THE -Victorian Naturalist THE JOURNAL AND MAGAZINE of the FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA VOL. LIV -_MAY, 1937, TO APRIL, 1938 Hon.. Editor: CHARLES BARRETT, C,M.Z,S, # The Author of each Article is responsible for the facts and opinions recorded MELBOURNE: . Brown, Prior, ANDERSON Pry. Lip., 430 LITTLE BourKE STREET 1938 VICTORIAN FERNS. No Fern-lover can afford to be without a copy of this little book, for in it are contained descriptions and illustrations of every Fern known to exist naturally in our State, and also where to tind them, how to identify them, and how to grow them, It has been published by the Club without expectation of other than a monetary loss, and solely for the benefit of all Nature-lovers, . Copies can be obtaiued from the Hon. Librarian, Field senator Club of Victoria, Royal Society's all, Victaria Street. Price, A/-; posted, Id, extra, ' -ENTOMOLOGICAL APPARATUS ~ CHERRY & SONS PTY. LTD. GISBORNE (Vic.), and 231 SUSSEX STREET, SYDNEY, Btore Boxes—Setting Boards-—Entomological Pins—-Butterfly Nets— Killing Boftles—Cork Lining—Zine Relaxing Boxes—Pocket Boxes— Cabinets—Curved Forceps—Insect Cement, &c., &e., &e. * Write for our Price List and Sample Sheet of Pins. NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS | 2,000 new and secondhand on Natural History, Australiana, #tc., including the following: Complete set Field Naturalists’ journuls. “Ornithological Miscellany," by Row)ay, “Birds of Ceylon,” by Legge, “Algae,” by West. *Rucalypts of Australia,” by Muefler. Drury’s “Exotic Entomvulogy.” “Castes and Tribes of Southern India,” by Thurston, Mathew’s “Birds of Australia.” Campbell’s “Nests and Eggs.” Guvier’s ‘Animal Kingdom,” Griffith édition, 8 volumes. “Rhododendrons and Their, Hybrids,” by, Millais. Paxton's “Flower Garden,” “Natural Iistory of Plants,” by Kerner and Oliver. “Introduction to Literature of Vertebrate Zoology,” by Woorl, Complete Catalogue New and Secondhand Books on Application. Wanted to Buy--Books on Natural History, Australiana, etc. LARGE Srocks OF FIELD NATURALISTS’ REQUISITES MICROSCOPES, ete, N. H. SEWARD PTY, LTD. 457 BOURKE STREET - - MELBOURNE, C.: MU 1997 The Victorian Naturalist Vol. LIV.—No. 1 May 7, 1937 No, 641 THE FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUE OF VICTORIA. The ordinary meeting of the Club was hetd at the Royal _Seciety’s Hath on Monday, April 12, 1937, The President, Mr- 5. R. Mitchell, presided, and about 100 members and friends attended. "KOALA NIGHT.” © The subject for the évening was a general discussion on the oala, Mr. Charles Barrett, in his introductory talk, gave figures of the killings during open seasons in Queensland, He allustrated his remarks hy a fine series of photographs illustrating the Koala’s “Expression of the Emotions,” and quaint associations with other animals. Mr. F. S. Colliver then g gave a brief- note on the “Remains of a fossil Koala, showing phorographs of the bones, and stating that the animal referred to weighed possibly five ewt, Mr. A. H. Mattingley spoke on the utilitarian aspeet of the JSoala. Mr. A. H. Chisholm dealt with the slaughter of, the Koala in Queensland in 1919 and 1926. He was of the opinion that another open season would not be proclaimed. He showed photographs oi the MacPherson Range. Mr. VY. H. Miller stated that Koalas had appareney: nevslppey a liking for Mistletoe, REVISLON GF RULES, The Secretary announced that the Committee had decided completely to revise the Club Rules. CORRESPONDENCE, From the Minister for Lands, stating that the Club's letter _ regarding vandalism at Mt, Buifalo Natonal Park would be sent to the proper authorities. GENERAL BUSINESS. My. H. Jenkins reported on his excursion to Fern Tree Gully National Park. The President stated that two Country members—Mr, Chas. Siren, of Casterton, and Mr, WW, ‘Froggart, late Govern- 2 Riokt Naturalists’ Clui> Proceeds vie lay inent Entomologist of New South Wales, had recetitly died. Members staad im silence as a token of respect, Mr, George Coghill stated that Prof. Laver had offered to the Club a piece of land near fehasephat Gully, Kinglake, On the motion of Mr, G. N, Hyani, seconded by Mr. R. H. Croll, this matter was referred to the Committee. One of the Auditors, Mr. A. S. Chalk, is now Acting Treasurer, and Mr. Chas, Croll was elected to the position. Mr. Croll will act with Mr. A. G. Hooke. NATURE NOTES, Mr. FS. Colhiver said thai he had seen many Lyre Bird mounds near the Blue Hills. Mr. A. Hi. Mattingley spoke on the processing of fish, and stated that more marine biplogists were needed in Australia, Mr. H. P. Dickens stated that he had observed a Seal just juside The Heads, Pt. Phillip Ray, The meeting adjourned jor the Conversazione. EXHIBITS. Mrs. Freame.—Sea Hare, from Sorrento, Miss A. Cornish.—Bailer and Trochus shells, Mr. A. A. Mattingley—Specimen of the plutonic rock on which the Great Wall of China is bu:lt Mr. C, Wrench—Speciniens of an English Land Sheil (Alchx pixuna, Mull) that is destroying Cypress trees near Geelong. Mr. J. Wileox—Specimens of a small Crustacean (-brypulis johaceows) which is becoming a pest in private fish-pands. Mr. S, R. Mitchell—Aboriginal artifacts. The large Wanderer (Butterfly) was fairly nnméraus in the Geclong Gardens early in April, Yo see the remarkable creeper, eriytolochia, with wonderful flawers, visit. the Geelong Gardens This plant is growing close to the glasshouses, Tt is rarely seen in cultivation. [f visitors ask for the Curator (Mr. A. Brown) he will. | am sure, be pleased to shaw them this curtows plaut. which is also kaown as the “Dutchman's Pype.” —— C. Franch. THE CLUB LIBRARY, Votil further notice, tre Club Libeaty wall be open once a month, trom liam. to 12 noon on the Saturday previous to the monthivy meeting. ‘This will enable any mencdber who cares to do so, to inspect the Library, and to herrow heoks from the lending section. The actug Assistant Librarian will Ye in attendance, The Committee of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria invite members ci Kindred societies who may he visitig Melhourne to attend the Chib's. meetings. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Plate I VoL. LIV Mav, 1937 4 Whale Head Sperm ap ‘arr May . 1837 Harpy, Amn Stamp 3 EMU SWAMP, SPERM WHALE HEAD PENINSULA, Ry A. D. Harpy, Hon. Secretary, The Lakes National Park. One of the many interesting features of the Lakes Natonal Park?!, on Sperm Whale Head, Gippsland Lakes, is Emu Swamp. We? first viewed it on surmounting a low sandy ridge near the Lake Victoria shore of the Park, where, on a small sandy beach at Kangaroo Point, we had disembarked. From the ridge we looked down on what appeared much lke a salt-pan with tussocks growing here and there. Descending, we forced a way through a belt of six-foot high Coast Saw-sedge (Gahnia trifida) and crossed a zone of Paper Bark (Melaleuca ericifolta), 12 feet to 15 feet high, in the breaks of which, or in little tracts adjoining, the Leaded Glasswort (Salicornia australis) compensated with its bright translucent crimson shoots for the gencral absence of flowers in the neighborhood. The pretty little blie Monkey Musk (Afturudis gracilis), was one of the few plants seen in bloom that day, was sheltered by the Melaleuca, Krom the margin there appeared to he a covering of dead algae, extending from side to side exeepting where large tussocks grew singly or in clumps, an appearance prompted by my recollection of having identihed as an alga (Lyng bie) material of the same macroscopic texture. Tt had been submitted hy Mr. Charles French as nesting material of the White-headed Stilt, ina swamp at Laverton ({ici, Naé., Jan., 1912). A mat al bleached algae (Zateromorpha) covered the shore rocks of Lake Corangamte? The dense, white mat of tangled thread proved under magnifi- cation to be a species of Nitella, a genus of many species which habitually live in varying depths of clear, still water, as in Yan Yean reservoir a few feet deep, in Preston reservoir at much zreater depth, and, according to Schimper, in Lake Constance al 100 feet or thercabout. Species are sometimes found in pure aqiatic meadow formation or mixed with such as Water Milfoil and Floating Pond-weed (near Frankston in roadside pool), and in Mallee reservoir lakes fed by the Winimera and its irrigation channels. Species which inhabit brackish water are few, if indeed there are more than the one. This introduces a special interest in Emu Swamp, which, by virtue of the marginal Salicornia as well as the salty taste of the Nite/la, periodically has water of a decidedly brackish nature. The Nifella could not be specifically identified because it was either sterile or had, when drying, dropped its spores. It is a very slender plant, the longest, un- ravelled from the felted mass, being about 4 in., with simple 1 It is intended to prepare a description of this park at an carly date. 2. Members of Committee of Management: Messrs. G. Coghill, F. Lewis, Charles Barrett. A. D, Hardy, : ’ 3. “Excursion to ake Corangamite District," /'ict. Ma#., June, 1918. s Vie. Nat, 4 Haruy, Eare Steaump Vol. LIV whorls of one-celled leaves on an axis about 1/40 in. thick and with internodes about two inches long. Ntunerous naviculoid Diatoms, including hiaphora (probably 4. ovalis) were enmeshed in the weed, these being the only associated algae noted. The swamp has a natural drainage of rainwater from an area of about a half square mile, hut when rivers in flood increase the volume in the Gippsland Lakes the water of Lake Victoria rises and flaws into such depressions as this, so that. with annual rainfall and vecasional additions of flood water, there is salinity which, apart from the concentration due to evaporation, is of varying intensity, The tracks of kangaroos and emus were numerous and indicated that many of the former and several emus had traversed the area in several directions since the evaporation. The tracks Photo, by Fy tewia, Track of Kangaroo when “creeping” of mature and of half-grown kangaroos were seen, and although most of the emu prints were of full grown birds there were the marks of a chick accompanying one of these. What were these animals doing there? Had they visited the area for water, or out of mere curiosity? ar was the soft carpet of dead Nitella pleasant to walk upont There was no sign of scratching or pecking. Except for the “spoor” the felted mass was unbroken. So, failing to solve the puzzle, we indulged in tracking, with results which would have won praise from Cooper’s “Deerslayer” er a Scoutmaster, for although we did not track beyond the confines of the swamp, and so did not come up with the animals, we found enough evidence in the tracks to conceive a mental picture which was almost compensating. Here it was plainly seen that a kangaroo had hopped leisurely across, and there May - . 1937 Harpy, oan Sivamp 5 another had first hopped and then turned from a biped into a “tripod” while, propped on hind'’egs and tail, it sat up and took notice of its surroundings betore creeping, as a“‘quintipod,” using four feet and tail. Where the marsupials hopped the feet broke through the weed and exposed the black mud, two short parallel indentations and about six feet to the hop; the tail, being only a balancer when the owner is hopping, of course left no impression, The track of the creeping animal was of most interest, for in it could be wlainly seen the method of progress. From a “sitting up" posture the kangarvo had lowered its front quarters and placed its fore feet well in advance. then, drawing the tail well it. behind, it rested on forepaws and tail while advancing the hind feet, now diverging, outside, toes in advanee of the fore feet. on which vw rest while bringing the “fore and aft supports” into action. In creeping this, impression is made by both heel and to.,* but in hopping the tues only are used, On the Vitecla mat of Emu Swamp “he who runs may read” the very distinet tracks in all their variely. A deeper impression indicated where it had “sat up” again and reconnoitered, It was easy to visualise the little forearms hang- ing linip, the ears erect, and the nostrils delicately twitching as the animal sampled the slight breeze fur possibly suspicivus signs of danger; and, that discretion was dcemed the better part of valor, in exposure, was plainly evident in the resumed hopping: two hops of about five feet, a short pause with tail down, and then long nine foot hops out of the swamp area and away to the sheltering scrub. ‘Vhere were ne marks indicatne play or fieht. The emu tracks crossed those of the marsupials, and oc- casionally ran parallel, Although the great birds would weigh as much as these grey kangaroos, tly left shallower indents 11 the mat, which was compressed rather than broken, and so mare difficult to photograph. By much circumspection Mr. Lewis managed to get a set of marks with the emu footprints deep enough tu have shadows. The emus had ivisurely walked with short stride, their beautiful poise and balance shown hy the foat- prints being in an almost straight line.® But we had much else to see in the park and in the Lake Reeve section of the Sanctuary, which includes the park and most of the land and water extending to the ocean, so we left Emu Swamp hoping to see and examine it again under different conditions. 4. Note that the Great Red Kangaroo and the Large Grey Kangaroo in the Melbourne Zovlogical Gardens frequently ereep on their toes, while Grey Kangarous in an adjoining enclosure place beth toe and heel on the ground when so progressing. 5, Seen elsewhere on a Mallee sandhill the Emu footprints diverged and the larger stride indicated haste as well as insecure fouthuld. Rure, “lircukishness”’ in Orchids Vic. Nat, VoL LIV “FREAKISHNESS” IN ORCHIDS, By tHe Rev. H. M. R. Rupe. Abnormal flowers are not infrequent among orchids, some species apparently being more hable to develop ‘freaks’ than others. For instance, Cymbidium canaliculatum often exhibits “doubles,” two or more flowers being completely united on a single peduncle — the latter, however, generally being itself abnormal, .e., it consists of two or more stalklets united into one. In these “double” flowers all segments are not always developed; but [ possess a flower of this species which has 4 lahella, 4 columns, 12 sepals, and 8 petals. Two curious examples of abnormal development have recently come under my notice, both plants belonging to the genus Dendrobium. Those who are familiar with this genus know that many species are naturally increased or propagated by the formation of little “aerial” plants on old stems. A small shoot appears at one of the nodes, and at its base roots form, either attaching themselves to the parent stem or hanging free in the air, The shoot then gradually develops into a normal plant, which finally drops off the parent or becomes independent as the old stem dies. I have several well-grown plants of D. noble obtained in this way. Among our native species, D, Kingtanum is very prominent in this method of propagation. T have also observed it in D. speciosum, ‘2, gracticaude, 2. Phaucnopsis, and many others. I had never, until quite lately, seen it in the case of D. falcoro- siren, the beautiful ‘Beech Orchid” of New South Wales and South Queens- land. A plant of this species was given to me about two years ago, and although grown under the same conditions as other specimens, it has never done well. In December last (1936), I noticed two small The abnormal QD, falcorastrim described in the article May . : 7 F 1937 SEARLE, Crustacean Varasite of Breshawntey Fish 7 aerial growths forming on twoold stems. One ot these was very close ta the top of the stem, which was leafless. It developed roots, hanging clear of the stem: but showesl no sign of teaf- formation at the apex of the bud. To my astonishment, late in Tebruary a rateme of fower-buds began in develop instead of leaves, (The species nurmally bluoms trem Late August to late September.) Three healthy flowers are. now (Mareh) open, per- Fectly normal except that the penunth-segments ure more reflexed than wsual. The characteristic perfume 1s very pronounced. In a letter just received from Mr. W. F. Tierney, ot Cairns, North Queensland, he deseribes a somewhat similar abnormality in a plant of D. superbiens. Jn this case the “aerial” is right on the apex af the old stem, and practically continuous with it. Na roots have developed. (I have seen this happen in 2. Kingianyia, but when the aerial was detached from the parent and kept under humid conditions, rvols soon appeared.) The acrial is about 7 inches long, and has developed leaves, Two perfect Howers have now opened, “out of season,” as in the case oj iny Beech Orchid. These freakish performances ave both yery mteresting CRUSTACEAN PARASITE OF TRESHWATER FISH. By J. Seance. Although an ectaparasite infesting the branchial cavity of fresh- water fish, or frequently attached Lo their skin, the hithe crista- cean (Argulus foltacrous) can swim freely and actively when at leaves its fiost, as it does in the breeding seasons (spring and autumn), and may then he taken io the hand or tow wet. The ferlilisation of ihe egys is internal, and the female Jays her eggs in strings on stones or stems of water plants im the streams whieh it inhabits. After leaving its host, if a fish of the species is not available, the Argulus will attach itself to auy other species it happens to meet—it has heen heen taken an tadpoles, Argulids that infest migratory fish change with their host from fresh to salt water or the reverse. Although at one time classed among the parasitic Copepods, the peculiarities in structure of the Argulidae (thes¢ animals alone among the Capepads passess com- pound eyes), necessitated their separation as a separate Branch, Branchiuta, , Argulus folioceous has recently developed into a pest in the fish ponds near Melhourne of breeders of Janey fish for aquariin lovers, having been introduced therein, probably, with mfested fish jmported {rom Europe or the Rast, As Argulus breed pro- lifically (in a string of eggs deposited by a female Argulus on the inside of a bottle in which a few specimens had been placed, T 5 : t- ig. , 8 Staure, Crustaccan Parasite of Freshwater Bish are counted 227 eres), it can be seen that ina short while they may become a serious pest to the fish breeder ov aquarium keeper. 25/3/37: Since putting the few notes on Argulis together three weeks ago, I have gained a little more direct knowledge of their development, ‘On March 3 a rihand of eggs was laid by a female Argufus an the inside of a bottle, They were so placed that they could be examined easily with a hand lens. On March 25 a number of the eggs had hatched and the young Argulids were swimming briskly in the water, ‘There 3s no nauplius stage, this having been passed in the egg, born with all the segments and appetidages of the adult; although the imbs on the abdomen are rudimentary, the first and second maxillipeds are well developed and provided with strongly hooked claws at the extremity, well fitted for attaching themselves to their host. The frst antennae are well developed and furnished with lang plumose setae. They are able lo swim with remarkable agility, 26/3/37; The eggs are nearly all hatehed—over 200 of them- The young larvae are approximately .06 m.m. in length. I have not had an opportunity for a more definite examination of the larva, but from the appearance of the strongly developed maxilli- peds L would expect that they would be able to attach themselves to (heir host soon after hatching, and, unfortunately, [ am unable to supply thent with a liost—even a tadpole. However, I have preserved a number of the larvae for future study, and will Inok carefully for a motlt—as Jeng as the larvae live. 27/3/37: Only twe Argului visible this evening, moving slowly close to the holtom of the bottle. ' The eggs were deposited in a band or riband, Ave to seven eggs in a row, and close together. The egg-band is about onc and a quarter inches jn length, slightly curyed like a boomerang, The eggs are elliptical, light yellow wher first laid, afterwards hecoming brownish in colour. When laid they are coated with a gelatinous covering which cements them to each other. There are three rows of dots along each egg. 28/3/37: The young Argubds had all disappeared this evening, and from the number of infusoria present they must have been devoured rapidly, as nothing could be seen of their remains among,the debris in the burtle, MEMBERS' SUBSCRIPTIONS. Many menibers have mot yet paid their subscription to the Club for the year 1936-37, and the Treasurer will be pleased ta have these amounts as soon as possible. Several members also owe sinalf sums for Wild Nature Show tiekets. . Ne Sir Albert Ernest Kitson 9 SIR ALBERT ERNEST KITSON, Kt, F.GS,, FR-GS,, M.1-M,M., M.A.I.M.M. 1868-1937, No finer example of the wiumphs of perseverance and enter- prise can be imagined than the career of A, E, Kiison—‘Kittie.” as he was always known in a select circle of mtimates, The word “admirers” is advisedly not used, as he was as free from Pose as it is possible for anyone to be, and he treated all others interest¢d in natural history rather as his instructors and superiors than as pupils. Yet withal he was of an intense seriousness and devotion to the work he had in hand. Not that he confined himself to gen'ogy or to any one of its numerous branches; the list of papers contrihuted to our own journal will reveal that. Geology, of course, came first, with perhaps a leaning manifested towards palontalogy; mining, not only with reference ta coal, brown and black, buy gold and in, came under his pueview ; water resources for power on the surface snd artesian supplies from below; geography in its mast modern sense; natural history in flora and fauna; and, last but by na means least, travel, all were in his anthit ane to all he gave somewhat serious but enlivening toncl Born on March 21, 1868, son of John Kitson, of Manchester, Albert Kitson was educated in India and Victoria, finishing up at the State School at North Winton, near Benalla. Jin 1886, at the age of 18, he entered for the Civil Service Examination, attaining a creditably high position and a consequent appoint- ment (May 25, 1886), as a Afth class clerk in the General Past Office at the princely stipend of £80 a year. Here he remained, nat yegetating, however, -far seven years, when he obtained a transfer to the Lands Depariment—sull ag a fifth class clerk, but now having had his salary doubled—-where he engaged in ihe fascinating, if monotonous, occupation of keeping the rent roll books. Adter some years of continuous agitation, the reason for which will appear later, supported by an incréasing number of colleagues jn scientific wark, and in particular by the great Pre- fessor Gregory, he was transferred, on September 6, 1899, to the Geological Survey Branch of the Department, then known as the Mines and Water Supply. As James Stirling, then Government Geologist, expressed it in his annual report for that year, Mr. Albert Ernest Kilson, having shown spectul abilities for scientific research by his writings for various scientific societies, was trans- ferred From the Lands to this Department. This may encourage some of our younger members to contribute more freely to the Natnralist. ment In addition to his writings, Kitson had put in very solid work at the University and the Melbourne School of Mines, Warking- men’s College, covering geology, mining, and surveying. He, however, was still a fifth class clerk, now at the maximum salary 0 Sir Albert Ernest Ketson betty for that position of £200 per annum, Tor that he carried out detailed geological examinations of the Indi, Eastern Renampra, Mt. Howt, and Tohnie districts, and began an intensive and most valuable in its after results, survey of the coalhelds of Gippsland, with ijtile excursions ta the Upper King, determinations of the Eocene polyzoal limestone at Flinders, somewhat similar eon- tentious work on the shetl-bearing Lertiaries on the coast between the Aire Marsh arid Slippery Point, reporting on the prospects of the Goldsburgh goldfeld and on the tourist attractions of the Buchan Caves, and again on the artesian bores at Sale.« Y find that. have omitted tin praspects at Toora and extensions of the coal surveys to Bass, San Remo, Powlett Plains, and Corinclla— actually the Wonthaggi area. : Kitson filled in his spare time hy the compilation of 4 catalogue of the Tertian fossils of Australia. In 1904 Hyman Hennan, who had taken the place of Ernest Lidfey as Senior Ficld Geylogist, retired, and Kitson, as che resalt af a severe competitive examina- - tion, obtained that post. After 18 years a5 a fifth class cleck he had obtained a professional position and was heing paid £300 per annum. He had then complete supervision of the coal areas, but owing to his versatile, almost universal, knowledge, was em- ployed on ahnost everything else under the sum Professor Gregory, who had left the State, recommended Kitson to lake charge of the mineral survey of the Nigerian coast for the Jm- perial Institute at a very-much more lucrative remuneration than the £325 he had achieved in the Victorian service after bwenty years of intense service. He icft on leave on November 22, 1906 From the Nigerian work he resigmed in 1911, to become Directo of the Gold Coast Geological Survey in 1915. In this pest he remained until his retirement in 1930, Not content with his past achitvements, he then, in an heonoraty capacity, organised the Geological Survey of Kenya Colony, East Africa, There were other than financial recognitions of Ins outstanding achievements - In 1918 he was made a C.2.L_, four years later a C,\M.G., and he was knighted in’ 1927, . The Geotagical Snciety of London awarded him the Wollaston Fund in 1918, and the Lyell Medal in 1927. Sir Albert was President of Section C (Geology) at the Pritish Association inveling in 1929., In addition, he was President of the Geologists’ Association, Councillor of the Institution of Mining and Metal- lutgy, and to the Jast a member of this Club as well as of many other scientific societies’ He was a delegate to the International Geological Congress-at Toronto (1913), Brussells (1922), Madrid (1926), South Africa (1926), and ta World Power Conferences at London (1924), Basle (1926), London (1928), and Berlin (1930), He revisited Austraha after the Canada Empire Mining and Metaljurgical Congress in 1927. Space will not permit enu- THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VoL. LIV May, 1937 Plate IL Sir Albert Ernest Kitson, KT., £.G.S., F.R-G.S..) M.I.M.M., M.A-I.M.M. May : . , : 193% Harr, Stwatipy tear 4 oarab hi 11 meration of kis nimilerous discoveries of coal. ail, shale, man- ganese, diamonds, etc. In 1910 he married Margaret Legge, danghter of John Walker, of Melbourne, and seven years after her death in 1920 he married Elinore Almond, eldest daughter of the late Reverend Granville Ramage, His widow and twe sons Survive him Reading over the foregoing. it seenis too statistical. Katson was sincerely religious, an abstainer, and rather serious in his auUoolk on bie; but, notwithstanding, he enjoyed his part in the lighter sile of existence. Still his work was his chief delight. An adept in gathering facts, and also addicted to the collecting of atite aiid artefacts, his object was not the ainassing of numbers: he set to work generalizing on his aceymulaterl facts, and in this aspect of geology his deductions were brilliant The world of scence has lost an indefatigable and reliable worker, and we ‘have lost an old and tried companion, Ardeles in Tha Mictorian Naturalis! : “Gweological Notes on Toombulap Goldfield {Benslla).” vol, 13. pp. 90-107 "Older Cainozoie Marine Fossils tear Hexham," vol. 2), p. 91. “Trams Through Benambra tu Mi, Kosciusko,” vol. 22. pp 89.107 SWAMPS NEAR MOORABBIN. By T. 8. Harr. fi the more settled parts of the sandy country south-east of Melbourne, most of the old swamps have disappeared, but im the eastern part of the district several remain, with more or less of Ihe native vegetation and still visited by some water-loving birds A good road anil a fairly deep drain now traverse the former Reedy Swamp, some three miles south of Oakleigh, but part of titis area carried jast spring a dense growth of Swamp Sfonecrop, and a small yellow Britercup. in the water, the White Water- Buttercup was seen.’ Tt ts easily overloaked, as the plant is almost all submerged and the white petals very tugacians. Tn the next valley to the south-west, aboul a couple of miles east of Moorabbin, there is a considerable area of permanent water. From the east a three chain road (unmade) probably indicates that if was important for stack. ‘The Bulrush, Fypha, ts abundant, but in this district it only occurs in a few places more than-ustially wet. Clear water among the Bulrushes gives ‘sheltered resorts for duck and other waterfowl, though they show an inclination to leave, when disturbed. for the safer waters at the Benevolent Home a mile down the valley. Vir. Nat, Vel, Liv 12 Harr, Swamps car Moorabbin Another water, south-west of Moorabbin, remains through the summer. Water Ribbons (Triglochim procera} are eommon as usual, but. a consideritble area is occupied by the Marsh Club Rush. Sorpus maritiis, with a light green colour. Duller patches are a Small Spike Rush, Here and at other places 4Acella and Less and apparently Hol fin, are abundant. A shallow swamp area near the Highett Recreation Ground dried rapidly during February and March, Its margins were a fne hunting-ground for the White-frontedl Heron. It is remark- able how these birds merge in the surroundings, even in this open place, Occasionally the White-necked Heron is seen. The springs and wet places east of Point Nepean Road differ samewhat from those nearer the coast, The Scented Paper Bark js commoner, and the wet place heaths, the Blunt-leaf Heath and the Pink Swamp Heath (Sprengelia incarnate) which ts regarded as a goad indicator of at least nearly permanent witness. There are several Restiaceous plants. The Twin-leaf Drosera still survives, but is rare. The Spoon-leaf Drosera is rather more frequent, but also seems lo require a good aoxy place. Leaves of the Large Tongue Orchid are readily found ut places in (his eastern part, and it may be noticed that the Horned Orchid has been scen in recent years in a grassy Mal near Black Rock, but the valley where these two occurred near Cheltenham is now oocupied land. A rather unexpected feature is the occurrence of salty patches at several places near Moorabbin, At three of these the Beaded Glasswort cs found, sometimes in large quantity. The Creeping Munkey Flower is seert necasionally. Sea Barley Grass and a small Plantage are offen abundant. These salty areas are net coastal flats, as the valley floors are about 90 to 120 feet above sea-level, The salt is probably present m some of the marine sedimenis af which the disirict 3s composed, Thelyimttra Matthewsit, Cheeseman (Trans. N.Z. Inst, xhit (1910), p. 177), This Now Zealand species is identical in every particular swith thie species known in Victoria, from the Grampians Area, as Jacl. Pao, Rogers, (Trews Roy, See., Sih. Ausi., iv (1930), p, 42). ‘Lhe former fame, therefore, must be established on Victorian records, —W. TT. Nicwons.s. Whilst on a collecting trip to the Grampians in company wrth Mr. J- Firth (@ fellow momber of the Club}, and Gilbert F. Rogers, tourist guide, Halls Gap, | was shawn a fine lot of young King Ferns (Todca barbara) growing Werween rocks and a fair distance from water. JT had never Seen these [ems away [rom running water or swamps before. Per- linps atlice members of the Club have noticed King Ferns growmg under similar, fairly dv, conditidns in mountain districts. —C, Frencs, The Victorian Naturalist Vol. LIV.—No. 2 June 9, 1937 No. 642 THE FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA The ordinary meeting of the Club was held at the Royal Society's Hall on Monday, May 10, 1937, The President, Mr, S. R. Mitchell, presided, and about 100 members and friends attended. DEATH OF MEMBER The President referred with deep regret to the death of a very old vianber, Mr. E. |. Dunn. and members stood in silence as ‘a token of respect. NATIONAL PARES The subject for the evening was a lecture illustrated by the epidiascape, on ‘Some Australian National Parks,’’ given by Mr. A. H. Chisholm, cao, Numerous interesting pictures were shown and the lecturer described topographical features and thie bird and plant life of many Parks in different States. REVISION OF RULES Alteration to Rules —The suggested alterations were read by the Assistant Secretary, who formally rioved that these alterations: be ratified at the next meeting. Land at Kinglake—The Secretary announced that the Coim- mittee had decided to suggest to Prof. Laver, that as the area wis so close to the National Park at Kinglake, it be handed over to the Trustees of that park, in which the Club had an inrerest. REPORTS OF EXCURSIONS Excursions were teported on_as tollow: Badger Creek, Mrs. Chas. Barrett; Botanic Gardens, Dr. C, S. Sutton, ELECTION OF MEMBERS On a show of hands the following were duly elected as Ordinary members of the Club: Miss Irene Straker, Miss Doreen Lane, bA., Miss M. W, Fogent, Dr, W, Kent Hughes. and Mr, J, L. Bignell; and as a Comtry Member: Mr. Fred Barton. ELECTION OF AUDITORS Messrs. A. G. Hooke and C. Croll, nommated at the last meeting, were duly elected as atditors, “3 re Vic. Nat, 14 field Natuvalisis’ Club Proecedings Sot Liv NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICE BEARERS, 1937-38 The following nominations were received: President: Mfr. A. HL. Chisholm, c.r.4.ocu. Vice-Presidents: Mr. Geo. Coghill, Mr. R. FI. Croll. Hon. Treasurer: Me. f. Ingram, Hon. Librarian: Dr C. §. Suttan, Hon. Assistant Librarian: Mr. W. H, Ingram, Hon. Editor: Mr. Chas. Barrett, c.m.2.s. Hon, Secretary; Mr. F. 5. Colliver. Tion. Assistant Secretary: Mr. L. W. Cooper. Cornmittee: Mrs. Chas. Barrett, Miss Wigan, Messrs, G N, Hyam, A. 5. Kenyon, V. H. Miller, H. Jenkins, J: W, Audas, H, C. E. Stewart, E. E, Pescott, A. C. Frostick. EXHIBITS Mrs, J. J. Freame.—Pelts. of sa-catled Indian Opossinus. Misses Knox.~—Stone for use in a sling; Australian stone axes. Mv. A, R, Varley —Polyzoa and Serptilariats, from San Remo, Mr, A. Mattingley—-Kylie from the George River, Noyth- western Australia. . Mr. &. E. Pescotr—Lime gourds, pestles and mortars and spatulas used in the preparation of hetel-nnt for chewing; speci- mens from Dobu, Papua, 1900. Mr. F. S. Colhver—Two species of the so-called “Stinging Coral’ (Millepora? sp.) from Queensland, While 1 South Africa, about fifty years ago, the late Mr, E. J. Dunn discovered a new Streplocarpus, which was named im his honayr,.at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England, and figured in colours ia The Batanical Magazine. This species was used tor hybridization and was one of the original parents of the Strejia- carpus Now grown in glasshouses all over the world. S$, Daarnar is a tuberous plant with ane very large leaf and a stem of a doxen ar more pink flowers. Mr, Dunn was present at the African farm of Mr. O'Brien when a Kaffir came in with one flawer of a white Hatsome stuck over his car The geologist and the farmer went in gearch of the plant, which was found, and subsequently nanied Walsana O'Brien. June * 5 : : 1937 CoLeMAN, Pollination of Asclepias friticosa 15 POLLINATION IN AUSTRALIA OF ASCLEP/AS PRUTICOSA L. (GOMPHOCARPUS FRUTICOSUS) By EpirH CoLEMAN Asclepiads vie with orchids in the beauty of their pollinary mechanism. As tn orchids, the pollen is compounded into masses, but instead of a sticky gland, by which they become attached to pollinating agents, the Asclepiads have a wonderful clipping device which ‘“‘clanrps” the masses to some part of the bodies of visiting insects. Fruits of cisclepius frittteusa. Note geotrupic movement of pedicels te bring opening underneath. One of the most interesting members of this family is the Swan- Plant, or Cotton-bush (elsclepias fruiicosa [Gonphocarpus friti- cosus R.Br.]), a shrub native to Africa, which is common in the three eastern States ot Australia. In Queensland it has multiplied to such an extent as to become a pest. Fifteen plants in my garden, grown from seed sent from Queensland, have provided many oppor- tunities of observing removal and transference of pollen, cot : j Vio. Nat, 16 Coreman, Pollination of Asclepias frutivosa Val. LIV Although native bees, blowflies (Calliphora sp.) and sugar-ants pollinate some flowers, I think the hive-bee must be regarded as the official pollinator, Small black ants also visit the flowers, but these are apparently able to obtain nectar without payment. The absence of sticky hairs suggests that ants are not unwelcome. Nor does the clammy, white sap, which exudes freely when leaves or stem are broken, appear to trouble them, Indeed, it appears to be palatable to some of them. a Hive hees visit the flowers more freely than any other insects. I have seen them gathering nectar at 6 a.m, and as late as 8 pam. (December). Sugar- -ants are numerous only . in the evening. By torehlight , one may see many, with pol- | dinta attached to their feet. 7 : | Blowflies are seen with their n 4\ front feet so laden with pollen that they look like the “splay”- | feet of certain weevils. * In the flowers of -fsclepias Hive bee bearing 32 pollinta, 16 clipped fra ticosa (Gomphocarpus sy cia a acer Pee ™ fruticasus), a fleshy stigma is surrounded by fve adnate anthers, the opposed wings of which form five slits, as in ctrawyia (Wict, Nat., May, 1935). Alternating with the slits are five hollow, flesliy appendages (coront) which secrete nectar. These nectaries are on either side of the slits, not beneatit them as in Arausia. The pollinia are connected by means of rather broad bands (retinacula ) with a hard shiny body, the corpuseulum. Together they form the translator. Until loosened by an insect, the datk corpusculum is attached to the stigma-head. Down the centre of it is a narrow furrow which opens out at the base into a notch wide enough to allow the entrance of a narrow body, such as the claw of an insect’s foot. The top of the stigma-head is smooth and shiny. It affords no foothold to the bee. Moreover, the flowers, when ready for pollination, are almost inverted. Thus the bee is upside down as she explores the nectaries. She can only hold on by gripping her feet on the slits. It is significant that she never attempts to hold on by gripping one or more of the five nectaries. As her foot takes its grip one sees it slide into the wide end of the slit. With further movement it is carried up towards the narrow end, above which the dark corpusctlum blocks the way of escape. Here the claw of her foot is caught in the notch at the base of the corpus+ culum, and held fast. The pull of the bee releases the corpusculum from its seat on the stigma-head. The notch closes more tightly on the claw, which now carries away the whole translator. The THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VoL, Liv June, 1937 Plate IIT Pollination of Asclepias fruticosa L. (Gomphocarpus fruticosus) jeue Coreman, Mollination of Asclepias fruticosa 17 pollinia are wide apart when withdrawn, but their hygroscopic arms twist as they dry on exposure to the air, bringing the masses closer together, so that they are readily introduced into another slit. This hygroscopic movement of the retinacula increases the grip of the notch on the inscct’s foot. As the bee leaves the flower, or swings round to explore another neetary on the same flower, her foot, with the attached pollinia, slips inta the wide end of another slit, This time, when the foot is drawn upward towards the narrow end of the slit, the masses are often too bulky to follow. One, or more, of the elastic arms will be almost sure to snap, leaving the pollen within easy access of the stigmatic spot beneath the shit. Frequently a hee is seen with one or more complete translators on every foot. The one illustrated on page 16 had also a translater clipped to hairs on the under surface of her thorax. One imay sve a foot hearing three translators (six pollinia} slide into a slit with a stroking action, and emerge minus all, or part of its load. Occasionally the bee leaves with a jerk, suggesting that some effort is necessary to free her foot when it is loaded with pollinia, Sometimes she does not trouble to withdraw her feet at once, but reaches across to the nectary of another flower with her feet still held in slits. As she sips, her bedy is arched to span the small circtimference of the dise upon which she finds no footing. Very rarely does her body touch the dise. She is thus upside down as she moves round to each of the five nectanies, swinging by her feet. While the hive-bee has no difficulty in overcoming the mechanism, other insects are not always so fortunate. Blowtlies, native-bees and sugar-ants are occasionally trapped, not having strength to withdraw an overloaded foot. Blowflies appear to dislike the masses on their feet, or perhaps they find the pollen palatable, One may often see them trying to preen it off, Probably the pollen makes it difficult for their pads to adhere ta the smooth surface, One fly was held fast by three feet in one slit, with another foot in a second slit. Tach of the three feet had attached to it a complete translator and part of another. One rarely sees pollen on the hind feet of flies. Probably these feet are not used in holding on as are those of the bee, but adhere to the smooth slits by means of their pads. [tis possibly quite by accident that they enter the slits. whereas the bee's “stroking” action appears te be deliberate. Twice I have seen a fiy swinging by a leg for some seconds, buzztng round several times, before it could free itseli. 1 have found two flies and two small native bees dead in flowers, held fast by a foot. It seems strange that nectar is not lost from the pendant flowers, until one notes the sinall appendages that cover the basal half of the opening, like the “lid” of a shaving mug. There is really only a very small quantity of nectar in each tiny ae 4 ; Vic. t 18 Coneman, Pollination of -tseleptas fruticosa Vol, Soe “crater” which occupies only one-third of the cucullus. One admires the infinite patience of the bee as she gathers drop by drop the nectar she may never eat. But then, bees have for ages practised that community service which we humans preach. It is interesting to compare the pollinary mechanism with that of Araujia, and to note that a relatively small difference in the position of the nectaries, with regard to the slits, completely changes the position on the insect’s body to which pollinia are clipped. In Left: An immature follicle. Right: Mature follicle, opened naturaliy. Araujia the nectar-well is beneath a slit. Thus an insect’s proboscis, on leaving the nectar, slides into a slit. But in ascleplas the nectar-wells lie beteeen the slits, so they can be explored without mishap to a proboscis. It is the feet that are clipped. As the Wanderer Butterfly, Danatda archippus (Danans mentppe) visits the Swan-plant to deposit her eggs upon its leaves, one of the chief food-plants of her larva, I fully expected to find her acting as an occasional pollinator. It is probable that both male and female Wanderer sip a little nectar, in which case there is little doubt that their feet would carry away pollinia. So far my plants have escaped their attention, so I have had no opportunity of examining the feet of a Wanderer after a visit. I should be interested to hear if other naturalists have done so. In the case funy Coorman, Pollination of Aselopias fretirure 19 of the Mistletoe Butterfly, Imperial White (Dehay herpalyce), I have seen both mate and female visiting Mistletoe flowers, In ihe absence af insects, fowers of the Swan-plant are com~- pletely sterile. My plants produced 208 fine follicles, There are 44 on one plant and 28 on another. These two plants are in the front, in the best part, of a rather poor hed. Those at the back produced fewer flowers. Whenat is remembered that inary flawers were gathered, and that my persistant attentions may have worried the patient collaborators, their effciestcy as pollinators cannot be questioned. The method of seed-dissemination is interesting. In the early stage the flawer-stalks are directed upward at an angle of about 45 degrees, As the flowers mature, the stalks bend downward, the peduncles remaining vertical and becoming rigid (lignified). (The union of pedicel with peduncle forms the “head” of the swan.) When the follicle splits, the opening is underneath, and the protruding mass o¢ tufted secds is thus readily dispersed by the wind. At the present time (May) my plants are “snowed over” with a cloud of silky seed-phimes. The plants are attacked hy an aphis, deep gold in colour, with black legs and cyes, exquisite but troublesome creatites. When first born they are of a pale yellow with translucent white legs and dark eye spots. At once, on Jeaving the mother's bocly, they move away to sink their “beaks’’ into the milky sap of the stems. For eighteen months IT worked assiduously in keeping down these heautiful hut hungry hordes. Then, having neglected them for a few days, they multiplied so rapidly that I fost control of them. They have greatly disfigured the plants. My next article deals with the pollination in Australia of she American Yuceas. and will cecord the interesting discovery that these plants are not so wholly dependent for pollination upon Prowmuba moths as we have believed. For 75 years a small moth has been regarded as the only insect capable of pollinating Yuccas Only a Single instance of naturally-set secd has so > far hoes récorded heyond the range of the moth, KEY TO PLATE It Pie. [—Fleshy stigmna-head with slit between two nectarics in which feet are caught Fig. I1.—A flower. side view, sdowing three nectaries, also position of shits. ie, ILl. faaiiton af bee a gatherling neclar, proboscis In nectary, feet in Shits. Fig, IV.—View from ahove of stigmashead, showing smooth disc (cenire} surrounded by five nectaries (corota), Kote sniall appendages whiclact a5 4 partial lid to nectary, Between each pair of nectaries 'yhe dark carpusculum is indicated. Fig. Va~Transiator, as withdrawn, with pollinia wide apart, furrow of cérpusculuon mot fully closed Pig. Vo—The same after hygroscopic action of the arms, Furrow closed. Fig, ¥VI.—tTieg of fly with two translators attached to claws. 2h Edewrrd Joh Daren We Bee EDWARD JOHN DUNN, r.c.s The Club has Jost one of its nidest members, old both in the sense of association with us and and in the number of his years, which tallied nearly ninety-three. Ile was the son of Edward Herbert Dunn, of Cheltenham, England, and was born at Bristol, Somerset, on November 1, 1844, when Victoria was barely ten years of age. Coming to Australia as a child with his parents, Reechworth saw the days of his youth when that mining field was at its zenith. There at the age of sixteen he joimed the Lands Survey Branch as a junior, and four years later was taken on the Geological Survey staff In 1869, the preat Selwyn, Durector of Geological Survey, failed to see eye te cye with the government uf the day—the secoad McCulloch government, with J. F. Sullivan as Minister jor Mines —and the excellent staff was dispersed and its outstanding work discontinued. Sehwyn, of course, went to Canada; but Dunn, still a young man, went to South Africa, where he became Geologist to the Capetown Adntinistration. Here, while travelling though the Karoos and hinterlands of the Cape, he imbibed his first draughts of ethnological research, studying the living Zulu, the still remaining Hottentot and the last disappearing remnant of that Giving-fossil race, the Bushman. He made extensive and well- selected collections nf their weapons and implements and also of the prehistoric races, going back, as he axserteil Uien, and which has since proved to be so, to primeval man. He was connected wath dhe first discovery of diamonds on the Vaal River. In 1873 he bruke the continuity of his South Adrican work and returned to England, where he further continued his studies, worling af the German Street Schuol of Mines. Returning to the Cape, he married in 1875 Ebaabeth Julie, daughter of Clement Perchard, of Jersey, Strangely estough, his work in South Africa was largely concerned with the general glaciation of that country, an experi- ence of great use to hin Jater m the Victorian correlations of the Ovens and, Werribee series of conglomerates. ' In 1883; after publishing his excellent geological map of South Africa, Dunn again visited Australia, It may have een a holiday, but it was then he discovered the identity of the glacial con- glomerates at Wooragee, near Beechworth. Some years later, 1886, to be exact, Dimn Ieft South Africa, haying determined the structure, glactal and other, of the Karoo beds, haying mapped the Stormberk coalfield, having insieated the woriferous possi- bilities of the Rand banket beds, and incidentally having added Streplocarprs Ouwni to science, for Australia as the envoy of British and foreign fiancial interests. Mining was on the boom in both Australia and New Zealand. Broken Hill, beginning to be revealed in its truc colours as the greatest non-ferrous field in the THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VoL, LIV Fune, 1937 Plate [V Photo. by Ruth Hullick Studio, Meth. Edward John Dunn June 1ny Edword Johsa Dyan 21 world; Croydon and Mount Morgan in Queensland; the Kirn- berley, Southern Cross and Yilgam, with indications of the Bailey find, in the west; and many big ventures in New Zealand, bad attracted the eyes of the mining world. Dunn reported specially on Mount Morgan and Broken Hill, 2nd also on many other propertics, including the Gippsland black coalfields. Between whiles he carried on 4 mapping of the Heath- cote rocks, discovering the Cambrians for the first time in Victoria, and sowing the seeds of the great dispute about the Heathcotian series. Later on, 1890-93, Dunn did perhaps his best work in demonstrating the essential structures of the Bendigo goldfield and its relation ta Castlemaine, During the same period he discovered the glacial deposits, for which he had a@ rare flair, in north-west Tasmama. Still working on the coal problem, he established an identity between the South African Dwyka conglomerates and the conglomerates of eastern Australia, the underlying formation of our chief coal deposits. It was in 1904 that he sowed the seeds of trouble for Inmself by accepting the position of Government Geologist in succession, to the illustrious Professor J. W. Gregory, This position he retained for eight years, retiring in 1912, after having created, in face of Government apposition, which can only be guessed at, for Dunn never whimpered, the Geological Museum and Mines Laboratory; having by a system of intensive boring located the Wonthage: coal seams under the Powlett River Plains; and having started the now thriving tourist industry hy his popu- larizing Mt. Buffalo, the Garden of the Gods as he yclept it, and the Buchan Caves. A small matter but one well worth mentioning was his imsistence upon the use of the Buchan marbles in interior decoration. The wonderfully beautifit] stairways to the Reference Room in the Public Library are due to his efforts, Another smal! suatter is the Acacia Danm (the gigantic-leaved wattle) discovered by hini at the mouth of the Victoria River, Northern Territory, Following this memoir is an incomplete list of his wriliugs, major and winor- They stand as ailent witnesses, The foregoing 3s a record of wark, and no better description can be given, Indefatigable, never satis- fied until he had arnved at ar explaviation of any and every matter, he hve for his work and satished his admirers mtich more than he satisfied himseli- Mo better example can be adduced than his bybble-bleb theory of the formation of australites In 1884 he was elected a Fellow of the Geological! Society of London, which Soriety in 1905 awarded him the Murchison Medal, the highest honour im its power. To quote the words of one intimately associated with tim during his contre! of the Geological Survey of Victoria and one who had every opportunity of penetrating beneath his skin, io easy thing: “An outstanding field geologist and an able adminis- 29 Edward Johw Dun Vai Liv tralor.. In Victoria the geological surveys carried out, and reports on economic geology isstied, under his direction, form a lasting memorial to his sterling qualities.” Rooks 1871—Notes on the Diamond Firlds of South Ajrica. 1911—Pebbles. Melbourne. 1929—Geology of Gold. Tondon. 1931—The Bushmen. London, SrectAt Revorts 1892—"Bendigo Lines of Reef.” Annual Report of Secretary for Mines, 1892. 1892—"Notes on the Glacial Conglomerates at Wild Duck Creek.” 1897—' Bee Goldfield (1893).” Re-issue with second report ( - 1905—*“The Newbridge Goldfield,” by Stanley B. Hunter. Appendix—Matrix, MecEyoy’s Reef, Rheola—E.J,D. Bulletin. No, 17, 1906—“The Lauriston-Drummond North Goldfield,’ by W- Baragwanath. Appendix by E.J.D. Bulletin No. 19- 1906—"The Walhalla or Thompson River Copper Mine," by W. Baragwanath, Jnx. Appendix by E.}.D. Bulletin No. 20. 1907—"The Stawell Goldfield.” Records Geological Survey, vol. TTT, 1907—“The General Features of the Jamieson Goldfield” Records, vol. [11 1907—"Notes on the Walhalla and Woods Poimt Districts.” Bulletin Ne. 21. 1908—"The Buftala Mountains.” Memoir No. 6. 1910—“Biographical Sketch of the Founders of the Geological Survey of Victoria.” Paulletin No, 23, 1912—“A List of Nuggets Found in Victoria.” Memoir No, 22. 1912—"Woolshed Valley, Beechworth,” Bullesin Na. 25. 1912—“‘Australites.” Bulletin No, 27, Also reports in Annual Reports of the Secretary for Mines, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892, 1904-1912; and 166 short articles on yatious matters in Records af the Geological Survey, vols, II, TI, and IV. Mars 18&3—Geological Map of South Africa. 1890—Geological Map of Mitchell River District, Gippsland, 1909—Geological Map of, Victoria, showing Auriferous Reef Outcrops- . A.S.K. June 1837 Hart, Betiniical Notes at Mallaracte 23 BOTANICAL NOTES AT MALLACOQOTA By TS. Harr. wa nor These notes are jased mainly on observations made lask New Year, when I was invited to accompany a camping party. T had alsa specimens cotjected im previous years, at the same season, by Miss E, K. Turner, who showed me several interesting localities, Some of these plants have already been exhibited and recorded in the Naturalist, Although late in the season for many kinds of flowers, a Jarge nuiiber of species was identified, including several which occur it Vietaria, in the eastern parts only. Early observers often reached Mailacoota hy difficult roads; by boat from Genoa; but the settlement ts now easily accessible by ‘a gond read. Several different types of vegetation can be reached within half an hour’s walk from the township, and the very attrac- tive steeper country to the north-east may be canvenienily reached by boat. The chiare is that characteristic of the Jar east of Gipps- land—good rainfall, anc much of it jn summer, which mukes tor luxuriance in vegetation. especially in such favoriredt spots as the lower parts of the vaileys. At the township you find yourself in a grassland with scattered trees, no doubt formerly well covered, Angopharit intermedi 15 the chief tree at this part, with some fairly tail Black Wattles and the Bracelet Honey Myrtle (Afe¢lafeuca arvmifaris), both as trees and ag dense bushes. Along the actual wargin of the lake, with a low cliff or shart slope, ave the Coast Banksia and some typical eastern plants—the large Mock-Olive (Notelace longifolia) and the Blue Olive-lerry (Llaeocerpus cyaneus), with fringed fawers, and the well-known Prttesporune undulalum. The Movk-Ohve and Olive-berry belong to quite different famifies. In the forest close behind, the Eucalypts are not always easily identified, flowers and fruits being mostly out of reach. Bloodwoods (&. gammifera), formerly called &. corwabosa, are plentiful, anel the fallen truits establish their identity. The very distinctive young growth calls attention to the Silvertop {&. seberwwna), Tn the undergrowth the Shrubby Trachymene (7. Bilinrdiers) ig conspicuous in summer. This plant is very variable in leal shape- The Wart-Aower (7 ylophera barbata) twines among the low vegetation, This ts an asclepiad climber, but does mot show (hit milky juice usual in the family or at Jeast tot readily. The Dusky Coral Pea (Kennedya rvbtcwida) oceurs at places, On the groynd near the settlement are large patches ot the Lilac Lily {(Schelhammera undulata), an attractive little ylant with some flowers at nudstummer. It is reputed rare. A trailing Lobelia (2, purturascens) has the upward aspect of the flower nearly white, but tinted behind and often coloured on the hack af the leaves. The Fanflower (Seaeciola vamosisstina) is common, though rather thinly scattered, as well as Dampiera stricta, a smaller blue flower, 24 Hart, Bolwnicat Noles at Matlacaate +h Mob and more upright plant of the same family. Anisopagenis a rather formidable Spear-Grass with its three awis and considerable pene- trating power, Ir ts a fine example for the study of the grass spikelet as it does everything on such a large scale, Another unusual plant is the Curlywig (Cosertis flexnosd), a sedge with very twisted growth and leaf sheaths ac ustervala pm its stens, whieh give jt the aspect of a plant af the Restio tanily, Another Causris (C. pen- tania) occurs at nicist places, but this is a nwre widely-known plant. The Woolly Nanthosia (X. plase), also fund, has its flowers few toyether and is somewhat woody, so that it is nat at Gmue seen to belong to the Carrot family. Near the main road there are some wet Aats, the road naturally avoiding the more defined gullies. It is hot always easy to sav which plants belong to the wet ground, as with summer rain the forest as a whole is moister than in many other districts, Resta com planatis was found im these flats and several others of its family. Lycopedinn densem, 2 rather robust form of elab moss, 15 plentiful at places, The Fiax-leaf Heath Myrtle (Bacokeo loufoto) seems definitely to belong to these flats, It is a shrub with slender branches and had a few flowers in January, apparently beginning. It is recorded algo in a somewhat different form in a moist situation near Mt. Imliy across the border, The Mistletoe (Loranthus witellimis}) occurs in the forest, nearly always high up, bub its jallen flowers reveal it. The flowers are large and bright coloured and the plant often quite attractive. Near the coast, but nof in the actual enastal scruh, the yellowish patches of the Golden Mistletoe are seen, All we obseryed were associated with other Mistictocs {Lernathus vitellinns and Phrypilouthis ewenlyptifolins). Definite examples were obtained of the Golden Mistletoe parasitic on each of these, South-west of the township, near the coast, there is a large area of dwarf scrub with patches of stunted trees, which may con- ventently be called moorland, The present edge of (he forest ts abrupt and the trees somewhat stunted, which may indicate sole clearing, but the moorland presents a type oj] vegetation of its own, mm conditions due to exposure io wind and perhaps wind-carued salt. Few flowers oy fruits were seen on the trees and the foliage is not always quite normal, Some tree patches about 10 or 12 feet high were Angophoras with very little doubt. One patch at Teast about 8 ft. high with a few buds is best as a stunted form of Ewealypind cuggatordes (E, Mielleriana seems Sess likely), The leaves were thick. [t docs not seent necessary to call iLa variely; it may be only a result of the environment. The low moorland vegetation consists largely of Castiarinas— C. dtatweand C. paludose, The Dageecr Hakea necurs in low dense bushes crowded with flowers in January. In the forest jt ts taller and not dense. Bredcieyera erncuimin is here of smaller growth than usual and the flowers deep coloured. In fact deep colours are A . wat Wert, Batmnical Nates at Maltacanta 25 common in this area, asin Carnmon Heath, some of which was in flower, and i Orthocoras strictuue, the Horned Orchid. In this moor also is the Flag, Patersowin sericea, deep purple, but its colour is, | think, usually deeper than the Patersonias near Mel- bourne, Other plants here include the Large Tongue Orchid and a Thysanotus. the Fanflawer already mentioned, the Prickly Guinea Flower (Hibhertia wetevlaris), the Daphe Heath (Brachyloran Jeghnotdes) and a small Boronia. One of the most remarkable plants. is the Lobed Spyridium (5. sorpyllacoum), a tnintature ainong the Rhamnaceae, sometimes only a few inches high. és small size at this locality ix noticed by the Baron, as I take it that this is his locality given as “mouth of the Genoa River," A variety of Yenectle aststralis with, toothed leaves (var. Macredowte) occurs with the Lree patehes. One of the eastern Geebungs, Persoonte lanceolata, occurs as scattered Washes in the moorland, perhaps amore as the Jand curves over toward a ereek, Neary the headland coast veatree and Af elolenen aroullanis ziye some shelter, The luwer patts uf anatry of the valleyg have a vegetation of especial interest. uicluding several kinds of trees and various elinub- ing plants, sume of which are of large size. Lillypillies (Legere Simlhit) ave prominent with Bolwarta ( Eupomatia lourina). The Eupninatia often shows slender upright growth whieh curves uver and sometimes even Jooks hke a halt chmber, The young foliage is large and bright and aromatic; Aower binds were present in January on low growth, but we did not see amy nf the flowers which are said to he strongly scented, The large Pirtosporum also occurs, and the Notelaea and Elaeocarpus already mentioned. The Notelaea varies in its leaf shape and size and the fruit calonr changes with the degree of aaturity, bul all examined seemed referable to NV. lostpefotia. The largest of the climbers is a true grape-vine, itis hypoglwica, TiS thick stems form great loops from tree to tree. Some former support has gone, leaving lengths of the climber in mid-air. The Stalked Doubah, Marsdenia rasivata, is also common, with the peculiar Howers and milky juice wsual in the Asclepiad family, Another woody climber ts the Morinda (M. jasmuwoides). Lr was of smaller growth, but we found au-opportunity to obtain flowers where a fallen tree had broughe down the climber with it. The ‘Tecoma 19 rather more widespread, nat confined to this kind of valley, Srnilax austradis isa climber of the Lily tanmly, ot a peculiar section, with net veining in the leaf. Tt climbs by tendrils and is armed with substantial prickles, so phat it is a well-known impec- merit to travel, The Wombat-heery (Eustrephus datiyaling) belongs to.a quite different sectivn of the Lily family. It is an asparagoid climber, somewHat resembling in aspect the broad-leaf Asparagus (ar Myrsipityllym) of gardens, which is often called Sinilax in error. True Smilax is quite different. is) Harr, Salenical Neres at Mallocopta in ‘ah The Rasp-tern {Yoodia aspera), with tinted frouds, is sometimes abundant, and itt a gully in the steeper country at the Narrows we found the Creeping Polypody (Cyelopkorus serpens). In this gully also rhe Grass Flag, Libertia paniculete, was found, Nearby a steep hillside descends to the Narrows. Here we found the Flax Lily (Dianudlle coerulea). confirming the occurrence of ths species it Victora. Tere also were the Prickly Shagay Pea (Oaylubinom: rrilobatuue) and the Twming Guinea Flower (ibbertia dentate). Al Ute foot of the slope Dadonaca triquetea. occurs, as well as the commen D, wiseera, The Marttoawood, Rapanea (or Myrsine) Yawittiann, occurs near the Laillypillies, but ig aot so limited. Ir extends westward also as jav as the valleys of the Keilor Plaitus- Sone examples showed an abundance of the purple truits clothing she stems just belaw the foliage. This habit of flowering on old stems behind the present growth is said lo he irequenr in some dense warni forests elsewhere. Upstream the Lillypilly valleys merge into ortlinary forest vallevs, with such famihar trees as the Hazel Pomaderris and Blankerleaf { Bedfaraia saliesie) The coastal hununocks did not present auy unusual fearuyes at the parts visited except a large form of the Sword Sedge (Leprdas- perma Qladiatimn). The sandspit between {he entrance and We cliffs carried little but Cakile, but this 7s new ground, Ar the Tew places visited on the outer coast T did uot find any examples of the Seeuted Fanfluwer (Scoevola volendafacca}, nov of Seneria spathylatis, nor Stuckhwasta spavhulete, thongh these occur at Lakes Entrance, They night be formd on further search On the chi? west of (he entrance there are good plants af Alvriy and same Correa ila, Among the rarer plants found at viirious places were the Black Bogrush (Schacnus melancstechyus), 2 Pulrenaea, apparently u ' non-prickly form of F. styphelioides, The Molvecca Brantble, which ‘anges Trom Orbost to (he Philippines, was seet; it has a tather altractive red flower. Five species of Perseona were observed. Cther interesting species, though scarcely rare, melude the Tick Pea (Destnodtum vavions), secn at various places, Several species at Melkcheysun: were found, including A. oblongifoluwn and A, Boextert. The Showy Cassinia was also seen. A few late Aowers of Tetratheca were collected and seem ta include hoth T, pilose anu T. glandulosa, Wo doubt many plants not in Aower escapes) notice. Correa rubra occurs in a form with a slightly pink tinge in the red flowers, differing in flower and Icaf from the red Correa at Fern- hank, near Bairnsdale, aud nore resembling a tall form found near Kalimona, Teutelaria mollis, had been found in previous years, and exhibited. A Mitrasacme, probably M. polyrospita, was observed at more than one place, Mrosera spathylata was seen in a roadside Jrata it black moist soil, Goodema harbata, recorded for Genoa, accurs or the road some distance west of that townsluip- The Herbanunt staff has kindly compared several of the less familiar plants, for which we tender our best thanks. June 5037 MILLER, Sting Hoiewedler at Cape Schad ra THE SINGING HONEYEATER AT CAPE SCHANCK By Buascne E. Miiter ‘fo the bird-lover, autumu can offer observations as interesting as those of the spnng. It is then that the movement m the bird world ts at ils zenith. No longer tied with the cares of domesticity, many species sally forth to other localities in late summer. They are not migrants in the true sense, nor exactly nomads. Rather, they “pet away for a change,” an cxcellent idea that we hismans might well copy voluntarily, without paying a fee to our Tuedical adviser [or such good counsel, Towards the middle of April last, we juurneyed to Cape Schanelk, a locality which, hitherto, we had not visited. Black-faced Cuckno- Shrikes were gathering in preparation for their flight north to a more congemat clime, and the first conungent of Flame Robs had already arrived from their summer homes in the mountains. One uf the fitst birds to attract oy attention was, surpristngly, the Singing Honeyeater, Meliphoga virescens, formerly known as Phictis sonorrs, To an older generation, this attvactive bird was unknawn on the-¢astern side of Port Phillip Bay. On the western side it is well known. We have observed the Singing Toneyeater as near lo Melbourne as the Weribee River, where Keartland Isnew it, years ago, Although nearly half the number of our weekly - excursions have been to some portion of the Mornington Peninsula, never before hac! we chanced tn see this species. A diligent search through the available bird literature revealed the fact that if sonorns —as T prefer to call it ~-had hee observed previously, it had been seldom recorded. Mr. J. G. Mann has had the Singing Honey- eater nesting near his home af Frankston, and, in answer to an inquiry wrete such a charming acceunt of his experiences that T may surely be pardoned for taking the liberty of sharing it, 7 tore, with my fellow-members) Mr. Mann writes: "Tt must he fifteen years ago that a pair of Singing Honeyeater's eae to my bush home here and soon hecame tame. “The female especially was a great pet. and would alight on my hand and let me catry her inte the house to the cupboard where the sugar was kept ane feed off iy palu. The male would never do that. hut wunld come tu the verandalt at my whistle and eat sugar off ihe rail. They nested close to the house—a flimsy laceike nest—and reared a pair of young each summer, sometimes fwite in the saine sumnet; but though they brought their young to the verandah for food until fully grown, they then chased rhem mercilessiy away, so that, excepling during the season, there was never more than ane pair, On April 13 (or almost exactly to that date) they disap- peared, and were never seen unt] September 13, when they returfed, just as tame as ever, and came straight to my outstretched hand. This went on for about six years, until ewe sunnier, alter they had reqred a second pairoF your, I noticed gue snornmeg that 25 Mittra, Sinaia Honeveater at Cape Srhanel peter “Matilda (as I called my little favourite) was very dopey and would not eat, She sal onany hand and J carned her to the dircls’ bath and put her in the shade at its edge, A couple of hours aiter- wards lL iound her lying dead. Her mate hung about for a day or two and then was alsa found near the same spot—hoth of then, Iam sure, dying of old age. “Their latest pair of young remained in their place, and either they or their descendants have been with me ever since, always absent during ihe winter, and though nesting regularly here near ihe house, never increasing permanently in aumbhers. Tt would be interesting to know where their young go to. I have occasionally seen them about the Feninsyla, but only rarely, and also where they migrate during winter. It is a month now since the present pair have attended my morning levees, and I shall not see them until mid-September,” Putting into practice the theory that “any place is a goad place so long as it 1s out of doors,” early in May we decided again to visit Cape Scharick, Aldiough, hy the calendar, our second visit was some three weeks later in vhe season, the day was more sug- gestive of late summer. On the cliff near the lighthouse the roof oi a building is securely moored ta Mother Earth to withstand the gales, but as if ta refute the implied libel, Bass Strait reflected the intense blue of the noonday sky. There were literally acres. oi Flame Robins, resplendent in their new bvery, Amongst the Bariksias, the harmony of the Grey Butcher-htrd contrasted sharply with the clamorous calls of two species af Wattle-hirds, but there was another call—strange, yet familiar, Imagine our delight to find that the Singing Honeyeater was still present; not merely an odd pair, bul in Jarge parties. At a conservative estiniate the groups must have numbered fifty birds. So here is a further problem for the field worker. Do the Singing Honeyeaters intend to winter there, or may we be even holder and wonder whether they are, after all, permanent residents. Judging by Mr. Mann's experiences, I think not, As the Club is to visit Cape Schanck shortly, it will be of interest to notice whether these birds are still there. Members who are not familiar with the Sing- ing Jioneyeater should see the coloured plate in Mathews’ worl. There is also a goodl figure in Leach’s 4 Australian Bird Book, While agreeing with the cabinet worker that “a sight observation, unaccompanied by skins, is q great dis-service to scientific orni- thology,” as a field naturalist, may | be permitted to point out that wnany of onr birds have definite characters easily ‘recognizable when sxenn at close quarters, or with ihe atd uf held glasses, which make their identification not only possible but accurate. Junc 1997 Melbourne Botanic Gardeus 20 MELBOURNE BOTANIC GARDENS On the occasion of the visit of the members of the Club to the Melbourne Botanic Gardens on April 24, the weather was perfect, and, considering the - season, the lovely Gardens werg looking their best. There was a good atten. dance of members and friends, who were fortunate at having as their mentor Mr, P. R, H. St. John, whose knowledge of the Eucalypts is so well and widely recognized. Making our way along the Australiaw Border, with a short excursion to the Domain bordering that foad, to the lawh at the south-east corner where seyeral trees are to be seen to the best advantage, each species. was descrebed in turn. Then the partly crossed che Gardons. to the north-west exit, where other species in the vicinity of the Temple of the Winds were examined, Of the list appended almost every species was seen, On comparison willl the "Last of Victorian Plants in Cultivation in the M.B.G., December, 1909," said #0 lave been compiled by the Jate Mr. F. Pitcher, it is found that 12 of the 37 Victorian species of Eucalypts there named are no longer to be sevo there. and that the present total of about 64 species tcantains only 33 known to occur in Victoria. The general opinion of members is that the area devoted to the Australian plants is imadaquate for giving = proper representation of every the Viclarian flora, [et alone that of the whole country. The area is at present crowded, and few additions appear to have been made of late years, Even if the several species ainmecessanily repeated were reduced to single speciinens there woukd be room for the introduction of only an inconsiderable number of others. [t is thought that for the benefit of students of our fora, and w five overseas visitors a better idca of it, a considerable slice of the northern end of Government House reserve might well he inclided in tie Gardens, and devoted entirely to mative plants; or that some other area spart allogether from the Boranie Gardens, and without attractiveness to picnic parties, should be selected, where our trees and shrubs might he seen growing as iar as possible under netural conditions. Eacalypts now in cultivaven i Melsourne Botanic Gardens and viemity aggrenata, D, & M, Black Gum. albens,-Mig. White Box. Beaileyana, Fw.M, (Stringyharls. Baweriana, Sch. Fuzzy Box. Behviana, Fv.M. Bull Mallee. BSiackburmane, Maid_ Ironbark Box. Boristoana, F.v.M. Gippsland Box, holryortes, Sm. Mahogany Cum, celophytla, R.Br. | Marri. camaticuote, Mail. Browi Grey um. cinerea, Fw.M. Mealy Stringybarh, citriodora, Hook. Lemon-scented Gum, eladocalys, F.M. Sugar Gur, encorifolia, DC. Kangaroo Island Mallee coruite, Lab. Yate. diversicolor, F.y.M. Karri, diversifolia, Bonpl. Saap Mallee. elaeopiiora, Fv.M, Long-leaf Box eremophila, Maid. Tall Sand-Mailee- exgemoides, Sieh, (seabye, DC). White Stringybark. eximia, Sch Yellow Bloodwood, fietfolia, Fiv.M. Red-Alowerine Gum, gourphocephala, DE, Tuart. grandis (HV, Maid. Tootue gammifern (Hoche.). Rluedwoorl hewuphloia, Fa.M- Grey Box, Hubertona, Naud: Rougli-barked Ribbon Gum, lencorslon, F.v.M, Yellow Gun Lindleyous, DC. Kayer-no. longicornis, Fv.M, Red Maerell, fongifoha, L, & O, Woollytautt. Mavarthuet, BD & “M. Camden Woollyoutr. siaentata, Hook. Spotted Gam. maculata, Baker White Beittle um, Maiden, Fa.M. Spotted Blue Gun margiata, Sm. Jarrah. isepacgy pa, FwiM. Bullich, muifanophiotn, Py.M, Silver-leaved Tronbark. - welhodora, A. Cunn. Yellow Hox, sanicrotheca, Fiv.M. Florded Box. M neni, Howitt, Yellow Stringy- par’ 30 Melhourne Bote Clordous mallifora, Poir (rebrsta: Sm), Swamp Mahogany. nucifera. Poir. (robusta, Srn.), occidentalis, Endl. Swamp ¥ate, ovat, Lab, Swamp Guin. paniculata, Sm. Jronliark. Pinoris, Sm, Blackbett. pipertta Caromatica, Dom.), Pepper- mont Stringybark. Planchoniana, Fay.M, Bastard Tal- iowwoed, platypys, Hook. Round-leaved Moort, pelyanthemas, Sole Red Bex, progingtea, D. & M. Snanlltruited Grey Gur, punctats, DC. Grey Gum. Vie Nat. Vol Liv rostrata, Sch. (Cemalduleasns, Dehn). Red Geun. rabido, D, & M. Canidlebark, rudis, Endl, Motch, sabgita, Sm. Sydney Blue Guim, sideroxyilon, A. Cunt, Red Lron- k, sideraphioia, Benth Broad-leaved I roubark. Siederiona, Fay.M, Silver-top: Sunthe, Baker. Blackbutt Pepper- mint, squamose, D. & M. Sealy-bark, stecdian, Gard stricta, Sieb. Seruhby Gum, Stuartiena, F.v.M, Apple Box, resinifeva, Sm) Red Matiogany, triamtfio, Link, White Mahogany, The following species were in cultivation in the Botanie Gardens ja December, 1909, bit are not now to be fen there; alpine, Lind), Grampians Gum, | abliqua, 2ierst. Messnate Stringy- amygdala, Lab. Black Peppermitst. bark. dumose A. Camm. Diimose Mallee. trfwerutenta, Sims. Silver Moentain globulas, Lab. ‘Tasmiiian Blue Guns, Gum, goniocalua, Fy.M, Mauntam Grey regress, Fa, Whire Mountain Gum. Ash. Guanii, Hook, Cider Gum, terdtizanus, Sm, Varest Red Guin haemestone, Se. Seobbly Gam. macraxhyucha, Pa.M, Red Stringy- bark. (Old names retained, new names in. parentheses.) —C.5,5. EXCURSION TO SIR COLLIN MACKENZIE SANCTUARY Tn winter sunshine, abou sixty members and Irjend3s arrived at the Sie Colin Mackenzie Reserve on Saturday afternoon, Aprif 17, amd were met by Mr; Robert Eadie, x¢.2.6,, Honoyary Curator, who conducted the party round Healesyitle's wild zoo Before onr departure, My, Eadie, in acknowledging a vote of thanks, gave some interesting facts concerning the worl done at lhe Sanctuary ahd outlined plane for the duture. ‘The acqusrecient of extra lanl was vital for the preservation of the Koala, he declared The area sougiit was 349 acres, controlled by the Aborigines’ Protection Board, which was reluctant t part with it, although it was just rough bush country and had little graziny value The area, however, contamed a great auniser of the Koalas’ fayourite irees, Encalsptns vainelis, and other Eucalepts iusat were essential to provide focal for the atimal, It had now been proved that the Koala would live and multiply in the Sanctwary. Mr. Eadie eusphasized that there aust be no slacking in the efforts to obtain the area in question, Seventeen years ago it was proclaimed a santiuaty for native fame, and the lime had now tome when tt should be made a sanctuary m the best sense of the word. Other countries jiad set aside thousands of syuare miles for the protection and preservation pf the fauna; to their everlasting credit the authorities i those countries had done the fair thing by their native animals. Further they had created attractive deanains where the animats could be seen by all visitors, thus fostering fourisi tralfic. Yet we had a Government hesitating to transijer 2 piece af rough bush country from one Deyartinent tu another. it was no wonder that enthusiasm was damped and nature lovers were discautaged. éMrs.} C. Bashers, Jun . . tind . Selt-tanie® Loyyo-bird 31 A SELF-TAMED LYRE-BIRD When nen were pulting up a camp near Labertouche, some weeks ago, they naticed a Lyre-bird was close by, ready ior pickings in the newly disturbed ground. No moves to alarm it being made, gradually it became tame, Ina few days, it could be closely approached, and at the end vf a week ar two, fed from the hand of any man at the camp. Nearly all day the bird remamed around the tents, but st night always flew off over the creek, to where apparently it had @ secure home. With the approach of colder nights. however, it soon acquired # taste Lor artificial warmth, and now js often seen near the fires about the camp, ar i the huts, and may stay at the camp all night. Although it can stili be fed from the hand, it finds hwing so easy that one needs a tasty morsel to temipt it out ‘of its usually complacem and reserved mood. Of cameras, tools and ordinary noises, the bird takes not the slightest notice, and close- up photographs may be taken in atiy position it will condescend to occupy, It objects to being handled, bur has been enticed on to mens ices many times, and is obviously not in any concern for ils safety, Why did such a shy bird come to the camp-ar all? The reason prohably is ta be found fn the fact that it had an injured right leg or foot, which made it difficult tn obtain food in ordinary cunuitions. The foot is seldom used in standing or walking even tow but scratches again effectively. J consider that the bird would be wel] able to look after itsell in the Iush now, if it desired. Some argument has taken place as regards its sex, At first, general opinion was that it was a young wale bird, but it mow appears that the camp pet is a femalt, Whatever its reasons for staying at the camp, it Is a most interesting example of what can be done to win the confidence of weld bush creatures: R, W, Bown. SUGGESTED ALTERATIONS “CO RULES , Fle 2, Objects of the Club—It is proposed to add “and to take action lo protect nitive fauna and ftora, and national monuments, and to form collections of natural history specimens. Rute 3. Night of meeting —Instead of necting “in the second weels in each month” to read "art the second Morwday in the month“ Fete 4. Membership—aAlteration of conditwns for Honorary Mermber- ship. The suggested reading is: “Henorary members, who shall be entitled to all the privileges ol Ocdinary menibers, shail be persons who are distin- guished for their attainuients im some branch oi Natural Science, or who have heen members of the Club fora period of forty years, ‘The nomination of a person as an Honorary member must be approved by the Committer and the election conducted in the same manner qs that of ordinary members.” No alteration is suggested m the case of Ordinary, Country or Associate members, \ 32 Suagexted Alterations ta Rules ye. ah Tn the case of Life ingmbers it is suggestad ihat the New. reading shall be: “Life members. Ordinary members may become Life members on payment of twenty pounds in one sum, provided that after twenty years membership as ordivary menibers the Life member's subscription be reduced by £1 per annam for every year of contimued membership, (Life members shalt be entitled to all the privileges of Ordinary members.” Rule 5. Subscriptions.—It is proposed ta telude the words “and payable.” The new reading will be: “Al subscriptions shall hecome due and payable an the first ‘day of May in cach year,” Ride 6, Balloting for Admission—[t js suggested that justead of the words "black ball," the words “adverse vote’ be substituted. Rate 7 Viest year’s subseription—-It is proposed to add: “Provided that persons elected alter the first.of November shall be entitled to the privileges of membership on payment of half the annual subscription.” Rules 3,9 and 10—No alteration, Ritle 11 —The working of this rule will be slightly altered and the quorunt at a Committee meeting shall be five fustead of three. The new reading will be: “The members shall elect. as hereinafter provided out of their own body, the following office-bearers: President, two Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, Librarian, Assistant Librarian, Editor, Secretary, Assistant Secretary and 8 Corimittee of five persons, who, together with the above-named office. bearers and with the immiediale Past Presidett, shall constitote the General Committee of Afanagement of the Club's affairs, and at all mectings of the Committee Ave shall form & quottern,”’ Rule (2. Election of office-hearers—it is suggested thal the wards “in writing” be deleted. The phrase relating te nommation wall then read> “Candidates for the vacant offices shall he nominated at the previaus ordinury meeting.” Rilo 13. Filling vacancies.—It is proposed ta delete the ward "up? in the last line, it being superfluous. Rule 14. Papers sent to the Club to he submitted to the Committes— Tt is proposed to delete this rule entirely and to substitute "The Corumittee shall arrange switable letures, papers, discussions aud dermenstratians to he given al the meetings of the Club.” Rule 15. Printing Comuitice—It is propused to delete this citirely, Rule 16. Duties of the Treasurer.It is suggested that the word “expendi- ture” be used instead of “payments.” amd the word “statements” inetwad of “the same.” The new role would then eead: “Tt shall be the duty of the Treasmrer to reteive all snms of money due to the Club, to pay only such gooounts us iay Le ardered hy the Canmmittee, to keep an account of such receipts aud expenditure, of cach person's subscriptions, and of all mantys owing to and by the Club, anid fo produce sidtentents wien required by the Committee All cheques to be signed by the Treasurer and Secretary,” Rede i7. Duties of Labrarian —It is suggessed that the words: “Assistaut Librarian” be added_ Rule 18. Duties of Editor--T is proposed that this rule be altered to read: "Ti shall be the duty of the Editor to edit the Club's journal, and all other publications of the Chib if so authorized by the Committee.” "Rule 19. Duties of Secretary.—l is proposed to use the words; “Seere- tary and Assistant Secretary” instead of "Secretary or Secreiarics.” No other alterations suggested. The Committee of tie Field Naturalists’ Cluh of \Wiclotia iivife ferers ai kibdred societies who way be visiting Melbourne to. attend the Club's ineetins, The Victorian Naturalist Vol. LIV.—No. 3 . July 9. 1937 No. 643_ THE FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB OF VICTORIA The Annual Meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society's Hall on Monday, June 14, 1937. The President, Mr. S. R Mitchell, presided and about eiglity members, and ‘fiends were present. BUSINESS FROM MINUTES Alteration of Rules —Mr, R. H. Croll moved that. the amended rules, a8 published in the June Naturalist, be adopted. Mr. E. E. Pescott seconded the mation. Mr. G, \. Hyam moved as an amendment that the original wording of Rule 12 be retained. Mr. V.#H. Miller seconded the amendment, which on being put to the meeting was lost, The original motion was then put and duly carricd, . Excursions —The President asked members to suggest localities for excursions; the new programme was being drawn up by a sub-contmittee. Library Shelving —Dr. C, S. Sutton reported that the new shelv- ing had been erected and was very satistactory. * CORRESPONDENCE Protection of the Golder Water Rat.—A letter irom the Chief Secretary's Department, stated that this matter was the subject of investigation at the present time. REPORTS OF EXCURSIONS Excursions were reported on as follow; Werribee Gorge, Mr. ¥. §. Colliver; National Museum, Messrs. A. S, Kenyon and S. R. Mitchell; Cape Schanck, Mr. Sh R. Mitchell; Sherbrooke, Mr. H.C. E. Stewart. ELECTION OF MEMBER On a show of hands Mr. F. Morley .was elected as an ordinary member of the Club, ANNUAL REPORT AND BALANCE SHEET The Annual Report: was read by the Hon. Secretary, and on the snotion of the President, Mr. S. R. Supsiell, seconded hy My. V_#HL. Miller, ir was adopted. 34 Pield Nalurahsts” Cli Proceedings nl. pp The Balance Sheet was read and explained by Mr. A. S, Chalk (Acting Hon. Treasurer), After congratulating Mr. Chalk oa a clear and Sucid explanation of the Club's finaticial position, Mr, Geo. Coghill moved that the Balauce Sheet he adopted. Mrs. Chas. Barrett seconded the motion, which was carrted. DRESIDENT'S LECTURE ‘A very interesting lecture on “Crystals,” illustrated by the cpiclia- scope and a large selection of hand specimens, was given hy Mr. Mitchell, wha first outlned the subject, anel then, by wodels, showed the Various orders into which mineral forms are grouped. ‘Ve remainder of the lecture took the form of a running com- mentary on the specimens, as shown by ihe epidiascope. ELECTION OF OFFICERS, 1937-38 Mr. S. R. Mitchell weleotned Mr. A. H. Chisholw, e.r.a.o.c., 35 the few President, and thanked mernhers for the help given hint daring his awn term of office, Mr. Chisholm, taking the chair, expressed his thanks to mem- bers for electing lim to the office of President, and wished the Club a successful year. The following officers were declared duly elected: Vice-Presidents: Mr. Geo. Coghill, Mr. R. H. Croll. Treasurer: Mr. J. Ingram. Librarian; Dr. C. 5, Sutton. Assistant Librarian: Mr. W. H, Ingram. Editor: Mr. Chas, Barrett, c..75, Secretary: Mr. F_ &. Colliver. Assistant Secretary; Mr. L, W. Cooper. On a hallot being taker the iollowing were elected: Mrs. Chas. Barrett, Messrs. G. N. Hyani, A. $8. Kenyon, H, C. E, Stewart and E. &. Pescatt. GENERAL BUSINIESS Donald Macdonald Memoria}—The President stated he, had inspeeted the proposed site for a park and bird sanctuary, A Macdonald Evening will be held by the Club in the near future. Australian Section at the Botanic Gardens— Dr. C, S, Sniton stated that the Australian flora was poorly represented am the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. The President suggested that the matter be held over unit] the next meeting, NATURE NOTES Mr, Charles Barrett described a pied Blackbird scen on several occasions recently in the gardens adjacent to Elsternwick railway station. 7 Field Naturalists’ Chib Pracecdings 3s Mr. V. If. Miller mentioned that a whire Blackhird,-a true albino, was to be seen at Albert Park. Mr. Chisholin stated that such specimens were not rare; The President displayed and gave a note on someu Vegetable Caterpillars. CONVERSAZIONE Al this stage the meeting adjourned for the Conversazione- EXHIBITS Mr. S$. R, Mitchell —Large collection of umerals to ilbastrate ins address. Mr. F. 2. Pescott.—Flowers of the Royal Grevillea (G, Vie- toviac), a rare mountain species irom Mt. Hotham. Also an unusual form of aboriginal pecking or chipping stone, from West- central Victoria. Mr. C, Daley.—Quartz crystals (clear, amethystine yellaw, rer- ruginous and smoky), also calcite on quartz, and iron pyrites from Bendigo; staurolites from North Queensland; garnets from Narth Queensland; azurte from Kapunda. Mr. F..S. Colliver—Abnormal! quartz crystals, fram Tasrnania ; pyrite crystals, from Broken Hill and Bendigo, DROSERA NUMBS COLLECTOR’S FINGERS To the Editor, Micterian Naturalist Mr, Albert Marriss, 74 Cornish Street, Railway Town, Broken Hill, New South Wales, writes me ag tollows: “There ig to my knowledge only one species of Drosera in this district (WO. Jndica), and that grows in the sandstone country eqhity-six miles NE. of this town, and is to be found only in poud seasons close to rock pools, ,,, On picking some plants I noticed a distinct ntimbness of the fingers which soon disappeared atter rinsing in water, ... I asked other persons to help pick the plants .. . they all very soun confirmed my own sensations,” The above excerpts from a personal letter prompt me to ask the co-operation of any one in a position to observe this observa- tion, to check up on the matter. Mr. Morriss failed tu observe the phenomenon in the case of ather species. Those in possession of several species af the same time might place equally active flies on similar leaves of D, Zadica and others, and observe if the insect succumbs more quickly on the one than the other. i FRANCIS E, LLOYD, Box 842. Carmel. Calif.. U.S.A. 36 Statement of Recetpts and Expenditure Vic. Nat, Vol. LIV STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FOR TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 30th APRIL, 1937 RECEIPTS Balance at Banks, 30/4/36— State Savings Bank .. ., .. - See Less E. 5. & A. Bank Overdraft S635 fa uy Subscriptions—Arrears .. .. .. -. £28 3 0 Current .. .. .. .. 20710 2 In Advance .. .. .. 1% 5 0 Wild Nature Exhibition Receipts -. .. .. 2. .. Cash Sales of — Fictorian Naturalist 3. -.-..... éW 0 3 Shel? Book .. 2. ..'.. 0. oe ae 346 3 Plant Census .. .. 6. 2... +e ee 118 6 Fern Book .. 2. 2. 2. 6. ue ck es 26 0 Badges 2. 2. 0. ek ee ue ee 15 0 Advertisements in Victorias Naturalist .. .. .- Donation .. .. -- adie ety ei Wa hate |e Hire of Epilinscope- pee. ee ee Ae Interest Recerved— Best Fund , voted SL BEEP #165 Q Savings Bank ‘Citron Account . 911 3 On Commonwealth Loan .. .. -. 1400 Sundry Items ., 2. 2. ee eh ee we ee i EXPENDITURE Victorian Naturalist Printing .. 2. 2. ww. ee. -. «EIST 0 6 Illustrating .. 62 6. ke ey ee 5710 8 Despatching ,. .- .. .. 22. e. 69 0 Wild Nature Exhibition Expenses -. Reprints .. 4. 6. 24 ee ve a ee Postage and Freight #3 =e 45 et te we Account Books, Printing and ‘Stationery “, Donations— Victorian Adyisory Counc}! for Flora and Fauna Rents— Royal Society's Hall .. .. .. .. 146 0 0 R.A.O.U. for Committee meetings 210 0 Caretaker for Royal Society's Hall _, - £469 0 9 1 £251 18 104 17 2 6 coo ° £459 18 8 460 3 2 £920 1 10 ePnNnacn. ay Statement of Receipts and Expenditure 37 General Expenses, Insurance, Bank Charges, ete. 3 210 Cost of Club's Conyersazione, held Dec., 1936°.. oll 0 Cost of Producing Shell Book .. .. .. 2. a. 92 1 0 ————_——— £435 10 9 Balance at Banks, 30/4/37— State Savings Bank .. .. 0. 2. c. u. oo.) ©6400: 1005 FE, 8S. & A. Bank». 0. ek ee ee ee & a 8 ——————— 48411 1 £920 110 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES ON 30th APRIL, 1937 OoOwoe ASSETS Arrears of Subscriptions, £46, estimated to realize, say... £25 D0 0 Wild Nature Show Tickets unpaid 1. 0. 1. 2) we ee ee eee 15 0 Bank Current Accounts State Savings Bank .. .. -. .. -, .. cso, FAO WD 5 E,S. & A. Bank Ltd... 6. ck ee ee ee ee 84.0 8 State Savings Bank Special Trust Account .. 12:15 3 . — 497 & 4 Jnvestments— 5 BE. S, & A, Bank—Fixed Deposit .. .. .. £50 0 0 Commonwealth Bonds .. .. -. -. -- ce er ve) )=6 50 OOD ——-——._ 400 0 Library and Furniture at insurance value.) -, -- .. .. -.-» 409 0 0 Epidiascope and stand, at cost -. 2 -. uu eee pe ee 7 0 0 Staclc of Books and Badges, at valuation— Fern Book 2... 06. eh pe ee ee ee ee ee we er 4G 5 Plant Gensus. .. 2: 65 on ae ee ee uk re =e 6 5 0 Shell Book .. 2. 0. ce ee ee ee ee ee 0 90 0 Club. Gaddes T1 re 3. ce ley sean trae ne ee 30 0 8 10 0 £1479 1 4 LIABILITIES Late Mr. Dudley Best Fund 2 22 0, 0. ee cee ee ee ee £50 OD, Char-a-bane Fund 2.2... 0) pe ee ee ee vee ee ee er 22 Special Trust Account -2 2. 2. jo cc ce ee es ge ee te 12 15 Subscriptions paid im advance .. 2. 2. 2. we ee ee 16065 #8L 2 3 Examined and fount correct on 14th May, 1937, Se CORE Honorary Auditors. A, S, CHALK, Acting Hon, Treasurer. ’ 38 Aiea! Re pare P Von iv FIFTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT, JUNE, 1937 To the members of the Field Naturalists’ Chi of Victoria, Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Commitive has pleasure in subjiitting the fifty-seventh anniial report, The membersiip is as follows: Life members, 7; Ordinary members, 203; Country members, 74; Associate members, 33; total, 317. There is a decrease of 39 compared with Jast year’s rol]. We record with sorrow the deaths of six members of the Club: Mr. J. Stickland (1880-1937), Sir 4, E. Kitson (1893-1937), Prof. A. H. S. Lucas (1893-1936), Mr, FE, J. Dawn (191-1937), ear P. McCall (1924-1936), and Mr. C. Simpson (!935- 1937). Attendances at the meetings have been well maintained, and on many occasions the seating accommodation has been futly taxed, The second room is still in use ior the display of exhibits, which have been varied and interesting, although sometimes conypara- tively few The Conmittee appeals to members to make this part of the meeting éven more intéresting and instructive. ‘The Natere Notes contributed were welcome, but here again tt 1s felt that many more items could he placed before the tnectings. All of the meetings this year have been held in the Club Rooms, at the Royal Sociery’s Hall, and the epidiascope has proved its worth a3 a tteans of allowing suttable illustrations as well as slides to be used by the lecturer. A comprehensive series of lectiires was given during che year: Presidential Address (Fields for Naturalists’), Mr. G. N. Hyam; “Australian Vanishing Birds," Mr A, H. Chisholn, ¢.9.4.0.0.; “Grasses,” Mr. P. E. Morris; “Major: Mitchell, Explorer and Natiralist," Mr C. Daley. a. F8.; “In Australian Troptes,” Mrs. TP. Hanks; “Indigenous Fauna at the Zoo and in the Bush” (with 2 motion-picture), Mr. David Mleay; “A Ramble in New Guinea," Capt. GM. McLean; “Erosion,” Mr. W. J. Lakeland; “Austrahan Wild Flowers,” Mr. H, Reeves and Mr. G. N. Hyam, “Koalas,” Mr. Chas. Barrett, and others: “Some Australian National Parks,’ Mr.-A. HW. Chishotin The December meeting took the form of # social evening, which ptoved ta bé a popular innovation, During the year thirty-one excursions were held, while faur were caticelled for various reasons; latterly Ue excursions have been very well attended. The sub-comimttee for excursions asks, as usual, for suggestions as regards localities. Voluine fifty-three of The Victorian Naturalist has heen eom- pleted. The aim is ta increase ils size and the number of iustva- tions. Increased membership is necessary if this ts tu be done- Tt is siggested to the incoming Committee that any profits [rom ihe next Wild Nature Show be expended on the Naturufist. Many THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vow. LIV Fuly, 1937 Plate V Photo, ay GC, Stuart Tompkins, Camberwell Mr. 8. R. Mitcheil President Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, 1936-7 yd Anni Report 9 papers, of popular and scientific interest, appeared in the volume, and it is hoped that similar papers will be forthcoming {rom menihers aud others during the coming year. Our journal js stil the leading publication of tts kind in the Commomveaith and it ts the constant aim of the editor to make it even more comprehensive and valuable, That it Alls a place im scientific perindical: literature is shown hy the constant demand for it frei overseas iustitutions. The Club coulinues its activity in preserving the wild life of Australia and from time to fme members have reported to the Committee various breaches of Fauna atid Flora Protectiun Acts, and cases of vandalism; these have heen referred to the proper authorities for action. Matters that have been inguired inta include: Proposed national packs, Greater Melbourne as a sanctuary, protection of the Bustard in the Northern Territory, protection of native birds, King Orchids on sale in the markets, protection of native Orchids. additional areas for reservations at Badger Creek. preservation of the Koala, destruction of Orchids at Anglesea, and vandalism at Mt. Buffalo National Park, At the Committee's suggestion, additional rangers have been appointed, To the three sub-committees (Geological, Park Lands and Native Reserves) opevating, is now added a fourth to care for the interests of mew inembers. The National Monuments mevement is progressing, and leading members of the Club are collecting informatinn regarding oversea efforts in this direction. A large number of public and private bodies have promised support ip this matter, Again the Committee asks merabers lo bring umler notice any objects ar places wlich they consider should be “National Monuments.” Co-operation with kindred societies has been mamta. Deie- gates attended the Auckland meeting of the Anstraliaiy and New Zealand Associatian for the Advancement of Science. We are represented on the Council of the League of Youth and will con- tinue to co-operale in its efforts to interest youlg Victorians in nature and civics. The South Australian Naturalists’ Club, Australian Abonginal Group, New South Wales Ratigers' League. Newcastle District Horticultural Society and the Children’s Week Conunittee have heen assisted at their annual shows. The Club was alsa represented at the official opening of the Mt. Araples National Park, and Tree Planiing at Melton. The Victorian Advisory Council for Flora and Fania, with Mr. C. Daley as secretary, is active and much good work has been done during the year. Your Committee again voted £4/4/- towards the expenses of the Council. The Annual Wild Nature Exhibition was held at the St. Kilda Town Hall, and a very comprehensive display embracing all brancties of naturalhistory was staged, Owing tt careful manage- 40 Aiiaval Report Vil hav ment we are pleased to report that a profit was made. The Show Committee drew up a questionnaire covering all groups of exhibits, Prizes were offered for the best paper returned, This was very popular with the children, and numerous adults asked: for copies of the questionnaire for their’ own information, The Hon. Librarian reports that nuinerous books and pamphlets have been bound during the year, and a number of new books purchased. More library accommodation has now been provided. The Club’s second Nature Book, The Shetls of Port Phillip, was published, and met with a great deal of appreciation, The Cani- mittee presented to Miss Jovce Allan, the artist, and Mr. C. 7. Gabriel, the author, specially bound copics of the book. Durivg the year we welcomed to our meetings overseas aatu- ralists, and inenibers of interstaie Naturalists’ Clubs; alsa we have been very pleased to sce same of our own country members from time to time. - A revision of the ““Ruijes’ has been prepared by a sub-committee and these are presented for confirmation to this metting- Messrs, J. and W. H, Ingram having gone io Britain on a holiday, Mr. A. S. Chalk was appointed acting Treasurer and Mr. H, C. E. Stewart aciing Assistant Librarian, Grateful acknowledgments are tendered ta the following: Mr, J. E. Dixon (cash donation), The Shell Company (Lor the very fine display of wild flowers staged at the last show), Miss M. Agnew, Mr. C. French, Mr. H C. E Stewart, and Mr. Albert Green (each a gift of books), A. comprehensive expression of thanks 1s extended to all mem- bers and friends ot the Club whe have helped toward the advance- ment of the Clul and tts activities, We regret ta avnoitice that, after being a member of the Committee for twenty years, Mr. C. Daley has withdrawn irom an official position in the Club. We extend to Mr. Daley our sincere thanks for many serviecs rendered, and alsa qur best wishes fur his future. During the year eleven ordinary Committee meetings. were held, and the attendances of offices were as follow: Messrs. L. W. Cooper and F. S, Colliver (11), Mr. S. R. Mitchell (10), Mr. H. C. E. Stewart (9), Messrs, G, N. Hyam, A, §. Kenyon, W. H. Ingram and V. G. Miller (8), Messrs. C. Daley, J. Ingram, E. E. Pescott and Dr. © $. Sutton (7), Mr. Gea, Coghill (6), Messrs, C. L, Barrett and A. H. Chisholm (5), Mr. A. S. Chalk (3). S,R. MITCHELI., Presidenc, Pr. S. COLLIVER, Hon, Secretary, I ‘ave J MrrcHen., Growkd-cdgod Stone Implement 4l UNUSUAL TYPE OF GROUND-EDGrD STONE EMPLEMENT By S. R. Mereirerz, Two Interesting specimens of grownd-edged implements of an Uinisual Ue were received recently irom Mr. K. J. Goddard, of Nicholson Station, East Kimberleys, Western Australia, They are hand-axes with a comparatively long cutting edge on one side and the opposite side embedded in vegetable cement.’ - The Jarger specimen (top figure in plate) measures 5-5 inches int length and 3°5 inches at the widest parl, including the cement hafting, and 1s about one inch thick. It has been fashioned from a large flake of induvated siliceoas miudstone, one side of which is a fairly plane surface. The opposite side has lacl numerous flakes struck off, thereby reducing its thickness. The two faces converge to a comparatively thin edge, which has been improved by vrinding off the higher paris. The snialler specimen (bottom figure in place) measures 3-7 inches in length and 2-8 inches at the widesr part, This also has been fashioned from a large flake of similar indurated siliecous mudstone, having one fairly flat surface and opposite il iwo smaller surfaces, which meet in a median ridge | -2 tnches in height, which pives the implement # roughly ttatgular cross section, The meéet- ing of one of these smaller planes and the larger forms the cutting edge, 2-5 inches in length, which has heen sharpened slightly by grinding, The other edge has been embedded mm cement fur the protection of the palm of the hand. Both specimens are envered pat red ochre and are polished in places, evidence o7 use as hand Lools. Mr. Goddard States that tools of this type were used by the Guinnign tribe of sbongines as hand-axcs or choppers for the rough shaping of wooden water vessels aid shiclds, The third implement was found by the writer in 1924 on a cvastal midden at Port Kembla, New South Wales, It 1s composed of a coarse metamorphic sundstone with the weathered surface shawing numerous black spots, probably cluastolite. Jt measures 5:5 inches in length and 3:4 inches at rhe widest part, aud tapers from the back towards ilie cutting edge fram 1 inch to 06 inch. Both sides are flat surfaces due to splitting along the bediling planes of the sandstone. The cutting edge, whiclt ts quite straight, measures 5 inches, extending almost the full length of the imple- ment, and has been produced by grinding two flat hevels meeting at an angle of 55°, The grinding is confined ta within 0-5 inch each side of the cutting edge, and was evidently done on a flat whet- store. A pieve has heen broken away from the dressed part since the implement was made, R, E. Etheridge, Jun, ity Proe. of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 1890, val. v, describes a similar type of implement 42 Wentworrn, Notes on a Prolosvan Spirostonnem pio ee from a graye at Long Bay near Botany. He states; “The imple ment is five inches in length: haying a width of three inches. Instead uf being ground to a eutting edge at ome end, it is sn alnng noe of the longer stdes. Jt ig composed of micascous sandy shale—and js a little thicker than $ in.” W. W. Thorpe and Frederick D. McCarthy, Records of tice Australian Museum, vol. xix, figure four ground-edged imple- ments of a similar type, selected from a series of eighteen speci- meats from the Australian Museum Collection They state: “As will be apparent from the location given they are not merely a local variation of the normal type of ground axes but are, it seems, an implement made jor a definite purpose, In the collection they are termed skin dressers, a purpose fur which they are emi- nently suttable and which was their most probable use.” The similarity of these specimens to those from: the East Kimberleys suggests an identity of ise, and the possibility of their having had vegetable cement attached to them for greater comfort in handling. Considering the wide use of gum cement in the hafting of ground-edged axes anul knives by the Austrahan aborigines, it seems reasonable ta assume that some of these implements were hafted in a like manner, NOTES ON A PROTOZOAN SPIROSTOMUM {SP.} By Desmonn WENTWORTIT Durning fast summer an opportunity occurred to study an interesting protezoan which is probably a species af Spirastownwn. These animaloules made the backyard fishpond of the observer their habitat. Their presence was first noticed as a wlutish deposit on the sediment at the batten of the pond. Upon observation this deposit was found to contain thousands of the protozoans, During the day a lew only were tu be seen swimming freely in _ the lower depths of the pond. Owing to the fact that this species unusually is large (sometimes being as long as 2 min.) mr 1s readily visible to the nuked eye. As it was desired to oblain Sor experimental purposes’ a quantity free from foreign matter, a special method of collection was reqwred. This led to an interesting discovery in regard to a peculiar characteristic of these protozoans. One warm night, while tending te observe a pet frog which inhahits the pond, the writer was very surprised fo find a whitish “acum on the surface of the water and around the bly leaves. Under the |icroscope it was found ta be a living mass of Sfrre- sloimans. Subsequent observations revealed that on some tights the swarins ate very dense, while on other occasions no signs of the protozaan may he seen. While it is certain that warmer tempera- tures are uiure Javourable to their presence, there appear to be THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VoL. Liv July, 1937 Plate VI Photo, by HH. VW. Reeves Unusual type of ground-edged stone implement (top) East Kimberleys, W.A.; (niddic) Port Kembla, N.S.W 5 (lower) East Kimberleys, W.A. aly ’ , 1pa7 Wentwortu, Votes on a Protosoan Spirgstomin a3 other unobserved conditions necessary to produce this swariting effect, This is indicated by a chart of ohservations made on ieur- teen consecutive nights at a period when the protozoans seemed to be plentiful. On nights which were similar in weather condi- tions the results of observations differed. It is very definite that swarming does not take place during the daytime, and that the amimalcules are rarely visible during the daytime, excepting a few free swimming ones and others lying on the sediment at the bottom. Although thousands of specimens were examined, al) appeared to have attained full size, Occasionally conjugation was noticed but nob to any great extent. While they are belts exantned in a walth vlass or a hollow glass black, it is common to see them suddenly coniract for no apparent reason, nor all together but independently of each other. Briefly, the features of this Spirostomunt are as follow: Color, milky white; length ahout 2 mm., and 8 or 10 times the width, thickness being about 1/20 of the breadth. The fat body is covered campletely in short cilia and a buccal canal extends for about two-thirds. of the length of the body, ending in a spiral grove leading into the mouth, An unusual feature is an alimentary canal running the length of the body. There does not appear to be any available description appropriate to this extremely interesting species; in fact, the anly other variety the writer has seen (collected in an eastern suburb) differed in many essential details and it appears probable that this variety might be an undescribed one. The writer would welcome corres- pondence from anyone who has made atry observations relative to this protazoan or similar types. It should be added that the purpose of this paper is not to describe what might be a new species, but merely to record some of the habits and characteristics of a protozoan, Chart of Observations of Occurrence of Spivostowpnin tae Bond Tomp. Temp ol of (4? her Date Tone Water Ale Couditians Kemarks 13/12/35 9pm 62°) G2" Mile might, sky Swarms on surface, overcagt. Fairly detec 14/12/36 10 p.m. 6l° 58" Showery, Swarming slightly less than 13th. : 15/12/36 tO ptm 69° 68 Showers during Light swarms, parocu- . night. ’ larly on edge. 16/12/36 10 p.m, 7 70°) Mild wight, rain Swarniing fairly well; during way on edge and surface pits. 17/12/36 AL pnt Tie 4B? Close |, night, Swarm lighter than shower before earlier in night and reading. before change. _ 48/42/36 10 p.m, v4? 67" Warm nighi Swarming fairly donsely nt parts of pand, da Exrcursian to Werribee Gorge bd yee 49/12/96. 12 p.m. 75° 72° Warm night, Swarm fetter than sky’ clear. usual, F12/36 1.30pm. 72° 68° Drizzling rain. Much lighter than earher an night. 21/12/34 ll pam, 70") 63° Mild night, Seattered lightly aver but he does not mention the names of any of the islands. Mathews records it as nesting on “Cliff Island of Wilson’s Promontory.” This is doubtless a misprint for Cliffy Island. I have visited Cliffy (January 18, 1935) and made a fairly thorough examination of its very limited area by daylight, and have also questioned the lighthouse keepers and their families con- cerning the presence of the birds. The hight on Cliffy is a death trap for Prions and the cats of the Station bring in their bodies almost every day of the year; but no one on the Station had ever seen a hird anything like Pelecanoides, nor could I find any trace of it upon the island. Stch a finding does not conclusively Aug. " a Wie ay bad Woop Jones, Diving Petrel of the Bass Straits 53 negative the possibility of its breeding on the island, for light- keepers are often singularly unobservant of the bird-life around their stations. Of the Bass Strait and Tasmanian islands, I have visited Citadel, Swan, Goose, Deal, South Bruni, Betsy, Iron Pot, Tasman and Maetsuyker and on none of them have [ found any signs of the Diving Petrel. On North-east Island, Keartland describes their breeding as follows: “Their nests are. either in burrows. crevices in rocks, or under low spreading bushes. A single egg constitutes the sitting.” Fic, 3 Bird with buccal pouch distended Buller, quoting Campbell and referring to “some isolated islets in Bass’s Straits,” says “each female bird deposits one egg only in a burrow, which is from 6 to 8 inches deep, under ground or under a ledge of rock.” North says “the single egg of this species is deposited at the enlarged end of a burrow in the earth, or sandy soil, from one to two fect in length.” On Lady Julia Percy Island, lying off Port Fairy, Victoria, the members of the MeCoy Society camped from January 10 to February 22, 1936. To this island the birds came after dark, the first arrival being detected in the beam of an clectric torch at about 9 p.m. They invariably came in low over the water and arrived cither singly or in pairs. Thetr we a Vic. 34 Woon Jones, Diving Petrel of the Bass Straits Sal, mek, advent is almost silent. It was just possible to hear the bat-like fluttering of their wings in the dark and to catch, every now and again, the faint note that they utter as they hovered over the boulders of the talus slope. ‘The note is very like the sound made by a new-born puppy seeking for its mother; and as the birds flew around among the boulders this note was re-echoed from holes deep beneath the great volcanic rocks that te in confusion at the base of the cliff. Fach bird had to be followed in the beam of a torch until it alighted and started to scramble down some chink front whieh an answering note had come. After great labour two hames were opened beneath the boulders during the second week of January, Tn the one was a pair of birds sitting on the long-dead remains of a grey downy chick and in the other there was a cracked and addled egg. Obviously the breeding season was over and yet the birds continued to came to their old hemes until the end of our visit, though long before this date the Prions, which had been breeding on the island, had deserted their breeding ground. Tt seems quite certain that the whole of the Diving Petrel popula- tion of the Lady Julia Percy Island breeds (as do the Prions) in the deep crevices between boulders on the talus slope and. that none of them make burrows into the soft earth on the plateau of the island. The living bird is a very beautiful little creature. (See Figure 1). It is sturdy and robust in build and is apparently quite fear- less when taken in the hand. The shininy black dorsal surface and the brilhant white breast are set off by the wonderful colour of the legs and feet. The colours of the solt parts of the living bird are as follows: Will is not (as always described) wholly black: for a pale grey or dirty white band runs along each side of the lower border of the mandible in bath sexes (see Figure 2). The iris is of such a dark brown that the eye appears almost entirely black. The tarsi, on all aspects, are a beautiful light turquoise blue, the digits are turquoise blue on the dorsal and blick on the plantar surface. The webs are sepia Drown to black att their free margins shading to bright bine at the sides of the digits, The claws are black. ‘The most remarkable feature of the bird is the distensible pouch developed from the floor of the mouth. This pouch, which closes up like a concertina in the resting: posi- tion, is clothed with black naked skin and ts present to the same degree of development in bath sexes (see Figure 2). ‘The down of the newly hatched young is a delicate hhrownish yrey; the area around the eye and the neck being nearly naked. Fhe measurements of adult specimens from Lady Julia Perey Island are as follow: Aur. 1939 Woon Joxes, Livny Petret of the Bass Straits 35 Sex Wing Bill Length and Breadth Torsus L wn a 121 185 xs 27 2 ¢ 125 16 XS 27 ; oe a 120 7 KS 26 4 9 122 7 M75 255 5. g MF 17 x8 27 6 z 122 wm xR Z0°5 la. 9 116 1 K7-F 25 &. g 122 7 x8 26 9, 2 143 17 MP5 26:5 Average fp 120-5 WP KTH 26°2 These measurements do not differ in any marked degree from those pivén by Murphy and [Larper for twenty-five specintens of P. nrinalrias urioatrix from various New Zealand and Tasmanian localities : Average Measmrements Caueplty ond Harper) wf Length Sex Wisp ani Breadth Tarsus ri 122-6 16-2 *% 8-1 26:1 2 116-8 164% 81 25.3 Both sexes 119-7 for3 X Be 25:7 and, as the same authors have pointed tout, FP. urtnetria beleheri, the sub-species erected by Mathews for the Australiat. and Tas- manian bird in 1912, does not differ in any material way from typical New Zealand ‘specimens. ‘The average measurements of the type of P.. wrinatrix belchert and four other Tasmanian speci- mens in the Mathews Collection are given by Murphy and Harper as follow: Bill Lengih - Ming and Breadth Tarsus Sex uot specifiel 120.7 16:5 * 7-9 25-9 The average measutements of seven eggs (ron: North-east Island (secorded by North) is 41 9 x 32. Lueas and Le Souéf record 41x 3. Buller and Sandager give, ior New Zealand eggs, 33-1 x §¥-S and 38:1 x 31-7. Littler gives the measurements as 38 x 30. The single egg taken on Lady Julia Percy Island measures 38 x 31. Obviously there must be a very considerable variation in-size ranging, in recorded exainples, from 46°5 to 37-6 In length and from 33:5 to 30 in breadth. The breeding season would seem to extend from the end of July until December and to be somewhat variable in the different islands in which the bird dias been recorded as breeding. Stomach contents were taken from birds afriving during their evening homing fight (when the food is more ur less undigested) and subinitted to Mr, H..M. Hale, {rector of the South Australian Museum, for examination, His report is as follows: “Stomach cotiterits Remains of four small fishes, possibly juvenile -Carangids, which commonly congregate under Medusae at the period of year when the bird was collected; a second species of fish is represented by a fragment of the lead. Two Phoronomids of the same species as those present in the stomach of the Prion.” . ‘. " Vin. Net sa) Mreuuise asp Deane Victorian Cove Pools va. Lty VICTORIAN CAVE POOLS By C. A Metirutsy and C, Diane [Hith deveripligus yf to new species of bretles, by CO. Reane) Following up the work of European students on the fauna and flora of “Rock pools,” the atithors of this article have been endeavouring to discover in Australia traces of the sanie kind of relation between similar pools and their inhalatants. Some suc- cess has been met with, in that pools have been located at several points around the Victorian coast, and the waters of some of them have been definitely established as being suitable to support insect life. Tor example, we should expect to find beetles of the family Hydrophilidae, meinbers of which have been discovered before by such naturalists as Lea, Blackburi, Barrett, Wilson and others, Two examples of this group, both new species, are given below. Comparatively few people apparently have reatized thal certata attractions ‘ity the form of limestoné caves lie hidden it) the cliffs anh in the bases. of the hills along many parts of our coast. Here we have, down at the sea almost in contact with the waves, caves as trily limestone as are the famous caves at Jenolan, Buchan and others, many miles inland, ‘lhe stalactites and stalapmites are there to delight the eye of the explorer. “Some of these caves are very difficult of access, the openings being set in thé face of steep cliffs, 200 ft.-high, which cannot be climbed, And that 1s net the only barrier: the sea comes right up to the hase of the cliffs in many places, thus preventing approach around the beach, One ot this class, so far known to us only as Cave "C," ts sityated abour two miles from Cape Schanck, in au easterly direction before one comes to the sandy beach, Ou March 21 last, the -ovcasion of the second expedition to this locality, the tide was low enough for us to attempt to reach the entrance of the cave. The tide, however, was threatening to ent off the line of retreat, so a search of the interior was post- poned. On April 25 the next visit was made, coincident with low tide, bul the water was not so low as on the previous occasion, and ng one was able to get round. The eave near the lighthouse, however. Cave “B," on the western stde of the Cape, was visited with a view of taking photo- graph of the stalactites which come down into a pool prettily. But the camera failed us. The stand was off the rail, and, owing to the Jateness of the hour and the darkness, could not be fixed. The floor of this cave ts steep and shppery, and taking a Aashlight photograph is in itself enough for the attention without farther complications such as holding the bellows and guessing the focus. Cave A’ is on the eastern side of the Cape and about opposite Cave “B''; it was the first to be visited by owe party. There is another interesting cave at Apollo Bay, ahout one nile east of the township, or abou! 150 yards east of the road sign at Cape a “ Mevyvisn anp Deane, Victorian Case Louls 3? Patton. The sketch shows a vertical cross-section, from memory. This cave, with its large pool, was known to some of the old residents of the district, who built a boat and launched it on the pool, In this eraft visitors could row through to the inner pool and cave. ‘The boat is now said to be water-logged and to hie at the bottom in'one of the inner caves. A consideration that will appeal to the biologist is whether marine life may abound in these waters, or even rarely occur The late Mr. A. M. Lea recorded the Carab beetles, Idacarabus troglodytes. |, flawipes and others in limestone caves; and water heeiles might be found also, especially in the better iluminared situations. Sometimes water as found forming pools right at the opening, and therefare, in fnll daylight Samples of the water were taken and analysed for chloride con- tent and other characteristics, resulting as shown in the following table : Result of Water Examination Yotal Name Chlorides Noa. —_hLacatity of Cave parts per Remarks 160,008 J. Anolla Bay 138 Diatomaceae present 2, Cape Schaack Cave “A™ Algae (sea weed) 3. Cape Schanck Cave “B" Mineral character unly 4. Cape Schanck ChiF face over 210) Algae (sea weed) pit vatie (deter mined hy Mr. Allen Budge) = 85 5. Open Sea (Mediterranean ) 2469 Tsp water Melb., 16/1/37 M2 These waters evidently should be attractive ta seme ‘beetles of the family Hydrophilidae, as regards salinily, and in those casts where daylight prevails, should compare favourably with d’Orchymont’s “Rock pools” of Europe. Up to the present, however, only some species of Diatomaceae have been found. The cave at Apollo Bay is not conspicuous from the beach owing to the projection jof the under lip. in fact, there have been instanees of people going purpesely to And it, acting under direc- _ tions, ancl even then passing it by. Ar Port Camphell, the coastal geology and geography are reinarkable. there is a great diversity of attractions. Vhe Hme- stone cave formation with its stalactites is found also in this district. .. , A question that has been occupying our minds for many years is the cause of the blowholes and other features which cecur in - -_ A . Vie: t. 58 MeLiuisu ann Deane, Ficterian Cave Pools Saag so many places around our coast. ‘If it be assumed that they are due to the encroachment of the sea, cambined with the falling in of the earth over the caves, a suggestion is immediately available for consideration (see Figure 1). To one such cave attaches yonance: it sheltered for two days the only survivor from the wreck of the Lock Ard. Sechon through chff at Apeilo Bay showing faeces. | — — + Fie. 1 The salinity of the Apollo Bay cave waters, viz., 138 parts per 100,000 or 96-6 grains per gallon, is undoubtedly Jow enough to support freshwater hie. Of 119 town water supplies throughout the world, which are included in our notes, chloride content varies from 0-4 up to 29:2 parts per 100,000. But in a town water supply drinking has to be provided for, whereas, in the case of "the insect inhabitant, this is not necessarily so, Suffice, it to say that some of these caves possess water which is less salt than are many waters generally classed as brackish. Ochthebius cupreus sp. : Oval, very convex, somewhat nitid, cupreous. Head sub- triangular, hghtly convex, black, opaque. two oblique fossae near base, converging to posterior margin; one globulay cupreous tubercule between cach fossa and eye. Eyes normal. Palpi robust. Antennae well formed. Pronotum cupreous, widest near “apex, convex; median suleus straight, widening slightly before middle; disc devoid of foveae;- membraneous margin entire. Aug. , n 1987 Mecuvuisn anp Deane, Ftetorian Cave Pools 59 Elytra rather short, but covering abdomen, strongly and coarsely punetate-striate; depressed near suture on anterior half, Legs not long. Length, 1-43 mm.; width, 068 mm. Habitat: Tam- bourine, Queensland (Wassell) ~, a —t." at \ ' / } r — / \ r \ \ \ | } / Ochthebius cupreus visp. Left: Hydracna Evanescens 13), Right: Aydracua castanea nsp. ffydracna castanead tsp. Elliptical, lightly convex, olive brown to chestnut, punctate, nitid. Head searcely subtriangular, coneave on sides, narrowly rounded in front, depressed above, ebony black, opaque, glabrous ; labrum narrowly notched on centre of front margin. Eyes medium, pale. Pronotum subhexagonal, puntate, nitid, convex and black in centre, lightly concave and yellow brown near sides, anterior and sposteriar margins concolorous with centre. [Elytra strongly punetate, with yellow colour confined to apices. Legs yellow, normal. Length, 1-69 mn: width, 070 mm, Habitat; Marys- ville, Victoria (Deane). This ditfers from ZZ. Evanescens BL, of which I have specimens identified by Mr. A. M. Lea, by larger size, more elongate, much darker, the punctuation coarser, and the pronotum dark en all the elevated central portions. In the specimens of FF, Evanesceus in my collection there ts a central dark spot on the central elevated part of pronotum only. From Blackburn’s description of A. Fvanescens, the separation of it from the proposed new specimen is also apparent where he uses size and punctuation for distinction from the other specimens; this same distinction must separate off the new specimens for H. Hwvanesccus, since the punctuation as regards its coarseness and the size generally are as in the saepet specimens. ie. Nat. fd Bracxnourn, Plant Galis ia ae PLANT GALLS By B, BrackBouRN No one who has spent much time in the bush can have failed to notice excrescences su common on the leaves, stems, and buds of many Eucalypts and Wattles. They attract attention by their strange varicty of curious shapes, many of which are of con- siderable beauty. Plant galls are abnormal growths or hypertrophy of the tissues of plants brought about by insects in order to provide food and Fig. 1—A Typical Cynipid Wasp. shelter during their development. They occur on all kinds of plants, from the humble grasses to the largest forest trees, and on all parts of the :plant, root, stem, leaves, buds and flowers. Whereas the greater number in this country are caused by mem- bers of the Coccid or Scale Insect family, many other kinds of insects have adopted this method of providing themselves with board and lodging. As in the world at large one man’s success in a particular venture is made use of by others of a less original turn of mind, so in the insect world we find that galls formed by one species of insect are made use of by other species, which Aug. 1937 Biacksourn, Plant Galls 61 deposit their eggs in the tissues of the gall and thereby provide comfortable quarters combined with suitable nourishment for their young. All these insects are liable to be parasitized and if galls are kept in a jar and the contained insects bred out, it frequently happens that three or four kinds emerge and one may be at a loss to know which is actually responsible for the gall and which is a parasite or inquiline. Fig. 2—A Gall Gnat (Cecidomyid). The gal!-forming habit is not confined to any particular order or family, but has been adopted’ by individuals from a number of different orders scattered through the Insecta, among them being Thrips, Lerp Insects, Plant Lice, Scale Insects, Wasps and Flies. The vast majority of galls in Australia are caused by the Coccids or Scale Insects. One of the most striking features of this family is the remarkable difference between the sexes. The males, in most cases, are minute, delicate little creatures with a single pair of wings and two or more thread-like tail filaments. Cwing to : Vie. Nat. 62 Bracksourn, Plant Galls Vol. Li¥ their small size they are rarely seen by any except those on the look-out for them, The females are comparatively large, wing- less, soft-bodied creatures which settle dow for life in one spot, and either cover themselves with a scale, or cause a gall to form around them. They exhibit considerable degeneration, im many cases the legs disappear and the antetunae become reduced to minute papillae. At the apex of the gall is a small opening through which the male is able to crawl to accomplish fertilization, after which the female becomes little more than a bap of egys. When these hatch the larvae emerge in countless manbers through the opening in the apex and eventually attach themselves to stems or leaves, resulting: once again in the formation of galls. Although the hfe-histories of hundreds of gall-forming insects have been studied, comparatively little ts vet known as to what causes the tissues of the plant to develop into a particular shape, Why, for instance, is Apioniorpha dupley able ta produce a four- sided gall with ridged edges continued as two clongated appen- dages, the largest in the world and peculiar to Australia, whereas dl. pomtifernus produces an apple-shaped gall? Another interest- ing feature is that, whereas some galls begin to develop immedi- ately after the depusition of the egg by the female, and will cun- tinue to develop even though the egg may he killed, in’ others development is delayed until the egg is hatched. In the genus Pontenia (Tenthredinidae) the Temales inject an albtminous secretion along with the egy which, it is suggested, contains an enzyme that acts upon the plant cells. A gall develops very rapidly, and even if the egg is killed by pricking it with a needle, the gall continues ta grow. In one case, after falling from the tree and lying on the ground during the winter, when spring comes, it inereases in size and develops chlorophyll, In the fannly Cynipidae, the female wasps (Figure 1) deposit their eggs in the tissue of the plant, but the galls do not begin to develop until the egg hatehes. It is probable that the larvae exude some seeretion which stimulates activity in the cells. This family is noted for the variety of gall-forms produced by its members and also for the alternation of generation exhibited by many species. A typical example is Neuroternus leuticularis, which causes lenticular growths on the underside of oak leaves in October in England, The insects remain in the galls all the winter, even though the leaves fall to the ground, and appear as adults in April, They consist entirely of parthenogenctic females which proceed to deposit their eggs deep down among the catkins and young leaves. The resulting galls vecur in May and June and are spherical and sappy in character, The generation which emerges from them was originally thought to be a distinct species. Males and females are produced, and, after mating, the females Aur. ee Bracxsourn, Plant Gails 63 deposit their eggs at the side of the veins in the tissue of the young leaves, resulting in galls of the lenticular kind. The most striking diflerence between the females of the two generations is in the length of the avipositor, those emerging in April have long ones for reaching down between the young buds, whereas the October females have only short evipositors. A) very common Cynipid gall may he found on the stems of Flatweec. Fig. 3—Tea-tree with galls. Among the flies (Diptera) the family Cecidomyidae (CGall- ghats) is noteworthy. These littl gnats (Figure 2) are respon- sible for a great number of galls, some of which are of economic importance. An interesting one occurs on the Tea-tree (Leptos- permet devigaten:) and takes the form of a mass of bract-like scales frequently mistaken for a bud (Figure 3). If the scales are carefully separated larvae and pupae may be found at the bases. These larvae are parasitized by wasps, one of which is a species of frostemuta (Platygasteridac} and undoubtedly one of the most remarkable of insect forms. Phe female (Figure +) carries her Vie. Nat. 64 Bracwgourn, Plant Calls Vol. LIV ovipositor in a horn-like case springing from the anterior end of the abdomen and curving over the thorax. My attention was first drawn to this curious creature by seeing some microscope slides imported from England, and upon looking the matter up | found that the wasp parasitized a Cecidomyid responsible for galls in the blossom buds of the pear in that country. Surely, thought [, we must have something similar in Australia, but enquiry amoug my entomologist friends failed to elicit any satisfactory response Fig, 4.—-fnosienuna sp. §. until Miss J. Raff remembered that, two years previously, a specimen with the peculiar ovipositor’ case had emerged from some Tea-tree galls collected by students; she very kindly searched for and eventually found a specimen tube containing one female and two males. Later I succeeded in breeding out many of these wasps. Fail- ing to find here anyone able or willing to descrthbe the species it became necessary to send specimens to America, Mr, Robert Fonts, of California, an authority on the Platygasteridae, wrote me that “The species is undoubtedly new, there betng no others properly referable to /wostemma known from the Australasian Region.” In his last letter, dated July, 1936, he stated that he had described the species and would send me a copy of the descrip- tion when published. This has not yet arrived. ‘tant Bracksourn, Pian! Calle 35, In attempting to follow aut the lite-lislory of wasp and host 1] have heen handicapped ly ty distance fron) the coust and the diffeulty of obtainmg young Tea-tree plants in pots which émuld be placed under glass shades, Grats have been seen ty mate and to deposit eges deep down in the axils af the young leaves. The eges batelt cight ov nine days Inter. Wasps have also mated and have heen watched white depositing their eggs on and close to those of the gnats, but these eggs have $n far not hatched. Time and patience will be needed to solve the many prubletis suggested. The photomicrographs illustrating chis article were very kindly: taken for me hy Mr. O. H. Coulson ftom iny own mounts. EXCURSION TO THE GEOLOGICAL MUSEUM The Gealogical Museunr of the Mites Deparuntent, in Grabormwe Srreet, was vititesl on Saturday afternoon, July 14, by metnbers af the Club, who were met by the Secretary for Mines (Mr Geo, Brown), the Direrter of Geological Survey (My, W, Baragwanath), and Mr, W, 5, Abraham, Officer in charge of the Museum. The extensive changes just completed al the Museum occasioned pleasant surprise, The inteser of the bunlding has heen entirely renovated. A namber of racks have beets proyuled Tor a display af building stones, granite blocks, ete , additional space has been secured om a lower floor far the transfer of the Geological Library, and a splendid series of geologtca) and scenic photographs grace the walls. A valuable and uneque colleclien of minerals presented to the State, sone tine geo, by the late Mr Bo J. Daan, #0.8., formerly Director of Goolorital Survey, attracted much attention. The variety of quarts specimens dis- played is exceptionally fine, there being colourless, white, yellow (citrine), violet (amethyst), and black (murian and lydianite) crystals, showing caps of different colours, and sections showing interesting stages of: srowth. Ther are also such fornie of quarte as ayate, learnclian, and chalcedony, showilie a diversity of colours and markitigs. Other noticeable spccimens are crystals of green Aluorspar will welJ- developed faces, purple apatite, aml pelibles of cortendym in various colours, red_ black and blue. Sone of these pebbles are dull, hut thers afte highly polished, meicating attrition through Jong ages. Enhytros, or water- stoney, first found at Beechworth. arc also shown These interesting objects resemble crystals in having Aat faces whith are Turmed of crasts of ehaleedony aml in numerous cases, enclose water and gas, any move- ment of the inyrisoned liquid being clearly discernible. Various stages of the grrawth of these stones are presented. any varieties of Victorian gemstanes are exhibited. Of the diamands fit the collection sone are colourless, while others are yellaw, the largusé of each variety approximating a carat in weight. All are perfect crystals. Blue und green sapphires, white, yellow and hlue topazes, ainethysts, garnets, and hlve and green turquoise make a most interesting exhibit, Ttems of gencral geological mterest inclade gold-bearing quartz specimens, indicators hard cores oblamed from diamond drilling, representative foreign geological speciinens, gJaucanitic sandstones and crude oil front Lakes Entrance ( Gtpps- land), as well as sandstones, marbles and granites far building purposes, fo diagratmmatic Jashion the workines of the New Moriing Star Mine at Woods Point ate shawn, This exhibit consists of a case containing a numbers of large glass slides arratigesd i vertical succession to represent the different levels of the mine Sf Nienous, 4 North Australian Dendrobtrn vag Bier A NORTH AUSTRALIAN DENDROBIUM, Ry W. H. Nicwotts Dendvobium dieuphiwan, F.v.M+—This elegant species is hricfly described and commented upon by its author, Baron Sir Ferdinand von Mueller, in Pragauento. Phytographic Australie, viii, 28 (1871), but he had: previousiy described it fully (under D.- bigibbim), In Vol. vi of the same work, ft is one of those Terms which range themselves around the superl Cooktown Orchid (D, phalanopsis, Fitz.), D, superinens, Reichh.; D, FiteGeraidti, F.v.M.; and D. bigtbbum, Lindl, are other Austra- lian species—all close allies. D, divuplwim is well separated Irom all these forms in several particulars—chiefly that of habit, Bentham refers to this species as D, bicuphran, but the meaning is identical. The speamen from whieh my drawing was nvide is in the possession of Mrs, Charles Barrett, of Elstermwick, Victovia, and was collected by her durifig Wavels with her hushand in Northern Australia in 1933, andl exhibited at a Club meeting early this year. One hatint of D. dieuphaan x5 at Koolpinyah, about 30 miles Trom Darwin, where it grows on the Paper-barks (Melaleuca), also on other trees ni this locality, and is reported as fairly abundant. Th Darwin the showy and graceful sprays of flowers are Invoured for wedding houquets, ete, a purpose for which they are well suited. It is unecessary to give a full description of this orebid, for the accompanying plate shows its characteristics, he individual Howerg arq approximately 3 cm. in diameter; the segments of the penanth are pure white—deep purple at the base—thas the flawers possess a contrasting centre. Bentham gives, in Flora ustradiensis, vi, a tairly detailed de- scription of D. dicuphisn; but his material wag dried, and the colour of the blogms is incorrectly given, He also records few flowers to.a raceme (three or four), inn Mrs, Barrett's plant the raceme possessed filteen, Lum indebted to Dr. R.S. Rogers, of Adelaide (S.A.) for the definite determination of tlys orchid, Bentham gives the followmg habitats for this species: The iiverpool R, (Gulliver), and Port Darwin (Schultz). KEY TO ILLUSTRATION CDENDROGIUM DICUPIAM, Py.M.) Pig, A—A typical speciniee, Fig B.—Calli ov the labelfuniamina. Fig. C.—Spum Fig. D=-Colunn: head showing wine wither .remayed. Aug. 1937 eo . a weve rea “EG, . : ae = Neteqetod®s ee A Dendrobium dicuphtun Fav Xf. 68 Barrett, The Ainided Anteater Ala ite THE BANDED ANTEATER One of the rarest of all native animals, the Banded -\nteater (Mayrimccobius fasciatus) is found only in South Australia and South-western Australia [ts dean has been delaved, at with che advance uf settlement this beautiful little marsupial must become restricted to a very few localities and finally disappear completely, Its chief stronghold appears to be at Kojonup, Western Aus- tralta, for nearly all records of Afvrivecobints in recent years are from that district, My brother-in-law, Mr, H. J. Hiller, has a sheep stathow at Kojonup, and oceasionally sees Banded Anteaters on his property. He has captured several, but failed to solve the problem of keeping them alive beyond a few days, though they readily accepted their favourite food—termites—liberally supplied, My daughter, Miss Beatrice Barrett, who has been spending a holiday at Kojonup, in a letter of recent date, gives interesting notes on the habits of VWoyrimecobins as observed by Mr. Hillier: “Unele has told me all that he discovered respecting the ways of fanded Anteaters. There is a family of these living on his property. They will not live in captivity. Somebody caught a female with twa young ones and gave them to uncle. ‘The mother has no pouch, but a fold of skin, on to which the babies ching with their claws. Supplied with quantities of white ants daily, the captives ate a few with very rapid movements of the tongue, but apparently not enough to keep them alive. Water was given to them, but uncle has never seen a Myriecobias drink. “Banded Anteaters have poor eyesight, for you can walk within a few yards of one before it takes any notice: yet they are very shy animals and usually ran inte a hollow log when alarmed, They flatten the whole beady when frightened and flutf ont the tail, as does a Squirrel, and run so close to the ground that they appear to be legless. Normally, the long tail is sinooth and ronnd, Init any Jisturbance causes a spreading ouf of the lair ac that it looks quite bristly. “This district seems to be the last stronghold of Mavareeubins, at least in the West, and even here, at Kojonup, it is mut often seen now. Dr. Wn, Hillier (brother of Mr. H. J. Hillier) states that all the specimens he has seen in England came from Kojonnp. I believe that many of the poor little creatures are destroyed hy hush fires: they run into hollow logs for pretection from the flames, and, of course, soon perish, They are able to climb, by the way, and quickly escape from a wire-netting enclosure unless itis roofed in. The people around here are farmers, and not much concerned about wild animals, excepting to know what han they may do to crops or sheep, The few who are interested have litre time to spare for observation of the Banded Anteater.” Crarries BARRETT. The Victorian Naturalist Vol. LIV.— Na. 5 September 8, 1937 ' No. 645 THE FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF.VICTORIA The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held at the Rayal Society's Hall on Monday, August 8, 1937. Mr. G. Cog- hill, the senior Vice-President, pr esided, until after the lecture for the evening, and more than one hundred members and friends attended, 4 CORRESPONDENCE From the Secretary for Lands, thanking the Club for bringing “Vandalism at Mt. Buffalo National Park” under the notice of the authorities, From Dr, Harris, thanking the Club for sympathy expressed in hig recent bereavement. Mr. Coghill announced that a Club member, Dr, R, 5. Rogers, of Adelaide, had recently celebrated his golden wedding, and the Secretary was instructed to write congratulating him, DONATION Tt was announced that Mr. Iva Hammett had presented twa books to the Club Library, and that a book of newspaper cuttings relating to the Club and its activities in the carly days, collected by the late Mr. OD, Best, had been presented by his niece, Miss Best. REPORTS OF EXCURSIONS Reports of excursions were given as follow: Melbourne Streets {study of building stones), Mr. F, S. Colliver; Franksten (general geology}, Mr, A. C. Frostick, LECTURE ON THE ANTARCTIC The subject for the evening was a lantern lecture “With Scott in the Antarctic,” given by Capt. Gerald Doorly, A farge cotlec- tion nf slides was shown and the lecturer gave a jascinating descrip- tion af life and adventure down south, and the animals and birds of the Antarctic. The President, Mr. A. H. Chishoim, expressed the thanks of the Club to Capt. Doorly, who was warnily applauded. Mr. R. H. Croll stated that Capt. Doorly had written a book: In the Woke, which was now available, and expressed the- hope that members generally would read it, 70 Field Naturalists’ Club Proceedings aed _ ELECTION OF MEMBERS On a show of ‘hands the following were duly clected as ordinary members of the Club: Miss F, G. Dunn, Mrs, H. Jenkins, Messrs. H‘ Kendall, John Dawson, J. Hooper and P. Crosbie -Morrison, The following were elected as Honorary Members of the Club: Mrs, V.'H. Miller, Messrs. W. M. Bale, Geo. Coghill, J. E. Dixon, Chas. French, J. Searle, J. A. Kershaw and TF S. Hart. The President stated that these elections were tmade for services renidered to science and to the club. GENERAL BUSINESS Mr. G. N.. [yam spoke-on the forthcoming Wild Nature Show aud asked for the full support of members. Mr. Hyam also mentioned the recent deputation to the Secre- tary ot Lands with refererice to National Parks. NATURE NOTES Mr. V. H. Miller drew attention to the number of Magpies killed on Victorian roads by motor cars. The meeting then adjourned ior the conversazione. ' | EXHIBITS | ‘Mrs. Charles Barrett—South African otchid, Lis persis capensis (‘“Mocderkappie"), from South Afriea. — Mrs. E. Freame.—Whales’ baleen, teeth atid food, from the Antarctic; map of the Bay of Whales. Miss B. Holfland.—Painting of the Lyrebird. Misses Knox.—Spears from New Guinea. Mr. I. P. Dickens--Marine sextant. Mr. Gilhert Rogers—Pale yellaw form of the Flame Heath (Astrolama conostephioides Biv, M. var flavescens Pv.M.), a very rare form not seen since 1872; also the type scarlet form for comparison, ‘Mr. E. E. Pescott—Water-colour drawing of Bulbine bulbosa hy the late Oswald G. Lower, of South Australia, “Mr. F. S, Colliver—Tertiary fossils ftom Frankston, photo- graphs of geological features noted on the excursion, Also large fossil Brachiopod from the Carho-perinain of Hobart, Tasmama., Sept. é * . 5 i. year Coreman, Pallination ia Australia of Yueca flamentosa 71 POLLINATION IN AUSTRALIA OF YUCCA FILAMENTOSA By Epitn Co-eman The American Yuceas, natives of the northern Atlantic coast region of U.S.A, are now cultivated throughout the world, Most of the species have leaves which pene in sharp points, The popular names, “Spanish Dagger" “Bayonet” are appropriate. In some species, like )’, Haieittege which is grown in many Victorian gardens, the margins of the leaves in vigorous plants become free, curling into short threads; hence another popular name, ‘“Adam’s-needle-and-thread,” Tt was discovered by Englemann and Riley more than seventy- five years ago, and later confirmed by other observers, that the flowers of ¥. filumentosa are pollinated by the females of a small, hitherto undescribed, twilight moth, to whieh Dr, Riley, then State Entomologist of Missouri, gaye the name Pronnba yuecaselle. She alone, of all the world’s moths, is able to perform “this fune- tion, and it is the Yucca only whose ovaries provide food for her larvee. The females of Pronuba have prehensile maxillary tentacles, possessed, it is believed, by no other genus of moths—tentacles which can be used like fingers in gathering pollen from the anthers of Yueca flowers. The range of the muth is restricted to natural habitats of Yuecas, which are said to be sterile in the absence of the Pronuba moth. Hitherto, in deseribing the pollination of orchids, asclepaids and other flowers, I have shown that removal and transference of pollen have been a matter of chance, as far as the insects were concerned. Latred by certain attractions they entered the flowers, and, as they secured their booty, they became dusted with grains of pollen; or pollen-masses were clipped, or stuck to some part of their bodies, Even in the case of pollen-collecting bees, as in the pollination of Zautedeschia, it is the grains caught by chance on hairy bodies which serve the purpose of pollination, not the pollen which is consciously collected to fill corbicula. But the Pronuba moth deliberately collects pollen from a Yueca flower, and with it she as deliberately pollinates another flower—ihat is to say, to our limited human understanding it appears ta be a very purposeful action. The creamy flowers are pendulous, a position which prevents sel{-fertilization, except by insect imervention. As will be seen from the illustration of a flower on page 73, any pollen falling from the anthers has only the remotest chance of reaching the tubular stigmas, The flowers expand and ent their delicate odour only in the evening, when the twilight moth is active. They are closed during the next day and do not open again. The 72 CoLteMA, Pollination in Australia of Yucca flamentosa a ae stigmas are receptive during a period of approximately twenty- four hours after which the flowers wither, and, with their stalks, soon fall, unless fructified, when they may remain for some weeks. In the bud stage the six stamens lie closely pressed against the ovary. When the flower expands the clubbed stamens spread and become reflexed, the anthers standing well away from the ovary. The pistil terminates in three sessile, lufid stigmas, united at their bases. They thus form a short tube with six small lips, the inner surface only of the lips being stigmatic. When receptive the six lips spread open, exposing their immer stigmatic surfaces. After pollination, or at the close of their period of receptivity, the lips fold inward, closing the stigmatic tube. Thus moths are unable to waste time in pollinating a non-receptive stigma, or one which has already been pollinated. The anthers open before the flower expands. * Their cells con- tract and curl hack, expelling the \' glutinous pollen, which now rests ae tully exposed on the summit of each stamen. An insect entering VA f If WH \* the flower fn such a way that a ii sane part of its body comes in | | | \ \ contact with the anthers could IA \ | hardly fail to remove some of te? Gals }| the adhesive pollen. Visiting | | another flower rz the same mtan- ae / ner it will almost certainly brush, ; / with its pollen-laden hairs, the \ A™\ f/ outspread stigmatic lips, provided oY “y the visit takes place during the Fr 1 4 period of receptivity, ie, hefare Section through an ovary of the lips close inward. Fucca filamcntosa Intering a flower at dusk, the Pronuba moth visits each anther in turn. Her finger-like tentacles are stretched to their full extent. Her tongue is uneoiled. The maxillary palps are used much as ordinary mandibles are used in other insects in removing pollen towards the spinous tentacles. With these she shapes the pollen into a pellet, the tentacles curving and stretching as she does so, smoothing and pressing, adding a little more pollen from the anther until the moth has gathered as much as she can carry —a mass perhaps three times the size of her head. Holding the pellet under her neck, resting on the trochanters of her front legs, she flies to the ovary of another flower, often on another plant, With her long ovipositur she pierces the wall and deposits, befececn fwo ovules, a single thread-like egy. Tae Coneman, Pollination it Australia of Yucca fllanientosa 73 Unless flowers are pollinated, except in a few rare instances, their ovules do not develop into seeds, Immature ovules would be useless as food for her larva when it leaves the egg. Does the moth know this? After inserting her egg, still grasping between those strange finger-like tentacles the ball of pollen, she carries it to the top of the pistil, Using her tongue as a ramrod, she presses some of the pollen into the stigmatic tube. She has pollinated the flower. She has done more than that. She has Fie. 2 Expanded flower of Vucca fllamtentosa taken the vital step which will stimulate the ovules into develop- ment of a vich foodstere for her larva, without which it miutst perish. The moth now returns to the ovary, again pierces its wall and deposits another egg, after which sha presses more pollen into the stigmatic tube above. What impelled the moth to press pollen into the tube above the very ovary in which she had inserted her egg, and to repeat the process when she inserts another egg? Does she know that the lives of her offspring depend upon this step? It is possible 74 CoLeman, Pollination in Australia af Yucca fllamentosa Vor ite. that the custom was acquired by the moth when feeding upon the copious stigmatic secretion. Even now one might assume that she is attracted to the secretion were jt not for her habit of collect- ing and carrying a pellet of pollen to the sttgnias, before inserting her tongue into the tube. It is at this point that our links seem weak. One must see the moth at work belore one may safely hazard a theory as to why she probes the stigmatic cavity. I think her choice of only young flowers in which to oviposit may he explained by the condition of the pollen which, being adhesive in newly opened flowers, would be more casily collected, Observers do not appear to have noted whether she makes an examination of the pollen, rejecting that which is too dry for her purpose. Her use of the tongue in collecting, or pressing pollen inte the tube, does not appear to tne to have been definitely established. Since Englemann and Riley published their observations it has been shown that cach species of Yucca is pollinated by a different species of Pronuba moth, POLLINATION IN AUSTRALIA OF Yucca filamentosa While the Pronuba moth must, at present, be regarded as the official pollinator of Yuceas in America, the present paper will show that they are not so wholly dependant upon the moth as we have believed, and that in Australia, probably also im_ other countries where bees work early and late, they are pollinated hy hive bees. In August, 1935, I ordered from Hazlewood Bros., of Epping, New South Wales, six plants of Vacca filumentosa, To my sur- prise, I received hardy seedlings, instead of plants struck from offshoots, a common method of propagating Yuccas. Being aware of the remarkable interdependance of Yucca and Pronuba moth, and believing that the latter had not been recorded in Australia, I assumed that the seedlings were the result of artificial pollina- tion. I wrote to the Epping firm for confirmation and was told that they had no need to hand-pollinate: their Yuccas set seed naturally! To further inquiry, Mr. St. John, of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, gave the same reply. Fram Mr. G. F. Hawkey I learned that Yuccas in the Sydney Botanic Gardens had not set seed nor had artificial pollination been attempted. I found that Yucceas set seed naturally in Queensland. From the structure of the flowers, and their pendant position, it did not seem to me at all likely that they were pollinated, except very fortuitously, by hymenoptera or other insects. Knowing of no moth in Australia furnished with the prehensile maxillary tentacles of Pronuba or with an ovipositor capable of piercing fruits such as those of the Yuccas, I wrote for confirma- tion on this point to Mr, J. Clark, of the National Museum. He Sept. eh 3 5 A 19a Coteman, Pollination it Australia of Yucca filamentosa 75 referred me to Dr. A. J. Nicholson, Chief Entomologist at Can- berra, who, in turn, referred me to Dr, A, J, Jefferis Turner, Brisbane, a leading authority on our moths, Dr. Turner assured me that the Pronuba is not in Australia. Ie added, "Unfortu- nately [ cannot answer your question about piercing ovipositors. I know of moths with elongate ovipasitors but how they use them I do not know.” In reply to a further letter, Dr. Turner wrote: “It is difficult to understand how Yuccas can have produced seed in Australia, and, if true, it deserves investigation.” From time to time I carefully examined Yueca flowers in the Botanic Gardens, at Ringwood, Lilydale and Healesville, and noted in every instance an absence of capsules. As all of these plants grew in public gardens, and as some of them had been mutilated by children, who pulled the leaves for bayonets when playing “soldiers,” it seemed probable that seed capsules, also, may have been disturbed. Morcoyer, as flowers of Yuccas fall so soou after fructification, they may have been ayerlooked, In October, 1936, while spending a week-end at French Island, I saw bees visiting flowers of Y. alorfolia in Mrs. Bennetts’ garden. It was late in the evening, The flowers were just at the opening stage, and the bees were obviously trying to enter them. Examina- tion showed the presence of a little free nectar at the base of the perianth segments. The stigmatic lips were open. The tubes contained a clear, rather viscid fiuid, The presence of seedlings in the garden pointed to naturally-set seed. Later, Miss O. Bennetts reported having failed to find capsules on her mother's plants or on those of their neighbours’, The fruits had prohably fallen before they were noticed. Seedling plants spring up natu- rally in Miss Daff's garden at Clematis. Of four fallen flowers sent to me by Miss Daff on May 26, 1937, three were undoubtedly fructified, although the plant flowered so late in the season. On December +, 1936, I bought a plant of J. filamentosa in full flower and had it transplanted to my garden. Despite a windy day, only a few of the flowers were lost, The plant did not suffer at all, For the first three wecks it was sheltered on very hot days with a large beach umbrella. I also botyght, at the same time, three basal offshoots, each with a fine panicle of flowers, and these, too, were pressed into the protind. and sheltered with umbrellas. To my surprise they have taken root, An offshoot from the stem of Y. alorfolta from Mrs. Bennetts’ garden rooted vigorously, but that was not so surprising for the stems of this spectes arg really thick rhizomes which have become erect, instead of growing horizontally underground. But 1". flainentosa has ordinary underground rhizomes which it does not clevate. Offshoots, however, do spring from the base of the stem, and these produce an incteasing number of offshoots. 76 CoLeman, Pollination in Australia of Pucea flamentosa be ter My reward came the day after the plants were established in the garden when, at 9.30 a.m. I noticed bees flying about the flowers on one of the offshoot panicles. They were probing, with their tongues, between the perianth segments, near their bases. They did not attempt to enter the flowers, which were almost closed. Next day, at 8 a.m., I took two bees which I had seen enter hali-closed flowers. Lach bee bore a few grains of pollen on undersurface hairs, which examination under the microscope showed to be Yucca pollen. In the next few weeks I saw many flowers visited. Of three bees taken from fully-expanded flowers at 6.15 a.m., 6.30 a.m., and 8 p.m. respectively, chloroformed and examined under a lens, not one bore pollen, The reason is clear. Fic. 3 Fruits of Fueca flameniosa At these periods they were.able to enter the open flowers, sip nectar, and depart without touching either anthers or stigmas. But, in pushing into half-closed flowers the bees had brushed against one or more of the anthers, Moving over receptive lips in another flower they would almost certainly leave on them any pollen adhering to undersurface hairs. Later in the day, when the flowers were quite closed, the bees made no very determined attempt to enter, possibly because they Sept. BY ee nt . 7 iaez Coreman, Pullinalton it Australia of Fucca filamentosa ™ “Sd iound no convenient platform, as m orchids and other lipped flowers. An inverted, closed flower does not offer the same facilities as an erect one, so the bees were content to probe from the outside for such nectar as they conld reach. In a few days rigid flower-stalks and slightly swollen ovaries were evidence of polliuation. I think, therefore, that we may say that natural pollination in Australia depends upon the fact that bees push into half-closed flowers aé a tinte when their stigmas are receptive, Bees also enter the flowers in very early morning and. in late evening (6 a.m. and 8.15 p.m. in December), but in these instances they are able to reach the nectar withant pollinating the flowers, and for this reason they cannot be regarded as “officer” pollinators, All the visiting bees were nectar-gatherers. Although there is an wbundance of fully exposed pollen available bees do not appear to collect it. There is often much moisture on the outside of the flowers, which glistens like dewdrops, even on very hot days. Blowflies appeared to be sipping these drops of tasteless fluid. “Sugar-ants” freely visited the fiowers, especially at dusk. These were able to obtain nectar without touching cither anthers or stigmas. L examined many under a Jens but saw no pollen on their bodies. Miss G. Neighbour told me she had seen “sugar- ants” visiting Yucca flowers in Miss Daff'’s garden at Clematis. Miss Daff kindly sent me an ant for examination, It bore no pollen. “Towards evening the stigmatic ttbe fills with rather viscid, almost tasteless fluid. This secretion is not necessary to hold the grains of pollen, for they are themsclves adhesive, Morcoyer, a greater quantity is secreted than is necessary as a medium in which pollen grains may germinate. Where fluid is secreted in two different parts of a flower we miay assume that it serves two different purposes. Usually that which is most accessible serves to delay those insects which would deplete the supply of nectar without pollinating the flowers; whereas the bribe for legitimate pollinators ig secreted in the best position to secure, by its aid, removal and transference of pollen. We have such instances in certain orchids, irises and azaleas. On January 1, 1937, after almost all the flowers had fallen, I noticed at the tip of every peduncle, the point of its union with the now fallen pedicel, a ball of white sugar, rather larger than a “pearl” of sago, where a drop of sap had granulated. I nibbled some and found them rather like fondant. This sap would doubtless have ascended the flower-stalks and is probably a source of the sweet fluid which attracts ants and bees, and supplements the small amount of nectar secreted by the glands, It seems very probable that, in America, the stixmatic secretion has an attraction for the Pronuba moth, and that, even in Australia, we nay presently find that it is palatable to some insect which will bring about a jess fortuitous pollination than that effected by bees. 78 = Coneman, Pollination in Australia of Vucea filamentosa Beans It is possible that the habit of using her tongue to thrust pollen into the stigmatic tnbe was originally acquired by the moth when feeding on this secretion, and that she is still responding to a desire for food. On the other hand, it is just as probable that she does not feed at all. Nor would this explain her habit of collecting pollen, and rolling it into a ball for easy transport, before she visits the stigmas, The fact that she renews her load as it diminishes implies that she is aware of the necessity to place pollen on the stigmas, to ensttre a supply of food for her larvae, On my plants a number of flowers with rigid pedicels and sliglitly swollen ovaries were evidence that pollination had taken place. These soon fell and proved infertile, Swelling of the ovary is consequent upon pollination, \ not necessarily fertilization, \ although it is continued after fertilization. The ovules are so stimulated by the germination of pollen grains that, by the time the tubes reach their nicropyles they are ready to receive the fertilizing contents. On January 23 there remained on my plant three fine capsules, FZ one only of which proved to be ( fertile, They were all of a size, smooth and green, the lines of dehiscence prominently marked. The first-formect fell, February 10 and February 19, and soon shrivelled, The third one fell on March 3. It dehisced in the normal manner. Seme of the seeds have aircady gerininated. It seems a low percentage of fruits, but other alien plants, notably certain aloes, exhibit the same reluctance to set seed naturally in Australia. Tt must be remembered, toa, that I lost a few flowers, and that some were gathered for examination. The pendent flowers become erect after pollination, Were the cap- sules to dehisce in the pendent position the seeds would fall into the rosette of leaves at the base of the stem. In the vertical position facililities are afforded for a more beneficial dispersal by birds, occasionally by wind, when the capsules remain on the plant after the viseid covering of the thin seeds has dried. According to Englemann and Riley, capsules which have been pierced by an ovipositor show a constriction at a little below the middle. This constnction, shown in the illustration Fig, 4 on this page, 1s apparent even in herbartum material. As my fruits exhibit Fic. 4 Moth-pollinated Yucca fruits (After Englemann and Riley ) rs01 | Coreman, Pollination ww. Australia of Vucea filamentosa 7y neither holes (made by escaping larve) nor constrictions (see Fig, 3, page 76), it is evident that the lowers were not pollinated, after oviposition, by a ntoth, It may be supyested that the structure of the Yucca flower, which so perfectly prevents self-fertilization, and which is adapted to the needs af only ane insect, is likely to bring about the extinction of the species. In their own country, at least, they appear to have become depertdant for pollination upon the whims of one extremely race moth. Against that may be balanced the benchts ef an wccasional crass, and the fact that, as in other instances of exclusive association ot plant and insect (Crypta- slytis in Australia may be cited), the Yucca does not rely wholly upun seed for increase, but is able to reproduce vegetalively. The presence of nectar suggests that Yuccas were ance pollinated by hyrenoptera, As the present paper shows, in the abserice of the Protiuba moths the fiowers revert to their (probable) original halit. Seedling plants in the gardens of Mus. Bennetts and Miss Daff are proof that natural pollination takes place in Victoria. (Moy I suggest that interesting investigations might be carried met in Australia if entomologists in ihe U.S.A. would forward cocaons containing Prounba wtoths in the pupal stale.) JACK NOWLEDGMENTS T arn indebted for assistance to Mrs. Bennetts, Miss Daff, Mtss Neighbour, Mr. J. Clark, Dr. A. {- Nicholson, Dr A. Jefferis Turmers Dr, G. T, Moore (Director Missouri Botanical Garden), for hlérature on the subject of pollination in America; Dr A. B, Stout (Director of Laboratories, New York), for list of publica- tions: Mr. G. F. Hawkey, for Yucca fowers; Mr. H. Hazlewood, of Epping; Mr. F. Rae (Director of Melbourne Botanic Gardens), who gave me permission to examine Yucca flowers in the Gardens ; and to Mr, Bainbridge, who assisted in removing a plant so successfully to my garden. KEY TQ ILLUSTRATIONS Fig. 1. page 72—Longitudinal section through an ovary of ¥. filomentosa showing three clubbed stamens with their anthers contracted and pollen expelled. In centre ts seen tubular stigma (section only) with thece of its stigmatic lips. Above sugmatic cavity, two rows of ovules are shown. Fig. 2, page 73—Yucca flamentosa, showing normal position of parts in expanded flower. Note the six stigmatic lips which are outspread, Jeaving tube open, For photographing, the upper perianth segments have been turned back, Vix. 3, page 76—Fruits of ¥. fitumentosa, the result of natural pollination in Australia, Right: Capsule dehiscing naturally. (Note that there are neither constrictions nor holes—as jin moth-pollinated flowers, Fig. 4, page 78—Moth-pollmated Yucca fruits—Lelt: ¥. fitamentosa. "showing where three lary have emerged dafter Englemanh), Right: ¥, anyustifolia, showing holes made by four escaping larve (alter Riley)., ‘Note the constriction of the capsules. . rr A] Cocnryen, Pitil Localities dn dad About Metbourte barRis4 FOSSIL LOCALITIES IN AND ABOUT MELBOURNE By F. 5. Cottiver - Tart IV—-A.towa Baown Coa, Mine To reach this locality, take the train to Altona, changing at Newport, and then follow along the line past the Station until, on the right-hand side, an old amine dump 15 noticed; practically behind this and less than half a mile distant, is a long low mound of debris from the amare recently worked mine, and this is where fossils may be found. This area contains a large deposit of brown coal wluch is excel- lent in quatity, but, unfortunately, the overburden hére ts same- thing like 400 feet thick and mining by a shafi is the only way in which it can be worked. The cost woukl greatly exceed that of almost surface dredging as at Yallourn. Above the brown coal is a deposit of blue clay, the same in type and fossil content as that of Balcombe Bay, near Mornington, ‘and it is of this malermal that the mouncl referred io ts formed, To collect fossils it is necessary only to walk along the mound and pick wp whatever shells, eic,, are seen in the clay; a great number should not be expected, as this inaterial has been worked over for many years. Along the base of this deposit, and occa- sigually even on top of i, are mumerous stells (uot fosstl) from the brackish water swamps that are all aruund, The specimens obtainable here are mostly shells, but at the end ‘of the dump numerous large “Torams” of the flattened type may be collected; the clays also contain corals, sponge spicules (gene- rally found a the hands after breaking up lumps of clay), occa- sional ear-bones and teeth of fishes, spines and plates of sea urchins, and many other typical Tertiary marine fossils. The hard limestone concretions should be broken abso. for often they contain beautihial casts and impressions, and sometimes the actual shell, etc.; these concretions are of the same age as the clays. They are classed as being of the “Balcombian Series,” taking the name from the typical section at Balcombe Bay; this seriés has been referred to the Eocene, Oligocene, and Miocene by different authors. — These Balcombian Series are outstanding for the beauty of preservation of their fossils, many of the shells still retaining their colour and natural-polish. Again, the variety and Jaunal assem- blage which point to mere tropic conditions than we have in Victoria m this Recent period, together with the number of large specimens, make the blue clays indeed a “happy hunting ground.” One shell which occurs in these Baleornbiar deposits is of par- ticular interest as it is the largest known Cowry, ¢ither living or fussil. The type of Cypraea gigas McCoy, described in the Pro- Sept, 1997 Con.iver, Fossil Localities In and About Melbourne 8] dyronus of Paleontology of Victoria, Decade 2, is 8 inches in length; even larger specimens ate believed to exist im private collections. The following is a list of the more common fossils that should reward ihe earnest seeker in this locality: Lanellibranchiata— Dimya dissuvalis Tate Carbula ephanulla Tate Chama lamellifera T, Woods Barbatia celleporacea Tate Leda vagans Yate Limopsis morntngtonensis Pritchard ; Corals— Flabellun: victoriae Duncan Placotrochus deltoideus Duncan : Piacetrochus elongatus ~ Duncan SD eH Preeti titi DnDpaaneateneersuennenaaere Gastropoda— Argobuccinnm. naccoyt Pritcharel Phos tordicresens Tate Ancilla semilaevis T. Woods Pleurotoma murndaliana T. Woods Bathytome rhombeidahs T. Woods Trivia avellanoides McCoy Cerithium. apheles T. Woods Bulinella exigua T. Woads Dentakium mentelis Zittel Toraminifera— Operculina sp. WILD NATURE SHOW CANCELLED At its meeting on August 31, the Committee of the Club decided unamtmously to cancel arrangements for the Wild Nature Show, announced for October 26 and 27, It was felt that, in view of the infantile paralysis epidenic, it wauld be not only inadvisable but wrong to hald an exhibition largely intended for young people. PULL Ureuo rer eee SPP DE ee tee PU eee ee eC Per ree & Club Photographic. Libvary val ioe CLUB PHOTOGRAPHIC LIBRARY The Committee having decided to establish a properly indexed photographi¢ library at tle Club Rooms, we are making au earnest appeal to members ahd others interested to help by contributing prints. In the past. many valuable photographie records have beeu lost to the community and it 3¢ Intended 10 make the Club's collec- tion as comprehensive and useful as possible. Both historical and present-day records will be kept, and all branches of natural history be represented. Though not available for commercial nse, any photograph in the library will be made available, on Joan, for scientific purposes, to ilhistrate articles in-the Naturalist, and so forth. Every precaution will bé taken to preserve copyright and to see that the namie of the owner of the negative is given under each photograph published, Photographic records may be sent to the Secretary or handed ui at the monthly meetings, Mr. H. T_ Reeves has generously alfered ta give whole-plute prints from fifty of his negatives—studies of Australian wild flowers and fungi, including many unusual subjects. Further, he is willhng to act as Hon. Curator or Librarian, and take prints, in special cascs, from negatives lent to the Club for this purpose, MELBOURNE BUILDING STONES During (is nével excursion, tweitty tNatlralists, mi extending their acquaintance with some of the materials used in its building, made use oi the city 2¢ a Auge museum. The jdea of such an excursion was duc to a Club anember, Mrs, Lamparter, and its furtherance to the Clu Secretary, who Seized upon such sm original sugeestion as au ¢mergenuy measure whereby the blank, occasioned by the cancellation of an excursion originally intended for July 24, could be filled. It was praposed, by those interested, to tour part of Molbourtic with the object of examining buildings m whieh some of the materials listed in “Victorian Ruilding Stones,” @ Menes Depart- ment publication, had been waed, And, though rocks from Italy, Belgium, England and Scotland, and Finland. Norway and Sweden. were briefly included (hn the stevey, particular attention was paid to these quargicd in this State; it was noted also that rocks from Tasmania, New Zealand. New South Wales and Queenstand assumed pronmence in some of the twenty of thirty byildings exanrined, In view of the anticipated difficulty af keeping the party together in the more congested parts ‘of the city, 2 route was planned with the object of avotding such areas, and, at the sane time, including as many buildings necessary to the adopted Victorian preference as possible, while limiting unnecessary walking Le a minum. In illustraten it may be mentioned that, of almost one hundred buildings listed iv the pataphlet, nearby half the number are to be found in Collins Street, which, However, presents the problent of congestion. so that only a small part of the street had been traversed at the close of the excursion. Hence, though huildmigs on whieh most pf the Vitoria stones in use were examined, the excursion tar from exhausted the resources of Mclhourne as a petralagical museum. Though filty or more stones are Jisted Im the Mines Departrient publica- han, a senmary shews that little mere than a dozen liave been used to any extent, and of these auly one-half are commanly met with. Of the remainder, roth Excursion to Oliver's DM, Pronkstex 3. ' the greatest suntber have deen used torally, mnany in one er two casey only; in a few oqees a Quarry \ias supplied material for that 2 sitigle building, some have heen used for monumental and ather purposes, Winle mis stiles included are known only as spocimens. Te scetns strane that, While one miay répeatedly read of the comparative excellence of Austraban building stones when contrasted with ther imported prototypes, i still remams possible to tdeiefy the polisher products of overseas quarries in an abundance which shoul! at leas be shared by cur own “The discrepancy is presumed to be dau to Mie relative considerations of suitabiliiy and accessibility geverning cist, Vet, to take an outstanding cave, the marbie of ‘Mertin's Creek, sear QOrbnal, whith obtained au award at the 1908 Franco-Brinsh Exhitation, bas bee used m the Agent-General's office in Tondon though there appears to he un record of its use here, Apparently the Victorian rack is more inaccessthe or Jess attractive than the marbles imported from Maly and Belgien The unfortunate handicap doubtless is shared by the splendid collection af marbles af New South Wales, whith Stare possesses variegated, lireccialed, &gured aa colour mathies, from more than twenty cifterent localitics—— clajmed by the gurors of the same exhibition to surpass airy Evrojean ster found in commercial quantities, yel lhe marble of Caleula, New South Wales, may Ke seeti to advantage i the Manchester Unity Building Siontagl, the ved granite of Gabo Island, though mentioned in che Cambridge Museam Catalogue as surpaysing it brillianey the celebrated Peterhead pratite of Sentland, and claimed by ast Australian authority lw be a particularly good stone, casilp gecessible om the sca, is am more comman in Methourne build- ings than. are granites of Sweden, Scotland ané Vinland. Thence it wuulil appear thal w consideration af the dnestion al the desraliity ol a bulding stone in coniparisnn with its accessihijity, presents svintabea whiclt are devand the comprehension of a plodding petrologiet ‘OP, EXCURSION TO OLIVER'S HILL, FRANKSTON Showine evidence uf the latent possiilily of rain whieh. hinwever, dwindled a4 the day advanced, the aiternaon of fune 26 favoured the jourteen Membecs aid frends who atteauled the excursion lo Ghver's Hull, Unflurte- nately, un adverse tide rendered an examination of tle more imerestine chffsections ri Laneéslip Potot imnoossible, and the geological fearures available for inspeclot were linuted-to thase in the neighbourhvad of, and a little heyond, Oliver's Hill—or, more precisely, Dliver’s Ponit—the frst igh cliff to the south of Franksten. The nceurrence i a granitic rouk outcropping ti, ahd alate the base of, the cliffs al thas point, being promi- nent among the geological features generaily mecsuded above; first interested us, and attention was drawn. to the fact that it was seamed ly a series of fairly well-nacke) joints; numerous xenoliths (errfrves onallegéaes) had been subsequently intruded Ly 9 series of smail leucocrattc dykes (chiefly aplites and acicl yeins—some of which, in themselves, showed acloielit magmatic differentiation), and, lastly. that it was doubtiess a subterrauean extension, or apophrsis, of the granitio massif forming Mount Eliza a few niles 10 the senth. The cock front Prankston has heen described as “granitite’ by Me, EG, Hogg. wha bas also determined samples from the neighhuarine granitic aulcrops of Mount Martha and Wethir's Seat as “syenine! from the fet that both pi these rocks contain hornblende, Bul, accoreins ta nadern standards, werker of these two terms wre now tenlle. For firstly, though it is sG}l used oecasivjally for rocks better Heted as "bintste-eranite,” the dsuse of the tec “granitire’ fas been recommentled since a dy clained tu lack precision. lu the preseat case, however. it bas heen tised to Mmdicate the subsidiary relatiatiship of the alkal to cale-alkalj fetspars, aud is, in tins iespect, ayrionymons with the more mwdero term “granadinrite, And a Excursion to Oliver's Hill, Frankston ve secondly, with regard to the ¢o-called “Syenites” of Mount Martha and Arthur's Seat, the lenm has here been used in the original sense of Phity, hy whom if was designed to describe the archjcologically famous "horn- blende-granite of Syene, x former Egyptian city in the provifice af Mudiria, This rock, the "plaunite of Brogger, though once tegarded by Wermer as the equivalent of the rock from Syene, has very iteportant characteristics ul its own, Further, hornblende is 2 not uncommon constituent of the gtanorlisrites, and the Moune Martha rock, though somewhat altered and rather Anc-grained, has, m fact. been subsequently determined as auch, While, in eonjunction, the rock from Mount Eliza tas also been classed as a granodiorite from a micrometric analysis by Professor E. W, Skesis.2 Sa that it would seen hikely, as Mr. Howe suggests ip tlic paper already cited, that these apparently sasolated outcrops are in reality portion of the denuded crown of the same granitic bathylith, separated along the Gokdt by sunerficial cappings of younger, Tertlary sediments and lava flaws, and bounded on the east in pare by the ancient Lower Ordavirish sedinjenrs into which they have been intruded, passibly durmg the Unper Devonian period, The Frankston example is apparently the most northerly outcrop of the bathyhth which, notwithstanding the minor textural and iiheralogical ¢ariations common in such plutonic intrusions, would appear to be typical of granndiorite, Proceeding 2 Jitle farther southward along the base of the cliffs, we reached a fatrly extensive aboriginal kitchen-midden, burt ii the carnp of an old storm buttress characterized by the presence ot tare granitic boulders, Later, some facts concerning the main features of the younger racks averlying ie granndiarite were detailed, and several af the fandshps which tund tw complicate the geologsca) interpreanon uf the clifi-sections wefe voted, The represemation af the Older Basalt by = soit white clay, and of the granodiorite by a crumbling earthy mixture of kaolin and quartz, was cmphasized asa canseguetice of the tendency toward chenical stuliliza- (low by the weathering, aod consequent disintegration, of the |gnoous socks. Ad, by a diligent search among the blocks of barren ferrugmous prt which strew the narrow beach at the foot of the cliffs, Mr. Colliver was able to discover a singe block of softer foysilferous amaterial which occupied the attertion of the varty for some teme. yieWing a nuniber of fossil casts. Among the most interesting of the fossils collected were a cast of the tooth wf a fossil-shark, identified as Odentassis mevren (Davis), and a cast of one of ihe targer Foraminifera, Opercatina complanata (Defrance), io which the interior chambers were delicately moulded im the dy dratss iret oxide. limeiite. Accordm# to Messrs. Hall and Pritchard.’ these blocks of fossiliferous material have bren shed from a hand only a few inches an thickness, occurring in the iransteme grits of Landslip Point, about twenty icel ahove the lop of the Older Basalt; the original discovery bey credited to Mr. A, E. Kitson Further, these genelomen regard the deposit as belonging 10 the Balcombinn series, since, while it shows = lithological yanauon and is mot $0 rith in organic remains, fossils identical with these which typify the grey lays of Balcombe EBay, wear Mornington, are Coltaiied therein. They alsa give a faunal list, which since concerns oly the Mollusca and does not inchude the Selachij and the Farammntera, aise fails te include the two fossils meotioned shove Reloronirs 1. Hogg, £.G.: "The Petrology of Certain Victorian Granites.” Proc. Roy Soc, Vict, N.S, vol. xii, pl it, pp. 214, 224, 1901- ~ Skeats, E. We: “Notes on the Geology of Mooraduc jn the Mornington Peninsula’ Proc. Roy, Sos, Viet, NvS., vol, xx, pl i pp. 89-103, oo t 1968. Rall, T, S, and Pritchard, G, Bo: "Some Sections Ulastrating the Geological Structure of the Country about Momington." Prac tay. Sac. iret. N.Sy vol. xiv, pl i pp. 32-54, 1991. ACF bod ' THE FIELD NATURALIST Vor. Plate IX LIV October, 1937 represent the Bunyip possibly meant to carving at Bantry Bay N.S.W.; Rock- The Victorian Naturalist Vol. LIV.—No. 6 October 8, 1937 No. 646 THE FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA The ordinary meeting of the Club was held at the Royal Society's Hall on Monday, September 13, 1937. Mr. R. H. Croll, Vice- President, presided, and about ninety members and friends were present. Apologies were received from the President, Mr A, H- Chis- holm, and the Senior Vice-President, Mr. Geo. Coghill, who were unable to attend. j The Chairman referred to the recent death of a past member of ihe Club, Prof. A. J. Ewart; and all stood in silence as a mark of respect. ABORIGINAL ART The subject for the evening was a lecture on “Aboriginal Art,” given by Messrs. A, S. Kenyon, m.1.e. Aust., and Chas. Barrett, c.m.z.s. Slides and photographs shown by the epidiascope illus- trated the speakers’ remarks, At the close, several questions were asked by members, and Mr. Kenyon replied. — WILD NATURE SHOW The Chairman announced that arrangements for the Wild Nature Show had been caricelled owing to the epidemic of infantile paralysis. ; CORRESPONDENCE - From an American, Mr. C. P. Guthrie, asking for an exchange of Seahorse specimens, From the Federation of Melbourne Walking Clubs, inviting Club members te participate in a combined walk on October 10, 1937. ELECTION OF MEMBERS On a show-of hands, the following were duly elected as country members: Mr- and Mrs, Gilbert Rogers, Mr. T, Anderson, Mv. Alex, Hardie; and as associate member: Mr, Stan. Crichton. DONATION The Chairman announced that Mr. A. H. Mattingley had pre- sented to the Club a book, Poisonous Plants of South-West Ans- tralia, The volume was illustrated in colour and was a valuable addition to the library. On behalf of the Club he thanked the donor, 86 Field: Nealuratsts' Chih Proceortings va aN QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS A questimy was asked regarding the identity of a “martin” (mentioned in a book on Central Australia) that is supposed to live without water. Mr. Mattingley stated that it was impossible te identify the bird from the note, and that no bifd could live without water, although some needed very little, NATURE NOTES Mr. V. H, Miller, referring to his remarks at the last meeting on the ‘loll of the Road,” stated that a Magpie had attacked a boy on a bicycle almost in front of his car, and an accident was averted only by the car being stopped immediately. Miss C. C. Currie, of Lardner, in a letter, stated that for the fourth year a Satin Bower-bird had vistted her garden and built a bower, Mr. J. Halliwell, of Mordialloc, sent a note on Night Herons building and being perfectly contetited in trees in the schoolground. Mr. C, Barrett stated’ that, a few years ago. a Night Heron had been found on Prinve’s Bridge carly one morning. Mr. F. S-. Colliver spoke on a recent find in the Tooronga HBrick- yards quarry. The specimen (exhibited) appeared to he a fish spine allied to the genus Onchus, and was apparently a new record {ar Victoria. The specimen, found by Mr, Hurse, was in the centlechon of Dr. G, B. Pritchard. This concluded the agenda and the meeting adjourned for the conversazione, 7 ¥ EXHIBITS Mrs. Charles Barrett—Tree Spider-Orehid (Dendrobium fetraganum), in flower, Mrs, M. E, Freame—Marine Melluse, Philine airgast, with aninwl alive in shell, Mrs. V. H. Miller—The “Qualup Belt” (Prmetea physodes}, native only to the Phillips River district, West Australia. Miss M. Ferguson.—Stone Clubs from New Guinea, Mr, J. Firth—Rare double red Common Heath (Epacris impressa). Mr. C. French—Twelve species of Scale Insects which are injurious to gardens in Melbourne and suburbs. Mr. H. P. Dickins—Watercolour paintings of Orchids, Mr. V, H. Miller—Dendrobiun becklerit, one of the “Pencil” Orchids; D, falcorostrim, 2 delicately-perfumed orchid; beth grown in glasshouse. Also, Eriostemon obovalis, the Fairy Wax- iwer, and Crewilica alpestris, ie Field Naturalists’ Club Proceedings 3? Mc, C. Daley.—Home-grown Native Plants, including, Micre- myrins ciliatus, Lhotskya genetylloides, Calytrix Sullivani, Chori- zinta cordate, Covrca speciosa, var, rubra; Theyptomene Mut- chelliona, Prostanthera rotwndifolia, Grevillea rasmarinifolia, and Hedycarya angustifolia. : Mr. F. S. Colliver—Limestones fram the Carbo-perinain of Maria Island and Eaglehawk neck, Pleistocene freshwater lime- gtone from Lara, Also wings of a large flying fox. BOWEK-BIRDS IN GIPPSLAND GARDEN The Satin Bower-bird has returned ta our garden again this year and huilt a bower. Lach year, in July, a Satin Bird appears. In 1935, the blue-black one came first and built the bowers a green-speckled one canie four weeks Jater, and a month afterwards the blue bird disappeared—the green one stayed for some weeks, In 1936 only the green-speckled one Appeared: it scacrered a few long twigs on a path, tore off every blue Mower Ayailable, and Isid two cggs on the path! It only stayed for four or five weeks, Now, a blue-black bird is here. They are always at the door (hut move if you move), and we see them ‘through the windows. {t reniained ior a few weeks. We took no special notice of it, except to ¢runihle when we found we had forgotten to put fruit or milk away (which mwuans inside the house somewhere), dr poultry food. Early in Septemiber 1 found in a very dense piect of our gardet another little bower with its “drive” or approacti It 73 4 tice playground, the fourth one we have found in this. particular locality in the course of thirty years, (Miss) €. C. Cunar, (Lardner, Vie.) NIGHT HERONS IN SCHOOLGROUND Recently I noticed, in the Notes column of The Argus, a reference to Wight Herons established in a cookery near a pool at the Zoological Garderis At feast they would be quiet there, but what do you thidk of this? Mr. Rowell, district inspector, firs¢ drew. my. attention to it, In our school pine trees eight Night Herons have a raokery, 25 feet from the schoolhouse windows. Some 45 feet away i$ our bell-tree; the bell Clan¢s ten times each day for assembly, drill, recess, ete.; yet the suddet ioud peals de not scare the birds away; neither does our. brass band, which plays for assem- tlies. Near the Herons’ tree also is a physical training class, but the ceacher’s orders have no effect upon the birds. One peculiar fact, though, is that, walk as lightly as possible under their tree and they immediately waken and stare down at you. Does anyone know 4 stranger spot for a night birds’ rookery than a schoolyard with 400 children racing about, plav- ine and shouting, and a brass band and 2 school bell? J. Hacciwert, (Head Teacher, State Solimol Mordialloc) Ervata—September, 1937: Page 71, third paragraph, for asclepaids, read astlepiads; payé 72, Seventh line; for juhd, read bifid; page 74, fourth paragraph, for pendant, read pendent. ss Livturgouss, Tai! of the Lorebied if’ Bn THE TAIL OF ‘THE LYREBIRD By KR T. Littcejouns After several winters devoted io photographing the male Lyre- bird, one realizes just how much of our interest in Menura centres in his wonderful tail. Except during the nesting season, when the trustfulness of the female simply compels attention, visilors pass her by with scarcely a glance, but become wildly excited at even a fleeting glimpse of the male displaying. And ¢ven thase, like myself, to whom the appearance of the tail has long ceased to he a novelty, find their interest zone wher the tail has been moulted, Perhaps the first observation which may be made is thar the old idea of the lyre-shaped tail is something of a myth, An examination of several Lheusands of tiny pictures on cihematograph film has failed to show the teue lyre pattern in any instance, On mfrequent occasions the tail as held upnght in the shape of a V, and from some viewpoints the lyre is suggested, The resemblance, even then, is not so marked in life as the camera, because of foreshorlening, would have us beheve. But there is not very much new im all that. Few peaple now expect a Lyrebird to have a tail shaped like a Ivre. The character of the tail, of course, 1s familiar to most nature lovers, although the exact number of feathers may not be generally known. The outstanding features of the ornament are the two large outer feathers, which were popularly regarded as the frame of the lyre. These are broad, strong feathers of considerable weight, which measure something over 2 feet in length, Between these are twelve filmy plumes of “osprey” appearance, and in the ceniré are two long wire-like feathers practically devoid of wel- bing. That adds up to sixteen [caihers in all. When the bird 1s walking or feeding, the whole tail ts folded and trailed with the upper surfaces of the feathers on view. All these upper surfaces are dark-coloured and the whole tail 1s meon- spicuous and unimpressive. The upper surfaces nf the twelve plumes aré almost blacle, whilst the large feathers are dark brown, with about twenty-three hars of lighter brown on each ard a black curl at the end. The long wire-like feathers are greyish, During the display or dance, however, there is a complete change in the appearance of the tail, which, when reversed and spread, presents the undersides of the feathers, The large outer feathers are then seen to be silvery white, with bars ut chestnut brown. Each black curl, too, is then conspicuous In its contrast with the whiteness of the remainder of the feathers. The plumes also are silvery white on the underside, Tt is an object lesson in the thoroughness pf Nature to examine these plumes and to notice how the central rib and the fine delicate barbs are exactly hal hack and balf white, From thie difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the feathers yar Lirtiejouns, Tail of the Lyrebird a9 comes the min attractiveness of the display. The transformation which takes place when the tail is changed at the commencement of the “dance” from a dark-coloured and inconspicuous object to a gleaming fan of silver, must be one of the finest spectacles in Nature. . The bars which decorate the two large feathers are worth examining. Not only do they differ in colour from the remainder Phote. by ALP. Little johas. A typical view of the display, showing the tail reversed over the back of the performer. of the feathers but they consist of barbs of a different structure. The portion of the barbs included in the coloured bar ts hair-like, so that they present an appearance of gauze. The remainder of the barbs are of much heavier structure and form an opaque mass. Some barbs will be tound to be of heavy structure at the base, hair-like farther on where they pass through one of the coloured bars and again heavy at the end where they have left the coloured bar. Eneumbered as he is with sixteen feathers each much longer than his body, the male Lyrebird may be expected to appear clumsy oD Littheyouns, Tail of the Lyrehtrd a pee and awkward, but this is not the case. On all occasions the tail is carried with ease and grace. It is remarkable, too, that during a whole year spent actively in dense undergrowth, the bird seldom is found to have damaged the tail, He is, in fact, most careful of it and, when passing through a small space, proceeds with the same caution as the wearer of a new suit displays in negotiating a barbed-wire fence. One of the pictures reproduced, taken after the tail had been worn for a year, shows almost every dainty barb of the filmy plumes still complete. In late August or early in September, usually, the whole tai! is moulted, the large feathers being lost first, With but a triangular stump remaining, the bird presents a ludicrous appearance, a fact of which he appears to be conscious. Until the tail grows com- pletely, in about ten weeks’ time, he is definitely more retiring and elusive than at other times. The new tail begins to appear about three weeks after the loss of the old one, and the new outer feathers, in their progress towards maturity, are strongly suggestive of the growing fronds of a tree-fern. During the present (1937) season the first male bird to mioult in the Sherbrooke Forest area was seen to have Jost the two large feathers on August 29, but still was wearing the filmy plumes. On September 5 he had lost the whole of the tail, One bird still carried the complete tail on September 19, but his sullen attitude and his silence throughout the day left the impression that the moulting period was at hand. | EXCURSION TO FRANKSTON As a visit to Frankston during the week bad shown that the seasou was not far advanced, on August 28 we took a route over the sunny hill-slopes to the south-east of the town, Flowers were abundant, hut net a large number of species as yet. One of the Bush-peas. was afterwards determined as Pultenaca Readeriana. named after a well-known. botanist. This species was described comparatively recently (1922), and its range is not yet fully known. At two places we observed leaves of the Fringed Hare Orchid (Leptoceras finbriatum), This flowers in late autumn or early winter, but the leaves, with conspicuous red lines, may he found till about October. At the farthest pomt reached, a shallow depression of different aspect suggested that some other species of plants inight occur, and search was rewarded with the little Club) Moss, Phylloglossiu, Other plants in flower included the Eyebright (Euphrasia cellina), and a clear yellow form of the Showy Bossea (Bossiava cencrea). Owing tu Mr. Audas’ illness, I was asked to act as leader. There were about a duzeu present, T. S. Hart, Mr. J. H. Willis has been transferred from the Forests Commission, Daylesford, to the National Herbarium, where his services will be on loan pending the retirement of Mr. P, R. H. St. John. It is anticipated that Mr. Willis will accept appointment as a botanist on the Herbariun staff early next year, THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VOL. LIV October, 1937 Plate X Grampians u i] =| y fed c J - rr] a! of Hands, Cave Or Kenvon, Avt of the Anstralian Aboriginal 9) THE ART OF THE AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL By A, 5. Kenyon Tt is mote than doubtiul if the term “art” is properly applicable. Art with us, whether jor ornament or for fixing of the artist's idea, is whally due to leisure, which is the tinte to spare after the individual has provided for his material wants, With the primitive man, art—so-called—formed at first part of his daily struggle for existence, He used pictorial delineation as he used gesture, both with his idle hands, to convey concepts and information. Naturally, food requirements—pame, the birds, the quadrupeds, if a kangaroo 1s rightly so termed—came first. In delineation, tracks came first—as the aboriginal was essentially a tracker and not a hunter or chaser, These—exactly identical 1 their purport with the gesture terms for the same animals—were tollowed by the stencil or outlihe delineation of the object. The opossuin was laid on the rock and a Ime drawn around it. The outline was com- pleted; in colour by marking the outline or filling in the enclosed space; by carving, by pecking or srooving in a similar way, In instances where the rock had an outer skin or patina, the effect of pecking, which exposed the lighter-coloured interior of the rock—generally approaching a pure white—was analogous to that of painting, Paintings were also made on trees, atl the ground, and on sheets of bark used for dwelling construction; carvings—of an extremely elaborate character at times—on trees; outline charcoal drawings on rocks and bark, as well as etching effects produced by sinoking the inner sides of bark sheets, and then scratching the outlines of their fancies. When the white man, frequently a surveyor, came on the scene, and made ink—Indian mk—and paper available, the blackfellow readily substituted pen and ink drawing for his bark scratchings, But a development occurred which precluded the evolution of pictorial art to any extent and which. in fact, impeded such evolution among the civilized races mt) the close of the dark ages and the renascent casting-off of the chains. Animism, which, to the primitive mind, gives existence—individual existence—to all objects, took delineation under its wing, and art became the shand-maides of shamanisin, of the priesthood and the vhurel). Progress was stayed and art—art of the purposeful and productive type—was to remain stagnant for all the preliminary stages of mankind—uwp to our owt mes in fact. The essentially ceremonial nature of art can be seen in the universality of the location of its manifestations. Each and every painted rock shelter or carved rack js located in a somewhat inactessible position, though not too remote from camp sites where food may be obtained, and has an outlook or 2 = Phy "1 a4, Vic. Nat. $2 Bavkcrt, Resord of Rock Carwngs Vol BEY prespéct in some way connected with the deity idea governing all ceremonies, whether educational, as in initiations, or worshipping in connection with totem classes, Another fact, corroborative of the foregoing, is the grouping of these sacred places. Notwithstanding the impression gained—in the Sydney district, for example—that carvings are promiscuously scattered around m all suitable places, exact survey of these petroglyphs shows that they are arranged in groups on 3 large scale, and that many—very many—highly suitable ahd attractive places are without them, In Victoria, for instance, the only rock paintings yet discovered are four im nuniber and are all in one disttict, that of the Winimera tribe. Each differs from the other three, im the class or type of paintings, which themselves definitely fall into group classifications or styles mm other paris of the cantinent, The conchision is inevit- able that these rock shelters are the ceremonial places of the tribe, which has the usual dual organization with subdivision, making four totem classes. Enough has been said to show the essentially religious domina- tion over pictorial art, but ornament, though enslaved a ttle for the decoration of churingas and performers in cites and ceremonies, kept itseli free to a large extent. Ornament in the carving and colouring of shields and weapons was genera). In personal adorn- mett, almost wholly confined to the male of the species, the abori- ginal has reached remarkable heights, A fulty-decorated black has so many ornaments dangling around his features thar he has ig be Jed about, being unable to distinguish his way, Though the shamanistic domination of art kept much of the primitive, even up to pre-Raphaelite days, there are at present more tha signs of a reversion to the aboliginal art forins and niethods of expression. Indeed, some efforts by blacks of the Diamantina and the Finke have of late been acclaimed as high, ii not the highest, effects of modern art, A RECORD OF ROCK CARVINGS By Cuartrs RARgett Student as well as recorder, and che discoverer oi more grouyis ef aboriginal rock carvings ‘than one coukl visit in months of wandering in New South Wales, Mr. &. L, Horushaw deserves aur gratitude. He has devoted the leisure hours of a lifetime to his favourite branch of ethnograply—aberiginal art—and made himself the foremost authority on petroglyphs, at least, those in the “galleries” around Sydney. As 2 young man, Mr, Hornshaw (who lives at Drummoyne) hecame interested in rock carvings seen during his rambles in the sandstone country. Later, he decided ta make a recard of all the groups he could find, chalking the incised outlines to make photo- THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST , October, 1937 Plate XI Photos. by BL OL. Hornskaw. Groups of Petroglyphs near Sydney, N.S.W, wl ee | Barrett, Record of Rock Carvings 93 graphs clear. Nearly every week-end and holiday were devoted to the quest and recording. Very soon, most of the already-known groups within easy distance of Sydney had been visited, and scores of others located, in French's Forest, at Bantry Bay, and else- where. Farther afield, then, Mr. Hornshaw tramped with knap- sack and notebook and camera. He was surprised by the abundance of petroglyphs, for the Hawksbury sandstone, with its rock shelter walls and great flat rocks, offered a “canvas” to the blackfeflow wherever he roamed, There are thousands of svinbols and figures and strange imaginary objects carved in the sandstone. Hundreds of groups have been photographed by Mr. Hornshaw, whose note- Photo. by HK. ob. Hornahaw. The “Red Hand” in a Rock Shelter, Kurin-gai Chase, N.S.W. books cotitain measurements and data for each group. For he is an amateur who works with meticulous care, and appreciates the value of scientific recording. U have been often afield with him, and owe my interest in rock carvings to Mr. Hornshaw, who showed me also how to photo- graph them to best advantage; in brief, shared with me the know- ledge gained during his thirty years of gleaning in a fascinating field. His finds are described in letters that are also invitations; I never go to Sydney without being taken to see a fresh discovery— a group of carvings, usually on an old bora ground, hidden away and yet within cooee, perhaps, of a Inghway or at least a frequented road. There are rock pictures where children play, and above the beaches beloved of people who care not a farthing for aboriginal art, or anything but sunshine and the surf while they are out in the open. 04 Swaay, 4 Kaleidascopte Carpel c(i my Among notable groups found by Mr. Hornshaw last year was that at Terrigal. On Broken Head are thirty-one carvings. A Koala, with a young one on its back, is depicted. Other items are two Kangaroos, two Emus, two Goannas, eight fishes, two human hands and a pair of feet, two boomerangs, a fish-spear with three prongs, a Bandicoot and an Echidna; also a shield, hafted axes, and two nulla-nullas. “The most wonderful group I have seen,” is Mr. Hornshaw's comment, in a letter. Of special interest is a group on a bora ground near French's Forest road, Manly district, for one of the carved figures probably was meant to represent a Platypus; it certainly is a broad-billed animal, if the body is less convincing; still, Iam disposed to accept the identification. Mr. Hornshaw suggests that a huge reptile-headed figure, with a human standing on top of its back, possibly was intended to represent the mythical Bunyip. It spread across a broad track in the bush at Bantry Bay, and measures 13 feet 44 inches by 8 feet. A spear protrudes from the creature’s back. We spent hours examining and recording every detail of this remarkable petro- glyph, which apparently is very old, for portions of the outline are no deeper than a scratch—depth having been lost by weather- ing. A KALEIDOSCOPIC CARPET By A, J. Swary Away to the south-west of Arapiles is a red hill, so barren that selectors would not take it as a gift, It is destitute of trees; hence its locality is indicated on the maps by: “Timber reserve, 1,700 acres.” On the gently-rounded top, even the hardy Broom Honey- myrtle, over large patches, scarcely attains a height of 2 feet. But there is nothing dead, nothing withered. The plants dare not give up: for how could offspring survive? Our carpet is in one of these: patches and about the size of the average drawing-room. It is early in June. The hard-baked, dark-red soil has received its first soaking for many months. Always, this red must be kept in mind as the ground on which the more delicate colours are laid. The old pattern is not worn; but dull—sage-green, olive-green, yellowish, brownish, and grey—good wearing colours. The fairy weavers have resumed after a long vacation by tinting the mosses. Who said mosses were delicate? Let them lack water for a few hours and they lose colour. After long drying, they may be brittle. In two hours after rain they are awake and flourishing. You see, they have no deep roots to search for water. The must make the most of their opportunities. But these are just here and there. The sombre lichens are also reviving atd preparing for their fan- tastic “fruiting bodies.” The Fringed Heath-myrtle soon covers itself with millions of tiny deep crimson buds. All else still sleeps. oe Swany, 4 Noeletdescosic Cor pet 95 July brings htth change, Brown buds have appeared on Flame Hrath. Some have even thrust forth their strange, pointed flowers. It ts not in bushes, from 2 feet to 4 feet high, as you find it abour the Grampians and western sandhills; but tall specimens may reach 6 inches. li those bright, deceiving days of August, when we feel that winter has gone, realb activity commences, Brick-red ground, emerald flecks, sage-green patches, and everywhere flaming scarlet beaks, It is the month of Flatie Heath, Few know the wonderful winter beauty of this Hower. Emus rejoice and feast on it. Common Beard-heath is now covered with microscopic pink buds. Lach perfect tuft is merely a raised portion of the pile. Just a few Howers as yet; but enough to bring out the hand-leng, an armual procedure, Erect and Bundled Gutinea-filowers are stirring and covering themselves with fresh green buds. A few have spread their golden guineas to catch the sunlight. Everywhere, tiny buds ace swelling. Septeniber, of mild days alternating with bleak winds and hail, calls for intense activity, Sage-green pile, close-cropped, scarcely noticed before, suddenly bursts into a blaze of richest old gold and warm crimson. This &ywtaaia is strangely vanable—here, a clase mat of minute ucedies and not above an ich in height—a few miles away, growing to 4-ipot huslies with large flat leaves and compact racemes of pale gold, Peach-Heath bells, really bell- shaped, are showing. The Guinea-flowers are overlaid with gold. Fringed Heath-myrtle has now pale pink buds and scarcely opened flowers, Brush Heath, like a woolly mat, covers its branchlets with deep rosy pink, The Desert Heath-myrtle way there all the while; but only now claims notice. Palest lilac-pink buds are dot- ting the minute plants among the crowded tiny leaves. These midgets may be 3 inches tall, We comie again in mid-October. Feverish bustle has been going on in the meantime. It was then I first saw it, suddenly, on a perfect day after heavy rains. The whole carpet is the brightest pink! The warm gold and crinison of Eujaxia are there Peach Heath bells have multiplied. Flame Heath has had its blaze, but is still glowing. Brush Heath is all rosy. Guinea-flowers are golden stil. Fringed Heath-myrtle, Comrmon Heard-heath and Desert Heath-myrtle are in full Hush. But all these, with the dark soil, the lichens of orange, silver, grey and black, and the “fruiting” Mosses, are merely undertones. The latest arrival, the beauty of the month, is Common Fringe-myrtle. Here, it assumes a colour seldom seen elsewhere. It is even brighter than the rough-leaved form that fills the serub on the sandhills farther west. You do not now expect towering shrubs of & feet; but imagine gnarled veterans, possibly centuries old, 3 inches high! The habit is dif- 96 Swany, 4 Kaleidoscopic Cortet bet rr fuse, almost prostrate; but every tiny branch turus op to bring the flowers to a common level, In the mass, it is wonderful, The closer we peer, the greater the wonder, Every five-pointed star is perfect, The many stamens form a fluffy mass as dainty as wattle bleom. Nature is daring in her designs and arrangement of colours. She produces delight where we should not presume to experiment. Tn allthis prodigal mosaic there is. still room for many bright purple Wax-lip Orchids. Even an occasional Blue Dampiera is not unwelcome. Tailed Caladenias add. nothing to, the general effect. Tt 3s casy to overlook the long, slender threads of cream and brownish-red. Individually, each is a nnracle of Nature's modelling. Se, also, is Rabbit-ears. - November has faded the delicate tints of October, The sur- rounding verdure of the plains of Australia Felix is yellowing. The kaleidoscope has turned again. Crimson-magenta, purple- brown, and dark red are now prevailing; but the tiniest green and red shoots are in thousands, After the great labour of producing seeds that have not the phantom of a chance of life, most of the plants are busy on new foliage. Perhaps they add an eighth of an inch to their stature. I doubt it. These are Jaterals and the old tips quietly vanish in the summer. As Common Fringe-myrtle remained inconspicuous iintil early October, now Crimson Honey- myrtle comes out of retirement, Hitherto, it hag had only a shehtly- puzzled glance. In this November seene it fits beautifully. The purple-hrown is supplied by the starry Frits of Common Fringe- myrtle, with the long awns on the sepals prompting the name, Calytrix. More crimson is seen in the Fringed Heath-myrtle. In this place it has never been dominant. although very plentiful. Stil, for six months, through crimson, pink, white, pink, and crimeon again, the same flowers, not a succession, have peppered the floor. _ It might be more apt to refer to them as “hundreds and thousands" on “ginger nuts.” December sees the scene darken, for aestivation. The various greens have sobered to withstand the sumimer glare. There are two exceptions. Broom, Honey-myrtle and Breom, Heath-myrtle, the one with regular creamy brushes. and the other with dainty pure white flowers like small Tea tree, celebrate the season of goodwill. Always tn close association, they are singularly alike in habit with terete hooked leaves close appressed., Finally, in the arid heat of January, these deceptively remind the wayfarer of succulent herb- age. Then the whole carpet bakes and endures while fairy weavers sleep till June rains rouse both to a new cycle of activity. The Victorian Naturalist ‘Vol. LIV.—No. 7 November 3, 1937 __. No, rm] THE FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA The ordinary meeting of the Club was held at the Royal Society's TJall on Monday, October 11, 1937, at. 8 pm. The President, Mr A. H. Chisholm, ¢.v.4,0,U,, presided, and about 100 members and triends attended. Reminiscences of the late Donald Macdonald were piven by Sit Edward Cunningham, who was welcomed by the President and introduced to the meeting, Sir Edward touched om the ancestry, early lite, journalistic ability, and nature writings of Donald Mac- donald, and his great friendship for hnys. The President, who succeeded him, referred to Donalel Mac- donalds’ many sterling qualities and his Ane journalistic work, Mr. Charles Barrett, who: was his close friend for many years, also paid a tribute to Donald Macdonald. At the conclusion, a vote of thanks to Sir Edward was moved by Mr. RH. Croll, Vice-President, seconded by Mr, E. E. Pes- cott, and carried with acclatnation, The Secretary reported that he had taken part jt) Lhe Federation of Melbagme Walking Clubs’ Annual Hike, with two other mem- bers, and that he had given the lecture at the tea interval, REPORTS OF EXCURSIONS apes of excursions were given as follow: Wattle Park, Mr. H. Jenkins; Maranoa Gardens, Mr. L., W. Cooper; for Mr. F. Chapman ; Millgrove, Mr, A. BH. Chisholin; Mitcham, Mr. J, W, Audas (by letter} and Mr. Chishohn; Frankston, Mr. C. French. ELECTION OF MEMBERS On a show of hands, the following were duly elected as ordinary members of the Club; Miss If. Vale, Messrs. Lloyd Williains, F. L. Barkla, and H, Cribb: and as Associate Member, Mr. Ralph Thompson. NATURE NOTES Mr. A. D. Hardy contributed a note an the Algae of the Pink Lakes, Miss C. C. Currie, of Lardner, sent a note on Koalas and Magpies. The meeting adjourned for the conversazione. F 48 The Ficld Neturatisis’ Clit Proccadines ues “er EXHIBITS Mr, C. ). Gabriel—Manne shells, Magilus entiguus, Montfort, trom Mauritius, and Plerospiva roadkmghtae, McCoy, from the Great Australian Bight. Mr. E. E. Peéscott—A collection of fourter) lichens, all from a young plum tree, collected at Bamawm, September, 1937: also specimens of Prostaithera ovalifolia (cultivated). from N.S.W., October, 1937. ‘ Mr. V. H. Miller.—Diuris punctata, Purple Diuris; pot-grown, and flowering for the third year in succession. Dianella, sp, from Mt. Tambourine, Queensland, that has heen growing in the same pot for about nine years, Mr. T.S. Hart—a sedge (Chorisandra cinubaria), from Frank- ston, and traps on a bladderwort found when cleaning the nnder- ground part of the sedge. Mr, ©, French—Rock Tongue Orchid, Dendrobium ling forme, in flower ; native of Queensland and N.S.W. Also garden- grown specimen of Slender Daisy Bush. Olearia (Aster), tere- tifolia,, from Anglesea, Mr, Robin D. Croll—-Sareachilus ofivaceus, m flower (grown by exhibitor). Alsn Eucalyptus leaf 31 inches lonp, signed ly the late Donald Macdonald. Mr. F. 5. Colliver.—A series of Fossil Tertiary Oysters, includ- ing Osircr pouderasa, Zittel, and QO. twgens, Zittel, from New Zealand; O, ingens, Zittel, O, aventcoia, Tate, and O, wianubriata, Tate, from Ueaumaris, O. stertiava, Tate, from Cadell’s Punt, near Morgan, S.A,; O_ angast, Sowerby, from Dartmoor, Victoria, Mrs. M. E. Freame’s exhuibil, a specimen of Parke angasi, at last meeting, was incorrectly recorded in the Naturalrst, Instead of the animal heing “iw the shell,” che shell, of course, was covered by the mantle. —— EXCURSION TO MSTCHAM About thinly members of the Club attended the excursion lo Mitchant on Saturday afternoon, Ocinber 2, The weather was delightful, and the country looked well after the morning showers. Wa visited tae Mitcham Reservoir, which is situated on the highest point in the suburban area, berg S2R feet above sea-level. We made a detour iw an easterly direction, traversing some viftin bush couutry, where about thirty species of native shrubs were in full Filcom, principally of the family Leguminosae. Av outstanding species of interest was the Thour-Seai Acacia, 4. aculcatissuma, a procumbent shrub. Other trailing plants noted were the Common Apple-Rerry, B7fardiera scondens, wath pale-vellow solitary pendulous flowers, and the Love Creeper, Bredemoyera votvlate, with cacintes of beautiful blue flowers. Some good Specimens of the Purple Coral Pea, Mordealcrgia mounphylia, in full bloat, entwined the Eucalypt saphngs. Also of interest was the Purple-Violet *. betometjoha, the Auwer-stalks being about six inches Jang. Two arehids, the Wax-lip Orchid, Glassodia inajor, and Brown-beaks, Liuperantins suavenions, were noted, the latter being fairly abitidaitt, J. W, Avpas. werd Hyam, National Monuments : 99 NATIONAL MONUMENTS By G, N. Hyau The committee appainted by the Counel for the Preservation of National Monuments, during the past twelve months has been engaged upon the collection of data in regard to legislation and administratian from many countries, Enquiries 4s to the present sasition in Vieturia reveal that, apart from areas reserved as National Parks and parks in municipalities, other reservations, under such Acts as Forests. Lands. Education and Scenic, apptar to be alienable at the discretion of the Minister, Governor-in- Council, or even the department concerned, There is certainly no inmmediate danger that these reservations may he alienated, bur past experience has shown that this may occur, and in many cases reserves have been diverted from their originat object, and leases have been granted for such uses as golf clubs and general recreation grounds, or for other sports, in areas that shoull he reserved for stenic and flora and fauna protection, No provision seems bo exist for tlie compulsory resumption af any area ot object on private property, however valuable as a National Monument; neither is it the function of any existing statutory body to interest themselves in such objects. ‘These are the defects in Victorian leyislation which we are aiming to remedy, and every effort is being made to draft a sane and sale Bill which meets all Victonan. conditions. We are not aittemptung to mish vnatters, preferring to have a. concrete scheme Leflore approaching the autharitres. The Committee has heen active in taking every opportunity of explaining the movement, and in supporting any Jocal effort tor reservations, such as the mavement in Geelong for the acquisition of an area at the Dag Rocks, We have also been investigating sup- gestions for reservations which include the appended list. Some af these are more or less permanently reserved under one of the existing Acts, but it is considered that all shotildt be declared National Monitments to prevent any possible alienation oer destruc- tion for any purpose whatsoever, In this list certain tratls and tracks are included. The reservation of these is parteularly desir- able, Canada and the U.S.A. have inatry miles of similar scenic trails permanently reserved, and thetr immediate natural objects properly protected. The Commnittee would be pleased to have any further suggestions front members of ohiecis er areas that should be included, and would particularly welcome photos accompanying, sugiestions. Sowe Prorosep Navior ar Monuments Mt. Plerbert—Retidigo district, hetween Ravenswood and Kan- garon Flat, about one nile east of Calder Highway, where it passes through deep cutting, Muguificertt panorama, 100 : Hyam, Notional Monuments ate One-Tree Hill,—Beéndigo, Fine panorama, Protusion of Wax- flower, Golden Wattle and Bush-pea. Blue Mount.—Trentham district, Fireguard tower, used by Forestry Department. One mile from Trentham-Ballan Road, Mt. Blackwood—Korobeit, near Bacchus Marsh, One of the finest views near Melbourne ; easily accessible from road leav- ing Western Highway at Myrniong. Werribee Gorge —Bacchus Marsh. Geology and scenery. Lerderderg Gorge —Bacchus Marsh, Geology and scenery. The Bluff—-Rowsley. At northern end of Brishane Ranges, on upper Parwan River; a unique panorama, where the basalt plain breaks down to the coastal plain. Pyramid Hill—Pyramid, Historical, panoramic and geological. Mt. Butinyong—Ballarat district. Extinet volcano; panorama; one-way traffic roads ta summit; excellent steel tower. Red Rock and Warrion Hills—Colac district. Unique Jake panoramas. Mt. Porndon—Pomborneit. Near Prince’s Highway. High conical hill, even visible Erom the Pyrenees: height 949 feet; road passes foot of it irom Pomborneit railway station, between Colac and Camperdown. Mt. Leura.—Camperdown, Height 1027 feet; road to summit. Mt, Rose or Lawson's Lookout—Castlemaine. Reached by road through State Pinte Forest: good tower; height 1,600 feet, Kalimna View.—Castlemaine, At edge of town, Qrgan Pipes—Sydenham. In Jackson's Creek; geological interest. Woody Hill—Donsybrook. On east side of line near railway station, Cabbage Tree Palms Réserve —East Gippsland. Henty’s House—Merino. And English ocak nearly 100 years old. Furmston’s Tree~—Healesville. Mountain ash on Mt. Monda track; 62 feet girth, about two miles from lap of Blacks Spur. Loughnan’s Hifl_—Ringwood. Height 600 feet; accessible by road on north side of town. Aboriginal Stone Workings—Lancefield district. On Mt. William. Old Limestone Quarrics and Aboriginal Anvil,—Geelong district. In Moorabool River vailey, mear Batesford, at foot of Dog Rocks. Basalt Caves and Portion of Stony Rises —Pomborneit. Near Mt. Porndon; the caves are reputed to be the largest of their kind in the world; the Rises are unique, as fat as Victoria is concerned, W A. Flowering Gum.—Oakleigh. At Metropolitan Golf Chub. Tari Karng—North Gippsland. On the slopes of Mt. Welling- ton; it has mot been decided how this unique tarn got there. Nu 1st Hyam. National Monuments 101 Melba Gully —Crowes, About the finest Beech tree gully in the State. Turton’s Track—Beech Forest. Barham River.--Apolla Bay, Beech trees. Station Peak.—You Yangs. Historic and scenic, bul only 1,100 ft, Deadeuck Creek —Near Lindenow. A tributary of the Mitchell River, Unique botamcal specimens. Scenic, Ada River Forest —Between Warburton and Noojec. A section of this should be set aside as a magnificent Motmntain Ash area, and being close to Melbourne. Maintain Ash Forest—Near Mt. Disappomtment. The forest is the equal of the Ada River area, and is prohably mature. It extends for about five niles dave the slopes of the Great Divid- ing Range, towards Jack's Creek Cascades. The Metropolitan Bourd of Works has ent a track connecting the taller and ihe main firebreal: going east fram Mt. Disappointment. Mt, Howitt Track—Connecting Mansfeld and Dargo. It goes up the TIowqua River Valley, which many consider the most beautiful in Victoria, passes right over Mt, Howitt, about 5,700 feet, and clase to The Cross Cut Saw and Terrible Hollow, thence over the Howitt High Plains. and drops into the Won- rangatta Valley to Dargo. An extension would be from Wor- nangatta cattle station to Talbotville, site of Grant, Darga High Plains, to Mt. St. Bernard Hospice. Again, from Me. Howitt, a mining track traverses a series of high plains run- ning south to Mt, Tamboritha and Mt. Wellington, the Connor's Plains and Mt. Arbuckle ming tracks, Bogong High Plains.—Average height, 5,500 feet. From ITarnet- ville a track goes up the Bon Accord Spur to Mt. Feathertop, thence via The Razorbatk to Mt, Hotham, and Bugong Plains, Mt. Bogong (6,308 feet, our highest peak), and Statrease Spur to Tawonga. The Bogong Plains should be a National Monu- ment for summer and winter. EXCURSION TO WATTLE PARK About forty members and friends met at Wattle Park on September 45, in 4 gale of wind. Several isolated proups of native flora, were inspected en ruute to the large plot reserved for native Adra only, and which was planted by metnbers of this Club. The Curator, Captani Curtis, gaye a short history of the Park, At this stare a downpour of “red rain’ added to the discam- forts of the party, and only a few remained to be shown several nests in the eastern end of the Park, which has beon left practically in its natural state. One nest in particular—that of a Bronze-winged Pigeon, aroused considerable imMerest, berg built on the top of a stump only a few feet from the ground. HL, 102 Wirers, Spriny-time Fungi bn Bit SPRING-TIME FUNGI AND A GIANT BOLETUS By J. H, Wiens The abnormally heavy rains in mid-October, which resulted in serious flooding over parts of Gippsland, came during a spell of warm weather, and in a sense perpetuated the climate conditions uf late autumn, so favourable to iungal growths, Lawns throughout the metropolis and suburbs brought Jorth an interesting harvest, as if by magic: around the Shrine of Remembrance, numerous tiny pearl-grey cushions on. ihe grass indicated the presence of a common putthall—probably Lycaperdan nittduan (a form devoid of the mealy warts or minnte spies usually covering members of this genus): quaint parasels of Galera ertspa and Strapharia. semiglabata (both brown-pilled toadstoals) appeared in battalions, soon to shrivel under the sun_ Near the northern Yarra bank, at Anderson Street Bridge, I happened upon a magnificent troupe of “Inky Caps" (Copriams comatus), locking absurdly like some pigmy encainpment arneng the lush grass—each shaggy white cap a pertect wig-watn, Realiz- ing the peculiarity of this fungus rapidly to deliquesce—from a regular snowy cone ta an ugly mass of blackish slime in just a few hours—and knowing something v7 tts reputation as @ table delicacy when gathered young, my aesthetic sense weakened; later that evening I sat down te a dish that gods might envy! News soon arrived of wonders in the country, too—titanic mushrooms (Psaliota campestris), upward of three pounds m weiglit, and splendid examples of our noteworthy luminous agaric, FPlevrutus lampas. The best find of all, however, must be credited to Mr, Paul Fisch, af Doncaster, who collected saiples of the giant Bolcius (B. portentasws) near his orchard and hurried them to Melhoumte far record. These included two young fruiting bodies (about four inches broad} and one superb specimen weighing 134 tbs, and measuring 124 taches across the capi, all of which reached the National Herbarium, where they were on verw tor neatly a week. Bolstus portsntosus is probably our largest fleshy, terrestrial fungus, and, being of uncommon occurrence (usually in damp, hilly districts), it always excites interest, I have gathered i several times at Daylesford and nears the Dandenong Ranges, but never ome so‘ large as the Doncaster specimen. The general colour is olive-brown to khaki, with reddish blotches on the extremely stout. bulbous stem; the pores are at first minute, velvety, and pale yellow-green. expanding ta about one millimetre and darkening to golden-brown in tuatured plauts; the sofe flesh is very thick and straw coloured, heeaming’ dull veddisli-green when cut or broken; apparently nothing is known about the edidility of the species. Mr. F. J. Rae, Director of the Botanical Gardens, made careful megsurements of the large Doncaster Boletus when received on No : , Pit sa | Wits, Spring-time Fungi 103 Boletus portentosus; collected at Doncaster. 104 Witeis, Spring-time Fungi Nan pate Wednesday, October 20, To his surprise, hy Saturday the great cap had “grown” half as large again; two days later a further increase in size was apparent, yet the weight had dropped by two pounds; thereafter, decomposition set in, the fungus becoming flabby and be-moulded in places and steadily losing weight (doubt- less clue to evaporation of moisture) ; the bulbous stem maintained an ahnost constant apical diameter of seven inches, while the accompanying voung specimens also remained unexpanded. These dimensions were noted by Mr. Rae: Wednesday, Oct. 20—124 in, diam., 2 ft. 11 in. circumf. Saturday, Oct. 23—174 in. diam., 4 ft. 2 in. cireumf. Monday, Oct. 25—-20 in. diam., + ft. 10 in. circumf. Since there was no difference in weight during the five days, it is obvious that the increase in size was not attributable to “growth” in the ordinary sense, but rather to a sudden expansion of the compressed tissues of the fungus on reaching maturity; this “jack- in-a-box” habit is better exemplified by the strange phalloid fungi, where a latticed or star-fish-like receptacle often. springs freim its “egg” with explasive force. Apparently the two younger samples of Bolcius had not yet grown to that slage where automatic expan- sion were possible, and so they remained as when gathered, Dr. J. B. Cleland, in a valuable handbook on South Australian fungi, mentions that the largest specimen found in his State weighed 7 ib, 2 oz. Our Victorian example can almost double this figure, and it would indeed be interesting to hear whether any reader can make the present record higher still. The photograph (page 103) shows the Boletus from Doncaster and the two young fruiting bodies before expansion of the cap began. In collecting a specimen of a rather unusual sedge at the Frankston excursion on October 9, a shart piece of the underground stem was cut out with the damp black suil adhering. Later, in breaking away the soil, numerous white threads of a Bladderwortt were found in it, with the minute bladders, or traps, well shown, A few of the threads terminated in very small green Jeaves. I[t was no doubt too carly in the season for flowets, but when flowers of the Bladderworts are collected, the interesting underground or submerged parts are often overtooked. The sedge, with a single Jarge cluster af flowers to one side, proved ta be Chorizandre cymbaria; the partitions of the stem hecame quite evident on drying. T.S.H. On October 9, on Middle Park beach, I picked up a piece of wood riddled with the shipworm, fered, and placed it in a large jar of water. When examined on October 14, the wood was covered in waving siphons of the shipworm. One was commencing to discharge eggs into the water; at first a few and gradually more freely until they were pouring out, and the siphons tesembled a miniature fountain; then the flow slackened, and finally stopped {though an hour later a few eggs were still being expelled), Seon the “larval” shipworm swiins about, having developed a crown of “cilia” Some were still moving on Octuber 19, : M. E. Ferame, aa | Tapoecr, 4 Spring Day al Chowlon 103 A SPRING DAY AT CHEWTON By A. J. Tavcetr A pleasant rail journey of about two and a half hours from Melbourne wall bring you to Chewton, and then, if you be geologi- eal, you may walk fer three miles to Castlemaine, Should you, however, be botanical, the encircling hills will tempt you, and you may wander away at ones and find yourself in bushy surroundings. At the end of a day, even if it be unusually dry, as I found it, your specimens will total, ae mine cid, 100 species in Hower out of the 140 natives and thirty-five aliens collected. Perhaps you may be more commercially-minded and interested in the revival of the local gold niines, anc will ask someone you may meer to point out the famous Wattle Gully Mine, that is yielding at the present time the largest share oi the gold now being produced im Victoria, You may also be desirous of learning the names of the other half-dozen owners whose mine popper heads show up near by, Heaps of Lower Ordiviciati slate miark the shafts, 3a you may be tempted to search for another Monograptys trom the debris, or during your walk may have noted, in other places, where tither prospectors or geologists have broken the softer stone, searching for Lower Darriwell graptolites or gold-bearing indicators. Even before the successful search of recent times for the precious metal, the district went back some eighty vears. when rich shallow alluvial ground was turned over from end to end, while later the same ground yielded profits from dredging or pump sluicing, The three miles between Chewton and Castlemaine do not lend themselves to scenic beauty, and, contrastingly, the ordinary per- son shudders when he reads of the installation elsewhere of huge dredges and realizes their devastationg in the near future. A man once chided me by saying, aiter my revel in the glory of some natural surroundings: “You know, we cannot keep back the dis- trict because you want to grow a few orchids.” Fam afraid I was wanting tn yistort, and I thought of the otter fellow, who asked what posterity had. done for hin, At Chewton one passes many potholes af the prospector, deeper shafts, now abandoned hy the successful miner, and many waterways and diversions for supplying the liquid, not always valued, but without which so many vold- diggers find their work fruitless Eyen the yarious strata shown in the railway cuttings may cause the thonglitless to stand im awe and attempt to read some sermons in stones. No doubt, years back, the hills around were verdant, covered with ucalypts and underscrub of many species, so that evett the diggers had their visitors, who revelled in spring sunshine, admiring the gentle undwiations in the course of cheir walk. ; To me, these conditions still held, and though Forest Creek and Wattle Gully might not be true to their former names, I found, in 106 Tavsree, A Spring Day at Cheiton Me La a few miles of easy walking, (hat the day was warm although early in October, and there was much to entrance a botanist, Though the usual water ane expected to see was missing in springtime, tlicre was abundant bhoom on Eycalypins polyanthomos, and attached to many were strange-shaped gall-malers' homes, hard like the wood of the branches, curiously shaped like the antlers of a deer, nr.a long-eared fox, in sizé I4in, by 1 in., Apomarphe (Brachycelis) miwnila. / Other Eucalyptus species were few, and not tall. No ferns, except Chetlanthes, were seen, and very few orchids: Ditris (two), Glossodia, Caladestia (one), and Prerasivhr cyenocephale, Usually, in spring, many minvte forms of plané life abound and gladden a walk, but this year they are not plentiful. Grachucaine cxttis, two mitiute ffelipterian (as well as the large Hoary Sunray), two Microcala, Lewinhoekea, Stuartina, Toxanthus. Eriostémon aba- valiz is prominent, and so is Prostanthera derissate; Euphrasia collina is always welcome, especially when abunilant; a strong specimen of Persannia chamapeuce isin fruit. Two Goodenias are tet at intervals, and same six Acacias enliven ones way, including A. acinacea, A_lawigera, A. aspera, A. fevenanthe. A. deffasn, and A, dealbata, the latter going off. Grevellea alpestris is a fine sight, but its foliage is drab, Several species of Pultewaea are showing bursting buds. There are twa Dilwynias. with first Rawers, while two species af Daviesia are abundantly in bloom. Ever welcome are Helichrysunt, Brackylome, Bulbine, and Lissanthe srigosa, the last, to my disappointment, bearing that blue bloom-like fungus I noted on Calythrir in anather place, but due, dotbtless, to dry conditions. Cotula coronopifolta hereabouts has the foliage softer, and the enlour of (he flowers pale lemon, so different Sram the rich orange of those growing about Melbourne, although later in the day, When passing through Castlemaine, 1 found Howers of the normal colouring. Tt was an enjoyment thus passing along the streets to see such fine specimens af exotic deciduous trees im their soft epring ioliage and their varied spikes and pendant catkins, making a hold showing, for even flowers have their spnng loves. There were several Asperulas and Galtnme, so confasing to identify, because of their likeness and changed nomenclature, Sherrardia, with its bright blue tiny flawers, that close with the daylight, preferring rocky condi- tions. and so very much alike to their cousins, the Cleavers and Woodrutts. Finally, Hibbertia trietdaris, Prmelia strivto, Kennedya, not for- getting Oewohiwn procumbens, whose flawers also love ihe sou, were welcomed, Grasses were not overlooked in Demogora Agro- dyrum, two species of Browns, two af Dunthono, and (wo of Shpa, Poo bwlbesa, and others. ny | CoLLtver, Fassett Localtties ti dnd abort Mofhourne 107 FOSsIl. LUCALITIES IN AND ABOUT MELBOURNE V—STUDLEY PARK. By F. 5. CoLtiver To reach this locality, take the Johnston Street tram to the ter- minus and waile across the bridge, or take train to Collingwood, walk dows Jolinston Street, and over che bridge. ‘The first part of thts excursion will be down the old road along the river bank to the pumping station. The cliff section here gives a wonderful ibhis- tration of the Silurian Sedimentary Series, and shows how much movement has taken place since the original deposition, This series of typical Melburnian sandstones, shales and mudstones appears to he almost vertical yust near the gate, but as we walk farther down the track a gradual curve over may be noticed, until a very fine example of an “anticline,” or inverted “U” fold in the rocks, 33 distinctly seen about half-way along, The “‘syncline,” or "U" curve, which always follows an anticline, may be seen just past this; but farther back in the hillside, and many other such folds oceur in this locality. These rocks were, of course, deposited horizontally, and the falds are due to later earth movements. It is owing to this fact that we are able to collect fossils of various ages in outcrops. Wear the first anticline is a band of shale that contains hundreds of the fossil remains of an entirely extinct mariue antmal known to be somewhat allied to the corals. These animal remains are known as Graptolites ( Grapho, T write; dios, a stone), and may be roughly portrayed as having numerous mouths and a commnn stomach, and living apparently, tn this case, mm clusters. It seems more than probable that they fived among the seaweeds, as do their nearest living eles, the "“Sertularians.” . In the gutter near this part will be found numerous fallen pieces of shale and mudstone, and careful exammnation of these is sure to reveal the iretsaw-like appearance of some graptolites. At one time, above this road, and on the hill overlooking the falls, there occurred an outcrop of sandstone, with casts and impres- sions of Brachiopods, ete., of Silurian age, and simular to those found at Moonee Ponds. Recent search failed t6 reveal the otit- crop, and it seents that the new road has passed right through it. A very careiul search in the satidstone blocks near this locality may be rewarded. Fron here we must continue up the Studley Parl Road to the road that enters the park. Just beyond the track is a deposit of red sands which are portion of @ once vast sheet that covered nearly all of Melbourne, and now exists only on various nilteps. Fossils an this deposit are rare; but F. Chapman has recorded a possible cast of the common Beaumaris Kalimnan Sea- urchin, Loveria forbes, He mentions that freshwater sponge spi- culus are fairly common. [yi Net - 108 Couniver, Fossil Loralities in and abort Methureane iw One:shonld not leave this locality without noting the fme series of volcanic “dykes” (stow shown by clay bands) that intrude thtough the Silutian series, particularly along the Studley Park Road hetween the bridge and the hilltop. One other very good dyke may be seen neat the pumping station; here the clay has weathered away, and the dyke is shown by a gash through the Silurian; on the walls, however, some good specinsens of mica may Le collecterl, this being the more resistant mineral of the orginal rack, We are uhable lo give a definite age to these dykes, bul they are younger than the Silurian, and older than the Tertiary; this is proved by the fact that they intrude through ane and not the other deposils “A ctreful collector should obtain specimens of the graptolites (Moanograpins alf, dubins), possible specimens of the common brachiopod (Camarotechia decemplicata), atid freshwater sponge spicules. os KOALAS AT LARDNER, We have been acquainted wilh Native Bears all our lives: since my people came to Gippsland, very much so, They haye heen yery numerous at tintes, and the year Klondyke was opened vp one met naked Koalas every: where in. our bush, ot which we had lange areas. A Koala skin then was worth Wd. But P wanted to mention that there has never beers a Manna Gum-tree or our fal and few in the district, except the ane we plantod, and there has never been a Koala in that Gum yet. Tn 1895 we were guilty of putting a tin band round a White Gur, to save its life from Native Bears, bit there were plenty of these trees in the hush paddacks nearby, At present we have anly three Koulas (since the fire in 1932}, and these have come from elsewhere, for there was nathing Jeit alive in our bushland. We are sure that they have not increased, Two Koala came to the garden, where there are some Box-iree: planted. We sowed Yellaw Box seed, but are told that the trees are Grey Box. The Koala: use anly these Grey Bootrees and the White Gums, though there is a great choke, inchiding Messmate, River Red’ Gum ané Karri. We are accusturmed to seeme Kualas (before a wet D opts’ & aq je ey, 53 He es ake > ? 3 cs) 3E a, WO 90 fe TRO io J 223 “Re % ae S80 n89 3 gS Sy g Js 3 3Q 3 Ma + g B & 3 4 < a g 2 jad 9? é 52 ° iN 2 z 2 4 3 7 4 Es 2 5 ; 7 & of . § aS Sam 4 a : ope 3 PPB igek ao g eo i E Oy oe A oO % PRreaFK Ody <] “Ob fg F r) a9 we Pe z 3 he Ke 0 55g “Ske0826 0am gid OWS 28-9 ORI, oe D a “pe ¢ Pots é g my %g . te G 08 os ont ciate SF pine? a fa, v, oon trocestg” a pei orwPe> wwe Picts ? a som : Casey, An borigmal Ceremonial Grownd » 18S long [undulating] line running parallel to the creck along the ridge, and across a gully. These stones are said to be kangarvo, male, female and young ones according to size, going in single file, as kangarovus do.” According to Professor Radcliffe-Brown this forin of totemism, based on {focal fotemic centres, 13 kttown to extend from the Gascoign River in Western Australia to Cape York Peninsula, and as far south as the Dien’ Tribe, east of Lake Fyre? 1+ occurred also on the north coast of New South Wales, and possible traces of it have been recognized on the south coast of New South Wales and on Yorke’s Pemnsula in South Australia.6 It may well have extended] further aver the south-east of the continent, but the totemie beliefs of the natives in this part of the country were never adequately recorded, so it is tow too late to say whether it did or nal. Thus, while we cannot definitely say what was the function of the Lake Wongan stones, it is at least possible that they may have been a totemic centre, In any cas, the practice of makmyg arrangements of stories must have been rare in the south-east. In Vicloria only one other, beside that at Lake Wongan, has been described, Tt also was mentioned by Chauncey, as having been seen by A, C. Allen, Tnspector-General of Surveys, during a journey in the Tattiara country near the South Australian border. It consisted of “.... a nomber of stone walls, two or three fcet high . . . radiating . from a little cave in the ground and forming irregular passages.” Tts exact location is net knuwn. Tt is quite possible, however, that others existed, or even exist still, which have not heen roted or recorded. It has been reported by Mr. N. OQ. Mack that lines of stones made hy the aborigines existed many years ago, on his father's property, “Berrybank,” north of Lake Corangamite, but that they were removed when the land was cleared for cultivation. As well as these ordered arrangements of stoncs which were definitely or probably totemic and the enclosures which were prob- ably used for initiation ceremonies, a few other stone enclosures have heen reported as “places of disenchantment.” where the suflerer was protected from evi] influences. Dr, Basedow has described the procedure, aud pives an illustration of one in {he Victoria River district, in his book, The Anstratian Aboriginal, 7a Eyre mentions another? “at the Murray River.” REFaRGNers Vol, ii, p 235, Radchiffe-Brown. Man. xxvi, 1926, 153. © G. Towle, Ocrania, iis, 1932, p 40. Oeccania, iii, 1932, p. 119 and pl. iv, B, and p, 467. Oceana, 1, 1932, p. 292 and pl. ii. . Radcliffe-Brown. Social Organisation of Anstrahan Tribes, 1931, pp, 5, 57, 62, 64. . Journals of Expeditions uf Discovery, 1845, ti, yn. 365. . ee “I La Coreuax, Frrdher Nales on lhe Tailed Spider ee Het FURTHER NOTES ON THE TAILED SPIDER, ARACHNURA HIGGINSIT L, Koch " By Enrrx Coreman The following notes are suppleinentary to those published in The Victorian Naturalist, August, 1932, Together they form a complete life-study of this interesting spider, Each season from forty to fifty females have made their snares in the garden, so that I have been able to add to my notes from time to time, and to check those of L932. In the earlier paper, I gave 3-15 as the number of egg-sacs made by one spider. Since then | have seen many strings of 10, four with 15, twe with 18, and, this year, one with 25, the owner of which showed ingenuity in looping her long string so that the last- tale sacs were within the open sector of her orb. They thus not only had her protection, but formed a euver behind which she was corteealed, as she waited at the hub of her snare, tn readiness for rey. ‘ This long string of saes enabled ime to sce natural emergence of both autumn and spring broods of spiderlings, and ta watch their snare-construction when but a few days out of the sacs. On February 26 about 30 emerged, and twa days later their number had increased to upwards of 80. Many of them possessed the scarcely-visible short “tail” characterishe of the immature female. About the guy-ropes of the parental snare they made their own smail hyuting-nets—orbs of about the size of a shiliing, with no more than eight or nine viscid spirals, As all of these nets were complete orbs it 1s evident that the open sectar is pecultar to the adult female, and is intended to serve the special purpose of accam- modating her egg-sacs, Within a week the small orbs had increased to the size of a penny, still with only 8 ov 9 viscid spirals. On March 12 L watched the female spiderlings at work, a beautiful thing to see. Only about fifteen were left near the mother’s snare. Others had gone farther afield (spider-method of rationing) or had fallen upon some of the many mischances for which nature allows in providing such large numbers of young, So small they were that it was not ¢asy to follow each movement, though the busy legs were plainly visible as they worked. Ac 5.30am. only three (outer) ytscid spirals had been placed. In the next few moments each had placed 8 or 9, The stiare was complete, and in the centre, not suspended hehind a twirl of sille in an open sector, in the manner of its parent, was the diminutive huntress awaiting infinitesimal prey. Her short tail and her activity pro- claimed her sex. Most of the snares were as perfect as those of the adult. The same discrimination in the placing of guy ropes was evident Here and there, suspended from a few threads, but with no snares, were other spiderlings, with no visihle tals. Examination he CoLeman, Further Notes on the Tailed Spider 135 under a lens showed them to be males, as idle at this early stage as they will be later, if they survive the perils of infancy. Qn April 24 1 took two females of about one-fifth the size of an adult female. In each of them the “tail” was half as long as the rest of the abdomen. On May I5 the string of 25 sacs was still intact, even after heavy rain. The owner was spinning a fresh snare daily. It was completed at about 8am, Part only of this snare is seen in the illustration on page 136, as it was impossible to get the whole of the net illuminated. The looping of the string is shown, and the female in position at the hub. In other parts of the garden many temales had fallen from their sacs, but the majority were still clinging, almost lifeless, to their precious strings. Some of the snares were incomplete. Others were weather-worn or insect-damaged. The owners appeared too feeble to replace them, On May 21, after a very cold night, the owner of the long string was missing. The suspension-ropes and overhead cable had been well reinforced. I tested them and found them surprisingly strong, and of countless strands, Did the mother know that the strings must be able to resist the winds anc rains of winter if her offspring were to survive? Nearly four months later, September 6, this string was still hanging | and many spiderlings were emerging. These had hatched soon after, if not at the same time, as the autumn brood, but - —! had remained within the sacs all through String of 15 sacs camou- the winter, I tested this, during several flaged with wattle leaflets. seasons, by opening a sac or two in various a parts of the garden. The long string was still intact an October 13, bitt next day, after heavy rains and high winds, it had fallen. Although it was still raining there were many spiderlings clinging to a thread or two, but they had spun no snares. Doubtless many perish at this stage, sufficient only surviving to ensure the continuation of the species. Very few have survived the heavy rains that occurred during the third week in October. Conscious work? The snares of the Tailed Spider are usually made between + a.m. and 8 am., though the spiders oceasionally 1% CoLeMAN, Further Notes on the Tailed Spider avg work at other periods. Often a snare is made to serve a second day’s hunting. Repairs are made at all hours. While the placing of radii and spirals is, to some extent, mechanical, facilitated by the length and position of legs and other parts of the body, the choice of site, the placing of guy-ropes and suspension-lines, and the moving of the hub to co-ordinate with the position of the sacs, seem to call for deliberation, One assumes that these are the result of conscious, rather than automatic action, When I have Photo, E, Coleman. String of 25 sacs loaped to bring the last-made sacs within the centre of the orb. transferred a female from one bush to another, she invariably moves, later, to a site of her own choosing. One which I transferred at § pam. moved to a much more suitable position, At 9 p.m. she had all her radii and non-viscid spirals placed, but viscid spirals occupied only a section of about one-third of the snare. She had evidently decided that a section, only, would serve her needs for the night, so turned back upon each of the chosen radii until her trap was ‘“‘set.”” I think she was not short of silk, for, next morning at 8 a.m. she had a completed snare. Did she finish the snare upon which I left her at 9 p.m.? If so it was so neatly done that I could detect no join. It is more probable, I think, that, in the early morning she gathered in, and re-made it. ia Cotman, Further Notes out the Tailed Spider yy Ati illustration of both sexes of this species appears in my earlier article (Vic. Nat,, Aug,, 1932, p. 84). The werd “immature” at the foot of the plate should be deleted. I did not see this addition to thé caption until after yriblication. [ had already seen convincing proofs that the midget tnales were adults, In succeeding seasons J have seen many of these small, agile, males. Exaniination under a lens, after che last moult, showed the palps to be those of mature mrales, just as the last moult of the fertiale leaves the epigyne exposed. Should his attentions he accepted, the midget is carried by the female, perhaps for three days, attached to the epigyne, and is not casily dislodged. To the unaided eye it appears like a grain of brown saw-dust. In February there were sometimes two of these males suspended from a few threads on the outskirts of a share, One shate had thrée tales (March 5). In March of this year, through the kindiess of Professor W, E, Agar, male and female spécitiiéns were weighed for me at the University hy Professor Hartung. Prof. Agar notes in his letter to me (17/3/37): “The balance showed 0-6 milligrams for the male, 83-2 milligrams for the female. Prof. Hartung thinks that, under the conditions, the balance would weigh correctly within 10 per cet. Tenet it would probably be correct to say that the feliale 14 120-160 titties as heavy as the male.” Prof, Agar kindly measured two specimens. The hody length of the mile was [-5 mm. and that of the female 17 mm. Following are extracts from letters received from Prot. Sir E. B. Poulton, to whom I bad sent specimens: April §, 1933; “They are certainly inost extraorditiary.... [have written to Dr, Randell Jacksou, thinking ke might like tg work at them hiriself. .,. [4m most interested in these epigamic proteans.” April 18, 1933: “I sent the spiders to cur great authority on northern spiders, Dr. Randell Jackson, who has replied as you will see on the enclosed shiéets. You will see that you were right in supposing the males to be mature... All these observations on epigamie behaviour have a great interest for me.” May 2): “I Have just heard fram De. A. R. Jackson, to whom I sent the spidérs. Ile says they are certainly Arachnura, and near /uggtnsi, but whether a var. ot another species (undescribed) he cannat determine without more material in the getius. He thinks that rather too many species have béen déstribed fi it, and thar only tw6 Australasian species have heen well charac- terized, viz., higginsi L. Koch, and feredayr L. Kach, the’ latter fram New Zealand, Your spiders do not quite agree with éither, but may be a var, or form of higgins’, He thinks there may be sufficient material in the inuseuns of Sydney and Melbourte to make it safe to determine as a var., or to describe us a ew species" 138 Coreman, Further Noles on the Tailed Siidor vn Extract from Dr, Jackson's letter to Prof. Poulton (14/4/33); “They belong ty the genus 4Arachknura, and consist of three females and six males, alladult. The genus has a Lewurian distribution, and rather more: Réunion, East Africa, Ceylon, Malaysia, Australig and New Zealand—the last rather extraordinary, Vinson said that the tatl was movable and could be flexed dorsally (like a scorpion), but Simon did not observe this in Ceylon. ‘Yinson called his species 4. scorfionides. Family is Argiopidaée. The tails in the males seertt to be retractile and some of the specimens show different stages of this. In same it is exserted, ar pattly so, and in others retracted.” i ACKNOWLEDGMENTS T am greatly indebted, for their kind help, to Professor Pouliou, Dr. Jackson, Professor Agar and Professor Hartung, ‘EXCURSION TO SPRINGVALE The Springvale excursion was held on October 30, The first place visiled at the Heatherton Road carried a dense growth of the shrubby Tea-trees, (Leptospermum scoparinm and L. wyrsinoides), in full flower, with occasional pink-flowcred bushes. of the latter species. In the lower ground we examined lwe species of Hakea, the Furze Hakea (A. alicina), with sharp leaves ard rather small fruits, and the Yellow Hakea (4, nodosa}, in which the fetits are not always as knotty as the name suggests. At the roadside was a good patch of the spreading Flax Lily (Qranella revolnta), and the Stender Stackhousia (Sy vinuneay. We then vigited an arca on the opposite corner which had heen. partially cteared and’ some soil removed, but the native vegetation was re-establishing itself. dotes and the common Guinea Flower (J7ibbertia fasctrdate), were abundant, but their best Rowering was past. This Guinea Flower is frequently quick to reappear, as are alsa the Tyachauwene and the Broom spurge (A mperem spartoides), scen at other places oar. A considerable area was occupied by a Sword Sedge, and in the Jower zround were a belt of scattered bushes of Scented Paper-bark (Mfelalence squarrosay, and a widespreatl carpet of Selaginella. There were large patches of the creeping Raspwort (Hatarrhagis micrantha), and many neat Jittle tuasocks of the Slender Bogrush (Schoenus tenarssineas, formerly called Lepidaspora), having the fruit of a Lepidusperma, but the flower lke S'chocmas. The moést-attractive item here was a fine patch of Palersontas, both the Jong-stalked Purple Flag (Patersenta longiscapa) and the. short-stalked (P: glauca). Close by were the deeper blue flowers of the Tufted Lily (Siipendra co¢sprtasa), We visited a grassland area beyond the old racecourse sidings; several Warts’ were noticed, including a clump af the smooth Flax Lily (Dionella laevis) in’ aor 7 - \ tT. S. Hane THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VoL. Liv January, 1938 Plate XIII Pheto, HT. Reeves. The Orange Blossom Orchid, Sarcochilus falearus +f Reeves and Nickotts, Jntgle Cowntry 0) Bast Victoria 1a9 THE JUNGLE COUNTRY OF EAST VICTORIA .By H, T, Reeves and W. H. Nicnorrs Our East Gippsland trip began on October 1], when We travelled from Melbourne to Cana River (Noorinbee), where we were met by Mr. Chas, Cameron, who motored us to hig residence at Noorinbee North, 260 miles easterly from Melhourne. Outeide Orbost the Gippsland Waratah (Telepea ereodes) was in bloom, and near Sale we admired a good show of Dtwris punctate We were keen on exploring the dense jungles around the Drummer, étc., the habitat of several epiphytal orchids—peculiar, more or less, to the district. str. Next morning we requisitioned horses and crossed-the Cann River to the northerty hills. The banks of this wide stream, with a sandy hed, are well-clothed with vegetation, chiefly Eucalypts, Blackwoods and other Acacias. At the mouths of the many trobu- tary creeks huge vines hang from the tree-tops, giving a jungle-like appearance. At the fords clumps of Cyperus lucodus and Carex polyoatha grew jn abundance, with willows on the islands, of which there are several, Synilax australis was Swxuriant av the mouths; also here and’there on the flats; fram many tall trees its thorny ropes and large coarse foliage cascaded to right over and into the water. It was in flower, also in fruit. The massed blooms of Clematis avisteta and Tecoma avstralis—the latter varying consider- ably in the depth of colour markings—festooned the tangled shrub- bery wherever sutlable conditions oblained. On the hillslopes Excalypius sieberiana (Silvertop), &. scabra and B, Matdemi were the most noticeable gums. the first mentioned predominating. The moist gulbes and other favoured places were fuxuriant with the golded sprays of Goodra lotifola and other less abundant, but equally attractive, flowering shrubs. And in places more open, the coral-red flowers of Kounedyra rubicunda ran riot with the creain bottle-brush blooms of Melalenct evicifolia and M. squarrasu, hang- ing in graceful festoons even.to the ground. In such surroundings we saw gevera) large Goannas (monitor lizards), which were preying upon young rabbits; also some Wallabies. Chocolate- brown frogs were congregated on many half-subnierged logs in the swainps, and making an almost deatening noise. Large Black Snakes were 2 nuisance as we pushed our way through the heavy scrub, northwards. Gang Gang Cockatoos were noisy in the tree-tops, and the “tink tink” of Bell Miners echoed through the valleys. In sight of Mt. Kaye (3,284 ft}, the only conspicuous peak of the range, we ventured along a well-hidden ravine where Lilly Pilly trees (Zugenia Smithit) rivalled even the great gums in height, At the foot of a waterfall made still more attractive by flowering kwyshes of Prostanthera rotundifolia, we found our first epiphyte. Sarcochilus : aod hes Vie. 140 =—- Reeves and Ntcratrs, Jungle Conutry sf East Victoria Mor By farviflarus grew abundantly on the moss-covered linths of a Pittosporum tree, Tree-ferng were very fine in this ravine, atid the orange-berry clusters of both Morinda jasminoides and Eustrephus latifolws (Wombat Berry) intermingled with the ebony ones of Vitis hypoglauca, Recrossing the riverat a convenient ford we found ourselves in the haunts of the Water Dragon (Physignathus lesueurit), It was interesting to watch the reptiles diving into the stream and gaining the security of their burrows; in one smal! area of the cliff-face we counted more than eighty boles. all apparently tenanted. At another locality a tame-wild Water Dragon was observed; it even.allowed us to handle it. The fact that this is a favourite fishing-place probably accounted for its tameness. Th the depths of the jungles the Giant Maidenhair (Adtomtum formosium) grew. "Many interesting plants were added to the vasculum on the return, Among these were Lissonthe strigosa; Persoonia fisseorts—a prace- ful shrub; Howto ftlocutaris; Hibbertie stricta—common on the hills; Pterastylis pusilfa—the inost easterly record for this ground orchid, Many other terrestrial orchids were seen, all common species, Diuris fongifolia and Glossodia iajor were plentifully distributed. On the Drummer, Caladewa precox was found, including a colour form—bronzy-pink—originally cotfected by Mr. Chas. French, at Bayswater. Gilossodia minor was searched for in many places and eventually found outside Cann Rivet township, also at Marlo. Mr. W. Hunter, surveyor of Orbost District, reports this orchid, previously a doubtful record for Victoria, to be plentiful near Genoa dutmg early spring Splendid specimens of ihe Sickle Greenhood (Ft, falcata} were found in the extensive Melaleuca swamps near Cann River and Noorinbee North, On October 14, Mrs, Cameron drove us to Mr, Pedersen’s prop- erty at Noorithee. A few miles away, in the jangles, Sarcochilus fotcatws was observed ix site; its chief hast appeared to be the Tree- Violet (Hyménantheva dertdia). This showy orthid grows in a certain athount of sunshine on the margins of the scrub. Unfortu- nately, it is doomed to extinction in this, its only Victorian habitat, unless steps be taken to preserve it. Ferneries in Orbost tell their own tale, The Creeping Polypady (Cyclophorus serpens) was exceedingly plentifel on the trees, here as elsewhere in the jungles, In many cases the great matted colonies of this fern were gay with orange and yellow frorids, The boles of many moss-covered trees and tree-ferns were covered in Polypodinin pustilatum and Blechnun Paterson, On the hills close by large white-flowered specimens of Cal. caynea were collected, and the leaves of Caleana major were seen. ‘ January, 1938 VoL. Liv bs = 4 g a =) Fe S ra Zz < a4 o ‘aa ne 4 ran ne -_ Plate XIV H. T. Reevea. The Streaked Rock Orchid, Dendrobiwn srriolanun, draping granite boulder Phota, ' ' van Rrtves and Nicnonts. Sangle Comtley of Bast bichon I41 Through the courtesy of Mr. W. J. Dempsey, staff loreman, Forests Department, we were able to visit outlying districts, The country between Nocrinbee and Genoa Creek was gay with many flowers. The Purple Flag (Pat glabrata) and the white-flowered Dip. merea hedecked every slupe. We explored creeka and hikely places en: route. At Karlo Cresk the Waratah was at its best: the flowers are not crimson but a rich rose-mative colour, Cletsostesna, Giderilatro was also seen on the trees, In a ferny glade east of Mr. Drummer the epiphytic Field australis was collected, both flowers and fnnt being present. The unfolding croziers af some of the Gully Tree-Ferns were remarkable in their abimdance, Trwesipleris tramzansrs. Ue Ferm Club Moss, also prew on the Fern-trees in alindance. We intended going heyond Genoa, but the granite cliffs at Genoa Creel invited inspection, “Vhrough a grove of Black Wattle we pushed ahead down to the swiftly flowing waters, Silver Ever- lastings (d#¢l. Baatert) with Correa rubra m association, grew on the slope, Large Water Dragons scurried over the rocky bed of the creck to. the safety of the pools, and several Black Snakes were disturbed. Under the shellermy limbs of Kanooka (Tristania fourina) and other trees, many shawy flowers were noted, including those of Sprengetiaincarnata, Calytriy letragona and Poranthera corwinbos. On the cliff-face and under its shelter grew Phebaliemn sqrame- fasuin and Hehehrysan obfaxgifolnan. In the drvest positions Mesembrianthenmem acquilaterale lnoked very healthy. Chimps of the Tassel Cordrush decorated the fat rock surfaces adjacent to the running water and around the many deep, sheltered pools where the Water Drayons had made themselves scarce. Just below the Main Falls were delightiul tufts of many species of tern, including the Coral Fern An unabservant person might wander here unaware of the great abundance of the stnall Rock Orelid whiwh covers many Jarge boulders. Dendrobium striolawun was indeed plentifoi—upright on the very crest, drooping the sides and hanging: like graceful -cardrops fen the roofs ul the cool caves heneath. Thousands of golden-petalled blooms made j meniorahle picture. Regaining the roadway above we explored the hillslopes. Grevillea. lavendulacen (2) {a very robust form), with Hibhertia sevpyltifotia, grew in profusion, and Lettcapogen lanceolate, L, wrgatus and L. crictoides were gathered, also. Pullenca prolifera and FP. Gunn. On the return journey the graceful Luc. salieifatia was noted, and a large bush of Solanum wiolacemn way the reason for a suddet stop at a sharp bend, where this colourial shroly was adnnred. Tetrelheca pilosa, among other plants, were seen, and Golden Goodia grew Freely in the valleys, 142s Reeves and Nicvotes, Jungle Countey of Eort Victoria bil ute It was along the Tambooys Road, about five miles south of Cann River, that we first collected Glossedia minor. Many fine stands of valuable timber trecs were inspected in this and other areas, chiefly Euc. Boststonna, radiata and Muelleriana. The visit to Euchre Valley will long be remembered for the fine displays of Oxohinne ellipeum (var angustifoha), The Tangle Orchid was growing on the Kanooka Trees in abundance, with Waratahs rising fram the midst of tali tree-ferns and the tangle of great vines in the creek valley. It was raining torrents, but we did not mind. Along the highway where Hibbertia dentate festooned the cut- lings, patches of tall, large-fiowered everlastings were seen, Relichrysunt broctratum (Golden) and H. albreass var. constant were im association. The outstanding feature of this locality was not the Bush-pea, previously mentioned, but the River Acacia (A. subporosa). This viscid small-leaved shrub for true graceful- ness and beauty of havit cannot be excelled A fine display of Boronia Mueéllet was seen on the way home, and Melalerca esnullaris, among other interesting plants, was collected al Noornbee, Later The Drummer was re-visited and the habitat of the rare Prickly Tree Fern (4lsophila Leichardtiaia), which was photo- graphed m situ. On the reedy flats near Drunmer Creek we collected the Scented Holy-grass (Hierachloa rorflara), and many Sun Orchids, of which Thetynitra dataides was the most abundant. Beyond Genoa the King Orchid (Dendrobium speciasunt) was in blanm on the very edge of the rocky cliffs, niuch of it damaged by wallabies, At Marlo the Curly-wig (Casslis flernosa) was an interesting subject. and Pipe Clay Creek gave us the rare Jointed Mistletoe (Karthalsctia avitevlaia). Fuaica slegais was about to unfold its graceful plumes, even then reaching a fieight of over nine feet, The Tangle Orchid was found bereahonts aisa, We are indebted to the National Herbarium, Melbourne, fer the determination of mach af the material collected, and alsa to Mr. F, Rohhins, of Orbost, for his help, which enabled us to teach addi- tional localities. At the Defence Department Explosives Works, Maribysnang, a pair of Magpielarks (Grallina cyanolewca) built their mud nest on the jute tion af two horizantal cast iron cross-pieces heneath a wooden trestle-run, about 12 fect ahove the grottnd. Workmen daily used the run, the flour oF which stood about one foot over the nest. bue did nod seen umduly to disturb the birds. The nest could easily be looked into through the |nter- stices of the board: of the trestle-run. Five eges were Jatd, and three ‘young were hatched out On October 25 two filly fledged young left the nest and went with the parents to feed at the river nearby; Next day the remaining fledgling followed. The wousual nesting site was probably selected on account of the ahsence of large trees iv the vicinity H.C.S. Jan. F a A el | Wiis, Suburban Colony of “Earth-sturs 143 A SUBURBAN COLONY OF “EARTII-STARS"” By ]. H. Wrttrs Those curious little fungi so appropriately called “Larth-stars” (genus Geaster) are seldom found except among the fallen leaves of forests or on the sandy scrub-lands of our coastal and dry inland districts and, although they are gregarious by nature, it 1s unusual ta collect more than several specimens at a time, [)D ; 1 Geaster sp. probably G. saccatus, showing developmental stages from ege. While remeving a vigorous growth of weeds from my home at Brighton, during the latter part of November, ] was amazed to find among the tults of [rairie Grass (Bromus catharticus) an enor- mous colony of Geasters, showing every stage of development from the tiny unexpanded “eggs” to old withered “stars.” Dense mats of white mycelium (the vegetative portion of the fungus) were inter- woven with the grass roots over an area of some two square yards, and from this “spawn” literally hundreds of fruiting bodies were springing—a careful count revealed more than 500! The identity of the fungus is uncertain, pending a measurement of the spores, but it is very probably G. saccatus (first recorded from Brazil, with very small spores, one four-hundredth of a millimetre in catueter), belonging to the group with raised, ftbrilluse mouth and hygroscopic rays. [% ic, Nat. 144 Wirtis, Suburban Colony of “Earth-stars” Vol, LIV. Geasters live npon hunts in the ground, but whether there was any mutual relationship between the Prairie Grass, roots and the mycelium which grew among them, or whether the habitat were purely accident, | am not prepared to say. To my knowledge no record exists of so many “Earth-stars” having appeared together in an area so small as two square yards, although other “puffballs” do occasionally appear in vast troups; C, G, Lloyd, Ohto, reports the phenomenon of a paddock so covered with the uncommon phalloid Lysuris that it was impossible to walk anywhere without treading on them. The accompanying line drawings of our Brighton Graster will serve to illustrate the developmental stages from pointed “egg” (1) to old, crab-like “star” (3), EXCURSION TO HUMPHRIES’ HILL, FRANKSTON A mild, dull day on Saturday, November 20, was ideal for the Club's botanical excursion to Frankston. Twenty-four members assembled at Humphries’ Hill at 3 pm. and enjoyed a ramble of two amd a half hours on the hill-slopes toward Moorooduc. All regretted that the time available jur exploration was so short, the Humphries’ Hill area providing such rich and varied material that a full day could he well spent there, Despite a rather superficial search, 120 plants were recorded, including 96 flowering species (in 36 different families), 3 ferns, 7 mosses and 13 fungi, Graminee and Legquatinose were dominant tamilics, with eleven species uf each in fluwer. Of the grasses, two species of oa excited special interest— one, the common Tussuck Grass, Pea caespilosa, grew Juxuriantly ina maist delt with flowering stems eight feet high! while around its roots flourished the delicate and matted form, 2. tenera, like soft inasses of green horse-hair. Poa tenera was given a very apt name by Hooker in his Plana of Tasmania and it surely merits specie rank, although recent botanists have not attempted to distinguish it from 2, cacspitosa, to which there is very little resemblance. Orchids were curiously scarce, and only three species were seen during the afternoun—Calochilns Robertsonii, Micretis parviflora and an asparagu - like shoot of Dipodtion punetatuu. Of showy flowers, the more conspicuous ones collected were: Blue Tufted Lily, Twining Glycine Pea, Scarlet Coral Pea, Slender Stackhousia (very tall), Love Creeper, Blue Pincushions and Grass Trigger Plants; hut for charm of setting, the pride of place went easily to JJasns proniiie—a much smaller plant, related to the garden musks. Wares grew as rosettes embedded among the soft green patches of Pea tetera in shady dells, its violet, lipped flowers closely simulating blooms of the Purple Bladderwort, a marsh-loyviig insectivorous plant which was not observed. Robust specimens of Sweet Hounds-tongue (Cyreglessim suaveolens) were utusually fragrant, but the two humble Opercularias which were found did not inspire a yery intimate olfactory acquaintance ! The season, of course, was unfavourable to fungi, but the dozen odd species noted were quite representative and colourful—gilled, bracket. puffball and several other forms. Pieirotus lampas (the luminous agaric), monita wurppa (a toadstool with offensive odour and nauseating taste), and Fomes robnstus (a large woody bracket, parasitic on Black Sheoaks) were conspicuous, while an old tree trunk smothered in tiers of the tiny, downy-silver Stercwm vellercim was strikingly beautiful. E. 1. McLennan, msc. and J. H. Wirrss, Leaders. a Vol. LIV.—Ne.,1 10 Bebruaty 5; 1938 i THE FIFLD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA Vhe ordinary meeting of thé Club was held at the Royal Society's Hall on Monday, January 10, 1938. The President; Mr.. A..H. Chisholm, ¢ F.a.0.U., presided, and about" 100 members ‘ait iments were present, SUBJECT FOR EVENING The “Subject for the Evening” was an illustrated heckucd. on “Crustacea,” by Miss Ellen Clark, of the National Musetini. Miss Clark confined her remarks to the land and fresh-water species, Particular reference was made ta the primitive mountait shrimp of Tasmania (Anaspides) and its Victorian ally (Koonunga). These shrimps are the living representatives of fossils found in the coal-measures of England: The Phreatoicidae, a group of primitive [sopods found in Australia, Tasmania, New. Zealand and South-Africa, was used to prove the previous existence of a land connection between these countries, The life-histary of the large spiny crayfish, illustrated by photographs, was given to show the differences between the Australian and European ersy- fishes m their breeding habits.. Live land -yabbies were exhibited and comment made on the extensive damage. ‘gauged . by -these _ creatures in agricultural districts. = . At the’ close of the lecture a vote of thanks was nosed by Mr. R. A. Croll, seconded by Mr. Chas. Barrett, and carried by acclamation. “REPORT OF EXCURSION) 2 °> 4 Mr. 5, R. Mitchell reported on the Boxing Day. tip to the Atiakies and Steglitz, ~ ri 7 ain . at tt en”! “s “ELECTION OF MEMBERS. - “On a Saat of hands. Mr’ -G. Re Lamjaster “was, ‘elected an ordinary tember af ihe Club? and. “Master Ronald: Merson’ an associate member.” - 1 = i ©” GENERAL BUSINESS: rs > Mr. AL HE ‘Mattingley, referred to, the destniction of sapling timber by campers... The matter, was referred to. the - Committee for consideration. ~~ ° hogs me Se 4 at 146 Field Natuvatists’ Club Proceedings veLLIv, NATURE NOT ES " Mr. Ww. H. Nicholls said that a Platypus had often been seen in the Maribyrnong River, near the Footscray Park. Mr, A, D, Hardy recorded as new for Victoria two species of fresh-water algae (Dunatiella viridis Teodor and D. salina Teodor) fron) the Pinke Salt Lakes, near Underboot. EXHIBITS | Mrs, E, E. Freame.—Collection of Crustacea. Miss Ellen Clark—Various land and fresh-water cristacea, lo illustrate her lecture, also a specimen of the Northern Hemi- sphere Lobster. Me. A. R. Proudfeot—Tooth of Sperm Whale (Physeter sinacro- cephalus) . Mr. A. D. Hidrdye Freshwater Algae, Diutnliella viridis Teodor, D. salina Teodor, from the Pink Salt Lakes; also Calieiwar avbuscula Stein, from the plankton of Hope Reservoir, Adelaide Water Supply. Mr, T: S. Hart:—Mat Rush (Lotmandra longifolia), fruit and seed, from Cheltenhani: also unusual plants collected by Mr, W, Hunter at Suggan Buggan: A. Raspwort, Felorrhegis racemose, var. Banerlent, Boroma dettigera, and a Phebalinn, P. lewpro- phylluan;, at Combienbat, the Prickly Shaggy Pea, Oxylobinsn tr tlobatwn, Mr. S. C. Richardson. —Young specimens of the Cat-fish (Amieurus nebulosus)—one prepared by the Dawson alizarin process .by Dr, L. Richardson, McGill University, Montreal, Canada, ' Mr A. A ‘Chishoim.—Natural history photographs, Ms, P. 5, Colliver —Fossil-crustaceans, fnchudineg yabbies, crabs, trilobites, barnacles, phyllocarids, ete, Mr. H, Stewart—One hundred and five species ot ‘plants! the iuajority in flower, from Mount Buffalo National Park, altitude 4,000 feet ta 5,600 feet, including the following; Bhechntyn pro- seruap (syn. B, capense), Cassinio. acwleata, Hydrocotyle hirta, Ayiwenunthera-augustifola (syn, If. dentatay, Juncus ‘prisinata- carpus, Lycopadiuen clavatium, Mercanta cephaloscypha,.Micro- lana stipoides, Myriophyllum ambiubiven, Broad-leat “Water- mitioil (new locality), Nertera depressa, Cushion Nertera (in fruit), Poa caspitosa, var. affinus, Polytrichum sp., - Sete pus crascinsculUs, Tetrarrhena distichophylla, Hairy Rice-grass_ (new lotality ), Pulteniea angustifolia, Narrow-leaf Bush-pea, P. feprelia.: Delicate Bush-pea. i THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Plate XV VoL. LI¥ February, 1938 Gleichenia flabellata R.Br. White and Goy Leptolepia dissecta White and Goy 1. Wartre and Gov, Ferns of Mt. Spurgcon 147 FERNS OF MT. SPURGEON, NORTH QUEENSLAND By C. T. Wurre and D. A. Goy (Botanic Museum and Herbarium, Brisbane, Queensland) In the spring of 1936 one of us (C. T. White) spent about ten (lays botantzing on Mt. Spurgeon, one of the richest botatical fields in North Queensland. It is a granite plateau rising to approximately 4,000 ft, and situated a few miles inland from Port Douglas. The rainfall on the eastern portion around Root’s Creek and the Mossman Falls on the Upper Mossman River is very heavy, but falls away rapidly as the plateau recedes to the west and the altitude decreases, the rain-forest becoming drier until at the extreme western end of the plateau, and probably at an altitude of 2,000 ft., it is replaced by a better-class Eucalyptus forest. One of the most abundant species is Eucalyplus resinifera, the Red Stringybark or Red Mahogany, which, so far as we know, has not previously been found so far north. No records as to rainfall are available, but the impression from the vegctation is that it is probably about 150 inches in the east and only about half this in the west. As one descends on the western slopes towards the township of Mt. Carbine the usual “Gulf xerophytic vevetation is in evidence. In addition to the ferns described for the first time, the collec- tions yielded two new orchids—Dendrobium Fleckert Rupp and White, and D. Carri Rupp and White—and several trees and shrubs which will be described in the next “Contributions to the Queensland Flora.” The following list comprises only those ferns of which specimens were collected; a few very common species were observed but not collected. No list was made of these in the field, so they have been ignored in the present account. LYCOPODIALES Family LYCOPODIACEAE Lycopodium cernuum Linn. FILICALES Family MARATTIACEAE Marattia fraxinea Sm. : Family GLETCHENIACEAE Gletchenia dicarpa R.Br. Gleichenia flabellata R.Br., var. coutpacta, var. nov. Rhizoma repens, ramentis lanceolatis deciduis sparse obsitum. Stipes validus, erectus, subnitidus, glaber. Rhaces ad furcas et subinde rami paleis parvis deciduis lanceolatis fimbriatis obsitae. Frondes 35-150 em. altae, 148 White and Gov, Ferns of Mt. Spurgeon bias ue compactae, repitito-dichotumae, ramis vel pinnis ultimis 10-15 cm. longis, 1-5 to 2 cm. latis, lineari-lanceolatis, acuminatis; segmentis herbaceis, supra glabris, subtus glaucis, pilis paleaeformis paucis deciduis ad nervos obsitis; margine in parte superiori serrulatis. Sori e sporangiis parvis 2-6 (ple- rumgue 4) compusiti, Rhizome branched, creeping, rather sparsely clothed with smal! lanceolate deciduous scales. Stipes rather stout, erect, smvuoth; rhachises clothed with a few small lanceolate-fimbriate, deciduous scales at the forkings, and sometimes along the whole branch. Fronds 35-150 cm. high, repeatedly and compactly dichotomous, the branches sometimes spreading in a horizontal Hypotepis tenutfolia (Forst.) Bernh,, var. firsuta White and Goy. plane (as in G. Cunningham Hew, a New Zealand species}. Ultimate branches (pinnae) 10-15 em. long, 1-5 te 2 em. broad, linear-lanceolate, acuminate, pectinately divided to the rhacis or nearly so, the segments herbaceous, glabrous above, exceedingly glaucous beneath and with scat- tered, deciduous, scale-like hairs on the veins, the margins serrulate in the upper part. Sori of 2 to 6 (usually 4 or 5) small sporangia, Mt. Spurgeon, C. T. White, No. 10556, Sept, 1936 (type of the variety), (very abundant, forming thickets along creek banks). Thornton Peak, L. J. Brass, No. 2304, 14/3/1932. Gadgarra, Atherton Tableland, S. F. Kajewski, No. 1101, 8/6/1929 (a fern growing to 1 m. high on creek hank). This variety represents an intermediate form between G. flabellata R.Br. and the New Zealand G. Cunninghamit Hew. The former differs in its less compact growth, longer and broader pinnae, larger sori and green or at most slightly glaucous under surface. G. Cunninghamit is of extremely rigid growth, has densely scaly stipes and rhachises, very coriaceous texture and the margins of the pinnae are quite entire. tes 1 Waite and Gov. Ferns of Me. Spurgeon hag Family HYMENOPHYLLACEAE Trichomanes sp. aft. T. bipunctatumy Pair, Trichananes parzviflorum Poir. Family DICKSONITACEAE Dicksaulu ¥ meargiae C. Moore FAfypalepis temnfoha (Forst.) Bernh., var. hirsitia, var nov. Frondes t:5.an. atta. Stipes ad basem pilis longis mollibus fulvus dencis- same obsitus. Frondes supra pilis paucis longis obsitac. Fronds 5 {t. tall (1:5 m.). Base of stipes devsely covered with soft reddish-brown hairs. Rhachises and veins on the utder surface of fronds densely clothed with spreading, silky, pale-browt hairs, the bairs sparser on the upper surface. Mt. Spurgeon, North Queensland, C. T. White, No. 10702, Sept, 1936 (Base of stipes very hairy with reddish-brown hairs. Frands 1:5 m_ high.} Family CYATHEACEAE Alsophila Rebeceae F.v.M, Alsophila Baileyana Domin (4. Rehecrae FM, var, commutatie Bail,) Alsaphila austrahs R.Br- Alsophila australis R.Br.> var. glaveca F, M. Bail, Alsephila Robertsiana F.v.M. Family POLYPODIACE.AE Leptolepia dissecta sp. nov, - Frondes cut stipite 52-60 cm. altae. Stipes com rhachi primaria plerumque plus rminusve flexuasus, sppra sufcatus, pilts Iongis patentibus setiformibus fulvis obsitus; pilis densissimis basem versus. Latnimae 22-32 cm.’ tongae. 1§-22 cm. Jatac, oblongo-lanceolatae vel deltoidae. tripinnatae, acuminate, firme herbaceae, supra. atro-yirides, sobtus, (in sicco} glaucze. Pinnae primariae erecto-patentes ; infimac hipinnatae, superiores gradatim breviares seq alte pinnatifidae fere ad. apicem frondis, utrinque pilis adpressjs set- farmifus ad venas parcissime obsitac, Pinnae securdariae lineari-lanceo- latae, in parte inferiori pinnatae, apicem versus pinnalifidar, ad 1-3-5 cm langac et 1 cm. Jatae; pinnulae infimae pinnatae, ‘segmerttis 3-7; pinnylae interinediae paucilabae; pinnulae supremae inteprac; segmentae ultimae 2-3 mm. Jongae, jaleatac, lineares vel oblongac, obtusae. Sort mumerosi ad apicert venulac in Iobis lateralibus pinnae tertiariae dispositi, Indusium menbranaccum, magnum, late orbiculari-cordatuin sacpe practer apicem lobi. protrudens. : Rhizome short-creeping, Pronds tifted, 52-60 ons. high, 15-22 en, broad, on a stipes about half the total length of the [rand Stipes and main rhachis flexuose. chanriclled above. densely clothed at least whet) young with long, spreading, setiform, brownish hairs, the hairs denser and fonger towards the hase, Fronds oblong-lanceolate to deltoid, tripinnats, acuminate, texture firmly herbaceous, rather dack green above, glaucous beneath (dried) Primary pinnae fewer on one side than the other, erectorpatent, oblique. oblony-lanceslate, shorlly acuminate, the lowest ones bipinate and 7-12 on. long, 2:5-6 em, broad at the base, the upper ones gradually shorter hut al least deeply pinnatjfid almost to the apex of the frond; rhachises channelled above and more oe less hirsute, both surlaces with scattered, adpressed. 1 Wir and Gov, Ferns of Mt. Sprrgrot oat bristly hairs on the nerves, otherwise glabrous. Secondary pinnae linear- lanceolate, pinnate below, deeply pinnatifid at apex, the longest ones 1+3-5 tm. long and about | cm, broad, their lowest piniules aga pinnate willl 3-7 segments, middle ones few-lobed, upper ones entise, Ultimate segments 2-3 mn. long, falcate linear or oblong, obtuse. Sori numerous, at the tip of a short veinlet on small rounded Jateral oulgrowths of the tertiary pinnae. Indusium membranous, large, broadly orbicular-cordale, frequently pro: trudmg above the tips of the jobes, with a few bristles at the point of attachment ' Mt, Spurgeon, North Queensland, C. f. White, No. 10574, Sept. 1936 (fern on rock faces in damp places near creeks). The only other recarded species of Lufvolepra for Queensland, viz. J, tripimetia Kohn, differs abundantly an having fronds of finer texture, prec on both sides, and tess finely divided qinnae with larger gyate ultimate segments Lindsaye cultrata Sw. Previdium. aguilinuaw Kuhn, var: escatentunt v. Alder v. Rosenb, (Pteris aquidina Linn.) Plevidivms aquilinum Kuhn, var. fenugivostan Lrverss. « Leplochilus megieetuis C. Chy. (Acrostichnmn taglectua F, M. Tiayl) Leptochilies acuminatis sp. nov Rhizoma reyens, Frondes dense cacspituse. Stipes ad 46 cns, longus, ad basem rameistis fulvis lincari-lanceolatis ca. 3 mm. longis obsitus. Frondes steriles cum stipite 20-69 cm. altac, pinnatae. Pinnae utringue 2-5, oppisitac vel alternae, subcoriacene, oblongo-lanceolata; amce Jonge eruminatae, Margine crenatae, 8-17 em. longar, 25-3 cm-latae, bynze infiiae maximac pinnae Jaterales obliquac ad basem rotuidatac, subcordatae et imaequales; pinriae inferiores breviter petioiatse, superiores sessrles vel plus snivusve confluentes et saepe in axilla bulbillo instructac, deinde angustatac ¢t fertiles; piuna terminali integra, bifida vel trifids. Froandes fertiles steriles acquantes ; pinriat anguste Hineares, 9-19 em. longae, ca. 4 mm. Ialae; sori densi, con- Ruentes vel distineti. Rhizome creeping. Fronds densely vufted, stipes clothed at the base with reddish-hrown, linear-lanceplate scales about 3 mm. Jong, otherwise naked and smooth. Sterile fronds 20-69