VICTORIAN NATURALIST

THE JOURNAL AND MAGAZINE

OF THE

Field Naturalists’ Club of Wictoria

VOL. XLII

MAY, 1925, TO APRIL, 1926

Hon, Critor;: CHARLES BARRETT

2
——_e

The Author of each Article is responsible for the facts a

opinions recorded

MELBOURNE :
RAMSAY PUBLISHING PTY. LTD., 203-5-7 KING STREET
1926

INDEX y vii

ILLUSTRATIONS:

PAGE
Adiantum, Dindsaute, Trichmomenés 2. 5. 02 2. 5, 22 22 oe eee BOB
Ajuga qustralis,; R.Br... 65 6k ee cb eG Ge ee de bd eb eres 198
Barnard, Mr. F. G AL... .. .. age A, dengpilley wee “er dee -rile Be
“Bearded Dragon” or “Jew” Lizard wy ga! ait na bak abel taba nh STE
Caleana nigritu .. .. . 6. Boe, Sat. RE. ae Bee.
Cockatoo, Young “Major Mitehell” baat Geetet) ee a ote 2d6
Corallum of Uamnastraea sera, Duncan... .. .. -. 2. 1... -. 282
Cormorants, Rookery of White-breasted .. -. 2.00.00. 0, es) es WAR”
Cyatheacewe and Osnvundaceae .. 2. 6. 2. ee ee ee ee ee ee BOB
Eoacris Buwbawensis, Stapf—Alpine Heath ., .. .. .. .. 2. 292
Drakea elastica .. 6. . be a eth! im et are a
Gleicheniacede, Rbpiaembene and ‘ Batuiniacede ce te pe we a BAD
Greenhoods, The “Striped” and the ‘Brittle’ .. .... .. .. 4. @2
Hymenophyllacede .. .. . Seslpe ge £4 Et ee ye peces weorase
Mursiliaceae and Cuningtossuedy aa LE Nhe tele! eich endef ta te
Myrmecia (Promyrmecic) aberruns. Forel fe Bet ase
Notholaena, Davullia, Dennstaedtia, Hypolepts, Cheitunthes ., B01
(Meobius naws .. 6. a. we. .. 208

_ Ophicardelus ornatus (Fer), 0. dws. UH. ‘& A Aa), dnd

a O. sulcatus (TT. & A. AG) 2. 2. ee ee ee ce ee ce ee ee ve 269
Pimelea spathuluta, Labill. .5 2. 2) 6. ce ee ee ee ee oe ee 198
Pterostylis, Seedling Plants of Some .. .; .. 6. 0. -. ea es +. 190
Pterastylis acuminata, P. rufa and P. pusilla .. .. .. -- .. .. 144
Spider's Carding Machine, The .. .. 6. 2... -5 2. a. es a. 68, 69
Termites, Victerian .. .. . SE ny a at a te cle Bete. HO
“The Stranger’ Rock, Derrinal ere ts ee ee we oe 102
Wittsteiniu vaccinincea, F.v.M.—The Baw Baw Batry: ee ne we) 292

ERRATA:

Page 32) line 4 from bottom—"December, 1902" should read
December, 1892.

Page 184, line 19—For “another point,” read anther point,
Page 200, line 6—For Considerniana read Consideniand.,

Page 214, line 11 from bottom—For ‘“englyphoides’ read engly-
phatdes.

Page 238, line 18 from bottom—¥or “chat” read chert.
Page 257, line 18 —For Ricinus read Ricinocarpus.
Page 257, line 15—For Hakeus read Hakeas.

Page 259, line 20—For Culex read Prez,

Che Victorian Naturalist

Vou, XLIL—No. 1, MAY 6, 1925, No, 497

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.
The monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal
Society’s Hall on Monday evening, April 20, 1925.

The President, Mr. J. Searle, occupied the chair, and
about. fifty members and friends were present.

CORRESPONDENCE,

From Hon. Secretary Australian Forests League, inviting
this Club to join with the League in forming a deputation
to the Minister of Lands to protest against the proposed
alienation of lands in the Otway Forests area. It was
proposed by My. F. G A. Barnard, seconded by Dr. C. 8.
Sutton, ‘‘That the Club be represented on the deputation."’
Carried.

Messrs. C. Daley and F. (. A. Barnard were appointed to
represent the Club.

REPORT OF EXCURSION.

A report of the excursion to Broadmeadows on April 18
was fiven by the leader, Mr. J. Wilson. He said that a
party of members had walked to Gellibrand’s Till, over a
circuitous route, noting interesting geological features.
From the hill beautifal views of the surrounding country
were obtained.

ELECTION. OF MEMBERS.

On a ballot being taken, Mr, W. H. Callister, 52 Alex-
andra Avenue, Canterbury, and Mr. and Mrs. Dwyer, 38
Brougham Street, Box Hull, were unanimously elected as
ordinary members, of fhe Club.

GENERAL BUSENESS,

Mr. C. Oke nioved that the congratulations of the Clvh be
conveyed to Mr. P. GC. Morason on his obtaining the degree
of Master of Seience in Zooloey. Seconded by Mr. F. G.. A.
Barnard and carried. yo

Dr. Sutton mentioned that the Tree Lovers’ League
needed more member's, and hé asked the Club’ a help im gaim-
ing them. '

4 Field Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings ine otek

PAPER.

By Mr. P. f, Moprig: '' The Need for Growing Softwoods for
Paper-making.'’ The author referred to the heavy importa-
tions of paper, and expressed the opinion that such paper
should be manutactured in Australia. Ixperiments, he con-
sidered, should be conducted with native trees that were of
little use as timber, to ascertain thelr value for pulping.
Large areas night be planted with trees suitable for the pro-
duction of paper pulp, The paper caused some discussion,
in which Dr. Sutton and Messrs. F. Pitcher, EF. G A. Barnard,
CG. Oke and H. B, Williamson took part.

EXUIUBITS.

By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard—Rocks from Derrinal. sonic
striated.

By Miss . C. Cameron—Brittle starfishes, belonging to
the family Opharidce, from Cowes, Phillip Island, Vie-

By Mr. ©. Daley, B.A—Samples of native timbers from
Gippsland; also Gaultheria hispida, Waxberry, from Mt.
Magnet, Tasmania.

By Mr, A. EB. Rodda—-Decomposed granite, front Gelli-
brand’s Hill, eolleeted on Broadmeadows excursion.

EXCURSION TO BALWYN.

Rain did not; deter abaut «dozen memhers from -meeting
at Mont Albert Station on March 31; but it was decided to
curtail the programme and visit only the newly-acquired
reserve on the White Horse Road. On our way, via Mont
Albert Road, to Maling's quarry, some of the features of the
surrounding geography were pointed out, while Mr. P. R. H.
St. John explained the reason for the presence of the many
fine gum trees and pines of the district.

The quarry is of extraordinary interest, being situated
on a fold, or anticline, which runs throngh to Templestowe
and beyond. The folding was so. intense at this spot that.
the rocks of mudstone (Silurian) were crushed and sheared
so that secondary (metasomatic) changes took place. and
numerous erystals of pyrites were formed. The pyrites (iron
_bisulphide) was subsequently dissolved out, leaving its
cubjeal moulds seattered through the hard mudstone, In
one place a large stack of the altered rock, standing ont at
the side of the ‘pool, shows how the seamed rock, filled with

vol Pluns for the “Natusalest" 3

quartz yeins, was squeezed and fractured almost to the
extent of mylonisation, This broken and fissured rock would
make an excellent subsoil fury the planting uf shrubs and
trees, as proposed. ‘his interesting geologica] site of one
und a half aeves has been generously given to Camberwell
hy Mrs, K. Malling, The mayor, Councillor A. B. Hocking,
was prevented, by another elgagement, from visiting the
quarry on this occasion. He has already expressed his appre-
sjation, and that of the Camberwell Council, of the Club's
proposed effort to plant this reserve, when the pround has
Ween prepared and the fencing completed. Ax the rain con-
tinuecl. the members adjourned to the Jeader’s house. where,
hy tneans of microscope, specimens and books, much interest-
ing disdussion was elicited —F. CHarmMan,

PLANS FOR THE “NATURALIST,”

With the authorily of the Committee, 1 propose to make
some changes in our journal—changes that depend for their
snecess upon the ¢o-operation of members with the Hditor.
Notes from the field and the study are desived, to fill several
pages of cuch issue. Country members, especially, are invited
io contribute from their stores of natural history knowledge.

Reeord your observations for tho benefit of others. A
paragraph may. be made as interesting as a paper, Specialists
could give us glopses of their subjects—not general sum-
mlaries, but notes that are ‘““news"’ to the majority of nature
lovers.

Hints for the novice, from veteran students and collectors,
will be aceeptable—briel paragraphs of the kind that helped
to make ‘‘Seience Gossip’’ popular. Indeed we might, with
advantage, adopt other features. of that delightful journal,
whose passing was so keenly regretted. But a dozen more
pages at least wonld be needed, and the present high eost of
printing prohibits sueh enlargement of the ‘‘Natyvalist.’’

Ti funds permit, our jownal will be more freely ilus-
twated. The ain ig general improvement, though we are not
so rich as we could wish, and perforce must hasten slowly
towards the goal.

Space for nature notes will be gained by condensing
veports of Chab excursions. There rarely is a good reason for
making the report of an afternoon outing, or even a whole-
day one, lengthy, at least for publication, As a journalist one
learns the value of “‘selection.”’

4 Sparrow-hawks at Hume Plat Bet

‘The Vistorian Naturalist,’’ undet Mr. Barnard's cave,
has not only become one of the leading publications of its
class in the Commonwealth, it coinpares. fuyourably with field
¢lub journals issued overseas. Yet there is room for improve-
raent, and the plans outlined here are the fruit of a general
tliscussion in committee, T shall be on trial ag Mditor during
the next twelve months, and eriticism will not be wnwel-
come.—QHARLES BARRETT.

SPARROW-HAWKS AT HOME.
By W, C. Tonar.

The home life of the Sparrow-hawk, Accipiter eirroce-
piutlus, is not so well known as that of many other birds of
prey. Last season (1924) 1 was able to keep a nest and its
owners under observation, from ‘‘building-days’’ until the
brood had ranged. The nest-trec—a Bucalypt—grows in a
gully at Eltham Heights, close to my own paddock. "The
Sparrow-hawks. built on a bough abont 40 feet from the
ground. The nest resembled that of a Magpie, but the egg-
cavity was. shallow, with a lining of green gum leaves.

Ox October 141 climbed to the nest, and found in it. three
fresh eggs. On Ostober 22, when the male Sparrow-hawk
had been brooding for about two days, the nest contained
four eggs, Two eggs hatelied on November 19, another three
days Jater; the fourth eve was infertile. The nestlings wore
covered in creamy down. Portions of the breast. and head of
a small bird, denuded of feathers, were lying im the nest on
the day when I first saw the ‘‘tivins,’’ one of whith was peck-
ing at the food.

When the vonng birds were nearly fledged, about the
middte of December, 1 climbed the tree to take a photograph,
A nestling fluttered away, or was knocked off the nest by one
of the parent birds. I replaced it; but the female hawk tried
repeatedly to knock one or other of the youngsters oft the nest.
with her wing, On December 18 the nest was empty when L
‘oalled’’: on the 20th, however, the brood was at home—
three fine Little Sparrow-hawks standing on the flattened
nursery of twigs, sticks and leaves, When I saw them on
December 23, brown streaks on the breast plumage were
changihg te bars; and, a few days afterwards, the young birds
were scarcely distinguishable from their parents. They were
hunting far themselves when five weeks old; on several

1536] ; Rpurrow-hewhe at Home h

oecasions L observed one with a bird, ot portion of one, in its
talons,

The parouts were bold and ageressive, Disturbed at the
neat, they flew around, uttering eries resambhng notes of the
White-plunted JToney-eater, Meliphaga penicilhuta, and
others, vot unlike the call of the Sacred Kingfisher, Haleyou
sametus. Vo notieed that, durmg the incubation period und
whe the brood was being reared, the female Spurirow-hawk’s
phonage beaains darker. Parents and youne remained in the
vicbuty of the nest until the end of daniary; and 7 saw them
abont the paddocks often, for some weeks afterwards,

Several pairs of small birds nested in the nevehbous hood
ot the Sparrow-hawls* bome. A paiv of Weaden IMlveatehers.
Mytagrt vubecila, veaved a breed of three almost ino the
shadow of the hawk-tree,

| Mr. onge ia a keer observer, and his reeord of the home:
lite of a Sparrow-hawk family is a valuable pave of bird
biography. ‘Me Eltham dishiet is furrly rich in birds. My,
‘Yonge hag listed more thai one handred species, ana the most
ot them have vested at Eitham. —Eprror, |

CHECK LIST OF AUSTRALIAN BIRDS,

Mie seeond edition of the Official Cheek List of Australian
Birds, compiled by s special committee of the Royal Ats-
tralasian Ornithologists’ Uuton, will he published some time
this year. Bird studenta will notice niny changes im nonien-
ature, The ivon law of priority has been observed ietieu-
lously, and the passing of some familiar Gouldian nunes nist
he lamented. The trivial names, too, have been ander revision,
Many of the ehanves made, doubtless, will be welcomed by
bird lovers. "lhe total number of species recognised is 708.
The list is a bi-nontinal one; but the host of sub-species
deseribed ynd named in recent years has uot. heen inored—
al] are listed as synonyms, Sub-species are the delight of
any systematists; the average field naturalist is wisely ¢on-
servative, and holds no brief for tri-nomials.

The new Cheek List will be indispensable ta every stuctust
and observer of Australian birds, For wany years it mts!
remain the standard; though all the committee's © findings’?
may not meet with general approval. The preparation of the
List has entailed mach work, ineludinge study of the literate,
examination of specimens in State museums and private wol-
lections, and the compilation of a full synonymy,

; . “po ROIETARITD TAG 5 View Nar
G One, New Austrillan Coleoptera — - Watkiat

NEW AUSTRALIAN COLEOPTERA.
(Parr L.)
By Cranes Oxn.

( Read before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria,
Oth Mareh, 1925,

” Boararipas
APEODIN 2,
Aphodius. dvconi. spavov.

mM. Black: undev-surface diluted with red; front and lateral
mnuveins of prothorax awd elytra (its markings excepted)
flavous: legs reddish, in parts intuseated. ‘With short, pale,
sub-evect hairs, thick on front of head and margin of elytrit.
spu'se elsewhere: prothoax with wo conspicuous. fringe of
longer hairs. TWead, protharax and seutellum sub-nitid:
elytra sub-apaque, Head with elevated margin. theuryed to
middle; base ‘unpunetate, in front and elypeus strouvly and
coarsely punuetate. Prothorax transverse (3 x 4) irregularly
punctured, a. faint median line on basal third, front. angles
diehtly produced, hind obliquely vounded. Byes opaque, dis-
tinetly facetted, Tlytra with minute punctures and very fine
strum; the odd interstices evenly elevated, the even ones wider
and flat. Seutellum sparselyy punctured. Anterior tiblee
bi-dentate on the external edge.

g. Similar, Peothorax with median line move strongly
impressed and longer; hind angles strongly ualched out.
Front tibie tei-dentate. Length. 64 mm.

Hab, Victoria: Lake Hattah (J. 1M, Dison and @. Ola), in
stereo.

A variable species in the markings of the elytra; sonre
specimens haying most of the elytva black. but not suture ov
apex, Most have about half of elytra dark. Qne speeimen has
a small black spot on middle of fourth interstice, and three
small. faint infuseate Spots on apieal third.

Apparently nearest to callahonnensts (Blkb.) of the
deseribed species. but with sexual characters diffevent. I
cannot deteat any diftereuee in the puneturation of the pro-
notum in the mM. and rv. The puueturation of this part is
very nneven in size and distribution in both sexes,

C have wuch pleasure iu namiag this sp. after my friend.
Mr. J. B, Dixon, who has taken numerous specimens of if on
several, visits to the locality.

Aeie | Okt, New Auytvation Guleopreru 4.

“Types in anthar’s collection.

Paw arate,
Stgaka Nhelenw®, sp.nau,

M, Reddish, castaneons, elytra and lees slightly paler, palpi
flavows; clothed with moderately long yellow sete, u few
longer hairs intermineled, thicker on apex of elytra and on
abdomen. Head small. with a deep foveute impression i
front, connected with cut (hrough anterior marein ; a few large
punctures, Closest on antennal tubercles, Myes large; pro.
ininent. Antennae reaching upteal third of elytra; first joim
neurly as long as next three combined, second moderate, thud
sinall, fourth to eighth snb-equel, ninth and tenth slightly
larger, eleventh ovate, one und’a half times as long as tetth.
Prothorax cordate. hehtly transverse, wider than head, with
sides strongly ronnded and widest at middle, with a strous
impression ita hase connecting three fovee, of whieh the
wedi ane is He lrrwest and shelitly in advance of the others,
and with say oblige Jutenal Dnipvession ueapy base. Mlvtra
longer than wide, each elytrou with a small foven at base of
sab-sutiral stria and another belind it; dorsal steia repre
sented by twa fovor, a small one at base, said oo davecr one
behind it; a round fovea at base between sutura and diseal
striz: a row of punetures near lateral margin: a curved
double row of punctares on epipleurar. Abdomen longey than
elytra, dilated fo fourth segment; with a few seattered pane
tures: undersurface with a large round Cepression common
Lo fitth and sixth segments, a small split granule at bowwon.
vent wochanters mirately bi-dentated. Length, 3.25 nm.

Wah, Vietoria = Evelyn fn dune (C, Oke).

This germs, sO numerous in New Zealand, has aot heen
recorded dvom the mainlend of Australia. Mo. duew dies
desevibed oue species trom Tasman, from which the pre-
sent species differs (by deseription) iu foveze of the under-
surtace of abdomen, by the front trocharters beme armed,
and the Jinel ones rat aarmed, and the unpression an head not
hamg continged to base.

Type i anthor’s eolleetion.

Sagola uretovur, sp.nov.

Reddish esatancous, dise of clytra, legs Chnces exeeptod
and palpi yaler, clothed with long, yellowish set, a few
longer ones infernaneled, ead rather small, with two small
niedio-basal foveze, and deeply impressed between antontial
Vubereles, ending in a foveate expansion between eyes; the lat
ter Taree and prominent; sparsely punetored. Antenna:

g Onn, New listrakan Ooleaplend naam

reaching middle coxz, first joint large, as long as next two
combined, second same thickness as first, thirc amall, fourth
to sixth sub-equal, seventh to feath trapeaitorny, clevertti
ovate, slightly aenminate. Prothorms eordate, slightly longer
than wide, widest at middle, sides strongly rounded, with a
wide tri-toveate impression nour basal third, the centre
dilated forward; the sides. with an oblique impression ; a lorie,
round tovee at base, RBlytra quadvate, with seattered rough
punetiures; diseal strie widely impressed to beyond middle;
base with several suall, indistinct fovew. Abdomen a little
dilated io fourth. segment; under-surlace slightly tlattened.,
Lees apparently unamned Leagth, 2.60 inoan.

Hab. Vietoria; Belyrave, Macedon. Daylesford (CL Oke),

Types in anthor’s eolleetion.

Sagola brevipennts, sp-nor.

w. Reddish castaneous, elytra Hehter, tip of abdomen ane
palpi flavous, Head widely and deeply inpressed between
antennal tuberales. Antemige shorter and thicker than mm
preceeding species, with the joints 45-6 more globular, ane
9-0 shorter and more transverse. Fourth joiit of palpi? sub-
fusiform. Prothorax cordate, sides rounded, widest aloeut
middle, where width is equal to Jenpth, with ay sul-busal tine
foveate tipression; with very fine poietores, iMlytee short,
trimsverse. Abdomen dilated to fourth segment; uneder-
surface with i nurvow, transverse impression. on fifth and
sixth segments, Leneth, 2.85 m.m, (Abdomen cistended,)

Hah. Vietoria: Belyvave (CG. Oke).

Impressions on elytra as in vletorie, but the elylea ate
wach shorter, the body narrower, and ihe antennze shorter.

Types in author's collection,

Sagala fornvicicola, sp.nov.

M. Castancous, legs and palpi lighter: clothed with pale ate
tather short fine pubescenee. ILead amall, with a toveate
impression in front, and two smal) mecio-baxul fovere. Anten-
hee not quite reaching middle cox, first joint lounger than
WONt two combined, third small, thenee sradually inereasing
in size to apex. ninth and tenth transverse, eleventh trrvegu-
larly ovate, Prothorax with sides rounded aud constricted
near base, With a transverse tri-foveate finprossion, dilated
forwarc in centve. Elytra lightly transverse; with a lavge
impression at hase of sutural strice, discal stvice represented
by two impressions, a small one at base aud a larger one
behind 7 Abdomen very gently dilated to fourth semnent,
which is Jong: under-surface somewhat constricted hefare

ei OKK, New Australian Coleoptera 9
upex, the wpex itself slightly produeed. Legs uuarmed.
Kength, 1,20-1,50 iam,
. Similan, bat undersurface of abdomen evenly Goi vex tio
NER. :
Hab. Vietoria: Pein Tree Gully in nest of Amblyopone
diustrais (C. Oke).
Distinguished by its small size and its pale, almost, aslo,
und short, pubescence.
Types an author's collection,
Rybiunis. sternalis, sp.nov,
M. Dark castaneous, elytra and legs reddish eastancous, palpi
tlavous, clothed with short, pale pubescence. Head longer
than wide, with two large round interocular fovere, and a
gmail one behind; in front of fovew rather coarsely pone
tate, behind smooth ; nitid, Antenme long, very irregular;
first Joint. stout. longer thay sext. two combined, seqand same
length as third, but stonter, fourth longer, eylindvienl, fii
lonwer than fourth of sixth, irregularly widened on its inner
dee, sixth shehtly longer than fourth, eyJindrical, seventh
slightly shorter Init wider than sixth, irregularly widened on
ita inner edge. eighth smallest, qnadrate, ninth same length us
fourth, nearly as wide as Jong, tenth Jonver than ninth, {ratis-
vorse, deventh ovale, nat quite as lone as ninth and tenth eom-
bined, with » small appendage on lower surface. Prothovwx
transverse, conver, sides strongly rounded, the lateral foveu
eounected by a well-defiued curved iMPVesNiOn, sontewhad
expanded in middle; striolate in front of Impression, with a
few punetures near apex and sides, behind smooth. Hlyta.
lightly transverse, slightly attenuated to base; sutaral and
diseal strise distinet, the latter lightly curved and diverging,
deep at base and vanishing ney apex, each elytron, produced
at middle of apex; punctures fine and indistina, Abdomen
with a sniall, transverse impression al base of first segment,
wnd two strioke cluse to sutural strias af base, but diverging
aud yanishine before apex of segment; widersurtiaee with a
sinall plate on edee of second sessment, this segment produced,
nr entre, over apex of third seuement. Metastemum deeply
suleate. on each side of suleus with a large protuberant
tubercle. Four front trochanters stroigly dentated; front
femora inflated and with a-small tooth nearer base than apes ;
front tibia sharply dentate at apieal third, and somewhat
excavated froin there to apex; posterior tibis: Hghtly inflated
and conpressed to apex, near apex notched, and with a paral-

1 Own, New Ausdredion Coleoptera Pheer
lol spur, invisible from most directions. Length, 2,70-2.50
man,

er. Differs in having shorter antemunu, and the fitth and
severth joints not widewed as in the male, bat showing a
slight trace of Th; mid metasternim, abdomen and lope” not
duemedt,

Tab. Victovia; Beacanstield, in grass: Evelyn, in moss
(CG, Oke.)

In appearance very like stiigidolls, hat uoder-surfave and
legs different. Ja imany respects close to muirebilis, but ster
num atid legs of that species, appurcuthy, not armed. ‘The
present speeics hag an additional fovea on head. and a siete
phate on abdomen, aod. its apex vol exeavate. The abdominil
plate ig rather narrow, lightly overtungs the third sewmert.
and is bent baek, with its tree eee, winel os vouuded. cdiveeted
cgephalid,

Types tieoauthor’s collection.

Varendex crassits, sp.nov,

M. Dark reddish castuneous, much infuscated m parts,
abdomen neatly dlack, palpi lighter; with pale subsquanose
clothing, darker in patches on abdomon, cdeukely pruietate,
Head truisverse, with two mteroculir fovea, and the tront
widela aipreased, and coitiived hetween antentual tubereles,
which are eouspicuously waised; Wind angeles prodaecad,
Antenme jeaching beyond middle coxa, first, joint stout,
longer than second and third combined, seco shorter anc
stouter than third, third to fitth sub-equal, sixth to eehth
decreasing in size, ninth louger, uot quite as wide as lone,
tenth quudrate, eleventh ovate, wot quite as long ag ninth aan
tenth combined, Prothorax clistinetly taansverse, sides rather
strongly rounded, with a shallow medio-basal fovea, and ao
foveatte impression on each side. Miytra short, dilated tu
apex; sutiral and diseal strie distinet, the latter widely
impressed at base and continued to neat apex, Abdomen
dilated to third scament, declivious from second, with wide
margins; undersurface with a large tound excavation, com-
mon to secon! aud third segments, and slightly eneroaching
on fourth; the ulfimate sexment somewhat produced and hi-
impressed, Metasternam deeply suleate. the sides of sulcus
finely carinate; with a lamelliform protuberance at. itt base,
between the hind éoxe, at right angles to the body. its lower
edge concave. Front trochanters bi-dentate, all the femora
are somewhat inflated. and constricted near apex, the anterine

May, ] Oxn, New Australian Caleontura li

1920.

oes With a sharp tooth near base; all the tibia curved, aid
obtusely armed at apex,
' Similar, but metastermam only thitened in iiddle and
abdomen convex an undersurface. Lenet, 3,25-5.35 wan.
Hab, Vietoria: Grampians (C. Oke). Tn aipss.

A larve, robust spacies, distinvaished fron echilanund
(ly deséription) in prothotax not having fattened and arnied
sides, discal stvimw continnous to apex, and metastemmim. The
latter, when viewed obliquely from bebind, appears to have
Iwo wedge-shaped teeth with their bases joined together, bat
When wiewed trot. in front tt appears to lave a somal) plate
With its outer edge pently coneave. On this and the following:
species there is a small tuberele on the alypeus (?) overhang-
ine the front of the head,

Varcodes vulgaris, sp nau

M. Black, ov almost.so, head antenn (club black) and pro-
Notuur dingy brown, elytoa aid Jews (knees infuscated) » red-
dish, palpi fliveans. With golden subsquamuse clothing,
longer at apex of elytra and two rows down abdomen than
elsewhere. Vlead lightly transverse, with two shallow imter-
ocitlar fovem, andy deeper one in to.s bind-anyvles prerliyeed
downwards dite ai obtuse point; with coarse, devise purie-
tures. Antenume passing middle cox, first jot shout, ws dony
as Lwo and three combined, second slouter and much shorter
than third, thind to eizhth deerensine in deneth, ntath one-
third Jonger than eighth and not maeh wider, tenth oa Title
shorter, quadrate, eleventh ovale weuntinate, as loi as ninth
and tenth combined. Prothoras as ome as wide, at shatluw
meédio-hasal impression, and a smaller but, deeper one on eich
ot the declivious sides; fvont angles widely rounded aff, wath
punctures as on head, Mlytry chstinetly deansverse, dilated
posteriorly ; sutmral and diseil stvia: distinet, rhe hatter widely
impressed, apd continuous: puretares meh as on head,
Abdomen with second and thirc sovments dilated pasterorty,
fourth parallelestded, fifth and sixth decreasing’; punretives
somewhat finer thar on elytra; under-surfaee with a large
exeayithion, Commo to weeond, third and fonvil sce nants,
These. sewnents also crasversely hopressed, the second having
v fairly wide impression, the third narrower. und the fourth
very narrow, the impressions smooth aud nitic. Metastermam
excavate and densely punctate, Front tvochanters bi-dentate,
tecth equal; all the femora somewhat. mflated and constricted
naary apes, [front femora wifh a short. sharp tooth wt base: four

Viol, Nar.
Vol, NVA

12 One, New Austrian Colcoptera
trout tibie curved, and obtusely spurred at apex, hind tibia
leks enrved und mnarmed. Length, 2.6-2.5 iim.

¥, Differs in having antenme slightly shorter, netagter nun
Wot so excavate, and abdomen slighth convex on uncder-sur-
Sace.

Hab. Vietoria: Ringwood, Pakenham, Killara, Warburton,
Kvelyn (CL Oke): Fern Tree Gully (J. BH. Dixen and GC. Oke),
Miteham (U4, Nye).

A conimon species in gaass tussocks, Close to deseription
of wmgriventros, Lea, but intermediate tvochanters not armed,
and undersurface of abdomen deeply exeavated.,

Tmesrphorus caomponott sp.nov.

M. Dark castanecous, elytra and legs lighter, clothed with
short, depressed goltlen pubescence ; a. fascicle of hairs on cach
side of under-surface of head behind each eve, Head with
iwo moderate Mteroeulie fore, front. longitudinally im
pressed between aitemrmry ridges; densely puretate all over.
Antonna reaching middle cox, robust, first joint stout, as
Joug as next two combined. second stouter hut same lenyth as
third, third to fifth sub-equal. sixth to eighth smaller sub-equarl.
ninth as long as two preceding, sub-quadrale, tenth slialithy
shorter but wider than sinth, cleventh irregularly ovate, one
all » Dalf times as long as ninth, Prothorax a little longer
than wide, widest at apiece! third, sides rounded; with sa shal-
low round medio-hasal fovea, and a deeper ote on Gach side;
maunetores as on head, Wlytva wider at apex than length,
moderately narrowed at hase, sutural strias fairly distinct,
diseal strie widely impressed at base. vanishing af apical
fourth, shoulders somewhat raised; punetyares a little finer
than om head. Abdomen a little longer that, but same width
as, elytra, painuetures as on elytra; aunder-surtace slightly fat-
tened, apex produced a htthe, Legs lone; four auteriar tibin
curved, hind alinost straight,

be. Differs in having joints nine and ten of antenmme same
leneth, and under-surtace of abdomen less flattened, and apex
wot produced. Length, 2.96-2,92 mam.

Hab, Vietorin: Lake Hattauh (C. Oke), in nest of Campa-
hots wigriceps.

Belonging to the division of the genus not having a xpine
behind the eve. Close to ew'vipes, Lea, but no basal im-
pression on head, antenne not reaching hind voxme, pro-
thoracie fovea different, and no impression on yider-sartuce.
The base of the abdominal segments only are flattened, the
apes of each being normal,

May, 74
1926,

Okk, New Austratiun Coleoptera 13

Types in author's colleetion.

Chaleuplectini, lribis nav.

Bady Jong, depressed. Mouth parts well developed.
Maxillary palpi normal, of four joints. Intevmediute coxa
sub-globular approximate, posterior triwngular, distarit.
Anterior and intermediate trochanters long; posterior shart,
Yarsi with first joint vather short, second large and dilated,
third, longest, and inserted on the base of the second, Twa
well-developed claws. Other characters as in the single gers,
Chaleoplectus.

The insect for whieh this tribe anc genus are proposal
shows a rather peculiar combination of characters. The shape
ot the bedy, and, to a certain extent, the mouth parts, ave sug-
postive of the Pavoni, avid its tansal joints ary somewhat as
in the anterior tars) of Exeirarthra, Broan, from New Zea
fund, bntare the same on all legs. The antenmex, diternediate
trochanters, did the inner claw of anterior tarsi being trifial,
aes very noel as in Palinrbalos (Tyrini), but the tarsal jomts
ahd body, iter alia, would exclude jt from the 'Lytnn,

The intermediate trochanters are only comparatively long;
that is tosay, (hey are longer than those found in genera,
known to we, belonging to the Drachyseelides, and Jiawe bean
compared with thu following gene :—Sagola, Muplectops,
Macropleetas, Ploctostanis, Mesoplitus, Butrisudes, Batrixis,
Briwra and Rybasix, They are not as long as the comespond-
ing parts in Pselaphus, Psclaphophus, yvraphus and Creui-
sophas, bat are as longs im Nurcodes, and some of the genera
of the Tyra. Aceordiny to M, Raffray’s classifieacion of
the family, this tribe would follow Tyrini, before the
Schistodactylini, as it is obwionsly a istage before the bilohing
of the secund tarsal joint.

Chatcaplectus, genaov,

Body lone, depressed, Tload sab-quadrate, Eyes large,
coarsely Taseetted, prominent, situated ow Tithe behind the
niddle. - Antenna. elaven-jointed, frst joint large, clah three
jointed, bases distant. Labrum broad and transverse, its edie
ciliated. Manditblas with basal portion thiek, (he apieal por-
tion abruptly curved inwards, clongate and acuniinate ; ane
edge denticnlate. Mentam large. not transverse, Mtiasitle
well-developed, with the lobes distinet; the cyrule sonaawhat
triangular, and finely carinated on, its external edge; its palpi
lave, Jour-jointed, frst short, strongly eurved; seeond long,
thin atchaae, clivate at apex, bent outwards; third joint
shorter than second, slightly longer than fourth, a shart

i hs San ‘ats 1 . View Nee
14 Ob, New Austevalinn Coleoptera Vou XVIT

peduncle anc strongly clavate, the lalter not quite as broact
as fhe second, fourth joint avate, with a vey showt peduuele,
apex with a mmute membranecous appendage, Proathorax en
date, tri-toveate. lMlytra short, with discal stria. Abdomen
long of six segments in M. and seven ins fiest short,
Invistble, second and third large, sub-equal, fourth largest of
all; strongly taceined, Mesostemmon short. mrehusternun
long. Lng rather long, Aatemor coxa conieul, prominent,
contiguous; inter mediate globular, almost level, approxinuste ;
pesterion triaueular, widely separated. Anterior brochaiuters
clocidedly long: intermediate one, posterior short. The
feniora lightly inflated, and obliquely insertect on the tro-
ehanters. Tavs with, first. joint cather short, second longer
and dilated, with the third inserted on its base. Anterior tarsi
with inner clay trificl im the w., slightly thicker that quter is
vs other larsi with two well-developed equal claws.
Chalcoplectus depressus, sp.nov.

M. Custaatcous, elytra and legs paler, palpi flayous; sub-
witid; with Jong, pale pubescens, Head very lighthy trans
verse, With rather coarse retiealate punetiures: widely hollowed
hotween antennal tubercles, wid econtiined baek to level of
front margin of eye, where there ia a voviid fovea, arel wath,
two Tnterocilar taevee. Mandibles reikdenticulate Antonine
Jong; first long and stout, as lowe as next three combined,
second a Tittle longer and broader than third, fourth to eighth
subequal, purth large, Sub-quadrate, tenth larger, lightly
transverse; eleventh ovate, as long as nine aid ten eombitiesl,
Vrothorax ubout as lone as the avidth at its widest, whieh) is
at. apieal third, ia front suddenly iarrowed to apex, and
irregularly narrowed to base; a round diseal fovea at Iisal
Lhivd, and an oblique foveate inipression on either side; pune
tures as ou lead. Givetra transverse (is 4 to 9); attenuated
to hase; each elytroh with dixtinet isnb-sutural stiae
with 4 vound ‘fovea hetore hase; distal stra widely nel
obliquely inpréssed’ with a Tavan at bases 'ypune-
Lures fing anc “trdistinet. Afudomen long,’ three flyst
(visible) segments’ svidely’ marginecd; with © a! short
dimple. ean’ inule | on cither. side of basal ‘segment. “Tather
jean the margin, punctures much as on clytra. | Metisteren
lightly impressed and excavated posteriorly, sparsely pune
tured, Under-surface of abdomen with a few large plinetures,
and fifth segment, transversely impressed.’ Intermediate. tro-
chanters with a triangular tooth. posterior trochanter With a

a

ei Noles on Beetle Lurtae 15

strong, rounded tooth. Femora inflated in middle, tibie some-
what curved. Length, 2.75-2.85 mm.

rp. Differs in not having ‘abdomen’ impressed, and ftro-
chanters not armed. .

Hab. Victoria: Belgrave, Evelyn, Bacchus Maash, Coburg
(C. Oke), Fern Tree Gully (J... Dixen and C. Oke), Mit:
ham (Rey. i. Nye), Mooroolbark (HE. Pischer). Found at
base of grass tussocks.

The insect, when alive, is rather sugeestive of a Staphy-
linid, more especially in the meaner im which a raus,

Cuctisiva.
Cryplomorpha luta, sp.nov.

Dark piceous. brown, tarsi paler, clothed with moderately
lons, erect hairs, lead transverse, excluding mouth-parts,
with large rugese and conffyent punctures; eyes prominent.
Antenne reaching hind coxa, first joint long and stout, longer
than next two combined, second small, third a Tittle Jonver,
fonrth to eleventh lone stb-equal, eleventh acuminate. Pro-
thorax as wide as lone, convex, with the front aneles pro-
duced, the produced part rounded; with a feehly-rarsed
‘median videe. Elvtra with the striw coarsely crenulate-pune-
tate, and the interstices finely punetured. TFemora
moderately inflated. Leoeth, 5 meni; width, 2 m.ni.

Hab. Vietortu: Bendigo, Gypsan) (6. Oke), Inglewood
(J. B. Dixon and C. Oke), Miata (&. . Wilson), Maldon (A.
C. Goudie).

A broad, distinct spectes, wider than any of the deseribed
ones. Most of the specimens are of a dull red-brown abont
the base of thorax and base of elytra, others being darker
ihere. The Kiata specimen is more ov less of this colour all
over.

NOTES ON BEETLE LARVZE,
By C. One,

Tlow little ig known veeardine the habits of our bectles!
Approximately, 15.000 species have been deseribed from Aus-
tralia, and the complete lite listary of none hay been pub-
lished vet.

Th is known where many of the Baprestids,, Longicons
and Chafers breed, The larva: of waterhectles are casily
obtained, and it should not be diffieult to rear some speeies.
A few of the Weevils breed iy certain foadstutts, but their
tite-listories haye not heen worked ont i detail. Carab

46 Notes on Reetle Larvae [¥en Shi

Javves ave familiar—is Carah larwe;-but who eu idertiey one
with certainty? Staphylinid larva: are wot often seen, and
“in eaphivity’* they soon die.

Mere are aninbers of speeies—evon whole groups—thal.
are quite wekuowl as danve and pupe; for instanee, the
large Weevils belonging to the Aaiyetorine, a sub-family cou-
tinecdl to Australia, with a eonsidermble number of species.
We do not know wheve thoy Ineed, Again, the family
Pselaphide hus more than 400 deseribed Australian. species,
nocl the larva of none hag bee found,

CUnitortianately, beetles ave, as oa rite, diffe to lreed
out; they require conditions not. ersily supplhed, and time
and putience must be cevoted ta them. My attempts offen
have proved futile. 1 collected two Chater grubs, wbout an
neh in Jength, wd thought to rear them without trouble.
The larvae of these Chafers live in damp soil, and cat erass-
roots. I kept wy speeimens in a tin of damp earth, and pro-
vided fresh clumps of grass at regular intervals. More than
two years elapsed hefore one larva pupated; the other had
died. Beetles do not, usually, live long as pupe, but soo,
‘to’? or emeéree (reo the pupal skin, though the ener
gence is vradual. The colours of maturity, and “hardness.’”
are nob attained” for some tunce—xeveral months in same
cuses.

My Chafer grub, which had sarvived, half-emerged from the
Pupal skin, assamed a livht-brown volouwr, and then died. Tt
was a. Dasygnatios, aid, had it lived, wonld bave been almost
black. At the present time (May, 1925) Tam feeding a large
Cliek-beetle larva on termites, which appear to be its natural
Food, 1 obtained this specimen in, the Mallee last November,
and think it will prove to be Vetrototus fortum, T nay he
wrong as to the species, but-am sure of the venus, as T have
bred another species, meerruyi. It is only after rearing. o1
trying to tear, a few bettle larvee, that one realises how many
are killed by parasites. When a grub has bee kept for some
ntouths it is annoying to And a parasite in the breedins-box.

. am unable to give definite aeeounts of the breeding
habits.of the beetles ceseribed in preceding paper. ‘I'he life
histories of the Pselaphide, to which family most, of my species
belony, are still “‘ungarnered gram.*’ As beetles, those
dleserihedl live in mosses and gvass-fissoeks. Other species
live among rotting leaves, under bark, or clinging to logs and
stones; while a fair number of species are found only ip

tos a Concerning “Cushiva”® Plants tii

42h, |
ants’ nests. In faet, they yre generally regarded as ants
hest beetles; but of the 160 species T have collected mm Vie-
toa, fewer than 40 were fonnd in association with ats;
while only one was aiong termites.

The species of Aphodius live in dung, and burrow through
it 111 all divections. J do not know whether they eat it or nal,
m the mature stage; but they torn little hollow pellets of the
unsavoury material, and lay then eaes inside. ‘The larva:
feed upon the walls of thei cells, papate, and, in dae fine,
force their way to the outside world.

The various species of Cryptomorphi are mostly found in,
oon, dead leaves; and 1 believe their Jarve are unknown.
Other mombers of the tumily, Cucugde, have very peculiar
larvie, That of Isuples bicolor, 14 in. in length, and no thicker
than a shilling, has a peculiay process on the ond of Me
abdomen. These larwe live between the outer and inner bavk
of the Bucalypts, hence their flattened form.

CONCERNING ‘CUSHION’ PLANTS.

The Andean and sub-Antaratie Aniwrieaa floras have a
special interest for us ou account of their close kinship with
those of Australia and New Zealand, and the short account,
by 2 W, Peantell, in the last Annual Report of the Acadens
of Sciences of Philadelphia, of a botanical expedition fa the
Andes anakes one eager for the detailed deseription, whieh
doubtless will be published in due time,

Mr. Pennell, who is a member of the scientific staff of the
Academy, was chiefly concerned in the vevetation. of the igh
pluteaus, or purines, vorresponding to the fell fields in
northarn countries, and the pwnas, or ATpine deseyts, of
Western Colombia, The parianes are isolated areas, at very
high, altitudes, as much as 17,000 feet, or even inore, whose
plant cover is chardeteriged by the presenea of villous
curious composites, belonging to several genera, and locally ,
knowin as frvidlejones, associated with scattered herbs of |
rosette, tufted or “‘cushion’’-erowth forms. Juch peranye
seems to have evolved a fradlejan peculiny to itself, ‘The
plants vary ain height, np vo 10 feet, and are densely clothed
with silvery or golden hairs or yott wool. In the vase of
Rspeletia grandifloia, which is about 6 feet in height ate
unbratched, there is also, below the infloreseeiee and upper
leaves, an investment of dead leaves as thick aga iman'sy body,

is Concerning “Cushion Plaats nat ere

Of the “cushion” plants, Mr Pennell writes:—'t. .
but denser eolories were formed by an Alpine plantain and
liv certiin composites and monoeotyledons. One of the last,
vrowing at the edge of pools-in the valley’s head, forme
rounded eorallineg ¢ushions of almost rock-Lke hivedivess, sul
with the outline os precise as any pattern, Althoueh ite share
leaves piajected vertied ly, and one walked on (he lewt&-tips,
these were so rigid and atrong that vo impress fron the lian
foot could be detected.’

Dr. Robert O, Cunningham. in his *‘Notes on the Natural
hostovy of the Strait of Magellan and West Coast of Pata-
onta,’* had the same experience with the Ewious balsai-boge
(Bolan qguonimifera), which he found so compact in. their
structure that he was able to jump on them without leaving
the print-of hie feet.

liveri stronger proof of their hardbess i8 given by
Ur, Reiche un bis ‘'Chiltenffora’ (Rngler’s, Vee. do Mode),
regarding the cushions of Azorella amadreparica, another
Cinbellifer closely allied to the Bolax, whieh are ‘so hard and
solid a mass that if one fires a vevalver at them the ball
glances off, being quite unable to penetrate it.’ Skottsherg
in ‘A Botanleal Suivey of the Falkland islands’? also refers
to their extreme hardness.

Cashion’? planta, or those with a closely-lnit gehenie of
branching assuming a rounded shape, occur, of course, in all
parts of the world, but the very hard “enshtons,'” hebben
ealled “houlder’’ plants, with few e exceptions (seh as Dove
alping from Cape Chelyuskin, in the far north of Siberia,
about the size and shape of a small apple and not yery close
and compact) appear to be confined to the southern hemis-
phere, Moreover, they vange only down the Audes, through
Pierva del Fuego, the Patkland Islands, Kerguelen Taland,
the sub-Antaretie Lslands, New Zealand and Tasmania, oegu-
pring, in fact, the remnants of the causeway hy which came.
imal probability, the ancestors of the Airtarctie element in our
flora, Tt is the presence in our part of the world of this
extraordinary growth form and its distribution that adds ta
the significance of the kinship between onr flora and that of
South Ameriea, and, with sinulsr distritution af other formes
ne life, affords strong evidence of a once-initimate Lai ean-
nection between the two regions,

Some reference has already been made to our ‘cushion
plants, aud their hardness, in a short description of the Cradle

Moe A Concerning “Cushion? Plats 49

Mountain Plova, with a picture, of one of them, KMayurta
Meredith, and a general view of the “*eushion’’ plant associa-
tion—Vie. Nat. MI, No. 7, Nov., 1923. ‘Four species were
mentioned as growme there, and a fifth as otaurring else
where in dhe iskind. <A sixth. might haye been added,
Gaimardia Pitegeralda, one of the Centrolepids. In Now “ea-
land these forms are much more wamerous. The composites
here afford at Jeast wine exainples, of which six are Ruoulias,
including the celebrated vegetable sheep, I. bryoides and R..
ein, a Haastia and two Celmisias, The Stylidiacea have
a Phyllachne and a Donatia, which is identical with the Tus-
mania Plant, The Epaerids are represented by a Dracgophyl-
lum. A Gaimardia is perhaps conted to the Stewart sand
Auckland islands, this and an Oreobolus (Cyperacee) being
vathey smuller than the others. A Colobanthus (Caryophyl-
lavew) extaids throughint the Southern Istands, and Aaarella
selugo 1s only in Macquarie Jsland, but this finds a place
also in Kerguelen aid other islands, as well as Patagonia.
This perhaps completes the het, though Dy. Cockayne speaks
of 58 species of “Scushions’’ or ‘semit-eushiois”? of 22 genera
in 14 faniilies.

In Andean and sub-Antaretic Ameena there ate probably
ihore species growing in bard-Seyshion’? form than are
known Jn New Zealand, bat at present we lave no means of
uscertamming definitely, 1 wonld appear, however, that,
Wthough-the members of many families have thug shown their
ability onder stress of circumstances to assume this very con-
venient form, and have come to resemble one another so
closely, the composites, at least at this, and the Umnbellifer
a the other end of their range, seem to provide the greatest.
wumber of examples.

Pnsuriny. almost absolute stability, comparative evenness of
tomperature, protection against desiccation, reduction of tran-
spivation to (he minimum, and enabling the plant to take
complete advantage of tts dead parts for its own nouwrishinent,
{lis grawth fom mast make for extreme longevity, anu is an
adaptation toa parviicular aud extreme sel of conditions pes-

chaps more perfect than ahi be found elsewhere dit the yere-
table world,
C88.

20 Notew from Mieth cid Studi a eee spats

,

festosbestecte fecloetacteedrctenfors Ler cieteebedtorsteefhageafeateetenbonlysbeesoteleaee tsetse be een

: NOTES FROM FIELD AND STUDY

fshaataita dictotetats sfabarturtartestndtectastestoatonaiqoateatratvatertvetorinatectestontnaterteofortnetarlortnalerterlortits as

_
_

at
+
eetee

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,,
te

| Members ave invited to contribute paragraphs for this aec-
tion of the Natwest, which should become x popular mis-
ecllany. Original notes, of course, are most desired; but
gleanings Tron scientific literature, unlikely to be seen by thre
majority of members, will also he weleomed. |

GANG-GANG COOKATOOS AS BERRY-RATERS-

The seeds of Muealypts are eaten freely by Gang-mainy
Cockatoos (Calloceplialon fombriatus), but itt may not he gene
ally known that these birds have a strong liking for “haws."
and often rob the hedgerows of their autumn lon vy. When I
was at Wandilivong, in April last. Man W. Goldsworthy, JP,
a close observe of bird life, tald me that Gang-vangs cide
every year 10 reap the harvest of Hawthorn berrics. In
Mareh on April. as the ‘Shaws*’ ripen the birds appear, int
small flocks; and when they depart there are vo ehusters of
atimson fruits along the hedgerows. The Cockatoos seen, to
work systematicully, stripping one ''seation”? ata time. Thus
they move round the district, leaving, at last, fy quest of
vnother harvest. They may uot be sean tu the valley again
until wutumn once move is preparing the ““feust of haws?' for
them. When feeding, the birds display little fear of man,
In Bright. where the Hawthorm frows, one may walk beneath
the Gung-e gangs at their meal, The local name for this Species
is rey Galah,’’ fayouved also in other distiiets.—C_B.

BEETLES AND ANTS.

In a North-Western Mallee cistrict € devoted some time
1 collecting at. night, with the aid of an acetylene lamp.
Around the butts of trees many examples of the heetle,
Liparochrus gemnatus, Westw., belonging to the sub-family
Trogides of the Scarabeide, were secured (prahably one
hundred or more were noticed). In all cases they were in the
midst of ealumns of small black ants that were travelling
backwards and forwards. I watched carefully, but did not
orice see a beetle interfered with by the ants—BUE.W.

ark Notew from bield vad Study 2]

In the Fitzroy Gardens one day I saw a rat run across a
path, and beneath some shinbs close to the artificial pond.
A few minutes later a Kookaburra. (Dacelo gigas) darted from
a bough above the slirubs; followed fluttering and rustling
in the undergrowth, then the bird emerged with the rat
firmly held im its beak, and Sew off among the neighbouring
trees—L. L. Honoson,

PUPATION OF THE CONVOLVULUS HAWK-MOTH.

At Murchison, on March 21, 1 collected two caterpillars of
the Convolyulus Hawk-moth, Protoparce convolvult.. They were
feeding on Convolvulus leaves, and were almost full-grown, 1
placed them in # breeding cage, and supplied them regularly
with ‘‘Morning Glory’? leaves. The larger of the two speci-
mens ceased feeding on Mareh 28, and shortly afterwards
became exceedingly active. Jt would erawl about for 10 or
12 minutes, then suddenly hecoming motionless, remain
stretched on the bottom of the cage for about the same length
of time, Tt had lost its beauty, heing of 4 yellowish colour,
while the distinctive stripes had beeome faint. On the 29th
this caterpillar wis still subject to restless moods, alfernat-
ing with- periods of complete repose. Sometimes it would
Intry itself in the loose soil and debris covering the floor of
its cage, having longer periods of inactivity than formerly,
Jt was much shrunken in appearanve now. On the 30th it
was very active at intervals, but was unable to climb. It was
ot a uniform, dirty brown colour; the stripes had eompletely
disappeared, and it meusuved only 1 6-8 inches in length.
Restlessness, with intervals of repose, continved until April
8, when the caterpillar pupated.

On April 1 the other caterpillar ceased to eat, and
behaved in exactly the same way as its fellow, until Apr
13, when it pupated. I failed to find traces of “a
soeom, or fastenings of any deseription. ‘These
Hawlemoth caterpillars, apparently, do not spin. The
larval skin splits completely, at the head. The pupa,
shortly after emergence, is very prettily coloured, the head
and thorax beiig light green, merging into yallow towards
the tip of the abdomen, winch is bright red. The green anc
yellow gradually fade until, two days after pupation, the
pupa ig of a uniform rich-chestnut colour-—H, W. Davey.

2a Notes from Mield and Study wear enet

BIED ENEMY OF EMPEROR GUM MOTH LARVA,

Some Euealypts in my garden at Darling having been
topped, young growth attracted many Emperor Gum
Moths, <Antherea eucalypt, which were seen ovi-
positing on the tender shoots just before nightfall.
The larve of this moth are voracious, and very
soon branches were completely defoliated. Many of
the caterpillars, about this time, were hali-grown, Then a
pair of Black-Paced Cuckoo-shrikes, Graucalus melanops,
arrived in the garden, and commenced to prey upon the lar-
ve, My trees were ‘‘cleared’’ in three days. As the most of
the larve were on [wigs too small to support the birds, they
were taken ‘‘on the wing.’? A Cuckou-shrike would perch on
a branch of a taller tree nearby, and gaze intently down upon
the infested tree, until a larva was located, when the bird
would swoop und deftly remove the caterpillar without alght-
ing, Lf, as happened occasionally, a, miss was ‘‘registered,'’
the bird would turn gracefully in its flight, hover over the
twig, and secure its prey—F. EK. Wison.

CARNIVOROUS LAND SNAILS.

The finest. Victorian land shell is that of Paryphanta atra-
mentirut, Shutt, and its tenaiut is a most interesting snail, Last
year 1 sent two specimens to Mr. Hugh Watson, of Cam-
bridge, England, a brilliant anatomist, who specialises in ter-
restrial mollusea. He returned a mounted radula, with a
note: ‘*This snail, FY. atramentaria, has a fine radula, as you
will see. It is of the specialised type, found only among the
carnivorous genera. . . . Paryphanta, of course, like most
earnivorous snails, has no jaw.’’ The radula is a beautifnl
object, under the microscope. Before I was aware of this
anail’s true nature, I onelosed a live one, with two specimens
of Helicurion cuvieri, Fer, in'a amall collecting tin. Pary,
phonta devoured its tellaw- -prisoners, and spoiled their <deli-
cate honey-coloured shells.—C_B.

SOCIAL LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD.

Intensive study of the habits of Australian ants, wasps
and bees shonld be undertaken. New species are being
described» but there ave very few workers in the vast field.
Behaviour, After reading Professor W. M. Wheeler’s ‘* Social

| Life History of Midyes ‘gg

Lafe Among the Insects,’’ arid othor recent books of the kind,
one tealises the need for systematic observation of even our
most ‘‘familiar’” specics. In Europe and the United States of
America, the study of inseet behaviour has attracted many
distinguished naturalists. Books on ants and wasps
are nearly as popular as those dealing with birds
and wild-flowers. Some contain references to -Aus-
tralian species; and the deep interest attaching to our insect
faula is realised, especially im America, he veteran
Myrmecologist, Auenste Forel, has devoted five volumes (pub-
lished 1921-23) to a fascinating subject, ‘Le Monde Social des
Fourmis compare a eelui de l’7Hdomme."’ This work, judg-
ing by the reviews, if translated into Wuglish, would rival
Fabre’s studies of wasps und bees, in popularity. Dr. Forel
kindly sent to mre a copy of his paper, dealing with ants col-
Jeeted by the Swedish Scientific Expeditions fo Australia,
1910-1913. He deseribes several new species of the remark-
able genus Orcetegnathus, trom Cedar Creek, Queensland ;
and recently (May 2). at Ringwood, I found an ant
which closely resembles his figure of O, Mjobergt, A solitary
speuinien, it was lurking in moss. It has been sent to Mo.
John Clark, of Perth, W.A., onr Jeading authority | on ants,
for deferinination, —0.B.

LIFE HISTORY OF MIDGES (CHTRONOMID.Z).
By d, SEARLE,

One group of aquatic larve that has received very little
attention from our entomologists is that of the Midges, small,
dipteroug insects resembling mosquitoes, another branch of
the same fami)y.

The cominonest form met with by the pond-hunter is
Chironomus, the ‘‘Bloodworm,”’ or ‘‘Weaver,’’ as it is com-
monly called. When fully grown this larva is about three-
qaarters of an inch in length, and of a deap-red colour—henee
the popular naine, “his colour is due to the presence in the
hlood of the larva of the substance wmoglobin, the colouring
matter of om own blood. “*Weaver*? refers to the undula-
tory motion of the body when protruding from the taniel,
whieh the larya makes for its protection by binding togethien
fragments of vegetation wd debris in an untidy mass. This

4 Life History of Midges ew Ney

weaving motion draws a stream of water through the tunnel,
und, tio doubt, aids respiration,

The larva has. a pair of tes attached to the segment follow-
itig the head, and another pair on the last sezment of the
body; these legs cach bear a crown of numerous recurved
hooks. The larva feeds on decaying vegetable matter. Just.
before pupation, the rudimentary wings and legs of the future
liy may be discerned under the skin of the worm,

The pupa is furnished with tufts of respiratory hairs on its
anterior end, and retains.an active existence. while the wouder-
ful changes are proceeding beneath the pupa skin. When
the metamorphosis is complete the pupa wriggles to the sur-
face of the water, the pupal skin splits, and in an instant the
imago flies off to meet ity mate and begin another life evele.
Chironomus does not feed in the winged state. Tt is remark-
able the rapidity with which the imago issues from the pupal
envelope. T remember. on one oceasion I was examining the
contents of » bottle of ‘nond-life.’’ when I noticed a
Chirenomus nvea wrizeline to the surface. I called the
attention of a friend. who was at my side. to the pupa, but
before he could take the hottle from my hand the imago had
emerged and was flymg towards the window,

The eggs of Chironomus sre laid in jelly-lhke masses
attached fo surface weeds generally. Some species lay their
eges in a spherical mass abont the size of a large pea, others
in sausage-shaped strings. The ewes themselves are cigar-
shaped, slichtly pointed at each end. Two other groups of
Chironomide are common in our ponds: they are the Ceruto-
pogon and the Tanypus.. ,

Ceratopogon is a long, footless, snake-like translucent
larva; at the caudal end it has eight long sete and a few
short ones,

Tanypus are elongate. cylindrical larve, with a long, nar-
row head. It is remarkable for its retractible antenne, which
jay be drawn hae into socketsin the head or protruded at
plsasnre.

Che Victorian Paturalist

Vou. XLIT—No. 2, JUNE 10, 1925. No. 498.

FIELD NATURALISTS? CLUB OF VICTORIA.

] BUSINESS.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was. held im
ihe Royal Society's Hall, Victoria Street, on Monday even-
ing, 1dth May, 1925. The President, Mv. 4, Searle, ocenpied
the chair, and about fitty members and friends were present.

REPORT OF EXCURSION.

A report of the excursion to Ringwood on Saturday, 2nd
May. was given by the Leader, Mr. H. B. Williamson. Dr.
C. $8, Suttoi gave some notes on the Huealypts of the
district. (See page 27.)

ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

On a ballot being taken, Miss Webb, “‘ Arundel,’? Com-
mercial Road, Prahran, and Mr. A. BF. Archer, M. A., Head-
master Caulfidd Grammar School, were elected unanimously
as ordinary members of the Club.

Messrs. L. Hodgson and J. B, Leslie were unanimously
elected as Auditors, on the motion of Messrs. A. J. Tadgell
and G@. Coghill.

GENERAL BUSINESS,

Office-bearers for 1925-26. Nominations were made 4s
follows :— .

President—Mr, Geo. Coghill (proposed by Mr. H. B.
Williamson and seconded by Mr. F. G. A. Barnard).

Vice-Presidents—Mr. F. @. A. Barnard (proposed by
Mr. F. Pitcher, seconded by Mr. C. Oke), Mx. A. &.
Keep (Mr. Barnard and Dr, C. 8. Sutton), Mr.
J. A. Wershaw (Messrs. Oke and ©. Lambert), Mr.
kK. E. Pescott, F.LS. (Messrs. F. 2. Wilson and
G. Coehill), Mr. P. R. H. St. Joh (Messrs. F. Wisewould
and F. Chapman), Mr. ¥. E. Wilson, F.E.S. (Messrs. J. A.
Kershaw and ©. Barrett),

How. freasurer—My, A. G. Hooke (proposed by Ma, Oke,
seconded by Mr, Pitcher).
_ Hon. Librarian.—Dr. C, 8. Sutton (proposed by Mr, Cog-
hill, seconded by My, H. B. Williamson).

'

26 Fietdh Naturutists' Ciud—Proceehags Lesa

Hon, Wdilor —Mr. C. Barvett, C.M.Z.8. (proposed by Mr.
C. Daley, seconded by Mr, Kershaw),

Hon. Secretary.—My. C, Oke (proposed by Mr, Wilhiam-
son, seconded hy Mr, Barnard),

Flan, Assistant Secretary and Librarian—Me. HP. Wil-
liamgon, F.LLS. (proposed by Dr. Sutton, sceonded by Mr. FL
LTughes).

Commattee—Mr. F. Chapman, A.L-S. (proposed by Le.
Wilson, seconded by Mr. Coghill), Mr, P. Gudmore (Messrs.
Kershaw and Daley), Mv, ©. Daley, B.A., P.L-S. (Mesgrs.
Kershaw and Williamson), Mr. DL. Hodgson. (Messrs. Coghill
and Wilson), Mr. H. Ebwthes (Messrs. Daley and Pitcher),
Mr. C. Lambert (Messrs. Peseott and Gray), Mr. BF. Piteher
(Messrs. Pescott. and Gray), Mv. A. Rodda (Messrs. Peseott.
and Gray), Mr. J. Stickland (Messrs. Pitcher and Daley).

Otway Forest Area—-Mr. F. EB. Wilson moved, “Phat a
letter of appreciation of the Government's action in presery- '
ing the Otway Forest. reservation be sent to the Premier.
Seconded by Dr, G.8, Sutton, and carried,

Nature Notes.--Mr. Oke made some vemarks on the
‘Tracks of the Common Garden Snail.’’ Te expressed the
opinion that the nature of the surface traversed had little or
no effeet upon the charaeter of the “‘trail,’’

Mr, Oke gavé an aceount of a Spider migration. (See
article on another page.)

\ EXHIBITS,

By Mr. G. Coghill—Climbing Polygonum, Polygonum
baldschawimcum; a pretty ereeper, bul. likely fo become a
peat

By Mr. C. Dales—{1) Photographs of Upper Murray dis-
trict, Swampy Plains River and Geli, taken by Messrs, I.
Cudmore and E. J, Roberts; (2) waterworn pebbles from
Swampy River, near the foot of Mt. Kosciusko: (3) sketches
made at Gehi, Swampy River,

By Messrs. BH. 5. Pescott and C. French, Jun—Herharium
specimen of Long-tongue Greenhood, Pfernstylis grandiflora
(R.Bv.), with three flowers an one stem.

By Mr. EB. EK. Peseott—(1) Stone axes, aboriginal, from
Geelong, Vie., and Warren, N.S.W.; (2) glass spear heads,
aboriginal, from Daly Waters, N.T. (one very large); (3)
garden specimens of the Bird Flower, Crotalaria lahurni-
folia,

ost | Kucilypts ut Ringwood. , st
BUCALYPTS AT RINGWOOD.

Kleven species of Kuealpyts were noted on the oecasion
af the exeursion to Rigwood on Saturday, 9th May—s fair
Number éonaidering the small area covered. About the station
the Silver-leat Stringybark, 7, cinerea, vay, nultiflova prevails,
this treo being a feature of the Lilydale road east of Box Hill.
The Common Peppermint, HW. australiana, was next noticed,
wud the Long-leat Box, 2. eleophora, whose most redeeming
quality lies in the occasional bewuty of tis juvenile foliaye,
which sometimes closely approaches in likeness that of the
Candle-bark Gum, 2. vubida, though generally mich eaarser.
Near the Muilum Mullum Greek some rather good specimens
of the Swawp Gum were growing, This species, long
réparded as i (runnit, ur as &. aeervula, Hook. was
desevibed by Baker as HL. puliwdosu, bat eventually eonsidered
by Maiden to he Labilhirdiere’s 2, ovelar It is a question,
however, whether 2, acervuli is not still mixed wp with, it.
Although we saw numerous clunips of suckers with the
charming, sleek, prey leaves of the Yellow Box, #. mellio-
dore, we did not meet with a tree wit) crossing 4 bend of
the ereek, Wvidently its good qualities are recognised, for
it has been almost entirely out, out hereabouts.

The Red Stunvybark, /. meererrhynclha, and the Mess-
mute, / abliqua, were not infrequent. he Menina Gam, £.
viminalds, whose beauty is only skin-deeg. was found on the
low ground, and saplings of its twin sister, the graceful Candle-
bark, were seen on the drier slopes. The Blue Peppermint,
i. dives, was vecoenised. Not until the limit of ony outward
walk wus reached, on some high ground, did we encounter the
Ted Box, 2, polyanthemos, this being about tha southern
boundary’ of 718 Vative in tis loeality, and one-of the few
puints wheee 7 touches, wid rarely intepmingles with, the
Mealy Stringybark. One fine old tree was seen, and a very
handsume sapling with a dense head of clean, bluish-yrey
foliage of voondish leaves, even more attractive that, that of
the Yellow Box—.8.8.

Ore is uecustoined to reward the Magpiedark (Gialine
cuyemilenee) asa peaeeful bird, but it is not always sea. AL
Greetishorongh reeently | saw a Noisy Minah (ALyzonthes
nielanvcepliaa) fly angrily oul of some bushes at three
Mawpie-lavks, and ehase them to the Baoealpyis nearby. A
minute later the Grallinas were pursuing several Magpies
(Cymnorhina hypolencu), one of which called loudly ag if
i Pain, on beme pecked by its pursucy. The Grallinas
yematned jn possession of the fheld—A.J.T-

'

28 | D'ALTON, Sume Grampians’ Plants [vores

SOME GRAMPIANS’ PRAN'TS,
By C. W, D'Ax‘ton,

(Read before the Mireles Naturalists’ Club af Vielorta, 9th
Murch, 1925,)

Plants peculiar to a cevtain district, or rarely founil elge-
Where, dnd those oceurring in widely-separated localities. are
generally regarded with special interest. The Grampians
fora contains an unnsnal numbet of the former elass of
plants, ancl also compares fuvourably with the flora nf other
parts of Victoria, both in number of species and the beauty
of their flowers, About 917 species are to be found growing »
in its shady gullies, or on its rugged hill-iops, Of the plants
more or less peculiar to these ranges, 16 families ure repre-
sented by about 380 species, a few of these being found just
over the border in the north-western district, in one or tivo
isolated patches, aud some others ia more distant parts, ov
in other States:

Taking them in order, we find ». member of the Cyperaceix,
Uricostulana puiuctflora, or the Needle Bog-rush, grown tia
the swampy country near the source of the Wannon Rivur.
and a few other places. Then we have three meimbers of the
Liliacew — Calectasia cyanea, Thysanotus dicholomus, and
Borya nitida. The first, the Blue Tinsel Lily, genorally-zrows
in gandy or heathy country, well ont i the open, indstly in
the foothills, ‘This is extremely hard to find, except when
blooming, when its satin-blne flowers, with bright. yellaw
stamens, are most conspicuous among the dark andergruwth
Tt is also found, but is rare, in the south-eastern part of South
Australia, The next, the Branching Fvinge-lily, also a native
of South anc Western Australia, with a delicate, pretty
flower, yrows, in this State, only in the vieinity of Mt, Zere.
The last L had the good fortune to find recently on Mackie's
Peak, at Hall's Gap, at the northern end of the Grampians,
At first it was thonght to be an uiudeseribed species, but
eventually the National Herbarium pronouneed it to be
identical with the Western Australion Boryu aafida, which hud
not been recorded previously, except from that State. Lbs
existence here provides a puzzle for the botanists, which will
be difficult to solve.

Tren comes a Tris, the Blue Grass-flag, Orlhrosent lies
nelliflord, wlso a mative of South anc Wostern Australia.
aud Last, Wil pot Teast, among the monocotyledons, we have
several exaiiples i that most Taseihating of all plat geoapa.

192h, D'Atvox, Some Grenipians’ Plants 29

June

J
the Orehidacew. For some veason the Gramps was tor
inany years vevarded as a poor place for orchids, and ws most
of the older botanists seemed to regard these rugged hilly as 2
nore suitable hunting-growid for plants of larger growth, for
a long tinie our‘ known’’ ovchids pumbered shghtly less than
40 only, | have, however, diwsing the last few years, pei
cipally through the ussistanee of Dr, RS. Ropers, of Ade
laide, whe Mr. J. W. Audas, of the National Herbarium, Mel-
bourne, raised the number to 72. As about a dozen others
have licen secorded for the South-west, and may possibly be
collected here in the future, our record, even now remarkably
yood, is likely to be still hetter. Some species, which for a
tine were recorded only from heve, have sinee bean found in
uther paa'ts, so our list at present'ot those confined to the
Granipians anounts only to two or three of the following :—
Cilachilus cupreus, or Copper-beards, Uhelymitre imeyculyp-
tia, the lilac Sun-orehid, the Veined Caladenia, Co relindata,
and Culéane Sullivan, the Speetral Duck-ovelud, The first
has, I believe, been reported from the south of this State. and
the second from New South Wales; but the other twa are
enlirely our own,

Caleuna Sullevini was first discovered by Mr. Suallivun,
42 yours agp, ah Mi. Zero, only one specimen bein then
obtained. Lt was not till 10th Deeember, 1924, that T ve-
discovered it on Wonderland Ranges, near Hiall’s Gap, and
callected six specimens. Jt. seams to like vocky hill-sides,
where there js plenty of sun, and grows in the mossy crevices
on the “oeks in company with Coleana numor, which it niueli
resembles, this likeness perhaps aceounting for its unt being
digeovered sooner. Calochalus cupreus is not sub-alpine, like
C. Sullivan, bul, grows on the foothills. generally in tutte of
short grass, where it gets protection from the ravages of sleep
or rabbits. Uhelynutra megealyptra, on the ether hand, is
fond ot higher ground, sometimes growing on the top of
Winost bare rocks, and ospecially at. Ruse’s Gap, a part of
the Mt. Diffieult Range. Caladenia tridescens wis also first
tound on this vange, but has since been gathered in the
southern districts.

We come now to the shrubs, of whieh we have a very Hie
culleetion. Starting with the Prateacea, Greudlen Woh
Tronsonn, the Serva Crovillea srows, or once Tid grow, on a
‘foothill of Mt. Abrapt, near Dimkeld, bul as i, has mot been
seen singe Mas TL. B, Willimson golleeted it, in 1R9S, ab is al
preset Unknown) fo me and perhaps may no loieer exist

30 D'Awros, Seme Grompures' Plants yah ets

there, The other, G. vlevides, the Olive Grevillea, a yery
Handsome shrub. with bright sealet blossoms aud fine ollve-
greco leaves, is found, nearly abways, high oi the momutaie
Peaks. generatly in avevices between the roeks. Lerhaps one
ot the most beautiful flowers in the Grampians ts Fer
sesstliflord, the Showy Bauera, of the Suxifragaces. This is
mer wilh abvays along the banks of watereourses, and. in
sone places, follows the crecks for half a niile ov more. aud
when in Tull bloom, fron the latter part of September till the
Imginuing of November, its long spikes of magenta-coloyeed
towers, With black centres. make a very fine show, The next
tu be mentioned ig the Orange Bell-elimber, Mariunthius
bignoniuceus, bearing pretry bell-shaped flowers and belong-
iig fo the Pittosperacess. It is sub-alpine, and generally
lognd in gullies wa creeks; also in the Mt. Lofty Ranges and
OW Nangavon Plane

‘We are fortunate in having no fewer than five species of
Leguminosic, all af the Genus Puitenwa, not hitherto found
elsewhere, J?, Bentham is a robust plant, with fine masses
of vellow blossoms; 2. costata, a low shrub with ribbed
leaves and yelluy blossoms, ofien tinged with red, a
very attragtive plavtk when in full blogm, P. Luehmennan and
P.. Meidenit ave move slender and less conspicuous planta, buti
P. subalpine, or vosed, ag it was tormorly eallecl, ig of a heaut-
ful rose-pink, with soft leaves. The flowers of this are remark-
athhe in that they turn purplish when fading, so that ii is
almost. impoasible to carry them any distance without the
colouy changing. Itis found in only two localities, one om the
top of Mt, William, and the other on the sunvmit, of Mt-
Resea; whieh was named in honour of this rare and beautiful
Juaut. In the Rutaceew we have Phebalivn dentalum, ov
Uimbellate Phebalium, easily distinguished from the other
vegetation by its truncate leaves. Tt grows profusely all over
these ranges, being also nok unknown in the Dividine Range
of New South Wales, and ity pretty star-like flowers, generally
pinkish in colour, make a good show, If seems curious that.
out of a seore or more of Eriostemons and Phehaliums oecur-
img iar this State, only about four are to be found on the
Himeplans, Carrer @avula is another member of the fumils
which grows here only, in this State, but also in the Mt. Lofty
and Barossa Ranges, in Sonth Australia. What I noght term
aur own particular family, the Rhamnacee, eoutains two
species. Lrymaliwn D'Altoni, discovered by my uncle, Mr
St. Floy D'Altou, a good inany years ago, and Trymakium

phat DYAnoux, Soure Gromgians' Plants 31
‘dnivstsstim, recently found hy My. J, W. Audas ancl myself,
on the slopes of Mt. Difficult. The first blooms ju duly, bet
Lhe latter wot till Spring,

The family Dilleniaees is represented by idbertia hun
fuse, whieh was first recorded trom Mt. Zero, at the noribern
end of the Grampians, and has heen erroneously entered in the
Consus of our Victorian plants as being in the Northavest, T
lave singe Lonud ih in several localities in the Vietoria Valley,
abd aso in the Wild Flower Garden, near Hall's Gap. In
the Myrtarea: we have five representatives. Lucalyplies
ulpiea grows on most of the higher peaks, and is seldom foand
lower than about 2000 feet. It isu rather dwarf Gum, will
exceedinely tough brauehes, thereby being abte fo withstanil
the strong wiids oeenrring ou high altitudes. Jt has fine
ginssy. dark-green leaves, futly large xecd-vessels minch
embedded on the stalks, ancl Howers of a mither struggling
nature, the stamens being inuch scattered wud distant, 7
believe dhis Huealypt bas been suecesstully vroawn i seme of
the alpine passes.in Muvope, where heavy wind storms are
prevalent. Melalewen squaanee is a handsome member at the
bottle-brnsh family, generally found m swatpps aud dong
waturconrses. Th hag faivky jarge pmk blossoms, with white
tips. to the stamens, and leaves nyaeh beset with diaolets. It
vinwes in two directions, from the Tasmanian mountains ap
the eask coust of New South Wales, and by way of the S.W
uf South Australia to this locality.

Calytria Sullivantt, or Grampians Fringe-myrtle, is strong
erowing, and likes open, sunny situations: ita cousin, the
Snow Myrtle, Lhetzkya yenetylleides, on, the obher hand,
here hides iis graceful pink flowers in shady plens or between
yook-walls where the sun does not penetrate too stvongly. Tn
the Northavest, however, it is found in open situations, like
the Culytrixs, which is also viol unknown there, Both are
easily grown. gardens or parks, where they make fine orna-
mental shrubs, Lhryptomene Mitchelliaw:, or Grampian
Heathanyrtle, is-also admirably adapted for cultivation, and
can, if clipped, he made into a very serviecable hedge. M1 ie
also a pood carvvig plant, and will last in water for several
weeks, This fine shrub was named in honony of that great
expioret, Sir Thomas Mitehell, who discovered and named
the Grampians. Another Myrtaerougs plank which might
he mentioned, althongh it occurs elsewhere in similar
situations, is the handsome variety yrundiflere oof Leptos
pernmruat Lanvigerwm, loeally known js the ‘Wald 4pple Blos-

$2 A Revord of Service Aare ea

som’? This has much largar flowers and leaves, grows in
ihite different soil, in rock crevices often high up in the snout.
(ais, and blossoms a month later than the typical form,
which is also always found in swampy country,

Of the Mpacridacex, we have two fine species in Lewcapoyan
thynifolius and Brachylomma depressunr, both snb-alpine here,
the latter heing about the finest ot the Buichylomas, growing
fairly tall and haying fine aprays of ereamy-white flowers,
much frequented by bees for honey. Lt is also kuawn from
the Rust coast of Tasmania aud the islands of Bass Strait.
Labiaty affords only one vather poor exunple in Prostaithera
debitis, a sleuder plant with flawers inuch scattered, ar yener-
ally in pairs and pale lavender in colour. Laat. ie thal
curious little member of the Stylidiacew, Styledian sobolt-
ferum, ov Bristly Triggerplant, with its curions rosette
leaves flat on the ground, and bright pink flowers on straight.
stalks a few inches in height. This genevally grows on uossy
banks in moist situations, and should make good bordering
for flower beds, provided the locality. is wat, too dry,

Saumming up, we appear to buve wbout a score of plants
confined to these ranges, and all but two or three of the others
mentioned seem to have come to us from the West, aul here
find the liniits of their range in an easterly direction,

A RECORD OF SERVICE.

The retirement of Mr. F. G. A, Barnard from the position
of Hon, Bditor of the Veetoriad Naturalist, a1 association
which members of the Club had cane to vegarved as perman-
ent, marks the close of an apoch, but, happily, not a career
of service. An epoch ig a period “marked by special
events’? and many evente of note in the Club’s history have
vecurred during the period of Mir Barnard’s editorship.
Tiis services have been varied and always efficient: he has
heen generous with giffs of his “‘Ieisure’’ time for 32 years.

Mr. Barnaad is one of the six original members of the
Club who remain with us. Elis serviee in office commenced
soon, After avear ou the Gotnmittee in £884, he was cleated
Hon. Sceretary of the Club. and fer six years continued to
hold that position; then he became Hon, Librarian, In
December, 1902, on the withdrawal of Mr. A. FT. 8, Lueas
from: the offiee, after vight vears of valued gervier. Aly
Barnard consented to act as editor of the Noturalis! ‘for 4
time ’* That time extended ta April, 1926.

June,
1926,

A Record of Service 33

For the vears 1903-5 Mr. Barnard was Vice-President of
the Club, and in 1905-7 occupied the Presidential chair, In
1908 he was again installed as Hon. Secretary, and acted
in that capacity for two vears, His editorial duties were
performed as usual while he held the other offices. His
zeal in the interests of the Club has been unabated for 45
vears. Besides discharging official duties most efficiently.
he has dealt with subsidiary affiairs, constantly arising, in
the same characteristic manner.

Mr. EF. G. A. Barnarp

Mr. Barnard has edited 7.874 pages of the Valnuralis/, as
compared with 1.492 pages published) during the cight
years before he assumed the responsible position so recently
vacated, He has introduced many improvements in the
stvle of our journal, maintaining the high standard whieh
gained it repute among naturalists throughout Australia and
in other countries.

In addition to editing numberless contributions, many of
which bristle with scientific terms. Mr. Barnard has dealt
skilfully with reports of Club meetings and excursions,
has reviewed books, ete. and supervised the details of pub-
lieation.

vate eels Vict. Nat.
34 A Record of Service seen Reis

A naturalist with wide interests. Mr. Barnard has con-
tributed many pleasant and justructive accounts of his out-
ings and Jonger journeys, and valuable papers on various
subjects,

A paper, “‘Are Popular Names for Victorian Plants
Desirable?"" xead in Sept., 1906, originated the work of
the Plant Names Committee, of which Mr. Barnard was a
member, and Ted to the subsequent publication of “A Census
of the Plants of Victoria."’

tn a Presidential Address, during bis term of oftiee in
1906, Mr. Barnard dealt with ‘The First Twenty-five Years
of the Field) Naturalists’ Club of Vietoria’’ (Nafuralist,
Vol. 23), This paper subsequently was supplemented by
one summarising the Club's history from 1905 te 1920
(Naturalist, Vol, 37). His Presidential Address, delivered
6th June, 1917, was entitled. “The Facilities for the Study
of Natural History in Australasia’’ (Naturalist, Vol. 24).
At the Clib conversazione, April. 1885, Mr. Barnard gave
an entertaining leeturette on “Insects and their Metamor-
phoses.”" Among hig many other activities may be mentioned
the management of the earlier Wild Flower Exhibition, as
Hfon. Secretary of the Club, in the days when suburban
expansion had not obliterated the floral wealth of sernb
and bush, then easily reached from the city. Mr. Barnard,
from his long experience in the work of the Club, has given
valuable assistance to its. officers, and always he has been
helpful to members requiring information, assistance. or
encouragement in nature study. A valuable adjunct to organi-
sation is the ‘* Excursion Programme’ introduced be My.
Barnard, who, as leader and adviser, has plaved a prominent
part m Club outings. Tle is familiar with all the highways
and byways radiating from Melbourne to mountain. plain
and streani, :

During Mr. Barnard’s intimate connection with the Chiab
its members have. several times. delighted to honour him.
Thus. on the oeeasion of his marriag¢, and in recognition of
his services as Ton. Secretary, in’ September, 1889 4 Vad.
Oct.. 1889), he was presented with an address. a clock. and
a purse of sovereigns. In July. 1918, on completion af 25
years” editorship, he was the aecipient of a poeket aneraid
barometer. In February, 1925. as a foundation member, he
was elected a Life Honorary Member of the Club.

Mr. Barnard has earned into other walks of life that
thoroughness and zeal whieh signally mark his career as a

phases Migration of Spiders 36

member of the Field Naturalists’ Club. Suceceding to his
father’s old-established business in 1902, he has successfully
eartied it on as 4 registered pharmacist, In 1915 he was
elected President of the Metropolitan Chemists’ Association.
Mr. Barnard, always keenly interested in public affairs and
local advancement, has been connected at) Kew with the
Public Library, School Committee, Cricket Club, Horticul-
tural Soeiety, etc, In 1915 he secured election to the Kew
Conneil, and was appointed to the honourable position of
Mayor of the nninieipality, whieh, during his term of office.
was proclaimed a city. In 1910 Mr. Barnard wrote a history
of Kew, dealing with the rise and progress of the district
For many years lie has been a member of the Conneil of
the Historical Society of Victoria, and he has also submitted
jo the Society interesting papers on early historical matters.

Thits, quietly aud mnostentationsly, Mr. Barnard vas
hvought to the performace of hia various duties, publie and
private, soundness of knowledge and esrnestness of purpose,
whieh have ensured success in every way, and Ins genial
and kindly nature and eourteous dispositon have brought
hitn ~‘honour, love, obedience, troops of friends.*’ The
members of the. Field Naturalist;’ Club wvegvet his vetive-
nent from the office of editor, so Jong and so faith-
fully held, appreciate to the fnll his loyalty and devotion
to the Club's bvlerests, and trust that he will be spared for
many happy years.

MIGRATION OF SPIDERS,

Walking alony Chaucer Street, St. Milda, in the afternoon,
on 27th April, 1925, 1 observed that fences, warden plants
aad house-fronts were festooned with strands of spidersilk.
Over the reserve facing the street, too, many strands were
floating. Though some strands were several feet in length,
the most of them were tangled into an irpegnlay, Griss-cyoss
mesh, JF eanght several of these fairy ‘balloons,”? Dut oatly
one had a “‘ pilot’? or ‘passenger’'—it proved tu bea muitune
mali.

Some of the strands alow the fences were examined, and
spiders belonging to three different. families were obtuiued ;
Gi a nahaved male; another a matured female All these
aplecimens may dave heen local spiders, that seized tho threads
as they came to test, hoping to catch the owners and
edt, them. Tt is generally thought that only the young

36 Migration of Spiders yecmin
spiflers migrate, from the place of their birth, in (quest
o£ territory wheve they may have a fair chance of living 0,
plonty, However, Lf certainly captured one mature male
*'ballooning*'; while several others seen floating by were too
large to be young ones.

Passing through Guna Park Gardens, T saw, everywhere,
evidences of the migration. On pine trees and palms, and on
the lawns, were nuiumerable strands of silk. It was the ssme
along the Esplanade; clinging to the ramp were thousands
of strands, many of them 9 feet or 10 feet in length. And
huncreds of the tiny ‘‘balloons’’ were floating over from the
direction of the Bay, I went to the beach, and found that
the spiders were coming across the water, on a fairly strong
breeze, blowing from.a point below the You Yangs—a journey
of some miles for the spiders, if this was the line they fol-
lowed, But it is possible that they had been blawn over (he
Bay, from the Tea-tree scrub at Brighton ot Sandringham,
and then across to St. Talda. Even. so, the journey would be
three ov four miles—C. Org,

These observations, given at the Club’s May meeting, were
diseussed by several members.

Mr, A. L, Seott said that on, or about, 27th April, he lad
sven, alone the fences of Elsternwick Pack and of privjte
houses, thousands of long spider-threads.

Mr. F. &. Wilson remarked that he hac! heen surprised uno
day. while bathiug at Chelsea, to gee large nonbers of spiders’
‘batloons’’ floating overhead. At the time, le felt convinced
that they weve coniing right across the Bay, as the coast-line
ut Chelsea was practically straight, anc certainly had wo
headland likely to vive spiders a ‘‘sendeoff"’

Mr. Searle stated that, he had seen bushes smothered with
wossamer. Migration was the usnal method by which young
spiders secured dispersal,

Tn reply, Mr. Oke said that. lw was convinced the migra-
tion Was not confined to young apicders. The“'tailed’’ spider.
Arachnura higginsi, soractimes bred in colonies, « hundred or
more individuals selecting the same tree, and as each ‘spider
had three or four capaules af eggs, an mimense number of
young ones were born among the boughs, But, the stronwer
and older members of the young brigade devoured jmiuy of
those less udvanced. Tiras, though considerable numbers did
~‘haltoon,’’ the migrations of this species were not so imipres-
sive ag the one he had‘ just described.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLII. June, 1925
PuLaTE I.

YOUNG “MAJOR MITCHELL” COCKATOO.
(Photo, C. Barrett

ee Danny, A View to the Upper Murray si

4 VWISIT 'CO THE UPPER MURKAY.
By C. Datnzy, BA, FDS

(Read. before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria,
11th May, 1925.)

With a fishing party, in March of this year, 1 visited
Swampy Plains River. Mr. F. Cudmore, a fellow-club mom-
ber, was one of our number. Our route was by the North-
Eastern, railway to Wodonga, where we changed to the moun
tainous line running eastward as far as Cudgewa, distant
from Melbourne 255 mules.

Yo the north-east of Cudgewa les Pine Mount, while an
imposing peak to the narth-west is Mount Burrowes, 4181 feel
Trom Cudgewa, without delay, we motored in the moonlight
und through keen bracing wir to Corryong, a thriving pastoral
fawn, around whieh some gold-mining has been carried on
iMermittently, with varying fortune. Passing through mter
vening hills, a descent was made through the Tawong Gap
between the station of the same name and the picturesque
Mount Elliott run. Here we obtained a charming and most
extensive view over the Murray River fats and adjacent
montain panges.

Crossing the Murray River bridge, jnat below where the
Swampy Plas River jomes its waters with the main strewn,
we passed through the Bringenbrony Station, famous for its
excatlent cattle and well-bred horses. We were now on plains
of some extant, in the basin of the Murray, and our driver pre-
ferred, im the darkness, to take a longer, and safer, course
among the hills to the north-eastward, In and out we passed
throngh the Khancoban district, emerging on the Swampy
River plain; crossing creek after creek, and then the rivet
itself. nntil, ab lust, we teached Waterfall Farm, av the
Swampy Plains River, Travelling from Corryong to oar
destination, we had to open and close fourteen 2 Pates In pass-
ing throws the estates, We orossed the rivey over a sus-
pension bridge, 150 feet m length and 25 feet above the
stream, As we carricd ow: Jageage across in the darkness,
the swaying of the wite bridee gave a feeling of inseaurity. A
shor! ladder is fixed on each side np the steep boulders, on
whieh the bridge is securely any od.

Mi. Scammell's Waterfall Farm, on the high ground, js
the farthest-out place on this track towards IKoselusko, The
river 1s ¥.stone’s (hrow from the honse, and the noise of its

33 DALEY, A Visit to the Upper Merry) Fy ney

waters passing theough the rapids is soothing and pleasant,
The Swanpy vises in Mt. Woserske, and here, at Whuan
eyban, coming through the mountain gorge, it follows the base
of a line of hills for ming its southern bank, Fon its edee a
broadening expanse of “rich Wluvial plains stretches norih-
ward to the huls, and westward alony ifs eaurse through the
Khancoban and Bringeutrong runs.

After a good night** rest,, following # twenty-hours’
jouliey, We were ready, in the mornitig, to try ouv fortune in
the stream. The river, yapid and clear, flows over rounded
pebbles and boulders, mostly evanitic ov schistose in character,
and varying mi size, bat generally lavger, We noticed, ag we
followed the river up to its souree. The Swampy is remark-
ally tree from snags, and devoid of anud, the vounded stones
in its bed making if awkward sometimes for auc to preserve
halanee ti the stream. Rapids are numerous; deap twols, du
which the trout love to linger, accur under the steeper bunks.
Vegetation along the river's banks usually is not dense enough
to be an. obstacle to fishing, and so sportive trout ean be played
with » reel and a very lengthy line. No other kind of fish
seems to inhabit the river. Before breakfast, one euthusiast
returned with a Rainbow Trout which weighed 4 lhs.: and
the catch for the day was 27 fish, varying from Toth, to 4 Ibs
in weight. Next day 20 was the total: then 32, a cloaen of
which were eiuught with the dry (iy by Mr, Cuclmore, the fire
largest. weighing 274 Ibs—fine specimens of the Rainbaw
Trout, which has heen so snceessfally introduced tite or
mowmitain streams.

On Tuesday, with an imposing eavaleade of wine viders and
lwo pack-horses, laden with camp equipinent and provisiens,
we left Waterfall Farm for the Gehi, about fifteen tiles
tistant. At first the bridle-track leads high above and along
the side of the steep gorge, gradually descending to a ford
From here the country is practically virgin fovest, open and
park-like in aspect, with sparse undergrowth, fhe trees being
chiefly Blue Gum, 4. globulus, Stringybark, Ff. obliqua, Pep-
permint, E. australian, Silverton, /. steberinua. and Gur
Myrtle, Anygephora intermedia. Patches of Wild Cherry.
Kxocarpus nana (2), and herve and there Sweet. Bursaria, B.

spinosa, in flower, appeared. Along the Swampy Wiver and
tts subsidiary ereeks the Woolly “Tea-tree, Leptospermam
innigerum, grew, also Manuka, LD. scoparium, with Black aad
Silver Wattles. Pultenmas and Grevillias. On the plains. Red

ae Darky, A Visit to the Upper Murray 39

Guam, 4, restrula, and Swamp Guin, £, ovata, were to be seen.
Few Introduced plants have, as yet, established themselves.
The Autumn Orehid, Hriechilus autwnnalis, was mn bloom,
and otcasionally the Purple Loosestrife, Lythrum: saliccria,
showed w# strikorg patch of colour amoung tussocks. Pasture
wis abundant, and it was ea pleasure to ride through the
forest primeval, wntonched us it is by the ravages of fire or the
aXe.

Our party bei a large one, animal life was vat very
wvident, A fox and a kangaroo, in hasty retreat, were sighted.
Fubbits, in some places, were nunietous, alsa Opossums, and
uy the edges of the river plains there way evidence af the
presence of Wombats. Atter proceeding for some miles, we
came to the alnupt Gehi wall, the caste slope of a jure.
Mpitous range. Down the steep wall the bridle-track follaws
closely the mnie! of a small stream, whieh the lorses lad to
‘negotiate very steadily and careumspeetly. As the little
stream inereased in yoluine of water through soakage from
fhe Hills, Tree-fprus, and the asnal aecconpantnent of smaller
ferns, appeared, while Blackwood, Hazel and Jtanket-teal
ilso grew in the saturated vround, but not with the lasnrianece
of the gully vegetation of eastern New South Wales ov GQipp-
land. The desvent to the rivercHaty being made without opis
hap, after easier riding we again met with fhe mis-tumed
Swampy, flowing with undiminished force. We crossed
several times, on the way to Gehi eamp, situated on the
viver-Alat about 100 yards from the stream, with hills and
mountains rising on every side. ‘The Gehi frowns hohinel, snd
wustward up the river, Kosciusko, 7308 fect, raises its hare,
yrev Imad, weatherbeaten and seored by exposure fo dest riue-
tive atmospherie agencies through wong of time. Tts lower
slapes are wooded; but past the Snow Gum line imposing
éliff-faces in succession rear theniselves, devoid of vegetation
to all appearance, and presenting, battresslike, a hold front
iw the disintegrating elements which ever beset, them.

Mt; Townshend, 7260 feet, to the worth, also stands out
badly. The view of the range, logking wp the Swaipy
River, iy inepiving. "he eeasclers play of san and shadow
vives Trequent change in the aspect af the peaks. No snow 1s
visihle front the western side, altliough probably juttehes
romain throughout the year in sheltered valley slopes on the
sonthern aspect. .

Uver the elevated Kosciusko plateau there is enidence of
a series of elactal epochs, of which the mount was nidoubledly

40 Datey. A Visit ta the paper Murray yee
the centre, probably in the Cainozoie eva; Professor David
suggesis that, in the very late Pliocene, or early Ploistoerne
times, the easter coast of Australia, through cousiderable
earth movement,.was greatly raised in ‘altitude, the Kosciuska
area to a height of 7000. feet above sea-level ; and that, a elacial
age supervening, this area had an ice-cap of about, 2000 feet.
In the district visited slong the Swampy to Kosciusko the
formation of the ranges, as observed, was mostly granitic; 1
some places the rocks were metamorphic in ¢haracter. The
rock débris of the river and streams brought down from this
great mountain system, is mostly of granitic or schistose
origin, and of metamorphic rocks. On the river-flate of Gehi
are evidences in dry, houldec-strewn water-courges, as well ag
in the running stream, of torrential conditions, perhaps partly
very ramote, when flood-gates are opened with the melting of
the winter stow on the monntain slopes.

Ti its Alpine and forestral setting. Swampy River is a
beainitul stueani, quisk-tlowing, clear and sparkling, as 1b
huvries down to the lordly Murray, thirty ov forty miles
flistant. deep pools, pebbly shallows, and frequent rapids
neciriag in its course. Tt isan ideal fishin stream, partak-
ing of the nature of the famous Seottish streams. At the hack
ot the cap at.Gehi was a range of hills, and across the river
a similay imigeé, well-wooded, the faivly extensive viver Flats
extending eastward up the valley. ‘On the southern shank.
about. half-a-mile distant, and above a deep lawer of water-
worl stones, evidently waar aaelent mver deposit, was a laver
ol dark soil, the edge of a flood-plain with good pasture
along the river-eourse.

Ow Wednesday an envly.atart was made ander most
foyourable conditions as to weather, and move than ninety fish
were caught, Me. Cudmore, with the Ay, heing the most. ane-
cexstul, Only about one-third of the fish hooked were retained
for fond, the remainder bemg returned to the ver. Some of
the largest fish were snioked and dried. [fr was uiderstood
that no fish under 2 Ibs. was to be kept. The lavuzest fish
eanght. neae Seammell’s. was 2 feot in length, and weighed
+h hs. the heaviest was about @ Iby in weieht Rainbow
Trout. by their agility and alertness, especially when
aboul 3 lhs. in weight, test the skill and patience
of the angler; Grasshoppers, used fur bait, were
niimerons at Gehi, and were easily caught in the
mel erass. An éxceedingly heavy dew aceutred each
night: it wes preceeded by a fog, which settled down

shal Danny, A Visit te the Upper Marre 41
so ae to hide the mountains, I) the mormniiig it slowly
lifted. and became yuiekly wissipated befors the sun's

rays, Whe air being very. elew and braving, “seach dew-
laden aiedranght resembling a Jong drauelit of wie.’
There were sane very bewotitfal effects whore spiders
had woven then webs between branehes, the wonder-
-tnl completeness and symmetry of the design being revealed
in delicate tracery by the dew on each separate thread. Bird-
life was not abundant, Oceasionally Black Comnorants,
Phalactucoran carbo, were seen near the ver, but not i
large numbers. The Wedve-tailed Bavle, Urorlus udar,
wate frequently observed in graceful fight in mid-air, and a
Tew Kookaburras, Dacelo gigas, awoke the echoes with rie

“laughter.’’

The party, in different sectiows, fished alone the river for
some miles. The strong current, the cold water, and the
pebbly bed of the stream, made wading sometimes difficult.
Ov the Thursday the most of our party left Cehi, crosses
ane re-evossed the Swampy, scaled the Wall, aud returned te
Seamen's. at Mianeobaa, About hullavay on tha jouer.
we herd 'niusie low and strange’? whead of us, The pleas
tuikling of bells on aw earavan of horses, whieh, undo twa
ridors, were on their way, loaded with salt, for the ''licks’’ jn
distant eathle pastures near ‘om, Grogean.’s,’* on the Mire
Vay.

Twi of ns, on raturn, left Waterfall Parm, diiving abet
four piles to cate, Hos Majesty ’s madl, On the was over the
pliinns Wwe saw four Brolgas, Antigone mutralasiuna. Pirds
were more mumervous on the cpen than in the forest eumnhey
grasshoppers providing ample food for then. Ti the paid
docks quail were numerous; on the swampy places plovers
made shill outery, while the smaller birds of prey, such ns
Gould’s Harrier, Circus gouldd, the Collared Sparvowhawk,
Aceipiter cirrhocephalus, and the Nankeen Kestrel, Cerchners
cenchrotdes, favoured this open country for theiv operations:
Black Duck, Anas superciliosa, aud eal, Neti cashiieun,
cowld be flushed along the river heave and there, and the Con
mon Sandpiper, Acitis hapeleucus, was seen on the edges
of the swamps. Other birds noticed durimye onr stay
were Streperas, the Butcher-bird, Cracticus lorqualais,
White-witized Chough, Corcoran melanor hanphus, Blue
Wren, Waduense eyanocklamys, the Blue Mountain Pavol
Vrichaglassus oove-hollandwma, the Crimson, Phelycercus elc-
gons, and the Rosella Parrot, P. eximvus, the Searlet Robin,

42 Notes from Ficll and Senity woe

Pelroiw multicolor, the Azare Kingfisher, Aleyone azurea,
and Pits and Wrens in the forest country, with the Magpies,
G, hypolewen, and the Starlings on the open spaces. White
Cockaloos, Casatus galerita, were m flocks, aud Black Coeka-
tous, Calyplorhynchus funereus, occasionally were sean, We
passed over the Khancohan plains throagh the station of that
tune, excellent cattle country, On a telegvuph line were
assembled about-200 Swallows, Hirundo neovena, an unnsnal
ci'eumstance for the time of the year. Crossing the Swampy.
we passed through Bringenbrone Station to the Murvay. On
the road were numerous ‘tracks of snakes, this run heing noted
for snakes as well as for its fine cattle, The Swampy River
plains have, to the north, high ranges. such as the Dargil.
Past the gorge from which the Khaneoban Oreelc cones to the
‘Swampy is the rugged country of Toolong; and the plains are
enclosed between these lofty ranges, on the north, and a lower
ranze, at the base of which the Swampy flows. If is bountiful
coutitryy, with splendid vistas inv every direction, but espectally
towards the east, where Kaseinsko forms the dominant
feature.

SS an an 2 Do eae ee ee ee ec
NOTES FROM FIELD AND STUDY

eesti feecastunaedetatestucecteeacactduabdatatatadachsbatebedusistaata it

et
Og
4

Spat

te

eee
oe
Aa
as
:

| Member's ave invited to contribrite paragraphs for this see-
tion of the WNatwralést. which should become a. papular
nus¢cllany., Original notes, of course. are most. desired; but
“wunngs from scientific literatnre, unlikely to be seen hy the
majority of members, will also be weleomed.]

NEW BOOK ON INSECTS.

Dr. BR. J. Tillyard’s forthcoming book, ““Tnseets of Aus-
tralia and New Zealand,’ will be welcomed by etitomologists
overseas as well as those in Australasia, Though mainly tt
text-book for students, it will be of interest and value also
to the ‘‘eeneral’’ naturalist. It will contain, about 590 pages
(royal 8vo). with eight full-page plates in colour, and more
than 350 other illustrations, All the illustrations will be
reproduced from new drawings or frou photographs wade
speeially for the purpose. The economic aspect of insect
lite will be dealt with fully. Dr. Tillvard is Chief of the

529%, Notas fron Wie! und Study az

Biologiva! Department, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, N.Z. Hig
work, “"he Biology of Dragonfiies,’’ was recognised im
Rarepe and America as setting a fresh standard for books
of its elass. Tis new work is betne published by Messrs.
Angus und Rohorison Lid. Sydney. The price will be
abont 30/-.

A WATERSOORPION'S WAYS.

The habits of a Water-Seorpion (Vepu rubra) kept in
u‘wlass jar have greatly interested me. 'Che insect was eay)-
rured in Pebrouutry last oat Mount Martha. The poud-water
iv the “‘aquayium’’ was frequently changed, and the
Tenanl|, was fed upon blownies (Cellinhora), worms, small
water-beeties and tadpoles. The later he caught for hiniseltf,
with surprising skill, Water-Scorpiuns inust be a veritable
wightimarve to other pond-dwellers! On pet was particu-
larly ‘‘nice™’ as regards personal appearance. and spent much
dite in eombing and grooming his body with his long fore-
legs, Meal-times were a lone-drawn-out pleasure to him,
and he would stay for hours with his sucking-beak imbedded
in the body of his vietim, until every particle of juice mast
have beer extracted. Hedyyis, During three months
iF eaptivity the Vepe changed his coat twice, Jt was rather
sUrpVising fia see, one morning, a ‘‘seorpion’” almost double
the size of the one we had been observing the night before,
while the disearded *‘coat,’’ looking exacthy like its recent
wearer, Jay at the bottom of the jar It was possibly a
third “‘meoult’? that caused the inseet’s: death on 25th Mav
1 would be interested to hear from a student of ponnd-lite
whe has noted more than two ‘‘moults’’ m Vepa—w.c.

A DRAGONTLY THAT POSES.

in our garden at Mont Albert grows an English Broom
(Sarothamnus scoparius), perched on a bank above the lawn,
This, of late, has been the certre of some instructive enter-
jainment, on atcount of the curious habit of small dragon
flies that have been resorting to it, one might think, for
the purpose of ‘inaking believe.’ Thy late summer the ais
ub dames is ful! of small flies, and on these the Dravonfly,
‘estes leda, Selys, apparently delights to feed. Coineidenee
ar otherwise (we leave that to the argumentative), there
are some dry valves of Broony pods extending at a wide
dngle from the sti? branches of the bush, Lestes flits to the
Brooni-tips and extends its body, with wings depressed,
almost at right angles ta the stom, and it is diffentt, at a

44 Notes from Field und Study eet rer

short distance, to distinguish pods fvoi dinwoiflies, The
insects at biief intervals dart into the space around, ast
ultiost imperceptibly return with something in their jaawa.
The vietims are tiny flies, which, in a few seconds, yre
sucked dry, when their vermnains fall to tha ground; it
reminds one of a parrot! bitine nuts and dropping the braken
shells —F. CHAPMAN. ‘

VICTORIAN PUANTS IN SCOTLAND, :

An item of interest tu Vielorian field natuvalisis is
tecorded in the 1924 Tranactions of the Proceedings of the
Botanical Society of Edinburgh, At the March nieeting,
among the plants in flower exhibted by the Royal Botanic
Cardens were the Scarlet Coral Pea, Nennedyu prostrate
(R.Br.). Hairy Pink-eye, Vetratheca pilosa (Labill), while
ihe West Australian MKennedya nigricans alsa was shown.
Our Club is doing useful work in educating the pubhe in
regard to native flowerg for the garden. Jt-is not. long sinee
a. Melbontne nurseryman, when nrged io show more native
plants in his window, veplied: “I can always sell exotics,
bat when J name the Victorians as useful and Dewatiful, I
have often met with a vebulf** The ‘Natives’? ave move
popular now—A.J.T.

A BOTANICAL ‘WIND.”

Borys witida, a little tufted plant with insignificant
inflorescence, only a few inches high, belongs to the Jelmn-
soniew tribe of the dry-fruited series of on lilies. In the
same section are Staayellia, of one species only, two Jolin-
eonias, and two Armocrinums, all confined to Western ans:
tralia; and the Bartlingias. six of whieh are also restricted
to the westemt State. a seventh extending thence to New
South Wales and Tasmania, and the eighth vecorded only
from this State, New South Wales and Queensland. The
discovery by Mr. C. W. D'Alton of Baryu mtida ad, Maclie's
Paak, near Hlall’s Gap, in the Grampians, is. perhaps, one
of the most interesting of our botanical ‘‘finds*' in recent
vears, It is a far ery to Cape Arid, on the other side of
the Great Australian Bight, the nearest point recorded for-
the plant in Western Australia—abont 1200 miles in a bee
line—and it is still further to Rockingham Bay, in Queens-
Jand—nearly 1700 miles—where the only other species in
the genus is located. - Bentham, finding only slight stune-
tural differences between, this B septentrionalis and its

ae <a] Nates from Field anil Study 45
western ally was, perhaps, coustraiived to state that it is
“post, distinctly separated by peographical posttion.’’ It
would thus appear that the Borya is really monotypic, und
affords another very striking instané of the diseontinuaus
disttibution of certain of our plants, which is so closely
couneeted with, and only explicuble by the reading of, the
physiographical history of the etmtinvnt—C.s.$,

“MAJOR MITCHELL" COCKATOOS,

None of the Cockatoos is more beantiful than the ‘Major
Mitchell,’’ Cucatua leddbeatert, and none more engaging, in
the wilds or captivity, Pink Cockatoo js the vernacular name
favoured for this species by the Checklist Committee of the
Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union, In many districts
it is called ‘S Wee Juggler’’ but to the majority of bird lovers
and bush-folk it will always be the “Major Mitchell.”’ [ts
popularity, us a handsome ‘‘tulking’’ bird, has beew tte great-
est misfortune. It ts rare now in some parts, where formerly
many broods were redred every season. Kron) other localities
it has disappeared, owing mainly to the advance of settlement
Trappers and nest-robbers wre responsible tor the decrease
of (. leadbeater? in certain of ite Vietorian haunts that still
remain wild. I have met with it, in pairs, iu rhe Maller
country, and know that it nests in the Whyperfield National
Park, efore that urea beeame sanctuary for native tauna,
the homes of ecoekataos and parrots were raided (reely hy
trappers and other porsons. The young bird shew in the
photograph (see plate) was one of three borm ma Gum-true
hollow, up Whypertield way. Lt was posed for the portrait,
and displayed its resentment just as the camera shutter wis
released —C.B,

MOSQUITOES OF AUSTRALIA.

The mosguito fauna of Australia and the adjacent, islands,
jneluding Tasmania, is represented by about 100 known valid
species, some of which extend into New Zealand, New Guinea
and the Oriental region. OF these species; only sis are
included in the Anopheles group, The actual nuniber of adi-
genous species is probably considerably larger, since only a
comparatively small area of the continent has been systematie-
ally searched tor these insects. Our knowledye of the early
stuges and breading habits of even the eonmnoner species is
very incomplete, and nach useful researeh in this dixection
vemaings to be done. Of the seventecn species known frat

46 Notes from Micld und Shuby von Soy

Victoria, only one is restricted in its range to this State, and,
althongh common, nothing is known of its Lfe-bistary. Two
of the most ahundant species, ie., Miles comptorhynclvus
(Thoms,) and Wedes albounnutatus (Maeg.) whieh are found
also in the adjoining States, rival some of the northern species
as pests in swamp and bush toealities, while another, Ane-
Pheles dnaiulipes (Walls), with a still wider Anstralinn clis-
tribution, is of Importanee as a possible, if uot an actual,
eartie? of malaria ny the northern States. Of the purely
domestic speries. the ubiquitous Culew fatiyans (Wy is prob.
ably the best-known anid moat tronblesome indoars.
As it rarely breeds elsewhere than in eontaminated, stagnant
water near hubilations, its scarcity, ov abundance, is a tairly’
accurate index to the sanitary condition of the vicmiby—
FH.

BIRDS OF A SUBURBAN GARDEN.

A few gum teees will attract native .birds around the
suburban home. Where T live, at Kast Malvern, many of the
original Evealypts ave stunding, and, aus a result, we are
never without a bevy of mdigenous birds, to say nothing of the
introduced species. In ney neighbour’s yard a pair of Black
and-white Fantails, Hhipidiurs leucophrys, last. season reared
# brood of two. The youny birds huve gone elsewhere, but the
parents we still have with os. Every evening four sedate
Kookaburras, Oucelo gigas, perch mm my Wattle trees tor a
while before goime to roost, and are delighted when [ provide
themewith a meal—seraps of meut. So tame is one that L have
no difficulty in approaching within iwo or three yards of it,
A pair of Shrike-tits, Malennculus frontatus, Wo have had as_
tenants for several months. They apend most of ther tine
prospecting’ ‘the crevices in the bark of the gums for lurk-
ing sects. Of White-plumed Hloneyeaters we have quite a
flock, and several young birds were veared in the street last
season. Nothing pleases them more than to pester the [oaka-
burras; they wre always assisted by the Pantails and a pair of
Blackbirds. Vhe Fantails, however, are the most couragcons;
frequently they alight ou either the head or the back of
Kookaburra, and remain for perhaps a minute. When a black
ext one day was walking along the top of a paling fence,
the Fantails alighted upon its back, and enjoyed a ride for
ten yards, scolding their victim yigorously the while. The cat
stopped several times, and avehed its back, but its footing was
30 Precarious that it could nat disladge the birds, In the

RetTy Birds and Butterfiies 47
early momung, t pair of Magpies, Gynimarkine hypolouct, wid
two or thres Muagpie-larks, Grallina cyanolewca, ave seen
hunting tor toud in ow back parden. Recently (April and
May) the autumn notes of the Grey Butcher-bird, Cractious
lorquatis, have been heard. A pair of welcome Swallaws,
Ihirunde neoxzena, spend most. of their resting-time sunning
themselves on the house telephone wives. A snrall family of
Blue Wrens, Malurus cyaneus, resides in the street, and on
rate Oedasions visits our garden, Often at night we hear
the monotonous call of the Boobook Owl, Ninax boobaois.
When the Enealypts were blooming, about Chrisinas-tine,
the havsh call of Red Wattle Birds, Anthectera carunoulatn,
were heard all day long, and frequent squabbles. between. these
hids and the White Plumed Honeyeaters, Meliphagu pens-
cHlatu, took place. The Bronze Cuekoo, Chatetles busalis,
und the Fantailed Cuckoo, Cucomantis flabellifarmis, live
eich paid us one vieit only. A floek of nine Rosellas, Plaly
careus ectinuius, flew over one morning, and an another
Geeasion & pan of Gulahs, Cacitae rosercaupilld; the latter
birds, probally, ld eseaped from 2 toe] aviaty li. W.

BIRDS AND BUTTARFLIES.

It 38 not unusual to see inseetivorous. birds capturing
moths, indecd, certain species, prey upon then freely,
especially in the nesting season. But what proof have we
that birds are more than “‘easual’’ enemios of butlerfies, that
they have been concerned in the matter of yimicry?

Some opponents of the theory that distasteful butterflies
are inimicked by other species lacking that form of pro-
tection, contend that birds have no speeial liking for diurnal
Lepidoptera. Further, they declare that; when butterflies
are hunted by birds, no choice, apparently; is exercised ;
“plensant’'’ and ‘‘distastelul’’ forms alike are taken indis-
eviminately. ‘he subject has been a debatable one for years,
and every bit of evidence is worth recording.

Dr. H. Elivinghain, in dis book, ‘Butterfly Lore,’’ gives
an excellent summary of facts dud theories in respect. of this
subject. “The degree to which a butterfly may be destroyed
and eaten by its enemies,** he writes, ‘depends on the state
of the destroyers appetite for the time being. A very
hungry bird will cat certain kinds of butterflies whieh, less

48 Birds ant Butterfties van Fd

ravenous, it will promptly vefuse”’ ‘All manner of factors, "’
Rltringham adds, ‘Swill affuet the result.’

When butterflies are ninsnatly abundant in their haunts,
some birds will certainly take heavy toll of them; while in
zt. normal season few may bo taken, Tas sammer, butterflies
of several gpeaies were so plentiful around Melbourne and
the nearer hill country that oue might seo thousands almost.
ata glance in the most favoured localities. It was so at
Eltham, in December and January, and some birds, at least,
were butterfly hunters every day. Marly in January, Mr. W.
CG. Tonge observed a paiv of Leaden Wlycatecliors, Myigra
rubecult, feeding their young in the nest chiefly upon
Common Brown Butterflies etsronymphu-merope, ‘jamming
them into the little beaks, wings and all.’ ‘The diet was
varied with a few dragonflies. Doubtless, many broods in
Witham, and other districts were reared largely upon butter-
flies last season.

Respecting the Wanderers, Danaida archippus, Anderson
and Spry state: ‘They foed quite, openly, having no fear
of birds on account of a noxious smell they emit.” (“Vie
torian Butterflies,’ p. 43.) The species,of the sub-tamily,
Danaine, are all ‘‘protected'' like the Wanderer, and they
have many mimies, it is claimed, among ‘‘unprotected’’
species of other sub-families. In Australia, and also in
Reypt, IT have seen large numbers of Danaine butterflies
where birds also were plentiful, but J have no record of one
af these ‘‘distasteful’’ insects being attacked by birds.

Danaine butterflies are slow in flight, and birds eonid
capture theron easily. Their immunity trom attack, then,
apparently, is due to thelr distastefulness,—C.B-

When walking through. the bush at Fltham on 5th
October, 1924, I noticed a femalc Rosella Parrot, Platycercus
ecimius, fly up from a rotting tree-stump. A hollow had
been cleaned out on the ground within the stump, and on
the 8th the bird was there, sitting on three fresh eggs. Rain
had fallen recently, and the Parrot’ Ss nursery was damp. On
the 10th it was wet and deserted, more heavy vain having
fallen in the interim. A few years ago, iu a neighbouring
paddock, five or six young Rosellas, fully fledged, were found
ina vabbit burrow—W. C. Toner,

Che Victorian Paturalist

Vor, XLIL—No. 3. JULY 10, 1925, No, 499.

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The annual meeting of the Olub was held in the Royal
Society's Hall, Victoria Street, on Monday evening, June 15,
1925. The President, Mr. J. Searle, occupied the chair, and.
105 members and friends were present.

CORRESPONDENCE,

From Hon. Secretary Victorian THortieultural Socicty,
inviting members of the Chub to a lecture, entitled ““Our
Bucalypts.’* by Mr, W. Russell Grimwade, fo be given in the
Horticultural Hall on June 18.

REPORTS.

1. A veport of the excursion to the Biology Schovl, Uni-
versity, on Saturday, May 30, was given, by the leader, Miss
J. W. Rafi, M.Se., who said that 25 members had met in the
Zoology Lahoratory. The subject dealt. with was ‘Useful
Zoology,’’ aud attention was confined to those forms of
Invertebrata that are of use to man, both directly and indi-
rectly. Various specimetis and preparations dlustrating these
were exhibited, and members examined them with intersst.

2. A-vepart of the excursion to Mt. Evelyn, on King’s
Birthday, was given by the leader, Mr. ©. Oke, who said that
a party of 18 members had spent a very pleasant day in the
hills.

- ELECTION,

On a ballot being taken, the following were duly declared
to be unanimously elected as‘ ordinary members of the Club :-—
Mis, F. Pitcher, ‘“Frechencourt,’? Punt Hill, South Yarra;
Mr, G, #. Tl, National Museum; Mr. W. HE. Jones, 28 Clyde
Street, South Yarra; Mr. A, 5S. Robertson, 22 Mayfield
Avenue, Malvern.

GENERAT.

The Hon Secretary read the 45th Annual Report. Mr.
©. A. Lambert anoved that the report be reeeived and
adopted. Seconded by My, F. Pitcher, and carried.

50 Flelé Naturatists' Chaut—Proceedings vay

Vhe Hon, Treusirer read the 45th Atmiual Statement of
Receipts aud Expenditure, and drew attention to the follow-
thg points of intevest :—

Subseriptions differ by only 5/+ from those of the pretense
year, Proceeds from sales of Victoriun Naturalist hav
increased-from £2/7/9 last year, to £21 this year, owing to the
zealous efforts of the Hon, Libranian. Wild Mlower Show
profits, £115, as campared with £107 last year. Various
economies have brought about a reduction of £91 for the year
in the cost of the Naturalist, and of £12 i general printing,

The Statement was received and adopted, on the motion
of Messrs. G. Coghill and E. Hodgson.

Mr. Hooke moved a vote of thanks to the Auditors.
Seconded by Mr. H. B. Williamson, and carried.

RLECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE,

There was OY one nomination fo the office of Presi-
dent, and Mr. Geo. Coghill was declared duly elected, Mr. A.
E. Keep asked that his name be removed trom the list of those
nominated as Vice-Presidents. The ballot resulted in the elec
tion of Messrs. F. G. A, Barnard and BE, EB, Peseoti, F.U.8.
The following (unopposed) wore declared duly elected :—
Hon. Treastirer, Mr. A. G. Hooke; Hon, Librarian, Dr. C, §.
Sutton; Hon. Editor, Mr. ©, Barrett, C.W.Z.8.; Hon, Seere-
tary, Mr. C. Oke; Hon. Assistant Seeretary and Librarian.
Mr, U. B. Williamson, F.L.8. Messrs. Hughes, Lambert and
Pitcher requested that they names be withdrawn fram the
ist of menibers nominated for the Committee. The bailot was
then taken, and the following were elected :—Messrs. F Chati-
wan, ALS. ©. Daley, B.A., F.LS., J. A. Kershaw,
BP R, WwW St. ‘John and ¥. B. Wilson, FES.

Mr. A.J, Tadgell moved that a hearty vote of thanks be
aceorsed to the officers and committee for their lahonrs. dur-
ing the past twelve months. Seconded by Mr. A. L. Seott,
and carried.

Boranice GAagpens—Mr, Ff. G, A. Barnard moved '* That
this Club views with alarm the proposal to alienate portion
ot the Botanic Gardens for the purpose of a tramway, and
(lesires the Committee to forward a strong protest ta the
Minister for Lands, and the Town Planning Commussion-
Seeonded by Mr. Oke, supported by Messrs. Pitcher and
Searle, and carried-:

Trel Meld! Naloretinn Olnvb—Proceedings sb

Srucuan Mreute.—The following minute was' read, and
adopted with acclamation——'‘That the Committee and
iwembers ofthe Field Naturalists’ Clob of Vieforia. desire ‘to’
plave on tecord in the minutes of the Club their hearty
wppraciation-or the continued ad: efficient’ services of their
fellowsmember; Mar. FL G. A. Barnard, in! various“offieés of
the Club during iD yours of loyal and ative membetship,
and especially in connection with’ the Editorship of J’he
Vielorion Naturalist, in which responsible offiee Mr, Bamtard
has, unselfishly given 32 years of cupable and distinguished
service. The general wish is expressed that Mr: Barnatd
may be long spared to continue his interest and career of
usefulness m the Club’s werk.’’

Apprrss—An address on ‘The Lite and Work. of Hain
von Mieller’’ was given by Sir Baldwin Spencer, to mark
the centenary of the birth of the Baron. My. G. Coghill pra-
posed a vote of thanks to Sir Baldwin far lis most. mterest-
ing address. Seconded by Mi. TH. B. Williamson, ancl) ear-
ried with seelamation.

Mrs. 1), Coleman and Messvs. F. Pitcher, A. D. Hardy,
J. Seurle and WB. Williamson spoke briety of Baron yous
Miieilery and his work,

ANNUAL REPORT,

The Hon. Seeretary, Mr. GC. Oke, ruad ther forty-filth
Aina Report, 1924-25, as. follows ;—

“To the Members of the Field Naiwyalay Club of Vie-
tovia. r

“Yadies and Gentlemen—

‘*In-presenting the forty-fifth report, for the year ended
April 30, 1925, the Committee desires to thank members for
fle hearty support received from them during the’ period;
and to congratulate them ou the continued success of the
Chab:' Daring the year 20 ordinary, 2 country and 2
associate members have heen elected, while'the resignations
number 14, and 4 deaths lave oeenrred, feayink a total mem-
bership of 244.

“With deep revret, we have ta record the deaths of four
mentbors. Mr. J. B. Walker, who died in Tone from injurics
he reerived in a street, accident,’ at onc time regularly
attended onr meetings, but of late years very seldony
appeared, As our printer, for many years; he displayed
great interest in ihe Naturalist, and spared ‘himself no

Bz, Fletd Nutwratists’ Club—Proceedings yet

trouble to give usa first-class journal. The death of one of
our associate members, Master §, J. Walker, wha was
developing a love fov natural history. also ceeurred in June
In October, Mr. T. B. Thorn, a member of the Committec,
died after a very short, illness. Mr. Thorn was well known
to members as a collector and a student of butterflies and
moths. He was an enthusiastic worker tor the Clib’s good,
whose loss we much regret. Also, in October, the Club lost
one of its oldest members in Mx. GR. Hill, who was elected
in 1884, and had agted us fu member of the Coniinittee for
two years. q i
"The, monthly. iaabiiian have been held regularly, aiid
have been well attended, as usual, the average attondance
bemg 50-60 members and friends. Whirteen papers have
been read and, three lectures delivered, all both interesting

and instruetive.. They were contributed by the followmg —

members:—Dr. W. MacGillivray, Messrs. J; C0. Goudie, P. F
Morris, L. B. Thorn, C. Daley (Presidential adldvess and
pupers), A. J, Tadeell, ¥. Pitcher, J. Stickland, J. tL.
Harvey. A. L. Scott, B, EB: Pescott and GC. French, Jun. and
C. W. D'Alton. The most of the papers have been put
lished in the Natwedist, Tt is a pity that thove diseussion
does not follow the reading of some of our papers, as nothing’
could add more to the eeneral interest. of a paper than to
hear it disenssed by members having, perhaps, divergent
views on the subject.

“The excursions ave as popular as ever, and most of theni
hive been very well attended. A number of short Saturday
afternoon tripe have been made to places atound the
metropolis, and whole-dayv trips to Hurstbridge, Beaconsfield,
Wandin, Brisbane Ranges, Mornington. Ferntree Guily, and
Clematis; more extended trips’were those ta Bendiga aud
Wilson‘s Promontory:

‘The annual Exhibition of Wild Flowers was held in the
Melbourne Town Hall on Tuesday, October 21, and’ was
opened by Sir James Barrett, Although it- was rather
late in the season, a very fine display of flowers was staged hy
a number ‘of ¢apdble workers, to whose energy the success nt
the showy was due,, The Committes desires especially to thank
all who helped on that oceasion. The financial result of the
show was a profit of £118, and of this amount £55 was viven
to the Vietorian Bush Nursing Association. In returning
thanks for the donation, the Association invited the Club to

\
a Aida Notwratists’ Upbo—Frocestiay 53

nominate two members as Lite.overnors: at the: Association,
‘and the Committee has nenpjuiltan sep Mrs), Coleman aid
. Miss AL Fuller, . i ' we mres oh
. “This always « pleasure torsee ovr miembers* names in the
University, Graduates’. List, and this-year we Have to con.
eratulate Mix P. Cy, Morrison on. taking thie degree of, Master
at Science. a -t i

“' The forty-tirst, Palate of The: Viétorian Naturalist has
“been completed, and once: again the Club is greatly indebted
to Mr. F. G. A. Barnard for the capable way in which he has
edited our. journal. To-the regret of everyone, Mr. Barnard
tendered his resignation as Hon, Editor, in February, as from
the end of Vol, XLY. Although very Joth' fo accept the
resignation, the Committee recognised that, as Ma. Barnard
had done more than bis:shaie for the Club, it was only right
that he should be relieved of the editorial work, after 32
year's’ seyvice, At the Murch ordinary meeting Mr. C. Batrety
Was noninated as Editor. No other nomination wag received,
ind My. Barrett was declared unanimously elected

~The Committee had under consideration the high eost of
printing the Naturalist, and as the printers eould not reduce
their charees, it. was decided to obtain quotations from several

“other firms. As a résult, in September the printing of our
journal was transferred ta The Ramsay Poblishing Pty, Ltd.
The cost of producing the Nebwulist. pow is lower than
hitherto.

“Your Conmanittee has given its. eo- operation to several

measures for the ‘preservation of our fauna.and: flora in
various loealities throughout the State.

The Hon. 'I'reasuren reports that the: receipts for the
year ‘amounted to £399, and Bhi expenses to £387, leaving a
ovedit balance of £62,

“The Hon, Librarian edna that he hag thoroughly ovel-
jauled the Libyary, rearranged it, and brought the card cata-
logue up 16 date. Efforts to fill the numerous gaps in our
files haxe met with such success, that, with very few excep
tions, the sets of publications being received, by as are now
aotiplete. In all, 201 twissing volumes and parts have been
obtained. Only 27 of these wert purehased, at a cost af
£6/5/-. The renainder huve been donated; aud the very best
thanks of the Club are due to the vations Societies concerned
for their generosity. The sum of £10/15/6 waa spent in
bookbinding, but a piuel greater amount niust be devoted ro

ba Field Noturalioss Club—Proceedings ghey,
this -purpose, before even the mare inyportant literature
on our shelves is bound in volumes,

‘The Committee desires to express its thanks to J Mews,
Covhill and Haughton for the use of rooms for Conmittee
nieetings, The attendance at the fourteen Committee nivet
ings held during the year ‘has been as follows —Messrs, Searle
and Oke, Dr. Sutton, 14; Mr. Willamsgon, 13; Mr. Stick-
land, 12; Messvs.' Meagan Rodda and Wilson, 10;, Messrs,
Cudmore and Daley, 9; Messrs. Coghill, Hooke, and St.
John (elected in November), 7; Messrs. Kershaw (away
through iluess) and Thorn (died in October), 4; Mr.. Bar-
rett (elected in Mareh), 3.

“In conclusion, your Committee desires to express its
gratification at the way in which its efforts on behalf of, the
Club have been supported by the members, and trusts that
the game support will be given to the incoming Committee.

“On behalf of the Committee,
(Signed) J. SEARLE, Prusidert.
“C. ORE, Hott, See.*?
ENHIBITS.

By Mr. J. W. Audas, F.G:8—Works by Baron vor Miiel-
ler, and six speeics of Australian, plants described by his
during the years 1853-5: Grevillea confertifolia, G. uiehorii,
G. pterospermi, &. Miqueliuna, Hokea rostrata, and Banksia
ornata.

By Ma. BF. G. A. Barnarvd—Pauphiet; Reprint from
stra Essays on Avstrolian Vegetation, 1866,"" presenta-
tion copy to Sir George Stephen; lecture delivered ut the
Pyblie Library, 1871, on Forestry, by Dr. Von Mueller sand
personal letter from hina.

By Mr. Geo. Coghill—-Letters from Baron vou Miieller.
4884-5; also plants from Phillip fslanicl identified by the
Baron, in hig own handwriting, 1886.

By Mis. kk. Coleman—(1) Collection of farns niade by
Baron von Miieller. in the possession of Misy D. Kidd. St.
Silda, (2) Flerostytis vittata, fronyv Black Rock, ey 6/25:
(3) Corysanthes «bicelearata, from “Healesville, 15/6/25:
(4) Water-scorpion, with two discarded’ skins.

By Mr. F. Chapman, 4.0.8.—Hoakea laurina, growiw at
Balwyn, on silurinn mudstones; tree about cight years old.

By Mr. ©. Daly, B.A, E.L.8.—Two portraits -of Baron
Yon Miiellery. and works, by the Baron, from the National
Herbarium Library. i _

Apy ; Field Naturulists' Clib—Proceedings 55

By Mr. E. BE. Peseott, FW.S.—Portrait of Baron von
Miieller, 1865, photograph of Manrice Heuzenreeder’s shop,
in Adelaide, in which the Baron worked; letter from Becker,
the explore:, written to von Miieller, 9/3/60; von Miieller‘s
list, in his own writing, of his last exhibits at the Jield
Naturalists’ Club, September, 1896; letters (1696) from the
Baron to Mr, C. French, Jun.; and other items.

. By My. J. A, Kershaw—Ringed snake (Purim ecct-
petalis), swallowing Blind Snake: from Pachewillock, Vic-
- Loria.

By Mr. Ek. MeLennon—Private interleaved copies of the
Jast-and second last editions of Baron yon Miieller’s Selec!
Extra Tromcal Plants, with annotations and emendations.
The lasi set of annotations has not been published...

By Mr. V. Miller—Double ‘‘Coco-nut’’ or Coea-di-ia.
Lodiacera seyehellensis: also. cut and unew. stones from the
Rareoo River, Central Queensland.

By Mr. A. &, Rolda— Bean pods and seamunts of Pan-
danus fruit, from North Queensland,

By My, J. Searle—Photograph of Di. vow Mtieller as a
young mati. ;

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.

STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FOR. TWHLVEE
MONTHS ENDING 30th ARETE Faal

Receipts,
To Balance in Londvun Bank on Ist May, 1924 .. .. .. 2. £5 16 7
» Subscriptions—
Town Members: Boy a
Current year ..., .. £105 0 0
Arrears .- ..-. 4 17 12 6
Tn advance ., .- .. 412 6
Country Members: ‘
Current year... .. .. 17 15 #0
Arrears ., ene, 0) 5 0 0
In advance .. -. .. 2412 6 /
Associate Members . . 012 6°
~ £153 & 9
» “Wietorian Naturalist’— ‘
Subscriptions . ., .. § 17 6G
Cash Sales .. .. --. 21 9 10
Advertisements .. .. 4 0 0
Reprints Charged .. 3 2 10
_————— oy tf 3
» Donations to Publishing Fund .. 7 &§ O

Interest from Savings Benk and War ‘Loan ,
BONG a Fy ee a 11 =#69 4

aw

: '
56 Field Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings pees

To Sate of .Club Badges .. 2. 2. 0. 0. 2k ea 0 5 O
3, Char-a-bane Bxcursion .. .. .. .. 2... 4 3 0
» Plant Census Account— :
Sale of books in year .. .. -. ..4-.. 16 8 4
» Wild Flower Exhibition, Octo-
ber, 1924—
Ticket Sales .. .. .. £37 8 O
Cash at doors. .. ., 83 1 0
Sale of Plants, Flowers
and Refreshments . 68 2 2
169 12
39% 42 0
£405 8 7
Expenditure.
By ‘Victorian Naturalist''—
Printing ...-.-., ..., £164 5 2
Illustrating ew 4 . ' 17: 8 7
Wrapping, Despatehing ‘and
Postage ,. .. . 1 6
Reprints—free .. ,... 2 710 O
Reprints—charged . .. .. 1 3 0
-—_—_——— £200 8 3
» General Printing .-- .. 2. 2. 24 2. ee ee 11 14 «6
» Library Account—-.
Periodicals and Books Purchased ., .. 5 1 6
, Rent of Hall, and Fee to Caretaker .. .. 13°10 0 :
» Postage, Advertising, Bank CHOFERS: Insur-
ance, and Sundries .. .. .. .. -. we ee 10 4 1
, Ohar-a-bane Excursion .. ., .. 2. 2. .s 5.10 0.
» Plant Census Account .. .. .. .. .. .. 3°7:~*«O*SG66
,» Wild Flower Exhibition, Octo-
ber, 1924—
Charges at Melbourne Town
Ha rpms be, Pee £6 3 #6
(Hire of Hall. ‘paid in pre-
vious year, £18)
Purchase of Plants and
Flowers .. 13 5 0
Printing and’ Advertising . 8 7 6
Cartage, Freight and Sun-
dries .. .. 5 2 4
Donation to Bush ‘Nursing
Association .. .. 5b 0 (OO
(Balance retained in Funds
of Club, £63/13/10)
87.18 4
, Amount withdrawn to increase
Savings Bank Deposit to £150 38 10 8
Add Interest accrued .. 11 9 4
— —___. 50 0 @ |
— £387 14 2
Balance in London Bank on April 30,1925 ...-.... 17 14 °~=«=5

"

£405 8 7

re Field Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings 57

STATOMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIPS ON 30th APRIL, 1925-

Assets.

Arrears of Subscriptions, £70/10/6, estimated to realise, say £50 0 0
War Loan Bond .... .. a. 5 SI 20 0 0
London Bank Balance... .... .. 0, 0. cs oe ee ee as 17 14 «#6
State Savings Bank .. .. rhowt st an. 160 0 0
Library and Furniture (Insurance Value) . F 130 0 0

Plant Census Account (difference between sost and sales of
books) .... Dyer Dn Np ead pe an, LRT dy <8

Aceounts owing to Club—

Por Advertisements in “Victorian Naturalist” £4 10 0

For reprints charged .............. 8419 9
~~ 6 9 9
ko44 68 (10

Liabilities.
Subscriptions paid in advance .. ,. .. 6.4. -. 2 4. Ge k? 5 @
Balance of Char-a-bane Pund -. 2. 66 fu pe ee ee 5 6 O
Outstanding accounts—Nil.

£12 11 @

Examined and found correct on ist June, 1925.

L. L. HODGSON j

J. R. LESLIE ; Hon. Auditors.

A. G. HOOKE,
Hon, Treasurer,

NATIONAL MUSEUM NOTES.

Snakn SwauLowing Snakn—A Ringed Snake, Purenu
occipitalis, recently forwarded to the National Musenm by
Mr. G. Patullo, was taken in the act of swallowing a Blind
Snake, Typhlops. When found, the head and part cf the
Blind Snake was in the mouth of the Ringed Snake, but was
disgorged. After capture the Purine again commensed tu:
swallow its prey, and had already ingested the head and fore
part of the body when it was killed. Both the Purine and
Typhlops were of medium size. They were taken at. Pache-
willock, Victoria, in February last.—J. A. KersHaw,
Jurator.

Correcnon.—WNaturalist, May, 1925, p. 32, fourth line
from bottom, ‘‘December, 1902,’’ should read Deceinber,
1892. . ;

5& Chakk, Ants of Victorin von uri

THE ANTS OF VICTORIA.

Jd. CGuark, F.0.8.

{Part 1.]

Probably the inost interesting, ancl neglected, yroup of
inseets is the large family of ants, Fernicade. This great.
continent. 18 very rich in large and peculiar speies,
which. are tot found elsewhere, yet little or nothing
is known concerning them, The habits aud life history of
even onr commonest forms are nuknown. ‘This is the more
unfortunate because, with the advanee of settlement, the
natural bush, gradually, is becoming cultivated land, aid the’
ants, like tuany other native anunals, slowly, but surely, are
cisappearing. Before it is too late, Tt would be well to learn
all we can of these insects; even now, some species. which
are very local, have heconie extremely rare. '

The diffientty*attached to the study of Australian aitla
has always been the lack of popular literature on the sub-
ject ; unfortunately, such literature does not exist. Most of
onr anfs have been described in various scientific journals,
published in German, French and Ttahan, To the average
nature lover, these recards ave uninterestiug, since they are
technical descriptions of the ants. They ave, of course,
essential, from a scientific point of view, but make little
appeal to one bent on the study of ants in the bush.

Books published in Australis contain very little concern:
ing ants. The best of them is Australian Insects, by Wo W.
Froggatt, puhlished in 1907. In 1905, the same zealous
entomologist published a catalogué, with notes on a few
species, of the Australian ants. Mr. H. Tryon, in 7888, pub-
lished some notes on Queensland ants, in the Proceedings of
the Royal Society of Queensland, To the Victorian
Noteralist, in 1903, W. Li. Barker contributed... ood paper
on Bull- dog Ants; F. P. Dodd contributed interesting "Wye
to the same journal, in 1902. The most useful book on ants
in general is that by Professor W. M. Wheeler, entitled Anis:
Thew Structure, Development and. Belwenour. It is pub-
lished by the Cohunhia University Press, New York, '"-5.A.

July , - \ : =
826, ChARK, Amty of Victoria aa

Some quant and weird stories, particularly in connection
with our Bull-ants, will be found im literature published
overseas. Sharp (1899) writes that the nests are “said to be
sometimes five feet high.’ his surely must apply to Ter-
inites” nests. Bull-ants will climb anywhere; and it is pos-
sible that a stranger, secing huge ants on a high mound.
might conelude that. they were the owners. Probably the
quaintest story regarding our Bull-ants, is that recorded by
Smith, in the Proceedings of the Linnean Society of Loudon
(1861), from details supplied to him hy Mrs. Hatton, of Syd-
ney, The “‘funeral rites’? of the soldier-ants ure deseribed.
This has been dealt with in the Veretortan Neturalist, by
Rarker.

1 have kept Bull-ants in captivity for some years, axd
find that, far from showin sympathy with the injured, or
the dead, they throw them on the rubbish-ieap, where gradu-
ally they become covered in the mfuse fram the uest, Ts the
bush, other ants would certainly carry suel Wodies to thei
nests, and it is possible that Mis. Hatton noticed sone species
of Camponotus, xeveral of whieh look much dike Bullauits
to the casual observer, carry the dead Bull-dats fo them
nests, which frequently ave ticicated only by holes on he
surfaes of the ground, When food is being taken lo the
nest im abundance there are generally a few ants around the
enteanee; this may have suggested the ‘funeral, "’

In an article in Uhe Lntomologist (1865), B. I, Towne
dealt with a number of ants seen and vaptaved dummy a
two-months’ visit to Sydney, in 1862. Some of his nutes,
ure good; but in several cases his obscrvations da not tally
with those of Australian observers, In dealing with
Myrmecia. gulosi, one of the commonest Bull-ants, he gaye :—
“These ants are the most rapacious and numerous of Ass-
tralian species; they climb trees in vast numbers, to allack
the great’ Anoplognatha, which they pull dawn and bury
alive jn the carth: although, in poit of bulk, the beetles
bear very much the sane relation to the ante thal an ele-
phant does toa man. J have, however. often seen thrae ante
bring one of the largest to the ground in spite of all iis
exertions. Thetwosting is very severe, bul the palit occasiuned
is evanescent?’ ln dealing with Aap nieeia nigracmacla, he
says: —'Vhis insect is remarkable for The leapea it takes in
fanning, often jamping over a foot-of gronud al a leaps it
also Jumps from the tranks of trees upon persois walking
neu it, Tts sting is very scvere.’’

60 Cuark, Ants of Victori« Rasigh yi 5

Bull-ants do climb trees, and they will attack anykhing
and everything that comes in their way, but why they should
pull down and bury the beetles alive is a mystery that
Lowne does not explain. There is no veason whatever for
such action. From my own observations, these ants carry
home every Inseet they capture; but the vietims, as a ric.
are honey-bees, and other soft-bodied insects, taken to feerl
the larva: in the nest. 1 have never known adult Bull-ants
te eat aninal feod, they always prefer the nectar of blas-
som ard the exudation of trees, shrobs, ete. Tn my artificial
nests the food supplied is honey, sugar in various fortis, anel
cake of all sorts. with plenty of water each day: algo at quan
tity of mecets and caterpillars for the larve. Although ‘he
adult Bull-ant is really a honey-caler, the larva: must have
an ingect dint, or they will eak one anobher when elose
together, Oy more than une oeeasion, when the food supply
Was overlooked, T found that one larva had apparently: beet
supplied as food to other two by the ants: anc several times
weak, o1 injured, ants have been served to the larva, When
the larvie have finished their feeding on the insect budy, tt
remains are earvied outside the nest to the rabbish-hewp,
Where, in the bush, they are promptly veroved by other
ants. Thus, « Bull-ants’ nest very rarely shows siens of
food rentains, either inside or ont,

Lowne’s observation, that these ants jump from trees on to
a person, is quite correct, as tmoxt hush lovers know; hat the
statement that the -haumper, wagrocinetit, can Jip uver a
foot of ground requires verification. I have not seen one
jump more than tour inches, and that is more thas hwiee
the usual length of the Jamper‘s ‘‘leap.”’

Apart from the Bullants, there are many species thitt
will reward study. such as the Uarvesting Ants, which eol-
lect, and stove in their nests as food, seecl of various plants
including grasses, Very little is known concerning ** Hau
vesters’? in Australia. Tn other parts of the world, thare are
Fungus-srowing Ants. ‘These insects strip the lIpaves aff
trees to make the beds on which they raise the fungus. Sv
far, this hahit has not been discovered in any Austratian
species. 7 ;

The nests of most ants contain numbers of other ingeats,
mostly beetles. Although numbers of these insects have been
‘collected in Australia, we possess only meagre knowledge eon
cerning them. or the reasons for their presence ii) the nests

an Chauyx, Ate of Vieteria a7

with the ants, Myrmeeophiles, and their habits, offer a wide
field to the entomologist.

‘he study of ants is most interesting, and entails very
little exertion. Jt should appeal to those whose health cloes
net allow of yigorous work in the bush, TH keeps the
observer in the open, with his nund fully oceupied, so thar,
life’s worries are soon forvotien, while a. store of valuable
information is gained. Ants are numerous everywhere.
They are easily kept in artificial nests, and make interesting
pets. The food required by them is always at hand, and
the nests are veadily mude; so that no one should experience
much difficulty i keeping ants for observation at home.

At present a bare list of the ants found in Victoria would
not be very useful, so 1 propose to give a detailed list of the
various forms, with references to the literature, and notes
where possible. ‘he Literature is very scattered; besides,
much of if is now unobtainable avd deals only with the
descriptions of the species. Tniclusion of references to fue
literature is the more necessiry from the faet that Frog
gatt’s catalogue gives only some 30 species as found in Vie-
taria, whereas, thanks to my many entomologival friends, |
have been able to see several times that number from (his
State. Of course, it wust be borne in nand, that. a number
of the early workers couvsidered “‘Aystralia’’? as snfficient
indication of Jocality, so that many in Froggatt ’s list should
be treated as Victorian. species.

The compilation of this paper has been reiudered possible
through the assistance |, have received from cutomologists in
Vietoria, particnlarly from Mr, J. A. Kershaw, through
whose courtesy J have bee uble to Gxaimine the anis in the
Nutional Moseun, Melbourne, and Mr. J. C Goudie, wha
has gone to great, trouble to send me the ants ef North
Western Vietoria; Messrs. C. Barrett, WH. W. Davey, I. E.
Wilson, G. F. (ull and W. PF. Wi, have collected
extensively, and sent me a considerable number of new and
interesting species. Reeently Mr C. Oke has sent som
interesting species; while to the enersy and enthusiasm of
the Jate Mr. L. B, Thome I owe nueb valoable material uni
information, | am greatly indebted to these friends for their

ABS ALAN EE Family FORMICID..
Sib-tamily DORYLLNAS, Leach,
This sub-family is not at present represented Ti the tau
of Vietoria. Only three species are recorded for the whole of

'

v7, ry pf 4 , View Nae,
ho Ciank. Antes of Vietorid Vol Xb

Australia, and of these two are from Mackay, North Sptindita-
land. and one from Lismore, New Sonth Welles,
Sub- family CBRAP ACHYINA, B orel,

Wheeler, Psyche, vol. XXVII, 2:3, pi 50, 1920;
Proce, Amer: Acid. Arts, Se,, 53, PP. 215. “Abn, VW

figs... L918.
Clark, Jour. Roy. Soe, W. Aust., ia 1%, pt. 2 att
72-89, -10 figs.. 1923; vol. X, -75- 89. pls

VI-VEL, 1924,

'Mhis -sub- fumily ia well represented in Australia, nhow!
two-thirds of the known forms having been described from
this country. At present they are poorly represented in Vic-
toria: Only four species have been found, and these had pre-
viously beeti eeorded from other States. No donbt many
more will be cdiseovered when the study of this interesting
group is undertaken, by local entomologists.

Genus Eusphinctus, Emery.

Tn this genus the abdomen is elongate and ‘cylindrical.
the segments dre separated trom each ‘othe by well-defined
ennstrictiona:; the workers are eyeless, ot with very minute
eyes. This yvonus contains two subgenera, based on the
number of antennal joints, these in Busphinctus sistr. being
11-jointed, while in the other sub-germs, Nothosphinctus,
they are 12-jointed. These are vare ants, generally fonnd in
small communities, under logs and stones. Wheeler con-
-siders that they ave hypouieie ; their nests and habrtfs cer-
tainly suggest that they are so in Western Australia, where
‘L foind one colony foraging in the bush among half-buvied
logs. At present very little is known concerning their habits.
4, Busermcrus Sremtnrny, Forel. Belgrave

(BP. TB. Wilson),

Sphinctomyrmex (asphanet iti) Steinheihi, Forel,
Ann. Soe. Ent. Belg. 44, p. 72, 1900.9 (mee. # );
limery, Gen. Tosect. Fasc. 1g, p. 7, 1911= Prog
watt, Agric. Gaz., N.S.W., p. 15, 1905, -

Sphinctomyrmes: (Busphinctus) fallux, Forel
Ann. Soc. Ent, Belg. 44. p. 73, 1900, 3.

Casphinctus (Lusphanctus) Steinheili, Foret,
Wheeler, Proce. Amer. Acad. Arts & Se, 53, 5. pp.
22H-228. figs. 1-2,°1918.

A specimen from Belgrave agrees perfectly With the
deseription of this species, It is a small, veddish-hrown ant.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLII Jilly. 1925
PLAtEe IT

STRIPED GREENHOOD, BRITTLE GREENHOOD,

lis replera, R.Br Ptevostylis truncata, Frrz

Sash - Ouann, Ante of Vietoria ag

barely- one-quarter of an inch in length. Tt has no traces of
eyes, This ant is also fmind in Queensland, New Soutl
Wales, and South Australia.
.2. Buspainerus Svrmueiu, Forel, var. sepwieai, Forel
Feritree Gully (FP. P. Spry).
Sphinctomyr mex (Husphinctus) fallax, var. hed-
wige, Forel, Rev, Suisse, Zool. 18, p, 21, 1910, 8 9;
Eniery, Gen, Insect. Faso, 18, p. 7, 1911.
Bull, Gab. Zool. Gen. Agrar. 8, p. 179, 1914.
Sphinctomyrmen hednige, Forel, Froggatt, Agrid,
Gaz. N.5.W., p. 15, 1905. Aust. Insects, p. 92, 1907.
Busplinetus (Busplanctus) Steinheilr, var, hed-
wig, Worel. Wheeler, Prog Amen Acad &
Arts & Se., 53,3, p, 228, 1918,

Several examples of this variety, in the-colleehion or thy
National Museum, were tonnd under stones at Fern
tree Gully, by the lave Mr. TP. P. Spry, and noted by bins as
rare, Tt js very elose to ihe preceding specins, unel, apurl
from colour, which is more uniformly reddish, if is jot
cagily distmenished from that. species.

Genus Phyracaces, Emery.

The ants of this genus are most interesting, and way be
regarded as the Fovaging Ants of Australia, 35 species are
known from all parts of the continent, but concerning: their
liabits we have little information. Wheeler has published
some notes on species from New South Wales, in his paper.
published in 1918; and I have given a few notes ou Western
Australian species. From the notes so recorded, it is svideit

_ that the members of this genus obtain the most of their
food supplies by raiding the nests of other ants, and carny-
ing off the Jarve: and pup to their own nests, where they
ure served as food to the Pharacaces larvee.

In some cases the female ig fully winged, as ii post
female ants; but in many cases the female is éryatoil, or
worker-like, hardly to be distinguished from the workers
except by her larger size. In other cases, the female tas the
thorax fully developed, but bears no wings. Myen in the
winged forms, the wing veination ts more or lesa obaolete
Only two species have, so far, been found m Victor, and
hoth were previously recorded fram New South Wales

8, Pryracaces varvaros, Wheeler. Rerntvee Gully (FP
Sprv); Berconsfidd, Pelerave (FP, K. Wil
aon).

li4 CLAagnk, Ants of Victoria ven schat

“Wheeler, Proe. Amer. Acad, Arts & Se., 53, 3, p. 257,
fig. 15, 1918, B.

Clark, -Tour. Roy. Sos. W.. Anst., X. p. 83, pl 7,
figs. 1-6, 1924.9 ¢. _

Thig species was originally found in New South Wales.
but it-appeurs to be more abundant in Vietoria than in that,
State. The male and female were described from the
material collected by Spry at Perntree Gully; the types of
these are in the National Museum. In his notes, Mr. Wilson
says:— “This ant is very rare; found under stones.7' [fh 1s
»w shining black ant. about a quarter of an inch in ieagth,
with, the mandibles, cheeks, clypeus, legs, pygidium arid
incisures of the abdomen dark red,

4, PHYRACACES SuNESCENS, Wheeler, Broadmeadows (C.
Ole).
Wheelet, Proe Amer. Acad, Arts & Se., 53. 3, p. 259,
fig. 16. 1918, ¥
Clark, Jour. Roy. Soe. W. Aust., X, p. 87, 1924, 3

_ This species is shehtly larger than the last; and aasily
distinguished from it by its greyish appearance, whiet ir
receives fron the long, yrey hairs on the body. [t is black.
with the wandibles, tips of the scapes, pyyichum aud parts of
the legs eastaneus.

BLUEB-TONGUEHD LIZARD AND SNAILS.

Hearing a erunching noise under the floor of the veran-
dah of my house at Maldon, I lifted some of the boards
quietly and discovered a full-grown Blue-tongued Lisard.
Tiiqua scimcoides, making a meal on snails, Helix asperse.
which had affixed their shells to the hriek wall. ‘The tizard
erushed the sheils with the greatest ease, dud ate the, with
their tenants. In country districts Blue-tonzued tizards.
and also the Shingle-back, Vrachysaurus rugasws, often
establish themselves under the floors of dwellings, ete.; and
it Ig a common belief (shared also by the writer) that houses
thus ‘‘protected’' are shunned by snakes. Yet these hartm-
less, interestmg, and useful reptiles sometimes are killed by
persons who think that they are ‘dangerons-lookine, ™'—
JC.G.

Wee. Prseorr, Two Autun Greenhuod Orchids 6h

MPOUNOREEAAUAEOUOLDAETUPHUDEAOROOROSSOPORRAAOOD RUAN EDUOGLENDRUUURTLON EN EGAUAURERU BODO, ONRE EELS

De aad

TWO AUTUMN GREENHOOD
ORCHIDS.

By Wowarn i. Pescorr, B.S.

itt

ehbenseemesnebeedbadeaibiieas

vbeenhedereehiedenyratineeren

FLAME NA Pe Dra ccHetapbmenrtey ey Ter ere etd TP AR LI A EHEPIP RTT LCR EHT PUN AG UD COCOA HPS NENTERTORTED Tp CCECE PP ERI Hy abeaeora Ate eseaea ts eas encod eng,

The Greenhood family of orelids is with us all the year
round. Hardly have the winter species ceased flowering.
when the spring types are in bloom, then follow the sunymer
forms, and soon those of the autumn mouths. None of the
whole family has suffered from so much confusion as the
Striped Greenhood, Plerostylis refleca, R-Br. Its variable
character, especially in size of the flower, and in height also
has been chietly responsible for this. Almost any low-growing,
striped autuinn Greenhood, having a fairly large Hower, was
classed as this species,

Indeed the Striped Greenhood ifself is variable, atid the
southern Viehorian form is a slender, vather tall species, with
a medium-sized flower. The type form is very short, not
often above 3 inehes or 4 inches in height, with a wide and
longs flower, quite out-of proportion with its total height.
The type is well known in the Adelaide (S.A.) hills, but os
nef common in this State, Our best-known Victorian
locality tor the species was livar Lubeck, many miles trom
Melbourne. 14, 1s, therefore, of great imterest to arehid Tovers
to learn that, this watumn, Mr. W. A. Nieholls, a kkean orchir
eoleetor, Lowid a large number of the type fomn of the
Striped Greenhood in the plain county, a few tiles north
of Melbourne. The planis were so plentiful that then
rosettes of folidye literally cavputed the gyound.

Mr. Nicholls and his fellow-collectov, Mr. FL Bishop, are
responsible for another, and ever more important, “find,”
Collecting on the You Yangs, i April, 1923, they dis
covered a Greanhooad, not previously obtained in this State,
named Plevastylis trunmcola, Pity. Tt grows al Mittagong, i
New, ‘Sonth Wales, and is figured im Fitegerald’s Ars-
tralian Orchids. This species was found ti vreat numbers,
all over the You Yanys. The plants grow among Rock Fern
and Snowy Mint Bush: one patch was found right on the
summit of a huge granite boulder, The plant is a few
inches 14 height, los a large Hower, and narrow stem lenves.
She Iabellain tapers fom points the flawer in ateaped brow,

ti Need jor Entomological Society ee

vreen and white. The two poiits of the veflexed sepale are
long ancl thin: so slender in faet that they readily break
off, and the proposed common name, ‘‘Brittle Greenhood,"’
has been suggested on that account.

fa regard to the speeifie name, Fitegerald says:—‘i have
named this species on account. of the pecuhar truneate form
of its dorsal ‘petal’’; that refers to the shortening of the
eentral portion of the “'hoad.’’

The illustrations (Plate II) show these two species,
tutural size. ?

NEED FOR ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Tn Brisbane at Entomologieal Soeiety has bean formed.
Should there not be one for all Australia? [ thinic it is
needed. ‘Phe Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Unisn tad
smal) beginnings; now i, vanks with the Unions overseas, hav-
ing a large membership, and a. journal highly valued by bind
students. everywhere.

An Australian Entomological Society would, 1 am cou
fident, meet with gradual success. Entomologists may not at
present be numerous in the Commonwealth; but a. Society
would stinnilate interest in inseet life, and the field is wide
enough for hundreds of workers. Perhaps our frizads in
Arisbane would be willing to consider an extension of their
field, to admit ty membership naturalists in all the States.
and make the new hocdy the Entomological Society of Aus-
tralia. ‘The move would surely he weleomecd by then inter-
state friends.

The Brisbane Society is alwost a pioneer. Onty onee
hefore, T believe, has an institution of the kind existed in
Australia. In 1865 the intomological Society of New Sonth
Wales was founded. Its life was short: for atter the pub-
lication of two volumes of Transactions it hecame mereed
into the Linnean Society of New South Wales. Its members
included Sir Wilhini Macleay and the Rev. R. L. Kine. The
‘Transactions ave much songht after by Australian entomo-
logists, as they contain valuable papers, such as Mneleay’s
on the Inseets of Gayndah, and Kine’s on Prelaphide and
Sevdmenide.—F, FE. Wiison.

duky Morvingtan Nuturatigiv’ Clin a7

MORNINGTON NATURALISTS’ CLUB,

'o4 —_——~

The desive of the Nature Jover to shave his pleasure led
fo the formation of the Mornington Naturalists’ Club. The
writer calledia meeting of those interested in his prajeen. ‘Nhe
Invitation was responded, to by five little girls, wand to thet a
scheme was submitted. This was in October Jast; now we have
a membership of move than 40 young nature students. The
word field?’ was purposely omitted from our title, as much of
our study is ‘‘marine.’” Our badge is the shell Sunetta excu-
4wite, Mounted on blue ribbon; members also wear a black sills
neckerchief, whiah bears the monogram “°M)N_C. 7" in ved let
ters. To pay tor the budve, ete., and any incidental expenses
each member contributes 3d, per moth, Meetings for
struction ond nrieroscopic study are held. atter school, cn
week-day aftermoons. Talks on bine life. and other subs
jects, have been given by several vositovs, jreliding Mise
(Cooper, missionary from West China,

When the warmer dave came, und membershiy thereased
we held our meetings on the beweh, datead of at the leader's
house. The usual provramme was as lollows:—A awine.
some collecting, impromptu talks, tea (with whieh teanbers
caue provided), arranging of future teetings, ae
exuursions, a game on the sand; and home before dark. Kur
Lhe winter months new arrnngements were made, insteastion
in relays at the Jeader’s house —different days for different
siifpjeets.

‘Those interested in botany are colleetiiy for a ive
harbariuwn; shells aid veological specimens are bemy added
to a local eollection, of which the leader's private collection
forms the nucleus, For general meetings the ase of the play
pavilion m the school ground has been grated. lascarsions
eebs been held at frequent intervals. Many Tiave been in
(he district. others have takew os farther afield—two trips
lo the top of Arthnr’s Seat, by moterwageon, two ourties
to Moorooduc, one to Frankston, and two to Malbourne (the
first. time with eight members, the second with 28), Members
pay thei own fares, a liberal concession being granted on
ihe railways. Several members are leaning to nse a tyie-
avriter, aud are thus able to type the names on the folders
for the herburtam, and on eards for the specimens in the
other solleations.—Rey. G. Cox, Leader M.N.C,

88 ButLen, The Spider's Cording Machine eet

"

CHANT EDEN RmET ERE DPOCmnAT EAT EETHEDODONTITIVEACA ALIEN PPT Um EAH OT RD AN EAM OP ET ETCH TAATANSOOROTTEMONDSGRU ENN N CORSO I RUAETI PRMD AGH RAENEOT FOLD

THE SPIDERS CARDING MACHINE,

By S. Burure.

-

SO tHmmTEODONG ORD AHRAGOEED
PTenee MMM RSET EEE E EE MED:

MnCrervaqspeewucnayaddceranecyaseOscusuearaqteyTenresyecccdrs psEp ate TbabaapbACAdd aed aranideeeedbdendivenevesbsbberenaeevedprnnti er

Many of the snares made by spiders ave ingenious. ‘They
are all. spun from the silk ‘factory,’ situated on the thoor of
the ahdomen, Silk of different kinds can be spun at. the will
of the operator: the softest down, to eneirele the egyy, a
waterproof covering for the cocoon, lines covered with a

Web of a Cribellare Spider. Family Dietynidae, Genus Amaurobius

viscid fluid, that remind one of bird-limed sticks, strang
eables to suspend the spider (it has teen stated that four
niles of this cable would weigh only one grain). Hackled
siaring lines are the work of the carding machine, peculiar
toa the Cribellate spiders,

One of our most comnion Cribellate species is the Blick
Iouse-spider t is found almost everywhere. Outhonses
und old fenees abonnd wilh its webs. It is placed by
arachnologists in the faimly Dietynide. anc is named
Annaurohius rabusius. The web is easily recoenised. Tt has
# tubular retreat, and woven ont from this is the sheet, eom-
posed of straight, parallel foundation ropes with the fluffy
snaving line latd between them in a zig-zag fashion.

This species is less than one ineh in Jength; and, at first
sight, appears. to be black. The strong legs are of a dark
rfeh brown eolour. The front portion of the body, the
eephalathorax, has a dark steel-iridescence, while the
abdomen hears an inconspicuous pattern pocket, The’ cyes

Tee Birrvaet, The Spwer's Carding Machine 69
ure in two straight rows of four each, wnd some are of 4
pearly colour. A. robustus is a fine, well-pi'tomed spider,
very active when on the defence. <A few years ago, at Black
Rock, a rather formidable wasp was observed, teasing at a
web, with the object of tempting the owner outside, and con-
verting it into ‘“paralysed provendeor’’ for wasp larvie, yet
unborn. Without hesitation, the spider emerged, ready for
hbattile. The wasp, with Lightning. speed, darted forward,
and I. expected to see the spider drop, fatally stabbed by a
poisoned stiletto. Not so; the spider, raising itself, struck
with the fangs, which just: missed the wasp as it flew from
the scene. 1 waited patiently for half an hour, but the wasp
«lid not return.

Amourabius robustus, like
all other Cribellate spiders,
has. a minute earding machine,
which can be observed under
the microscope, or a strong
hand-tens. On the hind legs
ouly, on the second last joint,
is a. beantiful little comb. It
rannot be mistaken, as the
teeth are. as eyen as those
of 4. toilét comb, This is
the calamistrum (=a comb),
‘Touching the spinnerets, in front, is a small, oval plate, with
a central division. This plate is really a spinneret. Highly
magnified, it appears as a fine sieve; it is mown as the
cribellam (=a sieve). The calamistrum and the eribellym
‘form the spider’s carding-machine.

When a blanket iy woven, iis surfaces are hard and
rongh,, as thase of a bran sack. The soft, downy surface is
prodiecd by passing it under a rotating drum, covere) with
fine wire bristles, which tease out the surface. A somewha!
similar result ix obtained by the spider with ia cardi
machine.

The hackled suariny-line is spun through the sieve-plate
The tao combs then attack this line, and tease out the
threads, instead of having the elassy, rod-like nalure of the
foundation Jos, it resembles a strand of frayed wool, and
fins power ty enflangle prey, A fly that is eagyvht in it Nas
small hope of escape. This line is laid in a zig-zag Manner
between the euy ropes, and when this feature is visible on a
web, you may be certain that the owner hus the comh anid
sitve-plate just described.

Calamistram of Hind Leg

‘

iy Notes from Kield Gad Study Yicb Abate

eesti bere banter
NOTES FROM FIELD AND STUDY ?

Puget ndedysnbotedero eter ttn tntstosnbeteserttetedetetedentedaatetorbetveere b>
VERN REPRODUCTION,

The method of reproduction of ferns from spores,
familiar to all students of plant life. is recorded as
having remained a niystery until it was first discovered
by an eminent Polish Naturalist, Count Syuninski, in
1848. An additional method of extensive reproduction is by
the development of new plants from creaping stems of parent
plants. These stems, or rhizomes, are usually either closely
under, or above, the surface of the ground. A farniliar
example of this modu is to be found in the Common Braeken
Fern. Other examples are readily observable in the Rainbow.
Finger, Coral and Maiden-hair Ferns, A method of repro
duction in some of our truncated, ov distinglively-stemmed,
lative species, such as the King, Wishbone, Rough and Sul
Tree Forns, is in development of numerous eraivns, for these,
when carefully removed from the parent plant and treated.
become well-established plants. Still another method. is by
the development of young plants in the form of bulbils at the
apex of, or along or at the axes-of the stems (rachis) of the
tronds. Mother Fern, a native species, derives its hotanieal
name, Asplentum’ bulbiferwn, from this habit o. veproduc-
tion. Another, the Common Shield Fern, which is familar to
vue fern lovers, adopts a. similar method. Although these
bulbils may be removed and grown separately in pote or in
the fernery, better vesults are ablaimed by pegging the trands
heaving them to the ground, and allowing the bulbils to root.
befove severing them from the parent. frond, The object. al
this note is to draw attention to the reproduction m the ease
vé the well-known Stughorn and Elkhorn Ferng of New South
Wales ond Queensland. which many people grow in them
ferneries. Tn addition to their ordinary method of reprodue-
lion from spores, which they bear in large patches of suri on
their fertile fronds, young plants ave borne tu attachment to
the older ones, Are they as adjoming crowns to the parent?
Ave they developed from the sheath of the pavcnt plant or
from the root systen” Ave they developments froin the
rhivomes? Are they hulbils, or may they adopt all these
tvethads for their reproduetion §—F, Prrerer,

eee

*,

cr Notes from Field und Study rat

SWEFT MOTHS’ LARVAL LIFE.

The familiar large, brown moths, Perini fusdomavulali,
Walker, that make their appearance every year, about May
and June, - and, attracted by light, are porsistent ii Uieir
efforts to get tireugh windows, belong to the fiaily
Hepiutidw. All ithe members of this family, ‘eonmnduly
known as Swift Moths, pass their larval stages bur rowing 1
timber, and some species, including Porina, specialise in the
roots of trees. ‘Phe pupz ot Portiut, when ready. fo aniere,
work up through the soil to the surface. Usually the skin
ruptures when the pupa is only half above ground, and the
moth is hberated.

Ty my garden, at Mast Malvern, some larve Black
Wattles, Acicta mollisstina, ave, apparently, badly imtosted
by this species, as 1 counted no fewer than 23 pup cases,
either Projecting from, or lyine on, the ground beneath
the trees. Juate one afternoon | saw a moth eseaping from its
case. These moths emerge at the commencement of the raioy
seuson, when the ground becomes soft. They would, douht-
less, perish in numbers if their season for emergence were
sunimer, since the ground would be too hard for them then.
Sneh tragedies oceur in the beetle world, The grnbs of one
common Cetonids, Bupocila australusic, Dou, whieh live in
decaying wood, when about to pupate, econgtrae a rounded
case, beautifully smooth mside and rough externally. Dur-
ing a long, dry spell, | found a number of these cases at,
Seaford. Rach contained a beettie, perfeet, but dead. The
gases were very dry utd tard, urd, apparently, the beetles
had been unable tn liberate themselves. This probably
explains the fact that, during the suiniuer season, Cetonids.
generally ave most abundant, after a day or two of rain—
FB. . Wirsow.

HABITS OF A MALLEE WASP.

A small wasp belongine to the venus Bembex is common
chasing the sumer in North-Western Victorian. Jt haw most
engaging ways, dnd one outstanding characteristie, ta which
it differs materially fron thist other species of wasps) it
makes periodieal visits to its burrow, with food for its off
apring. This appears to me to reveal a higher order of tntel-
yence than is shown by a wasp that, after paralysing its
prey, placing it m a burrow or prepared cell, and laying aij

72 Notes [rom Field wnd Study ee Mh
eg upon. it, tvoubles no mores ‘Tlie devotion of the ever-
busy, active, Benibex to its-offepring is, ii times, Charing td
observe. The wasp shows a§ tach roncern, on returning ta
its broken burrow, as do birds of matiy species when their eyes
have-lven stolen. | wag particularly “captivated by. the salici-

Adtde tor her offspring, and the utter disiegard tor ‘how awn

safety, displayed hy one wasp, whose’ burrow IT was exanine

ing, As.T excavated with the point of a knife, she did her

itindst to fill in the broken tunnel, her tiny forelegs work-
ing foverishly. T had to push her aside’ several times as |
Worked, Though in search of knowledge, T was tempted to
let the insect.win the day. The pupa is now lonsed in w pill-

box. One summier’s day it will emerge, und when T have

satisfied my curiosity, and further enriehedl my tute-book,

_, Young, Bembex will have the freedom of the sands.—b.G.tt.

tain Tt a

“BILE BATULIE"—A PET OPOSSUM. | !

For nearly 13 yeut's « Silver- grey, or Comemnon, Opossunt
f'richosurns ‘vulpeculu, has lived in. captivity. His mother
was killed by dogs, and he was taken from her pouch, AN

-.sott; pink‘and grey ball of fur, with bright, bead- like eyes,

Jie har diy filled the ep ot rey hands when pr exerted te me.
We had been reading the late Mrs Bilis Rowan’s book, (' Bill
Balllic:'? ad the name of her animal hero was bestawed
wpuD fhe neweomer. ' :

' On pet was xa young that it BéedsTio a probley't. liaw to
feed him. ‘Che’ problem was solved by suaking one ent of a
strip of funnel in mill, im a saneer, and viving the other
end to '' Bill Baillia,”* He quickly drained the saucer. Later
he was fed From a teaspoon. No wild creature ean be per-
feetly contented in captivity; bat our apessum beeame so
tame that we vealised that freedom, would: mean for him
almost certain destruction by dogs. So a large, wire-netted
ouclosure was provided for hint, with as much “* wild’? com-
fort as possible. There he has lived, since L913, apparently
quite happily, during the most of the time: oceasionally We
have been conscious of a dumb pleading for. freedors, ane
have almost vegretied that we gave ‘Bill Baillie’ the chance
of Life in his mfaney, Fle: has ‘heen fed on gum leaves, fruit.
vegetahles, wuts, thistles, dock leaves, sorrel, and bead and
milk, ov bread and jam. Lately he has shown sims of
ageing, his appetite is still good, but he is less active, ancl

yi Nates from Field and Study 73
spends more time now in his giass-lined box. He has just
returned from a fortnight’s “‘holiday."’ He had been ill,
so we took hin with us to TTealesyille, ‘The change has
almost vequvans uted hin, He showed plainly his pleasnre. at.
being back in the old. quarters.

Onv experience will deter us from over again caging a
wild creature.’ Though ‘“BilJ,’’ doubtless, has lived longer
than he would have done in freedom, and enjoyed more eon-
fom, too, L think ‘that he would have preferred life in the
bush, with all its dangers.—E.C. ;

OUR ONLY POPPY. . :

In the Kew Bulletin, No. 4, 1905, d. Hatehiuson (Con
tribntions towards a Phylogenctie Classification of Mlower-
ing Plants, V’?) remarks on the paucity of the Papaveracen
in the Southern Tenisphere, and refers to the only repre-
yenative mm South Africa as Papave aculedtun, aud to owe
one species as P. horridwm. "The three chief aveas of con-
centration of this family are in California, whence comes
Eschscholtzia, the eastern Mediterranean and Western China,
the home of so iaty lovely Meconopsis, among which is Tar-
yat's ‘beloved Celestial Poppy,’ with flowers of every shade,
trom -pure white through all tones of azure, mauve and hlae
ta clean pink. Tu the same Bulletin, Braid revises the
Alphitonias, a genus of the Rhamnacex, ranging from Borneo
to Hawai, and from the Philippines to northern New South
Wales. He recognises five Australian species hitherto
Jumped in A. excels; this is. well known aa a valuable tree
yielding fine timber, good tanning bark and foliage useful us
fodder. ‘he leaves, it 18 interesting to note, froth in water,
probably from the presence of saponin, and ave used by local-
school ehildren to clean mky fingers. The bark from young
shoots, especially of A, Petrie?, has a strong odour of sarsa-
parilla —C.8,8,

A USEFUL GRASS.

Tn the Journal of Hcology, January, 1925, appears an
account, by F. W Oliver, of the grass Spartina Vownseidti,
which somewhat miraculously made its appearance in the
sheltered waters of = Southampton, more than 50 years ago.
Sinee then if has exteniled its range for nearly 20 miles on
cach side of the Tsle of Wight, and has appeared also on the

me) Notes frome Meld mud Study hv sed

French coast opposite, where it has spread even more quickly
and widely. This grags is described as being better fitted for
the reclamation xd stabilising of maddy foreshoves than any
other in the world, and it is iwell worth the” eon-
sideration of our port. anthorities. ‘he normal habitat
of Sparting is soft, tidal mud, extending not, further
than three feet below high-water mark of spring
tides, where it ousts Zostera nana, when this exists,
anc even overwhelms Sew pus mearthimus on the landward side.
Colonisation conmences by the appearance of little seattered
tufts in the soft mud, avisinz from seed. These extend by
creeping stolons, which become anchored by long, unbranched.
roots, going as deeply as four feet, and by tufted, bre wehed
roots near the surface; especially concerned with nutrition.
The tifts. which veach a height of two ov three feet, in time
coalesee. the surface is vaised by silting, the mud eventualls

consohdated, and meadowing results. As a fodder the Spar-
fine | is relished hy heasls of all kinds, and it ig cut and stacked
for their winter use—C.8.5,

GIPPSLAND PERCH AT RALRNSDALE,

While fishing on Faster Monday, above the waterworks,
Bairnsdale Water Supply, ny younger son and 1 hooked
eight Gippsland pereh, Perealetus fluvidtelis, Stead. All
were small, one being only 84 inches in. length, and the others
10 inches, or a little over. From the angler’s point of view
the catch was disappointing, buat ag the small size of those,
Ox: amples points to the possibility of the species breeding in
the river, the matter is of great interest to those concerned in
the preservation of our indigenous fishes, Unfortunately,
nothing is known as te the breeding habits of this splendid
fish, admirahle from both its sporting and edible qualities.—:
qr. C.

HOUSE-FLIES AND BUSH-ILIES.

In references to the menace to public health and the
almost intolerable annoyance caused by flies, in our cities,
suburbs, and canntry districts, two distinet species are almost
invariably confused, Few diseriminate between the eammoat
House-fy, Musca domestica, and the so-called Bush-fiv. MW.
vetustissimét. Both are exceedingly abundant, and }oth are

a Revision of the Hucalypts 75
widely distribnied, the former throughout the temperate
and tropical regions of the world, the latter throughout this
continent and in India. The habits of the one ave too dis-
gusting and too well known to require mention here; those
of the other, if objectionable in the extreme, can be
enumerated only m part for want of more precise know-
ledué.

The Wouse-fly is pre-eminently a denizen of our dwellings,
yards, food shops and restaucants, Its abandunee, or
scarcity, during the summer and autumn months, is
determined by the amount and nature of the filth to which
if has access. Wire-gauze would be a drug on the market,
imstead of a costly necessity, if our munieipal enactments
were sinetly enforced.

The Bush-fly prefers open spaces—suburban streets,
gardens, heaches, grazing lands, forests and plains, and even
the arid interior of the Continent. It rarely enters houses,
und ig never geen on exposed food indoors. It is not
dependent upon filth for its existence, and is as abundant in
uninhabited territory, plains and tablelands of the interior,
and the islands of the Kimberley Coast, as it is In our popu-
lous seaside resorts. Very little is known of its breeding
habits, but it is safe to say that its numbers would not be
materially reduced by the application of regulations designed
for the control of the House-fly.

GF...

REVISION OF THE EUCALYPTS.

he sixtv-fourth part of Mr. J. H. Maiden’s Critical
Revision of the Genus Eucalyptus is devoted to the daserip-
tion of the seeds, commenced in the previous part. As with
every other feature in the species of this genus, there is great
diversity in these. In size they vary from 4 to 16 mm, long
and from 3 to 7 mm, broad, the smallest being derived from
FE. dealbate and the largest from 2. calophylla. Tn more than
100 kinds the length does not exceed 2 mm.

Though there seems to be no constant correspondence
between size of seed and capsule, those of 2, Raveretiana for
example, with the smallest fruits of all, being as large as those

76 Revision of the Bucatypts peyeet

of ony Woollybutt, 2. longifelias generally speaking, the large
forest trees appear to have the smaulest fruits and seeds, and
the scrubby, dry country species the largest, Ln dealing with
their vitality, Mr, Maiden states he has no difficulty in getting
germination up to 30 years, though Professor A. J. Hwart
“and De, Cuthbert Hall were not so sueeessful, the latter fail-
ings to raise seedlings from material older than 185 yeara.

fsuuly the sterile seeds, which serve the purpose of pack-
ing, onthumber the larger and darker fertile ones. In the
Bloodwoods thete ave only one of the latier and a few of the
others in eavh cell, but the nombers in other species ave not
Bivett,

[In grouping the seeds into a score of so at series Vir.
Maiden has regard to the preseuce of a wing or membranous
Trjmec, its extent and position—this feature is most pro-
Nouneed im the Bloodwoods—the shape and sculpture, tlie
position of the tilum. the eolaur, from light brown to jet
black, anid te the nature of the surface. of the testa, which.
may be smuuth, striated, pitted or scurfy.

Et owill be news to many that when i sore straits, perhaps
only In bunies when even grass seeds and nardoo fail thom, the
seeds of at least onc species, a Coolabah, F. bicolor, serve as
facd for the uatives of West. Central Queensland, who pre-
pare them mueh m the way they do the sporocarps of the
Muarsilen.

Tf, is now 22 yeara since the appearance of the first part ot
Mit. Maiden's maga opus, and the completion of it is not
yet, though it seems to be within nicasurable distance. 'Phree
years ago, when part 53 was published, he was of opinion it
would take at least 65 parts to deal with the total of perhaps
350 species and to contain all the material required to do
adequate justice to his. subject.

However, there ave still more species to be deseribed. 2rr-
racoppinensis, Blozsomet and Staert are noticed, which will
bring the namber to 336, and no doubt there are others The
seedlings, too, have yet to be figured, and, lastly, there is ta
come the enormous key which wag his main object in engaging
in his formidable task. and will be its fitting and triuinphant
etumination, "It is therefore likely that the estiniaté; at least
in regard to the number of parts, will be considerably
vexcveded,

S88,

Cie Victorian Naturalist

Vou XLII—No. 4. AUGUST 7, 1925 No. 500.

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Clib was held an
the Royal Society’s Hall on Monday evening, 15th July,
1925, The President, Mr. Geo. Coghill, occupied .the ehatr,
and about fifty members and friends were present.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

Qu 3 ballot being taken, the following were duly elected
aug members of the Club:—As ordinary members: M's. Geo.
Coghil, 17 Monomeath Avenue. Canterbury; Mr 8. I.
Mann, Caramut; and My, A. R. Mills, LL.B. 430 Little
Collins Steet, Melbourne. As associate members: Muster
Colin Weith Wraser, Gharles Strect, Kew, and Master Ronald
Tan Wallace, ¢/o Prof, Wallace, New.

GENERAL BUSINESS,

Mi. F. Pitcher moved, “Phat this Club protests against.
the proposed desiauction of the trees in Victoria Parade.’
Seconded by Mr. A, EK. Rodda. Messrs. MeColl, I. G@. A.
Barnard and .A. D. Hardy, and the President, took part in
the discussion that followed. The mation was carried wuans-

niousl yr.
PAFERS,

1. By My. Jd. GC. Goudie—‘Notes on the Coleoptera of
North-Western Victoria,’* Part XIU, he anthor dealt with
beetles belonging to the families Brenthidw, Anthribide, and
Cerambycids (several very fine and rare species of Longi-
corns were included in the list).

Messrs. C. Oke, D. Best and Hardy diseussed. the paner.

2. By Ma. T. & Hart, M.A.—: The Victorian, Species of
Cassytha.’’ The author deseribed the. differences between
the five species, thei range, and habits. The paper was dis-
cussecl Ixy Messrs, 17. B. Williamson, Hardy, Pitcher and the

President. ‘
EXHIB,

By Mr. J. W. Audas, F..8.—Specimen of Cassythus
paaroudate.

By Mr. (. Daley, BA, F.L.S.—Views of Californian
Alligator Barn.

By Mo. J. C. Goudie—Case coutaining species of Longi-
corn beetles (Cerambyecide), from Sea Lake, Birchip dis-
trict, Victoria, in ilustration of his paper.

78 Milk Nutwratists! Cliv—Lyoceedings . Pbhses

By Mie. J, A. Kershaw—WNictilus pompiltus, found on
Three-mile Beach, at National Park, Wilson’s Promontory,
hy Mv. (W. H. Ferguson, May, 1925. A trvost wnonetal
oeaurence.

By Mv. V, EL Miller—Wattle Seale, Lecamiuns bucoulune.

By Mr. GC, Oke—T'hree species of Victorian Switt-moths,
Porina australis, P. fuscamaculaty, aud Oncoplera wubrd-
mid. The larvie of these moths. feed on grass roots,

By Nb. A. &. Rodda—Pyvomorphite (Chloro-phosphate
ot Lead), from Queensland.

By Mr. f. EB. Pescott, P.LS.—Growing plant of the
“ Wheat*” orchid, Bulbophyllum Shepherd, Wov.M., in flawee.
Native to New South Wales and Queensland,

By Mr. J. Searle—Small Chaleid wasp, and ‘‘shell'! of
aphis from which the parasite cmereed, (Shown woder
microscope.)

By Mx. PR. ET. 8t. John—Herbarinne speetnens of (1)
Adiantum capillus veneris (Lirm), Wnglish Maiden-hair
Porn, Mt, Evelyn, 18th Pebruary, 1925 (new for Vietoria) :
(2) Casuarina suberosm (Otto and Diet), vasuetar pended,
the Drooping Sheoke, from Crankston, April, 1925; (3)
Hueaypius phiehophylia (Fo vow ML), Weeping Cabbage
(rim, fronr Frankston, April, L925; (4+) Baealyplus acervade
(Hook fil}. Red Gum of Vasinania, Frankston, Sth Toby.
1925; (5) Lucalyplus acacieformas (Vean and Maiden). Red
Peppermint af New South Wales, grown by Ma. Alister
Clarke, Bulla, Vie. 1, 2, 3 and 4, cofeeted by exhibitor,

By Mi, A, B. Williamson, E.L.8.—Photoeraphs of large
Dodder-laurel..

THE BATHURST BURR.

One of the troublesome weeds of Victorig, Nrndleiuan
spinosmmn, is ubiqiitous, even being found wear Arizae
Beach, on Gallipoli. Tt is gouerally considered to be a native
of South America, and to haye been introduced into Souther
Wurope between the years 1700-1750, Sermi-foasilised fruits
have, however, now been found in Neolithic ceposits in Bul-
varia. They have been carefully examined at the Royal
Botanic Cardens. Kew, anc their identity established. The
‘fruits’? had been collected iu considerable quantily anil
stared. as rf for use as food or fodder: The discovery wont
indicate that the species existed In Fuvope lony before the
date aecepted by Thellang (Kew ‘‘Bulletin.’’ No. 5, 1923).—
AT.

‘=

axe Hani, Tho Vielorian Species of Cassydie 7

PUI DEROOLOUPOAN ELE R ADV AG HEER DUTT COHODHOD PDD AT RT RARAT ERUPT RA TAV EH OOME TENT UDPA PORTO TANTO DEED AGH CCAR DEED AMRA ATEN PHI RAH AN RTPA RA HANEE.

THE VICTORIAN SPECIES OF
CASSYTHA.

By U8, Harr, M.A,

TONEEMANU ROO OASURDELEODOMBERURD/GUNURBONeRD OO PU NOEELEO TEI DANLELELES PAU ANGEANGAVERTIANAHAIOA PAID PRA SI OOPD RR ANDI OA@PARANOA PUPA RA AARANRT.

Oe

semmeaveroenripanienessanny

Br

Five species of Cussytha have been recorded as Vietarian,
hat of these C. paniculata is given only as from the Hume
River, and is therefore indicated in the Census as doubtfully
Vietorian, The other six Austrahan species o¢eur in Western
Austrvaha and the northern part of the continent,

Cassytha melantha, the Large Doddertanrel, and C.
qlabella, the Tangled Dodderlaurel, are elearly defined
apecies; but the houndary between the other two species
(C. pubescens and C. pheolusia) seenis to be dovbtfal, Mie
authority for CL plucolasia, Spiked Dodcler-laurel, is 1. vou
Muller, Frugmenti Vo OS66). where it appears as a variety
of OF paivientuta, or possibly a distinet species. The note
muy be thus translated ——' Of thig (that is, pamtedeta) the
variety plieolasit, unless by this name isto be weted a dis-
tinet species, fron thea coast of Twofold Bay, is ut once to
be reeounised by the rasty-tonoantose fruits.’ A bttle later
there follows a note.on Co. pubescens, tdi whieh a variety,
mucrosiuch ya, is mentioned,

Irom the onemal pole, GC. pleulasw would be expected
to have fruits like C. paniculata, except tor the hairs, that
is, vibbed fruits, (The tem fruit is used to include the suc-
enlent part, not merely the matured carpel.) Bentham
(1870), who would, na doubt, be at some disadvantage as
regards the dirget observation of the sueeulent frnits, makes
a Aistinelion ju the lenethenine of the spike, as well as in
the shape of the fruiting perianth; so also Miieller, in the
Koy to the System of Vietorian Plants (1888). Without
frnit, any lony-apiked pubescens might be mereed in
phmalast, Beuthant sixs that @. plveolusia is very near C,
pubescens, differing fram it in wiflovescence, and perhaps an
the form of its fruit; but he had not seen the trait quite
ripe, Prniting pevinatls of Co ph@elasta are given as obo-
vod, or pear shaped, those otf CL pubeveens asx globular.

Mitieller, in Native Plints of Wietorw Srecinethy Defined
(1879), omits (. pleealasias possibly he doubted it us Vie-
forian: pethapsy it is merged dy pubescens, Tf this is nota
error in compilmg, it agrees with a hesitation io remove the
variety macrostachyo From C, pubeseeus, for this variety is
wundeybtedly Vietorian, as will appear helow,

80 Harv, The Victorian Species of Cassy thie wee at:

Having obtained specimens with stronely-vibbect and
brownish tomentose fruits, at Hagle Poiat, near Bairnsdale,
{ concluded, from examination of the deseviption, that ‘these
were typieal phealasin, At the same time I read of the
variety macrostuchya of pubescens.

The fruita of C. prcbescens, as collectad at Black Rock,
though variable in velation of width to heirht, showing both
squat and relatively tall forms, are, ax the Baron expresses
it in the Mragmenta, “gently-angled ;°? looked at end on,
the departure from a cirenlar outline is slight, so that call-
ing them globular is not misleading.

Through the courtesy of the late Mr. J. R. Tovey, T was
able to examine the National Herbarium. specimens. and
found there, in the C. pheolavia package, the following :—

A specimen labelled @. pubescens macrostackyva, trom Portland,
one of Bentham's localities for C. phaentasia. T see no sufficient
Treason for separating this specimen from tt. wuherncns. No friuits
were seen, Elongated spikes are present.

Another, C. pubescens, shrubbery at the coast tear Briznton
(1853), F von M. The' spikes have flowers separate in the lower
part. Wo fruits. Brighton is one of Bentham's localities for
PHaeokusier,

Another, O. pubescens on Ifelateneds, ab the Yarra River (186%),
Dr. M, The shrunken fruit in (the packet do not show ribs. The
flowers are mostly separate,

These specimens, though mtaiming C. pubescens labels. ave
found with C. Pheolasia, indieating a partial acquiescenea
in Bentham ’s arrangement; but it is not known to me when
they were so placed. They represent C. pubescens, vat. nure-
rostachya.

With these I tound two other examples, whieh are clearly
the Baron’s pheolasia, namely :—

A specimen Jabelled “Heath ground, near the Womboyne, Drupe
Sangular pyriform, brownish, hairy, D.M,, Sept, '60." This has
with it a packet from the same loculity Heath grofind, near the
Womboyne, Casiytha paniculata, ‘The date is before the separa-
Uion of C. phueolasia from OC. paniculata. The dry ttuits show rths.
and are brown-hairy,

Another specimen has two labels, “C. phaeotusia, Ferd. Mueller,
Bast Gippsland.” and “Cassyta, Womboyne.” The buds ara dis
tinally brown-hairy

The Womboyne River is.abmit 18 miles north of Cape

lowe, hence these examples wre not Vietorian. The speci-
mens I have from Eagle Point, and other localities about the

“tue. Hawt, The Vietorion Species of Cassytiiu 81
Gippsland bakes, may be placed as OC. pleolasia in the
wrigial sense, with these Womboyne speeiniens.

Trping thes t) the Herbarium C. pubescens packet,
Nheve ure found C. pubescens, rocky hills near Swagport: a
spike ov this shows niany poiuts of altachment of flowers: au
elvhth of an ineh, or perhaps more, opart. Also, C.
pubescens, R.Br. var. diuisa, Mt. Lofty Ranges, at thu
Cutaruct, B.M., '$9; and another Jabel which, translated,
reads ''C. pubescens, Mt. Lofty. Bruit opaque, green, very
gently six-angled, with an. umbo at the apex.’’ (1 have trans-
Jated Latin labels when such occur.) hese may he placed
with van. mucrostachya. 1 have not found auy other
referunce Lo var, devise.

L then proceeded” to look for long-spiked Co pytescens
On low shrubs east. of Black Rock (Khden’s Park), (. piubes-
Lveus was in gveal abundance, all plants noted having the
lapieal short-spiked jnflorescence, On search in tall
lea tree Lorther south, on the incr side of the Beach Road,
apikes 1.9 to 2.7 mehes long were found. The fruits were all
referable to pubescens.

I. have also found elongated spikes in, Melaleuca sernb at
Storveby, and while one pateh had the aspect, on a general
view, of a pateh referred ta phaolasio at Kavle Point, and
possibly sume fruits were a little more angular, T sia io
sufficient, reason to remove the Scoresby specimens from
CG. pubescens. Tu should be noticod Vhat the hairs, and often
par ‘yea ‘eddish fruits, in C. pubescens wre quite distinct froin
those ot phvolavia. In pubescens, the skin colour of the fimit
shows through, with minute, scattered hairs. Tn phetolirsia
the hairg are denser and brownish.

I have come to these conclusions :-—

That typical GC. pheolusia, P.xv.M., is that form in whieh
the fruit is strongly angled, or ribbed, and has a rnsty
fementan, Tts frais are distiner in form from those of
C pubescens. The National Herlarium, specimens seen by
me do not show fas Victorian, but it vecars freely about the
Gippsland Lukes. TFagle Point is, so tar, the most inland
locality, Shady eonditions may he F Pavcinvable to the elon-
gation of the spikes.

As vegards hosts, a few of my notes nention Weak attaah-
ments to certain species, and it is not anlikely that. tle para.
site flourishes more on some plants than on others. Stact-
ing from the soil, the plant is less likely to grow in eulti-
vated lands, where it may be destroyed before permanently
establishing self. Attachments lo introduced plants ave,
therefore, inainly to be expeeted where these pluats have aay

$2 Bart, Phe Vietorian Species of Cassytha yank. Sas
wild, or ave under somi-iatural plantation conditions. J
have, however, a few examples of its oceurrence om introduced
planis.

Mr. A, D. Hardy votes C. melantha on TWurze, Clea
Kuropeus at Studley Park. [ have observed the same
species on Willows, Sufta alba, on the Mitehall River, above
Bairnsdale, but the attack was light conipared with that on
the Zristania, from which it had spread. L have observed
probably CG, pubescens on a pine, probably P. Larteio, at
Creswick, attaching to the needles; and also on Blackberry,
it Seoreshy, A Cassythu, doubtless the same species, | saw
on Pittasperma. undulation, neds Mornington, atid €. glabellu,
attached to a self-sown pine, near Frankston, the pine being
stil] small ond amoug the low seb. *

Prof, A. J. VMwart has shown that. cotyledons do vot
appear in the young seedling, aud that there is the vevy
peculiar absorption of the store of inatertal in the weed by
the tip of the shoot. Bentham reeords that the eatyledans
ave distinet wat an uarhy sgtyve, though eonusolidated later,
agsuming the appearance of a Heshy endosperm. The two
cotvledons ean he found on examination, and on sevevul
vaturnl seedlings there appear two minute sears, or marks,
helow the first seale leaf, whieh may be the original points of
attachment of the netyledous. On having laree cotyledons,
the seed has & weneral character of the Lauracen.

The suceulent fruit ia clemvec from tha receptacle of the
flower, the hard interior being derived from the carpal, and
though the family is described as movocarpellacy, a sisxrayed
character appears, ot least aeU in the sunumit of this
havd portion. The marked. or gentle, sis-angled character.
whew seen in the sueenlent d boc is PVeservilg of Agreeing
with the six-parted porianth.

LT have taken several seedlings on two beepeoites in the
southern part of Moomnunne, south-west of Bairnsdale.
These were, no doubt, all Co melunthe, ander whieh they
were found: though, as the fruit is probably taken by binds;
thay were not necessarily from that particular plant, T have
also taken natnral seedlings, either plcolaxia ov pubescens,
at Bagle Point Park.

RYSOPSIS OF VIUTORIAX CASSYTHAS.
Feust ollipsvid, ved or yellow; Howers in clusters; plant
ewlabrons: stems and branches threadiike. CC. glibella.
Fruit globular, green; spikes short or almost capitular ;
> ! °
plunt glabrous, except the Mowers: stems and branches
thick, CG. melrant lee.

She CHaraan, Notes on the Foraminifera RS

Fruit depressed, globular to ovate- globular, often with a
, colour timee, very gently six-augled on careful mspuc-
tion, minutely puberulent; spikes short or elongated;
, plaut nore oO less pubescent; stems moderately thielc..
QC. pubescens.
Fruit pear-shaped, mbbed at least in typical examples, dis-
tinetly hairy: spike elonguted (? is it always elongated
ealy) ; plant more or less pubesecit; stems moderately
thick. C. phaoliusies.
Fiuit ribbed, glabrous ov nearly so; spike usually eoneated,
sometimes byanched; plant glabrous or nearly’ so.
C. paniculata (doubttully Victorian),

jpnesnniianninemninnannuniniaaninnennininrtnnnainnnntnnnnannninnnnnnine
z =
= + 7 =
H NOTES ON THE FORAMINIFERA, i
= By BF. Oyaremas, ALS, i
Fi FS
Srvesannnvennancenseaaneaaccennvnnencccnaananeaacaenncsarenacaceeenenanacennagnaanacanenseccrnaccacesevaaccecsensaaccgnsassearnccesenye?

The study of that fascinating group of lewly animals, te:
foraminifera, has of lute been brought to the fore by their
increasing usefulness in the determination of the age of rock
groups, and as coustituting indicators of former geographicul
conditions. ‘They have been also useful in oil-finding, as
evidenced by the establishment, in America, of at least two
flourishing Bureaus for Foraminiteral Research.

The literature on the subject is enormous, but. that should
aot deter any naturalist from taking up the atudy of these
little shells; for by seeking to know the prineipal ty pos, uscer-
tained from text-books on the subject, such as Brady’s Chal-
lenger Report and the recent, work by Cushman, published by
the United States National Museum, a good working know-
ledge can soon be acquired,

It is remarkable to see a decided renascence of enquiry
made in réeent year's in regard to the foraminifera. Since this
interest has spread even to our own Club, and the fraternal
Society of Microscopists, it may not be out of place for an
old worker to eontribute a few notes for beginners in this
study. Many successful students of nature in the past com-
menced by merely collecting. There is very much to be said
in favour of this, aid little against it, Gathering and
identifying species often leads to a search for further know-
ledge, and every one can add to the *‘gairn” of facts,

Since an all-round student of nature should know some-
thing of geology, as well as of zoology, it ig assumed that the

BH CHaratar, Notes on the Formnvinifere Botn!

collector of foraminifera desire ta laiow where and how to
obtain these tiny shells, both ‘in the rocks and im the living
state. Fossil foraminifera are, perhaps, rather diffieul, to
fined in Vietorian rocks older than the Tertiary. though most
beautifal spesimens ean he washed out of the Chalk of
Gingin, Western Anstralia, If, however, one has a trend
who collects Tertiary shells, and who is in the habit of bring-
ing home large bags of marl and. other shell-rock, he might
urrange to take over cast-off siftings, since these will gener
ally prove a mine of mierozon, Such material may come
from, Torquay, from Muddy Creek, ov from the mullock
heaps of the Altona Bay coal-shaft. But in every case ihe
position of the bed should also be noted as well as the
locality.

Prolifie strata can be found at Torquay, in the lower part
of the cliff, as al Bird Rock, but some of the higher layers
ave equally profitable. Towards Rocky Point, boyoud
Vishorman’s Steps, for example, a soapy mart band comes
‘lown te the share. Thig banc eontains large nombhers of
filobigerine, whieh points to ite pelagic, of open sea «harac-
ter, In the Miocene pertod, whilst there are some beautiful
fornia of Corruspira and Lagena also present,

Tho mails af the fossiliferous beds at Torquay Jo not
require much washing, only so far as to remove the Ancenlent
clay whieh bwids the particles. After (drying, the forn-
miniferous material ean be sifted into grades ta facilitate
the sorting.

As regards living forms, probably the viehest shore-line
deposit, near to Melbourne is the strand of Altona Bay.
Bot the resnits will be variable, according to the season of
the year. for sa much depends on the conditions of tides and
eurrents, ‘The muda of shallow water round piles and groyres
are often a teh source of wonderful glassy Lagena,

No matter where we, obtain our foraminiferal material,
something of fiterest is always suio tio be discovered,. and
when we examine their vaviahle and ornate shells we cannot
order that they were first favourites anrong the older miscro-
seapiste, who were then only equipped with an ordinary
magnifving glass, or a sitnple mieroseope such as the
herbalists used,

Some practical hints as to collecting foraminifer’, may
be found in the Naturelist for Apvil, 1910; and the known
Victorian species of littoral forms are listed in my paper,
''Recent Foraminifera. of Victoria: Some Litkoral Gather-
ings,’' published by the Quekett Microscopical Club, Nover.
her, 1907.

nue | Hint, Motley un Victorian Uermites 85

SAVVOPPRETAED hanna ede HLNANAepancenemnmeeiondebeanessonepamnacceoussdpande seni aUbnalbbaaeeatanaeeeneaennaseseareapuarcoaranaenaueregs

THE VICTORIAN TERMITES.
By GF. Lint.

iomapbssunennsnvscsobenenssceyyyensravonnsoanentoes ovauanacuanersaanccessonssenssonseryis TAAUNORHADERADeeeR OT RateeoeeEeaS witibibim

Notwithstanding that ‘‘ White-ants‘' ave frequenily stated
t» be the cause of considerable damage to torest, ornanjental,
ind eultivated trees, and to fences, buildings, ete. less is
known of the Termite fauna of this State than of that of any
cther part of the Commonwealth, with the exception of Tas-
mania and South Australia.

Tn his hist of Australian Termites, Mjdberg (1920)
recorded only five species from Victoria, one of which, Copta
termes lacteus. (Progg.), is unknown to me from this State,
and is nol referred to in the following notes. The number,
ineluding described and undescribed species, is wow known
jo be 16, representing nine genera, a& follows ;—Stolotermes.
1; Calotermes, 4; Porotermes, 2; Leucatermes, 1; Conto-
termes, 2; Hlinotermes, 1; Mutermes, 2; Ifamettermes, 1;
Microcerotermes, 2. The soldier caste of all of the above
species, aud the iniagus also of 13 of them, are known from
\ietoria,; the remaining three species may be identical with
species known in «ll castes from other States.

So httle systematic collecting has been done in this group
of ingects in Victoria, that one may safely predict many addi-
tions to the above total of species, t though it is inprobable
that more than one of the four remaining Aushralin geucr
will be found to be represented.

Kew authorities are in agreement regarding the etassifipa:
tion of the Yermites, und no system yet devised has heen
soneraly aeeepted, though most of the genera, and nuany of
the species, are easily reeownised. The following notes und
fiwures (more or less diagrammatic) will be found sufficient
ts enable one to identify most, if not ull, of the speries
unumerated, without reference to the long, technical descrip-
tions often soa necessary for the differentiation of all the
apecies of a faunal region,

Jt should be mentioned, however, that in some genare,
ey, Coptolermes, Khinotermes, Microcerotermes, specific
determinations cainot always be made trom soldiers und
workers only; that while the imagos of a give species rarely
vary appreciably, soldiers, even ‘fom the sume colony, may
show marked differances in the size and shape of the head.
caz., Celatermes, Portolernies, Mierocerolermes; that in some
species there mux be two dissimilac forms of soldiers ty thr.

eyeverie.

RUA TTCERTOREP DD neer rene.

PT al

BG HLL, Notes on Victorian Termites Mgt

same colony, #.9-, Rhinatermes and Mulermex. that from two
to five distinet specios may be more or less closely associated
in the same colony; that in species in which two forms of
soldiers are nermally present one may be absent, e.g., 1
young colonies of Rlinvlermess,and that the funetions ef a
frae king and queen (i.¢e., reproductive forms derived from
winged imagos) may be performed by apterous ot brachyp:
terous adult males and females, or by one to several true
kings mated with from one to a bundred oy more apterous
females,

As a rule, the genus is most readily deiernined from the
soldier caste, and the epocies from the image, Mhe worker
caste (absent in Catotermes anc Parolermes) generally pos
sesses good generic characters, but 1s often practically nae
less in atlempting specific determinations.

The following list of species, with brict descriptions of

ach, comprise the Termite fauna of Vietoria, as at present.
kuown to me. Measurements are given in millimetres
(approximately 1/25 ineh) —

Stoloternies victortensis, Hal: Tnage, leneth with wings
11.00, withont wigs 6.5; a small, dark-brown gpecies, with
fuscous wings, very small pronotwn, no ocelli; eyes small,
prominent; antenne 16-joinled: anterior margin of wing
with several short, stoul veins, running diagonally wpwards
to the costa; cerel Sjointed. Soldier: Total length, 7-9.00:
head with mandibles, 5.30-3.60; head mueh flattened, jaws
bent downwsrde slightly. with two broad and one narrow
teeth on left aud two broad teeth on right: teeth lange, leag-
‘like, and directed forward; anjenne 16-jointed; oyes black
and very distnet; pronotum srnall; cere: S-jointed. Found
in small eolonies in rotten loge, in damp, heuvily-timberec,
hilly, or mountainous country; winged imaros present i
January, ‘Che four retaining speeles are fron) ‘Casmania
(t), New Zealand (1), and Queensland (2),

Calotermes (Figs 1 and 8): Small to very large specice-
imago with oeelli, pronotum large, reniform. arehed, wing
marems without hairs, Jarger veins crowded towards anterior
border (sub-gennus, Veolermes), remaining veins usually very
indistinet, empodinm present between claws, cerei 2-jointed-
Soldier: Head large, much longer than wide. more or tess
parallel on sides, mandibles large, with stuut teeth on the
inner margin, pvenolum very large, veinform, wider thad
head, very few hairs on head, thorax and abdomen. empodiun
present, cerci. two-joiuted

Calotermes insularis (White): A large, yellow species:
length with wings 25.10, withonh wings 14.00. expanse of

one Hi, Noles on Victorian Termites RY
Wings up to 45.00. Soldier: Total lenyth about 15.00, head
with mandibles 7.00; head orange-rufous, with long, slender
mandibles; antenne 14-17 joints, third Joimt vary bibtle larger
than second and fourth (subgenus Veotermes),

This is the species veferved to by French in ‘‘ Destructive
Insects of Vieloria,’’ Part 2, as Termes australis, Walker.
Lives in small colonies in living trees; found in yarious parts
of Southern Victoria; winged forms present in Jannary-

Calotermes oldfields, Wilh: Length with wings 15,00.
withont wings 9.00; a yellowish-brown species, distinguished
from the preceding species iy the winged form by iis smaller
size, the median vein of the forewing midway between the
cabitus aud radial sector, weakly chithyzel (sob-genus
Calotermes), and in the soldier caste by its smaller size (total
length 11.50, head with mandibles about 4.40)) anteinw
13-18.joited, third joint meh larger thun second wid fourth,
eluilshaped (sub-genus Culoteries)

Lives in living and dead trees; winged Lomne present Crum
February t July; has been found at Iseilor and iy the Mat
ler district,

Onlatermas sridipennis, Froge: Length with wines 11,00,
Without wines 7,00; antenna t5-jointed. Distinguished tron
either of the above by its smaller size, very dark-browr
colour, dark iridescent wings and absence of short diagonal
branches from the radial seetor towards the costal margtt
(sub-genus Glyptotermes). Soldier; Total length 9.00-10,00,
head with mandibles 3.15-4.10; lead orange-rufons, long and
evlindvieal, mandibles short and stoun; antenng 13-15-
jointed. Distinguished from the preceding species by its
smaller size, vylindrical head and shorter mandibles.

Found in living and demak trees, in fairly large colonies,
venerally with several kings and queens. It is a destructive
species in the public gardens of the eity and suburbs, aid
has been found at Beaconsfield and Frankston.

Calotermes tufinetum, Hill: Length with wings 9.00-9.30,
without wings +.50; head and pronotum orange, wmgs davk
fuseous, reniainder of insect nearly black, Distinguished frum
(he preceding species by its snuller size, colour of bead and
pronotum, and presence of short, oblique ycenis extending fram
the radial sector towards costal margin. Soldier) Total length
6,50, head with mandibles 2,20; head long and nurrow, eylin
drieal, mandibles shart and stout,

Lives in gniall eolayvies, in living of dead trees; sometimes
iitucks building timher; has been taken in the vieinity of Mel-
hourne, Gembrook and Lakes Entrance.

88 Hira, Notes on Victorian Termites preter

Pavotermes; Medium to jarge, light-brownish species,
almost devoid of hairs: Tmago withont ocelli, pronotum
amall, reniform, not markedly arched; principal wing veins
crowded torether near costal margin; mlinerous small, obliges
yelus extending from the radial sector iowards the eostal
margin; no empodinm hbetiveen elaws; cerei, five-jointed.
Soldier; Meduum to very large size, with broad, flattened
head, powerful mandibles, with two very large teeth on apical
lal of cach; eves pale, rudimentary; pronotam of moderate
size, bat much narrower than head; no empodium ; cere five-
jointed.

Povotemmes edumsant, Frogg: Length with wings 14.00-
15,00, without wings 7.00-8.00. Soldier: Total leneth
§.75-11.25, head with mandibles 3.36-4.67,

Lives in colonies of moderute size, in living or dead
irees; winged forms present in March. Tay been found i
suburbs of Melbourne, and at Ringwood, Tarwin, and Lakes
Rntranee,

Poroternes grundis, Holmgren: Winged forn: nat known,
Dealated imago (king and queen): Length 9.00-13.24; other-
wise sinilar to preceding species. Soldier; otal length
LO,50-14.50, head with mandibles +,.20-7,00: otherwise similac
to preceding species,

Found in the mowitein and tally districts of South and
South-eastern Victoria. xecedinuly destructive to Kuea-
lypta; remarkable for the variation in size and shape o? heact
of soldiers ; possibly a mountain form of the preceding epecies.
Ono species is known from ‘Tasmania, one from South Africa,
wid one fram Chili,

Leucotermeées ferow, Froge: Length with wings 10.25, with-
out wings 4.505,15; small species; upper surface very durk
brown, lower surface and legs vellowish: wings fuscons.
stumps of forewings much larger than, but not overlapping,
those of hindwings; elypeus strongly eonyex. with medium
sufive; head vound: eyes very small and not projecting;
ocelli very stuall (in certain speeics only a proportion of the
tmagos. have ocelli, but in this they appear to be invariably
present) ; fontanelle sinall but distimet, cireular, situated pos-
teriorly of n imaginary lime joining the posterior margin
of the eyes; arlenne 16-jointed: pronotum moderately large,
slightly narrower than, head, and « little wider than long.
Soldier (Fig, 2): Total length 5,00, head with mandibles
2.50; head yellow, long and narrow, with long, sabre-shaperl
mandibles, withont teeth or serrations, excepting at the
extreme base of the left mandible, where there ts a large
thorn-like, blant tooth only visible in cleared or disserted

Aug. His, Notes on Victorian Termites 89

apeeimens; labrutn very long, celie-shaped, early half as
Jong as mandibles; fontanelle a3 im imago, situated. abort,
midway between apex of mandibles and base of head; anten,
ne 15-juinted (rarely 16-jointed).

Found in sina) colonies in dead trees, building timber,
under stones iid Togs, and sometimes in the cuyoy walls of
Coplotermes’ mounds. It is known from Victoria, New South
Wales arid South Australia. Hight other species are
reearded, from Western Australia, Queensland, and the
Northern Territory.

Coptotermes: Small ta medinm-sized species, very dark-
brawn or yellowish; head, body, and cspecially wings, very
haity; L9-jointed anton in nage, 16-jointed in soldier,
third joint very small. Imago with short, lead Jabrim,
indistinct fontatelle, very short elypens, without distinet
median suinye; laree eves and ocelli; pronotum large, a
litle narrower than head and rather wider than long.
stumps of the forewings much Jarger than, and partly cover-
ing, those of the hindwings. Soldier (Fig. 3): With oval,
oranve-yellow head, black mandibles, Jong cone-shaped lab-
tam; large fontuelle opening behind the base of the ely-
peus; long, sabre-shaped mandibles, without teeth ot seria-
tins, exeept near the base of left mandible, where there are
a few serrationg and a long, thorn-like, blunt tooth, visible
only in cleared or dissected speemrens.

Hasily chstinguished from all other genera by the pre-
sence of a globule of white, milky seeretion from the ton-
tanelle.

Coptotermes sp, (near acinuictformis, Froge.) ; Length with
wings 13,00, without wings 7.50; uniform yellow in volo,
oxeepting head, whieh is suffused with brown, aid wings,
which are whitish, with hght-brown anterior veins” Soldier:
Total leneth 5.00, head with mandibles 2.40. From Northern
Vietoria.

* Coptotar oes sedulus, Hill: Length wilh wings 15,00, with-
nut wings 8,00. very dark-brown above, somewhat paler below ;
wings dark fuscows. Soldier: Very similar to What, of preivod-
ing species, but smaller; length of head with mandibles 2.00.

Fron Southern Vietaria. The large earthy ingands and
éatth-flled exravices and hollows in trees, commonly found
the Fermtree Gully and Gentbrook districts, ave dun ta the
wirk of this species, The winged forins leave the colonies 1
jiimense wumbers on their annual eolonising Aight, diuviig
the day and early evening, about. the middle wf September
The genus is widely distributed, and contains a latee wumbher
of elpsely-allied and very destructive species. The species

au Uihin Neder on- Victorian Terniites Vou Lit

nnder notice has bec generally confused with C. lacteus,
Trogg,

Rhinotermes: Small to medium-sized species, of uniform
yellow eolour; wings clear and retnarkably teticulated with
furrows anc small veins, the principal veins yellow. ayes and
ovelli yery large and prominent; fontanelle ronnd, distinet,
in line with the ocelli aud connected with the elypeus by a dis-
fmet furrow; clypeus large, with median suture; head almost
hairless; anténnwe 20-jointed; pronotaum large, and a Little
narrower than head; stumps of the wings hairy, those of the
forewings much larger that those of the hindwings, and reach-
ing the base of the latter. Soldier (Fig. 4): OF two distinet
iorms; head more or less 4nadvangular; fontanelle civeular,
distimet, in line with the insertion of the antenne, a deep fur-
row passing forward from the fontanellé through the cly-
peus to the apex of the very large labrum, the latter cover-
ing the greater part of the mandibles; mandibles long and
powerful, with two teeth near the apex of the left and one
near the apex of the wight. Very easily distinguished fram
other genera by the above charactors,

There aré two described, and several andeserilied, species
in Australia, the goldiers of which are very much alike Cyne
unidentified species hag been fonnd in North-western Vie-
toria. ‘The genus is widely cistiibuted, and contains very
destructive species. Nothing is known of the breeding
habits, gueens or nests of Australian species, ‘he winged
forms leave the parent colony in small trambers, at night,
during a pecind of two or three months.

Hudermes (Migs. 5 and 9): Small to medium-sized
species, with medium vein distinetly nearer cubitus than to
* yadius; chypens large, more than twiee as wide as lonw, and
with indistinet medinyn suture; eyes large and prominent;
weelli large; fontanelle elongate, forked anteriorly;
antenna 15-jointed; prouotum. large, slightly narrower than
ligad. Soldiers with pyriform head, prolonged anteriorly
into a Tostrani; mouth ‘parts concealed by rostrum.
Rutermes funagatyus, Braner» Length with wings 13.5,
Without wings 6.00, dark-brown above, head and wings
nearly black, undersurface yellowish-brown. Soldier: Total
length 4.50, head to apex of labrum 1.60; head vellow, with
orange-T0 fous rostrum,

This species is found in southern and South- euathrd Vic-
lorig, generally under logs and stones, it small colonies.
The winged tovins are present from Telrnaty to May,
Very little is known of its habits, and it is probable that it

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLII August, 1925
Puare Lil

9

VICTORIAN TERMITES.

Heads of Soldiers: (1) Calotermes; (2) Leucotermes; (3) Copto-
termes; (4} Rhinotermes; (5) Eutermes; (4) Hamitermes; (7)
Microcerotermes, Typical Wings: (8) Calotermes (sub-genus
Neotermes); (9) Eutermes.

UK i
T9286,

Hru., Notes ai Vectaridn. Termites 41
differs specifically from the New South Wales species
deseribed by Brauor. ‘There ave several yery closely-allied
species in Avstralia, most of which are difficult to separate
jn the soldior caste, bul, are markedly different in the winged
form.

Eulermes egitiasus, Will; Length with wings 25,00-26,50,
without wigs 6.50; head very dark-brown, nearly black,
thorax and abdomen ehestnat brawn, elypeus and nder-
surface yellowish, wings light-brown, with yellowish costal
Wargin; eyes and ocelli very large.

This species ts found in Western and North-western Vie-
toria, Where it builds small, woody termitamia ov qouwnds
genierally over the remains of a tree-stump or root, There
we several celosely-ullied Australian species with widely-
different, habits; some of these have been mistakenly ideiiti-
fied as W. funtipennis, Walker. The species umider yotice
extends i Western Australia,

Hanvitermes wilsow, var. victoriensix, Till; Length with
wings probably about 12.00-13.00, without wings 7.00-8.00 ;
liwad, thorax and abdomen dark-brown, clypeus lighter In‘own,
Jabrum und levy yellowish, wings probably dark fnseous;
wntennse 15-jointed; eves small, but very promiment; acelli
small and not very near eyes; fontanalle aval; ¢lypeus large,
ij Vithle wider thaw long, with distinet median suture, but tot
strongly bilobed; pronotum triangular, Soldier: Total
length 5.00, head with mandibles about 1.90; head pale yel-
low, a little larger than wide; elypeus strongly bilobod: Jab-
rum large and covering about one-third of mandibles; man-
dibles sickle-shaped, with » large tooth on each, about the
middle, (Pig, 6.)

An imperteetly-knoawn species, found in small colonies,
under stones, rear Preston,

Microcerotcrmes: Very small species, with snvell eyes and
amall oealli; no fontanclle; 14-jonited wntenne, and narrow
fuseous winps. Soldier (Fig. 7): With tong, narrow head,
livge conical labrum, 13- jointed antenme- Tong, slender,
vurved manctlibles, finely serrated along entire leneth af inner
margin, but without teeth

Soldier and workers only of two species have been found
in drier districts of Vieloria. In these castes they appears
to heidentieul with Northern: Territory and South Australian
spogies, descriptions of which have not yet heen published
Mourteen species are kiigwn from Australia, many of which
are very destructive. All are wood-eaters; sonie build small
cone-shaped, svoody hermitaria.

#2 Govwrs, Coleuptera of North-Western Victoria [Yor seit

evOWOnVenesaunmAddyadbeWWROFOTHTPDRWWTTAOOTERNNVINE APE DOODDIFHERAANHTHRRWHOOYPRRAHTTASHANTIPRROERRENNHHTARHNT VFR RO RIDE HOG0S Mesennes pen

NOTES ON THE COLEOPTERA OF
NORTH-WESTERN VICTORIA,
Part XII.

By J. ©, Gouprr.

rapgonphaduongegnosng nysenehtonsconsardacartcnassesesebipsnsh OO Apr eEAMAbARA bad an awe evadtaabireTesTeuenALYndasusesh sbacdsensebes))¢)

(Read before the Pield Naturalists’ Club of Veriorto;
July 15, 1925.)

_ CURCULIONIDA,
Belus findersi, Blackb. This species was 8 omitted from
the list in a previous. paper.
BRENTHID i.

5639 Cordus hospes, Germ. The only representative we
haye of this family, which is closely allied to. Cureu-
honids, differing in the position of the rostrum, which
is not turned down, and in haying moniliform, non-
angulated antenne. Tt is about 4-mceh in length, very
narrow, of a dark-red coloir, and often occurs in ants”
nests.

.

(PPNOW EACOA Mae seenreneeseennaton
SOOVTETTE ANT esd evesesenraveNtrarsese

ANTHRIBIDA,

o670. Araecerus fasciculatus, De Geer, var. sambucinus,
Boisd. A small, brownish, mottled beetle, found
under bark on dead trees, Another species, as yeb
unidentified, was obtained from the «dried stems of
Marsh Mallow, Gavateru plebeja, at Gieen Lake.

CERAMBYCID,

The Larve of Longicorns are wood-borers, tunnelling in
the branehes, stems and roots of many species of trees and
shrubs, often killing them outright. It is a common oeccur-
renee to find a saplirus, or a long braneh, tunuelled throagh-
out. its length by a single Longicorn grub. Being very
numerous ‘and widely-distributed, these larve do great
damage to our native timbers, as often they exist for two or
three years in the wood. They pipate ma chamber, formed
generally at the end of the tunnel, the perfect beetles enayw-
ing their way out in the spring or summer. The oval-shapeil
exit-holes are characteristic signs that a tree has heen
attacked by either Longicorn or Buprestid beetles. The
lurve of some species ave preyed upan-by a small Ichneumon
wasp, which, with its long, bristle-like ovipositor, is pable to
Pieree the bark and lay its eggs on or in the bocly of its
vietim. From a pupa of Scolecobratus variegatus, Blickb.. |
once obtained six of these parasitic wasps.

AUS] Gauare. Coleoptera of North-Western Victoria 98

Some of our largest and most formidable-loaking beetles
belong to this family, as well as many of slender and vraee-
ful appearance, They are generally noeturial in habits, at
least so far as the use of their wings is concerned, beiny
Found, by day, either clmging to the branches of their food-
plant, or hiding under the loose bark of trees.

5680. Muacrotome servilis, Pase.

5691, Cnemoplites impr, Newrm.

These are two of our largest species, measuring up to
2% inches in Jength. They are similar in appearanoe, being
of a dark-reddish-brown colour, and haye the outer mangins
of the sub-quadrate protkhoray fimely serrated. hey breed
in Mallee-butts and roots, algo in the Blick Box, H. bicolor.
The large, yellowish-white lary were considered a bon
bouche by the blacks, while anglers find them a useful bait.
H5TIS. Pachydissus sericus, New, A fairly common, coastal

species, of which } have taken only one example in the
Mallee; this 8peeinen measures finch, which ts
abowt half the size of typieal specimens. Tt is dark-
brown, with a silky sheen.

5726. Phacodes obscurus, Wabr. A brown beetle, aboul
Linch in Jength, with greyish, mottled markings on the
elytva, On the dise of the stvongly-rounded pro:

. thorax are three small but distinct tubercles.

5729. G@burina tristts, Pase. A+small, narrow, brawnish
Insect, with short, sleider antenne.

Phoracantha posticalts, Blackb.

5743. P. punctatu, Don. . !

5744. P. guinariu, Newn. -

5T4h, P. recutud, Newin.

5146. P. semipunctuta, Faby.

P. senio, Newm,

5748. P. tricuspis, Newm.

The’ species of Phoracantha are, perhaps, more coni-
monly met with than any other of our Longicorns, Under
the loose bark of trees, especially those in blossom about
midsummer, some of then are foand in numbers They are
mostly of a yellowish tint, with durk-brown, or black trans
Verse, zig-zag bands om the elytra, The Jong, slender
antennae are amied with acute spines on many of the joints,
and there is a lateral spine on the proilorax. P. dricuspis,
one of the largest, is about 14 inches in Jength, Ef breeds im
the Black Box. he other species also attack this tvec, as
well as the Mallee; in faet, hardly a freo of any ltd
escapes them,

4 Gover Coleoptera of North-Western Victoriw [voit

55. Lvypochuria odewahni, Pase. This is vare locally, it
ig 14 mehes in length, dull dark-brown, without mark-
ings, tuvose and strougly punctured.

5761 Attest angst, Pase.

A. tatet, Black.

hese are suinilar in appearance; slender, veddish-brawii:
with an inconspicuous yellow spot near the middle of each
élytron. A. angasi is J-inch in length; A. tatei, smaller, and
much darker, the yellow spot more obsolete.

5767, Coplocercus aberrans, Newm,

S773. C. rubripes, Bod,

C. aberrans is long and slender, tieavly 1 inch in length,
pale veddish-yellow, with three irregular dark bands acrpss
the elytra. C.rubrepes is smaller and davker, about one-third
of the apex of elytra (except a very small yellow spot at
extreme apex) being nearly black. All the femora aré much
ilickened, and ved.

4780. Stsyrium ibidionoides, Pase. A small, pale-yellowish
species, with head, apex of elytra and two ante-medial
spots black, of whieh 1 obtained a single specimen.

5799. Callacdiopix seutellaris, Pabr. [gs uniform dark-reddish-

brown, 4-inch long, The small, but distinct, yellow
seutellum helpg to identity this species.
Apostles niger, Blackb. A decidedly rare species. Tt
is uniformly dull-black, long and slender, with pro-
minent mandibles and eyes, and is upwards of am imch
in length, The antenne are flattened, exch joint,
exeapt the two first and last jomts, produced at apex to
form a short spur or tooth. Taken on the wing at.
dusk,

5828. ELaereta wricolor, Pause, [ have found this beetle breed-
ing in the wood ot the Bull-oak, Casuarina luchmanni.
it is pale-vellow, without markings, and is about 3-inch
in length.

ASSL. BKebius filifarmis, Pase. One of our smallest species.

beimg shghtly over taneh in length. very narrow and
‘iimost parallel-sided. It is lightreddish-lbrown in
coloul.
Seolecobrotus variegrtus, Blackb. By many eol-
lectors this is vegarded as merely a yariebs
of 8. westwoodi, liope, one of the most destruetive at
the ‘“braneh-eutting'’ Longicorns. Lt is about, 1 ineh in
length, reddish-brown, with a dark blotch on the ely-
tra behind the shoulders. In the males the 12-jointed
untennm are stronely serrated,

ar

4

Ay | | Gubvan, Coleoptera of Narth-Western Virtorie 35
ty

Many years ago D_ Best gave a very interesting aecount*
ot Whig beetle, and the lavva's method of working. He stated
that, although the beetle is fairly common, yet ii is rarely
euptured in the ordinary way, bat must be veared from, the
wood. This coincides with my experience.

Uracunthwes albatus, Lea.
U. discicollis, Lea.
U, loranthdt, Lea.

5840, U, strigosus, Pase.

5841. U. triangulanis, Tape.

In his tabulation of the Utacamthidesy Lea records 25
species of this genus trom various pans of Australia and
Tasmania. They are long, narrow beetles, generally of some
shade of reddish-brown, with pale clothing, taking the form.
in some species, of villi on the prothorax or elytra, or both.
U. tiangularis is readily distinguished by a bare, triangular
pateh on the elytra behind ihe shoulders, Tt is about 1 inch
in length, The other (loeal) species are smaller, Vhey bree
in the wood of various. Wuealypts, Watdles, ete; U. hariaatha in
the small branches of the Bull-ouls; L!. disetealles, in the Broo)
Ti-tree -

0845, Rhagiamarphia concolor, W. $8. Mae). This puwplish-
red species, which measwres }incli, has two fuint, pale
vittaz on the elytra, near the suture, The first joint
of antenne long, abruptly thickened at the apex;
second joint very short; third nearly as Jong us first,
with a tuft of black hair at apex, Tt is vare in this dis-
trict, but common about the Dividing Range, where
often it attaeks the Blue Gun, EB. globulus,

5855. L'ritocosmia paraded, Pase. A very rare species i
this district, though if occurs more frequently in
Gippsland and in New South Wales, Jt is black, with
the elytra, which ave distinctly ‘ribbed,’’ pale-yel-
lowish-red, The antennue are thickened at apex of first.
and third joints.

5g69. Sylietus gramnicus, Nowm. A very slender Longicorn,
4-inch in length, with a dark-red prothorax and. head,
the elytva brown, with three thin, grey, lonzitudinal
lines on cach. IT have taken it on the flowers of the
Black-thorn or Prickly Box, Bursarta spinosa.

5892, Binviw hicolor, White. This fine species is seldom seen,
Tt is about 1 inch in length; the anterma, middle parti
of head, dise of prothorax, scutellum, hind legs, tibe
and tarsi of other legs and under paris of body black,

*Vic. Nat, Vol. XIV, p. 146.
(Trans, Roy. Soa, SA., XL, 1916, p. 368.

‘

Mi Guns, Coleoptert of Norti-Weatern Victoria [Yoh XE

the elytra, which are of a thin, “‘papery’’ texture,
and the remaining parts being pale orange. Et breeds
in several species of Mallec, its presence being indi-
sated by ronehly cirevlar depressions, about I+
inches in diameter. The bark having been eaten away,
the wood is exposed, and in the centre of the depression
will he found «a small, phigged-up hole, where the
eruh has entered the wood. <A coloured plate in
French's ‘‘Destructive Insects of Victoria,'’ Part
TV, of B, fendrelis, Wustrates this process, the habits
of both species being the same, B. bicolor usually
appara in September.

O899, Agaupete kreuslem, Pasc. On a casual inspection this
species nught be mistaken for one of the Hymenop-
tera, the short, pointed, pale-coloured clytra leaving
the fligltavings, which are not folded when at rest,
exposed. If is 4-inch in length, black, with the head,
front of prothorax, and a band aeross the abdomen
reddish-yellow. .

5902, Havinus mimulus, Paxc,, var. wnrifaserata, Lea A
pretty dud searee Longicorn, taken on Mallee blossom.
It is t-inch in length, with black head, legs, und
antenna, red prothorax, and dark-blue elytra. Marked
at about apieal third with a transverse vellow band.

NOLS, Hesthestis cingnlata, ivy.

0923. HA, plorator, Pase.

These entions: beetles sec. to have been clesigned by
Nature to pass as Flower-wasps, the shoxt, almost obsolete
elytra, long fight-wings, black and-white vinged hody beiiug
well calculated to deceive, espectally when the insects are
seen on fldWvering shrubs, as is usual. Cinguldte is abort
1 ineh in tength: plorater much smaller. Both are rare.
S931,. Diskechoceru prr, Nowm. The male of this vare species

* has flabellated antenme, which are thiekened towards

the tips. [ have taken only one specimen, which
meagures Finch. It is dark-chocolate-brown. with
faint whitish yitte on prothoraxy and elytra, the lather
being werrowed to apes and strongly earinated.

5934. Eroschema powert, Pase. This species 18 black, with
yellowish-red, ribbed elvtra, Several of the bnsal
jointy of the antennte are clothed with tufts of black
han, Superfielally resembles some of the Malaeoder-
mid, in whose company often it is fuund. on Howors;
it is 2-inch in length — - = sal
Brachytvia thoraciea, V. de Poll, One of aur virest
Jind fivettiest species, measnring ahoni g-ineh. The

‘tye Goumik, Coleoptera of North-Westerh Victoria a7

head, front of -prothovax, femova (except tips) and
basal part of elytra are reddish-yellow, remainder of
prothorax and legs black. Abont the middle of elytra
is a whitish, transverse baud, from which, to the apex,
the colour is black, with shades of purple. My single
Apecimen was obtained from 4 dead branch of the
Bull-oak.

5ut3, Pempsamacra dispersa, Newm. A zgreyish-brown,
mottled beetle, with comparatively short antenna Tt
is 2-inech in length, and is found, during the day, on
flowering shrubs. i

SYST. Ischnotes hukewelli, Pase. A narrow, dark-brown
beetle, about #-inech in length; somewhat eylindrieal
in shape; rare in the Mallee.

GOlI_, Microtvagus mormor, Pasc. This species is renvark-
able in that it resembles, both i appearanee (éseept
the antennw) and habits, the Amycterides, op ground
Weeyils, 1t 1s about 1 mech m length, rather stoutly
but, of a greyish-brown colour; the protharax rugose.
strongly punctured, with a short Jateral spine, he
elytra have cach a prominent tubercle at the base, and
(wo almost fubereulate, curved tidges, not reaching
apex. Jt is apterous, and lives entirely on the ground,
on. or under logs, in which the larve feed. When
yeady to pupate, the larve enter the soil, and form
oval cocoons composed of gnawed wood and sand, from
which the perfect, bectles emerge in February. ‘The
species has a wide range, being found also in Wester
Australia.

GOT9, Anetla (Hebecerus) maryimicollis, Boisd. Like wank
other insects, this nsed to be common on the wattle
acral), but with the cleaving of hundredy of square
miles of Mallee ig now seldom seen. It is wider
$-inch iy length, mottled and speckled grey and
brow, and has the outer marging of prothorax yel-
low.

6128 Symphyletes lateralis, Pasc.

6135. S. pubiventris, Pase.

6146, S, vestigialis, Pase.

These handsome beetles have a decided preference for the
aeacias, the larve boring in the branches. and the beetles
subsisting on the bark, 8. lateralis, which is (or was)
fairly common, is about -ineh in length, Jight-reddish-
brown, with a paler, irregular stripe on the suture, and a
silvery stripe on outer margin of elytra. S. pubsverntris 1s
Jarger the general colour grey, freckled with small black
cpots, and marked on the elytra with te white spots, twe

95 Gouin, Coleoptera of North-Western Victoria [Ui Neh
being on suture. A rare species, S_ vestiyialis, wubowh the
same size, has the prothorax marked with altemate rings of
black and white; the elytra ave thiekly speckled with black
spots, and have a narrow, silvery stripe, on outel margin. Lt
breeds in the Umbrella Acacia, 4. usweidli, cutting pertect
rings in the bark vound the smaller branehes, so hat. the
portion above soon dies.

G151. Platyomopsts aenetula, White. Fresh specimens of
this ale very attractive in appearanec, being of a
creamy-grey colour, with dark, oblique markings in
the form of an X on ‘basal half of elytra; there is a
transverse band at about apical third, and a large
black spot near the middle of outer margins of elytra.
Which are also studded with seattered clamps of small
black spines or tubercles. Lt breeds in the smaller
branches of the Black Box, Lucalyptus bicolor, a tree
more commonly known as the ‘“Swamp-box."" ‘The
beetle measures ‘finch in leneth.

HtG1. Penthea picta, Pase. This species is of rare veenr-
renee! the single specimen in my eullection was taken
on a Salt-bush plain at Ballapur. It 2 23-inch in
length the general colour greyish-hrown, the anten-
um other short. Front of prothorax marked with «
whitish ring, The elytra are mottled and blotched
with dark-brown, and have two silvery-white, trans
verso markings (reaching outer margins but not
situbré), and another of the same eolomr on the base,

GIT6. Khytiphora latifasciata, Pase.? I have a specimen

. Whieh may he this species, but as it is in poor eontdi-
thon, having been found dead and broken, in its tun-
hel in a branch of the Black Bos, a doubt mush be
recorded. The insect is chocolate-brown, with a wide.
pale, transverse band extending from behind shoulders
to about apieal Hird of elytra. It js about an inch
in length.

6198. Corrhenes paulla;Germ. This specics breeds im the
vattles, such as Acacia hokeoides, It is 3-nch in
length, lawn-coloured, with dull, white markings on
the prothovax and elytra. Some specimens have a
distinet, dark oblique mark ut about apical third of
elytra,

In addition to the above thera is a species of Bethelium,
whieh breeds in the Murvay Pine, Callitris verrucosa; one of
Uracanthus; one of Phoracantha, and one of Didymacanthea,
which have not. been identified.

I am indebted to Mr. Chas. Oke for the names of some
species in this list, and for other assistance generously given.

hE Davey, Ante and thee Greets 94

ee

ANTS AND THEIR GUESTS.
By H, W. Davey, PASS,

SPURL ene Teh PDLDPAMAACELAGLTAIAAACEEIOPDDDAAAERADDE DD AAG ACEH REED GT CAEET EEDA DESL EGR SNMP RA CMd CERO RH RIWET CARBO ODN ALL =

TV CEDNHODPR NNR RENE

SSN eeeeeeeeeeea tomers

i

The study of Myrmecophiles, or Ait-guests, is fasemat-
ing. The field is wide, and we have tilled only a small corner
of it yet, in Australia.

When one exainines an ants’ nest for the first time, in ques=

uf “evests,”’ it is to experience surprise that so many Little

wreatures dwell among ants. Some are -perseeuted, others
tolerated, or welcome, boarders. Probably, im many instances,
aveatids will be most in-evidence, when » vest as opened or
uncovered. It is, perhaps, the preserice of these mites, in
large amambers, that. makes beetles, such as Veplaris of the
Colvdiide, and Polylobus, Dobra, oud others of the Staphy
linidw, welcome, vuests,

When J was working onf the symbhiotie relationship exist-
ing betaveen. the layewnid butterfly, MWietus tynatu, and whe
ant, Iridomyrmer natidus, it was necessary to keep evlonies
of the ants in captivity, Proof was obtained thal the ants
could vot, oy would not, free themselves tron, the attacks af
mites, Jn the course of a few weeks some aots had so nvanty
mites Tastened to their legs and body scéements us alma
to prevenk them from walking. Yet they made no attempt
Whatever to dislodge the pests; mor were thew way signs of
mutual aid. The explanation aay be: that the ants, in
maitaral conditions, depend upon inqulines to remove the
parasites.

Whe association of Adiletus itynila and Lradonarnten
nitidus atfords an excellent example of Syrnbioris. Phe
gaverpillars of fis butterfly feed at might, on the leave, of
the Golden Wattle, ceed pycruotha, vod ave accompanied
by ants, which veturn with them later, to the nest, where the
vaterpillars renin during the daytime, clustered tovelher
in one of the lower galleries. ‘The symbiotic: velationship is
ag follows: The caterpillay is shetiered in the ants’ nest dure
ing the larval und pupal stages (emerging direct from the
nest, in due te, as a butterilhy), and protected at aight,
when fevcding, from attacks by predatory fiseets. In pay-
ment tor this servies, the ants enjoy meals of ““honeydew, '
exeveted from the anal segment of the eatexpillar, But in this,
too, the ants ure serving theh guest, for if the exereted
hqmid were vot removed from it the caterpilhie’s body would
become fouled, ane would be attacked by entonogenous
fungi, resting in death.

View Nal.
Vat, NULL

100 Davir, Ante aad thoir chests

Tit the nests of some species of atts Colleinbola, or Spring-
tills, igure species, for exaniple, are found. Mie hysa-
Hua, of the same order, Apter, are often represented (iy a
species of Lepisma, These insects ave unable to jump, but
they arn switttooted, These iiseets, and the blind beetles,
feardwayies, of the family Trichopterypida, appear to he wel:
fone @ieste, and may benefit the ants by keeping down the
growths of moulds and other fungi in the nest.

The Peelaphide and Staphylinickee are, undoubtedly, set
une euests, auc probably the Sey cinwnicler wire. tao. Beetles
of the first two fumlies may supply excretory inatter, upon
which the ants feed, but are possibly inost. useful in keeper
down mites, ele The species of Chlamydopsis are mast eer
tiny hostile, although theie epanulits have the appearance of
exeretory orvans. Tf they are not hostile. it iy difficnit tu
tinderstand the need tor protection: they ave able to tuck
away tarsi and legs completely, also the head and antenna:
lune addition, species are wonderfully protected by mimiers,
hoth in shape and colour. Chianaydopsts qvanutata, Lea, wher
frightened and “closed up,” bears a atrong resenrblance tu
the large head of a Pheidals soldier wnt of the species, in a,
nest of which it Tives.

Beetles of the families Ptinida and Dovmestide: probably
ure scavengers. Species of Ptinide are, occasionally, plenti-
fiulin many nests; the family Dermostide often is represented
Hy lavves only. Large nests, espeeially those having old-estab-
lished ant-cerneteries or dumps, are freqnented by these
insects.

Among myrinecophilous insets way be mentioned the curious
lvetle Cordus hospes, whieh oceasionally is so qiwmerous as
to form patches of colour in the nest. Lt is diffiealt to deter.
mine whether these Brenthids are friends or foes; probably
they are Weleome guests, Beetles belonging to the family
Tevebrionide may be found oeeasionally in ants’ nests; the
Searabeidse treqnently are represented by species of Cryp-
lodus, the lutvar nf whieh probably feed on the veyetable
matter im ats’ nests,

Whe order Flynenoptera is represented by tiny Chaleid
waspe: there need be little coubt as to their intentions.
Crthopterons insects often ave fo be seen running throngh a
vest, the conmonest being a sinall, stouth~-built, but pallid,
erieket, aud same small latte. ‘Mie Jatter way be wel
come: for bees allow a sinull species of cockroach to walder
theough their hives unmolested,

Diptera may be present in the shape of larvae of one of the
Syrphid files of the Microdontine. Walhalla appears to be

5) 7 “ee Stranger’ Rook, Derrviat 101
mach favoured by these extraordinary Javve, ag on several
o¢easions I have found them in nests of Lhe small black ante
so common in that locality. They ave so unlike the larva of
any order of insects that, when first discovered, (hey were
supposed to be small inollases, and were actually desuribed
as such, wider the generia names Pamala and Seutellagenn.
1 reared a seties of Microdun karve and pupw, found at
Ararat; and the flies Jater were deseribed by the Bureau of
Entomology, Washington, D.C, being named Mirerodon
Diveyi,

“nviows little creatures of the class Avachnida, of the
order Phalangidea, T have taken from the nests of the binge
Bull-dog Ant, Myrmecw forficatu. These THarvestmen muy
have been present accidentally, but as they have heen found
ov three or four occasions, in nests of this ant, it appears
hikely that they vistt the nests in search, of acarids, ete, Their
stink-glands wanld protect them frow attack hy tie ants,

Of {he many peculiar acarians inhabiting ants’ vests prob
ably Plochurus Daveyi, Silvestri, is one of the most aberrant,
owing to the very unsual leneth of the first path of Jews.

th is vot surprising fo find anembets of the Coccidm in
antanests, as with many insects belonvine to this temily, ants
Nive a xvinbiotie relationship.

“THE STRANGER” ROCK, DERRINAL.

Thirty-three yeavs ago the late Dr. ‘TS. Hall read
betore our Club a short pauper on “The Glacial ‘Beds
Near Heatheote’? (Victoviun Naturalist, viii, p, 172),
and in it referred to the ‘‘Special Report on the
Glacial Conglomerate of Wild Duck Creek,’ by Mr. E. J.
Daim, F.G.S., of the Mines: Department, Vietoria, and the
yoek at Derrinal, known as “The Stranger,’ On Easter
Monday last Mr. and Mrs, V. Miller, Mid, HW, Warves, aud
1 visited Derrinal, travelling by rail to Heatheote.

The UWentheote distriet possesses maaiy eeologieal fea
tures of great interest, which have been dixenssed in various
publications from thne to time. Derrinal is five miles
away. ‘‘The Stranger’' ts a stranded rock, about a ile
ane a half from the station. We started off along the
railway line (in the divection of Bendigo), Soon after erass
inw the Mount Tda Creek, we saw evidences of glacial action
in a small cutting, through which the railway passed, striated

ine ~The Stranger’ Roevk. Derrined [yor net
pebbles and pieces of tock embedded in tho glacial hill A
little Curther ahead, on our left, was seen 4 large, flat stone
ou the slope of a hill, whieh proved to be ‘'The Stranger. '
It ts a tabtdar masa of coarse-grained granite, about 16 ft
Gin by JO ft. 6 in. ancl 6 £t, thick; estimated weight, about
30 tons, The remarkable feature of the rock is the smooth-
ess of its Present upper suctace, which is attributed to the
Fact that it was planed by iec action many thousands of veavs
awwo, Round about wave several other faimsized stones, evi-
dently of the same origin, and hence known as ‘‘ Brratics.’!
Quite tiderneath the stone grow plauts of the little Neck-

“The Stranger Rock,

luce Bern, Asplenuon flabellafolaut, apparently in sueh i
pesition as to receive no moisture, except from au very drive
ing south-west rain.

Ascending to the sumunit of the hill we reached a plateau,
which had at one time been cultivated. Here we found
humerous specimens of striated pelbles, and pieees of roel,
bunt the most of them were too heavy to carry far, previous
visitors having probably seleeted the more portable spaci-
mens. ‘**Dimm’s Rock,’? a striated surface of Ordovician,
hes about two inles away, to the west. It was named hy Sir
Baldwin Spencer, after My. BE. J. Dann. Some members of ant
party reached the suns of a sandstone house of fhir

Sue. Nadwanel use Noles 103
timensions, on the crest of a hill overlookiny the Wild
Duck Creek valley. This had once been the homestead of Moor-
yabec Station, held in 1853 by Mr. J. H. Patterson (sec

“Letters from Victorian Pioueers,’? page 16). The sand-
stone of the house was obtained from a cliff.on the Wild Duck
Creek, not fav away. ‘Chis yantage point, about 1000 Ft.
above sea level, affords a fine view of the surrounding
country: Mt. Alexander, near Castlemaine, the Green THI,
nesbt’ Kyneton, and the western end of the Macedon ratige.
The illustration of ‘The Stranger’! sives its appearance, us
seg. fvom the sonth-west.—F. G. A. Barnanp,

NATIONAL MUSEUM NOTES.

“NAGINLUS FROM VICTORIAN WATERS,

‘he unusual oceurrence of two species of Manilus ote the
Victorian coast, is interesting.

In January, 1920, two very hadly-broken shells were
found by Miss G. Nethercote, on the ocean beaeh, on the
isthmus connecting Wilson's Promontory with the maindaud.
One of these, wow in the possession af My, C. J. Gabriel,
proves to be Nuwdéilus macromphalus. Ty May last another
specimen (NV, pompilius) was found on thé thrce-niile beaeh,,
on the eastem1 coust of, the Promontory, by Mr. W.-H.
Ferguson, and given by him to the National Musenm. The
shell, though unbroken, was much abraded und quite devoid
of the uauil colowy mar kings.

Mx. Gabiniel infomms me that he reecived a desexiption.
of a shell picked wp, a few vears ago, nem the Nobbies, off
Phillip Island. Kvom the deseription, this, im his. opinion,
was undoubtedly a species of Nentlilus, Soa far as Tan
aware, this animal lias not heen found ima living state on
the eastern const, Tether south than North Queensland, One
apecios (NV. pompilias) i recorded from West Australia.

The question acises as to The oeemrunee of these sholls
so far south on our edast. From personal obseryations, dur-
ing the Jast 15 years, inatertal thrown overboard from. the
eastern coastal boats, and those from Tasmania, after passing
the southern end of Wilson's Promoiitory, is washed wp on
the beaches from Oberon Bay to same miles north of Darby
River. Frequently great quantities of fruit, sucle as bananas,

Pastore eyybae Lake Rd 0 Vic. Nal.
104 Mpictians in Bivadtend Vou XTi

avanges, ote., among other objects, are washed tp on the
heuches, showing that the trend of the current is in this
direction, During the recent war C, personally, found, along
these western beaches, a wunber of hottles, containing votes
from departing soldiers,

he ference, therefore, ig that these disearded shielle,
whieh, as'shown by experiments, would flow in deep water
tor a considerable time, have been thrown overboard from
sone vessel =presnmabhly trom the northerre states—and have
deitted tu the loealities stated.

Jas A. Kerseaw, Curator.

EVICTIONS IN BIRDLAND.

li w& secluded ely near the Obuda voservais, Moordol-
bark, it male Owlet Nivhtjar. Wqatheles nowee-hollandio,
had its home. in a hollow limb of a stall, dead tree, Lor
more than two years it was Aushed, at intervals; but one
day there was no response to my knocking on. the tree. Look-
ing into the hollow, 1 saw two eves of the White-throated
Tree-eveoper, Chenacteris scandens. They were partly
covered with opossum tur, but weve cold. The Tree-creepers
were not secn. A week later the ergs. were still there, con-
pletely covered in fur, and pieces of charcoal from the inner
wall of the hollow. There wag evidence that another hire
had been camping there, as the material covering the eggs
was well pressed down. Tt now appeared obvious that, cdur-
ing the absence of the Owlet Nightjar, a pair of White-
throated Tree-creeperg sclected the hollow for their nest, but
after the eggs had been deposited the former oceupant
reappeared and forced the intruders to seck a new “hame.’*
A few weeks later the OQwlet Nightjar again took possession
of its old home, and remained there for several mouths, wiutil
(lie tree way destroyed hy fire. Mar A. J. Campbell veeords
a similar jngstanee of an Owlet Nightjar taking possession of
a hollaw after a pair of Tree-creepera had laid their eges
in if. These records indicate that the Owlet Nightjar is
often the enemy of sinall birds who rear their brood in hol-
low boughs—D. Dickson.

Mr. CG. Oke's name should have been included in the Jist of
authors 6f papers. given in the Annual report published in July,
1925, Neturafist. In bis paper, “New Australian Coleoptera,’’ May
issue\ p, 14, line 5. should read “six segments in F. and seven in M.”

Che Victorian Paturalist

Vou. NLIT—No. 5. SEPTEMBER 11, 1925, No. 501,

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary;monthly meeting of the Club was held in the
Royal Society’s Hall, Vietorig Streét, on Monday evening
Aupust 10, 1925. The President, Mr. Geo. Coghill, oce upied
the chair, and about 45 niembers and friends weve present.

CORRESPONDENCE AND REPORTS,

A bireh-bark post-card was received drum Miss R- §,
Chisholm, Canada, who sent ereetings to fellow-imeinbers.
My. F. Pitcher read a report of the excursion to Mount Mor-
ton, and the President spoke of the outing to Mitcham.

LLECTION,

On a ballot being taken Miss G. Siinpson, 42 Gleideary
Grove, Malvern, was elected as an ordinary inember of the
Club.

PAPER.

“Habits of the Sand-Wasp,’’ by lL. G. Chandler. The
author described the hulits of a common wasp that. bumn:ows
in the sand, and paralyses “‘ent-worm’’ caterpillars, as food
for its larva. Messrs. Coghill, C. Barrett, C. French, junr.,
and C, Oke disctissed the paper.

PRESENTATION TO M&, BARNARD.

The meetms adjourned to the lower hall, where refresh-
ments were provided, and a presetitation was made to My, F.
G, A. Barnard, in reenenition of his helily-valued services
io the Club during nearly 40 years,

The President said that members had gathered to do
honow: to # fellowsanember, who was a“ Father of the Club.
He had served it i) various offices, aud for 32 years as Hon.
Kditor of the Naturalist.

Mr. F. Pitcher, an original member, spoke of Mr. Bar-
nard’s splendid work for the Club; of his readiness always

106 Piet Naturalivts' Clwb—Praceedings Bin an

to give advice and help to others; ancl his unvivalled know-
ledge of Clib history, ete.

Mr. C. Daley read extracts from several letters selected
from a number received, all written in appreciation of Mr.
Barnard’s services. Mr. Daley then, on behalf ot the sul-
Scribers, presented o wallet of notes to Mr. Barnard.

My, Barnard, in retarning thanks, said (hat the Club had
been his hobby, It had been a pleasure to serve it, He
related some ineidents in the Chih’s early history.

Mrs, Barnard also spoke.

EXHIBITS,

By Mr, BR. Chapman, A..8.—A Miocene Claral, Orbicella
tusmaniensis, Divean.sp., from Flinders, Vie. A first reeore
(by Rev, Geo. Cox) from this locality; alsa Green Flowering
Gum, Bucatyptus Lehmannis, grown at Balwyir

By Mr. © French, Jan—Five specimens of a remarkable
Goecid (scale insect), Apiomorpha muniia, male and female,
collected in the Dandenong Ranges, 18/7/25.

By Mr, HE. RB, Uatnmet—-Seed-pod of Cassia, grown
Kilkevan, Queensland.

By Me. V. Miller—Fungi from Sherbrooke Gully,
Belgrave, Vic.

By Mr. F. Pitcher—Distinctive pink and white form of
the Native Heath, Epacris tmpresse, collected during Mt.
Morton exetursion, 18/7/25.

By My. A: L. Scott—Quarta orystal from garden in Caul-
field, the imperfeetly-formed faces being worthy of notice,

By Mr. H. B. Williamson, I.0,8.—-Wild-flowers from
Foster, ineluding white specimens of Sprengelia incarnata,
Fiv.M., the Pink Swamp Heath, collected by Mr, I’. Barton,
Tun; also specimens of Puwtenea styphelioides, Fv.M., and
species recently described; Pultencen subfernalu, LB. W.,
N.S.W.: P. trichophylla, H.B.W., S.A; and P. pubescens,
H.B. W., §.A.,. and Vic.

By Mr. E. BH. Pescott, F.L.S.— Herbarium specimens of
the Western form of the Banded Greenhood, Pterostyliys wil-
tuta, F.v.M., from W.A.; flowering specimens of the Gram-
plans Heath Myrtle, Z'hr: yplomene Mitchellianu, Fv.M. {eul-
tivated) ; various specimens of aboriginal stone axes, some
grooved for hafting, from the Southern Coast of Vietoria
(recent collections).

ea | Coiannhor, Aq@uits of Mot Sapd-Wasy 107

ET a)

HABITS OF THE SAND-WASP,

By f. G. Casper,

ERED TEA EE TEND AH AHA MECHRURONIN TIF ED

(Communicated by C. Bavrett,)

TUPERETETERITETETEOE MAentteNeErte esas

Seaunenvescaveveavscosuavevsduscacaarsyenscocnsvepsesepecssatnscescnerdvceceanepsasepercreygusespulesvesvereccvecuesvant (avecrescssrse

(Read before the Wield Nuturatists’ Club of Victoria, August
10, 1925)

North-west Victoria is particularly xieh in wasps and
other insects of the order Hymenoptera. The genial cliniate
of this sunny corner of the State is, no doubt, the main cause
of their presence in sueh numbers aid variety. Wasps,
though fascinating insects, have bad little attention paid to
them in Australia,

With the object of interesting especially the younger
members of the Club, J shall describe the habits of the wasp,
Annophila suspiciosu, My notes, by ne means complete, for
they bave been gathered in moments stolen from pressing
work, nay serve as ail introduction to the study of the species:
Ammoplhila mens ‘‘lover of the sand.’? Jt is a title
euphonious and well applied; though perhaps almost any
species of wasp that burrows in this region eould, with jJus-
tice, bear the same name.

The Sand-Wasp, like most wasps that dig a. perpendicular
burrow, prefers a firm, soil im which to begin its excavating,
and the eaten paths used by man, and the head-lands in a,
yineyard, are much favonred by it. The Joose, sandy soil of
the vineyard itself, is one of its favourite hunting grounds.
‘Aud as its prey is invariably a caterpillar of the Bozong
Moth, Agrotis spina, or allied species, known to the man on
the Jand as ‘‘eutworms,’’ iL 1s obyious thal. the wasp is of
eeononue nopertauce. About September, when the vines are
beginuine to shoot, the cut-worm pest, especially in a newly-
planted vineyard, frequently assumes serious proportions;
and were it not fov the effective check kept upon these cater-
pillars by certain species of birds and insects, the lot of the
arawer would he unbearable. The same applies, bui with
even ereméer Tores, to the wheat-grower, for, unlike the horti-
eulturist, he eannot protect himself by the application of
poison-baits and sprays.

The “‘balance of Nature’? is yery wonderful, and almust
sinuultaneonsly with the appearance of the ent-worm cater-

ibs GUANOLER, Hedtls of the Sund- Wasp Rosiean

pillars Anmophila leaves her winter's prison in the ground
aga perfect insect. Perfect, that is, in all but wing-develop-
ment; and very soon the tiny, double wings beconie expaided
to their full sige. Loveanaking over, the wasp, between
visits to flowers mm search of nectar, applies herself Lo the eap-
tare and paralysis of cut-worms, and the perpetuation of
her race, Should the day be cold and cloudy, her activities
us a hgutress are temporarily checked, for, like butterflies,
wasps are lovers of sunlight, At night they take shelter in
post-holes and hollow tirees, and, on cold mornings,. remain
concealed wntil the aun tempts them forth,

The cut-worm larva is a night-feeder, and before daylight
it burrows into the soil, perhaps a quarter or half an ineh
below the surface. In a vineyard the hertieulturist ean
often note its presence by the cdistarbed condition of the
soil; but the wasp apparently finds it by some other method,
in which her antennm play an important part,

When hunting, the course of the wasp, to au onlooker,
appears to be very erratic. In her wanderings often she
goes over the same aren again and again. With antennz
tapping the, ground, she patises, burrows, moves on, burrows
again; and sa the huith eontinnes—sometimes truittessly if
the gaine be seavee—tfor half an hour or more, Tt seems
fairly certain that where she burrows a éut-worm has heen
congealed, ov ig then in hiding, but probably at Loo great y.
depth for her to make a successful capture. So far, I have
failed to find a cut-worm at such plaees, but with other
species of wasps, particularly a small member of the genus
Pompilius, a spider huntress. [ have hid sufficient. proof to
eomvinee me thal the wasp has a sure method of loeating her
hidden prey. Jt is probable that the inscet is endowed with
a sense of which we have no knowledge. Those delicate. wav-
ing antennw surely hold the secret that baffles my under-
standing!

The presence of her prey can hardly be detected by the
wasp by sound, uttless her organs of hearing are extremely
delicate, for ihe ent-worm lies perteetly still, On the other
hand, it is doubtful whether scent is the determining factor.
Time and again, L have placed a cut-worm in the path of a
wasp inteut on hutnting, and she has passed within a few
inches. or walked right across it. On the surface af the soi),
said quiescent, the caterpillar was merely an obstryetion in
her path, Lad it moved she night have recognised it as her
usual game. Lf simell were the deciding sense, she twoulil
have imtnediately seized and paralysed the cut-worm when

Teen, | Guayowen, Habis of the Sand-Wasp 109

walking across its hady. That. she did not recognise her prey
hy sight alone is not strange. The sight of a wasp for stilt
objects is not particularly good, and, moreover, her instinet
tells her 1o seek tor the cut-worm beneath the soil, ‘The soil
iff conjunetion with the antennw ucts as a medinm whereby
the presenye of her quarry is transmitted to the wasp’s brain,
but.in what way I do not know

Anno phil suspeciosa 18. a solitary species. Provided thai
the acil is firm enough io burrow into, her wants for the site
of the home for her grub are satisfied, She first captures
at paralyses her game, and then, within a few yards, exea-
vates a perpendicular burrow about au inch and a half in
depth, Branching off at the bottom is a cell just large enough
to accommodate the caterpillar. The varying methods
lopted hy individual members of Lhe species from the time
when (he caterpillar is captured until the barvew is finally
closed) aie somewhat remarkible, When | first observed
these variations, T thought, maybe, Thad met with wo diss
tinet species, but a close examination revealed the wasps te
he identical.

In this variation of habits, there is one outstanding
feature. Ii one case the wasp, after she bas paralysed her
prey, places it off the ground, on vegetation, while she cons
structs the burrow for its reception; m the other case, she
buries it temporarily by raking sund over it with her fore.
iret. J have had to avidence as yet to show that the one
individyal is capable of adopting either method aecording te
her faney, and, nvfortunately, T have not had the necessary
time to devote io continuous observation and experiment.
wherehy this point might he settled. 14 is certainly full of
delightful possibilities, as it would go a lone way towards
proving whether thé wasp is bound rigidly in her actions by
instiuet, or whether she is guided to a limited extent by
reason.

Quoting from my note-book, J will deal, first, with the case
wf a wasp that temporarily huries its prey :—

8/11/24—‘ Aho, 4.30 p.m. 1 noticed out-worm wasp
digging a burrow, She was bringing up pellets of earth sup-
parted between Ter anandibles and front Jegs, aud as she
reached the top of the burrow, walking backwards, she wonld
theow ihe cam hehind her with a quick aetion, and
immediately 2o below again, As the burrow neared eom
WWetion, it tnok ber from four to seven seconds per trip,
Several times she left her task, and took aimless walks arannd
{he neighhrurhond pausing oecasionally te sun and groom

116 CHanpter, Habits of the Sand-Wasp Neg 2

herself. On returning to the buerew she exhibited signs of
nervousness, and seemed afraid to go below. J was puzzled
by these actions until 1 observed a small, brown att near
the ontrance to the burrow. The wasp was very seared of
the tiny ant, and jumped into the air when she saw it at close
quarters. The same thing happencd when she blundered
aevoss a line of ants in her wandering, Tinally, she came
back to the burrow, made several attempts to go below, hesi-
tated, descended ahout half the length of her own body, and
backed out and resumed her wandering. I was surprised
when she stopped at a snail heap of sand an inch fromthe
burrow, and, after sevatchiny, a paralysed eut-worm lay
revealed. ‘This was my first glianpse of this procedure, for
previous wasps that I had studied had placed their game on
vegetation

“Seizing the cuf-warm by the hody near the head, dnd
glagping it belly to Welly with the aid of her front leys. she
davried ip to a distanee of about four yards. Placing it on
the ground, she again raked sand over it with her fore-
feet, and after more wandering she returned and began a
burvow two Inches away. I accidentally disturbed hem and
she hegan on another, After ten minutes’ work she aba-
cloned this also, as apparently not to her liking—perhaps a
root had interfered with her work--and resumed her
Wandering, <A fussy, particular wasp, thie! Ina few more
minutes she pieked another spot, two feet from caterpillar.
and dnetgetically set to work. The mandibles and fore-feet
are used in conjunetion, the fect—unlike a dog, that scratches
the earth buck one foot af the time—being operated together.

‘As she bit at the earth she bummed, but the humming
ecascd as she hacked with her load ov swept tt away with her
feet. Three times during the excavalion, which ocenpied
half on hour, she carefully groomed the moist sand from her
face, body. lezs and antenn#. Tn her endeavour to clean her
hind-legs she frequently overbalaneed and fell on her back,
“wing to her legs heeaming temporarily entangled. Ter
middle pair of legs are cleaned independently by the front
pair: likewise the face and antenue:. Balaneing on the front.
pair of legs, and one middle—nsnally the right middle—the
hind pair of legs, together, would be rubbed np and dawn on
the fige middle leg. and to vain additional balance the wasp
often put its head on the ground. It was while engaged in
cleaning this back pair of legs that the interlocking of the
jdints happened. and caused the upsetting of her equilibrinm,

“Purine these grooming operations she wandered within

Bxph Cia suid, Audits of the Sund-Wasy Ti
4 radias of several feet from the burrow, and at times
scratched more sand dyer her capture. The Wwoist sand adher
ing to her amioyed her like water sometimes ‘amoys'a dog.
wAs the dog rubs itself on the gauss te remove the water, so
the wasp rubbed herself against the dy, sarface sand, with
_ the abject of removing the moist sand, When sunning hat’
—selfé, ahe kept her body flat om the eround, and the iniddle
pair of legs, and frequently all the leos were held ataw anele
above the body.

“At Lwenty minutes from the time of begivmming the bur
row, she gaye jerself the second conrpiete cleaning; and, after
a brief Wander, cume to the caterpillar, partly uncovered it
as though to assure herself that it qwas still there, and then
covered it again with sand... Returning to the birrvaw, she
bronght a few move loads of earth fram below. ATL the earth
was deposited on the one side, and, unlike many members of
Jer species, she did not trouble to rake the pile backward to
clear 4 space for further deposits. Coisequently, as she
descended, she occasioially took as mach down as she brought
to the top. However, the job was eventually completed to
her aatisfaetion, and, after another arooming she spread her
legs at an angle above her body, and, except for a. eoutinual
movement of {he abdomen in and out, lay motionless, vest-
Wz and enjoyng the sun,

“Suddenly she went to the ent-worm, dettly aheuvered
it, and, seizing it iu the same position as before, she trans.
ported. it to the Imrrow. <A little manwuvring to place the
head in position over thé burrow, and she squeezed past and
descended, head first, to the bottom. In a few seconds she
ascended, for the first time, head frst, and, grasping the para

lysed creature by the head, piled it by ‘low. Ai miniite passed,
and she had arranged the provender in the desitud qosition,
laid an cgg upon it, and-aseended to the surface. “A amall
quantity of earth was swept backward ito the hole, and she
descended to-push it inte-position with herthead, This pyro-
cedure -continued until the borrow was ‘elmest fill) when
she selected small. pebbles and bits of chips, ands placad them,
one by one. into the hole, raking-turther loose earth, between
the trips, with the larger fragments.: Several times, while
holding.a.small.chip in her mandibles, she. pressed the soil
into position, often picking up the same piepe oy using
another bit that happened, to be closer, A final sweeping of
abeaut two inches from all sides of, the burrow, and ihe job

vas, finished. All. traces of the burrow had disappeared, avd
the. wasy), rething a few feet, aggin. completed, lear toilet
hefore flying away,”’

112 (crtannixr, Hubite of the Sund-Wasp [ veuxennt

The most interesting Iact aboul this observation is, Lsat
the wasp is, in reality, an implement-user,

The Peckhams, in their admirable work ow Atneriean
wasps ("' Waaps, Social and Solitary’’), deseribe huyw Aso-
phila urnaria yses a stone to pound down earth over her
nest-burrow; “She improvised a tool and made intelligent
use of it.’ “

There is a considerable difference in the methods of wasps
at work, Some are particularly fussy about their toilet, and
often excavate several burrows before they are satisfied with _
the conditions. Their dread of ants, whieh frequently raid
their game at the unguarded moment when it is Iymg
exposed, is often responsible for this, and some resent the
intrusion of a human being. The ants, once they have a good
grip on the leg of a wasp, are hard to dislodge, and the wasp
has probably had experience on this point, Other specimens
T have woted ave very thorough in their work, taking eare to
sweep the soil well back from the burrow, 80 that there is
ample room for fresh deposits. Of their toilet. they take
little heed ; the work in hand is al)-absorbing for the moment;
‘and all theix movements are methodical and thorough,

It. seséms strange, on first thought, that wasps should be
$0 particular in the choice of their game. Nearly every order
of insects, and also spiders, appears to have its own special
wasp enemy. If there ts any variation at all ag regards the
kind of insect captured, if will be found, in most eases, +0
be a species closely allied ta that generally favoured, The
reason for this is apparent, when wa consider the hunting
methods of the wasp, and particularly her manner of para-
lysing her prey.

Describing the nervous system of en insect in ns book,
‘Insects: Their Life Histories and Habits,’’ my friend,
Harold Bastin, says:—‘‘Beneath the digestive canal (nut
above it, as in the case of vertebrate animals) passea the
wentral nervous chain of the imsect. This is eomposed of
twin cords which conncet. a series of paired knobs called
ganglia, Roughly speaking, each pair of ganglia may be
likened to a minor brain, which governs the uctivitios of the
parts that immediately surround it. This arrangement
accounts for the curious disconnectedness of action, which is
observable in a maimed ingect.’’ By her marvellous instinct
the wasp has a full knowledge of the vital nerve-centres of
her gamé, but apparently only within the limited range of a
genus, wherein the nervous system is more or less identical

4

Site: Cranxorer, Habits of (he Sand-Wasn 113

his explains why her choies 3) selection is limited to certain
species.

In some inseets, owing to the grouping of the zanglia
being close together, one stah is sufficient to cause paralysis.
The slayer of such an insect, if faced with the jwobleay uf
reducing a cut-worm to a stage of helplassness, where the
prey has io be stung in several nerve-centres it) succession,
would have no knowledge of how to proceed. Her urt in
the use of the sting, so perfect and uncanny in its applica-
tion, is highly specialised, and therefore limited in scope,
But let me proceed with the method of the Ammophila, and
the variations that accompany that method.

The actual paralysis of the victim is produced in two
distiict operations. But first there is the digging out nf Lhe
aut-worm. Haying located ils position, the wasp sets ta work,
in frenzied haste, biting and pulling at the soil, and roots of
erass, elc., that obstruct, and throwinw the soi behind her ia
a shower. Foret on one side, then on the other, she digs,
withont parse, until the eut-worm lies exposed. Then, with-
out a moment's hesitation, she seizes the writhing ereature
near the head, and, curving her abdomen, plunges the sting
between the first and second pyar of legs. Now, withdraw-
ing her sting, and hending her body a, littl: mure, she attacks
the Arst segment near the base of the mouth. The eut-avorm
is now at her mercy. [t can still wriggle the hind portion of
its body, but it cannot move from the spot. The wasp, as
though reulising this, leaves it for a while, and arranges her
toilet. Iw the struggle, and hast} digging, she has numerous
evaius of sand adhering to her; and, as deseribed earlier, she
has tertain ways of removing the annoyance.

Fabre, who has explained the habits of French wasps sa
lueidly, considers that the rolling aboul of the Ammophila,
after the close of the first act in the paralysis of her vietim,
is, in effect, ‘‘a manifestation of delight’’ in the conquest,
I cannot agree with this, for | have seen the same man@uvre
when the wasp was merely engaged in cleaning herself
As stated previously, it is simply an interlocking of the joints
of her hind and middle legs, and this upsets her balance.
Her toilet completed, she again mounts the cut-worn and
stings it between the second and third pair of legs; moving
# little, she tales a fresh grip with her mandibles, and stings
jé in the next segment. StiJ] another movement backward,
and the sting is jnserted between the first and second pair
of pro-legs. Sometimes only four nerve-rentres are attacked,
never more than five, according ta my observations. As ta

4 Bacursion lo WMawnl Movlon, Belpre MA Coal fe
the exact points attacked, | find that IT have the ahove posi-
tions stated in three places in my note-book, bat on aceount
of the sting being thrust nndernéath the caterpillar it is
difficult, to deternrine the exact spot where it enters:

The paralysis complete, the wasp gently squeezes with
her mandibles neau the head of thé game, sometimes from
above, sometimes laterally. This action canses sickness nt
the ent-worm, and for several minutes the wasp eagerly laps
up the jnices with her tongue. T have observed a wasp, on
veturmng to the leat where she had placed her game, and,
finding it not quite paralysed to her fancy, again sting it in
a few places. One wasp began at the anterior end, but, seem-
jue to realise her mistake, “she turned around, and attacked
ik in the orthodox manner.

That sone wasps are loss skilful than others is evident.
I have kept numerous paralysed caterpillars to determine
the period of hatching of wasps’ eggs, the method of feeding
of young wasp, ¢te. In one cuse the stung creature partly
revived, and, turning completely over, detached and damaged
the ege. Tn another instauee the young wasp hatched, aud
began ifs meal: but it was obvious that the provender was
dead. In two days the’ young wasp was also. dead, poisoned
by the decomposing food. This is the only note I have where
Ihe wasp had made such a fatal mistake. J did not observe
the stinging in this case, so tliat I am unable to account for
the blunder.

In order to determize whether the wasp is ekpable “oF
reasoning, I have, conducted certain experiments. A reeord
of these, and an account of the. development of the wusp-
grub to the adult stage, ete,, may be given in a future article.
My thanks are dae to Mr, P. B. Wilson for identifying speei-
mens of wasps that T have forwarded ta him.

pxcuRsion : TO RouMt MORTON, BULGRAY BE.
a lin pe
Four! a Ses tdok? part’ in ‘the éxetesion to Noun Mor-
jonyron 18th August. “We followed’ the pathivay from the
east eid of Beleraive station, by” Wwitich’ the road journey te
South” Belgrave is ‘shortened’ to! thé extent’ of” about K mile.
This pathway paskes the recreation idserVe, ‘ond Jeads on to the
_nucen tly: Heviatett Cotintry Rorids' ‘Beart road | to! ‘the bridge over

st wat, yuna spend rey oot We

et Excursion to Mount Morton, Belgrave Wi

the Monbulk Creek, about half a mile below the Monbulk
Reservoir. Crossing the bridge, we made a short cut up the
lil] through Loslwood Estate, to a orveek, and ascended the
hill which leads up to Mount Morton. On this hill-slope, ta
the north, is one of the finest heath grounds among thesa
eusily accessible from the city. In June and duly the white,
pik, and deep crimson native heaths, and their various
shades, ave to he scen in profusion. One form, in which pink
and white flowers appear united, has been very pronouneed,
although not abundant, each time T have visited the hill.
This area, about three miles by road from Belgrave, has
hitherto been preserved from destruction, but now that a
motor-car track, branching off from the main road to Narre
Warren. has been formed to Mount Movton, it may beeame
less attractive ta heath lovers.

Walking throngh the heath, in a westerly direetion for
nearly half a mile, we came to the cone-shaped peak of
Mount Morton, which, with the exception of a few sniall
Blacks Wattle and Blackwood trees, and ''Mannka”’ shrubs,
Leptospernun scopmaiain, seattered about, wud grass and
bracken, is bare of vegetation. The mount, computed to be
between 800 feet and 900 feet in height, was, until *ecently,
owned privately, fut the Ferntree Gully Shire Council wisely
purchased an area of four acres, including the mount, and
yeserved it, for public use. The view trom the summit ie
extensive, embracing French and Philip Islands and Western
Port Bay, the Strealecki Ranges, the Baw Baws, portions at
Warburton Ranges, Dandenong Forests, Macedon, Mel-
bourne, Port Phillip Bay. the You Yangs, the Heads and
Mornington Peninsula, with all the iitervening areas.

Nothing unvsual in the mountain and valley vegetation
was noted, and very few flowers were seen, exeepling the
heath. Some healthy youns plants of the Myrtle Acacia,
A. myriifolia, were observed in fnll bloom and bul. The pre-
domMating acacias in the district traversed, in addition ta
the Silver Watiles im the valleys, ave the Leper and Hop
Acacias, A, lejresa and A. stricta, and Prickly Moses, A-
vertiollata. Instead of returning by the new road, we took
the nld one, from Monbulk Creck, aud for nearly a nule of
the journey were serenaded by Bell-lirds, Manorhane
mielanophrys, Whose haunts are in the vicinity of fhe reser-
voir which we passed. Their masical notes were dehehtful.

F_ Prromnr.

ué Lesttn, Mosses of Wilson's Prowontory Rey

INVEVEAATAUETERT UR RELI CTYR TNE NYTnEretome ured yr verwenaTTEOTTPWO pI HUTHEMMAAULD OAM LomitieseensmmeeeeeerermennnerurT ANNE TyTN TINITINNE

: MOSSES OF WILSON’'S PROMONTORY.
: By J. R, Leste.

Flea emnnennnennannennmapenl

AT TVELT TERM ATTITELRRATENTOEEPRT ACE OAL RVD DA SurreermrrresesayumarRrOOESHYOPLOLASHDVH/T/CRNIEDD IAL CCtPDIDAAbASeP EAS NaE ei eter Pe eneten

T had originally intetided to present this paper on Mosses,
eollected during January, 1925, in the National Parks,
Wilson’s Promontory, some time in February, but in attempt-
ing to work up the species found tho task of identification
much more difficult than T had expected. Very little is
layown of Victorian Mosses, and what has been recorded is
dispersed throngh various journals and fragmentary publi-
cations, which often are difficult of access. In the deter-
mination of the following species, I have made considerable
use of Rodway's excellent ‘‘Mosses and Hepatics of Tas-
miuinia,’’ as being the most reliable euide having any close con-
nection with the Victorian forms, I have also referred to
Braithwaite’s ‘‘British Mosy Flora,*’ ‘‘ Hookers’ Flora Tas-
maniv,’? and, for some generic determinations, to Engler
and Pranhl’s ‘‘Pflanzenfamilien.’’ Although every care has
been. taken, a few errors probably will have erept in, and
must be corrected later ;

The humid, forest-elad, castern slopes of the National
Park form ene of the finest areas In Victoria for the growth
of Bryophyta (Mossey and Hepatics), and we may confi-
dently expect to find about 400 species (including Hepaties)
within if, The Park has practically never been explored
for non-vascular jeryptogamo, and future investigations will
doubtiess lead to very interesting results, The only instance,
so far as I am aware, of mosses being definitely recorded
from the area in question ig in Baron Von Mueller’s Aus-
tralian Mosses—a work of 20 well-executed plates—where
two species, Hypnwmn callidioides and Conastamaume per-
pusilum, are vecorded'from Sealers’ Cove; neither of these
species was collected last January.

T have not, attempted to give popular names im the sub-
joined preliminary list as these are not very definitely
applied, and usually suggest little. The Hepatics have been
axcluded —although about 80 species were collected — on
aecount of the great difficulty in determining the species
satisfactorily, ‘There are still some 20 species of mosses
reriaining to be identified, but these must be added to the
list at some fulure date. Among them are some very interest-
ing, and possibly new, forms.

ms Lisise, Wosses uf Wilson's Promontory Wi
TORTULACE FUNARIACEX

Barbule rubella (Hoff.), Mitt. Punaria hygrometrica (L.)

Werssia, sp. - ‘ Sibth.
DICRANACEX® HYPNACEKE

Ditrichum affine, CM.
Campylonus pudicus, Hornsch
torguatus, Mitt.
eapillatus, Hf et W.
Divranum spp. (none collected)
Ceratodon purpureus (L.), Brid.
LEUCOBRYACED

Leucobryum candidum, Hope.

GRIMMIACE ®
Grinvmia, sp.
Orthotrichum, sp.
Zygodon, sp.

MNIACEZ®
Rhizogontum distichum, Brid.
Hymenodon pilifir, Hf. et W.
Leptotheca Gaudichaudii, Schw.

FISSIDENTACE
Fissidens pullidus, H.f. et W.

BRYACHZ
Brywm bimun, Schreb.

BARTRAMIACEX
Barlramia, sp.

SPLACHNACE#

Tayloria octoblephara (Hook)
- Mitt.

Mniodlendron comosum (Lab.)
comatum. (C.M.)

Hypnodendron spininervum

(Hook}
Rhaphidostegium homomallum

(Hpe.}
Hyprum dristatum, H.f. et W.
Ptychomnion aciculare (Brid.)

Mitt.

Thuidium, spp.

NECKERACEAG
Hedujigidium imberbis (Sm.)

PUTERYGOPHYLLACES

Pterygophyllum nigellum
(H.fW.), Jeg.
Distichophyum
microcarpun (Hedw.)

LOPIDIACER

Lopidium pallens (Hf. et W.)

Racopilum cristatum.

Cyathophorum bulbusum
(Hedw.), C.M-

POLYTRICHACL A

Catharined Muelleri
(Hpe. et C.M.)
Polytrichadelphus majellanicus
(Hedw.), Mitt.
Datwsonia superba, Grev,
Poytrichum juniperinum, L.

REPRINTS FROM NATURALIST,

The author of a paper published in the Naturalist is
mititled to reccive 25 reprints free, if the Editor has heen
notified not later than a fortnight after the meeting at which
such paper was read, But, in view of the high cost of print-
ing, the Committee hopes that reprints of general papers,
such as accounts of holiday trips, will not be asked for by the
writers. In future, reprints will net be supplied unless they
are ordered.—Hptror.

318 The Mora of Bass Straw Alf

SPOteenaMere ce cnonenvyreneragamenceens gecmmeRgrrtHoeneND enn en itfrmaneRAioneemeneracresam@ecc ds ccemens cnccmecnecinoomecnanocsemansent®

THE FLORA OF BASS STRAIT.

“Tusnueecatnnsasnavnwgeqqsnanyngeasionoyvnaceuuevennnyaueusnnennnnacauesyaaynccsunaayyysanu nn nncresenn nHAAHENN DN ANNAN ANON

OTE T TREE DTTP RHEE EDR DES:
ae

On the Fdbaston ot the visit of martbens of the RB, AOL, to
the Furneaux Group, in November, 1912, the writer was one
of the party which camped at Lady Rarron; on Minders
‘Island. As the resnlt of excursions made in the southern
part of the island from a point east of the eanrp to Straciecki
‘Peak, vather more than 300 plants were noted or cal-
lected. Sinee then a seareli, which cannot be said to he
exhaustive, was made for records of plants from this and the
other islands of Bass Strait with the objeet of eumpiling a
ecnsus. ‘this has been done, and, though it cannot find a
plaee here, it seems worth while to set. dawn the sources from
which data were obtained, and to male some remarks regard-
-Ing certain species and theiv distribution.

From the Mlora <Austrealionsis one’ gathers that Robert
Brown, Gunn, Milligan, Bynoe and others weve the earliest
collectors in the islands. Brown ard Baner, Baron von Muoel-
ler tells us, were in Ging Island as carly as 1802. Backhouse,
in his Narrative, mentions about a down species seen on
Flinders Island during his three visits there, in 1832.
‘Probably the first list of plants from any of the islands to
be published accompanies the Baron’s paper on ‘‘The
Vegetation of King’s Island,’’ in the Proceedings of the
‘Royal Society of Tasmania for 1881. This was made from
Taaterial sent to him by the light-keeper there. In the 1884
‘volume of the same ‘‘A Complete Census of the Flora of Deal
Tsland’’—60 speeies—appeared, and doubHess here: also the
light-keeper was prompted to make the collection.

The reports of three excutsiohs undertuken by the nvem-
berg of this Club eantributed greatly to our knowlecde of the.
natural history of the island, and though the bird life seems
to have engaged must of the attention of the visitors, plants
were not neglected.

The first of these exenrsions to King Island, in 1887,
resulted in the colleetion of such plants as enabled the Baron
to publish in the Naturalist a list. including 16 introduced
weeds, of 204 species which considerably exeecded that pre-
viously made by him. The item most interesting to him was
a small composite Nablonium calyceroides, described by
Cassini, in 1825, from a specimen from the same locality:

ROOKERY OF WHITE-BREASTED CORMORANTS (Storehouse Island, Bass Strait)
Photo, C. Barrett]

AN Tg

Al

LOA

AHL

LOLOTA

€

“ESTIVAEIEV NX XVI

Vix

‘oqmaydos

UL

‘

gas. | The Flora of Basx Strast vy

The second excursion was to Kent Group, in 1890, when
the material sulinitted to the Baron Jed to the addition at
23. species to the Deal Island censns,

The Visit to the Furneaux Group, in 1893, was tot su
fraitful in plant records, for of the colleetion submited tu
the Baron only a dozen were mentioned as being the more
important.

In the account of the late Mr, BE, D. Atkinson's visit te
the Three Hwnmocks Island, in the Naturalist for February
March, 1890, the names of four plants oceur, and 10 in that
_ of the late Mr. J. Gabriel’s risky yeuture to Albatross Island,

in the Naturalist, for January, 1895, The islands, belonging
politically to Tasmania, their plants are included in Rodway 8
Tosmenian Flora, but only the minority are deseribed vaguely,
as from *‘Bass Straits’? Spicer, in lis Hondbvok, is tore
definite, and generally aimentions the partieulsr island in
which the species oceurs.

Prom these sources, then, one is able to make up a dist of
458 plants indiwenous to the islands—340 securing in the
Furieanx Group, 214 in Ning Island, 121 in the Went Group
aul 14 in the Hunter Group. The particular Toealines of
some ten are still andefiied,

These figures will, of corse, be greatly meressed wher
the northern part of Flinders Island, the southern, mure
densely forested, portion of Wing Island, which was Wot
explored by the excursionists of 1887, Cape Barren and other
islands, ore more closely investigated.

On oxamining the list we find, as might be expected, Hal
the great majority of the species are common to the adjacent
parts both of Tasmaiia and the mainland. Those whieh are
nat—and as will be seen twenty-one do not oxtend to Tis-
mania, and ten are not found north of the Strait—appear
below. Two only are known from a single island,

Other species appear to have ‘‘jumped*’ the coastal dis-
tricts as, for example, Zygaphallum «epiculetumn and Spy-
vidium ertucephalum from our North-West to Tlinders
Island and Papover aculeadtum to Wing Island,

It js interesting also to find Miewocarpus vehenlitus, fron
the oe side, and Phayllacladus vhomboidalis, frum the other,
meeting in ii nig Tsland, The presenee, again, of Melalence
squamen, M. gibhasa and BM. ‘eeassate in Plindevs. Tsland is
nhexpected,

Oeeasionally records rive vise ta sane doubt as when we
sec Leptospermum myrlifolium, Oxolis magellanica and
Epacris hetermmens attribated ta Flinders Ysland. ‘The lat-
ter is also supposed ta yield two Acacias, one absent from

Pranr

Zygophyllum apiculiutwn, Fiat...
Myoporun humile, RBro.. .. .-

Auked. flexilis, Fivdt.

*Acacia oxycedrus, Sieb, AD.
Tsopugon ceratophyllus, T.Bro. 2 ow.
Scaevole wierocarpt, Cav. ..

*Meluleuca decussata, R.Br. ..

*Thelymitra grandiflora, Pitz.
Pseudaunthus ovalifolius, F.v.M,

Pimelew uviflora, Pv...

Zoysia pungens, Willd, .. ww...
Polypompholyx tenella, Leh, ..
Cotula filifolia, Thunb, .. .,
Sicyos angulata, Le. 6...

*Scuevala suaveoleus, KBr. ., .,
Alueocarpus reticulutus, Sn ..

_ Podotheca angustifolia, Cuss. .. .. ..
Casuarina bicuspidata, Benth ,. ..

Auacia erussiusculd, Wendl ., .. 65 ue ue

Didymothecu thesivides, Hook. ..
Teioltend supina, Fy Mw,

Lasiopetalum discolor, Hook,

Hibbertin hirsuta, Benth,

Nabloniunt calyceroides, DC. ..
Schoenus fluitaus, Leo. .. pe etn
Lomatia tinctoria, R.Br... 6...
Ozothamnus Gunnii, Hook. ..
Bedfordia lineuris, DC... .,
Pimelea cineréa, R.Br. we 4 bed
Phyllocladus rhomboidalis, Rich, gs
Thryptomene micrantha, Hook,
Ceutrolepis pulvinatu, Desv. ..
Pratia irrigua, Benth, ..

*Not in Rodway’s Flora,

ISLANDS AUSTRALIA
Flinders W.A., S.A. Vie. N.S.W,, Q.
Py WA, S.A. Vie, N.S.W,
if A, Vic. N.S.W,
” S.A., Vice., N.S.W.
n $,A,, Vic.,! N.S.W,
7m 8.A., Vic, N.S.W,, Q.
” $.A., Vic.
9 S.A., Vie,
a Vic., N.5.W., @
it Vic., N.S.W.
King, Flinders Vic., N.S.W,, Q,
a W.A.,, S.A., Vie.
7. W.A., S.A, Vic., N.S-W
Sister Islands Vic., N.S.W, Q
King S.A., Vic., N.S.W., Q
* Vic., N.S.W.. Q-.
iy W.A., S.A, Vie
Flinders W.A., SA.
” N.5.W., Q
Kent, Flinders W.A,., S.A,
Kent S.A.
Hummock Tsland W.A., S.A.
Flinders S.A.
King, Flinders —
Flinders ——
” >
Kent —_——
Islands, Bass Strait —
Kent —

w.gg sspg {0 DOL. auz oOgL

{VIX “TOA
“VUN 'OTA

Fra The Mara of Bass avait 121

our State, A, crasaiusculus, Wenul., which is perhaps A,
adunca, A.Cnuun,, and A, siculifornis, no found in our
southern districts.

A very striking shortaye in species of Wuealyptus is evi-
dent. In Minders Island we noted only 2. wnyydalinn and
BE. ylobulus, the former sernbby but the latter making a fine
unmixed forest, averaging perhaps one hundred feet hieh,
These two, with EF. vnvinalts, ave reported front'King Island,
and the first-mentioned and J7, obliqua from the Kent Group,

A most interesting deficiency shared with 'Casmania ix
the absence of any Loranths in the islands, and ulso of the
beautiful little bird, Decalwm hinkndinacéum, whieh is cou-
sidered ta he vesponsible tox the spread of the pest,

A matter worth mentioning, perhaps, is the oeeurrenes
ut Gaedenwr ovata, always am unattractive shrub, in a pag
licularly objeetionuble shape. m the northern slay of Stree
Jooki Peak, Hero, au rocky, broken ground, it was erowing
thickly over a wide area, with single, anbranched stems;
abotit tour or five feet bigh, quite trelike the bnvshy Jorma it
assumes with us, aid it proved extremely diffleult ta traverse.

Until more complete plant lists of the island are wvail-
able it ig rather futile to make comparisons. ‘he fauna is
considered more akin to that of Tasmania, bul the florea
appears to be rather Austrahan,

The plant covers of the islands are scemingly reranants of
the vegetation oncé eontinuons aeross the Strait, and the
33. plants listed above represent brokenly the limits ot the
range of rhe species-—O.5.5,

NATURAL HISTORY IN AUSTRALIAN ENOYCLOPAEDIA.

Many articles on the native fauna and flora are included
in Vol, T of the 'TMlustrated Australian Encyclopedia.’’ an
invaluable work recently published by Messrs, Angus and
Robertyon Ltd, Sydney. They are by leading authorities,
and are finely illustrated, Descriptions ave given of a large
number of plants, manmnws, bicds, reptiles, insects, ete., and
many species are figured. ‘There are coloured plates of birds
wid birds’ eggs, typical iuscets of different orders, lizards,
xnakes and frogs, fishes aud Australian seaweers. As an
example of the articles, that. on Beetles may be mentioned. Tt
oecupies about five pages, and 12 species are fignred on a
half-tone plate. The whole work is admirable, and the
natural history sections should do much to popularise onr
favourite subjects throughout. the Commonwealth—C.B,

342 Pescowr. Aboriginal Stone axes [yarecie

SUC RTETTHPACTAT TTT PEMECETaNaNACebsdiAeanuntananeneeyyembundtonerensvenereyerNGAsACAbLANAHAIAHRLUEVADDIRAGNIAL ASIEN BAAHEY

ABORIGINAL STONF-AXES.

By Upwarn Jo. Pescom, PF 0.8.

WTERAAR DADE RED ELD DME CTT EAE GEE EE AEERERERERAOONEEEE LED EH URNCCTRERERD DPPH AEED OED E POAT PRELOEPHUANNRFOR DUNT RTOF DUVET RRORENOWECOR ONT OR PRE ON”

= ee een
ADSL Tal

Axe" is a term generally applied by the average mun
to airy pieced of stone which an aboriginal has taken, and,
sharpening, more or less, one end, put to the various Uses
to whieh, in his so-called pritiitive mirc! it would, be of viltte
to him. ‘The aborigimal might ueed to hollow out a charred
log for a cance, or un elbow of a free for a eoolamet,*’
make toe-grips in a tree for Climbing, or stuip off slabs of
bark for his canoe, or toy his mia-mia. Ae wotild, in all
these ard other eases, use the implement which we collec-
tively call an axe. Being a ‘‘stone man,’’ his iinplements
or axes are all made of stone.

“Any stone will make an axe,*’ seems to have been the
motto of this ‘‘stone man,’’ for he was able to take and use
any piece of stone, and shape, nat “‘mould’’ it, to his pur-
pose. If he were in hasaltie country he would smash off
pieces of basalt and seleet those that seemed to hint most
shapely; diorite stone was especially favoured, and of this
stone many very fine axes were made. Any -hatd stone that
came in his way was used; thus we lave axes of chiastolite
slate, gneiss, hard sandstone, limestone cores, and even Hint.
The Murray men and the imland tribes used water-worn
pebbles of all sizes, ‘‘gibbers’' from the desert country, and
hard sandstone pebbles fram the open plaing.

The making of an axe from a water-worn pebble was a
sinyple matter. The craftsman would simply select an. oval,
ov elongated, pebble, and, by rubbing both sides of one end
om a hard or vongh atone, gradually work it down to an
“edge.’’ his grooved, grinding stone he, perhaps, earrvied
about with him, or he may have had some rock-face to winch
he regularly repaired, a permanent sharpening station,

Usually the stone was ground down on both faces; but
occasionally a wedge-shaped axe is found, made usually from
a water-worn stone, which has been ‘‘sharpened’* on one side
only. Sueh axes are uncommon; and one of this kind in my
collection has had the wedge-side chipped down instead of
being ground. Such implements are more akin to the New
Zealand axes and chisels, which ave almost invariably chiscl-
shaped, instead of having both sides worked dawn.

i. | Pescorr, Aboripinat Sto: Aves ies

The ‘'modern'' axe-maker—called the Neolithic tan—
would, after grinding down his uxe-edge, bring Uf to a state
of very smooth polish. Some of these axes have been polished
jw an almost incredible degvee of smoothness. Diovite axes
were very frequently polished. Some have the whole suy-
fave beautifully smoothed and polished. These were evi-
dently nsed as hand-axes, wid were not ‘halted?’ on
“handled,’’

li some parts of. Australia there were tribes which
included some very elever avtificers, for the axes earry
gvoove Which has heen chipped or hanimered out with a piece
of stone, the groove completely circling the axe. This. groove
mutevially uesisted tn gripping the handle to the stane. In
the Melbonrme Museuin there is such ai axe having two
grooves, the maker af whieh was truly a Tubal Cain among
his associates. Other axeg made by superior eraftsmen had
the whole of theiv surface 'Shossed’’ over, the toalkew teu.
niering it with @& stone, as a stonenason hammers and works
down the rough surfaces of stone. Then the edge was. grvund
dow and polished,

The hafting of the axe, or the fixing on of a handle, was.
ase IM portant operation, A fairly thin strip of plant tree-
stem, averaging from 18 inehes to 20 iiehex in length, and
about an inch in, width, was flattened somewhat on one edge.
Yn Northern Queensland cane from the “‘Lawyer™* palms
Was used, This strip was yendcred supple by heating, and
‘then bent in half, the axe being folded’ in the bend. ‘I'he
handle thes was tied in position with string made from geass
fibve, or from: animal ox human hair. The ‘hatter’? nest
heated near the fire some of the gum, or resin, whielk he had
collected as an exudation from. the grass-trees. his graas-
tree gum, atter being well kneaded, was fastened, by press-
ing, all over the bult-end of the axe and avound the handle,
hoalng worked and plastered nti] the stone axe was firinky
fixed to the wooden handle. Oveasionally the'axe and handla
were smeared over with red ochre or white limestone. Then
it was ready for use. *‘Hafted’’ axes are very rare, the woorl
and resin readily disintegrating aud decaying in the soil in
a. few years.

Axes ave to be found almost all over Victoria Along the
coast where ““middenk’? abonnd, the places where the blacks
fed on shellfish, Jeaying the remains in. great heaps; Wherever
ther had their '‘kitehen’’ or “‘hurial'’ iiddens: wherever
auimal-life was abundant, by rivers'and lakes, where ‘fish
could be obtaimed—these arc the places whete wxes still

12t Like with tke Past ich Son
await the collector. Whenever they are found they should
be treasured, for, with other stone implements and weapons.
they are the sole monuments or memorials of a fast-deeryiug

race—the “‘stone men’’ who lived in the days of modern
électric and steel eva.

LINKS WITH THE PAST.

‘he National Herbarium, Melbourne, has an extensive eol
jection of Australian plants, gathered by Siv Joseph Banks
and Dy. Solander. These links with the past were presented
by the British Museum authorities,

On 28th April, 1770, Captain Cook’s scientific companions
of the famous voyage botanised on the shoves of Botany Bay.
The first specimen collected was one ‘‘which was large, yield
ing a eum, mmeh like Sangtiis draconis’’—probably a Buea-
lyptus species: Several trees, which bore a fruit of the
“‘Jambosa kind (Eugenia) in colour, much resembling cher-
vies,’’ were also noted on that day. By 3rd May 200 quires
of blotting paper had been used for drying the plants col-
lected. The paper was made into book form. |

The voyage was continued northward, and, landing at
Bustard Bay, Banks and Solander collected Pandanus, Fecus,
Heieropogon, vontortus, ete. On 10th June the “‘Endeavour’’
struck a eoral reef, part of which beeame embedded in her
planks, thus preventing disaster. Many of the specimens
stored in the hold were badly damaged. Tt was necessary to
beach the ship. on the banks of the stream now known as
Endeayour River. ‘The accident. proved to be a blessing in dis
guise, as it gave the setentisis much time for collecting plants-
Once, their specimens were jn danger, owing to a fire lighted
by the aborigines.

Among the numerous species collected were the follow-
ing:—I/ibiscus tiliaceus, Semnecarpus australiensis, ‘The
Marking Nut,’’ Glycine spectosw, Tetragonu cornuta, Ficus
caudiciflova, Cycas media, Luristonia australis, Lucalyptu:
species, Lanthorrhad, Casuarina subernsa, Trichodesma zey-
lanica, Stylidinm. graminifolium, Isepogon .anemonifolius,
Beyeria apaca, Helichrysum apiculatum, Callistemon lanceo-
latus, Banksia serrata (a genus named in honour of Banks),
Cassia mimosioides and Adiantum ethiopicum, ‘Maiden
Hair Fern.’’*—J.W.A. and P.F.M.

ae ® Notes rows Pield and Sinily 128

BIRD ISLHS OF GASS STRALT.

Australia has its bird isles, not less wonderful in their
way than those of Pert, concerning which a book has heen
published recently, Our Chib, in the days of its youth,
vevealed a spirit more adventurous than that of its middle
age, and carried out expeditions to the Bass Strait islands-
The results were notable.

Why should we not go again to those isles of the sea?
1 have been twiee anione them, and conunend the voyage,
with many landinys, io Club members, who would see “‘at
home’’ Ganuets and Gulls, Alhatrosses, Petrels and tho big.
seafaring Cormorants, that long bore the name of Gould
(priority has decreed the change from Phalacracaraa govldt
to P. fluscescens.)

On Cat Island the Gannets, Swe serrater, vest in um,
bers, a8 they did more than 30 years*avo0, when a party’ of
F_N.C. members explored the Furneaux Group. Three bird
isles he off the east coast of Flinders—Babel, Cat and Store-
house: the Jast-named is a nesting haunt of White-breasted
Cormorants. Our pionser fellow-members of the 1893
expedition saw them there, among the nests on granite ter-
races; and when, with other naturalists, I landed on Store-
house in November, 1908, the rookery was in oeenpation, Per
haps it is flourishing still; though there have been many
changes in ‘‘island life’' during recent years.

From 300 to 400. nests formed the Cormorants’ rookery
im November, 1893, but in 1908 the number, was about 150.
The population, doubtless, varies much from season td season.
Nature herself may take toll of the birds, in variaus ways;
and Cormorants are not protected against hnman enetiins,

The gvoup-photograph (Plate TV) was obtained after
eavefgl stalking. The Cormorants were wary; yet their
neighhours, the Gannets, of Cat Island, declined to leave
their nests when we walked among them,—C.B,

a ; 7 . - Wier, Naa,
iis Nares frou Miels and Staty (var xcit

BEES’ WINTER HARVEST.

Some years ago, on a sunny day in late wuiter, scholars
under my charge af Aawkesdale, in the Western District,
noticed bees (a colony was always kept ia the school garden)
tying in great numbers around the Golden Watiles, slacein
pycnantha, in the garden, <A boy picked a phyllode and put,
it to his ips, Ltis shout, '' Floney !'° was the signal for a rush
of scholars to the trees. Investigating, L found that sweet
liquid was exuding from the gland, a little swelling on the
edge of the phyllode. 1 mentioned the matter to the late
Mr. L, T, Chambers, an expert in bee management, who stated
that he had noticed a sirnilar occurrence at one of his apissies,
but the result of my subseqnent engniries shows that few people
have seen bees feeding on nectar from these glands. In w
fraper contributed tothe Naturalist (Nov., 1913), Mr, Reginald
Kelly gives his views, and the results of his ohservations on the
funetion of Acucia leaf glands. He failed to doteet any
sweet exudation, and his couehjsion was that these ormans
perforn) oxeretory functions, that the secretions are neither
fluid nor viseid, aud that they sre not strictly glands or
nectarics, in the sense that the ternt gland ov nectaty dows
not acemvatel’y describe the nature of ‘the growth. Tfe sug
gests the namie * ‘vents,"” and writes of then as mere “‘fune-
tidnlers relies, ‘W—H.B.W,

>

HOW THE RLACK AND WHITE VANTALIL BUILDS ITS NEST.

Probahly none of the smaller native birds has been more
vlogely and lovingly studied than the Black-awnd-White Fan-
tail, Khipidwra leucophrys; tat I have read no account of one
of its unique habits in nest-building, Since the end of Septem.
bev, 1921, I have made notes on eight nests, all, T believe, built
hy the same pair of birds. Nine nests sere constructed. but
T. was unable to find the se¢ond one of the season, 1922-28.
Tast season three ‘nests were built, one early’ ii October. the
next in November; and the third at the end of December
All but tavo of the nests under observation were built in pine
trees, Pinus anrsignes, one oF other of a growp, wsially af a
neivht of B feet. ‘ 4

The felt of cobweb, whieh forms the nest foundation ina

‘looks fike a alight thickening af a thm, grey branch, is spread
in position by the tird’s head,» Very often Dhave wateherd a
Fantail; airpported on swittly-heating Wings, catherine cab-
weh from the wall. A sudden dart’ forward, a quick twist

tie Nules from Piett and Study 127

of the head, and grey strands of web lay across the black
feathers. When this maneuvre had been repeated two or
three times, the bird would fly swiftly to its nesting site. It
was, uf course, impossible for me to reach it as quickly aa
the bnilder, One had either to wait by the wall, to wateh
the gatherinp of material, or at the tree to see it placed in
position, Obviously, there was only one way for this ia be
done; the head was wiped up and down or across the branch
until all the grey fell was safely transferred ta the growing
home. Tater, of course, stvavids of hair, ete., were ased.

Always the neat was moulded by the birds. as they sat
wm the nest, turning and pressing to shape it with their own
curved breasts. The finishing of cobweb was spread over the
nest in the same way as the foundations were laid. 17 was
ever able to wateh the actual beginning, nor be sure when
the list toneh was given: but building seemed to vecapy
ahout a week, The cegs. asa rule, were not laid on consecutive
daya: and although three formed the nsual ehitel, some-
times only tavo, sometimes as many as four, were laid. Ineuba-
tion oeeupins exactly 14 days; and, if undisturhed, the young
remain in the nest for about the same length of (ime, then
leave home, and do not retam.—-J.G.

WORKS ON THE FPORAMINEIFERA.

Mh F. Chapman, in his ‘‘ Notes on the Voraminifera’’ in the
Aurust number of the Naturalist, recommended certain works
io the beginner. but a notable omission from these is his own
book. ““The Foraminifera: An. Introduction to the Study of
the Proatozoa.'' This book is obtainable in Melbourne, and
sone knowledge of its contents will be found essential when
the worke of Brady, Cushman and other snecialists ave being
studied, To the more advaneed student, ihe artide by J. J.
Lister, F RS., on ‘Foraminifera,’ in Lankester’s ‘Treatise
on Zoology” (Sceand Faseicle, Part 1, Intradnection and
Protozoa), is reeommended. Dr Brady's ''Challenger
Report’? is now unpurchasable, but may be econsulled in ouy
Public Tabrary. The monovraphs of Dr. J. A. Cushman are
ihe most easihy abtained of works on the foraminifera, Sane
of these mas he purchased from he Gavernment Printing
Office. and others trom the Carnegia Tnstitution. both of
Washington, T.S.A. They ust surely rank among the
lawesf-pieed scientific papers issued, but on account of the
demand for them by those interested m oil geolory, copies of
his later works only are now held in stoek,--W 7. Parr.

198 Notes von Xd

“THE SCIENTIFIC NAME OF OUR CLUB'S BADGE.”

Under this tithe appeared in this Journal (Vol. XLT, p.
220) for April, a review by Mr. F, Chapman of the nomina-
tion of the shell utilised as budge by the Clab. Ten years
azo, [ indicated the fact that the popular name in vogue was
technically invalid, and, knowing of no substitute, ET pro-
posed what I regarded as » suitable equivalent. This name
is now championed, somewhat late in the day, as. science
keeps moving, whether we move or not. Recently, when
working through some Western Australian material, J recog-
nised the Victorian shell, and, referrime to Menke’s Mol-
luscorum Nove Hollundie Specimen, published m 1848, IL
found that om p. 21 he included Buccimwim fasetatum, Lam,
and, giving a deserrption, added the information: ‘* Buect-
num. pyrrhion, m. olam. inv lit. his means that. before
Menke recognised that the shells belonged to Lamarelc's
species, he had given them the name noted above, aud had
sent specimens out with that name attached. Under the
Laws, as soon as Lamarck’s name was invalid, Menke's name
became valid, and therefore the correct scientific name of the
Club’s badge becomes

NASSARIUS PYRRHUS (Menke).

1 have very carefully compared Western Australian
shells with Victorian specimens, and they are nndoubtedly
con-specific.

Tom Trepal.r.*

*By permission of the Trustees of the Australian Museum,
Sydney.

NOTES FROM THE NATIONAL MUSEUM.

A FOSSIL CORAL.

The discovery of a new locality in Victoria for the imterest-
ing reef-forming ‘‘star-coral,’’ Orbicella. tasmaniensis. has
lately been made by our member, the Rev. Geo. Cox. The
locality is at Minders, on the Cape Schanck Penmsula, where
a small exposure of foraminiferal and polvzoal limestone
necurs. resting on the older basalt. A good description of
this important fossil bed was given by another club member,

“ti _ Notes 129

Mr, A. B, Kitson, C.MLG., in 1902 (Report on the Bryozoan
Limestone ‘at. Flinders. Ree. Geol. Surv., Vie., vol. 1, pt. 1,
pp. 49-51, and text-fig.). There is probably a danger of this
fossil deposit being seriously damaged, if not entirely
obliterated, by some projected “‘impravements’* to the Golf
Links.

The chief interest of the Flinders Limestone is that it
coutains an abundance of the curious group of the limy
sponges known as the Lithonines, which are still living in
Japanese seas; although until Dy. Hinde described speci-
Mens sent to him by Dr, TT. 8. Hall they were not recognised
as fossils. As regards the previously-known localities for
the above-named coral, they are rather widely separated, and
since it is a shallow-water organism, it helps to supply data
im relation to the former trend of the coast-line, in Miocene
times.

The original locality from which Dr, P.M. Dnnean
obtained his type specimen. is ‘able Cape, North-West Tas-
mania. Simee then T have recorded if from ithe tossiliferous

ironstone beds. of Flemington, whilst Dr. T. Griftilh Taylor
and Messis. F. A, Cudtvore and J. A. Kershaw have eol-
leeted it from the ferruginous limestones of Ooldea, on the
East-West Railway, South Australia. Quite recently Miss
1, Crespin has ulso recorded its occurrence in the Janjukian
ironstone of Green Gully, Keilor. Mr. Cox’s specimen is
exceptionally well preserved, and he has presented tb to the
Museum collection.

F. Crareman.

PHOTOGRAPHS FOR THE NATURALIST.

ft is proposed, while funds permit, to include one piate at
least in each issue of the Naturulist. Members are invited to
submit prints for consideration hy the Editor and the Publishing
Committee. Unusiial subjects are desired, nof photographs of
scenery, etc. Writers of papers might submit photographs suitable
for illustrations.— Editor.

All contributions for the Naturalist, and letters to the Editor,
anguld be addressed:

CHARLES BARRETT,
“Maralena,” Maysbury Avenue,
BHisternwick, Vic,

130 Census of Vicloriun Plants

Vie. Nal,
Vee May

PO

VENLESTOCTOAPAPADIGIAPNTY APHLEOD Uj ueWeEEERTIOLEACHROTTTPONRHONEDAYANOL BOO TMAnEED

CENSUS OF VICTORIAN PLANTS.
Supplement No. 3,

‘Avausoueuseueeesepuasonaae

SATUDHULOLNGHA RAED AER EWOAAEHETCALA Ny RHerreooaNd tne eereaaay AL PAA eeeeaaTUV EASE COOTTVNTAAT Cesta hemecraaeatmeerrarineenceryyal padeeeraaeess
,

The following additions and alterations have been made to
the Census of Victorian Plants by the Plant Records Commit-
tee of the Ficld Naturalists’ Club of Victoria—

‘Nat, Herb" indicates that dried speciniens have been found in the National
Herbarium; 'B" refers to those determined by Prince Bonaparte.

Page 1.—<Alsbphila Cooperl, D.v.M, -- Codper Tree Fern . S&S. Otway, Nat. Herb.
(B)
A. Rebecewe,, Wiy.M. .. -. -, Wig dreae Fern .. & Bemm R, Nat,
arb. (B)
Dryopteris queenslundica, Do.- Northern Shicld 8. Moe, Nat. Herb)
TITDTinn aa) cn cades leis go] pred ojo noe Bern, §. «5 j.s-05 4 ({B)
4, troplek Domin. .. .. 2. ,. Tropical Shield ern bi, genen, Nat, Herb,
(5
D. glabella, G. Chr. ,. .. .. .. Smooth Shiald Pern ae iia Nat, Herb,

Pease %3,—Adplenium adiantoldes, ©. Chr. Pointed Spleenwort Te Nat. Horb,
)
Polystichum aristaturu, Presl Awned Shield Fern var Nat, Herh,

Blechawn serrulatum, Rich- Serrate Gristle Pern 8. Toolebewong, P.
@rdg .- 2. 5s ek ee te ee 8t. John,

Li, laevigatum, Cay, .. ., .- Leather Fern,. ., 8. Dandenong Ra.
Nat, Herb.

Page 3.—Adiantum caplillus-veneria, L. British Maidenhaiy S. Givelyn, BP, St.

FeErM we ce wy ae John (1)
Page 4,—Cyclophorus rupestels, C. Chr. Hock Poltypady ,, B. Gee. Nat. Herb.
Gloichents. flabellata R. Br, Wan Fern -, .. ,, S,U. Nat. Herb. (8)

G, Jaevigate, (W1Id.), Hk, .. Spreading Fan Fern All but N.W.

Page 14,—After Bartlingla add—

Borya nitida, Labill, ,. .. Shining Borya . .. S.W. Hail's Gay, Cc.
. D’Alton,
Page 18.—Prasophyilum Colemanae, Lilag Leek-orchid S. Bayswater, Mrs.
FROROTSE a Si wee ee Coleman.
PF. gracile, Rogers ., 4. -: $. Ringwood, €.
French, Jnr.
Puge 19.—Micretis oblonga, Rogers -. S.W., S.. NvBL, EL EB,
Pescotth
7. 26. —Pterostylls decurva, Rogera - SS. Ferntree Gully,
Bake i f. E. Pascott,
P, truncata, Fitz... ., .. ., Brittle Greenhood .5. You Yangs, W_ H,
Nicholts.

Revision of the Genus Bassia, CAncderson, Proc, Linn, Soc. N.S-Wi
Vol, XLVI11, Pi, 3.)

Page 26.—For Bassin diacantha read B! unifiora (R. Br.) F.v.M.

Delete B. lanicuspis, B. siflora, B, dlvaricata, B- echinopsila, and
B. enchylaenoldes.

‘Sept. - ra a 7
1926 A Census of Victorian Plants ; 131
Add By nytedtiousptg, Ander- Sprending Salthbush M.W. Nat, Herb.
son -- ea 7 ry
G. treuspts, Lede M.) Andeéer- Three-spinéd Sult- N.W. Nat, Herb.
som .. +. ve Ref Bee bush .. 25
B, parvilttora, Abdebsar . .. Small flowered Sale- NOW. Nat derk.

bush 2. 2k ee
Kochi briuchyptera is naw Bassia brachypteea, (v.M.), Anderson.

Page Ga.—-Acaoia fateiformis, DC, -- Sickle Wattle -. .. SAW. Nit. Herb,

Reyisian of the Genus Pultendsa, (WiUiamson, Proc. Ray Sum, Vie
Vol, SNAXVIS, Pe. 1.)

Pultenaga pubescens, A.B3.W. Downy Bush Pea . S.W. Portland, Nat
Herb.

Page i8.—Pelargonium inodorum, Willd. Sventless Stovksbill All, Nat. Herb.
Fortieviy includeA in PL awsteale, Willd.

Rowiston of the Panily Loranthacege, (Blukely, Proc. Linn. Soe,
N.S.W, Vol. NLYIL, Pt, 2)

Delete Loranthus celasuraides, and substiouca:s—

Page 24. “oF beyetantiras nalastrofdes, Coast Mistletoe ©. SW. S. NW.
eAOHS, 24 -, us es ays
LP. cuealyptifolius, nel. .. -- Comimen Mistletne, Ai,
Loranthus Miquellf, Lehin, .. Long-teat Mistletoe S.E. Na\, Herb.
I, Prefssii, Miq. .. 2. -- ., Wive-leaf Mistletoe AIL
Fer lL. longiflorus, Desy, read To. vitellimus, Sieb. Wi. Genoa, Ryv. A, J.
Maher.
Page 34.—Acseia argyrophylla, Wook — Silver Mulga ., ., NW, Nat. Herb,
A, brdchybotrya -. ., .. .. Grey Mujea -. .. NW,
Page 46——-Eucalyptus nee Jarier ate, Grey Stringybark — &, PL ost Toho,
Maiden ,. - ee.
E, Dalrympleana, atalden -, Mountain White XE. P. R, Sims.
Gwyn in eo

Pige 48—Wucalyptus phellandra, R, T. Mountain Pepyper- 8. P. Sr John.
Bakker .. 4- 42 23 =p ey ee mint. .. + 4.

BE. untalata, R-T.B. .. .. ,. Istand Binge Gum , 5S, Phillip £, Dr
Heber Green.

NEW LOCALITIES,

The following are the sdditions tu the regional Qistribution utd are listed
under the districts S.W.; N.W.; S.; X.b., EL. with the mames of the field workers
who have made the reeord posible, The figures vefer to the pages in the
Census.

S.W.—(18) Prasophylui: aArcheri, Hk. £3 P, brachystachyum, find); PF, fim-
briatum, R. Br.; P, odorsatatny Rogers, (19) Catoctilus campesirig, R. Br.;
Microtis paryiflora, R, Br,; Caleana minor, R, Bs; Caladenia filanyentosa,
RH. Isr; C, leptechila, Hite; , reticulata, Witz; . angustata. Fitz. (20)
‘Ptarostylis concinna, KR, Bre: P. parvittora, R. Br; (22) Casuavina
Luchmanni, R, T. Baker, (24) Grayjtlen rosmovinifolia, A. Cunn; G.
repens: Fiv.M.; Persbonia rigida, KR. Wr (24) Ranksia ornata, P.v.M.
(42) Acavia armatsa. Ry ir. (33) A, penninervis, Sie, (46) Dillwynnia.
hispida, Lindl, (39) Eviostémon differniis; A. Cunn. (44) Hibbertia
homifusa, Flv MM. (45) Pimelea axifiora, PivM. (49) Callistemon
rugutosus, DC, Meltleued neglects. Ewart and Wood.—Grampians,
Chas, D'Alton.

(46) Wueatyntas Gtaxfandh, Matden and Cambage.—Graiipians, o. W,
Autas.

N.W,—(20) Diuris punciata, Swrith; Wail, Miss TJ. Prancis.

§.--(18) Garex polyantha, W v.M-—Lerderderg. H. TR, Willlanisen.
(20) Caladenia reticulmta, Fite—Gelgrave, B. BE. Peseott,
(36) Pulltenaea, D'Alion, HB.W.—Brisbane Ranges, Dr. Sutton,
(47) Mucalyptus nitens, Maiden.—Donna Boing, P, R, St. John,
(68) Heliprerum pygmaecum, Bth—You Yungs, A. C. Gates.

132 Ceusus of Victorian Plants vine as

N.O—{19) Thelymitea pruciNora, R. Br. (20) Caladenia cordlformis, Rogers;
QOlearia Gunninns. Hk £—Geechworth. Miss 4%. Galbraith.

(20) Unladetia angustata, Fite, Nat, Herb.

(46) Boucalyntua Bridgesiann, R.T.BL (43) G. Smithii, #,7.B.; BL cam-
phorn, AVG. PB. R. Sims, a

n (2) Olearin flavescens, Hutch.—Alps, A, J. Tadgell.

B—C) Damasonium minor, (R, Br}, Buch, {11) Cyperus exaltatus, Retz;
tc. Gunmi, Hk, ft (13) Carex pélyantha, Piv.M. 615) Juncus palindus,
R. Be, (19) Corysanthes fimbriata, R. Br (31) Drosera Planchpnii,
Hk. t (Menaziesii). (38) Acacia Mitchellil, Bth, (53) Brachytonia
daphunides. Bth. ($7) Ajuga. australis, R. Br. (f8) Selllera. radicans,
Cav. (64) Calocephalus Jacteus. Less.—Bairnsdale, VT. S. Hart.
(20) Caladenia Iatifolia, R. Br.; C. cardinchila, ate; (49) Hibbertin
fenstfines; (54) Sevaee albidifiorn, T.v.M. (G1) Pratia platyoalyx, Bth.
(65) Reachycoone stricta, D.C.—Spery Whale Hend, F, Barton, Jr,

(315) Mierotis purvyitiora, R, Br. (20) Culadenia Menalesii, BR. Bri; C. tes-
tacea, R. Br, (. angustata. Fite; Diuris palachila, Rogers; Pterostylis
nan. RB, Br (a2) Acacia arimata, R. HKr,, A, Dyenantha, Bth.—Tyers,
Miss J, Cialbraith,

(85) Widens tripartita. f.; Snowy BR. only in Census.—Newry, D. J. Maher,
(49) Kungea eortialla, Reichb.—Wuson’s. Promontory, Dn Sutten.

CORRECTIONS.

The following corrections should be made:

Supplement No. ¥.—Delete Prasophkyllum album, Rogers.

Pawee 34—Crllistachys elliptica. Vent, C, alyestris, Ktze., C. procumbens (Mv. M,)
Engl, C. criinia, (Fv. Mi.) ingl, fee Oxylobiunt app.

31—Drosera Plamchonli. Hk. f. far fi, Mengiesii, R.Br.
") 34 —Avveit Victoriae, Bth. for A. sentis, Fv.

» %6—Dilbeynnia uncinats, (Lures) J. M. ‘Black, jor D, patula, Fev al.
40.—utaxia micrephylla, (R.Br) J.M-L. far i. eiipetecifolia, Schlech,
j7.—-renpletonia stenophylla. Pov. ML for Ty Muelleri. Beth.
368.—ranspese Geraniuin pilosum, Forst and G. dissserum, L.
30.—Fhebalinni squameumn, (Eabill,) Mngler for PL, Billardieri.

+» #1—Gymnaeper|a tor Celastrus,

40.—Correr tubta, (Sinith) .. M, lack foreC. speciasa, Andr, Red, Correa,
Ai) ©. rubra, var virens. Conon Correa (Green),

“4U—Sinekhopsia nionggyna, Labi, for S. linarifolia, A. Gunn.
45.-—-Callisteion citrinus, (D.C.) StapL for €, lanceolalus, D.C.
Ty.—Thryptonene célycing, (P+, iM.) Stapf: for 'T, Miteahelliana, My. iF.
vi.—Barischia for Rarcts's,
Bellardia ‘Trixage for Bartsia Vrixago.
Sinapis urvedsis for Deessica Sinapistrum,
Fiu—Pestucn myyres for BF. reyurits.
78.—Glauciuty flayuny, Crantz, €or CG. luteum, Seon,
79.—Melilotus imiieus, (To) Allian. for M. Parytflora_
“Melilotus albus for A alba.
. S2—orendpus preeumbens, Gilib. for Senehiern coronopus, Pois,
Cc. didyma. (L.) Simith for S. Wldvmus, Pere
Meidjcago arabica. (h,) Willd, for M. ‘naculata,
Medicago Nispida includes 30 denticulata, Delete fatter.
» T&.—Silybum Marianas. (h.) Gaertn, for Carduus Matisnus, I,
Cirsium arvense, €0.) Seop. for Cardwuus arvensis. L.
Cirsium Janceolatus for Carduus lanceolatus, Scop.
&i.—Lochnern rosea. (4) Reietb. For Vinca rosea, Le

Che Victorian Natiratisi

Vou, XLU-+No. 6. OCTOBER 9, 1925 ‘ No. 502

Vogreaes : wr fc ots fa

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA,

he ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in
the*Royal Society’s:Hall, Victoria Street. on Maxtaey eyell-
ing, Setember 14, 1925.- The. President, Mr. Geo..-Coghill,
ceeupied the chair, and about fifty members and friends were
present. , :
CORRESPONDENCH AND REPORTS,

.A letter trom the See retary of ‘the Gat den- week Comunit-
tee, inviting the Mlub to take charge of the Wild-flower See-
tion at the Garden-week Exhthifion. was reeciyed anid referres
toa Committee.

Reports were given as follows: -

_ Mx... Daley, excursion to You. Vanes on August 15; My.
Stickland, cexeursion to Kilby, bageon on Ansust 20, My,
A. i. Rodda, excursion to Studley Park on September: :3.;
and, Ma... FE. BE. Pese -ott, excursion to Diamond Creek on Sep-
tember 12. qe:

GHNRRAL.,

‘

It was fphol yed on the aiation of Messrs. Daley and H..B,
Williamson, that: the. thanks of the Club be sent to.the -Minis-
ter for Lands,. the Hon. A.W. Downward, for his action in
seenving the, reservation of Mt. Drummer. . ow

Mr. A. J, Tadgell moved that the thanks of the (lal; be
jendered to the Plant Records Conwnittee for Cite work in
vompilimg the additions to the “‘Census.”’ , _f Pitcher
seconded the, niotian, which was earned cdagintaly sake

Mn. Ci. Barrett said. that. he had. heard. that -it was -pro-
posed to form, a parking area;tor motor ears at the entrance
to Beletave Gully. and, if this were so, he thought that ,the
Club should protest against wy encroachment -an the area
resevyed,,

Mr. C, Oke moved that the tatter be rétenved to the
C ammitter, Mi. Pitcher to make enquiries at Belgrave as to

wt Field. Naturalists’ Clui—Praceedings yeh New

# bf ce ; Vol, XV

what Wad proposed, and report to the Hon. Seeretary,

Secanded by Mr. Wilhiamson. and carried. — 52.
ELECTION,

On wv ballot being taken, Mrs. F. Chapman, Threadneedle
Street. Balwyu; Miss Jean Harvie, Chanal Street. Hast Mal-
yern; and Miss C. Pipet; Black Street, Brighton, were duly
declared elected as ordmary metnners af the Club.

PAPERS.

1. ‘The Royal botanie Gardens, Kew, England,'' by"Mr.

A, I. Keep. The author gave a history of the Gardens, and

deseribed features of special interest: Tle also veferved to
ae a species ot Australian plants growing at Kew.

“Vietovian Ants’? (Part. TT). by Mr. J. Glark. Owing

to the lateness of the hone when this paper was ealled- if Was
taken as read.

EXHIBITS,

By Mr. G. Coghill—@€revillea rosmearimifalia, G. ucemdes,
G. thping, Thiyptomene Mitcheliana, Micramystus aminro-
phylla, Wriostemon myaporaides, Acacin martfola, A.
acinaced, and HMardenberqii jronanhylla; all grown at Can-
terbury.

By Mr. -J. R. Leslie—Mosses from Wilson's. Promontory.
in ihistratian of article im September Vahurulist.

By Mr. V. H. Miller—Cyrtoshylis renrformis and Cary-
santhes pruitosa, from Black Rock.

By Mr. F. Piteher--Author’s presentation copy to Mrs.
Flova Martin, of Cooke’s Mandboak of Australian Fungi:
with a letter to Mrs. Martm fram the New South Wales
Government, intimating its contribution of £105 towards cost
of publication of the work.

By Miss J. W. Raff--Living Gand Planarian. Bipaliun.
from Queensland, and two well-developed voung, produeed
by fission lasi Sune: also fresh fragment, just beginning to
form a head. Collected by Mr. 1. F. Thomson near Bris- .
bane, May, 1925.

By Mr. A, BE, Rodda—-Shells, Organ-pipe Coral and Flat
Sea Urchin, from Cairns, Queensland: also Miocene Fossil
Sea Urehin. for comparison with Queensland specimen.

oor Cuark, The Auts of Vietoria 135

m

aS teeeecdannaaveretaveannanvaucaraseseeyyenyayyideqated ney eQivaeqca cranny bAGenneran page censven puveaneneeusenueUNeeuedPUNeAReneryggnen:

THE ANTS OF VICTORIA.
By J, Unars, B.S.
[Parv JT. |
(Commiunieated, by C Y. Bavvett)

Sod seeareandsALdhocnpeddedeaveascevivenrenaicecececsuasévercuerecsnarpovdedecaazprcedercennridteerynidndudcror iia) yhiNnepynd et tnges

PUCTOOOUNUANA RE Ap EaaE OA ANGE
Vadberenrenpesvenesneacnsy:

Read hefire the eld Naturalists’ Club of Vielurra,-
September 12, 1935.

Sab-family PON RINAS, Lepeletior.

Yhe ants of this sub-fanily are kivge or of moderate size,
and the workers and females are armed with # foounmidable
sting. The petiole is composed of only gne joint, ov node.
Ju some veers the post-petlole, or first segment of the .
abdomen, is: -greathy constricted behind, as in Wy mec,
making this section appear fa be: -fwo- Fourted, tn other
genera, ‘as Amislyopone, the 1o0de is attached to the post-
petiole throughout its entire posterior surface, with the vesult
that these ants do not show a distinet node when seen in pro-
file. _o8

The Ponerine are the snust ancient group OF ants, and ave
the stoek from which the higher, speeialised sub-families arose.
Nowhere are they a dominant @‘oup, except ins Australia,
where, according to Prot, W. M. Wheeler, ‘‘these ancicit
insects occupy a posiiga anoneysl. ats aniilogoas to that of
the monotvemes aid marsupials among - animals, and the
Rhynchoeuphalia among reptiles, And if is especially the
wenus Myrnieeia, conipr ising the ‘Bull-doy Ants,’ whieh may
be said tu characterise this fauna, and, at the same time, to
yopresent the prototype of all ants.”?

All the species form small colonies, usially in the ground,
wader Joes aid stones. Some, however may be found nesting
in rotten lows, and in tree-stuinps. The lite-histury and habits
ot most of our species are noknown, but they may he segiarded
as being insectivorous. Many species, of several genera, May
he found hunting o1 frees amd shrnbs in Hower, “where they
abtain numbers of small iseets. Mrequently they ave seen
sipping the nectar of the blossoms, This applies particularls
to Adyrniecia, Rhylidopouesa, and Chalcapaner au. No species
has heen observed attending aphids. seale-insects, GF mealy-

CLARK, The Ants of Vivtorla

Vict. Nai.
rhs +3 yre TA £ mt Mater dg Full

bugs ou the trees ; but at least one &pecies, Batporert Lute,
generally has 2 a Vinge” hinither uf meal y -bugs in its nest.

Pheeat)

The nest? “Of Pontriia are Huck B crtiiyhitieh by other
insects, Colonies of Chalcopanera and Eupanerit ave rarely
without. visitors, inseets Of sonie of fhe uther orders, Other
“Arthropods, such as mites. pill- husks, ote., are alsy commonly
found in most nests. ; ;

The sketch reproduced here tlusteates the priteipal por-
tions of an ant. Tt he ten 1s (and the positions indicated) dre

ol ' : ve ode ain

4 >

a Lg 4 +

= > wt =

: = z +

Na z = = 2 fai =

=< 3 2 S we Ser Fe <3

= BOS =, a Fo a3 =! .
a c o 2 iS a4 “
br a* 3. 8 a J eo A" rr oe
x > oS ae Se it mbes: 4
&, ba em = Ss 8 E> -%& aw

\ z! S © or vw 2) By, Ry F . b

« . a = c 7 wy
{ wa a
le mz

THORAX WETIONS ABDOMEN

4
'
4
!
iF
!
|
|

<—$__________ -Torat Lewer

game fh, ea -

-Fle. 1.—Myruntecia (Fyomyrineesa) Abverrams, Paral.
Daraal view vo the whoiker to shew the prtacton! para

those generally used | in Hterature, ancl will be adoptert | A these
atticles” er :

Tribe AMBI, YORONIT.

This tribe is represented in Nustraliz by fio wenera,
namely, Amblyapaie and Myopopone: only the first, however,
bis “ko fav heen ‘ford in’ Vietoria, 7 (Fae

Genus, Amblyopone, Brichsoi.
Evichson, Aveh, fur. Nature. vol, MH. pp. , 260; pH
’ fig. 71841." Wee,
Emer ry, Getiera Insectorum. Mase. (18, 1911.

In this genus the petiole consists of oue joint: this is
artienlated. over tbe whole of its posterior surface with the

thes \ 4

itt.

“Voec| Grarn,, The Ants of Victoria 137

first segment of the abdomen. ‘The mandibles are long and
nivrow, with few teeth on the inner border. Eyes very
small, Antenne 12-jointed. «

‘I'lese are primitive ants, living in sina! colonies in the
ground. They may sometimes be found wider logs and
stones. I have several times found nests in rotten logs in S.W.
Aastralia. These logs always contained colonies of Termites,
aud the larvae of- Lamellicorn beetles, upon both of which,
vo donbt, the Ambly yopone depend for food,

Ants of this genus do not expose themselves during the
day, nor haye I seen them on the surface of the gro ound,
They shun ‘ho light. ‘hey travel long distanees under half-
buried lows and stones, and have tunnels diverging in all
directions, The aetnal nest is rarely seen im such situations,
being generally deep underground. JI have found the
queens aid the byood only in rotten logs. Pyrequently several
fertile females may be present in one colony, The winged
males and females are observed in the nests, runuing: with
the workers, durmg January and February.

At present. little ox nothing is known concerning these
aunts, The fact that, generally, they are found in compara-
tively moist, or damp, situations, where beetla and other
larvie abound, suggests that they prey on these; brabably
also. on Termites.

5, AMauyorone AusrRanis, Uvich. Ferntree Gully (F. P.
Spry, J. E, Dixon, L. B. Thorn, GC. Barrett):
Beaeonsheld (F. I. Wilson).

Evichson, Avch, fur. Naturgi, 8, p. 260, pl. 5, fig. 7,
1841, a Smith, Cat. Hymn, ie Mus, 6, p.
4 09, pl. 7 , figs, 21-24, 1858, 938, -
Amblyopanane sistenbis, Tir,, Tromeits Agric Gas,
N.S.W., 1905,
; AiBlyopens dustratis, Ey, Kam. Andre, Rey. d’Ent.,
15, p. 260, 1906, 3 ®. Kimery, Gen. Tnsect,, Mase,,
118, 1911.

Originally deseribéd from Tasmania, this spucies is found
throughout Southern Australia. It is about one-thitd of a
wich in length, aid, varies in ‘colour from light fervuginous to
durk brown. The heads coarsely, hut not densely, punctate,
except in front. The thorax is snwooth and shining, aiid has
a few peatter edd punctures. "The mandibles are long and jar-

138 Guaitk, Lhe Ants‘ of Victoria bape al

row, with 5-6 teeth on the-inner border. The eyes are very
small, and there are no ocelli. The antenne are short, the
seapes not reaching beyond the eyes.

+ The female is larger than the worker, and is winged.
She has larger cyes, and three well-developed ocelli.

The male is black, with the antennz, tibia, and tarsi yel-
lowish, The mandibles are small and’ triangular, The
anfenn® ave 15-jointed. ‘The thorax is densely punctate;
the node almost. smooth, The worker and the female are pro-
vided with a large and powerful sting.

6. AMBLYOPONE AUSTRALIS, Er., var. opscurA, Smith.
- Perntree Gully (F. P. Spry); Belgrave (F. BE, Wil
s0n).

Amblyopone obscura, Smith, Cat. Hymn.. Brit. Mus., 6,
p. 109, 1858 & ¢.

Amblyopopone australis, Er., var. ORScURA, 8m. Frog-
gatt, Agric. Gaz., N.S.W., 1905; Forel, Rev. Suisse
Zool,, 18, p. 2, 1910, 2; Emery, Gen- Insect:, Fasc,,
118, 1911.

This variety has a wide distribution in Eastern Australia,
vanging from Tasmania to North Queensland. It is niuch like
australis, but is lavger and darker in colour. “Che head is
more densely punctate behind, and more definitely striate in
front. The epinotal declivity, in both the worker and the
female, is inclined to be transversely rugose; in australis it is
smooth and shining,

The male differs from the male of australis much more
than the workers of the two species differ. It is much
larger and more strongly sculptured. The thorax and

node are densely punctate. The antenns and legs are darker
in colour.

7. AMBLYOPONE FERRUGINEA, Smith. Ferntree Gully (FP.
P. Spry) ; Belgrave (F,, &, Wilson) ; Woori Yallock (1.
B. Thorn). 1
Smith, Cat. Hytnn., Brit. Mus., 6, p. 110, 1858, #.
Froggatt, Agric. Gaz., N.S.W., 1905.
Ern. Andre, Rev. d’Unt., 15, p. 261, 1906, 4 2; Wmery,
Gen. Insect., Fase., 118, 1911.
A small species, barely a quarter of an inch in length. ft
is yellowish, or reddish yellow. The head and pronotam are

thes, | 1 Crank, The Ants of Victoria 139

finoty, and Jongitudinally, striate. he remainder of the body
is smooth and shining.

The female is slightly larger than the worker, and 18 winged,
‘he head, thorax and node are browimsh black; the man-
dibles, antenne, legs and abdomen reddish, or yellowish red.
The male is unknown,

This species appears to live im small colonies, under
stones. At present nothing is known concerning its life his
tory, nor habits.

Tribe MYRMECIINI, Emery.

Thig tribe contains only one geuus, and is purely Ats-
tralian.

Genus Myrmecia, Fabr.
Fabr., Syst, Piez., p. 423, 1804,

This is a large genus, and, with the exception of one
frum New Caledonia, all {he species ave found only in Aus-
tralia and Tasmania, They rank among tho largest of known
muts; some examples measurmg up to 1} inches. They are
very conspicuous, and most of the species are very aggres-
sive. They will generally follow an intruder for some dis-
tance, if the nest is disturbed. The genus is well represented
throuxhout. Anstralia, but is more abundant, in species and
individuals, in the coastal areas than in the dry interior.

Some species, however, vange far inland, and a few appear
1o be vonfined to the interior. Some of the species are widely
' distributed, while others are very local. When searehing for
food, in the trees or on the ground, these ants are fearless,
attacking every living thing they meet. Even man himself
they do not fear. They seem to have a strong objection to
pienie parties, and, perhaps, have disorganised more pienies
than, all the other animals of the bush together.

This genus has heen divided into four snb-genera, based
mainly on the size and formation of the mandibles and the
antenne, This division, however, is not very satisfactory.
Simery, in the Genera Insactorwm (1911), erected two sub-
genera, Promyrmecta and Pristonarmecia, to contain some
species which were certainly out of place in the genus Myr-
nieeia, 8.sty, Both of these sub-genera. contain only jump-

ing species; birt, apparently, Emery did not know that half
the species of the whole genus gre jumpers, The Mayrmecia,

149 Crag, The Ante pf Victoria veiaerne

’ r
s.str,, do not jump; they are walkers, or runners. Wheeler*,
in dealing with ‘jumping ants,'’ noted that the jumpers
had not been separated, sa he erected another new sub-genus,
Halmamyrmecia, to contain these, with MW, pilosula as the
“type. Something had to be done to correct the distribution
made by Emery; bnt it is doubtful whether tho new sub-
genus tends to improve matters. Both the sub-genera erected
by Emery are composed of jumpers, and the anatomical
details are not sufficient to warrant such separation, as, under
these conditions, it almost becomes necessary to erect a sub-
menus Tor every other species.

The variations in the formation of the mandibles and the
lgnath of the seapes is very great among the jumpers. In
many eases Tt is ainvost impossible to say definitely in which -
of the suh-enera some of the more obsenre forms should be
placed, 6 avoid further confusion, | maintain only two
Givisions of the genus, and separate them into Gressaria,
Myrmecia, abr. astr., and Saltatoria, Promyrmecoa, Mmery-

The Gressoria contains M. Gulosa, vindex, forficeta, and
their allies, all of which are species with long legs adapted
for walking only. The Saltatoria contains M. (PF) aberrans,
pilosule, mandihularis, and their allies, all of which have
short legs, and Lhe posterior pair adapted for jumping. They
have the fernova of the hind legs slightly thickened, and are
able to leap some inches along the ground. The formation of
the mandibles is variable in this section, but the, antennal
scapes rarely pass the oveipital border in the workers.

The Gressorea are the largest of the Bull-dog Ants, and
genorally construct their nests in the ground. When the
nesb is undervround thev raisé 4. more or less cone-shaped
mound on the surface with material excavated. The entrance
usually is at the summit. and is an irregular opening, from
ve )to. fous inehes in diameter. Oceasionally. nests are
found under lags or stones, and, in some localities, even in
rotten logs, The colonies are small, rarely numbering move
(iw) 200 individuals. Sometimes the number is. greater. but
more often ubout 100 individuals comprise the colony. j

‘The grotund-nest usually goes down two feet, almost

- terticnil., There is, a series. of three or.four pockete-on the
-ground lnvel. just. under the mound. Similar, poekets: opeur

_' Wheeler, Observations on’ Gigantiops destructor. Fabricius and
ather Lespine Anti, Biological Bulletin, Vol “XLU, Na. 4. 1922.

Ye ~*~ “tr ave int A ab we Sane Oe yy

Vahe

a1"
it Crank, The Ants of Victoria 141

at intervals down the shaft, which terminates in a large
ehaniber, During the summer months the brood, more par-
ticularly the pups, generally is in the surface pockets, Af
the first alarm the brood is carried to the bottom chamber,

The winged males and females are found in the nests
during the summer. Usually the nuptial flights take place,
during the afternoon, 1 the period trom February to April.
After the fight the male dies, but the female, using her legs,
breaks off her wings. She constructs a cell under a log or u
stone, in which she deposits her eges. Sometimes three ur
four females, with their eges, are discovered in one cell,
under a stone. When the eggs hatch these females fight with
each other until bnt one remains alive to found the new
colony. There is only one gueen in a nest, In many
Listaneus ergatoil females have heen found in, the nesls wilt
queens. ‘hese females differ from the workers only ti hav
img the thoracie selevites move developed; sometimes wing-
pads are present, but na wings.

Theae ants hint in bright. sunlight, rarely, if ever, eom-
ing gut at night. The food consists mainty of the nectar and
exudations of trees and plants, The larve, however, are
Insectivorous, ahd ave supplied with inseets and daterpillary
ag food.

8. Myraircrs GuLosa, Mabry.

Formica gulosa, Faby, Syst: Wnt, p. 395, 8, 177s.
Myrmecie gulosa, Wabr., Smith, Cat. Hymn., Brit,

Mus., 6, p. 148, 1858; Lowne, Entomologist, 2,

p, 1865; Mayv., Jour. Mus. Godef,, XII, p, 94,

3876; Froggatt, Agric. Gaz, N.S.W., pp. 5 and

\ / 9, pl. 1, fig, 3, 1905; Emery, Gen. Tirgaevarni,
oct 4 Fase, 118, p, 21, 1911, , . an]

CBs specie ‘was selected yet inaty asi the type of tha’
venus. STE ‘does “Nat appear ‘obecamon im Victorias
although ‘pentifuke in all the’ ofherKastemn States. Tha’
workers: “Measure from 4 ta fully liineh' in'terigth. The head!
and most iogetha: hody ave reddish-yellow’; the three apical:
saginen ks: of the’ ‘abdomen are blaek!:°/Phé first: segment of the.
abdamen'!igyelowish, like theibody. The jaws are yellow,
an dite teeth sbrownish. 6 outs ra Ean ont!

9. MyrMrcia wierisuara, Roger. pheternan (Cc, ‘Balt?
relt); Belgyave (Pf P. Sy BEY) ‘born ) = Grey,
fown (J. He Dakin) POPLAR, WW Davey)

4 ; > ' - : Vieto Nant,
las OLank, The Ants of Victoria Voll xt

Roger. Beryl. Ent. Zeitschr., p. 33, 1861, ¢ ; Maye,
Verh. Zool. Bot. Ges. Wien, XII,-p, 723, 1862, 8 ;
Froggatt, Agvie, Gaz, N.S-W., P 1905, 85°
Mmery, Gen. Insect. Waee., 118, p. 9, 1911, §-

This species is ver y close to the preceding one. The colour.
is a little darker, more reddish. The antennal scapes are
blackish brown, ‘he apical segments of the abdomen are red-
dish; In gulosa they are black. The workers measure from 17
mm. to 26 mm.

The female closely resembles the worker, but is larger
(26 mm. to 29 mm.). The eolour is darker, and the seulpture
stronger. ‘The head is broader behind, nearly square. The
antennal scapes do not extend so far beyond the occipital
border as they do in the worker. The node is more strongly
rugose. The wings ave hyaline.

The male (length 15 mm. to 18 mm.) is differently
coloured from the worker. ‘he head is reddish, with the
aecipital border and the sides blackish. ‘The pronotum and:
seatellum ate blackish, tinged with red, The remainder of
the thorax, node, first segment of the abdomen, legs and
antenne are yellowish red. he mandibles are yellow; the
wings hyaline,

This ant has a wide range, extending from Bunbury,
Western Australia, round the Southern Coast to Rockhamp-
ton, Queensland. !t constructs the usual dome-shaped mound-
nest, but oecasionally nests under logs and stones, The
deiilated* females may be found, during May to July, in cells
under stones, with their eggs. The eggs are small, slightly
under 2 mm. in length and 1 mm. in width; they are yel-
lowish-white. Fyom five to seven egos ave laid at a time.
The eggs hateh in from six to nine days, but six to seven
‘uonths elapse before the first ants appear, These are always
gmall examples, owing no doubt to the scarcity of food: The
first brood are raised entirely by the female. While rearing
this small family’ the; queen devotes inuch time to excavating
a nest. By the timé the’ first ants appear she generally has
a small nest, about’ 6 inches underground, where the larve
and pupe are stored. On the arrival of the small° family
the female stops all work and devotes her’ “energy” Sain to
egg-laying. fod Whe :

‘Females which havefdropped iheir wings- Vite; rae

rd eee Craun, The Ants of Victoria 146

_ The new workers at-onee enlarge the nest, and attend to
all future eggs, larve and pupa, The second, and subse-
quent, broods usually are normal size, as the workers pro-
eure the food. Sometimes a few small workers may be found,
partieularly in spring. These are vegarded by some
naturalists as minor workers, but I consider that they are
morely the result of a scarcity of food during the winter
inonths.

10. Myrurcia vinprx, Smith. Sea Lake (J. C. Goudie) ;
Mallee (J. E. Dixon).
Smith, Cat. Hymn. Brit. Mus, 6, p. 147, 1858, 9 ;
Mayr, Verh, Zool. Bot. Ges, Wien. XII, p, 72,
1862, %; Froggatt Agric. Gaz, NSW, p.
10, 1905; Emery, Gen. Insect., 118, p. 11, 1911;
Crawley, KNnt. Mon. Mag, 3, IIT, p. 119, 1922.

_ ‘This species was ortginally deseribed from Western Aus-
traba. EH is, however, widespread through Southern Aus-
tralia,

The worker (length 16 mm, to 25 mm.) i§ rather slender.
The ‘colour is reddish-yellow, with the whole of the abdomen
shining black. The mandible and elypeus are a clear yellow,
with the teeth brown.

The female is larger (238 mm, to 27 mm.), but elosely
rasembles the worker. The wines are lone.

The male (15 mm. to 18 mm.) is coloured very much like
the worker, but has the first segment of the abdomen also
reddish-yellow. In this sex the mandibles are small and tri-
angular, with only three teeth, _The antenne are 13-jointed,
and almest as long as the body; the seape is very short,

The life and habits of this species are similar to those of
the preceding, but.the workers are more pugnacious. They
drop off trees and plants on to the passer-by more readily
than do nore other species.

1, Me oerora vinnex, Smith, var, prserrorumM, Whiceler-
Maldon (J. CG. Goudie); Mallee (J. E. Dixon).
Wheeler, Proc. Ray. Soc., 5. Aust., XX XTX, p. 605,
1915, ®.
This variety was described from specimens collected at
Todmorden, South Australia. It is widely distributed in
the inland portions of West Australia, South Australia, Vie

ita CHARK, The Ants of Victoria vorenri
toria,, dain New South Wales. It varies much in size and
slightly in colour, It is of a mueh lighter yellow than
winder; the head and abdomen ate dark brawn, sometimes
almost black. It is slso more’ densely covered with fine hairs
than vinden: ; while the striation of the thorax and iode
usnally 1 is not so strong,

The female resembles the worker very closely, but 1s
slightly larger.

The male is very inach like’ the male of vindes, but the
first abdommal segment is black, not reddish, as in vindew,

In-Central Western Australia this species generally nests
in the roots of trees. My friend, Mr. J. Hickmer, of Jigalong,
states that the natives call it “Poon -jee,’’? and treat if with
gveat respect.

12. Mvrvecta vispex, Smith, var. nicriceps, Mayr, Chel-
wenham (CG. Barrett); Ferntres Gilly (Bh. P. Spry) ;
Portland (A, W, Davey),

Myrmecia nigriceps, Mayr, Verh. Aatle Bot. Ges,
Wien., XIT, p. 725-788, 1862, % 3 Feoxeatt,
Agrie. Gaz., NSW. p. 9, 1905.

Myrmecia vinder, Sm., var. nigriceps, Mayr. - Forel,
Fauna Sud-west, Aust. 1, 7; By 264 266, 1907;
Emery, Ger. Insect., 118, “11, 1911: Vieh-
meyer, Arch: fur, Naturg., 79, pb. "98," 1943, 2.

This yariety is distributed throughout Australia, Tt is
slightly larger and darker ‘than vindex or desertorum, and
the sculpture is stronger than in both of these; the head 3s
broader behind, In all.cther vespects it is much hke vindex,

Vichmeyer described, with doubts, a single male from
South Australia as the male of this species. According t»
hig description, tha speciméh most certainly does not helom:
to this species. The male of wigricens is almost identical with
the male of vindex, differmg only in its slightly darker
colour.

{ have, growing in my garden at Sandringham, a Myrtle-
leaf Acacia, A, myrtifolia, 24 inches in height, and bearing
12 flowers. This, I consider, is almost ‘a floral reeord for
aeacias. In June last I brought from the Dandenongs this
seedling, Which is thriving in its new environment.*~A.J.T.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLII October, 1925
PLATE V

- Pin. 1) PTEROSTYLIS ACUMINATA Fig. 2) PTEROSTYLIS ACUMINATA

(Magnified about 2 diam.) ROE ey petiae

Fig. 3 PTEROSTYLIS RUFA Fig. 4 PTEROSTYLIS PUSILLA
One Side Cut Away (Galea Cut Away)
(Magnified about 3 diam.) (Magnified about 3 diam.)

Photos by T. Green

tons. +e The Flower Show 445

eeeeewwrbteavanpuvensenaiernadiederanrrmeseesdubMadGPTUECOvenbomubereUbMemedlLAOEEP RAM BOETT ON (HRPOmOE FOOTE UACAHEEIIEIIEGndactioeneng

POORER

THE FLOWER SHOW.

AAP AA HIRORONEODONENE

SLL
ri

WAOTNALARUAGRANANVUNMAGENOUAUD HAAG SHEA PpRNANSEANODINEAGGIQUBORGUGPHONDUAONAOUI HOOD NSWHErAvaRAGKGEDIIPRHG CONC EIEDRY CC GH HORS TONFAL GQ CRE

In spite of the dryness of the past winter and a conse-
quent late season, this year's Flower Show was considered
by many to have been the best yet held.

On account of the recent destruction by fire of the Town
Hall in Melbourne, that of St. Kilda was chosen for the
display of the beauty of our bush, and, in spite of its dis-
tance from the clief civic. centre, the Show was successtul,
the attendance being greeter than the Committee had dared
jo expect.

Flewers came from widely-distant places, and Queens-
land was the only State unrepresented. Froin Wesfern Aus-
tralia, was sent a fine collection of curions and beautiful
species, the most notable being the lovely purple Plotythece
galeoides, kin to ont own lavely Tetrathecas. two Nangaraa
Paws, Anigozunthus Manglestt and A. humilis, Laanbertta
malliflura Swnsia latefolia, the Blue Tinsel Lily, Calec-
tasia cyanea, Tsopogon ‘rosea, Hibbertia stellaris, Velrophila
linens, and many others.

New South Wales supplied its incomparible Waratah,
Telopea speciosissima, the most regal of all our flowers, the
lovely Flannel-flower, Actinolus Heltanthi, the charming, but
badly-named, Native Rose, Boronia serrata, and the fine
hance-leaved: Crowea salignm

’ From Broken Hill were the Sweet Quandons, Fusanus
acwoninatus, with grey foliage and attractive bright-red
frivits, the gloridus Sturt’s Desert Pea, Chanthus Dampieri,
the rare Oryptandra propingna, fine blooms of Fremophala
aliernifolia, the Silver Cassia, C. artenvisicides, our only blue
Boronia, B. cw@raulescens; two really handsome salthushes,
Kachia tomentose and Bassia cvtacanthe, and several notiee-
able composites, of which Helipterum polygaléfolir, the Milk-
wort Sunray, and three Asters, Olcurta magniflora, O. rudis
and O. pimelioides, were particularly good.

‘Of flowers. from, our own State, about 200 species were
staged ‘systentatically.’ ‘The acacias were, perhaps, ‘better

Ab The Flower show Youle ial

representéd than usual by two dozen species, the great’
majority of them familiar to most of us. The most novel
wert A, epinescens, which deseribes itself and is obviously
from the dry North-West, A. microcanpa,.the Manna Acacia,
A. colletioides, Wait-a-whilé, also armed with defensive spines,
the very beautiful A. buzifolka, with grey box-like leaves, and
the ahnost equally attractive A, brachybotrya, the Silver
Mulgs, all frora the same district, {wo others not so uncommon
were the Woolly A. lanwgera and the Narrow-leaf Aeacia,
A. linewris, from Foster. Gippslund furnished more flowers
than have come to us in former years fron that quarter, and
a particularly good lot, of seveuty species, from Pakenham
wis effectively staged, Amoane these was a fine bunch of
Epacris nrcraphylla, the Coval Heath, Other Heaths from
the east in good form were the Corman, the Woolly and the
Blunt-leaved.,

Yaradale, in the north, yielded the ever-weleome Fairy
Wastlower, Eriostemon ohovulis and Tetratheca, two pretty
apacrids, Leucopogon. juniperinus, the Prickly Beard-heath,
not often showin, and Z. ericoides, the Pink Beard-heath, as
well ag our best Grevillea alpanc.

Swarnsone procumbens came trom further atield.

A yood supply of material was sent trom the Matlee,
Ouyen being vesponsible for as many aa five boxes. Of the
many species only a few can be detailed, such as Pitlosparum.
phillyra@oides, the weeping member of its genus, a handsome
specimen uf which, by the way, ean be seen iw the Melbourne
General Cemetery, two Prostantheras, P, chlorantha, the
eurious Green and P. aspulathoules, the Scarlet Mint-bush,
the Silvery Phebalrwm bullatwm, the Pink Velvet-bush, Lasin-
petalum Behrii, the very blue Lavender Halgania, Butama, the
Desert. Cassia eremophela, the Three-winged Blue-bush, Kochia
triptert, and several composites, amongst which were the Soft
Billy Buttons, Craspedia pletocephala, and the Olearies
pimeleoides, rudis, ciliata and Muellert. _

- Ordinarily we depend vreatly on the Grampians tor our
success, and again there was the cuslomary showing of its
floral magnificence. Thryptomene (Mifchelliana) calycina:
Mieromyrtus (Thryptomene) cilaatue, the Fringed Ieath-
myrtle, Lhotzkya, and Pink Swamp-heath, with the Olive
Grevillea, the Boronias, B. pinnata and 8B. pilosa, the Slender
Conosperm, and many others, the arrangement of which was
greatly adnired, It is gratifying te find: the first-named plant,

til The: Flower Show 1at

the Bushy. Heath-anyrtle, becoming ‘so popular. Soon no
garden will be without a plant, as i1 is so easily grown. At
the Fyankston golf links it is sown broadcast, and in one
vase a thick sernb of if js coming along in most robust
fashion.

Undoubtedly the miaat popular section of our flora is that
of the orchids. Quite a number of people are devoting them
selves to theiy study, and they are being photographed quite
exhaustively, This year's display was, as ever, the centre of
attraction.

Unfortunately the late rains and the early date of the
shiny prevented the exhibition of as many speeies as on
forniey cveasions, bat the very best yse was made of the
seanty supply of blooms, The most interesting were tw
frum Westetn Anstraba, Drakea elaslica and Caleane aigrita
The best of ovr own came from. Rushworth, Wonga Park
awd Nyora, and, generally speaking, all were very well
packed for transport. Nine Pterostylis, mainly curlu.
nutans, alpine, dongifolia and pedunculata, domimated the
tables, and their green wus mainly relieved hy the Wax
lip, @lossodia major, and the Snake Orehid, Dzwris peduncu
lata, Only twenty-six species in all were represented, and
same of them, hke the two Typeranths, Cyrtostylis, the ‘Tall
Leek-orehid, Prasoplallum elatum, the Fringed Tlelmet
orchid, Corysunthes fimbriata, the May-fly Orchid, Aciwnthus
caudetus, the Brownbeards, Caloclilus Robertsoni, and the
Connon Bird-orehid, Chiloglhiitis Gunn, eould muster only
from one to very few blooms, There were very few spear
mens, too, of the six Caladenias present.

The selection of cultivated plants from our own Botanic
Gardeng took, as before, pride of place at the head of the
hall. Many fine flowers were shown, the most. noticeable of
which were the New South Wales Waratah, Bauera sessili-
flora, Grevillea Hookert, and G. Caleyi, Chorizema cordalum,
Bruchysema lanceolata and Chamelaucium,. the Geraldton
Wax-flower, the last three from Western Australia, Briaste-
mon myoporoides, Acacia montana, A. myrtifaha, Pamader-
ris taniyera and several Pultenmas.

Apparently there were few novelties amongst the Vic-
torian qiants sent in; only the above-mentioned +Leacie
epiresdens. did Hochta teiptern were svoted,

Ts ihave not just a Jitte danger that in time cur show
inay become somewhat monotonous and lose the interest of

} Vie. Brat.
148 The Flower Show Vol. Xt

t

some of the public in’ consequence? Quite a number of our
best flowers have never yet been put. before city falk. We
do not remember to have seen, so far, our own Telopea, the
Sassafras, Howittia, Prostanthera spinosa, Pholidia giblost-
folia, Tumea elegans, Fucryphica, the fine variety aspera,
and Havea longifolia, from Yarra Junction, nor even Diplan-
héna Morea, which is common at Lower Ferntree Gully, on
our tables. We will have to make a point. of seeuring one or
more new things at each show, and draw particular attention
to these. Perhaps on some future occasion we might even
hold the show in January, and let. the people sec what beauties
the mountains afford.

With ITelichrysum rosmarinifolium and H. Stirlingii,
Grevillea Victorie, Beckea crenatifolia, and B. Gunniana,
Boronia algidu, Bossiea foliose, Oxylobiums, Prostantheras,
Celmisia, the upland form of Leptospermumn lanigerum,
Veranica niven, Epucrids, Gentiana, Richea and Gaultherta ~
as a basis; what a fine display we could stage, and this idea
stems worth serious consideration.

The following is a list of contributors of flowers, with the
localities whenee they were gathered :-—

NEW SOUTH WALES,
Mr. ©. @. Brown, Sydney; My. A. Morris, Broken Hill. :

SOUTELD AUSTRALE.

Master Colin Jenkins, Keith; Mr. EH. H. Ising and Mr.
Hann, Adelaide.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

Miss L. Hanson and Rev. Mrnest Br yant, Banbury Mr,

fliggins, Perth.
“TASMANIA. o Ui wre
- Mis. Walker, Mt. Magnet.

VICTORIA.

Mallee.—Mr.[*. Holt, Ouyen. el

» Northari—-State School: Bnsh Semming: Contre. Gately

children, Dingee: Mr. H. Dorman, Miss Dorothy Dorman,
Miss, Jean Diss, Mrs. C. Hanstord, Miss. Amy Ulansford,
Taradale; Mis, Rich, Rushworth; Mrs. Brooks, Maldon; Mr.,
Reeves, Bendigo; Boys of State School, ‘Elphinstone. +

et on

ite i The Klower Show Hg

North-Bastern ——Miss Warr, bide Metter Miss deffrey,
Molesworth; Mrs. Itvans, bima Bast; Mis, J, W. Boucher,
Chiltern.

Gippsland—Mrs, W. F, Dyall, Drouin; Mv. EF. Barton,
Foster; Miss J. Galbraith, 'yet's; Miss Fox, Glengarry; Mr
¥. Wilkinson, Dronin; Mr, T. Wiliams, Drouin; Miss Ros-
-siter, Hedley; Mr. R. Peuny, Briavolong; Mr. T. Hart,
Bairnsdale; Mr, Campbell, Glenaladale; Miss L. Dyall, Gar-
fied; Mr. PF. Wisewould, Pakenham.

Southern.—State School, Torquay; Mr. P. Davon, French
Ysland. be.

South-West.—Mr. ©. D’ Alton, Grampians; Miss Heal,
Staivell; Miss F. Allsop, Dreeite.

Melbourne Distviet—My. and Mis. V. Miller, Bearons-
field; My. G. Higgens, Rel Hull: Mr. J. Young, Muntrose;
Rey. G. Cox, Mornington; Mr. W. FW. Hayes, Moranding; Mr.
W. Operman, Croydon; Mr W, Tonge, Eltham; Miss FE.
ikernedy, Vrankstow; Mis. Allan Yeo, Pheasayit Creek,
Ninglake; State School, Wonga Park (Mr. L. Dyeri, Master
KR. Foubister, Panton Till; Miss Nokes, Sandrinehan.; Mrs-
Hill, Sandringham; Mrs. Kh, Coleman, Blackburn; Mr. F.
Pitcher, Belgrave; Mr. i. Peseott, Mr. G. Coghill, My. d.
W. Audas, My. St. John, Miss Roberts, of Nyora;, Mesdumes
Daley and Hughes, Frankston; the late Director, W, Laid-
law, of Melbourne Botanic Gardens.

The Committee ig indebted, as in former years, to the
proprietary of the ‘‘Age’’ for the paper required to eover
the tables; to that of the ‘‘ Areus’’ for the fine notices which
enitributed so largely to its suecess in the way of the attend-
amee; and to the Messrs. Keep Brothers for their kind loan
of motor lorry and driver for the carriage of the parcels
of flowers, ete.

_ Notes on the Dryopide (Parnids),

The genus Dryops of Olivier (1791), bemg one year prior
ta. Parnus of Fabricius, gives its name to.an interesting family
of heetles. They are found in fresh water, attached to sub-
_merged sticks ov fhe underside of stones, for which their
unusually Jong and strong elaivs are especially adapted, bat
are unable to swim and are very slow m their movements.

150 Notes om the Dryopidae (Parnidae) laa ace Es

They have little anatomical affinity with true Water-beetles
(Dytiscida, Hydrophitidie or Gyrinide), being more closely
related to the Dascillidee. Their larve are said to live in
damp earth, under stones, and to resemble fhe larwe of cer-
tain Elateridze. . Their affinity with the Daseillide ig also in
accord with the habits of certain species of this family.

Mr. A. M. Lea has lately deseribed Sclerocyphon aquati-
ous (Dascillide), of which he and I found three exanuples on
logs that were submerged in water at Waratah, Tasmania,
in company with Helis tasmantews. These beetles want
close looking for, as they are small and often remain -
still or move very slowly, besides being halt-covered by a film
of slime. This is probably the reason that they have so
elnded our naturalists, though probably many species occur
in our rivers and creeks. In 1864 the Rev. R. L. King
described mine species belonging to three genera, in the
Transactions of the Entomological Society of New South
Wales (the precursor of the Tinnean Society of N,S.W.).
Since then only three species have been added, one each by
Grouvelle, Blackburn and Lea. T have some five or six new
species, Gither in the press or in MSS., and should be very
vlad to receive further specimens for examination from col-
lectors, as well as any observations on the reproduction of
any members of the genus. <All that T have examined with a
Zeiss binocular belong to the genus Helmis (formerly Elmis),
which seents to contain the greater number of our species.

These bectles are able to breathe by carrying with them
a film of air attached to the villose clothing of their abdomeéit;
but little, if anything, is known of the life-history of the
Australian species, he family is thus classified in Mowler’s
Fauna of British India :—

!. Abdomen with five visible ventral segments.

1. Anterior coxe transverse. with distinct tro-
chantius,
Sub-fam.:: Dryopine.
li, Anterior coxm-globular, without trochantius.
Sub-fam.; Helmine.

If, Abdomen with six or seven visible ventral segments.
‘Sub-fam.: Psephhenine.
- The last ic so far nnrecorded trom Anstralia, their larvie

are abundant in the rapids of Niagara.
rt B. J, Carrer.

- ae | Botanical Notes Tat

In the Proveedings of the, Linnean Socicty of NS.W.,
Vol, 1h, 1925, pp. 299-310; the Rev, HW. M, R, Rupp com-
ments interestingly on his collection of thirty-two Pterastylas.
giving ten good figures in the text, amongst which are those
at Pt, furceta and faleata, decurua and squtonate, ufo, Mit
chelle and vitlaty. In the same journal Dr. E- G. Chisholm
fives a fine account of the flora of the Comboyno Plateau,
wilh inap, and a List of whe plants growing there.

Another Callistemon, or another name whieh will prob-
ably lave io he added to the list of Victorian plants, is C.
pallid wa, Sm., which Mr. Mdwin Cheel would dissociate trom
©. salignus, Sm. Though it resembles the latter in general
appearance, its brauehes are less drooping, its young leaves
are clothed ip silvery, not rufous, hairs, and at maturily are
pallid greeu, or somewhat glaucous, terminate in 4 sharp
macro, and are thieker in texture, with less prominent vene-
jion. Forms of this species have been obtained at. elevations
above 2000 feet in N.S.W. and Vivcteria. and the Ruffale
Range (FB. y. Mueller, 3856) and Granite Hill, Wilson's
Promantary (d. W. Audax, 1908) are given as localities in
this State.

A new species, C. Chisholmz, fram North Queensland, is
also described by Mr, Chee] in this number, which bas much
interest ta botanists. This has blood-red filaments ald azithers.
and grows into a small tree,

In speaking of ©, subulatus, a comparatively recent addi
tion to our flora, Lound by Mr. A. B. Williamson at Tonghi
Creek, Mr. Chrel describes it as somewhat lke our alpine
G, Siebert, the leaves being narrow and sharp. The filaments
and anthers are richly erimson, and, in his opinion, it really
has closer affinity to C. lanceolatus, from which, hawéver, it
differs in ita erowded fruits and its smaller, thicker, grey
leaves, It is feund in many places in New South Wales.

152 Boleniont Notes YG New
rol.

Mv. Cheel describes a new species of Boronia in the
Journ and Proceedings of the Royal Soctety of New: South
Wales for 1924, This, 2. sufrolifera, is from the coastal clis-
trict, of N.S.W., north of Sydney, and superficially resembles
B. flartbunda and B. pranvaten,

He also discusses the Jatter; and sone of the many forms
which Miieller included in what was, ta him, a very paly-
morphic species, Mc. Cheel regards all of these as well-
marked speeics, and even gocs further im declaring, after
examining specimens eellected by the Baron onthe Runvip
Creek, und by Mr. P. R. A. St. John at Lanertouche—the
variety Muellert of Benthamhat they are distinct from
the B. pinnata, Sm., common in the Port Jackson district
Beyond pointing out that the oil of LB: Wuelleri has a pleasant

‘fragrance, whereas that of 2. pinnate is wnpleasantly aerid.
he does not desembe the differences between the two plants.

As the result of his researches in the genus Melaleuca, Mr.
Gheel reengnises JZ. eruhboscens, Otto (N.8.W.), WM. Gunniona,
Schauer (‘Tus., Bass Strait and Vie.) and ©. tornifolia,
F, v, M, (N.S,W,), all formerly included in M. ee abe) Sm.,
as distinet species,

From material derived from Lord Howe Island, ‘and #0 Ta
regarded as M_ ericifolia, he creates M. Howeana, and a plant
af N. S.W., with larger yellow Howers, nol concave leaves, akin
to WM. squanea, he desevibes as M. capitaia. He alsa tlis-
tinguishes a new ‘variety, glabra, of M. squamen, tn, addition
he raises the yaviety alternifolia, Maiden and RBelche, af af
linari{oliz, ranging from N.8.W. to Queensland, to stecitic
rank,

The item in his paper which is of more partienlar interest
to us is M. Guraniana, speciraens' of whieh, in the Sydney
Herbarium, from the Upper Yarra, Port Phillip, Mordialloe
Metunga and Narrowarren, ave, nm Mr, Cheel’s opinion, dis-
tinet {rom M, ericifolia, Sm., with which they have been pre-
viously confused.

A matter worth mentioniag also in this Journal is the
description by: de Benzeville and Weleh of a new Hidalyptus
from the main divide at an elevation of 4000 feet, near Cooma,
in NSW. This B, Badjensis is 4 large forest trée of 100
feeb or more, kibwa Jowally as “Cully Ash.*” [tf resembles

vies viminalts, ‘with whidl, if ig associated, but differs mainly
in its smaller, conical, ‘Séssile ‘fruits, which - ‘Are, however,

r La -

tty y Botanical Notes Lis

ranged, in the erueciform fashion so characteristic of (hut
species, “and its baivawen anid duller ourecn lea vos,

The finding of Publenad graveutens, Tate, ol, Steigline
un the oeéasion ‘uf the Club excursion Lo the. Brisbane
Ranges” on, October 3, clears. ap, the doubt thist existed as. iu
the exact habitat af the plant ih-thik Stare”

Tn 1885 specimens Were sent to the National Herbariaiu
by Myr. 8. Johnson. of Meredith. These were found by, Mr.
H. B. Willamson, when engaged in, the, revision of the
genus, in the parcel containing P. mollis, where, they bad
been placed by the late Baron VOU Mueller, "Several. plants
were noted on a rocky, sterile hillside near the, almogt- deserted
towiship of '‘Steiolitz, in the low, open “forest, ‘of. ved 1VO}!-
hark, yellow sum, ved stringy bark, miessmatc : “suaid ved bux.
Thera was Very little undergrowth, the er round being alist
devoid of vegetation over quite large aveas. The Pultenai
is an “unattractive, unkenpt- looking bush about. three or four
feet high, with downy stems and. foliage of small, narrow,
ineuryed , Jeaves, and was still m, bud.” “When, ey ‘shed, the
leaves. yield an aroma whieh is certwinly ‘not “unpleasant—
aud go it belies its. nawe—hut is diffieult to describe, though
My. T. M. Black finds in it a vesentblance to crean cheese,

From the nature of the country around Meredith, it ts
certain Ma. Johnson did vot collect the plait near thar place,
but most probably from where ii was found ly ua.

TELS “RUINA GROUP” OF GRAKNHOODS.

The group vf Greenhoods, known as the ‘ruta group’! of
Ployestylis, which doey not inelade the Banded Greenhood,
(. urttuda; has given rise 10 much contusion amon eal
lectors, as, superfie yally, the species are much alike. AN aye
reddish or wveenish-reddish. i in colour, One onky of thez ered)!
is cleseribed ty Baron von Miiellur', in his key, at page 419,
hut Dr RS, Rodgers’ research haw “ redited at Teast foray Mt
Victoria—the Rnddy- hood. ‘the Rusty. hood, ‘the Sealy (eel,
houd wud the Mitchell Greenhood, Phese ae fully cesar ibe!
hy Dr, Rogers, on page 153 of Mr. ad. M. Black's Flava of
South Aastiul, 1922.5 a8 , P. pusilla, B. puta, V. sy rentals
wind P- Mifchella.. ;

Pein) Vict Nat,
164 Botunicel Notes ae pit

Nie photographs (Plate V) show portiony of the Hawers
cut away so as to display the mevked differences between I,
mf and P. pusilla, Po orefi usoally is a tall species the
lower part of the flower ending in Jonge theend-Tilkte brik.
The tongue is thinner than in FP. pusilla, w vith loliger hairs on
the anargios and with usally two very dog hairs ab the base
BP. pusibie is vichly coloured jn'shadines of brown, green and
ved. tt ik usually slender and sonrewlat dwant Uhe tongue
(labellum) ig Hesh-like. with a fow fromh meareinal hairs

hi one photagy aph the Pointed Gaeenhood, PL aenrahunti.
is shown titach; in another, the same flower with. otte site af
the hood removed. ‘Nhis urehid hax sometimes heen thought
to bea hybrid between the Nodding Greenhood wud the
Blunt Croenhood, Po nutans and Py curta, wid was so wal-
lected by the writer of these notes, at Mordialloe, mi Aiweust,
L910. Flowever, last vear Mr. W. bl. Nicholls submitted the
specie photographed to Dir. Rogers, who fully estab
ished its identity. Mu. Nicholls is wall knowi to menbers
ot the Glubas a1 keen worker on Victorian orehids, who Tats
delineated much detail aceurately and naturally for, let us
hope. a Fortheomine hook. —AT.T.

“BEES' WINTER HARVEST."

Me. J. A. Ross, Nanneella Mstate, via Rochester, writes ;—
‘Re * Boees’ Winter Harvest in September issuc, The seere-
tion of neetit by the wlands on the phyllodes of the Golden
Wattle was mentioned sone considerable time ago ia vonplo
af the Apicullaral Journals, and is nof wiknown to bee-
keepers, As with all other neetarproducing plants, the
umount of seeretion seems dependent an ¢élimatic conditions
Ly seasons when conditions have bee, and ave, suitible. |
have noted'the bees ‘roaring a [reat’ i Golden Wattles well
isolated from ang other trees or nectar-procucimne planis—

vase Notes from Mield and Stuelay 15h

working the glands ravenonsly; and this some time befor
the first flower on the trees had opened. How the bees find i
I know not, but it seems a lure spread for then and other
pollinating insects to sive a chance of fertilisation to the
earliest openiny flowers. Onee the trecs start flowering the
secretion from the glands seems to cease. his is a point |
have not previously see noted. Perhaps these elanids would
have made a good illnstrafion far Darwin.’’

“WINNING WELD BIRDS.

During the past 4In'ee years, while living ul Pakootain
Upper, I have been impressed by the tameness of bush
birds, when not hunted or_othenyise molested. Ty my garden
and orehawl is a friendiy feathered company. lia a pine
tree, 15 paces from the back door of (he house. a pair of
Magpies, Gyniorhind hypolence, ave nestitiye now (Septem
her) The birds do not -attaek ny; indeed. do vot take any
notice when we pass the tree. For geveral years thede mag-
pies, or their progenitors. have frequented the garden. nest-
ing in trees beyond the fenees, and heingine their broods
about the house for food, This year they and their friends
have come ‘home’ to nest.

Buteher-birds, Crretious larquatus, and Mawpie-larks,
Crating equnoleuca, cone to the tin plate placed at the back
door with food for the house clos, and fake iniy seraps that
he way Jeave. he Buateher-bird has developed a liking for
frait luncheons, One has been observed frequently taking
Mmulbermies, At fimes the Gawllings dvink unlk from the
eat’s saucer, wieht al the door. Last vear, and: this soasou
the Butcher-hirds built in an seacia growing by the orehard
fenee. They are so friendly that they perch on the vose and
dahlia stakes, close to Ter, as soon as iny wite appears in the
flower warden; aid, as she walks around, hoeing or weeding
they follow. They hop near ber hands, or on to the jine and
Wek up grubs that are unearthed.

The Kookaburras, Dacela gigas, fov several vears in sie
cession, have nested close to the house, bringing their vouny
to ne as soon as they could fy. We have sometimes seven or
eiwht Kookaburras in the garden at one time. One pair.
the grand-parents no doyhbt, follow us avound, TH a erub is
i sight, atid not offered-to them, they will fly dawn, vight

=> eet ype Ff ge bie i ie
156 Nolés from ‘Piela and Study Ba eek
begide us, to seeure.it, Both these old birds ‘will ‘take er iil)s
from ‘our hands. The male is so confiding that. if L hold a
eeab on the palm of amy hand,.out ot reach frou. his per ‘chy
on a bough, We will fix on fo my arm and take the morsel.

The confidence of small, birds, also. has buen wou. + Grey
Vantails, Rhipidura flubellifera, at times enter, the house
through doorway oy window, and capture flies. Without the
least sign of fear, they will perel on one’s bead or shoulder,
Nov ave any of out bird-friends alarmed when we shoot at
the parrofs eating huds off the altnand aud other fruit trees.
They seem to know that the shots are not meant for them.
We have three species of parrots im our territory. It is
Worthy of note that the beautiful King Parvot, Aprosmictus
scapularis, his been present in numbers this year—F,
WISEWOULD,

SERSCRO RE RATES AND KUDRS.

Atténtion is directed tp the following list of rates atta extracts from
the rules relating to aungorip lone —

Ordinary ineibers, with Journal ry wee ee 20/-—
Ordinary wWembers. without Journai Gvbere
more than one in # household) -. 16/-
Cauntry members, with Journal (residing out- +
atde 16- mile Melbourne radius) +e =, 13/6
Aksociate members (over 16 ‘nae unter 203) ‘vith
Journal} .. : 5 t/t
Assodiate.. niembers (eGar 16 and uiider 0) 5 .
Without Journal) .. 9°, . 5/-

3 e E Pe >
,.5, All subscriptions shal) become due on the first day of May in
cath year.
fi. , omg person. who has .been elected shall be ontitled to
the privileges ot a member until his subscription shall have been paid, or
hips his subscription is in arrears, a

aPersons elected after the Ist November shaliwbe entitled to the
piivilefes of memborship on payment | et hate the annual subscription.

Ff

Che Victorian Naturalist

You. XL11—No. 7 NOVEMBHR.6, 1925 No, 303

FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly. meeting of the Club was held in
the Royal Society’s Hall, Victoria Street, on Monday even-
ing, October 12, 1925. The President, Mv. Geo. Coghill, oecu-
pied the chair, and about jiffy members and friends were
present.

REPORTS,

Heidelberg, Sept. 19.—Mr, J. Stickland reported that
4 sinall party of members spent a pleasant afternoon around
the ponds, but nothing of note was collected.

Ringwood, Sept. 26—Ten members attended this
excursion, Several good ‘‘finds'’ were made, the most
interesting, perhaps, being a colony of Termites. When a
a large piece of bark on. an old stump was stripped off, the
Termites were vevealed, running up and down in files; very
few failed to keep in the navrow tracks. Another stump con-
tained a nest of the Wood-ant, Iridamyrmex nitidus, the
auts with the peeuliar sweet odour of which cats seem so fond.
Everyone agreed that the odour was of a decidedly sweet
nature. but not one that cats would be expected to like.—C.
OK.

Brisbane Ranges, Oct. 3.

Bendigo, Oct. 10.

(Reports appear elsewhere in this issue.)

GENERAL, ‘

Sale of Native Flowers.--My. EH, E. Pescott said that, as
requested by the Committee, he had made enquiries regard-
mg the granting of permits for gathering flowers in the
Grampians. A member of the Forestry Commission had told
him that no damage was being done, as the area in regard
to which permits had been granted was far-from the Wild-
flower Garden, and seldom, if ever, visited by tourists. The
Tourist Bureau and the Railway Department had each sent
an officer to inspect the area, and bei had ¥eported that no
diumuge was being done,

168 Fivld Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings Hite Nas

Destruction of Fairy Wax-flower at Bendigo—aAfter
sone discussion us to what steps could be taken to protect
the Wax-flower at Bendigo, on the motion of Mr. A. Wi. Keep,
seconded by Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, it was resolved that tho
Hon. Secretary should write ta the Mayor of Bendigo calling
attention to the destruction of the plants, and asking whether
anything could be done to protect them and prevent the sale
of blossom on Picnic Day.

PAPER,

“Two Weeks at Bethanga,” by Ma. A. E. Rodda. ‘The
author gave some account of the eountry around Bethanga,
and the fauna met with during a recent, visit.

EXHIBITS,

By Mr, Geo. Coghill - Plants grown at Canterbury, Lep-
tospermium lavigatum, Micromyrtus ciliatus, Grevillea res-
marinifoli, Tecoma australis and Daviesia latifolia.

By Mr, Ff. Chapman, A.1..8.: Original drawings of fossil
Foraminifera, from the tertiary (Baleombian) beds of Port
Phillip; to illustrate SS paper shor tly to be published by Ff.
Chapman and W. J. Parr.

By Miss C, C. Fraapigs Two eggs of the Gippsland Giant
Harthworm. ;

By Mr. I. iB, Dixon: 72 species of Coleoptera collected in
the Lake Hattah district, NW. Vietoria, during September,

Ry Mr, T. Hodgson: Seven species of native flowers frait
fhe Whipstick Serub, at Bendigo, Eriastemon obovatlis,
Backea diffusa, Beckea ramasissimu, Colytrin tetragona,
Daviesia ulicina, Olearia asterotricha and Grevillea alpine.

By My, J. A, Kershaw: Octapus bosewd, edllected at Port
Melbourne, 20/5/5.

By Miss F.. Smith = Sarcochilus falcatus, tvom-Cann River
district, Vietoria.

- By Dv. C.'8. Sutton: Pullenwa graveolers, Proslanthera
decussata, Grevitlea floribunda, Pamaderris ferruginci, ete,
from: Brisbane Bingen; also Ruppia maritima, From Little
River.

‘By Mr. H. B. Williamson, FL, S.: Acueia dor atoxyton,
Pulteniea styphelioides, 1 clipter wm. incanum, Dilwynia ertei-
folia, and a dried specimen of the’ Narrow-billed Bronze
Cuckoo, from Chiltern, N.E. Victoria,

“yous. | Excui'siun to Me Brisbane Ranges 154

HOVADHRATANAREDDUANDPOHHAPHDRURHNNK ADE MUeBaravedgpunenaaenauenecsceceeboarsAtlttEbdbepersnneen nde iid TLULDD) TT CCUIIOT ID CITUTOT beg

_ EXCURSION TO THE BRISBANE
RANGES,

savneveccensunvonnvnceodasnunersevevenscausescousasneresconensnacaneeveonnosvecrousaveerecevenesreavensescasruensseusavrananesienns

r

SHAH EU REA REHMRHRAH AVENE
ULL

for the exeursion to the Brisbane Ranges on October 3

und 4 two members took tram to Lara, where they were
joined by the Rev. Mx. Gates, who very kindly motored them
to Anakie. Before leaving Lava, however, a short visil was
paid’ to the railway line towards Little River. Here the
resorye Was unmsually gay with flowers, wmnongst them many
(C'mn posites and Pimeleas, Velleya paradexa, aud in particular
Prasophayllan Odoralum and Thelymitra arisiata, Time did
not permit going further on lo where the Black Brittle-rush,
Chovizandra enodis, had been discovered by Mr, Gates—the
only loeality so far known for this plant in the southern dis-
trict.

Arrived at Analie, the car Wwas left al the foot of the
range, and atter going alone the Anakie-Durdidwarrah road
for n dhoet distance the first track to Steiglitz was follawed.
From this point to a little short of Ateiglitz the snbstratuni
is composed of sand and gravel, and the same plant associa-
tion continues throughout, with occasional slight variation. —

. The tree growth is composed maimly of Red Stringybark,
Messmate, Yellow Gum and Tong-leaf Box, and, not infve-—
quently, Red Box, Red lvonbark and Common Peppermint,
with an occasional Black Sheoke. YXoentherrhea australis
and Athbertia striciw stood out beyond all other plants of
sinaller size, both in frequency and continuance, and the
Golden Wattle was also persistent and abundant. Except
the Hedge Acacia only one other made much of a show, and
this, A. pycnentha, though just past its best, was still a
Plonous sight, There are halt-a-dezen Greyilleas in the
Ranges, und the finest of these, G. floribunda, the golden, was
never quite ont of the picture. G. resmarintfolaa and G.
aquifoliwn, the prickly, were also seen, the latter not yet in
flower,

Mive epacrids were noted, but they were not conspicnons,
The Common TTeath was here net very common, but Mx,
Cates, Who returned from Steiglitz the same day by the move
porthorn track, noted an abundanee of it on. the way, show-

160 Excursion to the Brivbane Ranges Boe or

ing particularly fine colour, dtom the palest to the deepest
pink. The Peach Heath was very good, a8 was also the Com-
mon Beard-heath. Monotoca scopuria and Acroiriche sertu-
lata were, of caurse, not in flower. The only myrtaceaus
plants seen, apart from the #ums, were Leptospermum sen-

partum and. L, marsinoides, Whieh would be more nonspictious
at a later date.

Two. isolated patches of Riiosteinun obovales, neither very
extensive, were encountered, bat ihe plants are neither so
rabust. nor so floriferons as those in the Bendiga district.
Of the leguminous apecios, only Pulteran laplnorwies anil
Pilhwyniw erietfola were i full bloom, D. floribunda was -
anly commencing to shew the beautiful colour whieh dis-
tinguishes it in this locality; sompholobiam, Dewiesin
carymboasa and Pullencea Inimeutis, all abundant in the Ranges,
were still in bud, Tt ix interesting to record that the Hon
Bitter-pea is quite rare hereahouts.

OF the orchids only Glossedia major and Caladenia cerulea
were THIMeroUs, Phovastylis autuns and P, wane were dis-
covered in oné spot only, growing in company. Oveagional
Pink Fingers and a few Leopard Ovehids completed their
list. Dho Liliaeem were nat tauch in evidence. Bartlingia
sessiltflore was a notable fined for the locality. Dianella revd-
lute was yet to flower, Only the appedline and everseharn-
ing Barly Noney fullw represonted the family.

Nhout Steightz the Ordovician vomes to the surface, and
there is neh bare groand between the gums Here the
Yellow Box appeared for the first time. Red lronharks were
ree frequent, and along Sutherland's Creek Manna anil
Swamp Gums were present, "Here, too, by the lsindness of
Mr. Cooper, a loral resident, who is well acquainted with sli
the plants and their virtues, we were introduced to what was
the mast important plant noted dari ing the outing—Pultenca
graveolens. Unfortunately it was still in Ind, ‘but Mr. Conper
promised to scud flowerng specimens and seedlings to town, sa
that eventually this rave speeies mai: perhaps be seen
fouvishing in the Botanie Cardons. -

Though there is a dclicensed hotel in Steiglitz it does pot.
ifford secommodation to visitors, but lodging was found ina
deserted house, where, with the aid of a good fire, and some
chait bags, a comfortable night Was passed, On Monday
metning Mr. fooper, after showing us, amongst other interest-
ing things, 2 fine specinen of Qhearia pannosa growing in his

td Hrwurgion ta the Brisbane Ranges 161
f

garden, u bush of Pomvdderres ferruyine in Tull bloom-near

the ereek, and i valiant pear tree which, though ring-barked ,

jnost,. thoroughly, was still flourishing and making an effort to

bridge the gap in its stem with new park, Was wood enough, to

pilot us across country to the Meredith road,

Brom here on to the Moorahool the vegetation did not.
invite exeursions from the rod. There was very little ander
wrowth, and sothing that had not previously been noted wae
ster, Acroia tenufolia here tool pride of place in its genus,
though A. pyonarthu still occurred, and sume fine mats of i,
covered with golden blossoms, were particularly admirable.
Cushions of the Green Growndeberry were also. move Fre-
qnent, and small stoneworts, wumte penny worts, por antheras
and nvilotias scantily covered the sterile eround, aud were
only distinguishable on close serutiny, After a time the
Crass Trees reappeared, and with them a slight: inereuse in.
the nmbex of species, but mis did not last Jong, and the
descent ta the river was ouly broken by uw pause to cdllect.
again Pomuderris fervuginea by the roadside,

At the Moorabeol the Blaeék Wattle, Woolly Yea-tree,
Swamp Bottle-brnsh and Burgan, Kunzea pedunculurts, had
ol yot responded to the, as yet, frigid advances of Spriny,
wid the billy was boiled and_a frugal luneh eaten without
florzl distractions, ;

Beyond the river (he vegetation continued fo he
widnteresting, aid a wide ditour am each side of tu road,
jest before the termination of ihe forest, resulted in the dis-
covery of nothing more notable than a recurrence of the
unzeu,

Thereatter the only matter leading to a diversion from
the highway was the appearanee of a wide expanse of ‘Hat,
wel ground, covered with a low, close growth, of a reddish
colon, which on exwunination was taken to be Jlautaga cure-
nopus, practically unmixed. with any other species and
stunted by the sourhess of the soil—t.8,S,

The Butterfly Flag, Dipleprhaw Moen, is not Touwd
Heurer to town than about Lower Ferntree Gully. At; Upper
Pakenham 16 is qnite common, anid, previous to ow latest
Show, at the date uf whielt it was not yet m bloom, it has
figured tor the last six years in Mr. Wisewould’s exhibits
fran) that place,

7" sa} M Viel, Nw
162 Kixcursion lo Bendigo Val eer

TUTUUET TPT EATLOD DEO DEAT EOL ENDED ACEREO PDT IICUEUH DIAN HOD RUTOOOD UAHA RAT DAURARIIORAH END FERRRATA OA DEONNVNTO ENO DRYING PEI DNRNAAEO DID N OWT b EN

EXCURSION TO BENDIGO

Ue

bespeneenhatmonnener,
>

SL

s

Six Members journeyed to Bendigo on Saturday, October
LU, and proceeded to the runges to the sonth of the city.
Mere, i sone parts, the bush was gay with the Mary Wax
tower, Lriostenon obovalis. Pink-eyes, Tetratheca ciliutas
were villiant in purple colouring, and the golden blooms
of vicueia pycnanthi, A. armatd, A, diffusu, and A, aspera,
made a pleasiy contrast. The Native Undigo, Lucdigafenun
wustrnlis; and the Gorse Bitter-pea, Duviesiw wlicina, were
in full bloom, as also were the Daphne Heath, Brachylonia
daphnoides. The vanges were very dry, and moisture-loy-
ing plants were few, ‘The only orchids scen were the Wax-
lip, Glossodia major, toirly numerous, aud solitary speci-
mens of Pink Fingers, Culadenia curnea, and Brown-beards,
Catochilus Robertsonti, the Cuvr'ant-Bush, Leptomeria
uphylla, was in. truit, ‘After an enjoyable ramble amid the
Wax-flower undergrowth, One-tree Hill was veuehed, whenee
aswidesproad view of plains, undulating dountry, and ranges
way obtained. Then the course was oiade westward through
the Ironbark ranges, amid a profusion of wald-flowers to the
Spring Gully Reservoir, thence baek to the eity

On Sundays a visit was mada to Flagstaff Ub, about
seven miles past Waglehawk, in the Whipstick Serub. ‘The
county here, was also very dry, aid floral wealth tot so
evident as on the oceasion of w previous vit) The serub
consisted mostly of Green Mallee, Wicelypeus viridis, anil
Melaleucas, the Broom: Honey-myrtle, I. weinate, the Cross-
loat, MW. decussita, and the Critson, M. Wilsonii, Here
aud there amid the serub was-u-fine variety of flowers. Most
noticenble were the pretty Uicvomyrtus microphylla; the
dainty Beckea vamesissima; the pungentlyseented Boronia
unemonifolia, just past its loons ; the purple Prosterthera
freavbuleas Grevillias, varying un palony from white to ved;
Olearia teretifolia; the rave Westringie rigrda; ane Astro.
tricha ledifolia, Nhe Wax-flower docs mot grow robustly
in the Whipstiek. The Common Pringe Myrtle, Cabythrv:
tebragona, was im bud ancl flower in great quantity. The
hlue Danpiere lanceolatus was also in flower, with several
Composites, Hibbertias and Goodenias. Nearly sixty plants

ae | Becursion ta Beidhgu 163
in all were observed in flower, but no plants previously un-
listed were noted, The Tefless Curtint-bash was aw fruit;
and the troublesome parasite, Cassytha melantha, with steang
ling grip on scrub and tree, was in flower and [vuit, Before
returning to the eify we inspected in operation a plant for
the distillation of of from the Jeayes aud youre branches
of the Green Mallee, MW. viridis. A pomt very noticeable
about the old walayial workings on the minhig areas is the
widespready growth of the Chinese Sarah, Cussinte arcuata,
to the exclusion of other growth. The Fainy Was-ilowes
his a general popularity, the evidence of whith is shawn by
the wholesale manner in which if is vathered for gale at
Bendigo and at, the railway stations eu vente, especially ob
Kiphinstone, Continuance of this will eventually tend to
its disappearance in some areas.

THE VSTICh-PAST FLA TN NOR TTENTEN
TERRITORY

The “Stiek-tast’* lea, Zchidnophaga Gultinaced, West-
wood, known in Western Australia since 3914 ond more
recently. from South Australia’, now appears to have becoine
established in the Northern SVermtory, where it has ‘been
found recently on sboriginals’ dogs in the yienuty of Cape
Don Lighthouse. Tn a communication, forwarded with speei-
mens, My. Hugh W. Christie, until recently head lighthouse-
keeper at Cape Don, stated that -the pest had appeared only
veeently. The locality is about. 100 miles north-east of Part.
Darwin, where Mr. Christie has had over 20 years’ experience
in charge of the Lighthouse at Cape Charles, and is inhabited
only by the lighthouse staff and their families and a few
aboriginals. Whence the fleas came cannot be stated, but
whilst, it is possible they wexdjtintrodueed from Western Aus-
tvalia, it may be vecalled that some of our worst pests have
almost certainly obtained their foothold in Australia from
direct importationg into the Northern Territory from the
East. The fact that dogs belongig to nomad aboriginals are
heavily infested suygests ready means of wide distribu-
tion. “Werguson, Aust. Zool. LIT, pt. TI, 1923.—By G_ PB,
Hinz, Entomologist, National Museum, Melbmnnor

[For illustration and note of this flea, see Vie. Nut., vol.
XL (October, 1923), p. 119,]

184 Rowns, A Netwradist at Bethanga Bie, A

TPIT ERNT OLN TATERITSRORPATHFONYRYNY ON ReeeaueTarernenapNasevantraDNeNeterneyteneorenrremperrectraatphpaurenpnqnfereeren ape ar ape ieeneg”

A NATURALIST AT BETHANGA.
By A, 4, Ropna

SOPETTDIPDNODAAAODEDDA LA aA CeneoumECereedenbunndeeeneaPuAUePeds eG NNsGUGSHOEHONTADULORNOOASRNUGKOUEDIVUPAOEARISAUROOOERI BORA OTERO NINE

gre eareeneneteneirenesieny
SUVPPP Nand eeenpernaeeeneyven”

‘(Heat before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Vietovin,
Seplember Li, 1923.5) \

The object of this paper iy to reeord some observations
made during a fortnight’s visit, in Lchruary.and Mareh last,
to Bethanga—a district that eombines much natural beauty
with opportunities of observation not generally met with on
this side of the Dividing Range.

The journey 6deeupies the total length ot the Novrtii-
Hastern railway line to Wodonga, and then a distance of
nine miles along the Cudgewa line, as far as Bbdeu. Lenying
Wodonga, the ‘line goon passes into hilly country, sparsely
timbered, except on the higher ranges further back. ‘The
Tawrrow valley of the Miewa: River, with its attendant billa-
bongs (& characteristic feature of the rivers of this country).
is crossed on a long bridge, Two small stations, Bandvanna
and Bonegilla, are name only, 10 signs of habitation being
visible, and, as nantes, are relfeved from absurdity by their
obvious aboriginal orig. They are passed without
stopping.

The next station is Ebden, whieh has at least fone build-
ings, including the railway station, Heve the train iy left
for a - five-inile drive on a gravelly road to Bethangn, ‘The ~
voud is of the switehback type—up hill and dow dale—
with a level stretch of a mile.across the valley of the Mitta
Mitta aud its many billabongs. Beyond is a nacrow valley.
down which flows the Bethanga Creek, a very small stream,
considering the area it drams. ~Another mile ‘or so of switel-
back and the valley widens out to disclose the village of
Bethanga nestling at the head of it. Ail around are-high,
bure hills, topped, im some cases, with Inr¢e, pinkish boulders
of gneissose schist, and pierced by long gullies, cach with tts
frickle of water contributing to the-main ereek. What timber
ever grew on these hills has long since been vemoyed for
the requivements of the mines, “eviderices of which still
vemain im the forn of monidering poppet. legs, tall and

ar Rows, A Netnvalist at Bethange 165

arunibling boicgk chininey stacks, and preat heaps of brow
uinlloel. '

. ‘hese hills, surrownding the villaye, were, at this season,
revered with a thielk mat of grass; they form a grazing
comuion tor large numbers of cows, on the prodnets of which
the inhabitants liye, as there 3s no cultivation, excepting a few
small patches of lucerne in the gullies, Practically the ouly
trees vemaining ou the hillsides in the vieinity of the village
ave a fow Curvrajongs, Bruchycliton populneus, which serve
wis ck stall reserve of emergency fodder in the dry season.
The currajong 18 considered Iocally as the indestanctable
tee. The specimens in question have been Jopped to ihe
bare branches time and again, and still pot forth a miss
of succulent foliaye, which is all the deuser om account, of
rigorous pruning. The soil of the valley is. vary deep and
in places where the aeek has cut through to hed yock, the
section shows over tweuty Tee of eravelly svil,

Bethanya, shaving the fate of many mining townships,
tan now be designated as “of the pust,* At one time th
was the scene of much aetivity, bot the auviferous ove Js
of 2 vetvactory nature and could not be treated hy bulbery
process; necessildted a Jarge roasting and smelhing plant
whieh temains naw int practically the sathe condition as when
iu use, save for the ravages of time. Below the warks, on
the ereek bank, ave great danrps of purple sand from, the
pyrites roasters, now tunnelled in, all divections by rabbits.
Glose by are larwe heaps of iridiseent slaw from the sielters,
many great lonps still vetaining the eclmieyl shape of the
lave cast-ivon wheel-lndles. Where the éveck skirts the
sluz-heaps, the copper solitions draining into it ave pe
cipitated a. beantifnl blue-green earbonate, whiel coats all
objects beneath the clear water, So highly mineralised is
the water of the ereak that it is considered mifit foe haiman
consumption, although stock seem to relish it. The paddocks
of ore stacked about (he works, and sparkling with copper
and arsenieal pyrite, are destined, perhaps, never to be
trealed. The pyrite is slowly decomposing in the weather
and forming white crusts of arsenigus oxide.

The walls of the machinery-houses are dotted with what
appear to be bobs of cay, fhrown ap by mischievous boys,
but are really the nests of nvud-building wasps, or “‘hornets,'’
as they ware locally called, These nests eonsish of elongated
eells of clay placed side by side, and are packed with eoma-
tose or defunct spiders, among which unsavoury surroundings

16h Rooo\, A Vaterotise at Gethanget att

lives and feeds the yellow larva. The elay cells, when just
completed, ure heautiful examples of insect architecture. but
ure soon plastered over with irregular pellets in a moannd-
shaped mass. Slangiug from the rafters ave other elegant
examples of insect industry, in the form of the hancyeomb
homes of paper wasps, well guarded hy their vieious owner's.

On the hillsides, wherever the voeks outeroy, 389 found
the eonnmon Roek Fern, Cheitlunthes tenuefole, and the
Necklace Pern, Aspleniun flabellifolrun. These, with
several small patches of Bracken, whieh does not seen to
thrive tu this soil, are the onl ferns common in the disteied.
In the niouths of several of the old mining tninels, Fairy
Martins, Petrochelidon ariel, have vested freely, bat the nests
have all been destroyed by boys. The birds were Aying in ane
ont, and if was found that they had profited by their nn-
fortunate experienec, and had nested fnrtherv back, in almost
complete darkness, where the sniall boys dave not venture.
Even thus Jate iy the season, brovds were being veared.
Among the Martins’ vests were several empty nests of the
Welcome Swallow, Chelidon neoatna,

Other inhabitants of these taivels wete bats and au owl,
both of which retreated to the davker depths while the dis-
tuched swallows, sought the opeu air. Possibly foxes also:
dwell there, ag several were heard barking on the hillsides

in the evenings, Amoug the outeropping rocks rabbits have -

their burrows, and into nnpregnable cracks in the larger
boulders skink lizards of the Wgernia family insinuate them-
selves—they ean be vemoved only in pieces,

Following the winding guily-road up past the old mines,
i low saddle of the rumge is reached at a place, of course,
called The Gap.’ Bron, here a magnificent panorama of
the Murtay Valley is opened up. Phe noble aiver winds
about amid a perfect maze of billahbougs, through a fertile
valley dotted with magnificent red gums, Mucalyptus rustratn.
To the west can be seen the towns of Albury and Wodongs.
and straight across, only four miles away, are the great
Quarries and earthworks of the Flume Weir, his; wher
completed, is destined to turn the whole of the valley int
sight, and also that of the Mitta, ito a vast expanse of
wealth-giving water, ‘Fhe twin townshops of the workers,
one on either bank of the river, present an orderly array of
neat frame-houses, Jrouted by lawns and wardens, and laid
out inte regular, tree-planted streets. Schools, shaps, and
veeveation halls ave provided with cheap electric light, and

ars Rays, A Naturalist at Bethang 167

an unlimiled water supply. Beyond the _Muniay Valley
Vise range after range of lehthy-timbered ills, on the New
South Wales side; and, looking back into Victoria, an even
anpre bewildering array of mountain peaks is seen, anh
ating in the dim blue heights of the Australian Alps,

A dive up the Murray Valley, vie. Talgurno, and slanting
the river inost ot Gre way, was enjoyed.’ Coming dows From
the hills, the undulating countey becomes thinly-timbered
with well-erown trees, mostly a species of box, with tts
chavacleristic greyish foliage of round Tetves, aid a few
stringy-barks aud peppermints. Near Talgarno a sinall pd
dock, close to the road, contained six ostriches: — On the
viver-Huts are Magnificent red gums, sturdy ty Wale aad
wile-spreading in branch. Here is the bird-lover's yaad ise
Rusellas, Plulycercus extmius, lovikects, Glossapsulaeus cor-
ehvneas, and the dainty ttle red-backed pavrukeet, ?sephotusy
wemadanohes, fy sereaming from tree to tree, and wes
parrots ave flushed in pats from the coarse tussocks, The
wsnal dozen of grey-crowned babblers, Pomatorhinias super
eiltosts, leap excitedly among the branches of a wattle tres,
dud a company of white-~vinged chourhs, Corcoran melunor’-
hamplus, jake Wiehl, with mourntul, though melodious,
flutelike whistles. In tieht they show the white wing
paulehes Hat muinhy: distinguish thon trom their sable cousins,
the arows and ravens, enwing rayeoualy overhead, On a
bare hillside a small flock of rose-breasted gulahs, Cucutue
vusercopilla, cones to rest, and a dew white vurkatace,
C. galerifa, ave screaming amid the timber higher up, These
are many small birds about on the flats. ‘I'vee-creepers,
Chimacteris, of two kinds seemingly defy the laws of yravity
by taking impossible-looking hops up vertical tree-tritks,
and red-browed finches, Agintha fempuralis, are busy amare
the Bursaria lushes, where some of they q@neainly nests
atill remain.

Tn places the foothills come. steeply down to the river
or jig billabongs, and the road passes through them di sidling
cuttings. Magnificent lagoons some of these Dillabotiws ave;
wire, still, and deep, hordered on ane side with the pik
graniiie rocks of the hillside, and on the other with dense
heds of reeds and bulrushes. On the placid waters float
teal, Virwgo ythbersfrons, and black duck. Avus supercilrosd,
hut not nian, as, although the season is uot yet open, the
guns have bean busy wnone then for weeks past, Where
the water shallows, it is thickly covered with aquatic vexe-

168 Rowws, A Naturalist at Bethanga te ey

tation, among which waterv-birds of severs| species prospect
busily, taking little notiee of passine vehieles. Stop the
buggy, however, and descend, and instantly every bird
séuttles, with loud splashings, over the lily-pads to fhe shelter
nt tho reed-beds, Smaller waterholes, that. are drying wp,
are tenanted by herons of four species, and their kindred.
Among the birds uoted here were the yellow-billed spoonbiil,
Platibis flavipes, white ibts, bis malnece, and egret, Garzetta
aignipes. ,

Looking up the gullies, down which flow feeble streams
ovel coarse granite gravel, one is stiuek by the lack of under-
srowth and other vegetation generally characteristic of
mountain ereeks. Only grass and thistle-beds clothe . their
banks. Towards the heads of the gullies the timber becomes
thicker, and the bright foliage of the eurvajougs and watties
velievey the prevailing sombreness of: the eucalypts. From
an outerop of rock, a large lace lizard raced across the read
ta a deact tree. . Only cne snake was seen, and that a large
black one, on the flat;-it promptly disappeared down a deen
and impregnable hole in the viver-bank.

Leaving the main road aid erossing the flat, wii enornnoas
lavoon, almost a lake, choked with aquatic vegetation, was
passed. This was the haunt of half-y-dozen, * pelicans,
Pelecanus consmoellatus, which, with the cormoraiits, mst
find good fishing in the shallow open water spaces amid the
rushes. Of the cormorants Phalacrocoras carbo was the
more ecammon, On another pool.a flock of cleven black
swank, Chenopsis wtrata, civeled uneasily when approached,
aud took veluetunt flight towards the river

Our destination was a farmhouse on the viver-bauk.
This place, together with several others passed on the way,
is destined to be inundated to the roof-tree when the great
weir, a dozen miles down streani, is completed, The farmer.
however, is a philosopher. ‘Time enough to think about
Hhat in six years’ tinie,'’ he says.

Rabbittrapplug is a profitable sideline ou this farm, and
we did 4 night round with the trapper. The air is per(eetly
still and no sound was heard save the swish of feet through
tho long grass, the oecasional ery of a night bird, or the
distant yapping of a fox on the hillside. Rabhits rarely
make any noise in the braps after the first sirnggie, but the
irapper seenied to have no diffieulty in finding all his sixty
my seventy traps seattered ayer a considerable area. Wher

eh Roopa, A Notnraliat at Bethauye 164

taken ont of the traps, the rabbits were killed and the wins
carefully re-set. ‘I'he bodies, with the ears attached, were left
for ihe foxes, cagles, and crows. Foxes, in the experionee
of- our trapper, rarely touched trapped rabbits, but not
infrequently are caught in the traps, whieh they will pull
up und carry away for a eonsiderable, distance, but can
wlways be found by the keen-nosed dog, Eagles, on the
other hand, will destroy the rabbits, and are given sean
merey by the trapper, who sometimes earries a light vifle
on his day rounds.

Several days were spent on fishing trips, chiefly to the
Mitta. As the rivers were running strongly and were full
of snags, it. was move comfortable and profitable to fish im
the billabonge. which, in themselves, were sluggish streams,
being fed by small creeks aid springs from the near-by
hillsides. English perch, carp, catfish, Murray perch,
Murray cod and tort oises, nunterically in that order, were
taken, True, tortoises are not fishes. but they take any kind
of natural bait. They were the short-reeked, ov Murray
tortoise, Lmydara mucqueri«. The tortoise. is a very shy
reptile, and usually shows no more of itself than the tip of
a oshuzp-pointed nose, and a pale yellow vye probruding
above the surface of the water. When it thinks it is observed,
it makes a backward stroke with its webbed feet, and dis-
uppears, leaving searcely vw ripple. During warm weather it
will sometimes bask on a log above the water, but always
remains wide awake and ready to slip in sideways, ov either
end foremost, whichever is most convenient. There were
plenty of tortoises in the Mitta lagoons, but only two were
caught.

While fishing in the billabongs, one is able, betweon fish-
lites, 10 admire the’ beanty of the deep, placid water, fringed
with aqnatice growths of great vamety, or, passing trom one
ta another, te observe the abundant bind lite. Herons,
ihises, and cormoranty continually pass overhead, and
vecasionally a flight of Teal or Black Duck dashes past an
whistling wings, or alights with a loud splash, to rise azam
in panic on discovering the too close proximity of man, On
ane reedy pool was wv mother duck und a brood oof six
Happers. The parents splashed away, simulating a bvokem
wing; the young ones dived and, apparently, did not conte
up again, though one knew that they had quietly risen within
the shelter uf the reeds.

”

"0 A Nyety A Viet, Nat
118 Rovpa. A Naturalist at Bellona vol XUld

In the great gumy the Leatherheads or Friar Bincs, “ropt-
dorhynchus corniculatus, uitered their quer jargon of notes
for which the children name them ‘‘chinkies’’ or “ehow
lirds,*’ Magpie-larks. Gralling picata, were everywhere, and
their mud nests were visible in alnvost every tree uear the
wuter. Hawks of several kinds soared above the trees. ‘The
stirill, langhing call of the Brown Hawk, Meeractden orien-
lates, was frequently heard above the shrdler notes of the
Kestrel, Cerchneis cenchroides. Among the bratiches of doad
frees on the hillsides glided Rainbow Birds, Merops ornalus,
wnd Wood-swallows.

Hories of starlings, whieh at this tite of the year go
it large flocks, come from all quarters to voost in the reed:
beds, They cirele und wheel in perfect order, anc alight
for.a few moments on the branches of a dead tree. Ju their
wake comes winged death in the form of a Black-checkel
Falcon, Falco melanogenys, swiftest and fiercest of the. rap
tores..- Starlings, in flight, will turn and pursue their enemy
uwiutil his superioy speed outdistances them; but when they
have perehed, the hawk makes his dash to pitk off
a rising bird before they can get into formation. Several
times the falcon attacks, but the starlings rise too quiekly,
and wheel to meet him. Winally, with a magnificeps swoop,
he gets among them as they leave the dead tree, and secures
a victim, The impact of the-strike can be plainly heard.
and, with his sereaming prey gripped in his sharp talons,
the hawk glides te the ground. The starlines pay vo liced
te the tragedy going on bengath them, but cirele ys before.
Now they dash with buzzing wings into the veeds, which
rustle and bend under their Weight, stay a while, with much
{jvatrelsonie chattering and flapping. g, and are up dn the wing
oreo more. This performance is repeated many Limes antil,
finally, all ind perches; and, although the sereaming is kept
up a while longer, they do not rise again.

Mramnctephara barbeta (Kanp}—The heardad oy Jew
Lizard is found mostly in the Mallee and on the plains north
af the Divide, Tt is known in all the-States, but is race ubont
Melbourne. Te may attain-a leneth of 18 inches, is very quiek
In ifs movemertts, and hisses like a snake when alarmed.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLII November, 1925

PLATE VI

BEARDED DRAGON OR “JEW” LIZARD
Grammatophora barbata (Kaup)

(Photo by Chas. Barrett)

Nov. |

1936, Keep, Che Royal Botunice Gardans a

TAPIA TORE PEDLECOTTRO HOTT DETTE DEED TONER TR DDOLADNCH CORIO UDD EDA DEPPEDD ODOR DAA CE RAPE PDOUDNTHTIDEDD DOAN PHRAT PERI IORAT RIEU LA ROMRAERHRAT ER”

THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS.

be * yf r vie 5
By A.B, Ware
PORAPRMARUTORDPPRUARAEP LARIMER ADPAD EPR ARRAPERAAAMAR ELAR RREDAR APP ET RAAT IDES OAARTARARAR AEN LI TARTAREE PATE RRAD EASE AN TNE GPRREAR ESL EAR Rae

'

(Extract from a paper read before the Iield Natuvalists'
Club of Victor, September 14, 1925)

1

erie

TENE HERR OnRAHEIEHEEE

ye

That world-renowned seientifie centre at Kew, knuwn as
the Royal Botunic Gardens, is a kind of Mecen, towurds
Which ‘the steps of every visitor to London, whether a &tud-
wot of botany, ow like the writer, one claiming yo scientific
knowledge, but. loving trecs and flowel's, wataralky tins,

For uearly a century before Kew Gardeis were thrown.
open to the public, they were a Royal domaim. In fuct, their
foundation dates from the times of the carly Georges, Queen
Caroline, wite of George 11, spent money lavishly on their
envichtnent, while the Dowager Prineess Augusta of Saxe
Gotha, the mother of King George Ii), may be considered
ag their practical founder, ina botanical sense. King George
Ti .and Queen Charlotte lived inveh at Kew, and, in a wing
of the Royal Paluee, which les to your right as you yuss
through the main gates, the old, bland, mad Gig was con-
fined, in the days of Regency. In faet, like most other grat
British institutions, Kew is steeped in, bistery, and eloquent
of uw storied past, and to the writer, this constitutes one af
its prineipa) eharnis. It is this association. with great names
that gives that impression of dignity and spaciousness that
the visitor to Kew, Gardens, seemg them for the first time, wall
assuredly carry away. Beneath the exivencies of ruinous
taxation and heavy probate duties, the beantiful pleasure
grounds that surrounded the ‘‘stately homes of Kugland''
are fast disappearing. They cost too much for niaintenunec,
Happily for the nation, however, Kew Gardens, with their
wide vistas, avenues of maenificent trees, terraced flower-
beds, and broad walks, remain a lasting memorial of the past.
To quote Siv W. Thiselton Dyer, who, fron 1885 to 1905,
was their director, ‘‘Kow Gardens posséss the graud manner
which can be inherited, but not acquired. Wealth can be
lavished on a garden, but cannot sive it that dignity which
js only derived from centuries of growth.

My first visit (o the gurdens was on April 29, 1924, live
days after my landing, The spring of 1924 was wet and

iyz Kee, 2he Royal Botamic Gardens big Le

lackward in England, dud for this reason the Azileas and
Rhododetidrons, asaally such » notable feature in this month,
were viot Tu their fullest bloom. TE was to see them later in
all their glovy, i the gardens of the Villa Carlotta, on the
shores of Lake Como; such a. veritable’ feast of eoluuy as
memory loves to dwell upon.

LT remember the broad walk, whieh is thirty feet in Width
and leads ap to the Paln House, which, with its watev-tower
behind it, may be considered as the central pont of the
wardens. In front.of this Palm House, which is of notable
dimensions, ig a broad terrace with stone flags, set with
ilawer-heds, stone steps and balustrades, descending to. an
artificial lake, From the Palm House three great, grassy
avenues, or vistig, radiate, of which two, the Pagoda vista,
to the south, and the Siow House vista, to ile south-west,
ate each were than 1000 yards in length. and of & teble
breadth, Hanked by avenues of maguificent elms, oaks, chest-
nuts, limes and beeches. The spacious @reen sward, as I
si it, was studded with danciig daffodils, a veritable field
of the eloth of gold. Of eonrse the consuminate art of the
landscape gardener is there, but it ts the art that conceals
art, and gives the appearance ot the flowers growing wild,
Elsewhere in the Duteh, the herbaceous, and more reeentis
constructed rock-wardens, you may sce fowers: planted with
formal precision ; but, in faet, every form and period of the
gardeucr’s art, in its hightest attamment of skull, can be
studied within the boundaries of Kew Gardens.

OF course, as un Anstralinn of sont 40 years vesidener,
I naturally made my way to the Temperate House, to see
pute more the familiar TMucalypts, Acacias aad Troo-terns
These ai‘e to be found ehiefly in the middle block of the
‘Vemperate House, kuown as the Winter Garden. This blocks
is rectangular iu shape and coverg an area 216 feet in length
by 140 feet m width, the apex of its reof being 60 fret from
the ground. It was completed in 1862, at an approximate
rost of £29,000. In this Winter Garden the trees that attract
mosh attention are two specunens of the Bunya Pine,
Araucayia Bidwilli These trees have constantly to be
reduced in height, lest they should grow through the roof
Specimens of the Norfolk Island Pine A. excelsa, Hoop Pine,
A. Ciaatughanit, and New Caledonian Pine, A Coaki, can
filsa be sven.

The Muealpyts, owing fo limited space, can be represented
mily bo viung speeamens. The winters at Rew are too

Tose ] Keer, The Rayot Bokrmic Gardens 173

sevore ta allow of yum trees beme grown in the open air;
Aliiough further south, notably in sheltered positions in the
waidens of Comiwall, ind along the south coast, some
varieties of Acucios. ‘and Yiealy pts do quite well, The
flowering season of the Acacias lasts, in Rngland, ftrov
February to April; so, when To was a Kew, it was almost
nver, only a few trees in the Winter Garden still had bloonts
upon them. Wattle, or as i ay termed in England,
“Minosa,"? is sold a good dealin the flower shops and streets
of London, According to Mr. W..d. Bean, flowering branches
of the Silver Wattle, sci dealluta, to the value of 400,000
fvanes a year nreesxported to Enelind from Franee.

Treeferns, both Dicksonin antureticu and Alsophila, are
to be seen gvowine in profusion in the Winter Garden,
elietly lining: the main central path, but others are’ seatteved
in ¥arious purts of the house. It must be remembered that
the plants atl Kew are not grouped according to country of
origin; therefore, the representative specimens of Australian
flova will be: found growing umidst the vegetation of China
and Japan, North aid South Africa, the "Southornt Upited
States and Mexico. the warner parts of Chile, ‘the jniddle
alevations of dhe Wimalaya and the Andes, aud most of the
high mountains di the tropieal regions. They are, therefore,
somewhat hard to distinguish, and lave not the’ familiar
Hapect of the Bush,

{t was with quite a Fuel ig af friendliness, as of an exile
frum home, that 1 came “acrosy a pot specimen of Banera
rubindes, and also a magnificent hanging basket of Sturt's
Desert Pea, Clawthug Dampier’, the latter in full ‘low er,
While on this suljeet, T might mention that the Gippsland
wildflower, Zteneee eleqin, known in England as the
‘Sneense plant,’ is nena iy Wneland as a backeround
for herbiceous borders. T did not see i at Mew, as if was too
curly in the season, bat at Hampton Court, where also there
are most extensive gardens, I noted many clamps of it, with
its long, feathery planes, and characteristic odour.

Tn the Temperate Wouse will also be found the fine eol-
leetion of Protcaces, such as Grevilleas, Banksias, Hakeas,
and others, donbtless deseended from [he seeds which Peter
(ood and Allan Cunningham sent home from Austrilia, 1
the first deewdes: of the nineteenth eentary.. In the great
Palo: House will be found all the prevailing types of tropical
vegetation, such as palms, bananas, cyends, serew pies and

174 Kene The KReoyel Botanic Gardena bp fara

glue Iwtinbeds. Designed by Deemer Burton, wel GOM-
pleted ta L848, ib os built upon uost graceful lines, and is a
noble building. Tts total tenyth is 362 feet, the transept 15
100 feet 10 Width and 6G feut in height, and euch Wille is 0
Feet. in width by 30 feet in height.

Onginally some nine aeres in extent, Kew Garceus have
Wow at acea of nearly 300 acres, ike oar own Botanie
Gardens, they ave situated on the bank of a viver, but they
Jnele tha wndulitions which give sneha oveat natural advatt-
tage fo the Melboumie Gardens. Kew is a flat plain, and
giteh variations of contour as ik possesses have hean produced
altitigially. Nowhore has the avt of the landseape yardener
laut to contend with ereater difficulties, The soil is hungry,
suds umd gravely preclominating, aad beds of alimeast
Mipel'viods clay. The transforming of such an unpromising
area into a veal of boanty is a trionph of human skill ane
persevery ned,

Ku possesses 16 miles of puthways, three separate
museums, acherbaritim with fwo nition specimens, andl a
library of some 24,000 volumes, There is also the Jodrell
Laboratory for research work in plant phyaiolovy; theve are
at least 10 elasy-houses, all open to the pubhie, and the
North’! gallery of paintings of flowers and nature seenss,
containing more than 800 pictures. Add to these attractions
the Rose Garden, the Herbaccous Garden, the Rock Garden
uot ta speak of the Alpine House, the 70 acres of natural
woodlands, the artificial luke, some 4) »eres in extent, the
Pagoda, the Temples, the Ruined Areh, and other velics of
an interesting past, and-I think vou will adinit that there is
a little too much to be seen in two brief visits, or ro te
deseribed in the limited space which our Mdito: ean afford
ne.

No visitor to Kew is likely to forget the widant Aagstaft
formed of a. single piece of Douglas Fir, better known in
Australia as Oregon, Pseudosugn Douglusti, This tremen-
dons baulk of tinvber is 214 ft. in height, 2 ft. 9 in. in diame
hee at the base, and 12 in. at the top. This is Hagstaff number
hwo, ‘The first was pnt in place by the officials at Kew, and
a@ Wigh wind ineontinentl: blew if down, happily withont
much damage. Profiting by experience, the Director geenrext.
to erect the second flagstaff, a detachment of sailors from
Portsmouth, and the “Shandy men.’’ being well acestored
to masts and rigging, this rime made a secure job of it.

see Krier, the Royal Botunic Gardeug 5 ATs)
a a

Growing on the lawns and around the lake will be found wtany
beatiful trees auch as the Holm Oak, Quercus lew; the Ser-
vice Berry, Amelinclider conadensis; the conimow Line, Ulu
vulgaris, and the White Lime, Thin aryenter> the common
Ash, Pracimus eacelsior, and the london Plane. Llulanus
woertfolus; Common Beech, Faygis sylvitiea; Oriental Mane,
Plajanus orventalts. Many fmne Horse Chestnuts, le sequles
Hippocastanum, and Spanish, ov Sweet, Chestnuis, Castanea:
savived, can also be seen, while one Cedar of Tebanon, Cedrus
Libunt, is no less than 64 feet in height, with a trunk nieasur-
ing nearly 15 feet in girth. -

Not onky was Royalty intimetely associated with the
development of Kew Gardens, but great uames in the world
of Botanieal Science cluster around them ylsc—Sip Joseph
Banks, whe accompanied Captain (nok whi he Janded at
Botawy Bay in 1770, Wag one of their earliest, divectors. The
there were the Aitons, father arid sou, who were associuted
with the costinies of Wew fur more than 80 years, Thea
eame Siy Willian, and atterwavids Sir Joseph, Hooker, both
of whom were directors of the Gardens. Australia alse fips
played its part in then euvichorent. aud, owing to the taitir-
ing labonr of collectors Tike the Conninghans god Peter
Good, its uniqne flora is well represented. Myr, C. Daley has
fold us of the immense quantities of material Ghat our own
Baron von Mueller comtinued to send for move than 40 years.
For the compilation of Flora Austrakiensis, published in
1878. the Iaron despatched in instalments no less than one
Vanidied thousand specimens to Georse Bontham ut the
herbarium. at Kew.

More than three million visitors pisa through the gates
of Kew Gardens avery year, Here you ay see the student.
of botany, with his note-book, earefully studying the Jabele
of the trees and plants, the painter with his easel, and the
far Jarger class of photographers, with their caneras; but
fay ouhiumbering these, one notes, with pleasure, the muylti-
tude of ordinary citizens of London, people whose every-
day lives are perforce passed amid sordid surroundings and
mean streets, but ave here, for a while, enabled to experience
the joy of open spaces and the charm of woodland glades, the
infinite variety of the forms and eolours of flawers, and to
walise something of that superahundant. loveliness of Nature
whieh, as Thomas Hursley has said, disarins pessiinisin,

136 ; Mrs. Wore Martins Work ye ay

TaEnmenen HET ROPE TEU (TTTETEPEOULEVIETLERIONTRRGEENEGYANGEEDOGGDADAC ULE DERDDURECOREERTONOLORRUTERVACE RODEO IRON ETUTEOTTFOTOOORHUA EDT ERE

A STUDENT OF FUNGI—MRS.
FLORA MARTIN’S WORK.

NUUATHOTOTETCORDEDIPURPFCOLORTETD RLCEOOMEDPTMCENL OG FO HDM TCG ETODED OPAL EPUOD DD ALL GASH OFERYTYECHETLDRONMA LOUDER YH GC ante Maret TORT maTD

COUUTER Tp HT EO

TLL

Tae

Sartre lil

We ave led, by dtreet and jindirvcet evidenee, to ‘believe
that or Clu has done much to encourage and advanee the
study ot Natural Science in Victoria. Many members have
been, and still are, prominent workers; others, not sa pros
mown, ave done exealleut work, too; while there are some
non-members, who are domg thoir shave in the varied realms
of Natuye Study, encouraged by the Chib’s activities.

Mrs. Flora Martin, who died at Drouin on March 14,
1923, was associated with our Club, and recently 1 beeame
possessed of special evidences of the enthusiastic work
curried out by her from ihe tinte when she left Melbourne
for Dronin, owing to her Iushand’s retirement there for
health and other veasons.

Mus. Martin, in her young days, was a lover of plants.
and a diligent strdent of botany. lo her early association
with the Club she devoted muuch time to the study of Fungi.
In 1892; when I was erranging the Museun of Heonomie
Botany in the Melbourne Botanie Gardens, and had pre-
pared a showease of some remarkable specimens of Fungi,
donufed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Mrs, Martin
contributed a collection of named Victorian species for
inelusion in the case. Mvidenees of this lady's continuous
and devoted seientifie interest, wud excellent work in her
ehosen field, are to be found in a number of volumes, which,
but for the kind offices of w relative of mime, who owned
the property adjoininy Mrs. Martin's faem, might, with
numbertess botanical ‘specimens, sketches, coloured plates,
and drawings of fungi, have been destroyed as valueless,
atter the disposal of ather property.

While spending a week-end at Drouin recently, I looked
through a pile of coloured drawings and illustrative notes
of fungi made by Mrs. Martin during her studies, ‘and
put a large number of them together; in case: they might he
of service to the Agvicultural Department, ov members of
the-Glab, A presentation copy to Mrs. Martin, of- Cooke’s
Handbook of Australzan Fungi, has the tollowing inseription

Noga. | Mr, Flora Martin's Work ba
sumed by the yduthor over his photograph—‘Ty kindby
“remembrance of the good offices of Mrs. Flora Martin iy
“advancing this work in the colonies, and i securing its
““affieial recognition, my thanks are ever due." This yvohime
wus exhibited by me at the September, 1925, ineeting of tlie
Olab, together with the Jette fron the New South Wales
Government to Mrs. Martin, intimating its. decision to con-
tribute £150 towards the cost of the work, '

Another interesting volume is a eopy of Synopses of the
(ucenstand Ilora, by EF. M. Bailey, presented with the
wuathor’s compliments to Miss Flora M. Campbell (Mrs.
Martin's maiden name), dated 4/5/83. The same auther
sent his later publications, down to March 28, 19138, when
Mys. Martin veceived a copy of the beautifully iWlustreted
work, Comprehenstwe Catalogue of Queensland Plants, with
the following inseription—‘*To my old friend, Mrs. Martin,
who has doe such good work in eonneetion with Australian
Fangi.'' A yolunie,, much studied, judging by the muiti-
tadincus marginal notes, and underlings throughout, ts
Balfour's Classbook of Botany (Part 2, Physiological
Botany) insevibed-— ‘Flora AT Campbell, 1874," while a
eopy of Outlines of Brilask Mungology, by the Revd, J, M.
Berkeley, was freely annotated by Mrs. Martin, and marked
off with numbers, probably corresponding to specitiens in
her possession. Many ofler books, such as Diseeses of
Plants, Timber and Some of its Diseases, noth by Marshall
Ward; De Bary’s Comparative Morphology and Biolugy of
the Pungus, Mycetozow and Bacteria, and British Prengt,
Licheus, alc., Holmes aid Gray, together with a eonmplete
set of Bentham’s Flora Austrakiensis, testify to the thoraugh-
ness of Mis. Martin’s stadics. My relative at Drouri states
that Mis. Martin had gorvespondents on botanieal iatters
all over the world, that she was always experimenting with
plants on ber farm, and that she never possessed a picee
uf dead wood without inspecting in for Fungi, Part of her
fan wae left in its natural state, pur posely,. ago sae ULy
loth for hinds und plants. —F, Pitcher.

Ovehied studants are renunded that-this is the tie te look
for the wiusual form of Calochilus which appeared two
seasons ago. The absence of the ‘‘beard’’ wag i{% wdst
marked characteristic. The plant was somewhat stouter than
that. of C. Kobertsoni, and it bloaned rather earlier —B.C

178 CHatbuan, A Vietarwa, Geoloyicul Pioneer Meters

MLL ePPrEr eee eee eee ed

A VICTORIAN GEOLOGICAL
PIONEER.

By WEL. Grav rarnds,

AVERAAU TP EORAD RABAT PORE RARAY

=
=

rnane

4
Tenresavendeenbenedbyntddead kD yd ePCCEAOEEVNEAHEEDORTROEGHERTTEDODPNOHHACEORDST, | LUCEEPED RDU MACCKOMDEDACKEIN TIAN CKCEAL Pang TAKE ni pebmnes

One of the outstanding and praiseworthy objects ofthis
Club i the past has been the recognition and memory of the
pioneat in science and natural history venerally. especially
m regard to Vietovia. Although the pircsent subject of notice
was not a menber of the Clah. that body has derived indirect,
but none the less substantial. benefit, trom the knowledge
accruing from his work. And with this in mind the following
notes are offered® ——

Regmald Augustus Mrederick Murray was a native of
Perthshire, Scotland, and came cet with his family in 1885
to join his father, Capt. Virginius Murray, who was Warden
and Police Magistrate on the goldfields. When, on the death
of lis father in 1861, the fanrily veeressed the sea, young
Murray remained behind. He jointed the Victorian Geo-
logieal Survey, under Selwyn, at the age of 16, and found his
first experience in the Wilkinsou-Daintree feld party
engaged in surveying the Baeshus Marsh and Ballan dis-
tricts. When 18 years of age he is found explovine the
almost unknown Otway Range country under Wilkingen,
their route being from what ts now Lorne (Loutit Bay) to
the mouth of the Gellibrund River, and thence to Warrnany-
bool. Wilkinson and Murray also made a secondary trip at
this time, penetrating the forest from the mouth of the Aire
to Irvewillipe, west of Colae, when the Beech Forest was
diseoveved.

As a junior assistant of the Survey, in 1864, Murray ivas
eniploved in surveying Steiglts and Meredith, and slong ihe
Leigh River to Buninyons. This work terminated in 1869
with the abrupt ending of the survey. Subsequent years find
R. A. F. Murray engaged in surveys for Commissions, ete., at
Ballarat and Alexandvia, and in 1871 he way appointed br
the Government to make a survey ot the Bendigo guirlfield.
His later years in the field were mainly spent in Gippslatid,
where he did such fine exploratory work ‘in the they thick
forest country of North nnd South Gippeland. Murray was

at Charman, A Vichorian Ocnloyicul Pioneer 178

appoitited Government Kaciogiat in 18814, which post he
resigned in 1597.
The large and solid amount of work cased out by Mur-
ray is seen in the long list of reparts and maps compiled by
Mv. D, J, Mohony, M.Sc, as an-appendix to-Mr. Duin's
admirible weeownt of Murray’ s life and achievements. ‘This
list comprises about 154 reports and 38 geological maps and
sechionis,

But Reginuld Murray will, perhaps, best. be remembered
by his practical and conscientiously-written handbook on
the Geology and Physieal Geography of Victoria. 3a well-
balanced were Murrays views of the different authorities
when this was written, that it had been taken as a basis of
knowledge of Victorian Geelogy up to the date of ifs pub-
lization. Its value wag appreeated by so emment a eritic
ag Sir Archibald Geikie, who relied chiefly on Murray's text-
book for the written paragraphs on Vietoria m his widely-
maid ‘“Text-book of Geolowy.

And here the writer wonld like to say how fundamentally
useful Murray's work was to him when becoming arquainted,
Whilst in London, with the details of VWietorian geology.
Investigating the ocenrrences of the Tanjilian fauna an
Gippsland, which wre characterised by the large, oorkiw dike
shell, Panenka, discovered by Murray at Tanjil, the writer
was assis(td by further notes. from Murray. Tt was pleasant
to have met hin on one vecusion, @ few yeurs siee, and to
have had opportunity of expressing one’s appreciation of bis
Jong Lfte’s work. Tn a recent letter to the writer, Si TW.
Kdveworth David expressed himself ag haying u. hizh revard
tor Murray's work.

Duiine the last 20 years this geoloyieal pioieer of the
Selwyn rewime had lived in sechusion. at Waillowgwove, on
the Tanjil River. He passed away at Caulfield duving the
last month at the good ave of 79 years.

Fossil species named atter Murray, whieh will help to
keep hig memory green, ave the Tryplasing marten, Mthsil.,
a osihurian coval from Waratah Bay, and the Sabishurie
nergy, Of MeCoy, a Ginkgo leaf from the Yortiary at the
liwead of the Dargo Raver, “Phis Jattcr, however, js sbill an
MS, name,

*Yhe writer is largely indebted to ihe Biographical Sketch of Mur-
ray, wrilles by BE. J. Dunn, F.G.8., to which is appended a foll
list of Murray's publications, by D, J. Mahony, M.Sc.—Bull. Geol,
Surv. Viet, No 23, 1910,

Vie. Siel-

180) Noakes from (eld wind Study Vol NLA

WIRH-PENCES DEATH-TRAVS FOR BURDS,

Sines the establiahiment wt settlement or Vietovia, the
native fanna has beer contending with many enemies. Apart
fron the destruetion eaused by foxes aintd ‘wild’! domestic
esta, the bask amd plain-wire fences have tale toll of oe
birds wid aniniuls These tenees often ave conecaled in cense
eure, or log gras, and ye constantly proving claath-tra ps
ta many wild birds, Reeerthy, in the seruh at Moovoolbark,
Eeame upon a fence whieh had jast added another vietim ta
the list. Suspended by the right wing fvom the top barh-
wite was & Laughing Kookitbutra, Dacelo gigas, who had heen
eang@ht and firmly held by one of the pointed barbs. The
feathers at the wound had become so twisted and knotted
that the unfortunate bird was uhable te free itself, Here it
trad finwered for at least two days before dying. When dis-
eovered, about three days dater. it presented a starved and
migerabla appearance. With the exception of the wotnd at
the wing, and w little skit off its legs, no blemishes were
visible. Although the pointed barb bad potictrated jast ,
under the skin at the elhow of the wing, yet- the bied was held
st fiemly that I had diffieulty iit removing it from the wire-—
DD. .

NATIVE CATS NEAR MELBOURNE.

The Groat Spotted-tailud Native Cat, Dusyurus wien,
laives, ov ‘Tiger Cat o* ag it is commonly culled. is now vane
in Victoria, but the Common Native Cat, D, viverrinus, has
adapted itself tu changed conditions, and oceurs still even
close to Melbourne. The: Natioial Museum. reecived speet-
mths from Studley Park, fairly recently, and ou Oetoher
26 last a young one was captured ina coachhonse al, Lvaaihoe.
it was diseovered carly ig the moruing in 4 echatt-hin, and
later entered a wWire-trap. fg eaptois presented at to ihe
Zoological Garters; where [ stalked it with a Graftex camers.

“icel Notes from Field and Study 181

Mr. A. Wilkie, the divector, had the little marsupial placed.
in a large enclosure, and, with much trouble, a portrait. was
obtained. The **Cat’’ was so nimble-tooted and eleyer at

dodging the lens that only one of six snapshots was snecess-
ful. We admired the animal's boldness. Jt displayed. anger,

not fear—a. fierce nature. These small Dasyures ave known

to he poultry-killers, and in some districts many have paid the
penalty for raiding. —C.R,

THE BLACK-FACED WOOD SWALLOW.

Has the Black-faced Weéod-swallow, Artunas amelantaps,
been recorded for Victoria? During the Tast twa years |.
have seen odd pairs throughont the year, in Red C lil dis-
trict. It is apparently a resident Apecies, or perhaps niare
earvectly, nomadic. Ite fivonrite haunt 1s along the roads,
and it nests in treesponts anid on the tops of stuimps. In
the @reunstances its chaneey of veainge youny! ave sliwht. for

‘ school-children have no cliffieully in finding such exposed
ness. In nests thal V lwive examined, two vegas have formed
Wie eitteh—L.G.C,

’

HIRD STRATEGY, ‘

The White-cared Toneye ater, Meliphuga laucolis, is a
waster strategist, Tl. is true that his clear call, “ We-vook,”'
soundine al) day long, nay guide vou toward his home; but -
he calls from the tree tops, while the nest is 7m the bushis
below, aid how silent he is when he «approwehes it!
Should some thoneltless human step too pear, the
bird will dvop like a stone, and Antler along the ground with
dragging wing, Vf the wateher refuse to be lured away, the
bird eriee plaintively; no Tang, Lpflranwe albifrons, could
do better, and anes are masters of this art. Should you,
the dreaded intruder, retreat a. few steps and hide, anxiety
conquers wisdow, and the, haney-eater darts ta the: nest to
make ‘sure that. the hrood is safe. Yon move, he is yone; yo
approach the pest and he is fluttering again on the ground,
while, within a cap of bark and hair, two nestlings that, a
moment ago, ealed, with outstretched heads, for food, crouch
flat and still, two patches of striped-grey down, almost!
invisible from: uw step away. You touch them, and the parents,
secing there is no longer hope of misleading you, dart down-
ward, in fear for theiy offspring. Apain and again they strive
to drive the intruder away, but if this avail nothing, they

1R2 Botanical Notes vm ber

will noi allow their own fear to harm the nestlings, but,
even While a strange hand touches the nest, they doubtfully
hop toward it, from branch to branch, with food that they
place at last within the wide months, whose owners have for
gotten eantion in their hanger.

While the young are still im the nest, the parents ean
do vo more than this, yet this is only the beginning of their
eave. When they first feave the nest, 1f you approach Loo
nea the first triek is vepeateds and, be it noted, so far as 1
have seen, once the nest is.fownd the birds do not try antl
lead you away, but as soon as. there ig soinething new to hide
they try again to mislead. If this fail they have another
detener, IF have seen a pai, with a young bird, fly most
noisily and ostentatiously aevoss a paddock, flying low and
turning sharply to return to the bush they left; but only
the pavents veached it. Walking to the point at which they
had iqrned, T discovered a large tussock, and behind it, flat.
and silent, the young bird. I bont down, bith with a last
of tiny Wings the fledgling had retuned to its parents. —L
followed again: would have touched that young bird, byt.
between my hund and its body, darted two trmous birds,
with mandibles, too angry, it seamed, to fear; and, in
rdavvation, I lett thom alone-—J.C.

TLCS

TWO ORGHIDS OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA,

The ilhastvations show two orchids of Western Australia
whieh were exhibited at one Flower Show on September 22.
Neither, so far, has been recorded in this State; though,
being very small and not brightly coloured, they may easily
have been overlooked hy the collector,

Caleuna nigrite (Lindley),

Th this species the labellom hanes poised above the coluiin
ou the same peculiar strap-like hinge, whieh we note iw our

Noy. aay Noiiew
LODE: Botanicul Notes ; - 183

Victorian species of Caleana. ‘The flower is inverted, the
labellum being above, instead of below, the column. My
Rpechintry although gathered some days before September
22, shows no sign of fading. Jt is probable that, as in the

CALBANA NIGRITA (H. P. Pickins, Del.).

case of Caleuna aajor, which often temaius in flower for six
to ten weeks, this is due to non-fertilization. At first glance
tha flower seems to be cleverly ‘adapted for cross-pollination,
and no doubt it is oceasionally fertilized by visiting insects,

DRAKEA BLASTICA (H. P. Diekins, Dél,).

but closer examination would show that this may not ‘be so
easily effected as appearances indicate.

184 Botontcat Notes Vick Sac:

The tesemblanes to the flying duek in Caleanu nigrita is
Hol so pronounced ag in the Victorian species of this geitus.
in whieh the broad, hollow, cup-like formation of the hack
part of the labellum, and the navrow, beak-like, shape of the
vont park make uw faithful copy of the head of the bird.

Prakwa clustica (Iindley ),

Though this orchid is not on the Vietorian list, we have
two clogely-allied species, which were formerly clasued us
Drekeas; but Lindley’s genus, Spieulewa, baing reinstated,
these have become Spiculea Huntiana and Spicule soviti-
hikis.

In Drakea elasticn the hammer-shapec. labellam iy very
sensitive, und the long column is characteristic of the genus,
The lamina of the labellum is divided into two snegtial lobes
by #& constriction near the insertion of the claw. Toner
lobe markedly glandular; hairy im the basal half,. elyewhere
sinooth, upturned at its free extremity; shorter Jobe hairy
and very elandniar.~ Anther blunt, but rostellum mueh prn-
longed #oO ay to simulate another point.

From first-hand knowledge T can say little of Bvt
alesiica, as this is my introduetion to it. The above is Dr KR
5. Rovers’ description, which would, T think, be better that
that of either Witzgevald ov Benthaut.--S. C.

Part TH of Ma. J. AL. Black's Flova of South Australia is
veady for the printer, but must wait its tur with other pab-
licutions of the British Science Guild Mr. Black and Da. -
&. Rovers have ungrudgingly viven 4 great amount of time,
with their only teward, appreciation by fellow-workerg in the
field, South Australia is fortunate in having scientific men.
who have both leisure and ability for such work, In Vic-
tora we have provided an up-to-date census of plants, but
figures and destriptions are lacking.—A.J.T,

The Kew Bulletin, No, 3 1925, refers to the effort being
inade by the Conrinittee on Australian Botatical Nomenela-
ture to conserve the generic names, Muchlenbeckta, Den-
hamia, Orcamyrrhis, Leucepogon, Olearia and Angiunthus,
Which are all ante-dated, the first threefoldly. The reasons
for vetaining them-are published in the Journal of Botany,
July 1925, pp. 210-215; by Mv. M. Black, seevetary of the
Contmittee, wad it is to be hoped that the next International
Fotanieal Congress will see fit to add them to the iat, of
Nomina genertca conservanda.

Che Victorian Naturalist

fee tt hoe ae | oi er eye wets oy
Vou. XLN—No. § . DECEMBER 11,1925 = No.50¢4

_- FIRLD- NATURALISTS! CLUB OF) VICTORIA... .

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in
the Royal Society’s Hall, on Monday evening, November 9;
1925. ‘The President, Mr. Geo. Coghill, occupied the’ chair,
and about. fitty members and friends were present.

CorrRESPONDENCE.

A letter was received from the Hon. Secretary of the
Bass Park Trustees in reference to the interesting line
deposit in the Park. He stated that the Trustees were pro-
tecting fhe deposit for scenie reasons, and had resisted
several attempts 10 have the lime removed.

Thi PORTS,

Reports of excursions were given :-—Ringwood, Mrs. K.
Coleman; Spring Vale, Mr, H, 'B. Williamson; Greendale,
Mr. 1. G. A. Barnard; Belgrave, Mr. I. G. A. Barnard. A
vote of thanks to Dr. and Mays. Shuter and Mr. and Mrs.
Coghill tor their hospitality to excursionists on the Greendale
and Belerave excursions, respectively, was carried unani-
mmously, ¢ oN ,

Evrcrioxn or MmMpers.

On a ballot being taken, Miss Milbourne, 257 Beaeons-
field Parade; Middle Park, My. H. 8. Hanks, 736 Sydney
Road, Coburg; and Mr, L. RB. Williams, Glyndon Avenue,
Brighton; -were elected as ordinary -members 3 and Mr. aud
Mrs. §. 8. Strutt, ‘‘Hemslett,?” Taner as country members
of the Club.

GENT: AL.

Mi F. Piteher reported thar he bac obtained Pea the
Trustees of. the National Park particulars of the proposed
parking-area at Sherbrooke. They stated that the spot .was
outside the. area under their control, and that no damage
would be done to the Park or adjacent beauty spots.

186 pield Naturalists’ Ciub—Proceedniys Wie. Nat.

Vel xteat -

Lucrure.

“Central Atistralia,’’ by Mr. Lance Le Souet. The leec-
iurer deScribed various parts of the interior, in.” Western
and Central Australia, sketched phases of life on the stations,
and gave an account of the ‘desert’ country's progress and
praspéets. Vast aveds, popularly supposed tdi be! tvorthleas,
ov nearly so, were in reality well suited for sheep or cattle.
There was a great future before Central Australia when
wiodern transportation facilities were provided, and adequate
mneand\ for obtaining thé water that. éxisted underground: The
lecturer dealt with plant and animal life in the interior,
mainly, from .the eeonamie standpoint. Several members
éxpressed keen appreciation of the interesting and enlighten.
ing lecture, which was illustrated by a numbér of-excellent
lantéim slides, On the motion of Messrs. Pitéher and
Barnard, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Le Sonef.

MXHIBITS,
~" By Wi F&A. Barnavd: King Fert, Todea (Osmunda)
Tinea Preevee. al

_ by Mr. PL Chapman, A.L.S.: Tertiary leaves from ‘Pen-
nylle Creek, Navracan, .
By Mr. Geo. Cowhill: The following flowers srown at

Canterbury —Grevillea rosmariuifolia, Viola hederacea,
Swansona, sp., Prostunthera rivea, Kunzed parviflora, and
the New Zealand Manuka, Lepbospermum, sp. ue

_ By Miss Carrie, of Lardner: Cocoons and perfeet inseets
af a small Chaleid'fly. |
_., By. Mr. J.-E. Dison: Remarkable variation of Mdcrohelodes
erassus,.Blackb., a beetle of the family Daseillide, abont
30 varieties from Trankston.

By Mr. Latham: Blooms of Callistemon flumdceniatus.

by, Mr. A. EB. Rodda: Tall growths on branch of Acacta,
fron You Yangs. - ;
“By Wy. H. B. Wilkiamson, F.L.S.: Specimens of Pimelea
Ereyveudt (Evy. M;), Ewart and Rees, Tallangatta, Oetober,
1025... Mowering specimens of Pulténan greveniers, - Tate,
Steiglitz, Mr. Fi. Cooper, snv., previously gathered-only by
Mr. 8. Johnson, of Meredith, in 1893, and placed with speei-
mens of Pultenws villosa, Willd. Specimens of -—Casuarina
Léeukmannti, Ro T. Baker; Myoporum deserti, A. Cunn-:
Julatis -anthemoides, Pay M,; Brachycoms basaitiea (yar.
gravilis), FYM.; Rumen crystellinus, Lange, from the plains
ofthe Lower Ovens; Halorraghis elate, A. Cuniiy ‘Warby

= -t ve
: r .
Coad tty =

Bet Field Naturalists’ Cub—Proceedings 387

Ranges. ‘All collected by the exhibitor, and new for N.E’
Burnettia cuncala, Lindl, and Thelymitra grandiflora, Fitz.,
eollected by Fred, Barton, jr, at Foster; new for East.
Prostantheru decussata, F.v.M., Brisbane Ranges, collected
_by Mr, Boardman; new for S.A serap of this plant was
obtained in 1923 by the Rev. A.C, P. Gates,

TONNNNNOM MAOH EHO mmORENNNDHTNCONHHOOHROOmENOLONDDObanonnnOgenemNmesEtONONNONAMASGAOOOAAOMNACaLLOLEoO@TTONONOHOOoAN TON tteCOaNpOnOOO eNO

THE PROPAGATION OF OUR
PTEROSTYLES.
By W. HB. Nicroxzs,

FicameseeeesenunenessevauweseapepuensauseneevannnreneqnsynanncensesprunadedreaveneynenenensspepaueeeuasesaMaQlaeeaembAliRssee@HaRAdE

MOOT NOOROTMHB ATRL EO EHALenshdidobey

yy LLL Le

ea

(Communicated by A. J. Tadgell)

The pollinary mechanism im our orehids, especially the
well-known Pterostylis, popularly called. Greenthoods, is of
a highly specialised nature, and is deseribed by Dr, R. 5.
Rogers in his “*An Introduction to the Study of Sonth Aus-
tralian Orchids,” 1911, As there is no authentic record of
the finding of seedling plants, especially in. the very early
stages of their existence, the discovery this spring of a
number of undoubted seedlings is of interest to all who love
ta study these-curious and fascinating flowers.

It is a welllmown fact, or a natter of general belief,
that most, and perhaps all, terrestrial orehids propagate their
kind chiefly by the vegetative.development.of tubers on the
main yoot or ‘al the terminals of the wandering roots. Ina
state of nature these Pterostyles. are found sometimes solitary,
sometimes in small seattered groups, at other times in colon-
ieg so dense that the ground for yards is carpeted with their
rascttes, as is the case with' Pierostylis conetiuia, R-Br,,
P. nutans, R.Br., and P: pedaglossa, Fitz. ‘These three species
ave cited as being common plants in the neighbourliood of
Melbourne. P. concinnu is quite the commonest orchid
under the tea-free along the coast. P. nwians is found there,
and practically every where else, while P. pedaglossa hides ith
frail charms among the stems of shrubs that flourish on our
sandy heathlands.

ln September Jast the writer received from New South.
Wales an exeellent example of the above vegetative
process in P, curta, R.Br. This specimen wes colleeted by
the Rev. H, M. R. Rupp, on Hungry Mountain, in the Pater-

pity Nicnouts, The,Propagation of Our Pterostyles [pics

Boul} distriét, The plant produced four tubers. It appears
bo he -pléntifal in that district, growing intermixed with P.
mitins,” On the other hand, it oiust not be conceived that
thé wonderful mechanism perfected by nature to ensure pro-
duetio of fertile seed, is peculiar to the Greenhoods, or with-
out result, This, indeed, is fax trom being the case, for sutf-
elent proot is available to show that sced production is at
pirumount importance for the spread (if not the existeres)
of this and many other generz.

An eXainivation of the plants of the various. species in
different seasons proves that many of them, with their limited
rool, systems, are qitite ineapable of producing more than a
single tuber each year, duel tuber being for the suatenaies
of the plant when next it vegetates. [1 will be found that
the majority of these produce seed capsules freely or f{re-
quently, The, _hest known instances are Pterostyles longi-
folia, R.Br, FP, alpine, Rogers, P. rufa, R.Br, P. abtasn,
R.Br, 'P. bar'bata, Lindl, P. mutioa, R.By., and P. dane,
Rogers. These species wo rarely found other than as soli-
they species, or in small groups, though one may oeca-
stonadly find, as for oxample, when m 1923 and 1924, we
evogsed the Baw Baw Plateau, Pterostylis olpime accurving
very pleutifnlly, the plants heing huddled together in large
groups-as if for protection from the icy eald of these regions,

‘A visit now to any of the coastal districts where we find
Prerostylis concinne, R.Br, P. nana, R.Br. or FP. alta,
Reich., growing, will show that even with these types whieh
chiefly propagate their‘kind by the underground production
of tubers there is abundant seed produced, That plants are
produced from this seed is evident by the hundreds of very
amall plants which are observed in sonve seasons. Pterastylis
Toveyune, Ewart and Sharman, a very rare coastal form, is
an undoubted hybrid. the Prien Plants being Plerostylis can-
comma and PB. alata.

” Oceasionally, when the season is suitable to their growth,
mminy of our rare Pterostylis appear in considerable numbers
in gonie districts, An instance of this pecurred during the
apring of 1923, when near the Bayswater Railway Station we
found Péerostylis acuminata, RByv., growmg in large numbers.
Prior ta this discoverey it was very rare; this year we found
one at all,

‘Specimens collected at Bayswater, NW. Victoria,
Cravensville and Mordijalloc, ave identical in all respects, but
those from New Sontl Wales and Queensland differ in hav-
ing-a more Acuminate labellum. The months of. bloomang in

Pans | . Nicnous. The Propagation of Our Pterostyles 139

New South Wales are March to June; in Queensland, July
ind August; and in Vietoria, August to Deeember,

Dy, Rogers, who ts familiar with the types trom the other
States, wiites: “Tt is not.a hybrid, but P.. acuminata’? We
alsa mentions ihe slight difference in the Jabellm, and in the
flowering times. It will thus be seen that this orchid is
found in flower, in one place or anatter im all wionths, except
January and February.

Ou a recent, excursion to Gis abdand the writer had the

“wood fortune to locate a eolony of Pterast ylis longifolia.
| While his paity vested by the roadside, the writer examined
| a likely-looking epat tor orchids under 2 grand old Euealyp-
' tus tree. A thiek earpet of wet. leafmould lay upon the
ground, Growing in this were many plants of this species
in all stages of developinent, fron) minute seedlings to flower-
. ing plants. Many of the smaller seedlings vested on solitary
leaves, their rootlets searching, through evacks and ovey the
edges of the leaves, for the enol moisture beneath, None
. of these plants were rooted in the sail proper, and specimens
(of all were veudily removed without damage. These,
' together with specimens found wt Mount Myelyn and other
| places, form the sabject of ou illustrations.
| On the basalt plains not far from Sunshine there is a
‘ lavgish eolony of Pterasighis reflena, R.Br. A reeent visit
' yevealed further interesting evidence, proving heyond all
doult that those species which ate found in colonies do pro-
duee abundant aud fertile seed. Within ten feet of a carpet
of large rosettes, and a little below, there is\ a deep asd
widely-cut drain, Lining the bottom ind sides were numerous
sitall rosettes. They could not: be other than plants of the
, above species, which had originated from seed, as, upon

enquiry, | found the drain. to be of comparatively recent
* wemstruction. All of these plants and those in the immediate
‘ vieinity were quite small, many rosettes measuring but a

quarter of an inch seross,

In this locality the grass grows very tall, and burning-off
is practised nearly every summer, Possibly the heat and the
after-effects ute beneficial to the germination of fhese minute
bodies, which probably had been blown ov washed ito the
divin, and there found as ideal hame in the Loose, unoceupied
surfaive of the sotl..

. Tn the B.A.A'S. Handbook of South Australia (1914),
Dr. Rogers writes: **. - — that during seasons following ex-
‘tensive bush fires, the hills become veritably carpeted with

—-

190. Nicwtorts, The Propagation of Our Pterostyles | Yishsoyyi

Seedling Plants. of Some Species of Pterostylis.
(Drawings by W. H. Nicholis)

192A: Nivuoies, The Propagation of Our Prerastites 191

orchids, many of the species being comparatively ile at
other times. "Mie plants are far too munerous to-be accounted
for by stimulation of the buried tubers, aud the probable
explanutian appears to be that the fires have created eon.
ditions favourable tor the gemnination of seeds darmant frayn
fornier scasons. |!

Other discoveries could be cited relative to the growths.
and spread of our Pherostyles in this manner, but enough
hag bee written to show that these special contrivinees (80
dearly deseribed ly Dr. Rogers), and charunterisiie of all
orchids, serve a yery useful purpose. and that, without fertile
sed, many species would soon be lost for all fine.

KEY TO ILLUSTRATIONS

ab Ge—Seedling plants of Pl. veflewa, Sunshine, June, 1925; det.—
Seedling plants of Pf, lungifolia, Drouin, October, 1925; 2—Seell-
jing plant af PL vittute, Black Rock, May, 1924; h—Tall seedling
plant, of Pt. lunyifelia, Dronin. October, 1925 (note thea “feathery”
vootle.d: ijkioo—Seedling plants of Pt. longifohu, Drouin,
October, 1925; n.o—Seedling plants of Pt. purritlora, Mi, Lvelyn,
Sepeamber, 1925; p—Enlarged root, system of seedling plant of
Pt. Tonyifolin

PLANTS VROM MALLACOOTA DISTRICT,

(in # recent visit to the Mallacoota distrie(, Bast Gipps-
land, Mr. V. Miller found the beautiful crimson-flowered
Crevillea, Victorde: but it is not recorded fimm East Gipps-”
Janct in our Census, which will now read, ‘'N-E., B.??) On
Mount Bogong the leaves of some plants of this species ave
very Jong, while on others they are shorter and more ovate
in shape. Mallacoola specimens ave referable to the form
known as G, Viclorme yar. brevifolia. This Royal Grevillea
evoked an outburst of enthusiasm when.first found by Baron
von, Mueller (who regarded the Alps as its proper home),
when he wrote to Sir Wilham Hookers “What an introdue-
jion to Kew this plant. would bea plant that requires no
protestion in Bnegland.?’ Mr. C. Barrett brougy, back
from Mallacoota, among masy other interesting plants, the
Short. Bristle Fern, Z'rrchomanes himile, only recorded pre
viously from Mount. Bogong and the Dandenangs. Thus the
Jensns should be altered to read. ‘S.. N-M., BE. A. J.
Tanga.”

qn? The Lite Ae, fuseyn bberecy Maiden by peat

’
HOHE TCCPPU PANY OPE RTSSSUSN TOE Y OED yaI NN NCSU OS STSPE NSE CH OURAN A DaRA sate RTE Rpaneea eave canea hth PEATAT ERT OA TAT EN RMT RA TELA OWRERATERE

THE LATE MR. JOSEPH HENRY-
MAIDEN, 15.0, FRS. FLS.

eneneedtAPAGLLODEDATEAAECEDOOVURACCCTHZ ORDO IV ERERUET EON NOROEI DOA NOLO FRORGGa RET HONrERGAT OVE LENTTVERVTAOVONEORYONSHOO NDOT RNNT TOV OOP EYE.

TVET TPA HE RH HITE
LOE EE PARI OORE OH RT TEE PERE

The report of the death of Mv. J. H. Maiden, at
Tarramnurra, N.S.W,, on November 15, at the age of 67
vers, was received with very vreat resret, both by those
who had the privilege of knowing him. parsonally, and those
who knew him only as Australia’s leading botanist, and had
been tollowing with so much interest the progress of “his
areat work on the genus Hucalyptus,

Many of aS were nhaware that, for a long time, Myr.
Maiden had been so seriously evippled in health that he
hwid been greatly hanypered in his task. His heroie struggle,
in face of his painful disabilities, to bring it ta completion,
avonsed deep admiration in all his (ricnds) and, although his
end, as the result of heart failure, did not came as o eom-
plete surprise, yet it caused a feeling of regret andl
disappomtment that he was wot permitted, by the publi-
cation of the final number of the ‘‘ Revision,'’ te erown what
fie has deseribed as his lite work.

The decision of the Minister for Morests to terminate the
nablication of ‘'The Forest Flova of New South Wales,”
which was begun in 1904, and had reached its 77th part last.
year, must have been a4 matter of regret tu Mr. Maiden; but
in the distressing circumstances in whieh he was worlang,
perhaps he was not altogether sorry to have been relieved
of its responsibilities, so that he could devote all his remain
ing energics to lis main objective.

Until his death, in 1896, Baron von, Mueller had been
Ue andisputed authority tn all econeerning the Australian
flova. Indeed, he had for so long océupied this position thal.
he had come to look.upon the field as his own domain, and.
perhaps with some justification, was even inclined to regard
the description by another of any new species, more par-
ticularly in his pet genus Hwealyptus, without his imprimatur,
as an intrusion within his provinee, and even as something
perilously verging on an impertinence. Just before the
Bayon’s death, however, Mr Maiden, in conjunction with
the late Mv. Wenry Deane, had commenced to participate in
the elucidation of our great and perplexing genus, and the
fleseription of their first species, H. propingua, appeared in

ees THe Lete Ar. Foseph Henry Mittden Ws

ilies Procecdinys of (he Linneun Society of New South Walvs,
in 1895, Uy till 1901 nine papers by these gentlemen,
ontitied ““ Observations. on the HKuealypis of New Sonth
Wales,”’ had appeared in the sane publication, wid, us the
reat of their collaboration, 14 species were ercated.

Mi. Maiden thereafter published most of bis species inde-
jiendently, and has created altogether some 88, He wus,
however, joined with others, notably with My. R. H. Gaw-
bage, and with Mo. Blakeley, in the differentiation of 23
additional, and, aécording to reporl dea paper yuite recently
siven to the Royal Society of New South Wales, a forthe
16 species are fa be credited to him and the lattee

In 1893 the first purt ut “The Critical Revision of the
Genus Encalypius” came from the press. With the excep-
tio of 1906 and 1909, eaeh year has Leen murked by the
appeirance of une ov more parts, even as muy as Aevel
being published in 1927. and six the following year ‘Vhis
year the 64th beuirie wvailable to us, In these Mr. Maides|
has clealt with the yvemds in the most exhwnstive nmumer.
and the Jatest species admitted by hin brogeht the total
of these considered valid to 361. Apparently oly the vest
mf the seeds, the deseriptions of the seedlings, whieh are tu
he figuved in colour, and the key retnained fo be published.
Seeing that this Just was in his awo words “really the inain
objeet in write the work,’ if is po relief to learn thal
he had conpleted it before his death, and that at is waw
in the press, and will ultimately be pivblished, Even from the
tine of his arrival in Sydney, 44 years ago, Mv. Maiden’y
life was always uclively devoted to the cause of science.
He was at first assistuat to the late Professor Beatte, bul
wis soon appointed the first Curator of the TNeehniesl
Museu in Sydney, in 1881, holding this office wil 1896.
In the interval he also acted for a time as Superintendent
af’ Technica) Education and Consulting Botanist to the
Departments of Avriculture and Forestry. Jn 1896 he
beeume Government Botaiist, Director of the Botanic!
Gardens, and offteer-in-charge of the Contennial Park, ane
held these appointments until his retirement last. year, hay-
ing in this period originated and built up the very fine
National Herbavinin, now existing in the sister State.

In addition to his offielal duties, Mr. Maiden undertook
many of an honorary charaeler, aid was, ceiling only the morn
important—Permanéent Honorary Secretary, and jocal Hon-
qvary Secretary for New South Wales, to the Australian
Association for the Advancement of Science for 14 years,
resigning on account of ill-health in 1921, and being then

Ide THE hate Mr. Tosh Henry Maiden pa apPo 1

eleeted ain Honorary Life Menber for his valuable services.
He was for some fime Honorary Sceretary ta the Reval
Suciety of New South Wales, President of the Hortieultural
Society of that State, President of the New South Wales
Poanch of the Australian Moreat League. and helped im the
Migination of the Wattle Duy celebrations.
~ Bosi(les the two large works already referred to, Me,
Maiden was the author of the well-known ‘Useful Plants of
Anstratia,’? “lustrations of New South Wales Plants,?? a
"Lite of Siv Joseph Banks.’* and, with the late Mr. Eanest
Betche. A Consus of New South Wales Plants.'’ Tle wus,
innreaver, responsible for 45 papers in the Trensachons
of the Moyul Sociely af New South Wales, 95 in the Trans-
HetONs Of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, and for
wany others in the ‘Agmonitural Gazette of New South
Wales, and tn this wad similar joamrndhs.
That My. Maiden*s work has been recognised, ard that
iL has not gone without honour, is evident when we remeber
that he veeeived the Linnean Seeiety’s medal in 1915, being
the first to be so distinguished in this country; that he was
eleetect a icllow of the Boyal Society and ulsa received the
Imperial Service Order it 1916, the Mueller Medal from the
Australian Association for tho Advancement of Seience in
1922, and the Clarke Memorial Medal from the Hayal Society
of Neay South Wales in 1924.

Me. Maiden's kindly disposition endeared hint to all those
with whom he eame in contact, his devotion lo duty in spite
of long continued ill-health earned him nnivergal respect:
wud. the loss his death has occasioned will not be easily over-
ROME,

BAY COOT KFREUING,

At. Take Wendouvee, Ballarat, last Deeember I was
interested in watching the aquatic birds through binoculars.
‘. Bald Coot, Poarphiio melenolis, petehed of a tangle of
weeds, was tugging at the fower-stem of « large plantain-
Tike weed that grows thiekly in the lake. The stalk came
away suddenly, and the big blue bird fell backward itito the
water. Recovering Ins perch, te helel up the stem with one
foot and peeled if, with his bill, as-one would peel a banana,
afterwards feeding on the sueculent centre. I have noticed
Coots, Publica «fra, diving for, and eating, weeds in
other waters. Doubtless the birds of this familie are lse-
tul in helping to keep down these tronblesonre srowths—
A, I, Roppa,

on

th Tate oot Memdice aad Readity sg

AN ISLE OF ROMANCE AND REALITY.

Jit a natanalist’s life romauee is mineled often wrth
reality, though ‘same men are slaw to admit that they have
gained pleasure, stepping aside from the straight path of
keience, Fuets alone, they say, are worth reniembrance, anu
should be recorded starkly. But many of ns are
nature lovers gather than seientifie vatnralists, and in
beholding the ea uty of wild life we may win—and be the
richer for it— glimpses of romance. There is true romanee
i the story of Duk Island, as told by the J hate, Mr. I, J.
Banfield, in. ‘The Confessions of a Beacheomber' and other
hooks. Bat not romance alone. Wor their author was i
keen and faithful observer, and missed none of the oppar-
tunities offered by Hortane lavishly.

“Last Leaves from Dak Ishind,’? published in November
iy Mossta., Angus and Robertson Td. (Sydney), is a notable
wddition to Anstratian books of the open ain he “loaves?
will help to keep wreen the menor of a see and “wot.
Hearted man,” whe loved aatnre tioke that &eiaies, who
wrote wisely and with a golden pony yc mide his osha
home renowned in ony counties besides Australia, Since
Thoreaa’s tine no vatuyalst-recluse so nemarkahle ax i. J.
Banfield has told the world the story of tis Tife with wild
nature, und recorded dis thoughts, observations, an
expounded his rieh philasoply

In his SOAS HON, written) With mare tasivhl and svn.
pathy, Mer, . Chisholm gives a brie!’ biography of tho
selLatyled a Sbacheaben ** who, with his wite, lived on
Dunk Island for 25 years. he tropic idyll muted, as all
idylly must, sorrowfally. Death came at last to the tropie
isle, Some whiong us huve been on Dunk Tslund; few have
not read the Beachcomber’s books. Nothing in. Australian
literature i more distinctive than “The Confessions of
Beacheomber.’” Its authov has enriched our national litera.
ture, and, alsa, he has added not a Little fo the knowledee
of plant and animal life in North Qneensland—his territary
an isle of vomanee. His bird biographies are perfect in
their way; of beach plants and trees ard flowers of the jurele
he wrote as excellently. Birds: were favourites, vel our
friend, especially in his later years, wis most loyal to botany.
Like all true naturalists, he declined to be exelusive, Whe
specialist bas his place —a high one; but the great men
have newdy all been general in their studies (apecialisiny.
foo, maybe)—as Darwin, Bates. and Wallace —C. Barrier

186 Winctamson, Three Specius of Pimetea. vig Her

Ls

LITterephheanedeoandyrensnreesanyatisenesereveLededesaatnacsenrseernrennncarventevensarDesvrmati Nl Edekbwl yp OREN DEMTPENTL AYP RRAY PAN BAM ete”,

THREE SPECIES OF PIMELEA.

By El. B. Winttamsos. yas.

ST CLL
TU ee es

q
VOwUUNEREEEUOHUARCA) HVIAPWOsUNaseaLerPOANCCGEESS AEA NCAT TEED VREAACEHIIPERUAMNCORTINW/FEAUESORERLIDUUUS( EX STFU FOORRCO ENO RECENEFEmiIOD

a

The venus Pimelea belongs to the family Thyimeloaces.
whieh ineludes the Daphne of the Northern Tlemisphere-
fiaidium and Struthioke of S, Africa, and the prostrate
alpine shrub, Dranetes, of the Tasmanian hiellaids and the
Australian Alps.

The members of the family are noted For the great
tenaatiy of the mer bark, and the genus Pinrelea, which is
limited to Australasia, has been referred to under the ver-
uneular “Tough-barks.’" The genus contains 78 speoies, 22
of whieh oceur in Victoria, one of which, PL siniplesx, how-
ever, appears to have been wrongly recorded for the State.
Of these 22 species, 14 have been recorded for the Melbourne
distiiet, one front the Mallee and the S.W. and S. coast. ancl
the veniuining seven are ench limited to one distriet. With
the aid of Mueller’s key, and the information regarding
distribution given in the Census, a beginner should not have
ereat difficulty in making out any of the common species.
Mueller's key to the genus is well set ont, ancl is as easy to
follow as any in the book, the distinctions beg based on
the leaves—whether seattered or ulternate, ineurved or
recurved, calyx and bracts hairy or glabrous, flowers term ial
or axillary, ete.

Certainly P. huwitis, Po glawer, PP. collina, aude P.
sputhiuleta present some diffioulty, but, yenerally speaking.
the first-named can be known by its hatry flower stem. the
second by its aturrow leaves promingntly veined below, and
distinct marginal vein. he third eau bo separated from the
fourth by its ineurved Jeaves, P. linifatia having flat loaves
irving recurved.

Pimelea Treyuanedii, Wyw.M., Mwiet aid Reos, Grey
Rice-tower.

Tn 1893 the Tate Mv, A A. Preyvand, when ju charge
of the Cudegewa State School, discovered this plant on the
hills, seven miles to the north of the township. Baron von
Mueller merely labelled it, and **Pemelea Treyuaude’”
rehiained as an MS. name for 20 years.

Tt. was then taken in hand by Professor Ewart, and the
deseription and figure were published in the Proceedings of
the Royal Society of Victoria, Vol. XXTV, March. 1912.

Biss WitataAmMaon, Three Spceies of Porelex 197

It would appea* that Mr, Treyvatid eolluctad this species.

only onee, and then took only two specimens, oue of whinh
he kept, while the other coustituted the type which is still
in the National Herbariam. J understood fiom Mr. ‘lrey-
vaud that he had not been able to find the plant again. Wath
«faint hope of rediscovering it, T set out for Cudgewa from
Chiltern last month, but, by mistake, boarded a train on a
Monday, a day om whieh Cudgewn has no train serviee, so
was forced to stay in Tallangatta, Advised by Mr. Pervy
the local forest raiger, where 1 might spend the day dost.
peoitably, 1 followed a biid)e-track over u saddle of Mi!
range towards Granya, and, near the top, found many speci-
mens of the rare Pamelew, Retumming by the vew roadl,
several miles alone the range, T found the plant again ip
eveat abundance at about the game altitude. Vvidently a
is rather widely spread, after all

As] vathered, on the same range, specimens of Pudtencwa
polifolia, only recently recorded for Vietoria (Mitta Mitta,
5. Clinton), and some plints of a Greville and a Brachy
came, both col whielk appear to be undeserihed species, th
would seem that the place has uot been systeniatically
arched by an experienced eallectar,

Mr, Perry has sinee then sent nie move advanced speai-
mons of the Povelen, and their state Indicates that the flower-
ing time is profonyad. 7 should nol be surprised to find
llowers at the end of November. Like most of the Pimeleas,
this species bears wumerous flowers on a common receptacle,
as in the family Composite, and they bloom from outer to
mien, those year the centre appearing last. Assocuted: with
this plant was a congener, P. spathulata, of the same size
and habit, so that one might easily pass them by as being
identical , but exuminadion of the involueres at onee teveals
the difference. The head of P, spatidate is survounded by
four broad bracts, shorter than the flowers, while that of
PO Preyuaudia Was on involuere of cight ov nine narrow
hracta, as lone as the flowers. Only three other Victorian
species have more than four bravts—P. oclophylla, P. phalr-
cedas and the variety Iapertcina of PL ligustrina.

Pimelea spithulata, Lain, Spoon Race-flower,

Waring the same trip to the Ni. il was iny good {ht
fue to see w wonderful display of the Wows ot this
Rice-lower. 1 would searecly have believed that a speoirs
of Pimelea could make such a show, though To know ihat
the Western Avstraliad species, 2. suavevlens, P. speutubilis,

be

He , 5 PY) pares oR Nien Hy " ‘View, Nat
ahs Witiasnos, Thrive Species of Limalea | vol Shr

Poyosea and PB. Luehmannit, can suvpass any of those found
in. Vietoria for size and heanty of individual blooms. ‘he
¢hain .of- low hills extending Srom Gleurowan for twenty
thiles north towards the Murvay River, and in the atorthern
half running parallel to the Ovens River, ig kuown as the
Warby Range. The range has been noted i) its ussoclation
with, busheangérs, for at Peechelba, nearby, Morgan avas
shot: and later, at Glenrowan, near, the southern point,
hill named Morgan’ 5 Look-out, the Wellv gang met Ths
Waterloo,

“Ascending the rocky side of the range near Puechelha,
and Jamenting the unfavourable aspect tironght about. by
sheep, rabbits aud fires, T was agreeably surprised On reac
ing the sumyut, to find the large shrubby form of 2. sprithe-
kita thickly @lothing the hillside and ride There was a
wealth of white blossom, such as | had never seen displayed
on any other Vietorian plant. Acres wore coverod with
bushes: three or four feet bigh, cach bein a mass of bloom:
Resides these, and » few fieree and eloomy-Innking pe ie of
sLeactu triptera, there were na other flowers,

s

_Pimeleu ligustrina, Labitl, Tall Riee-fMfower:.

This species, which, like the last-named shvub, is wide-
spread through the Stat te, has large leaves, and its heads of
flowers are surrounded by four broad bracte—except in the
ease of fhe varioty ley pericina., mentioned above. Tt ig the
finest of our Victorian species, and is one of the features of
the Journey along the Great Ocean Road, fron Beech Parest
to. Moonligirt Fead and the Gellibrand Riv ev, sharing witht: i
Satinwood, Phebahinm squamewm, and Balin Mint-bush.
Prostanthera melissifolia, pride of place for floral pageantry.
Tt is known locally as ‘*Curvajong,’” a name which can be
traced:to the abori imines, who applied it to plants with wseful
tough bark, but. the use of which we restriet to. small tree
indigenous to the N.K. of the State. '

Pho Parple Evis,- Patersonio longiseapi, Was tourtshudl
luxuniantly this. season around I'rankston, Langwarrin anu
Mornington, Lt does not seem to be genurally. known that
the flowering apparatus of this plant works on the “‘maga-
zine’’ principle. Tf a spucimen is kept im water when the
flower dies off, others will appear in succession, the number
varying according to the stage at which the stem was picked.
—G. Cox. \

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLII December, 1925
PLATE VII

(Above) SPOON RICE-FLOWER, Pimelea spathalata, Labill.
(Below) BUGLE, Ajuga australis, RR. (1 ft. high)
(Photos by H. B. Williamson)

Ddieee |

192. Kecurston to, Grecudale 134

PTOI eC eet

EXCURSION TO GREENDALE.

*

COED ECHOES,

A reeedendewwestissaee

me

NITOETORECDEPDPNUNUROTOREDONTOCORSEOAINAGBAOUTO DNAS LRN EUR OI NALA NDGRGHREAT COUNT EOSD HIN CEANETORMAWE ROSA DANII AAREL BORO NNTrarraneeNa ney

Mie exetrsioniats to Greendale on Oetoher 30 were
favoured with delightful weather. Phe party was amet at
Bacehus Marsh ba Da. Shiurken, oA detour was made fo a
point on the road whieh passtx over the shoulder of Morit
Blackwood, whence was’ wide wandening for the ereediost
eve?’ To the worth Jay the extensive Wombat Porest, reach
ime from near Gishorne to the viemity of Dyylesford, amd
brokew only By one visthle pateh of eolfivation at Black
wood. To the west, Mount Bininyvoue was the most potable
alevation, As the oye twimed south, the Pyke’s Creek Reser
vor was seen glenming in the saa a Tittle more than four
milus away. Dune south the low uitas of the Brisbane Ramen.
the Anakies, and the You Varnes were piekodl out. The Taze
prevented sight-of the sea and the city, bat the Dandenoues
and Mi. Macedon cotpleted the round of prrospeet.

At Greendale fhe fine conifers surrounding ln. Slater's
hose were admired. ‘he house, of logal sandstone, was
Imilt by Dr. Shuter’s father about TO years avo, and the
‘trees presumably were planted at the same time A Jas
Caniriensis about TO feet ju height attraeted mueh
attention; on the young fruits of this tree, our host told
us, Black Cockatoos are fond of feeding, and appear to
hecome quite mtoxieated ax the result. Another yine, the
clhister, P. pinaster, wis a good specimen of ity kind. This
tree is grown in the andes, to the sonth af Fvanee, and
provides much of the turpentine is use. here were also
several huge specimens of Cupressus macrocarpe, the
Monterey Cypress, vod annither rare species of the same
venus, C. thamferd, alao North Aimeriean. “to complete the
list were several particularly well-erawiy speaimens of Piven
radicka, We Monterey Pine, This species ts almost entirely
composing the plantations wow being made at onr State
Schools for endowment purposes. yet for the best of those
at Greendale, one with a stém diameter of niere than four
feet, eivht shilling has been offered four milling purposes!
Olive-backed Orioles, OGrialus sagitfatus, were noisily achive
in the topmost branches of the pines.

The forest approvehes to within a short distinee of the
honse, and was entered after Junch. Tt was composed mainly
of the Messmate Atrinevbark. A. oblaqua. the Common

View Nat.
Vol. XLIT

a0 BEveurston to Greendale
Peppermint, LZ. australiane, the Swamp Gum, L£. ovata and
the Blue Peppermint, /. dives... Tho last-named was, in some
places, very abundant, Tt was flowering, ‘as is*its want, at
its very early growth, und someé unusually large trees were
noted, A few specimens of the Apple Box, fn. Stuartianay
and the Yertchnk, 2. Consideriana, were reeoynised by Mr.
P, R. H. St. John. The Yertchuk was, perhaps, the most
rtareudiig item noted during the day. ‘Chig tree was first
discriminated by the late Dr. A. W. Howitt, who veferred
tO it as a broac-leaved forn of KF, ame ydatina — his Lt.
wnyodaling (d)—in his ‘'Rucalypts of Gippsland,’ Zrens.
Roy. Sec. Vict., ti, 82-85, and there noted its oeeurrence Fran
udar Walhalla to the Delegate River. ‘The late Me. J. H.
Maiden deseribed the species in Part X of his ‘Critical
Revision,’’ and gives its range in New Sonth Wales, as from
Gosfor d, north of Sydney, to Nelligon on the Clyde River,
within the eoustal distriets. Later “Mr. St. John recoenised
it at Witham, Wareandyte and Lilydale, and Mr. Tt. S. Flart
found WW xrowing neav Creswiels tt ig wot abundant at
any of these places, and as it provides such good timber,
that some foieing at Eltham composed of it is still sound
atter G4 years, it soems fated to disuppear from these
loeglities. ~

he grouud within the forest was very dry, few flowers
were i bloum and most of these had pissed their lest.
Nothing unexpected was noticed, and the only species wort
neubioning wagon torn of the very variable Foathy Pirrot-
poi, Dallwyria ericifolia, seen also recently near Steiglity,
Wi vhich tle ends of the branchlets terminate im sharp spines.
Returning to the house through a most pieturesque pacdock.
in which gone noble Manna Gams and Red Gums were grow.
ii, the purty was again provided with vefreshments. Dr.
and Mrs. Shuter were thanked by Messrs. St, dohn and FP,
CG. A. Barnard, on behalt of the party. for heir gracions
hosynitality.—C.8,8. '

No hotanist is move familiar with the tlora of the Gram-
pians than Me. 7. W, Audas, PIS, and his. book, “Ono of
Nature's Wonderlands,’' recently published. is a pleasant
and useful eampanion for the field naturalist on holiday it
those mountains, he volame is illustrated with a coloured
frontispiere and a number of half-tone plates fram plote-
graphs (chiefly of plants). One short chapter is devoted
to the zoology of the Grampians. More books of this Kind,
dealing with special revions, would be welcomed by Victorian
nitie lovers.

Dee Our Mallee Seaketiary oh

PRITPIUICIIPTIITT Tre Ch Re OOOO

OUR MALLEE SANCTUARY. :

PV eenneannenet tre ney

Teas OE TTTROAPECTE RUPE ATH PEE ALEC LTTE RESP PREC EE RERER ATARI EATPNRRTFEEUT HIN RALY DCRRCESPA FRAC PT ER PAN CAT THT REATTRSPIAAPPERMRE PERE CHECEE ARES

The scrub-roller is the Juggernaut of the Mallee, passing
over snimal Jife—the ‘‘sniall deer’’~as well as break-
ing down plants. Before its advance birds and animals
must setreat, losiny both home sites and hunting grounds.
Birds suffer most, since many nests, containing eyes or
hvoads, are erashed by the big rollers, Yor by year the
ineult area shrinks, as the wilderness is transformed dnote
wheatfields.

Only the true desert is safe fran eneroaehment — the
region of desolation, where great dunes of white or aroy
sand lift their shoulders like waves uncrested with fou
and held motionless, mysterioasly. The Mallee Tands of
Victoria, wherever wheat will grow, to wheat will be gin
over, and eventually the native fuliia and flora will be
homeless, beyond the beundaries of the desert, anid avens
that ure reseryed ag sanctuary.

Half a million weres, perinanently reserved ja natural
state, would ensure the survival, in fair nimbers, of Mallee
plants and animals that should be saved, sine mary species:
are unique, or of very special niterest to botanist, biologist.
and the field naturalisi, who desires that. no Australian native
thing should dissppear completely, We ea hope for no such
generous portion of the Mallee, but, at least. we have, in
Wyperfeld Park, a ‘‘poeket’’ sunetuary. Between Yapeet
and Pine Plains, 25,000 acres has, for some years, been per-
manently reserved, and recently arrangements were made
towards better guardianship of this wild Park. 9 Si js, of
course, unfenced, and, lacking funds, the conmnittee of
management Is unable fo appoint rangers ta patrol Wyper-
field. Now grazing rights ave to be granted, and the holders
will keep wateh tor raiders—hird dreappers, pot-hunters and
their kin.

lo the past our Mallee Park fis been a contre of bird-
trapping, wiih: spaortamen have taken toll of duels within
the boundaries. in the shoutiny season. Parties in quest
of Aedgling parrots and cockatoos were wont to visit Wyper-
field, and depart, with scares or handreds of viclins—doomed
to captivity: One day, on the shore of Lake Brambruk, |
saw oa, bird-trappers®-caimp. ‘The owners were absent. but
cooped in tink and boxes were many miserable young

202 Ow Wullee Saretwary Vor xtra

bivds, including Regent Parrots, or. ''Simualers,”? Polylelis
anthopentlus, und other protected species The poliee were
infornied, but wher a trooper veached BGrambruk the raiders.
had gone. Tt is not easy to ‘trap? on Iied-trapper, who is
Nouting the game laavs.

Wrvpertield ts the nesting headquarters of Regent Parrots
iw Vietoria, while the Majov Mitchell, or Pink Cockatoo,
Cocahua leadbeatert, by no incans a vonumon bird, breeds
thore toa, Other species of parrots more abundant than the
Regent are tenants of the Park avea, The Lowan, Letpou
avellatu, overs there, too, and perhaps a bird bist with 100
hanes could be compiled tor Wyperfield, Tt is, therefore, a bit
of Mallee country well suited for sanctuary, ancl, while it
remains as it ds to-day, we should be thankful. Miay nance
of its wildness ever wilt, touched by the hand of progvess.

Of Wyperfield for hotany T am not competent to write.
peyond giving an opinion that the ares is representative.
There ave lekes—one of fiir size—and, in a year rich an
raintall, the Outlet Cveek flows through the Park and fills
them, rarely to an overflow; you may see on the tree trunks
the tice marks of forgotten flood-seasony, ‘Ihe course of the
ereck ig marked by river-gums. Then there are dend and
living evealypta in the lakes, and on dry hind, as a frame
abort then. ‘Che coekatoos and parrots nest in tree-hollows:
some veteran wounw provide home-sites for nearly a dozen
pairs of hitds: others for two or three only. Tu the
treghess fyacis, and on the Pine-ridges, one notices
fainiliae Mallee wildflowers, When Twas there, on October
aliys, the hime of blossoms was strong enough to divert me
for a whilg from, bivd observing; bushes were alight with
flowers, atid of lesser plants there seemed ta be a, wenerous
variety.

Not a grent area, 25,000 aeres, for a National Park—nwe
quarter the size of Wilson’s Promontory reserve; yet i is
a brreroeosn, of the Mallee, and every Vietoriin naturalist
ahoulcl visit ib We spring or carly suminertime, if possible.
aud when the lakes are nearly brimming, Tt’s worth the
journey trom Melbourne just to see Regent Parrots in their
nesting haunt, Miese are noble bivds, happily tamed anew,
for Repent surely is a better tithe than ‘‘veck pebbler,'' om
“Tamoker’’ The male, in the prime of plumayve, flies in
sunshine as a golden bird. And in shadow even, with no
gleam of i}lusion, he is beautiful in olive anc srreenish-yellow,
with a tail not really black, but iridescent, and a fine seartot
bi, The fomale has duller plumage,

BACs Onr Malo Sanehwury

WS
J
ei

Wonga Park we called our Mallee reserve, ‘until we
remembered that another area in Vietoria has prigk right to
the nrusical first word of that title. Rather w pity, for Wyper-
field is much less plessing, and Woneu. is the name of an
Australian pigeon, whose Gall notes echo sometimes near the
shores of Branvbruk--a Park Jake and one of the lrigttest:
eves’! of the Mallee. But Wonga or Wyperfield, the
sanctuary is ours to have und to hold, Mn perpetuity, unless
foolish cowrei should prevail with some futive Governiudit.

We should, J think, all Clob members will agree, inake
the guarding of Wyperfield Park against encroachment our
concern—vresard it as a natural heritage. Tf is seeand only
iw wnportance to Wilson’s Promontory, and, weve it more
vécessible; would perhaps reeeive ag miiy visitors as) that
fanidiar plaee—wild Nature’s own territory, by man alnost
ntinarred —CusRLEs BARRETY.

PA Ce

NOTES ON FUNGUS BEETLES.

Ns

openeeneepreme iit

UEUOUTLELLUA RTCA ENTS UOELEUP GIMME ALIAR EOD EERE AAEEADOGENRTA LEEDS TAURUIUDATENCEVRNUGPAFEGIDWERSEVEENIMANORULOERZEDAACEDOER TRUER HUES

A world of insect life is associated with the various formes
ot Fyongi, but Tshall mention oly sone of the foneus bectles
that may be found commonly in the vicinity of Melbourne.

Me braeket-hke Polypori, particularly the large white
species that grow upon the Mucalypts, provide homes for
many handsome Tite beetles beloneimg to the family
Krotylide. Perhaps the commonest of these is Thallis jan-
Thing, some 3-16 inch im length and of a rich wreenish-blue
xcdlour. 1 heave, on occasions, scen huge fungi completely
riddled by this species, and it is usual to find lary, pup,
mid the madare iusects in one plant. Another species, of
about the same size as 2’. quathinu, but differing from it an
_ being doll red-yellow and Whaish-blach, is Thallis winula, his
beetle also is Faiidy abandant in Polypori. Some lary, feed-
ing na fangus, that t had eonfined in a large inhe lett their
natural food and attacked the cork, veducme the greater
portion of i to dash Two large speeies, which are
wore rarely found, are Thaliis ansuela and 7 mielunchotica,
the former vellawishved and blaek in wolour, and
the latter, as its tame somewhat Implies. of w dull Dlael-
ish hue. Jn all, seven species of the genus have heen aner
with by ine within a 40 niles tidiasd of the ene

'

Viet) Nar

“204 Notes on Fungus Beettee Vol Nit

The mouldy fungus growths geucrally found under logs
in damp situations frequently vield some delightful litte
beetles belonging to the fiunily Seaphide. ‘Phese may. be
veadily recognised by their generally oval form, terminating
posteriorly in a sharp point. The largest, and best known,
is Scaphidwm. quadripustulatium. Chis species is a little
less than 3-16 inch in length, has two black spots on its
prothorax, and four lighter-coloured tharkines ou ite elytra,
Most of the smaller species belong to the genus Scaphisonie,
‘some of them being less than 1 onmem. in Tenpth, but fre-
quently they are beautifully turked.

The toudstoals often shelter several sprees of weevils aud
coachhorses, Staphyliide. Sometimes toadstools are found
with the gills almost ‘‘alive’’ with Staphylinids.

One of the largest and {mest of the fnugus beetles must be
looked for in those brown-topped, vellow-fleshed fungt, that ave
of uw slushy nature, and commonly grow bencath pine trees.
This ‘beetle is Onthophigus dunningt, of the fanily Seara-
biden, So far as J know, if is the only species of this
large dung-eating venus that favours rotten fungus. It js
a dumpy beetle of a uniformly shining black colour, and
sometinies nearly 4+ inch in Jength, It is readily distip-
cuished by the elaraeter of the male, which has the pro-
thorax ecorutinued over the mouth parts in the form of a
long and streng horn, and the elypeus furnished with a more
ov Jess upright, though much smaller, horn. Among other
families of beetles rather frequently inet with in funy may
be mentioned—Nitidulids, Coidm, and Cryptophagide:.

Any fungus showing sigs of being attacked by insects
is worth bringmg home to be plieced in a eovered bottle, for
many most interesting forms of, lite may be easily reared
from it—I’. Bf. Wirsox,

“QUERY" PARCELS OF PLANTS.

Any membor desiring at any time to ascertain the names
of any nufive plants is invited to send specimens, addressed
to the Club at the Royal Society’s Hall, when they will be
duly determined by one or another of the members more par-
ticularly interested, and a list of the names xveturned, Each
specimen mnst have a number attached, and duplicates.
with eorresponding numbers, should be retained’ by tho
sericdet:

é

ere Some Octuber Bard. Notes 205

TOEATUIEUD TEP UTEDERN TVET PEPPRPAORECHI ODD DPR CHNNCUDANERNPALRDARAAAAN ARCA OPP DDDIDMRAT EI DI RAIHEC HUD DANN RNR CRU EEGN TINE ORE OOTERNAMHWAES

"

: SOME OCTOBER BIRD NOTES.

5
y

PODECHNEADsmechetaeaaay

HOOEEMAODEODDOREDETRODDIM ODODE DD DRDIALNGHAAE OHI RAALGEG ODED IRADPDODNDINIMIGKHOEEOHEAIADUNGLADAD DEENA AAAADAN DBA ABAN GEENA ACCCHORDODE TG

‘Me following notes were made fu three different lovalities
— Ashburton, Melton, and Mooroolbavk— which I visited
Trequently jo October last. Tine, warm wea'ther prevailed
dusting the month, and bird photovraphers enjoyed numerous
opportunities of obtaining good pictures. The subjects alsu
woe more varied, for some injand species came south and
neated freely around Melbourne.

ASHBURTON.—The Sordid Wuooid-swallow, Arlaneius sor-
didus, arrived here much later than in other years, On
‘Oetober 2a few were seen soariiy, hese flights vetorally
ave madeoon the birds! arrival, ov just priory to theiy depat-
ave in Antumoa. For the first time for many Vveurs a pate
of Gray Thraghes, Colluriciaela ammenicd, sneceedad in rear
ing a brood at Ashburton, On October 1 the nest
was foutd, concealed jn ow tingle of bushes, and con,
taining three egies. Ten days later the young wer
hatehed, und by the 24th they had left the nest and were
able to ity well On the 24th a nest of the Tawar Brow
mouth, Podargus strigoides, was looated, on a farve hori-
zontal limb of a box tree, Ten davy later the two egas had
disappeared, probably shay were taken by one of the
many parties of boys, who reeularly visit this part
in ques} of eves, A nest of the Bluck-and-White Pantaal,
Rhipiduren matacilloides, containing the unusual elutch of
fonr eggs, also was robbed. In the topmost branches of a
tull lox sapling a pair of Crested Shrite-tits, Melcunculaes
frontafus, had just; commenced to. build a nest on the 15th.
and a few days later if appeared to ‘be completed; however,
on the 29th, portion of a broken egg-shell was found on

-the ground beneath the nest-tree.’ Tt was evident that dur-

ing a wind storm the eges had velled out of the nest, The
birds were not seem near the nest again, and a few days
atterwieds had moved to the north end of the paddoek
Owing to dvy conditions in the northern parts of Vietoria.

‘several specics moved saath towards the sea coast. Amour

birds that arrived in large numbers were White-browed
Wood-swallows, Artamus superertiosus, A few pairs were
first. noticed on the 24th, but soon there were hundreds
lmanediately on their arrival they commenced te nest. Phe

Vint Nat

206 Same Geaher Bird Notus MON EN YY
conmiie of these birds eausad the Sordid Wood-swallow ty
vo olsewhere: the two species do not appear to like eaedr
others” company, A White-shouldered Caterpillar-cater,
Campephagie haonerdlis, was seen on the 28th, and on the
sane day a pai of Rufous Sony-lieks, Cinelorhamphus
rifescens, took up their abode in the sume leeahty as bhat
“woloeted’’ by a que fi 1923

Meruion,—The cry vidges alone the Deep Creek have
always been a tavonrite hanul of u lavee nuntber of species
during this time of the yeas The beautiful Yellow-tutted
Honeveater, (hilalas wuriwonis, preclominates, and an one
afternoon four nests were found, all placed among clematis
in flower, [fforts to photograph the parent, birds at two of
the nests coutaiuing vous proved wasueccsstul, as the binds
were timid and would vot approach within several vurds oat
the camera. On the 1th an Australian Choshawl, Asti
appromimuns, coulcl be sean sitting or its vest more thin 40
feet from ihe ground. tna fall Baadyvpt. Mis nest las
had many tenants in its tirae, Onee it was nuked by a Tawtiy
Frogmouth ; then a patr of Goshuwhks reconstructed it. Later
in the sume year, a Whitedvoutecl Heron, Notoplioya aoare-
hotlandio, Nattenedl it out, ated laid four ewes. In the tollow-
ie year the Goshawks aut vebuilt it, aad they have
rotained ownership since, A few aniley down the ereck the
shrill enies of another Goshawk ware heard in sane tall
fitiber, but its nest was ot loeated, :

Redebacked Parrots, Psepholus hwmatonolus. were often
sven in pairs searching Por suilable nest hollows. Like most
parvots, these birds selclom commenee nesting in southern
Victoria before October, Another conunon bird of this part,
is the Red-tipped Pardalote, Purdalotius striatus, whore
wonotonous note is heard throughout the day. A. few pairs
nest in small hollows in trees, though a tured ii a river-
bank is thet vanal nest-site. Many of these burrows are
found in the banks of the Deep Creck. Brown Fawkes,
Hiernaciden berigara, are numerous still ou the open plains
between Sunshine and Melton, where, from the train, as
many as hall w dozen may be seen in alifferent spote.

MooroouwanKk—The serub birds iu this locality wasualls
ave early breeders, and this vear proved no exeeplion, as
hests of several species were found to contain young at the
bevinning of the mouth. A nest of the White-eared Honey-
eater, Péloliw leucotis, was ready for eggs at the ond of
September, A fortnight later, however, there was only ane
veo in the nest, which appeated fo he deserted, and was

'

208 The Spider, @cobius navus Meh STAT
Vie. Nat.

THE SPIDER, G:COBIUS NAVUS.

PE eLO
‘Taveaaueoneceneneredt

This little spider, 1-10th of an ineh in length, is the only
known representative of the family, Gcobiide, in Australia.
Only 15 species have been described, all belonging to the one
genus.

“Hcobius navus has been recorded from the United States
of America, Venezuela, New Caledonia, Japan, Australia.
and the islands of the Atlantic. Its wide distribution has
been attributed to the agency of commerce. The Jate W. J.
Rainbow reeorded it for Svydney—a specimen way collected

@COBIUS NAVUS (Magnified 11 diam.)

on the Australian Museum Building. Dr. R. H. Pulleine.
of Adelaide, found a specimen (which I have photographed
through the microscope), on a wall of his house, whilst
T have collected it on the walls of my own house, opposite
the St. Kilda Town Hall. Evidently it is well distributed
in Australia.

The faet that this spider is found in houses suggested
the evenerie name—from the Greek othkobios--house-dweller.
The web ean easily escape notice. Measuring about one inch,

We | Some October Bird Notes 207

being pulled to pieces by other birds needing material for
their own nests, Some vears ago Coachwhip birds Psuphodes
érepitans, were fairly numerous in pairs in this district,
particularly along the Olinda Creek: but with the clearing
ot the serub they have beeome searce. The Ground-bird,
Cinclosoma punctatum, too. is varely seen now. though a
few years ago several pairs were known to exist if eertaim
paddocks.

Karly in the month a few Caspian Terns, Slerna caspin,
and numerous Silver Gulls, Zarus atove-hollandia, were
much in evidence on the Yarra River. but disappeared as
the nesting scason approached. The Gulls also have vanished,
all but a few, that may yet be seen hawking over the Yarra
or standing on the bank of the Maribyrnong River at
Footseray.—D. Dickison,

LAND MOLLUSC NEW FOR VICTORIA.

During a recent visit to the Mallacoota district, Mr.
Charles Barrett spent some time searching for land shells.
but, owing to the continual dry weather, little suecess was
attained—three species alone appearing, However, one of
the forms provides an interesting record for Vietoria. The
shell referred to is Thersites jervisensis, Q. and G.. sp. From
Jervis Bay, N.S.W., this was deseribed as Helin jervisensis,
by the French naturalists, Quoy and Gaimard, in The Voy-
age de Vastrolabe, Zool, Mollusques, 1832, vol. ii, p. 126, pl.
and figs. 18-21, With such well-executed figures, one may
readily identify the species. The loeating of this molluse,
so far south, is rather an interesting extension to the already
wide distribution. The late Dr. J. C. Cox remarks: ‘*There
are many varieties of the species. In New South Wales it is
almost confined to the eastern watersheds. It first begins
about Eden, north of Liverpool Range, and extends all the
way up the coast. even to Port Denison. Queensland.”’

One specimen only of this form was obtained by Myr.
Barrett. on a hillslope near Stony Creek, a tributary of the
Genoa River. The dimensions of the shell in mim. are:
Length, 18; breadth, 16; height, 14. A useful recognition
mark of T. jervisensis is the carination on the body-whoil.
Hitherto. Victoria has been eredited with a poor representa-
tion of land mollusea, particularly in the larger forms. The
writer is confident, however, that, with a little diligent
search, further species await discovery.—C. J. GABRIEL,

red H Tis Spider, Weobius nuvus 208

<

it is, as 4 rule, spun over small depressions on Walla or iy
angles. Beneath it the spider lurks, rumiing away, when
_ disturbed, with remarkable rapidity.

The main eharacterisie of this fumily of spiders is the
position of the eyes. Unfortunately, the photograpl does not,
show this detail, as there is so little contrast of light and
shade af the ovular area, which fs placed in the eentre of
the front half of the body—the eephalethorax. Iu the
nutjority of species, spiders have their eyes situated well
forward on the front portion of the caphalothorax. ‘lhe
only outstanding featare peculiar to this family, which is
visible in the photograph, is the shape of the cephulothoras,
which js bronder than lony, instead of being elongated,

®eobins is a Cribellate spider, possessing the sieve plate
splimerett (the eribellam), also the comb (the ealamistrum),
whieh ean be found on the seeond last joint of the hind leg.
To view this minute detail, one needs a goad Canada balsulin
hint of the specimen and first-class oplical equipment, as
the ealamistrum is but feehly developed.

Aceording ta Rainbow, the eoeoons of Ceohius are
floeculont, tither transparent, plano convex, fixed, and each
eons seven or eight von-agglutinated eggs.--8, Burier,

THE BUGLE IN N,W. VICTORIA,

To those who are familiar with the fomm of Ajuga «ans-
toradts, I, Br, , Bugle, which occurs near Melbourne, the farm
colimen i the north-west will be seareely yecoonissble as the
sane species. The latter is an elegant plant uy to 18 inches
in height, well branched, covered with a whitish indamen-
tum, and having long, tubular light-blue flowers. The speries
as determined hy Bentham is very variable. Hae tells us that
he had decided to ‘set up four species til] he found, from the
éxamination of a series of 80 specimens from various locali-
ties. that he was obliged to refer them all to the singe species,
A, mistralis, R.Br. ‘Neay Haysdale, on the Murray. on a

210 Field and Sthuty. - pay Kes

amall rabbit-infested hill, where the only other plants were
the introduced pests, Trea Tobacco, Nettles, and Stinlewart.
T found a large pateh of these beautiful plants. Apparently;
they are not relished by rabbits—H. B. Wintiawgon.. :

MAGPIES AS PEAQHMAHERS.

The White-backed Magpie, Gymnorhina hypoleucu, has
néver been famed as a peacemaker: yet, warlike though he
is with human intrnders, peace is enforced between bird and
bird, Ou July 21 I noticed tivo Magpies attacking each
other fiercely and persistently, Soon there appeared from
every direction more, and still more Magpies, calling to ench
other as they Hew. More than a dozen birds alighted about
and between the combatants, one of which rose indignantly
while his adversary remained with the newcomers. They,
as with deliberate mtent, seattered over the grass, and com-
meneed a carol of triumph First one and then another
repeated the same sweel. phrase of song, tossing it back und
forth, and joining at last in a grand ehorus, Meanwhile
the Magpie on the wing dropped to earth on the far side
of a evyclone wire fenes, The second bird hopped through
the wire and the fight ivas resumed. “One by one the pearce-
maters Followed through the fence, und again stopped has-
tilities. This time both the fighters flew, and soon the whole
company was lost in-the hlue,,

Fixactly one year later, July 31, 1924, I witnessed another
frustrated quarrel. The combatants were most determined.
and continued their fight in the air, where they were parted
again and again by the equally determined peacemakers. At
last they flew away, and at onece'the remaining birds settled
in 4 group of pines nearby and carolled in chorus, On
Murch 18 Just still anothe peacomaking act was witnessed.
The cause of the quarrel was visible; a sedate-looking Female,
whieh stood aside while each of the two males bent his
energies on upproaching her and preventing a like action on
the part of his vival. The angry birds were parted, and
the usnal chorus of triumph came from the peacemakers’
tauks. Wy were two males quarrelling over one-female in
March?—J. Garprarrs, :

WALLABIES AND ROOK ORCHIDS,

When jn Bast Gippsland recently Mr, V, Miller and I
visiied u spot far from the track of the tourist, where Rock
Ovchids, Dendrebiwn speciasum, grow in profusion. Summits

al Puett ant Stauty 211

ene

ad. steep faces of granite creek-elifls were ulmost covered
in the, epiphytes. : Tt ‘was not a floral display, for: nearly
all the plants, had finished flowering, and many were lack:
ing in foliage. Wallabies, our guide stated, had been feed-
ing ‘freely on the ‘rock lilies,’ ; “The orghid- rocks apparently
are, a fay ourite resort .of wallabies, and at one meal the mar-
supials must do more damage than a ‘‘commereial’’ plant.
collector. But the Rock. Orehids of Stony Creek are not
likely to be exterminated, for even agile wallabies may not
reach the scores of fine specimens that cling to'-a-wall of
granite rising almost sheer fyom a sloping bank, where the
plants ‘are out of reach, both from above und below. —
- Baker.

MORTALITY AMONG STARLINGS,

During the past three years, in the months of Angust,
September und October, 1 haye fveyuently found aa many
ak six dedd starhig when walking round my warden, wo
of my neighbours have had a similay experience. Although
T have sometimes picked ap sparrows and blackbirds, 1 find
that the é¢ats eat them with apparent relish, but they wall,
not Gongumne the starlings. With regard to the sparrows,
death is accognted for by the presence of poisoned wheat
in the gullets, bat that does not affeat the eat, T have held
post mortem exanvirnitions ou the starlmes and failed to
trace any apparent canse of death; all the bids were in good
condition. On mentioning ‘the iatter to am old Enelish
farmer, he said: ‘You should cut out the backbone, as that
is very bitter.” ‘He informed me that when he was young,
hundreds of starlings pwere kKMled aod’ eaten by the family
atter the bitter part, ‘of each bird had been removed, Perhayis
cats hive discavered that. the baekhoue only iy gnpleasanit
eating —G, A. KRARTLAND,

RIOLOGY OF ANTS' GUESTS, men

‘Fields’? almost untilled ure not few in the realm of
entomology in Australia. One that needs more workers is
that of ants’ guests—not mere collecting, not deseriptions of
new species, but the study of behaviour, ete. A distinguished
European student of ants and their guests, in a letter to a
Melbourne naturalist, says: ‘There is no doubt that you may
du very much for this: seienee in Australia, Many dozens,
ol, vather, hundreds of species of coleoptera have been col-

218 Hield: ands tied wer ca

lected there alveady. . \....-But nobody: has “tried -hitherta
to explore their, biology. The: relations: of ‘these ‘nests’ to their
hosts are. nearly wnknown~yet... 2° 'You-vmust have cor-
strueted for this: some artificial npstt whave the ‘ants feel
quite. well, and, behave as if they were at ‘home. -'Theve have
heen. proposed and. built different - ‘types: of this- kind that
ave :all -apt, for observing -the arts and their guests. _ The
‘most simple of them: are “galled Livbbock nests.’

t= 4-
4

Ornithologists ; are_often apt: ito. 1 poaiarpanttpns of 'eon-
tour soil and plant cover, which are suvely determining
factors in the oceurrence of bird life, when deseribitrg the
avifanna of any partienlar locality.

It is, therefore, gratifying to note that a description. of
the vegetation of the northern end of Younghusband’s Pen-- ,
insula, by Professor J. B. Cleland, accompanies Mr. J.
Sutton’s interesting account, in the South Australian Orni-
thologist of July last, of the visit. of a. party to the Coorong.

BPining and grazing have resulted in the destruction
of most of the serub, which auee covered the Penmsula, and
the shifting sands are Hkely to overwhelm: what remains-
The total number of plants present does not probably exceed
100, and is made wp of those commonly met with in the
coastal beet. "The most interesting of those mentioned are
Calostemme, Acacia ligulata, Kunzea pomifera, Meloleuca
parviflora, and- Aster subulatis.

PHOTOGRAPHS FOR “THE. NATURALIST."

It is proposed, while funds permit, to include ote plate at
Teast in each issue of the Nuaturdlist, Members are invited to
submit prints for consideration by the Editor and the Publishing
Committee. Unusual subjects are desired, not photograpbs of

scenery, ele. Wreiters of papers might submit Dhotographs suitable
for illustrations—Bditor,

All contributions for ihe Naturist, nd letters to the Editor,
shonld be addressed:

CHARLES BARRET?,
“Maralena,” Maysbury Avenue,
Etsternwick, Vic.

CORRECTION.—Page 184, Drakaen elastien; end of second para-
graph should read: “so as to-simulate unfher potut,”

Che Victorian’ Haturalist

Vor. XLII—No, 9. JANUARY 8&8, 1926 No, 505

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in
the Royal Society's Hall, Vietoria Street, oo Monday evening,
December 14, 1925. The President, Mr. Geo. Coghill, oecu-
pied the chair, and about fitty members and friends wert!
present.

Lave Mr. J. H. Maren.

The President referred to the death of Mr. J. H. Maiden,
who, he said, although not a member of the Club, was well
known {o many members. He had contributed papers to the
meetings, aud regularly sent wildflowers to the Club shows.
My. Covhill proposed that a letter of sympathy from the
Club be sent to Mrs, Maiden and family. The motion,
seconded by Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, and supported by Mh.
H. B. Williamson, was agreed to in silence, menrbers standing.

Corresronprencn.

From. Hon. See,, Vietovian Bush Nursiug Association, Sir
James Barrett, returning thanks for donation (£56) veceived
from. the Club, and inviting the Club to nominate three Life
Governors on the ‘Association. Mr. C, Oke, Hon. See., said
that the Clih Committee had considered this matter, and had
decided to nominate Miss Wilda. Gabriel, Mr. Geo. Coghill
and Mr. F. Pitcher. He moved that these three names be
forwarded on behalf of the Clnb; seconded by Mr, C. Daly,
and carried unaninvously.

: Rerrors,

Reports of excursions were given as follows:—Fltham,
My, W. C. Tonge; Frankston, Mr. “H. B. Williantson ; Bunyip,
Mr. Wilhamson; Kororoit Creek, Mr. A. E. Radda; Sher-
brooke Gully, Mr. 1%. E. Pescott; Lilydale, ‘‘Ruddocks;’’ Mr,
F. Ghapman., .

A vote of thanks to Messi. F. Thomas, M.A,, and My,
Holgate for use of cars and hospitality to exeursionists to
Runyip was earvied unanimously,

GENERAL.

The statement that motor cars’ were entering the National
Park at Sherbrooke, and approaching the falls was distuased

214 Field Naturalists’ Club Proceedings. vite

by several menbers. Mfrs. C, Bage moved that the Wratten Ne
left in the hands of Mr. Barnard and the Secretary, to mule,
on behall of the Club, a strony protest fo thie wutghories int
charge of the Park against cars having wecess to the reserve,
Seconded by Mv. Williamson, anc carried.

PAPERS.

1. By Mr, I. Cuttnore—’ A Complete Corallum of the
Vossil Coral, Vhamnastren sera (Dunean).?’ Whe anthor gave
an seeount of the finding of the Corallum ov the fossil-beds
at Table Cape, Tasmania, and briefly deserihed this: interest-
ing “‘find,”’ ;

2. By Mx. J. A. Bioss— "The Ameebe and Thew Strue-
ture,’’? The author stated that he did not accept the defint-
tion of the structure of the Ammbew, as given in most of the
text-books. He thought that they had 4 defined pellicle, and
that the ectoplasm and endopiasm, although not elourly differ-
entiated one fron the other, were really- distines parts of the
animal, snd were not interchangeable. ‘Fhe paper contained
an. account of numerous experiments and observations, and
conelusions arrived at.

Mr. W, Sticklanc spoke of Mr. Ross’s work.on the Amelie,
discussing the points on which he diffeved from. the writers
of the text-hooks.

Mr, Williamson made some remarks on collectme and pre-
serving’ ferns, aud recommended the study of the planis to
members who were desirous of doing useful work in the field
of botany. He then gave 4 brief outline of the classification
of the ferns, illustrating his vemarka with a number of
drawings,

Exurerrs.
; By Mr. F. Chapman: Christmas Bush, gvown at Balwyn:
Fossils from Lilydale, Romingeria (eoral), Sthruplonela
engly photdes.

By Mr. F. Cudimore: Corals, Plestustraea wvillel, from
Beaumaris (recent).

By Mr, C. Daley: Native axe from Wongaara, Grent
Ocean Road; flint core, with chipping edge, from Kennet
River, Great Ocean Road; Leaf impressions in shale (Jur-
assit), from Louise Falls, Grany Creck, Great Ocean Roact.

By Mr. J, A. Kershaw: Views of the National Park, Wil-
son's Promontory.

By Mr. A. BE. Rodda: Fruits, leaves and serial roots of
Mangtove, Avicennia officinalis, from Koveroit, Creek; star-

prey Bacur sions. aH

fish, ecu-urechius, Philine aperty, with internal shells-aud giz-
zurd plates, all from Raeecourse Beach.

By Mr. H. B. Williamson; Specimens gathered at Bunyip ;
snécimiens of ferns, Wymenophyllucea.

The meeting elosed with the nsual short conversaziond,

EXCURSION TO BLTHAM.

About 20 members visited Eiham on November 4, Arter
walkin# a mile alone the road towards Glen Park the party
turned into the paddocks and crossed the creek. ‘The call
notes of Rufous Whistlei's, Puchycephalas rufiventrus, Grey
Yhrushes, Collurieinela harmonica, Cuckoo Shyikes, Greucu-
lng malunops, several species of Woney-eaters and 'Tit-Warh-
Jers, were heard. The first hall, was at. the reeentlymacde vest
of a paix of Olive-backed Onioles, Orioltia suyttiatus, Several
piairs of these birda come from the north every spring, and
nest near their old home-sites, The west examined was on
the fork of the swinging hough of a Box sapling near the
ereek, and contained three egys. The cees were hutched on
November 16, sixteen days after the last egg was laid.

Two Regent Honey-eaters, Mellphaga phryyia—flocks of
which have fayoured Eltham with their presence for several
gcasons in succession—were putting the finishing touches to
their nest, high overhead, in a fork of a, Stringy-bark tree.
Not many yards’ away a pair of Butcher-burds, Crachteus
destructor, had nested in w sapling. We walked on up among
the timber, where the White>inged Choughs, Corenrax
malinorhumphus, had their mnd nests. ‘Working back to the
creek, we passed another Orioles’ nest, ina swinging sapling:
the young birds had recently flown, Close by, on the hori-
zoital branch of a tall White Gum, was the nest of a pai of
White-tronted Flerous, Nulophoyx nove-hollundia. Two
young had bean reared, the third having fallen on misfortune.
This nest has heen used for two years in succession, being rein
vated this season.

Among the timber avuin, on the gully sidings, we observed
anestin a Stringybark containing three fully-fedeed young
Clioushs, Mey were feeling the heat and were anxious to try
thei wings; two of them came to the gvound. On the fork
of a Stringybark branch a Tawny Troginouth, Podargis
striggides, and two young ones, nearly fledged, were sittuig

\

216 Exeursions, Vict, iat

motionless. On the way to Uithan Tleights, and the leader's
house, we inspected the noesting-hole of a pair of Spotted Par-
dalotes, Perdnlobus punctubus. W. ©. Toxsn,

EXCURSION TO FRANKSTON.

On Novenvber 21 abont a dozen members travelled by train
to Prankston, and were joined there by the Rev. G. Cox and
18 juveniles, members of the Mornington Naturalists’ Chib,
‘The walk alow the railways towards Laugwarein proved
interesting, Fone species of Guinea-fowers were gathered,
but not all in bloom. Four species of Suncdew alsa were found,
in the woiste: places, Both Diauellas and the beantitul
Golden Spray were adinived. The two Bladderwerts and the
Tall Yellow-eve were seen, but no orchids were reported to the
leader, he feature of the onting was the presenes of the
juveniles, and their keenuess was admiruble, cousidering that
they had. Dee» ont all day, Mr. Cox is to be congratulated on
the fine work he is doing af Mornington. He gives up matty
of his Saturdays and some of his evenings to the voung folk,
and has. instilled inte his pupils a love for the things of
Nature. H. B. WinnrAMsaon.

EXCURSION TO KOROKOI?Y CREBK,

Owing doubilass to hot weather on November 28, and the
claims of another excursion, only three members took part in.
the outing to Racecourse Boach und Koroit Creek. he tide
had receded, and an hou was spent in dxploring shallow
pools- Many molluses, including a species of Phaline, were
noted, The tracks of "such specios as the Sea-snail, Vatiens
and the Buabble-shell, Budla, could he followed, sud thie erea-
fures discovered, slowLy provvessing Star fish, sca-urehins,
several gpecies of crabs. prawis, and the aggressive sra-lice
were observed. Little founders, coloured ex: ietly like the sandy
hottom, sprang from invisibility and sometimes sunlit
shelter beneath our feet, About 20 Sea-eurlews, Nremenius
cyanopus, were seen, In a floek, and with them as auinher of
Sandpipers of two specics, too distant for eartain idenitifica-
tion, At the sea-edgo were two Black Swans, as well as Silver
Gulls, Terus and Cormorants.

Leaving the beach, we crossed the low. marshy Aut to the
ervekside, This flat is covered maimty with lame bushes of
Samphire or Glasswort, Salicorna, ‘ul other salina vegeta-
tion, The spaces betw een the bushes were everywhere bridged

+

Jum, hd er propa O4 Ty WES Ds oe
1926. \ Dreursivns. 207

by the tough threads of a peenliar ‘thorny?’ spider (Gastera-
cunthu sp.), present in great numbers, A few nests of the Tang,
Ephilianurn albifrans, were fowid, aid several of the birds
were seen Hitting, in jerky fight, from bush to bush. hy ihe
quiet water of the creek a Great Crested Grebe, Dodieeps
cristatus, was swinnning and diving. A nomher of Mangrove
trees, Avicennin affizmnalis, still vemain on the eastern side of
the creek, aurronnded by a stubble of upright acrial roots:
whose lungth is governed by the vise of the lide, On the oppo-
site hank a pair of Spurwinged Plover, Lobitya -uaute-Mul-
land, sere yeen, Othey birds noted were Dottevels, Sky-
lavks, Pipits and Goldfinches, A featmre of the return jomrniey
was the large mmunber of brown butterflies, seeking sheltered
nooks in anticipation of the hurvicane that burst upon us hull
wi hour Jater, whem we had veached the Seaholme station,
A. TH. Rowpa,

BXCURSION TO RBUNYTP.

On November 28 eight members were met at the Bunyip
riilway station by Mr, FL homas, M.A,, and Mr, TMolgate,
who motored to Mr. Thomas” home, alu two Wiles aocth of
the township. After an inspection of the garden, where the
presence of native plants testified to the ownet’s Australian,
spirit, the party weve driven a male further north, and then
an enjoyable walk westward brought them to the foot of Mt.
Cannihal, 'fhe ramble led through country where the Short
and Long Purple Flags, Patersani glauca and P, lonyiseu pe,
ware tound togethor, “and representatives of the Laly family.
were mach in evidence, Pale Grass Lily, Cista parviflora, the
beautifal Bringe Lily, Thaysanatis hubor osus, the Tufted Lily,
Stypundra cuspitose, and the Smooth Flax Lily, Dianella.
lewis. The Swamp and the Spreading Bush Peas, Pultenwa,
Weindorfert and P. Readeriana, and the Pale Wedve Pea,
tompholoboin Huegelti, were aleo noted, Mt, Cannibal was
then ascended. Large flat vranite rocks formed a character of
the sanunit. Deseending towards Garfield, the Cannibal
Creek was reached, where the Broad-leaf Water - Milfoil:
Myriophylhium amphibaim, was gathered. Thig vlant has not.
vet been reeorded for the South, On the lower slopes of Mi.
Cannihal the poeuliar Wiry Spear Grass, Slipa Muelleri, was
gomnon. It is 4 tall grass, with varely more than one spikelet
in its Hower head. he Euealypta noted were Swamp Gum.
f. vonta, Mountain Grey Gum, 2, gontvcalyx, Pepnermint

218 Broursiona. Vou Sit

Guin, L. austvadians, Messmate, 2. vbliqua, and White Stringy

Bark, @. eugenioides. Scedlings of the last-named were foand
ou the dry hill- top, showing the interesting ligno-tubers well
developed. H_ ‘E. WInLtamsoan.

UEXCCRSION TO SITBRBROOKE GULLY.

A party of six took part in the full-day exeursien on
December 5. Sherbrooke Gully wags approached by the hill-
road from Tecoma station, whenee the mamuificent pattoraina,
from Beaconsfield, Westernport to Pot Phillip, was viewed,
Many birds were observed in the Gully. othens were noted by
their culls—tha Coachwhip Bird, Psophodes crepitaas, mic
the’ Béll’ Miner, Manorhina melanophrys. lowers were
searee; the chict ones noted being the Clematis and Christinas-
bush, Prostantherd, Nothing of special note was sean, the
day being a quiet one of general observation.

B. &. Prscary-

EXCURSION TO RUDDOCK’S QUARRY, TINYDALE,

- Thirteen members and friends visited Ruddock’s. quarry
on the afternoon of December 12; and an hour was spent cal-
lecting the Silurian fossils which are here very ahundaut.
The details of a previous excursion (see Victorion NVotueuhst,
vol. XXXVLIL, p. 122) vive a sood idea. of the richness of this
mudstone deposit, On “the presenf occasion we fount) such
eavals as the parasitie Pleurodictyum, the rambling Roman-
gerug and the turbinate Lindstramic. ‘lhe lamp-shelly com.
prised the genera.Orthis, Strophonella, Spirifer, Leptana and
Nucleaspira. Sore interesting bivalves found ineluded Gram-
miysia and Gontophore, Of the Gastoropods there were Bel-
lerophon, Pleurotomaria, Murchison, Laxonema ancl Carinu-
repsis, Portions of the straight nautiloid, Cycloceras, ropre-
sented the cephalopods. ‘lwo examples of the ancient goose-
barnacle, Zurrilepas, were found, as a separate plate and some
connected ones. And last, but not least. was a free elieek,
with attached facetted eye-lohe, of the trilobite, Phacops, The
specimens found were named on the spot, and as the leader wind
Mr. ¥. A, Cudmore, brought some illustrated papers on the
fossils of this particular bed, members could see the actual
figures: ‘lo several the treasures of this little qnarry were
’ distinet surprise, and the expression of having enjoyed a
Pleasant afternoon was nnanimous.

F, Gakrman.

70 Wraranaox, Vietovian Ferns. 219

IOOEUNERASCOTEUNAALGERENDSRALAECOUOUONAODDOESGDAGURDOUEATYRNGUPASONUNDATONASRAUYRNOORORETAEDHTFOSEGRDENENCROHESENHOTLT OVEN DDBNRAP URGE Ba:

VICTORIAN FERNS

By H. B. Winuramson, F.L.8.

SSOLHeRPAPPARU TRACE RELVUANOAOOEpAURURNATOEpeNRD ARAL CURED TOCA HUET ECO ED | ACPEGEEDDDNALA TORN ODINNNHGGU SERIAL eoReLoaUINNOHeeReeanMRAATEDEES

Part I,

teen

Dentvrinmeveseserennveerery

PULL

Ferns have always enjoyed much popularity on account
of theiv decorative value and the attractive appearance they
present. when pressed and dried. Sone people consider that
no gaxden is complete without a fernery, and many house-
holdevs who cannot have a garden manage to have a pot
fernery, where they can tend some of these graceful plants.
And what is move restful to the eye on a glaring snammer day
than to wander among ferns in a shady grove?
Besides those who nse them for making home beautiful, there
are some who delight in seeing them in their natural habitat,
studying their wonderful lite, lustory and perhaps trying in
Classify them and lear their names. Especially to these
Tast. my notes are designed to appeal,

Of the Victorian ferns very few may not be found within
100 miles of Melbourne, and there is uo veason why ferns,
ag objects for study und eollection, should not be as popular

_as orchids, excepting, perhaps, the fact that the latter are

Fomid in all kinds of places, while ferns, as » rule, are
restricted to the mountain gullies.

_ Collections of dried ferns are easily made; all that is
required being a supply of newspaper between stout ecard
covers of 2 convenient size, say 15 inches by 11. inches.
Bronds should be placed in the portfolio as soon as picked,
and pressive applied by means of two leather straps. On
veaching home, the fronds should be placed between dry
paper, under a weieht of about 30 Tbs. A little attention
every tivo or three days is needed to transfer them to dry
paper, and to see that the fronds are spread properly,

In gathering ferns, look for fertile fronds, those bearing
on their under-surface reddish masses of spores. These are
important for the purpose of classtfication. When quite dry,
the ferns nay be inounted in albams, or on sheets of stiff
paper, either by placing gummed stvips across a good many
parts of the fronds, or by fastening every portion of them

.

220 Wirtiaarsos, Vintorian Ferns. ects ey
down on the paper with ghie, a method which makes a permn-
nent mount, able to sland inach handling, This is the method
which IT have found effieicnt for school collections, and wii
using with the collection of ferns that I am offering to the
Kield Naturalists’ Club for the Library. T shall be glad to
wive later the details of the method, if it i desired. In
mounting ferns, especially if the glueing method is used,
itis important that a part, at any rate, of the frond be
mounted with the under side appermost, so that the arrange-
tient of the frnit-masses ean be studied,

Im dealing with the classification, [ do not propose to
labour the descriptions, or to use many scientific terms. Tn
the seientifie treatment of the classification of plants, one is
supposed to start with a kev to the families—Natural Orders,
we used to call them—and learn the characters. of these.
Then a key to, the genera is to be used, and after that a key
to the species in the same wis. Tf I do not follow that method
I hope that the saevifice of scientific principles will be more
than eompensated for by the value of these notes to the
novice. It would be well if Mucller’s Key, Part I, were used
ii conjunction with these notes, arid that the drawings at the
end of Part Tl. were at harid for reference. The last 28 pages
of the latter wre well worth studying,

The following are definitions of some vf the levis with
which fern students should be familar —

Frond, leaf springing from an underground stem |
(vhizome) or from the summit of an erect trunk.

Pinna, primary division of a frond.

Secondary pina, division of a pina. Called a pine
mule when the frond is bi-pinnate only.

Pinnule. the nitimate division of w frond or a pinne.

Sorus, pl, sori. Fruit mass or eluster of sporangia.

Sporangium, spore-cases roundish sac or pouch, hold-
ing fie spores.

Indusiun, Involuere, Fruit-cover, Fruit-cup; the mem-
branrionus lid. enp or border over or arotind the sorus.

Dorsal, wnider-surface, away from the edge.

Receptacle, the seat of the. sporangia,

The classification of ferns into families and genera is

hased on ‘the nature of the sporangia, whether stalked or
sessile, large or small, and on the nature of the ring, if any

sted WILLIAMBON, Vidtoran Marna, 221

18 present; on the disposition of the sori, whether m lines or
in voundish masses, terminal, marginal oy dorsal; on the
presence or absence of an indusium, and on the venation of the
pinnules. The structure of the sporangia is interesting,
although a. hand Jens is seareely capable of revealing the detail;
jut. xs the Glassifieation, sometimes depends oi it, it had better
receive sone attention, It is seen that the sporangmun is
otten ‘surrounded by ay annulus (ring) of thickened cells,
which forms an elastic organ, which, on drying, contracts,
and causes the cuse to be split open, setting free the ripe
spores. This ring muy be perfect or incomplete, horizontal,
oblique or longitudinal, or absent, as in Osmundacex and
Oplioglossacea,

The following is a list of the characters of the several
tisnities:-—

AY MENOPHYLLAGEAL. rangia sessile, placed on a
bristle-like axis, in a eup-like nidusium on the edge of the
frond.

Ovarnescuar,—Tree ferns, fronds large, sporangia, in
youndish masses on the under-snrface of the frond; indusium
sumetimes present,

OsmuUnbDscesn.—Ferns with thick trunks, tronds large;
sori without. indusium, often covering the dorsal surface: of
the lower pinnules of the frond.

GLEICHENTAGEA.—Sori dorxsal, sporangia, few, 2 ta B in
cluster; fronds dichotomous (for ied in tivas).

Sonizasacwas. with small terminal pinnules;
sporangia sessile, with complete ring at the summit, no
indusium.

Sauvr~ackan—Small, fern-like, floating plants, with spor
angia enclosed in sporocarps (capsules).

Maksireacvan.—Marsh plants, with fronds springing from
creeping stems; sporangia in hard sporoearps,

OPHIOGLOSSACEAR,—Young fronds not ciremate (rolled
imvards at the top). sporangia large, sessile, in two rows. on
narrow, fertile fronds; no iIndusiun.

Po.yropsackark—sori dorsa) or marginal, rarely terminal,
usually stalked, some with indusium.

Jt so happens that the first and second families named in
ihe Census represent the dwarfs and the giants of the fern

[yait: Nat:
Vol, XLIT

WILLIAMSON, Victorian Ferns.

222

o

TA

Bd,

BY del,

Pamily HYMENOPHYLLACE SD.

4336 4 WitLiasisox, Vieroriin Merny, 293

world, members of ‘the’ first family being no higher than an
inch or so; while the second numbers among its members
plants over 60 feet high. T shal) deal with the dwarts first.

’ Punily, WYMENOPHYLLACE AB
(Tender- or Delieate-leaved). .,

This family inehides those tiny fers which, in our fern gul-
lies thickly clothe the trunks of tree ferns. Fallen logs and
mossy vocks also may be seen completely covered with their
translucent. fronds, which have been likened to shiny green
silk, Rarely do we see them in ferteries, for the conditions
under whieh they grow ave difficult to obtain artificially,

Genus TRICHOMANES,

The name alludes to the bristle-like axis on whieh the
spore-¢ases are set. This axis ses from the bottom of a eup-
like involucre set on the edge of a pinnole,

TRICIOMANES veENosuM, RBr. Bristle Fern-—This: is
very ubundant in almost every fern-gully, and is easily known.
by its simply pinnate fronds, the pinnw of which are forked-
veined, and by the truit-eup being embedded in the pinna
(immersed) near the base on the inner side. The eup has a
short, spreading border. [ft occurs in New Zealand and all
the States except West Australia and South Australia.

T. Homine, G. Forst. Short Bristle Fern.—This tiny.
plant has rarely been gathered in ovr State. he ouly Vie-
lorian specimen T have seen was gathered in the Dandenoug
Ranyes in 1876, by Ma. Robt. Lucas. It has recently been
yeported by Mx. A, J. Tadgell, from Mt, Bogong, and among
speaimens brought from Malacoota by Mr. C. Barrett. It
ciffers from the eomnion Bristle Fern in not having any
forked veins, The fronds are not simply pinnate, but are
douhly pinnatifid (segments not divided right to the mid-rib).
The truit-eap is scarcely embedded in the pinnule, and has
no spreading border. Jt occurs in New South Wales, Asia,
Polyiiesia and New Zealand.

vents Hy MENOPHYLLUM,

In this genus the arrangement of the sporangia js the
sue as in Trichomanes, but the fimit axis is not exserted,
avd the eap has wot an almost cutire edge, but 1s li-lohed.
and sometimes deeply cleft. he lobes are job easily seen,
for when the fern 1s pressed the lobes are pressed tagether.

ta
4s
Co

Wridsartsox, Victorian Karis, sia plate 3

FyaysorrybuuM vuNRRipceNnse (b.), Smith. Taubridge
Filny Werw.—'This. feru ‘is very widely spread, having been
avecorded from every continent and every part of Austrilasia,
except West Australia. Ls is kuowt, by its pinnules being
finely-toothed, and by having fruit-enps at the base of the
pinnules. the lobes of the cup beige also finely-toothed,

H. sustrane, Willd, Austral Filnry Fern.—This has
fronds 3 mches ov 4 jnehes long, twice or thrice pimnatifid. Tt
has its frond-stalk winwed throughout. It oceurs in Asia,
Polynesia and New ZenJand, as well as in all States of tAns-
tvaha, except West Australia and Sonth Australia.

AL vidsenuavom, Labitl Shining Filmy Pern—Phis is
known from the preceding by its atalle being filiform, through-
ont, and nof winged, and by its pinne being more fan-shaped.

Its distribution is the same, except that it is uot recorded
from Asia.

FE. raxnum, R.Br. Rare Filmy Vern. ‘Chis fern is not
ineluded mm the Census, but specimens collected by Mueller
at Apollo Bay—no date—prave to be this rave species, 1
have some doubtful specimens gathered at Lorne in 1922 by
Rev. A. C. Gates. It is econmow in New Zealand and Tas-
mana, and has been recorded from South Africa and South
America, Tts fronds are narrow and simply pinnate, the
Pinne being 2-S-lobed. J1 one of the pimue of H. australe
were lengthened out and provided with a Aliform stalk jt
could casily be mistaken for Al. rarwn, ts delicate pendent
fronds, om capillary stalks, may be looked for on fern trunks
im the Otway Ranves.

Pomily CYATHEACE-35.
Genus Dicksonra,

In Vietoria all the six species whieh develop tall tumks
belong to the fanily Cyatheaeem. The yenus Dichksonin is
distingnished by having sori roundish, marginal, anc sur-
rounded by an indugiam, fowmed, partly by the incurved
margin of the frond, and partly by an inver mombrartous
valve.

D. AN CARGTICA, Labill - Soft, Tee-fern,—This ig out great
tree-fern, reaching to a height of 30 to 5O feet, and with a
trunk of several feet in diameter, including a mass of matted
rootlets. This elegant fern, togethe: with the species next
to be mentioned, impresses pypon our shaded forest giades &

‘

Sat, |, s. Vretar vy wos
1926 | Winrgagson, Vretarian Peris, +h

Family CYATHEACKAD (I—V); Family OSMUNDACE4D (V1I_

206 Wintdarsox, Vietorid Berns, beat

tropieal grandeur and grace of foliage which Buealypts can-
not give, but the tall gum trees play their part in forming
and preserving the fer wullies hy providing shade ‘and con-
serving moisture, and it is only in the country of the giant
gums that tree-ferns flourish aid support their dwarf allies.

Genus Arsorrina (grove-lovine),

Thig genus is easily known by the tound fenitenissses, set
well away from the edge of the pinnule, and hy the absence
of an indusium,

ALSOPHILA AUSTRAWa, R.Be. Rough ‘l'vee-feru.—This is
the only other tree-fern common in Vietoria. It is not quite
so ‘robust, but is generally taller than the Dicksonta, and 1s
often seen on hillsides where there is 4 very good rainfall.
Along the Gippsland railways one may see specimens of this
fern up to 30 feet or 40 feet growing among the potato crops,
but J ain not optimistic as to the long continue of the
species tf deprived of its natural shelter by the settlers of
the forests.

A. Reprcean, Fay.M. Wig Treefern.—Reeently 4 speci
nyen of this fern, colleeted by Mr. Sayer some years ago at
the Benim River, Mast Gippsland, was found in the National
Herbarium. It had been determined by the late Prince Bonu-
parte. It is very distinct from its congeners, having its
secondary pinna undivided, simply serrate. As this fern is
a Queensland species, aud has not been found in New South
Wales, the ve-discovery of it at Bemm River will be looked
forward to with interest,

A. Coovrrt, F.y.M.-—A specimen collected neay Cape: Otway
(CG. Waltev) was determined as A, Coaperi. This species was
assigned by Dourin to a variety of A, exedlsa, which
approxches . australis very closely in foliage, but. is easily
distingnished by its stem. TL consider that a determination
of this species on an examination of a small frond segment
cannot be accepted, so that the addition to the Census. ig in
error. - may say that Mr. Morvis, of the Herbavinin, agrees
with me im, this.

Genus Cy sins,

In this genus the sori ave round, and set away from the
edge of the frond, as in Alsophalie, but they are provided with
a cup-shaped indnsium, which, in the young stage, 1s .almost
elosed, and later bursts OPCTL, ‘aid leaves a enp or complete
ving round the sorus.

an. Winttausox. Victorian ferns. ; 227

Cyarans Cunnincuamir, E.y.Ml. Slender Tree-fern—
This fern is remarkable for its slender stem, whieh is some
times 40 feet high and only 34 inches in diameter. It is
common in New Zealand and ‘Tasmania, but it has not often
been gathered in our State. In 1888 Mr, Johu Baldey sent
fronds to the Herbarium fron ‘Sa oveek that rises in Arthuy's
Seat, and flows into the sea near Cape Schank.’’? He
deseribed it as having a stem about 4 feet. high and 2 inches
in diameter, clothed to within a few inches of the ground
with the persistent dead fronds. In 1903 1 noticed a few on
the roadside near Mt, Sabine, They were about 35 feet im
height, and not more than 4 inches in diameter. Settlers
called it Maori Fern. When first sent in by Mr, David Boyle,
in 1879, from the Hastern part of the Dandenone Ranges,
Baron von Mueller named it Cyathen Boylci, but afterwards
identified it with the species he had ceseribed in the Sothern
Science Record as ('. Cuntinghaniti.

My. PLR. St. John informs me that 50 years ago specimens
of this fern fram the Dandenong Ranges were sold in the
Melbourne streets as the rare Cyathea Boylet: one oxplann-
tion of its tare aceurrence now in that district.

C. meputiavris (Forst.), Sw. Blaek Tree-femm—lhis is
one of the kings of the fern family, reaching, in New Zealand,
w height of over 60 ft, Tt is more robust, with larger and coarser
fronds, and a thicker. black stem. The troids ave often seer
extending over 36 feet—truly a. ‘monarch of the yvoave,’’
Tr may be known by the shiny black bases of the front stalks
persistent at the summit of the stem. Tt is found in ‘Tasmania,
New South Wales, Asia, Polynesia and New Zealaud, A Tew
specimens have been geen in the Otway Ranges.

Family OSMUNDACE ZG.
Genny Topra.

Yoora BARBARA (L.), Moore. Kine Fern—Although not
counted among treé-ferns, siiee it does not produce a tall
travis, vet itis one of the giants of the fern enllies, for what
it loses in height it makes wp in breadth. the stem often
exceeding 4 fect in diameter. Colossal specimens, weighing
aver a ton, without the freids, whieh were very large, and
numbered over a hundved, have been seen in the Genibrool:
Ranges, The plant belongs to a souill family, which is clis-
tinguished by its sporangia having no ping. Its fronds are
of » tough and firm textuve, and the sovi ure crowded on the

228 WrilaaMson. Victorian Ferns. Pb
forked yeins of the lower segments of the lower pina, some-
fimes covering the whole of the lower surface of the segment.
Ht is distuibuted through South Afvica, South-east Australia
and New Zenland.

EXPLANATION OF ULLUSTRATIONS.
Family HYMENOPHYLLACE®.

Mig, I.—Trichomanes venosum, frond and fruit cup.; (a) spa-

Trangium ot Trichonianes and Hymenophyhuyum.
Fig. 1.—T. humile and fruit cup.
Fig, 11.—Hymenophytlum tunbridgense, and fruit cup,
Fig. IV.—H. rarum and fruit cup.
Fig. V.—H. fabellatum and fruit cup.
Fig. VI—H. australe and fruit cun,

Family CYATHEACE.S.

Fig, -L—Dicksonia antarctica; (a) pinna; (b) pinnule; (ce)
indusium showing sporangia; (d) sporvangiuni-

Fig, 11.—Alsophila australis; (a) pinna; (b) pinnule enlarged;
(c) pinnule showing a serrate form; (d) sorus: [e)
sige view of same; (f) sporangium of Alsophila.

Fig. Ill.— A. Rebeccae; (a) pinna; (bh) enlarged portion.

Fig. 1V.-—Cyathesa Cunninghamii; (a) pinna); (b) enlarged por-
tion; (c) side view of sorus of Cyathea.

Fig. V—. niedullaris; (a) pinna; (b) spyorangium of Cyathea.

Family OSMUNDACE.®,

Fig. VI—Todea barbara; (a) portion of pinna; (b) portion of
pinnule emarged; (c) sporangia.

: & NOYE ON PHYILINE,

The molluse Philine was found in numbers on the sub-
meryed sand at the Raeecourse Beach, near Seaholme, on the
occasion of the Club excursion on November 28. The desexip-
jion given by 8, P. Woodivard in his **Manual of the Mol-
lusea’’ of the type species, Piuline wperte applies very closcly
io the subject of this note. It reads as tollows:—- Shell
internal, white, translucent, oval, slightly convoluted, gpire
rudimentary. Animal pale, slug-like, mantle investiny shell.
Head oblong, eyeless, foot broad, lateral lobes large bat not
enveloping. Gizzard with three longitudinal shelly plates.”’
The movements of this creature are so slow as to be almost. _
imperceptible. Held in the hand it appears to be inanimate,
but after a while is ‘seen to have changed its form, becoming
less flattened. It is very conspienons on the sand, and inust
be distasteful to birds and fish, otherwige it could ior exist so
plentifully—A. 1. Ronpa.

quae CHAPMAN, Tle Fossil Hucalypiik Weoord. 224

TAPOOEEEELEEOM EAT HEEAIOUUH ERAT EREUHCUDERAAERACAITERSEAONNUAUTEDUABNAUE SUL ORUABUAIORNOAUOHOLEDEOHOAUBANDELEAL HON ;EANY RNY RIOUEENNHH ENA ERL

THE FOSSIL EUCALYPTUS RECORD

By Frank, Cyarman, ALS.

iV OEENEROR EH DURRANT OUOEER RUA EUACODPOPHOVCHEOEEDD OV (CEL EODERDVACCEOTEDYTAPAAHATEOPMACHOAC DIO AIMANGY FURS FOUEOBOOSONORAGREZOZEANS WREST

Om eeRET TEEN EET ROMtEe®

a

Although J, A. Maiden, in his ‘'Gritival Revision of the
Genus Mucalyptus’’ (see vol. “VI, part 3, 1922, p, 244).
makes no claim to be a palxobotanist, yet his great- knowledge
of the venus Wyoayptus wives a distinet value to hig opinion
on the much-diseussed question. as to the occurrence of that
wig ju fossil deposits elsewhere than inv Australia. Those
who ave interested in Australian Vertiary paleobotuny will
fill it an advantage to read and weigh Maiden’s eritical
remarks on the foreign veeords of Eucalyptus, whieh. will be
found in the part of his work quoted above. Parthermore,
the summary of recorded Australian fossil species, by
Ettingshausen and Deane. are there presented a ah
extremely handy :forn, and Maiden has spare no pains to
make hig quotations complete to the date of publication (see
Grit. Rev, val. V1, part 1),

Regarding Mitinyshausen’s reference to bis species pt the
Queensland and New South Wales fossil Eucalypts: as of
Cretaceous age, Maiden quotes the arguments given by
Henry Deane, and later by the writer (in this Journal, 1921),
from the standpomt that the type of venation indicates a
miuch later and fairly modem ovigin, and could hardly have
heen evolyed during the earliest stages in the appearance of
the dicotyledonous flotas. .

Of the three species of the supposed North American
fossil uealypti, Maiden is in azreement with Professor BE.
W. Berry, of Baltimore, who says:—' Among the numerous
Gretaceous fossils from North Amenca now referred to
Eucalyptus, there is not a single one that does not show
characteristic features of Eugenia or Myrcia, especially of
the latter, a fact greatly impressed on me in handling a large
amount of recent material during my study of the American
“tertiary forms.’’ As reyards the reference to what Maiden
terms ‘the very American genus Myrciu,’? the latter rightly
exercises some cantion. As far as present distribution imdi-
gates, Fugenia is the mory aniversally dispersed, being found
im Asia, Jidia, Australia, the ast ludios, and in Central

230 CHapaan, The Fossit Kucatyptus Record. poate

and South Aimeviei; and m this respect Rerry’s reference
to the gens as a fossil form will be of interest to future
workers.

In Part LY of Maiden’s ‘‘Cvritical Revisian,’' there has
been brought together for the fivst time practically all the
information ubout the supposed occurrence of the fossil
species of Hucalyptus in extra-Australian localities. Added
to this theve is the great advantage of the excellent repro-
auctions of figures of the leaves and frnits given by previous
anthors, such ax Heev, Ettingshausen, Saporta, Lesquereux,
Newberry anc Hollick. Tu the explanafion to the plates,
Maiden has given his own notes succinctly, but none the less
valuahle. As, for example, under 2. Geinitez, Heer, pl. XLV,
figs. 4-9, and pl. NLVI, fig. d—‘are certainly not represen-
‘tatives of Lucalyptus trutts;'? whilst we note that authorities
like Saporta and Newberry have veferred Heer’s Eucalyptus
fruits to. those of a conifer,

Coming so suddenly atter the death of ow friend and
fellow worker, Mr. Henvy Deane, M.A., the loss of Myr.
Maiden is the more severe, since both were indefatigable
investigators in the botanieal world, and their places avill he
hard to fll,

The following is a complete list of the Australian fossil
Luealypts, of which the description of the omginal anthors
is quoted by Maiden in his ‘‘Critieal Revision;’’ besides
which he gives reproductions of the original figures. Fav the
age ot the becls the present writer is responsible —

ELucalyplus Pluti, MeCoy. Deep Leads, Daylesford, Vie-
toria. Pliocene. ~

&. Kaysert, Johnston. Mount Bischoff, Tasmania. Phocene.

E. Malligani, Jobnston. Mitequarie Harbour, Tasmania.
Pliseane.

1s. Delfti, Kttingshansen. Dalton, New South Wales. Miocene.

E. Diemenw, TEettingshansén, Emmaville, New Soath Wales

. and Areona, Central Australia. Miocene.

BE. Hayi, Ettingshausen. Emmaville, New Sonth Wales,
Miocene.

B. Houtmanatz, Ettmegshausen. Eminaville, New Soath Wales,”
Berwick. Victoria. Miocéne,

E, Milchelli, Ettingshausen. HEmmaville, New South Wales.

: ‘Blivabeth River, Centra] Australia. Berwick, Victoria,
ALiocene.

ate Craruan, The Mossil Eviculyptus Record, — , 231

£, cretucea, Wttingshausen, Darracand Oxley, Queensiand.
Miocene. ;

EB. Davidsoni, Ettingshausen. Oxley, Queensland. Miocene.

EE, Ozleyana, Mttingshansen. Oxley, Queensland. Miocene.

E. scoliophylla, Kttingshausen, Oxley and Darra, Queens-
land. Miocene:

E. Warraghiane, Wtrtingshausen, Darra, Queensland, Miocene.

EB. precoriacea, Deane. Mornington, Vietoria. Miocene.

). Mermant, Deane. Berwick, Victoria. Miocene.

EB, Hounitt, Deane, Berwick, Victoria. Miocene.

E. dGitsont, Deane. Berwick, Victoria. Narrvacan, Victoria
(F.C,}. Miocene.

B}. Suttoni, Deane (olim Mielleri, Denne non Moore). Ber-
wick, Victoria. Miocene,

It. Woolsit, Deaue (re-named #7. Chapmani, Deane, for sup
posed pie-oceupation by #. Woolsiana, Baker). Ber-
wick, Victoria, Miocene,

Maiden refers to provisional determinations of fossil
THuecalypts from Australia as follaws:—-

&

). abligua, li’ Het. “MeCay, in Prog, Rep. Geol. Surv. Vici.,
vol. 1, 1573. (This form. appears to have been after-
wards named by McCoy as lk. Plati—¥.C.), From
Malmsbury and Daylesford. Leaves in clay, iter
calated with lava or overlain by Newer Voleanic.

Probably Pleistocene (F.C.).

i. wmygdaling, Tabill, eaves recorded by Chapman as
probably Miocene. TWrom the Jronstone of Redruth,
Casterton; coll. by the Geol, Surv., Vict,

Ji. melliodora, A. Cunn. Silicified wood, deseribed by
Chapman, Bruthen, Victoria, Miocene or Photenc.

LE. pipenita, Sm. Silicified wood, described hy F.C. Malla-
coota Inlet, Gippsland. Miocene or Plocene.

Hucalyptus sp. Leaves in voleanie tuff, Warrnambool, Vie-

toria, late Pleistocene.

Great. nnmbers of the Goose-neck Barnacle (Lepes),, of
small size, are to be found along the beaches about Morning:
ton, attached to pieces of sponge, cuttlefish, wood, and all
kinds of debris. These J have not noticed in this loeality,
previously, thonyb the common Rock Barnacle (Balanus)
abounds,—G. Cox.

2 ‘CDATORE ah a : Vict, Nat.
232 ; Cupsonrn, Thamnastraca sera, Duncan, Vol. XLII

CRSA UVEDTRAUCUOGUDOUCUOAPO POND DOREOCHVOPRDTOUGUAPONDTUGROUOGSOPPNTEORSECHVUNOD ECHO APA GEDTOEED OP RODDEMOGAOTOREGUOTEVRCUT Op ReeTSsANEC.

A COMPLETE CORALLUM OF
THAMNASTRAEA SERA, DUNCAN

By F. A. Cupatore.

qéraenqanauretegpieengeranyy

bleh be oh de
J

SSESUTOGASURUMOCOUOEOEOCEGUOVNLUROLESONDMAUOSUDASDOVANEBSORTOREROUHOURNREPSLONYOESSSOSOCIFEORURAERUOOESSUAPRONERNOVRGTORESUERUSI ESS

(Reud before the Pield Naturalists’ Club af Victoria,
December 14, 1925.)

The unpartauce of the present specimen of the fossil
coral, Thamvuisepea sera, Dunddy,! which is a true reef-build-
ing coval, lies in the fact thd#!i€ is a complete corallum,
whereas all the previously-recorded specimens appear to be
fragments, It 3s of considerable interest to note in this
example the character of the epitheca, or outer limy covering
of the coral, which appears to be quite lacking in specimens
hitherto found.

Marre —— 7 A

Nearly Compjete Corallum of Thomnastraeu sera, Duncan.
B.C. tecit. Cire. % nat size.

The covallum, which measures 94 x 84 inches in diameter
by 64 inches in height, presents a dome-shaped appearance,
the apieal portion being slightly oblique. The more ov less
broader or flattened side of the corallam shows the best pre-
served surface of the epitheca, Near the apex this epitheca
is abraded, and the ordinary appearance of the septation of

ate] Cunmtokk, Thamnastraca ser, Duncan, 233
the corallites, as iv those figured by Dunean, is elearly
seen (1), The largest diameter of the corallites seeu on bhe
apieal portion average about 15 mi.
The epithved js fairly thick, and shows move or less wavy
and concentrie ruga., Under a lens the epitheeal surface 1s
seer LO be finely, but distinetly, radially state, and these
aire are crossed by finer coneentrie lines. The corallum
appears 10 have beew bored into by pertorating sponges and
other boring organisms, while there are indiedtions of
attached organisms, including a swall oyster and the basal
part of three Vermkeutaritu,
Ji 1875 the Rev. Julian Woods sent to Professor P, Martin
Duncan a parcel of fossils from, able Cape. ‘Woods had yre-
viously puinted out that the strata were of similar ave to those
of the mainland: and Dunean showed that the fossils received
proved that they were from a httoral deposit and vhat a
warmer climate ninst then have existed in the Table Cype
area, Danean says: Thamnastuea, 80 common be the daras
sie ages, was then a veefynilder and a littoral form, and
after a greal mumber of species had been evolved, it heewne
rare i the Nummutitic period, and died out in the subsequent
veological age in the Australian region, laving been probably
destroyed in the Huropean areag ly the changes whieh onsued
upou the destruction of the Mocene reefs?’
About a score of different species of corals ave ovown front
the Table Cape. beds. ‘Nhe eoral-isotherm of 74 dovrees passer
16 degrees too far north to allow the reef-building corals to
flourish in Bass Straits. Although the region is nl a cory]
Teel wreawt the present day there is an interesting rermant of
the coral reef fauna still existing, as shown by the quite large
massed of the Astiwan coral, Plestastrna ysvilte’, Md. et
Haine, whieh oeaur, at all events, on the Vietonian and Sonth
Australian coasts. Thus Howehin has veeorded a block 7 feel
long, 44 feet wide and 38 feet thick; this was found in the
Gulf of St. Vineet, in the course of constraeting a break-
water af Glenelg, on a sandy bottom 13 feet below low-waler
level, Sonte portions of the corallaan were still alive, bot the
main muss Was dead, ~
Occurrence: Basal portion of Crussatellites Bel, Table Cape,
Tasmania. danjuian (Miocene) age. Now in the Wall
Case, National Mise; colleedert wad presented ly R.A,
Cadmove. Rea. Ne. 731.53.

(j—"On = Some Pose) Reelebyiteing Cape front ihe ertiney

Deposits of Tasminin,” Quarterly Touwenal of Geulogioal Suciety,
Vol xaxui, P. 3, No. 147, 1876; with plites,

244 Pielh dyed Spudiy- ay Laser

UKOGS TN ’ FERNERY,

Nearly a dozen frogs ave at hone ju iny shudehorse, ane
cau their judging as enemies of slugs and ‘‘slaters,/’ cater-
pillars, and other pests among the feros, Several af my
pets are Golden Bell-trogs, Myla wurea, one of the hand-
sommest of all known species: others are Conunon Brown Tree-
frogs, H. ewingit. Tho latter are the most confiding; bot
three of the geceu and golden frogs, domiciled in the fecnery
about a year ago, are so tame now that they rarely attempt.
to Jump when tonched ov taken in the hand. Recent arvivais
ave wary: The early inhabitants have favourite spots, where
they vest during the daytime—their hunting ig done siter
dark. A hanging basket is the “habitat’’ of one Brown 'lree-
frog. It is seen there every day, with green, fronds all
abont it, WH. vwrea is said to inelude small frogs in its diet
ary, but, so far, none of the examples in my shade-house has
eaten a dininntive neighbour, Tree-trogs especially make
interesting pets, anc some of the Anstralian species aré
dainty and beautitul—O. Barrer.

THE BACTSTOC GULL,

A bird tamiliar in Port Phillip Bay, the Pacific Gull,
Cabianus pacificus, wniil recently -was lacking froin the
vollection of the Ameriean Muscuin of Natural History. A
specimen has now heen pvesonted to the Museum by the New
York Zoological Society, in whose gardens, for va. time, it was
exhibited alive. The aeqnisition is recorded in “Natural
History’’ (Vol. XXNV, No. 5, Sept.-Oct., 1925). the journal of
the American Museum, aud it is stated that the species is
represented by only six or seven adulf specimens in all the
rouscums of the United States and Canada, Pacific Gulls,
huth jwwature birds in the dark, mottled-brown plamage,
and acitit oxamples, may often be observed fram our Bix

ret Wield and. Stralyy, 235

Hoaghes; bak thay are vol confiding, dike the Silver Gulls,
Lis woud-hollandia whieh will cone within a yard a
twa of pienickers, luved by seraps ot food. ‘here is bul
one species of the venus Gabienus, and iu. ranges wloug the
eustern and south-western coasts of Australia. JT have found
it nesting on islets and the Javger islands of Buss Strait. On
Cat: Island it is an unweleome neighbouw of the Cuunets, since
it vaids the raat rookery there, taking both eves and westlings
of Sula serrater—C. Barmy,

EXPORT OF AUSTRALIAN BYRDS,

Agrieulturists overseas naturally are anxious to obtain
Australian parrots and other birds for their aviaries, buat it
slwulé be our aim to have export of dl] but the most abundant:
species completely prohibited. Jiven the conmon forms weed
song imeasure of protection, Sor they may decline, as the
eracciul and exquisiely-coloured grass-pamakects have done.
vutil they approach the boundary of extinelion. We cannot
spare & specimen of any of our rarer parrots, even Lor
Zoological Gardens in Hurope or America, countries to which
so many have beer sent in the past. he enrichment of
private aud public collections overseas inrpoverishes us. Why
should we lose our splendid birds, whey itis possible to keep
them in their native land? i

In the new Cheek-list, compiled by a committee of the
Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union, and to be pub-
lished: shortly, there are unpleasant lines to read—they fore-
tell the fate of several of our most interesting and beautiful
species. The Paradise Parrot, Psepholus pulcherrimus, of
Queensland, is “approaching: extinetion,’’ the Turquoise
Parrot, Neophemu pulchella, is ‘extremely yvare;?’ and the
Searlet-chested Parvot Neophenw splendulu, “yery vare.’'
Formerly one of these doomed species, the 'urqnoise Parrot,
was fairly common in certain Gippsland districts, including
Berwick. It has not been observed in any part of Victoria
for many years—at least T ean find no vecord of it.

High prices for some Australian birds prevail in Hneland.
The following figures are quoted from, a dealer’s list, pub-
lishad iy November, 1925:—King Pariots, £8 each; Rosellas,
£2/10/- each; Permant’s (Crimson) Parrots), £3/10/ each:
Galahs, £2/10/- each; Leadbeater (Mujor Mitchell) Cockatoos,

a6 Field and Studi. Banger

£6 each: Au example of auy of the rare species, such us
the Turquoise Parrot, doubtless would realise in London, or
New York, £25, ov more,

C. BARRETT.

DELE-MINERS AND CUCKOG,

We have been interested in a pair of Bell-eminers, Ieaneor-
hand melanophrys, that reared a Fantail Cuckoo. Cucomiuntes
flabelliformis. One day vine Bell-miners chased the fledge-
ling from a tree, and when ii, flew to another, the foster
parents fed it, I was attracted, on December 11, by a great
chattering in one of the chicken-yards and hasteited to the
rencue of what proved to he the young Cuckoo, now in adult
plumage, and somewhat the worse of the treatment it had
received at, the bills of the numerous Bell-nriners. The latter
birds scarcely minded me, even attaeking the Cuckoo. while it
was in my hands, flying from aver my head, where they were
perched, ina peppermint tree. The attack lasted for some
minutes. TI counted 40 Bell-miners, and there weve as many
more on the other side of the tree. Mach time T called they
desisted for a moment only; at last their attention was’ trans-
ferred to a Gaughing Kookaburra, Dacelo gigus—C. 0,
Currie.

PHOTOGRAPHS FOR “CHI NATURALIST,”

It is proposed, while funds permit, to include one plate at
least in each issue of the Naturalist, Members are invited lo
submit prints for consideration by the Editor and the Publishing
Committee, Unusual subjects are desired, not photographs of
scenery, etc. Writers of papers might submit photographs snitable
for illustrations —Editor.

All contributions for the Nuturedist, and letters to the Editor,
should be addressed:

CHARLES BARRETT,
“Maralena,” Maysbury Avenue,
Histernwick, Vic,

Che Victorian Naturalist

Vou. XLIT— No. 10,- WEBRUARY 5, 1926, No. 506

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club waxy held in the
Royal Society’s Tall on Monday evening, January 18, 1926.
The President, Mi. Geo, Coghill, oceupied the chair, and about
50 members and friends were present.

REPORTS.
National Park, Wilsoi’s Promontory—The report given
by the leader, Ma. Cy Daley, appears elsewhere in this issue.
Spring Vale, dan. 16—Atter the leader had read a short
piper on the econome importance of vrasses, the party, ten
in number, proceeded alony the raibway Jie towards the
Springvale Cemetery, then across grazing paddocks to the
Dandenong line, In the vailway cuclosure Kangaroo Grass
‘and Wallaby Grasg weve very plentiful, but in the paddock
seareely a plant of these was seen, stock beige very fond of
them. About 10 native and 20 introduced erasses were
found—P, I, Morris,

' ELECTION OF MEMUET.

On a ballot bemg taken, Master Oliver Streeton, Fairlie
House, South Yarra, was duly declared eleeted as an
associate member,

GENERAL,

Mr. H. B. Wilhamson submitted proposals for obtaiminy’
permits for collecting ferns from reserved aveas for
herbariuin purposes. Soine discussion followed, in which
Messrs. Hardy and Pitcher joined. The matter was Ici't
for fulare discussion, t

Miss Nokes drew attention to the fact that the Monnt
Dandenong Progress Association was trying to obtain an
area of about five acres on' the top of Mount Everard for
permanent reservation, aud asked for the assistance of the
Club. After some discussion had taken place, Miss Nokes

238 Meld Natyratists’ Clhudb—Proceetings | vou'xtni

was asked to write to the Association tor turther infora-
tion.

Mv. ff. B, Williagison veal a newspaper clipping adyueat-
ing the veservation of Sperm Whale Flead os a Ng ay y tor
Eastern Gippsland. The chairman invited Mr, Barton,
of Toster, to speak on the subject; and give flier informa-
tion in regard to the site, and as to what had already been
done in the matter. This he kindly did, and, after some dis
eussion, the matter was veferred to the Committee, on the
motion of Mesats. Hardy and Williamson.

PAPRR,

“Mints and Their Origin,” by Mr BP. Chapman, AS.
‘In the paper the author wave a bueft ancl popmlar aceoutt
af the formation and ovecurrence of fliiits in Euvope and Aus-
tralia, and the various uses to whieh they lave been put.
Several members joinecl in the cliseussion that followed.

The meeting closed with the usual short eaiversazion:

ExHtprts-
By Miss Bolton: Clematis microphylla, grown at Canter-
bury. “h

By Mr. F. Chapmay, A.L.S.; Plints in illustration of his
paper. (1) Cone structure in flint, from Isle of Wight, (2)
Vraetured Miocene flints, Over Bird Rock, Torquay, Victoria
(3) Chat, with sponge remains, Upper Gh eensand, St. Law-,
renee, Isle of Wight. (4) Flint (Cretaceons), with mollus
can remains, Watfor ad, Herts, Mugland. (5) Watersvorn
Aints front Tevrace Gravel. Foundations of the Victoria aud
Albert. Museum, South Kensington, Loudon. With euclosed
Sea-urehin, (6) Sea-urchin (Ananeliytes). from the Chalk.
(7) Sea-viehin of the same genus in Flint, Bngiand. (8)
Au Upper Chalk Flint, with. Polyzoa (Heteropora), Mar-
gate, Kent, ngland. (9) Tertiaryy (Mioeene) Flint,
Flinders, Victoria, (10) Rose-coloured Flint, from the Chatk
of Swanage Bay; Studland Dorset, England.

By Mr. ©, Daly, B.A,, FuG.S.: Series of Flint Cores, with
cutiine man aid Flint chips from Kitchen-middens along
Victorian coast, Also a very robust. specimen of the Trigger
plant, Styhdiwy gramintfolium, from. Sealers’ Cave.

By Mr. L. Hodgson: Herbarium specimens of MTelichry-
sip senvicpapposum, Pimelea ligustrine, Gynapoyon hivinis
folius, Calocephalus Brown, Hedycarya angustifolia and:

Vise) Field Natnrahivis Clud—Proceedings 239

Veronica dermentiu, trom Lorne distriet. Colleeted January,
1926.

By Mr. P. Ci Morrison, MoSe,: (1) Twa specimens of
the Crustacean 7hilassinn, Anomela, a transition form’
between the crayfish (Macrura) and the erabs (Brachyura),
and fomning, with the hemmt muabs and two rarer gioups,
the sub-order Anomura. Specimen ji was taken. alive on a.
mud-flal near Bowen, North Qneensland, where numerous
niounds abont a foot. high bear testimony to its powers of
burrowing, Specimen i was found as a fossil al Bathurst
Istand, near Port Darwin, and, in spite of the damage and
distartion, it is seen to be speuifically identical with speui-
inn 7. (2) A groop of young specimene of the solitary
coral Pungia, which grows from a stalk, breaking off aan
hevoming free-living when adult, ‘The old stem will give
risé to a fresh animal, the marks of two previous individuals
being visible on the largest stem, ‘Che other two stems are
produeing eael: their first individual, Specimen from Stone
Island, Reet, North Queensland. (3) Periaphthedinus, one
of the buny fish, found commonly among the mangrove
aWwamps in the tropies. The eyes are placed on top of the
head, giving the animals their popular name of “‘stargazer.’
Ti is a common thine for these fish to emerge from the water
and chaub the roots ot the maneroves by means of their
avm-like peetoral fins. They will remain thos in the air for
a considerable time, with only their tails in the water, and
it is believed- that ‘respiration. may be carried on partially
through this organ. (4) wo small coral blocks from Hay-
man Tsland, Great Barrier Reef, Mavia speciosa is perhaps
the most beautiful and delicate of the corals, and is by no
means uncommon, while Calucerus Muyort is umong the
varer covals. (5) A series of camera studies of the Saoty
Tern, Sterna fuscuto, which comes in thonsauds every year
to Michaelmas Reef, on the Outer Barrier, some distance
north of Cairns, to b'eed. Tt was impossible to walk across
the sand cay, without taeading on eges

By My, Y. Piteher: “he Brect Clematis, 0. alycinotdes,
in flower; and frond of the Common Shield Bern, Puly-
slichiun (A spadium) aculeutun, showing one method adopted
for repeoduetion, in various stages of growth of young plants.

By Mr. G. B. Williamson, F1.S.: Mounted specimens of
24 species. of Ferns, the first instalment of a set of the’
Victorian’ Mears to be donated by the exlibitar to the' Clint

4 “Ox . here 4 Vict, Nut
210 WILLIAMSON, Victorian Ferns Vol. X LIE

AVUEDODEOUSONASERUOES LUNSOVEONENSNUERTOISGHYGESUOU OLSEN EVORF OVE SOTA FTES SSVEVNOWONN AUER DONNALGLEZEO POA HANANUOA#PRALSSIR PARC CRSP MASE OTS

VICTORIAN FERNS
By H. B. Witntamson, F.L.S.

PUREE RA ALADADDEGUASOO ANS EN AA ANDO PANDA ESHPAOE DD EAU BOOMER D NCH TOG SOROTUANOAU SAUDER ED END

=
=
=
=

ueeranausnncerrerrsareee

PEUDUPPEPOPDDERODTE RH ERAD ONE

r

Parv D1.

Ramily G LDEICHLENTACE AR,
Genus GLICK ENA.

There ave four species reeorded for Victoria, two of whieh
ave known as Coral femis, and two as Man ferns. They ave
all distinguished by the cichotomons branching of the fronds,
the small nanber, 2-8, of spore cases iu the sori, and the
absence of ai indusium. -

GrwcHeNia cmcixara, Swartz. Coral lern—Wide-
spread throughout-Australia (@x, W.A,), New Zealand, New
_ Caledonia and Malayan Archipelago. It is found sevambling
among undergvewth im a tangled mags, sometimes toe 12 feet,
with trond pinnutes at right angles to the branches, ancl
divided to the midrib into numerous. semi-cirenlar seements.
about one-eighth inch long. These segments are flat, or have
their edges somewhat rectrved, aud the sori are near the
upper inner angle. with three or four spore cases.

GQ. picarva, RB. Wirry Coral Fern.—Distribution the
same as that of (. ciremuta, except that it is nof found in
S.A. Tt has the same habit and general appearanee as the
last named, but may be distinguished from it hy the smaller.

segments of the pinnules, which are mostly under one-tweitth
inch, and have their margins almost closed to the midrib,
forming a kind of bag, searedly any of the nnder surface of
the segment being visible. Mo or three Spore cases almost,
fill this space.

G. ruapruyats, Rr, Tan Pern, Tas., N.S.W., Q., N-%.,
New Caledomia— The fronds of this fern are fan-shaped,
with pinnules slightly toothed. mot deeply divided, and not
at right angles to the stem, but at about 25 degrees, rarely
above att inch long, one-tyelfth to one-eighth broad, The
spore casas are in groups, mostly of four, along the lower
half of the pinnule, away from the margin. Its distribution
in Vietoria ig rather doubiful, for Mueller ineladed. with if

Wott > Wa.raMsox, Vretorivm bern 241
specimens which are now accepted as (, leogadi (syn, Jlagel
davis). Few of the specimens in the National Herbariam are
Victorian: Those from Tyers River, Mt. Pleasant Creek and
the Grampians are apparently correetly named, and have been
confirmed by thy late Rev. W. W. Watts. Authentie recoils
of ity range ave needed, and it is suggested to collectors that
specimens Thought to be {t, fubellaty ‘should. be sent to the
Her barium for verifeation and district record,

G. wavniava CWilld.) Ak, Spreading Fan Ff un —Dis-
‘twibution the same as that of G@. Habelluta, This fern differs
‘from the last-named in having larger and broader pinmnules, not
toothed, wid set at right angles to the branches, with thea
‘buses, dilated, 1} is often of a glaucous hue, while G fabel-
dati ig penerally of a bright ov a dar green, -lt is camimon ut
the Grumpians and the. Dandenony Ranges; and ‘the writer
has gathevred-, on roadside cuttings in, the ‘highlands of the
North-Hast, and also between Cann River and Genoa...
Fanily SCHIZBACK.%, de

Genus SCHIZA%A, te

Seiasy mercnusa, Lab. Comb Pern, Vas, B.A.
NAW. NZ, As. At, Polyuesia—This peeuliat plant,
often scarcely recognised as a fern, consists of a single threadl-
dike stem, about 30 inehexs high, surntounted, when fertile, by
» goanb-lke frond about an inch Jong, with as matiy as 20
pinnules, about one-eighth Inch long, bearing sori, with. trove
tour to eight pairs of spore eases in:cach, The whole plant
is of a reddish colour, and ig easily overlooked. 1+ has been
wathered at Oakleigh, the Dandenong Ranges, the Grampians
gid South and Bast Gippsland,

S. puema, Willd. Forked Cowb Fer, District the same
as that of &. fistidosa, except that it is vot found in §.A.—I1.
is similat to 8. fistedasa, and often grows in association with
it. Jt can easily be distinguished by its forked stem. ‘Lhe
voubtike fronds ure shorter, but the pinnules are about,
three-cightins-ineh loug and are narrewer and fringed with
Tong: eilia. L

Family SALVINIACILA.
Genus Azous.a.

Tndnded by Benthan. ander NO, Lyvapaduicee, but now
counted among the fees. Small floating plants, often cover
iny the surface of lagoons with a red or green carpet. The
fronds are branched and the scements are very small, and

t4y WILLIAMSON, Victorian Ferns bated ry

IIR ERE |

DLS AAAM ARAL

Family GLEICHENIACEAD (J—1I—1iil—lvV)-
Family SCHIZACEA (V—V1),
Family SALVINIACEAE (Azoila) (VIE—YVII1),

fora - Winiiaasus, Vielorian Berns 243

unequally, two-lobed. The spore cages are of two kinds, and
ave in the axus of the main branches.

AzOLLA PinNaTA, R.Br Ferny Azolla, 5.A,, N-S,W., Q,
As, Ai.—Theé floating fronds are regularly pinnate, some-
times twiee pinnate, broadly ovate in outline, about an ineh
jong, and provided with numerous sxeotlets, at first entire
and dilated, but when alder prettily feathered. It appears
to be common in the Goulburn Riyer flats, and muy some-
times be seen on the Botanic Gardens Lake. The writer
gathered it years ago on a pond in the Burnley Gardens.

A. FILIcuLonEs, I., var. rivera ({R.By.), Diels; Red
Azolla, S.A., Tas, NUS.W., QQ. N.Z—This is a much con-
moner species, and may often he seen thiekly massed on the
surtace of ponds and lagoons. The brick-red appearaiee of
water-holes is due often to this plant. The fronds are not
regularly pinnate, but are simply branched, short, and with
few yootlets, which sure siniple, nol feathery,

EXPLANA'NON OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Fig, I.—Gleichenia circinata, (a) Segment enlarged «b) Spare”
tase of Gleichenia.

Fig. H—G. dicarpa. (a) Segment enlarged.

Fig. Il1.—G. flabellata. (a) Pinnule enlarged.

Fig. IV.—G, l@vigata, (a) Pinnule enlarged.

Fig. V.—Schize@a fistulosa.

Fle. VIS, bifida. (b) Spore case of Schizza,

Fig. VII.—Azolla pinnata. :
Fig. VIN—A, filiculofdes, vay. rubra,

Tue Late Por, A, Denny, O.8e., FRS—T'he Journal
of the Quehkett Mterascopical. Club Cuondon) for November
lust contains an appreciative obituary notice of the late
Professor Dendy, who passed away jn London earher in the
year, Dr, Dendy was well known to many of the early mem-
bers of the Field Naturalists’ Clab, whieh he joined in Mav,
1888, soon after his arrival in Melbourne as assistant to Prof.
Baldwin Spencer. the then recently-appointed Professor of
Biology at the Melbourne University. He soon took an active
interest in the Club, and, after serving several yearg on the -
Conimittee, was elected one of the viee-presidents for 1593-
Tu. 1894. he was appointed Professor of Bislopy at Canter-
bury College, University of New Zoatland, tia 1903 he
reecived the appointinent of Professor of Zoology im the

O44 CHATMAN, F'lints and their Origin, Veet

University of Capetown, whence he vetutned to Lon-
dou, in 1904, to take up the professorship of Zoolovy ut
King’s College, University of London, which position he
held np to the time of his fleath. He was one of the visit-
ing members of the British Association for the Advancement
of Science to the Melbourne meeting in 1914, when he
renewed his aequaintinee with many old friends.~ He con-
tributed several papers to the earlier volumes of the
Naturalist. inainly on eryptozoie zoolowy---peripatas.
Placarian wortis. ete. That he lost no time in starting his
investigations is seen hy the fact that in the wumber for
January, 1889. he deseribed two species of Peripatus whieh
he had just found at Warburton, . He wae jomt author, with
Mr. A. TL. 8. Guess, MLA. first Eelitoy of the Nuburalist,
in the production of that well-known students’ text-hoolr,
“An Introduction to the Study of Botany,’ which was
dlesigned move especially for Australian students. In later
yeats he devoted considerable attention fo sponges, on which
he was a vohumindes wr iter, and, at the time of his death, hac
become a world-wide authority on that group. He was for
four years president of the Quekett Microscopical Club, and
his death, at the age of 60, is a severe loss toa zoological
reseureh work —P.G.A.B. |

scasnavavonueaueavossnbotoatuczuescensvanoeauencoxasuansavanaucevecnsuscavosua usnsnuccavstonguevoscavesdcatnencouscanuansasyvescsuovese

FLINTS AND THEIR ORIGIN
By F. Carman, ALLS.

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Pha DLpEaDece HO pI peneeere
TEEN aDERP RMP EaO DDT EN p:

Pd

Many refereuces may be found in literature to the hared-
ness of flints, in illustration of the lack of charity or miserh-
ness m certain characters. hus we read of Antony's friend,
Mnobarbus, addressing Cleopatra :-—

“Thraw my heart
Against the flint and hardness of my fault:
Which, being dried with grief, will break to powder."

And we also rementber that Dickens’ Mv. Flintwineh was
not a particularly mild-hearted personage, especially when
his wife, Affery, had dreams.

ee CHAPStAN, Fints and their Ovigte 245

Whilst admitting the hardness of fits, there are other
minerals that are harder, but none so common ; and this may
account for the generally popular idea concerning them. Por
flints have a wide distmbution both in Europe and Britain,
and are usually found avearrine in bands in the chalk of the
South of B nglaid, as well as in Yorkshuv'e. Bast Angha and
the North of Ireland. Flint hus always been a favourite
material, where found, for use in building, Wye stones atten
being disposed i in patterns. A fine speeimiean af Mintework still
in existence is in the Old Bridewell by St. Andrew's Church.
Novwich, dating about AD. 1400, According to Blomefielll
this ig “esteemed the nrost curiots wall of blaek Hints in all
Noyvlund for ts neat work and look, its stones Deine broken
sa smooth and joined so well”?

Just asa petrified frott may be vrevasted ty oir layer of
hardened voek, so haye many of the terms we commonly ase
been wrapped in a uew coat and have Jost thete orienial
meaning, This name lint, tor example, is merky the Anpio-
saxon for a reek, And this ells to mind its allaston in
the town of Mint, by the estuary of the Dee, in North Wales.
where Flnt Castle stands high upon the rock which was left
asa “intte’? whem the sieroinding’ eomitry was. washed
away. ‘Che Sewndinavian word ““finta’’ is a simile tem,
Hallafiinta, indeed, is applied by geologists to the intensely
tough, cherty rock sometnnes used as a touchstone for lasting
gold. The Greek plinthos, meaniny a brick or shaped stosve,
alsy shows some kinship to the same word.

Our ancestors were well acquainted with @inn ji conjune-
“tion with the tinderbox, before the days of the Jaciter and
-satetyomateh ; and the Hint and steel was a common eunip-
ment until the carly part of last century. Ln these cayxs,
when Japatiese matelas fail to do their duty, we may wii
eonsolation by picturing a man of the middle ages who
wanted to light Wis pipe by the tedious tindey-bos, Alt and
steel, '

This use of flint reminds uy how, some years ago, whilet
walking over a. ploughed fleld in, Surrey, Enpland, we picked
up a squared piece of flint, thinking it to be an ancient
palwolith; Dit we were assared hy oa well-known ethnolowist
that dtowas probably a ostoke-a-leht thrown away hy wn aL
enltaral labourer,

In the old Mini-lock gun, Invented ia the ently part of tye
ih Centary, there isa flake of flint held in (Th cack, whieh

246 Cavraax, (Ante and their Origin yist Rat

cones dowit wpow the steel cap of the pan eonvtainme the
mong. These Hint flakes were, until reeenthy, still beme
wiiutictured tor exportation to Africa, and this ** kiap-
ping’? Tnilnstry flourished antil quite lately in the Nariollk
village of Brandon. But fur older still is the tidus-
try of making tint implements by the eolithic, palwolithic
and neolithic incn of Murvope. ing was preferred beeause
of its good workable qualities, honiogeneity and hardness,
producing, by pereussion, u more dr less pevfeet eonchaidal
fracture. But that leads us into the wide field of ethnology.

And now as to the oveurrence of these {iints, “When
nearing the white cliffs of Dover, the ‘ Albion’? of tho puets,
ane may notice the bands of black flints which there vom.
almost horizontally at intervals of one to six feet apart. ©
The intervening chalk is very like a modern deep-sea ooze,
when seen under the mievoseope, since it. is mitde ap for the
most part of the tiny shells of Globigerina amd the reniains
af microscopic plants, with a sprinkling of siliceous diatoms
and sponge-vemaius, As the fiints themselves coutain the
same organisms as the surrounding ooze, they must. have beer
formed ur the place where they are now found, and the
general consensus among geologists and physicists at prescut
is, that the flinty matter in solution, in the form of a ‘water:
giass,'" has spread along the sea-bed, and whore it has been
stoppecl from sinking by the preseneee of an Impervious
ayer has formed stings of flint nodules.

Tn. England, Novth Ameviea and elsewhere, exeapt in
Australia, flints are enriously enough eoufined to the White
Chalk of Cretaceous age. In this land of anomalies, how-

‘pver, althongh we have rocks of the Chalk age. we do not
there find the flints. They neenr, strangely enough, in the
Miocene Tertiary of South Australia and Vietoria.

In a letter sent to ‘“Nature,?” and published Oetoher 4,
117 (in-a symposial discussion on Flints startecdl by Rar
Lankester), the present writer offered same eonelusions én
the Australian aspect of the subject, fran. whieh if will be
apposite to make the following extrack:—

“These cainozoic flints [of South Australia and Vieteria}
appear to be confined to the Miocene (Janjukian) beds, aul
ave closely associated with the polyzoal limestone, a Whyte,
chalky deposit, consisting of polyzoa and foraminifera. ‘Lhe
evidence of a. microscopic oxaminalion, of these Ainks gues bi
prove that the position held by Prof. G. A, 7. Cole, that -
chalk fliuts cepvesent a more or less complete replaeement al

Vb Oearway, “lants and their Origin 247

the chalky ooze, is the only one tenable from the Austeatian
standpoint, The Australian tints are often crowded with the
silicified remains of polyzoa, foraminifera, shell fragments
and oecasional sponye-spicules, the latter merely inielnded as:
u component of the ooxe, and not as selected material, Our
ing the formation of the fling the caleareous bodies are fre-
quently chssolved, and only remnants ave seen, in some eases,
mM the Hint sections. Another point, in corroboration of hg
Caole’s contention! (based on Liesegane’s experiments),
the presence of an impervious hed underlying these rerthanty
flint layérs, This was pouifed. ont long aga hy ‘Penson
Woods, who stated that. well-sinkers in South Austvalla lave
oliseryed that a layer of Aint ia alway's found immediately
above the water-level. The factor of an impermeabic layer
indueing deposition of diffused siliet is ant dnportint one,
dial is strongly supported in those instinees where | hives
had an opportunity of observing it.”

From the faet that flints ave almost piwre chileedomy or
evyptoeryetalline silita, ad without iron jupmritios, they
ave valuable for glass aking; and the fine Aint glass fron
whieh ent-glass is manutachwed ts produced trom pulverised
flints, carbonate of potash and oxide of lead. The siliea of
flints, heing deposited in the first place ag a jelly ar colloid,
it is not surprising to see it translucent. in thin flakes,
althongh in the mass it looks black, The white outing, more-
over, which jx nearly always found on fltuts, Nas really
nothing to do wilh its being formed in a matrix of white,
ehalky Jimestone, This whiteness is entirely due to the fine
atmospheric powdering, so to Speak, of the skin of the Mint,
and is caused by the homogenous flint luving been Loken
up inte numerous reflecting surfaces he the sane way as when
a piece of brown bottle glass beeames white when powdered.
When flint nodules have been exposed to Weathering, and
perhaps to alkaline solutions for a very lone time, this white:
coat inay extend nearly, or quite, inte the centre of the
stone. In illustration of this there is the remarkable bed of
Hit pebbles in the Tertiary sands of the Bournemouth Cliffs,
Hampshire; und when these pebbles are split with a blow
they vot infrequently show the white appearance meht to the
centre.

Oy the economic side, {links may be ai indication of water
supply: Whereas the nodular form of flints seen to be due

‘Cola, G. A. J, “The Rhythmic Deposition of Flint,” Geological
Magazine; 1917. pp. 164-168.

248 CHavaas, Llints and bein Gvighe you erat

to the gathering of the ‘silien around au etganic mass or
entre, the tabulin flints probably owe them Lormation to the
raturation of a layer immediately above an inperviows marl
hand, by reference ta the bureds of trot aeeurring in the
palyaal rock of Port Maedoucll, Tenison Woods remarks —
“They oeeur in sheets af very real extent and about tive er
three iiehes. thiek, and are quarried and nsecl ag Hage.”

A. similae band of Aint. but in Victoria. was stunel some
woars avo it the Mallee whilst boring for water, 1h wig met
with at 600 feet, and, owing to the resistanee, to todls, nade
the hoving lao expensive to'carty through with the ordinary
appliances, Probably, had this flinty layer been pierced, a.
poranent supply of water inivht have heen tapped; Tor
‘Vonizson Woods has stated, in hia ‘Geological Chservations
in South Anstralia,’? that the well-sinkers in South Australia
observe that a layer of flints is always found immediatels -
above the water level. 'Phis helps to confiem the writer’s
iivpvession that, as also ome the Tnelish chalk, an imper-
menhle daver indyees the deposition of an averlying hand
of diffused sihea, resulting in the formation of flinis.

It is obvious, in this question of the origin of flint. that
uch light has been thrown om the problem by the Australian,
dlata obtained... No well-direeted effort of reseaveh ear be tit
vain, and, even in the subject we have discussed. the economic
aspect has heen placed tn a cleaver light by showing how
elosely connected is detuiled stratigraphical jwwork with
attesiaL water supply.

Like the early Hiumopean inhabitants of the north, the
Australian aborigine had ait instinet for diseoverinu: flints
front which to make his artefacts, At various places along
the Otway Coast, und at Cape Liptirap, these flints appear
to be washed out of the Tertiary limestones, sued there. ov in
the viehvity, thei flakes and worked tools can be found. Bat
since the native wag viven to barter, these worked Mits are
generally widely distributed. At Altona Fux, for instance,
the synull flint knives, made from stone, found ae far-off as
Cape Liptrap, beautitully notched: and pointed, ey be
found in some number's,

Alas for the romantic side of things! The abovigine takes
the path of least resistanee, for, as Sir Raldwin Spencer
remarks. the black mau. associating with tha white, drops
his thne-hallowed enstom of using Mints wid niakes bis fobs
of the bottlerdags ready to his Hand.

tte - Notes [rom Iiekt und Study ay

THE LOMA'TIAS.

The Lomatias, with denticled, holly-Hke leaves, ave close
yelations of the W avatah, and are among onr frequentiy-niet
native shrubs. The lonedeaved species prefers the river
banks, and the other two are qnite at home on the drier hill
sides, even the salty air of the sevside not mterferiie with
them. ‘wo of the genus are met aith atin allitade of qnite
4,000) Feer,

Though handsome and wordy of evarden volume, J clo
nok votive them, iu the Honey Mora dist 1 an disposed to
think. however, that before lone they will fhid a piace there,
although, like some of the Wuealypts, they do not flower
equalby well cach year, and not as they are doing this season,
A nine-feet-hieh Lomate. Mrasert growing in my garden is-
beuvime its 100 racemes of flowers.

' Busy insects gather round and extract the honey from
the qnaint, almond-seented, creamy Hower. One warn day
I counted as many as 12 different kinds. Some 7 did not
attempt. to eateh, others 1 seeured for examination. These:
consisted of a red-headud Jrymenoplervus imsect whose
abdominal extremity eorved while resting; sevelal repre
sentatives of the apis famnly, inelucing a large, brown, hatvy
fellow with a large X on hig back; another, a stubby hee
with « greenish-brown head. hardly distinguishable Crom the
resh of his body; # lony-bodied, banded dipteron, with sur-
Piisinely quiskanoving wings, which hovered long and often
betove deciding to drink. A) chivk-colouned, bhlrek-haired,
bee-like insect also extvacted as shove of the nectar, Even
wv sinall connmon blowfly wae seen in eourpany with the eomn-
mon house fy and a small blue fly ahont the same size. ST hexe
three last seamed to make things nncomtortable, in prevent:
ing front Jandiuy a dainty, very small, green-winged’
ant, whose large wings seemed out of proportion to its body..

5 ron igs “ ; Viet Nal.
250 Notes trom Mield and Studar . bvat xe

hese it Kept extended both in flight and when at vest.
No interference was shown, however, to a husy little black
ant, who evidently knew well where the best results were
to be obtained. 4

Me. G. Mreneh, Jnr, identified some of iy. visilors as
frdomyrmes rufiniger, Calliphorn villosa, Sepsis sp.
Tepliritis sp., Musea, 2 sp., ete.

“Last vear TI thought T had some mature seed saved From
this plant, bit, on piekinu the pods, fowid the eortents, as
usnal, beautifully arvanged, but with them an oehvey-yellow
‘swhstance had formed that t took for a fungoid growth, Me.
D. B. Adam, however, considered it to be acieular erystals ot
some organic compound, with a brownish Jayer of cistin-
tegrated dead tissue cells. ‘Thus, theugh externally the seed
pods looked normal and ripe seeds might be looked fov, sone
form of blight had ldlled all of then in their many
eases.—A..T. °

NATURAL HISTORY OBSERVAXIONS BY NIGHT.

Wishing to see what was happening in the insert world
during the hours of darkness, [ toole the opportunity
veeently, whet on a visit. to the mountains in the vicinity
of Warburton, to make an nivestigation. Armed with a
powerful acetylene bieyele lamp, [ set off along a narrow
timber tram line nto the heart of the forest. he first things
to attract my notice were hosts of small, brown eaterpiilars,
with their heads all turned in the same clirection, hurrying
along the tram vaily. For about 200 yards they eould leo
seen everywhere, and were all making north. The only reagan
1 could assign for this migration, it one eould call it sunli.
was the tact that extensive bush fires were vaging some two
‘miles to the south, and the scent of burning scrub was very
strong. Several large Crane flies hovered into the beam of
light, probably disturbed from their slumbers, as they are
‘typical day-flying insects.

A Jarge weevil of the genus Poropterus was found lnesily
drilling a hole into a dead limb of a Beech tree. Many ald
jogs were carefully examined, and upon most of them were
seen oany of the Tenebrionid beetles, Apasis howitl:. Dur-
ing the daytime these insects are always concealed under or
inside rotten logs, but, durmg the dark hours, they beeome
wery active. Some examples of the somewhat rare Carab

ay ss Votes from Pield dnd Stiuda 281

hectle, Melisoderw priefpewnis, were found crawling: om te
trunks of stringy-barked Hucalypts.

Directing the rays upon the ground, several spiders wery
seen harryiwe through the earpet of fallen Jeayves, and a fair-
sized ceutipede noticed holding one of the previously-
moemhoned brown caterpillars im its mandibles. The next
object of interest was a beautiful tree frog (Hyla), whieh
Was vesting upon a stall limb of a musk tree. The bright
fight apparently did not inconvenience him, as he appeared
eontunt to stay there ag long as I wished to view hin.
Several specinens of the dark form of Adrium artifex, 2
small Longicorn beetle, were observed upon a treshly-fallex
eucilypt, where they were no doubt seeking guitable situa-
tions for depositing their aves, .

The light next revealed a heautiful moth resting upon the
lrank of a Sassutyas tree. It was a species of the genus
Colussau, and, with its brightly-shinmg eyes, quivernur
feathered antenne, aud wings resembling rich brown velvet,
it was indeed a thing of beauty.

A rustling sound anionyst the leaves of a Hazel tree drew
my attention to a pretty little Rine-tailed Opossum, and he
remained perfecily still, apparently dazzled by the bright
Night. Some snail black ants were harying up a dead tree,
each bearing a papa, whilst at tha foot of the tree there
was & apecbuen of the bralliant-hued Carab beetle, Votone-
mus opilentus, Mie sound of runing Water suggested look-
ing for aquatic inseets, but the ovly things moving were
aome small, very active, shiinp-like erustaceans,

As my light. was now beginning to give out, I had 16
relinquish my investigations, lat L an looking forward to
spending another interesting evening when an opportunity
uffers.—I, E. Witson,

PARASITISM. IN THE SANTALACHKY,

Root parasitism has already been proved in the vases of
Imany santalaceous plants; of Australian species notably in
Karacarpus cupressiformas, by Dr, Benson, aid im the Sandal-
wood aad the Quondong, by Ma. D, A, Herbert. Suspicion was
doubtless directed to these by the inypossibility of transplant
\n@ them, successfully, or of cultivating them fron) seed,

In the Jawrnal of the Royal Society of Western Austrutia
for 1924-25 Mr, Herbert conviets seven other members of the

258 Notes from Biel@ and Study Bb eri

family of the same degrading habit. These are Funsanws
spicatus, R.By., &. vouminetius, R.Br, Geplomeria preissiiona,
D.C, L. spinosa, D.C. Charetrum laterifiaermn, RB! Econ
pus @phille, RB, and J”. sparted, R.Br. Atl were found to-
develop numevous lateral haustoria, which penetwated the
reats of the host planty more or less deeply, but, not attacking
the wood. All algo seemed to-be suto-pavasitic. ‘The haustoria
varied greatly in size. In Leptameria preiwsiana they attained
nu diameter of one-third of an ineh, im Peocurpus aphylla a
quarter of an inch, In. eupressifarwes, a much larger plant.
they had been fownd so sinall as to be discernible only with-
the aid of a lens. Ouly in LZ. spartea were they developed
apart from, the presence of alien roots.

Leploneria spinasa alone showed disermmination in the
choice of a host, the others not being at all particular in. this.
respect. While some species like Axecerpas uphaylle xvow in
such elose proximity to another plant, ov even appearing to:
grow out of it, as te at once suggest parasitism, others like
Fusunus agciuninatus, by its isolated position, seemed to dis-
arm suspicion until the length of its roots, sometimes extend-
ing for a distanee of twenty yards, ghawed its ability, in spite:
of distance, to reach those of its victims, As in others of their
kind. root hairs were almost or entirely wanting. —-C.8.5

PHOTOGRAPHS FOR "“PHH NATURALIST.”

It is proposed, while funds permit, to include one plate at
least-in each issue of the Maturalist. Members are invited to
submit prints for consideration by the Editor and the Publishing
Committee. Unusual subjects are desired, not photographs of
scenery, etc. Writers of papers might submit photographs suitable
for illustrations —Editor. -

All contributions for the Naturalist, and letters to the Editor,
should be addressed:
CHARLES BARRETT, }
“Maralena,” Maysbury Avonue,
Blsternwick, Vic-

Che Victorian Naturalist

Vou. XLIT—No. 11 MARCH 5, 1926 No. 507

FIELD NATURALISTS” CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly necting of the Clab was held in the
Koyal Society’s Fill on Monday evening, Pebraury 8, 1926.
The President, Mr. Geo. Coghill, occupied the chair, wad about
HO members and friends were present.

REPORT.

Mormmeyton, January 30.—The Jeader, Rev, G. Cox, far-
warded # report of this exeursion, whieh showed that though
very Tew members availed themselves of this opportunity of
visiting Momington, nn interesting programme was carried
ont sueecsstully,

BWLECTION OF JOM TRIER,

On a ballot being taken, Master Pred. Bartow was duly
Avelared elected as ai associate member of the Clnh.

GENERAL,

Bush Fires. ~The Won. Secretary, Mu, C, Oke, referred to
the widespread bush fires. Lilo had bea, on the previous day,
al, Warburton, where Lirge areas along the vaihway line, par-
fienlarly between Mt. Evelyn and Wandin, and between Mill-
wyove and Warburton, had been swept hy fire. The whole of
Mount: Littte Joe, as seen from the line, appeared to have been
burnt out. He thonght that an article might be published in
the Natuvalist, indieatine the extent of the areas devastated
hy the fires. In future years it would fom a reference, and
would also enable some idea to be formed as to the time
required by a fire-swept area to regain its normal state.

Mount Byerard Reservation —Miss Nokes stated that’ bush
fires had been burning on the monntain, and probably had
swept. the ares. it was proposed to reserve. Vi such was the
ease, the loeal, Progress Assocjation would, most likely, let the
project lapse.

254 Bvcursion to Mornington Vatcxnatt

LECTURE.

‘Along the Queensland Coast—-A Biological) Tour,’? by
Mar. 2. CL Movvison, ALSe. ‘This lecture was. iustrated by a
large winniber of excellent Jantein slides, showing various
fons of wunial and vewetable life, also some very interesting
views alone the Queensland coast, Several members: spula in
appreciution of the leetnve and the laitern views.

The odeting closed with the usual short comversaziane.

EXHIBITS,
ty Rey. G. Cox: Mossil leaves of Lanietio, Neyhelltes and
Hollivedia, tron Balebmbe Bay; also lignite from the: same
loeality:. :

By Mv. J. Tt. Leslie: Bifureation in frond of Lamaria.

By Mr. P. C. Morrison, MSe.; Plates fram the carapace
of the Jarve Queensland taurtle; corals from the Great Barrier
Reef; and aboriginal weapons from Queensland.

By The National Herbavinn, on behalf of the Rev. A. C. FP.
Gates, MAA.. of Tava, who has-been botanising on ML. Brien
and. sarroanding aregion:—Barcker Guarana, Sehawer,
Mountain Heath Mirtle; Bieekea, probably uew ta seienee;
Callistenion Sieberi, D.C., Alpine Bottle-brash; Senecio
wags, Fiv VL, Saw Groundsel; Senecio peclinalus,
D.C., Alpine Groundsel; Aehehrysum rosmarinefolius,
Less, Rosemary Everlasting; Olearia florthuada, Bth.,
Heath Daisy-bush: Helichryswm lepidephyllkem, Tovey anc

' Morris, Clubmoss Daisy-bush; Celnisia longifolia, Silver

Daisy; Gentina (stcosa) montana, Forst., Mountiin Ger-
tian: Pavsophyllian Tadgelhonen and P. Sutton, Rogers
and Rees.

EXCURSION TO MORNINGTON

‘Che programme of the Holiday Week-eud Exeursion
hegan with the departure from Mornington on Saturday.
January 30) at 9 asin, of 11 members of the local Naturalists’
Glob, three visitors and the leader. At Mooroodue the
arrival of the train from Melbourne was awaited. but tio
B.N.G. members came by it. After lineh the party walked
to the large quarry, where a wonderful face of rock of Ordo-
Vician age. is exposed. By means of spécially-prepared curds,
and the external evidences in the quarry itself, the leader
explamed the relative age and formation of the vock mass.

pil Exoursion. to Mornington n 235

Mt, liza, at the back of the quarry, Wak ascended, and
from the summit a fine parioraniie viva was cominanded, A
walk along the vidge, through the bush, brought us to a
granite outerop, wlieh has been partly opened op. The
stone appew's to be of very fine quatlity, and greatly resembles
the well-known Hareourt grauite Jelear avhite felspar and
black (hbiolite) umeaj. A ramble in another direction led to
the banks of a veservoiy (nearly dey), from wieh nunibers
of valves of the fresh-water molluse (Pistdtum spo) were
collectad. A bush traek Jed back to the quarry. Ou the wiry
to the ‘station several interesting hotameal species wo
gathered, eluding ad tine spray of Dianella fwuts, with purple
seod- berries, A halt awas dade at a wayside pool, on the sare
face of which floated water-lilies, in tall bloom, Among the
Waler-weeds skirbing the pool a eh harvest might have bees
gathered for pond-lite study,

The irain by which we retarned ty Mornington Wrought
two dady menibers of the Chib, After tea, fwinkoreed ha Te
vouny inen, visitors, the party attended, by invitation, at the
loiden’s home, A collection of aboriginal Weapons and iniple-
ments (about 160 pieces) wag exeunined, the leader viving a
deseriptivetalls; then the local Club?’s collections wore viewed,

Sunday was spent according te the individual tastes of
Wembers. On Monday the first party, consisting of 1s local
members and two visiting members, assembled, at 9.30 am,
tnd walked to Fossil Beach. Here a camp was established,
und the party dispersed over the Baleombian fossil beds.
Meanwhile, the leader veturned to the station to meet the
Melbourne train, by whieh arrived three lady members, who
were driven out to join, the advance party, Adtter laneh
the party set off for the Baleombe’s Bay leaf beds (Atioeene),
passing en route the brown coal deposits, and turning aside
to visit a gully in which foorishes the Phame Uninea (7,
elegans), now only in bud, ‘Phe spot ow whieh Captain Mart-
thew Winders Iagded, jay April, 1602, wis seen. Mie wiry
led over several rocky outevops, among whieh (as the tile was
very low), a number of chitons wos taken. Most ot the
species sean at the leal-heds were fragmentary, though
some wood speviinens have bean obtained deve on loeal Club
OXCMESTONS.

Some menithers of the MNCL had erected their tents on the
beach, and afew of the younger ovies enjoyed a swim, After
returning und resting of the damp? another visit was

25h Becersion bo Wilson's Promuntarcy ven ett

~

| nh ‘ a
made to the marine shell beds. No great finds ean he
chronicled, though a good tssortinent of the species charac-
taristic of the beds was found. Amony the living types ol
interest taken were si fine large hermit crab, and the boring
wolluse (Barred obtiuramentiune), in burrows i the lay, The
day was ideal for solleeting, the tide being so low, and the
water perteetly still he ehildren joining the loeal Chib
lave proved themselves experts at eolloeting, one gith, V1 yours
of age, having recently collected nearly 100 chitons during ant
afternoon, many of them hardly visible to the naked eye, aud
none of thet over three-quarters of an inch in length, A
number of hotanical specimens clabned notice dure the das.
Lut no mew or tnusual types were recarded—Ruv, G, Cox.

EXCURSION TO WILSON’S PROMONTORY

The sisth Chah exeursion to Wilson’s Promontory took
placa during the New Year holidays. On January 2 eight
members travelled in a covered wageon from Pish Creek,
Passing through the western extremity of the Hoddle Range,
ovo, an area bearing everywhere evidences of the rmithless
destruction of the once dese forests and luxuriant fem eul-
lies, the low-lying heath or moorland was erassed, to Lisher-
nau’s Camp, thenee down the beaéh to the Darby River,

At the Iitot Sabara-tike stretehas of saud intervene when
the tide is out, his coast is interesting in showing phases
vE the dewudation of land and cneroachment of sea, varied
hy suecessful resistance und approach by sand-dunes apainst
the action of wind and tide. In the formet ease the planing
dowu of whit appear to be either old swanrp-beds. with
peaty battoms, or extensive carbouiceous deposits. cerived
“from seaweed, dnd the inroads made on the clumps of Bank
Nias, many tvees of whieh are avashed right out un the vere
of the sea, are evidences; in the other, the heaping up of the
sand (i the shallows around the slightest obstrietion, the
eerawth Of gruss-fatts, then tassoeks, and, further back,
coastal xerub ag siuid-stays, consolidating and extending as
dines the line of defence and advance, ave equally striking,

During the week we vantbled in the neighhonrhood of the
chalet and the Darby River, Tongue Point, and the Darby
spor and saddle. as far as the sothern limit of Noarniuan
Bay, and elong the telegraph track to Bad Saddle. with

By ‘ Becnrsion to Witsea'ts Pranmantory 257
deviations therefyony to Lilly-pilly Ghally and Sealers’ Cove
rospaeclivahy ; the hatter a twaedays’ journey. Sinee lash year
ao het has beet huilt af Sealers’ Cove. and. “uiother ot relat
River, tar the convenience of eanmpers, The trucks are mW
vou orders fat to Lally-pilly will ultimately he extended
fo the head of dhe Gilly, where a waterfall abont 15 feet an
height adds to the beauty of thig sylvan retreat. Do a home
paddock two ov three kangaroca or wilabires and an emu
are kept for observation by tourists who are unable to make
lane excursions, The seuson for wild-Howers was alinost
ended, but 76 species were noted mm bloom, some only seantily.
Ruryarvin sporosa, Cassie aculeata, Lotus australis, Tlonuise
pelilocahits, Senecio lautus, Scavolic surveolens, Lobelia prur-
quecasceus, La wanes, Olcaria cnillaris, Viineniaria demwndiutir,
with the Banksias, Hakens and Nanthorrheas, were more pra-
fase in fowerme. Among the orchids, Dipadiwm prenctlafron
Castrodia sesumpides and Uhelynetratangifole were in Mower.
Most. of the leguminous plants were fu finite as were Afeda ies
pinifolius, Levenpoqan Richer, Meocerpis sthicli, ote,

There ia a noticeable tendency to comimunal growth ti the
National Park. ey. the dense vrove of Casmapinag on the
Darby spur, the fine Banksip groves beyond The densely
elnatering Melaleueas and Leptospermoins of the river fat, the
Buposing avvay of wrass-trvees on varinns areas, the pro-
fyston of Lilly-pillies in the eully ppproapriately bearing the
name, the extensive thicket of hazels tharking the approaeh
wud rome pant of the slope in the descent te Sealers’ Cove,
and then the distinctive fan-zully vegetation of that moist
and sheltered area. This chavactevistic may be noted alsa in
the species of Mnealypts, and in the wrouping of avornss and
swamp Veretation,

The tap to Seiers' Cove was completed he fore ia heavy
rain-storm, Tt was noted that the growth of Myrtle Beech is
voryv mneh more extensive than was thought fa be the case,
sainy voung plants gvowing im the rieh soil. At the Cove an
cnstarly wind, with a heavy sea, beat mto the bay, while the
rainstorm had for precursor the gathering of thick clowd-
whieks on the nountiins enclosing the Cove, Several birds.
Including two LitHe Penenins, Eudyptada minor, were found
dead on the beseh, Portunately the ain kept off until our
vernyi , :

Dive our stay at the Park three or four kangaroos ane
about 10 wallabies were seen, the Blnek-baekod Wallaby,

9 RY fge ‘ 4 , " r Vict. Nat.
258 Eiccarston te Wityon'y Prone they wor XLrt

Magrapus (wilabatus, beng the more plentiful. In some
Tistiheey Tl admits showed little tense ob gbservers, Or
comrse, o stile individual has the better chaneae of svete
MMOS, Which a large party will distial. About hali.a dozen
Koalis were observed, chiefly ow the blae gums. Ore. al
Sealers’ Cove, was perehed at a great heiwht, Wvideuees af
the presence of wonrbats were ndtieeable, It was intetrestine to
hear fram two independent welness#es of mi animal having been
sean ab lilly-pillv which auswered to the leseviption oft the
Bush-tailed Rat or Tum, Mr. Plaids, on a visit to the Lisht-
hovge. sw theough the ghias about 20 seals disporting un a
rocky island fo the westward. A fow gmall snakes were seen,
tive of Wwlieli-eopperheads—avere despatehed, AL visitor
reported having seen an antlered deer towards the Verekeu
moive, There ave deer ou Sauke Ialvud, but fam not aware
that, deer lave been tetveduead fo the Prouovntory. he
fivard, Agerwa iehite, wis munerons, and sustained the pepiu-
tation previously edrned tor friendliness. Oie Was alinast
reduced toa torpid state by cathig to repletion of March-fias,
supplied hy Mr. Vo Miller; while another pretty, copper
colourd lizard fearlessly caught flies-on the weiter’s land ane
coal-sleeve. Galaxians, or mountain-trowt. are munerous in the
eveeks. At Gilly-pilly Creek they ate eceedily the serays
thrown into the stream, and allowed Mr, MLiller to stroke
their sides gently with w switeh, ‘The hirgest seen was jnat
over six inehes in length.

Birds were very numerous and tuneful. especially in the
sheltered hill and river serub wear the chalet. At daybreats
one eal hear the foll, vieh notes of the Marmonious Vbiash,
the matutinal song of the Moypie, the passionate cull of the
Goach-whip Bird, the harshor eries ot Honey-eatens, the eheer-
ful tavitter of Aganthizas anc Serub-wreng, the dour note of
the Bronzewing, and the challenging sone of the Buteher-bird.
Blue Wrens ard at home at, the whulet. The Swallow still vets
broods wader the-back verandah, and a Mookaburvi taxes
stock of visitors from a neighbouring post. We heel We:
mournful cadence of the Pallid Cuckoo, and alse the Bronce
Cnekoo's note. Ovex the river an ‘occasional Cormoraut flew.
a White-tronted Heron lazily changed his location, or a tev
Ducks followed the windings of the stream. A Fyyre-bird was
seen neat Sealers’ Cave, and their initative calls avere alse
heard. Special observation was made of the birds, more this
50 species heing noted by the party. ancl listed earefully hy
Mies MeMyhon and Mv. Hughes. Anong these were the Black

rs
ou
o

bt Aeenrvainn ta Wilsau's Proutentovy
Cockutoos, which, with Wattle-hirds, affect the Banksigs. A
éolony,ot Manewrenus was Joeated by Ale. Wanks neav Whisky
Greek. aiid amous the Parrakeets’ Crimson Parrots were
Humerus, Streperas were see ti timbered country. Aqnony
sea-birds, fhe two species of Oyster-catchur, White-hellied Soa-
angles, Peliews, Pacifie onlls and Australian Corlews were
dhserved.

The Emus introduced to the Park favour the more open,
evassy country, They have prospered, and are a sourec of
attraction to visitors. Th isa pine to find that, durnig: the
lant year, clutches of voong have heen almost destroyed by
foxes, ane of which was scen at Sealers’ Cove. As with
dingoes in the past, the inerease of foxes is favoured by the
eharacter of the eounteyv, Tn regard to mtroduced birds.

three of the party recogutsed the Blackbird’s song, bur the
bil was not seen. The Goldfinch is travelling southward ,
it was seen at Pish Creek,

Fiiseet life seemed mimerous. verted and vieioie. Sand-
flies and March-llies overpowered toarists with conaweleni
attentions, whilsi Culex gerduns was winisually aber

dy a previons repart niention was made of the wreekage
ast 1p alone the Western coast, against whiel the prevail
inv (hitt enrrvenr strikes in tts eustweanl course On (he
shores of the bay lies a considerable quantity of timber, pine
and blackwood, with scores of beut. ris, tn sets, for bageles
and other vehicles, This is from the wreck of u vessel carry-
ing timber, which foundered, Jess than a year avo, near Cape
Liptaap Aluny wood, but enmpty, barrels are cast up on the
shore. ;
_ We veturned to the city on January 11. 1 would sug>
vost a wellorvanised excursion by boat on some tuture
occasion to the Easter coast. of the Promontory, with Sealers’
Cove ws a base for eperations—-Crarees Dany,

Mr. Charles French, sent., one of the founders of the
Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, and formes Government
Hritomolopist, will contribute several articles to the Vuturalast.
They will deal chiefly with the early days of natural histery
in Victoria, and, besides relating his own experieices as ad
entomologist and botanist in the held, Mr, French will give
memory pictures of other pioneer naturalists. ‘The articles
will be Whistrated with portans. ;

‘ “ =v. Nae
26 Ato me Queens Caast Yann

IENVANERTHOEENAGUPORAUNAEUNONDOVER ODEO CRORSeNE HOE RNVORN RAT OGANTERNRONEOE SUTTER NDAEREVERNLLERTAV RUN TAPOIELNYPYAPATPENY KCHT OT ERM Ie RAL E Rha

2

ALONG THE QUEENSLAND COAST

A BIOLOGICAL, TOUK

TOPE TERREDHNEN RAY AMR Tee

3
ow

UL

(Noles on a lantern lecture delivered befare the Pichd
Mielurabishs’ Clib of Victoria, Pebruary 8, 1926)

By P. Crospin Morrison, M.8¢.

Tinvellers of the Seven Seas two centuries ave retariect
lone with tales of fainy islands where every praspeet. pleased >
where one hac only to enjoy oneself: where choice truits-—
satislyine food—danglecd temptingly frome every tree; and
fuaey-haived beagties were waiting to danee attendance upor |
Ihe fortunate traveller, And whenever the hearers, becoming
guraptured, seemed to forget the fortitude of the narrator,
he had but to dwell for a moment upon the awful dangers
of the coral, lo make them turn pale with fear, and mnrmur
prayer of thankfulness that theirs paths led away frow tropi-
eal waters, and that they still held to foggy England.

Coral was the droid speetre in the life of the mariner.
Many a proud atiminal ground out her life againat the
troucherous horns of some hidden reef, and sont was the
heart of him who would seek out new lands among the Coral
Saeits.

in 1770 Captant James Cook had the experience of inini-
Henk shipwreaek on the Mudeavour Reet, close to the town
Which now bears his name; and only by beaehing his ship for
repairs in the Endeavour River was he able to pursue his home- -
ward course, Thirty years later Captain Matthew Flinders
saaled rivht along the Great Barrier Reet. and chartered fairly
weentately the 1600 miles of its westeru fringe. After that
date the Reef was touched upon intentionally only ‘by a few
naval suryes vessels, such ag the “‘ Thetis’? aid the “* Rattle-
snake.’’ and unintentionally hy a few of the carly inmmigvant
ships, such as the ‘‘Wansfell,*” whose perilons. trip in 1861,
when she arrived irom Wugland three months overdue, carry-
ing a full coniplement of itiimigrants all on the verge of
starvation, has been numortatised by iuiecrous entries on
ihe Admiralty chart. of the Coral Seu.

As time went on, it became: increasingly evident, that the
charts of this region—mainly those of FHudevs, whieh have
rentiined almost untouched for move than a century — con-

face Aluny the Queensland Coast 26L
jwined aw munber of Imaccuracies, he action of the
Adinivalty in sending out speelally-equipped survey ships tu
undertake charting work on the Reet for aw indefinite period,
so uboused public interest in the Jess fearsome and amore
Interesting axpeets of this nique xeoeraphical possession of
ours, that the Great Barrier Reef Committee was formed,
with headqnarters in Brisbane, to undertake and direct. the
scientific myestigation from yarious standpoints —imainly
veological and biological. Jt was in the latter eapacity that
the waiter was sent to Brisbane in 1925, und thence to the
Vitious points of interest along the oust. The work cone
was Mainly wievoscopie, and, sinve the macroscopic material
obtained vontains nothing new to seienee, only.a few aotes on
the nwre interesting features of the general work are given
Tere,

Travelling overdand from Wietoa to the Novth, little
difference iy noted im the geneval aspect of the countyy he
sime types of Moealypts seem to follow one fron Wilson's
Pronioutory to Cape York, with small breaks of Lrupical
jungle of paling and tig, and Tewyer-cane in the wtoist parts,
sveh as the coastal region from Cardwell to Cooktown, and
upon, the Atherton Pableland, Nunthorrhows af sliptiily
differiie species Spread before one all the way Gp, anid the
aspect of (he dria plain countey iscthus fairly unitorns, in
spite of the hinge tke tropieal latitudes.

One surprise for the traveller ds the qine-clad slapes of
the contimentol ishurds of the Whitsunday and Hinchinbrook
Groups, huidreds of miles north of the Tropic of Capricorn
dan the distunee these Argucarias cestable the Northern pines,
amd one i faced with o. sub-aretic seene with a shade tem-
peramare of over the LOO mark. ypien) plauts seb. their
math on different areas, and on liebtly-tinbered country one
seos aunbers of the palm-like “serew pine,” “bread finiit,””
ov Pandenas, a lonely redie of the group Pandanaeces, which
Hourished ina bygone ave. Then the stand flora includes
suell plants as the spiny-steded Pribidus, the yoats-foot. Con-
volvulns, Jpemen pesecaprt, the Candle-ut tree, the Goral
TLabupnuimn, Vownefortia, Scemudla, Hibiscus, and Mormda,
aM) of which formu a detise backeround of shrubbery throneh
which tower the gopecetal stenw of the coconut paling, Cocus
woeferg, he coronal, by the way, is voto native, bat ts
phinted ou practioally all the ishiids aloe the coast for the
benetit. of men who tev be east away with ae otter ieans
of sTistenaners,

A ppg a? 1 e Virc. Nee
age Mend Mie Gueenstind Ceriee von Xtit

The anud flora is always vers trpieal, too. POHSIstine Of
the threes main Mangrove. genera. dace. Aluzophara vid
Bragiwera, securving i belts trom sea. to-shore i, frat oder
Associated with these enriously-speotaligod treas we find a
numher of saaller salt-resisting plants, of avhieh the ios
romney i the holly-loaved sbeanthia iieifolia, Stretehes of
hare snud in a Mangrove swamp enn abyars be depended
Upon to yield, besides the sandflies ancdenosqeitoes, a whelke
like Velexcoptum and a Crapsoid cuih., Jelopograpsus
wessors and usally the whole of the dead wood ts vtddlod
with the boring molluse, T'eredo.

The coral reefs are a disappatmtinent if one sees them in-
covered by an exeeptionally low tide, for than all the polyps
cloxe, avd the gorgeous colons largely disappear. But dive
ito The Jagoon when the reel is covered, and the waudinoss
igcatnuaing, Clashing colours om every sice-tiiake the scene
appear as a taken from sone extravaganza, amd the specious
heanty is a thing never likely to be forgotten. Although the
natin part at the creat will be of all one type of eoral, such
dix the niagsive Farthes, or the atag- horn Aleropom and
Pocillapora, the holes ave a shelter for the muonerous move
deheate forms, and gronped toxether one way see small knobs
of Mavin, Calloceris, and Ieandrina, in, the shullawer parts;
niet. a little further dowatl. the delicate stag-horn, Seniutepord,
the carnation voral, Buplayltia, and such others as Crake,
Hiydnapara, Parana and Mangia.

Qn these veefs, too, one finds Becho-de-mer, Uridacnd, te
wiaat elam, with. the largely undeserved veputibion for
drawning paople; Diatenia. a setauehin with nendletlike
spines a foot in length and charyed with a patatul potsouw;
Cina, a bivalve. which swims actively by Napping the valves
of the shell together: Deiliiant polyehaete worms with crowns
of gaudy tentaclos; and the want sea-ancmang, Discosanu,
whieh attains a diameter of 15 inehes, and shelters ingnr
smalley animals as Commensals within its coelenteron,

The crabs in the veel region inelude three gregarious
types, which are of interest, The first, dyctiris (ongicarpus,
has a. elose velutive to be found im Jarge numbers round hont
Blnek Rock, Port Philip Bay, where an arty of some hun-
dreds dig. into the sand whe distavbed, inarking
theit veshne places with typical rosettes, The avmies
in the North ave sinilar, bat many thousauds stroug, aud
thei progress oan he heard from & considerable distance

Brey Along the Quecnsiand Coast 68

sonnding Lke the loud rustle of leaves in a wind. Then
there js Scoprmera taiflatu, the Sand-babbler Crab, which
feeds on the organic particles adherent on the sand grains
left by a reeeding tide. All the used sand is rolled up by the
thela junto Little spherical pellets, which are cast awe iy
radittine lines route the barrow fur a radius of about ten
Inehes. © Ueu aerionis, the Calling Crab. also is a bur
vowing form; {he male has the welt chela enormorsly
developed, so that it hides the whole of the body a& seen, tram
the front, aad coloured uo brilliant ovanee. A crowd of these
crabs on the beach resembles a patch of orange beans, and
a chanee movement on the part of the observer acts like the
wave of a magic wand. A thonsand brilliant claws ave bran-
dished in the airy in a beckoning fashion, . thousand chele
obiye Hs many loud ‘‘eraeks,’’ and lo, the flat is bare of
colony, as, with inerechble swiftness, the crabs tamble down
their hierows, .

The thousands of Sooty Terns, Sterme fiscati, seen jreeds
ing oon Oyster Cay have alveady been deserbed under
‘exhibits’? ina previous “Natovalist” ‘Whe fturrle-hanting
was mueh the same as that enjoyed by all visitors to the
Reet; and the Green Ants ate ite {here. These **paper-
hap?? ants live in bay-like nests, made by fastenine togethoar
doinhnber of Ipiyves. Neyer have J seen more agressive
jnacets; a touch af the nest is sufficient to call out the guard,
Wl steading te veach the intruder. Qoee To had the mis-
fortune to ran my head into a vest in. the undergrowth, and
had to disrohe completely in order to rid wyself of the
vindictive little creatures. Their grip is so tenacious that
oye inay pull them xsunder before they will release the skin
vrasped between their mandibles. Gauge have I to remember
the Neerrikudi name tor this wsect—anan.’? Obviously
some aboriginal etyisologist, jn early times, had liad my
expaerienes, and was verbally mspired,

The Editor agai appeals to members to contribute nature
notes suitable for the Wield and Study Section of the
Vaturalist. These paves, he has been assured, are popular,
but more variety would be weleame, Paragraphs reeording
personal observations: ave most desired.

264 Wiitiamsox. Victorian Ferns. Ades

HOUPPOVTTTCTT DMNA NTP netTenan ttre oertitereecrspevaensiaeds jyuabeaaayp i rt pe ecany dd peepelabdsgrerertupyrreseaaeebberpaypperegayyecers yyy

VICTORIAN FERNS

By Uf B. Winnuausox, P68.

PUPTONUOTUATOPROOTOCEAUCOPHCTOROCTI EN OATCORA TIC PRUCTOUATLAMGLIUAN IEE CEE re OOeTCon danse Ad TOA TET ROT Acne eens teat ta RN Pete Lee renee tenant an ae

OE Cd
econ eD UMA reH Teen Ire Erte

Pare IIT.
Family MARSILTACH As.

Ti this family frauds spring, as ut miany ferns, from a
rhizome, wane are volled inward at the top (circinate) when
young; aud, like some ferns, Marsilia produces stevile ard fev-
tile fronds. the latter being developed trom the lamina. of the
frond, whieh is recurved and elosed to form oa wtricle ov
invaluere (offen called a sporocarrp), enclosing the spore
eases whieh ave of two kinds, and are attached as sori te
the wnderside (iisicde) of the artriele,

Genus MARSA.

The name of the genus is from the latinised forme (Mar-
silius) of the vine of an Italian naturalist Maysi¢h, ;
— Ta variots species the name ‘‘Nardoo’’ has been
applied, and sporocurps bave been usecl among the hhacks as
fuod. Burke and Wills tried to sustam their lives by the
aid of Nuvdoo, A. Brann in 1870 indicated as aiany ag 1+
distinet species, many of whieh were meluded by Mueller
under the name HW. quedrifolin, L, Benthant and other
hotauists have failed to appreciate Brannu’s distinctions, aud
it is prolable that only half-a-dozen Australian species
at most can he sustamed, The Victorian forms seem to le
within the limits of the descriptions of the two follawing
species,

Marainta preaMospu, A. Bia Nardoo (Big. 1). This
grows in femporardy inundated depressions; sometinies itt
water six or cieht inches deep, with its pretty reddish-green
sterile fronds floating on the surtace. These frouds consist
eich of four -seainents, reminding oue of elover leaves. [1
drier clay flats the fronds are tnuch shorter, and the seg-
ments sometimes only a quarter of the size indieated, and
often very hairy and Tobed ov erevated (Tig. IL). ‘When
one looks at fhe extreme forms they eau seaveely be aceepted
as the same species. but when one tries to separate the com-
plete chain of intermediates one ean realise the diffieulty

Mare, f — Wiiiauson, Vietortan Poms 265
1926

IV MARSILIACES: ¥-VI1 OPHIOGLOSSACE-®

O88 WIntiassox. Vintoriian Merk Present

whieh exused Mueller to Tump them as toring of AL. quadrr-
folia, La, the distribution of whieh is given in ibe poole
Consus, TSS9, as all States of Australia, und As. AP. aud
bhaivape, ;

M. ninsces, RBy, (Rig, TTD). Shovt-frait Nardoo. hiv
is a form with the sporocarps sessile or nedrly so, otherwise
seareely to be distinyuished from the preceding species, The
regional) distribution recuaires investigation, as it was for-
merly pliced as a form of IL. quadiifolia. We have speci-
mens from the North-west and from Geelong district.

Geuus Priianta,

This genus diifers from, Marsilia in having the sterile
fronds filiform instead of beng, expanded inta Hat leaflets,

eae LARLA NOV: aur Lannie, A. Brann, Pillwort) WA.
S.A., Tas. NSW), EL, As, Af. NLA, (Fig, 1%), This plant,
owing to its small sn is rarely gathered. [tx rhizome ereeypy
under water, and it has thread-lke stele fronds about hatf
an inch Jong. Uts fertile fronds are the pill-like sporocarps
about one-tenth of an ineh in ditimeien on shart stalks, Tt
indy De looked for on the muddy beds of devine water-holes
in, the N.W.. SAW. and 8. of our State.

Fanily OPHTOGLOSSAC KEAN,

The plants of this family have not their vounye trouds
viveinate as in other fanrilies of ferns, and their spore-cases
wre eompuratively Jaree, and ave set in two rows on dhe
simple or branched fertile fronds,

Genus OviptodrosstiM.

Oro nossou. comacnua, A. Cun. Acder's tongue.
(Mig. VIT). Very widespread through the world,

This curious little fern does not favour fern gullies, but
may be found im damp eliay paddocks in carly spring jn all
distiiets of the State. The author has gathered it ou the
alluvial flats af the Murray at Mildura in patches of elay
showing little grass or other vegetation. A barren lanceo-
late frond an inch or two long and half-at-inch broad, of
vather thick fexture, anc a linear fertile froncl bearing two
rows of spore cases, spring from the single stem. The latter
has a fancied resemblanee to a sviake’s tonene,

Genus BorrycHium,.

This genus cliffers from the last-named by» having its’
fronds maeh divided Inta scements,, and is wamed tran the
Greek botrys, a cluster of grapes, veferring to the arrange-
ment, of the spore eases.

tbe Witetamsos. Vitorion Penny 267
weer LEN ARIA (Li) ) Sw. Moonwort, Tas.. NS AW.
m, As. Af. (tiv V). This, the * yeoman? of the oht
rea is yare in Vietotia, having apparently been wathered
ouly by Aftueller, Cobunera (Bright to Omeo), “Snowy
Plains. on _the Ovens, Goulbum, Cabos: and Mitts Mitta
Rivers,?* Spore cases ave pr odnced on a branched frond 3
to 5 mohien long, and its barren frond has semiscivewlar seg-

ments (moon shape) pinnately arranyed.

B, sTyrave, RBe. Aleadow Moonwort, Tas, V.. NSW.
)., As. Am, NOZ. Gig. VL). his tern has been recoreded
from all districts of the State except the north-west, thonel
it has heen frequently overlooked. Ma. -¥F. G. A. Barnarel has
in onltivation aw specimen, ‘Bathéred at Oakleigh, ji’ pulse
1892; it has been exhibited at severu! meetings of the Cloh,
Mr. FL Piteher reported the species from Lima Enst, in 125.
aud Dr. Heber Green found it at Mooroolbark recantly, It ts
rammon on the western side of the Snowy River mouth.

lis barren fronds are feralike, divided dite three priv.
Pioae, whieh are again piinate with segments cdeintienlite.
The yoins ave almost conceded in the thick texture of the
fronds. The fertile tronds are mich branched, the branches
Hesse hinee apore vases sessile dy two awe,

Ih the course of eXeayalion ata briekyard ia the village
of Predmont. some 100 miles north-oast of Vienna, a remark-
alig discovery was made, At a depth of 14 feet, in a bed of
Janes, formed of the debris from ghiciation of a lime-stone
out-crop nearby, Professor D. K. Absolon, of Prague Uni
versity, curator of the museum at Brinn, found a tom) cone
taining 20 humint skeletons. One wall of the tomb is com-
posed entively of the shaulder-bones of mammoth elephants,
showme that these prehistoric people were ‘imyghty hunters. "*
Professor Arthny Weith, i an article in the London ‘Daily
News." of Oetuber 31, 1925, deseribes this aheient. hinting
station as the most vemarkable and extensive known, Fron
the skill measurements, Professor Keith states, the men
belonged to the Auragnacian poriod. which datos back at
leust 15,000 years. The tomb was covered by av heavy layer
of stones 16 inches thick, evidently to proteer (he pemains
from hyenas and wolves. How did man, in those remote
days, with hig ide stone weapons, imanave, contend with.
and kill the mammoth elephants in such numbers as this
ton betolwos JAA WAN,

Vict. Nat,

208 Lenpare, Three Viclorian Species of Ophicaridehes ene

COSOUPTUALRANADAADH AAAS DLCO ANU AAPSODa PPA NAN EADSEDA DEP EEPODYAINERESES DAE ELILECI AFI RAARIASSUNESOSORDANTLOOPDURE NOR DAEROFOT OOP ON ERH ETO pS.

THREE VICTORIAN SPECIES OF
OPHICARDELUS (CLASS MOLLUSCA)

By Tom Teepane."

Db LepLeD DADO ARUN y CHL ED Edad Cade.

“CenapedCertary eked berate vaedecerstey rekeater yyy eceaten ay pecan ere yy rdatare hy ee Ateba ayy ceed tPA TCU EA PH ANCA pHa APT HEEENNTCAE

1

Twenty vears aga Me, J. WH. Gatliff published m= this
journal a Catalogne of Vietorian Estuarine Univalve Mol-
tusea’’ (Vol, NAT. pp. 15-16, 1905). and TL eannot tind that
much has been added thereto gine Twelve species were
listed, and under the genus name, Oglicardelus, one species,
OD. dustraiis, Qaoy and Gainare, only appears. As localities.
at that time known-—Back Beach. Williamstown, Port Phil
lip. and Hastings. Western Port—only are eited, probably
many others ave now know.

At Lakes Entrance, Vietoria, Roy Bell collected throe
tlearly distinwuishable species, and fhese were easily identi-
fied at the British Museum as O. stulechburye, O. quoyd and
O, eraatus, Hedley, in his Check List of New South Wales
Matine Mollusea, included the Estuarine forms, and there two
specics were ranwed under Phyftta arngte and suleata. '

At Church Point, Broken Bay, New South Wales. I eol-
lected three species, determined as ernest, sulcala and quey?.
Comparison showed that. {he Specimens veferved to as sulcaly
agreed with those determined as séefehbiryi, aud eonse-
queutly these nanies ave synowymons. As the latter was
described from Povt Curtis, Queensland, if extends along the
east coast from there to Lakes Mutranee.

Hedley was of the opinion that quayi lad been
erroneously-recorded from Port Jackson, and that it occurred
in New Zealand. While it is common. here, the New Zealand
shell varies, and lus a name already, cestellaris, Avain
Movsson’s two species, which Hedley stegested were
synonymous with ornatis, 1 determine as gioyi.

Tn order to clarity this matter, T present figures of ile
three species, with thei names and distribation ~—

OPpimiGarpents ORNarcS (Mérussac). (Wig. 1,5
alLnreula ornata, Pérassac. abl. Syst. Anini Moll, p. 198,
1821: fab. (2)

aRhy permission qf ihe Tymstecs of the Austratinn Miseum

aa UEDA ThPee Kietorinn Speeien of Ophicurdenes 269

Aurteule outa, Gray. Spicilegia Avoluvied, prod, p. oO, pl. 6,
fie, 21, 1828: -*Sonth Sea Island, Stutehbury.7? Fra-
bably Sydney, N.S.W. (Not A. veel, Lan, 2806.)

Awvicula australis, Quoy and Gainiard.- Voy. Astrol. Zool,
Vol. 11, p. 169, pl. 18, figs, 34-85, 1832: °° Western Part.
Vie, and V.1.L.”’ ;

Ayicula bidens, Potiez, et Michaud. Galerie Mallusques
Dona, Vol. J, p. 201, pl. xx, fig. 9-10, 1838; ‘ Nonvelle
HolNande.’’ j

Cremnobutes curnea, Swainson. Papers Prov. Ruy. Soe..
V.D.L., Vol. 111, pt. 7, p. 43, pl vii, tiv. 1, Jaw, 1850;
near Hobart Town, V.D AL.

Fig. 1, Fig. 2. ' Mig. 3.
©. ornatus (Fer) 9. quoyi(H.& A. Ad) O. suleatus (MW, & A, Ad.)

Ophicurdelus australis, Tate and May. Proc, Linn, Soc,
N.S.W., 190], p. 419; Tas.

Ophacardelis australis, Gatlift. Vie. Nat. Vol. NNUY, p. 16,
May 4, 1905; Vie.

Ophiacardelus ornelus, Hedley. Proc. Linn. Soe, N.S.W..
Vol. XXXVI, p. 334, 1913,

Phaitia ornate, Wedley. Cheek List Marine Fauna, N.S-W,,
Moll, M. 95, 1998; NSW. May, Cheek List Moll,
Tasm., p. 88, 1921; Tasm. IWuste. Index asm. Shells,
pl, 40, fie, 24, 1923; Tas.

Wasily recognised by its shape and lack of seulprure; an
ineised Jine showine below the suhue on the earlier whorls
only; sheht depression behind the amer hp; outer lip sharp,
not thickened nor toathed,

Specimens eximined from New South Wales, Vieterta ate
Tasmania,

as

27) Ingvar, Three Vietorten Species of Optiecerdelics f wie ‘oh, ert tt ;

OCHICARDELUS Qeoyt, He. and A. Adams, (tig, 2.)

Ophieardelus quoyi, FH. and A. Adams. Proce. Zool, Soe.
(Lond.), 1854, Dp. 34, Jan. 10, F855; Moreton Bay, Queens
land,

Melumpus tetricus, Morelet. Journ. de Coweh.. Vol NT.
p. 290, -Takby 1, 1864; * Noavelle Galles de Sad."

Ophicardelus irreguilaris, Mousson, Journ. de Conch. Vol.
XViIL, p. O4, ple vw, fig. 2, Fan. i, 1869; ‘lace Pom-Pom,
pris Wollongong,’’—Tom Thumb Lagoon, neae Wollon-
gone, New South Wales.

Ophicardelus mina, Mousson, Journ, de Coneh., Vol. “XVIL
p. 65, pl. v, fis. 3: same locality.

Ophicurdelis quart, Hedley, Proce. Link. Soa, N.S.W,, Vol.
XMAXAVITI, p. 533, pl xix, fig, 87, 1915; N.S IW,

A shorter, broader shell, showing irvesular zrowtih vidges
on test whorl, an iueised line below the suture present on all
the whorls; no perforation, but a depression behind the
reAectocl 1 inner: lip: the outer lip thickened, and With in indis-
inet tooth medially internally.

Specimens exinined from New South W ales wud Victoria.

OPHICARDELOUS Surcaris, H. and A. Adams. (Big, 3,)

Onlacardelus (Liinidlonte) sulcata, He and A, Adams. Pine.
Zool. Soe. (Lond.), 1854, p. 54, Tan. 10, 1855. Hab.: (7?)
Probably Syduey, N.S. W.

Melampus (Ophicnrdelus) stutchburyi, Pfeffer. Pree. Zool.
Soe, (ond.)}, 1856, p. 39%, May 38, L857: Port Cnrtis:
Queenstand,

Ophicerdelus sulédatus, Hedley. Proe. Linn. Soe, N.S.W..
Vol. NAAVII, p. 383, pl. ix. tig. 86, 1913,

Ophicardelus stuéch bury, FHedley: Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W..
Vol. XXNVII, p. 334, pl. xix, fig. 88, 1913

Phytin suleata, Heclev. Cheek List Marine Fauna, N.S.W.
Moll. M. 95, 1918; NSW. : ;

Strongly sculptured with vevolviny lire: less inarked ou
the hody whorl: a small perforation persistent behind the
reflected inner lip. |’

Speeciuens examined from ‘Queenslind (Port Curtis)

New South. Wales and Victoria.

Mar.,” nO. Bp pe: 72
1926 Aquatic Insects 272

AREY HAPLLALEMNCHEU DENVER EN EDPURDMACHPARA AI ARUEDADAPOB EON ERUREPAUARAAUDEGA UG RADARS LUND ALONE UH EUTAUOA OD OAANAO DEA AOTOMEAEO DOR RU DOH OO ES

AQUATIC INSECTS

HULL

DH COPEPED PDEA CE OREO

BAYS EUREA LALA PAARDHAALAAAANAAOARAPA AMAA RASE

snewaqenee

SAPO UUANASOR NEES AU RNAS

DOO es

It is surprising that more members of the Clab cdo not
devole themselves to the study of aquatic inseets. Te ter-
vestetal forms claim tansy collectors (thonph aot many real
workers), probably beeause they force themselves amder our
notice by their briliaucy, or, maybe, their quaintness. Bul
very few members think of exploring our Jakes. ponds ate
streams for the wondertul forms that live in water. The
sindy of aquatic entomology has, in fact, been almost
entirely neglected by members, and the youny entomologist
who will devote himself to this branch ofnatural history 1s
sure of a rich reward.

The dragonflies have recived some attention Teawt State.
but more in New South. Wales, as Dr. R. J. Tillyard’s splendid
monograph on the Odonata shows, Dro Villyavd) dias olse
studied the ewddisiies, Dat Che other Orders of Taseaty have
received very little attention. Oeensionally one sees a [ew
water-beetles in a collection, af asects, but generally they are
species that fly great distances at night, and ave attracted by
street. lamps—and so find their way ito the -coleopterist’s
apbimet, There are many species of water beetles that ave never
sven out of their native element. Sume of these wre of erent
interest, others extremely rare; aud they await the enthusiast
who, armed with. a collecting net and drae-hook, with whieh ro
bring ap weeds from the bottom, of deep pooly. seta out to
make bimself famous, perhaps by the discovery of unique
specimens.

I admit it is less easy to vear aquatic Taanvix Than ih is ter
restvial forms, but if the larva are taken when nearly fully
evown the task Is not so diffiealt, and many imteresting tacts
anuy be’ vecovded. The life-cycle of some aquatie beetles,
frou eee fo Imago. sometimes takes several yedrd to wecom-
plish—a long time to wait: but what valtable dnfomuation
concerning yw Npecies one would gain, if its Titeevale wore
worked out! A much quicker way is to place the beetles
Wan aquanaun——coyered to prevent their escape by tiehim
wnt wateh carefully wntil the female bas deposited har eyes,

“Same beetles wttach ther eves by an adhesive tothe under
aide of leaves of water-plints; others make incisions in the
ettiele of the stems. where they deposit their cugs, One hire

Viel Nite
Volant

Bye quate TH acces
Hydrophitus makes a watertight eocoon, in whieh she lye
her eves, ‘Phis is attached to the under side of a dent, aud Tas
a ventilating shatt, or tuunel projecting above the water
Another species, a small, bliek beetle, vesanbline the ter-
vestrinl “sun beetle’? incappearanee, entries her cays. about
with hor in alight web attyehing to the potot at tie abdomen.

Wheto the young lavwe appear theit shape should be voted
und figured, as they sometimes alter after eedvsis, or moult-
ine. Wher vou are assured of the general appencanee af
the larva. neatly adult foriwis way be Galea in ponels, ane
if these ave placed in the aquariun you may sueececd in
obtaining the pupa, aud daterethe image, aud sa observe alk
the changes that take placerdulbihe the life history.

The smattor beetles are found. weneralby. on watercweedls,
und these onst be carefully examined. Often the avd of a
pocket. lens is needed to detect the beetles, as thes eling to the
weed, Small eureulios are often thus found, Other kinds hide
wader debris aed stones, or dary themselven in the mud at the
bottom of the pool, coming to the surfaec at iutervals te
breathe, ‘Che tip of the abdomen is held just above the sur
faee-skin of the water, the elytra aaised the mevest fraction. ls
allow the exchange of exhausted wir for a fresh supply; anel
the insect dives to the bottom again, Some of these small
heetles—Pelobius among others-svake we ehieping noise while
thas onedved, "This chirp’ is made by rasping the tibia over
the edee of the elytra. Ao simile sound os produeod ly
Corivcu—one of the water-hugs—and in the same manner.

The vobeetor with soon heeone tamiliae with the hannts
and Wabity of aveter-heetles. and with the knowledge thus
eined will saan have a well-Alled eahinet of specimens, and
vote-hooks filled with dutails ot life histories,

Aquittie TLemiptera also are worthy of study; the early
larval forms of Votonecta and Cortnn make beautifhil objeets
toy mieroseopical study, especially undew dark ground
illumination, Their evgsalso ave interesting. Siwall TLyimen-
optevans insects that use thei wings under water as if they
were tying—-and they progress tainly rapidly——ave occasion-
ully. found. Nothing is. known of their lite history, nor of
their anatomy. One species has a remarkable organ on the
wines, whieh T believe to be Yespiratery dv character, 1
have shown this, under the microscope, at Clu mectings.

There must be large numbers of midges and other fiies
still tndeserihed: their aquatie larvae ave very beautiful,

Mar. 7
1926

“wen

Aquatic Insects ; ood

and have remarkable structures. J was fortunate enough,
on a Club excursion to Nyora, to be able to yeeord as new
for Australasia one genus, Muclonia. Other members of the
vyoup, Corethra, Chironomus, Cerutopogon, Tanypus, and
many others, ave to be found—-sometimes in great mumbers
—in their larval staves in our ponds, and only aryait des-
eriplion— a. SRARLE.

THE HOME AQUARIUM.

Aqguitia have long been popular with vw small number of
nature loyens, mostly resideats,of Adelaide and Sydney, bn
both these cities Aquaria Clhabs.exist, and the miterest i the

hobby is steadily inereasing. Should Melbourne lag behind |

her sister capitis? When in Sydney recently J went ty
Farmer's to view the famous “‘Fish Alley.’ It has
become an institution, a delight te both adults and children:
while several dndreds of tanks, 1 believe, have been pur:
vhased by citizens. .

Mh. H.. Winekh. the vetemn aqnarist, kindly showed nt
Ins wonderful private collection of fishes, amphibians ai!
implatie plants, that thrive in amany glass-tanks and gardin
ponds at his home, Raglan Street, Mosman. He has a long
record of success, and his enthusiasm for aquana bas never
waned, ‘The frows and newts, and many of the lovely little
fishes that he cherishes, are tame almost as the pet parrots and
pigeous and kookaburrvas of the yard and garden. Lt was sure
prishig to see two of the quaint Jdumping-fshas, Pertuphtlat
mens, tlimb, with their fins, on to a flake of rock in the tank,
and take food from their owner’s fingers. (Often in North
Queenslynd lave J vainly tried to capture specimens of these
Ghusive Tittle fishes among mangrove roots.) ;

Wo have, in Anstvaba, some freshwater fishes, suitable tov
the home agwrium,- and desirable foreien species are Ubtait-
able, sume-at-small cost; though. others are expensive. Ff one
commences an the yieht Imes, and continues tu follow them.
any aquarnim, J was assured, will be w conitwal source of
instruction and-pleasure. [bf is wrong: te keap fishes in at
how]—they require a properly-constructed tank, ov a pord,
stocked with plants that have proved to be the best for
aquaria. The plants themselves are beautitul and interesting -
andl Mav Teingk has cultivated some remarkable species that.
are too Jittle Kiown in. Australia —C. Barre,

bd

rye \ ants r ; Viot. Nat.
27 Noles fram Buetd nad slinky whe UIE

NOLES Fee nes, di

SS

THE MANDALOTES W REVITS.

Among the largest wonera of the family Curenlionide,
Which compiises all those beetles known. ag weevils. is
Mawmdolotus, Al the species are small, and all ave of dingy
uppearuiee. but they are volable for wonderful vaiiehy on
SHehie

Mendnlotus occurs in all parts of Australia and ‘Cas-
Moniv, and om many of the adjacent islands, Dut possibly
nowhere are these beetles move plentiful than in Victoria.
The majority of species are covered with a seale-like sub.
stanee more ov less interspersed with short seta, but there
uve a tew that are quite smooth and shining, One qtr
lieularly fine species ‘has its lime lees covered with a vers
long pale pubéscenee. For some years T have paid mueh
attention to this interesting geius, und have a fine collection
of apecimeng, Although so many speeies had boo previously
deseribed, nearly all 1 secured proved ta be new to scteree.

Miendidotus may be sought for with most success in moss
and #raas-tussoeks, but leat. debvis also often provides a rich
havVvest. Jn tuet, aecording to Mr. A, M, Lea, who has vecontly
completed revision of the genus, the finest species of all
Was one - obtained by sieving leaf debris tron’ beneath a
tree-fern growing in the ranges above Millgrove. = It 1s
vemarkable on account of the curious armatnees of its Hine
tibia. ‘Two species, crudus, Urich, and ventralis, Blaeleh..
occur rather frequently aning the vools of Marram grass
on the sea beaches at Lorne. Another vather plentiful species
is arnevartus, Lea, which may be obtained fron. mois at
Ferntree Gully. Our Editor, at my request, brought some
grage-tussoeks from, the summit of Mount Feathertop, frou
whieh T seenved several examples of decipiens, Lies, te
smooth, black, shining speeies. This beetle evidently is a

pa
LAG

Natey from Wielt and Study 295
lover of high places, us the only previeus records of halyttal
are Mounts Baldy and Hiotham. One species, Cromfordi,
named by Canon Blackburn, is credited with ‘doing congider-
abla damage to growing cer tal erops in the Mannan distriet
of South. Australia, As far as ] am aware this is the only
black mark recorded against any member of the genus. _
One of the largest species is posticulis, Lea, which T have
taken oceasiowally in moss at Belyrave. It is a dumpy beetle
with a somewhut mottled clothing, and, Jike most of its
brethren, very lethargic jir its iovenients. In fact, this
latter characteristic leads to many specimens of Marneado tis

being frequently overlooked, even by experienced collectors
—F, 1. Wison. - yh a

AUSTRAIJAN REPTILES AND AMPHTBEANS.

A Cheek’ List of the snakes of Australia is beiny prepared
for publication by Mr. J. R. Minghorm, CALZ3S., of the Aus
tralia Museum, Svduev, who, diving the past few yoans, ius
done nich to iercase knowledge of ony reptilian fan.
About 170 species of Australian situkes have heen dese vibed.
and at is probable that more will be distovered, but mot nun.
siiee the Order, as represented in this country, is fairly well
known. The latest novelty is a sea snake from Northen
Australia, and Mr, Kinghorn’s ceseription of i will be pub-
lished shortly in the Proceedings of the Zoolovical Socieny,
London. Jts appearance is almeast repulaive ; thoriy seales
project from above the eyes.

Durme a recent visit to the Australian Museuin J eleaned
some facts concerning that istitutiou’s dine colluction of rep.
tiles and amphibiaus. Each of from 9,000 to 10,000 voyixtra-
violls is carefully noted on a catalogue cava. The specimens
on the shelves are du lettered: divisions; each shelf ti-dwen
beating an ides letter, and uach tier of shelves beiug lettered:
The eatds ave arranged systematically, and an index of
svenerie nanes tells one where to look, c.g. the Black Snake
Pseudechis, Both cards and specimens -will be found in
division B, 7, A. 13 equals bateh of shelves; J. the shelf; A,
first division. ‘Such an arvangement means that any speei
mon presented, fram. the earliest dawvs of the Musgeunt until
today, providing it lags not been destroyed or sent wway, Gan
he found jn a few seeonds.

There ave some 80,000 bottles, eaeh containing an aver
of, suv, six specimens, in the * ‘Spirit Flouse''; that is, reptiles,

~ 296 " Notes from Pietd and Study vie: i

fishes, erustacem and other groups, and each proup is arranged
and catalogued in the same manner; a work whieh took nearly
12 years to complete, The veptile collection vontains many
valuable and unique forms, as well as many which are vet to
be examined, with the possibility of now species ar varieties.

At the present tine Mr. Kinghorn is working on a mono
vrupl of the reptiles and amphibians of the Solomon Lsalinds.
-—0. Barrierr.

A PAMITLIAR, PROG.

Widely distrilmted over the southern portion of Aus-
tilia, the Brown Mroglet, Critia siqnifera, is one of The most
fumiliae amphibians around Melbourne. IL have found
scores of Specimens under stones and logs, and always in
damp places, Leas and Le Souef desarihe this Cystignathia
frag as un “‘aetive litthe creature’? (‘‘ Animals of <Ana-
trahia,’’ p. 275), but it is easily captured, and often has
indolent moods. T met with if in January last at an altitude
of 5000 feet on Barrington Tops (Mount Royal Range),
NAW. One example was found hidiue under a lage on cry
ground, ucurkly a mile feom water, In a eylly of the low.
lands, where a creek flows in good scason, but parehed now,
another Brown Froglet was discovered amony stones and
withored ferns. Tt was tidine over a dry xpell. not. too
happily, heine im poor condition and inaetive—C.B,

Mr. ugh Watson, of Cambridge, England, who has been
shying the anatomy of several species of land molluscs
ftom Vietoria, makes the tollowing conmments ii a reeent
letter: —The radula of Sucetred australis, Fér, is of a fao'ly
usual type; but the jaw is very characteristie with ao, dorsal
plate such us is found owy in the Suecineider, and in those
strange shlags—the Atheracapharide. Like most carnivers
ons snails, Rhoylida ruga, Cox, has wo jaws but the long
narrow raduala, with very lavge pointed teeth, is perhaps even
4 little move .highly specialised than that af Paryphanta
atrvamentaria— VO. Watson hus kindly sent me a mounted
‘mdula of each of the species mentioned. That of Wi ruge
is a beautiful object for the mieroseope—C. Barrer,

»

Corrigendias.—Naterallat, Jan 8, L686, p. 214, ‘line 41 from bottom: Tor
“engiyphoides,” read “englyphoides,” Feb, 4, 126. p. 238, line TX from
battam; For “Chai, read “Chert.* .

Che Victorian Naturalist

Vou. XLU—No, 12 APRIL 9, 1926 No, 508

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA,

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in
the Royal Society's Hall, Victoria. Street, on Monday even-
ing, March 8, 1926. The President, Mr. Geo. Coghill, occupied
the chair, and about, 50 membeérs and friends were present.

CORRESPONDENCE.

From Hon Sec., A.A.A.S., giving information regarding
the next. meeting of the Association, to be held in Perth,
commencing on August 23, 1926, and inviting this Clab to
appoint representatives to the General Couneil, On the
motion of Messrs. F. G. A. Barnard and F. Piteher, Messrs.
Coghill, ©, Daley and J. A. Kershaw were appointed.

REPORTS.

Reports of excursions were given as follows :—Botanic
Gardens, Mr. C. Oke; Black Roek, Miss J. Raff, M.Sc.;
Frankston, Mr. A. LU, Seott.

Mr. Harvey moved that a vote of thanks be accorded to
the Committee for having entertained members at the Botanie
Gardens. Seconded by Mx. Pitcher, and carried,

GENERAL,

The President drew attention to some very fine plates
depicting the Forest Flora of South Australia, which Miss
Hart had presented to the Club, and moved that a vote of
thanks be accorded her. Seconded by Mr. LB. B. Pescott, and
carried.

; PAPERS.
_ 1, “Additional Microzoa from the Red Limestone of
Grangeburn, near Hamilton, Vie.,’’ by Mr. W. J. Parr.

In the absence of the author, this paper was read by Mr.
Chapman, who gave a brief description of the country around
the fossil deposit near Hamilton, and referred to the more
interesting parts of the paper.

2. ‘‘Two Entomologists in the Mallee,’? by Mr. C. Oke.

The author gave some account of a holiday spent in the
Mallee, and referred to many interesting insects which he had
found there, notably species found living in the nests of
ants.

278 Meld Naturatiasis’ Chretd—Proccedinge [vai ssyat

» Messrs, Coghill and Fy Bo Williamson and Dr. C. 8.
Sutton took part in a diseussion following the reading of
this. paper,

NAIA BIN TORY NOPE.

Mr, Daley read a note on a very common garden spider,
which he had tound sitting ou its-cee capsules in his garden,
He wondered whether the spider was helpiug to incubate the
eves, My. Oke Said that the species was known as the Birds’-
droppiug Spider, Selena excevata, and was not assisting the
inenhation ot its eggs. but was, like Mr. Micawher, waiting
for “‘something to tum, up.'

4 ENELLBITS.

Vor. BL G. A. Barnard: Botrychiwn mtstrale, Meadow
Mooiwort. Collected at Oakleigh, about 1888. © First
exhibited ata meeting of the Chib in July. 1892. Now show-
ing new ere four weeks old,

My. J. AL Kershaw: Cermnodaclylus danacus, Luc. and
Frost, from. ‘hea Clitts. A lizard new to Vietoria, previously
recorded trom Central Australia.

Mr C. Oke: Case of Coleoptera, from North-western
prion: -

Mr. E. EL Peseott, W.L.S.: Aboriginal basalt axe, recently
collerted! in the Western District, Vic, made fro2 limestone
“flint.’’ showing {wo grooves for hafting; three “knives''
or serapers, Tron. the same loeality, showing secondary edve-
ehipping.

Mr, A. tL. Scott: Hand specimen, of pink granite Frou Mt.
Buffalo, Vie. Also micro slide of Mt. Buffalo granite,

Nove—Under a low power, using polarized ligt. it ts
revealed that the apparently simple rock, granite, is really
a very complex structure, Using a higher power, it ix sun
that, when the quits, the last to solidify, became solid. 7
entangled m itself, in the form of innomerablesmall babbles,
the eases that had not been able to eseape. or to enter into,
chemical combination to form minerals. The degradation of
the felspar into kaolin is also shown. In the hand specimen
the felspar is identified by its regular ontline and its pmk
colour. The quarts, owing to its “transparency, is best secu
near the edge.

CORKRIGENGBA.—In Repori of fxcursian ta Mornivston, “Natanwtist'!
March. 1928, p, 254. *‘Fhuine Humen (A. clenyas)) sheule rend: “Showy
vansimin €C. spertabilis),~

ysl Kk, Teo Hrtoheoloyists iW the Wullee 274
wou.

Sunveaerenenenedarn(anerannend edn mena Dhl bac eet OPOP PUTA NEC EOE DDFDATHOOED DA DAA wantn ee remmbebedd PRERUEEIITERE

‘

Sevepwwnereetareens

TWO ENTOMOLOGISTS IN THE
MALLEE,
By C, Otcr.

‘
DELETE WACEEAEORNACERDUDD TCC EU DTEANAH ATE DOPEDNH OE ROREDD RAH CT DAP ORPONDRANTCEOODDDDNACR PATTER PAMECHTONDRDAACHRAA HTD RRN HEAT AO REDD RAN GAY:

AAARA DERE ADA RY
sTTNPMOT TIDE DONTE Roe eda)

—

(Read before the Field Naturalists? Club of Victoria,
Mirch 8, 19236)

My friend, Mr. J. HW. Dixon, had often told te about:
the thick Mallee scrub along the raihyay line between Gyp-
sui Siding wid Bronzewing, whieh he had noted as very
promising beotle-eountry, while retuming from his mamer-
ous visits to Luke Tattal. Soe, when he asked ime tu visit
Gypsum for a week or two T way very pleased to ae@eompary
hin

Leaving Melbourne by the 6.906 pom. Mildura drain on
October ul, L924, we arived at (avpsum (274 awiles) about
Aootchoek next morving, Phere is no station at Gypsum,
merely a siding for the loading of eypsum, or kopi, whieh
occurs freely in fhe veighhbourheod, On the ware occasions
When a dady passenger wishes to alight Erom the teal, a short
ladder is produced, but aman has to dvop off as best he ean.

It was still too dark for us to seo our way about, so. we
sab on our packs and waited—not long—for daylight. What
ho pavadise was revealed at daavn, AD around was a dense
yrowth of Mallec and shrubs, including the serubby Mallee
Pine, Hakea, Greville (3 sps. ), Acacia, Cassia, and, in parts,
patches of Culylria tatrayonu, whieh was blooming to ‘per-
fection, Bushes with dark-pink and pure white flowers were
vrowing aide by side, and, iy plaees, intertwined so that 7:
seenied impossible that, any constituent of the soil had helped
tn prodnee the coloar oF the iilossonis, Though, where grow-
ingoon the white sandy ridvesx, most of the plants had white
flowers, an occasional plant ving deep pink flowers was
met with ever there, . .

We strolled alone the raibvay line, then followed a, foot-
track into Tw sernb. We soon eame peross some Lentosper-
mewn wn flower, and conmmeneed to look for beetles. Me first
species to be take was Shigmadera eldui, and soon atter-
wands S. elwngulida and S. vith were found. A strony
swell was traced to it source—a lone-derd fox—which was
turned over with a stick, Undaneath were two species of
Caumion-sehaters, “row aavirulasia and 1". velutinus, and a
pie of that weeping lover of bad smells, Piomuphala lachry-
mosa: Lis tears’! ave anore evident than those of the eroco-
dile, being Tittle, black, vaised spots on the ‘reddish wings,
whieh bear a somewhat funeiful resemblanee to tears. 1 had

280) Oke. Two Natvmotveiaty in the Mallee b Sacha

thought to get some Staphs. on this carrion, but Pailed to
find a sign of them

Not. far from the fox I noticed some ants running across
the track, and, as they looked familiar, I picked up one, and
ut onee recognised it hy its sweet odgur as Tridomeyr nis
witidus. By following the ants the nest was soon disenvered
it some sticks and a stump. Lacking a tomahawk, I had to
be content with a look around the sticks. However, J was
forttinate |i finding a nice little Staphylinid, Dabia nitida,
Lea, This jnseet, although it closely resembles the other
species of Pubia, can hardly remain in that genus, as vharac-
fevised by ONL, as none of jts antennal joints are trans:
verse. As it wag impossible to break open the sticks, the
direction of the nest was. marked on the track with the
intention of working it another time. Unfortunately, this
was nol done, so its treasures remained ungathered.

As accommodation is not procurable al Gypsum, we had
brought a tent. A camp site opposite the 274-mile post was
selected. This we thought. to be the best. spot, as it was hear
the ‘‘station,’’ aud right in the serub and collecting ground,
but-we had to walk a mile for a billy of water. Still, to camp
at the ‘‘tank’’ meant to be on cleared paddocks. ithe draw-
back in being so far from water was the luteuess of morning
and evening meals, the midday *‘sneck’’ being daten m the
serub, without a-dyink, Of course, a couple of miles” straight
walking + ig not far, but we persistently took “short eute’’
through the Mallee, Here the temptations to delay were
innumerable, and the going was very slow. As a matter of
tack, same of the best beetles of the trip were taken while we
were ““iunning the billy.’’ Perhaps the finest species taken
at Gypsum was Carentdium superbum, Cast. This isa large
black Carab, an dieh aud a quarter in length, with a decided
waist, and jiaving beautiful purple reflections on the upper
surface, amid er eenish around the margins. I caught this beetle
While returning with the morning supply of water, and, im the
excitement of the chase, wpset the tilly, and had to reburn to
refill it—ahout three-quarters ofa mile. We had a late break-
fast that morning! Another fine Carab, found on the way to
the tank, was. Carenwm wnttater. SL. This insect is about an
inch in length, black, with pronatum and elytra green. Yet
aiother species, found under a Mallee-root, was a pretly
colour variety of Caren anthricintin,, Macl. This specnnen
was blavk, the elytra with violet and bronze reflections, and a
Narrow green margin,

On the secand evening, while going for water, I tarred
over a plete of wood, and, seeing that it covered a pest nf

Apral \ Ox, Two Entomolovists i the Monee 23)

lridamyrmon rufoniger, an ant that is the ““host'’ of many
“‘ enests,’? 1 searched carefully all around the nest, Very son
L found a small guest Later 1 had the pleasure of secing a
second specimen in one nf the little connels ot the yest; it had
apparently been hiding under somes rubbish in the nest, and
was now making its way uiderground. ‘Lhese beetles proved
to be the greatest treasures of the tiip, They belong to the
family Pselaphidse, but are very distinct from any species
known to me in nature or deseription. [ have named the species
Meulleecola myrnecophila (M.S,)—the ant-loving dweller of
the Matlee. 1t is about 24 mm in length, and of a pale castane-
ous colony, The head has a number of carme, or raised ridges.
whieh divide it into distinet sreolets. There is 2 wedge-shaped
projection through the hind margin of the eye, the latter
being unusually prominent, The antenna: are eleven-jointed,
but the ninth joint, though wide, is so thin, aud elosely applied
to the tenth, that it might easily be overlooked. The prothorax
has three longitudinal caring and peeuliar wing-like flaiges
on the sides, “he lees are also very unusual for a Prelaphid,
being flattened sideways and angular, somewhat as in the
Histerid genux, CAlamydopsis.

While I was geiting these new beetles Mr. Dixon found
another nest of Indomyrmnex under av old bay, and in this
several specimens of Peussoptinus laticornis, Lea, were froma.
This species has, T believe, only been recorded us an ingniline
of Iridomyrmex nitidus, arcant with which T have wat found
it associated ; but we found it here (and also at Beudigo) with
two other species of that genus, viz, 7, rufoniger and 7, gre-
vitts, Mr. A. M. Lea considers this to be the finest species
of Ptinidie in Australis, and I agree with him. Lt is a
beautiful little beetle. especially when alive, wid manning
wround, wavihg its wide, but flattened, antenne from side to
side, or np and down. Tt would be tiresome to give the details
of each day's work. I say work, for, beleve me, we wurked,
Vhis was tio loafing holiday, but a contmmued hunt for hectles,

The camp was situated on a dull-ved, sandy fiat, through
which shallow trenches had been dug in all directions, m the
search for “‘Itopi,'’ which ts whitish, and oecurs in “‘pockets’'
all aver the flat, Gypsom erystala oveur in sinall patelies,
hob not very freely. Jn all directions sund ridges are seen,
some large, others small, A series of ridges, about half a mile
on the Brownzewing side, seemed to us te be partiealarly
inviting, and here we spent many delightful hours.

The vegetation arcund the camp vonsisted of two spevies
of Mallee, hundreds of very sinall Murray Pines, with an
Nnecasional Large one, ‘©Pyrpentine tush,’’ Hakea, Grevillea,

BBS Oink, Tred Raloniotagiety in bie Meatice yea

Acueii, and that abomination of the Mallee country—
Porcupine Grass, ‘This last isca vonbiiual source of ‘Annoy-
mee whet ore is collecting, and makes the weartng of log-
gings almost a necessity, Several tines, when chasing flying
insects, LT cuine in violent contact with chumps of Titeden,
some of the points piereing my legs, These potits stip off—
pieces wbont one-eighth of an iieh i leneth—and ease nita-
tion of the skin; when fresh, they ave rather diffienlt to
ramove, ‘The bust plate is to'leave them for y few hours, whet
the flush about them bevins to fester, They are then easily
pressed out betwoen finwer and thamb, and thu Koves hil as
quickly as they developed.

here wosea Tain amouat of animal life on dhe (hit) though
if consisted mostly of smull inseat forms, ants (iv particular)
and spiders predominating. ‘The exeentiony ii. sige were
Hints Seyertl were seen, sometiues fegethar, sometinies
sulfites "Twiee Tosaw a bird, probably the sarae ong, with
ehirke. A pan of Butcher. Livalss, Craetious (angie. lial
Hhetr nest within a dozen paces of Mae station’ camp, he
cing birdy were able to fly fairly well, but were just lewn-
Hue che wer of wihtattine, and very amusing they were tn their
altenpts te imilate theiv parents; breaking off ty the middle
of eall, ane looking aroniucdl ina Startled way, as though
afraid ef thot own temerity. ‘we oor three of them were
offen sO be seen daa aver Pine tee, having choral praeviee,
mick apparently chiding one another on their voeal powers
Two specits of Wren-warbler, not found in the Melbourne dis-
(er, were to be seat flitting ainonge the serub, hut more otter
around the Calytrc: telragaua; they were the Black-backed,
Mealurus melanonoins, and the Purvple-backed, AZ, igstinitles-
The former. a beautiful study in blue wel bliek, was as con-
fiding as ifs congener, A, ci/iatens, whieh ts so plentiful ie
xotne places near Melbourne. The Purplo-backed Wret-
warbler, which iy go casily (listinguishedt by the veddish patel
on the body around the whigs, appears to be very shy’. wnd
takes fight on the slightest movement wear it.

Spiders. as 1 have already suid, were wemerois, and trap-
doors were plontifal all over the flat. Bat ouéarly all of them
were owned hy Wolf-spiders—Lyeosidec. In fact. 1 suceeaticd
in finding only one belonging to ane ef the trae Triip-door
Spiders—Avieularidie—and this was quite samt Pheve are
tive spceies ot Lacosidee inhabiting trap-door posts hore, One
is of & dingy grey-brown eolonr, the other appears (the
appeavanco is entitaly due to the hairs with whieh it is
clothed) to be a pretty, silvery-grev. with distinet Dlick
stripes. ‘THe latter is the more. connon of fle tivo. “Tt 1s

Aye |: Oke, Tite Maedomologists in thas Wetlee S33

anusing to walk qutethy around, keeping a sharp look-out for
insdets on the graund, and see the lids being: pulled dowar by
the spiders inside, or, again, just to catch a sense of movement
ita eertiin spot, and rush forward expecting to see sonve insect,
and find—nothing! And very eavelul scrutiny of {ho spot, as
a rule, is needed to loeate the door, Vt is Sorp lining how
quickly these spiders race across the ground, jump inho, their
holes, and close the doors bebinel thew, To what jutse is this
raviivkabla diabit attributable? Tf -it is really a habit
developed front the blind instinet of self-presenyition, then ob
eertainly fhink that wasps must bave heen the @ienies most
dreaded. ~ But we were tod carly in the season to dee those
interesting inseets at work.

L found a most remarkiuble picee of wark cone by one ol
these spiders beside (he vailway dine ‘The vongers Trad been
eubting out sone rothing sleepers, aad had thevawo then
hesicde the line. O08 turiime over ote piece | aoteed a hriwe
fornale Wolf-spider, She was ina defensive atfitde, dia
small, round chamber, mnel as there ig ar the bethom af a
tunnel from a teip-coor, bat there was no apparent exit, |
could deteét no means whereby she could Jeave her retreat,
‘so Tearefully replaced the log, und searehed all arowid oh for
the exit, bet stil) without sucess. 1 them raised the sleeper
my tis atte aguin, und looked underiuath. Al! There th-was!
Straight. over the spider was the pinhole for bolring dawn
the rail, but, looking up the hole, 1 noted the light wag aot
wisthle through’ i, as is usually the ense. So} lookeul aleny
the top,.lut failed to see the “door, and it was only after
pushing a twip dhivowgh the bole aod openinp Ae *dawe’?
that way, that: 7 could he sure of seeing in, Where the hole
hand been tarde, there was a small tidge on the sleeper, aiid
(his hud beew eirefally carried aerosx dhe ‘door’ by the
spider. Waa this merely blind ometineb? versie const
Toro, of Guat Doane, the splintery appearance of an old
sleeper . Well) this had een imitated to a rteoty, and the
Mallee vel dust had fallen on it and eompleted the work of
Ahis niaster erattsman.

Around the eawp a few Carubs were taken, cieliding?
Kuryscaptis diladatas, Mael, Carenian cardipenue, Sh (ane
Was taken drom a breroy aearhy three feet i Tengtih),
C€ elegans, Mact., Coratulus senivialacen, Cast., and Sartious
dixon Sl. Beating the flowering Mallee, we obtamed com-
paratively few bettles; still two “youd spucies of Stipmadera
were obtained by this means, Stigmedera moarthinda, Tt.
and S. siqgnata. ‘he Leplosperunn, as asnal, proved potter,
and from Wt we obtained Strynteders utthula, -elougaliul,

284 Oxn, Two Katomologiate im the Metter Macey

elderi, octospilota, argillacea, cyanicollis, amphichréa and
aueicorms. Of these, argillacea is probably the prettiest,
with its eoppery thorax, which is margined with yellow, the
Wwing-eases pale reddish, with blue markings. 't is close to
ortospilota in markings {but not colony) and outline, bub the
apieers of the elytra are distinet, much as in eldert. Other
heétles taken here were a few Cleridy and Malacoderms;
atnong the latter was-a new Mfypattalus (but as it is a female
it will have bo stand -over) and Mefrionvhynchus occidentalis,
alkh., whieh was ‘ew?’ to me. Some beetles ocurred in
great numbers, particularly certain of the small weevils,
Ohrysomelids and Anthicids. ‘The Calytrix had Very few
beetles on it—a few small species that were common on any-
thing; but. one pretty exceplion was Aonychus hope, a beauti-
fol little weevil, with patehes of pure white scales.

Bach day a visit was paid to one of the sand ridges, and
here we did better with the fluwer-frequenting beetles.
especially on the Leptospernum, which grows much fiore
freely on the sand ridges than on the flats. Fron; this we
tank four species of Helohasis, visi, purpurasvoms, Julyurans
(several varieties), ceuprifera and gratiosissima, the majority
of the last-named species beine very fine, large specimens.
Fulgurans and qradisissina were both very Lively, and tk was
almost useless to nse the umbrella fot them, as they flew off
almest hefrre touching it: so picking them off the flowers had
to he resorted to. A few longicorns were obtained liere, such
as Uricentits atbatus, U_ discienllis, 0. sbrigosus, Uap. ; Titi
cosnia paradona, Hroschemea powerd, and Atesta, sp.

Up on the sand ridges the Hakea was coming inte flower-
and on this we took Stegmedera jekelé and 8. robusid (7?)
Stigmoderd attrieoilis was taken from Hakea and Lepte-
spernum, Eram a smal) Cassia I shook three specimens of a
weevil ‘new’ to us— Eves crasstroshs, Pasc., previously
recorded from South Australia only. Shrubs of several species
Were persistently shaken, as it was thought they must prodnze
something; but in several ¢ases without result, A mamber of
young “Ming?' trees were shaken in the hopes of getting one
of the species of Curis that have been taken on this plant, but
the only result in each case was a shower of small weevils:

Tn the big sand-ridge eountry; half a mile trom the Siding,
there ave plenty of kangaroos, and their tracks wete to be-seen
In every direction, Birds were more numerous. here than on
the flats, but T do not remember seeing any species, that is
not known «lown south, with the exeeotion of the Lowan,
Loijow odellatn, and the Crested Bell-bird, Oreoien gutturalis-
The lntter_ of corse, was beard everywhere. On the edge of

ine. Hen, Toa Entomologists in the Mallee 235

the sand-vidge eountry were a oumber of nests of an ant,
Euponera lutea. They were searched diligently, but did not
praducé much material. Crickets und cockroaches could
have heen ‘had in plenty, but a shortape of bottles prevented
the eglfecting of these, or spiders, in any number, he ouly
beetles taken With this ant were Hupines flavouptcalts, Lea,
Vmesiphwrus formicinus, Macl., Rybaxis electrica, and Calo-
dera, sp. While in a nest of a small black Iridomyrmex
I found a real prize, Yetrephekingi, described from Western
Australia, but previously taken, one specimen each, by
Messrs. WH. W, Ihivey and J. C. Gondie, at Sea Lake, Vic. This
little beetle belongs to the Ptinidw, arid is of a reddish cheat-
nut calour, with a broad, jointed antenny. Another good
find was the Ptinid, Polyplocoles carinaticeps, Lea, in the nest
of the ant Crenastagaster Teviceps. This beetle was also
described from Western Australia, and is now first reeorded
from Victoria. ‘Twa other good inquilines. that were taken
with €. deuiceps were Articerits créemastogastari, Lea, wid
Nepharinus goudiei, Lea.

In a nest of tha Wood Ant, Jridonurmen sitidus, T
obtained a species of Articerue which 1 had long wished to
possess—.4, constrichvornd’s, Lea, a small Pselaphid, with a
stngle [visible) jomt, to the antenne. This one join is of
a verrarkable shape, being constricted in the middle, lat the
outline varies with the surface and angles from which if, is
seth, Not far trom this nest 7 took another Pselaplid new
to science, Neopilimbolus goudiet, Oke (M.8.8.). Tt .is close
la Palembolus, but the maxillury palpi differ in being longer,
with the joints thin at their base. The male is without arma-
ture on the legs, which also ig at variance with the deseribed
species of Paliinbolus-

Tuesday evening rain bevan to fall—a passing shower, we
thought—but it was after 8 aan. next day before we could
leave ovr lent. Steady rain all night, and we had only a
light calico tent and our unrbrellus. These latter we put up m™
fle tent, and they kept as dry for some time. However, before
10 p.m. 1 was damp, and an hour Jater wet! Raiy had filled
the channels all around the tent, and 1 thonzht that we wuuld
foat off, but morning found us still there, and the saw break-
ing lhrough the clouds. hat evening. as it Uhieatened tu
rain again, we struck deni and made a camp onder a tar-
paulin from one of the trucks. It was well that we did so,
for rain fell incessantly through the night, We determined
lo leave Gypsum, and 4 am. found us packing up. We
caught the morning train for Hattah, which is 36 miles
further on, Arriving, we were surprised to find that here

B96 Dien, Tico Lalomotogists in the Mallee [vonxtat

thave had been only a light, misty rain, but, ae Th looked
rather threatening, wo deeided to stay oear the stathon for
a voaple of Whours. LC inade off down the tine to a patel of
sevul, nud Was soo Geeing ob a Chae biceiowe, whroses
oeonpait proved to he Co efeqaus.

Under a senall stone J found a west of frtdonipe Head Af he
and wis Torhioiite too ged two speeimerns of a new Pad,
Which C have named Polyplocotes apiealis, Oke ( MAS.) Tt
is rather like Daplocates fovetcollis, OL, ti the body, bart
tho antenoe has only 9 Joints, and the eleventh iw vhey
lnvge, Not tar away, in another west of the same spories
of ant, C eaught two epecnners (82) of Diplonofas (Deeen-
plncales) strigicollis., lien. This heetle las orhy 10) joints in
its: qhenin

About 10 0 'etock we sturted to walk out to Laky Halal,
a distahee ot S34 miles: Some very interesting eoumtey les
between the Hattnh Station suck the Mileluean Hac, and ve
was only by the promise ut a full day aloug this teneh (at
promise not fulfilled) that Lo was persuaded wot to wander
off inte the serub. However, a little: colleeting was dete.
The resulty were rather disappointing, the only beetle wortl
raking bein a specimen of Kelis flindensi, There is a great
yanety of vegetation here, vod this should be good insect
commbey all the year round, but-especially in the early: sprivus,
When the various Acacias are iu bloom. ‘Phe only shiuits
we fond in flower were three species of Mallee aad
ALyoperim pladucarpwune Several bushes of this latter species
were shaken inte the wobrella, bat the only beetles obtained
were Monolepta divisa, Bicb.. WZ. modesta, BlRh., and Ditro-
pidus apieiponnix, Vea.

It Had been arranged that we would stay with dtp. Alf,
Jones, aw friend of Mr Dixou, wha is fhe ok vesident pieht
an the lake, with the exeention of Seatty at the punrpiige
stution, whieh supplies water fo the railway station ane
vosidents in Eattah, When we were there Mu, ones had
his camp almost within a stone’s-throw of Hie water in fake
llattah, On the other side of the eamp Lake Brockie was
obly dt Pew bonded paees away, and, straight in Front about
nt (quarter of a mile, was Little Hattah, In cliy weather
they are distinct lakes, but in flood ave all joined toxether,

Avound the lakes isa fcinge of River Guns, and on the
flat between and around Lake Brockie are a few Black Box.
bat these, like most of the vegetation, seem to be dving out,
This is particularly the case with the Hop Bush anid the
Moonah, OF fhe latter only a small chump oaf-sts or seven
fair-sized bushes remain; of the former, uot a bush was
found neay, the lakes, and yet both species grew plentifully
f few vears ago! Ts it. not the same everywhere? The vese-

*
~~!

ari OK, Teo Batomotagists ie the Alaiier uh

Hitlon ts Killed, and no young shrubs or freed grow 6 tuke
the place of those destroyed, The beetles collectod af Hattah
night be divided into four gvoups: (1) Those tuken at the
waber’s edee; (2) those taken on the flats around te Takes;
(Gh) those take our i the Midlte sels and (4) those taken
Th als” nests,

Naturally enongn, after the dryness of the Gypsum aand-
rides, (he water atheaeted os at Lattah, and we gpanr one
(rst day as well as several half-days there. As wig expected,
ihe most woietrtous dy speeies aid individuals af the heethes
were Capabs, Sume kinds well known around Melbourne
Wore Gmele the most abundant here, viz: Phil yids vide
yhnelius, For, Cideenhes onstealis, Dojo, Aeuyedalhaaa: wen
higuas, Vives and CGatadronas lacardairvet, Boise. Othe
apecies ¢anuiany gough here, but wanknewn in the Methourmy
distriel, were fPhgtisferuis Linibatus, Mads Chlrenivelins
muhhyt, Montry., Pheropsvplas vertialis, Dej., Catadenmans
eleva, Vseh 5 and Benhidiion jacksonense, (ee, whe ols
aie or two specimens of the followin were taken: Kathermerta
meryonensis, Bb. aAarbtystanius canalis, Bho 2 pares,
Blkh.; A, lactis, Blkb.; Meeyclothoran cartis, BL, Te pa
fatae, Sl, and Aucandeus austruliensts, SL A fey Staph.
linia: were takew vlong the Water's edwe, teludivg dl fivediern
semrirahrn, Kol; Plalonthas subcingulatus, Mael. Uheayeo
cephalus chulevplerus, Weriebs., "sp. nove, /inegtalus
meventrrts, Bol, 5 aps. of Lathvobiuin, 9 aps. of Seyibalivm,
and Dawenn lorrenseusis, Bikla, not hitherto reeordad os
Victoria. Weater-heetles were searee, aod only loa spss. of
Vvdvophatida: wore obtained, Pselaphida: also were seivee, |
wid only font apecias were taken: Mupinodm spor Cbentsapihas
lonyicornis, Lea. and two other undetermined spectes.

Several of the fopms mentioned were found only at one
point—on Lake Broekie—where rild flood eonditiviis existed,
Had we collected at this point on. our first deve we would
probably bave done wnel better thin we did. As ft wits,
we tried for a while on the second day, and gave it up as the

day was too windy. T did aot try there again aati the daa

before we left, and by then the beetles were vonsiderahty

rednead in uioibers. To think this was dae, primenully, to
the number of Gecoes and Seorpions that had concentrated
arawnd thas spet Nyery stick or pieee of lark seomed to
he harbouring ai Jeast one seorpion. Under ave pivee of
bark, about T& inches in length and five or «iN anehes 1
wislth. there were seven of them, They were a fairly sina
species, of a dinwy, yellowish colony, variegated with blaek

spuls, aid wer probably Tsemetris maculatus, Do Geer,

In the ext etroup—those taken ou the flate—Curabidie
wars well copresmuted bea alse The laygest species fornd

iss Oxe, Two Enlomologists in the Mallee Mayen

was Philascaplus tutércubitis, Macl. This is a very fine
inseet, 1} inehes in length, jet black, with rows of small
tubercles on the elytra. ‘he jaws ave very powerful-looking-
and the front legs are well adapted for ¢igging. [iy is
usually found sitting In the entrance to its burrow, whigh
is only fow or five inches in length, under logs. Two apect-
mens of Geosceptus cacus, Mach, 4 brilliantly-polished
apecies, somewhat like Cim'enwm scaraphites, Westw.
Undoubtedly the most showy Cavah we found here was
Eyton tinetillation, Newn., of which we secnrved several
specimens 1 two distinct sizes—20 mm. and 144 mm. Looked
at. from one angle these specimens are of a bewutiful violet hue,
but when scen from another angle they appear a bluish-
preel, ;

The rarest find in Carahs tor the trip was T'rickecareram
custelmanwi, SL, a smgle specimen of whieh I found shelter-
ing under a chip of jood—without a sign of a burrow. This
interesting species wag deseribed as from Roebuck Bay,
Western Anstralia, from a single specimen in the French
colleetion, and my specimen is, apparently, only the second
one to be taken. <A specimen of Mecyclothorar lateralis,
Cast., was taken under some rubbish, as ulso were some
Siniondantus mandibularis, Sl. Two species of Pausside
were taken—-Arihroplerits wilsoni, Westw., and A west-
woodt, Macl—under cover on the ground, but never in ants’
nests. The latter species was not wicomman, and ene was
takerr in the serub, two miles away from Lake Brockie. A
few interesting spesies of enchrionide were found orenr-
ring on these flats. including species of Pterokelwus, Holes,
Sarnaqus and Adelnwun, Wypaulac orcus, Pase., and several
gpecies af Chalcopterus.

Another good ‘‘find’’ I made here consists of a pair of
Metriorrliynchus apterus, Lea. They were taken on @ log,
and on opening up the log several pups were obtuined.
Unfortunately these did not emerge property. This interest-
ing insect is, as its name implies, wingless in the ?. The
é 1s, I believe, still undeseribed. I obtained a single’ 3,
Which may belong to this speeies, as it was taken near this
loz, lut it is winged. This species was described as from
the Darling Downs, in Queensland, and I am not aware of
its having been taken elsewhere, su this is an interesting
extension of ifs habitat,

The Black Box was well worked, and several nice weevils
were obtained from it, inchiding Ozyops bilunaris, O. alphe-
betica, Lea, O. sp.; Bryachus sguamiicollis, Pase.; Rhinaria
tebialis. Blkb.; Haplonys spenceri, Gyll.; A. fasciculatus,
Bok., and a variety of H. sp. nev—steucturally near lowg?-
pilosus, Lea, The River Gums were much too high for us

Agel Oxx, Two Entomologivts in the Mater 289

to discover what might be on the foliage, bul every piece
of loose burl within reach was stripped off. The only hectle
that was af all common here wus Diphobia famaliaris, OLL,
and they were both with the ants aud under bark, or om the
ground by themselyes. A few Carahs were taken, bul very
sparingly—Adelotopus cylindricus, Ch.; A. uphodzoides,
Westw.; A. micans, Blkh.; Sarothracrepis sauws, Bikb., and
Anomaturus minor, Blkh, Amongst other tamnihes were a
Clerid, Lewnidia vufa; a Chrysomelid, Monolepta artda, Lea,,
and a Ptinid, Pty sp., near mediogtaber, Les

Only three trips were made back into fhe Mallee serub
proper one bein te sane lave sand ridges about two miles
nway; Uhe second, uround and beyond the puriping station
and out onto the Mildyra road; and the third to some pad-
docks that had been ‘'rolled,’’ and then left. ‘This latter
was a most meterosting day’s colleeting, As the morning
way bright and warm, an early start was made, the way being
over the wndulatiug land, covered with white everlastings,
fowutds the Milduva road, up the slope to ' Wilson's Selec
tion,'' throngh the Pine and Bull Mallee belt, and on into
the sevub. Though the idea was to get. to the rolled paddocks
as quickly as possible, and nat to loiter on the way, we had
not Teft the camp three wanutes before a Ing was notined
that had not been tus‘ned aver, and, of course, we could not
resist. the lemptation of having a look underneath’ it, And
sa it continued. A specimen of Lutoma. tinctillatwmn under
ove log, a Heloeus under another; perhaps a Termite’s nest,
of a nest of some ant would be revealed and searched through
for “‘pnests.”? Here, in a Termites’ nest, 1 found a few
specimens of an apterus Staph, belonging to the sul-family
Alesehavime, which, Mx. les informs me, is vivaparous. It
is a pretty little thing when alive, with its head, prothorax
and elytra a dark wine colour, and the abdomen and appen-
dages mueh lighter. It is very qnick in its movements, and
ig apparently on, the best of terms with its hosts: It is
probably new to science, but has not yet been fully worked
nue,

On the rise are some Mvalls, and from these a few weevils
were oblained, while tle leayes underneath were smothered
with a smal] species of ladybird. Every few steps there was
something to de: a Jog tu be turned ; some bark to be stripped ;
some boughs on the eround ty he shifted; or some bushes to
be shaken into the nmbrellaa. That nothing may escape
being taken, a eollector has ta try everything, and every way
he ean think of Here, and in other parts, we found
quantities of a Mallee in flower, I believe, the Yellow Mallee,
BE, incrassata, on whieh hardiy a beetle was to be found. The
Mallee in question has large clumps of flowers, which are of

‘

248 ORR Pu Entamdlogiey te Ube Mitten bh Se

a decided yellowish colour, and the individual flowers, as
alsd tho leaves, aro vather larger than usual Whe nwers
euit «strong, overpowering smell of howey, wick. after beat-
Ing a quantity into the umbrella, the inside sumtince Decors
sO shieky that it is teeessacy to wash tha umbrella, And
yet hardly a beetle, or bee, will go near the plots. Tho pat
knew the reason, birt there srgst he someting wiplomsiant in
Wie taste of the neetar,

Shaking the shoots avoand the stumps of some Full
Mallee we obtained some nice Cheysomelides, Crypioerpain
ius wafer Loa; Co scabressys, Olive, ve, reegifr ons,
Chp, C. 8 Caelanres histmonious, C Ny., nda few species of
Paro bees “While shaking a elump of shoots L obtained a
pate ot anialk weevils that T thaneht were “Snew?? bo ine, cine
Tospent over halt-an-hour trying ta get anore, diet only
obtained ane. Tinagine my disgust when, ater. 1 fond
that they were only the Grain Weevil, Culendra qouenuriv!
Krona young pices of the white Mallee C obtained the green
caterpillae of the rather rave moth, Ayleora eer, yptt, anid
this was subsequently bred ont, What a change in enour!
Nhe exterpillar is aw beautitu enu-ce-nil with a white stripe
flown the sides; the pupa black, and the perteet, inscet is A
fine study in browns, whieh, on the forewings, ave lirieately
iiturwovens the hind wings are pen white with vellow-
brown teres.

Orn reaehinge {he “rolled” Murloc we tied ovarviling,
thoneh the “spring-bicks’’ were Qu niin ohjeative, vial.
from these, we obtained some beautiful species of Parcysts,
But how disappointing these beetles arel One we emeht
was 4 larve species of acbeanutifal goth shade of green, With
a wionth it was a ciney yellow. Apother with a wreow bind
fround if, and red and golden markings faded. taal Tas
A veeat pity that these beetles will wot retain thai colours,
THeve we obtained T'tarahelweus thymalnides, Mael,, and three
Species of Langi¢orns—eltestran angust, Relius filiforonis,
and Lschiotes bakewelli, By one ofcloek the sand had heeanie
so hot thal it almost burnt the hand when touched, We
fleeided to have hiveh, Tor a cdeink we went over tu Wil
soi’s tank, Lf containad only a few inehesx of mud, 8 we
seloatod the nearest approach to a abudy nial that wits ta
he founc, wd hunched without water.

A tew stunted Myoporums and a little White Mallee
were Lhe only flowers woe fannd my resume work after
luneh. On the former were a Pew Antilaria, and oa sinvle

. Psendoantaria purpurcicallis, whieh max he its usual tine

‘here, bret some that we bred ant of stieks at home did et

appear till February. ‘The’ Leptosperntun was just abont
> finistied at Hattah, ‘and. what little was left had ver y few

Aw One, Two Lutomotoyists in ine Mallae 291
Stigs, oh it, and ouly one was added to our lst—Stigmadere
gibbicallis, Saand, About 4 pan. a start was nade For ennp,
ind sthiking thraugh the serab, we vetumed by a different
rote On the edge of dhe sevob f toule a, speciinen of tat
very Uiterestings lorigicowm—Maerolragius mormon, Parse. Mis
Jonwicomn looks very dike ane of the shovt- ainited vpound
weavils That hax. grown lonp antennas.

he fourth group of beetles—those taken in ynis’ wests—
provided pore interest und took fonver to eateh Than nigh be
thonght by taking a casual look at our ‘entel.'’ or Vhouph
they are gnostly small, there is osually something of speeial
interest in each species. ov example, take Tierigtosomee
Hibivele, Lea, of which 1 collected a few specimens i iests
of a small black Jovdomarimec in the saud-vidve cvontey
This beetle, which is 237 mm. m Ioneth. belongs to the
Tenehrionidke, is withouk eves and wings, aad Nel ratios
from Geraldton, W.A., to Hattahand Natya. in Vieloe,

Ou in the serd-rrdwe commten PE obtatened. a few ree
apeimens of Malleecola myrmecophilt, Diplocales strigkeullts,
Moliplocotes upiealis, and another very intersting Paid
Delooping fo the Metrephing, for awhiell a ew gens, or sul
eons. Will have to be erented. And as the wiitenme have
Oviy Pao joints, the second Deine wedge-shaped. (Tse eallad
iW Mtrephes cuenformis (MLS.S.). FT consider this to be vue
OF the most interesting specios of Ptinidw known In Aus
tral. Though it might be vo moor point whether the
boaadening, of the jolats—as in Paussapedeus—or the vadve-
tion af the joints from the uznal cleven to two, as tT the
presan species, is the more Tnterestive. An inwrmedute
Position is oeanpied by ctrephus hinge Naving thie be oadened
antenme, bat only five or six jomts Ariiverey were scree
at Hattah, but two speeimens, (¢ 8) of A. dantipas, Lea, were
found with Fridomyrman ruforiger, and several specimens of
wnother species, not determined yet, but certainly new to
Victoria. ; :

On starting for this trip | determined to try to obtain
(wo beetles that had been collected in North-western Vietoria
—Pheidoliphila ourbo, taken at Sea Laké from a nest of
Pheidole, and Companytophilis fimbricallis, described From
Beverly, W.A., of whieh Mrs Dixon had alvendy obtained
twa specimens i vests of the common Sugar Ant, Com pono-
ius wgriceps, at Hattah, OF the first, no sign was seen,
though no effort was spared. Pheidole Ants Were rather
searee, bub those nests fond were looked over most car
filly ward revisited several times,

7 Hunting for the sceond species proved the most intarost-
jer ite of ovr whole prograntme, The ants. dwarited var
‘evry thing all avout the Jakes. and every bib of cover thus

292 OKs, two Entomotogiats ix the Mallee Vita Rad.

did not have a nest of sorhe other ant under it, had a nest
of these Sugar Ants, but it way not till the fourth day of
our visit that UC sueceeded in finding one of the beetles. T
had looked in 236 nests without finding a specimen! When
I aay vests, T do not mean that all were separate colonies,
For instanee, two pieces of bark lying on the ground, say
a few feet, or even less, between, and covering numbers of
these ants and the tunnels leading down to their
nests, would show on the surface, no connection whatever,
but underground would almost certainly be linked, Yet I
would have counted these as two nests. And, again, some
nests were looked in twice, a few three times, and these
visits were counted in. However, on furning over a piece
of wood, aid exposing my 257th nest (we had both tooked
in this nest, but on different oeeasions), I was at last
rewarded by seeing one of the long-coveted beetles.

Camponotiphilus fimbrivallis, av, to give th its English
equivalent, The Wringed-sieck beloved of the Sugar Arta
is a Mavk-redilish, ehestoot beetle, shehtly wnder halfantneh
m length, with a fairly conspieuous fringe of pubescenee
around the pronotum. Victorian speeanens are slightly
laveer than the only two specimens I have seen from Western
Anstralis. Mr. Lea gives the length as 84-94 mm.; my
exaniples are 104-21 mm. That the beetles live on very
friendly terms with their hosts there can be little doubt, as
the ants made ud attempt to molest them. When nests are
opened, the beetles are very lively, and immediately make
for the tannels. In their hurry often they will try io rou
between the legs of their hosts, resulting in the ants coming
‘“evoppers,’’ which the ants apparently take in the spirit
of ‘no offence meant.’” The ants often get nual of the way
of the beetles, and geen Ag ansious ag the beatles themselves
aré to got out of sight,

Twice, on finding one of these beetles. in 4 rest, and niok-
\ng which hole it was mating for, I plugged the hole, an
inch or two down, with my trowel. The beetle dived into
the hole, bat corld not get down, and then there was
excitement! Several ants rushed into the hole, pushed their
way around, came out, looked around, as though for fresh
ingpiration, and then mmshed back again. Did they push
the beetle ont? Or did it come out of its own arcord? On
the first occasion L thought the beetle mished cut of its own
free will; it tan towards another hole, when T picked it up
and put it in the killing-bottle, On the second occasion it
appeared to me that the beetle was foreed put by the ants
and directed towards another hole, in much the same way
as a dag will drive sheep. Only, instead of one dog and
many sheep, it was several ants and one beetle T tried to

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Volt. XLII

PLate VIII

April, 1926

HEATH, Epacris Bawbaicensis,

ALPINE

Wittsteinia

THE BAW BAW BERRY,

Stapf.

a, Fiv.M.

J. Bishop)

by F,

egatives

tN

ee Oxe, Tio Entomologists in the Maltec 288

block the second hole, but the beetle was tou quack for me.
I tried to dig it ont, but, on digging a small hole, such a
labyrinth of passages were exposed that 1 was at a loss
which way to proceed, and, as the clay was very hard for
a trowel, T gaye Wf up.

‘The ‘time spent on opening the nests, before the first
**Pringe-neck”’ was found, was by no means lost. Far from
it! Bor other inquilines were acen and noted. Twa other
beetles were secu im the nests, One was a Staph,, belonging
to the genus Conosnme, but, ag some specimens were obtained
away from the nests, they may not be true inquilines. The
second was a “new'’ Pselaphid, sinee desevibed as Z’mesi-
phorus camponoti, Oke. This species was not uncommon,
but, not many were taken, as I qistaok it, in the field, for
T’. formicinus, Mael.

An unexpected guest to me, if not the ants, was a pretty
little bluish spider, belonging to the family Attic,
Numbers of this spider were seon by both of us, but neither
saw ane outside of the Sugar Ants’ nests. Several kinds of
mites were noted, and a amall yellowish fly was not un-
epinmen, But the most teresting and peculiar guest was
u kind of Froghopper (Cereopidw). All the species of this
Painily Iitherto knewn ta me live on bushes, prin¢ipally
youn Eyealypts, and live ou the juices of these planta.
Two apeees of this family, Burymola distincta, Sign., and
EB. rvebrovittata, Am,., are very common on young Euealypet
ivees, Where they ave always attended by ants, particularly
the Sugar Ants and Meat Ants, Tridomarines detectus,
But we found this species living in nests under the ground,
and, from what we saw, il seems very doubttul whether they
ever leave ,the nests, exeept, perhaps, to ehange from one
to the qther. The insects were found in all atuges, except
they eyes. Little larve from slightly move than 1 mm, up
t fully matured imagines were ‘seen in the same nest, and
the ants wuarded them wo carefully it would appear that
they spent, their ves in these nests--uniess they are taken
out at night to feed on the trees, Unfortunately, our acety-
lene lamp was ditnaged, heing dropped off ihe train at
Gypsum, and I was tinable to do much observation work
at night. T did glance aronnd one or two nests at night,
but did not see any Proghoppers outside them.

That these froghoppers. are used to being carried by the
ants is evident. On volling over the covering log From one
of the nests sometimes a dozen or 2) of these guests will
be revealed. They seem to be greatly agitated, and quite
unable 4o make up their minds which way to ran. Any
ant meeting one of the guests will immediately ‘seize it by
the thorax and earry it down qne ofthe holes. Or, if the

204 BRK, Teo Aatamolagiats én the Matlee a kat

wiiest hud been on the tog, the aint would take. it inito any
evack or qveviee and hide ik Che auts invariably Carey the
Trvoghoppers otf heacl foremast. and generally tam then
aver with their feet uppermost as soon as they take Told
af them, if thes ay Not, the trorhoppers will gree them-
silvex over in Hie ants’ mandibles. The veasaw tov this is
misily wnderslool—it is heeuse the froghoppers’ ela eateh
i everylhing when tuned down, tat are not nearly so likely
fo do so Wi the reversed position, Did the ants of the frog
lroppers ciiseover this faet first?

T greatly regret that UC did) not: brine honie mummy live
specimens of ants and their guests. One inight have been
aWle ta dis¢aver nore about them. though fant afvaicd it
would he necessary to have them iv their amtural saetound-
igs to see ¥oIne Of the interesting details. It may be possitle
to latrn whether the froghoppers ave fed by the ants. 1
clue out ove fine neat (covered by a tog and a sheet of bark
dhont 5 HF fect it levgth ynd 2 feet in width) to a depth of aver

3 fet to see whether the enests cotld be obtained far dawn
ii the nest, Ags To had taleen one 'Wringe-neck!? on this
ist, F had Tepes of finding sore specimens of. this heetle
iJowa, in the nest, To was disuppotited. but vieht at the
bottom of the hole obtained one af the spiders anc several
Feaghoppars.

We brought baek with us a dundle of sticks, and from
(hese bred a few longicorns, including: trom Mallee, Seoleco-
brotus udrieqatus, Bikh.; trom Aeacia, Sapmphaletes luteralis,
Pause, 8, veshigatis, Pase.. Mlatyomopsis obGqua, Don.; and
front Black Box sticks, Atosta mayast, Pase., A, lated, Buch.
anil Atesta sp. nay.

Th was fared to depart trom this dclighttal courts, with
its inany juterestiny phases of anima life, but Pusiness
demanded that t should retura to the city, and so we hud
to make an early start on Saturday morning to eateh the
lenin at 8.22 fram Hattah, Arriving af the ‘station, with a
few minutes to spuve. T had tive to try a few pieces of
Myoporin platycorpun, whieh were out to perfection, and
from which [ obtained a single specimen of Neneuris disea-
Mavuan—imnw last eateh for the trip. "7

Altoyether 364 species of beetles were taken, cand I
believe a few common species were passed over; butt, sill T
think we obtained a very faiy number for 14 days’ colleat-
ing. - T any wreatly indebted to Mr. A. M. Tea for identify-
ing and echeelking my identifications of a namber of the
hietles obtained, and to Mr. YT. G. Sloane foe identifying
many, of ‘the Carabidae: and the Paussidie, To both LT tender
inv best thanks.

'

Eyal Presdorr, Taso Rare Native Mountain Heatie _ 2396

SUNNAe NA mANAN ANTHEA TODGENONADAAUOEEDOLAMRTOLONeANAU REC ET OAANIAUO NATO GA TORTONAYOEDOGeea Mate AbeNANP Ne HSEOt ION RHAT er rer PANDO NOtsemeene metre

TWO RARE NATIVE MOUNTAIN
HEATHS.

By Epwarp K, Pracorr, 3°.,5.

veveeennne

POO

Temi iin nL ee

The hbeaths whieh we usually prow i our gardens. are
either species ov hybrids of the mative South African Teaths,
_ and belong to the family of Mricacer, the members of whieh,
ave often called the ‘‘trac heaths.’’ The heaths which make
ibe Australian bush and moovlands so gorveously beautiful
in winter and spving belong toe the 4 family of Mpacadea.
Mere ave several botanies) differcmees in the families, the
imain distinetion between the two heing that an Baicacee the
withers are always one-colled, and in Kpacmdee they are
always two-eelled. Representatives of hoth families ave found
in Vietoria. but, winle we may find nore than 40 species
af Epacrides, there are ouly two native species of Krieacen.
= Baw Baw Brey (lieve)

The species allustiated, Willstemma vacetidced, Riv,
is known as the Baw Baw Berry. Tt is found only on ihe
hope of the Baw Binw ancl adjacent mountaing, and is there
fore very rarely seen by plant lovers, A wood-bloek fleare
of this plant is piven in Muellar’s ‘sey?’ but it is very
formal, and hardly shows the true character off the plant,
The bushes stow to a height of tao feet or three feet, and
the dulicute, wreenisi-white, waxy bells ane uxceedingly
dainty. Unfortnmately, the plants were not. fruiting at ie
time the photograph was tken; the fruits are small, gveenish-
Vellow or reddish in colour, and are classed as edible.

Yo the Bricaecs belone the blac betmes, hucklebernies,
anil other edible berries so common in North Amer jen; they
Vield hirge avops of bervies anmually.

Yom Aver: Hare (i eacripieat)

hpacrs Bawhawonsis, Stapf, for many years was Glas
sifted ais Hy heteronenat, Labill, avid wider that name. is
deserthed at page 378 of Maeller's ‘Ivey. '' Lt is purely alpine
heath, growing fiitrly abundantly on the Baw Baas, beeom-
ing qnite a tall plant, having white flowers evowded towards
the top of (he branehlets, as shown. in the photograph, ‘The
kvealities of 0, heteronema, as viven in the “Flora Aus
trahensis,’” page 239, are not only the Baw Baws, but Mount
AMievdeen and the Mitte Mittas; vreeords also showin it, te
acear i Tasmania and New South ‘Wales.
' In 1909, when studying a heath that hud flowered at Kew
Gardens, England, one of the botanists, Mr. 0. Stapf, came

298 Prscorr, Ton Rarc Native Mounlain Heaths | YSN
to the conelusion that NM. hetevonema was 4 very Tl-defivied
Species, especially as Bentham had stated that E. dubza,
Lind]., might be a variety of this apecies,

As a result of Mr. Stapf’s investigations, it was found
that, while 2, heteronema was a valid spevies, the
Baw Baw specimens differed very considerably Zrom the
type clescription. Indeed, from all the plants known as
&, khelerovema, four separate specios were deserihed, the
determination resulting in the exelusion of that species

from Victorian Mora. ‘The Buffalq and Mitta Mitta speci- *

mens Were named EF. brevifiora, Stapf; the Tasmanian fort
was named £. Stuart, Stapf; while the Baw Baw plant
was named after the mountains on which it grows. This
species was published in the Kew Bulletin of 1930, and its
only locality is the Baw Baw Monntuins.

The main differences between the two plants may here
be noted for the use of the general collector. In &. hetero-
nema the style is as shott or shorter than the ovary, and it
floes nol protrude trom the mouth of the corolla; while in
E, Bawbawensis the style is several times Jonger than the
ovary; it is distinctly protruded from the mouth or funnel
of the corolla tube, In the former the filanients whieh sup-
port. the avthers are very much shorter than tha anthers;
while in the latter the filaments are much longer than in
the former,

In the photograph reproduced, the protruding style can
elearly be seen in the centre of some of the flowers.

he illustrations are from negatives by Mr. F, J. Bishnp,
whose beautiful photographs, which so traly delincaté the
characters of the native flowers, are widely known.

THE PROVIDENCE OF A THRUSH.

We often read of animals laying food aside for future
needs, but I do not remember hearing of any bird deing so.
Nevertheless, I once saw a Grey Shrike-Thrust, Colluricincla
karnionica, thus provide for himself. The friendly bird eame
avery day to our verandah for crumbs, and once, having evi-
dently satisfied his hunger for the time heing, he picked up
# piece of bread, and, carrying it to 2 post near by, carefully
pushed it under the edge of a sack which wag hanging there.
Yorttinately, [ happened to go ta the door, just ds, later
in the afternoon, the Thrush returned for his fodd. With-
out hesitation, he flew to the post, and picking his bread
from beneath the edge of the sack, he flew off with it. On
wnother day he carefully pushed a large erumb into a cleft
in 2 log. 1 did not see him return, but a few houts later
the crumb had gone, and presumably he had taken it—
J, Gavaraira, ;

;

fee | Regeneration of Burnt Worest 297

RETIN T ERED EET RD RGIOFE TPE DI DIOPET AT UALEND EA TERIDE AION CNTEFEEDHEREOUEETFETETERUETPIFENOS EMER eevee DdLesad iis eeseeeanauyessyspree

REGENERATION OF BURNT FOREST.

AOPTETTTEH EDN NRA Wh EE
VETTEL AACCERT Fete,

TEL ECOPPOOTIETEL UL OPA AERRLER CU CLITED Rpt dc eredd te ce COLLET C LED ET A peak AEE LEED Gmc AED GA Prec RHEE Re Oart OLE rete bedi eden ey

No records appear to have been published im this State
of the effects of fires on ou various types of forest, and of
the measure of regeneration which has followed. The results
of the many fires whriel: have periodically, devastated our
timber resources are doubtless known to Iorest, officers, but
nothing of a systematic Kind has been made available for
publie informidion.

It is, of course, generally known that a forest suffers
according to the nature and intensity of the fire and. the
kind of tree, or trees, and attendant species composing It,
Tt is known, too, that the result, of a tire, even if the trees
are not killed, is to render them more valnerable to borers,
fungi, and other destructive agencies; that the humus is
destroyed and the ground bared, with the consequent denu-
dation of the soil by rainfall when the slope is preat enough,
to the detriment of both the forest and the streams draining
it; that the constitution of the forest is invariably “altered
inare or less, certain species being killed outright and after
wards replaced by wattles, bracken or others dubbed “fire.
weeds. 7’

To remedy, im some slight measure, this lack of exact
information, it is proposed that two burnt areas, differing, if
possible, in the nature of the cover, shall be selected for
purposes of periodical observation and record by a team
tomposed of members of the elub.

Tn the first place, surveys of the burnt areas would need
to be made, the immediate effects of the fire, the nature of
the surface and the soil, the presence or not of humus, the
altitude, slope and exposure, and the fauna-and flora still
existing noted. The date of the fire, and the dates and amount
of the precipitaticn occurring mm the interval, would be
ascertained, and any evidences of regeneration recorded.

By an examination of areas adjoining the burnt ares,
its condition anterior to the five would be asdertained, and
a list Of its fauna and flora dvawh ap with a reasonable
degree of approximation. Subsequently, monthly. visits by
one or other member of the team might. be paid, their obser-
vations being duly recorded, generally for the’ whole area,
and partienlavly for ecortain specially selected quadrats,

ie ' ihe ‘ N .
248 Modganigahion of Lund borese wie or

The Botunical Department of the Oniversity of Melbourne
has the intention to carry ont similar work jn the vieiwity
ut Tealesville, and our members will doubtless be vlad to
adhere to whatever scheme is adopted by if, and work on
sutiilay lines,

With. the view of seeking suitable uvens for the purpose
iientioned, Hwo matuhers of the Club visited (ppur Perutiec
Gully on Webruary 28, and provisionally tixed on one close
to the station, whieh had been fire-swept on the tS5tioat phe
mouth. his inewsures vrouehly between 20 aeres and 30
aeres, and ts bounded by three roads—that fren the main
roud to the Pavilion: fram there towards Cerny Creek, and
the thitd, down which a telegraph line rus, joie these,
With the exception of a small pateh near the apex of the
triangle, the serub has been completely burnt, and a eursovy
examination. enabled only Goodenta ovata, Acacit verticcllaty
and Glycine clandestina to be identified,

Of the trees, Muculyplus eleophora largely predominated,
and KF. abhiqua and BL dusttaliana wer also prescit.
Nithough all their leaves were dead, uoie of. the trees
appeared ta tave heen killed, and these will doubtless
recover, their bark having been otily superficially chaerect
Already stens of recovery were evident in many of tem in
the shape of adventitious shoots at the bases of saplings and
alone their stems. Other siens of Jife were noticed in the
tussocks of Cuhata, sp., and lepidospermea, ap. ‘The fire had,
seamingly, been, trsufficiently severe to consume the nmeuy
logs which strewed the forest—perhaps relies of previous
fres—and uwuder these avere oceusional lizards, ond numerous
spiders, ants and froghoppers still wlive.

The work proposed by the committee aud the Botanical
Department oF our University will bea stall step ino the
application of plant eeology to practical use. AlL whose
business. if is to gzrow things, be they forest trees, frit
trees, grain or athay crops or pasture, pub the principles
of plant ecology into practice to a greater ov lesser degree.
Mostly. like the man who was surprised at finding he had
been talkiny prose all his life, they are doiite so quite mn-
conseiausly. Ther work empirically or by rule of thamb,
Many sueeead in spite of this, Wat if is vers certain that,
“of they clearly understood the factors respanstble for the
srowth of their craps. and the influences which niilitates
against than, their success would be the greater—C 3.8.

Ame WILLIAMSON, Victorian Ferns 299)

Re

VICTORIAN FERNS

By H. B. Wintatamson, F.L.8.

CUAGUOCGUREUSAOCHCLEAAQGLANREOEA SOO GURNOELOC EO NNL

Auvpesen Pn peenusgssekacuines.

Thatpeqeqqaassgenenyecneeonay

POON OATORCOO ONO UONRTENAACANEEVUNUAOREATEN ned eH eeTEEDeedd reer herr tad dete

Parr I,

Family POLYPODIACEA®.

: Key to the Genera.
(a) .Sori marginal
(b) Indusiun absent .. ., .. .. .. Notholaena, 1 sp-
(b) Indusium present, gomiatimss tot apparent on the old fronds.
(c) Indusium short
(d) Indusium cup-shaped, opening outwards

(e) Fronds firm .. .. .. .. .. Davallia, 2 spp.

(e) Fronds tender _. .. .. Demnnstaedtia, 1 sp.

(d). Indusituan formed by the incuryed margin of lhe
frond

(f) Fronds 4 to 5 ft... .. .. Hypolepis, 1 sp,

(¥) Fronds under 1 fl... ., .. Cheilanthes, 1 sp.

(dq) Indusium an incuryved = reniform membrane
developed from the edge of the frond, but dis-
tinet from it .. ., .. Adiantum, 4 spp.

(c) Indusium elongated

(g) Indusium opening outwards .. .. Lindsaya, 2 spp-

(g) Indusium opening inwards

(bh) Indusium double .. .. ,. .. Pteridium, 1 sp.
(h) Indusium single
(i) Fronds dark green on both sides
Pteris, 4 spp.
(i) Fronds paler beneath
(j) Fronds bi- or tri-pinnate, 2 2 to 4 ft.
Histiopteris, 1 sp.
(i) Fronds simply pinnate, 1 fl.
Pellaea, 1 sp.
ot) Sori away from the margin
(k): Indusium absent,
(1) Fertile and sterile fronds dissimilar
Cyclophorus, 1 sp-
(1) Fertile and sterile frond similar
(m) Sori linear, along veins, very hairy plant
Pleurosorus, 1 sp-

(mm) Sori covering most of the veins, fronds glabrous,

very (hin .. .. .. .. .. .. ANogramma, 1 spe

“Vic. Nat,

300 Werramson, Victorian Ferns Val Nie

(m) Sori roundish, fronds entire or pinnatifid
Polypodium, 4 spp-
Fronds. repeatedly pinnate
Dryopteris punctata (see below)
(kk) Indusium present
(n) ‘Sori elongated
(o) Sori in a continuous line along both sides of the
Thidrib .. ., ... ... .- .. Blechnum, 9 spp.
(o) Sori alane Velas diverging from the midrib
Asplenium, 8 spp,
(n) Sori oblong linear, paraliel to the midrib on veiniets
connecting forked yeins ., ., .. .. .. Doodia, 2 spp,
(on) Sori shorter, slightly curved, mostly a the forks of
veing diverging from the midrib, fronds very

' tender, 3 to 5 ft... .. .- .. .. Athyrium, i &p.

(n) Sori roundish :
(p) Indusium pellate .. .. .. .. Polystichum, 4 spp.
(p) Indusium attached at the base (absent in D,
punetata) .. .. .. .. .. .. Dryonteris, 3 spp.
(p} {ndusium ovate, with sori attached to base, 6 to
9 inches .. .. .. .. ., .. Cystopteris, 1 sp.

Genus Normonana (Page 301),

NotHoLana vistans, R.Br, (Fig. 1). Bristly Cloak Fern,
W.A., S.A. V., N.S.W., @., P. (Polynesia), N.Z. Fronds
Bin. to 10in., with distant pairs of pime (Ib) densely
covered. with long hairs underneath, almost concealing the
sovi, which form a continuous line along the margin.

In the young state the margin may be somewhat. curved
over the sori. This species ig not, often gathered, but, since
the Census of Victorian plonts was compiled, specimens have
been seen from.Wodonga and Broken River (N-E.), Macal-
lister. River, aud recently Mr. D. J. Paton collected it on
granite rocks on Big Hill Range, Bendigo (N.W.).

Genus Davattaa (Page 301).

Davathsa vuBta, R.Br, (Wig. 1). Rainbow Fern, T., V.,
N.S.W., Q. Very widespread in Victoria. Fronds large. and
firm, resembling the Common Bracken, but less rigid. Fig.
Ila shows a secondary pinna. Sori are at the base ot the
blunt teeth, which are often in age curved over them like
those of Dicksonia (IId), but there is no upper valve as in
that genus. The indusium is attached by a broad base to
the pmnule, and does not cover the sorus (IIc).

ea) ' Wriitaason, Victorian Fersa . $02

———Nothileni; (£, 111—Davallia,; 1V—-Dennevadtia,
V—Hypolepis; Vi—Cheilanthes.

302 — Witaransox, Victorian Beyis werent
Davauiia wysipata, Cay. (Big, UL), Hare's-foot Fern,
7, NSW. QP. his is & smaller and more tender tern,
he to 1 foot in height, and may be distinvuished frony Bp.
dubli by its indusiam being a-:cotuplete evap or aylindér,
longer than broad (WTe); whew young almost imnierscd’ in
the pinnule. . ‘There- appears to he uvuly one Vietorian
speemmen i) the National Flerburiuni—that fram, the? Gram-
pias. It has been reeorded feom East and South, iid sprees
mens would be acceptable at the TFerbarium.

Genus Dennsraivria (Page 501.)
\ Dovavariowes (R. Bv.), Moore (Fig. LV). Creeping. Lace

~ Kern, V., N.B.W..Q,, Ak, NZ. ‘This is a beautifal Porat with

tender, pitiehediviced fronds, up to 5 feer, springiig From

- 4 vhizome, like bracken. Tt has its: spore: cases i a -cup-
shaped tuvoluere with almost entire sedges set at the! base of

the upper sides. of the very small teeth of the pirruvtles
(1 Vbe). It i8 common in the jogle-lke erock bottans of
Kast Cappshind, and there gre speciniens from Johanna
River, yay Cape Otw ay. -- \
‘ : ' \
Genus Hyro.t tus, (Page 301). A , at

Hyon: Pid renuivonia (Mart), Beval, (Pig, Vo Sot

Hypolepis, V.. N.S.W., Q., As. 2, .N.% This form bears a

remarkable vesemblanee to the common Dryoplerrs punctata,
aud, avhen the indusimua has withered, en seareely he cik-}
tinguishad from that fern. Tt has fronds springing front
thizome to a height of 4+ or 5 Feat, somewhat ‘peso |
Davaltia dabin. . The sori ave at the edge of the pinnules,
between their teeth, and the thdusium consists. of the retlexed
seale-like margin of the pinnule (Vbe), at fust often eover-
ing the sorus, bul ait an advanced. stave almost eoncealord
ander it, ov qnite withered away. There are specimens in-
the” HWerbarion fronv few Vietorian Toeali Lies ; “Curd”
River.”” ‘Otway,’ and “Ravnoud Creel.”

Genus Gane, ANSTHES (Page 301). .
CUMILANTAES vexuivoua (Baro) Sw. (Fig VL). Rock
Foren, all States of Australia, As. P.. NLA. This species is
Found i all parts of Vietoria, and ix sometimes seen thickly
spread Ovdn granite Tillsides auder eonélitions whieh of woes
not usually assoekite with fers. with the exeeptima: af the
Svackeon. Nhe fronds grow to almost a foot in height, aud
the vdees of the pinnules are revolute to form a cover for
the sori, whieh are- sometimes contisuous, with the small
rounded teeth or lobes bent over them.

ea WiLur arson, Witdnin iervas bbe

{io V—Adianium: V1, Vil—Lindsaya. Vill—Trichomaues.

.

ua Wituramson,’ Victorian Merng ett

Genus AntlantTuM (Page 302),

AoaANTUM asrecoricuM, L, (Fig 1}, Common Maiden-
hair, very ‘widely spread through every eontinent and the
islands of the Pacific Although found growing under
ovdmary conditions in serub land, if is a favourite on
account of its fairy-like appearance, due to the capillary
stalks of the pinmules. It 1s the only one of the four species
which has its pinogles not dimidiate (obliquely set on the
stalks). Tt belongs to a section contaming the old-world
A, capillus-Veneris, ‘Tine Maidenhair,’? which has been
ervoneonsly recorded for Vietoria in Supplement 3 to the

- Census owing to un error in determination by the late Prince

Bonaparte of specimens of Vietorian forms of A, whhiopicum.,
I{tlustrations of the pinnules of A, cupdlus-Veneris are given
for comparisua (Tlab). Tit willbe noticed that the pinnules
ate rather deeply lobed, and that the indusium. extends
further along the edge than in A. ethiopicum.

A. rormosuM, R,Br, (Mig. [11)| Giant Maidenhair, V_.
N.S.W., Q., N.Z. The trouds are large—up to 3 feet—with
shiny blaek stems, wile its pinnules are almost leathery,
finely streaked, and minutely toothed at the upper edge. Its
secondary pinne have hairy stems, It is found only in East
Gippsland. where it grows thickly on periodieally-flooded
river alluvial, The author has gathered it at Cann River.

A. HISPIDULUM, Swartz (Fig. TV). Rowsh Maidenhair,
¥,, NSW. @., and all other parts of the world, except
Kurepe. his fern also has been gathered oily in Fast
Gippsland. Its fronds are pedate (foot-like), having a
fancied resemblance to the foot of a bird, instead of being
pinnate, as in the iwo latter species. ‘The pinnules are dis-
tinetly dimidiate, closely set, finely toothed, and hispid with
short hairs on the under-surface. Lt has been collected only
in the extreme East, Genoa River (Rev. A, J, Maher) and
Oupe Howe (C. Walter).

A, DIAPHASUM, Blume (Fie V). Filmy Maidenhair
Pern, V.. NS.W., Q,, As. NZ, P. The-fronds are pedate,
ender one foot, as in the lust species, irom which if ean be
distinguished by its membranous pinnules, fewer sori set
(leeper from the edge, and the few minute black getie (stiff
Whorn-like hairs). on the longer edge of the pinnule- This
last is quite a characteristic feature. Tt ig remarkable thik
this fern has been collected only once in our State, and that
within 50 miles of Melbourne —Lang Lang River, 10 miles
west of Dronm. (C. French, senior, 1884.)

Spe], Wititamson, Victorian Perne 305

Genus Linpsava (Page 302),

Linpsaya Linuarts, Swartz (Wig. VI). Serew Fern, all
States of Australia; P., N.Z This little fern is common
among sernb near Melbourne, especially in damp, sandy. soil.
Its sterile fronds (4) growmeg usually 6 inches to 8 inches in
height, are simply pinnate, the pinne being fan-shaped and
opposite. The fertile fronds (b) have sori in a continuous
ling under an indusinm opening outwards on the outes edge
of the segment. ‘These fertile segments are often found
folded or screwed up, hence the vernacular ‘‘Serew Mern,”’

L.,cunrara (Iorst), CG. Chr. (Fig. VII). Wedge Fern,
‘Tas., V., N.Z. The fronds are 6 inches to 8 inches in height,
bipinnate, with pinne about an inch long obovate or
cuneate, having sori and indusium much like those of DL.
Iinearis, Vhis term was umrecorded for Victoria until Messrs.
Audas and St. Iphn collected it near Sealers’ Cove, Wilson’s
Promontory, m October, 1909,

APDITIONAL NOTES.

TRICHOMANES cAUbATUM, Brack. (Fig. VIII). Tailed
Bristle Fern, V., N.SJW,, Q. The specimen of Trichomanes
taentionerd in Part 1, p. 223, Mallacoota, C. Barrett, proves
to be T. caudatwu; new for Victoria. It differs from 7’.
humile in having pinnate fronds (a). One of the pine is
shown (b). The frnit-cups (e) are much like those of 7,
venosum in shape, with the similar long, but often thicker,
receptacle (d) Tt was gathered well this side of the border,
pendent from the tiunk of a fem. ,

TRICHOMANES wUMILE. Another scrappy specimen —
with no date or collector's naine—has come to light. Tt is
one trom Gembrook, the locality of Mi. Lucas’s specimen.
Collectors visiting Gembrook should starch carefully for this
rare fern.

ALgsorHiLA Repnocom, F.v.M. Part 1, p. 226.

Vrom particulars supplied by Mau. C. French, senior, who
knew Mr. Sayer well, and who, with Baron von Mueller, went
through all that collector’s specimens, it seems. certain that -
the record tor Victoria is erroneous. This tree fern is. very
dhstinet, aud no authentic record exists of its oecurreies iT
Queensland, S. of Roeklampton, or in New South Wales.
The mistake has evidently occurred through a labelling error

* Woe {
S0f Noles fron Fic wad Stucky (Fics NE

TN DPEPENOH) OV ‘YOUNG.

Vt is perhaps ot wirusual to see birds defending their
young: but a contest between a. Elawk and a paiv of Mawpies
mecently at an altitide of 5500 feet gave us sone ontertait-
nent ny the early inorming elose to Monnt Manter, N.S,
Victoria,

A pair of Magpies, Gynunorhind Tenconota, sud their
voung were foraging ono flat among the ‘ormesshoppers,
Tinerdas and Monistrivs, A hawk of some speeics
skmumed low and teied to ent off one of the young hires.
Ninrediately @ime a warning vote from one pareut. want the
youu maypies closed in, Again the hawk swooped, but rhe
old biel was waiting, and rose to meet its enemyowith ge shiny
smiy) OF the bill, pursmine the haw tate a ueighboutine trae.
The patience of the hawk was admirable, and the Mescpie
returned to ith family by a prethy, geaeetul curve,

Lit due couvre tho hawk came dgan at ita qearry. aby
to fod aw defender wailing, Pive timas theehawk BWwonpudt
unsuccessfully. What a quick eve the parent bird bad, and
how eoufident were the voune ones, which ran about feeding,
vblivious of the enemy. One of the parents vemainect on the
ground all the time with the fledg@lings, while the other was
ready to vecept the ehallenge. To na, from a distance of
100 yards, the Magpie sovtned to rise fest, and anticipate the
hawk leaving the tree-perch.

Both birds rematned-on the same tree for some tine after
an attack, evidently, like practised prize fighters, waitin: Far
wn opening, When the Magpie deemed ih prided. he

“returned to the home etrele, till the hawk xesunied Ths quest.
Kinally, the Magpie family few to the wooded comutry hear
bhe hint, the parents on the ortside and the young gies
inside; but the foiled hawk remained for sore time ov the
bree, having abandoned the hut. Some time biter the cries
of the young Magpies among the tree-tops showed that food
was being brought to them.—A.J.U. and A-G.H.

Aut \ Noles from Field and, Study 307
56.4, 4

RUVOUS-RRKASTHD WHISTLER AS A MIMIC.

Minicry ix prachsed by suine birds to whom that power
18 NOt Usually-attibuted. Often the imitation, is not docep:
tive, or js so only for a moment. At other tines the strains
perfect. I votiewd an example of this at Lake WKerferd, ‘iear
Beeelhworth, ia Noveniber, 2924. While following a. pair of
Robins, Petrotca goudenovit, through the serub, J heard a Grey
Thrush, Follvricinedi leur monacu, call elearly several times,
The vetes. were wimistakable —*Oh-lam-dourBoyee’’— yet.
with caeh repetition 1 became more doubtful. | The strain
Was putea, the pitch exc, yet au tndefinable differauee i
the quality of the notes set me in seareh of the singer, He
wus soon found, and proved to be no Thrush, but a Ruafous-
breasted ‘Whistler, Pachiycephadu riefiventets. A. thomenit
Jater he broke into his wsanal wear call—‘umela, curicta,
Heleriehk-ciek’-’—and did wot, tha. 7 heirs qLaI repeat hes
Thrash notes)... Gann arn.

SOME BIRDS OF THE MOUNTAIN (LOPS,

A fitend, whois used tothe plain country, once expressed
surprise that Crows were to be found on the summit, of Mt.
eathertop. Daring a short stay atan elevation of befween
5000 #eut and 6000 feet above sea devel, in the early part of
Mebruavy, we were interested in noticiny some of the birds
that. inhabit these: high altitudes. No doubt some, or most,
of them advance to the highlands as the climate becomes diier
down country, and in the same way Jeave the highlands in
ihe antumn, as the weather erows colder, .

Although we did not sve Minus, it is common knowledge
that they’ frequent the Bainter Hivh Plains at 5600 feet
We saw at 5500 feet as poi ax 200 birds in a flaght of
Crows, aod could not understuid why the earease of a beast
was lel, untouched for aore than a ‘week, close by. Hawks
were Goninon. Jin one place on the High Plains, at 5800 tect,
four -eiveled over as for a Tony time, “while we endeavoured
40 find a reason: but eventually the birds were driven off
reluctiuthy and watehed us at a distaiee from their rocky
pereh. Kagles were seen soaring higher than the highest
inountains, 6100 feet, but never two together. Plover
twitted during the day at 5800 feet.

Many Qnaily were seen, sbrgly, mm quick, short. fight, at
SHO feet, A Liace of Ducks rose (rom the Kiews River, in
the Pretty Valley part oof the Migh Whips, at 5500) feet.
Pipits, Anthus australis, were frequently met with at, 5900

1048 Notes from Field and Study vick. Mat

feet. Flame-breasted Robins, Petroica pheniced, were at
home resting on the roof of onr hut, or on that of an adjacent
shed, at 5500 feet, Crimson Par rots, Pluiycercus elegans,
were present in groups, feeding noisily on the seeds of Snow-
#ums, ab 5700 feet.

Clumsy Gray Bell-magpies, Sirepera versichlor, rade
themselves heard, as usual, with their ‘‘Choek, Cho¢k’* aalls
through the timbered country, at 5600 feet. At 5600 feet a
large, grey, heavy, silent. and shy bird, that seemed ever on
the watch for our approach, but never uttered sound, flitted
quickly and noiselessly from tree to tree, hiding itself in
the same coloured dead Snow-sums. Again at 5500 feet
there was a brisk, merry little bird which warbled, but kept
aut of onr way as we followed to observa, It frequented
the tree branches of the smaller Snow-gums, and was d& large
as a sparrow.—aA.J.T. and A.GLH,

AUSTRALIAN INSECT-GALLS.

Dr. Van Leeuwin, Direetor of the Botanic Garden, Bui-
tenzorg, fava, who visited Austvalia to attend the Pan-
Pacific Science Congress in 1923, was much interested in
galls of native trees, While the Congress was sitting in
Melbourne, Mr, ©. French, junior, and Dr. Leeuwin visited
Sandringham, Cheltenham and Diamond Creek, in séarch of
insect-galls, and collected a number of undeseribed ‘species.
In a recent publication, “‘Revista Internazionale de Cecido-
logia,’’ vol. 21, 1924, most of these walls are illustrated and
described, ‘lhe publication is in the library of the Govern-
nient Entomologist, Science Branch, Department of Agrieul-
ture, Flinders Street, Melbourne, where anyone interested in
these most remarkable msects are at liberty to consulf it. The
galls. were found principally on Banksia, Persoonin, Casua-
rina, Lucalyplus, Acacin, Cassytha and Leptaspermum, The
paper forms a valuable contribution to the study of galls.

The Editor invites tiembers to contribute nature notes
suitable for the Field and Study Section of the Naturalist.
Paragraphs recording personal observations are most-destred-
Bach issue of our journal might contain four or five paxes
of notes.