
are much as those of M. niger, but the legs are very different. Secn from behind,
the base of the elytra appears strongly trisinuate, but from directly above it
appears almost evenly arched, with the shoulders clasping the base of the pro-
thorax; the third interstice is distinctly elevated near the base, and again beyond
the middle, the elevation abruptly terminated at the summit of the apical slope,
so as to appear subtuberculate, From one direction the tooth on each middle
coxa is seen to be flat, and wider than long, from another it appears as an acute
spine. The hind tibiae are shining internally, with transverse granules or short
ridges, denoting an approach to the numerous transverse ridges of M. niger. The
clothing of the type is of a rather light brown, becoming. paler on the under
surface; on the upper surface there are many pale setae, in the majority on the
pronotum, in the minority on the elytra, on the legs they are about evenly divided,
The specimen from Barrington Tops has the clothing obscured by dried mud,
43
and the hairs on the lower part of thé front tibiae are compacted, so as to appear
to be fascictlate near the apex, its front tibiae are longer and more complicated
at the apex (figs. 3-5) than on the type (fig. 2), but it was not made the type
on account of its poor condition.
Mandalotus melancholicus, n. sp.
Fig. 6.
4. Black, parts of antennae and tarsi reddish. Densely clothed with sooty
or sooty-brown scales, interspersed with sloping or curved setae; on the elytra
almost confined to a single row on each interstice; tibial fringes rather long.
Rostrum with median carina glabrous throughout. Antennae rather long.
Prothorax slightly wider than long, sides rounded and widest slightly in advance
of the middle, median line well defined; with flattened granules transversely
arranged, or altered to short transverse or oblique ridges. Elytra slightly narrower
than widest part of prothorax, base trisinuate, posthumeral prominences feeble
and scarcely visible from above; with rows of large punctures, appearing much
smaller through clothing, alternate interstices slightly raised. Metasternum and
basal segment of abdomen rather shallowly depressed. Front coxae decidedly
but not very widely separated, the middle ones almost twice as widely; front
tibiae multigranulate internally, somewhat dilated towards base, and then suddenly
narrowed to base itself, apex acutely pointed. Length, 5-5-6°5 mm.
New South Wales: Armidale (C. F. Deuquet). Two specimens.
The transverse or oblique arrangement of the prothoracie granules is not as
pronounced as on the species referred to G, in the key, but regarding it as
correctly placed there, it could hardly be associated with M. abdominalis (a much
smaller and otherwise different species), as the basal segment of abdomen is
punctate and clothed; passing that species it could only be associated with
M. crawfordi, also much smaller and otherwise different. Regarding it as belong-
ing to GG, it differs from M. foveatus, in the much less depth of the depression
common to the metasternum and abdomen, that species also has quite rounded
prothoracic granules; passing it, it could be placed with M. albonotaius, which is a
smaller species, with very different clothing and granules. It seems better
referred to G. The middle coxae could hardly be regarded as ridged, although
shining along the middle; they are certainly not armed. On one specimen there
is an obscurely pale ring on each femur, and a few pale scales on the under
surface, but on the other the clothing is practically uniformly dark throughout.
In general appearance it resembles M. crudus (with mesosternum armed),
arciferus and fimbriatus (with abdomen carinated), and piliventris (with densely
clothed abdomen). It is close to M. corrugicollis, but the transverse arrangement
of the prothoracic granules much less conspicuous; on that species the ridges on
the disc are all distinctly wider than the head, whereas on the present one there
are many true granules, and no ridge is the width of the head; on the present
species also there is an impressed median line, which is absent from corrugicollis,
the front tibiae are more arched at the apex, and the clothing generally is darker.
Mandalotus incisipes, n. sp.
Fig. 7.
é. Blackish, parts of antennae and tarsi reddish. Densely clothed with
muddy-brown scales and setae, the latter on the elytra almost confined to a row
on each interstice.
Rostrum with median carina exposed throughout. Scape rather long and
thin (the rest of antennae wanting). Prothorax moderately transverse, sides
gently rounded, median line slight; with flattened granules transversely arranged
and often elongated. Elytra across posthumeral tubercles (which are rather
44
obtuse) the width of prothorax; with rows of large punctures, appearing much
smaller through clothing; odd interstices slightly elevated. Metasternum and
basal segment of abdomen with a rather deep excavation. Front coxae distinctly
but not very widely separated, the middle ones each with an acute ridge, but not
dentate, and separated more than the front ones, front tibiae suddenly notched
near lower apex. Length, 6 mm.
New South Wales: Mittagong, in January (H. J. Carter), Unique.
In the key could be associated with M. dentipes, but the notch on the front
tibiae is on the lower side of the apex, on that species it is on the upper side.
Mandalotus medianus, n. sp.
Figs. 8, 19, 20.
$. Blackish, parts of antennae and of legs obscurely reddish. Densely
clothed with sooty-brown scales, variegated with stramineous, and interspersed
with setae, on the elytra almost confined to a single row on each interstice.
Rostrum with median carina concealed towards base, but exposed in front.
Antennae moderately long. Prothorax slightly transverse, sides rather strongly
rounded; traversed hy numerous fine ridges, becoming granules on sides. Elytra
slightly narrower than prothorax, base trisinuate, posthumeral tubercles rather
feeble; with rows of large punctures, appearing much smaller through clothing,
alternate interstices feebly elevated, the apical slope somewhat rough but not
tuberculate. Front coxae widely separated, not much less than the least distance
between the middle ones, which are obtusely but fairly strongly dentate; front
tibiae rather thin, moderately curved at apex, hind ones longer, shining internally
and with transverse ridges across the median third. Length, 5-6 mm.
@. Differs in being wider in proportion, prothoracic ridges shorter, two
basal segments of abdomen gently convex, legs shorter, middle coxae unarmed,
and hind tibiae without transverse ridges.
New South Wales (C. F. Deuquet),
In the key could be associated with M. oayomus, from which it js distinct by
the transverse ridges on the inner side of the hind tibiae, somewhat as on AM. niger,
It is somewhat like M. contortus, on a reduced scale, but the tibiae are very
different. The paler scales are uniform on the head, form a distinct spot at the
base of the third interstice on each elytron, clothe most of the sides, and form
fecble spots on the rest of the upper surface; on the under surface and legs they
cover about half the derm. ‘The basal segment of the abdomen of the male is
flattened and depressed in middle, the flattened space being almost glabrous, and
margined externally by a curved line, extending from the tip of the seginent to
the middle of the coxa on each side, so that at first glance it appears carinated,
although it is not really so. On the female the same space (although gentiy
convex) is similarly bounded.
Mandalotus canalicornis, n. sp.
Figs. 16, 24.
é. Black, parts of antennae and tarsi reddish. Densely clothed with scales,
interspersed with stout setae.
Scape very stout, lower surface grooved on apical third. Prothorax
moderately transverse, sides rather strongly rounded, granules transversely
arranged and many altered to short ridges, Elytra across middle wider than
prothorax, base arcuate, shoulders acutely produced; with rows of large, more
or less concealed punctures; the odd interstices slightly elevated. Basal segment
of abdomen depressed in middle. Front coxae almost touching, middle tibiae with
,
a slight notch near lower apex, claws distinctly separated. Length, 4-5 mm.
45
9. Differs in being slightly more robust, two basal segments of abdomen
gently convex, legs slightly shorter, and middle tibiae feebly incurved near lower
apex.
q New South Wales: Armidale (C. F, Deuquet).
As the prothoracic granules are transversely arranged the species would not
go as far as H (the crassicornis group) in the key; but in any case distinguished
from all of that group by the normally separated claws (except M. nodicollts,
which is structurally very different), and the transverse arrangement of the
granules. Referring it to G, it could be associated with M. acutangulus, which has
the scape thinner, but heavier than on other species of the genus (except those
of I), and the front coxae more distant (about as far apart as the median ones
of this species) ; on this species they are almost in contact. On M. crawford,
transversus, and setosus, the scape is much thinner. The three specimens taken
have the clothing obscured by dried mud, but on scraping some of this away
the distinctive sculpture is revealed. The middle tibiae of the male have a
slight subapical notch, but it is obscured by the clothing and invisible from most
directions.
Mandalotus goudiei, n. sp.
3. Black, parts of antennae and legs reddish. Densely clothed with sooty
scales, with variable whitish or greyish markings, and interspersed with sloping
setae, also varying in colour.
Rostrum short, median carina traceable throughout. Scape very stout, except
the basal fourth. Prothorax moderately transverse, sides strongly rounded; with
numerous round granules traceable through clothing. Elytra subcordate, shoulders
rounded, considerably wider than prothorax across middle; with rows of large
punctures, appearing much smaller through clothing, or quite concealed ; alternate
interstices very feebly elevated. Basal segment of abdomen flattened in middle.
Front coxae touching, middle fairly close together. Length, 3 mm.
2. Differs in being slightly more robust, two basal segments of abdomen
gently convex, and slightly shorter legs.
Victoria: Black Rock, in May (J. C. Goudie). Numerous specimens
obtained by sieving fallen leaves.
The smallest of all the species with heavy scape, and one of the most interest-
ing of the genus. The claws at first appear to be single, but on close examination
are seen to be close together (as on most of the species of H, in the key). On
several specimens some of the body parts are reddish. The distribution of the
paler scales is scarcely alike on any two specimens before me; on the type they
cover most of the rostrum, form a distinct line on each side of the prothorax,
and a few discal spots, cover about half of the elytra, of which the largest area
begins on each shoulder, is obliquely dilated hindwards till it covers most of the
apical slope, and cover much of the abdomen (there is a black median vitta on
the three apical segments) and legs. On several specimens the shades are much
less sharply contrasted, so that the surface appears rather feebly mottled; on
several the pale line on each side of the prothorax docs not extend the full length,
but is sharply defined; the markings in the scutellar region are particularly
variable. The intercoxal process of the mesosternum is briefly subconical, but as
it is short, and alike on both sexes, the species could not fairly be referred to C,
in the key.
Mandalotus granicollis, n. sp.
3. Black, antennae and legs reddish. Rather densely clothed with brown
scales, variegated with grey, and becoming sparse on under surface, most of which
is shining; with sparse upright sctae, more distinct on elytra than elsewhere ;
tibiae with rather long hairs on under surface, sparse on the front and middle
pairs, denser and longer on hind ones.
46
Rostrum with median carina distinct only in front. Antennae moderately
long. Prothorax slightly transverse, sides rather strongly rounded ; with numerous
small, shining granules. Elytra widest slightly behind shoulders, where the width
is equal to that of prothorax, base evenly curved, without posthtmeral tubercles ;
with rows of punctures, appearing fairly small through clothing; third and fiith
interstices wider than the others, but not elevated above them. Basal segment
of abdomen rather deeply depressed along middle, Front coxae touching, hind
tibiae with a slight notch near outer apex, and several denticles (obscured by
clothing) about inner apex. Length, 3°5 mm.
New South Wales: Mount Tomah, in October. Type (unique) in Mr.
F, E. Wilson’s collection.
The hind tibiae are conspicuously fringed, but as only the male is known,
it cannot with certainty be associated with M. inusitatus, in which it is fringed
in both sexes; it differs from the male of that species in the conspicuous median
depression on the basal segment of abdomen, on each side of which there is a
swelling (but not a tubercle or carina) ; passing that species, in the key, the feeble
markings of the elytra are,not sufficient to associate it with M. maculatus and
cordipennis (two smaller species), passing which it is distinct from M. gymio-
gaster (also with a shining abdomen), alpinus and muscivorus, by the very
different hind tibiae. It is perhaps nearer muscivorus than any previously named
specics. In some lights some of the scales have a faint golden gloss. The pro-
thorax has numerous small shining granules, which apparently are normally with-
out scales. :
Mandalotus cinereus, n. sp.
é. Reddish-brown, some parts almost black, antennae and tarsi paler.
Densely clothed with almost uniform white or greytsh-white scales, with numerous
sloping or suberect setae, on the elytra confined to a single row on each interstice ;
front tibiae with numerous long hairs on under surface.
Rostrum with median carina shining throughout. Antennae long and thin.
Prothorax moderately transverse, sides strongly rounded, granules normally
almost concealed. Elytra slightly wider than prothorax, base evenly incurved;
without posthumeral swellings; with rows of large punctures, appearing much
smaller through clothing; interstices almost even. Two basal segments of
abdomen flattened and minutely granulate in middle. Front coxae widely
separated, tibiae rather thin, front and hind ones moderately arched at apex, and
longer than the middle pair. Length, 45 mm.
@. Differs in having the elytra wider, two basal segments of abdomen
evenly convex, legs shorter, and front tibiae without special clothing.
New South Wales: Darling River flood of May and June, 1890 (R. Helms).
Types, in Australian Museum; cotypes, in South Australian Museum.
With the general appearance of beach-frequenting species of Timareta, but
with fairly distinct ocular lobes, and apical incuryature of prosternum well
defined. The intercoxal process of the mesosternum, in the female, is wider than
the coxae, but the 1926 key deals only with males; on the male of this species the
process is scarcely perceptibly, if at all, wider than the coxae. In that key, pass-
ing Jf. rufimanus (which has much shorter legs and antennae and different cloth-
ing), it should probably be associated with AM. pallidus and blackmorei, which
are very differently clothed, and with shorter antennae. ‘The prothoracic granules
are feebly traceable before abrasion, but after this they are seen to be moderately
large and obtuse, certainly not very minute (as on the species of V) or ordinarily
distinct (as on the species of VVV), On two specimens many of the scales have
a silvery gloss. Several females were taken, but only one male.
47
Mandalotus modicus, n. sp.
4. Black, antennae and tarsi obscurely reddish. Densely clothed with
muddy-brown, feebly variegated scales, and with sloping and mostly pale setae,
on the elytra confined to a single row on each interstice; tibiae with rather long
hair on under surface, denser, but not very dense, on the front pair than on the
others.
Rostrum with median carina fine and distinct to base. Antennae compara-
tively long and thin. Prothorax moderately transverse, sides strongly rounded,
median line moderately impressed; granules traceable through clothing. Elytra
at widest the width of prothorax, conjointly arcuate at base, posthumeral swell-
ings feeble; with rows of large punctures, appearing much smaller through the
clothing, alternate interstices feebly elevated. Metasternum and basal segment
of abdomen concave in middle. Front coxae widely separated, almost as widely as
the middle pair, front tibiae moderately arched at apex. Length, 4°5-5-5 mm.
9. Differs in having the elytra across middle considerably wider than pro
thorax, basal segments of abdomen evenly convex, legs shorter, front tibiae less
curved at apex, and without special clothing.
Queensland: Maryborough, abundant in flood debris, in January (E. W.
Fischer).
The middle coxae are slightly more distant than the front ones, but referring
the species to NN, in the key, it could be associated with M. raui, which is a
smaller species, with much more separated front coxae; it somewhat resembles
M. piliventris, but the abdomen is without the long clothing, which is so con-
spicuous on the male of that species. Referring it to NNN, the prothoracic
granules associate it with VVV, of which M. subglaber is a smaller and more
sparsely clothed species; M. angustus is narrower, with front coxae much closer
together and paler clothing; and M. ciliatus has much more conspicuous clothing
on front and hind tibiae. It differs from M. albonotatus in the clothing at base
of elytra and middle of abdomen; M. angustipictus is narrower, with thicker scape ;
and M. similis has smaller prothoracic granules and shorter tibiae; and all three
species, which it somewhat resembles, have front coxae less widely separated.
It is slightly more robust than M. villosipes, the depression on the under surface
shallower, and less trough-like in character, and front coxae twice as widely
separated. On many specimens the clothing is obscured by dried mud, but even
on others in perfect condition it is only feebly variegated. On abrasion the
elytral punctures are seen to be distinctly wider than the striae, before abrasion
they appear to be much less, they are larger on the male than on the female. The
tibiae of the male are shining and with small granules internally, the hind ones
from one point of view appear to be feebly dentate at the middle, and gently
incurved between there and the apex. On one female the deciduous mandibular
processes are present and boomerang-shaped.
Mandalotus oculivorus, n. sp.
4. Dark brown, antennae and legs reddish. Densely clothed with greyish
scales and with sloping setac.
Rostrum without visible median carina, Antennae moderately long. Pro-
thorax slightly transverse, sides evenly rounded. LElytra across middle distinctly
wider than prothorax, base conjointly slightly arcuate, without posthumeral
swellings; punctures appearing small through clothing, or quite concealed; inter-
stices even. Two basal segments of abdomen very slightly depressed in middle.
Front coxae distinctly but not widely separated, middle coxae obtusely dentate.
Length, 2 mm.
South Australia: Smoky Bay, in July (H.C, Allen).
48
A minute species, of which two specimens were sent by Mr. Allen as cating
the eyes of seed wheat in the ground, and doing considerable damage. The front
coxae are not very widely, although distinctly, separated, and in the key the
species might be associated with NN, from all the species placed there it differs
in being much smaller. If referred to NNN, it could be associated with M. micro-
scopicus, from which, as also from M. inconspicuus, it differs in having the scape
longer and thinner, sides of prothorax more rounded, and elytra wider in propor-
tion, AZ. puncticollis is an even smaller species, and has the front coxae touching.
The middle coxae from some directions appear ridged, from another obtusely
dentate, and the species is much smaller than any other having dentate or sub-
dentate coxae. The clothing is almost uniformly grey, except that the elytra
have a darkly-lined appearance, due to the flattening down of the setae on each
interstice, but in some lights the elytral scales have a slight golden lustre. Ona
female sent with the type, the setae are more conspicuous and on the elytra are
not flattened down. ie
ae eG |
91
A STUDY OF THE VEGETATION OF THE LAKE TORRENS PLATEAU,
SOUTH AUSTRALIA.
By B. Jean Murray, B.Sc.
(Communicated by J. G. Wood, M.5c.)
[Read August 13, 1931.]
PLate IV.
CONTENTS. Page.
I. Intrropuction +t iy 7 eu 4 ye ts 2 13. 91
YI. Crurmatic Factors” ..- WA 35 , - AA oh eA 8 92
TTI, Epapuic Factors A ns _ a os TARE cud ” _ 93
IV. ANALYSIS OF THE FLoRA OF THE REGION—FLoRISTICS .. vy te a 96
V. ANALYSIS OF THE VEGETATION OF THE REGION-—-ECOLOGICAL .. te vd 98
(a) Life-forms ts es - 5 ei £3 ie i 98
(b) Main assaciations ¥ ie 4 eas Me io . 99
(1) Vegetation of the tableland .. vs a3 ‘a ne 99
(2) Vegetation of the sandhills .. a at ni _ 104
(3) Vegetation of the flats .. a As “ss 7 ate 106
(4) Salinas and fresh-water swamps ¢: ae es Bh 109
VI. Veceration Mar or tHe Laxr Torrens PLATEAU .. aA ee a 109
VII. Summary ar 7 is ne “s _ at as oo Sy 109
LITERATURE CITED is an se on we ie 110
I. INTRODUCTION.
The Lake Torrens plateau and surrounding country is an interesting region
to a botanist, as it has not been studied ecologically before, although plant coliec-
tions were made by some of the early exploring expeditions, notably those led by
Babbage and Stuart. Accounts of these expeditions and pioneers of the North-
West are given by Threadgill (23) and Richardson (21). The botanical collec-
tions made by Hergolt, of the Babbage Expedition, in 1858-9, were named by
von Miieller (19). In more recent years Cannon (3) made a brief ecological
study of the vegetation round Port Augusta and Tarcoola; Adamson and
Osborn (1) described the vegetation at Ooldea, a station on the East-West Trans-
continental line, 427 miles west of Port Augusta; and Cleland (4) gives an account
of a journey through part of the Lake Torrens plateau and farther North-west
to Mount Eba and Tarcoola; it contains plant lists and a brief description of
some of the flora, including that on Andamooka.
The present paper is based on observations and collections made from 1927
to 1930, during which time all the stations between Carriewerloo and Arcoona
(as far north as Young’s Lagoon) were visited and the vegetation studied in
different seasons. The country consists of pastoral districts mostly devoted to
sheep, although, until recently, cattle predominated on the northern stations on
the plateau.
The Lake Torrens plateau lies on the stable foreland to the west of the Lake
Torrens faults and consists of Ordovician (?) or, possibly, older rocks which
have been eroded to form flat-topped hills and stony or “gibber” tablelands; the
altitude is from 500-1,000 feet above sea-level. It is surrounded by Recent to
Pleistocene country (Jess than 500 fcet) consisting mostly of loamy flats inter-
sected by sand-ridges, salt-water lakes and lagoons and fresh-water swamps. The
whole area lies between the 5- and 8-inch rainfall isohyets and is part of Tate’s
Eremian Region (22).
Descriptions of the topography and geology of this district are given by
Fenner (6,7), Howchin (12, 13, 14), Gregory (10), and Jack (17). Ward (24)
gives the composition of the beds of the plateau as, ‘‘dolomitic limestone;
quartzite with shaly bands; greenish shale weathering brown; massive siliceous
92
conglomerate. No fossils known”; and that of the sedimentary beds surrounding
it as, “Unconsolidated sand of coast and interior; consolidated sand dunes ; saline,
gypseous and calcareous earths; travertine limestone; river, lake and swamp
deposits ; lateritic ironstone ; vegetable earths; gravels of outwash fans.”
The eastern boundary of the plateau is Lake Torrens, which Madigan (18)
has proved to be quite dry, with patches of glistening white salt. After heavy
rains it may hold a little water, in places, but this is soon evaporated,
Il. CLIMATIC FACTORS.
This region is situated within the typical flask-shaped arid belt determined
by the trade winds, and converges towards the southern with the southern boundary
of this arid belt (11). The country dealt with in this paper lies between the 5-
and 8-inch isohyets to the north and south, respectively. The rainfall over this
area 1s uncertain and influenced both by monsoonal summer rains and winter rains
of Antarctic origin; there are no regular wet and dry seasons, and rain is almost
as likely to fall in one month as in another; there is perhaps (particularly towards
the southern end of the region) a slight preponderance of winter rains with June
as the wettest month, whereas in Central Australia it seldom rains during the
winter, TABLE I.
Mran Monrury Rainrart rn Points (100 = 1 Incn).
jan. Feb. Mar, Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Niov. Dec. Year
Purple Downs 25 47 56 45 35 89 95 42 41 76 37 68 54 685
Arcoona ... 39 55 51 38 41 79 88 39 33 61 38 46 38 607
Oakden Hills 46 49 45 35 58 74 92 49 56 68 55 64 47 692
South Gap ... 46 47 50 42 52 85 86 48 54 59 46 57 50 676
Whittita ... 45 51 48 43 58 84 99 57 63 66 48 50 50 717
Farina .. .«. 50 53 53 68 42 67 90 37 42 47 48 48 58 653
Port Augusta 69 54 50 72 77 114 117 71 87 95 8&5 69 59 950
[Figures kindly supplied by Mr. E. Bromley, Government Meteorologist.
Yearly records up to 1917 are given by Hunt (16).]
The average rainfall on most of the sheep stations visited is from 6:5 to
7 inches per annum; this is to some extent misleading, for should the country be
assured of its average annual rainfall it would be in a much better condition, but
good seasons alternate with periods of severe drought when the rainfall may drop
to Jess than 2 inches in a year, to be succeeded by years of greater rainfall until a
climax is reached. These very wet years restore the ravages of drought, fill the
dams, wells, and waterholes. Thus the reliability of rainfall is poor throughout
the area which lies between the isopleths showing 20% to 30% variation from the
average amount of rainfall and verging towards 40% variation at the north end
of the plateau. Another feature of the rainfall is the manner in which it falls;
in some instances the whole year’s rainfall may fall within a few days, while in
others it may be scattered through several months in a number of ineffectual
falls (3). TABLE IT,
DIsTRIBUTION OF ANNUAL RAINFALL.
Arcoona. Cane South Gap. Whittita.
Highest number of wet days per annum 26 43 38 4]
Lowest 7 a. re r sd 9 16 16 13
Mean Te on r x 3 17 30 24 31
Number of Years in Mean ute — 20 34 34 - 32
Mean annual rainfall (in points) .... 607 692 676 717
Highest annual rainfall (in points) .... 1392 1403 1368 1845
Lowest 45 ” ss sid 138 182 168 173
(Figures for the first four items only available up to 1915; last three up to 1928.)
93
No reliable figures for the temperatures are available. The area lies between
the 65° and 70° isotherms, and the nearest meteorological stations are at Port
Augusta and Farina which have annual mean maximum and minimum tempera-
tures of 77:2° and 55°3° Fahr., and 80°6° and 54°2° Fahr., respectively. Iso-
therms showing mean monthly temperatures throughout this region are given by
Hunt (15). February is the hottest month. Even.in summer there are con-
siderable extremes of temperature, the intense heat of the day being rapidly lost
at night by radiation, which is very great in such exposed regions ; while in winter
the extremes of heat and cold are still greater, and ground frosts fairly common
on clear nights during one to four months of the year. Owing to the high tem-
peratures throughout the year, the dryness of the air, and the prevalence of drying
winds, the rate of evaporation is very great, this area lying between the 60” and
80” isatmics. Managers of some of the stations visited estimate the evaporation
of the big dams and waterholes as at the rate of 12 feet per annum; and
Howchin (13) gives 100 inches per annum for the amount of evaporation in the
arid country round Lake Eyre.
Where the variation in temperature is negligible the main characteristics of
the vegetation of a region are determined chiefly by the amount of rainfall and its
reliability. By these Tate determined the outlines of his Eremian or arid region;
and Wood (26) gives the 8-inch isohyet as the lowest margin for the occurrence
of mallee in South Australia. In the Lake Torrens District mallee is a climatic
indicator only found towards the south-western boundaries of the southern
stations, such as Carriewerloo and Yudnapinna, through which the 8-inch isohyet
passes. Between the 8- and 5-inch isohyets no mallee occtirs, and the vegetation,
which is of the arid type, is fairly uniform in character, differences in the asso-
ciations being due mainly to edaphic and not to climatic conditions. Perhaps the
reliability of the rainfall has more effect in determining the constitution of the
vegetation than the actual amount; a region with an average rainfall of 6-8 inches
of normal reliability could support a much less arid vegetation than one where, as
in the case of this district, the reliability varies up to 40% from the normal, and
wet seasons are widely separated by long dry seasons, tending to increase the
xerophytic character of the flora.
The vegetation, particularly the therophytic or annual, is noticeably affected by
the season in which rain falls. ‘The wealth of herbage produced by winter and
spring rains differing largely in constitution (being chiefly composed of Cruciferae,
Leguminosae, Zygophyllaceae and Compositae) from that (mainly grasses) grow-
ing after summer rains. Certain plants will only develop or flower if rain falls
at the particular seasons favourable to them, e.g., the parakeelya and Crinum
pedunculatum.
Ill. EDAPHIC FACTORS.
(A) Hapsirats.
There are three main types of habitat in the district :—
1. The gibber tableland; also characteristic of the tops and sides of the
flat-topped hills.
2. The red sandhills.
3. The loamy or sandy flats and claypans between the sandhills and sur-
rounding the plateau.
The gibber tableland comprises most of the plateau and corresponds in extent
and boundaries very closely with the area marked “Ordovician” (?) by Ward (24).
‘The gibbers are reddish-brown in colour, of all shapes and sizes, but usually flat
and angular, about four inches across by a half to one inch thick; with age and
weathering they tend to become rounded and smooth; in some parts younger
94
Eyrian gibbers may be found (17). The mantle of gibbers acts as a natural
mulch; bencath them the soil is red, argillaceous or loamy and of considerable
depth (some feet). It collects, without gibbers, in depressions to form ‘‘crab-
holes” or small swamps.
The sandhills on the plateau may be from 30-40 feet high or less and usually
lie at right angles to the prevailing winds, generally in a north-easterly to south-
westerly direction; they consist of fine to coarse siliceous particles, red in colour.
They are separated by loamy or sandy flats or claypans of varying size, The
latter have a retentive floor and may hold fresh or salt water for a short time
after rain; some are more extensive and form “playa”-lakes or salinas.
The district surrounding the plateau on the south and extending to and
around the numerous lakes and lagoons around the Island Lagoon, which marks
the western boundary of these investigations, consists chiefly of undulating
country or flats of light red sandy loam or red sandy soil, between red sandhills,
or with patches of scattered sand-ridges. Both these sandhills and flats resemble
those to be found in certain localities on the tableland (see map), but they are
usually of greater extent and the soil on the flats is usually deeper.
There are no permanent water-courses throughout the district, which is out-
side the great artesian water system (17); but some of the larger gum-creeks,
such as the Elizabeth, Pernatty, and Whittita Crecks, may hold water for a con-
siderable time after heavy rains. The tableland and numerous hills and bluffs are
drained by smaller stony acacia creeks, which only flow after rain but do not
retain water for long.
B. Soits.
The soils of the Lake Torrens plateau and environs have not been properly
investigated yet, but appear to be the typical red soils developed under insufficient
moisture conditions characteristic of similar dry regions in sub-tropical latitudes
and warmer regions of the temperate zone in other parts of the world, z.¢., South
Africa, Spain, and the dry steppes of Russia and round the Caspian Sea (8). As
Glinka (8, 9) pointed out, whatever the origin of the rocks subjected to sim‘lar
climatic conditions the soils eventually produced from them will be very similar,
and this is the case in this region.
The water-retaining capacity of the various soils in this region is considerably
less than that given by Wood (26) for typical saltbush, bluebush, and mallee soils
outside the 8-inch isohyet. The amount of water at saturation in typical soils from
Oakden Hills Station is given below -—
Tasie ITT.
WATER AT SATURATION,
Locality. Amount of Water,
Tableland (saltbush soil) Er shes a side 240%
Gypsum (growing saltbush) .... ety Bs 30°5%
Limestone knoll (myall and bluebush) sav ste 22°0%
Loam flat (myall and bluebush soil) . on jee 19-0%
Claypan he on ae wi uh; 22°5%
Claypan, Pernatty “Station | = Bh beg nee 22°5%
Dry swamp (lignum) .... eal, rhs ule ea 18°5%
Sandhill (mulga soil) .. ~ a shee rats 16°5%
Because of the small amount of moisture the vegetation is not well developed,
and consequently there is little humus in the soil, which is always alkaline. The
author is indebted to Professor Prescott and his staff at the Waite Institute for
the analyses of the soil samples given in the following table :-—
95
TABLe IV.
ANALYSES OF SOILS.
Tableland—Saltbush and samphire.
1. Woocalla: (a) Gibbers over dark red clayey soil ..
(b) Ironstone gibbers, red clayey soil ..
2. Top of South Oakden Hill, samphire and saltbush,
gibbers over red clayey soil ie
3. Pernatty, gibber plain, no vegetation, polished gibbers
over red sand to depth of 4 cm., then clay ..
Loamy flat, Whittita—Saltbush, mostly dead. Profile taken
from sides of dry sandy creek, washed out in loam flat.
(a) Coarse red sand over light bright-red sandy
soil, 3 cm...
(b) Dull, darker reddish- brown soil, ‘fine particles,
20-29 cm...
(c) Subsoil, dark bright- red, hard, some scattered
stones ‘of various sizes up to 4 cm. long;
patches of white throughout, over 40 cm.
(d) Below, damp dark red soil 4 ats 1
Loam flat, Yudnapinna—Fremophila glabra, saltbush and
bluebush (Kochia sedifolia).
Sandy loam, coarse sand over fine particles, 13 cm.
Loam flat, Qakden Hills—Myall and bluebush (K. sedifolia
and K. pyranudata) 2 +f ‘3
Toby’s Swamp, Pernatty — Canegrass flat (Glyceria
ramigera).
Red sand to depth of 4-6 cm.; black soil below
Edge of swamp, Pernatty—Gums (Eucalyptus rostrata).
(a) Whitish sand
(b) Hard greenish- white patch j in sand, no vegetation
Claypan, Pernatty—-No vegetation.
Hard light red clay... . Pe i an
Swamp, Oakden Hills—Canegrass, samphire and typical
mixed swamp flora.
Clay, brown and cracked on surface, 1-2 cm.; red
clay below, 4-6 cm.
Lake Torrens, South Gap.
1. Sample taken on lake, 100 yards from shore.
(a) To 24 cm. ..
(b) Below 24 cm. \
2. Sample taken on shore two yards from ‘edge of
lake—Samphire (Arthrocnemum halicnemoides
var. pergranitlatum).
Sand - a, ld A _ 7
3. Sample taken on shore, 60 yards from edge of
Jake—Samphire, saltbush and blucbush (K. fomen-
tosa var. appressa).
Sandy soil
pH. Value.
7-9
8-6
77
7-8
8-1
8:5
8-3
Total Salts.
0-59
0-18
1-23
1-13
0-45
0-09
Large amount of gypsum
8-6
8-0
8-2
The following was obtained and analysed later by
the author :—
Sandhills, Oakden Hills—-Mulga.
Bright red sand for a considerable depth .
high
1-00
0-05
0°50
5-30
0-63
0-01
0-03
Tt will be seen that the alkalinity of the soils is high; and in many cases the
percentage of total salts is high also, possibly owing to the frequent occurrence
of gypsum throughout the district as well as the large amount of sodium chloride
present in many soils, accounting for the halophytic character of the vegetation,
t.e., the general occurrence of samphire on the tableland; the saltbush (Atriplex
wesicarium) is also more tolerant of salt than the bluebush (K. sedifolia), which
usually only occurs in crab-holes or towards the edge of the tableland.
96
IV. ANALYSIS OF THE FLORA OF THE REGION—FLORISTICS.
(A) Oricin anp DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIES.
This region is part of Tate’s Eremian Region of the Australian Flora (12,
22). In Cretaceous times, when the endemic flora of Australia arose, the Lake
Torrens plateau was doubly cut off from the migration of species from the west
(25); when the Cretaceous seas receded, the climatic changes of the Tertiary
period were already bringing that increasing aridity which has since proved such
an effective barrier against invasion from the south-western flora. It, therefore,
seems apparent that at least for long periods of time migration from the west into
this limited area must have come from the south by way of the narrow coastal
belt. On the other hand, eastern communications with this area were never com-
pletely severed. The relationships between the percentages of species found also
in West and East Australia are almost identical to those quoted by Wood (27) for
the Flora of the Gulf Region of South Australia, thus pointing to the same sources
of origin. These figures are all the more striking because the individual composi-
tion of the floras is very different.
Three hundred and eighty-seven plants are recorded for the Lake Torrens
Region. Fifty-six Natural Orders are represented, including 177 genera con-
taining 372 species, of which 17 were only found in a varietal form; in addition
there were 15 varieties of species already found there, and 15 were introduced
plants.
‘TABLE V.
DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIES THROUGHOUT AUSTRALTA.
a Region.
Total number of species found in Lake Torrens region .... 387 —
Number of species found also in Eastern Australia .. 316 80 8&4
Number of species found also in Western Australia wv. 172 44:5 46:5
Western Australian species found also in Eastern Australia 156 40 41
Species found in Eastern Australia but not in Western
Australia... 150 39 40
Species found in Western Australia ‘but not in “Eastern
Australia... a. tke ais aye TH 45 3
Species endemic to South Australia ... bed shes ws BL 13
Species found also in Central Australia... we «72 185
Species found also in North and Tropical Australia... 32. =«8 —
Species found throughout Australia, chiefly in warm dry
parts of Temperate Australia .... Ives aa we «80 205 +
Cosmopolitan species... sie Se sng sa ses 5 1 —
*In the last column of this table corresponding figures for the Gulf Region based on
Wood's figures (27) are given for comparison.
Although having most in common with the arid flora of the Far North and
with that of the adjacent Flinders Range, it will be seen from the following table,
based on localities given by Black (2), that most of the species found on the
We eal plateau are widely distributed throughout the drier parts of South
ustraha.
TABLE VI.
DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIES THROUGHOUT SouTiIr AUSTRALIA,
Total. %.
Total number of species in Lake Torrens region ies vee 387 —_
Number common with Far North .... tis he ub wae 237 6]
Number common with dry northern Gsiriets os a we 43 11
97
Total. %.
Number common with Far North-West . i 99 25
Number common with western region from Port Augusta ta
Ooldea .... used 1 ‘nie wee 132 34
Number common with Flinders Range aks test tev w+ 170 44
Number common with Murray Lands _.... IT am greatly indebted to Mr. Harold Snow, of Rochester (on whose properties
most of these exposures occur) for kindly piloting me over the area and also noting on the
map the respective positions of the principal occurrences.
134
EYRE
PENINSULA
Hamley Bridg®ys
Wi
SCALE
21510 5 9 20 30 MILES
Lee eee eee ee ee ee nner eens!
Fig. 4. Map of part of South Australia on which is shown, in red, the probable direction
of some of the main river courses [the Western Group] before they were truncated.
135
covered by this patch of great stones is unploughable for 16 chains in one direction
by an average width of 4 chains. At a mile eastward from the group just
described [in Section 522] are several exposures. The three principal ones
measure in circumference, respectively, 6 chains, 8 chains, and 10 chains.
Another somewhat isolated occurrence is seen in Section 454 [not included
in the accompanying map], on the Michel Bros. land, about 14 miles north of the
most northerly exposures of those shown in fig. 3, situated directly on the crest
of the water-parting between Sandy Creek and Magpie Creek, and, therefore,
forms a link between the occurrences found in these respective valleys.
This great field of ancient consolidated alluvia is unique. The local streams
are small and at a juvenile stage. One has a small permanent spring, the others
are mostly dry. The consolidated sediments vary in structure from fine sand up
to coarse gravel, and are often current-bedded. The lower portion of Magpie
Creek is cut in deep argillaceous alluvium of Recent age. So extensive an area
of water-borne heavy material is suggestive of very strong transporting currents.
From Yacka, southwards, there are indications of a great river, now extinct, that
can be associated with the ancient Lake Frome and Orroroo trunk-waterway that
drained portions of western Queensland, and found its discharge by union with
another trunk line that came down the wide Koolunga and Snowtown plain to the
southern coast.
As an indication of the thick alluvial that exists in the Snowtown plain the
following quotation may be given:—“In August, 1886, I observed the flood waters
of the River Wakefield coming down after a long continuance of dry weather, and
the progress in its channel across the plain near Balaklava was only at about the
rate of half a mile in 24 hours, and frequently the head of the flood remained
stationary for half an hour whilst it poured into one of the many large fissures in
the river bed.”—Thos. Parker, C.E., “The Underground Waters of S. Aust.,”
Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Aust., vol. x., p. 84, 1888.
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE V.
Fig. 1. View of Ancient Consolidated Alluvia now undergoing erosion by the Walloway
Creek.
Fig. 2. Ancient river terrace of Consolidated Alluvia exfoliating into large siliceous masses.
Another terrace, at a greater elevation, can be seen in the distance. Hundred of Caltowie.
ADDITIONS TO THE FLORA OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA. NO 29
BY J. M. BLACK, A.L.S.
Summary
Eragrostis japonica (Thunb.) Trin. in Mem. Acad. Petersb. ser. 6:1:450 (1830) instead of E.
tenella, Bentli. Fl. Aust. 7:643 (1878) non Beauv. Or E. interrupta, Stapf non Beauv. var
tenuissima, Stapf in Fl. Brit. Ind. 7: 316 (1897) ; Black in Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Aust. 48: 253 (1924) ;
Poa japonica, Thunb. Fl. jap. 51 (1784). Miss C. D. Niles and Mrs. Agnes Chase in “A
Bibliographic Study of Beauvois’ Agrostographie,” published in Contrib. U.S. Nat. Herb. 24:6:135-
214 (1925) show that E. interrupta, Beauv. Agrost. 71 (1812) was based on Poa interrupta, R. Br.
Prodr. 180 (1810), which is classed by Bentharn as var. interrupta of E. Brownii, Nees, and cannot
therefore be applied to the minute-glumed species which extends from Australia to Japan. Besides,
Poa interrupta, R. Br., is invalidated by the earlier name Poa interrupta, Lamk. Tabl. Encycl. 1:185
(1791), which is perhaps the same as the still earlier Poa japonica. (Fig. I.).
136
ADDITIONS TO THE FLORA OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.
No. 29.
By J. M. Brack, A.L.S.
{Read October 8, 1931.]
Piate VI.
GRAMINEAE,
Eragrostis japonica (Thunb.) Trin. in Mém. Acad. Pétersb. sér. 6:1: 450
(1830) instead of FE. tenella, Benth. Fl. Aust. 7:643 (1878) non Beauv. or
E, interrupta, Stapf non Beauv. var tenuissima, Stapf in Fl. Brit. Ind. 7: 316
(1897) ; Black in Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Aust. 48: 253 (1924) ; Poa japonica, Thunb.
Fl. jap. 51 (1784). Miss C. D. Niles and Mrs. Agnes Chase in “A Bibliographic
Study of Beauvois’ Agrostographie,” published in Contrib, U.S. Nat. Herb. 24:6:
135-214 (1925) show that FE. interrupta, Beauv. Agrost. 71 (1812) was based on
Poa interrupta, R. Br. Prodr. 180 (1810), which is classed by Bentham as var.
interrupta of E. Brownii, Nees, and cannot therefore be applied to the minute-
glumed species which extends from Australia to Japan. Besides, Poa interrupta,
R. Br., is invalidated by the earlier name Poa interrupta, Lamk. Tabl. Encycl. 1: 185
(1791), which is perhaps the same as the still earlier Poa japonica, (Fig. 1.)
Eragrostis confertiflora, n. comb. instead of F. inlerrupta, “Beauv.” var.
densiflora, J. M. Black in Trans. Roy. S. Aust. 48: 253 (1924); Fl. S. Aust.
674 (1929). In raising this variety to specific rank it became necessary to change
the varietal name, because of the existence of E. densiflora, Rendle, Cat. Welw.
Afr. pl. 2:244 (1899) a species of tropical Africa. (Fig. 2.) Gramen gracile
glabrum, 20-40 cm. altum, culmo binodi; foliorum laminae 3-6 cm. longae
1-3 mm. latae, vaginis longiores; ligula brevissima, truncata, ciliolata; panicula
erecta, spiciformis, 6-11 cm. longa, 5-8 mm. diam., basin versus interrupta, ramis
erectis, revera solitariis sed interdum glomeratim approximatis, 5-20 mm. longis,
usque ad basin dense vestitis; spiculae subsessiles, confertae, 2-3 mm. longae,
4-5-florae; glumae acutae, exteriores uninerves, prima 3 mm., secunda { mm.
longa, florifera 3-nervis, 1 mm. longa, palea omnino glabra; stamina saepius 2;
caryopsis ovoidea, brunnea, nitens, 4 mm. longa.
Eragrostis Kennedyae, F, Turner in Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 19: 535 (1894).
Wirraminna, between Lakes Gairdner and Hart; May, 1931; ‘coll. Hon. G. F.
Jenkins. A slender grass, with narrow and spike-like panicle, or the branches
sometimes spreading slightly, and minute purplish 3-5-flowered hyaline spikelets,
the flowers almost globular and only 4 mm. long; the outer glumes 1-nerved,
obtuse, ciliate on the nerve and at apex, the lower one 4 mm. long, the upper one
3mm. long. The terminal flower is very small, apparently always barren, and
falls off early. The type came from Wonnaminta, near Broken Hill, and specimens
have been collected on the River Darling and in the Murchison district, W.A. The
species has, therefore, a wide distribution, although it has not been previously
recorded in South Australia. The only difference perceptible in the West Aus-
tralian specimen (which is in the Sydney Herbarium), is that there are some long
hairs at the orifice of the leaf-sheath and the blades are rather flatter. (Fig, 3.)
137
The relative position of these three species may be explained by the follow-
ing key :—
Rhachilla fragile, disarticulating between the flowering glumes, which fall off
with their paleas and ripe grain; panicle-branches mostly solitary, divided
and clothed with spikelets to base; glumes and grain minute, the latter
brown, shining, barely % mm. long; palea-keels glabrous. (Section
Cataclastos).
Panicle rather loose; spikelets 4-12-flowered, 2-3 mm. long; flowers
oblong; outer glumes subequal; stamens usually 2 .. a: a
Panicle usually dense, spike-like; spikelets densely crowded; outer
glumes unequal.
Panicle always dense, 5-8 mm. diam,; ligule short, ciliolate ; spikelets
4-5-flowered, about 2 mm. long; flowers oblong; flowering glumes
twice as long as adjacent outer glumes; stamens usually 2 .. E. confertiflora
Panicle 3-5 mm, diam., or sometimes broader, owing to the slightly
spreading branches; ligule a minute rim of hairs; spikelets
3-5-flowered, 1-12 mm. long; flowers almost globular; flowering
glumes not or scarcely exceeding the adjacent outer glumes;
stamens usually 3 Ke x Ra hg + rr
E. japonica
E, Kennedyoe
Eragrostis infecunda, n. sp. Gramen perenne, stoloniferum ; culmi ascen-
dentes, rigidi, longi, glabri, 6-20-nodes, ad basin bulbosi ; foliorum laminae involuto-
subulatae, infra glabrae, erectae, 3-8 cm. longae, vaginis glabris multo longiores,
inferiores planiusculae, 2-3 mm. latae; folia infima ad vaginas rigidas albas
reducta; ligula ex annulo brevium pilorum constans ; panicula coarctata, 3-10 cm.
longa, 1-2 cm. diam., ramis solitariis, fere simplicibus, puberulis; pedicelli
subnulli vel usque ad 2 mm. longi; spiculae paucae in quoque ramo, 3-8-florae,
7-12 mm. longae, circ. 14 mm. latae, floribus saepe distantibus in rhachilla plus
minus flexuosa; glumae exteriores hyalinae, uninerves, in carina scaberulae, prima
circ. 3 mm. longa, secunda 33 mm. longa; glumae florentes fuscae, glabrac, ovatae,
34 mm. longae, 3-nerves, nervo mediano percurrente vel brevissime excurrente,
lateralibus dimidio brevioribus; palea fere aequilonga, non persistens, carinis
glabris; antherae 3, lineares, vix 2 mm. longae; styli ad basin coaliti; caryopsis
adhuc non inventa.
Along the Gilbert and Wakefield Rivers near Riverton, and apparently
propagating itself by the long rooting surface runners rather than by grain. The
collector, Mr. Worsley Johnston, after careful search during March and April of
this year, was unable to find any fruits. Until ripe fruits are discovered, it is
difficult to say how the rhachilla breaks up, although it is apparently not per-
sistent. In its straggling, wiry stems, and its rather loose spikelets, this grass
bears some resemblance to a slender form of Glyceria ramigera, but in the latter
species the midnerve of the flowering glume ends at some distance below the
summit, while in Eragrostis infecunda it 1s always percurrent, (Fig. 4.)
Agrostis limitanea, n. sp. Gramen caespitosum, perenne, 30-45 cm. altum ;
culmi graciles, rigidult, erecti, 2-4-nodes; foliorum laminae erectae, superne
involuto-subulatae, 4-12 cm. longae, subtus minute scaberulae, vaginis plerumque
duplo longiores, summa basin paniculae amplectans; ligula lanceolata, 4-6 mm.
longa; panicula diffusa, 8-20 cm. longa, ramis capillaribus, verticillatis, divisis,
scaberulis, pedicellis, 3-6 mm. longis, distantibus; glumae exteriores inaequales,
acutac, divergentes, secus carinam scaberulae, prima 3 mm. longa, secunda 24 mm.
longa; gluma florens 1 mm, longa, glabra, truncata, apice denticulata, 4-5-nervis,
mutica; palea paululo brevior; rhachilla in setam glabran vel parce pilosam
dimidio vel minus quam palea breviorem producta, ceteroqui nuda; caryopsis
conico-oblonga, 14 mm. longa.
Near Riverton, March, 1931. According to the collector, Mr. Worsley John-
ston, it grows in tussocks inside the railway fence. This might suggest an intro-
duced alien, but the railway reserves also serve as sanctuaries for native plants.
138
Although this species has the rhachilla produced in a small bristle behind the palea,
it seems, from the absence of hairs at the base of the flowering glume, to be better
placed in Agrostis than in C alamagrostis. It differs from C, aequata in the follow-
ing characters: stiff stems and involute, not flat leaves, outer glumes about twice
as long and much longer than the flowering glume, which has no tuft of hairs at
its base. From the Mediterranean Agrostis maritima, Lamk. it differs in the long
loose panicle, longer pedicels, palea scarcely shorter than the flowering glume and
the bristle at its back. (Fig. 5.)
*Schismus barbatus (L.) Jucl, Hort. Linn, 13 (1913) instead of S. calycinus
(Loefl.) Coss. et Dur. The name Festuca barbata, |.. (1756) is two years earlier
than that of Loefling.
*Sphenopus divaricatus. Bute; previously recorded from Port Adelaide,
Eragrostis Brownii, Nees. William Creek and Irrapatana (Far North);
coll. J. B. Cleland. These northern specimens have the spikelets at first green
or purplish, finally straw-coloured, 5-10 mm. long by 2 mm. broad, 10-20-flowered,
rarely more. They resemble FE. setifolia, but the spikelets are sessile or almost so,
and the base of the stem is neither bulbous nor woolly.
Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) Beauv. var. macrantha, Hackel, On wet rocks
beside waterfall on Upper Hindmarsh River; coll. J. B. Cleland. Hitherto only
recorded (in South Australia) from the South-East. Differs from the typical
European form by the involute-subulate, not flat leaves, and by the longer outer
glumes—43-5 mm. instead of 3 mm. long. These characters seem to occur also
in the East-Australian and New Zealand plant, and justify the varietal name which
Cheeseman states was given to it by Hackel.
In the Fl. Cap. 7: 587 (1900) Dr. Stapf says that Sporobolus elongatus, R. Br,
(S. indicus, R. Br. var. elongatus, Bailey) is a diandrous species distinct from
S. indicus and extending from Australia to Japan, Ina specimen from the Finke
River, C.A., with panicles to 25 cm. long and much interrupted, I found, however,
out of 14 spikelets examined, 10 flowers with 3 stamens, 2 with 2 stamens, and
2 with 1 stamen each.
*Ehrharta calycina, Sm. Established on light sandy land at Cockatoo Valley,
Barossa Goldfields; Aug., 1931; per A. J. Warren, Department of Agriculture.
Native of South Africa. Like all Ehrhartas, a good fodder grass.
CYPERACEAE,
Cladium Gunnii, Hook. f. was found in 1930 by Prof. J. B. Cleland at
Cleland’s Gully, Square Waterhole.
Schoenus tesquorum, J, M. Black. Back Valley, near Encounter Bay; coll.
J.B. Cleland. Hitherto only recorded from the South-East.
CHENOPODIACEAE,
Atriplex crassipes, J. M. Black (1918). Mr. R. H. Anderson, in Proc. Linn.
Soc. N.S.W. 55:5; 494 (1930) considers that this should be retained as a distinct
species, instead of being united to A. elachophyllum, F. v. M, (1869). An
examination of the type of the latter species shows that there are almost always
3 small protuberances or tooth-like appendages on one or both faces of the fruit-
ing bracteoles. These teeth are lacking in A, crassipes. A, elachophyllum =
A. varium, Ewart et Davies (1917) from Central Australia,
A. acutibracteum, R. H. Anderson, lc. 500. A new species created for the
form of A. leplocarpum var, acuminatum, which I described in Fl. S. Aust. as
having “2 small hard dorsal tubercles at the base of the {fruiting bracteoles,”’—
Murray Flats; Ooldea; Hughes,
139
PAPAVERACEAE.
*Roemeria hybrida (L.) DC. Growing wild near Riverton; coll. Worsley C.
Johnston. Mediterranean region. Not hitherto recorded.
CRUCIFERAE.
Cardamine tenuifolia, Hook. Nonning, E.P.; coll. R. H. Pulleine. An
entirely new district for this species, hitherto found only in the South-East.
Hutchinsia eremaea, J. M. Black. Wangianna, north of Marree, Aug., 1931,
coll. J. B. Cleland. These are much better specimens than those on which the
species was founded in these Trans. 47: 369 (1923). Stems ascending, about
25 cm. high; leaves 14-3 cm. long, including the petiole into which they taper;
sepals about 3 mm. long; petals 5-6 mm. long, with a bright yellow, almost orbicu-
lar, lamina; stamens 6, with anthers 14 mm. long; pods from almost orbicular to
ovate and sometimes only 5 mm. long; style exserted beyond the pod to a length of
14 mm.; cotyledons strictly incumbent.
*Sisymbrium Irio, L. “London Rocket.” Near railway station of Owen,
Oct., 1931, coll, Worsley C. Johnston. First record for South Australia.
LEGUMINOSAE.
Pultenaea quadricolor, n. sp. Fruticulus erectus, gracilis, ramosus,
20-30 cm. altus, ramis pubescentibus; folia alterna, oblanceolata vel superiora
lineari-lanceolata, uninervia, 6-14 mm. longa, 14-2 mm. lata, infra pubcrula, supra
glabra et marginibus incurvis concava, apice in mucronem recurvum desinentia ;
stipulae subulatae, 2 mm. longae, petiolum brevissimum superantes ; flores axillares,
solitarii; pedicelli filiformes, 6-7 mm. longi sed foliis breviores; bracteolae
herbaceae, lineares, basi duobus lobulis stipuliformibus instructae, sub imo calyce
insertae, calycem aequantes vel paulo superantes; calyx 4-5 mm. longus, parce
puberulus, lobis lanceolatis tubo paulo longioribus, duobus superioribus breviter
coalitis; vexillum calyce duplo longius, flavum, in medio rubrum, alas flavas
carinamque coccineam paulo superans; ovarium pubescens, biovulatum ; legumen
ignotum.
Back Valley, near Encounter Bay; coll. J. B. Cleland, Nov., 1930. The
specific name refers to the green of the leaves, the red and yellow of the standard,
the yellow of the wings and the crimson of the keel. Section Coelophyllum.
Differs from P. elliptica, Sm. in the broader ‘eaves, flowers all axillary and
bracteoles much longer; from P. villifera, Sieb. var. glabrescens and P. trinervis
in the fewer and less conspicuous nerves of the leaves and in the flowers on rather
long pedicels, not almost sessile. (Fig. 8.)
*Alhagi camelorum, Fisch, “Camel Thorn.” This spiny, deep-rooted
perennial was sent from cultivated land near Jamestown to the Agricultural
Department. Said to occur also in water-channels at Berri. Recorded from
Rutherglen, Victoria, in 1919. Its native country extends from Southern Russia
to North-western India.
*Trifolium lappaceum, L. Echunga—Mediterranean region.
ZYGOPHYLLACEAE.
Specimens of Zygophyllum ammophilum, from between Coward Springs and
Edward Creek, have the capsule only 3 mm. long, with 1 seed in each cell,
4 stamens and petals minute and obovate.
140
RUTACEAE,
Phebalium brachyphyllum, Benth. Sherlock (Pinnaroo railway) and
Warooka, Y.P., 1930. This dwarf shrub had remained undetected since the
original specimens were collected at Encounter Bay and Coffin Bay over
70 years ago.
EXUPHORBIACEAE.
*Chrozophora tinctoria (L.) Juss. A weed at Appila, An annual of the
Mediterranean region, sometimes cultivated for the blue dye which it yields.
FRANKENIACEAE,
Frankenia annua, Summerh, in Journ. Linn. Soc. 48: 379, t. 17 (1930) var.
orthotricha, n. var, Variat pilis patentibus, interdum leviter curvis sed nunquam
uncinatis, caulibus pilosioribus et petalis paulo latioribus (4-5 mm, latis).
Diamantina River, S.A., May, 1931; coll, L. Reese.
UMBELLIFERAE,
Eryngium supinum (F. v. M.) n. comb. Caules prostrati, rigidi, costati,
fistulati, simplices vel parce ramosi; foliorum laminae flaccidae, cuneatae, com-
plicatae, acute trilobae, 1-2 em. longae, 3-6 mm. latae, reticulato-nervosae ;
petiolus 3-6 cm. longus, fistulatus et parce septatus, basi dilatatus ; capitula axillaria
et radicalia, brevissime pedunculata, adulta oblongo-cylindrata, 12-17 mm. longa,
8 mm. diam.; involucri bracteae 5-8, lineari-lanceolata, 7-8 mm. longa, fere
pungentia; petalorum apex inflexus, fimbriatus; receptaculi squamae conico-
acuminatae; mericarpium apud commissuram rotundatum; vittae 5, duae com-
missurales approximatae.—BE. plantagineum, F. v. M. var. supinum, F. v. M. in
herb.
S. Aust.—Diamantina River, coll. Dr. Morgan; near Innamincka, coll.
kk. Cockburn.
Qld.—Wills Creek. Dr. Murray, of Howitt’s Expedition.
Differs from E. rostratum and E. plantagineum in its prostrate habit and very
short peduncles; from E. vesicwlosum in its rigid stems, 3-lobed, not many-toothed
leaves, and shorter peduncles, the radical heads being practically sessile. (Fig. 6.)
It has been stated, apparently in all Australian floras (my own of South
Australia included), that our species of Eryngium have no vittas. All our local
species have 5 vittas. The mericarps of Australian Eryngia are orbicular in trans-
verse section and have a narrow commissure, so that the two commissural vittas
are close together; in European species the mericarp, when cut across, is almost
triangular, with a very broad commissure, so that the two commissural vittas are
far apart.
*“Bupleurum subovatuan, Link (1818) has appeared at the Grange, near
Adelaide; a new record.—Mediterranean region, More usually known as B. pro-
tractwm, Hoffmannsegg et Link (1820).
ERICACEAE,
*Erica arborea, L. Roadside, near Aldgate. Flowering Oct., 1931; coll.
J. B. Cleland. This is the “White Heath” or “Tree Heath” of gardeners, the
“bruyére arborescente” of the French, from whose root “briar pipes” are made.
Mediterranean region. Recorded as an escape in Victoria,
EPACRIDACEAE,
Leucopogon collinus (Labill.) R. Br. Bangham Forest Reserve, near
Frances; 1930; coll, J. B. Cleland.
141
BoRRAGINACEAE,
Embadium, n. gen.
(From Greek embadion, a little slipper, to which the nutlets bear some resemblance.)
Calyx 5-sectus; corolla 5-loba, inappendiculata; stamina 5, inclusa; stylus
inter 4 lobos ovarii insertus, stigmate capitato; nuculae 4, suberectae, ovatae vel
fere triangulares, superne liberae et stylum multo superantes, dorso margine
tumido inflexo crenulato circumdatae, cum parva gibba oblonga tumida mediana
semen tegente ; nuculae interne convexae, pilis minutis uncinatis conspersae, areola
mediana ad gynobasin pyramidalem affixae, ab areola usque ad apicem partis
seminiferae carinatae. Herba annua; pedicelli fructiferi recurvi.
Embadium stagnense, n. sp. Herba annua, pilis appressis e tuberculis
ortis scabrida; caules rigiduli, ascendentes, 5-12 cm. longi, parce ramosa; folia
radicalia rosulata, 1-2 cm. longa, longe petiolata, caulina rigidula, sessilia, dis-
tantia, oblonga vel lanceolato-ovata, 5-15 mm. longa, in bracteas florales
transeuntia; pedicelli fructiferi valde recurvi, 4-8 mm. longi; calycis segmenta
lanceolato-ovata, 2 mm. longa, sub fructu patentia; corolla 24 mm. longa, sine
squamis in faucibus, lobis tubo brevioribus ; nuculae paululo infra medium parva
areola ad gynobasin affixae.
On recently flooded land at Arcoona, west of Lake Torrens, Sept., 1927;
coll, Miss Beatrice Murray. (Fig. 7.) Mr. Ivan M. Johnston, of the Gray
Herbarium, Harvard University, and a specialist on Borraginaceae, considers that
although this little plant approaches Eritrichiwm in the attachment of the nutlets
to the receptacle or gynobase, it has other peculiarities which necessitate the
creation of a new genus. After examining a specimen which was forwarded to
him, he writes:—‘The tumid margin combined with the medial crest of the
nutlets is unique in the family. Such excessive developments of nutlet margins are
usually found in the Cynoglosseae. The uncinate pubescence on the fruit is quite
characteristic of that tribe also. In fact, | might say that in every positwe'
character, except nutlet attachment, it fits into that tribe best, and close to
Omphalodes. 1 have, on various occasions stated that I believe that the strict
and sole use of nutlet attachments in defining the tribes of the Borages leads to
unnaturalness in classification. I am inclined to believe that your plant is a case
in point, and that although its technical characters may place it near Hackelia and
Eritrichium, in all probability its nearest relationships are in Omphalodes.
If this is the case, your plant is a curious Australian development of the Cyno-
glosseae springing from the same immediate stock as has Omphalodes, but which,
although developing curious marginal structures, has persisted in a primitive
attachment of its nutlets.”
SCROPHULARIACEAE.
Limosella Curdicana, F.v. M. Beresford (between Marree and Oodnadatta).
Flowering and fruiting Aug., 1931; coll. J. B. Cleland. A much more northerly
site than any yet recorded.
LABIATAE,
Prostanthera aspalathoides, A. Cunn, Nonning, E.P.; coll, R. H, Pulleine.
A new district for this species. Leaves 4-14 mm. long; calyx 12 mm. long, purplish.
*Salvia lanigera, Poir. (1817). Netherton, near Tailem Bend. An almost
~ woolly weed not hitherto recorded, Southern Italy, Spain, North Africa, Syria.
A synonym is S. controversa, Ten, (1830).
COMPOSITAE.
Myriocephalus rhizocephalus (DC.) Benth. var, pluriflorus, J. M. Black.
Beresford (between Marree and Oodnadatta); coll. J. B. Cleland. A more
142
northerly site than any previously recorded. The uppermost leaves are sometimes
no longer than the general involucre.
*Matricaria multiflora (Thunb.) Fenzl. First record of this rather showy
South African annual, which has established itself over a considerable area near
Calomba, a railway station about 7 miles north-west of Mallala. It has numerous
small bright-yellow homogamous-discoid heads arranged in dense corymbs.
Minuria rigida. Leaves sometimes nearly all opposite, and the plant may be
not more than 8 cm. high. Diamantina River, S.A.; coll. A. M. Morgan.
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE VI.
Fig. 1. Eragrostis japonica: a, spikelet; b, flowering glume and palea; c, grain.
Fig. 2. E. confertiflora: d, leaf and ligule; ¢, spikelet; f, flowering glume and palea;:
g, grain.
Fig. 3. E. Kennedyae: h, spikelet; i, lowering glume and palea; j, grain.
Fig. 4. E. infecunda: k, spikelet; 1, pistil; m, base of stem,
Fig. 5. Agrostis limitanca: n, spikelet; 0, flowering glume and palea; p, abaxial face of
grain, showing small embryo; q, adaxial face, showing longitudinal groove.
Fig. 6. Eryngium supinum: r, flower; s, petal; t, cross section of ripe mericarp; u, blade
of leaf.
Fig. 7. Embadium stagnense: v, outer or dorsal face of nutlet; w, inner or ventral face;
+, tubercle-seated hair.
Fig. 8. Pultenaca quadricolor: y, flower; 2, leaf.
POLLINATION OF CALADENIA DEFORMIS, R. BR.
BY R. S. ROGERS, M.A., M.D., F.L.S.
Summary
It is a singular fact, that although considerable attention has been directed to the pollination of
Australian orchids, very few observations have been recorded in regard to the large and
conspicuous Caladenia.
By far the most important paper that has yet appeared is that of Oswald H. Sargent ‘'? on the
"Pollination of C. Babarossae,” Rehb. f., a Western Australian plant, in 1907.
143
POLLINATION OF CALADENIA DEFORMIS, R. Br.
By R. S. Rocers, M.A., M.D., F.L.S.
[Read October 8, 1931.]
It is a singular fact, that although considerable attention has been directed to
the pollination of Australian orchids, very few observations have been recorded
in regard to the large and conspicuous gents Caladenia.
By far the most important paper that has yet appeared is that of Oswald
H. Sargent on the “Pollination of C. Barbarossae,” Rehb. f., a Western Aus-
tralian plant, in 1907.
In his great and well-known work, Fitzgerald makes three brief and rather
unconvincing contributions to the subject.
In the first of these, when describing C. dimorpha, he states: “This is the
only species of orchid I have known, when placed in a room, to be fertilized by
insects. A house-fly, lighting on the lip, was carried by its spring against the
column and, becoming entangled in the gluten of the stigma, and struggling to
escape, removed the pollen in its masses from the anther and smeared them on
the stigma. Such rather large insects arc, I believe, the principal agents of fer-
tilization in the genus, the species of which without such agency, never produce
seed.”
His next reference is to C. tesselata, Fitzg.: “On examination of the plant as
it grew, the pollen was found to be drawn out of the anther and attached to the
centre of the stigma by a little group of chaffy scales of some plant, which helped
to form a cocoon. This cocoon belonged to a dipterous insect, and the flower
must have been fertilized by the efforts of the inmate to get rid of its covering.
A method of fertilization that may frequently occur, as the dorsal sepal presents
a suitable shelter for an insect about to undergo a change, but a method that
would hardly be conjectured if not observed.”
His third observation is as follows: “On one occasion I had the pleasure of
seeing C. alba actually fertilized by an insect. A flower was observed to tremble
and, on examination, it was found that a fly had alighted upon its labellum, and
was by its spring carried against the stigma and, adhering to it, struggled violently
to escape, and thereby withdrew the pollen-masses from.the anther and smeared
them on the stigma. This instance, in my opinion, goes far to show that though
the pollinia in this and many other species may, without fertilizing the flower, be
easily removed by touching the discs, the operation is not by any means so neatly
performed by an entrapped insect, and the consequence is that the flowers are
impregnated by their own pollen.”
While admitting that pollination may possibly have been effected in the
manner described, it is suggested that such instances are of a fortuitous or acci-
dental nature and lack the purposive character which usually marks the act of
pollination in orchids under normal conditions. This act is often intricate and,
as far as our experience goes, never clumsily performed. The mechanism
involved is beautifully adapted for its intended purpose, and wherever success-
fully investigated has proved to be unencumbered by superfluous or unessential
parts. It frequently happens that some minute structural detail, apparently too
trivial to claim the attention of the observer, ultimately proved an important factor
in the process.
@ “Journ. Nat. Hist. Soc. of W.A.,” No. 4 (1907), p. 6.
() “Australian Orchids.”
144
More or less complicated structures are present in the three species of orchid
to which Fitzgerald refers. That they perform some definite function in the
normal pollination of the plant there can be no doubt—a function which remains
unexplained and valueless in the instances recorded by him.
The patient and careful observations of Sargent form a much more valuable
contribution to the literature of the subject, They are confined to the investigation
of a single species endemic to his State, and they extended over a period of two or
three years. He furnishes satisfactory evidence that this orchid, which is remark-
ably distinctive in structure, is pollinated by an unidentified wasp. Whether this
is the sole agent is, of course, uncertain.
Mrs. Edith Coleman“ recently reported that on two occasions she had seen
this particular orchid visited by a small bee resembling Halictus, sp. No pollen
was removed on either occasion, but the movements of the insect led her to suspect
that it might be an active agent in the fertilization of the plant.
Early in August, of the present year, Mr. Harold Goldsack, of Coromandel
Valley, informed me that he had seen a small native bee crawling on the labellum
of Caladenia deformis, an orchid well represcnted in this locality. As the bee
had several pollinia adhering to ils back, he collected it, as well as the plant, and
took them home for further observation. The following morning, on opening
the box in which it was confined, he found the insect wedged tightly in the tubular
space formed between the column and labellum of the orchid. When disturbed
it hurriedly backed out on to the free extremity of the lip. During this move-
ment the pollinia were rubbed hard against the stigma, but no further masses
were removed from the anther. Later it returned to “its repast,’ and it was
possible to follow its subsequent movements more carefully. It was able, without
any exertion, to penetrate the space referred to, until a point was reached when
the mesothorax was on a level with the stigma. Then, in its effort to reach the
calli at the base oi the labellum, it pushed the latter away from the column, at
the same time exerting strong pressure with its back against this structure and
incidentally pressing the polien on to the stigma. This moyement enabled it to
lever the labellum further outwards, and so penetrate a little lower into the tube.
The calli were then apparently seized with its fore-legs and the tongue of the
insect was protruded, but further observations were, unfortunately, prevented
owing to the structure of the flower.
The bee was dead when the specimens reached me by post, the wings were
raised and more or less parallel to cach other. On the dorsum of the thorax, lying
nearly transversely across the insertions of the wings, were two pollinia, and
probably a portion of a third. Examination of the anther of the flower showed
that the cells were intact and still contained their normal complement of pollen-
masses, two in cach cell. The stigma was thoroughly dusted with pollen, and an
almost entire pollinium was adherent to it. The condition of the anther made it
manifest that the masses attached to the insect were derived from another flower.
Towards the close of August we made an inspection of many of these plants in
the National Park, The day was dull and cloudy, and although not very cold was
unfavourable for our investigation. I discovered a specimen of the bee in ques-
tion crawling up the ovary of a flower. The flower was collected and the sub-
sequent movements of the insect watched. As in the case of Mr, Goldsack’s bee,
it carried two pollen lamellae attached exactly in the same manner to the dorsum
of its thorax. It crawled on to the recurved tip of the labellum and then on to
the dense, shaggy calli, where it found a firm footing. It purposively pursued its
way into the tube formed by the column and labellum, with its back to the former.
It was able to enter this space without coming into contact with the anther or
@ “Vict. Nat.” xlvi., 1930, p. 204.
145
pollinia, and penetrated the space deeply until only the tip of its abdomen was
visible at the orifice. It then exerted hard and persistent pressure with its feet
against the labellum, as though endeavouring to push the latter away from it.
The results of this pressure were plainly visible to us in the movements of the
labellum causing a widening of the “space” and pressure of the thorax of the
insect against the stigma. It was not possible to observe exactly what took place
at the base of the column. After a short interval the insect emerged by backing
out, and was captured. It still had a couple of pollen lamellae attached to its
thorax, but apparently not the same ones, as two masses had been removed from
the anther of the flower and pollinia had been successfully deposited on the
stigma.
A little later in the day my wife discovered another bee with pollinia adherent
as in previous cases. Unfortunately, a capture was not effected in this instance.
On September 2 my wife and I again visited the Park. The day was again
unsuitable for our quest, rather cold and rain threatening, Only a single Halictus
was seen, towards the close of the afternoon. Lamellae were adherent in the
usual manner. As the light was beginning to fade, the insect was captured
and placed in a container w:ith the flower on which it was found. The following
morning it was found within the flower. It liberated itself as previous bees had
done, but emerged without pollinia on its body. Again the flower was pollinated,
but the contents of the anther were intact. Possibly the flower was no longer fresh
and, in consequence, removal of the masses had not been accomplished.
Another flower, stripped of its perianth, was introduced into the bottle, but
a successful entry was not made.
Caladenia deformis is a very common orchid and is distributed throughout
the entire breadth of Southern Australia. It also extends north along the east
coast as far as latitude 33°,
It this State it is the first Caladenia to appear during the season. A few
isolated specimens may be seen during the last few days of July, but it becomes
fairly prolific during the early part of August.
The flowers are solitary, deep blue in colour, but occasionally an albino may
be seen. The segments of the perianth are spreading, with the exception of the
dorsal sepal which is usually more or less hoodlike behind the column. The
labellum is not attached by the usual mobile claw, but is rather rigidly erect against
the column, the sides of which it clasps, thus forming a tube; the apical part is
triangular with fimbriated or dentate margins, and recurved so that its tip is in
contact with the anterior surface of the vertical portion, thus facilitating access of
the pollinating agent to the tube. Except for a small nude glandular area at the
extreme tip, the recurved portion is covered with dense, shaggy calli arranged in
six rows; behind these and within the mouth of the tube the calli are smaller, less
crowded and reduced to four rows, while towards the base of the lamina there is
an area of densely packed, large, colourless, glandular-looking calli covered with
stellate hairs. When the labellum is in its normal position these large calli are in
close contact with the anterior surface of the lower half of the column, thus
preventing further ingress of an insect, unless force is exerted by the latter to
displace the labellum outwards. These basal calli are apparently the tissues sought
by the bee, and it is during its efforts to reach them that its thorax is pressed
against the stigma and pollination is thus effected.
The column is about 1-3 cm. long, erect in its lower part and rather abruptly
incutved near the apex. It is winged throughout, the wings being much wider
on either side of the stigma, thus limiting lateral movement of the agent and
ensuring direct contact with the stigmatic surface. It is blue or purplish in tint
with darker dots or transverse markings, especially on the wings.
146
The anther is attached almost horizontally to the summit, its mucrone being
rather long and acute. It is bilocular, each cell being subdivided by a vertical
dissepiment and containing a pair of free pollinia. Each pollinium consists of a
flat, rather bluntly falcate lamella composed of dry, mealy pollen. {t is wider at
the base than at the apex, and has a convex anterior margin. As the anther
matures, its valves slightly retract by curling backwards, thus exposing the convex
margins of the pollinia a little above the rudimentary rostellum, the surface of
which is very viscid. The pollinia are devoid of caudicles and viscid disc.
Immediately below the anther is the funnel-shaped stigma, which like the
rostellum is extremely viscid. The pollinia are easily withdrawn when any of this
sticky material is brought in contact with their exposed edges.
No nectar is secreted by the flower. The base of the labellum and its adjacent
parts are quite dry, and no injury to any of these parts can be detected after the
act of pollination. The actual source of attraction to the insect is not apparent.
It is noticeable, however, that a positive glucose reaction is yielded by the column
and to a lesser extent by the labellum.
The bee was subsequently identified as Halictus subinclinans, Ckll., by Mr.
Tarlton Rayment, the well-known expert in this group. It is smaller than a
house-fly and is admirably adapted, both in shape and size, to perform the service
which it renders to this particular Caladenia.
In his letter to our Museum staff, Mr. Rayment briefly outlines its life-history,
which is of extreme interest and forms one of the romances of science.
Inter alia he states that the first females emerge early in August, but he has
never been able to secure any males. He has reason to suppose that the males
only appear in the late autumn.
Their homes are in well-drained sandy banks, the shafts have a diameter of
two or three millimetres and go down almost vertically.
PELECYPODA FROM THE ABATTOIRS BORE, INCLUDING TWELVE
NEW SPECIES
BY NELLY HOOPER WoobDs, M.A.
Summary
The shells of which those cited in this paper farm a part were collected by Sir Joseph Verco after
the sinking of the Abattoirs Bore in 1919. Unfortunately, the material had been heaped beside the
bore before any opportunity could be gained of ascertaining the depth from which the various
fossils were obtained. It is impossible, therefore, to assign new species to any definite horizon; one
can only remark that the fossils were taken from a depth between 400 and 500 feet, and are
probably of Janjukian to Werrikooian age.
147
PELECYPODA FROM THE ABATTOIRS BORE,
INCLUDING TWELVE NEW SPECIES.
By Netty Hooper Woops, M.A.
[Read October 8, 1931.]
Puates VII. ann VIII.
INTRODUCTION.
The shells of which those cited in this paper form a part were collected by
Sir Joseph Verco after the sinking of the Abattoirs Bore in 1919, Unfortunately,
the material had been heaped beside the bore before any opportunity could be
gained of ascertaining the depth from which the various fossils were obtained.
It is impossible, therefore, to assign new species to any definite horizon; one can
only remark that the fossils were taken from a depth between 400 and 500 feet,
and are probably of Janjukian to Werrikooian age.
It has been interesting to compare many of the fossil species with the recent
shells, and to observe in some cases gradations between the fossil and the recent.
This is so in the case of Nuculana crebrecostata T. Woods and Nuculana vercoms
Verco; specimens intermediate between the two were found. In the case of
Limopsis beaumariensis Chapman, the juvenile shells bear a marked resemblance
to Limopsis eucosmus Verco.
Many thanks are due to Mr. F. Chapman for his assistance with difficult and
new species.
Nucula venusta, n. sp.
(PI. vii. figs. 1 and 2.)
Solid, ventricose, inequilateral, ovate; umbo very prominent, inclined
markedly to posterior ; posterior margin short, curved evenly from dorsal to ventral
border; anterior margin longer than posterior, curving evenly though slightly
more sharply from dorsal to ventral border.
Interior of shell smooth, nacreous, ventral margin flattened, without denti-
culations; surface smooth, shining, with fine concentric growth-lines of varying
strength.
Cardinal line with 17 teeth anteriorly, slightly uncinate, and 6 posteriorly;
teeth strong, high.
Length, 5-6 mm.; height, 4°8 mm.
Observations —Unfortunately there are only two right valves of this beautiful
little shell, which, though resembling it in some respects, differs markedly from
N, obliqua Lamarck. The shell is much more tumid, especially in the umbonal
region ; it is more produced anteriorly, and has fewer teeth. The junction between
the anterior and posterior row is worn in both specimens, making it impossible
to tell the nature of the resilifer.
Rochefortia macer, n. sp.
(PI. vii. fig. 3.)
Thin, white, medium, somewhat flattened, inequilateral, posterior side longer
than anterior and more sharply produced; anterior margin roundly curving to
ventral border; interior of shell smooth, ventral border without denticulations;
surface smooth, shining, with fine concentric striae of varying prominence, Hinge
148
with one strong cardinal tooth inclined posteriorly and one small, more depressed
tooth inclined anteriorly.
Length, 11:1 mm.; height, 9-3 mm.
Rochefortia tellinoides, n. sp.
(PI, vii, fig. 4.)
Small, thin, moderately convex, inequilateral; posterior margin slightly more
sharply curving than anterior; umbones small, situated anteriorly. Hinge line
without dentition, consisting of two small plates on either side of the umbo, leav-
ing a space beneath the umbo.
Shell longer than high; interior smooth; adductor impressions and pallial
line distinct ; surface ornamented with fine concentric striae.
Length, 5°7 mm.; height, 3-6 mm.
Dosinia grandis, n. sp.
(Pl. vii, figs. 5 and 6.)
Large, thick, solid, several thick layers being revealed when the shell is
broken; area inside pallial line thicker than that outside (this may possibly be
due to weathering of specimens) ; outline of shell indefinite, as the shells have
been broken in taking them from the bore; hinge plate very heavy, bearing in the
right valve two strong, high cardinal teeth and a deep depression for the insertion
of a large tooth of the left valve, and from the umbd to the posterior edge a sub-
triangular depressed area followed by a triangular area for the ligament and a
deep and narrow sulcus; lunule deeply situated; adductor impressions deep and
clear. Sculpture consists of numerous thin, fine concentric striae.
Measurements cannot be accurately determined owing to fragmentary nature
of specimens, but approximate to :—
Length, 70 mm.; height, 70 mm.
Gafrarium perornatum, n. sp.
(Pl. vii. figs. 7 and 8.)
Medium to small, solid, ovate, longer than high, posterior side produced
somewhat; umbones high, acute, situated in front of the middle axis of the shell;
both posterior and anterior borders roundly curving to the ventral margin.
Interior smooth, pallial sinus distinct. Surface of shell ornamented with
numerous regular radial striae which, on certain umbo-ventral lines, are crossed
by short oblique striae making V-shaped patterns, pointing both ventrally and
dorsally. Also occasional and varying concentric striae of growth.
Type: Length, 9°6 mm.; height, 7°5 mm.
Larger specimen: Length, 13-5 mm.; height, 10°8 mm.
Antigona pernitida, n. sp.
(Pl, vit, figs. 1 and 2.)
Small to medium, sub-ovate, lengthened anterior-posteriorly; umbones
prominent and acute, situated to the anterior side of the central axis; anterior
margin roundly curving to the ventral border; posterior margin longer than
anterior, curving sharply to ventral edge.
Shell moderately inflated, interior finely crenulate; surface closely ornamented
with regular growth lines, the interspaces of which are crossed by fine radial
costae.
The type is a small, neat shell which seems to differ from A. dennantt Chap.
and Crespin in the greater number and prominence of its concentric growth lines,
and the greater length of the valve in relation to its height.
149
A fragment of a larger shell of the same species also came up from the bore,
dimensions being about twice those of the type.
Length, 12°3 mm. ; height, 9-4 mm.
Pseudoarcopagia detrita, n. sp.
(PL. vii., fig. 9.)
Small, solid, trigonal, moderately convex, particularly in the umbonal area:
anterior side slightly longer and more rounded than posterior.
Interior of shell smooth, ventral border without crenulations; pallial line
indistinct owing to the weathering of specimens. In right valve two cardinal
teeth, and one lamellar tooth on anterior side—deep socket on posterior; in left
valve two cardinal teeth fitting into corresponding sockets of right valve; one large
posterior lateral tooth and two anterior laterals fitting into sockets of right valve.
Exterior of shell sculptured with numerous fine radial striae bifurcating
towards the ventral border.
Length, 4°8 mm.; height, 4:2 mm.
Diplodonta solitaria, n. sp.
(PI. viii, fig. 3.)
Holotype—one rather worn specimen only of left valve.
Orbicular, subequilateral, moderately convex; ligament groove long, narrow ;
umbo subcentral, slightly incurved ; lunule lanceolate, slightly sunken. Valve with
three cardinal teeth, one bifid; pallial line punctate marked; ventral margin
rounded, smooth. Sculpture—fine concentric lines of growth with occasional
broader lines.
Length, 22°8 mm. ; height, 21:7 mm.
Codakia salebrosa, n. sp.
(PI, viii, figs. 4 and 5.)
Very thick, rude, interior inside pallial line covered frequently with thick
concretions ; inequilateral, equivalve, sharply curving on anterior margin, semi-
circular on posterior side. Ligament pit internal, long, deepening from umbo to
top of posterior border ; umbones acuminate, teeth embryonic or obsolete. Ventral
margin without crenulations. Shell surface very rough with numerous concentric
growth lines of varying prominence, crowded near the border.
Length, 27-5 mm.; height, 26°7 mm.
Cryptodon sinuatum, n. sp.
(Pl. viii, Fig. 6.)
Medium to small, thin, triangular-ovate: inequilateral, very swollen, par-
ticularly in the dorsal region; umbones prominent, high, placed a little in front
of the central axis. Anterior border curved, lower half coming almost at right
angles to the ventral margin, posterior part of shell with deep told. Interior of
valve smooth; ventral margin sharp, without crenulations; surface of shell with
fine concentric striae of growth in varying prominence.
Holotype: One left valve only. Length, 8-1 mm.; height, 8:2 mm.
Solecurtus subrectangularis, n. sp.
(Pl. viii, Fig. 7.)
Small, thin, inequilateral, posterior side longer and broader than anterior,
oblong, very slightly gaping at both ends; posterior side about 2 of the whole
length; posterior dorsal line straight, nearly parallel with ventral margin; anterior
dorsal margin inclined to horizontal; anterior margin more rounded than
156
posterior margin, which is nearly vertical, Umbo small. One strong cardinal
tooth beneath the umbo; two lateral sockets in front and behind. Pallial line and
adductor impressions indistinct.
Surface of shell rudely sculptured with concentric striae of growth crossed
by fine bifurcating radial striae ; umbonal area showing buff colour, ventral margin
white.
Holotype: Left valve. Length, 7°7 mm.; height, 4°6 mm.
Corbula equivalvis, n. sp.
(Pl. viii., figs. 8 and 9.)
Solid, equivalve, inequilateral, ventricose, ovately-triangular, rounded
anteriorly, beaked posteriorly, posterior side longer than anterior. Umbones
prominent, incurved, especially in right valve; right valve with sharp teeth
situated in anterior; left valve with large flattened tooth in posterior side of shell.
Surface of shell sculptured with many fine concentric striae, varying in thickness
and often discontinuous, particularly in centre of shell, where in one senile
‘specimen a slight furrow is produced; posterior side carinated from umbo to
ventral margin; sculpture behind the carina same as rest of shell.
and adductor impressions distinct.
Pallial sinus
Type: Length, 14:2 mm.; height, 8-4 mm,
Larger specimen: Length, 16-8 mm.; height, 9-3 mm.
LIST OF PELECYPODS OBTAINED FROM THE BORE.
Order PRIONODESMACEA.
Family NUCULIDAE.
Nucula obliqua Lamarck.
Nucula morundiana Tate.
Nucula venusta Hooper Woeds.
Family NUCULANIDAE,
Nuculana woodsii Tenison Woods,
Nuculana crebrecostata T. Woeds.
Nuculana verconis Verco.
Family PARALLELODONTIDAE.
Cucullaea corioensis McCoy.
Family LIMOPSIDAE.
Limopsis beaumaricnsis Chapman.
Limopsis maccoyi Chapman.
Limopsis affinitalis Chapman.
Family ARCIDAE.
Lissarca rubricata Tate.
Arca navicularis Tate.
Arca (Barbatia) pistachia Lamarck.
Glycimeris convexa Tate.
Glycimeris tenuicostata Reeve.
Family PTERIIDAE.
Pinctada crassicardia Tate.
Family OSTREIDAE.
Ostrea hyotidoidea Tate.
Family TRIGONIIDAE.
Neotrigonia acuticostata McCoy.
Family PECTINIDAE.
Pecten consobrinus Tate.
Chlamys peroni Tate.
Chlamys antiaustralis Tate.
Amusium hochstetteri Zittel.
Hinnites corioensis McCoy.
Family SPONDYLIDAE.
Spondylus arenicola Tate.
Family LIMIDAE.
Austrolima bassi T. Woods (Lima bassi)
Family ANOMIIDAE.
Monia ione Grey.
Family MYTILIDAE.
Trichomya hirsuta Lamarck (Brachyodon-
tes hirsutus).
Family THRACIIDAE.
Thraciopsis clongata May.
Family MYOCHAMIDAE.
Myodora ovata Reeve.
Myodora tenuilirata Tate.
Myodora corrugata Tate.
Family CLAVELLIDAE.
Humphreyia strangei Adams and Angas.
Family CUSPIDARIIDAE.
Cuspidaria subrostrata Tate.
Order TELEODESMACEA.
Family CRASSITELLITIDAE.
Crassitellites oblonga T. Woods,
Cuna polita Tate.
Family CARDITIDAE.
Cardita compta Tate.
Cardita preissi Minke.
Venericardia spinulosa Tate,
Venericardia pecten Tate.
Venericardia subcompacta Chapman and
Crespin.
Family CHAMIDAE.
Chama lamellifera T. Woods.
Family LUCINIDAE.
Lucina leucomorpha Tate.
Lucina affinis Tate.
Lucina projecta Tate.
Lucina nuciformis Tate.
Lucina fabuloides Tate.
Loripes icterica Reeve.
Codakia salebrosa H. Woods.
Divaricella quadrisulcata D’Orbigny.
Family DIPLODONTIDATE.
Diplodonta solitaria H. Woods.
Family CRY PTODONTIDAE.
Cryptodon sinuatum H. Woods,
Family LEPTONIDAE.
Lepton trigonale Tate.
Lepton crassum Tate.
Erycina micans Tate,
Montacuta sericia Tate.
Rochefortia anomala Angas.
Rochefortia donaciformis Angas.
Rochefortia ovalis Tate.
Rochefortia macer H. Woods.
Rochefortia tellinoides H. Woeds.
EXPLANATION
Prate VII.
Fig. 1. Nucula venusta, n. sp. X8.
Fig. 2. N. venusta, n. sp. X8.
Fig. 3. Rochefortia macer, n. sp. X4.
Fig. 4. R. tellinoides, n. sp. X8.
Fig. 5
# natural size.
Fig. 6. D. grandis (right valve), n. sp.
Nearly natural size,
Fig. 7. Gafrarium perornatum, n. sp. X5.
Fig. 8. G. perornatum, n. sp. X5.
Fig. 9. Pseudoarcopagia detrita, n. sp. X9.
- Dosinia grandis (left valve), n. sp.
Family GALEOMMIDAE
Sportella jubata Hedley.
Family CARDIIDAE.,
Cardium cygnorum Deshayes.
Cardium hemimeris Tate.
Family VENERIDAE.
Dosinia johnstoni Tate.
Dosinia grandis H. Woods.
Gafrarium perornatum H. Woods.
Macrocallista submultistriata Tate.
Antigona propinqua Tate.
Antigona striatissima Tate.
Antigona dimorphylla Tate.
. Antigona pernitida H. Woods.
Clausinella subroborata Tate.
Bassina allporti T, Woods.
Callanaitis cainozoica T. Woods.
Paphia fabagelloides Tate.
Family TELLINIDAE.
Psammobia hamiltonensis Tate.
Psammobia equalis Tate.
Tellina masoni Tate.
Pseudoarcopagia detrita H. Woods.
Family SEMELIDAE.
Semele vesiculosa Tate.
Family SOLENIDAE.
Solecurtus dennanti Tate.
Solecurtus subrectangularis H, Woods.
Family MACTRIDAE.
Mactra howchiniana Tate.
Zenatiopsis angustata Tate.
Family CORBULIDAE.
Corbula ephamilla Tate.
Corbula equivalvis H. Woods.
Family SAXICAVIDAE,
Saxicava australis Lamarck.
Saxicava subalata Gatliff and Gabriel.
OF PLATES.
PiLate VIII.
Fig. 1. Antigona pernitida, n. sp. X4.
Fig. 2. A. pernitida, n. sp. X4,
Fig. 3. Diplodonta solitaria, mn. sp. X2.
Fig. 4. Codakia salebrosa, n. sp. X°/z.
Fig. 5. C. salebrosa, n. sp. X°/s,
Fig. 6. Cryptodon sinuatum, n. sp. X5.
Fig. 7
X7,
Fig 8. Corbula equivalvis, n. sp. X3.
Fig. 9. C. equivalvis, n. sp. X3.
. Solecurtus subrectangularis, n. sp.
AUSTRALIAN FUNGI: NOTES AND DESCRIPTION - NO.8
BY J. BURTON CLELAND, M.D.
Summary
The last paper of this series, No. 7, appeared in these Transactions and Proceedings, vol. li1., 1928,
pp. 217-222. In the present paper, a number of new species of Agarics and Clavarias are described.
Colour tints when specifically noted in capital letters are based, unless otherwise stated, on
Ridgway's "Colour Standards and Colour Nomenclature," 1912 edition, references to the plates
therein being given.
152
AUSTRALIAN FUNGI: NOTES AND DESCRIPTIONS.—No. 8.
By J. Burton CLeLranp, M.D.
[Read October 8, 1931,]
The last paper of this series, No. 7, appeared in these Transactions and Pro-
ceedings, vol. lii., 1928, pp. 217-222. In the present paper, a number of new
species of Agarics and Clavarias are described. Colour tints when specifically
noted in capital letters are based, unless otherwise stated, on Ridgway’s “Colour
Standards and Colour Nomenclature,” 1912 edition, references to the plates
therein being given.
Lam much indebted to Miss E. M. Wakefield, of the Royal Botanic Gardens,
Kew, England, for kindly examining a number of specimens and water-colour
drawings of Australian Clavarias forwarded to the Director, and for comparing
these critically with the world-wide collections there and for expressitig opinions
on these species. Extracts from her report are appended to the descriptions of the
species concerned.
499, Amanita subalbida, n. sp—Pileus 1% in. (4°4 cm.) in diameter, irre-
gularly convex, then nearly plane with the centre somewhat depressed, mealy with
the remains of the universal veil, pallid brownish to nearly white. Gills just
adnexed, close, rather narrow, white. Stem 1 in. (2°5 cm.) high, elongating
from the bulbous base to 13 ins. (4:4 em.), rather short, $ in, (10 mm.) thick,
submealy, nearly equal when expanded, solid, white. Ring superior, when young
well marked, membranous, marked above with gill-lines, tending to disappear.
Volva disappearing, as a slight friable rim-like edge to the bulb. Spores white,
obliquely elliptical, 9-5 > 5:5 ». Half-buried in sandy soil. S.A.—Kinchina,
June 8, 1925.
500. Amanita conico-bulbosa, n. sp—When young 2 ins. (5 cm.) in diameter,
plano-convex with a deep rounded border and edge turned in, slightly viscid
when moist, finely villose, greyish white; base of the stem very bulbous (13 in.,
3-7 cm. thick), the root conical and 24 ins. (5-6 cm.) deep. When adult, pileus
2 to 4 ins. (5 to 10cm.) in diameter, slightly convex to a little upturned or convex
with the centre depressed, slightly viscid when moist, in places smooth and shin-
ing, in others subvillose, with scattered warty patches often villose at the base,
or the whole surface dull with no flakes, cuticle peels, white with a slight biscuity
tint or chalky white, occasionally with a greyish-brown tint. Gills just reaching the
stem, attenuated towards it, close, } to 4 in. (6 to 12-5 mm.) deep, ventricose,
short ones at the periphery, creamy white, when old with a buffy tint in some
lights, when dry brownish. Stem up to 3 to 5 ins. (7°5 to 12°5 cm.) high, ¢ in.
(21 cm.) thick, slightly attenuated upwards, gill-marked above, fibrillose-scaly
to matt below, solid, white or whitish, bulb 14 to 14 in. (3-1 to 3:7 cm.) thick,
root up to 3 ins. (7-5 cm.) long, conical downwards. Ring superior to median,
ample, dependant marked with gill-lines above, evanescent. No obvious volva,
or volva as a mealy-evanescent rim when young. Flesh white, moderately thick
(4 in., 6 mm., or more), attenuated outwards. Smell sometimes slightly fragrant,
when cut somewhat phosphorus-like. Spores elliptical, hyaline, 9 to 11-5 %& 5-5
to 7p». Partly buried in sand or in the ground. S.A—Kinchina, Beaumont, June,
July, August, October.
This species is characterized by being greyish-white when young, later white
with a slight biscuity or greyish-brown tint, and by having, usually, scattered villose
warty patches, no strong smell and a very long conical root.
153
501. Amanitopsis sublutea, n. sp—Pileus 14 to 13 in. (3:7 to 4:3 cm.)
broad, convex, becoming depressed a little in the centre, sticky when moist, pale
buff [a little deeper than Warm Buff (xv.) ]. Gills just reaching the stem,
moderately close, becoming slightly ventricose, white. Stem up to 12 in. (4°3 cm.)
high, in. (10 mm.) thick, equal, mealy above, smooth below, white or a little
buff-tinted below, bulb up to # in. (19 mm.) thick, spherical, the colour of the
pileus, edge just free. Flesh of pileus rather thin, white, attenuated out-
wards. Spores oblique, 13 to 13°5 & 7 uw. In sand. S.A—Encounter Bay,
August, 1929,
502. Lepiota fuliginosa, n. sp—Pileus up to in. (2°2 cm.) in diameter,
slightly convex, then plane or a little upturned, in the centre sooty-brown from
minute fibrous scales, almost villose, the scales scantier and paler round the
periphery, leaving a pallid, slightly sooty zone 4 in. (3 mm.) or more in diameter.
Gills barely free, narrow, close, creamy white. Stem 4 to 4 in. (3 to 19 mm.)
high, short, equal, smooth, solid, pallid whitish. Ring distant, as a narrow
membranaceous ring, evanescent. Spores oblique with an apiculus, 5°5 X 4°5 p.
On the ground. S.A.—Kinchina, June 8, 1925. ;
503. Lepiota nigro-cinerea, n. sp.—Pileus 4 in, (1'2 cm.) in diameter, convex,
subumbonate, dark grey from floccose scales, Gills barely reaching the stem,
moderately close, cream-coloured. Stem § in. (16 mm.) high, slender, a little
fibrillose below, whitish. Ring (?) evanescent. Spores very oblique, sometimes
nearly triangular, not thick-walled, 5°5 x 3°5 mw. On the ground. S.A—
Encounter Bay, May 24, 1928.
504. Lepiota cinnamonea, n. sp.—Pileus 4 to 1 in. (1:2 to 2°5 cm.) in
diameter, at first almost campanulato-convex, then expanding to convex, often
more or less broadly umbonate, slightly floccose to flecked with minute scales,
Light Pinkish Cinnamon (xxix.) to Cinnamon or near Tawny (xv.), sometimes
when dry near Apricot Buff (xiv.), Gills just free or barely reaching the stem,
rather close to moderately distant, rather narrow, ventricose, cream. Stem 1 in.
(2:5 cm.) high, rarely 14 in. (3°7 cm.), rather slender (5 mm. thick), slightly
attenuated upwards, fibrillose to fibrillose-scaly up to the veil attachment which
is superior, stuffed or slightly hollow, paler than the pileus to near Tawny,
sometimes Cinnamon Rufous (xiv.). No definite ring. Flesh thin, whitish, in
the stem with a cinnamon tint and white in the centre. Spores elliptical, slightly
oblique, not thick-walled, 5-5 to 7-5 & 3:7 to 4. S,A.—On the ground in a glade
in stringy-bark forest, National Park; in Pinus radiata Don. (P. insignis Douglas)
forest, Mount Burr (S.E.), May, 1931,
505. Lepiota subcristata, n. sp—Pileus 1 to 14 in. (2°5 to 3:7 cm.), at first
conico-convex, then convex to nearly plane, with an obtuse umbo, densely covered
with small brown fibrillose scales, darker and closer at the disc. Gills free,
moderately close, white. Stem to 14 in, (4°4 cm.) high, rather slender, stuffed
tending to be hollow, shaggy with fibrils up to the veil attachment, smooth above.
No definite ring. Spores elliptical, not thick-walled, 5-5 to 3-7 ». S.A—In Pinus
radiata Don. (P. insignis Douglas) forest, Mount Burr, May, 1931.
Resembles L. cristata (A. and S.) Fr., but differs in the shaggy fibrillose
stem without a definite ring. L. cristata grew in the same locality.
506. Lepiota discolorata, n. sp—Pileus 14 to 2 ins. (3 to 5 em.) in diameter,
nearly plane, a little upturned, subumbonate, covered with dense very dark
reddish-brown scales, fewer near the periphery, sometimes slightly striate at the
periphery. Gills just free, close, white or cream-coloured. Stem 14 to 2} ins.
(3:1 to 6°2 cm.) high, slender, hollow, white above, pale brownish below or pallid
with minute brownish flecks. Ring distant, membranaceous, evanescent. Flesh
white stained reddish. Smell strong, radishy. The whole plant when dry Fuscous
to Fuscous Black (xlvi). Spores elliptical, oblique, not thick-walled, 5 to 6°5 X
F
154
3°5 p, sometimes 7°35 to9 X 4°54. Onthe ground, S.A.—Mount Lofty; National
Park; in Pinus radiata Don. (P. insignis Douglas) forest, Kalangadoo (S.E.).
April to June.
A moderately small species, recognised by the dark reddish-brown scales in the
pileus and the discolouration of the whole plant on drying.
507. Lepiota haemorrhagica, n. sp—Pileus 4 to 14 in. (1°8 toa 3-1 cm.) in
diameter, convex, sometimes irregular, covered with reddish-brown fibrillose
scales thicker and darker at the disc. Gills free, close, creamy-coloured turning
reddish like a fresh bloodstain when bruised. Stem 2 ins, (5 cm.) high, rela-
tively rather stout, attenuated upwards, slightly hollow, clothed with reddish-
brown fibrils even above the distant definite membranous pale to reddish ring.
Spores elliptical, slightly oblique, not thick-walled, microscopically slightly tinted,
6 X 3:5 pw. On the ground in Eucalyptus forest. S.A—Mount Burr (S.E.),
May, 1931.
508. Lepiota umbonata, n. sp—Pileus 4 in. (1:2 cm.) in diameter, slightly
convex with a broad obtuse umbo, pallid whitish with a buffy tint. Gills just free,
moderately close, pallid flesh-coloured. Stem 14 in, (3:1 cm.) high, slender,
flesh-coloured. Ring distant. Whole plant when drying brownish. Spores not
thick-walled, 5-5 & 3:5 ». S.A.—In Pinus radiata Don. (P. insignis Douglas)!
forest, Kalangadoo, May.
A small species with a whitish umbonate pileus and slender moderately
long stem. ,
509. Lepiota albo-fibrillosa, n. sp—Pure white. Pileus ¢ in. (3-5 mm.) in
diameter, convex, subumbonate, mealy, dotted with white fibrils continuous with
the veil and clothing the stem below the attachment of the veil, no definite ringy
Gills free, many short, edges rather thick, white. Stem % in. (10 mm.) high,
slender, base a little swollen. Spores elliptical, 6:2 to 7-5 & 3-75 ». On the
ground, under a rock. 5.A—Mount Lofty, May.
A minute white delicate short-stemmed species with white fibrils on the
pileus and clothing the stem without a well-defined ring.
510. Lepiota bulbosa, n. sp—Pileus 1 in. (2:5 cm.), convex, pale earthy
brown with scattered villose scales. Gills barely reaching the stem, close, slightly
ventricose, creamy white. Stem 3 in. (18 mm.) with the bulb, slender, under
Zin. (6 mm.) thick, bulb 4 in. (12°5 mm.) thick, white and striate from the gills
above the median fixed definite membranous ring, slightly fibrillose and whitish
with a brownish tint below, slightly hollow. Spores elliptical, oblique, not thick-
walled, 9°3 to 10°5 & 5:5 to 7 w. On the ground. S.A—Inman Valley, Sep-
tember 5, 1925.
S11, Clitocybe straminea, n. sp—Pileus 1 to 14 ins, (2°5 to 3-7 cm.) in
diameter, irregularly convex, centre usually depressed, thin, nearly semi-trans-
lucent, pilose in the centre, fibrillose peripherally, slightly striate, edge radiately
splitting, centre blackish-brown, the remainder smoky yellowish-brown, the
smokiness due to fine fibrils. Gills slightly but definitely decurrent, moderately
close, straw-coloured to pale egg-ycllowish. Stem 14 to 2 ins. (3-7 to 5 em.)
high, equal, slender, somewhat flexuous, twisted, slightly striate, mealy fibrillose
above, less so below, hollow, the colour of the gills. Spores subspherical, 4 to 5 p.
Densely caespitose at the base of stumps. S.A.—Mount Lofty, March, April.
The specific name has reference to the straw colour of the gills and stem.
912. Clitocybe eucalyptorum, n. sp—Pileus 6 ins. (15 cm.) or more in
diameter, irregularly convex with the edge turned in when young, then expanding,
the centre finally more or less depressed, repand, innately fibrillose to sub-
tomentose with occasionally small circular patches of thickened cuticle, the edge
slightly sulcate, Drab (xlvi.) when young to browner than Tawny Olive (xxix.).
Gills moderately decurrent, moderately close, up to $ in. (10 mm.) deep, attenuated
at the periphery, cream-coloured, assuming a slight fleshy tint, becoming yellowish
155
round the edge when old. Stem 4 ins. (10 cm.) long, stout, up to Lin. (2:5 cm.)
thick, swollen below when young, marked above with lines of the gills, sub-
fibrillose below, pallid with tints as on the pileus, with white mycelium mixed
with earth at the base. Shed spores subspherical, pear-shaped, slightly irregular,
hyaline, 5°5 to 6°5 X 4:5 ». On the ground amongst leaves, etc., under Euca-
lypius. S,A—National Park, July.
513. Clitocybe campestris, n. sp—Pileus up to 1 in. (2-5 cm.) in diameter,
slightly convex, irregular with a depressed centre, slightly shiny, the edge turned
in when young, pallid stone colour and slightly mottled, faintly obscured by a
minute white pile (near Avellaneous, xl.; Light Buff, xv.). Gills adnate, close,
rather thick, rarely forking or with buttresses, pallid brownish white (Avellane-
ous, xl.; near Vinaceous Buff, xl.). Stem up to $ in. (1°8 cm.) high, stout, some-
times flattened, slightly fibrous, tough, hollow, mealy, pallid, or the colour of the
pileus. Flesh white. Smell strong. Spores 4:5 to 4°8 X 2°2 to 3-2 yw, . In grassy
places, Beaumont Common, May, June; Eagle-on-the-Hill, June (Miss Fiveash,
Watercolour No. 25); Noarlunga Hill (spores 5°5 X 3°7 ).
A small species somewhat resembling small specimens of Hebeloma hiemale
Bres., characterised by its pallid buff pileus with darker tints of avellaneous and
wood brown appearing as if under the surface, the avellaneous gills, short stem
and occurrence in grassy places.
514. Clitocybe pascua, n. sp—Pileus 1 to 1) in, (2°5 to 3:7 cm.), rarely
2 ins. (5 cm.) in diameter, irregularly convex, soon becoming depressed in the
centre and sometimes infundibuliform, edge often irregular and wavy or slightly
lobed, sometimes lacerated, smooth, when moist between Sudan Brown and
Brussels Brown (iii.) and semi-translucent, when dry opaque whitish or buffy.
whitish. Gills slightly decurrent, rather close, moderately narrow, many
short, greyer than Pinkish Buff (xxix.). Stem short, $ to 1 in. (1:2 to 2°5 cm.)
high, slender, equal or sometimes attenuated downwards, fibrillose, hollow,
brownish when moist, pallid when dry. Flesh watery brownish when moist,
whitish when dry. Smell a little strong. Spores obliquely elliptical, 7 & 3°7 p.
Gregarious on grassy hills. S.A—Near Noarlunga, June 25, 1927.
515. Clitocybe australiana, n. sp—Pileus up to 14 to 4 ins. (3°1 to 10 cm.)
in diameter, irregular, somewhat convex, centre depressed, edge rather irregular
and broken up, dull, smooth, pale biscuit colour (near Pinkish Buff, xxix.),
paler than Mikado Brown (xxix.) and near Vinaceous Cinnamon (xxix.), soapy-
looking when moist, near Sayal Brown (xxix.) when dry, Gills adnato-decurrent
to decurrent, narrow, moderately close, near Pinkish Buff. Stem up to 14 ins.
(3:7 cm.) high, slender to stout, up to § in. (15 mm.) thick, slightly attenuated
downwards, dull surface, solid or slightly hollow, with fluffy mycelium at the
base, white, Flesh white, thick over the stem, attenuated outwards, Spores
3-2 to 5-6 X 1°6 to 3'2 pw. Single or two or three together or subcacspitose in
sandy soil under trees. 5.4.—Kinchina, Monarto South, and Enfield. N.S.W.—
Bumberry and Manildra, July, August, September, October,
516. Collybia subdryophila, n, sp—Pileus up to 14 in. (3*1 cm.), slightly con-
vex, sometimes eventually a little upturned at the edge, irregular, matt, near
Pinkish Buff (xxix.), Gills adnate to adnexed (once apparently sinuate), close,
narrow, creamy white. Stem up to 14 in. (3'7 cm.) high, rather slender, some-
times flattened, sometimes slightly attenuated upwards, smooth or matt, hollow,
flesh confluent with but heterogeneous from that of the pileus, reddish-brown
(near Verona Brown, xxix.). Shed spores with one end more pointed, 4 to 4:2
32, S.A.—Mount Lofty, July, 1921, and April, 1924 (spores 5:6 X& 3°75»);
Mount Compass, October ; Kinchina, July (spores 3:2 X 2»); near Happy Valley,
September ; National Park; Hope Valley.
156
517, Collybia deusta, n. sp—Pileus 2 to 3 ins. (5 to 7°5 cm.) in diameter,
irregularly plane to slightly depressed with a trace of umbonation, edge somewhat
undulatory, surface matt to subtomentose, smoky brownish to scorched brown.
Gills adnato-adnexed with occasionally a decurrent tooth, close, narrow (4 in. +,
6°5 mm. deep), pallid dingy greyish to pallid dingy buff. Stem 14 to 2 ins,
(3°7 to 5 cm.), rather slender (4 to } in., 6 to 9 mm., thick), fibrillose, tough, solid,
base slightly swollen into a knob ending abruptly, dark smoky brown. Flesh of
stem cartilaginous differing in texture from the flesh of the pileus, which is white
and thin. Spores elliptical, 8°5 & 5:2». No obvious smell. S.A.—In sand under
Melaleuca halmaturorum IF. y. M., Inman River, Victor Harbour. May.
518. Collybia alutacea, n. sp.—Pileus 3 to 14 in. (1-8 to 3-7 cm.) in diameter,
more or less plane becoming upturned-repand, sometimes subumbonate, smooth,
rich salmony-buff and moist-looking, sometimes reddish-brown at the periphery,
drying opaque matt and a paler pinkish-buff. Gills adnexed, narrow, close, creamy
white. Stem # to 1 in. (1°8 to 2°5 cm.) high, rather short, somewhat slender,
sometimes flattened, equal, smooth, slightly hollow, pallid with a slight or definite
tint of the pileus. Flesh of the stem cartilaginous differing from the thin white
flesh of the pileus which is attenuated outwards. On the ground. S.A.—Back
Valley, off Inman Valley. May, 1929,
Characterised by the rich salmony-buff pileus becoming pinkish-buff, con-
trasting with the close white gills and short pallid stem slightly tinted like the
pileus.
519. Collybia abutyracea, n. sp.—Pileus up to 43 ins. (11-8 em.) in diameter,
at first convex with the edge turned in, then expanding, irregular and repand and
more or less subumbonate, at first slightly velutinate, finely somewhat shining and
subfibrillose, when young pallid or Cream Buff (xxx.) with a smoky brown tinge,
then pallid biscuit-coloured, sometimes with a smoky or scorched tinge, sometimes
with the umbo approaching Saccardo’s Umber (xxxix.). Gills slightly sinuate
to adnate, close, rather dingy creamy white, becoming more biscuit-coloured. Stem
up to 13 in. (3-7 cm.) high, rather slender to moderately stout, 4 to 4 in. (10 to
12-5 mm.) thick, coarsely fibrillose, equal, not rooting, tough and cartilaginous but
with the flesh not very clearly distinct from that of the pileus, solid, not stuffed,
breaking up into tough fibrils, dark smoky brown to pallid brownish, base whitish
when young. Spores elliptical, 7*5 to9 X 5 to 5-5 w. No special smell. Amongst
grass. S.A.—Beaumont Common, Pinnaroo, Belair, June, July, August.
520. Collybia eucalyptorum, n. sp—Pileus 3 to 14 in. (1-6 to 3-7 em.) in
diameter, broadly conico-campanulate to nearly plane, then slightly upturned,
smooth, with the surface dull from innate fibrils, edge slightly striate, Pale Pinkish
Buff becoming Cinnamon Buff (xxix), or Ochraceous Buff (xv.) and darker in
the centre, becoming pallid towards the periphery. Gills adnexed, close, narrow,
with short ones at the periphery, creamy-white or approaching Warm Buff (xv.).
Stem | to 25 ins. (2°5 to 6:2 cm.) high, relatively slender (4 in., 3-5 mm., or
morc thick), flexuous, smooth or subfibrillose, barely striate, hollow, cartilaginous,
differing from the flesh of the pileus, reddish-brown (between Tawny, xv., and
Russet, xv.; Mikado Brown, xxix.). Flesh thin, slightly brownish. Smell
moderately strong. Spores pear-shaped, hyaline, 5 to 5-5 & 3-5. Caespitose at
the bases of old trunks of Eucalyptus or stumps. S.A—Mount Lofty Summit,
June.
521. Mycena subgalericulata, n. sp—Pileus 4 to 1 in, (1-2 to 2:5 cm.) in
diameter, 4 to fin. (0°8 to 1-8 cm.) high, conico-campanulate, somewhat expand-
ing, umbonate, dry, smooth, submembranaceous, somewhat striate to the umbo,
near Olive Brown (xl.), occasionally paler (Buffy Brown, xl.), sometimes Mummy
Brown (xv.), during drying becoming paler from above from Olive Brown to
Butty Brown, when young with a pallid peripheral ring. Gills adnate, sometimes
157
with a slight decurrent tooth, sometimes connected by veins, whitish, sometimes
flesh-tinted or greyish when old. Stem 4} to 2 ins. (1°8 to 5 cm.) high, often
curved, smooth, polished, somewhat fragile to rather tough, base somewhat
strigose, whitish to pallid, sometimes brownish especially below, Shed spores
elliptical, oblique, 9 to 13 X 5°5 to 8:5 p. No cystidia seen. No smell.
Caespitose on trunks. S.A—Mount Lofty (on trunks of Eucalyptus obliqua
L’Heérit.), National Park. April, June, July, August.
This is evidently a variable species. It differs from Rea’s description of
Mycena galericulata (Scop.) Fr. in being of smaller size, with the cap apparently
darker, the gills sometimes becoming greyish when old, and in the stem often
being nearly pure white.
The characteristics of the species are the caespitose habit on trunks or stumps,
the dark fuscous brown to pale smoky brown umbonate pileus, the gills adnate
sometimes with a decurrent tooth and whitish becoming flesh-coloured or greyish,
and in the whitish or pallid stem sometimes brownish below.
522. Mycena australiana, n. sp-——Pileus 4 in. (1:2 cm.) high, # in. (1:8 cm.)
broad, broadly conico-campanulate, slightly striate, Buffy Brown to Clove
Brown (xl,) or Wood Brown (xl.), apex darker. Gills adnate, with no decurrent
tooth, moderately close, pure white becoming creamy. Stem about 3:7 cm. high,
slender, polished, a little mealy at the base but without strigose hairs, apex
whitish, Buffy Brown towards the base. Spores 8:5 to 11 X 6 to 7‘5 pw. Gre-
garious of caespitose on fallen log. S.A—National Park, Mount Lofty. May,
June, July.
523. Mycena vinacea, n. sp.—Pileus 3 to 14 in. (1°8 to 3-7 cm.) in diameter,
conico-hemispherical or broadly conical to convex, then expanded, sometimes with
an acute or obtuse umbo, matt or smooth, slightly shining, striate at the periphery
when moist, edge slightly incurved when young, Pale Vinaceous Drab to Vinaceous
Drab (xly.), Light Cinnamon Drab (xlvi.), near Sorghum Brown (xxxix.) or
yellower than Vinaceous Brown (xl.), sometimes Fuscous (xlvi.) when old,
drying to near Pinkish Buff (xxix.), paler than Avellaneous (xl.) or between
Avellaneous and Olive Buff (xl.). Gills adnate or slightly sinuate with a decurrent
tooth, moderately close, ventricose, many short, edges tending to be irayed, Pale
Vinaceous Drab, Pale Brownish Drab (xlv.), Pale Greyish Vinaceous, or
Vinaceous Fawn to Fawn Colour (xl.). Stem 1 to 23 ins. (2:5 to 6°8 cm.) high,
slender to a little stout, equal or slightly attenuated upwards or downwards,
smooth, hollow, base pallid and tending to be villose, Dark Vinaceous Drab (xlv.)
when young, Light Greyish Vinaceous (xxxix.), near pale Brownish Drab or
Wood Brown (xi.). The pallid brownish flesh of the cartilaginous stem hetero-
geneous from the white flesh of the pileus. Spores obliquely elliptical, 7-5 to
13 & 4 to 8:5 ». Caespitose or subcaespitose on fallen wood on the ground, at
the base of stumps, or amongst fallen leaves and grass or pine needles, S.A.—
Mount Lofty, National Park, Baker’s Gully near Clarendon, Kuitpo, Kinchina,
Kalangadoo (under Pinus), Caroline State Forest (near Mount Gambier—under
Pinus), N.S.W.—Cambewarra Mount. May, June, July, August.
Readily recognised by the lilacy or vinaceous tint of the whole plant and the
caespitose habit.
524. Mycena subalbida, n. sp—Pileus up to 4+ in. (6°2 mm.) in diameter,
usually less, conico-campanulate to convex, sometimes dimpled, sometimes gibbous
or umbonate, ribbed, mealy or scurfy to glabrous, white with a greyish-brown or
creamy tint. Gills adnate, attached to a collar, ascending, slightly ventricose,
rather narrow, about 12 to 14 in number with shorter ones interposed, pallid
greyish white. Stem °/,, to $ im. (4°5 to 10 mm.) high, curved, very slender,
mealy to smooth, white to pallid, sometimes slightly brownish below, attached by
a minute slightly strigose disc. Spores subspherical, 9 to 11 », 10 * 8:4 yg; the
158
cells on the edges of the gills bristling with minute processes; cystidia, 25 « long,
with tapering apices and ventricose bases seen in one batch of specimens.
S.A,—On mossv bark of elms (Ulmus campestris L.), North Terrace, Adelaide,
June, July; on bark of Schinas Molle L., Fullarton, July; on trunk, National Park
(spores 9°5 & 6°5 yw).
The species seems to be related to M. corticola Fr. and M. hiemalis (Osb.)
Fr., but differs and belongs to the section Basipedes by having a definite though
small disc. We cannot find a description to fit it.
929. Leptonia fusca, n. sp—Pileus 3 to 14 in. (1°8 to 2°8 cm.) in diameter,
slightly convex, umbilicate, radiately fibrillose, between Natal Brown and Bone
Brown (xl.). Gills sinuately adnexed, moderately close, edges not dark, near
Vinaceous Buff (xl). Stem 14 in. (3-1 cm.) high, slender, sometimes flattened,
polished, brittle, hollow, cartilaginous, near Dusky Drab (xlv.), base whitish.
Flesh very thin. Spores angular, tinted, 11 to 13 % 7°5 pw. On the ground.
5.A.—Encounter Bay. May 24, 1931.
Characterised by the dark dusky brown pileus and stem, whitish base to the
stem, vinaceous buff gills and rather large angular spores.
526. Clitopilus prostratus, n. sp-—FPileus 2 to 1 in. (1°8 to 2°5 cm.) in
diameter, very irregular, more or less convex with the centre depressed, somewhat
rugose, somewhat fibrillose, edge sometimes crinkled, colour of dead grass. Gills
decurrent, moderately close, relatively deep, pallid salmon-colourd. Stem short
(1 cm.), central to excentric, slender, surface matt, whitish. Spores angular with
a central yellowish gutta, tinted, 9°5 to 10°5 & 7:5 p. Nearly prostrate on bare
sandy soil in heathy scrub. S.A.—-Near Mount Burr (S.E.). May, 1931.
527. Clitopilus subfrumentaceus, n. sp—Pileus 14 to 4 ins. (3 to 10 em.) in
diameter, irregularly convex, then more expanded or with the centre depressed,
often distorted, sometimes with a small umbo, subfibrillose, edge turned in when
young, not shining, somewhat hygrophanous, Pinkish Cinnamon, Cinnamon,
Sayal Brown, or Mikado Brown (xxix.) becoming paler. Gills adnate to adnate-
decurrent, narrow, moderately close, edges sometimes irregularly serrate, rarely
forking or anastomosing near the stem to form long narrow cells, Light Pinkish
Cinnamon (xxix.). Stem 14 to 24 ins. (3°7 to 6°2 cm.) high, stout (up to % in.,
2:2 cm. thick), base swollen (1 in,, 2°5 cm. thick), sometimes a little excentric.
somewhat mealy or fibrillose, solid, pale fawny or biscuity whitish or white. Flesh
watery semi-translucent becoming whitish. Slight smell of radishes. Spores
obliquely pear-shaped, rather irregular, definitely tinted, 6-5 to 8-5 & 4:2 ta 6 p.
Densely cacspitose under trees or amongst grass. S.A.—Mount J.ofty Range,
National Park. Vict-——Ararat. April to August.
The specific name has reference to its resemblance to Entoloma frumentaceum
( Bull.) Berk.
528. Clavaria vinaceo-cervina, n. sp—Plants 4 to 2 ins. (1:2 to 5 em.) high,
nearly vertical or slightly spreading, from a short stem-like base very irregularly
branching, sometimes with only a few branches or prong-like divisions, sometimes
with a number of small branches, ultimate divisions short, prong-like, mostly
blunt, sometimes acute and thorn-like, sometimes awl-like or finger-like, often
fastigiate, the branches often irregularly flattened and the whole plant rugose,
usually relatively slender but in some collections stouter and more knobby, Vina-
ceous Fawn (xl.) to Fawn Color (xl.), near a pale Vinaceous Russet (xxviii.),
deeper than Vinaceous Buff (xl.), between Vinaceous Buff and Avellaneous (xl.),
Vinaceous Pink (xxviii.) at the tips with the stem Vinaceous Fawn (xl.), greyer
than Buff Pink (xxviii.), or Pinkish Cinnamon (xxix.) with a fine bloom giving
a vinaceous pink colour tinge on the pinkish cinnamon, base of stem pallid. Spores
subspherical 7-5 to 9 », 8 & 6°5 », 9 to 10 & 8 to 8B w. On the ground under
159
trees amongst shrubs, S.A.—Stirling West, July 23, 1927; Mount Lofty, April,
June (Kew No. 86), July; Belair, July; Clare, August.
Specimens of this species (Kew, No. 86) were sent to Miss E. M. Wakefield,
who reported: “Probably new. Not European or American.”
529, Clavaria australiana, n. sp—Densely branched, up to 4 ins. (10 cm.)
high and 5 ins. (12:5 cm.) broad, the branches between Vinaceous Buff (xl.)
and Avellaneous (xl.), their tips near Vinaceous Fawn and Fawn (xl.). Con-
tracting uniformly from above to a broad conical base of several stout compacted
stems, The thick main branches spread somewhat and divide rather sparingly and
very irregularly till the last 2 in. is reached. Here they divide frequently into
numerous blunt irregular prongs, often at wide angles, the prongs often divided
again and flattened. The stottt main branches and the branchlets are definitely
rugose. Spore mass slightly but definitely coloured. Spores microscopically
slightly coloured, elongated, oblique, mummy-shaped, not striate, 13 to 16 & 4:5
to 5°5 ». S.A——On the ground, Mount Lofty, July, 1927.
530. Clavaria corallino-rosacea, n. sp.—Clubs simple, occasionally forked
several times, up to 14 to 24 ins. (4 to 5-6 cm.) high, prongs when present up to
1 cm. long, slender, attenuated downwards and also sometimes upwards, some-
times rather flattened and grooved, solid, coral red or rosy pink (when moist a
little pinker than Morocco Red, Dauthenay, Pl. 95, Ton. 1; when drying shades
of Coral Red, Pale Scarlet, Salmon Pink, Pl. 76), often pruinose above, when
buried under leaves base whitish. Flesh light coral red. Spores somewhat pear-
shaped, 6 & 3:4 to 4». On the ground, sometimes under Lantana. N.S.W.—
Mosman (Kew, No. 81; D.I.C., Water-colour No. 54) and Neutral Bay, Sydney,
April and June.
Miss E, M. Wakefield, in reporting on No. 81, says :-—‘‘Probably the same as
the Brisbane specimen (Bailey 241) on which the Australian record of C, miltina
was founded. The true miltina from South America is stouter and has no distinct
stem. Unfortunately, the type shows no spores, but it seems unlikely that the
Australian species would be the same.”
531. Clavaria complana, n. sp—Forming a mass 3 ins. (7°5 cm.) high and
5 ins. (12°5 cm.) broad. From the solid base dividing repeatedly into slender
branches which then become flattened and expanded, and then again divide into
slender digitate processes 4+ in. (6 mm.) long, pale pinkish tussore, becoming
brownish salmon, when damp staining paper pinkish salmon. Spores hyaline,
subspherical, 5*2 to occasionally 7 ». N.S.W.—Sydney suburb, probably Hornsby,
June 13, 1916 (Kew, No. 68).
Miss Wakefield reported as follows:—“The habit is like that of C. flabellata
Wakef. from New Caledonia, but the colour is different and the spores larger.
It differs from most of the other large branched forms in its hyaline spores.”
532. Clavaria sinapicolor, n. sp—Densely branched forming masses up to
24 2h ins. and 3 X 3ins. (5°6 & 5:6 em. and 7:5 & 7:5 cm.), near Mustard
Yellow (xvi.) or yellower, Straw Yellow (xvi.) and Colonial Buff (xxx.), Naples
Yellow (xvi.) or dingier, or Light Orange Yellow (iii.), when old near
Chamois (xxx.) but yellower towards the tips or near Cinnamon Buff (xxix.),
the bases of the branches paler, the stem whitish. The main branches are com-
pacted into a broad mass at the base up to 14 in, (3:1 cm.) thick. Dividing
upwards repeatedly by very narrow angles into closely pressed nearly vertical more
or less rounded rather slender slightly rugose branches, at first 4 in. (6°5 mm.),
then $ in. (3°2 mm.) and then less in diameter, the last 4 to 4 in. ending usually
in numerous rather blunt prongs, some very short, often with wider angles between
them than in the branches. Spore mass slightly but distinctly buff-tinted or old
gold. Spores obliquely pear-shaped to elliptical, slightly tinted microscopically,
5:5 to 8 occasionally 10-4 & 3-8 to 4°5, occasionally 5 ». On the ground, usually
160
in Eucalyptus (e.g., E. obliqua) forests. S.A.—Mount Lofty (Kew, Nos. 65,
75, 76), Kuitpo, National Park. N.S.W.—National Park (Kew, No. 66, Miss
Clarke, Water-colour No. 126), Kendall, Milson Island in Hawkesbury River
(smaller, Kew, No, 67). May to August.
Five collections, as above, were submitted to Miss E. M. Wakefield at Kew,
who reported as follows:—‘‘Nos. 65 and 66 are apparently the same as No. 75
and 76. The species is not British or North American. There is no specimen of
C. Kalchbrennert Miller at Kew, and the meagre description does not fit it very
well. It would probably be better described as new. One of Cooke’s determina-
tions of ‘C. coralloides, from Ovens River, seems to be the same species. No. 67
has spores similar to the last, but appears to have been a smaller and less branched
plant. The material is insufficient to enable me to judge as to habit.”
533. Clavaria ochraceo-salmonicolor, n. sp—Compact, cauliflower-like 14 to
34 ins. (4°4 to 8-7 cm.), usually about 24 ins. (6°2 cm.) high, 2 to 3 ins. (5 to
7°5 cm.) broad in larger specimens. From a thick pallid base up to 1 in. (2°5 cm.)
wide, dividing into stout branches (up to 3 in., 10 mm. thick) and these again
dividing three or four times to end in blunt prong-like processes capped by several
blunt teeth a few mm. long, angles’ rather rounded, branches with longitudinal
rugae. Colour Light Ochraceous Salmon (xv.), Ochraceous Salmon (xv.), Light
Ochraceous Buff (xv.), or Apricot Buff (xv.) when drying; when young Capuchin
Orange (iii.), the tips yellower, which yellow may be lost when older; tips some-
times Warm Buff (xv.) or Ochraceous Buff (xv.). Spores elongated pear-
shaped with an oblique apiculus, in the mass yellowish-brown, microscopically
slightly tinted, 8°5 to 13 & 3°7 to 5 yw, usually about 9 to 10 & 44. S.A—Mount
Lofty (Kew, No. 71), Willunga Hill, Second Valley Forest Reserve, MacDonnell
B. (in S.E.), April, May, June, July.
Specimens from Mount Lofty, June 16, 1917, forwarded to Kew, were
returned by Miss Wakefield as “not matched at Kew.”
NOTES ON SOME SOUTH AUSTRALIAN AND CENTRAL AUSTRALIAN
MAMMALS. PART 2
BY H. H. FINLAYSON
Summary
1. Since recording the presence of Thalacomys lagotis in the Musgrave Ranges (Trans. Royal Soc.
S. Aust., 1930, p. 178)) further specimens have been obtained from localities in the centre,
considerably further north.
In August, 1930, Messrs. Hale and Tindale, during the stay of the Adelaide University
Anthropological Expedition in the Centre, obtained a male and female from the blacks at
Macdonald Downs, about 120 miles north-east of Alice Springs. And again in August of this year,
when attached to a similar party, Mr. A. Rau, of the Museum staff, obtained a male at Cockatoo
Creek, on the Tanami track, about 150 miles north-west of Alice Springs, in latitude 220 S.,
approximately.
161
NOTES ON SOME SOUTH AND CENTRAL AUSTRALIAN MAMMALS.
PART 2.
By H. H, Fintayson.
[Read October 8, 1931.]
1. Since recording the presence of Thalacomys lagotis in the Musgrave
Ranges (Trans. Royal Soc. S. Aust., 1930, p. 178), further specimens have been
obtained from localities in the centre, considerably further north.
In August, 1930, Messrs. Hale and Tindale, during the stay of the Adelaide
University Anthropological Expedition in the Centre, obtained a male and female
from the blacks at Macdonald Downs, about 120 miles north-east of Alice Springs.
And again in August of this year, when attached to a similar party, Mr. A. Rau, of
the Museum staff, obtained a male at Cockatoo Creek, on the Tanami track, about
150 miles north-west of Alice Springs, in latitude 22° S., approximately.
All three specimens present the characters of lagotts, previously noted in the
Opparinna example, The largest male, got at Macdonald Downs (S.A. Museum,
M 2930), had the following flesh dimensions:—Head and body, 415; tail, 270;
pes, 100; and its skull, which is massive and strongly ridged, has a basal length
of 98 and zygomatic breadth of 54. The female, taken at the same place, has :—
Head and body, 320; tail, 235; pes, 88; and the skull is smooth and devoid of
crests, and has basal length 78 and zygomatic breadth 39, Both specimens are aged
and show about the same degree of tooth wear; the sexual differences in size and
contours are, therefore, extraordinarily marked. The male skull weighs
34 grammes, and the female 15 grammes.
Mr. L. Glauert, Director of the Western Australian Museum, has recently
examined a splendid series of 40 /agotzs, culled from Western Australian localities
and, pending completion of his work, has been good enough to inform me in
advance of some of his findings. It would appear that even in comparatively
restricted areas the adult size is far from constant and varies sufficiently to
embrace all four of the Central specimens I have noted.
Under these circumstances, I withdraw the remark that the Central lagotis
is a dwarfed form, as being at present insufficiently founded.
2. The disappearance of the short-nosed bandicoot, /soodon obesulus, from
the greater part of South Australia is a typical example of a number of similar
faunal declines occurring, sometimes over areas almost continental in extent;
sometimes, as in this case, in restricted localities, but always without adequate
cause being apparent.
Originally widely distributed in this State, and in some parts in great
numbers, /soodon remained a common and familiar animal long after the begin-
nings of settlement, and indeed seems to have received its first serious check not
more than 30 years ago. Since then it has dwindled to such an extent that the
present generation of settlers has largely forgotten even its name, and when,
rarely, one is taken, extraordinary speculations as to its identity are heard. In
the last 10 years nearly all specimens obtained at the Museum have come from
localities in the South-Eastern district, adjoining Victorian territory, where it is
much more common, and Wood Jones’ record of one from Blackwood (Mammals
of S.A., vol. ii., p. 138) has remained unique for the Adelaide district till quite
recently.
162
The causes usually quoted in explanation of these disappearances are the
prevalence of foxes and of feral cats, the occurrence of epidemic diseases, the
laying of poison baits, competition with the rapidly breeding rabbit, and the
burning off of large areas at frequent intervals, and no doubt all these have played
apart. But that these in themselves are inadequate to account for all the observed
facts, and that other and more fundamental factors are involved, is shown by the
still more mysterious recurrence of “extinct” species from time to time, with no
apparent change in ecological conditions.
There are now unmistakable signs that the recovery of J. obesulus in the
Mount Lofty Range is proceeding apace. During the opossum season of 1930 it
was constantly reported as being taken by trappers, and some dozens of pelts were
sent into the sale rooms, and during the last few months four specimens have
come to hand from localities within 20 miles of Adelaide.
The characters of the local race have been fully stated by Wood Jones
(loc. cit.)
3. From time to time reports have been received by the writer of a small
wallaby or “kangaroo rat,” occuring sparsely in spinifex country in several
localities in the far northern areas of the State. Descriptions of its appearance
and habits were sufficiently precise and consistent to rule out both Bettongia
lesueurt and B. penicillata from its possible identity, and it appeared certain that
it was one of the hare wallabies, probably Lagorchestes hirsutus, which was
obtained by the Elder Expedition towards the north-west boundary of the State.
About a year ago an opportunity occurred of questioning a practised observer
who had seen the living animal at close quarters and had handled specimens of it,
dead. When confronted with a series of filled skins of L. conspicillatus leichardti,
L. c. typicus, L. hirsutus, Bettongia lesueuri, B. penicillata, and Aepyprymnus
rufescens, he was quite emphatic that the spinifex wallaby was not represented.
Finality has now been reached (September 10), on receipt of a skin and
skull of the animal, which proves to be Caloprymnus campestris, described by
Gould in 1843, recorded again by Tate in 1878, and since then a “lost” species.
Externally it is very distinct both from the other Potoroinae and from the
Lagorchestines, and its skull characters are, fortunately, so peculiar and pro-
nounced as to remove any element of doubt from the identification.
Field work in the locality of the occurrence will at once be undertaken and,
pending its completion, a revision of the characters of the animal is deferred.
PETROGRAPHIC NOTES ON SOME BASIC ROCKS FROM THE MOUNT
BARKER AND WOODSIDE DISTRICTS
BY A. R. ALDERMAN, M.Sc., F. G. S.
Summary
Basic rocks have been recorded from various localities in the Mount Lofty Ranges in South
Australia. ‘'’ The rocks described in this paper occur as follow:-
I. Basic dyke, sections 5267 and 5269, Hundred of Onkaparinga; about two miles east of
Woodside.
II. Basic dyke, sections 3828 and 3829, Hundred of Macclesfield; one to two miles north-
west of Mount Barker (the hill), and not far from Mount Barker Springs.
III. Basic dyke, sections 4213, 4214, and 4216, Hundred of Onkaparinga; near Mount
Barker Junction railway station.
163
PETROGRAPHIC NOTES ON SOME BASIC ROCKS
FROM THE MOUNT BARKER AND WOODSIDE DISTRICTS.
By A. R. Atperman, M.Sc., F.G.S.
[Read October 8, 1931.]
Basic rocks have been recorded from various localities in the Mount Lofty
Ranges in South Australia. The rocks described in this paper occur as
follow :—
I. Basic dyke, sections 5267 and 5269, Hundred of Onkaparinga; about
two miles east of Woodside.
II. Basic dyke, sections 3828 and 3829, Hundred of Macclesfield; one
to two miles north-west of Mount Barker (the hill), and not far
from Mount Barker Springs.
III. Basic dyke, sections 4213, 4214, and 4216, Hundred of Onkaparinga ;
near Mount Barker Junction railway station.
For brevity these occurrences will be referred to as: I., Woodside;
II., Mount Barker Springs; and III., Mount Barker Junction. References to
these rocks have been made by Howchin,“) Benson,“ and others.
The age of the intruded sediments is somewhat doubtful, owing to their
metamorphosed condition, but recent work by Prof. W. Howchin“) seems to
indicate that at Mount Barker Springs and Mount Barker Junction they are
_ Upper Pre-Cambrian (Adelaide Series). The intruded rocks at Woodside may
be of the same age or Lower Pre-Cambrian (Barossian).
I, The Woodside rock occurs as a broad basic dyke striking in roughly a
north-west direction. When examined in the hand specimen the rock appears
dark and holocrystalline. It is of porphyritic habit, felspar crystals, up to 5 mm.
in length, being embedded in a dark fine-grained groundmass. Some specimens
contain far more felspar phenocrysts than others. The rock analysed, and
described first, is of the more felspathic type.
Microscopic Features——The structure is essentially porphyritic, in which
large felspar phenocrysts are embedded in a groundmass consisting mostly of
felspar and hornblende.
The felspar is a basic labradorite, mostly in oblong forms but occasionally
showing square cross-sections. Both albite and pericline twinning is common,
Carlsbad twins also being occasionally seen, The felspar crystals contain innumer-
able inclusions of all sizes, the larger of these generally being amphibole although
sphene sometimes occurs in this way, and, of course, the felspar alteration
products.
Minute inclusions are extremely numerous and are very often arranged in
rows parallel to the sides of the felspar crystals. These inclusions consist of both
amphibole and chlorite, the latter evidently being an alteration from the former.
The arrangement of these parallel to the crystal faces suggests inclusion of the
mother liquors during rapid crystallisation of the felspar. Many of these small
() Mawson, D., Rept. A.A.A.S., vol. xviii., 1926, pp. 251-252.
©) Howchin, W., “Geology of South Australia” (sec. ed.), 1929, pp. 61-62.
() Benson, W. N., Trans. Roy, Soc, S$, Aust., vol, xxxi., 1909, p. 240,
©) Howchin, W., Trans. Roy. Soc., S. Aust., vol. liti., 1929, pp. 27-32.
164
inclusions are arranged with a similar optic orientation. Some of the felspar is
somewhat obscured by dusty kaolinitic material.
After the felspar, green hornblende is. the most important mineral, It does
not appear to be primary, but to have recrystallized in fine-grained aggregates.
No indication of a uralitic nature is shown. It is pleochroic from light to darker
green, The smaller individuals, and a few of the larger, show an alteration to
chlorite.
Scapolite is a notable constituent and in ordinary light it resembles the felspar,
but is easily distinguished by its higher colours between crossed nicols. Grains
of this mineral occur adjacent to the felspars, from which they are apparently
derived by alteration.
Grains of zotsite are common, and although they are sometimes found in
separate individuals they generally occur with an aggregate of kaolinitic matter
and felspar showing a distinct poikiloblastic structure. Some small colourless
grains in this aggregate are probably albite, suggesting that the felspar has been
saussuritized.
The opaque iron ore is ilmenite, which shows an alteration to leucoxene.
Sphene is present in dusty grey-brown grains which are occasionally wedge-
shaped.
A narrow vein of secondary quartz is to be seen in one portion of the section
exatined,
Chemical Analysis.
Percentage. Percentage.
Silica (SiO, ) we as «4. 47°63 Carbon dioxide (CO,) .. Nil
Alumina (AI,O,) .. .. .. 21°94 = Titanium dioxide (Ti0,) .. 0°77
Ferric oxide (Fe, O, a) ee ee 181 Phosphorus pentoxide (Ps O. =) 0-15
Ferrous oxide (FeO) ety 22 “ATSO Sulphur (S) . 0-15
Magnesia (MgO) . ow. 681 Chromic oxide (Cr, O ) .. Trace
Lime (CaO) .. .. .. ) «. 14°08 Manganous oxide (MnO) .. 0:08
Soda (Na,O) wea? oe “ELD Barium oxide (BaO) .. .. Nil
Potash (K,O) . ~ .. 0°28
Water (combined) (H, O-+-) 0°68 Total .. .. 99:79
Water (hygroscopic) (H,O-) 0°03
The specific gravity is 2°95.
The Norm.
Percentage.
Orthoclase .. .. .. .. L6/ Salic G
Albite ov. La we ae ov. 15°20 I = 67°74 eT TA
Anorthite .. .. .. .. 50°87 a
Diopside .. .. 1. we. 14°52 t 4. ey,
Hypersthene .. .. .. .. 9°64 Besse te
QUvine Du cope Be ot Ba 2i42 O = 2:42 :
Tmenité 2. 2. 1 aa an D2 } eee. ‘emic Group
Magnetite .. .. .. .. 2°55 ee == 31°26%
Apatite 2. .. 2. 1. 1. O84 F
Pyrite Sal "by aw 8 Bae 0827 } A= 0-61
Water... 0-71
In the C.I.P. W. classification ae position of the rock is, therefore :-—
» 5, 4, 4-5.
The Anas name is Hessose.
165
The high felspar content is indicated by the high percentages of lime and
alumina giving over 50% of anorthite in the norm. Actually a good deal of this
lime and alumina must enter into the modal hornblende. Apart from these points
the analysis seems quite normal for a rock of this type, and supports the idea
gained from the mineral content that it must be classified in the basic division of
the calc-alkali series.
Another specimen from the same locality differs from the rock analysed
mainly in containing a smaller amount of felspar. This mineral, which has the
composition of a medium labradorite, again shows twinning on the albite, pericline
and Carlsbad laws, and contains the numerous inclusions mentioned in the
description of the former rock. These phenocrysts, in some cases, consist of a
nuinber of individual crystals which have grown together. The felspars again
have suffered an alteration round the edges to scapolite and epidote, but not to
the extent noted in the rock analysed. The amphibole, also, is somewhat paler.
Il, The occurrence of the Mount Barker Springs rock is described by
Howchin, He writes that: “A basic dyke, 28 yards wide, occurs about two miles
to the north-west of Mount Barker Hill, with a strike directed towards the mount,
and can be traced for nearly a mile; its age is undetermined.” In a more recent
paper‘®) the same writer indicates that the intruded rocks are most probably
Adelaide Series sediments.
In the hand specimen colourless porphyritic felspars, many measuring up to
5 mm. in length, are embedded in a dark, somewhat greenish groundmass.
Microscopic F*eatures——The porphyritic texture is again well displayed by
the presence of large plagioclase crystals in a groundmass consisting mainly of
hornblende and plagioclase.
The felspar is a medium labradorite in which albite, pericline and Carlsbad
twinning is well developed. Inclusions in the felspar phenocrysts are less
numerous, but of the same nature as those in the Woodside rocks.
The hornblende also is similar to that in the more felspathic rock at Woodside.
Granules of scapalite are associated with some of the felspar phenocrysts.
Both zoisite and green epidote are frequently surrounded by fine sericitic
material, these aggregates constituting alteration products of the felspar.
Small granules of ilmenite, changing to leucoxene are plentiful. A smal!
quantity of sphene is also present.
Chemical Analysis.
Percentage. Percentage.
Silica (SiO,) re eal an 4DRD Carbon dioxide (CO,) .. Nil
Alumina (Al,O,) .. 0 .. ©. 18°41 Titanium dioxide (TiO,) .. 1:01
Ferric oxide (Fe,O,) .. .. 1°00 Phosphorus pentoxide (P,O,) 0-21
Ferrous oxide (FeO) .. .. 5°87 Sulphur (S) .. 6. 6.2. 0°05
Magnesia (MgO) .. .. .. 8°68 Chromic oxide (Cr,O,) .. Nil
Lime (CaO) .. .. 2.) .. 13°08 Manganous oxide (MnO) .. 0-15
Soda (Na,O) ve ee ee) 6118 Barium oxide (BaO) .. .. Nil
Potash (K,O) .. ww 1. 0°28
Water (combined) (H,O+) 0-67 Total .. ., 99-87
Water (hygroscopic) (H,O—) 0-04
The specific gravity is 3-00.
© “Geology of South Australia” (sec. ed.), 1929, p. 62.
() Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Aust., vol, liii., 1929, pp. 27-32,
166
The Norn.
Percentage.
Quartz .. .. .. «. «. 120 Q = 1:20
Orthoclase .. .. «. «- L167 Salic Group
Albite .. 0 1. 2. ee ee) 9°96 F = 55°55 = 56°75%
Anorthite sim et tet ot ABO? j
Diopside .. .. .. «. +. 16°09) __ ag.
Hypersthene .. .. .. .- 22°54 $ Bae BeCOF
Ilmenite .. .. .. .. «. 1°98 4 es Femic Group
Magitite\ jsf se jg Teese se { M= 337 “49-34%
Apatite .. <. 2s. 09+ % O44 A = 0°34
Water... o wy OO
In the C.I.P.W. classification the position of the rock is, therefore :—
IIL., 5, 5, 4-5.
approaching: IIL., 5, 4, 4-5.
The magmatic name is Auvergnose-Kedabekase.
The analysis shows lower alumina, lime and soda than the Woodside rock.
This is reflected in the smaller amount of normative felspar. The ferromagnesian
content is correspondingly higher. In these points the norms indicate the actual
mineralogical differences between the two rocks. It is probable that the less
felspathic type from Woodside would be extremely similar, chemically, to that
occurring at Mount Barker Springs.
ILI. As mentioned by Howchin,“ the basic dyke at Mount Barker Junction
is not seen in outcrop, its presence being indicated by loose stones on the surface
of cultivated land. In the hand specimen this rock bears an extremely close
resemblance to that from Mount Barker Springs.
Microscopic Features——Porphyritic felspars occur in a groundmass of horn-
blende and felspar, this structure being similar to that of the rocks described
above. The plagioclase phenocrysts again contain numerous inclusions which
are mostly chlorite. Extinction angles indicate that the felspar is a medium
labradorite, This felspar, although it is corroded, differs from that of the other
rocks in that no scapolite has been formed, although both soisite and green epidote
are present in small amount. The twinning of the plagioclase is confined to the
albite and Carlsbad types, no pericline twins being seen.
The hornblende is similar to that of the other rocks and is somewhat
chloritized.
Sphene is a notable constituent, but iron ores are practically negligible.
Chemical Analysis.
Percentage. Percentage.
Silica (Si0,) we cee as 49209 Water (combined) (11,O0+) 0°89
Alumina (Al,O,) .. .. 18°03 Water (hygroscopic) (H,O-) 0°05
Ferric oxide (Fc,O,) .. «. 3°35 Carbon dioxide (CO,) .. Nil
Ferrous oxide (FeO) .. .. 4°56 Titanium dioxide (Ti0,) .. 1°38
Magnesia (MgO) .. .. -. 7°48 Phosphorus pentoxide (P,O,) 0°21
Lime (CaO) .. .. «. -- 12°97 Manganous oxide (MnO) .. 0°18
Soda (Na,Q) eat git et LAA
Potash (K,O) epee ee «(O42 Total .. 100-32
The specific gravity is 3°01.
@) Loc. cit., p. 31.
167
The Norm.
Percentage.
Quartz .. .. .. .. 4. 2°58 Q= 2:58
Orthoclase .. .. 2. 0... 2°22 Salic Group
Albite .. 6. 2. 0... 1415 F = 56°68 = 59°26%
Anorthite Ae tt ee ae
Diopside .. .. «2. ..) .. 18°71 _
Hypersthene .. .. ..) 2. 13°41 ' P= 32°12
Magnetite eee ae ee) 487 a. oe Femic Group
Imenite .. 1. .. 1. 1. 2-74 ‘ Me tk *eiagioza
Apatite 2... 2. 1. 1. 0°34 A= 0:34
Water... .. ww ow. 094
In the C.I.P.W. classification the position of the rock is, therefore :—
III., 5, 4, 445.
The magmatic name is Auvergnose.
The analysis shows the extreme chemical similarity between this and the
Mount Barker Springs rock. There are, however, minor variations in the alkalies
and the relative amounts of iron and magnesia.
CONCLUSION,
The mode of occurrence, mineralogical nature, and chemical composition of
these three rock types suggest that they are closely related, and that they should
be included in that class of rock to which the misleading name epidiorite has
been given,
The writer would suggest, however, that the compound name dolerite-
amphibolite could be applied advantageously to types such as have been described
in this paper.
ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
FROM THE YEAR NOVEMBER I, 1930, TO OCTOBER 31, 1931
Summary
A GENERAL DISCUSSION on "Laterite and Lateritic Soils" was introduced by Professor J. A.
Prescott, who said that "laterite was originally defined in 1807 from certain soil formations and
geological structures in Southern India by Buchanan. Laterites occur throughout a considerable area
of Australia, and were first recognised as such in Western Australia by Simpson and by W. G.
Woolnough. The essential feature of the laterite consists of a capping or conglomerate of massive or
pisolitic iron hydroxide with certain examples of aluminium hydroxide or bauxite. Soil workers
have assumed that the process of laterization was a distinct weathering process confined to the
tropics, but further investigation has revealed no evidence in support of this, such tropical
weathering processes being entirely similar to those occurring in temperate zones. It is suggested,
therefore, that laterite, as defined by geologists, is essentially a relic of former soil-forming
processes." Professor Prescott then read a letter dealing with the subject by Dr. L. Keith Ward. Mr.
R. J. Best then dealt with the chemical aspect, and illustrated his remarks with diagrams.
168
ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
ROYAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
(Incorporated).
FOR THE YEAR NoveMBER 1, 1930, ro Octoser 31, 1931.
ORDINARY MEETING, NOVEMBER 13, 1930.
Tue Presripent (Dr. Chas. Fenner) in the chair and 28 members were
present.
Minutes of the Annual Meeting, held October 9, 1930, were read and
confirmed,
ELecTIon of FeLtow.—John Irvine Miller, C.E., Crystal Brook,