THE Victorian Naturalist THE JOURNAL AND MAGAZINE ‘of the FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA © VOL. LI MAY, 1934, TO APRIL, 1935 ‘Hon. Editor; CHARLES BARRETT, C.M.Z.S._ ” The Author of each Article is responsible for the facts and opinions recorded : MELBOURNE: Brown, Prior & Co. Pry. Ltp., 430 LitTLe Bourke Street 1935 The Victorian Naturalist ‘Vol. LIL—No. 1 May 8, 1934 No. 605 THE FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORTA The ordinary meeting of the Chih was held at ihe Royal Society's Hall on Monday, April 9, 1934, at 8 pm. The President, Mr. V.H. Miller, presided over an attendance of about 100 members and friends. BUSINESS FROM MINUTES The President reported that Mr. IE. 1. Pescott. wished to with- draw his notice of motion relating to wild flowers, The President announced that the Committee had decided to paiblish a handbook on Victorian Ferns, CORRESPONDENCH From the Forests Commission of Victoria, stating that Iunds - were now in hand for the administration of the Wild Flower Act, and asking members to submit suitable designs for a ranger’s badge. F From Mr. E. Ashby, Blackwood, S.A,. thanking members for svinpathy expressed in his recent loss by bush fires, ~ REPORTS OF EXCURSIONS Reports of excursions were given as follow :—Coburg: Mr, W, Hanks; Powelitown: Mr. H. FP. McColl; Altona: Mr. G. N, Hyan. ELECTION OF MEMBER On a show of hands. Mr. Nuet Lothian, 33 York Street. Mont Albert, was duly elected as an ordinary member, NATURE NOTES Mr. W. H. Ingram said that in the Botanic Gardens he had seet) an albino Sparrow, At Powelltlown he had heard a Lyre- Inrd answering the echos of its awn calls. Mr. F, S. Colliver reported having heard of a Regent or Smoker Parrot being seen at Essendon for three seasons in succession. AN Meld Naturahists’ Chie Proceedinys. Kies wml, Io , IN CENTRAL AUSTRALIA A lecture illustrated by moving pictures and entitled “Incidents in a Centra) Australian Trop” was given by Mr. Chris, Barley. jatroductory remarks being made by My. A. S, Kenyon, M,1LE, Aust. A preat deal of information on ihe natural history, ete. uf the region was given by the lecturer. A vote of thanks was praposed by Mr. Chas. Garrett. seconded by Mr. Gen. Coghill and supported by Mr, A, H, 1, Mattingley, It was carried with acclamation. EXHIBITS Mase JE, 1. Yurner.—Beetles front Japan, Mr. G. C. Wade —Collection of beelles, avainly taken dhring the Ghristnias holidays, Mr. J A, Bershaw.—Specimens af the Swift or Ghost Moths (Trictena avgentata, Herr, Sch.), males, females and papa. ‘These moths are now emeremg in numbers, Mr. F. Pitcher—Blooms and foliage ot thus Firewheel Tree of Queensland (Stenocarpus satatis). grown by exhibitor at South Yatra; also seedling plants of Lillypilly (2agema sitter) Mr. P,P. MecColl-—Stenocar pus sirtuatus, Mr, C. J. Gabriel—Victorian mollusea with exe capsules ; Camatinne spengtert, Chem. aud Pusctoleria aysirataria, Perry: both Frond Western Port, : Mr. A. BR. FE. Martingley.—Aboriginal pitelu, frony Jervots Range, Cetitral Australia, Mr. PLA. Salati—Prterostylis truncata, pot-grawn, collected at Beaumaris, June, 1933: a new localicy recorel or Victoria, Mr, V, H, Miller —Broken-hafted axe, from Coimadai, - SOME ORCHID NOTES AND RECORDS By W. HL Nierro.ns Pievastylis folate Alt, (Flore of New Zealand, Rooker, p, 249; athsa Cheeseman's Mavisal of New #ealand Flava, p, 6B: and The tar of Tos- nia, Hk., Vol. T, pl CXIV (under £t, peduierlate R.Br. )—Synonyin Po yomcits Nicholls (ic, Nat, Volt XLUIT, Mar. 1927, p. 324). ‘Yhis Mera yéyvis iy variable to a marked degree. specitnens ranging ju height from 3 sim. fo 30 cm. have been, collectect, i Cleisestoma tedontatun Lal—Fine specimens of the well-ktown “Tanele” Orchid of Queensland and New Semh Wales were collected bye Dn CS. Sutton and the Jate Gustav Weindérfer, on Young's Creek, near Orhost, ahout 20 years ago, Thelumatrs epipactoidey FV M—Vhis fine Sum-orchid is fairly plenufi) al Pomonal (Miss L. Banfield and Rey, ©. Le Lang). Pormeriy it was abundant near Saidringhaw, etc. Seven plants were iebedl by the weiter near Black Rack in September, 3933. Prasopiullum rchert Wk f—This species was coilected at Moreion Bay, Queensland, by Dy, C. P. Ledward: not previously recorded from (hat State. Tlis specimens reached a hewht of 9 inches, and bore greenish-yellow Bower's with reddish markings. May 7} Kantne, Tie Platypus th Capltsity, 3 ‘tHh PLATYEPUS LN CAPTIVITY By Rosrat Bane, Mie. Australian animals by thew peculiar characteristics are being mate and more investigated by students of Nature. There are maliy extraordinary types wf animals andl alse Tirds, Australia, or at least the Eustern portion of the Continent, possesses an animal which has created mare controversy than perhaps any creature which has ever beet classified, [, of catirse, refer to the Platypus. Aiter observing these aninmls in the rivers in the district of [Iealesville, Victoria, J became intensely interested in the possibility of keeping then in captiviey, After Jenguhy observations, and reading all J could find writen on the subject— which meludéd Mr, Harry Burrell’s fine work. The Platypas— T determined to make the eftart jn connection with otter work contemplated at the Sir Colin Mackenzie Sanetuary- Jhis Sanctuary is controlied by the Shire Counal of Healesville as a Committee of Management. whiielr is assisted by several ardent citizens in an advisory capacity. As one of the larter, 1 was keer to iry ot the project, which TF had so qnuch at heart. JT was given every encouragement, aud the Healesville Tourist Association generously donated £25 for the erection of an enclosure which we considered would be suirahle for ow purpase. ; A plan was prepared which provided for making the conditions or environmicnt as near ys possible to that obtaited by the Platypus in its natural haunts. The plan provided for a corrugated| yon fence. six ieet in height and two feet in the graund, The fence was circular and had a diameter of about thirty fect. Inside ‘the fence and all around the circumference of it, a. channel was formed into which water from the adjoining creek flowed continuously. Inside of the wafer-channel the earth was formed into an island about five fect high. Stones, logs, and plants were placed, so as to siniulate the bank of a river. When all was ready. a Platwpws three or four months old was secured and placed in lis new home. He immediately started to honeycomb) the island with burrews. He was, of course, very fimid and for 4 few weeks was not often seen, However, most of the Food which had been placed for him) during the evening had disappeared by the morning. It must be remembered, we were working ta some extent in the dark as to the ammount af foud or the particular kids which were necessary for his well-being. The only foods which the animal would eat were worms, grubs, and tadpoles, and as the season does not last long for the latter, and grubs are not nutuerous, worms were the real stand-by, Eventually, as the dry season advanced, these were differ to ohtaln, and experiments were made with other classes of foods. Prawns proved to be the only stbstitite, ane he soun tired of these A 4 Fanta, Pie Platupus on Captivity on ae and Teiused to eat them. Only a limited supply of worms could now be wbtained, and they were not good samples, Aiter one huidred and eighty-two days im captivity, te our great regret, the animal dind. This Platypus had created great interest and had provided us with much useful data for future experiments. I have now no doubt that the animal] died from ay insufficiency of the proper kinds of food. The drawback to keeping the Platypus im the énvironinent described, is the difficulty of exhibiting the animai. Thevefore, I felt chat something different would have to be designed if the Platypus was to be exhibited, and, after all, this _Was the real purpose for which so much work had been dance. Some weeks prior to the death of “Glennie”’, as he was called, I designed another construction which would give opportunity for exhibition, Although the conditions would not be as ideal as the enclosure described, as the opportupiries for burrowing would not be provided, 1 felt, that by substituting littl retreats and passayé-ways, the opportunity watld be given for the Platypus to settle down and eventually become accustomed to this type’ of home_ The first experiment demonstrated thal the aniaiat could, and would, live in captivity, s0 one sel about the new idea with some knowledge and confidence. In the first place, I made a cement iank measuring seven feet in length, three feet in width, and six inches in depth, with necessary overflows and outlets, On top of this waz formed a wooden casing or box eighteen inches deep; the top being covered with wire-netted movable frames. At one end was fashioned a retreat or box of the same height and width as that described. but only eighteen inches in length. Tt is juse an extension of the larger casing with a partition wail to divide the two. The access to this compartment is through an aperture of just suifeient capacity comfortably to admit the Platypus. At the other end of the tank, 1 made two small escapes on either side. These led into a sleeping lox, The purpose of two estapes was that, if the animal was disturbed and desired to escape from his slecping-bax, there were Iwo ways of effecting it, Fron) the sleepmg-|ox, another short passage was made. which led into an area of abont cight feet by eight feer. This was enclosed by a corrugited tron fence. The iron was stink inte the ground for about twelve inches. the height above the ground being about two feet, The tap was covered with wite netling a order to prevent escape and to keep cats, rats, or other enemies out. To prevent burrowing and consequent escape, wire netting was laid on the ground inside the enclosure, each side being turned np and securely hxed ta the fence. On top of this metting, grass or turt was Jad toa thickness of about four inches. In this place, the Platypus had an opportunity for exercise and to indulge in THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vou. Lt May, 1934 Plate 1 Photo. by W. J. Beasley “Splash” partially turned over to receive stroking from mop Photo. by W. J. Beasley Toilet operations. Hind foot is busily engaged May Eanix, The Platypus in Caplivity, 5 1934, ooo BADGER — &. = - #24 « “> s + ty —— ’ — > } « » “% (s ~* “ N + | why . % % e. rl \ ¥ - > \ > ¥ “ i 4 e ; = \ ve} j , a ‘ | , “ ‘2 j .*.1 af F ¥ | i & a . d > } = al "a = Sue ; > * f ’ ’ } . yy A i s ’ ho a4} y we \ . % j ‘ " * = 7 ; Ph je #> . ‘ wes we - - << Pe Plan of the First “Platypussary”, Healesville Sanctuary. hurrewing to a limited extent, thus approximating in a small way his natural conditions of life. The tank is hesed out daily and water replenished. This is necessary; for the water soon becomes foul, and the annual does not like dirty water. Having been granted a permit from the Fisheries and Game Department, I did not lose much time before having an occupant in the premises deseribed. This construction is termed a “platypussaryv’—the name was coined by Mr. Harry Burrell, So the great experiment was launched. The Platypus, when apparently about four months old, was captured thirty vards away from the river and had seemingly lost Vict. Nat, Vol. LI. 6 Fame. The Phatypas in Captivity. its bearings; for it was wandering about in the vicinity at a patch of maize. When placed in the “platypussary”, the animal exhibited a great cleal af timidity, and very hittl: was seen of it for alpout a week, and then only an occasional glimpse, I was concerned; fur it was not taking any food, although fresh supphes were placed in the feeding-vessel every night. When { hat almost abandoned hope, and had about decided to place the animal in the river to save it from starvation, it made its first meal. This was on the eleventh night after T had taken possession. Tafterwards learned that the Platypus had been captured two days before 1 received it, s@ chat it had been nearty a fortnight without food. Notwith- standing this Jong abstinence it did vot show any distress of emaciation; on the cantrary, it was exceedingly alert ani active. Hence forward, food was regularly taken, hut the animal showed yreat timidity for a considerable time. Tlowever, by the exercise of great care and patience, its confidence was gradually obtained. Aiter three months, it would take food from my hand, and also came to recognize my whistle as being the signal for fond, Each month saw “Splash”, as we have named him, becoming more tractable, and he allowed me to stroke hint when feeding. He woukl at times roll over in order that the operation might he repeated on the under-side of the body. He had developed a formidable pair of spurs, so I deemed it prudent to use a small mop for the stroking, This gives him great delight; for he wrestles with the mup in a manner which sugvests that he believes himself to be in the throes of a fierce battle, [le becomes so absorhed by playfulness that [ frequently lift Ain out of the water, while he is clinging with all four feet to the mop. T drop him back into the water, sometimes from a height of twelve inches, and he immediately returns te the charge. Sa tenaciously does he cling to the map, that T can swing him—pendulum fashion— for nearly the whole length af the tink. It is noticeable that “Splash” can barely carry lus own weight unless the spurs are brought tes action. * The strands of the mop, when wet, fall closely together and form a somewhat dense bunching. When the spurs are inserted high up on the mop, they do not pull through and, in consequence, the gripping power is iucreased erlormotisly. This circumstance might be developed to un interesting point—hy those whe are more competent than I am—with the real purpose of the spur on the Platypus. Although very eager to indulge in the frolics described, the Platypus must have a fairly good meal before he can he tempted to give a performance. There is now very little timidity at this period of his captivity, and he appears to have reached that stage when he enjovs publicity, He does not seem to mind how many people are in proximity—olten talking and laughing in Jour tones for he gaes on with dus fesding or yambols quite ttrelisturrticed, THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Plate II VOL. LI May, 1934 Vic. Bass River, Haunt of the Platypus one Eanre, The Platypas mo Captivity ; “Splash” lives up to his name, He has a curious irick of, standing on his hind feet and reaching as high as possihle with his fore feet. He poises thus for a few moments, then thraws himself baek- wards into the water, making a. very decided splash. As far as Lean judge, this action is mere playfuhiess. As the Platypus feeds, the cheeks show marked distension, After the pouches on either side are well filled. the animal stretches himself on one df the raised resting places in the tank and indifges in a very vigorous toilet. At the same time, his jaws are actively at work masticating (he food partaken and preparing for a further supply ‘This grooming or preening process 1s extremely interesting. -No portion of the body js left untouched, and it would seem that rhe grinding of the jaws und the erooming acts wre insepatahle:* | have never seen “Splash” preening him- self except ro the accompantment of tis chewing or grinding action, in The hind feet are used in the toilet ‘operation; the claws are brought close together and form a-comh abo three-quarters of an inch across. The joint at the hip is like acball and socket; “for the hind leg can-he turned shout in almost anv direction, and so facilitates the work which the hind feet have to perform. The speed of the reciprocating action im the work of grooming is very rapid and probably reaches four hundred sirokes to the minute, No portion of‘the body is missctl and every particle of foreign mallets removed’ from the fur. This is also done very thoroughly before retiring, so-that must of the water 15 removed from the [ur before the anunal enters his slecpmig quarters. Some observers have recorded that the front feet are also used in the toilet operation. I have watched for many hours, but have not seen the front feet brought into action at any cme dn swimming, the fore or front-feet are exclusively used; the hind feet juse idling and apparently helping to keep balance. = The auditory sense of the Platwpus is exceedingly acute. The slightest sound quts hint immediately on the alert. I do wet think that the visual sense is ileyeloped to nearly the same extent, [iam convinced that the Platypus stes very little on the surface of the water, or even on the ground. J lave proved this on many otcasions. There i5 iu doubt that he sees very well at, say, at angle of thirty degrees and upwards [rom the horizontal. It seems.reasonalle to suppose that the sight would he developed in an upward direction : for, in the ages during which these animals have inhabitated rivers and lakes. the danger front enemies woukl more likely be from above thin at water level. Summed up. the evidence, as | sce it. docs net suggest any particular acuieness in sight, and the rapid disappearance af the animals in their.native haunts—when intruded upon by man—is. [ think, due to’a combination of causes which we do not yetsunder- c - oe r ‘ ve Vict. Nat. f Eanie, The Platypus in Coprivey. Vol LI stand, The amma! is more visually alert on a dull day ar in the evenings than iy the bright sunshine. The Platypus of which Tam writing, was caught many yards away from the banks of the river, and when approached. just floundered about in a confused manner, and was apparently uriable Ip see properly what direction to take. T how telate a very remarkable circumstance. J was internspterl in writing this by the announcement that a man had caught a young Platypus aad desired me to see it. Upon making inquiry froin Mr, MeCrohai—who found! the animal—-1 learned that it was picked mp ahont fifty yards from the hank of the Badger (Creek and in an open. paddock. His attention was directed to the spot by the action of several Kookaburras. They were flying wround the Platypus in an agitated manner, and, no doubt, would soon have made a meal of it. When Mr, MecCrohan approached the animal, it appeared to be quite hewildered, and dowbtless had just become lost. 1éa Platypus got away from the river, eyesight would not help nyuch in restormg it to sanctuary. “The Platypus referred to was not injured, and is ahve and domg well, I know that it is recorded that the Platypus will cross dry land in order to reach water i another locality, The nearest water. other chau the creek which had been left, was miles away from the spot where this animal was found, If they do migrate in this fashion, [ cannot believe that their vision helps them very much. That mtangible thing—instinet, or some peculiar sense of direction, probably is the explanation. On May 21, 1933, 'Splasl’ did not appear at the usual time, and was found m apparent eullapse. He seemerl to have lost the use of his limhs: for, when placed on the ground, he just rolled aver and had all the appearance of being in a dying conctiteon, I put hitn in some water, but as his head remained submerged, hubbles eventually indicated that he would quickly drown. 1 had little hope of saving him. but, as a forlorn one, placed him in a bex in Eront of a warm Are. Jn abour Afreen minules, there was considerable movement in the box, and the Platypus almost forced its way out. The wannth from the fire had apparenily brought about the change. Soon, the animal was back in lus quarters éenjoving food and apparently quite well. On June 4, ‘Splash’ went mto seclusion and did not appear at Ins customary time, Upon mvestigation, I found him in much the same condition 48 thet desertbed above. T had a suspicion that it was hibernation, so just made hin) comfortable and awairerl results. After scventy-fonr huurs, he re-appeared and indicated his presence by consuming sixteen ounces of worms. On June 13, he failed to appear as usual, On this oceasion, | was syot unduly coucerned; for I felt that he was indulging in another lethargic period. This proved to he correct; for alter seventy-six hours, oe Ean, The Plathpus oe Coplivity. ] he appeared and gave proof of his condition by consuming a very large quantity of food. On July 3, “Splash” retired to his quarters at 7 paw. There was no appearance until July 8 ‘The aninial had thus been m complete retirement for one Inwindted and twelve how's. Notwitlistanding jhe ume he had beei in att apparently Goreituse Condition, he was quite normal on tis re-appearance. As expected, he was unusually hungry and required a very generous ration before his appetite was satisfied. It 35. interesting to note that these periods 03 what I consider to be Inhernation, took place when the thermounieter in the record- jag screen registered minim temperatures of 44, 16, 53 and 38 degrees respectively. These were not unduly low temperatures: for they were well above the average Jor these mombhs, with the excepuon of the July veadmg. Te wall thus be seen that if was not any excessive or specially low temperatures that caused the animal to lay up for the periods stated, Tf the Platypus survives the coming winter, it wil] be interesting to-watch Jor developments and ascertain if sinvlar behaviour be repeated. The Platypus is a Jeisurely swimmer; the speed being about forty feet to the minute. I have reason to believe that it swims at a somewhat greater speed when submerged. When under waiter, eyes and ears are closed. and the aniinal swims along the bottom with its head weaving from side to side and covering about ine inches in the lateral movement. It would appear that most of iis senses are located in the duck-lke Lill when under water; for it readily locates every particle of food when under water, whercus it dees not easily find tood which mav le floating on the surtace- The food problem is am exceedingly difficult one. There are only a few kmds of food available which the animal will take, and they are usually diffieule to obtain. The ioods I have succeeded with are worms, grubs, and tadpoles. Worms and grubs are always relished and would, I imagine. make a satisfactory staple diet. Tadpotes are eagerly consumed, but. as they are seasonable creatures, not much reliance can be placed upon then us a fuod. Countless vacieties of food have been tried. but with little success. There is. however, ane exception, which has served as a very useful abd valuable adjunet. Tf was Found that the Platypus would readily eat the yoke of hard-botled ergs. There was a drawback to this method ox feeding; for. as the animal eats at the surface of the water, the greater part of the lood was dissipated in a powdery form, and only a stall quantity became available. The experiment al beating up the egg into a batter was tried, the yoke and while becoming co-mingled in the process. The mixture was placed inside a small vessel, which, iv turn, was placed inside another containing water. The water was kept boiling until the beaten-up egg became cooked or custard-like This food is placed in a 10 Ean, 2'he. Platypus in Captinity, Yint,. Sets vessel containing water, and deeper than the water i the tanle, The Platypus has, therefore, to climb over the sides of this receptacle and depasit himself in the water therein. Placing this [oad in the vessel described, prevented ie from mingling with the tank water. In addition, m makes the food more casily avatlable than if it had te be collected from twenty-one fect of surface. This egg-food has been the salvation of the experiment; for it would’ have been- impossible to secure a sufficiency of foods to satisfy the inunense appetite nf the Platypus if this substitute had not been discovered, The daily ration is made up of ten ounces of worins aiid two eggs—preferably duck eggs. In addition, large quantities of tadpoles are given when opportunity offers, Wrood- grubs are especially relished, but are noi obtainable im large quantities, No mater how aiany tadpoles or grubs are given, the standard ration of worms and egys is provided daily. Worms are found in large quantities in the viciniy of piggeries and other ground which has become soured, These worms are samewhat slender and have a faint reddish transverse stripe. In appearance, they do nov differ very much from worms found in gardens or other cultivated sor), but the Platypus will aot eat them and would undoubtedly starve in the presence of alnindance of these worms. ‘he matter ts quite important and must be taken into scrions account wher) seeking suitable toed. After an observation of well over: Aileen anonths, I am not convinced that mud is a necessary part of the dietary of the Platypus. It anay, or it may not he necessary, where a greater part of hare food haz to be consumed, but judging by the splendid condition af “Splash”, I-feel sure that in this particular case, mud is Not necessary. Tf is true thal a_small quantity of earth is sonie- hmes deposited in the feeding vessel with the worms, but if anv af i 45 consumed, it must be of an infinitesimal quantity; for T have not noticed any diminution in the quantity after the worm have been consumed. - When disturbed in his sleeping quarters, "Splash" usually emits a peculrar growling sound, resembling that of a broody Wen. At this period af his caplivity, he does not indulge se anach tn this manner of protest bul rather enjoys gentle Iuudling, providing that it ts my hand that does it, Te recognizes a strange hand immediately and shows displeasure in no uncertain manner ‘When first secured, “Splash" was barely fifteen inches in Jength and weighed forty-eight ounces. [In Fune last year—four months after capture—he was sixteen inches in length and weighed filty- five ounces. After one vear. he measured nineteen inches in Teneth and weighed sixty-three ounces. These ave avoirdupois weights. The experiment has heen 4 great success aud proves chat this wonderful anunal can be kept iu captivity and, to some extent, domesticated. Provided always that the conditions and envirou- THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST PLATE III VOL. LI May, 1934 at the Feedir ** Splash” y M. Hodges + ane Eaare, The Platypus in Captrvity, iW tent are such as will give reasonable prospects of the animal Making itself at easé and, above all, the assurance that the proper supply of food will be maintaimed. Up io date this little creature has eaten 250 Ibs. of worms and over 850 eggs. In-addition, he has had thousands of tadpoles and large quantities of wood-grubs. I would urge any person who tnay desire te obtain perinission ta keep a Platypus, to pause and—apart from many other impor- tant considerations—carefully count the cost Jt is an undertaking which carries with if ynexpected obligations and continpons anxicty, I desire it to he understood that I do not claim to possess any scientific knowledge on the subject. What I have written is just a siriple narrative of daily observaGans of the hahbts, behaviour and foul requirements uf this interesting and still paradoxical animal in captivity. Fresh information on this won- dertul creature will claim the attention of all naturalists and observers. An animal that burrows and Jives m the ground, feeds in the water, hus a duck-like bill, Tur on its boly, coarse hair on its tail, web-teet, furnished with spurs on hind legs, has very efficient claws for burrowing, asicl which lays eggs and suckles its young, will always ercate interest and worder, Some Gay, the writer and this Platypus will be gone, and it ‘would be a great pity if the record of such an absorbing creature —which has already been in caplivity for more than fiteen months—shauld alsa pass inte oblivion, That, then, is my rcason for writing this narrative or history of “Splash” up ta date. In Rurrell’s excellent bagk, The Plalypus, perhaps prevented me from conclusion, 1 would like 10 state that the perusal of Mr, Harry falling inte blunders which might have been disastrous to “Splash”. EXCURSION TO COBURG. ‘The weather was fine and about 15 persons attended the excursion to Coturg, Various points af interest ta geologists were visited, including the recently discovered bane-bed from which the leader has coflected banes at Depvatadan, Natethyrine, Mocropes lan and. smalier animals, Visits were also matle to old camping grounds of the aborigines, A few chippangs of flint were secured. It is mast interesting to ohserve how 4]) the surtalle boulders an the Merri Creek have been chipped for implements by the blacks. W. HANKS. Last spring [ ubserved in my garden a Blackbird with a vary large patch af crearay-white feathers on its right wine, and another with a plain white Strip-straight acrogs its left wing. These birds are about the place every day and have interested me on account of their white plamage. Dallsrat ZAMeT. 12 Coresan, The Echidna wonder Dowmestivarion. vee 5 THE ECHIDNA UNDER DOMESTICATION By Mort, Commaan With the consent of the Fisheries and Game Departnietr. I have been studving au Eehidia, broughe last Bebruary from Sstrento where, for fve weeks, he shared our tent and intrigiied us with his fascinating ways. ‘“‘Stickly-prickly’. as we named him (“Stickles™ for short), was probally about three months old when he was diseuvered— a small animated mat of fir and prickles, with almost invisible legs, wandering beneath a mulberry tree The question of food presented some difficulty, for he was suspicious of Spoon or cup. We were in despair until next morn- ing when an inspiration came. A hand was capped and, hitle by fitcle, warn milk was poured into the palm. Instantly a long, silky, black snout muzzled the hand. An inch und a half of pinl, warmn-like tongue slid eagerly inti every line, every crevice and betwee) the fingers, As the milk disappeared, his rose pressed the palm inperioashy to augment the flow, which came. a5 by magic. until he could lick no more. Frour that mornent he was curs. He seemed to Jove oi hinds— would go irout gue to ihe other nuzeling them as gratefully, one hopes, as he had nuzzled his mother, His first breakfast-egg provided many diversions, A hole was punctured a the top, and for a momem “Stickles'*' newly-acquired manners fled. He literally guazled that egg. As it oozed, his pink tongue lapped the overflow, whipping round the smooth shell like a lively worm. For (he first tew weeks he slept in a small sunt-case beside our beds. His days were spent in basking. “spread-eagled”, and in nosing ant-holes, In lmsking his body lay flat on the ground, legs outstretched, toes upward. soles of the hind feet usnally turned outward and backward, Brought to Blackburn on February 14. the Echidna was given practically the freedom of the house, Ona wide, sunny verandah, wired ou rhe narth and east, lie has his bed (the suit-case, for which he has a ¢reat affection), also a box of sand and 4 bowl of water. He has, too, rhe run of a disused aviary and a Jarge netted-in enclosure, both with earthen floors, where lie can burrow to lis heart's content, For part of each day he is allawed to wander in the garden to indulge his passion for little black ants and sunshine, At these times, remembering his propensity for wandering, he is kept under surveillance. When we are busy. he is put into a mere circumscrihed playground—g latge rectangular tank. This rests on rollers and is thus easily pushed into the sunshine, for ihis sou of Australia is an ardent sunworshipper, The floor of the tank ls covered with a few inches of fine soil, with a top laver of hamus and siwall leaves. Here he spends nrany half-hours, spread-vagled on sunny days. ar nosing inte the humus, May 1934. Coreman, The Eehiditn iuder Domestication, 13 His cet consists of a raw ege daily, with as much fresh nilk as he will take. Grubs, slivs. and slaters are nixed with his food, when available. The dish he loves most is a wood-grub, especially the Jarve of wattle geat-mouths or the great brown heetles that infest the coastal Hanksias (Banksia cmarginata) + but these are not so easily procured. Sheep's brains beaten up with finely shredded beet form an important part of his diet, Bran is added to both egg and milk, Given primarily for roughage, it makes an easy medium for feeding fluids. By pressing little wells in the bran, “Stickles” is able to lap comfortably without blowing hubbles or sneezing, lor same weeks Karna-Vita (desiccated liver) was aude, half a teaspoon to an egg-cup of foad, and for atime he svemed to thrive on ait. Possibly this quantity was too much, for tately he seems to have an aversion for it. At present a small pinch only is added to his food on cold days. Ants, how- ever, are his “long suit”, and he is given every opportunity to indulge this weakness. In drinking from a saucer, the Echidna usually puts a foot (or two!) tite the miik. Whipping hts tongue round the toes seems in some way to facilitate drinkimg. He can. however, drink from a deeper vessel without protruding the tongue; but = when saucer or plate ts used the tongue is always protruded. On hot days he will lie for half an hour drinking milk in this way, tak- ing an occasional mo- mentary rest with tongue ving motin- less full-length over the saucer, Ants are his delight—and many species are apparently enjoved, His faveur- ite is a small black species (/ridoayrites graciits) which, Mr. John Clark tells me, is prose Kain Pale yet abundant throughout “Stickles” turns his back. Australia. The colour The hind legs are not used in burrowing, They Varies fram black to are toilet accessories, or stanchions when the blue and green. anmmal is needing a frm prop. t4 Coreman, The Echidna wuley Domestication. ye ae “Stickles” prefers to nose out the ants for himself. He is quite indifferent if L open up a nest, or lift a board, to offer him swarms of ants and larwe; vet, where 1 see no sign of one, he will commence to bore a hole, to the utter confusion of the little aut-people, which run hither and thither, swarming all over his hody. His nose will remain below the surface for a moment or two with, I assume, his sticky tongue exploring the soil. licking up the ants he disturbs. Sometimes, as the snout ts withdrawn from a hole, the fully-protruced tongue follows, In this way, much sand, adhering to the sticky tongue, will, presumably, be swallowed. (His viscid saliva is very evident when he takes milk from the palm of one’s hand.) Lifting a tin which covered a large colony of his favourite ants 1 was able to see him lick scores from the surface of the tin. In this instance, not more than half an inch of tongue was protruded, as the busy snout dabbed here and there all over the tin, many ants sticking to its tip. With such an opportunity one could not fail to learn inueh concerning the interesting ways of this remarkable Australian animal, companion paradox to the Platypus—an epe-laying mammal. In stibmitting a few notes on such habits as I have observed, [ do not claim that these characters, exhihited under domestication, will coincide with those of normal circumstances. In the first place, by providing food and protection from his enenves, we have removed two of the fundamentals which, in a wild state, would govern an Echidna’s actions. But they are certainly interesting, and have shed some light on matters which had never seemed very clear to me. The Echidna is satd ta be nocturnal or only rarely abroad during the daytime. “Stickles” is always most active in the forenoon, sleeping all through the night. Towards late afternoon (earlier on dell days) he becomes restless, and seeks his bed, remaining there until 8 a.m. on bright days, 9 a.m, or 10 a.m. when tt is cul] or cold. Bushmen tell me they see the Echidna about during the daytime and also in the evening. I have myself seen them abroad at Healesville and on Wilson’s Promontory. Under normal circumstances I think it probable that they feed, or bask, cluring the morning, seeking shelter always from extrenies of heat or cold, It is possible that our Echidna may change its halvits with time, or when less dependent upon us for food. Taken back to Sorrente at Easter time “Stickles” was Ghwiously more at home in the sand than in the soil of Blackburn; Tut he made no change in his habits, as regards sleeping. He walks, with an absurd, rolling gait, due to both feet on etther side of his body moving forward simultaneously—right manus and right pes, left manus and left pes. When walking very slowly this is not so evident, and in climbing not at all, Only the broad fore- feet are used in burrowing. The short toes, united by a thick web, are furnished with strong claws which, in burrowing, curve Photo. by Edith Coleman. In drinking fron: a saucer “Stickles” likes to whip his long tongue around his toes. “NVA@107) ‘NONDINSIMMOC] Aapun DUpIY IT IY J 16 Coreman, The Echidua nader Demestiraty at, xis ie inward, the soil being literally throw outward and backward, These feet are so short that he walks on the claws, the tocs rarely tying flat. Often the forelegs swing off the ground as he bores, with vertical snout, into firm ground, allowing the whole force of his hes te concentrate on the desired spot as he pivots on his tireless snout. “These front feet, his spades, are never used for cleansing or combing: nor are his hind feet, his toilet accessories, used in burrowing. The hind feet are curious, The first and second eliuws are curved, twice the length of the two next, while the fifth (the “thumb”, is scarcely’ developed. “The two long, curved chiws are so close together that they form a two-lothed comb, adnirably adapted to clean the spines. as well as tu reach the skin between them. The long, curved nails, turned backward, lie flat in walking, so that the animal appears to walk on his ankles. These feet are not muscular like the fore-feet. When not in use they are singularly limp. They appear to have but two uses, other than in walking—as toilet accessories, and as firm props when the Echidna pushes any object, or burrows horizontally, is legs are so short that, in grooming his head. “Stickles” must sit back and half-curl, This curling erects the spines and facilitates their cleansing. To groom his tail seems an even more remarkable feat, for his foot twists right round, double-jninted. as it were, and is used either “uneder-arim"” é6r “over-arm”, Tt is fascinating to watch the joint slowly resume its nornuil position. He has wonderful strength in his head, which is largely used in burrowing, both vertically and horizontally. Ele literally hurls it at an ant-hole, in the manner of thrush or blackbird when attacking an underground grub. Bur ‘Stickles’ nose is his masterpiece. The mandibles, elongated into a flattish, evlindrica| snout, are sheathed in seit. black skin. almost to their extremities, silky to teuch, wrinkling as the snout moves. The mouth opens underneath and is surprisingly small. This snout is certainly his most useful possesston—his trusty agent to warn him of danger— to advise him of food. Pointing nearty vertically downward as he ambles along, it gently taps the ground at short intervals, like the stick of a blind man. He stops stiddenly and begins to bore, using his nose as a gimlet, screwing revnd an it when the ground is hard, with forelegs aswing. [lis snout is used as a crowbar in breaking into heavy yvround, levering up great lamps of soil, hfting them, and tossing them aside. And what a sensitive nose it is! Ordinarily. when I place a hand in his bed our Kehidna lifts nose and feet on the palm, If not hungry he will stay thus as Jong as I wish, Otherwise he will climb hand and wrist to be taken out, But at a strange smell, such as lavender or weak formalin, he will curl in alarm, long before my fingers reach him, May 1934. Cores an, The Echidna under Domestication. 7 to reappear at onee when all trace af the foreign scents has been removed, Like other “sroell” noses it is always moist, and caves tiny wei patches where it touches a polished floor. Ome assumes that “Stickles” realizes the importance of keeping the nostrils from drying. As he fies sunbathmg, on hot days, his nose is always buried in the soil or under leaves. If he is on the verandah he tucks it under the matting or, if not very hot. he lays it in any small streak of shadow cast by leg of table or chair, All the while moisture in the nostrils comes and goes, listening Pheta. by Edith Culeman. , , , Nesing in the soi! for Ants. like a silver bead. When mapping out the lie of the land he raises high his snout. nosing the wir inqairingly, then sets off m the desired direction, During his babvhood. “Stickles’ ” bedy little more than cleared the ground as he walked, his queer little blunt tail leaving a narrow furrow as it dragged. We had seen such tracks in the sand which greatly pugaled us: hules where a nose had been busily boring, four strange footprints—the hind ones with backturned toes, and this strange tail-line. These were explained when we saw “Stickles” ambling along in a sandy roadway. In a month the body was carried higher, tail clearing the ground, and “Stickles” no longer left a tail-furrow, Here and there, ever the Sorrento sand-hills, one sees these tracks, quite unlike those of other animals, Viot. Wat. Vel, 1, 18 Corman, The fichidna wnder Domestication, such, for instance, as the Bandicoot, common in these parts. “They are unmistakably Echidna prints. After rain they are not so clear, but the ground is riddled. with small, clean, cylindrical hotes, as if probed with a pencil, Then comes a larger hole where an Echidna head set tu work te reach grub or ants. “Stickles” has no external cars, but as he moves his head the hairs part in certain spineless patches and reveal the large oral openings. His hearing is acute. At first he would bunch (half- curl) at any unusual sounds, and was very sensitive to traffic noises, or even the crow of a rooster. Coming from Sorrento in the first instance his dislike of the motor car was very evident. For several weeks he would curl if the engine were started within his hearing. With damestication much of this fear has been lost, Returning by car at Easter time he lay on my lap, nose im the palm of a hand, as cantented as a pampered puppy. His eyes are usually closed in feeding, always in boring or burrowing. They close bird-like, the lower lid only moving. His sight is poor. Seent and totch, so marvelously developed, appear to serve as eyes. lEverything is submitted to the test uf these two Selises, The spines are yellowish, their sharp points tipped wath black. Normally they slope towards the tatl and towards the centre of the hack where they cross at the points, like a line of cross-stitch. ‘They are erect only when he is alarmed, or is cleansing himself, Then he becomes formidable as a chestnut burr. These spines are wonderfully sensitive to a touch, They are his danger signals, probably taking the place of sensory vibrissae. At an umuistal touch he bunches, or curls, with bird-like swiftness, nose under fore legs, spines instantly erect, “Stickles” has no fighting attitude, The spines are merely defensive. Indeed he has no offensive tactics. His trump-card is curling, when unable to burrow. Tf one scratch ameself on his spines, tt is one’s own doing, not his. At such times he is a veritable ball of spines: vet he can elongate his hody surprisingly as he climbs, or stretches his length to hunt in a bank for ants, or stands on his hind legs ta peer over an obstacle. fn soft soil, the spines aid him in righting himself when he rolls an his back, but on a smooth floor they slip, making it more difficult for him to recover his normal position. He really dislikes to fall on his hack, and will wave his legs and rock wildly to right himself; yet he will gladly lie thus on the palm of my hand while 1 stroke his furry undersurface, He will even go to sleep in this position That to-day all of his spines ure setind is our pride, for they spell contentment. In general, Echidnas do not take kinely to captivity, and their spines are often damaged in trying to escape. Given the run of the house, “Stickles” investigates every object within reach, burrowing into any baskets or boxes he comes upon, THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VOL. L1 May, 1934 Plate 1V Photo, by Mrs. E. Coleman A Study in Feet May 1984. Coreman, The Echidna under Domestication, 19 The waste-paper basket is his delight, and one may sometimes lose him to find him curled up in a basket of apples or potatoes on the pantry floor, How he reveled in his first fire, on one cold day in February. First he nosed the tiled hearth and the fire- irons, then he “spread-eagled” on the hearth-rug, and later sat up luxuriously before the fire to eat his egg. Ome expected him to show some sign of alarm at something so new to him as fire. ut he accepted it as to the manner horn, He clawed a warm enshion Photo. by Edith Coleman, The Echidna at Breakfast Nate the large oral opening shown where the hairs have parted in a spineless patch far back behind the cve. with kitten-like enjoyment. half an inch of pink tongue licking the air, and the mandibles making tiny, champing sounds which are ustally associated with enjoyment, “purring” we call it. Soe far, | have heard him make no other sounds, except when alarmerl a short hiss, something between a low cough and a sneeze. He is very cleanly in lis halits. His bed and box of sand are never soiled. Holes made twice daily are carefully covered in, with the fastidiousness of a cat. These holes are burrowed out with head and forefeet, never seratehed, though they are after- wards covered in with his “spades.” ml] Coreman, The Echidia under Domestication, ~ Fig. 1: Hunting for ants. Note the short, blunt tail, Fig. 2: Performing his toilet. The tail-spines only are erect. Fig. 3: “Stickles” often is a sun-worshipper. Basking, “spread-eagled”. Fig. 4: ‘Stickles’ enjoying his breakfast-egg. Note the turned back claw of the hind foot. Both cyes closed. Fig. 5: “Stickles” enjoying milk from the palm of a hand. Note the long, worm-like tongue. Like humans, “Stickles” appears to dislike extremes of either heat or cold and will seek his bed at these times. Kept indoors on very het days he would always choose the coolest and darkest spot on the south side of a room, on polished floor, rather than carpet, ‘ 1b, . Coresan, The fictive under Damestivation. al One is not Impressed with such signs of intelligence as he shows. Siauding on the skirting-board of Jus sunny verandah he siiiis the out-of-doors with, one assumes, desire. Yet nothing prompts him fo use his powertul claws on wire which would readily yield him his freedom. He escaped, however, an one occasion. when | had wedged his ege-cup with a brick close enovgl io lhe side of his tank: to enable a Surefoot to reath a swall hole near the top. As soon as | captured and returned him. he went straight to the same side of the tank and tried ta climh, though the brick had heet removed, That was weeks ago. He had no opportunity of uvain using a brick until T wished ta photograph hum “in the act”. Three tunes he climbed our in the same way, but a hand was waiting to break the fall—quite unnecessarily, no doubt, for that sensitive nose seems well adapted to wilhstand rough usage. On another occasion when, at ns obvious request, he was set down just outside the tank, he began to clintb again, thinking. no doubt. - that he was stall inside. “Stickles” is rarely still except when basking or feeding, Though slow in his movements he has often alarmed me by ambling out of sight ma few montents. In normal circumstances he noust cover much ground when ou the move. His walking seems pur- paseless and suggests a poor sense of direction; yet his love for his own bed suggests that, in a natural state the Echidna may return to a favourite burrow, His tose, alone, is quite capable of locating it, one fancies. The matter of diet and winter quarters will be our Inggest problems, and these are being considered. Perhaps we have heen cruel in domesticating “Stickles: Indeed. ] think we have. J am apprehensive of a trne when he will Jong to “go bush’, and in anticipation of this T am encouraging him to [orage for hunsell, for, should he show signs of discontent. we shall take bin to the loneliest Itfe-saving track over his beloved sandlulls at Surrenty, where it will not be long. | hope, before he meets one of his kin who will teach hint to forget the indignity of this peniad of his existence as a domesticated Lchidna. We, on our part, will always be grateful to him for the inter- esting sidelights he has shed on the little-known ways of one of the world’s most remarkable creatures, and nal a little sad that, without added cruelty, we could not retan him always.. I am indebted to Rev. L. H. R, Croker, of Blackburn, who Jent mea camera more suitable than my own for photographing an Echidna, and to Mr. J. Clark, of the National Museum, for ident- fying “Stickles'”* favourite ants, rd Bargerr, Stray Notes an Monatyemes. wr we STRAY NOTES QN MONOTREMES By Cyarres Barret The most prinntive of all existing mammals are dealt with jn this isste of the Nivaralist. Mr. Robert Eadie's paper on the Platypus iy an Outalanding contribution to knowledge of thar animal's hebaviour—as a captive truly, but in conditions approach- ing those of a natural haunt, Mrs, Coleinan's account of a young Echidna is notable, too, inaking us better acquainted with the habits of our Spiny Anteater, Both these articles have permanent value and we are fortunate to publish thiein in the Cluly’s journal. Concerning the Platypus, I have no observations of my own to offer, bur stray notes on the Eechidnas perhaps are worth recording. T have kept several Australian Evhidnas ( Pechhyploscms acaleatirs) in seni-capiwity over varying periods; and lave abserved hut- dreds in the wilds. TLagt year three Spinw Anteaters, captured in different suburbs of Melbourne, were brought-to me. Ope had been found crossing a busy street at South Melbourne. Its retreat was uy tockery, Another came Sram owt Preston wav; the third from a seaside locality. They may have wandered eitywards from their usual haunts: have escaped from captivity, or been brought in cars from the country and liberated when curiosity was satis. fied (there are misguided persons who do this sort of thing). Vhe last specimen which came into my hands was young and promised ta bevome a per. Fora few days jt deelined to eat: then, suddenly, it seemed to develop a keen appetite. Warm milk. offered in a saucer. was eagerly drunk. the worm-hke tongue being used as deserthed in Mrs. Coleman's biography of “Stickles”. Several times daily, a milk-wieal was enjoyed. Though often snug antong dry ntoss in Ins sleeping box in the davtime, my young Echidna wandered around the bushhouse ancl the rock-garden at all hours. He was on the prow! often at might, bet was out in the morning also, and favoured an aflernoon stroll. Observations on other captive examples confirm) my belief that the Echidna is only parttally nocturnal in its habits. Que of my temporary pets, after wrecking a bed of Jilies of the valley, burrowed beneath the fence. left a trail of damage in the neighbouring garden, and ambled down a vight-of-way. The journey wis continued jo a baker's yard, where my anteater was Tound asleep in a shed. Returned to me. it soon escaped again, to be recaptured, four days later, on che fontpath of a street nearly a mile away. It was taken to the bush, and liberated on a rocky hillsice, fn Tasmania [ met with Tachyolossus a. aselosus, which is readily distinguishable from its ally of the mainland, The hair, im the ‘Tasmanian sub-specres.is dark brown (lighter on the head) and almost hides the spines, so conspicuotis in the Austratian Echidna, THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Plate V VOL, LI May, 1934 A New Guinea Echidna oa: ] Barrett. Stray Motes on Moofremes, 33 whose coarse fur is black or brown. .\nother difference is found in the claws. [In 7. ecrfeates the third claw is much shorter than the second one; while in the Tasnuimian Echidne tt is only a little shorter, Tt wax near Faglehawk Neck that Po came upon a Spiny -Ant- eater which looked more farry than spiny. [t was rambling among the wild flowers, but began to dig in when approached. The ground, however, was hard and stony, so that the anual was watched for same minutes hefore the brown arely oi its hack alone Phots. by C. Barrett. A New Guinea Echidna (Zogfasens, spd. remained to be seen. The mainland species is perhaps more expe- ditious than sefosus at burrowing out of sight. In (Queensland, I was fortunate to see an example of one of the New Guinea species of Echidna, Zuylossas bragjynit britjan. Vhe captive had roomy and comfortable quarters, and when “given a tun” to enable me tu photograph it, insisted on sun-bathing. Walk it would not, more than a few steps; but persisted in Iving on its back, spread-cagle fashion, in sunshine. “It loves to hask,”’ [ was told, A photograph (plate V2) shows how Zuylossus enjoys a place in the sunt) But. generally speaking, Echicdnas are shade-loving animals, and long exposure to strong sunlight is unendurable— may ¢ven prove fatal to them. Echidnas of the genus Tachyylossis (one species and two sub- species) are provided with five claws: whereas those belonging to the New Guinea genus, Zaglossics, have cither three or five, Ftrr- Vict. Nat, 24 Tancer., Vand and its Concomiants, Vol, LL. ther, the heak in the latter genus is much longer than in: Tuechy- glossws, and curves duwnward. The New Guinea forms, again, are larger than Anotralian ehidnas, Rarely is a baby Eehidna tsamd. Ome, whieh was brought to me, resembled an indiarubber toy animal, OF a dirty elephant- grey colour, its naked skin was wrinkled and rubbery; and the quaint little creature looked as though it would bounce if drapped upon the ground! Jt was discovered in a depression at the hase of a leafy bush, growing in a dry spot; and was lethargic. Evi- dently the mother had but recently deposited it in that cosy nook. But it lacked the protecting covermg of hair which is said to he develuped before the infant [Echidna is thus “boarded ott” to Mother Nature. MANNA AND ITS CONCOMITANTS By A. J. Taner. Towards the end of February, 1934, T revisited Mt. Alexander, at EHar- cuurt. 1 wished to amplify sume field notes taken in May, 1933, that appeared in the /Vieforiaw Naturefist of July last. On my farmer yisit 1 was amazed at the productivity of one splendid Manna Gum {/ucalvptis maminalis), as the white congealed masses lay lke tapioca upon its buds. Tt was evidently the time of year for the mature “crop”, if T may so express it, On my more recent trip the manna was apparently only just forming. Some of what was seen had reached the white stage, but was sparsely sprinkled on the trees. Apparently the season is an extended one. Qn nearly all of the omtinalis trees 1 examined in the hud stage there was manna. None could be seen on the trees that had reached the seeding or (ruiting stage of the flowers. The manna was almust invariably on the thalmus of the buds. There was nene on the bursting buds or those with matured flawers, though it was seen on the adjacent buds. It was seldom seen on the leaves or branches. When in either of these positions it would appear to have dropped frum above before congealing. On some of the leaves it had congealed into a shapeless mass, not inte that like tapioca. On the branches and other leaves it had a smeared appearance. Some was seen in a sticky, dissolved, colourless condition. Entomologists could perhaps say what insects cat manna, and bird lovers what birds take it. No hirds were observed by me on either occasion to be even in the tree near the manna. Three species of ants and a small ladybird-like, red beetle were at it; and, though not exactly scen to toueh it, a fly of extraordinary size, whose wings were kept expanded after the insect alighted, settled near the manna, while a large greenish-brown flat beetle, very like a crusader bug, but broader, was on the leaves. But neither (f these insects interfered with the manna deposits. Position of the trees did not scem to matter, as manna occurred on trees growing on granite slopes. and on and towards the summit, on a wide marshy area, fed by a spring, in varinus aspects, towards the deserted block- house that once stoad in the centre of an extensive clearing, now growing grass. It may be of some interest to state that manna collected on the trip of ten months ago, stil] retains its tapiuca shape and is apparently well preserved, in my airtight container. J.ast simmer we experienced an wusiu- ally wet season, and this doubtless would influence the sap fise and sac- charine flow. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VOL. LI May, 1934 Plate VI Photo. by C. Barrett Australian Echidna— One of several defensive attitudes Photo. by C. Barrett Australian Echidna—‘ Digging-in” nee Incubation oj Mallon Kanil's Eggs 35 Experiment by plaut biologists. may reveal whether incxorable Nature compensates the tree-host fer the diversion and subsequent loss of sap, and the lerps' waste material, Are the carpels expected tn pay spine penalty im yielding vitality in redurte dor Nature's proliAcity or organ af reprodur- tian? The solid mellitose is preserved no douht hy one af its own element: in combination, and the various specimens Tound on the Manna Guins of Mt. Alexaider were thought ta be entemofogically interesting, s& I asked Mr. Chas. French for their determinations The Eucalyptis Seale (Cpivencens corigceur) had its newly-hatcheld scarlet larvae, some of which measured 1 mm, 2 mm. and 3 mm., aid moved very slowly on exainination, but a finy, white, néewly-emerged Jarva was brisker Perforations at the base of lhe buds, in Same instances, were, it 13 thought, caused hy the Inoper cater- ilar seeking food in the immature flowers, A number of galls caused by tymehopteraus insects gave oerdlin of the Jeaves ail stalks a swollen or ady appearance. Baron Von Muellar quotes various authorities on the subject of anata and says that Prof. Thompson considered the nana from ite. wiinales to be a peculiar saccharine substance But it was Prof. Berthelot who first Rave it the uaine ot mellitose, which separated mt 4 fermentable sugar and tucalin, a non-fernicntable substance, svustralian manna, he added, afforded a pleasant picking, but seeined to contain no medicinal value Again, erp imanna, according t» Westgarth, consisted of sumer, «um, starch, Inulil, cellulose and water, Strange What though the Baron nications the binssoms as ufferding « sweet nectar ur mellaye for hees and honey-sucking birds, he does not say whether the manna itself attracts birds and insects or how Jang it will keep in the etumd-hke condition, (INCUBATION OF MALLER FOWIS FROGS, The Vditer, Tie Mietoviah Naturalfzt, Sir—Mr. R.A. Black's letter in the Natyralist rogardiig the incubation of the Mallee Fow!l’s eggs has opened up auuether avenue of speculative thaught. He infers that the vegetahle amatter in the egg-chamber of the mound has oo jufiuerce on the incubation of the epes. Will he kinwly explant why rt is placed there Uy the Ixirds and haw a higher temperature is maintained in the egg-chamber than a the main blk of the superimposed mass of sand with the exception, at times, of the external surface when the sun's rays heat it for part of the day? Also will he explain the cause and usé¢ of the higher temperature and why the Mallee Hen scrapes yeae table matter mt the centre of the mound? Tt would enlighten myself and others to kuow why aiuuther Australian bird makes a mound composed principally of svevetable matter and what specific mAuence dhe heat gencrated hy this vegetable matter as it decomposes has an the megupade’s cntombed eges? Is jt only for jhe purpose o4 altering the chenvical composinon of the egy-shell ? .Wheu we consider thal a very small propartion anly of the T.awan's mound is compased af vegetable material, while that of the Brush Turkey is almost whally composed of sucit material it would seem that it has a very defiite and important influence in the iheubation of the exis. The ¢hante i the texture ot the Mallee Fowl's ege-shell, while turied in the mound, has been known for many years. ‘The metamiarphoests af the piginentation of the ewe -shell has been recorded as duc to the influence of the chemical changes Wrowight in the mound, No acount has previously heen given of the exact chemical change effected, as shown by Mr Black, and far this knowledge we are indebted ta hint, Many ornithologists have been of tle oplyion that all patts ct (he mod. play their due part in the eventual incuhadon of the egps and ihe successful hatching pf the chink. ARTHUR MAYTTINGLEY South Caniherwetl, March, 1924. Au Miller Nigh! wa hh MUELLER NIGHT Mr. Charles Daley, i his address cn the “Mueller Nighi", dealt with Une life, works and ¢Naracter of Australia’s greatest hatshist. Ferdinand vor Tdueller was born in +825 at Rostock, in Mecklenhurg-Schwerm, where his boyhood was spent. He was of 4 stucions nature and studied specially pharmacy aid bata, Tater, at Kiel Uiiversity, he secured the degree of Dectwr of Plilesephy for a thesis iy botany. his favorite subject On account of indifference health Mueller, with (wo sisters, went ta South Ausiraha, where, as a chemist, in his spare time he commenced a digent study of the Australian flora, bolanically exploring the Flyiders Range, Mt. Lolty ange, ihe Murray serubs and the coastal fringe. fn £852, commg to Victoria, Mucller, on Sir Joseph Tiooker’s recomruendation, was appointed Government Botantst, and subsequently also Director of the Botanic Gar- devs, retaining the laiter position amiil 1AZE, the foemer aatit his deal, As Tirector fe coidacted the Gardens on economic and scientific lines, paying greal attention to forestry, the acclimatization of vscful plants, the close study of wative Hora, and screntife classification, He established an ocon- omic iiseum, and founded the National Herbanum anf! Library. As an-explorer in the early fifties, Mueller, nswally unaccompanied, traversed tvery part of Wictaria fram) Wilsaw’s Promontory aid Cape Ouvay io Mt Kosculsko, from the meth of the Darling to the Genoa River; fram ihe ¢nastal eange to the Mallee and the alpine leiehts, increas- ine substantinily the knowlege of the fora, ascending and naming many ouaks. and fiding mew areas suitable for setiement. Ty 1855, as photo- graphic naturalist on Augustus Gregory's expedition ta the Northern Terri. tury, he wondersully extended the Hat of the specles of Australia) plants, Tater, in botanical exploration, he investigated the Stirling Rauge, and the Gascoyne River arca in Western Austvalia and ihe highlands i Tas- Mania, as well as out-of-the-way parts of Victoria, Keenly alive to inland exploration he alded by advice, ofganizatiou, funds and equipment every expedition despatched to the interior, especially the three-fold attempts of Gites, the Burke and Wills expedition, the search for Dr: Leichardt, pte. The second Wider expeditinn was sent our entirely it response to his appeal, Asa keen 2acprapher, ang] Presidewt of the Royal Geographical Society in Victoria, until his death, he aided its objects, chcouraged sad assnicd fis werk in New Guinea, sel in Aniaredic oXploration, fy his botanical research the Baton was a ceasdless worker, publishing many valuable works on Australian flora, Jaying a wonderful foundation for Australian botanists, and establishing o comprehensive collection of its species. Tfis cautributians oo Batsnical subjects t# Many journals are Humberless, while his standaed works are well know? His qwiselfsh collahoration with George Bentham in the production of Hor Anatratrensis in seven volumes (1863-1878) was exceedingly valuable. Ehs attivities were world-wide. and bowoers in appreciation were showered Wow Alt’ Te 1871 the King of Waurtemberg conferred a haronctey, in 1974 he ways knyglited by Queen Victoria; and Ctaly, Spain, Postugal, Austria, France, Denmark, Holland, Sweden, and eigit German kingdoms bestuwed honourt. The Czar of Russia presented him with a inagnificent porcelain yase Cow in the Bendigo Act Gallery) and a dianiond ring, Besides berry a mumber af \he Royal and of the Lintean Society, he had membership of ayer 9 lnindred scientific saciebes, a striking testimany to le entinence and to the estimation in which he was held in the scientific world. Simple in his tastes, industrious in Wis habits, loyal 10 his adupted country. kundly, courteous, Qeiecrous and bhorwurdhle m all bis dealings, for over forty vears with unselfish public spirit gud conspietiows ability, the Barnn performed a work of useful l2bour and national service, which is his episir- wor memorial Hooker called Mueller "Tho Peince of Australian botanists", MA Ensler Cantping Bercursion, Powwelltavm: 7 to whom his esainple was a perpetual inspiration. The late Mr. J. H. Mande placetl hii as « botanist sceond only to Raberr Brawn, agate privreps belanicarint The fine moment to Ferdinand Mueller’s memory in St. Kilda Cemetery was erceled by public subseriplian tron societies and adiajrers. A memorial hy Scientists in connection with the Australian Association for the Advanne: ment of Scienwe, of which he had been a Presifient, took the form ol an ivestinent, the interest of which 19 weed for the Mueller Medal awarded at each inceting of the Association te a scientist nominated lor the oe¢asion at being the most worthy, The late Dr. 4 W, Howitt, explorer, geolacisl, ethnologist, etc., was deservedly its first recipient. After Mr. Daley’s appreciative tribute to the “Old Barém'! Mr, Charles Frencls in kindly reminiscent your, spoke from 13 years’ personal experience of kis excellent qualities of head and heart, his charitable ature, and his escentric Foibles, Mr E. EF, Pescott also spoke iu testimony of the greatness of the Haroa's work, and its valite ta the public. Tine did nor permit of ladtern slides ul certain pants being shown. On exhibition were several characteristic specimens af Jettecs fronr the. Barent, several photorraphs, and a collection of books and pamphlets, written bor the botauiat, Mr, Dalev conveyed a message wishing success To the function trom Mrs H, Sinclair, of Sychwy. a neice of the Baron's; aud alse mtinaced thal . Miss © Harms 2 grand-daughter af the Baron's sister, Clara, who Wad marred Dr. Wehl, of Ms. Gambier, was present in the audience. A grand- aon of Mr. Datlache, the second Stuperintendent of the Gardens, was also hiresent, . Amoug exhibits was au intecesting Jeteer from Sir M. H Beech, Colonial Seergtary, with seal attached, and the siguature of Queen Victoria, officially notifying that the honour of C.M.G, had heen conferred on the great botanist, This letter js in the possession of Miss Harris, ' A srhstantial sui was annoutced as being contribuied for the re-forbish- ment of the monument at Se. Kilda. The suggestion wits made in the address (at Che appeal should ttclude the erection ai a thetal tablet uo the Baron's memory ni the new National [Terbarium, a tribute that the (inh might worthily cake in hand, : —— EASTER CAMPING EXCURSION, POWELLTOWN Fourteen ameinbers and friends took part im this excursion, March 3) to April 2 Three boarded in the town, while eleven camped nearby on the Nayook. Road. A pleasant site had been selected ad the camp partly prepared on Thursday, the mam hody of the party arriving on Friday. After completing cant arrangements short walks were taken to Itkely places fur’ Lyrebirds, We were not disappointed, as wherever we went ii was possible ta hear Menura. : On Saturday the sawinill was visited and the elaborate equipment for Nardiing tanber wWispected, Many labour-saving devices are used ta deal with logs as they enter che yard and through all stapes, There are also seasoning warks, pia ninng and moulding mils, and other adjuncts of the timber imdastre. fe visited the reservoir whith gives the tow) aniple supplics of water. Jp the airernoog. more-gullies were explorer hy means at ald tober tracks, and avant Lyrebirds were heard, West day a langer walk was undertaken, over the mountam known 2s Wie Bertha, aid ow to the head of Bie Pat's Creek. On tle way a mate Lycehird was seen, The fern gullies here are exceptionally fine. Sassafras and mvttle-beeckes are plentifei, and the blackberry is abseut. We were 28 Rasher Contpoiye Tarciesiat. Poraglilosen, VG. Mats indebted to Mr, Oldhaw or the Forestey Departnrent for accompanying us and piving interesting information On Manelay we rose at 5.30 a.m. and carried oad and equipment to a ridge wo the Navouk Road, about 14 tiles Tran camp, where the waters of the Latrobe are accessible. Were we warted for Lyrebirds, and were treated to smimicry aid soy, Both male and female birds were seit. Breakfast was caten co the accompaniment of Tyeebird imusic, Then we went on by ube road tewards Goeadwood through a forest partly mature innler ane partly later growth A feature af rhis loesliny as the abundance of King Feru, one place hemg like a large held. Also, ‘Coral Fern grows prolusely and climbs on the shrubs co a height of 15 ft. to 20 fe After lunching on the Latrobe near Knott's mill, we returned by tne trating whieh crosgee And yecrasses the river, giving splendid views trom many points, The ling passes theawyh a nill called “The Bump" by a tunnel about 300 vards in length, thes over three very high trestle bridges which teat the nerves Of those who elem ty walk over theny sostead of evossing by dhe tracks down the creeks. Phe predominant iterest of this exenrsion was the quest for lyrebirds. ‘They were heard every day at all times, and onee at melt Other lords were also fairly pleitiful. The effects ot forest Ares are stil) apparent, but large arcas are gradually being covered by vigorous arowths of new Purest. We were favoured Wy ideal weather during the whole period of the excur- sam. Although rain was threatening on’ Monday tie qarly decided to remain ustil Tuesday. The rain which fellion that cay did aut ilsmpen ou spirrts, sist was welveomed by the birds which appeared in greater numbers. But camp had to be strugk and packimy done Tor the return ls Molbourne, The only conapliiit heard was that time did not permit rf further twips to the many ather places of interest in the focally aad i was umanimously agreed that its possibilities were bat slightly touched and should be further exylared. WW. PR. MeCons.. To Mfans Place Aoi the chithropous, by William King Gregory, Ph.D, Oxford, The Clarendon Présg, 1934, the Author, at his three Jecturesde- liverest at the Liniversity Coliege, Toondon, draces tha evolwiion of Man fran ihe lower vertebrates, dwelling more particularly on the skill, jaws and tect) Dr, Greeory sees. little reaton lor departing radically from the cone flusiem af pireviaus investigators that Man is the Jast branch of the primates, the first of which was the Lemuroids and Tarsotds, totlowed by the New Warld and the Gld World Monkeys and the Anthropail Apes. He differs fram Professor Waor Jemes, who, in his recent work. Mass Place Araitg the Monimafs, contetids that Man is derived from » division of the higher primates, wlich includes the existing and fossil Tarsaids and their Eourne predecessars, Le, that Man is a mammal of almost imneasureable antiquity, aphinwing, itt dram an garly ape, but from a tar older and long extinct branel of the primates, This conctusion is due te Professor Wood Joes secing greater phylogenetic signifieancen hetitage characters thas iv Lhe many ¢tructural resemblances begat of habitus, The Committce of the Freld Navuralists' Club of Victoria invite members of kinred aucieties, Whe may be visiting Melhourne. wi attesd the Claoh's frectinpy. The Victorian Naturalist “No. 606 Vol, LI.—No. 2 June 6, 1934 PHE FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA. The ordinary meeting of the Club was held at the Royal Saciety'’s Hall on Monday, May 14, 1934, at 2 pm. ‘The Presi- dent. Mr. V, H. Miller, presided over an attendance of about 100 members and triends. BUSINESS FROM MINUTES (a) League of Youth; The President stated that the Com- inittee favoured the League, and suggested that members link up with locat branches. (b) Epidiascope: The President announced that the Cam- niittec contemplated purchasing an epidiascope, and that aiter the lecture, a demonstration, of the instrumént would be given. CORRESPONDENCE (a) From the League of Youth, stating that the motion and recommendation of the Field Naturalists’ Club Committee to members ot the Club was very gratifying. (bj) Forests Commission of Victoria, stating that when funds were available steps wonld be taken to eradicate blackberries from Sherbraoke Forest. {c) Secretary to the Premier, stating that the matter of placing a bronze plage to the memory of the late Baron Von Mueller in the new herbarium would receive consideration: REPORTS OF EXCURSIONS Reports of excursions were given as follow :—Macedon, Mr. E, E, Pescott; Burnley, Mr. Chas. French; Royal Park and Moonee Ponds Cieek, Mr, F. S, Colliver: Heidetherg. Mr. A. 8S. Kenyun, ELECTION OF MEMBERS On a show of hands, Miss M,*Hodgson, 410 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, E.2, and Mr, W. J. Zimmer, Forest Office, Box 79, Mildura, were duly elected as ordinary members of the Club. GENERAL BUSINESS (a) Baron Von Mueller’s Grave Restoration: The President anndunced that the amount in hand was insufficient for this work, and he invited members who had not yet contributed to »do so, ‘ (b) Waid Flower Protection Act; The Secretary announced that the leaflets sent out with the last Naturalist were the giit 29 [ Viet. Wat. . Vol Lt 30 - + Pield Naturalists’ Club Procecdings. at Miss H, Bailey, Members were asked to submit in writing ibeir opinions as to the administration af this Act. (c) Appointment af Auditors: Messrs. A. S. Chalk and A. G, Hooke were re-appointed. NOMINATIONS OF OFFICE-BEARERS _ The following nominations were recéived »— President: Mr. A. S. Kenyon, Mr. G. N, Hryani, Vice-Presidents: Messrs. ). A.- Kershaw, C.M.Z.5.: Geo- Coghill and A, H. Chisholm, C.F.A.O7U, Treasurer: Mr, J. Ingram, Librarian; Dr. C. §, Sutton. Assistant Librarian: Mr. W. FI, Ingram Editor: Mr. Charles Barrett, Secretary: Mr. F, S. RET _ Assistanr Secretary: Mr. L. W- Cooper. Committee: Messrs. C, Diiey. R. BH. Croll, E. BE. Pesoort. S, R, Mitchell, J. W. Andee, Chas. French, J. Hanmett. SUBJECT FOR EVENING A paper, “Gleanings from Early Numbers of- the Freforiag Naturalist,” was read by Mes. Vo VY. Miller. Arc the cemelusion, Miss Weigan and Mrs. Hanks, and Messrs. C, Barrett. EE, If. Pescott, F. Pircher, A, H, Chisholm, A. D. Hardy, and D. Dickison, among others, spoke on the paper. A special yote af thanks to Mrs. Miller, on the motion of Mr, C.- Barrett, seconded by Mr. E. E. Peseott, was carried by acclamation, DEMONSTRATION OF EPIDIASCOPE - The instrument was briefly explained ta members, slides were shawn, and the episcopsc properties demonetrated; such diverse objects as flowers, ~shells, rocks, minerals, fossils. printed mmalter, coloured plates, etc.. being screened, Members present expres ssed themselves as well pleased with fhe demonstration, and the Committee was advised to complete arrangements for the purchase ot the mstrument. EXHIBITS Mrs. Freamne—Specimens of Ewealyplus globulus, Miss Currie (Lardner).—Specjmens of Lapiospormum scopariun and Cossinia spectabilix. Mr. TI. Pitcher—Fruiting stem-like branch and coverimg of Braziliay Coast Palm (Diplothemuen corinne sty ¢), grown at South Yarra, Copies of Victorian Nalxroltst, Val. 1, No. 1; Seventh Annual Report and List of Members (1887) ; Vol. I, No, 1, of Southern Science Record. ae Field Naturalists’ Chid Proceedings. 3t Mr, H, Stewart—Collection of Fungi, comprising Agarics, Polyparoides, Clavatias, ete., and including Pleuratus nvdiformis, Cortinarius ctnngmiomeus, Stereum lobatun, Palystictis versicolor, Fomes sp., Boletus sp, Mr, W, Hanks.~—Metatarsal bone (right) of Praceprofan goliath, trom bone bed at Cohurg: Age, Pleistocene. Mr. C, French—Orchids in flower, Liporis veflexe, from Northern N.S.W.o; Lady's Slipper Orchid (Cypstpedssrir villasvan), from India. Photos af early niembhers of the Club, Mr, G. C. Wade —Australian Beetles, collected mainly in Port- land and Emerald districts, Mr A. S$. Chalk Bones from kitchen midden at Altona, Mr F_S. Colliver—A series of Paintecl Lady Shells (Pliastuy- ella austraflia). from Victorian, South Australian and Tasmanian waters, 10 show colour variation. EXCURSION TO BURNLEY GARDENS Sixty members and friends took part in the excursion to Buruley Gardens. The Economic Entomological collection and the Pubgus collec- tion were examined. Specimens of particular interest were described oy the leader, Fhe seed-testing branch was then visited and the various methods of testing the germination of secds were explained. Tho party was shown the Australian collecion of plants, the orchard, and some very fine trees; and also visited ‘the nursery, the fetnery, and the dalla garden. = C. FRENCH, EXCURSION TO ROYAL PARK CUTTING AND MOONEE PONDS CREEK About fiftecy memhers and friends attended thia excursiot. The cuttilig was first visited, and the leader gave a short account of the geological histary of the area, tracing the development irom the Silurian. to the present time. The weathering of Basalt received som carsideratian, members Aniding it difficule to believe that such a solid rock could he represented by clay, FPassils sere searched for, and although aothing oltstanding was collected, every member obtained specimens of the marine lite of the Tertiary period preserved in the ironstone, The Ormond ar Brunswick Road section was then visited, the leader pointing out the differences from the last section Various dykes of intrusions of igneous rock were inspected, and the alluvjal plains of the Moonee Pottds Creek pointed out A amber of fossils of marine type and of Silurian Age were collected here, F, S&S, COLLIVER. Thirty-five years ago my deceased brother, W. Stickland, found what was, ta him, an unknown rotiier in a rock poo) in the Botanic Gardens, In ecansultation with Mr. J. Shephard, it was decided to record il us iew to scicrice, and it received the name of Melicerta fimbriata, During the long years silice then, I think T ant correct in. saying that no recard exists of its being taken in this state at any rate. Judge of my astonishment then, when, on examining a fragment of Utercutaria Aexicase in a litthe drop af water Jrom Heidelberg, L found quite a number of specimens of this long- lost rotifer, The findmg of the first spictimen was recorded and a figure shawn in the Mictoran Netreotist, Vol. XVI, Na. 3 July, 1899. J. STICKLAND.- 320 “Muuten, Early Years of the “Victorion Naturalist”, ee Bier. EARLY YEARS OF THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST By Brancue E, Mitrer {Read before the Field Naturalists’ Cluh of Victoria, May 14, 1934.) The Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria tad its inception in May, J88G, lut it was not unti} three and a half years later, that the Club issued a publication of its own. Meanwhile, some of the papers read, together with the teports of the monthly meet- ings, appeared, more or less regularly, i the Southern Science Reeard, which published, also, the reports of kindred societies, not only in Vieroria, but in the sister colonies. The publisher of the Southern Scicuce Record, Joseph Wing, was a printer, who, recognising the urgent need for a publication to chronicle the activities of the smaller societies, produced an unpresertious little paper of sixteen pages monthly, the first part appearing in December, 1880. Strangely enough, although Wing was a meinber at the first committee of the Field Naturalists’ Club, a small advertisement on the outside cover of Part T of his journal, signed by D, Best, honorary secretary, states that the Club was “Established May, 1870," How easily is it possible for crrare to creep im. . For various reasons, the arrangement between the Club and the proprictor of the Southern Scieuce Record was not ewlizely satis- factory, It is evident that there were faults on both sides. The Record stares, August, 1881: “We had not received a teport of the usual monthly meeting of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria previous to going ta press,” Obviously. the editor could net publish matter that had not come to hand. Alternatively, an early number of the Mictortan Natwralist informs us that, the Sexthern Science Record being ily six months im arrears, and there being little prospect of the proprietor bringing it up ta date. it was decided. after careful consideration. to issue an idependent publicateon. How fmnsmentous that decision was can best be realised when we Jearn that the Chib’s revenue, at that tine, was entirely derived from the subscriptions of its members: However, the Club would be relieved of the necessity of giving further support to the Southern Setence Record and by sales of the new journal, not anly to members, but te the outside public, hoped ca reimburse itself for the expendi(ure invalved. Certainly, printing charees were not exorbitant, 250 copies of eight piges cosunp £3 a snonth, Publication of the Victorian Naturalist began January, 1884, A modest cight pages was soon found to be qunte inadequate for the amount of material which the Club wished to publish. Even the earlier volumes contain from 150 te 200 pages. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VOL, LI Fune, 19394 Plate VII Photo. by C. Barrett Francis G. A. BARNARD A photograph taken about twenty years ago, on a Club Excursion oar Miuper, Early Vears of the “Victorian Nattralist' 33 With increased expenditure, the Cluh was faced with the necessity of augmenting its resources. The journal was being issued at a loss of “about £1 per month”, and although sales to outsiders were considered satisfactory, not all the members of the Club were subserihers. Also, we learn from the fourth annual report, that several names had been erased from the roll, as some members had failed to respond to repeated applications for thetr overdue subscriptions, a statement that might apply. erally well. tn any sitbsequent annual report, Seemingly, human nature was the same {tity vears ago. as it is to-day! Having assumed the responsibilities of a journal, the Cluly was unwilling, apparently, to forego the honour of issuing its own publication. A change of policy seemed to offer a way out of the financial difficulties, so, in Decentber, 188+. the subscription was raised from 1@/- te 15/- per annum, the journal to be supplied vratis toa Fill members who hitherty had purchased, or negleeted to purchase it at sixpence a copy. Year by year. the little journal continued to appear, not always regularly, as two, and occasionally three. monthly reports are printed in ene part; the pages, and sometimes the volumes, being incorrectly nunthered, \r times, a whole part would be devoted to the report of one of those extended excursions, which were a feature of the Club's activities: but it was not until IS89 that any attempt was made ta give tHustrations, Membership tnereaserl somewhat, the mumber of new menthers heing slightly in excess of resignations. Having sume savings, the Club was, not concerned with further fnsuring its position, Tt was the custom of the times te hank your savings fer a “ramy dav". Unfortunately, the “rai day in very trath arrived, in the early “90's: and then—what ? The Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, in common with thousands of other depositors, was faced with the fact that many af the banks had closed their doors, and had suspended payment indefinitely, ‘Phere were dark days ahead of the Club and its journal, Slowly, but surely, the membership dropped. for were not the members also participators in the finanetal crash, and clubs—even inexpen- sive nature study elubs—hiae to he classed as luxuries. Several years later, with a rel) of only a littl more than 100 members, the Club, in an endeavour to create a credit balance, sold the deposit receipts ata loss of approximately 50 per cent. Tt would be idle to comment on that action without a fitler know- ledge of the facts. Even our surgeons have, at times, to sacrifice a limb, to save a life, Possibly, it was wiser to sell the deposit receipts at their market value, than to retain them and, eventually, Jose the whole amornt, x i igtes - % cuties! Vict. Nat. 34 Miterr, Harly Years of the “Uictorian Naturalist Vol. LI. Later, we learn, the Club decided turther to supplement its income, by charging non-members admittance to tts shows—con- versaziones they called them, in those days—and the truth dawns upon us that, in its earliest years, the Club adopted that benevolent, and idealistic attitude, if quite unsound from an economic point of view, of holding exhibitions that were free, to members and their friends! Hut on Mount Baw Baw, Field Naturalists’ Club Excursion. It was not until its twenty-first vear that the Club adopted the shell badge. The Correa badge, which we know to-day, appeared on the cover of the Vuturatist for the first time in January, 1928. The remark of a lady member at the time of the change is worth recording : “I like the little shell, it is so modest and unassuming!” That. too, seems to deseribe the Club as the original members meant it to be—modest and unassuming. Published in the first volume of the Naturalist, is a paper, read before the Club, commencing: “Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria’, giving one the impres- sion that there were no women members at that period. However, June 1934... Mier, Early Vears of the “Victorian Naturalist". 35 we have ample prool that there were. For some years there was issued a separate folder, containing the annual report and halance sheet, and also the names of the members, showing positively the personnel of the elib—inen who were acknowledged authorities im the scientific world, anc others not so well known: leading business men, and women who moved in the most exclusive social circles, It is not clear whether natural history really became 4 ewlt in the fashionable world, but as early as 1885, three women were nominated ta fill vacancies on the committee, two heing actually elected —Mesdames Dobson and John Sinison, Evidently, the Club had attracted so many influential members that it enjoved the supreme confidence of the authorities, Tm 1886, we find that a letter was received from the Commissioner of Trade and Customs, asking for an expression of opinion, concerning the protection of certain birds. To-day, our petitions are merely “received”. What sort of a reception would the Club get to-day, do vou think, if it petitioned the Chief Secretary's Department regarding the control of shanghais? Yet, in all seriousness, a letter from the Chief Secretary's Departinent was read, at the monthly meeting. January 12. 1885, stating that “special instruetions had been issued to the metropolitan police, to) prevent the use of shanghats in the public parks and gardens of Melbourne and suburbs.” , If we were to consider the whole 50 volumes of the [icforian Naturalist from the point of view of a student of ornithology, they would fall. naturally, into three distinct “eras”. From January, 1884, when publication commenced, to. say, 1900, would mark the age of the collector. Next would come the era of the bird observer, rather than the bird collector, when the camera and field-glasses took the place, largely, of the collect- ing-gun and climbing-irons. The year of the commencement of the Great War, 1914, would be a rather tragic end to a period of activity, both in the field, and in the publication of important literature, that has not since been equalled. The third era, then, would be from 1914 to the end of the fiftieth volume of the Club's journal, ; In making 1900 the end of the first era, I had in mind the formation, about that time, of the Australian Ornithologists’ Union. which to-day we know as the Royal Australasian Orni- tholipgists’ Union. but closer study induced me to mave the cate hack to 1897, for various reasons, One reason was that on August 15, 1896, A. J. Campbell, having collected the eggs of 500 species of purely Australian birds, celebrated the event by giving a dinner to hts zoological and ornithological friends, It was at that function that the idea was first mooted of forming a union of ornithologists, which duly came to pass, So, the real break-away of the bird-men from the ftelcl cluh, had its genesis 36 Mitcer, Early Years of the “Victorian Naturalist” ve Ae at that oologists’ reunion. In referring ta that historical oceasion, The Emu (Vol. 1, p. 1) stated that the only record was an account given by a newspaper, which it reprinted, October, 1901. However, a full account had appeared in the ffefortan Naturalist, in 1896, T. Augustus TFuries-Leith. Another reason for moving the date af the end ef Fra One was that several younger men began to contribute papers to the Club, and it seemed scarcely fair that they should have to compete with the older and more astute bird-men. To give an illustration : There appears in the Natrralist, in the late ‘0"s, a rather well- written narrative of a collecting trip te the Mallee, made by a party of young naturalists, The writer, in the course of his paper, made a particularly fine plea for the protection and preservation of that unique bird, the Mallee Fowl. Particularly fine, but—that young man overlooked the fact that a few paragraphs earlier he THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST June, 1934 Plate VIII Po 4 bas, | Photo. by €. Barrett Hypholoma fasciculare—Growing on the Bole of a Eucalypt Jape Mirzer, Early Years of the “Victorian Natyralist". ay had recorded that, after many days of journeying, and camping, and collecting, his party had eventually arrived at the Pine Plains homestead—and been regaled with a repast that included the eggs of the Mallee Fowl, scramMled! Olbvivsusly, it ts not possible to eat your epy, and have your fowl, alsa. Yet, posterity owes a debt of gratitude to the editor for having the wit not to remedy that little ship, or to delete it altogether, We gain more encouragement to persevere, from a knowledge of the early mistakes of our eminent men, than we do from the mete contemplation of their most brillant efforts. The use of birds’ eggs for domestic purposes is mentioned in several papers, by different authors. The late Charles Trench, "father" of our Club, records that, in the Wimmera, in the layiag season, the eges of the Black Swan were collected in cart-loads, and sald in the neighbouring tawns. He adds, somewhat drily: "T saw very few of these fine birds.” Tw the carly ‘80's, we read that “the Club decided to prepare. and to publish . . , scientific lists of the Victorian species of animals, and plants.” A list of Victorian birds, comprising seme 390 species, was compiled by Messrs. A, J. Campbell and T. A. Forbes-Leith, and published in twa parts. It is significant of the paucity of literature on Victorian birds available, in such con- venient form, not-only at that time, but for many years aflerwards, that the list was revised and brought wp to date in June, 18%, and published by the Geelong Naturalist, copies heing for sale at one shilling each. With its usual thoroughness, our own journal published a list of the birds deleted from, and added to, the original list. Even the must casual reader, idly turning the pages of Ue earlier volumes of the Micterarn Naturalist. cannot fail te notice the inumerable papers by authors whose names ure indelibly linked with early ornithology in Victoria. There ave. also, matiy of the original descriptions of nests and eggs. which appeared, later, in that monumental work by A. J. Campbell, which to-day sells at Several times the price at which it was published. Prom the first thirteen volumes: 1884-1897—I have catalogued same hundreds of references, cach of interest to the student of hirds. In the most unexpected plices, in papers of botanical interest, maybe, or from the exhibils al the tmonthly ineetings, there was gleaned a rich harvest. In compiling us index. J found that the initials of bird-uen were so similar that comfesion was caused. J.G, might stand for John Gould, or Joti Gilbert, or our own clibinan, Fosepl: Gabriel, J’s, A’s, and G's predom- mated. There were G. A. Keartland ard A, G. Campbell, A. J. Campbell and A. J. North, Others who came later were J. A. Kershaw, J. A. Ross, and J. A. Leach. In February, 1933, 0 visitor to the Club mentioned that he he Nat. Val. Li. 48 Mrunes, Barly Yewrs of the “Victorian Naturalist’, had seen an albino Lyre-bird in the Baw Baw Ranges. Strangely érdligh, nearly 50 years earlier, September, 1884, A. J, Campbell rade referenee to other so-called “albino” Lyre-birds, au a paper Whrich he tead before the Club, Apparently, mere sight records were not even countenanced by the carly armithologists. We find G. A. Keartland exhiliting skins of the Sanguineous Honcyeater, and commenting that he was pleased to be able to do so, so much doubt bad been cast on his previous report that he had observed these hires at Bayswater. There is the record of « young member of the Club having seen » Bee-eater in the suburbs) a bird common enough in the north, but so rare in the south, even as a casual visitor, that he hesitated t place it on his list. On one of his many excursions to the Melton distriel, G. A, Keariland saw a pair of these conspicu- ously-coloured birds on a dead iree, Again, in the veport of a botanical excursioi to the Lerderberg Gorge, we read that Mr. P. R. WY. St, John, on a previous visit, the dare of which is not given, Lad seen nearly 100 Bee-eaters, or Rainbow Birds. Yet, it ison jnst such casnal records, trivial though they nay seem (o be, and Indden away as they ondoubledly are, that we may attempt to build up some reasonable theory to explain why, for several vonsevutive years, these birds have vut only visired the Melton district in the summer months, but have gone at least 40 mules Tarryer south, ta the You Yangs. There, in the banies of the water-cotirses, they drilled out nesting-holes, and reared broods. It is @ Unique fact that, although the Victorian Natwratist has completed its fiftieth volume, it has had but three editors. The first, Mr, (now Professor) A. “H. S, Lucas had but newly arrived from England wheo the decision was made to publish a journal. He continued in office for nearly nine years, until his departure for Sydney, and was made a life member of the Club, in appre- ciation of his services. ‘The second editor was that grand old clibman, FG. A. Barnard, An original member of the club, he had already served first on the committee, then as honorary secretary for six years, und a& librarian for three years, when, the editorship becoming vacant, he was persuaded to fill that office, which he did for more than 32 years. The third editor is well known ta you all. T cantend thar we live too close to our own times to get a proper perspective, How- ever divergent may be the views of members, it cannot be denied ihat, from the simple little magazine of fiity years ago, to the beautifully-produced publication, with numerous illustrations, including latterly, colouyed plates, which we know to-day, is 4 progressive step. In years to come, much of the success of the journal, as we know it, will be attributed to the fact that the third editor is not only a professional journalist. but also an ardent naturaltst. chry Crisnona, Cwrekoo Facts and Faneies, RS] CUCKOO FACTS AND FANCIES Br Avec BH, CussHotm, C,F.A.0.U. li there is one problem of bird behaviour thal presents more strange features than any other, that problem is nest-parasitism— the habit which certain birds possess of depositing their eggs in other birds’ homes, and thus “boarding-out” their offspnng. It is a habit practised by various birds, but chiefly Cuckoos, in each of the six continents, and it is one that presents many astanishing aspects. , How did parasitism originate? Did it arise om the sante basis among unrelated birds? Why do fosterers attack a Cuckoo and yet, in most cases, accept the intruding eggs? Does a Cuckoo sit upon the nest to lay or docs she deposit the egg with heak or foot ; or, a8 seems more probable, docs the method vary according to the species of Cuckoo and the special circumstances? Why is it that the Cuckoo's egg in some cases resembles that of the fosterer and jn othe cases creates a striking contrast? Why is ir that our two commonest kinds of little Bronze Cuckoos, which s0 Closely resemble each olher in plumage that, they cannot be separated hy an untrained eye, produce eggs of widely differing colours, the one pink and the other bronze-green? How did the Cuckoos, which nearly always remove one of the fosterer's eggs when depositing one of their own, learn to “count”, or. more puzzling still, to appreciate the fact that the fosterer might be able to “count”? What factor causes the epp of tach species of Cuckoo to be remarkably small for the size of the Iurd, so that m most cases it 1s very little larger than the eggs of the much smaller fosterer? How did Cuckoos learn the necessity of spying upon nest-bujlding, and depositing the egg just as the fosterer was beginning to brood, sn that the young Cuckoo would be horn at the same fime ag the other young ones? [I pause here to sa¥ that even Cuckoos sometimes make mistakes, as when, perhaps through stress of circumstances, they deposit eggs im deserted nests or in the nests of seed-eating birds. the food of which does not suit Cuckoos Moreover, it is related in an English journal that a young Cuckoo was found ina Wag- tails’ nest in a hole ina wall, from which it conld not emerge. As I lopked at the youngster (says the writer of the story), I thought of the strange mixture of mtelligence and foolishness which binds display The mother Cuckoo had waited for the right moment to place her eee in the nest, To bave dropped it in when the Wagtail had been sitting a few days would have been fatal, She had also had enough strategic instinct and sense fo carey away one of the Wagtail’s eggs when she had popped her own inside. Judging the Cuckoo by this, one would think (hat she was a very wisé bird, yet she had placed her ege in a nest which had only an inch and a half exit. She had doomed the youngster Which-was-to-be to a miserable death. Jt was just good luck which had brought us both on 40 Carswoim, Cuckoo Facts oud Fartetes, a i. ie scene, ahd 30 sive the young bird a freedom jt would Hever Baye nown, “How do you think the Cuckoo put her egg in that hole?” I asked, for T know thal there is a difference of opinion on this question, _ “She must ‘ave put if in wi’ 'er beak,” said John promptly, “There's na other way, Mind ye, T'm hot savin’ that when she finds a nes on ground she doesn't sit on "ft in t” proper way. But she couldn't ‘ave dane it that way in yon hole,” “T think your explanation must be right," said I, Now, all the questions T have set down in the feregoing para- graphs, and the summarised answers to some of them given in the above quotation, are well enough in there way. But the whole of them, it appears, have been based on false premises, Indeed, the approach to the Cuckoo problem during many years has been unsound, We ave assured on this point hy one Bernard Acworth- who, writing in the English Saturday Rewew, and mare recently in The Spectator, has pointed out that the basic mistake is to imagine that Cuckoos lay eggs at all! Confessing that he is no observer liimselfl, Mr, Acworth says that he has reached his conclusion hy “a long study of the Cuckoo's life story, as related by the greatest ornitholngisis in the world”, This study, it trans- pires, has convinoerl him that “the Cuckoo is in reality a Aying ‘mule'—a Nybrid.” "The alleged foster-mother,” he adds, “ts the veal mother of the young Iird, and the diligent and enthusiastic ‘toster-father'; poor deluded little wretch, is in very truth a miserable cuckold”. The female Cuckoo, we are further told, is sterile, and the explanation of birds chasing Cuckoos is that they are not aggressive, nor yet platonic, but merely amatoyy, There are twn curious feattires ussuciated with Mr. Acwarth’s adventure imo the lore of parasitism. One is the fantastic nature of his imaginings, and the other is the fact that he persuaded the editors of repulable journals to publish them. The Solarday Review article, which appeared mn 1931, seems to have passed unnoticed; therefore Mr. Acworth has returned Lo the charge in the correspondence columns of The Spectator mm February and March of 1934 On this Jater occasion several sharp vejoinders have Leen made, notahly one by Mr. Idgar Chance, author of The Cuckoo's Secret. and Mr, Oliver Pike, 2 well4cnown British ornithologist. Mr. Pike, as may he expected, ridicules the absurd statement that male Cuckoos mate with female birds of other species, but he errs in stating thal no Cuckag ever deposits an egé in a nest with her beak. This is an example of the kind of mistake made with some frequency by British ornizhologists— they allow the insularity of their environment to sway then and imagme that what applies to their birds necessarily applies to kindred birds in other countries, ‘The fact is, af course, that casés are on record in which certam Australian Cuckoos have been séen te deposit eggs in nests with their beaks. Photo. by A. H. Chisholm Tasmanian “ Browntail” (Thornbill) and Young Bronze Cuckoo eld XI LSTIVYALVN NVIYOLOIA FHL “1OA .: CELE J Ptor ee CursHoim, Cuckoo Facts aud Fancies. 4i Mr, Chance is even more definite than Mr. Pike. He deseribes some of Mr. Acworth’s statements as “impudent”, and says he is willing to wager £100 to £50 that he can produce, before the end of July, 1934, a newly killed female Cuckoo containing an egg Photo, by A. H. Chisholm. Is it a Worm? Young Bronze Cuckoo. about to be laid. To this Mr. Acworth replied that he will accept the wager provided that Mr. Chance agrees to kill a Cuekou and Meadow-Prpit at the ene time, and allow him (Mr. Acworth) to be present in the hiding tent. At this stage {March 30) the editor of The Spectator has entered the lists with a pratest that the Cuckoo has become “too much like a wandering voice”, and he has declined to act as stake-holder. There the matter rests. ‘ malas Viet. Nat. 42 CuisHotm, Cuckoo Facts and Fancies, Vol. LL It is scarcely necessary, at this distance, to discuss the Aeworthian theory, other than to point out that, whether or not its author knows anything about the Briticn Cuckoo, he obviously knows nothing of the habits of the Australian species, nor of what has been written concerning them. Ilis postulation, however, appears to have a certain value—it offers # dire warning as to what may result from theorising without knowledge, and it intdi- cates to Australians the necessity for close study of Cuckoos in order that a large body of sound evidence may be built up on the basis of isolated notes. One nist be either very fortunate or very vigilant to witness some of the most moving episodes in the Drama of the Cuckoo. Relatively few people have seen an Australian Cuckoo sit upon : nest to lay. and few have seen a Cuckoo take an egg to a nest in her beak. Moreover, not many have been lucky enough to see the ejection of eggs or other nestlings hy the voung Cuckoo, You have to be on hand at the right moment in any such cases. | remember being very disappointed, a few vears ago, at being checked when observing a series of curious episodes among young Cuckoos in an area about twenty miles west of Sydney. It was getting towards dusk on a December day when a medical friend and J, wandering about that quiet spot, came upon a young Pallid Cuckoo, well fledyed and able to fly, being fed by a pair of White-browed Wood-Swatlows. Presently we saw a Fuscous Honeveater flit up and feed the same wailing baby. few moments later, to our astonishment, the Toneveater flew some thirty vards away and fed a second young Cuckoo, which in turn was fed by a Yellow Robin, Matters became distinctly compli- cated when one of the Honeyeaters discovered and fed a third well-grown young Cuckoo. Now, which was which of those voung birds--which belonged to the Honeveaters, which to the Wood-Swallows, and which, if any, to the Robins? I wanted very much te play the part of Solomon in this case of mixed parentage: Int I could not do so in the time available, for (such are the woes of birdinen!) we had to hasten hack to Sydnev in order that the doctor might assist at a human birth. If justice be done. the child born on that December day will hecome a student of Cuckoos, and thus it} some measure atone for the disappointment catsed hy his, or her, coming into this curious world! The scene changes now to a picturesque forest on the slopes of Mount Wellington, Tasmania, A small party of holiday-makers, which included the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Philip Game, were strolling along a path through the forest when I came tipon the nest of a Tit—Tasmania's little “Brown-tail", One a8. Cursxotm, Cuckoo Facts and Fancies- 43 finger thrust in the smal] side-entrance discovered three eggs, and these were pressed ome by one against the side of the nest and rolled down a finger into the palm. The first two were the tstal tiny, pink, brown-spotted eggs of the Brown-Tit. The third eeg was quite different Jt was larger and was coloured gicen. We recognized it at once as the intruding egg of the beautiful Broad- billed Bronze Cuckco. “T take it.” said the Governor, “that when this green egg is hatched the young Cuckoo will throw out the young Tits?” "Te certainly will,” I said. “Well,” he suggested. ‘would it not be as well to take that Cuckoo’s egg away?" Here was a nice problem. It as one that has troubled observers over many years. Should the egg of a Cuckoo (any parasitic Cuckoo) be removed from a nest in order to save the lives of the legitiniate babes ? The matter was left for His lExcellency ta decide. It became. so to say, a question of the Royal Decree. Ask yourself what vou would do in similar circumstances, remembering that both Cuckons and Tits are strongly insectivorous birds. At any rate, the Governor faced the problem on a conunon- sense basis. “Perhaps it will be as well," he decided. “to let Nature take its course,’ The die was cast. An unborn Cuckoo was spared and two unborn Tits were condemned to death, Nevertheless. who shall say that we did not follow the wiser course in replacing those three eggs in the nest and allowing the Nature drama to proceed? All three eggs being heayily incubated at the time, it was obvious that events would: be oceurring in tat nest soon aflet- wards. Accordinely, Mr. Arthur Butler (a Tasmanian birdman} and I went to the spot again two days later. The eggs of the Tit were still unhatched. but in place of the Cuckoo's eg there was a quivering scrap of a bird. Apricot in caionr, naked and sightless, this atom jooked as unlike the pretty adult Bronze Cuckoo as could well be imagined, Tt was not possible for me to re-visit the spot within the next two days, but Mr. Butler agreed to watch developments. When he returned to the nest again that evening, the situation had not changed But when he went there about 10 o'clock next morning, he was tao late—two tiny baby birds lay dead on the ground beneath the nest! Ohviously, the young Tits had been hatched during the night or early in the morning. and almost immediately the young Cuckoo had thrown them out of the nest, He had killed his foster- brethren when he was nat more than 24 hours old. He had done this while slill naked and sightless, discovering the entrance to aa Addttrois and ANerations te Mirloriaw Consins. RS ae the nest through—well, throngh some wneanny power latent within him, And we, on ouv part, had been given another Ulustration of how easy it Js, an spite of watchfulness, Jo miss yjtal happenings In the career of a Cuckoo, ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO 4 CENSUS OF THE PLANTS OF VICTORIA. Tn Transactions and Proccadings of the Royal Society of South Arsteatia, Vol. LVIT, Mr. A R. Cashmore, of the Waite Ayricultural Research Institute, describes two new Danthomas which appear to differ fram DB, sennamularis (Lab), R.Br, QQ. Duttomasa, Cash. has a “larger and Jooser panicle. with numerous spikelets and the Jower panicle-branches much larger and naked towards the base for about half their length,’ PD, Richavdsonii, Cash, bas a “hroador, denser paricle, the inach shorter, pale-coloured and onby once-twisted awn, the shorter lateral lobes, and the scattered hairs of the flowering glume.” Both species uré Victorian, the second mentioned as only from Werribes, In the same volume Mr. J. M. Black, recording “Additions te ihe Fiorva of South Australia," states thet Sprdfex Atranfus, Lab, (1806) must he changed ta 5, tyerurfy, Banks ef Sol. (Hook, 1 Fl, Now-Zel 1, 292, 1833) hecause the grass was first nemed Jali tigre by G. Forster in his Pro- dranus, published in 1786, Following are further notes fram Mr, Black's paper, Eragrashs clongate (Willd) Jacq. Eclay. Grams, 3, t. J (3813), contidered hw Donan to have been included in A. Browiti, as desorbed by Benthan, % heft described; its ranue extending thravgh Vietoria to northern Aus- tralia. Dertylortentwn vadulans (R.Br Bea. Aprost. 72 (1812), appearing to be specificatly distinct from it, takes the place of D. mgyptthir O..) Richt. an Asiatic and Afncan plant, Irhitmus barbatus CL.) Fuel, a sinall, Meehterraneat) and South Africau grass, first collected alang the Broken Hill railway, has oxtendad inka Vie- toria and New South Wales. It is said to he good fodder, Elvrofhoras speatns (Willd) 4. Cons in Lecorate, Pl. gen, IndaeChine 7: 547 (1923) has to take the place af &. articulatns, Boauv., under the law of priority, Thie smal) grasa, logkie more like a Jrerews, is deserilbed as having been recently found in the Wimmera, 'n describing Cyperus synarrosus Linnaets is said to have included two species, C, aristatus, Rotth. (Descr, et icon, 23, t. 6, fig. 1 (1773), which occurs ii Australia, India, tropical Alrica and America, and C_ sqrarrosts, a native of Thidia, Cochin-China and Africa, Gladiolus cuspidatus, Jack, an alien fram South Africa, is mentioned as common in parts of Victoria. Mr. N, E. Brawn, in Jou, Bot. G6: 324 (1928) states that “none of rhe inaterial—Carprobrotus { Mesembryonthemnniz}—he has seen helongs ta the tre Cy deqidlareus, which has slonder stems and the sitvatlést leaves of all known species," and that it is unknown in what part-or Australia it grows. In recoguising the specine rank of Acacia imollissima, Willd, whith #s, plaiurally, confined to New South Wales, poduts out that it differs from the typical 4. deeurrciy. in shnrier pubescent leaflets, larger Aowerheads and a narrower padi, as well as in the tine af flowering (Novemnber—Decontber), the type flowering ardinarily from July to December. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VoL. LI Fine, 1934 Plate X Photo, by C. Barrett Mycena filopes—Growing on a Mossy Log ae Barrett, 4 Fungus Foray. 45 A FUNGUS FORAY By Crtarces BARRETT So rich in Fungi are gullies of the Dandenong Ranges, during an afternoon's ramble, on May 30, we noted more than forty species, some being very abundant. This foray by a stall party of Club inembers was organized by Mr. J. H. Willis, Forestry Officer, whose fine paper in the April Natiralist alteady has turned the thoughts of many besides myself to Fungi, and lured ws to trails Photy, by C. Barrett. Moycena yatericulata in hollow of fog. through a Fairyland, not of wild flowers, bat of flowerless plants. Mr, Wallis was our leader, and as we strolled along the track, with Cockatoo Creek rippling to the ferns and its trees, discoveries rewarded even untrained eves. We found Toadstools and other Fungi in such variety, their names soon became a jumble of words in the memory. Mr. Willis displayed an intimate acquaintance with beth genera and species; he named, at a glanee, nearly every specimen collected. but one at least was new to him, and possibly is an undeseribed furm. Amid the leaf mould on old, decaying logs, at the base of tall Eucalypts and on their holes. Fungi grew, m= clusters, large colonies, or solitary state. There were Cortinars and -\Amanitas, dainty little plants of the genus Wycena, Bracket-fungi, Clavarias, 46 Barrett, A Fungus Foray, bry ma and a perfect specimen of Cordyceps gunii, with a stem nearly 18 inches in length. We might easily have collected thousands, but were content with a modest gleaning. One hesitated often to take even one plant from a group, lest a wild Nature picture be marred. No effective method of preserving fungi, so that their colours are retained, has yet been devised; while even the most carefully treated specimens lose some grace of form. The camera is useful here—photographs “preserve” the shape of the plant, and beautiful sttcdies of Fungi can be made even by an amateut. My own efforts are passable, and show what could be done by a photographer with more patience and skill at camera craft than ] possess, On my bush rambles, the camera is a useful nuisance —I would rather devote time to admiring the beauties of Nature than photographing them. And vet—one good negative 1s reward for a deal of trouble, May some of our younger members go afield this winter, photographing Fungi. The Fungus foray has long been popular m England—is included in Field Club excursion lists every year; while Botanical societies hold several forays each season. We have made a start now in Victoria; and the Fungus foray promises to become one of our Club's activities. It is proposed to publish tn the Naturaftst further articles on Fungi. Mr. Willis has promised to contribute one dealing with the Puffballs and Tcarth-stars. SPECIES GATHERED DURING THE FORAY, 1. Cordyceps guanii, the common “Vegetable Caterpillar"— specimen 18 inches long, very fragile, unearthed from a smooth, vertical burrow. occupied by the ill-fated caterpillar. 2. Coral Fungi. a. Claevaria cristata—resembling a white. miniature “Prince of Wales Feather”; among fallen leaves— beautifully crisped and frosted. b. Clavaria pysxidata—dull cin- namon or grevish—very hot and peppery to taste~-the only Coral Fungus found commonly on rotten wood. 3. Stercia fobatian, a very common “gully fungus” on logs and fallen branches, forming large, thin, leathery "fans" up to 6 inches broad—golden yellow beneath where it is quite smooth or slightly wrinkled, and beautifully zoned with velvety bands of brown, grey, and yellow above. +. Polvstictus cerdino-gifeus, another fungus of logs in gullies —forms thin narrow brackets which are drab brown above, but covered with jagged canary yellow pores beneath. 5. Polyporus rudis, the stalked pore fungus, whieh grows at the hase of diseased Silver Wattle trees—cap dark and zoned hae |- Barkert, «] Pungns Foray. 47 Sle coffee brown. velvety’ and twisted—-pores miltk-white, (urniig blood vod then black when-hruised. ; : 6. Ganoderma applanata—the very large flat bvacket ftngits (often over a foot wide} forming pale brown woody shelves, principally on oid Blackwood trees. Pores white turning dark brown as soon as touched, 7. Tremella fuetformis—the common white “Telly Fungus” of mountain gullies—oiten forms beautiful fans of transparent, glistening whiteness on damp fogs. Reputed to he a cure for chilblains if bend on the affected finger or toe. & Pufthalls. a Lycoperdon pyriforme—i curious pear shiped Abecles- Nereis m dense clusters on or about deeaving Iree stumps—covered with sharp dark spines when fresh. hb. Genster iviplex, The coninion “oar th-star”, preferring: the leat-mouldl of gullies, where the quaint creamy “stars” exparid, often lop-sided, Gilled-tungi or true “toadstools”. P 9, Cortinwivs—genns of nietallic-coloured fungi with silky curtains stretched over the pills. a. €, cinaurinomens—heanriful dlive-green species with golden stem and gills, forming very Jarge colomes under trees. (Green is a rare colour in fungi.) b; C. criguinens—a blood-red species, filled with red juice, and growing on mossy logs. 10. Collybia radicata—the ‘ ‘rooting shank fungus’ ~-tall white stems, bearing dark hrown, flattened, very glutindus caps. Insipidl, but reputed edible, Ll. Morasmins erythropus. Very common iw dells and gullies during winter, the clustered velvety caps of bright brick-red making a beautiful sight among fallen leaves and sticks—stems are very tough and horny and the Cungus will revive if thoistened. 12. Schizoph yilunt comanttie—another fungus which revives when moistened—caps very tough and leathery, kidney shaped . and lobed like a fan—grey or whire aind densely hairy, with ‘split gills—foumd on dead woad oc timber ‘all over. the world, -13. Crepidatus mollis—a fabby,- watery. eartike fungus common on fallen sticks and-logs—dirty white or yellowish im colour. : 14. Flammula sapinea—very common goiden brown gill- Fungus on logs—taste hitter, - 15. Hypholoma fasciculare-—oecursing widely on atunps, trunks and fallen wood as clusteys of yellowish, smooth dises with swlphwr-green gills and a bitter faste, AG, Lactarius. sub-dilcis—brittle reddish-brown fungus which exudes “milk” like a Spurge if bruised, 17, , Amanila spissa.and A, aspevo—two tepresentatives of the highly poisonous genus, characterized by-white gills. warty gap, a a8 Barrery, 4 Fungus Foray, Lacy ste sing and basal cap. 4- spissa 18 grey and said to be edible. A. aspera 15 tinted all over with saffron yellow and is definitely poisonous, with a sweetish taste which soon turns strongly astringent in the mouth. 18. The genus Mycena—small, pellucid, species with painted caps—over a doses found along Cockatoo Creck, a. Mycena capillaris, minute white caps on thread-like stems, forming dense colonies on old wood. b. M. galericulata, very common, sooty or grey species, up to one inch broad, also growing in dense clusters on wood, c. M. pura, tather large, rosy-hlac species with a strong smell of raclish. d. M. eoccined, Slender species resplendent in bright scarlet. e. M, epiptervgia, growing amongst leaves and twigs. with long canary yellow, wery glutinens stems and greyish caps ‘smelling of cucimber, f. Mf. filopes, jorming very extensive colonics over dead leaves —stems unusually long and slender with white, hairy hases. Caps reddish-egrey or brawn and bell-like. &, M. rubro-marginata. common on logs and distinguished by its acutely conical caps (like “dunce’s caps’) and white gills delicately edged with dark veddish-hrown. J. H. WILLIS. TNCURATION OF MALLEE POWL'S EGGS we Editar, Victorian Naturalist. Sir—With reference to Mr. Mattinglcy's letter appearing in the May issue of your journal, heat, per ge, will not hatch out a chick: the view held by many ornithologists. Decaying vegetable matter will certainly provide heat, but carbon diéxide and moisture as well, Solar heat and capillary soil mixture, together with cloud and atmosphere moisture, will supplement and play theiv part as well, These factors, in happy consbing- tion, plus oxyget! for respiration, are a sic gid stow for the successful incubation of the young chick. The surrounding, partly insulating, protec- tive covering of sand safeguards the vegetable matter from drying out, as well as prevents the heat from falling below the optimum teniperature, In the case of the mound of the Brash Turkey, the environment is dis- similar, tn that it inhabits the brushes and big serubs where the dessicating infuences are not, in any way, sa severe. Although two different types , af mounds are made they each Junction in @ like manner, but constructed to withstand unlike climatic conditions, i is quite correct to say that afl parts of the mound play their due part tn the eventual inctibation of the eggs and further, the withholding of any ene of them will prevent the woriial hatching out af the young birds.— Yours, etc,, RALEIGH A, BLACK. Korumburra, May 28, 1034, Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria OFFICE-BEARERS, 1933-34 President: Mr. V. H. MILLER, 10 Lambeth Place, St. Kilda, §,2. (Tel, Windsor 7730.) Vice-Presidents: Mr, G. N. HYAM Mr, 4, 8S, KENYON, M.LE., Aust. Hon, Treasurer: Mr. J. INGRAM, 80 Clowes St,, South Yarra, §.E.1, Hon. Librarian: Dr. C. §. SUTTON, 63 Toorak Rd., South Camberwell, E.6. (Tel, W 3857.) Hon. Assistant Librarian: Mr, W. WH, INGRAM, 80 Clowes Street, South Yarra, $.£.1. (Tel, Windsor 2189.} Hon. Editor, ‘The Victorian Naturalist”: Mr. C. BARRETT, C.M.2,S., “Maralena,” Maysbury Avenue. Elsternwick, S.4. (Tel, L 2426.) Hon. Secretary: Mr. F. 8. COLLIVER, 14 McCarron Parade, Essendon, W. 5. Hon, Assistant Secretary: Mr. L. W. Cae ey af Shakespeare Grove, Hawthorn; E.2, . Hawthorn 2147.) Committee: Messrs. J. A. KERSHAW, G.M.Z,5,; C, DALEY, B.A., F.LS8.; G. COGHILL; R. H. CROLL; E. E. PESCOTT, F.L.S.: &. R. MITCHELL, EXCURSIONS. SATURDAY, JUNE 14, —National Museum. Object: Palaeontology. Meet at Museum at eared 3 peter entrance, at 2.30 p.m. Leader; Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.5., SATURDAY, JUNE 80,—Botany School, University, 4 Objects Botany. Meet at Botany School at 2.30 pm. Leader; McLennan. {Note: It is possible that this Excursion will w limited to about 25 tu 80; particulars at meeting.) SATURDAY, JULY 14—Geolo ogy, School, University, Object: Geology. Meet at. Geology School at 2.30 pao. Leader: Mr. F. A. Singleton, M.Se. . A Census of the Plants of Victoria with yernacular names and regional distribution SECOND EDITION, 1928 ; “Published by THE FIELD sh wit Bad OF VICTORIA Including a Copy of Supplement No. 1, 1929, Containing Alterations and Additions up-to-date. Order from the Hon. Librarian, Rayal Society's Hall, Victoria Street. BOOKSELLERS SUPPLIED. ENTOMOLOGICAL APPARATUS CHERRY & SONS PTY. LTD. GISBORNE (Vic.}, and 231 SUSSEX STREET, SYDNEY. Store Boxes—Setting Boards—Entomological Pins—Butterfly Nets— Killing Bottles—Cork Lining—Zine Relaxing Boxes—Pocket Boxes— Cahinets—Curyed Forceps—Insect Cement. &¢., &e,, ke. Write for our Price List and Sample Sheet of Pins. MICROSCOPES “Earth Minroscope, alneet similar to illustration, with cuse and three slides, 12/ff (postage 1/6), Aw ideal Gott. Others, 5/6 to £80. FIELD NATURALISTS’ REQUISITES SOME SECONDHAND BOOKS FOR SALE Notes on Collecting and Preserving Natural Histery Objects, by Taylor, 3/£. Taxidermy and Zdotogical Collecting, by Hornaday, 12/6. dress at Ilome, by Wood, 19/0. Insecta Abroad, by Wood, A Manual of the Molluaca, by Woodward, 7/6, Tess Sessile-cyed Crustacea, by Bate and Wexlwood. 2 vol.. 7 14/-. History of the Evtopean Pauona, by Scharff, 4/-. Intro. to Zoology, by Schmell, 10/-. Moaoerioh of Brilish Phylophagons Hymrmoptera, by Cameron, 2 val., £2 Monograph of the Horny Sponges, by Ledenfeldt, t5/-, Gatslogue free. Alzo list of new and seeondhand booka, N. H. SEWARD PTY. LTD. “Optical Honse,” 457 BOURKE STREET - - MEEBOURNE, C,; Central 9439 The Victorian Naturalist ‘Vol. LI—No. 3 7 Tuy 5, 5; 1934 - No, 607 THE FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA The annual meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Sociciy’s Hall on Monday, June 11, 1934. at 8 pam. About 100 members and friends were present, and the President, Mr. V_ H., Miller. occupied the chatr- REPORTS Reports of Excursions were vas follows: Meirdneton Mes L. W. Cooper for Rey, G. Cox; Sherbyooke, Messts, H.C, Stewart and A. G. Huoke. ELECTION OF MEMBERS On a show of hands the following were duly elected as Ordinary Members of the Club:—Mrs. J.C. Dyall, Miss Ivy Dixon, and Mr. F. E. Hevmanson. ANNUAL REPORT AND BALANCE SHEET The annual report was read by the Han. Secretary, reevived ail adopted. There was no discussion. The Balanee Sheet was read by Mr. A, G, Hooke. The major points were Iuecidly explanied. comparisons heing drawn from the two previous years, In moving the adoption of the report Mr, lfooke spoke lightly -of the work of Messrs. J..and W.-H. Ingram. Mr G. Coghill seconded the motion, which was cariied, Mr. Hooke suggested the cuttmy down of expenses until after the Wild Nature Show. ‘The followmy meuibers also spoke — Messrs. E, E, Pescott. Geo. Coghill, W. TH. Ingram, Chas. BarretL and H. P. McColl ELECTION OF OFFICE. BEARERS The result of the elections was as followsi—Presvdent, Mr. ALS. Kenvon, M1,E_ (Aust.} ; Vice-Presidents, Mr. G. N. Hy: am and Mr, Geo, Coghill; Committee -—Messrs, J. A, Kershaw, CMZ5., EE. Pescott, BJ.S., Chas. Daley, BA. F.LS., 5. R, Mitchell. and A. T1. Chisholm, C.F.A.O.17. The following were elected tinopposed:-—Treasurer. Mr, J Ingrany. Librarian. Dr. C. S. Sutton; Assistant Librarian, Mr. W. J. Ingram; Editor, Mr, Chas. Barrett, C_M.Z.S.> Secretary. Mr, F. S. Colhiver; Assistant Secretary. Mr. L. W, Cooper. The President reported that a boak on Fungi had! heen given to the Cinb by Mr’ H.C. E. Stewart. - A . ’ 50) Meld Naturalisis’ Chi Praceadings, Val. i , GENERAL BUSINESS - ‘The President mentioned that Me. C. French had retired from the position of Government Biologist and extended to him all mood wishes for Ins future. Among others, the followmg spoke in an appreciative manner of Mr. French and his work, also his associations with the Club :— Messrs. E. E. Pescott, F. Pitcher, W- Hanks, V. H- Miller, A. T. Harvey, C. Barrett, A. G. Hooke, and J. Lidgert. Mr. French responded, : NATURE NOTES My. ¥. H, Miller reported that recently another colony of the Heimeted Honeyeater had been discovered. Miss E, Raff reported that stlverfish being studied by her sister, Miss J, W, Raff, were still alive after being in capitvity for fotir and o half years. Mr, F, Pircher moved a vote of thanks to the retiring officers; iis was seconded Ly Mr. A. J. Harvey, aud carried. Mr. V. KH. Miller invited those present lo partake of refresh- ments after the Conversazione, Members tind imends greatly appreciated the retiring president's hospitality. Three cheers were given for Mr and Mrs. Miller, EXHIBITS Mrs. Freame—tLarth-stars and Puffballs, Whale Baleen. Prawn Killer, Chiton and Egg Girdle, Barnacle, and young Cuttle- fish, from Altona. Mr. J. J, Freame—Collection of Snake skins. Mr, €. J, Gabriel —Marine Shells, Afalicies allies, Lani, tren Queensland. Mr. J, Lidgett.—Butterfies and Seale Insevts. meluding Leroi Freaeltt, Mask, Matilaspis hdgetti. Chl, and apidiotis davntyi, d’limmerz. (These were first shown hy this exhibitor at a Club meeting over for ty years ago; ) Mr, F, Pitcher.—Six-flowered stem and foliage of Queensland Fire Wheel Tree (Stanocarpus sinnatus). Mr. S, RB. Mitchell--Aboriginal Incised Bones. fron Isim- herly District, Western Australia, including Bull-roarers, Deatl Bonus and Personal Ornaments. These all show interesting decorative designs. Minerals, including Calerte, Chatcecany, Psilomelane, Wolastonire and Calamine, all showing stalnetitic habit. 7 Mr. Geo. Coghill—Specimen of Stenocarpus sintatus. Mr, T, 5. Hart—Delormed root of Banksia, growing among rocks at Creswick; tall growth of Lobelia anceps, from swampy serub at Clarinda; Erica Insitanica (Portugal Heath), growing wild at Sarsfeld, M+. H. Stewart—A collection of Fungi, including —Palyporis yoy Brewvsion da Kaitiste aud Kayla“. 3] milfuaceplhiles P. gilwus, P. lateriius, P. snelenapis (fat, enppec and stalked forms), Trateétar eiunabarina teyis, Palyttretaye clumabarius), and Callvbia radicata, Mr. PLS. Collwer—Volcanie Bombs, from the Western 1¥is- trier; Sand Pipes. from Torquay, EXCURSION TO KALLISTA ANT) KINGTAKR, Teeul conditions prevaited far the excursion to Kelligia ahd Sherbrnoake gellies on June 4, when between 70 and 80 members and visitors attendal. Jim Lyre-birds provecl toe sovereign attractio, and «despite the large nuniber preset, nearly everyoue was afforded close glimpses af several male hicds seratehing for foud, vortiig sougs af mimicry, or Hisnlaying an their momd3. Sane members of the party, who staved late, were rewarded by seem a male bird ascendiy a tall Evcalypt for the nisht- his perch was abit fil feet irom the ground. Special interest was attracted hy Fungi in the surecindwig forest, which appears ta he reiarkably rich in these plants. Dr. Echel McLennan, of the Batany Sehool, and Mr. J. A. Willis. both retitered service io identifying and commenting delightfully upon lie snany spectes met with Bejore the party divided into sections ro explore the forality, Mr. Wi'lis intraduced the subject oc Fungi, and ailusteated ds cerarks qwrt speci- mens ihat Itad already been collected. Though galy about a mile at a main track was traversed, more than fit) species of Fungi were idenuihed. whith ind:ested the mumber and diversity af tpecies prohably ta he found with) a joqre intensive and systematic search. Members agreed thai the tri was one to be npide annually, and all sere Aveply apprecaglive of tle: contibution inade to the day's interest hy Dr. McLellan and Mr, Willis. The list of fungi seeu iueluded »— Aparies: Amanita mappa Cwisonous), Lepota cristore, ZL, gracilente (Parasol Fungiis—edible}, Ariaitlaria wmellea (parasitic and destructive ob trees), Russela emgticn Cpuisonous), Ay lectea, A marie. Myce capil faris, M oepiplerygia, M. filnjes, My galewtenlate, AV pure (has a radjsa odour), MM. vosella, MM. verida, AL. cetgariz, Meena ap. onmamed (it minia- ture agane of translucent blye colour, known as ‘Pixies Parasol." Callwhia bntywaeen, GC. nadie. C, welitines (Velvet Foot —adibte). Mavasmivs arvthvamis, MM. oneloniformts, Clitocvbe paradttopa. Lacearia laccata (edible), Quophata, $0, (Funvel-shaned agaric), Plewvotns nid Jormis (luminous), P. petaloides (hitter taste), Nerntus orchert, Lemorver enclvan, Chridopus veriabilis, -FPlamitmla sapinen, Covlinaving arched. €- rimnonuiiens, Co wutageus, Crepidotus utatlis, Hypholowe fascrealin'c. Panaeolys canponnutatiys. Polypuroids: ftvtulina hepatica (Reel-steak fungus—edibic), Palyferus Agustus, Po wattoeacaphilns Con charred wond), P. coerns, [', Colewsor Pe. mivus, Po lateritus, Bo omeclanapns (Hat and svalked forms), Pooradis, shipidinn CEH-cops), Pames foawentartes (perennial growth). Polustictir evesicolor, Porte movutma, 2. sub-aurentiaca. Trawees llacino-giloa, 7 clauabariia (syn, Polysticlus cinnaboinns), Merihius carom, Hyrdoaceaes Hyde reprdum (edible). Thelephoraceae: Stereum atlidens, S. fotenm. Craferellas mubliplor, Clavariacuac: Clowaria cinerea, C, avisiata, © pysidate Con woot). Tremellinaceae; Wueping pesisactormis, MiseeHaneous) Ganoderma upplaveta, Hymenogastur. ay ( Puff-ball; Subterranean), Geaster fimbriatus (Tarth=star), Dyphia, sp. fyiforee Chlorospleniun acvigindsin (a miinle globular ascomycete, ofa yerdi aris green colour, an decayed wood ) A, C. E. STEWART and A. G. HOOKE, n 52 dlinual Report, Ker ate THE FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB OF VICTORIA. FIFTY-FOURTH ANNUAL RIEPORT, JUNE, 1934 To the Members of the Field Naturalises’ Chit of Victoria, Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Committee has pleasure im submitting che 54h Annual Report. The membership ts as follows:—Life menthers, 7; ordinary members, 268; country menibers, 72; Associate members, 29, Total $74, This is a decrease of 18 on the figures of last report (1933). We record with great sorrow the lose of several members and friends, Dr, W. MucGillivray of Broken Hall, a voted ornitho- logist and a member since 1887, Mr. F. R, Beahme af Tooborac (1914-1934), Mr. G. Mowling (1895-1934), and Miss A, M. Creeton (1929-1934), were all valued members. Tt as with deep regret that we record the logs of the following valued friends of the Cluh;—Lord Novar, who was a patnin of the Club; Mr, Clive Lord, late Divector of the Hobart Museum: Mrs. F. Pitcher and Mrs. Harvey. Attendance at the meetings has been well sustained. the seating accommodation having on several occasions been taxed to the utniost, The second room is still tn use for the display of exhilits; and, in number. variety and scientific value, these have often heen 4 feature of the evening, Lectures for the year, in their order, were-— Australian Wild Ylower Trails,” by Mr. E. E. Pescott; “An Ethnological Col- lecting Trp to the Western District,” by Dr, R. M. Wishare wid Mr. F. Smiths “Yarra Falls’ (an A, J. Canipbell Lecture), by Me. A. G. Campbell; “Australian Marsupials,” by Mr. J. A. Kershaw; "VA Naturalist in the North,” by Mr. C, Barrett; “WA Week Among the Wildings,” by Mr. J. W. Audas; “Why Sydney Differs from Melbourne, a Naturalist’s Viewpoint,” hy Mr, A, H. Chishohn; “Cuckoos” (a general evening), Messrs C. Barrett and A. H, Chisholm as Jeaders; Baron Von Mueller Evening, with Mr. C. Daley as leader; “Incidents in a Central Australian Trip,” by Mr. A. S, Kenyon and Mr. Chris. Bailey; “Gleanings from Early Numbers of the Victorian Naturalist,” by Mrs, V. FI. Miller.- These lectures were well illustrated with specimens, slides, maps and. in one case, moving pictures, Throughout the year excursions were held: two on the syllabus were cancelled ind one changed, Tt has been noticed that whole- day excursions, excepting on. public holidays, are poorly attended, members being generally unable to leave town on the Saturday morning. The Coinmittee, as an experiment, tricd motor (rans- port for a hig excursion on a hali-dav; the result was satisfac- aus Annnal Report. 53 tory, and on the new cxeursion fist Saturday afternoon outings are in the majority, Wolune 50 of the Nadtwralist is undoubtedly the best yeb _ produced and favourable comments have heen tarry. One issue m particular’ devoted to “The Fungi of Victoria’ filled a lonp-felt scientific warl, and ig in request by interested people ty many distant places. ‘The Committee rightly regards the Naturalist as one of the outstanding features of the Club's activities and hopes in the future sill further to merease its value and interest jor menibers generally. The Club has conrinmer its activity in endeavouring to preserve the Fauna and flora of Austraha, The following matters have heen inquired into and brought under notice of the proper authonties. or this Club has joined with other kindred societies in proresting against the proposed actions, The throwing open of Caf Island for working af Guano deposits, Massed Wild Flowers at Flower Show, Shooting of Native Game hy Foreigners, Felling of Guni Trees in Yarra Dark, Reserva- hon of Sherbrooke Forest as a National Park. Destruction of Wild Flowers by School Children, the Proposed throwing open of the Portsea Reserve, the Preservation of Aboriginal Relics, Limitation of bag and reduction of seas jor Brown Quail. Hoth State und Federal authorities have shown appreciation of our efforts, Other matters investigated included :—Erosion of Yarra Banks at Ivanhoe, Walsh's Creek as a Sanctuary for Native Game, Mallacouta as a sitmilar sanctudry. Wrongly worded label oon tree at Pernshaw. Preservation of Geological Sections of inmerest to students in the Metropolitan Area. In connection with the last-nentioned, a sub-committee, consisting of Mr. ¥. H. Miller, the Seeretary, Mr. £. S. Colliver, and Mr, 5. BR. Mitchel, has heen formed to investigate and report on these matters and any ember knowing of interesting geological sections in danger of destruction is asked to bring the matter under tiolice The Clob has also advocated the appointment of a Marine Biologist and this, matter is at present under the consideration of the Federal Authorities. Increasecl co-operation with kindred societies, sucly as the Bird Observers’ Club and the League of Youth, has beew aimed at and the following have heen assisted by shows staged, lectures given or exhibits sent to shaws;—The Victorian Aborginal Group. Hall's Gap Flower Show, South Australian Naturalists’ Club antl North Queensland Naturalists’ Club3 that our help has been appreciated has heen shown by letters of thanks receiver, The Victorian Advisory Council for Flora and Fauna, with Mr C. Daley as Secretary, is stil active and alert, anc your By Anntal Nepore. es) Te Committee again voted £4/4/- towards irs funds. The Wild Nature Show. heid last October. was very suceessinl, and avain extension ta the second day was justified. The officers in cannec- tien with the show were the same as i the previous vear, namely. Mr. ¥. H. Miller (Director and ‘Transport Officer). Mr. W. H, Ingran: (Show Secretary), Mr. E. &. Pescott (Official Demon- stratar) and Mr. Chas. Barrett (Publicity Agent), The net proceeds were £152/1/1), The educational value of these shows is widely recognized. and all leaders, appreciating this, took pains to have thei exhibits so arranged to display as tar as possible the relationships on which classification is based, The Librarian reports that ninnerous books and papers have heen hound, thus preserving them for the use of fultre members. During the year the Library has been gleaned over anid publica- tions of a auture outside of the Club's interests. have been pre- sented tu the Public Library, National Museum, the Rovial Saciety, or the University Library, with the understanding that these shall he available to members as required, These gills have been greatly appreciated by the recipients; and the space made available hy this action is heing used for display of books af greater interest fo members. Members continue to make good use of the iibrary, though some have a tendency to retain booles ever lang, We have pleasure in reporting that Mr, J. W. Audas, F.L.S., Senior Botanist of the National Herbarium, has heen honored hy an overseas scientific sucicty, and we congratulate him on this. During the year we have made several applications For addli- tional Club members to be appointed as Honorary Forest Officers, and now the number of these representing the Clib is approxi- mately fifteen, Jn connection with the forthcoming celebrations, the Clu is makiny itseli responsible for the Wild Flower section of the Centenary Horticultural Shaw, and members are asked freely to give their assistance to ensure its success. Also. the Club has affered lo arrange General Natural History excursions for the members of the Australian and New Zealand Society jor the Advancement of Science, which will mect m Melhourne during the celebrations. For our own Wild Nature Show the Mejbourne Town Hall bas been engaged for Oetober 8,9 and 10. Members were asked to subserihe to a fund to enable the grave af Baron von Mueller to be plaeed in order, and responded well, Tt was suggested chat it would be fitting to have a plaque erected to the Baren’s memory in the New Herbarium; the Cluhy in coninnetion with the German Alitance of Australia, Viecorian Branch, hopes to arrange this in the near future; at present the Walter ts Under the consideration of the Premier's Department. he Aanual Report, 53 The Committee bas decided to publish a handbook to the Victorian Ferns, every specits to be described and figured: the book ts also to conta a chapter ou cultivation Tt is in the nature of an experiment, which, 1 successful, toay lead to the publication of other handbooks on Victorian Natural History. An outstanding event of the latter part of this year was the purchase of an epidiascope, which wall indeed be a great asset to the Club for use m lectures and the screening of exhibits, An index to the frst 50 veluines of the Naturwdst is conten plated and the Committee is considering the best way to arrange thus. Grateful acknowledgment is made to the follawing for cash donations: —Mr. J, Dixon, Mr. O. Romeke; Mr, E, bk, Peseote and Miss Banfield. For eifts of books:—Miss Florence Sinth. St. Kilda Couneil, and Angus and Rohertson Ltd. Sydney. Other donations were :—Colonred plate for the Nateralist, Mrs. Miller: bookcase for spare copies of the Nattralist, Mr. V. 1. Miller: GOO copies of Protected Plants List. Miss IJ, Bailey; and a photograph of the late Baron von Mueller, Mr, A, Chambers, During the year the Committee gave £5/5/- to the Victorian Centenary Council, £474/- to the Victowan Council for (he Protection of Flora and) Fauna (previonsly amentioned), £2/2/- ta the Clive Lerd Misnorial Fund, and £1 to the Weindorler Memorial. The thanks of the Club are due to the Melhourne daily press and the Railways Publicity Board for generous assistance in hrmging the Clob’s activities before the pubhe. A comprehensive expression of thanks is part of the rewarl for all the members and friends, exhibitors, speakers, leaders of excursions. contributors to the Naturalist, lanternists. helpers in show work, and all who have cheerfully given their time ane energy to the advancement of the Chib's interests. The major part af their reward, however, Ites in the Knowledge that. there effurts have been useful. During the year cleven ordinary Committee meetings were held. and the attendance of officers was us follows —Messrs. V- H. Miller. G. N. Hyam, W. H. Ingram, L. W. Cooper, F. S. Colliver, J1; Messes. Chas. Daley and 5S. R. Mitchell, 9; Mr, JA, Kershaw and Dr, C. S. Sutton, 8; Mr, J. Tugram, 7; Messrs. A. S, Kenyon and R. H. Croll, 6 (Mr. Croll was granted three months” lene); Mr. C. Barrett, 5: Messrs. Eo. Peseott ane Geo, Coghill, 4- Vo HH. MILLIER, Peesitent- F_ §. COLLIVER, Hon. Sectetary. 56 Statement of Receipts and Expenditure, va ae FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA. STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FOR 12 MONTHS ENDED 30th APRIL, 1934, RECEIPTS. To Balance in Banks, 1st May, 1933— English, Scottish and Anata Bank .. .. . #07 15 0 State Savings Bank... 414 6 10 ——_——_—_—_— #482 1 10 » Subscriptions—Arrears .. .. .. .. #41 9 6 Current... ,. .. .. 214 4 0 In Advance ,. 1... 9 20 264.15 G » Wald Nature Exhibition Reccipts -. 293 17 4 » Cash Sales of— Victarian Nativatist oo. 0. 0.) «18 0 1 Badges 2. 0... we ee eee ee 1 2 6 Plant Census .. 2... 2. =. 2) ee 28 4 21 10 11 » Donations .. .. 23 6 ,» Advertisements in V ielari ian "Natur- ahisi oo. 217 9 » Use of block in Sia. News-Pictorial 22 0 «+ Amonnt collected for restoration of Baron von Muceller’s grave .. 3 7 0 ,, Interest received— Best Fund .. .. aa tg jak Savings Bank Debentures we Pt: 9 6 0 Savings Bank Current Account,, 10 8 10 Commonwealth Loan .. .. .. .- 14 0 0 ’ 34:16 1 — 625 9 4 £1107 11 2 : EXPENDITURE, By Victorian Natvralisi— Printing .. 2. 0. 0. 4. 2. = =. EI7R 7 6 Itustratingg 2: -. .. 1&8 I ; Wrapping and : Besgathin vse 23:6 aia 5 --~— £389 15 3 » Wild Nature Exhibition Expenses 14115 5 n . Deposit paid Metbourne Town hal ; for Centenary Show .. -. 0... 45 0 0 » Library .. 1s 8 1 3 » Gencral Printing ‘and Stationery . 1 et) es s 4 Rent and Caretaker--1933 .. .. .. 19 0 0 a 1934... .. .. «17:10 0 —_———— 310 0 , .Reprints -2 6. 0. ee ee ee ee § 9 0 , Postage, petty cash, and Bank charges 2. 6. ke ee a ee te Zz 410 ,, Donations— C Advisory Council Jor Fauna and Flora .. .. H 4 4 Q Clive Lord Memorial Fund .. z2 2 06 Weindorffer Memorial Fund . 10 0 Virtorian Centenary Council. . 5 5 0 eit a dul ® 3 ‘ i984, Statement af Receipis and Expendinive. ur “I » Balance in Banks, 30th April, 1934— State Savings Bank .. . 448 1 8 Less nelish, Scottish and Aus- tralian Bank overdraft .. .. .. 7 31 is 4018 7 . £07 1 2 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES ON 30th APRIL, 34. ASSETS, Arrears of Subscriptions, asda estimated to realise. say ., . on tg 6) 0 0 Bank Current Accounts— - . State Savitigs Bank .- 2, ., .. . 48 IO OR Less 12, S., and A, Bank Overdraft ei 3 I, 731 ‘ —_—__——_ 449 18 7 Savings Bank Special Trust Account .. 1215 3 Tuvestments— ; E., &., aud A. Bank, Fixed Deposit .. .. .. 50 0 0 State Sayings Bank Debentures .. , .- .. 200 0 0 Commonwealth Bonds .. ., .. -. .. .. .. 350 0 0 ———--——. 600 0 0 Library and Furniture, Insurance yalneé ., .- -. -. . 400 0 0 Stock on hand of— Plant Census, at valuation .. .. 2 .. «2... 49:14 5 Club Badgés, at valuation»... 2. 5, 4) Ge 11 - — 2016 4 Teposit, Melliourrte Town Hall, for Centenary Sidi nn SAS vets caits “Seto Gs 4 oy ceae2 45 0 £1569 10 2 LTABIL ITIES, Late Mr, Dudley Best Fund .. .. . hat tab ur sine O98 Char-a-bane Fund . Ft eect he plete eet te ton dy tbe tp nel bel: 215 0 Special Trost Account . nie “pa: Rol ober pats dteteale op) UsTSRS Subscriptions paid in advance .. .. oe F a 2 0 Amount held in trust for restoration of ae ‘yon Mueller’s Orava e./3i 6. 02 Ge a3 Sed feds Se Pee ee GQ ae 37 90 £77 19 3 Audited aud found correct on 8th Suse, 1934. A. S. CRALK, - A. G. HOOKE, Hon, Auditors. J. INGRAM, Hon, Treasurer. VICTORIAN FERNS Arrangements for publication of a guide to the Ferns of Victoria are well advaiiced. ‘This may be the first of a series of popular handbooks of the Flora and Fauna of ihe State, compiled by members af the Field Naturaltsts' Club of Victoria and published by the Club, ‘There is need for them, Mr, RW. Bond, School of Forestry, Creswick, has undertaken the major portion of the work on the Pern book; valuable field notes by other botanists, notably Mr. A. J. Tadgell, will be incorporated; and dull use made of the late Mr. H. B. Williamson's papers on ferns, published in the Naturalist. Notes on the cultivation of native ferns will be contributed by Messrs. E. E. Pescott and F. Pitcher. The price of the beok will be one shilling. An Not. ih MacKenzie, Comparative Anatomy aud the Kool. Vol. Bi. COMPARATIVE ANATOMY AND THE KOALA vy Sime Conte Mackewark (Director, Australian Lustitute of Anatomy, Canberra.) The anigue animals indigenous ta Australia are ol absovbing iilerest to the Comparative Anatonisi. Its Reptiles, Monv- tremes and Marsupials reveal the simpie entices of which the complex human bady is composed, They are examples of living embryology. and represent the Jife of bygone ages nacontum- inated by syphilis, alcohol, domestication, or artificial experiment. Ti ussues ure ta he found in the perfect normal state, and organs 9 be ohserved performing the functions fof which they were evolved, surely it will be among these ammals inhabiting what Darwin described as “the land of living fosstls’ ‘he Cormmion- wealth Government has erected the Australian Institute of Anatomy at Canberra, associated with which is a Research Reservation of eighty acres on the iver Molonglo, and researches are carried out on the Australian fauna with 2 view ta the elucida- tion of problems of human health and disease. Of the Marsupials, ote af the most Fruitful for investeeation ant observation is the outa. The Kowa ts an arboreal, leal-eating marsupia); and.in hit sentence is The explanation of ils anatomy, The lessons which may be learnt by the comparative anatomist from this unique Ktthe suryiyor inom a past age are many, af will be seen by a study Of ics various systems in ¢coiparison with those af Man, Vake first the inuscular system. ‘The Kral anel Maw ire two types whieh possess the power of raising the arms at a mghr angle trom the body and above the head. This as used by the Koala to aie in reaching the gunt leaves, anil wsed by Man as an advantage atul asset vained from his assumption of the erect posture. This functional develepment can be stivdiel in Primates, Koala, aud Man, and hag taken mutch specialisation to perfect. lt is mterestiug that ih cases nf infantile paralysis, oF sintlar disease of the upper arm. it is the deltoid or shoulder matsele which is Trequently first attacked, This is in conformity with the principle: “The last wo come is the frst to go"—whieli holds true of all parts of the body, A splint which has for tts object the resting of an injured upper linth, must always, there. fore, take care of this deltoid muscle—and rest the upper arn in ) position of abduction. Tt may be mentioned that in the Great War the most commanly used upper fimh splint—ithe Deltoicl or Alwluctio splint--was, evelved hy a stidy af the fawwa of Australia Tlic anttseulat system furnighes a further lesson. in the leg— for at proves the truth of the dicta that atrophy is the price of THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VoL. 11 ily, 1934 Plate XI The Koala's ** Grip” pend MacKenare, Comparative Anatmy ond the Koala. 54 disuse. and that bone ts the slive of muscle.’ To facilitate Ihe climbing of tree-trunks, the Koala requires a well developex! power af pronation and supination of the lower limbs. This development is such that the Koala can use its lower limbs as freely as Man can use his upper limbs, that is as far as supination, pronation, eversion and inversion are concerned. “Che reflection of this is seen in the well developed fibula, which bone approxt- mates to the tibia in st#e and importance, Man usitig his lower limb in a aore restricted anamer is losing the mobility of the fibula. Even with the native tree-climbers of the South Sea Idands it is observed that they “walk” up the tree rather than “eluig™ round ic with the lower leg and climb typ, The tibia in Man persists as the sclectedl Lone of the leg, the fibula becoming more slender and lable to fracture. In types af animals in which mobility of the leg has heen reduced even further, the Abula as a separate hone has flis- appeared, he Deer. for instance. has only the one teg hone, the tibia. The Kajngaroo illustrates another stage. for here the fibila 8 a very narrow bone adherent to the tihia. A natural corollary of inarked molulity an the fore or hind lunbs is a supple, prehensile hand or foot, This is shawn par excellence in the. Koala. The hanct in this case has two thumbs. to give greater power of opposition for grasping and climbing, anc the foot has the intrinsic muscles of the hallux so well developed that the Foot. of the Koala is ¢omparable to the hand oc Man. Most arboreal animals are lithe and active, the Koala on the other hand 1s cumbersome and lethargic, This would appear to be due to its diet, The sole det, af the Koala consists of the tip Jeaves of certain types of guint tree, Such a diet necessitates vast quantities ta he ingested in arder that the animal may receive its quota of carho- hydrates, protein, and dat. The response of the intestinal canal ta such demands is shown in the six to eight feet long appendix (caecum) possessed by these small ammals. The appencheular cycle reaches its fullest development in the Koala. In Man the appendix, so often a subject of inflammation, is towards the other end of the scale. and has degenerated to a vestigial remnant Atrophy ot the organ was inevitable when man evolved an oiimi- vorous diet for himseli, Yo store the praducts of digestion there is a well developed mulalobular liver, The division of the liver into several lohes allows of mobility. One can readily imagine that with the eatrance of so much food into the abdomen the solid viscera would need to be mobile or they wonld suffer from over mnicl) pressure. The left kidney is freely movable, and provided with its own mesentery. A gallbladder ts present, which 1s interesting. ag, in the grass-tating horse: there is no gall-Dladder, c i) MacKenare, Contporutive atatomy wid the Keate. Tyee. ve ‘the stomaci of the Koala is worthy of particular notice, for it possesses a large well defined gland on the lesser curvature, A sinmar gland is found also iti the Wombat. This site is 4 common one for the development of gastric nicer and malign- ancy inv’the haman stomach. “Throughout the human mtestinal canal, assisting digestion and movement. are a system af lois, and at is to be noted that digestive derangements may he due solely te trouble at the locks. One af these is situated in the rransverse colon in the region of the liver, Its position in Man was indicated by an cxaminatinn of the colon of Koala, beth comparative und histological. The ductless glandular system is a part of the human body which is the recipient of mach attention in the interpretation of huniat physiology and pathology, In the glandular system of Australian Jauna in general all the glands found in man can he demonstrated, wid ni addition other plands not yet found in Man have been described. Glands are secretory or excretory, €.2- salivary glands and kidney The secretory glands may he clivided inte those which pass their fluids direct through ducts into the alimentary system; and these, the internal secretary types, such as the thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, and adrenals which are without ducts. These communicate directly with the vascular system. In Main the position of the adrenals is fixed. Jin Koala the adrenals are migratory, and, compared even with platypus, are very small. In Trichostrus the right adrenal is frequently within the liver capsule aud ihe cartical area invaded by lymphocytes. In Koala the migratory moye- ments are indicated. in Trichesurus they are emphasized (W, J. Owen). These observations suggested the use of euca- lyptas medication m Adldisun's disease of the futnen adschals, Tn the male Koala. mesially placed on the ventral surface of the upper sternum, a coloured or Stetned area is noticed, A microscopic examination of the skin in ihe ayea reveals a peculiar type of alveolar gland which seceetes a viscid milky Anid directly on to the fur. Frequently the Koala can he seen licking this area. In the Platypus three new duetiess glands have been deserthed, viz.> parathymus, scapular, and shoulder or sex glands “These have nor yel been found ny Koala. Naturally the question arises, if jhey are essential to Platypus, why not to Koala and Man? It may be tentioned that, unlike the Kangarou, the two thyrom glands in Koala are well devel- uped and show typreal styweture under the nieroseope. Unlike Platypus and Tasmanian Devil, the Koala resembles the human in that its thymus gland is uot retained in the adnit stage. Ty the case of the tungs the Koala throws light on the develop- ment of the huunan type. The so-called middle or azygos hing charactenstu of Monotremes and Marsupials is absent. Jt may ~ ‘ THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VOL. Li Fulv, 1934 PLATE XII Photo. by F. Lewis. A Characteristic Koala Pose pil Chavman, Fossil Momus of the Koala, | be mentioned that m iung surgery a study of the poisonuus snakes of Australia is helpful to the Surgeon in defiypng the: selective value of the right and left Jungs, since. in then, tnsky one remains. With the progress of civilization the animals of Austraha. like the ahorigines, tend slowly to disappear, Efforts everywhere are being made to delay that end, tor Austalia acts as the custodian for the whole world. In the State of Vietoria medical science is deeply indebted to Mr. F Lewts. Chief Inspector ot Fisheries and Game, for his efforts i the preservi- lior) of our unique animals. FOSSIL REMAINS OF THE KOALA AND ITS RELATIVES Br F_ CHapwan, A.LS, The information available ahout these animals in yhe fossil state cai) almost go into a nutshell, From the Manimoth Cave of the Margaret River. Western Australia, L. Glauert has obtained Pleistocene fossil] remains of the living species of the Koala (Phascolarctus cinercus), and from the same locality remains of the Western Ring-tailed Phalauger (Pseudochirus occtdentahs) and the Conimon Phalanver (Trichosurns vulpecula). From Queensland, De Vis has described a heavy progenitor nf the ‘"Veddy Bear.” which he named Koolerims, from the Greek, “a siupid fellow or booby.” The description was founded on the distal end of a leTt Abula, and its size, according tea De Vis, represents an animal weighing about five hundredweght (28 times the Iulk of the Native Bear'). Bones of variotis genera of the Phalangeridae, apart from those of the Koala, have sparsely occurred, «s well as in the Manimoth Cave, in the creek and river beds of the Darling Downs, QOueens- land, the Wellington Caves, New South Wales, the Gishoriue Cave, Victoria. und in the Glenorchy Cave. Tasniariia- Jt was suggested hy De Vis that the scarcity of fossil remains of the Phalungers may be atcounted for by their arboreal habits. EXCURSLON TO MORNINGTON. Only a small number of members attended this cxcursion, though the weather was perfect. The leader, Rey, Geo. Cox, met the party at the raiiway station and conducted it first to the natural aquarium at Schnapper Point, The Jeader pointed out and explaned snany kinds of marine animals ta he seen there, and several interesting specimens were collected. Luter the party moved along the ehore, noting the yveizetation, “Lhe well- known "Tossil Beach” also was visited, and several fossils were oh- tated from the clay-beds. LwWwe,. 2 Treva and Wasscey, The Karly History of the Koala. Vig ae THE EARLY HISTORY OF ‘THIER KOALA By Tow TttoAte anv Guwerr Wan riey (Contribution from The Australian Musetat.) As this deftghrful litgkee Australian is an inhabitant of che goin forests aid also a cioctirnal animal, was not met with ty Captain Couk's party, nor did the carly colonists under Phithp notice it. The carhest mention of the Koala is probably that fotind in an ahonynious young man’s aeconat of a journey undertaken in January, 1798, into the Blue Afountains of New South Wales and published a century later in the Histartrat Records of New South Wales (iii. append. c.. p. 820): There 1 another animal which the natives calla cullawite, whicl) uch resembles the sloths in America, Another account, unpublished at the time, appears in the journal of explorations inte the interior of New South Wales lpr Ensign F. Barrallier, who wrote the original in French at the ena of 1802, This was issued as an appendix to vol, v of the Arse. KNecords of NSW, meatly 100 vears afterwards, whiere the Ensten remarks : Gory told mw that they had brought portions of a monkey Cin the native lavage Colo), but they had eut it in pieces, and the head, which I should have liked to secure, had disappeared. 1 could only fet two feet through an exchange which Gory made for two spears and one tomahawk, J sent these two fect to the Governor preserved in a bottle of brandy. We are tnfonned that Barrallier later gave a specimeii to Cravernor King for transport to England, but it did not hve for Jong. The first authentic record is the uow fawions one of Home in the Phalasaphacal Transactions, 1808: ‘The Koala 1s another speeics of the Wornbat, which partakes of its pecitliarities. The folowing account of it was sent to me some years ago hy Lieutenant-Calonel Patersoii, Lieatenant-Governor of New South Wales. The natives call it the Koala Wombat; it inhabits the forests of New Holland, about 50 or GO miles to the south-west of Port Jackson, ank was first brought to Port Jackson in August, 1803. It is commonly about 2 feet long and one high, in the girth ahobt one Toot and a balfy it is ecavered with fine soft fur, lead-cotovred on the hack, and white on thie belly. The ears are short, erecl, and pomted: the eyes generally vauminat ing, sometimes fiery and menacing; it bears uo small. resemblance to the bear in the fore part of tts body; at has nem tail; its posture for the inmost pack is sitting. The New Hotlunders eat te flesh of this ‘animal, and therefore readily join in the pursant of it: they exaurive with wonderful rapidity and miliwteiess the branches of the loftiest gum trees; upon discovering te Kaala, they climb the tree jo which it is seen with as much ease and expedition, as aan European would anount a tolerably high ladder. Having eeached the branches, whoclh are sarmetimes 40 or 50 fr. from the ground, they follow the animal to the extrenuty of a bough, and either kill it with {he tomahawk, or take it alive, The Koala feeds upon the tender shoots af the blue gum tree, heing more pantcularly fond of this thas of anv rer’ IkkvALE and Warerey, The Early tfistory of the Koala. 63 uther Juoud; it rests during the day on the tops of these trees, feeding at its ease, or sleeping. In the might it descends and prowls aheut. seratehing up the ground in search of some particular roots; it seems to creep rather than walk. When incensed or hungry, it utters a Jong, shrill yell, and assumes a fierce and menacing look. They are found in pairs, and the young is carried by the mother on its shoulders. This animal appeurs soem to form an attachment to the persun who feeds it. This paper by Home was the source of most later records and refers to the animals brought in by the natives to Paterson, that great haturalist who unfortunately had to act the part of a Governor in a very troublous time, and who was hetter suited in the capacity of a student. It is one of the wost extraordinary occurrences in the whole of the story of natural history that such a most peculiar animal should have received no scientific name for eight years after its first record and even though it was figured two or three times in the meanwhile. Then, although the only known specimens wete in Engiand, it fell to the lot of a Frenchman to give a veneric name to this undoubtedly amgue form. while a German followed! this up liy wiving a specific one, The first published figure of a iNoala was isstied to Muay, 1810. in that rare work, Perry's 4reuna, wherein it was called the Koalo or New Holland Sloth. As only four copies of this book are known in the world (see Mathews and Iredale. The Vietorian Naturalist, xxix, 1972. pp. 7-16), we give in evteaso the account of tie Native Bear front the copy of the -frcana in the Australian Museum, Sydney :— RKOALO, or New Holland Stoth. _ Generic Character—Hradypos or Sloth, having five tecs on each of the fore feet, and four tues om each of the hind. feet: four cutting teeth in front; the bedy elongated, round, and covered with fine wool; the cars bushy and spreading, tipped with dark brown behind; the head flattened, row; the legs short and depressed, each foot armed with long crooked prehensile claws; the general colour cinereous, mixed with a brown tint which predominates on the back; the nose flattened and incurvated down- wards; the form of the molares is unknown. The Rradypus or Sloth is one of those animals which are im some degree allied to the Bear, the formation af the Jegs and shoulders im a great measure resembling the latter. From this analogy of shape and character, the animal which has lately been discovered in the [ast Indies, and has heen described hy Bewick as the Ursine Sloth, has excited in the minds of (different philosophers, an expectation of a mew and more correct arrange- ment of their genera aitd species. In this hope, however, they have lither- tu been cisappointed, and we shall most probably have to wait until farther discoveries in Natural History shall enable us more accurately to Jetine those specimeus which we at present exhibit. Ever the ditferent species of Bears are not yet thoroughly understand, those of Eurape hot heing properly distinguished or described; but it is a point which the French writers are at present endeavouring to clear up and make more systematical, 7 oe , . ; Previous to a mere particular description of the present animal, it may be necessary to pbserve, that although it does not agree entirely, in the . ‘ Sih fe : ‘ Viet. Mat, 64 Ixepare and Wuaoitney, De Early History of the Neale Fa gate form of its feet, with either the three-toed ar two-tued Bradypus which are found in other countries, yet the sinulitude ts so strong in: mest pecu- liarities, which it possesscs, that the naturalist may perhaps he considered as fully justified in placing it with the Genus Bradypus or Sloth. [tis necessary to repeat, that this animal, of which there are but three er four 6 Fig, 1—"The Koalo or New Holland Sloth.” species known, has received its name from the sluggishness and inactivity of its character, and for its remaining for a long time fixed to one spot. It inhabits woody situations, where it resides among the branches of trees, feeding upon the leaves and fruit, and is a selitary animal rarely to be met with. It is armed with hooked claws and the fore feet are in general longer than the hinder ones: some of the species of Bradypus have a tail; others are without. Amongst the numerous and curious tribes of animals, which the hitherto almost undiscovered regions of New Holland have opened to our view, the creature which we are now about to describe stands singularly pre- eminent. Whether we consider the uncouth and remarkable form of its herd ieepaLe and Wuerrtey, The Early flistory of the Keala, 65 hody, which is particularly awkward and unwieldly, ur its strange phy- Siagnomy and manner of living. Wwe are at a Joss to maine for what particular scale of usefulness or happiness such an animal could by the preat Author of Nature possibly be destined. That the solitary and desert Wastes of that immense ceuntey should be animated by creatures of so (iferent a texture and appearance to any Iithertu known, ne Naturalist, however sanguine in his expectations, could haye casily suspected. Many wf the animals that reside in the pathless and oxtensive forests of New Holland, are furnished with a flap or appendage, bemg a waged aem- brane covered on the outside with blair like the rest of the body, and reaching in a square form from the toes of the fore leg to the hinder one, Ay the spreading out uf these, they can descend, in the nianner of a para- chute, from branch to branch, but at ihe same time they lave ne means te fly straight forwards. Of these families are various species of Didelphis, Sciurus volaus, Opossum, But it is net to be supposed that all the amnals which reside amonust the branches af the trees are armed with these teeful appendages af motion, far the Kuala is wholly without them, and seems tu have ne other means than its claws, which are indeed poaverful cuud deeply lmweked for the purpese of climbing ur descent, The Koale when fully grown is supposed tu he about two feet ane a half in height. (Mtr. Bullock possesses two im his Museum, the smallest of these, it is imagmel, is a young one.) The predominant colour of these aniinals is a bright brown or snoff culour, but suddenly growing pale towards the hinder parts or haunches. This animal, Jike the Capibara and some other quadrupeds, is wholly without a tail, and imdeed the pos- session af such an appendage, in the made of dite which it enjoys, were he of Jittke use, but rather an annoyance, as it is sufficiently defended fron the flies by the length and thickness of its furry skin. The ears are dark coloured, bushy and spreading; it has foyr teeth projecting: in: front, like these of the Rabbit: but how the grinders are situated or what is their nember js net hitherte known, “The nose is rounded: the fore Jegs and underside vf the belly pale and ferruginous; the eves are sharp and sparhk- lipe: each fore foot has two thumbs and two fingers, the fatter conjoined, which singular combination assists them very materially in clisping ule of the branches of the trees. The Kaolo is supposed to live chiefly upon berries and fruits, and hike all animals not carnivorous, to be of a quiet and peaceful disposition. Its only enemies pist be the Racoon and Dwarf Rear of that country, and from which it can easily escape by climbing. and its appearance at a smail distance must resemble a bunch of dry and dead moss. As. there are no kind of Tygers or Waolyes known as vet, except the Australasian Tox should be reckoned as a Wolf, the smaller animals must be upon tlre whale more secure than in most cther countries. The Koale has more analogy to the Sloth-tribe than any other animal that has hitherto been found in New Holland, the eye is placed like that of the Sloth, very close to the mouth and nose, which gives it a clumsy awkward appearance, and vad of elegance in the cinmbination. The motions af such a creature being jlow and languid, and the back length- ened out by the continual hanging posture which they asstine; they have little either in their character ur appearance to interest the Naturalist or Philosopher, As Nature, however, provides nothing in vain. we may fuppose that even these torpid. senseless creatures are wisely imtended ta Al] up one of the great links of the chain of animated nature, and to show forth the extensive variety of the created beings which GOD has, in tis wisdom constructed. The Bullock collection, mentioned in Perry’s account. ts worthy of present recall. Wilham Bullock was a goldsmith of Liverpool, whe owned a private nuseuni which he transferred 66 Trepate and Waiutiey, The Barly History ef the Koala. sels Seay to Piccadilly, London, in 1809, where the contents were later sold by auction. He had procured numerous Australian speci- mens from Cook's voyage. Sir Joseph Banks’ cabinets, and the Leverian Museum, also the birds collected by Matthew Flinders on the north coast of Australia: probably his museum contained more -Australtan curiosities than any other of that time. We see that at least two Koalas were included, and it is stated in Fig. 2—A Picture of the Koala in Bullock's Museum, el Contpanion to Mfr. Bullock's Miser. the cighth edivon, 1810, p. 16:— “Tn this Case is also a large animal from New Holland. called the Koala.’ In the seventeenth echtion. ef Companion to the London Muirserin and Pantherion, 1814, the Koala ts figured, without further mention, on a plate dated April 1, 1812. This is reproduced here as it shows “the back Jengthened out by the continual hanging posture.” which seems dug more to the artifice of Bullock's taxidermist ! A very famous French naturalist. H. M. de Blainville. visited Lunden in 1814 and there deseribed a specimen from New South Wales. He gave it the new generic name Phasecolurctos, which is derived from the Greek for a pouched hear and lis text is quoted by Isidore Geoffroy St. Hilaire (Diet. Class. Hist. Nat. ix, Feb.. 1826, p. 133) where we read “on le nomme Colak ou Aoalu dans le votsinage de la riviére Vapaum dans la Nou- velle-Hollande.” The name Vapanm is an obvious error ul labelling or printing for Nepean River, New South Wales, erat TkEDALE and Woiuteey, The Early liistory of the Keala, 67 At the sate time Cuvier included our “Teddy Bear” in his Reyne cfunmal (1, 1816, p. 184) under the name Les Kaela and at the end of the fotrth volume on the first plate ifustrated Le Koala in a stilted walking attitude, a very curious figure which is here produced. as it represents the type of the genus and species, Now came the first scientific naming of this little beast, as Goldfuss, a German working on the continuation of the ereat work on the mammals of the world by Schreber, begun some forty vears previously, included Cuvier’s description and gave it both a generic and specthe name, Lipurus cinercus. As Blain- ville’s generic name was previous, we get the combination Phas- Fig. §—-‘Le Koala” Ilustration in Cuvier’s Reyne fntral (1817). calurcios crercas, which ts the one now tsed. .\ few vears later, Desmarest, another great French naturalist, working on the mammals for the French Fneyvelopedie suggested that the animal deserihed as brown was not the same as the vrey one and named the former Purseolarctos fuscus, but reproduced Crvier’s figure, ta which the name cinercaus had heen given. AL these names and figures apparently referred to the original examoles in England. As late as 1838, Lesson (who had been to Australia) was still compelled to copy a figure for his monumental work (Conzpic- ueents de Buffon, Oto. Vol. i, 1838, pl.) as there was ne koala available in France. This was due to the fact that the French exploring vessels had mostly visited the somth and west of Australia, where this little animal does net ocerr. Then there appeared in the Pictrounaire Pittoresgue d' Hist. Nat. (vol. iv. 1840, p. 300) the following :— 68 Trkeatk and Wariry, She uriy History of the Kouta, wate ats G, Cuvier, possédaut Je dessin d'un autre animal appelé aussi Koala, et qui est de la meme contrée, crut deveir en faire un Phascolaretos. bien qu'i] afhirme qui] manque de puuce ... Koala de Cuvier, ym est repre- senté dans notre Atlas, pl. 280, fig 1, 2.) (0G, Cuvier, possessing the draw- ing of another animal alsa called Koala, and from the same region, thought he was bound to make a Phascelerctos of it, although he asserts that it Jacks a thumb, etc.)}, On plate 280 a beautiful fgure of a grey animal with a voung one on its hack is given, but beside it a very natural one of a Native Bear climbing up a branch is added. Two years later, Hombron and Jacquinot in the (oy. Pale Sud sur... L'strolabe ct La Zélée (Mamm, pls. 17-18) gave fine figures of the Koala. but did not tention the souree of their materkil, which they may have purchased in Tasmania. as the expedition never visited Svdnev, This, moreover, is the only lime our Native Bear is mentioned in any of the accowits of the French voyages, Ty revert to Enelish reeorders, a new figure of the Koala is given by Griffith, Smith, and Pidgeon in the [nelish edition af Cuvier's Régne Animal (vol. ii, 1827, p. 50, pl. The Coola or Kaola, publ. 1824) “from a drawing made in New Holland by Mr. Lewin. It inhabits the banks of the river Vapaum, in New Holland.” John William Lewin was a “painter and drawer in natural history” who came to Australia in 1800 and made many delicate paintings of animals, flowers, and landscapes, though the existence Of lis Koala drawing is only known iram this reference, Lewin went to Bathurst as one of Governor Macquarie’s suite in 1815 and may have drawn or observed the animal when they crossed the Nepean River un the way. He died in Sydney in 1819. Apparently still another artist of the early days made a drawing of the Native Bear in England, as in the Penny Cyelopacdia (vol, xiv, 1836, p, 461) ts another excellent illustration with the information :— We are enabled to give figures of the parent and young, taken by the kind permission of a friend, from a very accurate and beautiful drawing executed from the living animals, the first that were known in’ the coluiies, The native name “ Koala” is said to signify “ Biter.” There are old and young stuffed specimens in the British Museum, and a stuffed specimen (Mr, Caley'’s) in the Museum of the Linnean Society. George Caley (1770-1829) arrived in Sydney on April 16, 1800, and was naturalist aboard the Lady Nelson. He left again in 1810 and in 1818 the Linnean Society of London purchased “an extensive and valuable collection of Quadrupeds. Birds and Reptiles, made by Mr. George Caley in New South Wales.” for over £200, so doubtless the Native Bear fortned part of the collection, The famous botanist and explorer, Allan Cunningham, records July 1934, frenaLe and Witney, Tae Early History of the Kouta. 09 Mangastne. Price Ons Pray. Si’, 1836, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE COMMITTEE OF GENERAL LITERATURE ann EDUCATION, APPOINTED BY THE SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHIISTIAN KNO'ULEDCE, SKETCIIES OF NEW SOUTH WALES. No. RIV. | On twe ANIMAES Catgeo “ Monwere,” te New | Sourm Wars. toa common in New South Wales, aml the a yeiaging sketch iad correct representn. tin af one of them, They age generally Guin in thick stray bark foreets, and nee neqnerous om the ranges leuliog to Cox's River, below the monntain Preipicey, aud als in the ravines which open inte the Hawkestairy River, a. well as ja tarione ther Parte nt the cobsay. They are called by tome inon- keva, hy mhere bears, but they by no means answer fw tither species. 1 first took them to be ao sperics @ the shuth a Ballin, aod to they might be, theorh they differ alen ja many respects from that snimal Wan. 1X, Varen oni and T now think that theac an mals mostly recemble, ani come neareat ta, the lorie or eluw-jacul lene aft India, TEariag shot acveral, and caught them ocrasionally {with the assistance of the natives} aleve, both young and old, which To have kept at tho tents for some time, Lam able, from what TP have obserted, to give the fedlewing description. They have four bande, having naked palma, shich are armel with crooked Printed nails, execeiliagly abary. and raiher long. They ore enversl with far of a linish-gray celour, very Shick, ond extremely eofl. Tis darker on the beck, atl paicr under the iheoat and belly, ber slightly tinged woh a reddih-brown obont the ramp. SS... ——————————_—_ iE En Fig. 4—An Early Portrait uf the Koala: Page of the Saturday Magazine, 70) Urebare and Waeittey, The Early History of the Koala, Mt. re in his Journal, Monday, November 9, 1818, when exploring in the Ilawarra district, New South Wales :— The native, our guide, espied, on a tree, an opossum (Didelphis), having many of the habits of the ring-tailed species (randivulzu). It was a female and her cub. They were asleep, hanging by the claws, among the topmost shoots of a slender /vealyptus piperita, It has mo tails it: has the thick bluff head of the wombat, with strong incisor teeth, but does not burrow i the earth as that harmless, easily domesticated animal. The length of the imother was 28 inches, and its weight upwards of 30. ths.; the cub was about half grown, its length not exceeding a foot; it was cayered with a fine thiek grey fur. ‘The Australian killed the parent in order the better to carry her down the range, but the young one, at my suggestion, and request, was suffered to live, and was carefully hroueht to the Farm hut. Trom the details given it is evident that Cunningham's “Opus- sum" was a Koala, and it is noteworthy that our ‘eddy Bear was also confused with the Wombat by some of the early naturalists, The first really comprehensive account of the natural history of the Koala. written just a century aga from first-hanil experience, appears in the little-known “Sketches of New South Wales,” tinder the strange caption of ‘““Monkevs.” The “Sketches” were published in twenty parts in the Saturday Magazine in 1836 and 1837 and were campiled by William Romaine Govatt or Govett, who came to Sydney in 1827, as assistant survever to Major fafterwards Sir) T. [, Mitehell. As this account ts in a rather obscure publication, it is reproduced here in its entirety, ON THE ANIMALS CALLED "MONKEYS" IN NEW SOUTH WALES. These animals are common in New South Wales, and the aceompaty- ing sketeh is a correct representation of ane of them. They are generally found in thick strmey-bark forests, and are numerous on the ranges lvad- ing to Cox's River, below the mountain precipices, and alsu in the ravines which open into the Hawkesbury River, as well as in various other parts of the colony. They ate called hy some munieys, by others bears, but they by no means atiswer to cither species. 1] first tunk them ta he a species of the Sloth of Buffon, and so they might be, though they differ alsa in’ many respects from that animal; and Io new think that. these animals mostly resemble, and come nearest to, the loris, or skiw-paved lemur of India. Haying shot several, and caught them occasionally (with the assistance of the natives) alive, both young and old, which I have kept at the tents for some time. I am able, fram what I have observed, to give the following description. They have four hands, having naked palms, which are armed with crooked pointed nails, exceedingly sharp, and rather long. They are covered with fur of a bluish-gray colour, very thick, and extremely soft. It is darker on the back, and pafer under the throat and belly, but slightly tinged with a reddish-brown about the rump. The nose is somewhat elonzated, and appears as if it was tipped with black leather. The ears are almost concealed in the thickness of the fur, but have mwardly Jonge whitish hairs. The eyes are round and dark, sometimes expressive aad interesting, The mouth ts small, and they haye no tail, Their counten- ance altogether is by ho means disagreeable, hut harmless-looking and duly Tneoattc and Wrurtey, Phe Sarl» Herraey ef the Kaala 7) piilul, Dey scem fanned for climbing trees, tut they are rather tlaw it motion, and buc anoderately active. Like many other avimals of the eulany, they are drowsy snd stupid by day, but become wore alfimated at melt, ad when disturbed they make a mislancholy cry. exciting pity, They feed cpon tie taps of frees, selecting Ilossoms anc yauig siiants, and they are alsa said 10 eat same particular \einds of hark. When full- frown, they appear alayt the size of a smal) Chinese pig. They ara eertawhy dort differently fram every, other species af die quadrwmana, wid if is probable they possess different anjoyments. They are very juoffon- sive and gentle in manners, if wt irritated. The first T ever saw of these aniinals was cabght Wa particular manier by a tative, and as Wye ut vessed hig manoeuvres witty considerable quriasity, it may afford sone interest to relate the anecdote, We were ascending wiry ¢arly i the morning Moun Tourang. one of the trrgeaumetrcal stations m Arey’. When the lative perceived a yory large monkey in the act of ascending a tree, le canghe it, and beg desirous of preservine the aninial, we ced act with sone silk kercliefs to the tule of a Sniall tree, mitending to take jt to the canyp ou our return. About suuset we were descending the mountaia, and «hd not forget the pesoner: bat, lat on arriving at rhe spat the creatury was gone, ‘Lhe native shoal his head, whistled, and commenced examin the neighbour- ing tees, when presently Ne espied the aniinal perched pon the to) of a high treg, quite at home. "Me catch the rascal directly,’ sard the [slack. ane proceeded first to cut a thin pole about ten teed iv length, He nest tare a tong strip af rupy hark, which he fastened to one end of the pole, i the jerm of a loop or necse, after whith he communced clinbiny the tree jo good spirits, and confident of saccess, The animal, om obserrig the approach of his enemy, ascended higher and higher til he reached the Vory qxtremity of the leafy hough on the top of the tree. while the tative, Tiountiia as high as he could safely go, would but scarcely reagl Tim with his pole. For a long time he tried to get the noase over ihe head al the inoukey, and several dines when Ute walive imagined Ww had sur- cétded, the monkey, at work with his fore-hand, would repeatedly tear it Off aild disengawe Kinself, The poor animal, as he laoked down upon his perplexing adversary, Jooked truly pitequs and ridiculous, and we began co thinks that the bfack would fail in his attenspt, The fative, Wowever growing impationt and angry, ascended a step higher, tii the -yery treo ended with hie weight. He tried again, and having suvoeeded in slipping the noase ever the monkey's head, inated) ately twisted the pole, so as (o tighten the cord. "Me got him rascal, lic exelariiicd, as he looked downward to see the beet way of descending, "Came along, you rascal, come, come, come," he cried, tagging away at ihe monkey, who seemed unwilling to gut his post, Down they came by degrees, the black vautiously managing his prisoner, every now and then Making faces at him, and teasing hint, with greac apparent delight anrl satislaction 6 Wihself, We could not but observe the cautious manner in which he appeared at times to treat the monkey but this caution we soon perecived was very mecertary, for when they bad descended to where the tree divided into two brawches, the black endeavoured to nike ibe allimal pase "bhn, so that he might have hetter commaml aver him, To sq doing the monkey) made a sdrt of spiteful catch or spring at the alive, bot whielt he cleverly avoided Ixy shifting himself yo the other branch with great dexterity. Ad feneth, "Reverewae: both the man and the monkey arrived vearly to the bottom oi the tree, whe the lattes. being. lowermast, jumped upon the ground, got Mose, and having crawled lo the peargst Iree, commenced ascending agai. We seized Him by the rump, thought less of dlanper, bur soon thoneht it advisable 02 quit cur hold, when the ative, now enraged, sprung to his tomahawk, and threw it swith such foree at the wiliicky animal as to knock hint clean off the tree. We tnok 72 lereware and Wootaay, fhe Barkly Uestary of the Koale. bey bn Ihe animal to the camp, whero it was soou despatched, as we thought, from its pitiful rries, that it was suffering torturé from the blaw af the tamahaywk, ° When was the Koala frst made known trom Vietoria® Tu seeking to unravel the history of this quail creature, we Nave heen unable to trace anv early relerence to its oectirrence in rhis State. fi must surely have been known by the middle of tasi century. yet no published information regarding Victorian specimens appears until the ‘eighties, Perhaps our readers can supply some light on this problen, What was apparently the first Jiving Koala to be transported to Europe was purchased by the Zoologica! Society uf London in 1880; it thrived under special care uati) one night, in its wanderings, it became canght herween the lid and bottam of a fixed washing-stand and came to a tragic end hy suffocation. We are agreeably surprised to find thar rhe name Koala has persisted in its original dorm for this charming marsupial, although the variant Koolali ts given pride of place in Murray's Mew Laglish Dictionary, wherein we read thac ' Koala was perhaps orig, a musreading of Kvole Hence the name of the town Coolali in New South Wales.” This statement seenis to be misleading as Jcoala is the correct tame for the Native Rear, and, according to Thorpe’s List of New Sonth Wales Aborigittal Place Names, the meaning of Coolah is angry, a tem. like ‘Inter’ whivh could only be apphed to our Native Bear when ic is gowled to fury hy huntan tormentars. Cornpare Throshy, writing ia 1819, in another connection :— "The reports of the Natives... that the people at Bathurst were very (cooler) angey with the Blacks . . _” ete. The aboriginal language is dead, the blackfellows have depatted from the gum Forests for ever, hut still the little Koala persists, though in greatly diminished oumbers, and long may iW live to hrowse in peace upon the Eucalyptus, 1f only to remind us of our heritage as Australians. , EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES. 1, The “Koalo, or New Holland Sloth” di George Perry's arcana. The frst known picture of the Koala, publishecl May. 1810. Original book in) Avstralian Museur library. 7 A Koala in Wilham Bullock's Museum, From an engraving by Howitt, published April, 1812. in 4 Cont punion to lhe Lendow Masser, Original beak ia Jib, T, Iredale - 3. The type of the getius and species, Phasvolorc/as oivevvus, “Le Koala” ri iustrafed in Cuvier's Kégue Aninal, 1817, Australian Museum library P 4, One of “the Animals catlod Monkeys in New South Wales," A pie- ture by W, K. Govert in die Saturday Magasine. Dec, 1836. Original took in tlh, G. PL Whitley. Photagrafdied bv GC, Clutton, Aust, Marg. tu THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VOL. LI Ful, 1934 Plate XIII Photo. by F. Lewis, Koala Mother and “Cub,” on Quail Island Joly + Laws, The Koali mi Micloria, , ‘3 THE KOALA IN VICTORIA By fF Lewis (Chick Inspector of Fisheries and Garne,) dr, Thomas Woorl. of Essex. England, who visited -\ustralia three years ago, Fell in love with the Koalas—he met them on Philbp Island—-and describes them in almost extravagant tering in his hook, Cobbers, x very interesting account o£ his tour. ‘The only more entrancing person than the Koata is his wife with her hale,” he writes, “I lost my heart to her completely’; “to sce them alone repays a voyage ta Australia’. “they are the siost enchanbng little people that ever drew breath.” It seems a pity that Australians thetnselves did not learn, euch cartier in the history of their country, to appreciate these charming litthe marsuynals, Had they done so. it 1s probable that we should nov be now moursting the ahyost complete disappearance of the Koala. Our island-continent has been settled for a century, but im that comparatively short period Australians have almost “settled”? one of the most interesting animals m the world. This very regrettalle state of affairs is net the result of trappmg or shooting seasons authorised by Govern- ments, bur simply of downright carelessness, neglect and lack of appreciation om the part of the people of Australm. True it ts that, in 1927, the Queensland Government declared an open season during which more than half a million Koalas were killed, hut no such action was responsible for the extermination of the Koala m South Ausivalta ancl New South Wales, anid for-its sadly depleted twnbers in this State of Victoria. The Koala’s original range was from the south-castern part of South Australia, through Victoria, eastern New Sonth Wales tight up into Northern Queensland, where at one time, Jt must have existed in qnillions. There is very good evidence that forty or filty years avo “Native Lears’' were exceedingly commun overt alnast the whole of Victoria. Now the species is almost extinct on the mamland, a very few MKoalas surviving in the Inverloch district and in South Gippsland around Welshpool, Voora, Moster. ete, Others are living—and, | am glad to say, theiving—on the islaiids in Western Port Bay. I estiniate that there are now not more than 1,000 Koalas in this. State, On the maintand of Victoria. I fecl certain, the Koala is daomedl to early extinction. and will never he re-established. excepting perhaps in satne reserves which may he specially set apart for Its protection and coservation, such as the Badger Creek Sanc- tiraty, neat Healesville. Such resei ves, lwwever, must be securely fenced to prevent the amnials escaping: In such a slate of vatutle, they live very solitary lives, ancl unless confined, would waniler 74 Lewia, The Koala ix Fictaria. Yat ve away from a reserve over comparatively Jong distances, thus reducing to a ttinimam the possibility of breeding. From inquiries I have made amoung well informed people, tt appears that the favourite “sport” of the young men and boys of thirty or jorey years aga was shooting Native Rears. Their ideas af “sport must have been very primitive. hecatse no mvare inoffensive and easily-destroyed anima) ihan the Ioala lives in any part of the world. During the davtitne the Koil sits in the fork of a tree, calmly sleeping the hours away. To quote Dr, Wood again. “the Kaala thinks the night is for living, the day for rest.” Immense numbers of Koalas must have been destroyed by those young “sportsmen” of an earlier generation thaw ours. hut there seers never ta have been any ‘regular hanting with a view to marketing the skins, Yet the fur is very tek and warm, and, T ath told. is in great demand by men living in Northern Canada and Hurope, who claim that it is the only fur which wall keep out the cold, wintry blasts of those northeen climes, Apart frow the shooting which sa greatly reduced their nunilers, I firmly believe that the next most imynrytant factor was the hush fires which, during the Jast twenty or thirty yveurs have ravaged practically the whole of this State, Most birds and ammals hiving in the Australian bush can eseape, in various ways, [rom an average bush fre. but the Koala falls an casy victim. Even act Inverloch—ote of the remaining places in this State where the Koala still survives on the painland—prac- tically the whole of the canntry fur many miles around has been burnt in recent monrhs. After 1 careful inspection, [ found only two living Koalas in that digtrict. There may, of course, be nore, but those remaining will not tong survive should bash fires again oceur. In southern Victoria, the principal food of the Koala is the young foliage of the Manna Gun (Lucalyptes winminalis), This ree, fortunately, is very abundant in our southern districts and on the islands in Western Port Bay. Between twenty and thirty years ago, ome fishermen lying at Corinella took a few Native Bears across. tu French Island. where, finding the conditions congenial, they thrived and multiplied. From this island they were introduced to Philhp Island where now they are one of the principal attractions to tourists, The soil generally on French Island is very poor; good patches heing fairly scarce, while the remainder of the island is covered in a short, heathy serub The Manna Gum therefore which, under good condilinns grows into a anagnificent tree, 3s here rather a poor specimen, tn order to preserve their hoses irom the danger of fires, the settlers burn the scrub, practically every summer. This iust result in a number af Koalas being THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VOL. LE Fuly, 1934 Plate X1V Photo. by F. Lewis, Keala in Sapling Eucalypt duly 4 » + pps : 1936, Lewis, The flout ta Pietovia rit . destroyed cach vear, but, despite this drawback, they were hnlding their own on French Islind until ‘abbits were intraduced These pests increased sa rapidly that, in order co cope with them, Sonie- one conceived the brilbant idea of bherating cats. As is usual under such circumstances: the cats attacked the hird life with the inevitable resull that insect pests, Jiaving no Inds to keep then) fit clack, miiltiplied amazingly. The weakening influence ef the fires. combined with the aracks of insect pests, son resulted in the death of most of the trees on the island. The residents. noticing the trees dving, blamed the Koalas, overlooking the fact that nor only was witnmalis going, but Pines. Sugar Gums and Messinate ulsu were dying, slthongh Koalas will not eat the Jeaves of any of these trees. Tt became necessary ther, in order to preserve the Koala, in select same other place for it, and the Fisheries and Game 1)epar't- ment chose Quail Fsland. a Government reserve and sanctuary of about 3,000 acres in the northern portion of Western Port Ray. To this retreat same two hundred or three hundred Koalas fave now been transferred. There ts an abundance af £. vin- quatis iwees on this island, aud itis hoped that om the three islands in Western Part the Kaalas will have a safe home, where the Species wil] be preserved indefinitely. The Koale is, of course, a marsupial. It breeds only once a year, born in March, the “cul” at Irth is less than half an inch in Jengch, Jt is carvied in the pouch until late in September or early in October, when iW first comes our to wew the world and iced om the tender gree shoots uf the Mauna Gum. Most “Sainihly graup” pictures of the Mosla show rhe haby pereherdl on its nvother’s hack, hut ft 3s carried in this position only when danger threatens or the mother wishes ta climb abqut in the trees. At other times the young one lies clasped im its mother's arms, being uursed in the same manner as a human haby, Ic ts not easy to get photographs of the twa in ils position, because AS soon as one approaches close enough for an exposure. tlic young one, usually, scrambles round on ta the tnather'’s back, to which it clings tightly, its sharp, needle-like claws firmly fixerl in thick fur. The young one reniains with the mother—although nat wholly dependent upon her—uncil abeut the end af December ov January. Even after that, utten it continues Teeding in the siume cree.’ Like the Platypus. the Knala is a most dainty and diserim- inating food faddist. He will eat only the follage of three or four members ot the huge family of Eucalypts. As previously mentioned, the staple diet in southern Victoria is 2. vivtinalis, fmt the eoala is alsa fond of the Swamp Gum (£, ovete), the Foyest Rerl Gum (4. restrata), and will take occasionally a little of the Pegpermnint Guin. vA Kinsiraw, The Koala oun Wilson's Promoutory. WWol. hle Dr. Wood's deseriptian of the feeding of the Ioala is sa excellent that 1 cannot refrain from quoting a few lines :— Jf you waken Koala towards evening, he inay deride it is time: he roused himself and got his breakfast. If he dors, you will learn, probably for the first dime, avhat Sasudiousness really means He gets out of his armchair and climbs upwards, slowly and carefully, clasping the boughs with arms and feet and sticking hay. strong, curved, weedle-pointed claws mio the bark. He stretches ont a hand to a leaf, polls a gently to. that ridiculoys nase, and sniffs, Nos too mature, He selects another; touches tt with the tiniest tip of narrow pink tonguc. Ne-o; a leetle too much hoody, He ¢limbs higher. ‘Tries again, Then again. At Jastt He muiches soloiaily, keepmg cven af meal-tines his inimitable air of unfailing ywon- der, of iinoeent amazement, that any tree could be so crammed with sue- arises as the one he finds himself in at the morent.” Ti a State of nalure the Koala never drinks, but when peopice accasionally. and illegally, take them for pets, they quickly become Fond of milk or tea, Domestic foods soon result in the ayimal developing chronic indigestion, which causes early death. That, among other reasons, is why permits to kecp Native Bears i captivity, are never given by my Department. THE KOALA ON WILSON'S PROMONTORY By Jas, A. Krnspaw, Cm.2.8, The Koala is one of the few native inamimals which were found inhabiting Wilson’s Promwotory during the Club's first survey of its fauna and flora in 1905, Essentially an arboreal animal, and chiefly nocturnal in habits. the Native Bear is usually found during the day asleep in a fork of a tree, though, even m summer, it often moves abaut in the daytime, and is oceastonally seen on the ground. Jt ts the largest of all the Phalangers, to which group it belongs, and differs from them all in many characters but noticeably im the absence of a tail. Although rather ungainly and clamsy in its thove- nents on the grotind, i can move along quickly, and it is sur- prising the distances it will often travel over open country. One not infrequently comes across a lonely wanderer far from any timher. Tis food is almost exclusively restrictedl to the leaves of ithe Eucalypts, though it probably also feeds upen other kinds of vegetation, It is thought by some observers to feed upon cerlam raots or tubers, the search for which may account for it being occasionally disturbed while on the grouni, Wilson's Promontory has Jong been regarded as the home of the Koala. Totally unsettled, clensely timbered and, until recent years, rarely visited except by cattle musterers, this area has always been an ideal sanctuary. Thirty years ago the Koala was fairly numerous in spite of the periodical raids of skin-htnters According lo statements made hy old residents on the mainland, THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VOL, LI Fuly, 1934 Plate XV Photo. by C, Barrett. Young Koalas in The National Park, Wilson’s Promontory dul 4 s or tere Kexsizaw, the Koala an Hrilsan's Promuontars, 7 ~F parties lad been In the habit of visiting the Promontory every winter to obtem the skins of both Koalas and Wallalies and, us a consequence, large numbers of {hese animals were destroved- Throughout the greater part of ats nerthern end and in the titls and sheltered 1intbered valleys alony the western coast, niimbers af Koalas-could always be met with. Their favourite fuod, the Manna Gum (Eucalyptus vinunalis) grew plentifuily on the shellered flats and Jow hills, and it wag not an unusual st@lit to see three or four of these harmless creatures, often one or more with a joey clinging to its another's back, in a single tree. Albino aud semi-Albing varieties were not rare, Following the permanent reservation of the Promontory in 1908 as a National Park and Sanctuary for the preservation oj the native fauna and flora, these interesting animals were 10 lover molested, but were permitted ta enjoy unrestricted L[ree- dom in their natural home. Asa result oalas gradually increased in numbers antl in che course of a few vears leeame so numerous tluvt, in favourable situations, one could always rely on seeing from thirty ta forty in a camparatively emiall arca. Their imeruwity from fiterlerence of any kind, extending over a number of years, together witlt their natural increase. resulted in their multiplying to such an extent as seriously to threaten, the existence of their natural food plant. In ‘the extensive valley at Oberon Bay and in one or two other localiti¢s tayoured by the Koalas, it was naticed that quite a sutuber of the trees had died, and investigation proved thar this was due ta repeated defoliaiian by these animals. Action was at once taken to reduce their numbers, Where it was possible, thany were transferred to other parts of the Park. but im remote localitics, such as Oberon Lay, transport was out of the question so that it heeame necessary, im order to save the remaining” trees, to have a nunther destroyed, ‘his had the desired effect for a time, but as the trees, in Lbeiv eftort to Tecover, sprouted new leaves, the Koalas returned and agai stripped them, with the result that, in certain localities, this particular Fucalypt was practically extermunated. Their food-plant gone, many of che animals died, others worked back into the more heavily titmbered ranges al the terior where they zound suitable food among the Rlue Gums. With a view to their acclimatization in some of the other States several Koalas were forwarded to New South Wales, South Avstrala, and Western Australia. Native Bears ave still fairly numerous in the timbered country on the northern and tastern coasts of the Promontory and among the hig timber in'the vicinity of Sealer’s Cove; and with the replanting of the depleted areas they wilh no double return te their former haunts. v2 Sutton, Tho Noalas Faod Trees. Ss. oe THE KOALA’S FOOD TREES By Dr. C. S, Sutton Té has been jownd chal the Koala confines itsel? almost entirely faa very small number of the species of Encalypins which gecur within its tange—frond Santh Australia (formerly) te Nerth Queensland. The trees which it inhabits and upon the foliage of which if feeds, are A. ginitnaiis, the Manna Gum, seeminely preferred before all others; 2, meltedara, the Yellow Box; 7. rostedia, the River Red Gum; 2. mierecorys, Tallawwood: and F macelata, the Spotted Gum, The Manna Guam, 72. wintinahs, is a tall, handsome tree running up to 150 feet or more in height, with smooth white hark seceding in cibbons. Its leaves. from which a sugary substance is exuded, are long and narrow, and the foliage is drooping, Tt flowers in any anouth of che year. Outside thickly-forested country, where, at course. it is at its best, in less favourable situations or in poor sandy soil, it 18 a comparatively poor tree, stunted and with hare, rngged hark te the branches, It likes good, deep, well-drained 501] and plenty of moisture, and is aften seen along watercourses or in alluvial fats, in company with the Red Gum. The Manna Guo has a wide distribution, front suuthern Queensland through New South Wales. where, on the hasalt, it nveurs ac elevations of 5000 feet, Victoria, South Australia—the Mount Lofty district, the sonth-east corner of the State. and Kangaroo Jsland—and Tas- mania. Tn Victoria it is widespread and more particularly on ihe main divide, up to elevations at 3000 feet, westward to Monnet Cyie. in the Otway Ranges. and in the south-west corner at the South Australian boarder. Tts leaves have been [ound in contain an averawe af 353% of ail, composed of cucalyptol, pitenc, ses- quiterpene, and a small amount of phellandrenc. The Yellow Box, A. ameffiodera, is nut urdinarily a tall tree, averaging froin GO to 80 feel, but in very favourable conditions it may reach even 200 feet. Its leaves are thin and dull. and vary from narrow-lanceolute to broad-ovate; the foliage is pendent. The bark is persistent, suh-fibrous and huff-coloured on the stem, bul the upper part of this may be smooth Tr blossoms evety second year, [yom November to Vebruary, and the Aowers are honey-scented. Yellow Box heing the most valuable nectar-vielding tree in this State. The range of this species is, roughly, from the Glenels River to just south of Brisbaue. Ib is found on the tablelands from Queensland to Victoria: 15 nat particular as to soil, but does best, in this State, on the heavy alluvial soils of the valleys, and is Found at elevations of up ta 3000 feet in New South Wales, Tt is averse to cold, and is rare where the rainfall is uver 30 inches or tinder £5 inches, Tit Victoria i iz widely sHistributed, execpt in the north-west, and occurs more partcularty July ‘ jt a, ek of 4 il sertax, Phe Koala's Food Trees, 79 in Gippsland, the Granipians, the northern stopes of the Divide up t) 2000 feet, and scattered over the lowland plains, “Uhe aver- ave yield of oil from the leaves is ‘866%, consisting Of cuealyptol wml pinene, and a very small amount of phellandrene, The River Red Gum, &. rostrata, is the most widely spread af all the Hucalypts, occurring in every State of the Mainland, from ‘ast tu: west and from. south to north, being absent only fromm Tasmania, Ut is alsu. perhaps, the most easily reeegnized and best known of all, far itis. when not growing in close association. the most picturesque member vf the getus, with its short. sissive trunk and immense wide-spreading branches, each tree seeming to have at incividuality all its awn. Like the Yellow Gos, it blossoms every second year, and at abuut the same time, 11 Decem- her and January. In close forest it may reach a height of 200 feet, is able to stand all weather conditions except [rosts. leing absent from the river valleys at the higher elevations. In open country the Red Gium is almost restricted to the banks of rivers, stteh as the Murray and its tributaries, to watercourses wet or dry, ail to alluvial soils and sandy clays. [t is, moreover, capabie af growing in arens with a rainfall as low as 10 inches on flats subject to periodical qundation, where the subsoil is capable of halding the moisture during droughts. [ts commonest associate in the north-west is the Black Box. The amount of oil in the leaves is comparatively small, -1376¢, and consists of aromaden- dral, with some eucalyptal, pinene, and a small amount of phellan- drene, The Tallawwood, /. aucrocerys, provides, like the Red Guim, one of our most valnable timbers. It is a tall tree of 100 fect tu 150 feet, and veeasionally much higher, with a stratelt, clean- butressed stem covered with pale fibrous bark. Tt ranges im a narrow belt, not much wider than thirty miles, along the coast hetween Sydney and Newcastle, and most widely between there and Brisbane, ascending the ranyes to about 3000 feet, It is found at is best in deep porous soil, where there is plenty of motsture, The amount of oil in the leaves is -410%. It has a turpentine odour, and contains pinene and eucalyptol, but ne phellandrene, The Spotted Gum, £. maculata. is another tall, handsome tree, with a long, smooth, clean, shiny, whitish stem muitled with bluish-white or brown-reddish patches. It grows on poor sail, attaining, perhaps, 150 feet in height. in a narrow strip along the coast from the extreme cast of Victoria to beyond Brislanue, thence in an increasingly broad belt to Townsville, and from there across the Jower part of York Peninsula to the Gulf of Carpen- taria. The proportion of oi] in the leaves is -228%. and the eon- tents are cucalyptol, pinene and sesquiterpene. Obviously the Koala confines itself to the trees mentioned) above hecause their fohage, which appears to he tts sale four, 1s mere 80 Sutton, The Kaala's Food Trees, We ea to its taste than is that of other species. T'erhaps it is the manna in the leaves of #. efiminalis which makes it preferred before all others. A consideration of the results obtained by Messrs. Baker and Smith i their researeh on the oils of 110 species of Eucalypts shows that the amount present in the leaves vartes from more than +% in those of £. anygdalina to nil in FE. abtusifiera: that eucalyptol, pinene, sesquiterpene and phellandrene, in that order, are the chief constituents, followed by aromadendral, eudesmol and peppermint ketone and many others—and that the amount of om and the constituents vary according to season, soil and jocaltty. It may, perhaps. be coneluded that the Koala does net ohject to a considerable amount of oil in the fuliage on which tt feeds, as that of £. melliodera has -866% . that it prefers that which con- tains a good deal of both eucalyptol and pinene, and is not alto- gether averse to phellandrene, which exists to a slight-amount, at least in some seasons and in some forms of eininelts, rostrata and nrelliodora. ‘ eile ENSLAND QUEENSLAND eiteare doom a! souTH mins AUSTRALIA NEW SOUTH WALES Map prepared by Mr. Noel Burnet, of Sydney, showing the original range of the Koala (in black on the left) and the present localities where it is found. ay. Repr. ol Thetee-naned Orchid. 81 A THRICE-NAMED ORCHID) By the Rev, H. M. R. Rere Bulbophyllum Maecphersantt, nomen novum, 1934. [B. purfparascens Baitey in Proc, Roy, See. O'land, Vol ', 1884; Osyriceru purpiraseens ( Bail.) Deane in Fitzg. Austr. Orch, TT, 5, and Bail, Q'land Flora Vy yp. 1540,] In 1933 Mr. K. 7 Macpherson, of Pro-~ serpine, N, Queens- land, sent ine a small plant resembling a Rulbaphyullaut, with out flowers. It ap- peared ta agree fairly well with I. M. Bailey’s description of a species named by him B. teressac, ut i/ at the end af the fol- ry) towing summer dark i . buds appeared, well [ stalked, im mo way | ¢ | resembling the sessite ~ white fliwers ot 23, apreyitta, Shy Mees Bulbophyllum Macphersonii. sects, and I was £, Jabellum entarged and flattened out, doubtiul whether or C, colunin enlarged (side). ; , not to regard the The Sowers appear to be often but not invari plant as aie sides ably reversed. This may be due to the irregular scribed species: but habit of growth. in May, 1934, Mr, Macpherson sent seven flowers which enabled me to identify it with the orchid described in Bailey’s “ Queensland Flora” as Osyricera purpurascens. Deane, and figured in Fitzgerald's “ Australian Orchids” aver the same name with Bailey’s name added in brackets. 1 forwarded three flowers to Dr. R. S. Rogers. who promptly confirmed my determination, and gave the following interesting details of this Little orchid’s chequered career. It was originally described in 1884 (see syn- onyins abeye) by Bailey as Bidbophyllum purpurascens, Fitzgerald fig- ured it, but died before the plate was published. Publication was carried out under the direction of Messrs. A. J. Stopps and H. Deane, but the latter considered that the plant should be removed from Bulhophyiiian ta Blume’s monotypic genus Osyricera. After some demur, Bailey gave way, and endorsed its appearance in Fitzgerald as O. purpurascens, by describ- ing it under that name in his handhook of the Queensland Flora in 1902. In 1905, J. J. Snth (re Orchideen von Java) suppressed Blume's genus on the ground that ihe distinctions between it and Bylbophylliu were only of specific, and not of generic, importance. His action was sub- sequently confirmed by Schlechter, and is never likely ta be chaltenged, The main differences are int the union of the lateral sepals and the form of the column appendages. After the disappearance of Osyricera, the apparently obvious course in regard to the Queensland species was to restore Bailey's original name. This, however, cannot be done; for the name was previously appropriated for another species; in 1862 Teysmann and Binnendijk described a Javanese species as B, purpitrascens, Thus our Jittle Queensland plant can be neither Osyricera nor purpurasecns. i Pas 2 A . Viet, Nak 82 SAkGENT, Pollouttion ti Plerasintis, Vol LL In submitting a new and. T hope, a permanent name, I gladly adapt Dr. Rogers’ suggestion that the species mm future be recugnized as #, Mae- Phersonii, Not only has Mr, Maepherson brought the plait tu light avam, and so rendered the setthement of its position practicalile, hut he is doing most valuable work in “re-discovering ” other little-known orchids of North Queensland; and one new species already stands to his eredlit (Cleisestoma orbtentare, Rupp, in The North Queensland Naturalist, April, 1934). lt is remarkable that Bailey, in his original description, makes no allie sion to the cohesion of the laterat sepals, In the Queensiand Flora, ot course, this feature is assuined as essential to the generic character mn Osyricere; but for an (Australian) Aalbephydian it is yery unusual. Otherwise Bailey's two descriptions, which agree pretty closely, are excel- kg and need not be repeated here. But in all flawers seen by me the sepals are yery deep red, the petals and lahellum heing purple. It is prob- able that the calouring varies, as Fitzgerald's flowers are purplish, and the pronounced dark red of the Proserpine sepais is not in evidence, The beautifully fringed Jahellim is curiously suggestive of that of Prasaphyl- fam fontriataut, R.Br. Proserpine ¢listrict, North Queensland, K. Macpherson (Bailey's locati- lies are Herberton (7. W. R. Stuart), Bellenden Ker Range, “and many other tropical localities.” } POLLINATION IN PTEROSTYLIS By O. H, Sargent, York, WA. Though not lacking in mudest beauty the "Greenhuods “ are fac from porgeous. Yet. in some respects the genus Pterostyiis is the most inter- esting of Australian urchid genera, and seems destined to occupy a very important place in the annals of research. TF. Cheeseman (NZ) in 1873, and RD. Fitegeratd (Sydney), in 1882. published excellent accounts of the floral structure and methed af pollination, though neither actually witnessed the visit of a pollinating insect. This was achieved by a Wes- tern Australian observer, who published an account of his experiences in elanals of Botany, vol. XXII, No. XC (1909). Lastly, Mrs, KE. Coleman has reported observations of insect visits to two species in Victoria (Jiri. Nat., Marsch, 1934). Dr. R. S. Ragers has, at various tines, published numerius totes, The stunels paper appears to he the mast extensive and detailed account af pollination yet offered, and unique in recording the history af au insect visit thronghont its ceurse. As the original is now doubtless inaccessible to many a réswué by its author, with sundry hitherto mapybhshed per- fikent notes, should be welcome. On the sevententh day of July, 1907, at about 2 pm. a small enal was observed hovering over the flowers of Pterostylis zitiate, standing in a vase before a window, in a quaint old room. It settled an a Jabellum; but at once flew off again, Returning in a few moments, it alighted again on the same labellum, near its tip, and, with deliherate steps. moved up to- wards the base, into which, upan or near the appendaye, it commenced to (or actually id) thrust its probescis. With starthne suddenness, the lJabelium flew back, and the gnat became a frantically fluttering prisoner within the lower chamber of the flower. Fluttering soon ceased, and the msect sought freedom through the tunnel formed by the column wings, its hack towards the column. It had to struggle yery vigurausly to get through the narrow top of the tunnel, and needed the aid af the hajringss edging the wings. At last. somewhat exhausted, carrying potlen-masses, it left the flower within three minutes of its involuntary entrance. No other yisit was seen, but entrances, incarcerations, and exits have several times been wtiexsedd, tut , shy, J Sarcext, Polfnation we Plerostylts. 83 That Ue fuwers are attractive is suggested hy the repeated visits of the same gat aud also by the behaviour of gnats approaching flewers foraynate accideit opened the way to experiment. A “blowfe” was ob- acryed sucking the raw suriace of a Pi, recurva ovary Irom whieh the perigoue and column had been cut, This fly cefused to move when touched 2nd, when attempts to Lift it off were made, ils Tees and proboscis stretched to capacity. On release, the Ay dropped back elastically lo a comfortable position anid centmued to suck. “ BlowMes" caught and fed on crushed Plerosiyliz thlossons (spp.) always sptedils becarne so absorld as to per- mit handling, and soon Jost temporarily) power to Ay—a semylom noticed in guiats which had lingered long in Groenhoot hlossonys Tt seethed safe lo regard the flower jimces as intoxicating alld dehly attractive to the visiting gnats, Judging from insect behaviour, ihe tahel- jim hase, sts appendage, and the base of the colnmn seem to he the best places for tapping, Observations and experiments up to 1999 emduced) tHe formulation of the Jallowing “working hypothesis °:— "The first time an insect is hurled into a Aowee i) i sa alarmed that it immediately seeks 2 way of escape. This tt soon finds lip the column—wings tunnel, and, a it strugules through a load of pollen is fastened to its back, The attraction of the fluwer a9 preat, and if is not long befpre the insect again alights on a labellum, and is a sedund true Nitirled inta-a flower. Its pollen covered Inack strilecs the stigma, which removes a portion of the load, Jess wlarmed on this occasiou the insect probably lingers and sucks the imfoxicating juice. A Iittle safhees this time, aed the dipteran secks [reedom via the tunnel, A few more flowers play be visited an a senilar manner, bot the tlme soo comes when the dipteran lingers oll the labellum falls, and then makes its exit wathout passing through the tWimel, Then when next it visits a Aower sts stock af pollen will be compara: tively small, but it will Singer long, and brushing frequently against the stignya will coat that organ with a sufheient number af precious grains.” ‘ Modification, aid perhaps amendments, will in due course be needed, tt inay well be supposed. Yet, fresh facts that have cume to light seem to fil surprisingly well within 1h¢ broad outlines of that venturesome ' hypotiiy: sis.’ Mrs. Coleman's observepons, so far as they can ve vo-ordinated, seem to be at good accord. - A sprig labellum closes tbe flower for a period lalrty constant lor the species, but varying within the genus frons 25 minutes (Pr, tuvrtasa) to three hours (Pr. recurva). . The classic Pt. vittata halds its flower elased for two hours. "These times art usually doubled before 14 an aad aiter-4 p.m. and ilroughout dull davs”" Though nat realised at the tre tt was made or recorded, this observatian probably 1s lighiy import- ant, hecause it suggests that irritability is associated with chemical de- and re-composigon. At the end of closure the Sabellua: retuyiy to ready” fopen) with slaw contimous motion, by several short jerks, or abruptly, , Even the same labellum varies its nicthod. Alwags there is w lapse of tine, varying from @ few pvnudes to helfeari-hour-before the “ready” Jabellum js avain irritable. The specific characteé of closure tiies may perhaps ultimately be co-related with the fact that cach species ts usually, if not liwarrably, visited by jts own particular Species of ‘dipterass. in 3909 and till recently, only the existerice of presumptive hybelds indicated that allied species are sometimes visited by the same dipteran. This cooclision Mrs, Colenian's observatars tow fully confirm Labella ‘of plants onder close observation have never shown any lack of irritability, except during the orief period following re-apening after excitatnoi. Structure and behaviour are wonderfully co-relatecd] in these dulle coloured flowers. Granted the structure labellar jrritability as highly advantageous, if not a necessity, Swractire is foreshadowed in related RY Sarcent, .Polhination i Merosyrta. Lin] we Kvlera, om, Loperaiins; dad less jrritabilite occurs in Cofeana ainrite, Probably struckute developed earlier than irritability, which even now varies specifically pu intensit’. Deheate experiments ide sintee, 1909 ted ta show that #h wittafa, in practice, reacts oly to actual punerure. while Pr saryeit ieels the gentlest touch, A tiny gnat weighing only one milligram (Oe Sinty-Alth part of a arain—half a million would wei a puund) touched the lahellunt base of this speties, apparentty qith ONE FOOT only; and ib was proraptly hurled into the flower! Such extreme infitability adit certamly have serious disadvantages, were it sot limited to the middle hasal tissuc, Lone before any inscet visin had been wir- nessed, it had been found yessible to locate sensitivity with Ue aid of a Slender fristle, whith induced reaction anly when the appendage or neigh- hourme tissue were touched. {Amitals Ic.), Ohservaticany af insect visits confirmed the technique, atid pomted to Uie Weed pl even greater delicacy—something more perfectly comparable i levity with the “alry wottings ” themselves. Too rough a touch oo any part will | syring” a Jabellum (probably by Tidiroct acho an ' ibe byrtton "3; but with proper care the tip may even be depressed or elevated ilwough a smatl atc without reaction. Tiivestigations wot yet ready tor wwblication a detail indicate that changes in bydeostatic equillibriura are the maguve power, governed hy explosive chemical analysis, and slow synthesis, Soon after the 1909 paper appeared, a pollonless puat remained for Wore than a day in a flower of dhe fh. veflerm group. ft thea emerged carrying pollinia” Presumably in seeking egress over the Jabellum it had spring: the trap, and apxious to leave had escapert via the tunnel, The experienee suggested—praohably disclosed—the function of the appendape in this group. Like a brushy bi-barbellate ¢pearhead, poit OUT. it obstructs the door- way when (he fabellumn is at ready,” avd an mscet seeking evress by that sane door where in he went” would be almost serc to gel a Teg caught, spring the trap. and return to privat. Several unies a laree brown dipteran has been cavght leaving the flawers of Pi tufesn, bearing pollinia. Long hieirs on its legs are strangely re- miniscent of the hairy thread-like labellum of the Orehid. Were is att miteresting problem, soluble aly by the actual observation of entering gnats Unfortunately the entire collection cof pollinators secured in the course of investigations wat aceidentaily destroved before any was tatned: sa the hoagur of frst pulllishing the name of a pollmator falls to a Vic- torian—Mrs. E. Colenvat, For the sake of greatey clearnoss facts from the Aanals paper haye heen re-arranged, and new nutter has oceasiowally heen interpolated. The maximum of information has beet ¢rusherl into the mininwin of space; and therefore this essay will need study rather than mere reacting, lt i hoped it may be belplul iv-ollier iivestigators. Vhe demand for the Apri, 1934, isaye of the Nefnrolist. containing Mer J. H. Wilhs's finely iustraied paper on Gilled Fungi of Victoria, has been even greater than was anticipated. More than 600 capes were required to supply orders irom the Teuchers’ ‘Praining Gallege, the Botany Sehow, University of Methowme, and tocal booksellers. Many copies were sent oversea, and atready letters of praise are help received by the editer and other meniberssof the Clyb, Dr, William Paliner Stockwetl, Carnegie Institution Laboratury, and tarmerty of the Uniwersity of Arizona, writes: "T was very qileased toa get the copy Wf the Mirror Neatnealist (April issue}. Aw particntarly [ivterestel in the thoroughness with which the work represeiited ni the Nirlivavist tas heen dane. His indecd a credit ta any group,” A requestor copies of the "Fungus Number” of aur tinayaxine fas heen received froim a leading anycological society an America er r . THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VoL. LI Angust, 1934 Plate XVI Gray Squirrels like Peanuts 4 The Victorian Naturalist ‘Vol, LI.—No. 4 August 7; 1934 No. 608 THE FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA. The general meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society's Hall on Monday, july 9, 1934, at 8 p.m. About 70 members and friends atrended, and the President. Mr, A, 5S, Benyon, M.LE.Aust.. occupied the chair. REPORTS Reports of excursions were as follows:—National Museum Palaeontological Galleries, Mr. F. Chapman (read by Hon, Sec- retary); Methourne University Botany School, Mr. F. Pitcher (for Dr. E, McLennan). ELECTION OF MEMBERS Ona show of hands the following -were duly elected as ordinary members of the Club:—Mrs. J. L. F, Woodburn, Miss May ‘Brooks, Miss A. M. Burns, Miss V. Hickman. GENERAL BUSINESS Mr..G. N. Hyani outlined prelininary plans for the Wild Nature Show. and appealed to members to lend suitable exhibits. SUBJECT FOR EVENING . The subject for the evening was entitled -—‘Early Naturalist Members of the Club. Part I."—(a) Botanists: Speaker, Mr. FE. E. Pesestt, F1.8. (hb) Zoologists: Mr. J. A. Kershaw, C.M.Z,S. Rentiniscences of distingtished pioneer members of the club were given hy the speakers who mentioned the scientific work done by them, : EXHIBITS Mrs. J. Freame—Living specimens of Giant Anenome; Painted Lady Shells (Phastanelia australis), etc., from Altona. “Miss Florevice Snuth,—-Articles made fron moth cocoons by the Japanese. Mr, Geo, Coghill —Grezillea rhssnersediplea (garden-grown). Mr, H, Stewart—An Ascomycete Fungus: Contes tuteo- nilans), found on moist: ground. A uA) Fuld Natavatists’ Clab Proeeesings, vee Het. Mn W. HE Nicholls—Soldier’s Crest Orchid (Gierona Titmena) dy bloom, from North Queensland. Photograph of Correa. growing ar Kororot Creek, Sunshime (taken in June by F, J. Bishop)- . Mz B.S, Colliver—Spirit specimens of Senéis anatinine OMol- lusea), Lepiduris viridys (Crustacea), Serfalarians, ete. THE KOALA, EARLY VICTORIAN KECORD, Jn “Lutters Fron tle Victorian Pioneers,” appears a lectern fran W. Odell Raymond, date August, 1849. na which Ise tells of a difficult journey fron Gippsland plains ta Wester Port, Tt occupied 18 days, and the party had omy If) days’ suppiies. Ai aboriginal with these pioneers alitained tar then two “pheasants,” five “monkeys” and a parrot, As Wayihond was from New South Wales, it may de taken that "money means Koala There are two Monkey Creeks in Gippsland, one north af Brucker, ane one Hear Stradbrooke Broogh South (Abariymes of Cirlavia) anentious Native Bears a4 leingevery tumerans at Monkey Creek ane) hig maps show the ereck of that jane, tear Bruthen, and entérig the Tambo, These erecks were probably uanied by sedery from New South Wales, but 1 have net any information as to date, ! 1 S.H. VISIT TO MUSEUM PALAEONTOLOGICAL GALLERIES, A record) number of members, 17, met at the Russell Sircer entrance to the National Museum on June 16. In order to vain @ better proportionate view of geolowical tire, the Table oi Periods was exaimmed in detail, and camiments were made on the Austrahan counterparts ot those divisions which mostly 4re founded on beds in the Northern Hewisphere. Recent discoveries of much older organisms than the Cambrian were brought under diseussion. as ogcurring beth in India and Australia. Tho various jorma- tions in the wpward sucéession were compared with extra-Australian equivalents. Some snodern advauces in our knawledze of these wert put jorward, such as the invasion of marme plants on fo the land, In later Siluriatt umes. In the watl-cases tha dentition af the curious Anomodants was examined, showing a very great variation of furm. and structure in the same arder of Reptiles. The imprints of bird-footed reptiles and the beautiful casts of the earliest knows bird. dre/aeapiergyiy were noted, the latter camprssiitg the types from Berlin and Londan, Progressian in che development at the Elephant group was scen hy the edvance and specialisation of the teeth, from the earher, exapid form, through the deeply ridged stegedonr type to the ridged malar of the modern Elephant. Divergeree of external form, moulded by differences of environ ment, are see i tle extinct sloth and armadillo (edentater). whilst the fish-fike form of a reptile, fashioned for a marti, predatory existemoe, Was tymbed in Jelithyesminis. Herbivoraus Cliyuantadai)- and Carnivoreus (Tyraunesaurus) deinesairs ate examples of extrente modifications in reptiles during Jurassic and Cretaceous times, Of the later group much remains ‘6 he discovered in Australia, as shaws by recent finde of gigantic beasts, as Miovtocayrus, m Queensland. The demonstration was brought tn 2 close by the exanmmation sf slides of tiny Foss] extracted frogi bore- cores found m varlous parts af Australia. Pr. CHAPMAN. Ja the Annial Report, the late Mrs F Pitcher was referred in as a friend al the Chil Mrs, Pitcher avas a meiber fram 1925 until the tine al her ¢leath. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vou, Lt ATNgSE. ay Plate XVII The Rasp Fern, Doadia candarta Aud = boxe. Tancent, Motes at the Rash Ferns, &F NOTES ON THE RASP FERNS By Atrren J. Tavcett The coloitwr plate heautifully illustrates the well-known Rasp Fern, Doodia caudata, ar, if it had not heen for pedauery, T shoul, like Professor Bower, have preferred to cali it Daodya, to per- petuate the name of the london apothecary. The specife name refers to the tail-like frond, one final segment heing continuous, as against the terminals. in other species, Among my cherished possessions is a list of twenty-one species ol ferns, each identified by the late Baron von Mueller, ur his awn handwriting, after my number, locality, and situation. He attached his unique fahel bearing the inscription: “Phytologte Museum of Melbourne —Name of Plant,—Name of Joealitv- 1894, Alfr. Tadgell-Baron Von Mueller, PAH. and M.D. LI..D." Attached are two long letters writtery by hin ta me, one characteristically stating that he had written by his awn hand about 6,000 letters in 1893. Against No, 13 on the fist I had labelled. “Healesville, grows underneath banks of creek”: ta which the Baran addel “MW oodgardia coudata-Cavinalles.” Ty this way T got one of imy first lessons of plant naming and collecting from this grand old man. How many of us would care to name twenty-one specimens at one time fora tyro. as he wsed to callgome of us? T have collected this fern many times since: on the hanks of the Kiewa under Mount Bogong, at Healesville, Lorne. Whittle- sea, West Ionglake, and on the Yarra at MeVeigh’s, beyond Warburton. Its sister. D. aspera, I have found less. frequently. but a spect- men dated Christmas, 1904, from Sardine Creek, between Orloast and Bonang, recalla the faev that, unknown ta me until I was well bitten; it was growing en an ant-hill. and [paid for discurbtug the ants, Collectors will only too frequently confuse the two Rasp Ferns, hut— DD. aspera is care, has the frond piimatisect or segmented at the apex: while the sori masees are numerous. smali, roundish ind have vather short covers. D. caudaia is commoner the trond generally with a tail, or long unbroken segment, tapering to the apex. The sori masses are few (generally), large, and elongate, the cover being rather long and. conspicuous. ; (Do not wait for identification until Frond is dev. as the seed mitiires and the sasses get ant of shape and close together by Histon ain disraption. B bs] Tanant, Motes on the Rasp Peris, boi ver Professor Bower) stated: at a Science Congress: 1 Anstralia: “Who that knows anything about plants would imagine that the designation by a couple of Latin names or a brief description williexhaust’ what is important fo know about a species.” Vet Paadiw cordata.is also known by the names of Do rupestres, 2, inedia, Moodwardla media, and HW’ caudaia, 1}: aspernt R. Br “The species-name, meaning rough, os nol a eool- one ins Vietoria vernacularly, as+both species are seabrid, /isperd usually has about twice the number of soni groups, small’ ane). roundish; placed on either side of the midrth of the pinnule. D. candate, Ry Br, or Woodward. condata, Cavinalles, the Tailed or Small Rasp: Iern (the latter is a bad vernacular name for us} is well Mlustrated by Baron Von Muellér in Part 2. of the Key at Figure 148, in detail. Sometimes: the segments are very close; in other forms they are very Scattered ‘and wide apart, and‘may be long, short, numerous, wide, sicklé-shaped or like-a plougi-sharé, Tetris a rough fern, prickly-edged. affen as wide as tall. No wonder itis confused with its sister species. Apparently i was described originally from “a weak, slender plant” From which, doubtless, our vernacular name ts taken. Scane fronds in my herbarium are 18 inches lony and 5 inches wide, having the narrow lancealar segments longest in the centre. with the tail unhroken for 24 inches, tapering to J-16th tnch al ihe apex, Some-of the fronds are less than 5 inches, with squat segments, ?.x 4 inch::always:the fronds have the tail or apex. The infertile fronds may often he quite membraneous and appear as strange forms. The sori-usually are elongate and arranged im two single ‘ows; one on each-sidé of the-central vib of the segment; but in seme of my robust: specnnens the seed masses are in double rows.on each side, and the seeds nearivy cover the whole serments uiklerneath, at maturity, Young fronds often are beautifully pinkish in colour, as are also those of more (han six other Victorian ferns. To what is this colourmg due? What is its purpose? It is of the utmost importance. ta the baby fronds, Enzymes or ferments and sugar: and starely in the cells ave doubtless the cause. Lam indebted-to Dr. E. Mchennan, Botatriy- School, Unversity of Melbourne, for seme: scientific hypotheses. She states that the colouring is due To: Anthaeyanic pigments, present auc diffused ‘in the cells, which act as,a screen protecting the chlorephyll of the young cells of the fronds; from the-intenseslight, ar they convert the sun's avs iha-heat} and so-serve to accelerate Transpiration: The internal lemperatiire Of red Jéaves being frealee than that of! green: August, 1934 VoL. Lt THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Plate XVIII Surdopaaap sjreq yum ‘aatioe Apsrey pure porimy-1o0ys ‘skep g6 le Sunod ayeFooseyg poa[rei-ysnig "Awa “qd Aq “Oly Aur, S04, Wray, The dewshetavted Phascagaly, Ro PHE*BROUSH-TAI LED PHASCOGALE FIRST RECORD OF BREEDING HABITS Gy Ravin Freay, BSc, (For many years since’the :ravages‘of disease dirring (he years ‘1898-1900, that age aml courageous little killer, ‘the «brash tailed rat” of the-hushman,:has heen very searee in the smajority of its old haunts in Victoria.and New-South Wales, Wood Jones in Maimnals of South ..dustratia (Part iJ) says that the species is bordering om extinction in that “State and, though once numeraus, is unknown to the rising gereratian, » The range of Phascogale «peniciilata, extends throughout Aus- tralia, with the exception ‘ofthe extreme north, and the animal particalarly favours «open forest country. The black “bottle ‘brush’ tail and coat of “possum-grey fur. conibined with -the amazingly ‘agile movements of. this lithe -rat-sized :marsupial, at once excite admiration, However, few people have -enjoyed-the spectacle of the nocturnal and ‘arboreal ‘creature making tts lightning movements up and down the Eucalypt trusks—cark- serewing” raund the boles to-elude observation, or else bounding lightly, like a squirrel, from tree coitree. -Its occasional -raids-on the poultry yard. when it may be discovered hanging ferret-wise to the neck of an witertunate hen or turkey, enyphasise the bulldog tenacity-af purpose characterising this small. carnivorous marsupial. The main object of this.article is‘ta give an account of the ‘first recorded case of the breeding ef ‘Brush-tailed }Phascogales in iwaptivity. Tt must he acknowledged at the outset that, but for ithe persistent efforts of Mr. Gavan Crowle, B.Sc., and Miss 2war ‘of Broadtord(,Victoria), «who kept ibox-traps set in ithe ~open forest of thei home districtifor-months.at:a time, until steress came their wav, the:foilowing ohservations would not have been ‘possible. Two immature female Phascogales were -caught ‘in February, 1932, They were, avtracted by a mixed:hait of Rosella: parretiarnd rhaney that had-previously brought success to'me when. searching for the animals at “Stony Rises” (Smeaton, Victoria), ins 1929, ‘Here a vigorous ‘Phascogale, whith had a nest in a-gaunt "White Sronbark (Eucalypins tencosylon) first showed a ‘Londness tfor ‘the assorted ateraction of bird'and nectar. Tollowing:the.snccess at Broadford. in Febrnary, 1932, a male) Rhascogale was obtained in the same vicinity late van “April, and-the "amily’” ewas ccom- fortably housed in Melbourne. This-imale animal had a Nongei- tudinal median strealciof vellowish fur on the -chest “between -the jore-limbs, -renuniscent of ithe -chest smarking vin ‘Trichosurus valpoewfa—the> Common "Possun, . Vi t *) Fivay, The Brush-toiled Phuscngate, Ary Nt ‘The cate was fitted with stotrl steellaced netting and even the wooden walls were covered with sheets of galvanised tm, for, as seen in the damaged traps, once a Brush-tailed Phascogale makes up its mnind to escape, woodwork and ordinary netting are anly ebstacles ta be overcome. A leaning stringy-bark log and a box 12 inches x 6 inches x 4 inches, with a small entrance hole, were provided, but. so shy were the furtive captives, that one never saw them moving about at wight, unless a toreh beam was suddenly switched on from a distance of about 15 yards, A momentary glimpse af.a grey shadow with bristling black tail. shooting into the nestng-box, usually was the most one could hope for. The diet provided consisted of freshly killed mice and sparrows, also bread aml milk flavoured with jam and honey. Indeed, rodents, such as inice and young rats, jorm the favourite food af these sniall flesh and insect hunters, and po cat sver pounced on a mouse with greater keenness and swittness than does this marsupial. When the Phascogale from “Stony Rises” was provided with a Freshly killed mouse, by day or by night, it would quickly scent the victiny and dispose of it, commencing on the head, with a noisy accompaniment of vigorous “'scrunch- ing’ Hair, bones. and even the tail, disappeared leaving no trace. Birds were occasionally leit uneaten after the removal ‘of the brain. and this applied more particularly to starlings. 4 bashman friend, whose house roof formed a nesting-place for these birds, spoke of occasional raids by a Brush-tailed Phaseo- wate, raids ulways followed by pandemonium. Tris interesting to note that, unlike its smaller allies, Phascogale flavipes and Phascogale sxianseni, also Dasyrrns viventnues and Sarcoplilus harrisi—all members of the Dasyuridac—Phascogate penictiiata appears to be strongly averse to anything jn the nature of carrion. The animal prefers to kill its own game. whether insect, bird ov small mammal, and feast ppon it at onve. After a period of a month in them new hone the Phascogales settled dawn sufficiently to steip shreds of bark feow the log, which were carried into the box and arranged to form a comfort- able nest, In “home trees” in the bush, bark appears to be the favourite matcrial taken to the hollow limbs, ane in this habit the Brush-tailed Phascogale differs again frown the leaf-loving Yellow-footed species (P. flavipes) and Swainson's Phaseogale Parrots fed to the marsupials were dragged into the nest, and their feathers added to the comfore of the bark home, Ou May 18 it was seen that the pouch aren nf the smaller female had developed slightly, No longer was it distinguishable from the creamy-white hair of the under surface only as a yellowish patch, for the growth of dull rufous-coloured hiirs gave the area a distinct unge. This developinent corresponded rec, Firay, The Brush-tailed Phascagate. 91 in time with that of several (iverrine dasyures in a neighbouring cage. While handling the animals at this, as at any other time, the characteristic sweet honev-odour similar to that of eferobates prgmacus was unmistakeahle. By May 29 the larger female (with which we are concerned) also displaved a well advanced stage in the seasonal pouch growth, and there was a distinct anterior ridge. Eight niammae were Photo. by I) Fleay. Enlarged Picture of Pouch of Phascogele peniciliata, containing Very Young Embryos. counted, and, in fact, neither female possessed more than eight though the species may possess ten. It was considered unwise to worry the Phascogales unduly at this stage: so for the greater part of June they were leit strictly to themselves and fed with studied care. Occasionally, in daylight. slow, prolonged hissing cries were uttered continuously for minutes at a time, Then, in the first week of Juiv, the larger female became the centre of keen interest, for attached in her now moist pouch area were three embryos no longer than 4-5 mm. in their curled-up atti- tudes. The naked, flesh-coloured mites showed fairly well developed forelimbs, but otherwise were most immature, with blue pigment spots marking the position of the future eyes. c 92 Fieay, The Brush-taited Phasceyale, erie The day of birth was, apparently, July 2, and, as the five remaining mammiae were vacant, it is unfortunate that the mother had not been isolated previously. Evidently the other pink mites had been displaced, or had fallen victims ta the carnivorous tastes of the other adult animals, Bearing in mind past experience with smaller Phascogales and Native Cats (usyures) and their young, I immediately removed the other inmates of the cage and left the mother in the bark nest by herself. The smaller female may have produced embryos, but none reached the pouch. The problem af ebtaining photographs was indeed a difficult one. for the Phascopzale was as wild and untamed as on the night when she released the door of the trap and became a prisoner, To hold her securely for the briefest time in order tu inspect the pouch, with its minute voung ones, was a worrying task, The muscular little animal was as diffieult to hold as an eel, and one did not wish to harm her bv maintaining too firm aerip. On the other hand, there was the danger of ¢lisplacing the embryos by permitting her tu jerk away suddenly, Occasionally, when the Phascogale uttered a soft, churring note of annoyance. it was advisable to see that no part of one’s hand was in close proximity to the sharp teeth. However, by taking the responsibility anc risk of holding the anital myself, and getting mv wife to focus the camera, we were fortunate in obtaining several useful ptetures. On account of the nervaus lemperament of the parent, no such attempt was made until July 22, when the three embryos were twenty days oll and nearly three times their original size, The length of each one was now nine nun. . The frantic struggles of the mother were rather disturbing ta chances of success tn rearing the young, but, tm any case, there was the likelihood of the mother devouring them, thas destroving hopes of any pictures at all. On August 5, at the age of thirty- five days, the length of the pink yrub-like embryos was 12 mm.. orhalfaninch. They now showed a good deal of movement and nearly filled the pouch area. Immecately the mother was liherated again in her cage, after heing handled, her lightning dash for the nest caused one to despair for the continued safety of the three mites hanging from the open pouch area. These fears proved to be more than mere imagination on August 16, when it was discovered that only two voung Phascogales remained; and, from the absence of traces, it was fairly certain that the mother had eaten the missing member of the family. Naturally. after this sethack, little hope was entertained for the remaining veung ones, especially as the nervous mother rushed about her quarters more rapidly than ever when disturbed and dashed the hangmg embryos over every ohstacle in her path. a Fieay, The Brush-tatled Phascagale, 93 However, on Angust 23, in spite of all, at fifty-three days the veung Phaseogales still existed. Dark pigment showed up the tips of the ears and the verv faintest traces of fur had begun to clothe the bodies. It was seen that they were of opposite sexes. On September |. at sixty-two days, there was a general thin coating of hair, Both blind young ones were equal in size Photo. by Mrs. 8) Pies Brush-tailed Phascogale with Three Embryos in) Pouch. Length, 9mm. Twenty days old. (60 mm. without the tail): the ears and the terminal halves of the tails were definitely black. An important stage was reached on September 6, at sixty-six days, for now, after nine weeks suspended from the mammae and being dragged about to their detriment, and also hampering the mother, they were found, for the first time, lying. quite free, in the nest. The difficulties experienced by female Phascogales f Vict. t. 94 Freay, The Britsh-tatled Phascoyale, Vol, ve in the wild carrying the normal eight young of this size and age must hazard the continued existence of the parent. From. this time on the two voung Phascoyales were able to fasten voluntarily to the mammaec or release their hold at will, The mother generally emerged at night and leit them in the nest while she htinted, When first discovered apart from the parent. the young ones uttered faint “cha-cha!" cries; and, though they were still blind, their ears, eves and terminal halves of the tails were conspicuously black against the faint grey tinge of the thin fur. On September 12, at seventy-three days. the vouny ones were still more advanced and the close-up photograply of the young male gives a clear idea of the relatively large size of the head and the general appearance at this date, When separated from the parent. the blunt-nosed young lhas- cogales crawled about blindly. uttering staccate “tehit-tehit !" noises, reminiscent of a small black ctcada’s summer song. If they were placed on the edge of the shredded bark nest, the mother immediately raked them beneath her with her fore-paws, precisely as I had seen a female Dasyure do with her own voting. In like manner to the Dasyure, the temperament of this female Phascogale now altered considerably. The maternal instinet conquered her natural shyness to a considerable extent, causing her tu respond impulsively to the cries of helplessness and distress, In February, 1934, even with the responsibility no longer presenti, the little animal was Jess wild than when her voung were first born, She was furtive and retiring still, but quieter and more reconciled to the restricted life. To return to September 12; it was found that when the mother raked the young ones beneath her they immediately fastened themselves to the manmnac with a vice-like grip of the jaws and it was impussible to dislodge them without injury to the manimae. They would still hang there for hours at a stretch in spite of all the rough journeys on which the mother might drag them when disturbed from her nest. From the day of birth, on July 2, the three maminae with voung attached had gradually developed with them—one had retrogressed with the loss of the third embryo, and on September 12 the pouch consisted of two large mammary ¢lands occupying the whole area. The remaining six. on close inspection, were only distinguishable as red pin points. In the case of a female killed by a car on the Western Highway, at Gordon (Victoria) on November 27, 1933, all eight mammae were at the stave of maximum development and the symmetrical arrangement showed four teats un each side of an antero- posterior median ne. They extended when pulled out to 1 inch and in repose were short and button-like. Apparently eight babies were orphaned in a hollow tree in the neighbouring bush. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VOL. Lt August, 1934 Plate XIX Photo. by D. Fleny Brush-tailed Phascogale ; half grown, age 127 days, and exceedingly active AUR. 1034 Vreay, The Brush-tailed Phascagate. 95 The two mamuiae in the pouch of the captive female were in a posterior position and their development had spotled any chance of the normal reyttlar arrangement. Qn September 21, at the age of eighty-two days, the young animals were distinctly furred on the head and anterior region of the bodies. They were still blind and althotgh the posterior regions were still almost hairless, the tails were growing small Photo. by Mrs. DD. Fleay. Brush-tailed Phascogale Young at 73 Days. Faint growths of fur appearing. They are no longer permanently attached in the pouch. black brushes. If was noticed that the male was a trifle smaller thant the female, which corresponded to a similar stage in the development of the voung Dasvures. Qn September 28 the vouny opened their eves for the first time. They were now well clothed in short grey fur with the glossy black hairs of the terminal brush becoming most prominent. They now showed instinctive alertness and fear and ran rapidly for short distances in the characteristic jerky manner of 6 Fueay, The Brush-tailed Phaseogale. ‘Vel. ey the genus. Nine days later, when a hand appreached them suddenly, their mouths would gape open, when they uttered the repeated penetrating hisses of warning used by the adults when on the defensive. Two variations of these angry notes are given by the fully grown P. penicillata, one Jow and deliberate; the other loud, sharp and insistent, uttered with gaping jaws and every semblance of furious resentment, Every day saw the young Phascogales make progress. They moved about actively when handled, but. strange to say, still clung at times to the mammae of the unfortunate parent. She dragged them along, much to her own discomfort, and they released the grip only when they chose to do so. Ustially, how- ever, when frightened they now clung to the fur of the mother with feet and tecth in much the same manner as vourg Dasvures, Naturally, they were left strictly at home in the nest while the mother sought foad in the cage at mght. By October 27 (at 118 davs) the baby aninials were seen to be a little more independent of the mother; they cid not cling to her as formerly. ‘They were brought into a lighted room at mght and given their liberty, which they utilised by darting all over the place, capturing flies, and then. sitting up to eat them with penetrating chewing sounds. By November 5 (127 days) they were half-grown, with a well clothed silky brush on the tail. They still relied very largely on the mother’s mammary elands for nourishment, but an appetite for insects and adult food was fast developing, Their increasing venturesonieness, while at liberty in the drawingroom at night, was evinced by sudden appearances on tabletops. Then followed rapid scampering uj) «me's trouser-legs to one’s shoulders, and ineteor-like leaps into space with tails fully bristled. However, that they were stil very dependent on the mother was shown by the fact that, were they kept from her over night in a separate cage, morning would find them cold. dormant and unable to move. It was at this tine (November 27), when driving along the Western Highway at might near Gordon, that J picked up the dead female of this species with a ponch at a similar stage to that of the captive female, showing the complete eight mammae equally developed, ‘Thus the animal, which was still warm, had evidently reared the full number of young and fortunately the Qrphans thrown so suddenly on their own resources (and prob- ably identical in age with the captive Phascogales) were old enotigh to make an effort to fend for themselves. It seems that, in the case of Dasyures and Phascogales when the youny are no longer suckled they must perforce hunt on their awn initiative for, seemingly, the female parent has not the slightest notion of taking any of her kills to “the nursery.” From the hali-grown stage of November 5, the two young Phascogales rapidly grew and towards the close of November, at baa Fieay, The Brush-taited Phascogate, 97 the age of four months, they were capable of an independent existence. Dashing about on chair-tops and sofa-backs at might, and lacking the furtive ways of their kind, they showed some of the more intimate and interesting habits of the species at close quarters. When excited or agitated (notably when the time of re-capture arrived), they perched momentarily on a vantage point, with naked leai-like ears upstanding and vibrated the tail base, imparting a rapid wriggling motion to the whole black- plumed tail (not an exclusive habit of any une marsupial). At Photo. by DL Fleay., Near View of Young Brush-tailed Phascogale, 73 Days Old. Note the development of the head, the unopened eves, fait growth of fur and the beginnings of the future “bottle-brush” tail. other times, when startled and puzzled, they would progress slowly in short deliberate jumps, rappmg first both fore-feet smartly on the woodwork or chair-back, repeating the action in the same fashion with both hind feet. The staccato tap-tapping sound, which may also be made with all four feet at once, or with a single fore foot er hind foot. is at once a very distinctive and interesting feature of the Brush-tailed Phascogale. Another Phascogale near at hand, hearing the sound, is liable to became infected with the same emotion, and it then repeats the action. Early in February, 1934, seven months from the time of birth, the young animals were fully grown and mature. The male. as usual, was higger, stouter and stronger than the female. Like young Dasyures at a corresponding age. their high spirits and playful nocturnal antics knew no bounds. Leaping from end to end of the cage, with black tails fully bristled (the long black 98 FLRAY, The Prush-tatled Phascoyate. Wirt Deg hairs stand out almost at right angles ta the tail itself when the animal is active), and careering just as easily upside down across the wooden roof, to turn about in a flash, they pass the hours in vraceful, effortless movements, playing hide and seck with one another while the bright black eyes gleam in the sharp, prick- eared little faces. In small crevices to which the sharp mtuzzles cannot penetrate, an intelligent use of the Jong and slender manus is chserved, and T have watched the voung animals inserting the two longer clawed digits (three and two) into such interstices in quest of insect game. The value of such a habtt in pulling beetles from under the bark is obvious. On rare occasions, in daylight, the animals emerge for a brief period and bask in the ravs of the sun, The number of intimate customs revealed in the short hives of these young Phasecogales is in strong cantrast to the secretive furtive habits of the adults which caught fully grown rarely, and sometimes never, drop their sly retiring ways. * * * * This completes the accotint of the rearing of the Phascogales in captivity, but the following observations made on a member of the spectes in the bush during an all-might vigil, is of interest in view of the points already mentioned. February 19, 1932, was a perfectly still night in the Flowerdale tlistrict (Victoria). From the hillsides came the low bass calls of sheep and near at hand the King Parrot Creek gurgled on its way to the Goulburn. My wife and [ were approaching an isolated clump of small Red Stringvbarks (Aucalyptus macror- rhyacha) and Peppermints (£. anstraliana) outlined in the moontivht when, suddenly, a scrambling. rustling sound as of tiny claws on bark came to our ears. Just as abruptly it ceased, and a mysterious “tap!” “tap!” and then double “tap” took its place. Silently we crept closer and closer, looking carefully up the tree. With the speed of a rocket a grey shape jumped from one branch to another and paused ly a piece of loose bark. We heard a rapid and contented scrunching sound as a hard heetle-wing case gave way before keen little teeth and. catching sight of the black-plumed tail, we realised we were watching a [rish-tailed Phaseogale on its nocturnal rambles. With swift, effortless case it shot up the tree—stopping with a jerk as suddenly as it had begun, and always avoiding the higher and finer branches. Again came the characteristic “tap” tapping sound, and, by the light of a terch, we saw the marsupial smartly rapping one foot and then another against the hark. The Phascogale evidently found our presence disturbing, for the tapping was redoubled when the toreh beam played directly on it. However, in spite of its nervousness, the agile creature decided ty August, 1934 VOL. LI THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST PLATE XX sdep dz ady ‘payisirg Ajied jrea sty wun yuesul jouqg eB 10} Zunyey apeFooseyg paytei-ysnagy Funoz, med Pinay, The Brush-tailed Phascagale wo cantinuc ils quest lor insects under the bark. Theo, with characs teristic suddenness, it scurried down a sloping linilk. leaped to the ground—skipped across an inlervening space in the moon shadows, and careered up a small Peppermint sapling. A row o£ tiny Thornbills, roosting close by, uttered sleepy protests. To capture this fine young male auimal (apparently corte- sponding to the February age of those reared Jater on in captivity) 1 decided to endeavour to “tree” it until daylight. A rupid shake of the sapling caused the Phascogale to flatten down on an upper limb and remain perfectly still, The full moon was high in the heavens and from a Red Stringyhark in full flower came the shrill grunt uf a Lesser Flying Phalavger (Petaurus breviceps). A movement in yet another tree drew the light beam to thy glowing eyes of a Ring-tatled “Paossunt and, from a point further up the valley, came discordant raucous voices as White Cockatuas argued in their slecp. ‘The night grew colder and colder. and, as it gradually recovered from its iright, the Phascugale began to move actively, searching Tor a way out of its predicament, Jt sal up and carefully went through the tuilet of washing ibs cars and face with well-heked slender fore-paws. A Nightjar flew by and called from a neigh- bouring tree and. as L stood against the trunk of the Phascogale’s Eucalypt. there was a faint “flop” and a rapid scitirving sound on the bark. Fi seemed that the Dhascogale had made a dash for freedont; but ne!—the powerful light vevealed a sell-possessed Phalanger (Petavris breviceps), which had volplaned from a distant tree and Janded on the trunk at mv elhpw. Now, in the upper branches, it actually began to piste the Phascugale in a playful manner down the tree. I frightened the intruder awav and, hghtly as a feather, the beautiful little creature floated on again in pursuit af honey-laden blosson, Weary hours dragged by. It was nearly four o'clock im the morning. Cold, cramped and weary of Phaseogales in peneral, | watched the late February moon sinking over a ennical hill in the West. Evervihing hecame black as pitch. The litue Phalanger returned through the trees on its way home and. in this period before the dawn, the Phascogale became extremely restless. Apparently it was obeying the instinctive urge. to avoid being stranded in the open in daylight, Tt became desperate and blundered through the leafy branch extremities inta an adjoining, sapling, Only the torch hicam enabled me to follow-its move- ments in the darkness, and for some time we dodged back and forth between the two small Eucalypts. liv the east a faint Aush gradually stew stronger. The dawn was breaking. Could the animal be “treed” until the light was stronger? Another half hour of alert watching and the all-night vigil was ended, The time had come for action. At S am. a strenuous chase began. 10) Fixay, The Brush-tutled Phaseagale. bo Ae The pursuit Nashed through sapling after sapling and back on the sanie tracks again, The Phaseogale waited until follawed almost to the top of a tree, then it would Jeap for life or career dawn one’s back to the ground, “corkscrewing” up the nearest trunk and always halting on the side of a limb hidden from its pursuer, Tt was‘immediately atter one of; these wild leaps that the chase came to a mysterious end. There was a flecting zlimpse of the Thascogale bounding towards a neighbouring tree and, although this was entirely devoid of hollow limbs, the fugitive disappeared irom view, Presumably a lightning dash in another clirection had escaped notice, No amount of climbing and searching yielded a trace of our long-sought quarry, though it reappeared frym its hiding-place at dark in the identical clump of trees the same evening. Undouhtedly tise alert little trec-climber had won the bout. ¢ = + * Since this article was set up ‘a further interesting event has occurred, On May 4, with the approach of another breeding period. the mother Phascogale wag patred off with her original mate, leaving the young male and female together. Just as in the case of Watrve Gits, the pouch development corresponded in time with that of the previons season, and by a striking coincidence four embryos becante established in the pouch of the young female on july 2, 1934. Exactly twelve months [rom their own birth- day (July 2, 1933), the young Phascogales had beenme parents, ind their parents, grandparents, PRESERVATION OF ETHNOLOGICAL SPRCIMENS, The permanent preservation of museum specimens is of the atmost importance, more especially af material that is rapidly becoming scarce. This apphes particularly to taany ethnological objects, on which charac- teristic designs have been carried ont in various pigments with a ton- adhesive or poor medium like water, blood, or grease, and which soon heoomeés blurred or abliterated. Such examples are the painted stone and wooden churingas, bark drawings, and the many highly decorated weapons alid ceremonial objects from the Central and Northern parts of Australia. -These designs cau le effectively preserved by a method recently developed at the National Museum, Methourne, A solution of ordinary shellac is made by dissolving 24 grams in 1 litre of methylated spirits, and spraying this liquildl aver the objects. This dries rapidly, leaving a very thin film of shellac wath a dead surface. A second application is usually necessary. after which ihe specimen will stand gujie 2 lot of handling without detriment to the designs. Any cheap spraying device can be used for the application. S. R MITCHELL ei CoLeMAN, Pollination of Prasophyiunt parvifoltum. 101 POLLINATION OF PRASOPHYLLUM PART IFOLIUM LINDL THE FUNCTION OF THE CAUDICLIN By Epitit CoLeEMAN In previous papers on the pollination of Australian orchids [ have stressed the importance of the rostellum, an organ found in the greater part of the world’s orchid-flora, whose special function is to attach pollinia to visting insects, or other agents. The Asclepiads (another group of plants with pollinia) have clever devices for clipping the pollen-masses to the feet or prohos- cides of insects, but the mechanism of the rostellum in orchids transcends in beauty the clipping devices of the Asclepiads. ‘There is, however, in many of our Australian orchids another feature hardly Jess in importance in the work of pollination, and that is the candicle, co-worker and ally of the rostellum. Generally speaking, the caudicle is a prolongation of the ends of the pollinia into a long, or short, tail, Occasionally it issues from a point between the base and the apex of a pollinium, = It is formed by fusion of certain threads which hold together the pollen grains. Fully to understand the wature of the cauclicle cue must look lack te the tine when orchid-pollen was an incoherent, powdery substance, not compounded inte pollinia. This powdery pollen adhered to insects whose bodies had first been coated with the viscid secretion of a stigma—a rather wasteful procedure when ane reflects that the transference of a large number of grains 1s necessary for fertilisation of the many ovules in cach ovary. T have, as vet, seen no instance in an Australian orchid. of this ancient method of cross-pollination, Hy slow and infinitely small steps, pollen grains in the most successful orchids became compounded into variously shaped mealy or waxy masses. In this way large numbers of grains are transferred to a stigma with a minimum Joss, due to misadventure, wind er rain, Thus every ovule has a chance of fertilization, The Orchidaceae is divided into two = sub-families: (1) DMandrae (two fertile anthers, stigma not sticky) to which belong the Slipper-orchids (Cypripedac): and (2) Monandrae (one fertile anther, stigma sticky) to which great sub-family helong all of our Australian orchids, As we have no Slipper-orchids, we are not concerned with the Diandrac, except in so far as study of the formation of their pollen will help us to understand the structure of cantlicles, In Cypripedium and its ales there is no rostellum, for all three of the stigmas, though confluent, are fully developed: and there are two fertile anthers instead of one, as in Australian orchids. 102 Coceman, Pollination of Prasophylliun parvifeliunt. bg var The sticky secretion for transfixing pollen to insects Is produced within the anther itself, ihe pollen-grains being embedded in and held together by a viscid substance, so glutin- ous that it can be drawn out into threads. “The three stigmas are not viscid: instead it is the pollen which possesses this character. Sucky pollen is not common im any group of plants. but in order to understand the nature of pallinia in orchids, let us pause for a moment to examine sume. Most garden-lovers are familiar wath the pollen in the Evening Primrose (Qcnothera ). The triangular grains are strung on glutinots threads, fine as spider silk, wound about the anthers like a necklace. The poor bee finds it little to her liking for, with every movement, I} the sticky ropes collect about her legs watil she must alight perforce upon a leat white she scrapes vigorously at the sticky masses | which hamper her flight. The translucent { threads in an tnepened bud of Evening Primrose will illustrate the elasticity of the viscid matter which envelopes the pollen grains in Cypripedimur, 1 We see that itis really not the pollen which is sticky, Dut the medium by which it ts held together, This “sticky” pollen, according to t| Darwin, represents the earliest stage of ‘ coherent pollen. At an early stage in their Prasuphytton development the pollen grains in many Aus- parvifafinm Lind. retin orchids are embedded in a translucent plutinots stbstance, As the masses develop the glutinous substance becomes thread-like in character, serving to hold the compound grains (tetrads) into litde bundles, These threads are very elastic—capable of stretching to a surprising degree. In species of orchids having friable pollen the threads snap readily when their packets of pollen are brought into contact with a viseid stigma. A) small quantity only of pollen is left at each inseet visit, though, doubtless, a more or less pertect pollination is secured by the greater frequency of visits. Pollination being more complete in those orchids in which, by some chance variation, the pallen masses were held together for a longer period, the pallinia have developed along new lnes—the strengthening of threads by fusion—by coalescing Jongitudinally into a variously long or short tail—the caudicle. ‘Vo take a hoinely illustration one might compare the packets of pollen to a buneh of toy balloons with their strings twisted tovether, Aug. 1934, CaLneMan, Hollinattion of Prasophylium parcifatinin. 103 ‘The twisted strings represent the fusion of threads inta a long caudicle, as seen in the genus Prasophyllion. Cut off the confluent strings and we have a ronglr and ready illistration of the pollen masses in those species in which there is either a nascent caudicle, or none, as in Cryptostytiv, Rua few balloons with inch-long strings right down to the ends of the cohering. strings and we illustrate the pear-shaped masses as in Divrty, where the grains run right down to the ends of the threads and there is no naked ecaudiele. The rostellum, as we have seen (V.N., March, 1934) is derived from the sttgmit, is, indeed, an obsolete third stigma which has developed a new funetion; but the caudicle is a product of the anther, and its chief function is to connect rostellum and pollinia, either directly, ur through the intervention of a little footstalk (pedicel). Ina few Australian orchids there is no caudicle, nor are the pollima attached to a rostellum, but lie quite free within their cells. as in Dendrobium (Fig. 1, page 104). But generally they are attached to a restellum, directly wher the threads do net protrude bevond the apices of the pollinia, or hy means of a caudicle when one ts present. In most instances the threads from both pollima fuse into one caudicle, Dut ocea- sionally there are two very short caudicles which are attached to the rostellum by means of a pedicel as in Sarchorfrilits fulvafas (Figs, VI and VID page 104). As it is not present in all orchids, the caudiele is rot air essen- lial feature af the pollinary mechanism in every species, Tt is certainly indispensable, as will presently be seen. in Prasa ple ytd species. In certain members of this genus the column is lengthened te a tall finger-like rostellum. .\s the shert anther is not correspondingly high the vital rostellam and the pollinia would he poles asunder were it not for an extended caudicle whieh bridges the great gap. The caudicle serves, too, another iniportant purpose im main- taining the correct poise of the pollinia to ensure their precipita- tion on the stigma of the orchid to which they are carried. ‘The small membranous portion of the rostellum tu which the caucdicle is attached (the gland) is remeved with the pollinia. This yliand contracts upon exposure. curling inward as it dries, causing a forward movement, or depression, af the attached pollintia. Without this alteration in the position of the caudicle and suspended pallinia, they would be bent backward. or broken off as the agent entered another orchid flower, and thus pollination could not enstte. Contraction of the gland is seen in all species of Prasaplryliias which | have examined. Fig, IV, page 104, shows the pollini of PF. atstrale after removal, also the curling of the gland and the consequent movement of candicle and pollinia. Where there 104 Coteman, Pollination of Prasophyllum parvtfolium. Wal Le Pollinia in Australian Orchids. Pollinia of Deudrobinwn speciosum (no caudicles). Pollinia of Dinrts macilata anterior face showing gland (no true caudicle). Pollinia of Qiurts maculata posterior face. Pollinia of Prasophylhim australe showing naked caudicle and gland, contracted after removal. Side view of culumnn in Prasophyliim elatisn showing sprung caudicle, with rostellar gland still in situ wn anterior face of rostellum. ; Pollinia of Sarcochilus falcatus Cupper surface) showing short caudicles attaching pollinia to pedicel, attached te the gland, The same, lower surface. Aug. 5 ses 3499 beh Coreman, Pollination of Prasophyltium partifeliunt. 105 is no true caudicle as in Cryptastylis and the pollinia are attached directly to the rostellum, depression of the pollinia is caused by the contraction of the gland. The footstalk Qpedicel), when one is present, may he as elastic as the caucdicle. While still attached to the rostellum, and thus still moist. the pedicel remains flat, but when, at a touch, the thin membrangus surface is ruptured, it curls instantly, changing the poise of the potlinia on their short caudicles, as in Sarcochilis falvatus. (Fig. VII, page 104.) Darwin believed that there was no movement of depression in any of the Neottea', but we have seen instances of this in Crip- fastylis, Diuris, Prasophylhen and other genera with which he was not familiar. In all of these the movement is due in the first instance to contraction of the gland. In Prasophyllum it is transnitted to the pollinia through the medium of a caudicle, which in sume species is no more than a shght protrusion of threads. as in ?. Frenehi; in others a long, naked strap-hke organ, as in J’, clatwan, P. striatin: and others. The greatest develupment of caudicle is seen in the Western Australtan species ?, pargifelion Lindl, Conceding, as 1 think we must, that every sniall feature in an orchid flower serves some purpose. one is at first rather nonplussed to find pollination as successful in species with very shore or ascent caudicles as in those in which they are greatly lengthened. One must follow the sequence of small events which culminate in pollination if one would discover the kev to this surprising circumstance. No matter how rudimentary the caudicle may he, the united ends of the threads from the pollinia in all spectes of this genus make connection with the rostellum. The height of the column and the position of the pollinia with regard ta the rostellttu nist, therefore. be studied, for the chief function of the caudicle is to unite these. “Phus, if anther and rostellum. he not very far apart. a long caudicle would he of no adyantage. The curling of the caudicle and automatic exsertion of pollinia without insect intervention in) Prasephyliau have already been described (V.N.. January, 1933), though the benefit. or other- wise. of this movement is not apparent. [t is caused. not by contraction of the glam, as in ¢ross-patlination by msects, but hy deflexian of the anther, and consequent exposure of the hase of the caudicle, The genus is well represented in Western Australia with 18 species and varieties (Petloe, West. Aust. Orc.), ranging from slender forms a few inches high, to stout plants of five feet and over. One of the daintiest of them all is P. parvifolium [.indl, a slender species with small green and white flowers faintly streaked with crimson, My first specimens, sent by Rev. E. Bryant, of Kalgoorlie, j Viet. Nat. 1) Coceman, Pollination of Prasophyllam partrfoliuim Vos Li Prasophythion parcvifolium Lindl showing mechanical exsertion of polltnia without insect intervention. Fig. 1—Front view of column showing stigma (S), tall finger-shapert rostellum (R) with rostellar gland (3) at its apex and the column wings (W). Fig. Tf—Back view of column showing anther (A} with apices of pollinia abuve (P) and the long ribbon-like caudicle (C) attached to pollima and rostellum, Fig. Li].—-Side view of column showing caudicle sprung away from back of rostellum pulling the pollinia from their cells. Fig. I1V.—The same showing further movement of the caudicle and the pollinia completely withdrawn from the anther. Rostelluim intact, travelled by the first East-West air mail and were in perfect condition. In these T noted at once the extraordinary length of the caudicle (six times the length of the pollinia), the longest in the genus. In many flowers the caudicle had been sprung apparently without insect intervention and the pollinia were either partly or wholly withdrawn from their cells, though the rostellun was still intact. Where the polliniaa were wholly withdrawn they were suspended at varying angles, aizeays on the posterior side of the (one Coman, Pallination of Prosophaltiim paroifedivus 10? colusmi, Had they been carried oyer the apex and poised above the stigmatic face of the column it is conceivable that self- fertilisation might ensue. To bring about this result the pollinia would need to rotate ina complete circle. My specimens showed the pollinia in positions varying hetween that of Fig. HJ and Vig. [V on page 106, ' Cross pollination was very evidénl, ior I found pollen on thi ‘stigma in some flowers which had their own pollinia intact, either within the cells, or poised ut varying angles, with the restellum still undisturbed. In many Aowers the conmplete pollin- ariuim was absent. Specimens sent to me in successive seasons from inany localities exhibiled an exceptional ferrility. As some were in biel when posted, offering no access to insects, T assumed that normally the percentage of removals would be higher. Mr. F, Walton Rowe, af Kendenup, kindly satished me on this point by taking an average in the field. In 58 flowers he found pollinia absent in 84 Sper cent. This, af course, refers to reniovals. not sprung candicles. In beautifully fresh specimens received last Seprember from Mrs, A. Sconllar, of Forest Grove, I found 80 per cent. of removals. Ailawing for buds this would, [ chiuk, approxtmate Mr, Rowe's average. We thus see that even in very small flowers, the pollinia are readily remaved by insects. The flowers of our ©. australe are effectively pollinated by tiny rove-beelles. whose touch is quite sufficient to rupture the tlelicate membrane which covers the gland. It may be ruptured hy the slightest touch with a dissecting needle, when a milky exudation (viscid secretion of the gland) is seon, which soon hardens. frmly cementing the gland to the needle. Four years ago. Ma; and Mrs. E, Nubling showed me a Liny lipterous insect bearing pollinia removed from a flower of an anleseribed species of Prasephltwn (provisionally named P. dcongforum), a species with flowers 3/16 of an inch in length Vor specimens I arm greatly indebted to Miss Estelle Nelson, : dusselton; Mrs. A, Seoular, Forest Grove; Miss Sandilands, Aurora; Mr. F. Walton Rowe, Kendenup; Rev. E. Bryant, ial- xoorhe; LieutColonel Goadby, Buckland TDM; and My, A. Walters, Tremantle. CORRECTIONS —Exceuveion to Kallista on Jime 4. fctortun Natwral- ish, wate SL, Vol, 31, in July, 1934: Taine 30, for R, fectea read Ro fdelso. Hne 43, for P, taterttis read PL lateritins; line 44, tor stipidium read rhipidion; line 64, for Primes read Fomes: line 45, lor filactnu-gilva read lilacino-gilue; like 50, lor Gyaptin read Guegrija, tine 31, fot Guiraderita reaé Cunaderina; Mone 53, ior aerigheosemn read gerugivosum. Mr J. A Willis compiled the tst cf species, brit, of course, is tot resprisible for any at these errors The list was’io faudwriting, and “one-letter" jntstakes were made in typing a copy for the proiters * \ } Vick “Nut. 18 Barger, The Gray Sqiderél dn Melbourne Ft HIS GRAY SQUIRREL IN MELBOURNE By-Cuarirs Barrett If ihe iKeala, Australia’s most enchanting Jittke fur-hearer. las a rival. native of another Jand, it is the Gray Squirrel of Noyth American. They are “characters,” “hut in appearance and their ways, Opposites, The ,Native Beae’s almost sole delight. apart fram eating. is sitting still, perched up aloft inshis gun tree. he Squirrel.is happy-when scampering about, on the ground or among the branches of waks and,pines and elms. A “quicksilver” animal, whose movements are always a,pleasure to watch, whether Squirrel is. chinbing a tall old tree. dodging prettily around the trunk, or hurrying across-the lawn ma suburban garden, The rather ‘heavy and chimsy Koala is tailless; the Gray Squirrel’s pride js its wonderful brush,.a tail of such noble pro- portions that the owner could almost use it as a sunshade! The (oreck words welded in Scirus hear thisimeaning: An animal which sits in the shadow of its own tail. The contrast, then, hetween these two lovable animals is com- plete. And while the Australian is failing in its own homeland athe little American has become firmly established in Victoria, ar rather suburban Melbourne. -Jts realm is:small, but, perhaps for half a century the Gray Squirrel has been a tenant of many large gardens. aml some of the parks, and still 1s plentiful, When Squirrels were intre c a - Mealtime. One of the “Ripponlea”’ Gray Squirrels ae Baregtr, The Grew Squirrel tie Methourus, ino full protection; nobady is allowed to interfere with. the elusive: hutle sylvan folk or their domestic arrangements. They live-all- the year round jn clover, Wary of strangers. they are ‘confiding: with, people who live on the estate. At the lodge Mrs. Stanley, Orchard “spoils” them, Every morning several Squirrels arrive for breakfast. They climb on.to a-window-sill, and: sitting up prettily, cach with its tail forming a capital S. eat peanuts; cake avd-apples, “They are impatient pensioners. Should the meal he delayed, they make a-fuss. One morning: finding the window closed, the Squirrels went round ta the front’ dour, which, stood open, ran through the hall, and frisked into the kitchen Many Squirrel nests or ‘‘dreys" are built within the boundaries af “Ripponiea,” ft was shown nests high in gunt:trecs: others it the crowns-of tree-ferns, or on the roof of the hig, fernery ; and the “deorways" ol am fewer than five under the roof of a tennis pavilion. ‘The Squirrels had gnawed, in boards of the upper back wall, holes large enough:to admit their bodies, atid hehind these the nests were constructed. The breeding season extends from. about Getoher until Feb- ruaty, according to observations made at “Rippontea” over a number of years. In wintertime the nest is used as a “snuggery.” Gray Squirrel dislikes ram and cold, and on a wet day remains at. home,.preferring warmth and. dry. fur to 2 meal, which, any- how, can be obtained when the sky clears. A, litths philosopher, you see, is Scturvs; and yet, visiting the lodge- on, a- sunshine marning, he hecomes annoved- if the “foodsdale ass not realy. for him, on the window-sill. Three or four young are horn to a Squirrel mother, She is-a provd, devoted parent, Tf the nest be tuo closely inspected she inay desert at, ne not the young, which, one by one, are carried off.a new nursery being built hurriedly. For some days after the- young have left the nest, their mother trains: them in food- hunting, gives ther lessons im climbing, and. it 1s said: supervises balancing exercises?! This I have nat seen, though often enough | have watched Gray Squirrels at. “Ripponlea,” and marvelled at their grace and agility. At tap speed. they run among lofty boughs, lapmg boldly Tron: ove to anether, Jumps of fron 6 ft, to 8 Tt. were observed. Occasionally the. distance is misjudged, and the little acrobat. comes tumbling: to the: ground; but alights without injury, on four feet. The young, born blind and helpless. remain for a month, om longer: period: in*the nest. The mother tends and) guards: then jealously. notr even the Father ts allowed to come near, Jest: he he tempted ta kill the hahtes; this: sontetimes- neeurs ameny. Santirrelss in: captivity. When. at Iast, the young Srpnirels ave able in Feud? fair tirem- tn Raneesr, The Gray Syeivvel iv MM elhouruc- bay vie selves, many, i£ sot all, migrate to distant corners of the cstale, or secle quarter's in other large gardens, Dispersal often becomes a necessily, since there is a linvit to the number of Squirrels that any atea will support withott serious competition for food, so “vnunger sons’ must seek their fortunes Tar from the home where they were born. And “Ripporlea,” for matty a veal, has licest a centce of dispersal. The voung foliage of eucalypts and other trees. hanno shoots, nuts. fruits aud herries are eaten by the Gray Squirrel, which sometinies leaves its own territory on the food quest Thus, every year. when the nuts are ripening, many “Ripponlea” Squirrels pay visits to a garden several hundreds of yards away to rand a walnut tree, Though, provision against winter scarcity is unnecessary, Mel- hourne’s Gray Squirrels retain the nout-storing instinct. Fron the walnut tree the litte animals return ta “Ripponlea” with a harvest af nuts. many af which are buried, about one inch helow the sttrface. in different parts of the estate The gardeners often, wher digging. find walnuts. each with the “eye’ nipped out ta prevent germinabon! And, a charming sight, one morning a Squirrel was observed coming across from the orchard. with two apnies, held by the stalks, one on each side of the mouth! Nuts are buried one by one. and separately. No regular winter “hoard.” such as that fornied by the Anierican Red and Ground Squirrels. is stored by the Gray species. Tn hicling a nit, the Syuirrel works diligently and in a furtive manner, Wher a hole has been scraped out. the nut is placed in it hastily, and us quickly covered up, the earth being stamped down compactly. Squirrels are credited with a “bump of locality.” and the ability to find unerringly their buriedl spoil. Though at is certain that Many wuts, once buried, are not dug up agai, they da recover numbers of thent. and seem ta know exactly where to dig, even amidst long grass Altogether, Gray Squirrels are charming subjects. worthy of any mature lover's attention, They deserve protection, and those in Melhourne gardens have few enemies, As pets thev are almost perfect. Many have been tamed without caging, happily. Patients at Caulfeld Military Hospital formerly were entertained hy Gray Squirrels. which came into the ward and accepted offerings. But no Jonger are such charming little visitors recerved, About ten vears aga, the Gray Squirrel disappeared from the Hospital grounds, where for so long they hac! lived in pleasant candittons, So confiding were they that often, at night, several would center the Matron's sitting room, to be welcomed— with chocolates and other dainties. Not one has been seen for a decade raw. August, 1934 VOL, LI THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Plate XXII ISON 18 ulay Ales “suyoreniry “Ly Aq eigd Aug. ‘ roa oA ry Lirtexjuans, The Fairy Teron 1h A CAMERA INTERVIEW WITH THE FAIRY TERN By R.T. Lavrteronns During holidays spent at Porr Phillip Bay and ocean resorts in the last few years, 1 hoped to find the Fairy Tern (Sterna nerets) nesting. Te was kvown that these birds west annually on Mud Island. bur I had not found it practicable to visit ihat sanctuary, Dunng the Christmas and New Year Holidays of 1930-3] the quest was almost successful at Queenscliff, as young ‘Terns were seen, Many years ago the birds were observed in numbers on Swan Island. aud Queenselif€ was chosen for a holiday with the idea of explanng those shares again. It was learned on urrival. however. that cameras are not allowed, in any circunistances, to he taken on to the island, which ic a hayal depot. tn December last ten days were spent at Lakes Entrance, and ‘on the morning following our arrival we joined hindreds of other holiday-makers om the ocean beach opposite the township, Almost the first sound which became evident on reaching the ocean was the chavacteristic note of the engaging little seabirds, whyse nests for so long had been the object of ony quest. As we imaved = hundred yards or more irom the main body of bathets the cries of the birds became more insistent, and it was evident that there were elther eggs ar young ones near, Mrs, Littlejahns was detailed to watch at nne pnint with instructions ta signal if je bird sat down anywhere within) wiew. 1 had scarcely reached a hiding place, soine distance away, when the signai came. Ju a few minutes we bad located seven nests. ¢ortaining. in some instances: one egg. and in others two eggs. Tn most cases the egoy were resting in slight depressions im shelly outcrops so little above high-water mark that Yheyv were in danger of being swept away by an abnormally high tise, Other nests were in the sand in shallow valleys between the dunes, All seven nests were within an area 73 yards in length by 25 yards in depth, | Because great numbers at bathers visited the beach at this paint. an endeavour was made to lucate nests in more secluded spots, but another group of birds about two miles away badd veuny anes im hiding, A few days later the nesting calony was reached at 7, 30 am. ; he walking round the head of the Jake and hack clofig the Ocean Beach, At this hour the sands were free of bathers... Zach of the nests then cotitained iwo eggs, and all, the birds showed rousiderahle anntety. although the. eggs were still quite fresh, A plece of driftwood. which daring the previons visit Tad been leit » near one of the nests, was replaced by a camera, Lo the. shutter, , of which « long thread wag allached. After focussing, the thread A S Viet, 2 Lipueronss, The Parry Teriv. [ Val. ral was trailed over the sand dunes roa hiding place some 50 yards away. Either the birds attached ta the nest chosen minst have been particularly trustful or the driftwood dinnmy whith had heen placed near the nest was an efficient educator. the birds showed little “fear, and one, pr esumahly the female returned to the nest ‘with scarcely a glance at the camera. Both mule and fetnale alighted a little disranece [rom the nest, whence the female wudvaneed quickly with peculiar gait. The legs of the Tern are sa short Lhat they are scarcely seen. and Lhe lird appears almast ro slide along the sand. After the first! two or lhree pictures had been taken, if was pos- sible to operate the camera shutter Cront a closer hiding-place. and eventually exposures were made froma distance of 20 ft, With the aid of field glasses. it was then possibly fully to appreciate the graceful emoothness of the Fairy Tern’s plimage. and the colouring of its long yellow Will, At a neighbouring:nest the sicting bird was fect several tiles ly its mate, with swall fish, which were brovght singly and delivered to the tremulotisly tpturned beak without the donor touching the ground. Unfortunately this incident did noe occur at the nest before which the camera was. stationed, the male bird being apparently ron-tunid to approach so closely. When the sitting bird left the nesting locality to feed or to stretch her wings, her mate stood near, but did not on any oceasion sit on the evgs, Being situated i loose sand, the est under abseryation heave filled in frequently by the action of the wind when the bird was absent. On her, return she proceeded to re-mnake the nesting depression in a Lasinesslike aud ammsing mamer. Resting her whole weight apparently an the egys she kicked vigorously with both feet, and seni a Spray of sand behind her At the same time ste turned round gradually. so that in ten seconds the Cees rested in a very definite hollow. * These Terns appear vather awkwarr on land, probably beeanse of the length of wings and tail, and the shortness of the legs. Tn the air. however, they are extremely graceful, and in alighting the sharp-pouted upraised wings wake an attractive picture. Three hours were spent, (uimng a further visit to the nest, in an endeavour to show the praised wings ina photograph. Unfor- runately nore of the exes had hatched at the end of the ten jays; so that the early: hfe of the chicks conld not be. recorded: Tt was Apparent that the seven clitehes of eggs were laid within a day oF two oF each other, and the hatching probably occurred Tour or five days after our holiday ended.’ Every day Fairy Terns were to be seen flying hac teward and forward aheve the lake. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VOL. LI August, 1934 Plate XXIII Thotu. by Roo. Liitlejehns. Fairy Tern Alighting The Victorian Naturalist — ee “Vai. LL—No. § September 6, 1934 No. 609 THE FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA. The general ineeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society's Hall on Monday, August 13, 1934, at 8pm. About 100 members and friends attended, and the President, Mr. A. S. Kenyon. M.J.IE.. Aust., oceupied the chair. CORRISPON DENCE Secretary Australian and New Zealand Association for Advance- tient of Science, acknowledging the Club’s nomination of Messrs. C. L. Barrett, A. J. Tadgell, and V. H. Miller as delegates to the Melbourne meeting of the Association, Secretary for Railways, thanking this Club for appreciative letters received for bus service to Kallista. Private Secretary to His Excellency the Governor, thanking the Club for the invitation to attend its meetings. REPORTS. Reports of Excursions were as follow :—teology School, Mel- bourne University, Mr F. §. Colliver (for Mr. F. Singleton, M.5¢.); Zoology School, Melbourne Universiiv, Mr. FL S. Colliiver (for Prof. Agar); Boronia, Mr. T.S, Hart, ELECTION OF MEMBERS. On a show of hands, Miss M. Dossetor was chily elected as an ordinary member of the Club, GENERAL BUSINESS Mr. Chas. L. Barrett asked for an opinion from the meeting on the qbestion of publishing hand-hooks. He moved: It is desirable thar the Club publish a hand-hook on the Sheils of Port Phillip: this was seconded by Mr, E. E. Pescott, Messrs, C. }. Gabriel, W. H. Ingram, C. Croll, and W. Hanks spoke to the iiotion, which was catried. NATURE NOTES My. F. S. Colliver read an extract from a letter from Mr, A, Holland, of Avow Plains, regarding his park and plantation, con- taining about 2000 trees and shrubs, The Avon River runs through his property, which is a sanctuary for native birds, anid a breeding place for ducks. Last year a pair of Native Coim- panions nested there, and reared a young one. 4 114 Figid Naturalists’ Club Pracecitings. aa SUBIECT FOR EVENING The subject for the evening was “Ditds that Muild Play. houses.” Mr. A. H. Chisholm, C.F.A.O.U.. gave a very inter- esting account of the habits of the Bower Birds, and deserihed their play-halls, or howers, His remarks were illustrated by speci- mens of the hirds and a series of photographs shown hy means of thé epidiascope, Mr. Chas. Barrett showed a fine series of photographs hy Mr. Sid. W. Jackson and others, and made inter- esting remarks on them. At the clase of the discussion the meeting adjourned fur the Corversazione, : LIST OF EXHIBITS Miss L. Dyall—Daffodil with eight instead of six petals in the perianth, Mr. Ive C. Harsmet—Garden-grown plants, in¢luding Eria- stoimon obovalis, Raeckea roimnosissintia, Grewillea, olcoides, G, prmrcea, G. almna (G. Dallachiana). Hakew sericea, Evecalypties forqguatt, and ethers. Mr. H, Jenkins —Grevillea hybrid, Mr. C. J. Gabriel—Marine shells, Busycon corica, Gmel., Morida, . Mr. T. $. Bart —Plotylobian forinosune (Handsome Flat Pea), specimens of the shrubby form, from Bairnsdale, agreeing with book description as a shrub, Specimens of the relatect trailing ‘urm, from Boronia. Ground-berry, various coloured flowers, Mr. A. §, Kenvon.—Porcupine Grass Gum, Pituti, Poiiting Bone, Microliths (from Tasmania}, Letter Sticks (Arunta Tribe). Mr, fF. Pitcher —Fronds of the commen Shield Fern Poly- stichwa (Asfidium) aculeatum, showing diferent methods of clevelopinent ot germination thercon: garden-grown., Mr. S. Ik. Mitchell—Stone spear-heads and hone fabricators used in thei manufacture: hatred stone axe from the Kunimitnnya Tribe, Kimberley, Western Austraha, Epsomite ocetirring as an efflorescence on walls of a miming tunnel at Drummond Nerth ( Victoria). Mr... M. Branton —Heath ane Pepyernint Gum, from iKing- lake. — Mr, F. 5S. Colliver—Pipefish. Nelson; Leafy Sea-Dragon, ‘Tore quay; Coral and apparently similar organistins fPolyzoa, worm tubes, ete.), which are often wrongly called coral; Australian Sea- fan (horny coral). from Portland, 1, Py 7 P rice Wirtis, Farth-stars o) Victoria, 115 THE GEASTRAE OR "“EARTH-STARS" OF VICTORIA By J, H. Wazis (Victorian Forests Commission ) Though not conspicuously coloured, hike the agarics, “Earth- stars" are surely familiar to every field botanist who vives so much as a castial ghance at the fungi which come his way; they are as quaint and attractive as anything ta be found in the realm oF fungi, and yet it is extremely doubtful whether totes fave ever been published on the various forms occurring in Victoria. Briefly, an “farth-star” is a pnff-ball (Family Lycoperdaceac) which in its early development is glahular and up to ane inch in diameter, often with a distinctly pointed apex; at maturity, the puff-bal) body becomes sharply differentiated into two layers and gplits at iis apex, the external layer apening out in the form of a alag with usually Ave to fitjeen‘distince ravs—this is kuown as the exoperidtn, consisting itseli of three fungal tissues (an outer mycelial layer which is frequently covered witht adhering earth and debris, a medial fibrillose layer. ancl a thick, Reshy, inner iayer which was originally appressed to the endoperidmm). The interna) Jayer of the puff-ball remains intact a5 a rounded bag which carries the powdery mass of spores—this is the endapert- dinm, dehiscing by a small apital vent which may take the focm qf an indefinite hole, q raised Abrillase mouth, or a conical beak at converging ribs. Tarth-stars are classified according to the three types af mouth which may occur on the endéperidium; other points to be con- sidered in diagnosis ave whether the ehdoperidium is sessile or stalked, smooth or rough, and whether the exoperidium has revolute or involate rays when dry (though fleshy and inclined to he brittle at first. all Eavth-stafs become papery aud toughish on drying). ‘The size of the spores (determmable only by means of a powerful microscope) is another factor which must he considered before certain forms can be property distinguished. The accompanying illustrations, however, will indicate better than words those major spores pas mic. diam. .. .. 4. Endoperidium coa arsely roughened; spores 4-54 mic. clam, BBB, Exeperidium not hygroscopic. Base of the endoperidium smoath or slightly striated ay RE Rase of the endoperidium: plicate (Le. with distinet and regular vertical folds) .. 06. 6. ca ae oe 0, a 10. 11. 13. 14. 16. . G. » G, G. G. 17 FIM#RIATUS FENES- TRIATUS VELUTINUS SACUCATUS TRIPLEX AUSTRALIS MINUS LIMBATUS DRUMMOND sSMiTII11 CLELA NIH PECTINATUS PLICATUS Vict. Nat. 118 Wiinis, farth-slars of Victoria, Vol. LL DESCRIPTIONS 1. ASTRAEUS HYGROMETRICUS. Comparatively few Victorians have seen this curious puff-ball growing—a brown, crab-like form, 1 inch to 3 inches broad, with a small, indefinite, Encoperitivm.<——_ on, xoperidiv ot. wilh mncurved rays. Figs. A and B.—fstracus Aygrometricus, apical mouth and thick, leathery segments, the inner surface of which is often cracked into small, whitish areas, suggestive of the patterns on a snake’s skin, These segments or “ravs’ vary in number from four to as many as twenty and are strongly THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VoL. 11 Plate XXIV September, 1c SOME VICTORIAN “ EARTH-STARS” No. 1, Geaster triplex (young, unexpanded plant), Nos. 2, 3 and 4, G. triplex (mature forms). Ne. §, G. saccatus (old plant). No. 6, G. saccatus (young, unexpanded plant}, Nos. 7 and 8, G. Drianmondi?. Nos. gand 10, G. /rmbatus (old plants). No. 11, G. Smithii. No. 12, G. plicatus. Sept. = ri . ei Wis, arth-stars of Mictoria, 119 hygrascopic, curling inwards and atitwards with changes of atmospheric moisture, a complete movement of the rays is some- times effected in less than half an hour. Liovd gives us an inter- esting note concerning the hygroscopic nature of the spectes — “In moist weather the segments rectirve and, standing on their tips, lift up the inner balls in dry weather they closely curve in, clasping the hall, and they will repeat this as aften as the candi- tions become moist ar dry. Hence they are called by children ‘Poor man's weather glass.” Miss Marshall, of St. Nicholas, states that, m the closed condition, they are carried along by the wind, and applies to them the name of "Fair-weather travellers’.” Members of a related group of putf-halls, the “Tumblers.” are rather common in Victoria; these seun disattach themselves from the soil and, because of their light papery nature. blow for con- siderable distances. Such a habit is not peculiar to fungi. how- ever, and coastal residents, even near Melhoutue. may vccasionally see large flower-heads of the Hairy Spimiex grass tumbling over the sands, fike so many animated porcnpines, Whit a pity that .fstraeis, the * travelling” Earrh-star, should he rare in Vietoria—so rare indeed that it is tuslikely ta become familiar, even to the enthusiastic searcher after fungt. Speci- mens have now and then appeared in the Dandenong Ranges, and then always on cleared land or in gardens—facts whieh lead one to suppose that the plant is an aintroduetion from [urope. Formerly included in Geester, the species has recently beer erected inte a distinct genus on accotint of its leathery texture and large, dark spores (viz, 8-12 qe, diam.-—much larger than in other [arth-stars}. (Figs. \ and 4.) 2. GEASTER FLORIFORMIS, Since all Eartli-stars may he likened to flowers. it would seem hardly justifiable to call one particular species the “fower-shaped™ Geaster, Yet. because of its numerous, pale, and natrow rays, G. floriformis certainty hears a lively resemblance to some daisy-like flower nestling close against the earth, The species, like sfstracis, is strongly hyyro- scopic, has a sessile endoperidium and a naked, indefinite mouth. It is usually a sinall plant, expanded spectmens rarely exceeding one inch in diameter, G. floriformus is one of our commonest and mast prolific Karth- stars, being at home on the dry, sandy plains of the Mallee and Murray River districts: Dunboola, Kerang, and Nathalia are recorded localities, and the species has alse made its appearance near Melbourne. (Spores 54-74 mic. diam.). (Figs, F and CG.) 3, Gi, SIMULANS. A smooth, whitish plant, very similar in size ancl weneral appearances to G. floriformis. It is distinguished by the broader rays (seldom more than six or seven) which are unly partially hygroscopic, by a curigns arching of the exoperi- diunt when moist. causing the endoperidium to appear shortly C Viet. Nat. . Vol. LI. 130 Wis, Earth-stars of Victoria. stalked, and, microscopically, by its smaltler spores (4-5 mic.