Victorian Naturalist

of the

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA

VOL. 63

MAY, 1946, TO APRIL, 1947

Hon, Editor: A. H. CHISHOLM, F.R.Z.S.

hl —--—_

The Author of each Articte is responsible for
the facts and opinions recorded

MELBOURNE:
Brown, Priox, ANDERSON Pry, Lip,, 430 LiTtLE Bourke STREET
1947

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 63.—No. 1 MAY 6, 1946 _ No, 749
PROCEEDINGS

The monthly meeting of the Chi was held on April 8, 1946,
at the Lecture Hall of the Public Library, the President (Mr. H.
C. E. Stewart) and about 150 members and friends atrending.

The President referred to the death of Mr. F, H. Salaa ard
mentioned his interest m the Club and its members, emphasising
the useful excursions held in his district under his leadership.
The President also referred 10 the death of Mrs. Richardson (the
wife of our member; Mr. S. C, Richardson) and mentioned the
hospitality given Club members on visits to. Mt. Dandenong
during their residence there.

The Honorary Secretary briefly reported on the results of (he
questionnaire, and stated that from the next meeting an alteration
in the Club meeting programme would be instituted. Meetings
would be starred at 745 p.m, and closed for the conversazione al
9,30 pun.

A letter was received fram the Ararat Field Naturalists” Club
inviting members to visit Ararat early in May, when the Club
would he reorgamzed. Jt was expected that an excursion would
be arranged to the Grampians during rhs yisit.

Mr. David Fleay wrote thanking the Club for a donatinn receives!
after the excursion to the Healesville Sanctuary, and advising
members that although no success in capturing a Thylacine had
been achieved, traces of the animal had been found, aad he had
every hope of eventually succeeding in the capture of specimens,
Traps were still being operated in Tasmania by local bushmen,
and a further trip info even more remote areas of South-West
Tasmania was being arranged.

Excursions held since the last meeting were mentioned by the
President and a brief report of the last meeting of the Geological
Discussion Group was given by the Hon. Secretary.

The following were elected as ordinary members of the Chih:
Miss W. Warren, Mr. R. Kershaw and Mr. G. Johnson.

SAFEGUARDING FLORA AND FAUNA

Mr. P. €. Morrison referred to damage caused ar Wilsons
Promontory by Commandos in training during six years of
occupation, and suggested that now was the time for a. stoctstuking
af ur National Parks im general, i order to ascertain how

A ’

2 Fieht Nutnvattsts’ Club Praceedings pie Di

much time and work would be required to bring thent back te the
state that should obtain, He further suggested that the Cluh
should take a lead in this matter,

Miss Wigan, speaking from personal observations made during
a yecent visit lo the area, stated that only one Koala was seen
and no other-animals were noted at all. The area around Waterfoo
Bay and Cape Wellington was all burnt out.

Mr. A. 1, E. Mattngley, speaking as one ot the Committee of
Management, stated that the Defence Department had promised
in writing that there would be no damage to flora and fauna.
This promise had not been kept. Moreover, much damage had
been done to the Chalet and some of the contents had been stolen.

The follawing motion, moved by Mr, C. Morrison, and seconded
hy Miss Wigan, was carried unanimously :-—"“That the FALCY.
registers its abhorresice at the destruction of protected fauna in
the Wilson’s Piowontory National Park, as reported in the Press
and witnessed by some of its members, and stresses the need for
a2 comprehensive plan for post-war rehabilitation of this and all
oir other fauna and flora sanctuaries; and that this motion he
passed officially to bath State and Federal authorities.”

Mr, G. Coghill reported that animals at the Sperm Whale Head
National Park were doing well, but Mr, Stewart stated that this
report was at variance with one given by a member living in the
district. He suggested that the anatter be left to the Committee for
investigation.

Mr, Mattingley referred ta a report ot two women stealing Lyre-
birds, and suggested that some punishment was needed. [t was
further stated that forest rangers and the Committee of Manage-
nient had no power to arrest, and hence could not doa great deal in
policing the areas,

Messrs. A, G, Hooke and A, S, Chall: were re-elected as auditors
tor the year,

NATURE NOTES

Mr. E, J. Cope asked when was the Red-whiskered Bulbul last
see. in Melbourne, Miss Wigan replied that the bird was in
‘Tooyak tor two or three weeks at the beginning of the year.

Mrs. E, E. Hill exhibited a small marsupial and asked irs
identity, Mr. Morrison said it was the Pigmy Possam-Glider
(derabates pyguiwens), better known as the Feather-tail, which
was found in eastern Australia in timbered country anil was
lecoming rarer through the ravages. of cats.

A question, “Are Sooty Oyster-catchets common’? was answered
by Mr, Mattingley, who stated that the species was fairly familiar

Mr. Colliver stated that a great variety of fungi was seen in

bed Hiclt Naturalists’ Club Proceedings 3

the gullies of the Kinglake National Pack, and puff-balls were
very common, even in the wettest paris of the area.

Mrs. E. E. Bennett reported having seen the Ply Agaric at
Olinda.

Mr. Morrison gave some notes on the school of whales —i4]
in nambes—that were stranded on the west end pf the Ninety
Mile Beach. They were Black Fish Whales, taothed ani about
20 feet long, atk] were known to follow their leader blindly, so
that tt was a case of one in trouble all in trouble. Jt seemed that
death was due to suffucation owing to the weight of the annnals’
own bodies and lack of strength in the intercostal muscles.

LECTURE AND QUESTIONS

The lecture for the evening was given by Mr. Morrison, the
subject being “The Mystery of the Bandicoot’s Tota Stuuly in
Syndactyly,” It was illustrated by motion pictures showing the
Koala, Kangaroo aud Bandicoot using their syndactylous toes.
Museum spechvens of the animals avd skulls and feet also wert
used during the lecture,

* The following are some of the questions and answers given i—

Question: How near to Melbourne is the Bandicoot found =
Answer: The pictures shown were taken at Clayton South; tHe
anima! was also known at Frankston, Black Rock, Ivanhoe, Dare-
bin and in the Dandenong Ranges.

Question: Why are marsupials considered primitive? Answer:
Because of body temperature, anatomy and the nwar-reptilian mode
of reproduction, The body temperature in all marsupials that
have been investigated is lower and fluctuates more than that of
the Jfutheria (higher mamunals). In the egg-laying monotremes
this is even more marked,

Question: Is the toc usel as a toilet adjunct only? Answer:
Yes, syndactylous toes haye no other use than hitr-combs.

Question: To what purpose does the Kingfisher put its
syndactylaus toc, and is this condition common in humay bemgs?
Answer; The condition in the tae of the Kingfisher is not the same
as that in the animals mentioned, and in human beings the state
is really webbing, which nieans that the skin joining the fingers
with the palm in a normal hand extends m an abmonmal case for
a considerable distance. This state 1s of interest as if is hereditary,
hut it differs entirely from the syndactylous digits of the Kangaroo
and sinuilar animals.

Question; Is. there any relationship between the small toe of the
erayfish and the Bancicoot’s toe? Answer: The nipper of a
crayfish is not comparable with the limb of a vertebrate.

Question: Do any auimals-other than the Australian marsupials
possess the syndactylous toe? Answer- Yes, the Cusens, whieh
goes out of Australia and extends in the islands farther north,

4 Fieht Naturalists’ Chub Procecdings Eis ae

Mr. V. H. Miller stated that dogs destroy Bandicouts but
do not eat them. Mr Morrison said’ that cats do not eat then
either, One cat that did eat Bandicoot brought it up again:
apparently there is something in the Bandicoot that is distasteful
and upsets the stamach,

The thanks of the Club were accorded Mr. Morrison fur his
very interesting atldress,

EXHIsits

Miss Euilalie Hilt}; Pypmy Possum (Acrabates pypmaeus),

Mr. T. Griffiths: Common Chik-Moss (Lycepodtin clavate) which was
sold in Melbourne as the true Coral-Fern.

Mr. C J. Gabriel: Marine Shells—Jauthina comauinis, Lam, Lard Howe
Island; I, globose, Shy, New South Wales; /. exrgue, Lam, New Zealand.

Messrs A, PL and R, A. Dunn: Orb-web Spiders of the genus 4Argiafe
(A. semala, A. proteisa, AL syrmeticn).

Mr. A. N. Carter: Giant “Pear Shells," Gusveon cunihieniatun, Linn
and &. cartca, Griel, from the Fast Coast, USA Also fassiliferous
Jurassic sandstone from Capa Paterson, Victoria. :

Mr. P. (©, Morrison: Photographs of the stranded whales at Ninety Siile
Reach, also X-ray photos of syndactylous tocs,

Mr. H C_F. Stewart: A large series uf fungi from Enierald,

EXCURSION TO KALLISTA

Amoay te forty-five members and triends who came to see the fers
of this area ow March 16, we were pleased io wekkome Mr. Fred Bartan,
of Paynesville, Mrs, Barton and Miss Erica Bartow) were there, but were
tinable 10 join the search.)

In the mmurming each Jeader took charge of a pariy, Mr. Court's party
covered the hillkide on the right-hand bank nf Clematis Gully, My,
Griffiths’ group followed the hed of the creck. while Mr, Swaby tank the
left hank. In all cases the ferns were in very good condition and all the
vepelation seemed to have come through the yery dry spring and carly
summer well. >

Dating lunch at the pienie ground, younger members made a god
collection of fungi among which were some very large specimetts of the
rare brilliant lemati-vellow Lulvpvrns citron, One of the small heavtifial
ved-and-hlue crayfish was found wandering in the creek aud was brovett
in for admiration. '

After Tonwh, Hardy's Gully was ivspected. Here; again, it was pleasing
ta note the absence of interference with the satura! beauties, Several
members cane for the Jate afternoon and a rather rough journey dawn
Clematis Gully completed a good day’s wark.

The following twenty-six ferns. were mlentthed: .fdiantam avthiapicinr,
Aspleniian butbiferian, Blech cartilaginenm, B, fleviatile. RB. layeco-
Jato, Bo onudue, Bo pracerunt, Cyathen australis, Dicksonia anterctica,
Diplastunt australe, Drvopleris shepherdi’, Histiapteris jucisa, Aryoneno-
phyla cupressiforme, THypolepis rugasula, Mecodinn australe, Mf,
flabellatiom, Polyphlebuan venuston, Polypodtunt australe, Po diversifotinm.
PF, arammitidtixy, Polustichun pealifermn, Po adiantifornw, Plertdiun
aqahnnin var. esenlentiin, Provis comans, Steherus toner, and Todere
barbara. ‘lanesiftern biltardicrt was noted in at least three places.

A. J. Swany, T. Gutreitiuis, A. Cound,

= 4 Givens, Tail-waving by Licards

we

» TAIL-WAVING BY LIZARDS
By ‘TV. V. Givens, Melbourne '

Edith Coleman, in “Random Notes” (l/2c. Net., July, 1945)
refers Lo the habit possessed by some small lizards of waving their
tails, presumably as a tempting -bird-hait.

On the island of Bougainville in the Solomons at least four
species of lizard have developed this habit 10 a greater or iesser
degree, Among nocturnal species it is Well seen in the small
gecko Gymnodactylns pelagicns. This uniformly coloured species
is almost exclusively terrestrial, favouring faller logs and similar
rubbish in which it secks both food and shelter, , At hight in the
rays of a torch at may frequently be observed standing motionless
in the typical posed mariner of geckos with tts tail held aloft
like that of a dog. When it moves, as it does in short questing
runs, this member, still held on high, is characteristically waved
slowly and deliberately from side to side.

Another stnall gecko of similar size, the common, achive aud
arboreal Gehyra oceantca, also possesses the habit, hut the tail is
ot held aloft, and is curled from side to side rather than waved.
As in the foregoing species, the body and tail of this lizard are of
unmtorm colour.

Two larger geckos, Gymmnodactylus lowistadensis and Gecko
viltatus, both of which are at ‘boreal, though the former frequents
trees aid the latter shrubs, have long tails banded black and white.
1 have not observed G. lowisiadensis, which is comparatively rare,
to have the tail-waving habit, but G. vittatus often slowly curls
and uneurls its tail asi it moves about in search of insects. In both
species it is noticeable that the banding of the tail is more con-
spicudus in young specimens and that it is toward the tip of the
tail that the culuur-contrast is most marked.

In order te obtain some idea of the possible attractiveness of
this colour-scheme the experiment was tried of placing individuals
of both species in a large cage together with one of their natural
enemies, the tree boa Emygres carinatus, On at least two occasions
they were ubserved to lose theit tails to the boa before finally being
taken by it. With the same object in view a count was kept among
lizards collected of the state of their tails. Of six specimens of G.
lowistadensis collected, four had previously lost their tails and only
two had andamaged tails, Of ten specimens. of C, vittafus, six
tisplayed evidence of having regrown ther tails and only four
had undamaged tails. In this last lizard the former loss of ihe
tail is peculiarly recognizable even when completely c-grown,
for the reptile seems incapable of reproducing a tail banded like
the original, but effecis anly a compromise in which the tail is
white streaked with black,

B

4 Givens, Tarlrcavig by Listas Nate

Tn all, of thirty-two lizards. of six species collected, comprising
both geckos and skinks, only thirteen had undamaged tails, There.
3s, therefore, some evidence on Bowgainville at least to show thar the
tail of these lizards is not infrequently lost in the natural state.

But it is in a diurnal lizard, the Blue-tailed Skink (Lyqesome
(Enioa) cyaruruin), a small, active, and sun-loving skink having
a body length of about two inches and a tail length of about three.
that che tail-waving—in this cuse, tuil-twitching —habit may best
be observed. Among island skinks this species is remarkable nor
only for this well-developed tail-twitching habit but alsu because
that meinber is coloured a brilliant merallic blue, By contrast
the body is glossy black, with three narrow golden stripes running
paralle] the length of the body trom the head to the hase of the
tail. This body colour and pattern is similar to that exhibited by
the young of a small tree frog (f4ale thesayrensis) inhabiting the
same drea. Since this colour-scheme is displayed by the frog only
in its inmature form, when mortality in the species ts. presumably
greatest, it seents not unreasonable ro suppose that, like the suniar
striped pattern in the young of so many game birds, it is a form
of protective colouring, and hence by inference in the lizard also,

L, cyorwruns choice of a habitat—open situations at ground
level having plenty of logs, fallen boughs, and similar rubbish, with
not 160 much shading vegetution—makes it inevitable that-its
quick and active movements in search of insects will be noticed by
its enemies: hence as a first line of defence it is markedly alert
and agile. A good demonstration of this alertness and agility
may be obtained if you attempt to catch one of these lively skinks,
ior unlike same other skinks of the same genus inhabiting the
gloom of the jungle, it does not attempt to escape capture hy
immediately hiding, but, preferring to rely on its agility, skips
nimbly out of reach, brilliant blue tail twitching provocatively, as
theugh to say; “Catch me—f you can!"

At such a time you notice five facis about this small lizarcl.
Firstly, the tail is twitched only when the lizard moves; that is,
when it is mose likely to be seen and attacked by its enemies,
Secondly, it ts the end of the tail only that is twitched; that is,
the portion most remote from the bady, Thirdly, it is the end of
the tal that is most orighedy caloured; again the portion of the
tail most distant from the body, Fourthly, it is in young speci-
mens (when presumably they have the greatest need of such a
protection, 11 protection it is) that the tail is most dazzingly blue,
Fiithly, by contrast with the scintillating tail, the body of the lizarel
ix protectively coloured, as though to heighten the distracting efect
of the already brilliant tail.

After a consideration of these facts, and cemembering the tail-
waving habit in the geckos G, pelogiens and G. oreastica, and the

ni The Eggs of the Bag Motilis 7

banded tails of the geckos G_ lowisiadensts and G. witlalus, the
theory suggested by Mrs. Coleman seems to ft admirably, Par-
ticularly in the case of Lyyosoma cyenurum is it difficult to avoid
the conclusion that the twitching, scintillating tail is, after the
marked alertness and agility of this colourful skink, a second line
of defence, designed im the event of a sudden or close-presserl
attack to divert the uttention of the attacker from the lizard's
vulnerable but protectively coloured body to its distractingly
brilhant and entirely dispensable tail.

THE EGGS OF THE BAG MOTHS

There is not any mystery about eithér the eggs of Saunders’ bag moth,
on the hehaviour af the female, nor even the conduct of the male. L have
had hutidreds of the cases—bags, purses, what you will—under close and
critical obseryation over the years, and have reliablé witnesses to vouch
for all of the following facts:

The female larvae were hever once observed ta come entirely ovit of the
case; only about one-third of the creature protrudes as it feeds and moves
about. l have tied the mouth of the bax with wire—she bites cotton easily
—to ascerlain whether the wingless fenale adalt would come right out
when it was.re-opened, but she never did, nov could she return should she
ever du 50, She leayes the bag to: die
. She is impregnated while stil in her bag. She opeas the other end—
nok the fecdmy end—atwt when a mele arrives he clings to the end of the
cuse, aud inserts his extraordinarily extensil: abdomen inte the Lag, and
fecundates the female tm site. TD have seen a male abdonven extended for
nearly dour inches in lengrh, "

The tiny eges, many hundreds iu. number, are certainly deposited mside
the brownish pupal case; the bulk of the females dwindling as the cggs arc
sefaonitea makes the space available, since ihe pupal case canmol be
cilarged.

Soon after all the cus are deposited the depleted female, now considerably
sinaller. slides down out of the bag and soon expires, for death comes upon
her quickly after her life's work bas ended.

Should readers. desire actual proof of these statements, both Owen
Pawson, of Clyde, Gippsland, and myself would be glad qo display clear
photographs. together with « bottle of preserved eggs. T trust that this
ote Wall clear all doubts from the amind of my friend Mrs. Coleman,

Tariroxn RAyMENT

VALUABLE COLLECTION OF AUSTRALIAN ORCHIDS

The Rev HM. Rojp advises. that lis large private orchid berbariun:
of 470 species (including abont 27 types) has been presented to the National
Herharium of New South Wales. While congratulating the Sydney
Herbariuin upon this splendid acquisition of priceless material, the FING
would echa the eulogies that have already appeared in the Sydney press
aud express tts pride ana fellow-tnember whose scientific contributions to
our Natealis! have heen so weleome aver many years

R Monersox, The Mystery of the Bandicoor’s Toe Msi vaste

THE MYSTERY OF THE BANDICOOT'S TOF
By Crosanc Morrison, a.sc., Melbourne.

One of the carbest things noticed about the kangarao was that
the toes of its hind foot were very ill-assorted. Tt had one enarmous
toe On the outside of that was a much sinalter toc, and on the
inside of it was a toe that was smaller still—so smal! as to appear
in the last stages of degeneration, hut remarkable nevertheless
because it possessed two claws side by side,

OGne might regard that as an unimportanc detail of such a large
animal as a kangaroo; and indeed no nnpartance seems to have
been attached to it for quite some time after its discovery, ever
though it was established that there was more behind that claw
than appeared at first sight. Not only was the claw or toe-nail
double, bur the hones in the toe were double, tov. Indeed, what
appeared to be one small, attenuated toe proved to be two even
more attenuated toes, complete with the appropriate bones and
muscles, Lound together in one toe-skin. The effect was yather
akin ta what botanists term fascinacion in a plant stem,

This condition was undoubtedly normal and constant in the
kangaroo, and accordingly a scientific term was invented for the
condition. Tt was called syndactyly, and one apparent toe which
corsisted in reality of two toes bound together in the one skin was
termed 2 sytdaciylous toe (Gk. syn, together; dattylos, a finger).

The next development in the story is that this syndactylous
condition was found to be common not only to all kinds of
kangaroo (using the term in its widest sense ta melude wallabies
and wallaroos), but was also found in the various kinds of possum,
in the koala, and the wombat, the phalangers and possum-gliders,
and the tropical cuscus.

Zoologists looked ior it again, or for signs of it, in the American
opossum, and in the little marsupial selvas of South America, hur
there was no indication there, even in embryology, of any terclercy
toward syadactyly. It was not only confined to marsupials, but to
marsupials of the Australian region and of the tropical areas so close
tw Australia as to be clussed' with it as far as the distribution of
marsupials is concerned.

But not all the Ausiralian marsupials possessed it. Roughly,
the world’s count of something like 150 species of Itving marsupials
may be separated into two fairly well-detined groups, namely, the

redominantly flesh-eating group which includes the North and

outh American types and the Australian native cats and so-called
marsupial yats and mice, the Tasmanian [evil and the Tasmanian
‘Tiger, the famous Numbat of Western Australia, one of the most
primitive of all nur marsupials, and the Bandicoot; and the pre-
dominantly vegetarian group which includes the kangaroos anil
wallabies and their smaller editions the rat-kangatoos, the posstms,

TITE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 64 May, 1940

Prare I

Southern Short-nosed dicintic ots Cfscoden ofesudus Shaw and Nodder)
showing type of habitat—tunnels through the base of thickly-growing
matted grasses,

Photo by Crosbie Morrison,

Portrait view ef the Seuthern Short-nused Bandicuat (fseoden obesiulns
Shaw and Necklerd). The term short-nosed is merely comparative—the noses
of the Long-tused Bandicuuts are even longer and more slender than this.
Pheto by Crosbie Murrison.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Val, 63 May, 1940

Puatr TI

Skiagram of right hind foot of bandicoot from side (abave) and from top

(below), showing the separate hones of the second and third digits which

comprise the syndactylous toe ¢5.T.). The tues are numbered front inside

(‘big toe’) outward, the “big tue’ in this case being the smallest and
almost suppressed.

Photo by Melbourne Radielogical Clinic.

The “double claw” of the syudact¥lous dae in the divi specunen. duarberl dy
the arrow. Its strategic positien as a toilet implement is obvious.
Fhote by Crosbic Morrison,

so Movntson, The Mystery of the Bandicoot's Toc. 9

(including the possum-gliders or phalangers), the wombat, the
koala, the cuscus, and so forth.

That division is a iairly natural one. There are sharply marked
differences in the anatamy of the two groups—the structure of ike
teeth, of the feet, and of the digestive organs. All the carnivorous
gruup (using the word in the widest sense to include the insect-
eaters such as Mf yrmecobins, the Numbat, and the many sinall
mouse-like and rat-like marsupials) possess large numbers of fairly
sinall front teeth on both upper and lower jaw, with the camines
emphasised much as they are in the Carsivora among the higher
mininals. They have many front teeth, and so they were lumped
together in a group as the Sub-order Polvprotodontia (Gk, poly,
many ; profes. first or front ; odantas, a tooth),

The predonunantly vegetarian marsupials, on the other hand, are
all sharply differentiated in having fewer front teeth in the upper
jaw, usually arranged with their sides pressed closely together to
form an almost semi-circular cutting edge, and only two front
tecth in the lower jaw—mnever more; there is no half-way house,
no biological link, between the two sharply distinct types of
marsupial dentition. So the two front teeth i the lower jaw give
the name to the other sub-order of the Marsupials, the Diprotodontia.

So far, 50 good. We have a very natura), workable, logical basis
for our primary division of the marsupials, Or we should have if
it were not for the Bandicoot,

The Bandicoots form a distinct family of marsupials, the
Peramebdae, There are 17 species of them, but they are all very
alike ‘in habits and in their essential anatomy, They are, like $0
many of the marsupials, mainly nocturnal, and durmg the day they
live in burrows or under tree-stumps or in formes among song
grass, and they often make tunnels for quite long distances through
the grass—tunnets ahove the surface of the ground, hut covered
by the grass from above.

They are dainty little animals, with sensitive, pointed noses, sleek
hair which is just a tittle tuo coarse to he called fur, and alert beady
eves; and they have the strange but rather captivating power of
heing able to twist the tip of the nose round as they feel, and
probably also smell, for worms, The body is ustatly dark—the
commoner forms are brown—but the fect are generally white, and
as the little animal digs nimbly in search of grubs his white feet
seem literally to twinkle, The terms in coimion use, “As miserable
as a bantdicoot” and “Lousy as 2 bandicoot’ are both libels on a
pleasant and fascmating little creature. I've never seen one that
loaked iniserahle, and as for literal lousiness, they seem to have
remackably lite trouble with exterual parasites,

There is still quite a lot of difference of opinion about the
bandicoot's diet. Some people blame him for stealing potatoes in
a particularly insidious way by burrowing under the plant,

. atch. 4, Nat
10 Monnison, The Adystery of the Mandicaot's: Tue ES

abstracung the potato tulier; and then covering up the’ ground
atterwards—whwh accounts, by the way. for another piece of
Australian slang, “handicooting,' meaning ito steal in such a way
as to cover all traces of the theft for the time being—it is applies
mostly to petty pilfering.

But even that, it seems, 1s unfair to the bandicoot. | have treed
te coax them to eat potatoes, but have never succeeded, with onr
locat variety, /soodon ahesulus, at any cate, On the other hand,
they will never refuse a good earthworm or a cockchafer grub, and
as you will see presently in a brief flm—the only moving picture
I know of showing the bandicont in its native hatints—they will
go avidly for cockchafer grubs.

But I think we must adhere to fhe general published data that
the handicoot js an cinnivorous feeder, though x 45 certainly a
polvprotadont.

Here's the cub, though, The bundicoot is a polyprotadont with
a difference. All the other polyprotodents have the normal type
of hind foot that goes with polyprotadont dentition and all the rest
of the polyprotodont anatomy But the bandtcaot’s hind foot is
distinctly a diprotadont foot, with the syndactylous inner toe,

Indeed, by moving the bandicoot over into the other Sub-order,
and making no other alteration in the present classification, we
could divide the marsupials into the Sub-orders that Wood Jones!
uses—Syrdactyla, for the diprotodonts plus the banedlicoots, and
Didactyla for the polyprotadonts minus the bandicnots. The diet
does not help us nmch, because the definitely diprotodont possums
ea large quantities of insects 4nd grubs, and indeed as further
evidence is gathered it seems that they are every bit as ammivorous
as the bandicoots are. On the other hand, none of the other polv-
protadonts as far as T have heen able to ascertain, eats anything
but tnimal food—flesh, grubs, or insects—so from the dietary point
of view it is more logical to include the bandicoots with the possums
than with the native cats.

The bandicoot’s toe is, indeed, a puzzle. To determine finally
whether we shall use if as the hasis of classification of the mar-
supials it is necessat'y to determine which of the two characters—
dental or digitalis the more fundamental, and even there we come
to a dead end. Both are associated definitely with function, The
teeth are related to diets the claws, as Wood Jones? has clearly
shown in his R, M. Johnston Memorial Lecture to the Royal
Society in Tasmania in 1925, are related to toilet.

The small, sharp, multiple front teeth of the polyprotodontia are
beautifully adapted for cleaning the fur and for removing vertbit,
Indeed, the hair tracts (the direction in which the hair grows on
various parts of the body) are distinctly related to the direction in
which various torlet adaptations are used—teeth, claws, or tongue,
And since the diprotodonts have not the comb-like frant teeth, they

ait Moerisow, The Mystery of the Bandicoot’s fue i

have the comb-hke double claw of the syndactylous toe. to do their
hair with.-

As Wood Jones sums it-up, “The syndactylons digits of the
Marsupials are. definite hair-combs, put to no other ise whatever,
They are not degetterate or rudimentary digits; they are highly
specialized and highly functional members adapted to the single end
of being fitted to comb the particular type of lairy covering
possessed by the animal,” -

He goes so far as te imake the syndactylous toe, then, the
derermining factor in classifying the marsupials. Others* do not
agree with him. But there is something to be said on both sides,
and at present we may sum it up by saying that more must be
learned about the bandicoot and is anatomy, and about his
ancestay, before we can with any degree ef confidence adopt one ar
other of the proposed bases of subdivision of the Order Marsupiala,
We cannot, in other words, solve the problem of the classification of
the marsupials until] we have solved the Mystery of the Bandicoot's
Toe,

REFERENCES
1, Wood Jones, F—Yhe Mammals of Sonth Auatritlte. “
2. Wood Jones, F—' Ihe Mammalian Toilet and itz Biolagiea? Implications"
—Chap, 9 of Life aud Living.
1 LeGe Troughtou—Farred Antmals of Austratia.

EXCURSION TO KEILLOR '

On Saturday, March 23, 1946, a party of about fiily, imembers ol the
Chiab, the Avthrapological Saciety, and the Bird. Observers, visited the
creek terrace at Neior in which the Kelor Skull was found. The leader
(Mr. kK. A, Keble) and Miss Hope Macpherson perinted oat the exact spot
m the face of the sand pit where a workman bad driven his pick through
tt, and described the candition of the face when they and others. first saw
it—in favers with astes, fragmentary bones, and red ochre, From a nearby
erminence the leader pointed ont the three terraces in Dey Creck near its

confluence with the Marihyrnong River, and that the Keilur Teriace

(so called heeanse it was the terrace in which the skull wos tound) was
the otdest of the three. He then explained howe Miss Macpherson ‘and he

had taken the levels of all the terraces from Keilor to the mouth of tite

Maribyrnong River and iu this way had correlated the Keilor Terrace
wits the 15-20 ft. raised heach on the shores of Port Phillip Bay, a raised
beach that is generally recopmzed ax Having bee fornied al the maxityum
rise pL sea devel in the Post Glacial Stage, The Keilor Terrace was
proved to belong to the Wurrn Stage of the Pleistocene Glaciation.

R, A. Reeve

SCARCITY OF NATURALISTS

The Committee js concerned at fhe rapid depletion of the last March
ancl April issues of the (te. Vat. aud in order that the stocks. held thy the
Club will not fall below “danger Jevel’ it woul be moch appreciated if
thase members who do not wish permanently to retain rheir copies woulel
offer them back tu the librarian for sixpence cach,

12 Haat, Notes ot Doddor-laurets ae

NOTES ON THE IDENTIFICATION AND GROWTH OF
CERTAIN DODDER-LAURELS

By T. S. Hart, Croydon
lntraductary | Te

The Cassythas aré apthy called “Dodder-laurels,” having the
manner of growth of the Dadders, but the floral characters oi the
true Laurel Family to which they belong, i.e, the Family of the
Bay Lanrel (Leurnts)}—not the poisonous Cherry-lautel and
Portugal Faure] (species of Pranys) nor most other plants loasely
called “laure!” The Camphor-laurel, however, belongs to the true
Taurel Family, as also does. the Avocada "Pear."

Both the Dadders (Crseuta) and the Dodder-lauirels (Cassyth)
emerge from their respective seeds as independent plants, but soon
Make parasitic attachments onta other plants, the original basal
portions being then lost. Tf ao hast plant is available, the whole
seedling fails, but Cassytha, praducing more considerable ground
parts, can continue as a free plant for much Jonger than Cuscuta.

Although these two groaps helong to widely separated families, it
is moteworthy that each forms 2 parasitic genus in a tamily nat
otherwise showing parasitism. The twining growth of Cassytha
1§ alsa exceptional in the Laurel Fanily, whereas the true Dodders
(Cysenta} do belong ra a family of wsiners (Convoluulus Family).
Cassythe is mainly an Austcalian genus, the chief exception being
a wide-spread tropical plant (Cassytha filiforniis), which reaches
alse ta central coastai Queensland (Rockhampton), Three of the
four Victorian species extend to ‘Tasmania, where they have been
erroncously called “mistletoes.” No tme mistletoe occurs in
Tasmania.

Confusion over Cassytha pubescens, C. phacolasa, aud C. pansewlata

Same years a¢0 1 wrote on two species of Cassvtha (tet. Nat.
XLII, p. 79, 1925). In some way a part of my conclusion was
amittesl, perhaps by myself. Firstly , as there given, I concluded
that C. pracolasia (Rusty Dodder-laurcl) is a species with brown
hairy fruits, definitely ribbed—not merely longitudinal streaks or
slight angles. Secondly (there omitted). that Mueller’s variety
“wnacrosiachva”’ {i.e long spiked) af pubescens is rightly to be
retained in that species. The statement made, that shady condirions
inay favour elongation of the spies, refers to C. pubescens, in which
short spikes are normal, As mentioned in the former article.
National Herbarium speciniens fully sappart these conchustoris.
Bentham had oot seen mature fruits of C. phacolasiaand, depending
on the spikes, mistakenly transferred C. pubescons var. mucrastachya
to C. phaeoiasia, Mueller in his Key followed Bentham’s usage,
prubably not considering the Key asa suitable work to deal with it
and explicitly stating that varicties within a species were beyond
the scope af this work. A misplaced comma in the end of the 1925

aac Hart, Netrs on Daddor-lenrets 13

urticle affeets the meaning. The truits of C. pubescens range from
depressed-glohular to ovate-globular—no comma after “depressed.”

Latet observations confirm my earlier views. | have never see
irom anywhere about Melbourne a ribbed fruje ay all like €.
phazolasia of Womboyne River, New South Wales (the 6/pe area)
and of the Gippsland Lakes, Further occurrences af this species
have been roted between these localities. he precise limits are
uncertain from Inck of information, for imstance, I have no
injormation trom Port Albers. On the other hand, long-spiked C-
pubescens is quite common about Croydon and near there and the
fruits are clearly ©. pubescens, All reputed vecurrenves al C.
phecolusta near Melbourne or in western Victoria, so far as L know
them, are C. pubescens—the form: (or variety?) qtacrastachye.
The occurrence of patches of new growth resembling some seen in
C. phacolama may well be taken as having no specific significance ;
it is merely a growth-form at chat stage.

Recently, among specimens kindly showy to ine at the National
Herbarium, was the example called “Cassytha pasticulata,” §,
Jepheatt, Hume River—a locality regarded as doultfully Victorian,
As the specimen now stands without fruits, J did not see anything to
separate it from C: pubescens, Mueller, however, actually exhibited
itasC, paniculate and new for Victoria (ict Nat IX, p. 3, 1892).
‘There may be some feature, undetected by me. which influenceil
Mueller. ©. paniecudtta, Hume River, even if im New South Wales,
would be a long way from other localivies frequented by the species,
and there is always the possibility that a correspondent may have
collected a specimen far from his home address—the focatity taken
as arecord, Mueller’s “C_ paniculata’ (Womhbayne, New South
Wales, 1860) war Jated definitely cited by him as C. phacolana,
thus, C. paniculata isa very dubious Victorian recard.

Voriation in Fruits of C. glabetle.

Another species, the Tangled Dodder-laurel (Cassythe glabella),
ig common on dry heathlands and readily recognized by tts filiforim
stems, without hairs, and fawers in small stalked elusters, but
with no stalks to individual flowers. The succulent fruits are
described as “ovoid” by Bentham, “ellipsoid” by Mueller in the
Key and ly Ewart in Flora of Victoria. Mueller figures the species
in derail in Plants Jndigenous to Victoria, plate 68 (without verhal
description) and less fully in the Key to Ure System of Mietarvair
Plonts, 1885. Te shows the fruit with width about half its length
and tapering ta both ends, an outline usually ealled elptical in
leaves (though mote painted than a geometrical ellipse}. Tewart in
his Plora shows a form of frui¢ more parallel-sided, doubtless
referable (in part at least) to immaturity.

Lam using the term “fruit” in the ordinary sense of the whale
structure containing the seed, inckuding the enlarged perianth-rube
and not limited to the more central patts (Ewart in an elementary

'

= - Pie. Nat,
14 Harr, Nutes ov Rodder laurels baat ant

work showed the curiqus. results of a tue limited application of the
word “fruit’').

An unusual, nearly spherical fruit Shape was observed in. C.
glabella at Frankston on a recent Club excursion, Octaber, 1945,
(Piet, Naf, 62, p. 166). It had previously been: noted on various
occasions in that district, but | have found no mention of such a

* form in available hterature. The October fruit was still immature,
but carly m January 1 visited a place near Frankston; between
Hastings Road and the railway, I was late in the season, but
druits were ohtanable in some nunibers: yellowish or occasionally
greenish, nearly spherical, to 5 mnt. long by 4 mm. wide, and more
or-less marked -by ‘six vertical lines corresponding to the six-lohed
perianth. All the Cassytha glabelle fruits observed on this occasion
were near spherical, An unexpected feature, very evident at that

~ place late in the season, was swollen stalks from which fruits had
fallen, ‘Vhis occasionally obtains, but to a less extent, with the
ordinary fruit shape.

1 then visited the nearer heath country close to Clayton Springs,
at the Herald Street scrub near the Benevolent Home, near
Olympic Artnue, Cheltenham. and a small patch (not burnt in
recent years) near Tulip Street, East Sandringham, All the
{ruits.observed at these places (January 1946) were the typical
bulging, double-tapered form shown in Mueller's figures.

The shape illustrated in Ewart’s Flora was not seen on this
scecasion, but at is quite well known to me and offen seen on
ordinury excursions, The nearest approach among my curlier
specimens was found in immature examples taken in) September,
1937, near the Olympic Avenue occurrence. These correspond to
Mueller's figures of early stages in the Plants Indigenans, ete., but
are onutted from the simpler figure of his Key. Jt remains ta be
seen. whether this linear form ever attains maturity without ex-
panding to the shape given by Mueller for mature fruit.

Two cautions are perhaps needed. Small spherical galls are nut
infrequent on Cassytha, but these are quite different from the
fruits, being smaller, usually carried laterally on the stems on a

. short stallc, and hearing no remains of flower parts at the summit.
{The flower remains on the top of the fruit may be compared as
tO. position, with those seén on a gooseberry. though differing in
detail.) There is also a slight possihility that swollen stalks might
be taken at a cursory glance, for narrow frnits,

In dtied herbarium specimens, comparisons of sueculent fruits
are less easy, particularly with often incomplete or ininiature
mitterial. Benthain was obviously ata disadvantage in this respect.
[ have an example of C. gladelia tram the Moonnurng sandhills,
south-west of Bairnsdale (December 1919) in which the fruit as
nearly the Frankston spheroidal form, The once succulent part ts
now appreciably tranghucent.

peed Waar, Notes on Dadderslaurels 15

Through the kindness of the National Herbariumi-staff 1 was
able to look through their examples of this species and others, As
far as can be certainly stated from dried material, Cassytha glabella
from the Upper Kalgan River, West Anstralia, has fruits near the
Frankston form: One of M. Koch's from Pemberton, West
Auatvalia, his (rnits rownder and flatter at the top than Mueller’s
shape; it is possible that a flatter top might be obtained in dried
material by shrinking back of the succulent part. A specimen froni
W.- Wools, “Fort Jackson,’ has the [Eruits near the Frankston
form, but stalks not appreciably swollen; this is a stall, ‘neat
specimen, evidently carefully sex cut, and was perhaps sent. on
account af the fruit-shape. Of the other Herbarium specimens of
©. glabsila, a few are near the Frankston form and some rather
too plump for Mueller’s form. -

The Frankston form seems to he a well marked Jaca condition,
possibly worthy the status of a variety, yet with others from various
places more or less approaching it. In a specimen collected by
Walter at Cheltenham, November 1893, the fruits are near
Mueller's figure, but some more hnear, agreeing with my inlerpre-
tation of the nearly . parallel-sided form as being inhnature -(in
some cases at least).

As to fruiting season, direct obec vations ai the degved af
maturity is needed. The January specimens indicate a summer
crop and at about the end of it, though the end might this season
be earlier than nsual. On the afher hand, McLennan’s from
Emerald, May 1904, and C, W,’s ( ? Waller }, fren Portland,
July 1892, both near Mueller's form, but possibly a little plumper,
suggest an autumn or winter crop, as they are hkely to be near
maturity. Buds, some well forward, were abundant m Januar
1346, on plants with summer fruits. There is very likely an ah
season activity and the degree of succulence, and even shape, might
be affected by local conditions, 1 have taken these dates as dates
of collecting, not of receipt at the Herbarium.

Cassytha pammiformis of Western Australia is described by
Bentham as showing swollen stalks to the fruits. In the few
specimens seen at the National Herbarium the enlargement woulsd
wot be sufficient for a clear distinction from the Frankston form
of C, glabella, but as Bentham remarks, the inflorescence us
nianifestly different.

Germination and Early Growth in Cassytha

I have been able to refer to @ valuable article by M. Marcel
Mirande (Ana, Sc. Nat, Botamique, Seracs LX, Vol, 2, Paris, 1905)
dealing wath the development and anatomy of Cass thee, as based on
experiments with C. flifornis from Saigon. 1 find that twe
features mentioned in my 1925 article. from external examination,
jiad already been established by hint with anatomical evidence. .

The pair of inarks just below the lowest scale leaf of the

16 Haat, Notes on Dodder-laurets ater

seedling are the scars left by the detached cotyledons, The 3ix-
rayed appearance at the top of the non-fleshy part of the fruit
(‘fruit” in the brnited sense) does actually agree with the existence
of three carpels in the build of the flower, although only one forms
the style. The existence of three carpels in the Laurel Family,
had already been accepted, albeit some descriptions say "one"
‘Ewo or three” is even given by Meisner at an early date.

In the Cassytha seed, large cutyledons are fowntd, just as with
others of the Laurel Family, hut every Bentham failed to observe
them in dried material. Deferrmg to Robert Brown's dennite
statement of thetr presence, he approached Thwaites of Ceyion,
who fufly supported Brawn—lrom the evidence of iresh examples,
The cotyledons can be readily seen in seeds thatare not too mature,
Mirande adds the further point that they lie in the direction usual
to the cotyledons of this tamily.

There are same interesting differences in the accounts of early
growth as given by Mirande for C. filiformis and by Ewart for
C. melantha. Mirande descmbes the tip of the shoot as emerging
from the seed at or close to the time of detachment of the
cotyledons, though occasionally the hard parts enclosing the seed
are carried up on the growing shoot. Ewart shows several scale
leaves present at the time the hard shell is thrown off, correspond-
ing fairly well to the case Mirande regards as exceptional, The
difference might be due either to the peculiarities of the species ar
to conditions of growth. Ewart himself snggested that other
species besides ©, melantha might well be observed at their ger-
Inination.

The question of nutrition of the voung plantiet is also involved.
Ewart,‘no doubt attacking the problem as a physiologist, does not
deal with the earher formatton of the seed, but regards the stored
material as endosperm, #et cotyledons, and the tip of the shoot as
continuing ta absorb it. He seems to infer this continued absorp:
tion from the continued growth. Both accounts give the early
enlargement of the "hypocotyl’ [axis below the cotyledons)
especially in its basal part, and this growth must be supported by
material stored in the seed. At a somewhat later stage, when the
cotyledons are detached, Mirande regards the plantlee as capable
of growth on its own account, having cnourh chlorophyll and
sufficient ground parts i addition to the stores in the swollen
hypocoty] He has known it to grow ior eight months without
parasitic attachments,

Tr is not known to me who first established that Cassytha starts
as a free plant with roots in the ground, Dy. W, Waoolls has it
in his Plants of New South Toles (1885), but does not mention
it as a new fact, Ample observations on the germination of all
species in the genus are highly desirable, and Field Naturalists can
perform a uscittl see vice in this connection.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 63 May, 1946

Prater UT

~s Coteman, Ligg-laying of the Wattle Goat-moth {7

EGG-LAYING OF THE WATTLE GOAT-MOTEL
By Epitu Coteman, Blackburn, Victoria

The finest things about nature study are its perpetuity and its
illimitable facets, LEach of us makes “new” discoveries, a source
of wonder and delight tu vurselves, even though to the trained
hiologist some of them may seem trivial.

I have several times bred-out Wattle Goat-moths from the
fully-fed larval stage, and have seen busts of tiny larvae emerge from
incredible numbers of eezs; have marvelled at the silvery curtain

of threads on which intrepid
little creatures set out on their

+, great adventure, Yet never,
“7 ’ A til recently, had 1 seen the
— » un IV, t
ae mother moth deposit her full
== quivers.
~ On Deeember 21, 1045, a

male and female, identified by
Mr. Burns as Nylentes
eucalypti?, were taken from a
telegraph post on which their
motiled-grey bodies har-
monized perfeetly. This moth,
as the specific name implies, 15
impartial in its choice of food
plant, wattle or gum, on which
to deposit her eggs,
. - The male soon died, When
Nabi | pe Re aes. Pitt the female was placed on a
shi awn ale wal “Hathes” small og of | Messnuate
flit, translucent ovipositor extruded, Stringybark she began a search
for deep, sheltered crevices.
Instead of a rigid ovipositur, possessed by so many insects, she
extended a mibbon-like organ seven-eighth inch in length. Soft
and flexible, it moved over the log with the precision of a seeing
finper.

Many crevices were tested before the moth appeared satisfied ;
then the flat ovipositor became a swollen, translucent tube in which
one could follow the passage of egg-capsules until they were
extruded, The capsules resembled “chains” of squids’ eggs, but
were much shorter, with the eggs not in a single row, but in great
numbers, and of course much smaller. The capsules were moist and
mucilaginous and so adhered firmly to the crevice, a wise provision
which ensures the safety of the eggs until their hatching period.

The process was repeated many times, some of the capsules being
shorter than others, and occasionally two of these would be placed
in one crevice. The moth moved over the log as far as she could

18 Corpmay, Eya-laying of the (Wattle Goatimath vote

go, which stiggests that, in normal circumstances, she would travel
some distance along the chosen bole or branch, never depositing all
of her eggs in one basket,

It was fascinating to watch the sensitive ovipositor swelling aul
contracting with the passage of epgs, A wonderful tactile organ
it seemed as it slid mte cach hollow with the unerring uccuracy of
touch one notes in fingers of the blind, Under a lens it was seen
to be tipped with stiff, apparently sensury, bristles which probably
serve as organs of touch, —

The larvae of English Goat-moths exude from the mouth an
oily fluid of goat-like odour, Has anyone noted this odour in
Australian Goat-moths ?

On January 10 1 exantned che log and found incredible
numbers of tiny but very active larvae, embedded under silken
coverlets of their own weaving. Capsules which had dropped and
adhered tu a sheet of paper under the log were covered with nests
of silk, like little heaps of downy mildew. Lifting the silk, more
active larvae were disclosed. One wonders how long the tiny
creatures could exist in non-living wood. In normal conditions
they would feed under the bark until strong enough to commence
excavations.

Had I not examined the log at this stage the first intimation of
hatching should have been a curtain of silk with hosts of escaping
larvae streaming down to table saul floor,

The log was ayain wrapped up ina sheet of paper, lxamined
on January 14, there was no sign of the larvae. | lifted the silk
from every crevice and prised up the bark, but all had vanished,
doubtless to spread over the house in search of a living host, and
to perish unless they were able ta make their way out of doors.

GERMINATION IN COLD AND DARKNESS

Under “A Plant Oddity” in the February I’tetorian Naturalist Mr, J, RB.
Garnet mentions an occurrence which is interesting and might not often
come under the notice of field observers. A little explanatory note may
Tot be aut of place,

Soil temperatures are often continugusly below 10 degrees C. whet
peas ure sown, and they do grow, but rather slowly, and with many weak
seeds missity. In the jar, there must have been moisture to give the peas
aostart. Then their own chemical reactions would definitely cause much
heating —especially when in the mass and enclosed.

Continued growth in complete darkness is not at all unusual where
there 18 a store of vil, starch and/or sugar. Until the large food store in
the pea seett is exhansted, it will grow. ‘Try it with a carrot or a
jonquil, Qn one occasion a Relladonna Lily Cauiryilis) was seit to me
and [eft in an old-fashioned round hat-hox When flawering time «ame,
it started off and coiled round the hax, several fect, \Whew discovered, it
was about to open norma! but very pale Aowers.

A. J. Swany.

aa Swarareck, Votes on Migecd Life at Mount Buffalo 18

NOTES ON INSECT LIFE AT MOUNT BUFFALO
By Evee Swietenck, Melbourne. -

As the restilt of a fortnight spent at Mount Buffalo during
January last, a collection of some filty species of insects was
exhibited at the February meeting of the Club, Owing to the
interest shown by members, and the paucity of records from the
locality, a few notes miglit not be out of place.

The collection, though small, was a representative one. AN the
insects were taken on the Plateau, altitude 4,500 ta 5600 feet-
That it was nol also comprehensive is attributed to the collector
having as contpanions two botanists, Mr. P. Bibby, af the National
Herbarium, and Mr, H. GC. E. Stewart, President of the Chib, the
latter a frequent visitor to the Mount. In such admirable com-
pany the opportunity to fearn more of the alpine plants tool
precedence over my usual quest fur spiders and insects.

The most numerous wisects, cluninating the common houseflies,
which were occasionally unpleasantly familiar, were the grass-
hoppers, in places so plentifl as to make the collecting of other
insects cifficult. Sruall brown and green hoppers were very
prevalent, and good speciniens of the large green (£lephantodetra
pinguis), also the large brown (Gastrimargys imusicus), were
obtained. ¢

The Monzstrie conspersi is generally plentiful in the spring, but
only a few specimens were noticed at this perind. The female i8
twice the size of the male, measuring nearly dwo inches in bady
length. Both sexes are purplish-black, freely spotted with yellow
dots; embryonic wings of clear texture cover a red patch on the
thorax but never grow more than a quarter of an inch long. The
insects are incapable of Night, but jump long distances with ease.

fn the same Order (Orthoptera) the native cockroaches are
well represented. The large black one (Panesthia lacvicollis) lives
in burrows in the suil in strict Family commiunitics consisting of
an adult niale, a viviparous female, and from ten to twenty of their
larval progeny in various stages of growth. «Soon after reaching
maturity the adults bite off their tegmina and wings, these organs
being inconvenient for inhabitating the burrows, The female,
Omscosoma granicollis, a wingless species, like an enunmous wood-
Jovse, was frequently found, mostly under bark. ‘The mate of this
variety is winged, dark brown, rather dull, but of more graceful
shape.

The true-flies (Diptera) were represented hy several specimens,
About half-a-doven species of Tipwlidae (Crane-flies) were taken,
including the somewhat rare Clytocosmiss edwardsit, which, to
quote Dr. Tillyard, is “the handsomest Crane-fly ae the warid.””
Both a male and a female were collected. The Crane-fAy is known
as the Daddy-longtegs im Europe, but this name seems to be

20 Swangeeck. Notes on lisect Life ot Monit Buifolp ae rts

given, in Australia, to the long-legged spider, Pholcws, found su
frequently ist houses.

The large Rutitia splendida, with its metallic blue and green
colouring, together with the dull-red species, always elusive, swift-
Aying and difficult co capture, was procured, The larvae of these
fijes parasitize those of other msects. especially beetles.

Robber-flies. (Asihdae} are common mi Australia, the dominant
snb-family bemg Avilinge. A good specinien of Asians anuernies
was jaken i Aight with @ cockchafer in its claws ‘These flies are
very quick, preying on other insects which they catch on the wing.

On the windows inside the stuné but overlooking Echo Point
near The Chalet, one can generally find a rarher beautiful Ay, pale
orange ta yellow body, darker head anid gauzy wings. ‘Chese are
one of the Sapromysid species whose larva live in the decaying
vegetation so plentiful m the buslr.

Little collecting of the Lepidoptere was done. A few specimens
of the Grass Moths. (Crambidac) were taken, mostly of the Talis
genus, having silver striped forewings, They are plentitul enough
an the tundras and grass plains.

Larvae of several Anthelids were collected. The Anthelidee are
confined to the Australasian region. The lush snow-grasses attract
that large moth Anthele acuta, the hairy larvae of which is some-
tines a serious pest on lowland pastures, This insect exhibits a
remarkable pupation. The caterpillar after passing through several
ecdyses spins 2 cocoon up to three inches long, in which it ucilizes
the tarval hairs, thrusting then. through the silky covering of the
cocoon, If the cocoon be touched with the fingers, the barbed
spines cause arm irritation like a stinging nettle. These lar,
cocoons are often found at Mount Buflalo clinging to the trunks
of Excalyptes gigantea. The large beautiful moth that emerges
from the chrysalis is pinkish-fawn.

The caves where the Bogong Moths (AgroHs tifwsn) rest
during the daytime were not visited on this occasion, but for
visitors who have not hitherto seen the caves they are a menjorable
sight. ‘These cayes are situated neur the summit-of the Horn, at
the Cathedral Rock, and the Meyer Galleries on Le Souet's Peal.
Countless aumbers of these moths hang in masses on the face of
the rocks, ane upon the other, until they are built out to & thickness
of several inches’ The whole 1s a dull-brown shect of living
insects, continually undulating like hanging vegetation in a breeze,
making a peculiar indescribable shuffling sound, intensified as the
bean of a torch strmkes the jiass and reflects the light from their
eves in thousands of pin-points. The darkness of the cave is
redolent with a heavy pungent odour; any noise or sudden move-
ment dislodges the insects, filling the air with their cust-like scales,
making if almost impossible to breathe, The whole experience is
worth while though not entirely pleasant.

ats Swannexce, Voter on duseet Life at Mont Budfale 2\

In former days each season brought the aborigines ta these
caves, where they collected the moths in thousands, singeing off
the wings and making a paste of their bodies, This they ate with
apparent relish, arriving as they did in many cases after a long
trek in an emaciated state. That the aborigines returmed weeks
tater in a fat condition, after feeding on the Bogong Moths, would
seen to demonstrate the nutritive value of the food,

The Dragou and Damsel Flies (Odonata) were pratific in ost
parts near the many creeks and pools, and no doubt several species
were represented. J] find them: tao beautiful in life to destroy for
collecting purposes. The odd specimens collected were already
dead when found,

Adult Ant-lions. (A yrmeleantidae) were seen in flight, as alsa
the familiar grcen Lace-wing (Chrysopidac), the enemy of aphis.
Several winged specinens of Ternntes (/soptera) were collected.

Beetles. (Colcoptera) are rmmerous and yaried, some twenty-
twe species being obtained. Of the Mesthests a specimen of A.
urngta wag taken, These beetles have short elytra and Jong
hindwings, and afe remarkably like wasps of the T/itmnidae
family. As they too visit flowers, and move with the characteristic
jerkiness of the wings, they are frequently mistaken for wasps.

Chaler Beetles, Qiphucephala, some brilliantly coloured and
others dull, are in thousands on the vegetation, especially on the
leguminous Bossiaen. Many other cockchafers were found, but
as Australia has iow hundred named species, this was to be
expected.

The Buffalo is the habitat of a rare Longicome Beetle,
Tragocerns lepidopterus. le lives on the snow gums (£ucalyptus
sipitaphila and E. pavecijlora), and is found only on the highlands
of the north-east. Though not seen on this visit, the season being
a little early, this beetle fyas been collected several times on the
Plateau The colour is a dull reddish-brown, and ihe wings are
pencilled with grey markings. ‘he body is Jong and slender, and
the Insect possesses short blicls feelers. The female attains a
length of three inches; heeause of this, and its rarity, it is much
destred by collectors. The male, however, is considerably snialler.

in a stream on the Blackfellow's Plain, Whirligig Beetles,
Macragyrns latior, were plentiful. These interesting insects are
built far speed and Nave specially adapted legs for the purpose
The elytra divides the eye in half, thus giving a dorsal and ventral
pair of eyes. so whilst swnnming on the water portion of the eye
is available for above-water vision and the other jor sunultaneous
sight below.

An outstanding feature was the abundance of the Ruthergten
or Sliver Bug (Nysius vinttor), every sweep of the net in the
lower bushes catching thousands of these small insects. Evidently
altitude was no deterrent. No preference for any particular plant

, & ; ‘ ict. Bh
22. Swaspreck, Notes ow Insect Life al Mount Buffalo Vol a

Was. noticed, except that the Composilae were never free of the
pests,

Prominent among the insect Jarvae and worthy of menuon front
the Hymenaptera, Farm. Tenthredinidae, were the Saw-iy larvae,
so aptly called “Spitfires.'’ Masses of these blackish grubs were
all too prevalent, and repulsive to look a1. When disturbed they
raise their bodies inta the air and exnde a viscid yellow matter
from the touuth, whieh has a nauseatiiy odour, smelling strongly
of encalyptits, evidently a protective measure to save them frem
inseetivorous birds. Fortunately they are kept within bounds by
hymenopterous and dipterous parasites.

These “Spitfires’! rest im chusters during the day and scatter
aver the branches to feed at nightfall, returning at dawn to the
same situation, They do this unul the fohage ts stripped off, or
until they ave fullaed and ready to pupate. “Then they crawl to
the ground and, massing together, find a suitable place, usually
at the butt of a tree, barrow in the soil to a depth of several inches,
and there form their black papier-mache-like cocoons, piled in raws
on top of each other, whence they emerge after undergoing their
samewhat complicated metatorphoses as a true hymenopteron.

Perga dorsalis {the “Steel-blue Saw-fly”) is popularly called
“Saw-fly”’ because the female, which is the larger, has on the
underside of the abdomen a fine sdw-like ovipositor With this
she cuts the upper skin of the leaf and pushes her eggs beneath
the epidermis, The eggs hatch out into tiny black larvae and
ass together as already described, Tncidentally, xt is interesting
tu note that each species has its ywn type of saw, which when
looked at through a microscope. reveals a beauty and intricacy of
design that has been incorporated in the fine saws used in modern
surgery,

Se numerous were the larvae on the wattles. (Acucia faleifornuts)
aleng the rnad fron the Cathedral Rocle to the Cresta sti-run that
they were almost defofated.

The Pear-slug so often infesting pear, cherry and plum, a)sa
hawthorn trees, tn the wooler parts uf Australia, is the larva of an
introduced European Saw-fly (Catiromw damacinn, de Geer).

OF the few native bees collected, a new one has, T understand,
heen determined as a subspecies of Afegachile macutaris. or true
leaf-cutter bees, With their mandibles these bees cut circular
pieces out of ieaves, anil use then in We construction of their
nests, built in old stumps. or even under stones.

The collecting of the spiders and the pond-life is a story for the
future. Let it suffice for the present to say the collection contained
some very Interesting matter.

This paper is not fo be taken as 4 technical contribution to our
knowledge of the natural histovy of Mount Buffalo, bur, warhuut
being a propagandist, 1 cati advise lovers of nitiire, be ther

er : RAvoaENt, Naltye Bees un Mount Brffalo 23

“ology” what it may, lo visit our Mount Buffalo National Park.
Having done so, they will return again and again. No effort should
he spared to preserve the native ecology of this wonderful Park.
It ranks as an outstanding holiday resort and naluralists’ paradise,
for no other State has anything Ike it.

i REFERENCES
Vier. Nat., Vol. XX, No. 11, March, 1904, pp, 150/152,

ict, Nat, Vol, LV, No. 11, March, 1946, p. 185 (“Bogang Moths").
Wier. Nat, Vol. LX, No, Ul, March, 1944, p. 166 (Exhibin)

NATIVE BEES ON MOUNT BUFFALO
With Description of a New Subspecies
Gy Tartion RayMent, Melbourne

Three Club members, Messrs. H. C. I. Stewart (President),
Eyre Swarbreck, and P. Bibby, spent a fortnight from January
19, 1946, al Mont Buflalo; altitude 4,500-5,600 fect. Com-
paratively few of thé native Eucalypts were in bloom, but the
party obtained some bees. Most were found in the open alpine
meadows, vot far from running water. A botanical feature of
these irceless expanses at the time of the visit was the predominance
of the family Composite in flower. Conspicuous was the orange-
coloured Alpine Podolepis, P, acuminata var, robusta, The native
Ines seemed to haye a predilection for these bright inflorescences.

The specimens sent to me proved to be of considerable interest,
The most numerous formed a series of males and females of an
earth-digging species, Paracolletes chalybeatus (Er.). These are
about 14 mm. in length, highly-polished, with a black head and
thorax, and a slight steely metallic lustre over the abdomen. The
species was described [rom Tasmania in 1842, as Andrena, ly
Erickson, but the glossa of the mouth-parts is definitely wide and
blunt, whereas that of alndrena is narrow and pointed, It is the
type of the venus Lainprocolletes, Seith, with a conspicuous
pterustigmia, The ecology at this altitude is not unlike that of
Tasmania in a more southerly latitude.

One small black Furrow-bee—it is only 6.8 mm, in_length—
proved to he a not quite typical specimen of Haliclus subplebeixs,
Ckii,, which was described from Mt. Tamborine, Queensland,

The third hee is a leaf-cutter, which is hest treated as a new
subspecies of Megachile mmeculoris, Dalla Torre (aaeilata of
Smith). The species is widely spread over the three eastern
Stiles of Australia, and is easily knoyin by several small spots of
white hait_ot1 the mesothorax. The Buffalo specimen Jacks these
hairy maculae, and the mandibukte are quite differently sculptured.
Tt approaches M, ignescens, which however has a red seops. The
Buffalo bee may later be given specific rink, but in the absence of

24 Rayment, Native Bees on Mount Buffate eb my ‘

the maje 1 shall treat it as a new subspecies and append a
description of the female:

MEGACHILE MACULARIS SHARBRECKI, subsp. now,

TYPE: Female—Length, 11 mnt, approx. Black

Stead transverse; face with reddish hair fading to pale sttaw-colour
laterally; frons rugosa-punctate, with sparse tong reddish hair; clypeus
convex. anterigc margin crenuiate, a polished irregular median line, aid
large comtignous punctures; the large supraclypeal area with a median
impunctate polished surface; vertex closely punctured, with sparse fine
black hair; compound eyes large, artcriur margins parallel; genae small,
with lang, lvose silvery hair; labrum black; mandibulae exceedingly Jarie,
coarsely rugese, shining, with a peculiar sericeus area on the soniewhal
flattened apex; short antennae obscurely brownish below,

Prothorax with a few long fine black hairs intermimpled with the white;
tubercles black; mesothorax shining, but elosely and coarsely punctured,
with a few fine black hairs; scurellym similar; postscutelluny wath longer
white lairs; metethorax with a scale-like sculpture over an area shaped
like a Monrish arch; abdominal dorsal segments coarsely punctured.
depressed medianty, with a few stiff black hairs; apex with a few appressed
ochredus hairs, scanty white hairs not forming distinct hands; ventral seg-
ments with a demse white scopa,

Legs black, with vather dense fringes of white hair; tarsi black; claws
bla¢kish-brawt; hind calear blackish; tezulae blackish, closely punutured,
with a large tult ol silvery hair just beneath them; wings smoky; neryutres
blackish-brown; cells; radial tnore suffused; pterostizma inconspicuous;
hamoli seventeen.

LOCALITY: Mount Buffalo, Victoria, January, 1946, Eyre Swarbreck,

Type tn the collection of the author.

ALLLES: M. macuaris, which has while spots on the mesothorax; MM.
ignescens, which bas @ red, scopa.

On Gowers of Podoleis acuminata, R. Br. yar, robusta (Maiden ct
Betche} Wiles. -

BLUE WREN NESTING ON THE GROUND

While walking along a track in the Waterworks Reserve, Hobart
(Tasmania), on Noyenyher 5, 1945. £ observed a female Blue Wren with
a feather in hen beak Ay to a low dead shrub, After resiing there for a
few moments she flew to the ground a shert distanee away.

Upon observing the bird depart I swestigated and foutd the nest, whien
was built right on the-ground at the foot of a small low bush about 12
inches high. There was a little grass’ growing through and about the
bush, whic: was only five or six yards from the track, The dome-shaped
grass nest with its side entrance was not easily located, im spite of the
fact that the bird was seen to alitht in the viemity. So far°as could be
sten without touching the west, only feathers had been used to line it.

While the female bird was seen to visit the nest on two occasions that
afternoon, the male was not observed. On each vecasion the apprasch to
the nest was the same. the bied alighting on the dead shrub before flying
to the graund near the nest ; 5

Several pairs of these lnvely birds were seen in this localict, and four
pairs were noted together in the open near the Reservoir.

L. CViney.

The Victorian Naturalist
Vol. 63.—No. 2 TUNE 7, 1946 No. 750

PROCEEDINGS

The monthly meeting of the Club was held on May 13, 1946,
at the Lecture Hall of the Public Library, the President (Mr.
H.C. E. Stewart} and about 150 members and friends attending.

The President referred to the death of Mr, C. C. Towle aud

Mr, J. E, Marshall, and members paid tespect to their memory.
Mr. Towle, who lived at Exstwood, N.S,W., was one of the
most active of aur interstate members. His special interest was
ethnology, and on this subject he contributed to the Mtctortan
Naluvahist a number of valuable papers, mainly concerning the
stone jMplements of the aborigines of certain parts of N.S.W.

A. letter was recerved from Mr. Barton giving information on
the present state of Sperm Whale Head National Park. Mr.
Hardy, im commenting, said he was glad to note the regrowth of
sicacia molhssima as this was the only source of revenue Lhe park
had.

The National Council of Scientific Societies wrote advising that
a Conference on Atoime Energy would be held at the University
on July 19 and 20, and inviting members to attend,

The forthcoming meeting (June 7) to discuss the future of
National Parks was announced, and it was stated that delegates
were invited from all allied societies and other interested bodies,
Tt was hoped that something worth while would result from the
meeting.

fxeursions held since the last meeting were mentioned by the
President,

The Hon, Secretary announced that owing to holidays and
inability to obtain a suilable hall it had been necessary to cancel
the June meeting and thus the annual meeting would be postponed
until July.

NOMINATIONS POR OFFICE-BEARERS

President, Mr. F. S. Colliver; Vice-Presidents, Mr, J. H.
Willis, Miss Ina Watson; Hon. Editor, Mr. A. H. Chisholn;
Hon. Assistant Editor, Mr. J. H. Willis: Hon. Secretary, Mr
F, §, Colliver: Hon, Assistant Seevetary. Miss N. Fletcher: Han,
Treasurer, Mr, E. E. Lord; Hon. Librarian, Mr. A. Burke: Hon.
Assistant Librarian, Mr. H. Preston; Committee, Mrs, ). J,
Freame, Messrs. J. Ros Garnet, G. N. Hyam, Ive C. Haniel,
Colix Lewis, T. Griffiths, R. D. Lee.

a

2h Field Naturalists’ Chih Procewdiaus rene a

The following were elected as Ordinary Members of the Club;
Misses Jean Mather, M. Hatherly, Helen Kniep, N, Allen, May
Inirie, Marion Fraser, Mrs. GH. Marshall, Mr. and Mrs, S, A,
Miller, and Mr H. 11. Oates; and as Country Members; Miss
Jz. Barton, Messrs, Norman Laird, Noel Leatnionth, Stanley
White, Il. Trethewie and Russell [arding,

VICTORIA'S HIGHLANDS

Mr. C. 1. Bryant, with a fine senes of lantern slides and a
runuing: comunentary, gave members an insight mto the highlands
of Victoria, Some admirable views of Mt, Wellington, Mt. Buller,
Bogong High Plains, Matlock, vlc, were a feature of the lecture.

A yote of thanks was moved hy Mr. uA. D- Hardy, seronded by
Miss Ina Watson, and carried by acclamation,

EXHIBITS

Miss M. Arguad: Collection of fungi from Sherbrooke.

Mr, ‘). Griffiths; toug-horted beetle and larva, Family Cevanshycidar

Mr. A. A, Baker; Sheared and impressed quartz pebbles from Cave Hill,
Lilydale; also fautted sandstone hlock from the Lerderderg River, Darley.

Mr, V. H. Miller: Cocoon of pracesstonal caterpallar.

Mr. H, P. Mekine: Water-culour drawimygs of nalive flowers,

Mr, G. J. Gabriel: Marine shells (Magilts ontignns, Muntl, from
Mauritius).

Mr. T. 5S, Hart: Hibbertia owgta, a Guinea Flower, jronv North Croydon
(with the query: “Ig this the only Jocahty sear Melbourne?) : also
various cxaimpples of Cas.sytha,

Mr, A. Hateley (Stawell): Banksia pyiovotes (magnificent orange
hlaonm), Hucalyplis levdoxilon yar, macrocarpa (cleep red blossom), Bosksie
guercifoha, aid Melaleuca Stredmans.

Mr. E. BE. Lord: Native Flowers fruoy Ringwoud.

Mr. A. NW, Carter: Teeth of Carclarcdon micgalodon (Charlesw., 1837)
front the Jantetian of Minders, Victoria,

Mr. J. Ras Gacnet: Prasophylion fusce-viride, an uncommon aréhid af
restricted disiribucion. AJso pot-grown plants collected m the Mallee scrub,
Dimboola (1945).

Mc. E, Muir (Dimbeolay; Vaneus native plants of the area, inctudsye
luetustes, saltbushes, glassworts and twinJents,

My, P. Fisch: Jnyermle and adult leaves from two separate trees of
Lemon-scented Gibt, lansplanied two years ago. The former iree grows
is poor soll Wh competition with other shmibs,-is 44 feet high, ant produces
juventle leaves ama, while the latter grows in good soil, is 6 feet high, and
stopped producing its juveniles soon alter trausplantarion, a

Mrs, Ie. Lyndon: Nest of the Yellow-throated Scrub-Wren {Sericornts
lathamd), collected in rain-forest of the McPherson ange, southern
Queenslend; nest particularly interesting 25 it is ecmstructed mainly of the
fine brown threads of the Horse-hair Fungus (iMorgsmius egaicitniy),
Specimens af Alpin Ash CE, giganter) and Snow Gum. (2. paneiflara)
callected on Mount Macedon. Specimens af tie volcanic rock known as
Solvsbergite from Hanging Rock. Ries ferariuns, the “Scrambling
Bock," a noxious jweed, hut very handseme im its zutumn colouring’.

nr Ravant, @yelorta Incagedtte 2?

VICTORIA INCOGNITA*
By ©, E. Bryant (Editor The Kurw)

On a inp the State of Victoria appears ton small fay lmely
corners and rugged country, but as 31 contains a large payl of the
high alpine areas of south-eastern Australia, there is many a wild,
almost unknown stretch, largely accessible only to the traveller on
foot, it is to the eastern parts of the State, therefore, that the
More venturesome wanderers proceed in order to “explore! che
maze of river valleys, mountain peaks and snow plains that exist
where ofheial paps show only white spaces.

During the decade 1920-1930 I spenr all my holidays in this
region, using the vestiges of the old mining tracks, where available,
to gain access, and then poking into rhe even wilder country that
lay heyond, Occasionally our small party suffered the 'martyr-
dow” of taking packhorses with us. bot as some of the rocky
ridges and steep valleys are too rough ior those animals, we were
more vite our Own heasts of burden, carrying half-handredweight
packs with a fortnighr's hard rations, sleeping-bag, one-man (ent
and other essentials. In any event, packhorses may well provide
4 plethora of ordeals, for they stray away at night, except whei
helled, en which oecasions they stay cluse at hand and maintain
an incessant tntinnabulation throughout the smal! hours. They
walk more slowly bul rin faster than the human; they have ar
abominable odour whet wet; they roll on their packs, and (hey
hecome engulfed in mountain quagsnires.

‘There have been many changes in the more “moderate” parts
of this countryside since the early twenties The Bogong High
Plains, to which we once toiled. up steep spurs, have become the
site of a hydro-electric scheme, and graded yoads tiow take one
to the table-lands. Numbered srow-poles make travelling: oom-
paratively easy, evert under wintry conditions, Nevertheless the
wide uplands still provide auch of inferest prattling hahy
streams, and rocky monoliths and many a magnificent panorama.

The hig-timber trants of our State were devastated by the 1939
fires alinost to comtplete disappearance. ‘The mountain-ash country
beyond Marysville and Warburton, across to the Raw Baws, and
the wonderful timber stands of the Ada and the upper Tanjil and
Tyers and Thomson rivers, and the beech forests of the Yarra at
its source, were without peer im Australia. There, shaded glens,
“forgotten e’en by eremites of men,” formed bowers of beanty,
alheiy “jungle” conditions of hazel and musk, wire-crass, young
wattles, Llanket-wond and other tangled flora constituted fimmirl-
able barriers bo easy progress.

Coming t@ fiid-eastern Victoria, the country to the east al
Mansfeld and south of Whitfield and Bright supplies the surprises:

*Sumimary of ani ailostrated talk given io the Club on May 13, 1946,

ye A ‘ Viet, Mat
28 Bavant, Victoria fnregnita vol, ‘6

The early explorers ayoided this section, Hume and Hovell
sighted the ranges and swung west to miss them, Angus McMillan
saw the high hills from the lower country uf southern Gippsland,
recording that from a camp on the Avan he had a fine view of the
tountaing, to the highest of which (so he wrongly considered)
he gave the name of Wellington, in honour of the Tron Duke.
But explorers rarely investigated the country with particularity,
heing more concerned with premeditated ohjectives and practicable
routes. I claim, without fear of competent contradiction, that most
ef this country of which 1 tell, unalienated Crown lands, is now
as wild and unsetiled as when the continent was first made known
ta the white man. True, cattlemen sought out the high tops for
summer grazing, and a few fossickers poked into the ravines, hut
the era of the latter was short and spasmodic, and the former,
having established grazing pockets, neglected the remainder.

Let us take the narrow mountain track ta Mt. Howitt. It is
now sidling around the clifi-faces of the steep hills that encompass
the turbulent Howqua valley, now slipping down to the streain
itself, crossing and recrossing with never the suggestion of a
bridge, often lasing itself on the scrubby flats, The climh to the
siummmit, when the river is left, is steep and full of excitement.
Every step opens up vistas of jagged saw-tooth ridges, of precipices
falling to immense depths, of range upon range ‘until the last faint
ridge blends with clear ether in the azure sky.”

The summit gained. an alpme high plain stretches for miles,
fringed with snow gum and dotted with “the cattle of a chousand
hills,” for this is sunimer grazing country, For five months or sa,
fram perhaps October ta March, the beasts graze contentedly,
visited, inmaybe a brace of times, hy cattlemen fron the lowlands
with salt. Then, when autuinn temperatures threaten heavy snow
and its concomitant cold, the riders, mien of the calibre of
Paterson's horsemen, muster the herds and take them to winter in
the river valleys—except those unherded [ew whose bones will
whiten the high plateaux when the following winter and spring
snows are melted.

ML. Howitt is a pivetal point in the main mountain system. On
its slopes the Tlowqua, Wornangatta. Macallister and Kirig rivers
are cradled, the Jamieson, Delatite, Rose and Buffalo rise close by
Over a number of years | came to this favourite peak from each
cardinal point of the compass. The Howcua valley is the western
approach, bat one year we followed the high divide, for several
days, from the south, over the giants of Shillinglaw and Skene,
Macdonald and Cicar and Magdala—mountains of varied attrac-
tions, though constituting a section of country composer of red
Devoniiur rocks and consequently lacking water on the tops as
occurs ji granite country. Other times we traversed the twisted

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 63 June, 194:

Plate IV

ANbove the Dandongadale Falls, Mt. Cobbler,
Phote by C. E. Bryant,

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 63 Jame, 184:

PLarE V

N

t. Llowitt from the Sonth.,
Photo by C. E. Bryant.

Tom Greeein, an the Upper Murray, here called thy Gropeus.
Photo by C. E. Bryant.

rh i Reeane, ictoria Jucoguita a]

and broken Rarry Range over the Razor and the craggy feeth of
the aptly-named Cross-cut Saw, or plodded up or down the long
Wonnangatta valley, laying a cattle-station ghost en ronte—but
that is another story!

Greater detail cannot be given. but names come crowdme fast
—highlights in a scewe wonderland. There ts the uny tarn,
Talikango-myothoruka, on Mt, Wellingtun, an ¢merald gem in a
seltung of green moiwttains, The gorges of the Littl Dargo
River and of the Carey and the Moroka, the awful searps of the
Snowy and Bennison high plains, the whale-backed mountains of
Reynard and Tamboritha, the tumultuous waters of the unmapped
Caledonia River, the thundering falls of the Dandongadale on Mt.
Cobbler, and ef the Tin-mine coming off the Pilot and bringing
trihute ta the upper Murray, heré called the Groggin--these are
but a few, and this last has “sneaked” across the border into the
Monaro,

The ramparts of At-nano and the Cobboras, the lonely highlands
of Suggan Buggan, the queerly-named rivers—the Ingeegoohee,
Fingadats: and Toongkinthooka—are all to the east where the

Jurray rises, bringing its greatest head, the Limestone, from! down
south in or State. Northwards the wild country awings over
Pinnibar and the Gibbo into the eastern tributaries of the Mitta.
But this assumes the aspect of a mere list.”

- There is another facet of unknown Victoria, uot topographical
hat historical. The eastern mining country was very different
from and moze difheult of access thari the fields of Bendiga
and Ballarat, af Clunes and Donolly. Its history is practically
unrecorded and now it is too late. [n the days of our wandermgs
many of the ald fossickers. as zealous as knights seeking the Holy
Grail, stl hung on, fired with amazing fail. in the tiny shows
they liad washed and picked over for vears, But twenty years or
so have ateant the passing of uearly all, taking with them' the
romance of the heyday of many a dead and forgotten tewn.

These eastern gold areas Jay on the fringe of the wilder country
IT have dealt with and were nearer, generally, to “civilization,”
though still mountamots. Openet] up mainly i in the ’sixtivs, towns
like Jericho and Aberfeldy and Grant and Talhotville were thriving
towns of thousands of souls, even running to stiburbs, with pack-
horse teams continually coming and going—out with gold and in
with supplies, including, it is understood (off the record), 4 little
liquar—and with hope running high ia every heart. Tn some a
few scattered butldings still stand, with beams that “gape like 2
skeleton’s sundered ribs,” but others have entirely gone, leaving
not a trace to mark their erstwhile existence. Not even site-
locations appear on the maps,

Such a one was Edward's Hill, at the ioot of Mt, Usetul, In

B

ba pene v
3G Heyaxt, Fictorta Incagmta dni pr.

his Recollections of Early Gippsland Goldfields {Tyavalgon, 1916),
a worthwhile collation of snippets of information regarding the
mining days and ways in these Ins, Richard Mackay tells of a
Christmas Day at Edward's Hill. Bob Mann's brewery was
festooned with flags for the occasion: Barney Walker's dancing
hall was gay with streamers and lanterns. A day of sport and
jollity—and drinking—with the miners drifting in {vom up and
down the creeks for forty miles, was followed by jigs at night and
Trish reels, for Hibernia was well represented, the dancers whirling
around in Studded knee boots and wearmg blue ar red sashes in
place of the traditional Connaught sugaan of twisted hayhand.

Tn 1923 | stood in a small open space, on a Jonely mountain
ridge, last renmant of the clearings that once had been Edward’s
Hill, and pondered whether a single grey stump was some old
building post, maybe of Mann's brewery, of merely a (ree-rool,
Of che old town, as with the works of Ozymandias in Egypt,
“nothing beside remained,” 1 thought, sadly, of the concluding
lines of Mackay’s account—"“There bad mever been such a day
under the shadow of Useful, and it is altogether unlikely that there
will again be another.” How prophetic those wards Maclay could
never know. Ichabod! Ichabod!

And so has departed also the glory of Grant afd Store Paint,
ol Redjacket and Tooinbon, and the township where the crashing
batteries of the Rayal Standard Mine stamped and rattled. Now
ail is solitude and silence, save for the mournful call of the
hbellanagpies—“karrak. karrak''—a sound that is to me of the
quintessence of mountain nostalgia.

SPRING IN AUTUMN,

My sister sent ae fron, Maryborough ¢Vie.) receutly a fragrant spray
af Golden Wattle, Acacia pyciantha, which wag plucked aw May Id; 1 is
ihe first example of the kind that 1] have seen at this period, the normal
Aowering-time for the district being August-September. Further evidence
regarding seasanal oddities due to recent heayy ening comes from Mr.
T. Hart, also of Maryborough, who reports having seem Waxllowers
(Eristeinon obowilis) Ulooming in May and having found a Wattle-lieds’
nest with young on May S. Further, Mr Hart says Vhat a local wood
cutter felled a'teee recently and was astonished Lo find that he had wrecked
a nest and theoe eges of the Noisy Miner (Soldier-bird) —A.H.C.

IN MEMORIAM

The grave of Sir Preederichk McCoy, which had Tallon into disrepair, has
been reconditioned, and on June Fa ceremony was hell at Brightot
Cemetery. Native shrubs were plapted om the grave ou. behalf af the
University, the McCoy Society, the Field Naturalists! Club, the Nutional
miter the Historica] Society, and the Advisory Council for Fauna and

ra,

at | Crisuetar, The Riddle of the Mocking-birds 31

THE RIDDLE OF THE MOCKING-BIRDS

By A. B. Cursor

Anyone who gives attention to the birds of Australia, for a
reasonable length of time, cannot fail io be struck by the “linguistic”
ability of many specres--the skilied manner in which they use a
nuniber of “languages” by helping themselves to the voices of their
neighbours, Ajl the evidence indicates that the practice is much
more widely followed here than in any other country.

Why should this he so? What factors obtain to cause numerous
Australian birds, of various habits and habitats, to be strongly
addicted to vocal mimicry? What purpose does the practice
serve? And why is it that sume birds mime frequently while
others do so only in special circumstances?

Further to this last question, why is it that mimicry is used
constantly by certain birds which are quile good singers in thete
own right; and why do certain other birds “store up’ berrowed
notes amd use them only on particular occasions, yet with a skill
that would seem to indicate elose practice?

For another thing, why is it that sonic small birds, notably
the Heath-Wren, are accomplished mimics while others of \indred
habits, such as the Grass-Wrens (Amiytornis), the Pield-Wrens
(Calamanthus) and the Fairy Wrens (Mahirus) do not appear
ever to indulge in imitations?

These questions and others in affinity have long interested me.
I first approached the subject iu detail in The Nineteenth Century
(England) in 1925, then in The Austrahan Encyclopedia (1926),
and afterwards in various books, especially in the discussions of
the Heath-Wren, the T-yrebirds, and the Bower-birds, and in the
chapter entitled “Stealers of Sounds,” im Bird Wanders of Aus-
traf (1934). Bur the most thorough reviews: of the subject 1
have been able to submit were those published in The dts
(England) during the last decade, namely. “Vocal Mimicry Among
Australian Birds” (1932) and “The Problem of Vocal Mimicry”
1937, and now the figure ts up ta 47 species, of which only four
or five are regarded as “doubtfuls,”
available at the time, together with various theories, was presented,

Other references to the subject have heen of a paragraphis
nature and haye appeared mainly in The Eye, In early issues of
that journal the allusions, perhaps as a matter of course, related
chiefly to the Lyrebirds and Hower-birds, but in recent years
various writers, in several States, haye contributed observations att
vocal mimicry among quite a number of species. As a resull, my
Jlns list of 21 Australian mockers in 1932 fad increased to 36 in
1937, and now the figure ts up to 47 species, af which only four
ov five are regarded as “doubtfuls.”

Criskoim, The Riddle af the Moching-birds ve ee

bo
me

The total (which does not include any introduced species} 18
certainly impressive. Moreover it may well be increased later, so
beating ont a prediction made in 1932, that Australia would be
found to possess as inany as fifty species of bird-mimics,

In the fight of these jacts, the time seems opportune ta engage
i a general discussion of the subject im an Australian journal,
and to set ont the case for each of the 47 species that appear on
the list. Possibly such a review will serve to stimulate interes!
among those who have only a mild acquaintance with birds, but
who nevertheless may be able to tender useful assistance. They, it
is true, may be handicapped to some extent through being unable
at times to distinguish between “natural” and “stolen” notes (and
this factor often limits appreciation of even the wonderful mimicry
of the Lytebird) but, of course, no special knowledge is needed to
detect imitations of familiar calls, such as those of the Wagtail and
Mudlark.

The ayer-riding necessity, for ornithologists and castial observers
alike, is factual goundness, This point has been mentioned in
earlier writings, but it requires emphasis from time to time because
of a tendency to mistake fortuitous resemblance for mimicry. -
Bear in mind, too, that in most cases you must actually see a bird
calling before you can be sure of either the author or the nature
of the call, Even experienced ornithologisrs have sometimes been
misled by supposing a mimetic call to be “genuine,” or by sup-
posing a “genuine” call to be mimetic, or by hearing one Species
and flushing another. In any event, accuracy is a primary essential
in all phases of natural history, and to urge its use in relation to
Vocal mimtery is merely to emphasise the obvious, and nat to
“seare off" potential students from a stibject that has both practical
appeal and marked enrertainnient valne.

Tt should be added, perhaps, that sur concern ts with mimetic
birds th the wild, and not those that learn to “talk’? in captivity,
The one subject ts fresh, the other somewhat musty, dating back
as it dees ahont two thousand years. Pliny made some sage
observations on the point then, with Magpies for text; °

These birds ect fond of uttering pariiculay words, and not only learn
them but Inve them, and secretly ponder them with careful reflection,
not concealing their engrossment. It is an established fact that, if the
difficulty of 4 word beats them, this causes their death,

An English writer who tame upon that passage recently was
struck by a grim thought. “Many a Magpie,” he wrote, “may
have died as a result of trying to pronounce corollary with the
accent on the first syllable.”

It is, of course, a stviking face that some birds, notably Parrots
and Cockatoos, are rarely if ever known to iniitate in a state of
nature and yet reveal in some instances strong mimetic powers

apse CuisnoLm, The Riddle of the Mocking-birds 33

in captivity. Biology tells us that unless an organ or igculty is
of use it will assuredly degenerate. Why then is the little
Budgerigar, to say uothing of certain other Par rots, able undet
tuition to acquire an extensive vocabtilary, which in a particular
case extended to about three hundred words? (hat case, as the
bird himself used to announce, related to “Mother's precious
gorgeous beautiful darling Billy Peach.”)

Possibly a good deal of interest artaches to the performances
of “talking" birds. But, as I say, our concern here is wath
mimetic birds ii the wild, 4 subject that has not had the general
consideration which it merits,

“It seeins a pity that vocal onmicry has not claimed a greater
share of attention,’ wrote A. ©. Cameron, of Queetisland, in
The Eo in 1936, “The subject, from its very’ pature, gives 4
greater pronvse of entertainment thar perfiaps any ather bird-
copie, whether to the layman or to the so-called expert,” That
comment is just. It might, indeed, have been made by many
others in the same circumstances; for Mr. Cameron wrote it after
listening in springtime to masterly niuucry by a Bust-Lark,
which, he said, reminded him of a skilled musictan blending old
folk-songs, adding improvisations, and weaving them all quto @
harmonious whole by sheer artistry,

The probability is, [ think, that all the more assertive and
consistent mintics — the ' ‘protessionals,” so ta say —have been
recorded, What we have to listen for now are the less frequent
and more delicate imitations, those melodies which jor the most
part are rendered in fragile whisper-songs, or sul-songs. Shelley
knew such woodsy lyrics;

under-notes,
Which pierce the sense and live within the sovl . .

But it is not only in the forests: and not only m nesting-time,
that whisper-songs may be heard. Possibly they are renderect
more often, in this country and elsewhere, than some of us used
to suppose. Many haye been detected by householders who have
given attention to ‘birds making aatumnal holiday 1 in Ureir gardens:
Listen well for such melodies. They, perhaps in greater degree
than more declamatory songs, express the spint, the mner per-
sonality. of the singer.

Careful listening mnay sasily result in our fist of mimics being
substantially increased, More important wt this stage, however,
is the gaining of evidence, either practical or theoretical, in
explanation of the yurious problems surrounding: the practice.
Some of these problems are very puzzling, so much so that after
wrestling with them you find yourseli wishing it were possible ny
adopt the opimon of Douglas Dewar, an English author, who
solemnly declared that Iurds really don’t mimic at all but inerely
lise notes that chatice to resemble those of other birds!

34 Cuisuotm, The Riddle of the Mocking-birds ay =

The trouble with the evidence as a whole is that much of it 1s
contradictory, For example, when assessing Australia’s master
mimics you Ard that most of them are birds af the ground. “Ab,”
you say, “here is a material point.” But, looking abroad, you
encounter the fact that in America the master mockers are birds
of the trees. A similar difficulty arises from the consideration
that most of our master mimics belong to groups containing only
one or two niembers—further consideration reveals mimics that
belong to groups that have a fair number of members and are
widely spread. “Anyway,” you tell yourself, “it is surely
significant that although most of the birds of our largest group,
the honeyeaters, are very noisy, not one of them is a mimic.” Alas,
though, another bubble bursts when you look at New Zealand
books and find the Tui and the Bell-bird, both honeyeaters,
recorded not only as mimics but the only ones tn their country.

Why, it has been asked, do some species of birds mimic con-
sistently while others do so only in special circumstances? I
cannot answer this question with any assurance. Nor can T
advance any adequate explanation for the ctirious fact that some
indwiduals of a spectes use mimicry at times while otler indi-
viduals of the same species do not appear ever to use the practice.
The best that one can do, im reference to both questions, is to
suggest that temperament varies both between species and indi-
viduals, or, to carry the point further, that certain individual birds,
like certain individual humans. are better equipped vocally, or
are more enterprising in votce-culture, than others of the same
species.

At any rate, the fact is that the use of voice mimicry in Australia
yaties ta such an extent that the mockers may be divided, however
lonsely, into three groups, namely: Master Mintics (species which
use yocal mimicry consistently), Minor Mimics (species in which
mimicry is used only occasionally, and not necessarily by all
member), and Casual Mimics (speciés which have been known
to use only fragments of mitticry).

The masters of the craft include the two species of Lyrebird,
five species of Bower-bird, the Tooth-billed Cat-bird, the Chestnut-
tailed Heath-Wren, the Yellow-throated Scrub-Wren, the Rufous
Serub-Wren, and the Redthroat. Possibly certain other species
should be added to this select group. Some observers, no doubt—
each choosing according to expertence—would include the Bush-
Lark, the Pipit, the Pied Butcher-bird, the Silvereye, and perhaps
one or two additional species.

A difficulty in precise determination of ability is that mimicry
appears to vary in strength in various parts of the range of certain
species, The Satin Bower-bird, for example, seems to mimic
betler in Queensland than it does in southern New South Wales:

aoe Crrsmoum, The Riddle of tho Macking-birdt 35
the Heath-Wren's remarkable vocal skill is more manifest mear
Sydney than elsewhere, and the performances of the Brown Fly-
catcher in Queensland apparently improve upon those of the same
species im Victoria.

Master Mimies use "stolen” notes as part of their normal sougs
or calls. They are the Shakespeares of the bird-world, That is
to say, they adopt and adapt whatever their fancy dictates, blend
the borrowings with their own “native wood-notes wild," and
make the whole performance so artistic that it becomes completely
persanal.

Minor Mimics use imitations ti special circumstances, usually
as tranquil whisper-songs, but occasionally, and in striking con-
trast, as agitated utterances when their domestic affairs are -
disturbed, Some of these whisper-songs, serene little symphomes,
are among the truest of all our bird-nelodies. Accordingly, the
use of imirations in such circumstances—in such songs of tran-
quillity—strengthens my belief that mimucry is practised hy birds
largely because they are sound-lovers, and because song 1s their
chief means of expressing their vitality, their high spirits, their
joy in life.

What of the practical value of the habit? Personally, I think
that with Master Mimics the use of mrmicry, as & constant portion
of regular song, may have a certain territorial significance. 1
believe, tuo (on a basis of experience) that imitations of the cries
of birds of prey are apt to frighten certain sinall birds. But,
<ontrary ta some opinions, I do not believe that imitations deceive
the birds that are being imitated.

Aa English writer who declared that imitations were “warning
enes," used to drive away the birds imitated, was obviously not
aware that Lyrebirds titate Tits and Robins—and also timber-
mill whistles! On the other hand, there is a theory that imitations
are sed, not to repel the birds imitated but to attract’ them—
James Pollard, of W.A., advanced this belief when he wrote in
The Eni (1930) of » Grey Butcher-bird that used the “tiny and
beautiful warblings” of several small birds “in the hope that he
would be drawing them inguisitively nearer to him.” Ifa Butcher-
bird ever cherished such a “hope” he would be unduly optimistic!
As well expect him, in tum, co be misled when his own voice is
imitated by the Lyrebird and ather mockers, In any event, we
cannot well accept the theory that a mocker kwows that certain
noles are imitations—as distinct fram mere sounds—and uses them
with malice aforethought,

Another Westralian, F, L. Whitlock, also advances the ‘‘attrac-
tian” theory, but in his case it is Made fo operate to the mocker's
disadvantage—he suggests that a certain Thorutill’s mimicry of a
Bronze Cuckoo “attracts the female Cuckoo to the vicinity of the

es

36 + Certstaavar, Tle Pedal) of the Mockmmg-inrids ve ae

nest." The iact appears io be that Cuckaa voices are imitated
freely, by many birds, because of their penetrating and persistent
nature, and not because of any factor relating to parasitism, In
tropical Queensland both the Koel and the harsh-yoiced Chamnel-
bill Cuckoo have been known to be the subjects of minnery, and
in Southern Australia A, J. Marshal) has heard the Yellow-
throated Scrub-Wren iinitate, among many other voices, the calls of
foor parasitic species, nanely, the Pallid, Faniailed, Square-taied
and Bronze Cuckovs. Moreover, the Heath-Wren's repertoire in-
cludes the calls of three Cuckoos, and the imitations of certain other
birds near Sydney have been kndwn to include the voice ot the Koel,
although this Cuckoo is rare in the south, Jt begins to seein cfear
that there 1s same compelling quality in Cuckoo’ voices,

Possibly, by the way, the appeal of the calls of Cuckoos gains
strength in that they may frequently be heard at night. ltis crue,
ef course, thar most of the sounds imitated hy mimetic birds are
diurnal, but there is at least some evideuce—notably the Lyre-
bird's amitations of the screaming of possum-giiders and the
hooting of Owls—to indicate that tnockers are receptive during
darkness.

As far as can be lkarmed, the only bird-vocalists fit to rank with
any of the master mumucs of Australia are the Mocking-birds, of
the genus Miniws, in North and South America. Thrush-like
birds, which possess very worthy songs of their own, the Mocking-
birds sing both when perched and when fying, and in both
circumstances sume of them exercise minicry, not only of birds
but of frogs and crickets as well, to a amarked degree. Dr, C. W,
Townsend has trédited the famous Mocking-lyird af the Arnold
Arboretum with imitating 2) species of birds in one hour and
with having a total repertoire of imitations of 35 different birds.
Further, in F. M. Chapman's Birds of Basterm Nurth america a
certain- Mocking-bird is said to have imitated the notes of no
fewer than 32 species of birds during ten minutes’ continuous
singing; and in Pearson's Birds of Americd the sane species of
Mocking-bitd (Mimus polyglottus) ia recorded ag a inimic of a
wide variety of sounds, ranging from the barking of dugs to the
niusic of a gramophone,

Ty is curious, hawever, that the Mocking-birds seem to be, with
the, possible exceptions of the Cat-bird and te Yellow-breasted
Chat, the only mimics of any consequence among the whole
of the birds of the two continents, “Ii America." says Dr,
R. W, Shafeldt, “there are na other birds that at. all deserve
the name of a imocking-bird.” No less curiously, tinicty doves
not appear to he constant throughout the genus, which contains
some fifteen species. The Mocking-hird nf the Linited States
(Minus polyglottes) is obviously a highly skilled performer,” So

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 64 June, 1946

Prate VI

The Mocker of the Jungh Lvrebord in displas

Phote by K. T. Litthjobns

The Mocker of the Heathlands. Heath-\Wren at nest.
Photo by K. A. Hindword.

in CursHoem, The Riddle of the Mocking-bsids 37

toa is the White-banded Mocking-bird of South America (Minins
triuyns), which W. H. Hudson says has a “matchless” song of its
own and is able to imitate many species, including notes acquired
on its travels in sub-tropical forests a thousand niles away from
its springtime quafters in Patagonia. Certain other members of
the group, however, appear to be mocking-birds only in name:
some, it is said, da not mimic at all, and others reproduce only
the style and intonation of various birds, without rendering
imitations of the actual notes.

Why is it that the White-banded species possesses, as Hudson
claiins, “miraculous mocking-powers,” while some of its near
relatives mime only jn a shght degree? Similar problems obtain
in Australia, They-defy explanation,

Remarks on each of the birds on the list of Australian mimics
are given in the present discussion, No special systematic order
is followed, but in. general the species are graded according ta
ability, 1 have in some instances repeated notes published i one
or othec of the Jivs papers {mainly beeause no other records are
available}, but on the whole the comments here are much: bricier,
particularly in relation to the better-known mimics.

Masrer Mimics

Surere Lyresien (Menura novae-hollandive).— Actlained by many
people as the “wonder-bird" of the world, the Lyrebird is certainly a
remarkable cotisbination of display artist and vocal mimic Not only is
the male bird given to “thieving the ballads irom bis uewhbours' throats,"
but fe is able ta imitate almost every “foreign” sound that he hears
frequently, Achievements credited to variows specimens inchide the
imitating of the blasts of a timber-mall whastie, the misleading of suryeyor’s
men by imitations of 4 shrill code of signals, and (this on the part of =
serni-domespcated bird) the use of words and phrases under the tuition of
farm-hands. Imitations of bird-voices range from the whisperings of small
birds to the loud wailing of Cockatoos aud the “laughter of the Kooka-
burra; it is remarkable, indeed, that this large hird can use sich a wide
variety of sounds and blend them with perfect harmony. [© brief, the
Superb Lyretird is a master mocker of the highest ability, one so addicted
to mimicry—so remarkably sensitive to a wide yanety of sounds—that
imitations are used as. freely in every performance as are its own resounding
calls. Incittentally, Mr. J. Coyle, of Springwood. N\S.W., says that his
captive Lyrebird, “foe,” began ta “ercon” at the tender age of three
mnonths, and when twelve months old was a competent mimic of many of
the bird-vojces heard near his Blue Mountains aviary.

Apparently this talented hird is able to acquire sounds by night as well
as by day, A bushman al Mount Buffalo told me some years ago of a local
Lyrebird that inntated the calls of the Boohook Owl, and David Fleay tas
since made a similar record, adding to it (throurh the same Lyrelyird)
faithful imitation of the nocturnal shriek of the Jarge possumrglider,

Tt used ta he supposed that the female Lyrobird had no imitative ability.
That impression las been dispelled. The fernale is vocally legs emphatic
and resolute than her mate, but she is nevertheless a highly competent
mimic. The late Tom Tregellas’ recorded a case in which a temate
Lyrebird barked like a terrier, yelped fike a fox, and brilliantly jmiteated the
calls of many birds, .

38 Curso, Phe Middle of the Mackiig-biris hey rs

Prince Atsewr's Lyassun (A. olbertt) —A smaller and very distinct
specses, restricted to the north-east of New South Wales and the south-east
of Queensland (where the Superb Lyrebsrd finds the northern limit of its
range}, Pelite Albert's Lyrehird lacks its relative’s taste tor building
ilisplay inounds, but it, teo, is a Inghly competent vocal mmmic. A
correspondent of Gould doclared it wo be the cliel vocalist, stating that not
only was its some lauder and fuller that that of southera, Lyrebirds, but
its lfridalions were even more yaried and accomplished. More mature
Judgment suggests that if a chaite is to be made it should be a Tavour of
the soutliern species. Nevertheless the Atbert Lyrebjed has a wide range
of borrowings, among thent the weird wail of the sub-tropical Catbird, the
revelry af Kookahurras, and the ¢roaking of frags. On Tamborine Mout-
tain (Queensiand) we ased tu hear one or another Lyrebird render a whole
cor¢cbarce of Currawongs, just as the Superb Lyrcbird sometimes imitates
the chattering of a complete flack of Crimson Parrots

Miss Hilda Gceissmann (Mrs, H, Curtis) recalls in particular a spring
miorting when she heard within the same hour or so an Albert: Lyrchird
and a YeSlow-throated Serub-Wren—the two master vocalists of Tamborine
jungles--giving wonderful minmetn: performances The “Blacknest-hird”
(Sermh-Wren) imitated the songs of the Grey Thrush and Golden Whistler,
the explosion af the Whig-bird, and the ‘“Quick-quick" of the Logrunnecr,
toge(her will) amany othee calls, in an cestacy of song: and the Lyrchird
whistled like » Goshawk, shrieked like a flock of tetrified Lorikeets, croonerl
like the Grown and Wonga Pigeons screeched lke a King Parrot, shouted
ike a flock of Ctrrawonzs, cried like a Cat-bird, laughed like a Kuokaburra,
and them dirned bimself inte a glorifed Grey Thrush. a dock of Crimson
Parrots, a spirited Logrumnes, and at the last a vory assertive frog,

Seorten Bowen-srrp (Chlamrudera wacidata) —In addition ta the pos-
sessiog Of remarkable skill as a bower-builder, decorator, aud display artist,
the Spotted Bower-hird is a vocal mimic of the highest order, It can and
does mimic virtually every sound of its neighbourhoed. from the iwanging
made by shecp of emus strugglihy through Wire fences, the squealing of
rabbits, the barking of dogs, the croaking of frogs, ihe chopping of wood,
and the creaking of branches to the cries of many trrds of the area. One
individual bas €ven been credited with a faithful mimation of die rolling
of thunder. Atways, it would seem, the preference is for harsh, sounds ;
ihe sereaming of Hawks and Eagles ts remlered ta perfection, and so toa
is the whirring aeise made by the wings of the Crested Pigeon. T have
heard no suggestion of singing on the part of the Sported Bower-bird; it
imitates sounds just as they oceur, individually, and makes no attempt to
create a defiite song or symphony, [ts specific nutes are barsh nondesceipt
sounds, reinforced by a cat-like ory that is supposed by many bushinen to
be immative but which ondoubtediy is a nateral mte; T have shown in
earlier articles that a simelar call if ocvasonally usetl by several species of
birds, Probably, however, the greater part of ils vocabulary is apimetic,
50 strongly is rt addicted to borrawings that some busheen hold that it
‘deliberately teaches its young ta mimic—which doubtless is another way of
saying that it teaches to its young the notes suboonscousty acyuired from
other birds.

There can be no doubt that the Spotted Bower-bird is the finest non.
singing mocker uf the worl.

Westen Bower-mky (CO. gutteta),—Whereas the Spotted Bower-bied is
moderately familiar becavee it ranges over a largc portion of the castern
sub-interior, the Western Bower-bird js restricted to remote parts of
Western and Central Australia and therefore 1s aot at all well Known, Tt

ee Cripstiota, The Riddle of the Mocking-hivds 39

has, however, been reported upon by some jew ovnlthologists, notably
F. LL. Whitlock, who describes it as & masterly oiimic with a preference
fer harsh saunds, One imitation that struck hin forcibly was that of rhe
sound of cabints pattering over a heap of dry twigs. He says alsa that
this Bower-bird uses. as a natural note, a ery like a cat's mecowing.

Great Bower-sinp (C. nechalis)—This fine bird, which ranges trom
North Queensland accoss 1¢ W_AL. is another expert bower-builder and
decorator, gd shares with its immediate relatives a marked degree of
mimetic skill. Relatively litthe has been written about the species, hut
H. G Barnard, who did mich feld work in the tropics years ago, recorded
the hird as “an expert mimic" (Barnard, by the wav, wtote af the species
as (. ovtentalis, the Queensland Bower-bird, the impression being then
strongly pik by several competent students, that this bird wae distinet from

v7 Vd ty vy,

Satry Bowrr-strp {Prilonoriwichus wmoleceus).—The chief calls of the
handsome male Satin Bowee-bird are a ringing “Whoaoo," usually uttered
fram a treetop. and a number of corigus whirring and grating sotes, usually
wttered in his play-arbour, Bat when he puts his mind to varied vocalism
he bheegines reyealed as a highly 2accntnplished mimic, The late Charles
McLennan, a capshle Vittocian boshman, wrote once of a Satin-brd
that “seemed to pour harmany trom his very soul.” He was 2 miniature
Lyrebird, in that be imitated perfectly quite ¢ mumber of birds (includme
the Kookaburra) and sounded off the performance with o clever rendering
of the grunt of the koala.

Tmitative ability in the species appears to vary in power, A, J, Marshall
bas written that whereas in the Sydney region he rarely knew the Satin-hird
'o be imitative: he found in the Macpherson Range, Queensland. that
mimicry wss Quite characteristic. “The quality of the imitations yarted with
dividuals, and Marshall suggests that are may be an influential factor.

Females of the species also are competent inimics. In same instances
they have heen known te reveal extensive repertoires.

Gotten Rowsrv-nirn (Prictedura nowtoniana)—The mast recently dis-
coveted of the Australian Bower-hirds (it was descried in 1883), this
handsome species is of special interese because of its smallness and structural
distinctions, because of the very large bowers it builds and decorates, and
because it is the only Bower-bird to Jay a white egg. The chief specific
call appears to be a froglike croak, and te this are added imitations of
various birds. The discoverer of the species (K. Broadbent) reported jt
to be “Wt @rand mocker, imitating all the birds of the neiehbourhood"; the
discoverer of the egas (G, Sharp} told me the satue thing, and a later
collector also has expressed warm admiration of the mitnetic ability of this
lovely Little Bower-bird. The pity is that its restricted range (portion af
the Narth Queensland jungle) prevents it fram being at all well-known.

Toorn-nii.en Cat-pian (Scettopacetes denfrortris) —When 5. W. Jack=
son was collecting in northern Queensland, in 1908, he was continually
impressed by this curious bied’s imitative performances. which were usually
given while the artist was perched id a tree above bis “cireus-ring’—the
cleared space in the jungle which he decorates with large leaves, To one
bird Jackson ascribed a masterly jmitation of the whirring rattle of a cicada
when held by a hird, and a striking reproduction of the distressud croak of
a frag when held by a snake. Earlier, Kendall Broadbent kad paid trihute
to the Tooth-bill as "one of the grandest mockers in Australis.” Its materal
notes are a harsh jumble, but it does not appear to use the wailing cry of
the Cat-birds proper,

(To be continued.)

40 Cameron, Names of Certain Eqraty pis Val rr

THE LEGITIMATE SPECIFIC NAMES OF CERTAIN
EUCALYPTS

(With sonte necessary changts and new varietal combinations)
By A, K. Cameron, Melbourne,

1. E. AMYGDALINA Labill., “Black Peppermint.”

-W. F. Blakely adopted! the name E. salicifola (Sol. ex Gaert.)
Cav. as the specific name of this plant on the assumption thai £.
salicifoha Cav2 is synonymous with Metrosideros salicifolia Sol.
ex Gaert. which, in turn, he assumes to he identical with, and to
have priority of publication over, E. ainygdalina Labill’ Afctro-
sideros salicifolia is based on a manuscript account by Solander
af a plant that Banks and he had collected on Cook's first voyage
and, as Botany Bay was the most southerly pomt then touched,
the name could not possibly apply to a Tasmanian endemic, The
published description covers fruit only, and of the two capsules
illustrated, one 15 not £. anrygdalina and the other bears only a
remote resemblance to the iruit of thar species. In my opinion,
E. salirijelia Cav. is not a synonym of M. salicifoka, for Cavanilles’
work has frequent reference to Gaertner’s work, and under the
description of £. platypados Cav.® (E. botryoides Sy.) there is
the remark “ax Metrosweros sakcifoha Gaertner, Vol. 1, Tah. 34,
fig. 3a?" Ii Cavanilles meant his 2. salicifelia to. be the same as
M. satteifolia—or even thought it bore a close resemblance to it—
he wotild surely have said so; the quotation clearly indicates the
contrary. ‘The description of E. salicifotia Cav. is too brief and
indefinite to apply with certainty to any eucalypt and nyust jall
because of uncertainty, Even if we could determine now the
identiry of M_ salicifolia Sol, mss, (in my view it is a composite
‘of at least three species—possilily £, racenasa Cav., E. nticrocorys
wFiv.M., and £. tereticornis Sm), the specific epithet could not he
transferred to Excalypins because the combination is pre-occupied

“by &. satictfoha™eav.

&. amygdalina Labill. inest he restored for the “Black Pepper-

mint” of Tasmania.

2. E ANDREANA Naud, “River Peppernint’ (‘River
White Gum”), ;
-. (Synonyms: &, mrainerasa Maiden. ‘
~ + EB, Lindleyana, Blakely, on De Candolle)..
There has been much confusion over the specific name of this
lant and #. radiata Sieb. was applied to it by many writers before
-Maiden® proved that the name should he restricted to the Commar
‘Pepperrmnt of New South Wales atid Victoria. Maiden had
pointed out earlier? that the River White Gum was distinet from

1 ~ pe s.r
Sane Cannon, Names of Certain Encalupts 4t

E. radiata Sieh, and separated it as a variety (var. unierosa) of
E. vadiato® and later as a distinct species (E. mumervsa).® Wut
with sundry carher vacillations. W. F. Blakely resurrected!* the
ald name 2. Liadleyana D.C. for this plant, but Cheel? has lately
insisted thal A. Londleyana D.C. aacst full because of uncertainty
(Maiden considered it synonymous with true £. radiata Sich.).
Cheel's claint that the name £, Lindleyana D.C, has priority over
E. radiata Sicb. is not correct, as both names were first published
in De Candolle’s Pradromus and £. radiate has actually priority
of position (p. 215 agamst p. 219, both in yolume LIT), Poasihly
Cheel was confusing the date of publication of Z. Lindleyana D.C.
with that of its earlier synonym &, longifeha Lindley (nen Link.).
Maiden pointed out? that #, Andreae Naudin was synonymous
with his variety mwnerose, but wher he pally raised this plant
to specific rank he ignored the older name, I have consulted the
original description and figures of E. Andreana Natdin™ and am
satisfied that these refer to the “Riyer White Gum." Since this
is the oldest valid name, it wrst lie adopted for this plant.

E. ANDREANA Nawdin, var. sténephylla (Blakely) Cameron
CORD, NOU,

Biakely eveated’ a new variety (stenophylla) of L. Lindleyana,
as he wnderstood that species, The varietal name must now be
combined with the correct species name.

3. £. BRIDGESIANA RT, Baker, var. AMBLYCORYS
(Blakely), Cameron comb. nov,

T have pointed out! that £, Stuartiana Fv.M., the generally
accepted specific name of the Victorian Apple Box, musi fall in
favour of &. Bridgesiana R. T. Baker. Blakely, using the specific
epither Stuartiana, created the variety anblycorys.’4 This varietal
name must be combined with the correct species name:

4, £. CAMALDULENSIS Debmhardt, “River Red Gam."

Although Maiden indicated!’ the svuonymy of FE. vostrate
Schlecht. with £, camaldwlensis Dehn, (he saw an authentic type
specimen of &. camaldulensis), it’ remained for Blakely?® to
suppress E. rostrata Schlecht. in favour of the older name, I
understand that the synonymy is questioned by some botanists, so
it is thoughr «advisable to repeal! the pertinent facts, viz, that 2.
rostrata Sehlecht. (18475 is preoccupied by E. rastratus Cay,
(1797 )—a slip of the peo by Cavanilles, using the masculine
instead of the conventiona) feminine form, “restrate.” E, ves-
fratns Cav, is a synonym for A. robwste Sin, (1793), Whatever
argument may be advaneed as to the identity of £- comaldulemny
Dehn., E. rostrata Schlecht, must be abandoned as the specific
name of the River Red Gum.

i Vint, Nat
42 Camrron, Nones of Certain Eucalypts dry oe ‘

5. E. DELEGATENSIS R. T. Baker, “Alpine Ash” (“Red
Mountain Ash’).

This spectes is usually referred to E. gigantea Honkt (1847),
a composite species which, as originally described, included E.
obliqgua L*Herit. The name, however, is already preoccupied by
E, gigantea Detm. (1822)—a synonym of E. globulins Labill.
(1799). E. gigentea Hook.f, must therefore fal], and E. dele-
gatensis be retained as the specie name of this important tree.

(N.B. Baket’s use of the “a” in spelling Delegete is perhaps
questionable. )

6, E. LARGIFLORENS F.v.M., “Biack Box,”

This species is usually referred to EB, bicolor A, Cunn., and the
original description as quoted by Hooket'§ is; “E. bicolor A.
Cunn. mss., a species closely allied to E. haemastoima Sm., but the
marginal nerve is not so close to the edge of the leaf (this is
the ‘Bastard Box’ of the carpénters).” J]. M. Black has quoted!*
Dr. T. A. Sprague's opinion that this description is insuficient
to validate the name E. dicalor in accordance with the Jnternational
Rules of Botanical Nomenclature, and has pointed out that the
next oldest validly published name—&, largiflerens F.wM—
should be retained for this species.

&, LARGIFLORENS Fw.M,, var. XANTHOPHYLLA
(Blakely) Cameron comb. nov.

Blakely described** this form as a vanety of E, bicolor A, Cunn.,
but the varietal naine must be combined with the correct species
name.

7. £. POPULNEA Fx.M., “Bembil Box.”

This species is nsually referred to E. populifolia Hook,; but
Hooker bestowed the name on two separate plants, viz,. the Poplar
Gum of tropical Australia (2. platyphylle Fw.M.)*! and the
Bembil Box. However, Hooker's epithet wnst fall, as it 1s
preoccupied by £. popilifolia Desf. (1829) which is a synonym
of E. tereticornis Sm. (1793). E. populuca Fw.M., being the
oldest valid name for the Bembil Box, must be restored for this
species.

E. POPULNEA Fw.M,, var, OBCONICA_ (Blakely) Cameron
comb, sou.
Blakely described®? this forim as a varitty of E. populifolia
Hook., but the varietal name must be combined with the correct
species name,

0 ae
‘ne Cameron, Names of Certain Eucalvpts 43

8 £. ST. JOHNIT R, T. Baker, “St, John’s Gun.”

(Synonym: £. pseudoglotuins Naudin ex Maiden.)

Blakely claimed? the above two species to be distinct and

separated them thus:
{ E. St. Johnii—truits sessile and wnicostate.
LE. pseudoqlobplus—truits pedicellate and bicostate.

As it is common to find sessile and pedicellate, ini- and bicostate,
fruits on the same tree, these disttuctions break down, ‘The type
of &. psendoglobulus as iustrated by Matden®* is sessile and
cannot be separated from £. St, Johns as found in its type locality
(Lerderberg Gorge, Bacchus Marsh) and in the Gippsland Lakes
district, where it 1s very common. The two forts are, in my
view, conspecific. The first publication of the name E, psende-
globulus Naudin®* certainly has priority over that of BE. St. Johni
R.T.B.77 but, as the former remained a nomen ondine until
formally desenbed hy Maiden much later? A, St Johmit must
stand for this species.

9. E. TERETICORNIS Sm.

var. GLAUCINA (Blakely} Cameron cam. nov.

var. MEDIA (Blakely) Cameron comb. nov.

var. PRUINIFLORA (Blakely) Cameron comb. nov.

Blakely adopted?* the name EF. wtbellata (Gaert.) Domin,
instead of E. tereticarnis Sin., for the Forest Red Guin, J have
shawn elsewhere®? that ££, fereticornis Sm. must stand. These
three forms, described by Blakely as varieties of £. umbefleta
(Gaest.) Domin., should be transferred to the correct species
name, as above.
REFERENCES

‘Blakely W. FP, Koy Lc. (1934), 240.

Cavanilles, A. J., [c.f Desr. Plant. (1797/8), w, 24.

Gaertner, J.. De Fruct. cf Sem. Plont, (1788), 1, 170.
Lahillardiere, J. J, H, de, Now, All, Plant. Spec, (1800), oe WM.
Cavanilles A.V, Te. et Dese. Plant. (1797/8), ww. 23. ;
Maiden, J. A, Cnt: Rev. Gentes Eve. (1919), av, ph 8, 229.
Maiden, }. H., iid. (1905), 1, pt. 6, Sd.

Maiden, J, H., ibid. (1905), 4, pt. 6, 155.

Mainen, J. H., hed. (1919), tv, pt. 8, 233.

Hh Blakely, W. FP. Key Buc. (1934), 209,

Ll, Cheel, F., Arist Nae. (1943), x3, pt. 4, 100,

12. Naudin, C.. Revie Aart, (1890), 346,

13, Cameron, A. K.. Fick Nat. (1945), vxir, 47.

14, Blakely, W. FF. Key Buc. (1994), 145.

15, Maiden, J, A, Crit. Rov, Genus. Eve (1917), tv, pt 3, 66

la Blakely, W. F., Kev Aue. (1934), 124.

17. Cameron, A. K., Guan Tree—Quart. Supel. CSept., 1944), 11,
18. Hooker, W. J.. Journ, Trop, Aust—~-Sir 7, Mitchell (1848), 490,
19. Black, J. M., Trans, Royal Soc, 3A, (1946). 1x, 168,

20, Blakely, W. F.. Key Ene. (1934), 232.

21, Hooker, W. J.. Jown. Trap. Aust—Sir T. MMitehel! (ASM&) 204,

WOM uns ee
ee nen ae

. . Nat
44 Natural History Nawlnes at a

22. Hooker, W. J,, fe. Plant. (1852), T. 579.
3, Blakely, W. F, Key Bric. (1954), 245.
24, Blakely, W. 7, alec. (1934), 134,
25, Maiden, J. 12, Crit. Rev, Gennes Euc. (1922). vr, wt. 2, VT. 214) fe. 6,
26. Naudin, C. Dever, of Empl, Enc. butrad. em Bur, princip. an Praise ot
Algeria (1891), HK.
27. Baker, R. T., /ardwwonds Aust, (1920), 218,
2R, Maiden, J. HL, Crit, Rew. Goues Eur, (1929)) vir, pl 1, 28
2Y. Blakely, W. F., Key Eye. €4954), 130.
30. Cameron, A. Ha Gro Trec—Qaart. Suppl, (Sept, 1944), 12.

NATURAL HISTORY NOVELTIES

Comment’ on Australian natural history made by visitors to this, country
are often entertaining and sometimes a trille staggering. The latest
additions to dddities of the kind occur in Link of Toto Heuris, a gossipy
book published in England and written by George Sava, the London surgeon
and author, in collaboration with Itis Austradian-born wife,

Turn to page 45 of this book and you will nave your education browdened
in regard to Philip (sie) Istand, After etiecuntering yariows quaint ttate-
ments regarding Mutton-lords (including the alleged tact that Australians
know the birds’ flocks as “mobs"), you will be daced by the startling
information that al) the Penguins have disappeared tron) the Island, every
one having been eaten by foxes, which "swam the whole fifty miles fram
the mainland." That “news,” surely, wall amaze Mr. F. Lewis. the Chief
Inspector of Game, who knows tbe fatima and geography of Phillip Island
very Well, thaugh nat so well, apparently, as do casual visitors t.

But the Sava lore doesn't stap at Mutton-birds and Penguins. It extends
to the Kookaburra (about which some freakish statements are made), and,
getting: Tairly into its stride, discovers. Swamy Pheasants, Emus, Whip-hirds,
Lyrebirds, aid Spotted Bower-birds on “Philip” Island, together with “a
huge bird that looked like a turkey,” and which, a0 Mrs. Saya lvarned,
could run at 45 males an hour,

Was there ever such an ornithological muddle! Tmagine finding the
jungle-loving Lyrehird, the suli-tropical. Swamp-Pheasant, and, aliove all,
the interior-dwelling Spotted Rower-bird on Phillip Island! And anaagine
2 Plaik Turkey (alsa a bird of inland Australia) finding its way to a
Victorian island and there daing a sprint of 45 miles an hour, faster thar
even the fastest of Emus’!

Obviously, the Sava family has gone astray both jn its geography and
natural distery, That is ta say, one ar other of the authors of Lend of Tino
Rearts has beer the subject of a Nithe gentle leg-pulling or has been
indulging in flights of faney,

P.S+ 1 have just lephoned Mr. Lewis and given him sume of the
“information” guttined abeve: He says he is deeply grateful to tearn that
Swamp-Pheasants, Whip-birds, Lyrchirds, and Spotted Bower-birds are ta
be Found on Phillip Island. But he cannot comprehend why those foxes
swam fiity miles instead of only ones nor can he wholly accept the statement
about the "extermination of the Fairy Penguins, which are in fact more
abundain ou tie isfand today. than they ever were—A.H.C.

At the excursion by Club members to the Fidetuy Gardens on April 6th
fast, ile intimation was made that many of the English Elms (U owes
comtpestrs) forming the splendicl avenues of these trees had «a close
assocration with Mr. Chafles French. the founder of this Club, Most of
the trees, at least 85 years ald, were brought over hy him, peor wheelbarrow,
from Scott's nursery on the otter side of the Yarra. at Hawrhorn, in 1863.

ages Rupe, Australian and New Zealand Orchids 45

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ORCHIDS
By the Rev. H. M. R. Rupr, Northbridgc, New South Wales.

Jy this journal, Vol. XLIX (1932), p. 15), T called attention tu the elose .
relalions between the nechid Alora of Australia and that af New Zealaad,
The eubject bas recently been examined mare fully by Mr E. DB. Match
of Anckland, in collaboration with the present writer, Ooi investigations
have resulted ji a joint paper pihlwhed in the Procecdings, Linnean Society
of N.S. (Vol. LXX, pp Si-6l, Feb, 1946) and a shorter one by Mr.
Hatch publisher! at the close of Jast year by the Royal Suciety of N.Z.
Students of the orchid family may be interested ta Joarn something about
our doings.

As might be expected from the relative areas of the two countrics, and
the fact that a large portion uf our continent lies withiy the tropics, the
orchid flora of Australia is far more extensive than that af New Zealand.
Berween 40 and 30 of the 71 orchid genera represented and known in
Australia at the time of our joint paper ave alniost certainly of Asiatic
origin; and the Astatic element is very small indeed in New Zealand. The
tatal number of genera represented in the Doniinion is 22, wz.:

Thelymitra Chiloginttis Liperanifus Castrodta
Orthocoras Aporastylis Calademia Shrranthes
Mirrotrs Acianthius Petatochilas ' Baring
Prasuphigllune — Tounsenia Adonochitus Dendr obi,
Caleana Calochkilins Corybus Bulbapiylium
Plepostylis Sarcachtlius

Of these genera, only three— povastylis (one species), Pelalochilus (we
apegies), and Karina (three species) are nol represented in Australia. The
first of these is a new gettns which we haye established to accorraiodale the
anomalous Caludeura btifolia af Hooker (Chileglattis Travessit af Mueller).
Petalachilus Ragers is & curious genus very closely allied to Caladenia, but
entirely devoid of labellar glands or cath. Larizza Lindl. appears so be of
Polynesian origin, since Gl accurs neither m Australia nor Asia, but is
tound in Fiji, New Calalonta, and other Pacific, islands,

Of the remaining 19 genera, at least five—Osthoceras, Prasephvlten,
Caleann, Actanthus, and Calochilus—are considered to be of Anstralian
origin, though wot now endemic here. So that a general statement of the
genera occurring in New Zealand is siflicient in itself ta indicate clove
relation to the archit Alora ni Australia

When we come ta consider species, the evidence for thie relation becomes
stil mort striking. In my carlier paner in this jotirnal referred to above,
T gave the number of orchid species common tu buth countries as ut leas!
24. We have increased this to at least 31, with two others still under
inyestivavion. In the list of these species which follows T haye omitted
Praseghyllun patens R.Br, as we have reasott to doubt the identity of the
New Zealand plant with Brown's species. aud the matter is at present anh
judice. Synonyits are elven below ogly where it shens accessacy ta imdlcate
by what name the species has been known until recently, either im Australia
or in New Zealand.

Thelyvtre axtoides Sw.
lonyifelia Farsi,
aristate Tind|.
pacifier B.Br.
Mattherwsii Cheesmn, (7, D'Altanii Rogers.)
carmen RUBr. £2 wmberbts Hoote.f.)
venasa R.Br,

ofa Rupp, Australian amt New Zealand Orcheds Wes Mats

Microtis wnfolta (Forst.) Reichbt.
pareatere RB.

Praspplryltun Rogersii Rupp.
Caleana winor R.Br, oy
Chiloglattis carnuta Hook. (CG. Muelert RD, Witsg,)

formleifera Ro). Fite.
Calochilus campestris R.Br.

Robertsonti Benth.

paludosns R.Br.
Townsoma airides {Hookl.) Sehr, (7, defexa Cheessnn.)
Acianthus fornicatus R.Br, C4. Sinclarts Monk.£}

reniformis (R.Br) Schitr, (Cyrtoseylis oblonga Hook-t)
Caladenia Lyatti Hook. (C, alpiva Rogers.) ;

cornea KBr, CC. aioe Hook.f and C. rxigue Cheesnin,}
Corybas aconitifieras Salish. (Corysanthes Cheesemanis Hook.i, ex Kivle.)

wnguiculatur (RBs. Reichb.l (Corysanthes Afathierysil
Cheesmit.)

Prerostylts nwtoxs R.Br. CP. Matthewstt Cheesmnn,)

wong KBr. (P, puberuta Hook.f.)

furcata Lind). UP. micrameye Hook J.)

toliata Hook.f. (P gractly Nicholls)

vutticn R Br.

barbata Vind).
Gastradia sesamoides R,Br.
Spiranthes sinevs?s (Pers.) Ames.

OF these specics, xtcianthus forniculus and Caloehilus compesiris weors
added in Hatch’s Royal Society paper alluded to above. The former is
represented in New Zealand by the diminative plant which Honker named |
AL Stwelaivit. This never reaches the dimensions often aliained by the
Australian plant, but morphologically the flowers are canipletely identical.
and A, Sinelairi should be retained only as a variety of A. farwicatins, Tn
our joint paper we cxcluded Culochlns campestris, bul subsequently it
became clear that the late H. B. Matthews had recorded this species in the
North Istand,

Thelymitva caynee R.Br. Tere the New Zealand forns ig more rolmet
than the Australian; but apart from this we can find na reason for
separating Hooker's 7. smberbts from Brown's species.

Coladenia carmen R.Br. Hooker deseribed a New Zealand form as €
minor, We find nothing to distinguish this in its essential characters drom
&. cornea, and were at first persuaded to place it i) Rogers's var) fiygmacu
Subsequently we found that it lacked certain attributes of this form, and
we restored Hooker's mame for varietal distinetion. The New Zraland jorm
can be matched perfectly in Australia, So alsa can Cheesemair's C, esigue.
which is likewise mo more than a variety of the polymorphic C, carnea,

It igang thing to indicate the clase relariag bet\yeen these two orchid
floras: it is quite anwther thing to try and account for such relation
Probably no one cau offer any satisfactory explanation. Theories come
and go: the facts remain. The hypothesis of an ancient Pafaeorelandic
continent in early Cretaceous times, favoured in our joint’ paper, would
explain a gond many wf the facts 77 connection with the orchid floras; but
it would not explain them all. The carriage of orehitl sepds adross. the
‘Tasmah by dust storms and by birds mmght also serve to explain some
identitics af species, but as an explanation of all the facis mt is woutully
inadequate. If a small, incopspiconus Anstralian orchid of very limbled
distribition—chifoglottts formiedif{era—could reach New Zealand in this
way, why is there in the Dominion na trace of a single species uf Janets,
a widely distributed genus very common in those paris of Austratia siearest

uae Hybrid Betweon Lyrebird and Commmdn Fore! 47

ty New Zealand? Conwnenting upoo this, Mr. F. Fordham of Brunswick
Heads, N.S.W., suggests that every species of orchid may require
mycorrhizal association with “its own parzicular" fungal hyphae, and that
the kinds required by inris are absent from New Zealand, Who can say?
Patiewt research and observstion ajong the roadway of Time may solve
these and kindred problems; at present we san only say we do not know.

—

HYBRID BETWEEN LYREBIRD AND COMMON FOWL
(To the Editors

Sic—Reading through some carly pumbers of the Avteulturul Magasine
(New Series—Second Series, Vol. 3, 1914, page 46), I came upon the
following extract irmn a |etter from the Jare A, W, Milligan to the
Editor: “Whilst living a Vecturia I kept many of the native birds in
captivity. TI was never able to rear Meunra superba, although £ madé may
attempts to tia sa. 1 had, however, hybrids between the Lyrebird and the
common fowl, und exhipited them at the Victoria Poultry Show many
years ago.’

The Editer, D, Seth-Smith, remarked: "Although the Lyrebirds were at
one time thought to be related ta the Pheasants, they are naw known ta
be quite distinct from the galhnaceous birds, and the praduction of such a
hybrid is most extraordinary, We hope to hear mere om the subject”

A search in contemporary “bird” lttecature Nas failed to discigse any
further correspondence on the subject The record should not, however,
be left as it is, so perhaps the drawing of ‘attention to it maw may result
jn same furthec information on this, as Seth-Smith wrote, “extraordinary”
statement. Will some Victorian naturalist take up the search for further
iormation? Local newspaper roparis of poultry shows and programmes
of such shows wre ‘ikely sources,

Yours faithfully, :
_ HB. M. Waters,
Bridgetown, W.A,

Mey 4, 1946.

[Bearing on Major Whittell’s inquiry, it may be of interest to. republish
the fotlowing paragraph, which appyared in iny Nature Notes ¢alumn af
the Brisbane Daily Mail on January 22, 1922; "A clutch of hybrids between
a lyrebird and a game fowl is mentioned as having occurred near Twofold
Bay long ago. Mr. W, R. Pennyeock says (in the Melbourne Argus) that
aloul Xt years ago he was travelling an the Twofold Bay district, N.SW,,
aiid a friend at Eden told bin that just previously he had scen a brood of
such hybrids at 4 lonely farm on the edge of a great fern gully. In
appearance they were more like Iyrebirds than fowls, having tails about 6 in,
jong and long, strong Jews and claws. The farmer told him that a fine
male bitd was cuoning with tke poultry every day, though he could never
he induced to came into the yard at night. The chicks were very wild st
first and refused grain. The writer says that hearing ware later af this
interests family he went to the farm to ity to get them, but fotmed that
they had just heen sold ta a travelling deuler.” Regarding Mr, Mifligan’s
failure ta breed lyrebirds in ecxptivity, iv seems that there is only one
aecrediled record of success in this respect. In the winter of 1936 “Joe”
and "Zoe," a pair of lyrebirds kept in a large aviary by Mr. J, Coyle, af
Springwood. NvS.W., bul a nest and hatched out a youtie one in. their
ninth year of captivity, 1 discussed this achievement in [d/alkabout for
September 1938.—A,H,C.]

48 New Guinea Orchids Val aa

NEW GUINEA ORCHIDS

Aw interesting paper (“Orchidaceae of New Guinea”) by Louis O.
Williams published in the February, 1946, Botumrat Leaflet (Harvard
University. Cambridge, Mass.) is of especial interest to Australian
archidolagists. Among the orchids figured and described is a new species
of an Australian getius, a new habitat for an Australian species, and a new
species af Prerastylas, ope of wur tnosy widely distribined genera.

Calochilus coerwea (L, O, Williams) is @ species with almost leafless
stem and a remarkable cbovate-cuneate Tabellum. The latter is most
striking and at once sets it apart Trony all those known in Australia. Sten
green, from an ovoid tuber: Auwers green, densely motiled and shaded
with red; beard of the Iabellum a deep metallic blue at the base, distal
portion maroon red, Hahitat, British New Guinea; sporadic an poorly
draimed sols or savannah forests. FE. J. Brass; 1937. As the author points
out, Calachiles, a gets of abou, 12 species, has fs centré of distribution
m Australia Jt belongs to a group that is essentially Australian, but is
represented also in Tasmania, New Zealand antl New Caledonia.

Drakaca wrilalnis (Meller), small genus of about sevei species, six of
which are Umited to Western Australia, and one to eastern Australia,
Previously known only in Austraha. New halntat, Fly River, Papua.
Savannah forest, oecasiatally of wet fats. E. |, Brass, 1937.

Other interesting desevipvions include a new Plerostvlis CP, caulescorts),
2 species with very large stem Jeaves (yo basal leaves secon), long-petiolate,
Flowers solitary, terminal, flesh-pink. Habitat, alpine, bush-margin. British
New Guinea, September, 1942. Also an unconmnon species of Plorostylis
(P. Papuaua Rolfe, Kew Bulletin, 1899),

The orchids described in, this Jeafet are the results of the Archbold
Expeditions. See A. L. Rand and E. J. Brass in Awl. Ann Mus. Nat. Mist
(1940). -

Enitm Gonkman.

A NEW PALAEGNTOLOGICAL RECORD

On April 21, 1946, among (he Jan-jukian fossil depasits at Flinders,
Victoria, 2 touth of Carcharodon niegatoden, the largest species af our
fossil sharks, was found. The specimens had apparently bee exposed to
the weather for some considerable time, and portion of the base is missing,
leaving its present measurements as follows: Height 66 wins, width 74 mm,
thickness 22 min,

Search of the literature on Victorian fossil sharks and enquiry among
leading palaeontalopists in Melbourne has fail! to reveal any previous
recorded occurrence of the specics at this locality.

A. N, Cauren.

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP

The Committee has sauctioned a proposal to form a group of menihers
jitterested in the photography of uatural history subjects, and having as its
abject the starting of a pictorial survey of the natural history of Victoria.

The jentative plan js to Have regular imonthty ondogs. and possibly
evening micetings every two months, when methods will be discutsed

While it would be desirable far members to have an cleméntary knowledge
of photography, ayone interested is welcome, Ag there is no Club meeting
in June, members jnterested are invited to meet at the home of Miss Watson,
1 Charles Street, Jotimont (near MLC.G., 2d, section Flinders Street tran)
on Monday, June 24, at 8 pm, when plans will be formulated.

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 63.—No. 3 JULY 4, 1946 - WNé-751
PROCEEDINGS

Although no meeting of the Club was held in Jiune—the
caricellation, a rare event, had been necessitated through unavoid-
able circumstances—the J2ctorian Naturalist was puljlished as
usual, and the interest of members was further sustained by the
holding of excursions, Reports on two of these outings are given
below.

EXCURSION TO SHERBROOKE

June %h being World Bird Day, an excursion was made to
Sherbrooke to see and hear Lyrebirds. Thirty-four members and
friends attended. The party left the bus at Kallista and walked up
the fern-lined Clematis Avenue to the Firebreak i the forest,
which js the best starting-point from which to find the birds.

Several birds were located and chserved, and during the morm-
ing the majority of the party were fortunate enough to see a
flisplay of some length by a male bird.

No nests were sten, but a “platform” made by a bird, as a
preliminary to nest-building, was found. Several freshly-rmade
display mounds in the Firebreak gave evidence of the birds’
activities.

A strong wind made conditions unsatisfactory, ‘patticularly in
the afternoon,

At lunch-time Mr. A. G. Campbell spoke of the ideals behind
Warld Bird Day, which was inaugurated hy Mr. Noble Rollin of
the Bird Research Station, Glanton, Northumberland, England_
It was hoped that all round the world the day would he set aside
for bird watching, with the aim of all observers either seeing a
bird or hearing a song new Lo them, or recarding a fresh observa-
tion about a bird they knew. It was agreed that a report of this
outing be sent on ta Mr. Rollin in England —I.M.W.

“MYSTERY” EXCURSION

Twenty-four Club members and fnends—an equal number of
each sex—had litte nature fore-lnowledge of the itinerary pre-
posed for them on June 17th, the King’s birthday holiday, when
they assembled at Flinders Street stution to travel by train for
the “mystery” excursion, the first in the history of the Club.
Alighting at Loch, on the South Gippsland line, questions revealed
that not one member of the party, including the leader, had visited

. ‘j
50 Re borts oy Exe urssons ° er Pot

the town previously, Moreover, the route marked for the winter
walk, trom Loch north-east to Poowong, then south-west along
the Grand Ridge Road to Nyora, a distance of twelve wiles,’ had
never hitherto been traversed on fuot by any member present.

With bearings obtained from a road map, the parry Jound itseli
in the Bass River valley, notable from @ natural history stanslpuint
by three of its faunal inhabitants, two of which, alas, are no longer
resident. Tipstly, it was the original home of the rare Victorian
marsupial, Leadheater’s Gliding Fossum (Gymnobelideus lzad-
heatert). The first animals collected here were named by Professor
Sir Frederick MeCoy in1867. Secondly, in the saine year McCay
made the first Australian description af the Helmeted Honeyeater
(as Priletis feadbeatert) with specimens trom the same district.
By a remarkable coincidence, at that time in England the renowned
John Gould worked out the same hind us Priletis cassidix, from
specimens sent to bit from an area of the river along Western
Port Bay. Gould remarked it as ‘one of the fest species of the
genus yet discovered," an observation that still holds good, The
lird is now officially designated Meliphage cassia’, and the soath-
eastern part af Viereria has the distinction olf being its strictly
coiliied habitat. No longer to be observed in the Bass River
area, it happily still flourishes at Beaconsfield and in some few
other areas, The third faunal subject, again ane confined to.
south-east Vietoria, and closely associated with MeCoy, the Giant
Gippsland Earthworm (Megascolides australis) now alone makes
the district a worthwhile one far field naturalists,

Thus the party did nol expect to see the animal or bird. fut pros-
sweets af encountering the earthworm were considered promising.

y good fortune, the very first questionnaire with a loca) resident,
Mr. A.D. Davenport, found our unexpected guide an authnrity in
search of the Annehd. Armed with shovels, the party ascended
a slope of damp ground, and it was not Ikmg before “gurglings”
peeyen the presence of the earthworms. sAssiduous digging by
Mr. Davenport brought portion of a good specimen to View, of
sufficient length io He in a knor tn prevent escape, and to allow
closer inspection.and phatographs, Careful digging is required to
nnearth a complete specimen. The worm can disappear quickly
along its bore, which visual as well as aural evidence of the
“curglings” demonstrated Ii. was explained that this curious
form is by fo means uncorupan around Loch atid Poowong. It
abounds im suitable moist areas, and many are ploughed up when
the soi] ts cultivated. Mr. Davenport stated the average Giant
Earthworm measures 4, ft., but 6 it, speciniens were uccasionally
found. Mr. L. C. Cook, another local authority, who once collected
for the late Pralessor Sir Baldwin Spencer, recorded a Megas-
colides 9 [t, lang, when extended. ‘The eggs, nol seen on this
excursian, are oval, about 2 to 3 inches long, scimi-transparent,

ine Reports of Bxcurstons $1

and of a delicate green colour when fresh. These are often
loosely bound together with an openwork net, and placed in long
grass, or under a clod of earth.

The whole morning had been absorbed in sttidy of the earth-
worm, aud members proceeded to lnonch, and to contemplate the
long walk, with only half a mile gone over! The local memorial
park was an ideal lunch site. Jeaying this, we crossed the first
bridge an the Bass River section of the road, and soon found it
the haunt of many birds. In one bush the Grey Thrush, the
Grey Fantail, the Firetail, and the Brown Thornhill were observed
together. Many other birds of. the riversides and open spaces
were seen on the five miles of the road that winds and rises
through prosperous dairy farm lands fo join the main Grand Ridge
road at Poowong,

A short halt at Poowong permitted the party to scan briefly the
Jurassic character of the impressive indentations towards Stralecki.
A shower of rain shortly alter leaving Poowong failed to dampen
the walking ardour of the excursionists, who enjoyed ihe exercise
in clear air and the magnificent panoramas unfolded on hoth sides
of the high ridge. Cloud, rain, sun, and sky effects alternated in
succession, with glimpses of Western Port, the bayonet grass
swamp plains in the south, and the Naojee-Beaconsfield ranges im
the north, with the Farther distant outlines of the Dandenongs and
Healesville-Warburton heights.

After a brilliant sunset, the light of the short winter day faded
into darkness as Nyora was reached. Here is fire in the station
waiting-room radiated warmth, aml also heaterl tea for the
evening picnic meal in ample time before the train back to the city
was boarded.

H.C, E, Stewart.

PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP

The first meeting of the Group was held on June 24. Eigtt members
attended. Mr. H. Reeves was elected President. Mr P. C Morrisen
Vice-President, and Miss Ina Watson Secretary.

Tt was decided that members before being admitted to the Group must
have any necessary equipment and a very rea) interest in photography,
and, of course, be members of the FNC. Monthly outings will be held on
the fast Sunday of every month, and for a few months at least an evening
meeting ta discuss technique and for print eriticisin will be held on the
first Monday at the home of one or othey of the members. i.

The first outing (object, general) will be to the Botanic Gardens on
Sunday, July 28, meeting at the kiosk at 1f as; members can stay on for
the afternoon, and lunch can be obtaiied at the kiosk if desired. An indoor
meeting will he held at the hame of the Secretary. 1 Charles St,, Jolimont, on
Monday, August 5, when the President will speak on “Flower Photography.”

Members are asked to a¢nd in suggestions for excursians. LW

Viet Nat.
52 Lracey, Nalsre Mates on Canberra dey 3

NATURE NOTES ON CANBERRA
By Cxas, Dacty, B.A. F.L.S5,, Melbourne,

_ Canberra. presetits a fine cxample of the utility: and value oi
afforestation, z vital need in Austrafia, awaiting serious and active
recognition.

In 1831 Charles Throsby discovered the Liniestone Plains,
skirted by mountains, of which Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain
are the most prominent. The Plains were open, treeless, destitute
af scrub, bet where at intervals spreading encalypts grow on the
slopes and rises bordering the mountains they have a park-like
aspect, the prevailing species heing the Snow Gum (Euecalyptics
eoriacea). ‘Through the Plains the Molonglo River meanders on
its course ta the Mutrumbidgee. As was customary in those early
days, the first settlers planted poplars at the sites of their home-
steads by the creeks, and also willaws, the latter presumably (as
is su often averred) irom slips of these on Napoleon's grave at
St. Helena

At Sullivan's Creck, Acton, at the foot of the Black Range,
specimens remain of both trees. probably over a hundred years
aid. One poplar, storm-heaten but still vigorous, is five tect in
diameter; others are about four feet. The willows, too, are of
substantial girth.

A very fine clump of poplars on the Molonglo River, below the
bridge al present in disuse, forms a beautiful sight in its leafy
autem colouring, or in ifs golden coating of spring, The Plains
do not produce many wild flowers, In springtime and sumer
amid the grassy swards are Bluc-bells (I ahlenbergia species), the
Blushing Bindweed (Conzolrulus erubescens), Bulbine bulbosa,
white and yellow Helichrysums, the Trigger-plant (Stylidion
gramaurfolunr, and (roodenia hederacea. Reeds and rushes in
some parts line the river-bank under the willows,

Black Mountarn, of siliceous formation favourable to vegetatinng,
has the grealest variety of native Aura, among which are several
Acacias, including 4. obtusata, A. dealbata, A, verniviflua, A,
peuninereis, and A, venulasa, Among the Eucalypts are £. dives
(Blue Peppermint), E. maculate (Spotted Gum}, £, mecre-
rhyache, and £. haemastamea (Brittle Guin), A. pawcifore, called
“Scribbly Gum,” owes iis mame to the markings on the bark made
by insects’ agency resembling a-child’s scribbling oma slate. Cherry
Ballart (Exocerpus cupressiforaus) also grows here.

On Mount Ainslie’s harder surface. of igneous origin +femeia
armata (Prickly Wattle) and Casuarina stricta are seen among
the Eucalypts,

In the vicinity of the city, Indigofera anstralis and Hardenbergia
wiglacea are also sparsely found. Rock Fern (Cheilanthes tenui-

eral Darxy, Nature Notes on Canberra 33

fofta) thrives well, as also the Maiden-hair Adiantum aethiopienat,
and jn some parts Pteridiivm aqetlinynt, the Comma Bracken.

Around the junction-of the Cotter and Murrumbidgee Rivers is
an interesting botanical area, Below the Cottey Dain are nrany
vigorous specimens of the robust Carvartna Cimninghaniana, the
River Oak, The most beautiful fowering plant in the district is
GCrovillea prtiperine, along the river's course. Of profuse growth,
its spidery-like flowers of scarlet hue are very striking. Also
in this vicinity are Dilkeynia ericifoia and Bossiaa laxifolia,
Among the Tea-trees are Leptosperimivts scopariwin, L. neyprti-
fofium, L. stellate, L. attennotum and L. trteculare. Kungeu
peduncularis and Calkistemon patidosus favour the streams, An
oceasional Banhkista margirata dehes thé colder conditions, which
are alsa unfayouruble for the MisHetocs. The Black Pine, Caliiirts
calcurate, not infrequently grows about the ranges,

The flora generally partakes more of the chatacter of that of a
wintry climate. influenced by the extremes of hot smimmer and
cold winter, and frequently wide range in daily remmpetatures, This,
with an altitude of about 2.000 feet and a moderate rainfall,
accoitnis for the absence of certain typical vegetation of the warmer
and more hunnd coastal fringe of New South Wales, such as the
well-known Angophora and the Currajong, the former ranging
3s far a8 Mallacoota and the latter to the Mitehell River in Victoria,

The colder conditions also exclude Evcalyptes bicastata, the Blue
Gum, #. carmaldulensis, the Red Gum, the Melaleneas, and the
Jronbarks,- all liking warmer conditions, Ferns are scarce, but
Gramine# are in abundance. How suitable the seal and climatic
conditions ate for the hardier trees from colder countries is
exemplified in the luxuriant growth of the pine forests at Mt.
Stromlo and vicinity, and of European trees and shrubs in the
city environment,

Introduced weeds and noxious plants are as yet not very
noticeable ubout Canberra. On the whole, the mountains and
yalleys have a dry aspect as compared with the luxuriant Gipps-
land or Cape Otway regions, with vegetation to correspond. The
introduced trees and shrubs, well chosen and admirably planted,
ire a iNest pleasing feature of the city, There are no fences except
one at the railway station, The hedge is used for garden enclosures,
severa] subjects, among which are Pyracanthas, being commonly
grown,

With the abundant growth of trees and shrijhs has come, of
course, & great incursion of bird-life, The spreading gums from
the focthills, wisely preserved, with spacious open plains, torn: an
ideal country for the tuneful Mugpies, so numerous at Canberra,
At nesting-time male birds sometinites attack passers-by who may
unconsciously come within the protected nesting-domaim The

'

34 Darry, Nature Motes on Canborre Bldg

writer on three occasions had to defend himself actively with a
stick [ron1 Magpies wha resented his intrusion, Applications have
even been made for permission to destroy daring home-defenders.
Every morning at break of day comes the delightful and soothing
warhling of the Magpies, so essentially Australian, The laagh of
the Kookaburra is also a frequent accompaniment of carly morn,

In the abtunin the Grey Bell-Magpies, with their rather harsh
Hates, are numerous, Galahs and the smaller species of parrots,
which with other birds are attracted by fruitlets on) hedge-plants,
are frequent visitors. The Glassy Cockatoo appears once in a
while, and on the outskirts of the city flocks of White Cockatoos
will alight on an open field, taking care by efficient watch to guard
against sudden attack or interferenee.

Among birds frequenting the home garden at Actom may he
noted the Wagtail, in restless. though cheerful mood, and the rarer
Rufous Fantail, A Thrush may charm in a burst of melody, a
loquacious Minah make its presence, and the Blue Wren, with his
attendant imconspicuous escorts, may pay a quick passing call.
Parrots an swift flight, and in full cry, may momentarily pause,
a Peewee call shrilly trom a high tree, whilst rarer but ever-
welcome comérs are the Searlet Robin, the Yellow-breasted
Whistler, and the busy Chats and Honeyeaterg. By the river
Reed-Warblers are tunefully vocal. Occasionally a White-fronted
Heron will appear, a solitary Shag seek a hasty morse}, or a few
wild-fowl briefly ruffle the water before dawn,

Recently for about a week the boam of a Bittern sounded nightly
from the Molonglo down by the golf links. The nigtit silence is
sometimes broken by the monotonous calling of a Mopoke, In
the mountain valleys near Mt, Coree Lyrebirds are to be found.
Tutroduced birds have as yet been inconspicuous at Canberra,

Very extensive, useful research work in natural history is in
operation at the Government establishment below Black Mountain
with its effective equipment for experimental and laboratory
observations and activities, so beneficial to the agriculturist, hortt-
culturist and pastoralist.

A former tnember of the F.N.C., Mr. T. Greaves, has done good
work on the life-history of the white ant, Fruit and vegetable pests
receive the most searching enquiry in regard to their habits and
life-histories, The close study of the blowfly and noxtous insect
pests also is made.

A few years ago an experiment was undertaken to breed possums
in a prepared enclosure at the back of Black Mountain, but the
venture was unsuccessful.

Except tor the bird-life, fauna is scarce. Rabbits have been
kept well under control. Foxes find cover towards the raiges.

~~ Cursnoum, Tie Ratdle af the Mocking birds 55

THE RIDDLE OF THE MOCKING-BIRDS

By A. IL. Cutsnotm

Part 11
Master Mraics (Continued)

Rurous Scrumawn (Alrichornis rufescens)—Were Wo ot for the
utterance of a resounding "Chit," ot "Chip," this singular smatl bird of
the sub-lropical jungle would be even lees known than it ws. ‘That nate is
the “household word" of the species, and to it are added freqdemly;, clever
imitations of the voices of other birds af ihe region On one occasion T
heard an Atrichornig mimic the volce af a Grey Fantait immediately ater
the Fantail uttered the call, And.another ubserver has stated that when
he attempted to “whistle up a Scrob-bird the alert little creature responded
with an imitation of hic whistle!

Tt was suggested] years ago that the female of this species was practically
voiceless. An. agitated mather-bird disproved this belicf by uttering in my
hearing an anxious styucaking note and 2 curious "Tick, neck, tick." I doubt,
however, if the female possesses any mimetic powers.

Ye ctow-rrroatro Sceus-Ween (Sericonts fathemt)--This sprightly
little bird of the eastern rain-forests is not only the most accomplished
vocalist of ity zenus bur shares with Atrichornis the distinction of being the
roost competent mimic among small ‘birds of the jutigle. You cannot be
lang acqyamted with the “Devil-bird” without beconting conscious of its
vocal powers, which ui some instances extend into company performances
and range over the voices of many spectes—a festival af song. E. Nubling
and P. A. Gilbert have reported hearing four Yellaw-throats in company,
near Sydney, imitate no fewer than 26 species; and A. J. Marshall, writing
Of the satne region, says he heard one Yellow-throat, on a day in spring.
mimic the voices of 19 species in succession, ending with a perfect imtitation
of the “Bellie-hellic” at the Lyrebird. A female Yellow-throat shared,
though somewhat mildly, in the remarkable performance

The Yellow-throat's own song, whith may be rendered either singly or qh
chorus, is strong and melodious. Few small birds are able to whistle so
sparitedly, and fewer stil} are able to mimic with such grace and houyancy,
as this géntle Puck af the jungles

Heata-Wren CH ylacola pyrrhopyata)—Several writers, mostly residents
oi Sydney, haye paid cordial iribute in The Evin to the renvarkable mimetic
payers af this senall bird of the hesthlands, anti T have rendered similar

mage at the This papers and in books. (See in particular “The Horns of

Elfiand” in Bird Wonders of Anstrolie), The Heath-Wren is indeed a
highly accomplished voralist—the possessor of an astured and melodious
song of its own and at artist of supreme skill at weaving the calls of other
birds irito a mosaic at sang, There were times in Sydney when we used
to wonder low it was that a bird af the undergrowth contrived to acqtire
such an extensive tepertaire, T recall as occasion when K, A. Hindwoad
returned from Natronal Park rejoicing because he tad heard a’ Heath-Wren
imitating not only honeyesters of the heath but the Wagtail, Whip-bird. aud
Grey Butcher-bird as well And « few days later. on the northern fringe
of Sydney, I heard a Heath-Wren giving a bealliant fantasia that included
the voices af the Mud-Lark. Rufous Whistler, Brown Flycatcher and Bronze
Cuckoo. Moreover, PA, Gilbert Has recorded ¢Aasst Mosenue Mag., April,
1926) havite Neard a male Weath-Wren imitate ina cmtinuous song the
voices OF 15 species, ranging from the Yellow Robin and Brown Thornhill
to the Vellowstailed Rlack Cockateo.

% Crrsnoim, The Riddle of the Mockang-frrds Vick diet,

Other “borrowings” in the Sydirey district imetude the Gréy ‘Thrush,
Crimson Parrot, Scarlet Robin. Silvereye, Swallow, Euff-tailed Tbornbill,
Pallid and Faotailed Cuckoos, Black-faced Cuckna-Shrile, Brush Wattle-
bird, Spinehilled, Tawny-crawned, Waite-cheeket, Yellow-winged, and
Yellow-faced. Honeveaters, sud, most remarkable of all for a tiny hird,
the “Isughter" of the Kookaburra. The song o£ the Rufoys Whistler is
an especial fayouritc; scapetimes you get the “Ees-choo” and the nppling
chatter, ancl sometimes just the Jovely ripple.* AL the calls are woven itto
the woot of the master's own song, the blending of widely differing motes
being effected with constimmate artistry. The compnsite melody may be
rendercd either loudly Gwhile the bird is perched a few feet aloft) or as
a chanming whisper-song--with a performer of such high vocal tafent
almost anything i possible Bot, necessarily perbaps, ml mest instances the
stolen notes are reproduced niore softty than the originals; they are slightly
etherealisce], as M werc, to accord with the elfi vieice of the mimic,

In brief, the Heath-Wren las all the vocal vigour and sweetness of a
Skylaske and rather mare yersatiliry, And the talent of the species, it
shanltl be noted, extends jo the female; we have proved this by secing and
hearing both birds using mimicry when disturbed at the nest.

You may bear the Heath-Wrens exercising their artistry, m the low
scrub near Sydney, at almost any period, hut especially in the cooler
nianths. Dusk is a favourite lime for mimetic somg, As a fact, our little
minstre] of the heathlands is distinetly crcpusculur—on the way ta becoming
an Australian edition af the Nittingate!

Having in mind the remarkable inimetic ability of this bird, it is very
singular that its close relative, H, corte, appears to be restricted to tts owtl
spirited warble. I could gam na evidence of mitmmery from specumens af
J, canta met with in the Victorian Mallee, and Hugh Milne, who knows
lnuth species near Betdigo, says that while he has heard imftations rendered
by A. pyrrhopygia he has uever known H. could to use mumitry.

Reoturoat {Pyrrholacmes brivmens)—'This species is a splendid mimic
and reproduces the somes of all the surrounding birds." So says F. L,
Whitlock (fmm. 9/201) aad his claim docs not lack support, For my own
part. f have had only scanty expenence of this shy littl graund-hird of
the iiterior, but 1 think it probable that if the species were better known
it would become, as John Gould predicthd, one of the Favourite small
lirds of Australia.

Minor Mimics

Busu-Lauk (Mirafra javanica) —C. BP. Belcher reported in LOM (Birds
a} Geelong) that he had seen Bush-Larks soar, simriig their own songs,
taa hetght of perhaps 150 feet, and then begin clever iniitations, Subsequently
a bushman assured me that he had heard this Lark render “rmarvellous
nnmiccy" and also “throw” its voice, Several otiter Hsteners have since
given similar evidence, a notable record being one supplied in 3927 by
Harry Newell, of Mindmarsh Island, 3.A., wha listed 11 species of birds
known to be imitated by the Bush-Lark in has dhstnet. [tf begins to seem
that this bird is much more than an “apprentice” at the art. I dowht,
however, if mimery is constant thronghout the species. Incidentally, its
use of mimicry while Aying tallies with what has been reported of the
Calandra Lark, doth in Eurape and America, (For notes in The Fn on
the Bush-Lark a5°a minuc see in particular H. Newell, 26/202; A. C.

“There munt be momething especially pernunuive in the rencundine 'Reé-choo,!' or
"Eeevhone of well as the Fipoling chatter, of the Rafaus Whistler. The felon
re not onty Sayourtte berrowings of veriows small birds bue olso of smal) tes who
compete En the dird call compotitions in Sydney ow Bird Day.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 63 July, 1946)

Piatre VII

es Rw 0G)

£ ,

My

ria. a

i Cutseocar, The Riddle of the Moching-birds 37

Camerosi, 36/133; ani M.S. R. Shetland, 44/4, Two of these writers, at
well as G. F, Belcher, remark on the Lark's chill and persistence in jmitating
the “Twu-ta-weep” oF the Stubble Quail.) It would be interesting to know
if the Bush-Lark uses wimicry when it sings on tnoonlit nights. LE sa, it
must rank as our only nacturnal mantic,

Prove (Anihus uustrolis).—This bird figures in miy This paper of 1932
as the possessor af a sptrited song, uttered both at rest and on the wing, and
as an occasional mimic of such birds as the Magpic, Raven, Plover, etc.
P. A. Bourke reinforced this record ten years later by reporting in THo
Faun (42/184): that while occupying 4 photographic bide he saw and
heard a Pipit, perched near by, give admirable jimitations of the potes of
eight species of the open spaces, including the Wagtail, “I have never
previously heard any species,” it is added, “attempt to mitmic that ‘sweet-
Prelty-creature,”” Actually, the call of the Wagtail does not stem to
present any difficulty to certain mockers; it has been known to be used
skilfully by the Heath-Wren ii particvlar, and also by the Bush»Lark,
Stivereye, Pied Butcher-bird, Magpie, and Enghsh Starling,

Grey-Backep Sreverevr (Zosterups batnatweine) —Because the Silyereye
is one of the familiar garden birds af Australia its vocal ability is becoming
somewhat widely recognized. You must listen intently, however, to detect
imitations in the slender melody, uttered as the bird sits quietly in the
heart of a shrub IL have long admired the “whispering” ability of the
Silvereye, but would pot have supposed, as a friend assures me is the
case, that this can extend into imitations of such diffeult notes as the calls
of the Whip-hird, Wagtail, and Magpic-Lark, and even the “laughter”
of the Kookaburra, That record, which eame from northern N.S.W,, is
supported by a similar one fram Queenstand, Mr. W. H, Davidson of
Tamborine Mountain reporting. that he heard a talented Silvereye imitate
the voices of the Whip-bird, Wagtail, MagpiesLark, Sacred Kingfisher, and
Kookaburra, and also the curious calls of that small bird of the fields, the
Fantail-Warhler. On and om went the elfils miniic, aad the admiriie Isstener
cantmued to give it audience until a feminine yaice called, “Drat the little
creature] Comte and have a cup of tea.”

Presumably imitative powers aré possessed by other Australian species
ol Zosterops, and possibly by many in other countries as weil.

MistLeror-nrno {Picacui fienndinacewm),—The usual call of this
beantiful little bird is 2 single high-pitched note, which in the breeding
season swells into an iniperious clatter, Miimiery is not commonly reported
in the species, but Tt appears to be practised wilh some frequency. thougl
probably only in whisperssongs. An alert friend of mine has reported
haying heard a male Mistletoc-bird, while sitting oear its nest, imitate
the voices of the Soldier-bird, Whistler, and Restless Flycatcher, the
renderings being so accurate that “it was difficult to believe that the birds
were not presetit.” Moreover, Mr. ). S, P. Ramsay has shown mie a diary
note in which his father (the late Dr, E, P, Ratnsay} recorded having
heard, in March of 1866, a. young male Mistletoe-hird imitate perfectly the
notes of several species, Evidently, then, Dicaewin mimics in the antumn
as well as in the breeding season. Evidently, too, the imitative powers are
exercised at an early ame

Onrve-mackes Orme (Oriole sagitiatis).—1s mimiery constant among
hirds ot this species? The indicating are that it ft nat, for sever!
observers who know the species reasonably well have failed to detect
imitations in its calls. Sound evidence regarding the Onole’s mimetic

53 Cuisxoum, The Riddle of the Mecking-bivds vel ate

ability, however, has been giver: by a number of ornithologists, notably P.
A. Gilbert, who records having heard an individual bird in springtime using
the notes of nine forest-frequenting specics, including the migratury Kael
Cuckoo E, A. RB. Lord's temark on the species is that he has bvard it
render 27 separate calls (other that its own), all being used th "a euoning
whisper-song.” Ellis McNamara, too, bos o high opinion of the Oriole's
stall as & sprigiiie mimic; he tells me that he regarts it as ranking next
td the Lyrebird and Heath-Wren among the mockers of his district.

Possibly the tropical Yellow Oriole, which has a distinctly flexible voice,
will also be foutid to be a mimic

Grey Borcoer-nmm (Cracticns torquatis}—Vocal mimicry in this
species has not been freely noted, but there are several records indicating
that the bird is apt to use imitations at times im a charmeng whisper-song,
(See [ntraductim} The uyual seng af the Grey Buteher-bird, of course,
is @ rollickiug, sardonic, challenging series of notes, which suffer hy being
checked too abruptly, What ao hrillant vocalist this bird would he if he
togk his singing rather more seriously]

Prien Burcuer-amn (C. mygrogularis) —My chief recolizction of the
voice of this handsome bird relates to its fullthroated gipsy melciy,
uttered wither a3 a solo of a dyet and sometintes in choruses, In addition,
several dwellers in country Queensland have credited the species with
wart mimetic ability, One man bas tald tie that a Pied Butcher-bitd near
his home not anly carolled delightfully but actually imitated the barking
of a dog, the blestine, of a lamb, and human whistling, Another observer
(H, Thorogood) says that this species is the only one he has heard imitating
the voices of the Peaceful Dove and the Koel and Channelbil Cuckoos,
A third listerier CE. A. R. Lord) writes me that he regards the sturdy
black-artd-white Rutcher-bird as a most accomplishal mimic ai the
“whispering” type.

Mr. Lord adds that of thirtern species of hinds kunwn ta him as yocal
mimes. all but one give their recitals ma subdued voice. This statement,
ie may be moted, differs sharply from one nade by another Queenslander
(N. H. E. MeDonaid).. who wheo acelaiming the “whisperiig’” mumicry
of the Pied Buteher-bird (Bin, 39/300) vashly dotlared that “most
mimics” become “excited and valuble.”

Te remains to be learned whether vocal mimicry is practised by the
yack tropical species that complete the Australian members of the genus
Tracticus.

Sune Tre (hatcunculies Jrottated.—The usual nptes of this sttirdy
and pretty little bird of the tree-tops are a high-pitched piping and a
throaty chatter, Gkcasiomally, however, it discovers a chuckling song
that amy include borrowed notes, L recorded in 1932 that a newly-
captured male bird, when placed in an aviary in Sydney, revealed distinct
ability to use other birds’ notes, and in The Eww for 1937 Ellis McNamara
and K. A, Hindwood both give substantial eyidenre regarding the Shrike-
Tit's mimetic talents. In caeh instance the species imitated included
migrants, MeNamara’s bird, a Temale, appears ia have been unusgally
accomplished; she nat only imitated “about a dozen species” but actually
echoed the voice of a Black-faced Flycatcher that called from a neighbouring
tree, Hindwood's blid rendered imitatians of six species, all yory com-
petently. (See Ewite, vol. 36, pp. 24) and 334.)

Another steiking example of mimicry by a Shreilte-Tit was given by a
Vietortan country-dwelloe du the Melbaume Azgng m July 1941; he
recatded having heard a hird imitate the voices of ten species, ranging
from Pardalotes 10 Hagles.

pd Corsnon, The Riddle af the Mocking-trivds 55

Beown Fruvcarcrer (Microcce fasernons)—La a lobe acqualntatiot with
this species [ have never heard any individual utter notes which L could
recard with aysurante as inimetic Several observers, however, have
recorded fragimenary mimicry on the part of “Jacky Winter,“ and one
{E. A. R. Lord) states that he has tiow recorded “twenty separate bird-
calls” for the species in Queensland, meaning, na doubt, jmitations of
twenty species. Ellis MeNamara's experience is that “Jacky” renders
imitations very well, during autumn and winter, in a fragile whisper-song.

LEMON-BREASTRO Fuycearcwen (M4. Ravigaster}—A dweller jn troyical
Queensland (H. Thorogood) reporta that the yellow-breasted edition of
the Brown Flycatcher also as an able mimic, “Many times,” He says, ‘'L
have listened ta the tader-song of this bird—so low that one has to be
within a few yards to hear it—and amongst a great variety of its own
valls T have identified those of the Forest Kingfisher, White-treasted
Wonod-Swallow, and Magyie."

Reoch-Wauneee (Ortgma rubvrtcate).—Like many —athtr abseryers writ
long experience of the rugged country pear Sydney, 1 have never
detected vocal mbimicry froin this curious and engaging sprite af tin
sandstone—the “Cave-bird,"” “Rock-Robin," and “Cataract-bird” of boys
of the region. It would appear, however, that the species, either as a
whale ar m part, has considerable pinietic ability. P. A, Gilbert states
(£m, 37/29) that when he disturbed a pair with three fully-Redged younsy
ones, ot a day in mid-summer, he beard five species of birds imitated jn
rapid sucoessign. Attempts to enjoy a repetitian of the experience failed
during several years, but eventually, and again in mid-summer, he flushed
unolher family party and heard the parents mimic no fewer Wan seven
species of forest-haunting birds,

Eastern Woarirsumn (Psophedes oltvacecs).—Althongh for most people
the voice of the Whip-bird ts restricted to the powerful “crack” and
“fallow-on” notes, closer observers have lang know! tlle sptcies to use a
chuckling chutter; and so it is oot surprising that some few records have
latterly been made of the bird as a mimic. An interesting note on the
smectes by Ellis McNamara (wie 36/246) includes reference to u Whip-
bird's “amazingly accurate” imitation of the wice of the Satin Bower-bird.
K, A. Hindwoed, too, has heard the Whip-bird imimicking: in his case
the rendition was “a perfect imitation of the call of che Grey Thrush.”
Another hifd-student, Mrs. L. M. Mayo of Queensland, tas also paid
cardial tribute to the animetic ability of the Whip-bird; she records (Ea
36/184) an “amazing performance’ by a inaie bird that umitated the Grev
Theush ate] Rufous Whistler

Spancirev Droscg (Ciubia bracteata) —A slim black bird about the size
of an average throsh, the Drongo is a high-spirited fcllow, much given to
chasing birds off prey and abusing them in a polyglot chatter. Perhaps it
is thraugh this habit that he sumetimes imitates the voices of predatory
bieds. 1 have heerd a Drongo imitate cleverly the cry of a Goshawwk,
and 3 resident of tropical Queensland actually has eredived the bird with
wsing the ¢al) of a Butcher-bird in order to. cause a Magpic-Lark to drop
jood if was carrying.

Wianrrtacnen Macpre (Gyomorlina haypolewca}.—The natura) notes of
the Australia) Magpies (three species) are a gureling carol, which when
uttered by a number of birds may become a rollicking chorus, Even in
the days of Gould it was known that Magpies could he taught tq whistle

0 Crishorm, The Iiddie of she Mecktug-birds Sa ag

and to articulate words, bet only in recent years have instances been
recorded of wild Magpies indulging in vocal mimicry, Jn one of these
a single White-back was heard to utter the notes of several species. of
hirds, in quite a fond vorce, while several other Magpies perched in the
same ftee retiained silent. The period was mid-winter and the place a
spot near Melbourne In at least one other instance a wild White-backed
Magpie has been credited not only with skilful umitations ot other birds
bot with faithful renderings of the neighing of a horse and the sounds
made by a mau when calling his caws home,

Biack-packem Macric (.G, thicen},—Wreiting me on several occasions,
a few years ago, ahqut a remarkably accomplished mimetic Magpie that
lived near her home at Eskdale (narthern Victoria} Miss Kathleen Conway
said that the bird, a perfectly wild specimen, frequently imitated the
voices of the Grey Thrush, the Wagrail, the White-cared Honeyeater, a
Parrot, a Hawk. and other birds. In addition, he rendered admirably
the neighing of a horse and the barking of a fox. “I think this bird js
wonderiul,” Miss Conway wrote, "I could listen to him for hours.” Another
uote oi the kind comes from Queensland: £. A. R. Lord says that on a day
in autumn a Black-backed Magpie sat alone in a dry tree and ran in a
quict warble from its own notes to imitations of the Grey Buteher-bied.
Grey Thrush, and Oriole, together with what appeared to he the notes of
smaller birds.

Apparently mimicry is more contmonly practised by Magpies thatt we
had supposed—indced, the impression umil recent years was that they used
imitahons only when taught to do so i captivity, Miss Conway,
however, says dist after learning that one of the birds near her home
was a skilled mimic she Mstened more carefully to others, with the
result that at Tallangatta she discovered two wild Black-backs of marked
mimetic abjlity and two other competent mimics in the Mitta district,

Brows THornpith (Acantisa presille)—More than @ quarter-century
avo |, G, Chandler learned to his surprise that when this small bird is
agitated, by reason of being disturhed at its nest with voung, it ts apt
to break into vocal mimicry. EC A. Bindwood supplied two additional
instances in accord years Jater (the nest contained young in each instance},
and Jater again J, Waterhouse recorded hearing a Brown Thornbill using
mimicry, in autumn, in a tranquil whisper-song. Obviously, then, this
gurgling Sitthe chatterer, or at least au occasional individual of the species,
Is able to use mimicry whether agitated ar in repose.

Rep-raicep Trroryrice (4. fansiltoni)—L, G. Chandler recorded in
The Emit in 1913 that he heard birds of this species “rmitating the calls
of the Fantailed and Bronte Cuckdos in 2 low tane” Similarly, when
visitma the Victarian Mallee in 1985 I was deceived three times by Red-
tailed Thornbills—certain of their calls caused me to look for Narrow-
hitled Bronze Cuckoos. It is carious that the same imitation faz been
recorded as the favorite of the Whitlock Tit in W.AL That the calls ary
imitations, and mot examples of eapricious resemblance, may be regarded
us certain.

Cnestrurtauon Tndksath. (4. twopygiets)—P. A, Bourke, of
Gilgandra (New South Wales) has written me that when he disturbed a
hird of this species at its nest’ the tiny creature hopper towards him.
fluffed out its feathers, and proceeded to utter 4 filimber of imetations,
miterspersed with “deAnitely threatening twitcers,” Amongst the calls
smitated wero those of the Brown Treecreeper and the Grey-crowned

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 63 July, 1946

PLate VITI

Whip-bird at nest.

Photo by A. H. Chisholm.

vole Cugnotm, The Rildle of tha Mocking-irds 6i

Babbler, “Can it be.” Mr. Bourke-asks, “thal this tmy bird thought that
by puffing out its plumage and imitating the calls of larger birds it could
intimidate me?"

Wesyran Tnorwowt (24. inorrata).—"L can slate with certainty?’ says
Major 1, M, Whineli m Phe Evie for 1938 (38/58), “that this bied mimics
other birds. as when FE ‘squeaked up’ the parent birds one of them sat on a.
twig close to me and to the nest and poured forth 4 volume of song.
Amongst the birds mimicked L recognized the calls of the Western Rosella,
the Western Fantail, and the ‘Squeaker,'” Jn this instance the bird was not
agitated by the observer's presence, hut appeared to be singing for its own
amusements

Warimock Tuornatne C4. whitlocki)—The only reference to the
minvetic ability of this species is a note in The Ew many years ago
(9/199) by F, L. Whitlock, who says that in addition to imitating the
voice of the Robust Thornmbill it frequently was heard to repeat the call
at the Narrow-billed Bronze Cuckoo.

Possibly some of the other snenmbers of the genus will become revealed
as mumics, however modest, whem they are better known,

WhHite-prowEep Scrun-Weren (Sericorrts frontalts).—Some few ob-
servers have recorded this éctive denizen of the undergrowth as a vocal
mimic of relatively slyhe ability, According to Elis McNamara, it utters
anuly one borrowed call af a time and at about the same volume as the
original, whereas “mimics such as the Jacky Winter and Brown Thornhill
=to mention two others which seldom mtimice-mix the calls of many
different species with their own, utterivs the whole in a very soft and
more or less continuous song.” Because of that distinctive method of
imitating, the White-browed Scrub«Wren is regarded by McNamara as the
mast decepave of all mamics.

Lance-eituen Serun-Waen (8. magnirestrit)—l'ms is the third species
at Sericarnis co he recorded a5 a mimic, and doubtless other members of
the genus (which contains eight species of small, ground-jrequenting
birds) will be found to be mimetic. Of the present species, an. observer
in New South Wales (A. QO, Elfiott) has recorded that wher agitated
through being disturbed at the nest it frequently imitates the voices of
other small birds.

Wrire-nrowrs Woon-SwaLLow (Artamnws supercitiosus).—I have heard
thidmiery [tom this migratory species oly on one occasion: then a male
lard sat in a tree a short distance from its nest and, discarding his tusual
harsh chatter, sang a pleasant hittlé song inverspersad with calls of the
Pallid Cuckoo and the Beown Treeereeper, Sinlarly, Athol F.
D'Ombrain, of West Maitland (New South Wales), has recorded having
heard White-browed Waood-Swallows imitating the voices of certain
other birds; one male in particular “eoprmed the first lew notes of the
Pallid Cuckon ta perfection,"

Dusky Woon-Swanow (4. cyanapteris)—F, A, Ro Lord wrote ie
from Queensland jn 1938 that he had heard these stciahle little birds on
various, occasions using borrowed notes in rapid whisper-songs. Later
(October 1939) K. A. Hindwood reported fram Sydney a Dusky Woed-
Swallow's imitation of the voiccs of the Grey Thrush and Rufous
Whistler—the mimicry was rendered in’ soliloguising fashion),

62 Hawthorn Janwr FNC. . rit ~ ‘

Sprckiem Warsiek (Ciithonicola sagittata) —The chet utterance of the
sprightly fittle “Speckled Jack’ is a grating or churring note, but at times
you may hear an jjidividual bird rendering a slight but sweet song, which
occasionally includes excerpts from the calls of other birds, A Melbourne
birdman tells me he has heard a Speckled Warbler imitate, "clearly though
not loudly,” six species of birds one after the other,

Guev Tievsn (Collurtetucta harmonica) —Although this species is ane
of the familiar birds of Australia, vocal mimicry on its part has wot been
reported umil recent years—which perhaps is an indication that the practice
is nok consistently followed. A Victorian observer credits a Thrush with
having iimitaled the voice of a possum immediately alter ihe animal squenled,
and a Queensland student declares that he has heard Thrushes minne very
well, with the call of the Pied Currawong as a masterpiece, Those appear
to be the aly anstances in which the Grey Thrush has been detected
amimicking, On the other band, however, dhe original notes of the species
are imitated very freely by various birds—more frecly in many cases than
are any other sounds. It seems probable that the voice of the Grey Thrush
is tsed cotisistently by every Lyrebird in Atstralia, and in Sherbronke
Forest, Victoria, the rich and bald notes are adapted and glorified an in
general used in all Lyrcbird songs ta a remarkable extent.

(Yo Be concluded.)

HAWTHORN JUNIOR F.N,C.

The mectings of the Junior Branch of the F.N.C.V, at Gawtliorn have
met wilh great success. Attendances have been consistently good thraugh-
owt the year, the only slack mectings heing those leld during the school
holidays,

Members are taking an active interest in the Club and. have started their
own collections, Cuttings and seeds have been distributed to the botanists
and killing battles to those ipterested in entomology. (Many menibers bring
along exhibits to discuss or have named.

A very pleasant excursian was beld at Mr, Fisch’s orchard at Don
caster on December 16, the children thoroughly enjoy the peaches.
Another interesting excursion was to the quarries at Lilydale under Mr.
Mitchell's leadership, Mr. Fisch kindly took about 30 childecn in. his
tuck, much to their delight

Several members have renewed subscriptions for the third time. Tn August
the second birthday party was held.

Members of the commiltee have been very helpful in instructing: the
members the correct methods of mounting specimens and caring for plants.

Our stand at the Chitdren’s Exhibition, Melbourne Town Hall, created a
good deal of interest az there were anany beautifial and varied. exhibits,
pleasing to our sponsors the Field Naturalists’ Club ant Hawthorn traders,

M. FE, Freame,
Hon, Sec., JPN CY,

CORRECTION

A. printing mishap caused a slight “mixup” in the early portion of the
article “The Riddle of the Mocking-Birds” in the last issue of this journal,
page 31. The concluding lines of the secoué paragraph from the bottom of
the page should read: (1937), each a paper uf some twenty pages jn which
all dala avatlable at the time, dogether with various theories, was presented.”

aul Ravmest, New Bees und asps G3

NEW BEES ANID WASPS— PART Tk
Another New E.xoiewra; also Notes on the Biology of E. hamulala,
By Tartton Rayment, Melbourne. .
Superfamily: Apoidea; Family: Ceratinidae.
EXONEURA DAWSOQNI, sp. nov.

TYPE: Female—Length, 7 mm. approx, Black and red.

Head transverse, fuur Jace-marks dark-red (almost ghsoalete on
some); one at base and apex of clypeus, and one at cach side;
frons with a few large punctures; clypeus flattened with a few
punctures of irregular stze; supraclypeal area like a high ridge on
the excavated face; vertex wide and rounded: compound eyes
anly slighlly converging below. genae large, with a few scattered
punctures; labrum obscurely reddish; mandibtilae black, reddish
ss middle; antennae black, brownish beneath, scapes reddish im
ront.

Mesethorax almost polished, an extrentely delicate tessellation,
with an odd large puncture; tubercles black; scutellim large,
shining, with numerous fine punctures; postscutellum with tessel-
late sculpture more marked; metathorax with two slight elevations
posteriorly ; abdominal dorsal segments red, each with 2 wide band
slightly suffused with blackish, darker apically; ventral segments
progressively blacker apically. .

Legs red, trochanters and femora black basally, hair on hind
legs black; tarsi reddish, hair on hind tarsi black; claws reddish;
hind calear reddish; teyulae black, Wings yellowish; nervures
dark-sepia ; cells—second cubital very broad, pterostigma large and
dark-sepia ; hamuli five, very weak..

- ALLOTYPE: Male—Leagth, 5 mm. approx, Head and thorax
black, abdomen reddish.

Head very wide, with long black hair; not any face-marks;
frons compressed by the large con)pound eyes; elypeus depressed
al apex, coarse punctures; supraclypeal area depressed; vertex
with long black hair; compound eyes large, convex, slightly con-
verging below: genae with long black hair; labrnm nodiform,
black ; mandibulae black ; antenriae entirely black, scapes with long
dusky hair, '

Prathorax with Jong black hair laterally; tubercles black -

Mesathuras polished, with long black hair on margin; scutellum,
postscutellum and metathorax with long black hair; abdominn)
dorsal segments 1 and 2 black, 3 and 4 reddish, 5 and 6 suffused
with blackish; apex with long black: hair; ventral segments suffused
with Lfackish,

Legs black, with long dusky hair on the trachanters and femora ;
black hair on tibiae; tarsi red; claws red; hind calcar blackish -

“ . t.
bf Ravarext, New Bees and Wasps ines

tegulae blackish. Mings yellowish; neryures dark-amber | ptero-
stigma large, dark-brown; hamwli five, weak.

Locality—Neerim South, Victoria, Noy, 26, 1945, Owen Daw-
son,

TYPE and ALLOTYPE in the collection of the author,

Alfies: Near to E. excavate, which has the excavaled, but all
black, face and scdpes, with hair on hind legs reddish; alsn to £.
turneri, which has a\| black face, scape red on front, hair on hind
legs rufo-fulvaus, £, fultont is nearest, having clypeus suffused
with red, antennae reddish, and hair on hind legs dark-fuscous.

(Numbers of Exoncewrs females were taken on flowers of Logan-
berry.)

Gencrat Discussion (Biology, te.)

My last paper on the Exonewrac (Pict. Nat., Vol. 62, p. 250)
was In the hands of the editor when Owen Dawson, R.A.A.F.,
brought me a stnall stick of Snow Daisy-bush (Olcaria hata)
same 20 centimetres (8). in length, with a diameter of 9 mm,
containing several bees he had collected among tree-ferns, sone
fourteen feet tall, at Neerim South, Gippsland, Victoria, on Nov.
26, 1945. The species proved to be new, and, as this is the first
record for Victotia of a “nest” in this genus, and also because of
the remarkable larvae, the author considered it advisable to make
this new niaterial the subject of a third paper on Exvoteurae,

Mr. Dawson's discovery was made at the head of a small gully
on the eastern aspect of a hill, about 100 feet above the Jevel of
the nearest railway station, “Crossover.” The soil is a voleanic
loam carrying the typical dense mountain vegetation of the area,
which enjoys a regular rather heavy precipitation,

The original Olearia stem: was in an upright position in the
ground, and between 2 and 3 metres (8 ft.) tall, with a diameter
at the base of a trifle over 25 mm., and tapered av the top to 9mm,
This contained a pithy tube, 3 min, in diameter, and the bees had
experienced no difficulty in enlarging this to 4 mm. for a depth of
abont 17-5 cm. (ca. 7”), A few white silk threads were draped
over the wall. The entrance was on the top of the stick, and a bee
(sex unknown) was seen hovering over the apex; another was
observed ta enter the tube and this one was innmediately captured
—later, it was found to be a male, an old one, with tattered wings.

On splitting open the plant-tube, three more bees were taken,
another male and two fesnales (sisters), together with a mumber
of well-developed larvae. Four of the larvae overlapped each other
at one place, while the others were disposed singly along the tube,
as were the bees also. The species proved to he nearest ta &,
fulton? Chil. (seé¢ description above).

ph Ravaket, New Beer and Wasps 65

here was not a trace of any cell-divisions, although the base
of the gallery had been closed with a blackish wad of skin-like
sulstance. The youngest and simallest larvae were at the base, as
though the older ones had worked their way uj during develop-
* ment,

It would appear that the larval appendages differ in each species
of Exencura, for those of E. dawsonr, sp. nov., are hifureate, and
thus are easily distinguished from the other two already deserihed.
Tt seems certain, then, that the “arms and hands’ are to enable
the larvae to majntain their proper relative positions in a communal
tube utterly devoid of all cell-divisions. The larval appendages,
therefore, are splendid specific characters, far more distinctive than
any possessed by the imagines. The “arms” of the larvae are
divided apically into two “fingers,” and there is a curved “spur”
near the base. Segments 12, 11, and 10 each hear a slender lateral
appendage, although on segments 9, 8, 7 and 6 there is only a
short node, byt on segments 5, 4, and 3 they are again long aud
slender, These disappear as the larvae approach the pre-pupal
stage.

Tt is amply demonstrated that several adult males and fensales
(sisters) frequent the galleries while the larvae are developing,
and it is almost certain that some progressive feeding of larvae
fakes place in this genus. It would appear that a pap or secretion,
regurgitated by the females, forms at least portion of the diet,

Microscopical dissection of the mesenteron, just before its junc-
tion with the proctodcum, demonstrated thar it is not distended
with pollen-granules, as in other genera. Certainly there were
mumbers of empty shells present, all colourless, but there was not
any packed imass of coloured food, Among the pollenesletls was
a partly-digested, long-legged Acarid mite, and also a strange hard
yellow chitonous many-segmented microscopic msect'—yenus un-
known, The iully-fed larvae have only a few jarge creamy-coloured
Opaque ocenoeyvtes, many fewer than the larvae of ovher wild-bees,
and the paucity suggests that the food supplied to thé larva is
different, and so fewer oenocytes are required in the physiology of
the Exoneura. Glaser* (1912) thought that these free cells are the

1. This stratige animal may be celated to another ane found hy the
author on shithophora engatnensts Raym. Uniortunately, the authar's
paper on Authophora, describing many new species, and illustrated with
1,200 figures, fell into the hands of the Japanese, and ite fare is unknown,
These very romarkable insects may prove to be triungulins, in the Order
STREPSIPTERA, where te genus Pertoso¢era has somewhat similar
triungulinid larvae. Should they be iw the Family Mengenillidac, then they
inay be related to Austrastylops, and provide the explanation for the
presence of the parasites in the alxlonien of the adult bees.

2 See RW. Glaser, in “A Contribution to our Knowledge of the
Function af the Ocngevtes ot Insects," Biol, Bull., pp. 213-224, 1912

ae Rayment, Veiw Bees and Wasps Mins _

source of ihe oxidising enzynies; since they ‘react to tests for
oxidase.

What function, if any, the males perform in the tubes is not
. known, but it ts remarkable chat Exoneurae males are rarely
caught a-wing in the feld, hence one postulates (hat much time is
spent inside the plant-tubes. The male observed to enter at the
top immediately closed the entrance. with the flattened apical dorsal
area of his cluh-like abdomen.

Since one adult bee almost completely fills the small tube, it is
difficult to see haw it is possible for it ta pass and re-pass the
several larvae clinging to the vertical walls, although it is evident
that the flying bees do traverse the entire gallery. The adult bees
are able withont difficulty to reverse themselves in the tube by
simply bending into a sphere of smaller diameter. and turning
“heeis over head,’ an action performed with astanishing dexterity
and celenty,

An attenipt will be made during the coming stimmer to study the
biology in the field, and an endeavour to elucidate the oenocyte
problem, also the exact nature of the food suppled to the larvae,
A few brown tiny pellets were observed disposed at intervals
along the wall of the gallery, and these are probably the stercaral
debris or excreta of the larvae,

fhe Biology of Exoneura hamulata Chil. :

On December 12, 1945, the author telegraphed to L.A.C.
Dawson, R.A.A.F., at Neerim South, requesting that he search
for the nesting” sticks of E..hamulafa—a specics he had collected
in numbers: on blackberry flowers which had succeeded those of
the garden loganherries. -

This species of Exonewra is perhaps the most widely distributed
are in (he eastern States, for T have collected it in many localities
in Queensland, New South Wales, and especially at Emerald in
Victoria—numbers of the rather bare females, together with the
larger black-haired males. Jt is anomalous that, in this genus, the
males are larger and far more hairy than the females.

A day or two after my communication, Dawson areived with a
3U-centinetre length of the base of a dry frond of Soft Tree-fern,
Dicksonia antaretica, The stem had dried while still adhering to
the trunis, as is the habit of this fern, and later had fallen off, but
it was held by the debris of the forest and had not reached the
ground to absorb moisture. Two galleries had heen excavated in
the stern, but in the pith only, for the bees did nat attempt to
gnaw through the thin, but nevertheless much harder, fibrous
divisions. Again the entrance was effected in the pith exposed at
the end, and it is clear that these small bees cannot pierce the hard
woody epidermis (o gain admission to the interior.

July Rayuent, New Bers and Wasps OF

E. hanvlata is considerably larger than E. dausoni; conse-
quently, the galleries have a diameter af 4 mmi,, and are somewhat
longer, but the bees keep very strictly to the soft pith, The two
galleries were separated by a mere millimetre or so of the natural
woody division, but it is quite sufficient to constitute an impassable
harrier, There is not the slightest indication of any ecll-divisions;
tt is a true communal chamber.

Eggs and larvae of all ages were taken irom the gallery, together
with five females fromt ote, ane four females fram the other. Not
any males were present. Six eges were taken from the first tube,
and five from the second, while the total number of Jarvae in beth
tubes numbered twenty-six, Becanse a few larvae fell out wher
the stem was split open, if is impossible to be certain. of the number
in each series.

Again, the farval appendages proved to be excellent specific
characters, for in this species there are two pairs with three
distinctive “Angers,” diminishing in size towards the apex. The
lateral appendages of the other segments are imuch shorter than
those of FE, dawson’, Moreover, each ventral segment bears two
pairs of short nodes, but the first and second lateral appendages
are very distinctive, being quite different from the others described,
so that no confusion can artse in their identification.

The larvae are slightly howed on the dorsal surface, and the
mandibulae are continually 'champing,” and this “mouthing” of
the parts seems to suggest thar the larvae are “asking” to be fed.
This action was intensified by hunger when the adults were
separated from the larvae. It scems certain, then, that progressive
feeding of the larvae is the rule in Ewonewra. Dissection pi the
glandular system showed that the pharyngeal glands, which lie
posteriorly inside the genae of the head, are well developed, and
doubtless have the same function as those of the honey-bee, ie,
secretion of a “pappy” food which is fed to the larval bees.

Exceedingly few oenocytes were observed in any of the larvae
dissected, although fat-cells were very numerous and large. Tests
with “Sudan III” stain demonstrated that much fatty oil is present.
and thrs dissolved out readily in ether, Micro-chemical tests made
to demonstrate the presence of glycogen showed it to be present in
quantity in the fat-hody of the fully grown larvae. The mesenteron
in the larvae of A, hawwulita contained pumerous empty pollen-
shells from some Myrtaceaus (probably Ecalypius) species, hut
there is not any tightly-packed mass. of ‘coloured food-residues or
excteta. It is significant, too, that no pollen-pudding has yet been
found in any of the plant-tuhes examined by the author, although
¢ach contained larvae at all stages.

It will be exceedingly interesting to discover the “nest” of EF,
bicolor Sm., which is close to Z, hamata, and t compare the

Vint. Nat.
Val.

68 Rayment, New Bees ond ifusps
larval appendages of these two species, It 3s very gratifying to
find that the determinations of the taxonomists, often founded on
extremely critical Observation of the gross morphology uf the
field-bees, should he so amply justified by a study of the far move
distinctive larval foritis.

NOTE—The collector should acarch for these bees on the Rowers of
the Blackberty bramble, Rabes fruticosus; many Evcalypts; #letweed,
Aypochaeris radicuta; Swany Paper-bark, Melaleuca erictfolia; Tea-trec,
Lepfiospermmns species; aud the Handsome Flat-pea, Platylobium formtosian.

1. Veniral view of larva (male) of Exoreura famulate Ckll, 2a, b, c,d,
Enlarged views of first, second, third 4nd fourth anterior lateral appendages
of the Jarya, 3, The pharyngeal glands of adult females of £. Aamonfuta are
wel) developed; e, che main duct. 4, The globules of oil in the fat-cells of
the larva are large and plentiful, 5, The two communal galleries in the
frond stem of a tree-fern. 6, The dry stems of hydrangea, recommended
for the study of the Exoneurve, should be held vertically in a frame. The
pithy core should measure 3 to 4 mim. in diameter.

PLANT NAMES COMMITTEE

The mame af Mr. Geo. Coghill was inadvertently omitted from the
personne) of the first Plant Names Committee, published at the foot of
peice 237 mn the April issue of this journal, -

sus Coveman, The Bag Moth Again 69

THE BAG MOTH AGAIN

Mr. Rayment’s note on the Bag Moth (V.N., May, 1946) leaves me still
puzzled. He says the female is impregnated “while still in the bag,” the
lower end of which she opens for the purpose. This implies that she has
emerged from the pupal case. She must, then, re-enter it if, as Mr.
Rayment states, her eggs are deposited inside it: “the bulk of the female
dwindling as the eggs are deposited makes the space available, since the

pupal case cannot be enlarged.” The
— : shape of the adult female, as de-
picted in Mr, French's book, and
the frailty of the empty pupal
case, stress the difficulty, if not
impossibility, of her re-entry once
she has left it. It is, of course,
possible that she merely inserts her
ovipositor, but Mr. Rayment makes
her occupy the pupal case, with
her eggs. Is it not more feasible
that she should withdraw gradually
from the pupal case, leaying the
egpes behind her?

Having left the pupal case, why
should she return to deposit her
eggs inside it, rather than in the
cosy silk surrounding it? It is, in-
deed, possible that she never leaves
the pupal case, that she is im-
pregnated within it. How many
naturalists have seen an emerged
adult female Case Moth?

Mr, Rayment says that she opens
the lower end of the bag—for mat-
ing; but is it ever closed? In all
the bags I have examined this end
was open at all times—a provision
for the passage of excrement.
(These caravan homes are models
of perfect hygiene}. It is possible
that she seals it up, as she does
the feeding opening, before pupat-
ing; but could she, in her imperfect
state, re-open it? Moths are pro-
vided with means for softening
‘and tearing open their cocoons, but

Lictor Case Moth, Left, female; right, this adult female seems too poorly
male. Pupal skin of male shown wedged equipped for anything of the kind.
tn dhe -operiing: Except when the bag is anchored,

or when the Sarva is alarmed, the
feeding end is always open. When alarmed, the owner pops inside and
with its feet holds the mouth tightly closed—as the grey thrush knows.
Mr. French says the male larva protrudes from the bag in feeding. He
makes no reference to locomotion of the female, Mr, Rayment refers only
to protrusion of the female; but both male and female protrude, using the
thoracic feet in crawling from leaf to leaf, otherwise they would not reach
the “fully-fed” stage. Mr. Rayment tied the mouth of the bag “to
ascertain whether the wingless female adult would come right out when it
waa re-opened.” But why tie it to ascertain this?

: Vict. Nat,
70 CoteMan, The Bag Moth Again Vol. 64

He also says that she “bites cotton easily." How did he discover this?
Was she attempting to Icave the bag?

Mr, Rayment makes the female leave the pupal case twice, once for
mating and again after egg-depositing: “the depleted female, now con-
siderably smaller, slides down out of the bag and soon expires,” This,
if a voluntary act, would certainly complete the story of her self-immolation
on the altar of motherhood.

Even should she die within the bag, there would be little danger of
pollution from her dry and shrivelted remains; but her body might, indeed,
block the opening when her emerging larvae stream down to that one
gleam of light. To me that act seems a prodigious feat. Even in her
shrunken state she should still be greater in bulk than the male pupal case
which, almost always, becomes tightly wedged in the opening as the moth
ements: (This is seen in my photo of the male Satinders’ bag, I’.N., May,

.)

Critical examination of the debris left in the pupal case seems desirable.
Soaking in hot water, or even boiling, should yield identifiable material—
egg-membranes, first-shed skins, or what? These, with the aid of Mr,
Rayment’s clever pencil, should lighten our darkness. His note is extremely
interesting because provocative, which is just the incentive we nature lovers
need to putstie unbeaten paths.

End how it may, it is a beautiful story, and one which emphasises the
fascination: and completeness of the lives of these lowly creatures.

Ensite Coleman,

CLUB SUPPORT FOR MUNICIPAL PLANTING SCHEMES

Brigadiers, commodores, members of Parliament, mayors, girl guides and
boy scouts were among the citizens of Mordialloc who combined in a tree-
planting project on Saturday, June & This was an adimirable way in which
to celebrate Victory week-end, and the Mordialloc tree-planters should be
congratulated on their foresight and sound sense: school children who
carried out the planting will be able to follow with interest the development
of those trees which are to be entrusted to their care.

The 250 native trees now planted in the new park (adjoining Mordialloc
Creek) are but the forerunner of a much larger project. It is intended
gradually to transfer small native shrubs from bush land that is being
opened up for building at Parkdale. Club members A. J. Swaby, G. N.
Hyam and P. F. Morris assisted in the choice of trees and in the
preparation of a major plan for future plantings.

Messrs. Ivo Hammet and P. F. Morris are also advising the Heidelberg
City Council in connection with its Victory Tree-planting Scheme, which
envisages an avenue of native trees extending from Ivanhoe as far as
Greensborough,

P.F.M.

FORTHCOMING EXCURSIONS

Advance Notice. Ararat, 20-24 September, in conjunction with Ararat
F.N.C. Tentative plans for bus tour, four full days, leaving Melbourne
late afternoon Friday, returning following Tuesday. The Pyrenees, Gram-
pians, and other district points will be visited. ‘Transport for 400 miles is
£2 per passenger, plus 1/- for each extra 10 miles. Accommodation at
two Ararat hotels. ‘Total estimated inclusive cost £4/10/- to £5. Early
reservation essential, Further particulars from leader, Mr. H. Stewart.

Joly ] Hriexve Members’ Interests Lie 7h

WHERE MEMBERS' INTERESTS LIE

Summary of Replies to’ Questionnaire sent owt ta B.N.C.V. Members
im January, 1946,

Interests of Club Members ‘
Plants, 62; General, 58; Birds, 47; Insects, 31; Geology 26; Mammals, 22:
Sea Life, 1%; Pod Life, 17; Reptiles, 17; Shells, 16.

Allocation of Tiree aé Meeting
Lectare, including questions and vote of thanks, 60 min.
Club Business, 30 min,
Nature Notes, 20 min,
Exhibits, 15. min. j
Reports on Excursions include in Netwranist), nil.
Conversazione, 35 min,

Excurstons
1. Generally agreed too large-suggest more leaders or have severul
excursion§ on same day.
2 Make provision for all-day excursions, also week-end and caniping
excursions. : : :
3, Have a special excursion committee, apart from General Cornrtittee.

Journal
}. Less botany, more zoology and entomology. Definitely less orchids.
2. More illustrations and photographs by members.
3. Have occasional articles for beginners,
4. Where specific names are used, provide for either English translation
or common name in brackets,
5. Give reports of lecture in more detail.
6 Give brief statetient of businéss handled by cotmmittee each month,
. Have a readers’ exchange section.
8 Could the valumes run from January to December?
9. Suggest keep articles confined to Victorian natural history.

Special Factlities
1. Form discussion groups.
2. Issue booklets and have reprints of other Club publications.
3. ‘a iw oi suitable books of reference and price to. be included in
aoklets,

General
1. Improve meeting place,

2. Restore library facilities and isswe list of publications.

3, Arrange exposition of exhibits with exhibitors in hall 15 minutes before
mecting starts. Anuther suggestion is to have one or two members in
charge of exhibits each month,

4. List of names and addrésses of members and interstate club secretaries
to be made available for reference and guidance.

5, Have a panel of members from each branch of natural history whose

duty it would be to (a) look after new members, (b) keep track of

research, {¢). correspond with country miembers, {d} look after
exhibits, (e¢) give suggestions ta excursion committee, (f) sponsor
section at Annual Show, (g) suggest lecturers.

Encourage collections—<specially among school children. Special

section at Shaw with annual prize.

Have quarterly forum wight—natute notes and queries.

Encourage members to wear badge with name showing at Club

functions, ;

Conduct and publish res¢arch on a given area,

3
?
q

S eM 2

79 Periodicals Received by the Club ‘Vale

PERIODICALS RECEIVED BY THE CLUB

By request of the Committee, the Hon, Librarian reports that the Folluw-
ing thirty-five periodical publications are being received:

GENERAL AUSTRALIAN

Austratiow Journal of Science.

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Journal.
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Bidletins,
Commonwealth Farestry Bureau, Reports.
Comanoniwealth Forestry Burean, Bulletins,
Commonwealth Forestry Bureau, Leaflets.

Australian Orchid Rewmew.

The Emu (Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union).

VicrortAN
Royal Society of Victoria, Proceedings, _
Microscopical Society af Victoria, Proceedings.
Forests Commission of Victoria, Publications.
Journal of Agriculture, Victoria.

New Sourn Wa tes

Royal Sactety of New South Wales, Journal and Proceedings.
Linnean Society of New South Wales, Proceedings.
Australian Musewn Magazine.

Australian Musewn Memoirs.

Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, Proceedings.
Agricultural Guselte of New South Wales.

QUEENSLAND

Queensland Museum Memotrs.
North Queensland Naturaltsé,

SoytH AUSTRALIAN
Royal Soctety of South Anstralia, Transactions.
South Austratan Museum, Reports.
South Australian Naturalist,
Soutn Australian Ornitholagist.

TASMANIAN
Queen Wictoria Museuni and Art Gallery (Launceston), Reports.

New ZeaLann

Royal Society of New Zealand, Transactions and Proceedings.
Auckland Institute and Miser, Annual Reports.

' Britisa

Monthly Science News, Lomalon. ;
Quekett Microscopical Club, London, Journal.

' AMERICAN

American Mitseusm of Natural History, Bulletins.
American Muscion of Natural History, Publications.
Smithsonian Institute, Annual Reports.

Plants and Gardens (Brooklyn Botanic Gardens).
Ohio Journal of Sctence, Bulletins.

Lioydta.

The _ Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 63.—No. 4 AUGUST 9, 1046 No. 752

PROCEEDINGS

The Annual Meeting of the Club was held on July 8, 1946,
at the Lecture Hall of the Public Library, the President (Mr.
H. C, E, Stewart) presiding and about 180 members and friends
attending.

The following were elected as Ordinary Members of the
Club:—Mrs. A, E. Lowe, Miss L. A, Marshall, Miss Valma
Gillespie, Miss W. Taylor, Miss J. Blackburn, Dr. R. E. Allen;
and as Country Menibers: Miss Helen Kininmonth and Messrs.
R. Buckingham, L, Gilbert and Tyevor E, Hunt.

The Annual Report was read by the Hon. Secretary and its
adoption approved. The Balance Sheet was projected on the
screen and explained by Mr. A. S, Chalk, who moved its adop-
tion (seconded by Mr. H_ P. Dickins, and carried}, Mr, V- H,
Miller expressed the thanks of the Club to Mr. E, E. Lord for
his excellent work as Hon. ‘J'reasurer.

Mr. Stewart, before vacating the chair, expressed his thanks
to. the Cammittee and members generally for their sustained
help during his term of office. ‘The incoming President, Mr. F. S.
Colliver, thereupon took charge of the meeting, and thanked
members. for the honor he had received,

The election of office-bearers was continued by Mr, Colliver
{names of officers are given elsewhere in this issue), A vote of
thanks to the retiring Committee was carried.

The President announced that a Show would be held this
year at the Hawthorn ‘Town Hall, on October 8 and 9. Mr. A, J.
Swaby moved: “that Committee for the annual exhibition
be formed, and that this Committee eemsist of Mrs. Freame,
Miss Watson, Messrs. H. P. Dickins, IL C, E. Stewart, P. I,
Morris, Ivo C. Hammett and the Chairman of each Group or
his deputy.” ‘The motion was seconded and carried.

Mrs. Pinches reported she had collected specimens of
Cordyceps, in which the caterpillar had reached its pupal stage.

‘The Presidential Address, under the title of ‘Roc Eggs,” was
given by Mr. H.C, E. Stewart (a summary appears cisewherc in
this issue).

74 Field Naturalists’ Clit Proceedings ye

EXHIBITS.

Mrs. M. E, Freame: Young Ribbon or Oar-Fish from “Port-
land, octopus and Elephant Slugs trom Stony Point.

Mrs. Lyndon: Large hooked cones of Pinus Coulteri from
plantation at the You Yangs. Photographs of natural history
subjects,

Mr. C. French: Orchid Corybes unguiculatns from near Bel-
rave, a new locality (specimen collected by Miss C. Stanton,
fast Camberwell),

Mr. P. G. Collins and Master Ivan Collins: Crmoaidal lime-
stones from Chiflagoe, Queensland,

Mr. T. Griffiths: Strap Fern, Blechnwm Patersonii.

SIXTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT.

The membership is as follows:—Hon. Members 18; Ordinary
Members 312; Country Members 129; Associate Members 28;
Service Members (free) 15; total 503, this being au increase
of 39 on the total (463) last year. We record that most of our
members previntisly in the forces aré now civilians again, and
that we have had the pleasure of welcoming to our meetings
members who jomed whilst in the Services.

We record with regret the deaths of the following members :-—
Mr. J. A. Kershaw (1888-1946), Mr. W, J, Stevens (1908-
1945). Dr. Georgina Sweet (1911-1946), Me. F_ EL, Salau
(1931-1946), and Mr. C, C. Towle (1942-1946). The Club
also lost some good friends in Mrs. S. G. Richardson, Messrs.
F. H. Baker, C. C. Brittlebank, A. V. Braun, H. E, D. Stevens,
M. Galbraith, and A. F, Bassett Hull. Mr. Kershaw's passing
has left a gap in the scientific world and in our Club; he was
one of out oldest members and a naturalist well known as ar
authority on genéral zoology.

During the last year we were pleased to elect the following
ta Hon. Membership in the Club: Mrs. C. H. Edmondson, Miss
Freda Bage, Mr. Alister Clark, Mr. F. A» Cudinore and Mr.
David Fleay.

Attendances at meetings have averaged 150, and the mew
mecting-place is how a definite necessity. The trustees of the
Public Library have made available a suitable room and our
thanks are accorded to them.

Excursions this year were somewhat better arranged,
although Jack of early information prevented the publicatien
of the year's programme. With motor transport again ayailahie,
we were able to visit Bacchus Marsh, Healesville and Anakic
Gorge.

4

aire Amma Report 75

We were fortywnate that supplies of paper of good quality
continued to be madeé available, and we were not reduced to
news-print, Volume 62 of the ieterian Naturalist was suc-
cessfully completes], For the Jast issue in the volume we were
able tg retum to ow pre-war size and we now look forward
lo better and bigger volumes, Stress must be laid on the fact
that printing costs have increased considerably, and that expen-
diture on the jotirnal must be covered by members’ subserip-
tions, Further, we would point out agat that the nature of
material published is largely the respansibility of members
themselves, That the jotirnal holds its place in scientific litera-
ture is shown by the fact that additional overseas bodies are
seeking exchanges.

The Author Index is almost completed as regards typing,
and it is expected that publication will take place in the coming
year.

Turing the Club year World War IL ended, and we as a
Club rejoice in that fact. At the meeting held shortly after
the cessation of hostilities the matter was referred to by the
Presitient, and a parallel was drawn between Club affairs during
1914-1918 and the recent war.

War conditions prevented dut attention to matters affecting
the protection of fauna and flora, but we have considered a
number of tmportant items and contacted the relevant authori-
ties. Among these may be mentioned :—Grazing at Mt, Buffalo;
preservation of the Aboriginal Cemetery at Healesville; addi-
tional land for the Badger Creek sanctuary; preservation of the
Beaumaris flora when the proposed settlement takes place;
renovations and planting of ihe grave of Sir Frederick McCoy;
Cheltenham Park and its native flora; killing of posswns for
coursing purposes; proposed sanctuary at Dimboola; destruc-
tion of wattles; ferns taken from Gunyah Gunyah reserve; and
the present state of Wilson's Promontory National Park and of
National Parks im general. .

Matters im which the Club collaborated included :—Forma-
tiow of a National Council of Scientific Societies (the Club
became a Foundation Member of the Council) ; formation of an
Advisory Committee for the Sherbrooke Forest National Park;
proposed Chapman Memorial at Maranoa Gardens; grazing in
National Parks; Save the Forests Campaign; a check of the
State Forest Acts with the Rangers’ League of N.S.W., and
a proposed Science Exhibition to be held next year.

In connection with grazing in National Parks, the Club called
a meeting of interested socielics, and from the delegates attend-
ing an investigating committee was appointed. This committee
in then met and agreed to certain proposals, which are now

Viet. Net,
74 Amimal Report Vol. 6%

being investigated béfore another meeting of the interested
societies is called,

We have been asked from time to time to assist other Clubs -
and meetings by the provision of lecturers and, as far as pos-
sible, assistance was given,

The Junior Branch at Hawthorn is doing well, due largely

to the continued interest of Mr. and Mrs, J. J. Freame,
P_ F. Morris and Mr. S. R. Mitchell. Another Junior Branch,
aut Toorak, has been launched, A country club has been
formed at Bendigo and a week-end excursion by this Club
enabled members to participate in the inaugural meeting. We
congratulate our Bendigo members on their interest and
initiative. ‘The Ararat Club has been unable to meet during the
war, but some of our members attended a meeting at Which
this club was re-organised, and we look forward to a sound future
for Ararat, Similarly, we are glad to note the continued success
of the Portland Naturalists’ Club.

Tn the Club we have functioning as a section meeting a
very healthy Geological Discussion Group; meetings are held
every month, with an excursion following each meeting to study
in the field the facts learnt at the meeting. Messrs. 5, R.
Mitchell, f G, Elford and F, S. Colliver are chairmen, and
Mr. A. A. Baker hon. secretary. A programme covering a
general introduction to the study of peclogy was drawn up by
Mr. F. G, Elford, who has, with one exception, given these
lectures to date.

A Botanical Discussion Group also has been formed, and
here Mr. A. J, ‘Swaby is the chairman, with Mr. H. C. E.
Stewart as hon, secretary. Again a series of lectures covering
preliminary matters were arranged and are being given by Mr.
Swaby. Mr. J. H, Willis is to start a series on more advanced
inatters

A Natural History Photography Group is also in operation,
with Mr. H. 'T. Reeves as president, Mr. P, C, Morrison as
vice-president and Miss Ina Watson as secretary. This group,
too, has meetings for both field work and study.

The Committee agreed that, by these Discussion Groups, the
Club can do much to assist the interested member, the general
meetings having become too large for individual “get-together”
talks,

Yet another innovation started by the Club is a Register of
Research. Mr. A. J. Swaby, as Registrar, asks that all members
engaged on any natural history research whatsoever will advise
him of it. By this means it is hoped that members working on

ane Annual Report 77

allied subjects can be brought closer together, and Where com-
bined efforts would assist arrangements can be made for such
efforts by proper organisation.

A Wild Nature Show was held at Hawthorn and was an
outstanding success, wilh a substantial sum accruing to the
Clul's funds. It is proposed to hold another show this year
and members are urged to éven greater efforts. We were asked
to stage similar shows at Footscray and South Melbourne, but
were unable to do so. owing to lack of time. These suggestions
seem to prove that the public is becoming more Nattureaninded,

The Plant Names Sub-Comimitlee are continuing their good
work and it is hoped they will soon be able to arrange for a
new edition of the Census. The general members of the
Club were able to learn something of the work done by this
Committee by symposium at a general meeting, and the lec-
turettes given were printed in the Naturalist. Comments are still
invited, particularly with regard to popular names for common
plants.

The sum of money donated to Mr. David Fleay last year is
being used in an attempt to capture a pait of Thylacines, A
recent report from Mr. Fleay states that although not yet
successtul he has every hope of ultimate sucecss, and that he
is making the capture of these animals a number one priority
job.

The Australian Natural History Medallion for 1944 was
awarded to Mr. C. P, Mountford, ethnologist, of South
Australia, and the presentation took place at a meeting of the
Bread and Cheese Club. Interstate bodies participated, and we
can now more properly refer to the award as the Australian
Natural History Medallion. ;

With the Historical Society, the Club arranged a special
excursion commemorating the Centenary of the Melbourne
Botanic Gardens, atid a large gathering of interested members
and Iriends gathered to listen to the remarks of the several
speakers and to tour the gardens.

During the year a questionnaire was sent out with each copy
ef the Neturaltst, and from an analysis of the replies tt was
hoped to arrange the Club meetings so that they would suit the
greatest number of members, Returns of the completed ques-
tiannaire were disappointing, but many interesting pomts were
raised and a special meeting ef the Commitice considered the
replies, A preliminary analysis of the returns was drawn up
and cireularised before the inecting, and consideration of the
results had brought about several] changes im the agenda of
meetings, :

~

78 Ansvol Report "Vel os

Mr. L. W. Cooper, after many years of hard work in typing
and dispatching the wrappers for the Naturalist, had at fast
ta retire, and to him, for his interest and industry, the Committee
expresses warm thanks. Arrangements for the wrappers. to be
typed commercially were completed.

The Club has made representations to the trustees af the
National Museum for a tablet to contain the names of all
past directors to be placed in a public part of the Museum.
This was agreed to, and we have been advised that the trustees
are seeking a suitable medium for this tablet.

Owing to the general mecting-place being taken away from
the old Club Rooms, the library is not used as it should be,
although we have noticed a considerable difference since the
formation of the Discussion Groups, The blocks have been
cleaned and tre-greased, and now we have order and ready acces-
sibility to this important section of the library. -

We record the sterling work of Mr. F. A. Cudmore, Librarian
of the Royal Society, who compiled a census of our library
for the new edition of the C.S.IR. Catalogue; the thanks of
the Club are accorded Mr. Cudmore for his generosity in doing
this work for us in addition to his own Royal Society hbrary
census,

Few additions were made to ihe collection of newspaper
cuttings, ete, during the year, and the Committee appeal for
additional material in this line. Book-binding is at a standstill,
and we look forward to the time when arrears can be over-
taken. ie i

During the year we were glad to welcome to the Club again
our Hon. Editor, Mr. A, H. Chisholm, F.R,Z.S., who had been
granted six months’ leave, During his absence (on the staff of
H.R.H. the Governor-General}, the Naturalist was capably
edited by Mr. J, H. Willis.

To Mr. McCrae Howitt we give our best thanks for the
continued use of his ronm as 4 Committee meeting-place, and a
comprehensive expression of thanks is extended to all who have
given their time and energics toward the advancement of the
Club and its ideals.

MAP REQUIRED,

A Club Member, Mr. Alan Coulson, M.Se., now teaching at Dayles-
ford, Victoris, is greatly in need of the following map to assist in
some geological research; “Geological Survey of Victoria,” Quarter
Sheet, 16 N.E. (Mt. Franklin, Talbot, Holcombe, Glenlyon, are the
arens covered). This map is out of print at the Department, and any
member willing to sell a copy is asked to contact Mr, Coulson at
Bridport Street, Daylesford.

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE Oe 12 MONTHS ENDED 30th APRIL, 1946

Recerers
Balance at Banks on ist i May, 1945—
£

E.S, & A. Bank ... .-
State Savings Bank .

Subscriptions
Arrears 2, 6. eee
Current .. -- .. 2...
In advance .. 2, 1.

Cash Sales of—
Victorian Naturalist ,.
Publications . 2... -.
Badges .. .. 0. we ae

Advertisetnent it
Naturalist -. 0. 0...
Interest received—
“Best* Fund, £50 @
34% .. ENS Lb
Savings Bank Current
Account --
Commonwealth ‘Loans

5 4
32 17

£29 18
261 19
41 1

29 11

Life Menibership Subscription .,
Hawthorn Wild Nature Show proceeds. t.

Donations on account of—

a

Cah

1

stone

Frederick Chapman Memorial ..
Healesville Sanctuary .. .
Sir Frederick McCoy Memorial .

£332 19

3114

Ls)

paws

mos

£108. 1

16 15

675 8

1

tiOw

6

}

Expenviture
Victortonm Naturaltst—
Printing .. .2 1. 0. 2. 2. -. «. £249 0 0
Illustrating ». 6... 2. 0. eee )©660- 10 OD
Despatching .. .. 2. 2. oe ue 911 §
Index 2. 2, 2. cy ee ee ee ee 640 0

B
So)

or
Re BUN RE AM
—

Reprints 2. be ee we ee ck ee
Postage ., . vs Orpen
General Printing and ‘Stationery 1

Library ... wae ale 48

Rent and Carctaking -

General Expenses ., qeaslef ds of pt elepee
Affiliation Fees .. 0. 2) 2. ee ce ee ee

BS
——

=
mo he OS 0:00 ee

Donation Healesville Sanetiary 1. 1. 2. -2 5 40
Purchase of Commonwealth Bonds .. .. .. -. 200 0
Purchase of Badges ... pate nr 40.12
Balance at Baitks on 30th April, 1946
State Savings Bank .. .. .. .. #62 4 5
Less E.S. A. Banik Overdraft. .- 42 12 4

ev ~~ £675 8

Weow!] ONSCONeau

sanppuadx ge pun siftvaayg fo yuamajns [ee a

6L

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA
BALANCE SHEET ON 30th APRIL, 1946

LIaBILittes ASSETS
Late Dudley Best Fund .. .. .. .. .. .. .. £50 0 0 Arrears of Subscriptions
Subscriptions paid in advance .. -. -, -, .. -- 4116 Estimated to realize .. -. .. 1. -. .. -. .. #0 0 0
Special donations in hand .: 2. 6. 2 4. ee ee 1215 6 Bank Current Accoutits .. 2. 2. 1. 2. 0. o. 1912 1
— Tnyestments—
£103 17 0 Commonwealth Bonds:
Balance, being surplus of Assets over Late Dudley Best shun . £0 0 0
Liabilities ©. 6.0). e1 ce ce ee te ee ee ee ee 1,904 15 1 General .. .. see we a. 9530 0 0
1,000 6 0
Library, Furniture and Epidiascope—
. At insurance value .. , . 0 0 0
Water Colour Paintings by ‘late Miss ‘Amy
Fuiler (insured for £200) . cere ey ee)6 «6100 0-0 8
Stock on hand of ‘Books at yaluation—
Fern Book .. .. .. .. .. «es. £10 0 0
Bungus Book ,. 2. 2... we {a0
Platypus Book .. .. .. 1... .. 3.0 0
Badges .. .. vs se see ee 6 68S 0 0
‘ 49 0 0
£2,008 12 1 £2,008 12 1
Audited and found correct on Ist June, 1946.
i = Cooke} Hon, Auditors. E. E. LORD, Hon. Treasurer.

aanppuedxy pun srfiaragy fo puantaja)s

]

£9 “TOA
“WN CPLA

Avent Stewart. Roc Egys—A Plea for Our Vanishing Fauna Bt

ROC EGGS—A PLEA FOR OUR VANISHING FAUNA,
(Summary of the Presidential Address, 1946, to F-N.C.)
By H. E. C Stewart,

Mark Twain once said his idea of misery was to break an egg
in his pocket, Had his pocket been large enough to hold a Koo’s
egg, his misery would be understandable.. Not only for its size,
but also its history and antiquity, the egg of the Giant Roe is
remarkable. An average specimen measures 13 inches by 974
inches, representing a cubic content of two gallons, and the
equivatent in-bulk of about 150 hens' eggs.

The Melbourne National Museum possesses a genuine Roc
egg, strictly guarded, and shown only on rare occasions, This
particular specimen was obtained by Professor Sir Frederick
MeCoy, founder of the Museum, and first President of this
Club. Sir Frederick had a flair for getting what he wanted for
the scientific edification of Melbourne, and the Roc’s egg shows
his pertinacity tn this. regard.

Many accounts of fabulous bird monsters are found in ancient
literature, and the giant Aepyornis that dwelt in its last strong-
hold on the island of Madagascar, until a few centuries ago,
no doubt gave rise to classical allusions to birds that flew at
prodigious speeds with elephants in their talons, or with human
travellers borne on their wings. The exploits of Sinbad the
Sailor in The Avabien Nights, and of Marco Polo, with others,
refer to enormous birds.

In the absence of exact evidence, science discounted these
myths, but ornithologists received a shock when in 1849 Strick-
land brought under notice the comparatively recent existence
of a Madagascar genus of Struthionidee, a giant Moa which
stood ten feet high, and produced some eggs as visual proof.
As white navigators began to traverse the seas, 80 civilized
trade sprang up in the places visited. No different from other
peoples, the Madagascans soon fell for Jucre's filthy lure, and
eventually their great bird perished completely, leaving a few
precious eggs. for barter.

Thus the Roc's extinction signalizes the beginning of fauna
disappearance by man’s intervention. Mark Twain's misery
may be applied metaphorically to this address, which submits
a plea for our rare and vanishing fauna, Can we behold a little
of the misery and profit by the moral suggested by the Roc ege
which our Museum authorities go to stitch pains to preserve?

The first elimimation from our Australian fauna was the Sea-
elephant, our largest species of mammal. This 20-foot amphibian
formerly abounded in the Bass Strait Islands and Tasmania.
The long snout gives the animal the vernacular name. Its size

82 Stewart, Roe Fags—aA Plew for Gur Vanishing Fauna sbi aa

and manne habitat fits in with the blackfellow’s conception of
the bunyip. The valuable furred skin and yield of up to half-
a-ton of oi] attracted the seating ships that pirated the marine
fauna of Australia during the late 18th and carly 19th centuries.
The sealers often sheltered in Sealers Cove, Wilson's
Promontory, in the early days, By the end of 1803 the Sea-
clephant was extirpated from the Austrahan region, To-day
the nearest Sea-elephants, of two species, survive at Macquarie
Island, 900 miles south-east of Hobart, Even in this lonely
part protection his been found necessary,

The Australian Fur Seal, toa, would have disappeared lon
ago from Bass Strait but for the watchful State Fisheries an
Game Deparimetit. The fight to preserve the Seals from extinc-
ion at Phillip Island stil goes on.

A complete write-off from the Australian scene —and No, 1
“Roc” priartty—was ihe Tasmanian aboriginal. March of
1869 dated the demise of the last pure-blooded male of the race.
“King Billy,’ or William Lanné, was only 34 years old when he
passed oul, and his death aroused more attention than [he
SU years’ pathetic struggle the native Tasmanians put up in their
contact with white civilization, Someone has alleged that a dead
specimen evokes more scientific interest than a living one at
liberty, In William Lanné's case the allegation seems true. As
his remains awaited interment, scientists remembered that no
steps had been taker to secure a perfect specimen of the skeleton
of aimale Tasmanian black, The Royal Society moved to obtain
Lanne's body, but the Hobarr authorities decided that the Jast af
their black men was to be given a decent Christian burial, Soon
aiter the funeral took place the ahoriginal’s grave was found
disturbed, The full story was gradually unfolded. A medical
ethnologist had made private access to the dead native the night
before the funeral. He removed the head, substituted 2 «white
pauper’s head, drew the black skin over this, and placed it in
Lanneé's casket. The: secon body-snatcher who later exhumed
the bady found to his consteritation he had been forestalled,
Prominent Iebart citizens were involved in the gruesome pro-
ceeditigs, but by the time the full stary caine out the aboriginal’s
skull was on the way to Ingland,

Of the indigenous birds, lost since the white man's arrival,
many forms have faded out from time ta time. Bird people
are diligent in bringing their obituaries to notice, So it ts not
proposed lo dilate unduly on these here. Amorig the tmportant
disappearances, we know nf the Tasmanian, King Islanel, and
Kangaroo Island forms of the Emu, L

The Paradise Parrot of Queensland, posted as long missing,
if not actually a “Roc,” is a typical instance. This exquisite

ase Stewant, Foc Eyas—A Plea for Our Vanishing Faune RI

bird was originally plentiful and was exported in some humbers
for overseas aviaries, Its unusual habit of constructing the
nest-burrow in termite mounds ought to have brought home
the futility of successfully breeding the bird in cages, Now,
“The beautiful has vanished and returns not’ — an apt quota-
tion made by A. H. Chisholm in a chapter, “The Paradise
Parrat Tragedy,” in Mateship with Birds,

Great numbers of the Torres Strait Pigeon (Myristicivora
spilorrhoa), the Squatter Pigeon and the Flock Pigeon have
been extinguished. Hut perhaps the greatest rarity is the Black-
banded Pigeon (Lencotrervon alligatar), the species so named
because of its occurrence on the Alligator River, North
Australia. No skin of this species exists in Australia, and its
nest and ¢ggs remain undescribed. Another rarity, the Noisy
Scrub-bird (Atrichornis clamosus), a denizen of the south
west of Western Australia, is also extremely rare, if not extinct.

In a contemplation of Australian settlement records, from the
natural history standpoint, nothing blots the national eseetcheon
more than our treatment of the nattve mammals. The story of
the unique marsupials, from 1629 when Pelsart first saw them,
cannot be: surveyed withowut a sense of national shame.

About 140 species of marsupials, exclusive of the mono-
tremes, are listed by Ellis Troughton in his Furred Animals of
Australia, How many of these marsupials have we observed in
@ natural environment? Possibly ten species at the uttermost.
And how many of the 140-odd are known ¢ven by hearsay to
the average Australian? ‘There are, of course, the marsupial
characteristics with which we can become conversant by
book and museum and zoological garden; but the important dis-
tinctive hing qualities are beyond our ken, because the animals
do not now exist in numbers or localities tn permit praper
observation jn the field, .

Our smallest marsupial is also the rarest, the Western
Marsupial-Mouse (Plomigale subtilissti), represented by the
only specimen found, the type in the Stockholm Museum. The
tiny animal has a head and bady length of 45 mm, It was
found in 1913 by a Swedish expedition along the Fitzroy River,
in the West Kimberleys of W.A. Some of the smaller fugitive
ntarsupials turn up at rare intervals. If this diminutive creature
is re-discovered, nature-lovers will be jubilant.

All the Australian museums admit that their collections of
marsupials are very incomplete. Tt is new too late to All the
large gaps of missing types, or to replace individual specimens
secured in the past that have faded in colour or ave atherwise
no longer of use for study. The Australian Museum, Sydney,
has appealed unsuccessfully for fresh examples of the Potoroo

Br Stewart, floc Sags—A Plee far Our Manishiny Fauna bE ae

{Potorws tridactylus), one of the Rat-Kangaroos. About the
size of @ small rabbit, the Potoroo originally abounded in
eastern and southern Australia, but it is now probably a “dead
finish,” certainly in southern Australia,

The Squeaker, or Brush-tailed RatKangaroo (Bettongia
Penicilata) was once the commonest and widest distributed of
this group, Proved extinct in the more settled parts, it is very
rare generally, but smal] colonies may survive in remote parts
of W.A. Wood Jones failed to locate a single skin for study
it South Austrafian collections. Yet forty years carlier dealers
in Adelaide sald live Rrush-tails by the dozen, at ninepence apiece,
to coursing sportsmen.

The Bandicoots have been particularly vulnerable to the
onslaughts of man and his introduced destroyer, the fox. ‘The
Pig-footed Bandicoot (Chaeropes ecaudatus) was plentiful with
a wide occurrence, but to-day is rarely seen, and is threatened
with obliteration. Major Mitchell secured the first specimen in
1836, on the Murray Plains, 2nd worked it out curiously without
a, tail, which explains the specific name.

In Victoria the rarest marsupial is Leadbeater's Fossum
(Guwnnobelideus leadbeater:), described by Professor Sir
Frederick McCoy in 1867, with specimens from the Bass River
country. The fourth of the five known specimens secured (all
are in the Melhourne Museum), was obtained in 1909 at Mount
Wills in the North-east, a new locality, which revived hopes
that the attimal might still be alive. Chances of survival, how-
ever, have been weakened by the great bush fires of 1959.

Of the marsupials associated with Jolin Gould and Mitchell,
the Little or Eastern Jerboa (Antechinamys lamiger) has become
“very rare, if not extinct,” the Museum label (or epitaph),
figuring many of the interesting forms. Ite habits and ceonomy
are little knawn, Gould pictured it as living in a tree. ‘This was
stibsequently disproved. ‘he quaint animal is insectiyorous.

‘These are a few illustrations of the many native animals that
have been badly let down into obscurity. Time docs not permit
detaifed mention of the large Kangaroos, the Wallaroos, the
Elare and Nail-tail Wallabies, the Pademelons, the Bilbies, the
Possums, the Gliders, the Native Cats, and the Wombats; all
these have paid & toll to man’s inhumanity, indifference, thowght-
lessness, or economic necessity,

Turn to the older world andl review the sad aceounts of the
deciniation of many fine species of wild life. With birds in
Great Britain the story is poignant. A striking illustration is the
last nesting of the Bittern (Sotaurus stellaria) in 1911. The
White-tailed or British Sea-eagle (Aahatius albiciila) provides
another instance of recent suppression. This Eagle was last

A a *.
hire Strwart, Rac Eags--4d Plea for Ony Vanishing Faun a5

bred 10 years betore, when a solitary widowed bind remained
the sole representative of a species once numerous in North
Britain. The Golden Eagle kas also been graduaily reduced, and
its possible disappearance is predicted. Our Australian Wedge-
tailed Laglt may also become a “Roc.” The report for last
year of the Chief Inspector of Rabbits in W.A. states that 6,201
Wedge-tailed Eagles were killed and bonuses paid for their
destruction. Tasmania knows sormething of the Werlge-tail’s
insaiiable appetite for rabbits. Recently the Government there
brought in a measure prohibiting its destruction,

In America an évén more harrowing picture is presented
by the fauna massacre that has aecurred. So it is, too, in other
countries amid islands.

New fet us look on the brighter side. Protection by legislation
has had good effect in combating the complete disappenrance nf
certain species, Particularly is this so in Victoria. The Chief
Inspector of Visheries and Game (Mr. I. Lewis) mforms us
that the seals at Phillip Island are in a progressively healthy
condition and that kangaroos are proved to be 6n the increase.
We have reason to confirm this last observation, if only by the
many requests to shoot them as nuisances — when the skins are
in the hest marketable condition.

We may not have our smallest Australian marsupial alive
now, but our largest, the Great (Grey Kangaroo [Macrofns
major), Aeurishes in many parts of the outback, The Kargareo
generally has a capacity to adapt itself to changed fnod con-
ditions, and readily feeds on the introduced grasses the nian on
the land provides. he Kangaroo Island Kangaroo (Jfacropus
fuliginosus), historically linked with Matthew TV iaders, has
multiplied to such an extent that there is an open season for
this species. Not long ago two riflernen shot 6(X} kangaroos
in a restricted area, a regrettable happening, as the surplus
kangaroos could surely have been transferred tu suitable places
on the mainland.

Equally responsive to protective measures, the commoner kinds
of Possums have thrived. Wombats can be readily traced in
almost any suitable locality, And the Echidna resists the
prejudices some people stil] exert against a harmless and interest-
ing monotreme.

The Desert or Plain Rat-kangaron (Calofprwmnus campesires)
is one of the smallest and inost beautiful of this tribe, Three
examples were obtained in 1843 for the British Museum by Sir
George Grey and named by John Gould, For many years these
were the only specimens extant, and Professor Wood Jones
deplored the fact that mo scientific institution in Australia
possessed a skin. No trace was scen of the animal win) 1931,

& Stewanr, Roc Eggs—A Plow for Gur Ponishing Fann ied. Stats

when it was re-liscavered by H. H. Finlayson, who not only
obtained specimens but also many photographs and observations
on their habits.

With birds, unexpected re-discoverics have been made, and
comparatively rare kinds dramatically turn up. Some heartening
Signs of an increasing concern for the preservation of species
are evident, and instances of practical action im this regard have
occurred,

The concern aroused over the Koala’s preservation shows a
commendable public interest in this quaint animal's welfare.
Achievements with the Platypus at the Healesville Sanctuary
and the Melbourne Zoo have had repercussions on the public
inind, all to the good. Broadcasts of the Sherbrooke Lyrebirds,
too, have worked wonders in promotion of popular interest, If
anyone wilfully killed a Lyrebird to-day, an enlightened public
would be moved to furious protest.

Tf we are to avoid the stigma of many more “Roc Eggs’ to
be handed down to future Australians, we as field naturalists
must do our part in the promotion of understanding and appre-
ciation in the field, and direct our knowledge into channels ot
adequate preservation. One way in which we can do good work
35 to wean the over-indulgence in cats and dogs to an increased
interest in the native animals. Attention to forést lands is
urgently required, the cleaning up National Parks and their
extension on suitable sites, preferably islands and remote places,
and the careful excision of the breeding and feeding grounds
of fauna from lands taken up for settlement. The elimination
of conipetitive introduced pests, as rabbits, foxes, cats, dogs, and
effective steps to cope with alien pot-hunters, poison maniacs,
ancl fire-bugs, are also very desirable,

If we can save the remnant of a tunique living heritage, we
will earn the gratitude of an enlightened posterity. Let us do
Gur part in sweeping away some of the smell and stain of “Roc
Eggs” cast at us.

THE EDIBILITY OF BIRDS

In Nature (Vol. 156, p. 736, Dee; 22 last) Dr. Hugh B. Cott of Cambridge
University opens an intriging discussion, viz, the retation between palatability
af hird flesh and colour of plumage, or edibility as regards visibility, He
states that when arranged in order of preference (by mest-eaters like man,
cats, and certain hornets}, the species heading the Hist are those with the
most effective concenling coloration. Wryneck and Crested Lark take
first and second place, while the conspicuous chats, kingfishers, orioles, and
shrikes are at the bobttom of the meat-<caters’ preferential list! How would
anr Australian ayi-faunn fit into such a scheme? De. Cott, would welcome
atiy further information from explorers, sportsmien. or others who have
tasted various birds,

arenes A. Pas R.A, Dune, Studies te Atstealian Spiders ev

STUDIES IN AUSTRALIAN SPIDERS.
By A. P..and R.A. Duxw, Melbourne.

‘This paper deals with three spiders, two of which are new.
Probably the most interesting ts that well-known species,
Celaenta excavaia L. Koch, the male of which is recorded For
what is believed to be the first time. That this should be so
is not surprising in view of the fact that the male is minute in
comparison with the female, Such disparity in size between the
sexes does not scem to be unusual with the Epetridae, as
similar conditions have been recorded in the widely separated
genera Argiope Audouin, Arachnura Vinson, Nephila Leach,
and Gosteracentha Sundevall,

Belonging to the same sub-family as Celacnza is Dolophones
elfordi, sp. nov. Sixteen specics of this genus have been recorded
in Australia previously. These spiders are noted for their broad
and flattened abdomen, and have a somewhat superficial resem-
blance to the Gastevacantheae. ‘The abdomen is not, however,
armed with spines, and the labium is longer and more pointed
thar that of other Epeirids.

With the description at Redilus swarbrecki, sp. nov., the range
of the genus is extended into Victoria. Four species have
previously been recurded in Australia, namely: A. lugubris L.
Koch, from Queensland and New Sonth Wales; FR. diversa L.
Koch, from Bowen, Nth. Queensland; R. praesignis L, Koch,
from Peak Downs, Queensland; and R. casianexs Simon, from
Western Australia, ‘Ihe remarkable feature of these spiders is
the shape of the median spinnerets, and in this respect Rebilus
is closely allied to the Western Australian genus Corimaethes
Simon,

The type-specimens, and the allotype of Celaenia excaveta L,
Kach, are in the collection of one of the authors (R, A, 1,).
Acknowledgements avemadeto Dr. V. V. Hickman, of Tagymania,
and to Messrs. F. G. Elford, L. 5. G. Butler, and Eyre Swar-
breck, of Melbourne. for their help and encouragement.

Order ARANEAE.
Sub-order DIPNRFUMONOMORPHAE.
Branch TRIONYCHAE.

Family EPEIRINAR,
Sub-family EPETRIN AE,

Genus Celvenia Thorell, 1868.
CELAENTA EXCAVATA L. Koch

Male om.
‘Total Tength - ve " 24 if B67
Length of Cephalothocax ) a ge 145

Width of Cephalothorax - ' ‘e =. _ 124

Wivt, Nat.

BB OA. P. asp R, A, Dun. Slidics tm Anstrations Spiders Val. &8
Length of Abdomen .. - " ‘ 15)
Width of Abdamen 1 203
Height of Abdomen ad a 164

Mota-
Femur. Patella, Tibia. tarsus. “Tarsus Total,

Leg 3 1.72 07) O96 0.50 0% 4.27 mm.
i 172 O71 O98 0.50 0.36 4,27 mm,
iii 093 031 0.46 0.36 0.33 239 mm.
iv 1,04 a3l O01 0.49 0,50 2.75 mm.

Palp .. -- .. 631 0.13 0.14 _ 0.36 0.99 mm

Carapace dark brown, with a few white squamose hairs scattered over
the surface; marginal band yellowish. Chelicerae, maxillac, Jabasm,
stertum, and coxue, dark brown. Legs: dark brown: end half of tibiae
yellowish; metatarst yellowish, slightly darker at base, brownish at apex.
Palpi lighter brown. Abdomen creamy-yellow, darker on anterior and
posterior Slopes; a square pattern of black spinules pear the base; a
‘mixture of-smallee black spinules and white squamose hairs scattered
sparsely over the surface. Spinnerets dark brown.

Carapace rounded, surface granular, broadest and highest belween
legs i and iit, fram where it slopes farward and narrows. into a cortical
protuberance around whith the médian eyes are grouped. Clypeus
concave, equal lo approxtmately 3/9tis of the diameter of A.MLE.

Eyes arranged in two recurved rows as itt Figure |, Ratio of cyes
AME -ALE - PME. ; PLE. = 27 ; 18 - 20-19. The AME are
separated from each ather ly 40/27, fram A-LLE by 14/27, and from
P.M.E. by 14/27 of their diameter, The P.MLE. are separated from each
other by 23/10, and from P.M.E. by 13/10 of their diameter, The latcral
cyes, placed on a common iuberele, are separated by 11/9 of the diameter
of A.LE. The median ocular quadrangle ts broader than long in the
ratio 44 = 29, aad broader in front than in rear in the ratio 41 < 39

Chelicerae conical, granular, and with few hairs. Fang short, Mouth
parts and sternum alse granular, Maxillae oblong, parallel, base mare
rowed. Tabtum almost semi-circuiar, broader, at base, than. long in the
ratio 4 : 5. Sternnm oval, ending in a point between the fourth coxae.
Jonger than broad in the ratio 3 = 2.

Leos | == 2, 4, 3; sparsely clothed with bristle-like setae, dorsal sux face
of femora, patcHac, tihac, aod metatarsi, with white squamose huirs,
tarst with black bristles dorsally, Tarsi with serrated bristles and three
claws. Superior claws. on legs 1 and if unequal, the protaterat much the
larger, both unazmed. Superior claws on legs tii and iv equal. Palpal
organ as in Figure 2,

Spines — Except fer femorae i, u, and ci, and one bristle-spine on
patella ni dorsally near apex, the lees are without spines, Femorae i, ii,
and iii, have (wo longitudmal ventral Iines of tooth-like spines which vary
in size and are less nimerous on femora iii. Femora iv is unarmed,

Abdomen Droud, tapering to front and rear, truncate in front, elevated.
Spianerets rosette-shaped, median pair hidden, terminal jomts of superior
and jnfertor pairs dome-shaped.

Locahty: Carnegie, Vietoria. A single male specimen collected on 4th
February, 1946, from near a female which had been kept under observa-
tion for several months, The active movements of the male attracted
attention, but unfortunately any mating that may have cecurrced was
not witnessed The female had a total length of 15.7 mm.

ba 4 A. Poana R, A. Dunn, Shudios in Ausivalion Spiders 99

Beds Polophowes Walekenaer, 1837.
DOLOPHONES ELFORDI, sp, nov

Female tm.
Total Length = -. pe a ) - -- 263
Length of Cephalothorax fe ict Je -. R72
Width of Cepltalothorax Lt fi My -. ASS
Length of Abdomen ., ry ee ae .. 627
Width of Abdomen “A a +1 bb -. 11.59

Meta+
Femur, Patella, Tibia. tarsus, Tarsus. Total.
Leg ii. ... 347 141 247 2.52 1ol 11.58 mm.
ip... .. GA? 181 2.77 2.64 101 11.70 mr.
iu. 2, 2.99 144 169 143 1.06 851 mm.
Ww w. 425 1,99 2.44 3.54 1.20 1342 mm,
Palp oan she 0,69 0,74 — 1,25 395 mn,

Carapace yellowish-hrown, sparsely covered with light brown and a
few dark brown hairs, eyes enclosed by patches of dark brawn. Cheli-
cerae yellowish, Maxillae and Tabium yellowish at base, crcam at apex,
Stertum and coxat yellowish-red, provided with a few fitte whitish
hairs. Legs yellowish; ferorae ii, hi, and iy, yellowish-red, fading to
yellowish at apex; metatarsus iv with a black apical ventral patch;
tarsi yellowish-red at apex, with a black median ventral patch. Palpi
yellowish with darker patches. Abdomen above fawn with grecnisk-
grey markings; yentral surface dark grey, fram epigastric furrow to
base of abdomen white. The calounng of the dorsal surface turits
underneath and forms a margin around the ventral surface, Spinnerets
brown,

Carapace broadest at rear, gradually narrowing in front, Cephalic
part low, with a median longitadinal groove extending to the base of
the ovular tubérele; cephalic striations moderately distinct, Thoracie
patt with three longitudinal grooves and two stall round depressions
Clypeus cqual to approximately 5/4 ef the diameter of A.M.E.

Eyes arranged in twa tows as im Figure 3. Anterior row procuryed
from in front, recurved from above. Posterior row procurved. Ratio. of
eves AME - ALE : PME. ; PIE. = 12 :- 8 : 16 : & The
A.M.E. are separated from each other by 13/12, from Ad..F,. by 40/12,
and from P.M.E- by 137/12 of their diameter, The P.MLE, are separated
from each other by 42/16, and from I.L.E, hy 33/16 of their diameter.
The Jaicral cyes, placed on 2 common tubercle, are scpnrated by 1/8 of the
diameter of ALLE. The median cyés are grouped on a Tow tubercle,
the median ocular quadrangle being broader than long in the rate
67 : 40, and broader in rear than m front itt the ratio 67 | 37.

Chehcorae strong, stout, with lateral condyles. Promuargin of furrow
with three unequal teeth, of which the one furthest from the base of the
fang is much the largest. and the one mearest the base is the smallest,
the median tooth being placed in advance of the other two. Retromargin
with three tecth, of which the one furthest from base of fang is much
the largest.

Masillae somewhat oval in shape, proyided with apical scopulae.
Labium Jonger than braad in the ratio 7? = 6, apex puinted

Sternum subround, longer than broad in the ratio 7 = 67, ending
posteylerly in a double point between the well-separated fourth coxae.
A medium longitudinal ge, increasing in height anteriorly, runs from

PTH A. Po ano R.A. DUNN, Studies in Anstration Spiders ri eets ver

the middle ta the anterior margin, In front of cach coxa is a low
tubercle,

Legs 4, 2, 1, 3; provided with stiff, almost spinclike bristles. Patellac,
libiae, and metatarsi, flattened dorsally. Tarsi with serrated bristles and
tiree claws. Supenor claws rohust, cqual, and similar, each provided
with about nine tecth, of which the median teeth are a little Jonger
than the basal and ihe apical. Palpi short, provided with stiff bristles.
Patellae and tibae flattened dorsally, The single tarsal claw has about
six long teeth,

Spines on legs and palpi arranged as follows: First leg — Femur:
dorsal 2 near apex, prolateral 1-1, elsewhere 0. Patella = protateral
1-1-1, retrofateral 1-1-1, elsewhere 0. Tibia + dorsaf 0, prolateral
1-1-1-1-1, retrojaceral 1-1-1-1, ventral 2-2-2.2:2, Metatarsus ; dorsal, 0,
prolateral 1-1-1-1-1-2, retrolateral 2-1-1-2-1, yentral 4-2-2-2-2. Tarsus
fl. Second Ileg— Femur and patella as im ler i. Tibia ; dorsal 0, pro«
lateral 1-1-1-1, retrolateral 1-1-1-1, ventral 2-2-2-2. Mctatarsus and tarsas
as in Jeg i. Third leg—VFemur : dorsal 2 near apex, prolateral 1 tear
apex, elsewhere 0. VPatella = prolateral 1-1-1, retrolateral 1 near 2pex,
elsewhere 0. ‘Tibia - dorsal 0, prolatetal 1-1-1, retrolateral 1, ventral
2-1-1-2, Metatarsus : dorsal ©, profateral 2-J-1-2, retrolatera] 1-1,
ventral 2-2-2-2. Tarsus +: 0. Fourth leg—— Femur -: dorsal 1-1, else-
where 0. Patella : profateral | near apex, retrojatcral I near’ apex.
elsewhere O. Tibia : dorsal (, profateral 1-1-1-J, retrolateral J-1-1-1,
veniral 2-1-1-2. Metalarsus : dorsal 0, prolatera] 1-1-1-1-1-2, rutro-
Jateral 1-1-1-1, ventral 2-!-1-1-2. Tarsus - 0. Paltp— Femur : 0. Pateflu
: O. Tibia : dorsal 8, prolatetal 1-2. retrolateral 1-1, ventral 1 ai apex
Tarsus ; dorsal £-2, prolateral 2-2-2, retralateral 1-1, ventral 0.

Abdomen somewhat triangular in shape, with the apex of the triangle
to the rave. Dorsal surface slightly convex, pleated and folded to the
rear, ornamented with 2a number of ocellated patches, four of which
form a median trapezium narrowest in front; aight others form a trans-
verse row along the base, and, fiom thn outermost of these latter,
two Jateral rows tun along cach side and merge into the foiding towards
the rear of the abdomen. Ventral surface slightly concave, cortugated,
Epigynum bas the form shawn in Figure 4, Spinnerels rosette-shaped,
terminal joint of inferior pair dome-shaped, posterior spinnerets with
longer and tapering termitval joint.

Locality: Wooragee, via Beechworth, Victoria. A single female “found
on eucalypts’” by a pupil (Mrances MeIntosh) of State School 653, and
forwarded to Mr. F. G, Elford, B.Se, of the Teachets’ College,
Melbourne; February, 1946,

Branch DIONYCHAE,
Family GNAPHOSIDAE.
Sub-family HEMICLOFINAE,
Genus ftcbtius Sitnon, 1880,
REBILUS SWARRRECKYI, sp. ovy.

Female mm.
Total Length .. “ty a ' st .- 206
Length of Cephatotharax RS ; . . BS
Width of Cephalothorax a J. ae .. BD
Length of Abdomen a ale hes =. -- 121
Width of Abdomen J -- nl “ Ps gee

Auguet

1346 A. Pant R.A. Duns, Suuics mm Austration Shudlers ur
Moeta-
Femur. Patella. Tilia. tarsus. Tarsus, Total.

Leg i... O1 5.0 71 5.4 15 285 mm,
ij 110 56 10.2 73 1.9 36.0 mm

ij 3.8 33 6.0 4.8 1.8 24.7? mrt,

iv a 3 59 49 Ls 24.8 mm.
Paln .. 24 13 1,2 — 2a 69 mm.

Carspace and legs brown, clothed with grey hairs interspersed with
x few small black ‘bristles, Marginal band and ocular area almost black.
Chelicerae black Maxillae and labium brown, the former cream towards
apex, Sternum and coxae yellow-brown, Abdomen greyish, fairly densely
eavered with grey hairs. Lung-covers cream. Epigynym dark brown,

Carapace very flat, posterior margin concave. Dorsal grooves distinct.
Thoracic groove longitudinal, Cephalic part also with a short longitudinal
ytoove, Clypens narrow, beige equal to approximately 2/5 of the
diameter of A.M.B. A few bristles are present before the A.M.E, and
near the ALE,

Eyes arranged in two rows as in Figure 5. Anterior row slightly pro-
curved. Posterior row recurved, broader than anterior row in the ratic
2465 = 203. Ratio of eyes AML ; ATE. » PME. ; P.L.E. = 2i : 28
: 13 : 23. The A.M.E. are separated from each other by 21/21, from
ALE by 43/21, and from P.M.E, by 165/210 of their diameter. The
P.MLE. arc soparated from each other ty 61/13, and from [.L.E. by
71/13 of their diameter. The Isteral eves, placed on a common pro-
tubetance, are separated by 30/28 of the diameter of A.LE. The
median ocular quadrangle is broader than long in the ratio BF = 45,
aud broader in rear than in front in the ratio 87 : 63. |

Chelicerae projecting forward, furnished in front with black bristles
Lateral condyles present. Promargin of furrow with scopula and three
subequal teeth. Retromargin with two teeth,

Maxillae constricted in middle, slightly converging over labium, with
Apical scopulac, Latium Jonger than broad in the ratio 13 : IE,
excavatedl at base, antesior margin truncate and reaching to about half
the length of the mazxillae, posterior mare convex

Steramat somewhat oval in shape, lonecr than bread in the ratio
3 : 2, ending iu an obiuse point between the fourth coxae, in front
slightly attenuated and truncate.

Legs 2, 1, 4, 3, laterigrade, sparsely clothed with bristle-like setae.
Femorac swollen at base, tapering vo apex, Trichobothria present on
libiac, metatarsi, and tarsi, All tarsi, and metatarsi j and ii, with ventral
scopulae. Tarsi with claw-tuits and two claws, the claws without teeth.
The single palyial claw is also. without teeth,

Spees on legs and palpi arranged as follows- First leg — Femur : 0
Patella =U. Tibia : ventral 2-1-1-2-2 (on lett leg 3-1-1-2-2 only), else-
where 0, Meratarsus : ventral 2-1, elsewhere 0 Tarsus > 0. Second
leg— Femur : 0. Patella : 0, Tibla : venteul 2-1-2-2, elsewhere 0.
Metatarsus - yentral 2-1, elsewhere 0, Tarsus : 0. Third and fourth
legs without spines. Pulpit with a few long bristles on tibiae and tarsi,
but without spines,

Abdomen very flat, tapering to rear, where it is rounded. Epigynum
has the form shown in Figure 6 Inferlor spinnerets ave separated by
approximately 5/3 of their diameter. Median spinnerets, as in Figure 7,
with longitudinal truncature provided with two rows of spinules,

92 A. P, ann R. A. Dunn, Shelies in, Apestratian Spiders let ig

Celaema excavata L. Koch (Male):

1. Dorsal view of eyes. (The A.L.E. are not visible from above, but
their positions are indicated by broken lines). 2. Prolateral view of right
alpus.
Dilitones elfordi sp. nov, (Female):
3. Dorso-anterior view of eyes. 4, Epigynum.
Rebilus swartrecki sp. nov. (Female):
5. Dorsal view of cyes. 6, Epigynum. 7. Spinnerets.

ae Foresis und Water Supply 3

Locality; Mount Buffalo, Victoria. A single female collected by Mr,
Eyre Swarbreek: January, 1946.

REFRRENCES,

Koch, L., 1871-1889.— Die Arachniden Anstraliens,

Rambow, W, J., 1907-1909,— Records of the Austratian Myseam Cyl, 5,
p. 356, and vit, 4, pp. 213-226).

Simon, E, 1892,— irstoire Naturelle des Araignées (1)-

———_—_ 198 — Die Fauna Siidwest-Anstraliens (1, pp, 382-385),

FORESTS AND WATER SUPPLY

The intimate relation of forests to water supply is forcefully shown in
an illustrated leaflet just issued by the ‘Save the Forests’ Campaign. The
writer af the leaflet, Mr. L. R. East, Chairman of the State Rivers and
Water Supply Commission, gives some surprising firures regarding the
value of primary production made possible by water conservation work over
the past fifty years. The expenditure in the construction of reservoirs and
channels for the irrigation districts for this period has been approximately
£15,000,900. This large sum, however, is almost equalled in one year's. ,
production from irrigation areas, In the year 1943-44, the value of primary
products in the natural state from irrigation districts reached a total of
£71,351,000, while these products in the manulactured alate incteased sub-
stantially in value.

Mr. East is scathing in tis criticism of those wha, through thoughtlessness
or selfishness, jeopartise the lives of their neighbours and -the natural
resoutces of the State.

WHEN DO SNIPE LEAVE VICTORIA?

In a discussion on this question reecntly if was agrced that most of the
birds have leit for Asia fry the end of Tehruary, but one man, a country-
dweller, said that he once saw twa jack-snipe on April 3. That was im a
stubble paddock, which had in places hecgme watcr-lngged aficr heavy
rain. He was fortunate enough to bag both birds, which were in excellent
condition, strong flyers, and about the largest of the species he had seen.

Speaking of the movements of snipe in Mornington Peninsule, the old-time
game-shooter, H. W, Wheclwright, said that the bird: left there ia
Febeuary or the beginning of Match, while A. J. Campbell mentions March
32 as his latest reenrd for the exodus. It is worth noting that the eggs in
his collection wére got towards the cnd of April on thé Slopes af Fujiyama,
and it is unlikely that the birds, worn out by the long fight from Southern
Australia to Japan, would hegin Jaying immediately after their return.

AWARD OF GOLD MEDAL FOR HORTICULTURE.

Congratulations of the Club are extended to Mr. Noel Lothian, a
member sow resident itt New Zealand. At the recent Dominion examing-
tion for National Diploma of Honiculture, Mr. Lothian gamed highest
marks and earned the eoveted Cockayne Gold Medal. His first important
contribution on the Bablexbergia specics (“blue-hells") of Australasia is
very shortly to be published by the Linnean Soriety of N.S.W,, and
wepresents years of monographical research into this difficult gcnus,
both here and on the Continent.

94 Curswoust, The Riddle of the Mocking-biede [* St We

THE RIDDLE OF THE MOCKING-BIRDS.
By A. H. CursHo-m.

Part FT

CASUAL AND Possrnr.6 Mimics

Recent Bowrr-siro (Srriculus chrysocephaiis}) —Little is known of
the normal notes of this beautiful bird, and it does not appear ever to baye
been recorded as a mimic in any part of its haunty—the coustat jungle from
immediately north of Sydney to a polit in Central Queensland. A Tas-
maninn naturalist, Tewever, has stated that a Regent-bird kept ip an
aviary in Hubart very soot caught and reproduced cails of various bitds
in the vicinity; a face that seem ta indicate latent imimetic ability, In
any cyent it would be surprising if this species, member of a very talented
gcoup, wholly lacked the imitative jaculty of its relatives.

Fawn-sressten Bowrn-ntan (Cilamydera cerviniventris) —-Oi the seven
or eight species of Bower-bird found in Australia ds ts the only one
restricted to the northern tip of the contiment (Cane York) and the only
- one that extends to New Guines, Rather smaller than the Spotted Bower-
bird, it is distinctive in that it Jacks the lilac mantle ot the other “spotted”
species, and beenuse of its bahit of placing its bower near the seashore
ars! devorating it with green berries, As for the bird’s vocal powers, N,
W. Cayley, io What Bird ig That?, says it is “an excellent mimic,” but
there is na warrant for this statement in the writings of men who have
studied the species. “It ttters a number of extraordinary hotes in slow
suecession," says Bertie Jardine “A bird that had a fully-fledged young
one with hér gave voice ta a great variety of notes,” says W. D. Mac-
gillivray, And H. G. Farnard records that whereas he Jound
urientalts to be an expert mimic, the awn-breast was "not heard to imitate
any sound.”

Obviously, more study of the FPawn-breasted Bower-bird is necded,
That it possesses mintetic ability can scarcely be doubted, but potsibly
this is used only rarely, a5 is apparently the case with the Regent Bower-
bird. Moreover, the Pawn-breast appears to he akin to the Regent in
having cudimentary tastes in bower-building, What factors, one wonders,
govern such variations in artistic culture snd yocal ability among the
Bower-hirds ?

Tt will be interesting io tearm, when field knowledge in New Guinea haa
developed, whether the Bower-birds of that region also are vocal amurnics.

EAsrern Dersrie-ninn (Daryontiy brachypterus).—Very lirtle has been
noted regarding this secretive species in recent years, it Imving fallen
away gnevousty—if indeed it was ever abundant—before the advance of
settlement, In other years Bvristle-birds inhabited heathy areas that are
now suburbs of Sydney, and A. J. North has recorded his admiration of
the sang. whiclt he thought included imitations of the introducer? Skylark.
It is possible, howeyer, that North was misled by chance resemblance.

No evidence of mimicry on the part of the more or less familiar Rufous
Bristle-bird fof southern Victoria) has bean gained; mor is. the ability
kniawn to obtain with the very rare Wester Bristle-bird, although thie
apectes has, atcardimg te John Gilbert, notes that are lond, clear, and
extremely varted.”

Yetuoweratien Toaotratct (Acanthize chrysorrhoa)—Althougk this
small bird is famibar throughout a wide grea, and although it possesses

ie Caisnomm, The Riddle of the Mocking-birds 95

a brigit song, only One claim far its telision among vocal mimics hat
been lodged) that was made in The Emm (41/90) by E, A, R, Lord, who
wrote that on a spring day he heard a Yellow-tailedl Thernbill imitate
the vaices of three species,

Grey Parra (8hipidere flabsilifera)—When wandermg about a ary
hillside near Maryborotgh (Victoria) ona bright day in October of 1945,
T was astonished to hear the characteristic, unmistakahle trill of the
Scarlet Robin. The slight chirrip of the Red-capped Robin might reason-
ably have been expected there, but a parched old golefield, sprinkled with
ironbarks, wis no place for a Scarlet-breast, especially 1 nesting-time

As L approached the tree whence the call came, a Grey Fantail flew aut.
But l could not find the Robin. That, I told myself, was strange. A few
moments later the call sounded from anothes tree, Horrying: across, I
flushed the Faitail agai, but again failed to find the Robin. This time I
waxed distinctly annoyed with myself, It began to seein that I was
"clipping? The locating of that Robin became a personal obligativm.

Accordingly, when next the trill sounded I approached at the double—
only ta find once again nothing other than the friskiny Fautail. Now,
belatedly, I became suspicious. Since it was highly improbable that any
practising observer would repeatedly fail, in fayourahle circumstances, to
fuid such a showy bird as the Scarlet Robin, an idea developed that the
Fantail was playing vocal tricks: and. this in spite of the fact that, in a
lig acquaintance m1 various States, T had never gained any evidence of
mimetic ahility an Grey Fan's part, Sure ensugh, as I watched the pair
of flycatchers one of them ceased its customary chatter, apened the beak a
trifle wider, and emitted a perfect imitation of the hard trill of the Scarlec
Robin. Hureka!—the situation was saved)

Subsequently T found the Wantails’ pretty little mest, which coaitaied
twa ezps, atid time and again as I watched the birds I saw one of ticin
(I presume only the one bird was concerned) utter the Robin's tril] at
irregular intervals. It was corms ty reflect then on the freakish develop-
ment Usal had caused a meniber of a species that 13 not gomnialli mimetic
t+ acquire that one distinct call From another hird; aud it cauld only
he supposed thut constant hearing of a Robin at an earlier period, in
anoles area, had swmehow played pon the auditory senses of tiw
Fantail.

Fo had assumed at the time that the experience was unique, but have
since noled that in The Homuw Enr 1930 (38/418) TE. A, R. Tord reports
having heard a Grey Fantail io Queensland imitate the voices of the Bluc
Wren aiid the Speckled Warhler, poth of which have a reneral tesemblance
to its own animated chatter,

Ticidentally, T have heard the churring trill of the Searlel Robin wtéered
ot occasion by Heath-Wrens near Sydney, and in Victoria it used to be
a specialty of 4 certain enterprising English Starling.

Wouire-poumre Honerearsr (Meliphaga peniciticta)—The only claim
for mimetic ability on hehali of any of the Jarge number af species
comprising the Honevyealets proper is one made by FL A, R, Lord, who has
stated in The Eym (41/90) that he once heard imutations ot the calls of the
Crested Wawk and the Golden Whistler taade by a number of White-
Plumes that were feeding and frolicking togethor, Possibly this waa a
matter of fortuitous resemblance rather than mimicry. Aside from the
consideration that the White-plume, a famillar bird, has mot been known
to use mimicry in any other part of its wide range, a casual mimic would
seatcely be expected to tse imitations in campany,

9% Cursrolm, Phe Riddie of the Mocking-birds | VGU NO

YeLtow-TAILED Buack Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funercns).—M. 5.
R, Sharland has given in The En {38/17} a note ia which a resident of
the Blwe Mountains records “an unmistakable imitation” of the Kocka-
burrs by a wild Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo. 1 regard this record as
very doubt! and woald be interested to learn if it can be supported,

Tawar Frocmoutnh (Podargus strigoides)—A most unpronvising
“candidate for inclusion among vocal mimics, this nocturnal bird has
nevertheless been put forward by R. W, Legge, who says in The En
(34/240) that as darkness fell an a day in July he heard the loud call of a
Kookaburra come from a tree near his honre in Tasmattia, and on
investigating he flushed a Frogmouth. He had wo doubt that the “Mopoke”
was responsible jar what he terms “wonderful mimicry,” In the nature
af the case, however, it would seem that this claim should be accented
only on a tentative basis.

Tt is imeresting {a note, the way, that wher the late Dr. W. D.
Macgillivray was m Noarth Queensland be found that the Papuan Frog-
mouth utters “a weird and ghostly laugh—a rapid *Hoo-hoo-hoo’" Does
the Tawny Frogmeuth ever utter such a sound, as a natural note?

Pinsn Cunrawons (Strepera graculina).—K, A, Hindwood wrote me in
ihe winter -of 1940 that Noel Roberts had reported having heard near
Sydacy some Pied Currawongs giving calls which closely resembled the
“chip-chip" notes of the Red-lipped Pardalote. “On paying a visit to
the spot,” says Hindwood, "I heard from the bulky black birds the sual
wailing notes and the ‘currawong’ call, with an occasional ‘chip-chip' just
like the voice of the Pardalore in tone and volume. It may have been
chance resemblance; if so the similarity was remarkable. Anyway, 1
think the Pied Currawong might so on the mimetic Jist as a ‘possible’ wntil
confirmation is forthcoming."

INTRODUCED Birp-Mimics

Mild examples of vocal mimicry on the part of the British Soag-Thrush
and Blackbird have been recorded in Victor, but the only assured mimic
among our twelve species of introduced birds is the ubiquitous Starting.
Mimiery may fot be constamt in the specics (that is searecly to be ex-
pected of a Alock-bird) bat many individuals in various States have heen
known to exercise imitations very skilfully while sitting alone in a tree
ar on a hougetop. Imitations of the Blue Wren and the Pallid Cuckao
are frequent—and, by the way, it is always an astonishing experience to
hear the chatter nl the Wren coming from a rooftop, A particular Starling
which | kvew in Melbourne went much better: he imitated freely, day after
dav, the fotes of ten species of Australian birds, including the Wargtail,
Magpie, Magpic-Lark, and Shreke-Tit, Obviously, that Starling did not
always live in a busy suburb.

Tn England years age Starlings wsed te be trained to talk (sometimes
the crue) and useless practice of splitting their tongues was adapted} and
so lt is ot surprising to learn that ih America recently a Starling taken
your learned to usc auile a number of words and phrases,

Incidentally, with the spreading of introduced tirds in Australia the
“stealing™ of notes has becotne something in the mature of an international
two-way traffic. That is to say, while individual Starlings, supported by
same few Song-Thrushes, have heen helping themselves to the voices of
wative birds, various Australian species have done the same thing by
the immigrants, ‘There are, for example, several records of mimicry af the
Starling by native birds; mimicry of the Blackbird by the Silvereye has been
recorded by Professor J. B, Cleland in South Australia; mimicry of the

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 63. August, 1946.
PLate IX

Srown Flycatcher on lier tiny nest
(This bird and the Grey Fantail are the only Victorian Flycatchers known

to use vocal mimicry.)
4 3
’
‘

ys

Ihoto by A. UH. Chisholm.

Grey Fantail at nest,

pear Cursuorm, The Riddle of the Muoching-birds a7

Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Sparrow by the Bush-Lark has been recorded
by C. F. Belcher and others, and in Sherbrooke Forest I have heard several
dines mimicry of the Blackbird by the Lyrebird.

All this, of course, was to be expecterl, for native mockers borrow
freely from eich other. Set a thief to catch a thief!

CoNncLusions

{1) Vocal mimicry has been, and still is, a factor of importance
in the building-up of bird-song, ’

(2) Hirds that practise vocal mintiery do so mainly for
pleasure—because they are sound-lovers and are capable of pro-
fiting by their receptivity.

(3) Pleasure is derived from the intrinsic value of the ‘‘stolen”
notes and from the stimulus of emulation, not to say rivalry. It
is thought also that a sense of companionship may be a contributory
factor, but, since some birds imitate mammals, frogs, éte,, and evert
artificial sounds, it is clear that this pomt has severe limitations.

(4) Territorial zest has probably been a factor in stimulating
vocal mimicry (or the mimetic ability) in some birds and the
mimetic notes may now be portions of territorial proclamations
in certain instances. For example, imitations by a Lyrebird, being
constant and distinctive, and being blended with the mocker’s
natural notes, are recognized by other Lyrebirds as normal songs
of their spectés,

(5) When mimicry is wsed in whisper-songs, as it is by most
minor or accasional mockers, it carries no territorial significance.
Tr most instances of the kind it is purely a tranquil reaction, on the
part of impressionable creatures, to compelling sounds; but,
curipusly, in other instances it is an agitated utterance of birds
disturbed at nests.

(6) Imitations do not deceive the birds that are imitated, but
may at times deceive other species, a8 when smiali birds become
agitated on hearing the supposed call of a hird of prey.

(7) Some birds may be able to associate impressions sufficiently
to turn mimicry 10 practical advantage, as in the case of a Drongo
that secured another bird's food by shouting like a Butcher-hird,
and as with the Hower-hirds that are said to drive other birds
away trom food hy screaming like Hawks,

(8) In some instances at least “stolen’’ notes are passed on from
one mimic ta another—one Lyrehird, for example, may build up
a vocabulary from other Lyrebirds in his area, with perhaps only
slight assistance from the original owners of the calls.

(9) In all instances mimetic power is greater in male than in
female hirds, and in some instances (hut by no means all) it is
niere potent in the breeding season.

oe Cuisnors, The Riddle of the Mocking-birds ["Vt 0"

(10) Mimetie ability is admittedly a birthright, but judgment
is’ reserved on the question whether, in some instances, actual
mimetic notes also are inherited, There is, no doubt, significance
in the fact that certain young birds have been known to practise
mimicry, and apparently with enjoyiient, independently of their
parents; and this suggests that experiments in the subject with
young birds might give profitable results,

{11) It is believed that certain bird-notes which suggest mimi-
ery are in fact “natural” calls: the resemblance (as of notes in
various species which suggest the cries of cats) is probably
merely capricious-what an American writer has terined
“adventitous similarity,”

(12) Some birds are able to imitate certain sounds immediately
they hear them, but probably frequent hearing is mecessary for
retention of a call. or smind., No support is accorded an American
suggestion that immediate mimicry is a “conscious” imitation; the
prompt response is thought to be merely an automatic reaction, on
the part of “vocal kleptomaniacs,” to an appealing or challenging
sound, as is also the case, perhaps, with birds that burst into
song immediately they hear be roll of thunder or the sound of a
gun,

(13) Mimiery probably is constant throughout each species of
master mimics (males at least) but probably is not constant
throughout species of minor mimics, Moreover, the quality of
mimicry in any one species may vary considerably,

(14) It is not agreed that, as suggested by various writers, the
frequent use of vocal mimicry must necessarily impair the function
of natural selection.

(15) The only scientific value attaching to vocal mimicry by
captive birds is that it indicates species in which the ability to
retain and reproduce other voices or sounds is latent.

(16) Having twelve species of skilled imimics and more than
thirty other species so far known to mimic occasionally, Australia
appears to possess a greater number of mocking-birds of each
class (major, minor, and casual) than any other country.

(17) If, as may be supposed, the genial Australian climate is
a factor in stimulating vocal mimicry, it is equally potent with
certain apéeciés in the temperate region of the south and others in
the tropical zone,

(18) Mimetic species manifest between them many differences
in size, form, colour, habitat, “temperament,” and general be-
haviour, Even normal vacal ability varies greatly, some mockers
having melodious “natural” notes and others mediocre or harsh
calls. It is observed, however, that all of the. master mimics are

ba hg Crisnonm, The Riddle of the Moching-birds 99

birds which spend much of their time on the ground, and, further,
that most of them belong to restricted and very distinctive genera
smal) and singular groups that are not found outside Australia,

(19) The suggestion arises that ground-dwelling birds, because
of their acute heaving, haye developed greater receptivity than
birds which maintain guard with vision, and that the receptive
quality has to some extent repressed “natural” yocalism, Jn many
instances, however, the natural ability rivals the receptivity, as
manifest in improvisations and improvements on the borrewer
nates. A difficulty herein relation to the use of mimicry by
ground-hirds of smali and distinctive groups—is that certain
similar groups, although equipped with good singing voices, do not
appear to minic at all

(20) With so much conflicting evidence on hand, one’s senural
unpression at the present stage is that vocal mimicry uniong Aus.
tralian hirds has been developed and maintained on a basis created
by several factors, numely: Climate, “temperament,” habitat (in
relation to ground-birds), territorial zest, and perhaps food, with
a certain element of chance added,

ReeXRENCES

Broadbent, K,, “Field Note om the Birds of Bellenden-Ker, Queenslaud,"
Ibis, London, July 182. : ‘ 7

Chishoim, A. H,, “Australia’s Mocking Birds,” Nineteewth Ceatury, London,
August 1925, py. 245-57, he

Chisholm, A. H., “Mocking-birds,” Australian Encyotopavdia, Sydney, 1926,

. 124-30,

Chis tate, A. H,, “Vocal Mimicry Among Australian Birds," Mss, London,
October 1952, pp. 605-24.

Chisholm, A. H., “Stealers of Sound,” Sivd Wonders of Austrafin, Syitiey,
1934, pp. 210-49,

Chisholm, A. H., “The Problem of Voeal Mimiery,” Ibis, London, Qetober
1937, pp. 703-21,

Hudson, Wy H,, Birds of La Plata, London, 1920, Vol. 1. pp, 5-15,

Littlejohns, R, T., The Magic Voice, Melbourne, 1933. :

Bes, RT, The Lyrebivd: Austyalie’'s Honder Sougster, Sydney,

North, A. J, Nests and Eggs of Birds Fond Breeding in Ansiratia, Vol. 1,
190]-1.

Townsend, ‘CW. “Mimicry af Voice in Birds," Auk, U.S.A, 1924, pp

In addition to the foregoing references. {which are here listed at the
suggestion of Mr. K. A. Hindwood, who kindly read proofs of the presernt
paper} numbers of brief hut inturmative notes of various Aystralian vocal
mimics are distributed throughout the pages of The Enm, the Soxth
Avstrafian Ornithologist, the Avstration Zoologist, the Australian Musewmn
Magazine. and the Victorian Natwralist. Additonal remarks on Lyrebieds,
Rower-birds, Scrub-birds, Heath-Wrens, etc, -oceur in my earlier bool,
Birds and Green Places (London, 1929) and Netore Fantasy in Australia
(London, 1932), Passing references to mimicry contained in some filteen
other books, ntainly English, are quoted in my J6fs paper of 1937. The

ene mA Viet, Nat.
100 Tasmamen “Natwralist Vol. 68

references above to Littlejahns relate only to Lyrebirds, and those to
Broadbent and North relate only io Bower-birds. It is curtouws that although.
North had field experience near Sydney of the Heath-Wren and Yellaw-
throated Serub-Wren he failed to remark their strong mimetic abiiity,.
a fact which emphasises again that you have to listen well to detect vocal
imitations, The same point apples tegarding unfamiliar birds of Australya.
Bay of these, no doubt, wit) be recorded as mimics when they are better
wns

(Concluded)

TASMANIAN “NATURALIST”

The F.N.C. of Victoria extends congratulations to the Tasmanian
Field Naturalists’ Club upon the Jaunching of a journal, the Tasmanian
Naturalist. Dated May, 1246, the first issue, of 16 pages, as devoted
almost entirely to a series of discussions ot the natural history of the
Safety Gave area —a wood cxample of ecological concentration, Photo-
graphic illustrations atid a map ace added. The Picturian Naruralist
hopes that ite young kinsman will enjoy a long and prosperous carcer.

“AUSTRALIAN-WILD LIFE”

The first number of Vol. 2 af Austration Wild Lrfe, journal of the
Wild Life Preservation Society of Australia, ts to hand. Containing 96
pares, with illustrations, it records a considerable amount of work accom-
plished in the safeguarding of fauna and flora, and incladcs a lengthy
statement by the editor (Mr, David Stead) in relation to the National
Parks of N.S.W. The price of this informative booklet is 1/3 tc non-
members of the WLLP.S.

WHERE MEMBERS’ INTERESTS LIE.
(To the Editor}

Sir.—I am interested in the “Replies ta Questionnaire," published on
page 7] af the Victortun Naturatst for July, and can hardly escape
“censure” (as a frequent orchid contributor) under item | of the Journal
section, But, as one of a loyal band of interstate members, what shacks
me most in that journal list is No. 9 viz. “Suggest keep articles
confined to Victorian natural histor” In Heaveti's name, who are the
folk that want to impose politico-geographical limits to a magazine for
nature-lovers? J am not thinking of myself, though possibly J am the
most grievous offender in this regard, hut I do trust the Committee will
never countenance a rule to exchide from the pages of the Naturalist
anything thal concerns the doings of Nature beyond the Victorian
political Poundary-hoe. That would surely be to resurrect the spirits of
the Fatonsunll Gaseite and the Eutonswill Independent!

Yours, étc,,
H. M. R: RUPP,
24 Katneruka Red.,
Northbridge, N,S,;W.

{The Editor and Assistant Editar share Mr. Rupp's view that political
boundaries do not affect the imerest and value of an article on Atstralian
tratural history,J

oe Actnorts, Orchids of phe Bripstorie District wl

ORCHIDS OF THE DRIPSTONE-WELLINGTON-GULGONG
DISTRICT (CENTRAL-WESTERN SLOPES, N.S.W.)

By G. W_ Avrsorern, Dripstone. N.S.W.

Although the past year had been a particularly dry one, as a consequence
of pond 1945 winter rains, terrestrial orghids were plentiful im selected
portions of the district during spring, gradually tailing of as the heat of
summer and lessening rainfall became effective. Very little somimer and
early autumn rain was no doubt repsonsihle for 2 weagre Anwering of
autumn speerts this year Some twtable “fds” have been made by my
brother and myself and the known range of some species considerably
extended. Although our main collectings lave heen around Dripstone, other
Bortions of the area under review were not neglected. The physical features
of this district include portion of the Macquarie River and its tributaries
the Bel! and Cudgegong Rivers, The Dickerton, Cundumbal and Yamble
Ranges cot through the area, with peaks to 2 little aver 24100 feet, Much
of the area is aurilerous, with belts of lfumwstonc, iranttone, diorite, slate
aad rock of voleatic ori, and it lics nidetly Letween 1000 and 1,500 Joos
above sea level,

Quite the most remarkable fiid in the ates last season was that of
Chifogfottts Jormicifera, An inhabitant ot the eastern fall of the Doyide,
from Hunter Valley to Illawarra, as well as of the North Island ai New
Zealand, this quaint little orchid has now appeared on Barren Jack Mount,
Dripstone, at an elevation of 1400 feet—base of a wet cliff face with south-
easterly aspect. Possibly it may oocur an the country mfervening, but 2
scarch of many likely places has been fruitiess to date, Why the 130-mile
westward leap fram the coastal cquntry of higher rainfall? Is the occurrence
of this and other typically caastal species in this area indicative of a mitch
higher rainfall at sore far distant date? Our rainfall now varies from 22
to 2S inches per annum in a country of stecp mountains and narrow valleys,
of high summer and low winter temperatures—as low as 18°

Diwris brevissima, recorded by Fitegerald from Woodford (Blue Moun-
tains, N.S.\W.)) has made a welcome seappearance bere, 120 miles farther
west. The wrirer collected it alse at Blackheath (central Tablelands,
N.S.W,), in Octobér, 1945, and it will probably be collected in the inter-
vening country when conditions are favourable. From persanal ohservations.
I consider that many orchids have a resting period, varied only by the
seasouable condilions in the area. |] know of some species of Diwris which
have Jain dormant as long ag seven years and then flowered. Wiull ther
flower every year given suitable conditions or is a resting period Necessary
for their continued existence? Divris spp, were especially abundant in the
Dripstone-Gulgone region during spring 1945, but the tater Apwering D-
puncteta (and another «ummer-flawering specics net yct idewtified) did wot
shaw up at all. In the Dripstone area, hybridisation appears lo obtain and
renders identification doubly diffeult.

Another surprise was the location of three of Mrs. P. Messmer’ newly
described Mount Victoria (RBluc Mountains) orchids in this district. They
are Dinrls polymorpia, bearing handsome sulphur-yellow Aowers Tightly
blotched with reddish-brown, D. lnicato and D. flavopurpurea: Again, we
find a marth-westerly jump of 100 miles with no koown intermediate
stations, The writer also recorded D. favopnrparet Irom Dubbo, 130 miles
from Mount Victoria. Tn his opinion the most beautiful among al] Dareris
species collected were specimens of a large-flowered form af DL aurea,
which may warrant varietal rant if other future Aowers accord with last
season's exantples, ,

Outstanding fer new district récdrds was the fasciiatiig "Spider'* group
of the genus Culudenia. C_ Pitrarraltdi, C. clatigeraand C, flamentosa are

= 4 bys Vict, Net.
102 Acrsorer, Orchids of the Dripstonc District Vol. €3

Aowers of exceptional beauty, C, clevigere had not been recorded in New
South Wales for over 60 years. Cunningham's type locality was Vale of
Chwydd," how suburb of Lithgow city {Blue Mountains, N.S.W.). A
specimen, supposedly collected in Mudgee district by Rev. R. Collie, is in
the National Herbarium, Sydney, also one callected near Yass in 3881.

The stary of the reappearance of Preroslytis Boormani, previously knowil
only fram specimens collected by Boorman at Peak Hill (Central-West,
NSW } 1506, has already been told in a previous issue (Vol. 62, No 9)
of Vict, Naturalist. We collected at at both Gulgong and Dripstone during
October 1945. In the former area it was fairly plentiful, bat rare about
Dripstone, The rare green-flowered form of Pterastylis rufa was also
recorded from both areas, Several specimens of the umcanimon Pt, Woollstt
were observed in the Dripstone district; this unique species has exceptionally
long tateral scpals and can hardy be mistaken for any other.

Another remarkable record was that of the diminutive Prasophyltusn
aigricans which we found 150 miles farther west than previous New South
Wales records, in May of this year, Apart from above records, a fine
Dinris coltected near Gulgong by my brother Peter is so distant as to
warrant specific rank Further specimens will be needed for confirmation.

The final identification of all species cited in the following list was
uridertaken by the Rev. H. M. R. Rupp, whose cordial co-operation has
been a great asset:

Spectres Contecteo Durine Spring 1945-Aurumn 1946

Thelymitra gristata Lindi. Dripstone—rare.

Thelymitra nuda R.Br. Dripstont—titconmon.

Diueis polachiie Rogers. Dripstone and Gulgong—comiiion lioth areas,

Dinris platichita Fitag. Deipstone—oommon,

Diuris brevissima Fitzg, Nicholls. Dripstone—rare,

Diuris flavopurfurca Messm. Dripstane—common-

Dinris polymerghe Messm. Dripstone—not cosmic.

. Dinris lingats Messm, Dripstone—common,

Diuris aurea Sm Dripstune—common,

VW. Dturts sulphurea R.Br. Dripstone—uncommon,

11, Microiis unfolia Reichhd. Dripstone—~uncammon.

12, Presophylinm oracle Rogers. Gulgong—uncammon-

13, Prasophyllim odovatint Rogers, Dripstone—uacommon,

14. Prasophyliiom nigricans R.Br, Dripstane—conwnes,

1S. Prasophyltin ? (Past maturity, perhaps 2. fongiscpalunt). Doypstone-—
uncomniony,

16, Chitugtottis formicifera Fiteg. Dripstone—common-

17, Acionthis formcatus R.Br. Dripstone—-conmmon.

18. Actanthus vaniformis R.Br, Dripstene—common.

19, Calociilux cumpestris R.Br, Dripsvane—uncommon:

2. Calochitus Robertsonti Benth. Dripstone—commoan.

21, Eviochilus cucnilatns Labill, Dripstane—common.

22. Caladenia dilatata R.Br. Dripstone—uncoinmon.

23, Caladenia Fitegeraldi Rupp. Dripstone—rare,

24. Caladenta clawgera Conn. Dripstone—rare.

25. Culademia filamentose RBr. Dripstone—race.

26, Coladema angustata Lind!. Gulgong—common.

2. Caladenia earnea R.Br. Dripstone and Gulgong—commen.

28. Caladenia caerulea R.Br. Dripstoue—comman.

2. Glossodio major R.Br. Dripstone and Gulzong—comman,

WO. Ptorostulis curta R.Br. Mt, Arthur near Wellington—common

31. Pterastyiis revolwa R.Br. Dripstone—common,

32. Pterostyhs rafo R.Br. Dripstone and Gulgong—sncommon,

(2 PIN onde Geng

oe AtrHorer, Orchids of the Dripstony D4strict 103

33, Pleroastplis inutica R.Br. Dripstone—commaon.

34, Plarostylis Boormani Rupp. Dripstone and Gulgows—yncommon,
35. Plerostylis H’aotlstt Fitzg. Dripstone—uncomnion.

36. Pterostyliy parviflora R.Br. Dripstone—uncommon.

37, Dipedium Hanultoniannn F.M.Bail. Dripstene—uncommen,

38, Diuris sp.nov. Gulgong—uncommon.

39, Plerastytis sp. (?) Dripstone.

In addition the following previous records are known for the area:
Corybas idiemenicns (Lindl) Rupp and Nicholls. Corra Creek neat
Wellington, 1945.
Diuris punctais Sm. Dripstone, 1938 and previous years.
Caladenia Paterson: R.Br, Dripstone, 1936,
Thelymitra ixioides Sw, Guigong, 1916,
Diuris trieolor Fitzg, Guntawang (no date}.
Pterostyhis clavigera Fitzg. Guntawatg (no date).

NATIONAL PARKS.

The Committee would be pleased to receive suggestions from members
regarding morc cffective control, extension, rehabilitation, and finaiice of
Victorian National Parks, Such suggestions wonld be discussed by our
National Monuments sub-committee {canvened by G. N. Hyam) and, if
desirable, placed before the newly-constituted committee chosen from
various Natural History and mterested sociaties in Victoria to further ways
‘and mesns [or the improvement of sanctuaries and scéni¢ reserves through-
out the State,

- TIGER SNAKE'S CALLS,

In a discussion on this subject in a contemporary, Mr. H. Pooley,
Barnawartha (Vic.), writes as follows -

“The call described by your correspondemt, J-E,T., as resembling the
estape ni a yery small jet of steata js doubtless what is known — Jor
want of a better word—as the hiss of a smake. At times when
the snake is merely suspicious of danger the sound might be better
described as a gentle puffing. Naturalists inform us that though most
lands of snakes bave only one bong, usally with a rudiment of the other,
there are often auxiliary air-sacs on the windpipe, and the posterior part
of the Jung ts rather a reservoir for air than an actual breathing organ.
T haye heard a ‘big fellow’ when excited expel air so forcibly that, in
the words of sn old bushmen, ‘he farely whistled.”

CROAJINGALONG.

This paragraph, bearmg upon a Victorian aboriginal place-name, is
taken from wotes unm the subject that occurred in the Melbourne Argus:
Both Mr. Hugh Mortgomery and Mr. Charles Daley, who have had
considerable experience of aboriginal dialects, agree that the name Croa-
jingalong has been gerverted. Mr. Montgomery makes it “Croatin-
Cooking," Mr, Daley “Kroatunggolong,” but they agrce that the name
reierted to a powerful and fierce trihc of aborigines inhabiting East
Gippsland, from ihe Snowy River, back towards Cape Howe
t. Daley points ovt that the termination “olung” is common in the
langnage of fiye Gippsland tries, as referring to a bay tribe. Thus the
tame Briagolong ts a perversion of the “Braiakolung”’ — meaning “men
of the west" {as Kroatungolong is "men of the east’) —the name of a
tribe cecupying the country about the Latrobe, Mitchell, and the Lakes.

1H Tree, Fungas, aad Soil Relationships aan”

TREE, FUNGUS, AND SOIL RELATIONSHIPS

Trees und Toadgtoots, a stim volume by reason of publishers! wartine
bestrictions, issued by Faher, London, has recently heen added to the Club
library. The author, Dr. M. C. Rayner, is alrcady well kiown as collaborator
with ber husband, Professor W. Neilson-Jones, in other notable books,

Writtea lucidly to imterest the general reader, the hittle honk gives an
ootline af a subject regarded by up-to-date botanists, rycologists, soil experts
and foresters alike ag of crucial importance, Research in recent years, lias
Fovealed surprising wmseen forces at work in the natural world, as, for
example, in the inter-relation of widely different groups of plants with one
anviher, with toadstoel-prodacing fungi, awd with the mechwnsm of ie as
a whole, Beratse of these complicated, imperfectly understood forces, Dr.
Rayner ventures forth her book, about “the jig-sam puzzle formed by the
different kinds of life that surround us m mature; about the interplay and
interdependence of their various vital activities and the pattern formed
when these are filted cogether, and about the position we ourselves oockipy
in the completed picturc."

Toadstools dominate the text, and some fine plates Wlustrate the author's
ponus, The Fly Agaric (A4ewatte annscorie), in sity with earth aud plants,
5 given prominence, A photograph that challonges attention shows cord-
like rhizemorphs of the Tfeney Fungus (4reniliarig amelisa) on the trunk
of a pine, stripped of the bark to reveal the hidden cause of death The
deadly Honey Fimgus is widely distributed and ats ravages are only too
well known, but it has never hitherto been completely studied Tt now
seems thar 4-smelf[ea, which can griw in soil and on living or dene plant
tissite, has a peculiar assojation with certain plants having underground
tubers as Gastvedia (of the Orchidaceac), 2 species of which G. sesamoides
(the Potato Orchid of “Cinnamon Bells") is common to Victoria, Another
Picture depicts Honey Fungus rhizomorphs infecting tuhers of Castradia
elota (an Asiatic species} and the common potato. In the one case a
batanced relationship has been established with the orchid tuber, stimulated
by the fungus to flawer and fruit, thus completing the life uycte. In the
other the reletion is parasitic, and the potato is destroyed by the fungus.
‘Tins suvgests sumilar fungoid influence in the closely allied Australian
Dipadini, The functions of the extensive tuberous system of the Hyacinth
Orehid (1D. punctatimn) has mMerested srembers of the Club, Gostradia and
Dipodium have pomts in comman—ahsence of grcen leaves with chlaraphyll
to produce food substances, underground tubers, and large inflorescences in
comnparisow with the size of the plant, Investigations on fungus lines may
give a clue to the functioning of the tubers of the Hyacinth Orchid,

Incidental reference is trade to Pesictthitnt motalwm, a mould fumgus and
the source of the wonder-drug penicillin. “The author suggests this and near
allies, with good reasons, as soil fungi, She further states; “Substances
with stimilar praperbes to peticilin—autibiatic yubstancts as they are called—
are now known to be produced by other members of the soil population;
for example, by other species of mould duryi, by some of the wocedland fungi
that form mycorrhizal associations with trees, by certain bacteria, and by
other common soil organisms named Actinoniyees.”

The book opens up an enthralling vista for further research. Tt concludes
with a lofty statement on the fertile soil, “Ta think of the coil as itself
an organisin—a social organism Ike a huiman society, the nanifold activities
of whieh are carricd on by its mutmerous Living inhabitants. ODrsturhance af
any one of these may affect others and thus Jead to loss of equitibrivm and
the appearance O€ symptoms af disorder"

Tl, C, EB, Srewanrr.

nS

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 63'—No. § SEPTEMBER 5, 1946 No, 753

PROCEEDINGS,

The monthly meettng df the Club was held on August 12,
1946, at the Lecture Hall of the Public Library, the President
(Mr. F. S. Colliver) presiding and about 200 members and
friends attending. —

The foliowmg were elected as Ordinary Members of the
Club: Mrs. L. Brown, Mrs. A. J. Swaby, Misses Nancy Bow-~
man, Winifred Gates, Elma Gossip, L. P. Sexton, N, G, Burke,
D. R. Evans, Edith L, Barkla, N. Westcott, Dr. D, IE. Thomas,
Messrs, P. Westcott, W. J. Parr, A. C. Patterson, F. J, Bromi-
low; as Country Members: Major H. M. Whittetl, Messrs. H-
Brew and R.A, Green; and as Associate Members; Peter Green
and Master J. R. Thomas.

SHOW COMMITTEE REPORTS:—(e) Members were
asked to contact friends in the country who might be approached
with a view of collecting flowers for the Show; (b) Members
were asked to collect on the Saturday and Sunday preceding
the Show; (c) Members who are free on October 7 and 8 for
unpacking and identifying the plants, and also members who can
help in the cleaning up after the Show, please contact Mr, A, J.
Swaby. The Botanical Group in particular needs both skilled
and unskilled assistance; (¢} Ewart’s Flora is required for the
duration of the show; (e) Next Show Committee Meeting will
be held at the Royal Society’s Hali of August 26 at 6.30 p.m.,
prior to the meeting of the Botanical Discussion Group.

NATURE NOTES.

Miss Ina Watson reported that greenhood orchids were par-
ticularly common this year between Eltham and Warrandyie.

Mr. Chas French stated that Mr. Gilbert Rogers, guide at the
Grampians, had remarked on the wonderful season jn the Gram-
pians fer orchids and wild flowers in general.

Miss Wigan reported that Scarlet and Flame Robins were
very common in the Toorak area this year.

GENERAL BUSINESS.

The President drew attention to the fact that Mr, Noel
Lothian had obtained the Cockayne Gold Medal in New Zealand,
and it was agreed that a letter of congratulation he forwarded.

c

106 Field Noturalisis’ Club Proceedings wie oat

Mr. H. C. E. Stewart reported that in October we com-
meniorate the 50th anniversary of Baron von Mueller's death,
and some suitable function wonld take place at St. Kilda,

SUBJECT FOR THE EVENING,

This took the form of a series of motion pictures in natural
color, and a commentary by Mr. E. L. Brown, Central Aus-
tralia was tie subject and many interesting places were shown,
notably some of the Gaps in the McDonnell Ranges, Palm Valley,
Herimansburg Mission, Alice Springs, etc, The excellent pictures
gave members a gond insight into this Australian wonderland,
and the remarks of the lecturer added to the interest.

The President congratulated Mr. Brown and a vote of thanks
was carned by acclamation,

EXHIBITS.

Mis. D. W. Lyndon:--Zygophyllum glaucescens, collected at Keilor;
also a photograph of a blackwood tree growing in fork of dry eucalypt
30 feet above the ground, at Stradbrooke, Gippsland, Victoria,

Mr. R. D. Lee:—Photographs af Acacta prayissina, 4. Howntiit, A-
subporosa, Greiflea Tinearts, G, buxtfolia, Melolewco sp. from Maranoa
Gardens; ‘also Corysanthes fimbriaia (orchid) and a giant earthworm,

Mr. J. 8S. Seaton:—A form of Grevillea lavandulocee, garden-growa
at Canlteld,

Mr. J.. C. Viney:—Stone axe from Mt. Hagen, New Guinea.

Mr. A. A. Baker:—Specimeéns of corals, minerals and dendrites from
Cave Hill and Black's Quarry, Lilydale; also the pteropod “Tentacullies"
from railway cutting near Coldstream (collected during excursion held
an July 21),

Mr. A. N. Carter:—-Fungus, Trametes crmmabarine, from Wonga Park.

Messrs, A. P. and RK. A. Dunn:—Spiders: Celuenia exruvate, male
(allotype) and female, Dolopkones elfordi, female (type); and Rebilus
swarbrecki, female (type).

Mr. ‘T. Griffiths :—Collection of masses and lichens from Kinglake.

Mr. J. Ros Garnet:—Collection of Acactas from Mt. Royal, Royal
Park, mduding A. doratoxylon, A, Dallechyuna, A. Sophorag, A, flar-
bunda, A. stenophyla, A pravissima, A, armata, A. salicina, A, actnacegp,
together with various ather botanical specimens.

OUTING TO BORONIA

Through the kindness of Mr. A. C. Chandler, Liverpool Road, Kilsyth,
sixt¥ members were able an Auwust 17 to see over tis Boronia Parm and
to lear something of the commercial harvestiog <f this fragrant flower,
Boronia megastigma is a native of Western Australa, and one of the 88
varieties possessed hy Australia. Members were delighted with one large
patch of the new red-brown variety cultivated by Mr. Chandler. The
number of blooms at Mr, Gilbert Chandler's was fewer than tefore, but a
paddock of King Alfreds evoked much adiniration.—I.M,W.

Rentenaber]
1946

Svewarr, Boys of the Gippsland Gieut Eurtiasarcia 107
EGGS OF THE GIPPSLAND GIANT EARTHWORM.
By H, C. E Stewart, Melbourne.

The brief reference to the eggs of the Giant Earthworm
(Megascolides australis) contained in the report of the Club
excursion to Loch, wide Vic, Net. for July, needs amplifying. The
eges were not found on this visit, as mentioned, and the note
was condensed irom data in back numbers of the Vic. Net, from
McCoy, Baldwin Spencer, and ather sources.

The statement that the eggs are “often loosely bound together
with an openwork net" is incorrect. Mr. A. T. Davenport, of
Loch, who was contacted on the excursion, has since kindly sent
some interesting cormments on the eggs. He writes—"T cannot
claim to be an authority, but I have never seen any eggs hound
together by an open net-work,”’ His impression is that “only
one egg may be ‘laid’ by a worm in one year, also there is never
more than one egg in any one spot, and always a foot or so under
porn Nor have I come across them in long graSs or under
a clod,"

Ploughing of the soil might, of course, account for eggs Tound
on the surface, or to become entangled in grass, or under clods
of earth, Mr. Davenpoi't thinks the worms “never naturally
came out on the surface, hence the reason for their limited location
—they never migrate.’ It is well known that the werms soon
shrivel up when taken up out of the ground, which supports his
observation that they never nayurally emerge,

The stated colour of the eggs as “a delicate green when fresh"
jg also questioned. MeCoy (Pradroimus, i878) states that “the
egg capsules are greenish and translucent when fresh, but soon
become dark and hard in spirit,” Baldwin Spencer terms the eggs
“cocoons,” which “vary from light yellow to dark brown in
colour according to their age, and cantain only one embryo each,
which I have at present only been able to obtain in a some
what highly developed state.” Mr, Davenport has seen the eggs
“in all stages of freshness, always of a colour similar ta the
worm itself.”

He poes on to ask, “Where does the egg develop and how is
it ‘laid’? He believes it develops round the worm at the girdle.
“The little elongated points af the egg indicate the possihility
of the correctness of the girdle theory,”

The anatomy and general structure of the worm have heen
described and figured with considerable minutiae by McCoy and
Baldwin Spencer. Yet, strangely, little seems to be written
about the creatyres’ habits and life ecanomy, Our knowledge
of the eggs is also very incomplete. Naturalists might well
undertake sanie feld research in this direction and record their
-findings. With this in view it 1s proposed to arrange a bus trip

rth gs ones Wier, Not.
Ws How Tree-ranwers Build "Vel 2

to Loch at a favourable opportunity. Photography of the earth-
worms and eggs in situ has already been promtsed by the Clab
Nature Photography Group. Mr. Davenport kindly volunteers
his assistance.
REFERENCES :
Peaiecnpns of the Zonlogy of Vietoria, Decade 1, pp. 2425—Frutierick
cloy.
Transactions of the Royal Society of Victoria, Vol, 1, Pt. 1, Avenst
1888 — W.. Baldwin Spencer,
Mict. Naturahst— Vol. XLVI, No. 3, July, 1929, p, 72.
Vict. Naturalist — Vol. XLVI, No. 6, October, 1930, p. 93
Viet. Noturalist —Vol. XLVI, No. 3, July, 1931, pp. 42-43.
Wild Life —June, 1941, p. 254,
Wild Lifo— August. 1941, p, 334.

TIQW TREE-RUNNERS BUIED,

Interesting detzils regarding the domestie affairs of Black-capped
Tree-runners (seostiia pileata), called also the Nuthatch and Sittells, are
given in the followimg notes by the late Charles McLennan, wha ysed to
write under the name of “Mallee Bird”;

“Three of these birds are butlding their nest in a dead pine! tree near
my tent. Tt is most interesting to watch them, The bird with the blackest
head (the female) seems to act as clerk of works. The other two birds,
not so black about the head or so bright in the rest of the plumage, are
assrstants. The two males generally arrive at the nesting place together
with building material, and by the time they have worked it in, the
female comes on the scene with further material. When the others have
dome she goes ever the whole work, rubbing her beak first up and down,
then across over the outside of the nest, and binding all the material
together with the cobwehs which have been brought. The outside of the
nest is composed of lichens and moss, gathered from the pine trees, and
hound together with cohwel. The birds only work about an hour at @
time; then after spending aboul half an hour bunting for food, start
work again, atd so on, They have how been building the nest for 12 days
Ctwe wet days are included in that period), and the home is almast com-
pleted. They are still putting the fAnshing touches on the inside with the
down of thistle seeds. The site chosen for the nest is between a forked

ine tree, and the birds have done their work so completely that you can
Fardly distinguish the nest from the other parts of the pine tree”

Association of three Trec-rommers at one nest has heen noted with same
frequency. Are we to suppose, in view of the foregoing notes regarding
the sexes, that the species is polyandrous? — A,H.C.

RACK TO DIMBOOLA
{Saturday, 9th-Sunday, 10th November)

Jn connection with this celebration, the newly-created Flora and Fanna
Reserve at Dimboola will be opened officially and an excursion held
therein under the leadership of Mr. E. Muir (local F.N.C, member).
Accommodation can be only by pnvate arrangement and intending par-
ticipants are requested to communicate with the Hon, Secretary, Mr. J-
Ros. Garnet. 7

bes . : ,
Bente } O'DewtEre, Affects of Rite of Red-baghed Spider lye

EFFECTS OF BITE OF RED-BACKED SPIDER,
By F, O’DonweLt, Newbridge, Vic.

As I have never seen a detailed aceeunt of the effects of a
bite from Laclrodectus haselltii, and as such a bite was tecently
suffered hy a neighbour, I thought that it might be of interest
to others to know just how potent the poison can be A very
interesting article published in the (icterian Naturalist last April
brought the most common of our spiders vividly before readers,
and the follawitg should add interest to what was written then,

The young lady whe suffered the bite was of an age and a
temperament that enabled her to give a reliable account of how
it affected her. The bite occurred in a country lavatory in an
area where Lelrodectus is very common.

The first indication she had of the presence of the spider was
a crawling sensaticn on the side of her leg, and on brushing the
place with her hand she noliced the spider fall to the floor. She
kept it, ancl was able to identify it with certainty from its mark~
ings. She suspected that she had been bitten, but felt nothing
at the time, At the spot where the spider had crawled a white
jump appeared, but it was some minutes. before pain was felt.
When it did come it quickly increased until it became intense,
spreading down the leg to the knee and up to and across the
stomach, .

The pain had a burning quality, and a feeling of stiffness was
expericneed. The victim of the bite had naw become a patient,
and her comment at this stage was that she did not know how a
child, if bitten, could bear the pain that she had to endure

Within twenty minutes she was at the local hospital, and her
one wish there was to get ta bed, as she felt too ill either to
sland or sit. The doctor ordered an injection of morphia to
relieve the pain. That was the only treatment administered. She
remained at the hospital for two days, and during that time
suffered a great deal of pain. ,

She could not sleep and her nervous system seemed to be
greatly upset —her hands shook violently and she lacked control
of her facial muscles to such an extent that she appeared to be
continually on the point of breaking down. After twa days in
hospital she retuned home, but becatise of her nervous con-
dition could not coutent herself to he in bed for any time. She
felt had enough to be in bed, but no sooner had she settled down
than she wished to be out of it. When in bed she was unbearably
hot, but when she got out she soon began to shiver, as if from
the cold, although the room had been warmed to a pleasant tem-
perature, She perspired must profusely and her attire had to be
changed about every fifteen minutes. ‘The skin was irritated by

110 O'Dow ner, Effects of Bite of Red-hached Spider | Viet Now

thé perspiration to such an extent that in many places, such as
folds in the skin, it peeled off a8 though it had been sralded.

The only relief obtained was from sod2 baths, When in the
baths the patient felt quite normal, but the distressing condition
returned five minutes after she had left them.

The bite occurred on Sunday afternoon, and it was not until
Thursday that relief was felt, That indicates how potent the
poison injected really was.

The red-back spider is very common everywhere about here;
I have tound it im Javatories, in piles of old tins, and on one
occasion in a corner made by the framework under the seat
of a form in a church.

Since the above occurrence, T found same small boys trying
to cat¢h a rabbit that had taken refuge in a conerete culvert
under 2 road, When I lent a hand I found that a family of
Lotradectus, in all stages of growth, from little ones to full-
grows ones, had taken up their abode only one foot from the
opening where the boys had been seeking the rabbit. I have not
hearcl of a chiid From this district bemg bitten, and, after seeing
what an adult has to endure trom such a hite, I hope that such
a thing does not oecur,

BELL-BIRD PARK, RINGWOOD,

Members will he pleased to know that the Ringwood Borough Council,
in its long-range plan fora garden city, has reserved an area for preserva-
tion of the local Alora, Ty ts situated directly sonth of the Kingwood
. tailway station, on Dandenong Creek.

In June some of the Botary Group inspected the park. They found
it in remarkably yood preservation and identined §2 species of native
plants, apart {rom seyera} interesting mosses, hichens and fungi, There
were practically no introduced plants, With careful planaing and good
Jocal co-operation, the park could be made truly representative of the
silurian flora whicl we have found so attractive

This cultural step of Ringwood is commended 4s an #xample to
municipalities everywhere. The co-aperation of members is invited, more
particularly eastern residents, Publicity is nor recommended at present.
It is suggested that efforts be directed toward secuting a large body of
residents who will take a pride in the local plants, From these, 2 move-
ment could be established for protection and stocking—A. J. SWABY,

SEEKING WESTERN ORCIIDS

Ms. W. H. Nicholls, accompamed by his wife, has left Melbourne for
Western Australia, where during several weeks le’ will investipate the
distinctive orchid flora of portions. of that great arca, Mr, Nicholls tas
not previously visited the West and tt te highly desicable that Ire should
gain firsthand knowledges of the region for the purpusus of his forthcoming
wack on the orchids of Australia. He expects to be away until November.

Bepteater |

1946 CoLteMAN, Foods of the Tawny Fragmouth i

FOODS OF THE TAWNY FROGMOUTH.
By Eorrit Coveman, Blackburn, Vie.

Although much has been written on the feeding habits of
Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) there are still a few
open questions. Most of my own observations have been made
in a garden, some two acres in extent, and at a nearby creek-side,
where Frogmouths nest freely.

It is a bird which forms an attachment to one locality, even
to one tree. Mr. A. Hardie (Maffra) stated in October, 1934,
that one old Frogmouth had
been on his property for at
least 23 years. Here —at
Blackburn — [rogmouths
have nested year after year
either in our own trees or in
others close by.

At dusk, parent birds and
their young, usually two,
have flown confidently about
the garden. On one occasion
there were three adults and
two young. One adult ap-
peared to be an intruder, and
later disappeared.

The Frogmouth has such
poor perching feet, the toes
are so short and the feet so
small for its size, that they
encompass but a small part of
the large branches on which
it rests. Many young ones
are found on the ground in
stormy weather, and several
of these waifs have found a
home in this garden. Until
recently, a very tall messmate
(E. obligua} grew on our
land. It was a landmark
which could be seen from a
distance of many miles,
From this tree several young
Frogmouths were blown. To

Showing the

poorly developed

replace them was impossible.
Doubtless the parents would
have fed them at dusk had

feet for a bird of such great size,
No wonder so many young ones

are blown from their perches
during a storm.

112 CoLeman, Foods of the Tawny Frogmouth Ta

they survived until the end of the day, but we decided to suc-
cour them, and while doing so learned much of Frogmouth
ways.

An adult bird with cut wing, picked up on the road, was
brought to me. Although he spent five years “waiting for his
wings,” he was never able to fly properly. He died (20/6/42)
on a bitterly cold night. Two other dead birds were found on
the lawn that morning.

A second Frogmouth was brought to me which, although fully
fledged, and apparently uninjured, did not fly. As it knew at
once what to do with pieces of beef, I assumed that it too had
been a captive.

With none of the wild birds that haunted the garden was
there any sustained flight. Although they flew irom tree to tree
some 15 to 20 yards apart, only once or twice did they appear
to hawk for imsects, but they often gave the impression of
“pursuing” them. They did not veer or tack, but flew straight to
their objective. From horizontal branches, clothes-props or
posts, they flew to the ground, appeared to snatch up some-
thing and returned to tree or post. From the sometimes great
distance of their watching-posts to the ground one assumed that
they possess marvellous eyesight in the dusk.

Often young ones clung to the bole of a tree and were fed
in this position. At no time did their movements suggest that
they were following up swift creatures such as mice. One as-
sumed that the prey was motionless or moving slowly, which
would rule out mice, for which, in captivity, the Frogmouth shows
a liking.

I often saw them pounce, with open wings. It was not until
Dec. 30, 1943, that I learned definitely that they were captur-
ing hosts of small golden-brown beetles (Heteronyx imsignis),
a species which feeds on grass roots, emerging at dusk just
when the Frogmouths leave the perches on which they have
been practically motionless for some 15 hours.

The great gape of the Frogmouth’s bill certainly suggests use
as a sack for bagging insects on the wing, and to some extent
T think it is so used; as, for instance, when it flies at dusk from
tree-trunk to tree-trunk in our paddock, for fully 30 yards
without alighting, and immediately feeds a waiting youngster.
Sometimes they would fly from one end of the tennis court to
the other several times without alighting, and then feed a baby
which was waiting high up on the top of the wire netting.

T think, however, that in addition to trapping beetles, etc., on
the ground, the bill may be used as a capacious trap for engulf-
ing creatures that move towards it as it rests motionless on a
branch. Its shape should facilitate capture of small, unwary

ee |
1846

Coleman, Foods of the Tawny Frogmonth 113
Mammals such as young possums, phalangers, etc,, that ure ap-
proaching it, The howked tip of the upper mandible fits over a
sinus in the lower one, making a deadly vice in which its prey
may “all hope abandon,”

One night apply the gamekeeper’s fest, as recorded by Richard
Jefferies in discussing the Barn-owl: “Just look at his beak! Tell
me that téere bill weren’t made to tear a bird’s breast to bits;
why, an ow] have got a hooked bill like an eagle, It stands to
reason, as he must be in mischief,” So the poor owls were shot
and nailed to the barn by ignorant keepers, despite the fact that
wisec farmers kept them to destroy mice, which multiplied
incredibly in those days when corn was threshed with a flail on
the floor of the barn,

Gur Frogmouth, too, loves mice, but I have not been able ta
discaver whether he has the owl's facility im catching them, Cer-
tainly his open-winged pounce on beetles resembles the owl's
manner of falling om its prey with open wings, when beating
the meadows for mice,

Nearly 100 years ago, John Gould, who did not believe in
the hawking theory, suggested that the Frogmouth crept along

_ branches in search of suck insects ‘'as are in a state of repose,”
would suggest that the creeping is done by the insects, and
occasionally small mammals, while the Frogmouth is in a state
of repose, or Freezing,” so that they walk right into his parlour,
as it were. Gould based his view on the stomach content of
one Frogmouth. This included phasmids and cicadae, which, he
believed, never move at night, Actually, both of these insects
aré active at dusk, just when the Frogmouth shakes off his day-
time lethargy, The "freezing” should facilitate capture of cre-
puscular creatures such as phasinids, cicadas, crickets and moun-
tain-grasshoppers.

This Bittern-like freezing is not always necessary as a pro-
tective measure, but may sometimes be a lying-in-wait attitude,
The Frogmouth has no near vision, To focus on near objects
he arches his neck, Jike an elderly person who bends his head to
look over bis spectactes, He would. probably see the approach
of prey and move to meet it, instead of waiting until it was
beneath him.

The Frogmouth is stated to be nocturnal, Those which I have
kept were active only in the dusk of evening and very early
moming, except on moonlight nights. Whenever I visited their
enclosure during the dark hours of the night they were motioniess,

From my obsérvation of captive Phasmids, over some five
or six years, they too appear ta be crepuscular. never moving
in the dark hours of the night. Secing the sprder-like tmave-
ments of these great insects, one realises what an easy prey they
would be for a hungry Frogmouth,

114 Coreman, Favdso} the Taway Frogmanth Ye Tate

Except on nioonlit nights I have found domesticated possums
to be crepuscular, rather. than nocturnal]. According to Ronald
Munro (/#¥id Life, 1940) parent Frogmouths fed their baby im
the early part of ihe mght, with long spells between as midnight
approached. In another issue of the same journal he described
the female as hunting in the light of a full moon; the male
brought food before midnight and before dawn. One patent
flew with a moth which it hit against a tree to kill if,

There aré several records of treecreepers as victims of the
Frogmouth. This bird 1s a late forager, and will itself, at a
sound, ireeze on the bole of a tree, a habit that showld make it
an easy prey. ‘Il’. P. Moore, April, 1938, watched a treecreeper
fly on to what appeared to be a bit of dead wood; ‘The top of
that bit of dead wood switched round and opened in a flash,
taking in the flapping Nttle woodpecker.”

Roy Wheeler (Emu, 1943) saw a Frogmauth battering
feathers off its prey, a treecveeper again. T would stgerest that
the deating was not io rid the bird of its feathers, which the
Frogmouth is quite happy to swallow, nor to crush the bones,
but to “kill” it, on instinctive action, even when quite unnecessary,
as when a cdvad mouse is fed to it. However, | have never fed
a living mouse or bird to my Frogmouths, so I write with no
authority on this point. Captive birds gulp down meat instantly,
but mice and nestlings, although already dead, are sometimes
“teilled” with a kookaburra-like flip, ag if cracking a short whip,

One of Dayid Fleay’s Frogmouths beat a half-grown rat to
pulp before swallowing it." Ite tells me that he had been
altracted to Frogmouths on tree-limbs at night through the beat-
ing sounds they make in thrashing frogs against a bough,

here was rarely ahy attempt to batter the mice I fed to my
pets. They were gulped instantly, although a jerk was satie-
times given afterwards as if to aller the position of the mouse
within the bill—I assumed to facilitate swallowing. Often the
hirel remained for more than a minute, with the tai) of a mouse
protruding from its hill, before giving the jerk,

Mealworms ied alive were instantly rejected, although when
crushed they were relished. If the Frogmeuth has the bird-of-
prey habit of ejecting pellets of bones, fur, ete, | have never
noted it, in the garden ar heyond, or under the perches of tame
ones, ever after mice had been swallowed whole. This suggests
that the digestive juices are able ta deal with such things.

Some birds are sail to eat tree-bark to aid in ejecting pellets.
According to Pycraft, the great crested grebe, instead uf loading
its gizzard with stones for digestive purposes, uses its own -
feathers.

ae? Coteman, Foods af the Tateny Frogmouels LS

Although neither carnivorous nor a bird of prey in the accep-
ted sense, the Frogmouth has adopted a partly fresh diet, He is
often scen watching for frogs; and as for nestlings, he is con-
demned out of the shrieking bills of other birds who bitterly
resent his proximity, How they hate him! I have seen them
flutter, screaming, round the vacant post on which he sunned
himself the day before. One feels that there must be some
justification for such bitter hatred.

The Frogmouth ts indeed an ardent Sun<worshipper. See him
as he lies, perfectly flat, wmgs al fullest stretch, on branch or
ground, in a patch of warm sunshine Yet not often may he
indulge the passion, He is nu sooner discoyere| than he is har-
ried hy many birds, who rush to a concerted attack,

Published analyses of the stomach-content of Frogmouths
have shown only a small percentage of birds and mice in his
diet. The researches of Dz, Serventy and othérs (Eom, Oct,,
1936) show most of his victims to be nocturnal (crepuscular?)
and un-winged. After sifting much material, Dr. Serventy pro-
nourced the Frogmouth chtefly a ground feeder, He records the
stomach content of a Frogmouth, analysed by Mr, J, Sutton,
consisting of 13 specimens—crickets, spiders, centipedes, 1
mantis and 1 moth-larva, all nocturnal, except one, and only
three of them winged.

William Heathcote (Wild Life, 1943) records the capture of
large moths (emperor and wattle-goat) dragon-flies and three
large green leaf-insecis (Phasmids), The Phasmids were killed
by hitting them on a branch, while held in the beak. Often he
was able, like David Fleay, to locate the birds by thts sound. He
had seen them at a street light. They would keep out of the
circle of light and catch insects as they flew into the shade. As
Frogmouths in his garden often flew to the street light just
across the road, I assumed that they were capturing moths,
beetles, ete.

in Dr. Seryenty’s analyses, moths formed only a negligible
part of the diet, but in this garden they often gave the impres-
sion of putsuing moths, and even of taking them from tree
truiks. ‘Those on the wing were quite literally pursued. There
was never any sustained hawking, but a direct flight from the
tree to prey and back to tree.

PERSONAL NOTES

Members will be glad to know that Mr ROH, Croll, a former President
of the Victorian Field Naturalists’ Club, who has deen it for several months,
is considerably improved in health. A teaw book of his editorship—corres-
pondence between the artists Roberts and Streetau—was recently issued

Another new book by the Editor of ths jowrnal, Mr, A, ff. Chistioim, is
the life-story of the poer C. J. Dennis. Tt i entitled The Making af ca
Semtimaital Bloke.

116 Biakn, 4 New Species of Scirpus (Cyperaceat) ae ee

A NEW SFECIES OF SCIRPUS (CYPERACEAE)
By 5, T, Braxe, Queensland Herbarium, Brisbane,

The genus Scirpus is represented in Australia by a large
number of species, many of which are very difficult to des-
erimmnate and some of which are poorly understood, The new
speciés described in this paper is represented in a number of
Australian herbarja, as is indicated in the enumetation of speci-
mens by the follawing abbreviations proposed for international
use by Lanjouw in Chronica Botanica v, 142-150 (1939):

Tate Herbarium, University of Adelaide ., ., aD

Queensland Herbarium, Brisbane .. ., -. BRE
National Herbarium of Victoria ., 4, 4) MEL
National Herbarium of NS. Wales... .. .. Nsw

State Herbarium, Perth .. .- 1+ + PERTH

SCIRPUS DISSACHANTHUS sp nov. (sect. Acieageton Reichl.)
Herba anni vsgte ad 30 con: afta. Cubs carspitoss, graciles, com-
presse trigont, Wque ad 20 cm. longi, enodes vel sntnodes, Falia
gieneinee ad vaginas ore oblique sectas mucronatas redacta, rave

reviter lanuinifera. Inflorescentiae dimarphac: alteya leronpnalis sed
quisiateralis bractca longa suberecta compressoterett eulmian quasi
continnante et ejns 4-4 aegiilonga sustenta, alter ad culm hasise atta
et vaging obtecta, Spicelae ternmnalcs 1-3 sessiles, flavescentes, ablon-
ac, obtusae, haud angnlatae, plerieneque 7-10 mom. longae of 2-25 tue
atte, muilifiorae. Glumae oycte appressap, ovatay, acitac, cuspidrla-
fav, lemutssimac, gargimbus las Ayalinae glabrac, concavae, pler
orhmgue circa 25 longae. Stamina 2. Stylus profunde bifidus. Nrw
fusca, suborbicntaris, breuiter apiculate, marque biconvera, transvers
aint consticue crebreque undulato-rngosa, plerunigne 1.25-1.3 mm
tunga et 1.)-1,25 lata, Setoe hypogynac 6, paihde brunneac, yetrorsin
manissime scabrae vel daeves, macquales, fongiorcs sycem fere
edacguantes, Inflorescentia basicoatina ad florem solitortuin faminunt
redacta; gtumad O; rtattina O; stylus lostgisethies wenden athe
nigra, ovoiden-ellpsoideca vostvata, subtrigona sxbtricostatagne, trans-
versint lewiter undulato-rugosa, 2.3-2.5 min, longa (vostro tnckhiso),
circitey 1.5 man, lata. Setee hypogynan 2, nucem adaegquamtes, patlide
brunneae.

Annual, up to 30 em. high. Culms tufted, straight or curved,
compressed-trigonous, closely striate-ribbed otherwise smooth,
glabrous, up to 20 cm. long, about 0.5-0.8 mm, thick, nodeless
or sometimes with a node a short distance above rhe base
T.eaves usually reduced ta sheaths, I or 2 closed, striate, fairly
tight with a slightly inflated oblique apex which is mucronate or
else bears a short erect setaceous blade channelled on upper
surface and rarely exceeding + mm, long (or very exceptionally
so Jong as 6 cm.), the margins and anterior part hyaline and
mintitely dotted with red-brown. Inflorescences of two Icinds,
the one pseudolateral at the apex of the culm and bracteate. the
other basal. Involucral bract solitary, appearing as though a con-
tinuation of the culm, compressed-terete, erect or incuryed, sume

Soptember |
ere

Brake, ef Now Species of Setrpus (Caperaceae) 11?
times excurved near tip, mostly $-% as long 25 the culm and up
to 9.5 am. long. Terminal spikelets all sessile, 1-3, yellowish or
greenish yellow, oblong, cylindrical and not angular, obtuse,
7-19 mm, long or lengthening ta 12 mm, after the fall of the
lower ghames, 2-2.5 mm. wide, many-flowered. Glumes closely
appressed, Gyate, acute, euspilulate, very thinly menbranous
with broad hyaline sides, glabrous, concave, hnely 3-nerved
below -and rather breadly but shallowly keeled in upper part -
with the keel excurrent as a vety short erect or exturved point |
of 0.1-0.15 mm., in all 2-3 (mostly about 2.5) mm, long, Stamens
2; anthers 0.25-0,35 mm, long, Style 2-fd, the entire part very
shart, in all about 3.7 mn. Jong. Nut dari brown, suborbicular
to somewhat obovate, shortly apiculate, unequally biconvex,
closely and prominently undulate-ridged, for the most part
1.25-1.35 mm. long, includmg the mucro of O.1-0,15 mm_. long,
1.1-1.25 mn. wide, Hypogynous bristles 6, pale brown, most
minutely retrorsely scabrous or smooth, irregular in length, from
14 to nearly as long as the nut, Basal inflorescence consisting of
a solitary female flower in the axils of the basal leaf-sheaths;
glumes absent; stamens absent; style very long, in all about 9
mm. long; branches 3, about 5.5 mm. long; nut black, slightly
shining, ovuid, ellipsoid, obtuse and rostrate, turgidly subtrigo-
nous and indistinctly 3-ribbed, indistinct[y transversely undulate-
ridged, 23-2.5 mn. Jong (including the beak of about 0.5 mm.)
and about 1.35-1.75 mm. wide; hypogynous bristles 2, as long as
the nut, pale brown, slender, Hat. .

Westerns Ausrrata—North-West Division; Fortescue R.,
Nickol Bar district, in 1878. J. Forrest (ace). Kimberley
Division: Near junction of Lennard and Batker Rivers, WW’, V.
Frtsgerald 542 (PERTH).

NortHern TrERatrory—North Australia: Without further
indication of iocality, F. Mueller {xse.). Central Australia;
Deering Creek, R. Tate (ap). ‘

QuEENSLAND.—Mitchell District: Geera, E. of Barcaldine, at
edge of lagoon on sand, 900 ft, Dec. 6th, 1955, S. T Blake
10362 (pri). Leichhardt District: Gainsford, in 1869, EB. M,
Bowman (MEL), Wartego District: Dynevor Downs, E, of
Thargomwindah, at shady edge of swamp, ca. 500 ft, May 22nd,
1939, S. T. Blake 14080 (rye in Bri, MEL, NSW). Maranoa Dis-
trict: About 30 miles W. of St. George, in gilgai in brigalow
(Acacia harpophyila) scrub, ca. 600 dt, March 15th, 1936,
S. 7. Bloke WORIF (et, MEL); Noondoo, néar Dirranbandi, in
wet places near tank, ca. 600 ft, May L6th, 1939, 5 7° Blake
14022 (nei, MRL),

Sourn Awsrrania—Murray River, in 1890, Aftss Web! (are,
BRI). (Probably aiso in New South Wales and Victoria)

Vict. Nat,

118 Brakt, 4 New Specees of Setrpus (Cyperaceac) Vol. 63

FAFISLE

For explanation, see page 120.

Sevrembov] BLAKE, of New Specus af Serpus (Cyperneeite) 119

te

An interesting species, noteworthy for the fact that, besides
the terminal inflorescence (pseudolateral by reason of the erect
bracft simulating a continuation of the stem}, the plants also
produce flowers at the base of the stems surrounded hy the
leaf-sheaths. These flowers are solitary, without stamens ard
withoul sublending glumes, but with long sryles, the branches
ef which are exserted from the enclosing sheath. §. wninodts
(Delile) Boiss*. and S, dacwis S.'T, Blake are two other Ays-
tralian species with similar flowers in the awils of the leaf-
sheaths. Three comparable species from Madagascar have been
discussed by Chermezon in Arch. Bot., Caen, Bull. 1929, iii.
193-197 (1931), but im these the basal Howers are digynous in
the same manner as those in the terminal infloreseences, not
trigynuas and thus sometimes differing from them as in our
species; alsu one of them, S. Perrieri Cherm., has well-developed
glumes.

Thirty mature nuts were examined from the terminal inflor-
escences of the type-colleetion; of these one was trigonous,
another was definitely black in colour and a third was definitely
obovate in outline The average length was 1.25 mm. and the
average breadth 1.15 mm. Only three mature and iwe sub+
muture nuts from the basal spikelets were examined, though
Rowers are frequent. The nuts are at length set free by the dis-
integration of the sheath.

‘The specimens collected by Mueller and by Bowman were
referred by Bentham, Fi Austral. vii. 332 (1878) to the
American S$, debilis Porsh (S Suuthii A. Gray; not S. debilis
Lam}, Titzgerald, in Journ, & Proc. Roy, Soc. W. Austr. iil,
123 (1917), has referred his specimens to S. eregéus Poir,, with
which he regarded S. debilis Pursh as synonymous, and Forrest's
specrmens to SL supinus £. It is closely allied to S. wntnadis
(Delile) Boiss., of which Australian specimens were referred
ty Bentham, op. cl.; p. 331, to the closely similar S\ supinns L,
These species may be distinguished as follows;

€This name is nosed here for coutvenience, as it is the one used by

A. A. Beetle for this widely-spread tropical and subtropical specics in

his recent account of the section Acteeageton in Am, J. Bot. xxix, 653-655

(1942). But dicing the study of S. aiszachanthes it hecame evident that

the nomenclatural position is yery camplex, and until tliis is solved the

correct name must remain doubtful.

Spikelets apoid, always sessile; plumes finely many-siriate; nut definitely
obovate in outline, always black; stems never with a node above the
base; no flowers in the hasal leat-sheaths; ieafblades usually well
developect :

Not strongly uansyersely ridged, trigonus (Europe) ., 3. supine,
Nut weakly ridged to nearly smooth, usually biconyex and thin
(Nomh America) .. -- ps ee ee ee ee ee ee we ee & Sete

Spikelets nat or scarcely ovoid, some occastonally an developed rays:

glumes 5-l-verved with broad thin sides; nut suborbleular father than

20 Brake, 4 Netw Species of Scirpus (Crperacear) ein

obovate, brown or black; stems frequently with a node well above the
base} nsually with flowers in the basal leat-sheaths; leaf-bladcs usually
rudimentary ;

Spikelets angular, gradually arrowed upwards, some usually,
peduncnlate and then with a secondary bract present; glumes
strongly keeled ofien with 4 prominent mucro, stained or streaked
with red-brown, the margins minutely ciliolate; mut back; stem
usually lenaded 2. 6. 12 cy ce ee ee be ey ee we oe SL sures

Spikelets oblong cylindrical, very obtusc, not at all angular noriapee-
ing, always sessile; bract always solitary; glumes indistinctly
keeled and then only in the upper patl; mttcro nol exceeding
015 mm.,, slender, sides white-hyaline or stained with yellow,
margins glabrous; net in terminal spikelets brown; stem usually
niodeless .. .. .. -. 2. -. &. disrachanthets

S. dissachonthus can be distinguished from all others by the
characteristic shape of the spikelets, the brown nut, and the
glabrous glumes; the minute hairs at the margins of the glumes
in the other Spéciés are not too readily scen, but they appear
to be constantly present. The specific epithet is derived from
the two Greek words dissache: in two places, and anthoss flower,
in allusion to the two kinds of inflorescences.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE,

Scirpus dissachaathus ST, Blake (drawn from type),

Fig, 1, plant, natural size; style-branches of basicauline flowers at 4,
oc; 2, hase of poruon of plant, with part of Jeaf-sheath cut away to shaw
semi-ygture basicauline inflorescence in position, x 5; 3-6, details of
spikelet from terminal infloreseemee:—3, glume; 4, flower; 5, out; 6
transverse section of mut; 7-8, details of basicauline inflorescence -—?,
flower; 8 nut. Figs. 5-8, x 10

RECORD OF RESEARCH,

Co-operation af members is requested in the following researches :—

Mr. T. S, Hart— Victorian Miszletoes (see Pic, Net, July 1938, page
44). I—Does Loranthus linophyllus occur near Melbourne? Jt is suspected
that L. Frerssir has beet: recorded as Lb. linophyllus. 2—How far west does
Phryodarthut celavtroides extend? He has it from Gippsland Lakes.
2—Persvonia; Which species are found in Victoria? hat is their
range? Is FP, Janceslata in Victoria? P luetda has been confirmed at
Bendoc and P. confertiflora as iat west as Haunted Hills. 4—Lepidos-
perma: Ocenrrence near Melbourne. Any plants should be noted, with a
view lo obtaining flowers atid fruit in early and middle or late summer.
Specimens in flower and fruit of any of the above should be posted to
Mr, T. S. Hart, at Dorset Road, Croydon, with iull notes on locality
and abyndance.

Mr. F. & Colliver asks for accurate observation of seashells which
have been bored. He particularly wants specimens of (he agents which do
the boning,

[N.B.—Members investigating any natural feature are requested to com-
muticats with Mr. A. J. Swaby, 17 Avondale Street, Hampton, §,7.]

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol, 63.—No. 6 OCTOBER 10, 1946 No. 754
PROCEEDINGS

The monthly meeting of the Club was held on September 9_
1946, at the Lecture Hail of the Public Library, the President
(Mr, F. S. Colliver} presiding and about 200 members and friends
attending.

Discussion arose regarding the Australian Natural History
Medallion. From the commitree Mr. P. Crosbie Morrison had been
asked to allow himself to be nominated. Mr. Morrison, however,
had written stating that he would rather not accept nomination and
suggesting that Mr. G, Lyeil, of Gisborne, would be a wortty
nominee from the Club. Mr. V, H. Miller thereupon nominated
Mr. Lyell; Mr. Railtom seconded, and the motion was carried.
Mr. H. Stewart, however, said that as Mr, Morrison's tiomimation
was made from the committee, the Club should not accept his
refusal, He moved to this effect. The motion was seconded
by Mr. Swarbreck and carried, The President said that both
nominations would be referred to the committee for consideration.

Mr. A, D, Hardy and Mr, A, J. Swaby spoke on progress being
made with the arrangements for the Nature Show and asked for
the names of helpers to collect and to assist in setting up.

Mr. J. Ros Garnet spoke on the suggestion that Dunlop Perdriau
be asked to keep a section of their proposed Garden City at
Beaumaris in its virgin state for alltime, My, Miller, commenting.
said that before reserves were formed, vandals should be dealt with.

The following were elected as Ordinary Members of the Club:
Miss Edna Morrison, Messrs. John Bale, C. T, Barbour, D. W.
Lyndon, and W. C. Watts; and as Country Member, Mr. Ray
Hurt, :

The President, as delegate, reported having attended the Science
Congress ar Adelaide, and stated that several Club members were
there, The Congress was an outstanding success; some 1400
members were present and many admirable papers were placed
before the various groups, Social fanctions were held, and many
meetings were arranged. with breaks that enabled contacts ta be
made and iriendships to be revewed, A good series of excursions
was held, both for pute and applied science, and members from
ather States were able to see at first-hand some of the beatties of
South Australia, Whilst in Adelaide, Mr. and Mrs. Colliver and
Mr. R, Kershaw attended the annual tmeeting of the South Aus-
tralian Naturalists’ Club, and by invitation Mr, Colliver addressed
the meeting and conveyed greetings from our Club,

122 Field Naturalists’ Club Proceedings Wich Bish

NATURE NOTES

Mr, H. Stewart reported a Mudlark’s nest in a tree at the
corner af Nicholson Street and Victoria Street, near the Royal
Society's Hall.

Mr. A. H. E, Mattingley gave a short note on Macquarie Island,
and lamented the fact that the Japanese should be allawed to take
up whaling again. Millions of sea-hirds, particularly penguins,
abounded there and on previous occasions the Japanese had made
use of them for oil, The albatrosses on Laysan Island were in
iniilions, and before the war the Japanese took their eggs by
track-loads und destroyed the birds for their feathers. On Mac-
quarie Island a parrot and a rail had been exterminated by cats.
Mr. Mattingley considered that it was necessary for us to ptotect
the birds during the breeding season, and. prevent the’ Japanese
from carrying out wholesale slaughter of them. (Slides were
shown to illustrate these remarks.)

Mr. Railton stated that he had noticed that when plants growing
iia pot were watered copiously a vigorous weed growth occurred,
and instead of smothering the plants they flourished, and he
wondered what was their association, (Pot plants illustrating this
were exhibited, }

EXHIBITS

Mr. and Mrs. E- Myir: Eightcen botanical specimeiis from Damboola
Reserve

Mrs. C. Feench: Twelve varieties of natiwe flowers, garden-grown at
Canterbury,

Mr. T, 5S, Hart: Sward Sedges (four species) and a tabulated summary
tf Melbourne species.

Mr. A. A. Baker: Fossil woods, oak from Enghsh swamps, and undeter-
tined material from Bacchus Marsh, Altona, Mornington, Wonthaggi,
Omeo, and various places in N-S.W.; alsa for comparison specimens of
living species, including Casiarma strict, Bonhsia inteyrifolia and Leplo«
spermum laevigatun

Mr. C. 7. Gabriel: Murine shells, including Brechites radix Desh,
Amboina; 3B. vaginiferum Lam., Red Sea; B. dichotomus Chenu, N. Aust. ;
8. pulchrum Desh., Singapore; Dacoste australis Sby., N.S.W.; Haonphreyia
strangei A, Ad, Vie. and Taz.; Gastrochamme tasjnanica T, Wds., Vie

Mr, T. Griffiths: Mosses and lichens in fruit,

Mr. J. Res Garnet: Collection of Bryophytes from Rosebud.

Mr. E. E. Lord: Species of Prerostylis, found by Mr, E, Muir at Dim-
boola, painted by Mr. Stan Kelly, Atarat, and at present being investigated
by the Rev, Rupp. A Gne example of gall-forning scale (female) on a
Eucalypt {specimen forwarded by Mr. Davey of Toolern Vale}, vigorous
growth of Passifore prolissima. i pots, in agsociation with weeds as distinct
from weaker growth in clean pots. (This has been noticed for many years
by Mr, James Railton.)

Mr. F. 5. Colbver: Specimens pertaining to the Cambrian Glacial Epoch
ia «South Australia, including Sturtian Tiltite, Tapley Hill Shale, True
Varve irom Hallets Cove, Fluvio-Glacal Grits, ete.

eal

1946 CoLteman, Voices of Frogmouth and Relations 123

VOICES OF THE FROGMOUTH AND HIS NIGHTJAR
RELATIONS

By Epita Coteman, Blackburn, Vic.

The most familiar note of the Frogmouth is a deep “Oom-oom,”
uttered many times, a rhythmic, pulsing sound. Mr. A. H. Mat-
tingley, who heard it mostly on moonlit nights, estimated the
number of “ooms” at 14 to 150 without cessation. (Emu, 1910.)

Our captives commenced
at dusk, in response, we
oiten thought, to the calls of
wild ones. The sound pene-
trated the house although
their enclosure was some
distance away. The “OQom-
oom" that came down the
chimney from a wild one
perched on top was eerie.
Even my tame possums,
who always came out at
dusk, retreated into their
cubby-holes when the Frog-
mouth commenced to call.
They possibly have some
cause to fear him, With his
poorly developed feet he
could grasp but a tiny one,
but his wings, as we have
seen, are powerful enough
to knock a full-grown ring-
tail possum tumbling off the
rose-arch.

The call of the baby Frog-
mouths, as we interpreted
it, was an oft - repeated
“A-woo, A-woo,” with the

Showing the bird’s outline broken up accent on “woo.” Florence

by streaks and shadows. Irby’s pet Frogmouth made

a low growling sound

(Emu, 1927). Bushmen, too, had heard this call. Her pet’s cry

of alarm when annoyed was a deep, low ‘“Too-toot,” a croaking,

frog-like sound. D. F. Thomson (Ei, 1923) records the squeak-

ing, wailing cry of a young one when picked up, the only note it

uttered. One of my captives gave a coughing, barking sound when

given water from a tea-spoon; presumably this was a note of
protest.

; f t, Nat.
124 CoLeman, Voices of Frogmouth and Relations aah ee

Muriel Cheney (Emu, 1914), who heard Frogmouth and Boo-
hook Owl calling simultaneously and thought no one should confuse
them. She described the Boohook’s call! as leisurely, uttered a note
at a time; the Frogmouth’s as a quick one, uttered seven to ten
times in succession. The Boobook made a shght pause between
the syllables, “Boo—book.” The Frogmouth made no appreciable
pause. David Fleay, in a letter to the writer (Nov., 1943),
described the Frogmouth’'s note as a very rapid series of “no-00's,”
like the engine of a motor cycle in the distance, and its danger call
as a quick, double-syllabled cry of “oo-oo,” differing from the usual
one. This cry, he thinks, has some resemblance to that of the
Boobook Ow!. He, too, thinks they would not be confused by
any one who had heard both.

The Froginouth has another call to which T have seen no
reference, a call which is apparently given only under great stress
of fear or annoyance, or perhaps as a cri de cocur, Jt is an eerie,
hair-raising scream, which, in inany years, I have heard only five
times. Tf this is the “screaming woman” call, it would be that of
a drunken harridan, such as Tony Sarg night portray. To some
extent it is a blend of the Black Cockatoo's screech and the harsh
note of the Crow, but far, far worse than either. The cry is uttered
with wide open bill, glaring expression, and fluffed-out feathers.

Twice the cry was uttered when I caught a bird, once when he
was looking down at a neighbour's pet Magpie, and once when my
little dog startled it. I did not discover the cause of the fAfth
scream, but found the Frogmonth clinging to the wire netting of
the aviary. Was there a wild bird outside? Was this his “cry of
the heart"?

I recently came upon the description of a Ceylon bird-call which
fits it perfectly. The Singhalese, who call it Devil-bird, regard
this bird with horror, as a harbinger of evil. P. H. Gosse (1860)
believed it to be the Brown Owl. The cry, according to Mr.
Mitford, of the Ceylon Civil Service, is indescribable, the most
appalling that can be imagined, and scarcely to he heard without
shuddering. He could only compare it to a boy in torture, whose
screams are being stopped by strangling, a description which fits
the Great Horned Owl of North America—the “half-suppressed
scream of a person suffocating or throttled.”

Of the Ceylon owl Mr. Mitford says: “It has another cry, like
that of a hen just caught,” and this, I think, describes perfectly the
scream of my Frogmouth—that harsh scream of a captured hen,
which always sends me indoors.

It is possible, I think, that the Ceyion bird, which was never
seen actually producing the scream, was a Nightjar, to which the
Frogmouth is related, and whose notes certainly resemble some
of the Frogmouth’s calls,

a Corman, fofces of Fragmouth and Relations 125

Visectint Grey of Falloden described the churting of the Night-
jar as 2 most soothing sound, continued for long periods without
a break — quite unlike = bird-vojce to one hearing it for the firse
time —a “continuous sound such as the hum of a threshing
machine,” which recalls Davie Fleay’s comparison of the Frog-
mouth’s call to a motor-cycle engine, and which I (Dec, 1&th,
1943) likened to the rhythmic sound of a stationary steant engine.
Once, however, the Falloden Nightjar gave a piercing shriek, such
as Viscount Grey had never beard from any bird, a shriek that
scemed to be uttered “ar? him. It suggested wot so much fear as
loathing, This seems to imply that the horvible shriek of our
Frogimouth is a family call.

Even the normal voice. of the British Nightjar is compared
with so many and such varied sounds that it must have an extensive
repertoire, Ome writer desertbes it as like "a thin lath fixed at
one énd and in a state of vibration at the other,” loud enough to
be heard half a mile away, while another of its calls ts likened to
“swinging a thong in the air.’ Some of Shakespeare's allusions
to the Screech-Ow] should prebably have been attributed to. our
Frogmouth’s relative, the Nightjar.

Lenox pees niga describing a night of horror, full of lamen-
tations. and strange screams of death, refers to the “obscure” bird
which clamioured the livelong night. As the Jess “obscure” Owl
was sometimes “seen” to utter its shriek, it was regarded as the
prime bird of evil. “The owl shrieked at thy birth, an evil sign,"
says Henry VI to Gloster. “It was the owl that chrieked, the fatal
bellman which gives the stern’st good-night,” says Lady Macheth.

It is possible, I think, that many of those fearful night shneks
should have heen attributed, not to birds, but to crepuscular and
nociurnal animals, such, for instance, as the badger, whose pro-
longed cri de coeur is a most ghastly screayn, "35 of Someone heing
slowly murdered’ (Michael Blackmore). As the shy jocturnal
badger is rarely seen, some such mystery was inevitable.

Our Echidna is said to scream shrilly. Natives of northern
Australia say that it utters a wailing cry when on the prowl at
night. Although [ have had exceptional opportunities of watching
Echidnas, day and night, I have not heard either cry, It is possibly
a mating call, uttered at night, in which case few people would
actually “see” it uttered. It might, indeed, be confused with the
“screaming woman" bird. ;

Not to unleash the whole pack of horrible night screants, I think
we may assume that siany of them, coming from unseen nocturnal
creatures, were attributed to night birds, and because of the mystery
and obscurity that shrouded them they were regarded as porténts
of evil; a mystery that has found its way to Australia.

126 Nicwonns, A New Species of Thelynutra R.Br. bi eh

A NEW SPECIES OF THELYMITRA R.Br,
(ORCHIDACEAE)

With notes on its nearest congener, T_ chasmoegamea.
Ry W, H. Nicuores, Melbourne

THELYMITRA (RREGULARIS, sp, noy.

Pluita gracilis, glabva, 25-40 cm, alta. Fotiteny angtiste-lineare, sub-
Zenun, subrigtdum, canaliculaiwm, acute, circtter 1022 con, longer,
Sasi vagtnons. Caulis curnens, sibflesuosus vel fere strictts; bracteae 2,
subulatae, vaginantes, Flores 2-4, carner is Th. chasmogama, Rogers
similos, Pedicelli graciles; ovaria swbgracilia, teretio, bracteae parzae,
acutae. Seqguente povianthit elie maculata. Colma circiter 6-7 Han.
longa, sub-cucullata, maculata; lobt iaterales ponicillott, betet; lobvs imter-
meds erectas, cbruptus; marginibns trreqnlorts, dewtatus, ad basin fist~
driatis. Anthera chinsa, sub lobiy penicillatis, opice enurpicne; pollix
tharten facile deportun,

A slender glabroys plant from 25-40 cm. high, Leaf narrow-
linear, about 10-22 em. long, rather thin; channelled, acute,
Stem pink, with a tendency to angulation or tearly straight.
Stem-bracts 2, subulate, sheathing, Flowers 2-4, on slender
pedicets, each subtended by a small sheathing bract. Ovary
rather slender, terete. Penanth-segments bright rose-pink, sumijar
10 those of 7. chasmegaima Rogers’, expanding freely, elliptical
and finely speckled with dots. Column about 67 mm. long, the
Tateral wings produced upwards into 2 golden-yellow penicillated
processes as in T. chasmogama; the hood short anil abrupt, but
nit produced forwards into a definite tube, as in T, chasmaqame;
the apex bright yellow, and prominently, also irregularly den-
tate; an erect collar-like fringe of small calli immediately below.
Apex of anther obtuse, showing distinctly below the tufted lobes.
Anther-case dchiscing freely. Stigma small with pink upper
border, Flowering September, October, November,

Distribution: Victoria— Croydon (F. G. A. Bamari, Oct.,
1929); Wonthaggi (Ti. LT. Homann, Nov., 1934, type, a perfect
four-flowered specnnen}, New South Wales — Asquith, near
Hornsby (Rev. H. M. R, Rupp, Sept, 1945),

The new Thelvertra isreguleris is clearly related to T, ches-
mogama, but readily determmed by the very distinct structure of
its column mid-lobe, and the finely dotted pertanth (dots are
present im some degree on the columm also). The specific name
is in reference to the broken and very irregular toothed median
lobe of the column. ‘The pollinary mechanism of both species
is adapted for cross-pollination.

T, trregularis is distmguished front T, enbra, FitzG.? as also
from T. cavnea R.Br, by the presence of pehicillate lobes, ete.
From 7- lvteacifiata FitzG* it is separated by the readily-
expanding perianth; the flowers of lxteociliata rarely open, and,

October )

1946 Nicuonts, A New Species of Thelymitra BBr. 127

‘ Key To ILLUSTRATIONS :
Figs. A., Thelymtitra ivregularis, sp. nov,; B., Column from side; C.,

Column from above (hair-tufts removed). .
D, Thelymitra chasmogama, Rogers; E,, Column from above (bair-
tutts removed); F., Column from side. (Figures A-and D about natural

B1z¢).

128 Nrenous. A New Species of Vhetymitrm Je.Be. Wb = jeri

like those of Th. rubya and Th. carea, are pollinated in early
bud stage.

There has been much confusion between T. Juteociliata, T-
chasmogama and T. irregularis for some years. T. chasmogante
and 7. lutedciliata are somewhat difficult to separate in the bud
stage; both are rare orchtds. What some of us have been call-
ing luteacihafe is now recognized to be chasmogama (thanks to
the Jate Dr, R. S. Rogers); in Victoria we had lumped them.

In he Victorian Naturalist (Vol. li. (1939) p. 63), the
-writer incorrectly interpreted 1. chasmogama, mis-applying that
tame ta the species now described as new, The finding of true
chasmagama among orchid exhibits at the Wild Flower Show,
held in 1945 at Hawthorn, provided a solution to the tangle.
This material (approximately 8 specimens) was collected near
Ararat (Vic.), and forwarded tq Miss L., Banfield,

The late Mr. Barnard's specimens (2). of 7. irrenulars were
imperfect (the leaf and lower portion of the stem were miss-
ing). The Wonthaggi specimen, collected by Mr. Homann, has
been chosen as the type. (No. 233, Thelyamitya species in my her-
bariur}, Unguestionably, 7. irregularis is a very beautiful sim-
orchid, with irs delicate tints and mar|cangs.

The accompanying illustration depicts both the new orchid and
typical 7. chasmogama®, of which a brief description only® is
appended :

T. chasmogania Rogers (flowers pollinated during expansion of the
periantt). A plant closely resembling Ty heteoelliata FitzG. but with a
different hood, which is produced into a yellow inde qwith snoorh entire
snargins, Tt likewise differs campletely in the structure of its pollinariym,
which ig castly removed, and therefore adapted for cross-palhnation,
whereas 7. /uteociliota ss strictly clestegamous. Unlike the latter, it opens

freely. Found at Golden Grove, in South Australia; also in Victoria
(Ararat) and New South Wales (Woodfard, Ble Mts., Killara, Kueri

Kurri)
ReFEKENCES +
Roy. Soc. S. Austr. h (19z6y 4.
Austr. Orch. t, 4, (1884).
Prody, (1810), 314,
Gard, Chron, ZVIT (1882), 495
Adapted from Fi. S. Aust (JMB) ge (1928), 680 (R. S, Rogers),

_

on te

RECORD OF RESEARCH

Mr, A. Jj. Swaby, 17 Avondale Street, Hampton, $7, requests careful
ebservation of “Trigger Plants” and capture of insects springing the trigger.
A stiff card with a hole near one end. and a email glass jar will serve joc a
trap. A container for the insect caw be placed against the hole and the jar
can be slid along to lef it pass. through, Notes wil! alse be welcome.

Will members engaged in any investigation please send particulars and
fequésts for co-operation.

press Fieay, On the Trail of the Marsupial Wolf 129

ON THE TRAIL OF THE MARSUPIAL WOLF.

(Tracking and trapping in the wild and picturesque west of
Tasmania ).

By Davin FLeay, Director, Sir Colin Mackenzie Sanctuary,
Healesvilte, Vic.

Our aim in setting out for Tasmania early in November, 1945,
Jay in a long cherished wish to secure a pair of the remarkable
pouched “Tigers,” as Tasmanians call the marsupial wolf, and
bring the animals back alive and unharmed for the purpose of
intense observation and study; perhaps even to avert by breed-
ing experiments the process of extinction now unhappily nearing
its final phase.

Unfortunately, when considered seriously at all, native animals
are too often looked at purely from the tourist point of view.
Their preservation and study, as essentially Australian creatures
of great antiquity and scientific interest, are largely forgotten or
left to the mercy of people in other countries. Records of their
life histories are few and fragmentary, and, in the case of the
distinctive marsupial wolf, or Thylacine, largely unrecorded.
Shamefully treated as a zoo inhabitant in the past, this rare
animal of fastidious habits is unique in being the largest car-
nivorous marsupial. The matter of its study must be dealt with
now if it is ever to be done at all.

Up to half a century ago, in some parts of Tasmania, the
Thylacine (lit. “pouched dog with a wolf head”) was fairly
plentiful, Jack Pearce, of Derwent Bridge, informed me that
in the winter of 1898 he snared 15 unintentionally! Because of
its menace to flocks, sheep farmers naturally made war against
this marsupial wolf, their efforts being aided by a scalp bonus of
£1 paid by the government. So, on the eastern side of the island
the animal was exterminated. It is said that an epidemic disease
also contributed to the depletion of the species.

However, in recent times the value and unique nature of
this distinctively Tasmanian mammal has come to be realised,
and in the past ten years the Tasmanian Animals and Birds
Protection Board has despatched several expeditions to wilder
parts of the island in an effort to gain an estimate of the
animal’s distribution. The last and most productive of these was
at investigation in 1938 of the broken and forbidding moun-
tainous areas in the South West, bounded roughly by the West
Coast Road, the Frenchman, Prince of Wales, and King Wil-
liam Ranges,

Led by such competent bushmen and observers as Inspector
Arthur Fleming and Mr. M. S. R. Sharland, this party found

130 Freay, On the Trail of the Marsupial Wolf Vee take

many footprints of their quarry in a comparatively short time
over a good deal of the country traversed. It was obvious, to
use Mr. Sharland’s words, that ‘the animal was fairly common
and well distributed, and it was probably as numerous here as
in any other part of the West Coast.”

A careful study of Mr. Sharland’s report had convinced me
that an expedition to secure living specimens of the “Tiger’’
would be well advised to work in this same part of Tasmania,
particularly along the Jane River, where tracks had been most
common. Accordingly, in November 1945, with the willing

Last Marsupial Wolf in captivity, Hobart Zoo, 1933; showing
enormous gape. (This animal died in 1934.)

Photo: BD. Fleay.

assistance of the Fauna Board and members concerned in the
1938 expedition, we were guided by Inspector Fleming to our
jumping-off place at the Jane River Dump below Mt. Arrow-
smith, some 37 miles from Queenstown on the West Coast Road.
That was the beginning of nearly four months in varying locali-
ties on the trail of the “Tiger.”

We lived ina heavy rainfall belt, usually with eight days wet
out of ten and not uncommonly summer snow and frost; we
struggled with Horizontal Scrub and clinging Bauera, or walked
through dark and silent rain forests of dripping myrtle sassa-
fras, leatherwood and pine. Floundering journeys with heavy
packs and equipment across boggy button-grass plains and
strenuous climbing over high ranges were every-day events, not

Qeonet Fieay, On the Trail of the Marsupial Hol} \3L

to mention the, endless torment. from mosquitoes, blow-fiies,
biting. flies, even rheumatism. Our personnel varied, Major and
Mrs. Gavan Crowl and Mr. Roy Alderson {an experienced
Tasmanian bushman) being out in November, with Mrs. Fleay,
Messrs, Jack Daly and Alan Batchelor working through January,
Tebriary and March.

Only one track suitable for a pack-horse runs to the Jane

River goldfield, some 20 miles south of the West Coast Road,
atid this we travelled on the first trip with a narrow-gauge,
horse-drawn cart loaded with wire traps, snares, Tood and bed-
rolls. ;
Conditions were suitable for finding Thylacine footprints and
other traces, for, contrary to the state of affairs existing in
1938, not a soul, either prospector or “piner,'' as the soft-wood
tintber-cutter ts knawrt, had lived anywhere in this region for
several years. In fact, there was not a soul between us and
the South Pole! Wherever muddy sections of track appeared
on swampy crossings between hard quartzite hills, and wherever
we crossed button-grass flats, caret] inspection was made ui
alt animal footprints. In fact, aiter years of aerial spotting in
the mainland bush for rare birds and for traces of possurn-
gliders, my eyes had. descended to earth with a vengeance. We
were destined to concentrate on mother earth for the duration
of ovr Tasmanian stay. What we wanted were Thylacine tracks,
regular ones if possible, so that we cuuld setlle down to a long
period of systematic trapping, using every conceivable artifice
und lure in arder to sectire our quarry,

Not easily confused with the prints of other animats, and
quite undoglike, though leaving an impression superficially re-
sembling that of a womhat front foot, the ‘Tiger’ forepaw track
is typically rownd —some three inches in diameter, with fve
claws well indented and well spaced and two main pads fone
large ar] one small), which leave no strong impression, bur
form # crescent at ihe base of the digits round the palm.

Moving as it does at night, the tawny-grey ‘Ihylacine, with
its transverse brown stripes on the lower back and tail base, was
rarely seen even in the days when it was plentiful. Its peculiarly
rigid hind quarters and tail, its Jong body, and comparatively
short legs, combine toa produce a curious but very characteristic
bounding gait. One of the outstanding features of this ancient
counterpart of the modem dog and wolf is its amazing mouth
gape. When yawning, its upper ard Jower jaws form an aliost
straight line! '

Trom our Neyember base in a slab hut, on the now serubh-
grown Jane River goldheld, we set out day after day in different
directions, Along the Erebus River, a tributary of the Jane.

132 Fuza¥, Ou the Tro of the Marsupial Wolf birt as

where, in the typically clear tea<coloured water, unafraid platy-
puses swant in the sheiter of dark and gloomy myrtle forests,
we set wp several of our large stecl-framed chain wire traps,
The doors ef these stout structures automatically locked when
released by a pull on the hook within, Naturally, it paid to
remember this when going out alone to bait them. Camouflage
in the shape of earth and leaves was emplnyed in covering the
floors, Fresh, attractive bait was highiy importamt, particularly
as the Thylacine is a fastidious eater. Bacon was always a
good stand-by — firstly, because we found its taste and salt
content appcaled to ali the carnivorous marsupials we met, and
ever) to passuis; secondly, it had a comparative immunity from
altack hy Tasmania's oyer-diligent blow-flies; and thirdly, there
were the persistent stories told by old-timers of the Thylacine’s
habit of licking out frying pans and thieving bacon hanging
about in camps. Men stich as Roy Alderson had raught “Tigers”
in box traps on bacon bait in the days when they brought in
living specimens slung on poles to the late James Harrison, of
Wynyard — the man who acted in Tasnvania as an agent for 2cos
all over the world,

Live decoys used in association with the traps on the Erebus
included seyeral fowls and ducks, surely the first poultry ever
to reach that remote area. By rare good fortune, fresh eggs
appeared daily, not all sharing the sad fate of the one carried for
nearly a day by Major Crowl, who dropped it disastrousty over
the edge of his Irying pan at the shack! Unfortunately, as our
investigations progressed there were ominous indications that a
vast change had been wrought tn this part of Tasmania,

In 1938, before the pack-horse track had heen constructed,
no professional hunters had worked this region; but now, at the
end of 194%, there were snare poles along every track and
animal pad of consequence that we travelled, A large number of
these were what are known as “neckers;” as distinct from
“rreadle” or foot snares. In other words, wallabies and “kan-
garoos" (large grey Bennett wallabies} or devils and, in fact,
any unfortunates coming along in the winter open season tan
their necks into suspended wire nooses and, releasing the sassa-
ffas, gum or tea-tree poles, were quickly hung up and choked, -
Game was scarce itr all the Jane River country, Bennett walla-
bics which fed out in the open areas were rarely seen, though
the dumpy little rufous wallaby or padenielon was more evident,
and “badgers'' (wombats) ‘Ieit plentiful footprints aut on flats
and ridges, where they fed each night on the tough bittiom-grass
clamps. Several snarers told me that this stocky Tasmanian
species is parkicntsrly susceptitle to extreme cold. On frosty
mornings “badgers” are often found im a torpid state stretched

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 63 October, 1946°

PiatTe X

Franklin River, favourite haunt of the Platypus

Photo: D. Fleey.

at] Picay, On the Trail of the Marsudtal Wolf 133

across a tussock and incapable of movement until warmed by the
sun,

Spiny ant-caters (“porcupines” of the bushman) were really
numerous, bemg more hairy and less spiny than mainland speci-
mens, doubtless by reason of their association wilh a colder
climate. Some were creamy-white in colour, and one, by the state
of its developed pouch, was a nursing mother with a baby
parked in the vicinity. I had never seen anything Ike the
numbers of ant-eaters and platypuses encountered in Tas-
mania, and, obviously, among other things the island state is
our richest store-house of these two egg-laying mammals. We.
captured several Jarge and very black tiger snakes and for want
of accommedation housed them in an old camp-oven. They
settled down very well, being more amiable and sluggish in
disposition than their mainland cousins.
vate

TF
ak Se Ae oF ne ame 8

é
‘a She St ar. aye

=
e “Lake \ ig
a ence CL aR Sy
Me gr 3 ae

Arrowsmith,
We

i ce a

Mi
'
de

=

ii

ag

16
z

cy
Se

wes
ge Kins

Bp Good eitn age

Region explored for Thylacine, (N,B.: The present West Coast road
skints Mt, Arrowsmith to the south, set to the north as indicated.)

134 Fiay, On the Trail of the Marsupiol Wolf Wick. Mah

Associated with the large number of snares, now of course
in a State of disuse, there was a complete absence of marsupial
wolf tracks. How many of the animals had blundéred into
nooses and by means of their size and strength managed to
uproot the poles and perbaps die later in a tangle, or how many
had succeeded in cutting snare wire or hemp with their teeth
and escaping, is something forever unknown, However, apart
from this, with the thinning out of thetr food supply it is obvious
that they would tend to move to more populous game areas.

Late in the 1930's, it is said, ome snarer came out from Light-
ning Piain, near the Frenchman, with three Thylacine- pelts
among his collection of furs. Lt is understandable that, from
the professional hunter’s point of view, carnivorous creatures
tearing up wallabies in the snares and spoiling their skins would
ment only one type of treatment, and it 1s undoubtedly true
that skin-hunters who are not averse to using baits before
s¢asons open have played a very large part in bringing the
Thylacine so quickly to the brink of extinction. Though we
caught smaller members of the marsupial wolf family, devils
with their bristling-whiskered quaint faces, shocking teeth, and
loud whining snarls, and pretty spotted dasyures, or native cats,
that came to the hut at might and danced about in the moon-
light, and though we found the tracks of tiger cats, domestic
cats gone wild, and odd brush possums associated with the
ubiquitous pademelon and badger prints, the first visit to the
Jane River area was devoid of anything that could be con-
strued as definite evidence of a “Tiger's” presence,

The most interesting catch was a “lady devi} with the maxi-
mum number of four rat-sized “joeys” projecting awkwardly
from her pouch. Most of the devils in this region were almost
completely black in colour, with the merest traces of the usual
large white chest, shoulders and rump patches characteristic of
the species, and found in devils farther north and east. One
big fellow, whose footprints had been found superimposed on
our own of previous days, was trapped one morning, and when
we turned him loose he ran straight for the river banke,
plunged into the icy depths of the Erebus, and swam strongly
across, to scamper away among the ferns of the opposite bank.

The wild country here was a mugged, impressive, tumbled region.
revealing its primitive beauty only when clouds and mist rolled
up to disclose the long 20-mile stretch of the Prince of Wales
Range to the east and south-east, the King Williams to the
north-east, the great bulk of the east peak on the Frenchman
Range to our west, and saw-loothed Mt. Gell faintly, far to the
north, AP of these ranges, some touching 5,000 feet, were devoid
Of tree-crowth on their upper reaches, having bare rocky jagged

need Gracing on Mt. Buffalo 135

looking tops, those of diabase compositions showing great Tock
alides completely bare of plant-life. Here and there in the bower
founiry crimson waratah in full bloom, native “gorse” anil
bauera flowers made splashes of colour; but it was 4 silent,
sombre region, disturbed very occasionally by the wailing cries
uE the slaw-Aymg black cockatoos, or the fight calls of green
rosellas. I was interested iff watching these Tasmanian Rosellas
indulging in two habits shared by the mainland Crimson species
—that of feeding on the substance of leaf galls on peppermint
gums and of bathing in the early mornings by fluttering in the
high wet foliage of eucalypts,
(To be continued.)

GRAZING ON MT, BUFFALO

At the Melbourne sittings of the Forests Grazing Commission sworn

evidence was given hefore Jimige Stretton on behalf of the Club by the
‘iminediate past president, Mr, H, C. E. Stewart. Mr. Stewart put forward
the Club's views on a grazing Jesse resumed in 1938 at Mt. Buffalo
National Park. He pointed to the gradual depreciation of the alpine native
flora over 2 period of 26 years in which he bad been visiting the Plateau.

From his observations, Mr. Stewart said the denudatiou through fires and
grating had been accelerated since 1939. Some typical high-altttude species
that were diminished and threatened with extinction wete instanced,
Botanical authorities were quoted m regard to two of the dominant species
coneéernitie their water holding and erosion resistance qualities One, the
Alpine Ash (Eucalyptus gigantea) was sadly reduced by fire and the
scedling growth menaced by cattle.

Tn reply to a question, Mr. Stewart said one complaint registered by the
Club suggested the pollution of the Chalet water supply, A new and
Substantial fence had since been erected around the reservoir. Cattle, haw-
ever, still browsed during the sutnmer om the exterisive grass areas of {lhe
water catchment, In his opinion stack alsa contributed to erasion of the
tracks and watercourses.

Copies of reports, including an article printed in The Victorian Vatrveltst
for June, 1942, were tabled, The specific case of a small fire in an oper
area at the 1?-mile post during 1944/45 was also. presented.

Aut important book on American forest problems isstied in 1945, Richard
R. D. Boerker's Behold Gur Green Mansions, was referred to m_ the
evidence. The Club library capy was handed in for perusal al the Cam-
mission's request.

Miss Hilda R. Samsing, a former lessee of the Mt. Buffalo Chalet and
a frequent visitor there since, svbmitted evidence on the previous day as
an independent witness. ln The drgts of July 26, 1946, she was reported
to have stated iat before the first wortd war period, when the mountain
was Tree from grazing, it was also free from forest fires, bul m later
years, after grazing had been mtroduced, large sections of the forest hax
pep destroyed by fire, and nearly all the heauriful flora had gone from the
plateau.

“The National Park of Mt, Buffalo belovigs to the people of Victoria,
not to the cow men, or to the Lands Department, of any other department,”
Miss Samsing said, “St is one of the outstanding beauty spots of the world,
but it has been shockingly abused,”

: ' Wick. Not,
136 Aupas, The Vittoria Grampians Veren

THE VICTORIAN GRAMPIANS
(A Botanical Retrospect)
By J. W. Aunas, Melbourne,

Sweeping for fifty miles between Mi. Zero ang Mt, Sturgeon,
the Grampian Ranges form a wide*crescent with convexity toward
Melbourne—140 miles east of their central, highesr and nearest
point, Mt. William (3330 ft.). These rugged sandstone moun-
tains are exceptionally high in comparison with other West
Victorian uplands, from which they stand aloof, and their towering
escarpments make 2 noble southern terminus to the Great Divide
which began at Cape York,

Probably, when a Miocene sea washed over the vast Murray-
Mallee country in South Australia and western Victorian, there
was a large “Grampians” promontory—or perhaps even an island.
Under the protection afforded by long geological isolation, free
from invading competing plants, the origmal vegetation doubtless
followed its own peculiar lines of development and brought forth
certain distinctive species. So, we find there today the highest
endemism of the State: at least eighteen vasculat plants are
ahsolutely confined to the Grampians, while several others occur
nowhere else in. Victoria, though present also in South or Western
Australia, Following are the known endemic species:

Bauera sessilifiove, Pultenaa Lichimansni,
Showy Bauera, Thready Bush-pea,
Caleana Sillizxmsi, Pultenaa Muaidenit,
Spectral Dack Orchid. Wedgc-leal Bush-pea.
Calvtriz Stllivanit, Publeneo mollis,
Grampians Fringce-myrtle. Soft Bush-pea.
Dillewnia oreodoxa, Pultanca patellifotia,
Mountain Parrot-pea, Mt. Byron Bush-pea,
Exralyptus alpina, Pultencva subal pra,
Grampians Gum. Rosy Bush-pea.
Grevillee conjertifatia, Styhdiun: soboliferum,
Dense-leat Grevillea, Bristly Trigger-plant.
Grevillen W7lhamsonit, Thruptosmene célycine,
Serra Grevillea, Bushy Heath-myrtle.
Aibbertia fumifusa, Trymalinsic D’Altanti,
Mountain Guinea-fower, Narrow-leaf Trymalium.
Plewrandropsis phebalioides, Tryntalinn ramosissiniesst,
Downy Star-bush. Broad-leaf Trymalium.

The presence of Coast Banksia, high up on Mt. Rosea, is likely
evidence of former inaritime conditions, as also are the abundant
heathland shrubs now distributed throughout these ranges. Here
also is the last vestige of truly alpine vegetation west of Melbourne
—Silver Daisy (Celmisia) grew on the summit of Mt. William
until] comparatively recent years, also the subalpine Mountain
Pepper (Drimys). '

Pen: F Aupas, The Victorian Grampians 137

Approximately 750 different Aowering plants and ferns (one
third of the State’s entire flora!) are to be found among the ranges,
_and their vegetative forms vary with the local topography and
climate—whether plants of the dry hillslopes or moist sheltered
valleys, the streams, shallow swamps, sandy selvidges, damp rock
ledges or exposed subalpine heights. The variety, prodigality,
colourful beauty and scientific interest of Grampians flowers have
an irresistible appeal and have proved a constant source of delight
to the author for more than thirty years. .

In the deeade 1912-22, I paid many visits to the Grampians and
contributed a scrics of six papers to ihis journal, descriptive of
the plant life (see appended references). These fornted the basis
for my book One of Nature's Wonderlands (1925), and in 1928
I wrote a further paper for the Mictoran Naturalist, describing
the flora of the Iittle-known Black Range—westernmost of the
system, but differing from the typical Grampian hills in its forest
species. Now, I wish to conclude my writings with a bird's-cye
view of the Grampiatis vegetation as a whole, 1 hope this sketch
may serve to awaken the interest and enthusiasm of younger Club
members, many of whom are as yet strangers to the region.

Major Sir Thomas Mitchell first saw and nanied these ranges,
climbing Mt. William on July 15, 1836, and passing a most uncom-
fortahle night with his men on the wintry summit; they were
chilled by driving sleet and the icicles which hung thickly on low
wnprotective bushes around them. Five days later, Mitchell
ascended and named Mt. Zero at the northern extremity of the
ranges, Among the numerous plants that he collected between
Mts, William and Zero, the following 22 species were carefully
preserved and subsequently described by Dr, Lindley in England—
the first recording of Grainpians Alora: .

Acacia acmacea, Grevillea Aguifalinn,
Gold-dust Acacia, Holly Grevillea,
tcncia artuile (A. furcifera Lidl) Lencepogon alacialis,
Hedge Acacia, Twisted Beard-heath.
Aencia aspera, Leucopagon vifius,
Rowel Acacia. Ruddy FPeard-heath,
Correa acniula, Lencopogon thaumfpfolius,
if Dudimeria ouvnnda Litdl.), Thyme Beard-heath.
Hairy Correa. é Lhotakyva afpestris,
Correa rtibra (C_ cordifolia Lindl.), Snow. Myrtle.
Red Correa, Martanthyus procumbens,
Cryplanttra tomentosa, (Campylanthera ¢ricmides Lindl,),
Prekly Cryptandra. White Marianth,
Darnesio hyevifatia, Phebaliun bilabum,
Leafléss Bitter-pea. ‘Tranéate Phebaliatr
Dilkeynia hispida, Psoralea tenax,

Rough Parrat-pea. . ough Scurt-pea.

Wiet, Nat.

148 Aupas, The Victorian Grampians Vol. 63
Epocris impressa, var. lowentosa, Pultenwa matirs,
Common Heath, Soit Bush-pea.
Encalyptus alpina, Totratheca ciara,
Grampians Gunz. Pink-eyo.
Grevillee alping, Theryptomene calycina,
Mountain Greville. Bushy Heath-myrtle.

In the 1850's caine Dr. (Jater Baron} von Mueller, Wilhelmi,
and Dallachy to the Grampians, greatly augmenting the pioneer
records of the Major. D_ Sullivan (resident at Moyston) was an
assiduous collector of Grampians flora in the ‘seventies, sending all
his finds (including many mosses) to ithe Baron; two endemic
species (Caleana Suflivanit and Calytrixy Suliivantt) honour his
meinory. Charles Fretich, sen., Carl Walter and H. B, Williamson
were later collectors, rhe last-named botanist discovering on Mt.
Abrupt a new and remarkable species of Grevilleo (GC. Wilhamsont
F.v.M., now alas presumed exter). St. Eloy D’Alton made the
northern portions his chief hunting ground and added mmnech to
the elucidation of the flora; his sons initiated the writer into many
botanic and other secrets, accompanying him on numerous excur-
sions through these mountains, near which they had heen fortunate
to spend their lives. Messrs. H. Smith and A. J. Swaby are
familiar with the lesser known Black Range flora.

The last twenty years have witnessed an ever-increasing flow
of tourist trafic, and good roads and tracks now lead to remote
beauty spots formerly difficult of approach, Many hotanists have
made short visits here since the Grampians were opened up as a
tourist resort, but stich recent collectings have heen mostly scrappy
and superficial, without establishing any further new records.

Forestal growth- embraces at least fifteen eucalypt species, the
shrubby E. alpma alone being restricted to the area. Messimate
and Grey Gum yield merchantable timbers and attain the dimen-
sions of tall rain-forest trees under an animal precipitation of nearly
40 inches. They were formerly milled, as are the valuable giant
Red Gums of Victoria Valley and elsewhere. Oyster Bay Pines.
(Calhtris tasmanice) are attractive as bushy small pyramidal trees
on rocky hillsides, especially at the south of the Mt. Witham and
Serra ranges. Certain she-oaks, tea-trees, paper-harks, bottle-
brushes, wattles {notably the Blackwood), ballorts (‘cherries’),
tanksias and hakeas also attain the stature of trees,

Scrub vegetation coniprises a great wealth of the fezume, myrtle,
protead, and heath families, several handsome twiners, numerous
orchids and lilies and ferns, while the humbjer Victorian plants at
nieadow, swamp and tunnel are there in good measure. Let us
take some of the famihes seniatim, and mention their more colour:
ful and/or fasciating representatives ;

crane? Aupas, The Victorias Grancpions 139

Flowerless Types

Mosses are a feature of dripping rock ledges and sheltered
canyons, often forming a green carpet as foothold for small
epacrids and the dainty Purple Bladderwort. Fungi are numerous
in season, the luminous Ghost Fungus (Plerxrotes famtpas) being
noteworthy, Lichens abound among and upon the racks, surely
the most lovely being Coral Lichen (Cledonia retipera), which
occurs in rounded creanyy-white ciishions, sometimes a foot wide,
on Wonderland” and other high parts. Twa dozen different fers,
inchiding three tree-fern species (Cydthea australis, Dichsenia
artayctice and Todeo. barbara) may be sought along shaded creeks
and in ravines, The hardy and well-known Bracken, Maides-hair,
Necklace-fern, Soft Water-fern and Shield-fern are conspicuous,
and there are three Coral and Fan ferns and three polypodies.

Grasses and Sedges

All the best known Victorian kinds are to he found. The
neeful Wallaby-grasses (Danthomea) and the plumy Spear-grasses
(Stita) each number five species. Wire-grass (Totrarrhena
juicea) oabtrudes its harsh tangled stems in clumps of scrub,
especially near swamps, The family Restionacee includes ten plants
of the Grampians and occurs in great profusion on swaimpy sandy
und ; fawering “tassels” of Resteo tetraphytius are a particularly
ne sight. Large tussocks of Red-friit Saw-sedge (Cahmia tetra
gonocarp2) and Button. Bog-rush (Gymnorschacuns sphoera-
cephalus) are the giants atnong Cyperacee, which numbers at least

44 species here, There are nine species of Juncus.

Lilies

On green turf and moist places generally, lilaceous plants flourish
—starlike in yellow, white or blue, e.g., Bulbine, Early Nancy and
Blue-star (squill) types. Nodding Blue-lily (Stypandya glauea)
and metallic, papery-flowered Tinsel-lily (Calectasia cyanea) are
Jovers of sandy places and have glorious azure blooms, whereas
the Flax-lilies (Dianella) and Turquoise Berry “(Drymophita)
flaunt bright blue berries in season. Tinsel-lily looks more like a
heath and is not to be found anywhere else in Victoria, though
accurring also in South and Western Australia. More remarkable
still ts the distribution of Pineushion Lily (Sorya atitida) which is
restricted to far south-west Australia, except for the ane occurrence
at Hall's Gap in the Grampians. Over 30 members of Liheced
are at home here, the largest and niost spectacular heing Southern
Grass-tree (Xantharrhoea angtratts) which is frequent about Me.
Zero, the Victoria Valley, ete, its immense kangaroo-tail-like
flowering spikes pointing skyward for up to twelve feet.

(To he continued, )

140 Wricur, fit the Nigkteep National Forest, Md ny mal

IN THE NIGHTCAP NATIONAL FOREST
Ry F. S. Wren, Melbourne,

During a visit last year to Byrom Bay on the forth coast of New South
Wales; sume 40 miles sonth of the Queensland horder, we heard af Minyon
Falls in the Nightrap National Forest. The Falls are described in a book-
let issued by the Forestry Comuusyion, NSW. and this reserve sounded
most attractive.

More recently, jn May, 1946, the jwriter and a Friend (henceforth referred
to as “Doc.") were again at Byron Hay. We decided to. visit the falls, and,
in aliswet to enquiries, jound that the best way to get there from Byron
Bsy was via Mullumbiniby and Coonergaccy ta Repentance Creek settle-
ment, thence up the eastern end of the Nightcap Range—a distance of
abaut 26 miles. :

The whole drive from Mullumbimby is very beautiiul, through steeply

uadulaiing daicy and banane country, with some pincapple plantations here
and there. Many distant views a¢ obtained of Lerywox Head, Broken Head,
Byron Bay and Chinkwoga, the extinct yolcano overlooking Mullumbimby-
Beyond, to the north, tise the MacPhersim Ranges, the bomdary betweeti
New South Wales and Queensland. :
_ The last three miles or so. are spectacular, Og the right the momntaing
iall away very steeply w5 a beautiful valley dotted with dairy and banana
farms, This Is the Walley or gorge of Repertance Creek, the waters of
whreh come over Minyon Pails. Large trees, mostly eucalypts, including
Senbbly Gums, are everywhere. The descent into the Minyon Gorge
appeared most precistous and, where we first made a stop to look over,
we considered any descent quite impossible (although Inter we actually
went down near that spot),

Al the head of the gorge are the falls, iv ane clear verical drop of about
500 feet. Our first view of them was from about 3 inile away, and at this
distance the amiiunt of water sderiy to farm littl, more than a thread of
white as it descends,

The valley below is. apparently, an impenetrable mass of large jungle
trees. and other growths, amongst which numbers of giant bangalow palms
predominate at the bottom. The walls of ihe gorge on Ute opposite, souili-
western, side are very steep, although anastly covered with yegetatlon, but
at its licad the vocky preciptees are so sheer that only a few patches of moss
and fern show up om the otherwise completely bare rock.

The gotte proper &, perhaps, a mile and a hail long and half a mile
wile, with an average depth of about 800 feet, extending downwards from
the falts m a sauth-easterly eircetion. :

We were oii the north-east brink, and, after taking in this general aspect,
continued along the gocd metalled road, which passes by the head af the
fall at a distance of only 100 yards or so. We parked our car here at a
ficale ground, and walked to the eveck, which is full af benlders and rocky
edges, amongst which the water cascades to the brink af the escarpment.
The fall is quite sudden: at one instant the water is travelling normally in
its rocky bed, atl (he next af is hurtling inti spade am its great free Sail to
the valley far beneaih,

At no position on the top could we sec any sign of the creek below the
falls; it wad completely niasked by dense jungle vegetation, We boiled
the hilly and decided to seek out someone wie could tel) us whether there
wus a sale descent. First, we went a mile or so, still ott a good metalled
read more or less patalicl wlth the Repentadee Creek, ia heavy forest
country above the falls, An idea of the water going over was gained fram
a coad crossing the creek—a cemented ford, about three or four inches deep
and about three car leaeths wide:

We then turned back, passed the falls and stopped for 3 moment again

Piaaber)

1946 Warricar, In ihe Nigktoug Nutional Porest 4

where we had ovr first best views of the gorwe. Mere Doc. tack a few
phntas. Continuing back down the road to Repentance Creek settlement,
we asked a man whether we could get wite the gorge below the falls. He
offered to take us there ald we gladly accepted; so he got into the car and
directed us back up the road toward the picnic gruund,

We left the car at a pomt where the first good yiew of the gorge &
nbtaincd—-a convement garkivg spot. “A quarter mile walk up the road
fraught Us aliost to“the point where we had taken photos, and where we
had considered any descent to be impossible.

There was tlo track at all, but our guide {Mr, Roy Williams, a local
hanana grower) sail this was the usual way down, Sa we-started working.
zig-zag fashian, aang the slap and were soon below the precipitots rocley
walls that had seemed practically vertical, I began to wolder how we
would ever get wp again, The slope was such that we had to hold on to
biishes, little trees, and tussocks of grass to prevent sliding. Often it was
best to sit down and slither for a few det aver sbort steeper slopes.

Enormous and beautiful trees towered above ux, some 180 ta 200 feet.
Although, on the (cad above, it was a brilliantly, clear swiny day, we were
soon in complete shade wich increased as we slid and scrambled down.

Adter gone dow perhaps 2M) or 400 fcet, the inclination, decreased
somewhat, although still very steep, with boulders strewn everywhere.
Jungle vines had ta be dodged or crawled beneath, Ejyaphytic creepers were
plentiful around mahy trees and seemed to bite into the bark of thelr hosts.
Here and there, “lawyer canes” caught an to our clothing and had te be
torn free or disengaged, as we scrambled ahout ‘Then we entererd the
zone of bangalow palnas, although this did not seem Lo include any lesser
quantity of great trees. Most of these were quite unknown to me, bot
Williame pointed out “Blackbutt” and “Box” (reddish smooth bark) which
predominate among the eucalypts nresciit.

Barigalow palms persist right to the bottom and shelter masses of = plant
looking not wilike New Zealand Flax, although the leaves have po apprect-
alle fibre strength. These plants shot out all possibility of a view and at
tmnes we could not even see each other at 2 few feet apart, Remains of
the summer crop of Fungi were noticed ao many rotten Ings; some were
about the size of a melon. 1 had taken some labels with me in the hope
of getting a few botanical specimens, but T made no attempt to do so; my
hands were fully accupied hetping myself along.

Finally, after nearly an hoor, we made the brink of the creek or fiver,
whase bed is full of toulders and practically efear of vegetation for a width
of perhaps ten to twelye yards. On cither side tower great trecs which
Practically meet overhead, hut the bangalow palms seem to predominate by
the water. Hundreds of stag and elk-horn ferns adorn trees along the river
and, to a Jesser extent, thove farther ap the slopes: One palm trenk was
covered with about eight or a dozen of these great ferns for a height from
15 fect up ty about 30 fect. Some af them were as much as five pr six
feet across. Literally thousands of young bangalow palins, mostly anly a
few inches high, geow in the seil and finer debris along the creck bawk-
Smaller ferns and niosses abotmd everywhere,

Having reached the bottermn, Doc. ‘and I were in necd of @ spelt, Mr.
Williams was as fresh as a cricket ald suggested scrambling at once up
the creek hed to the base of the falls, bur we were reckoning on ibe energy
needed for our réturn, partkularly as We bad ottly started the descent at
about 3 pm, and the sum was to set at about S15. Sa, while we cested,
Wilhianis. wet up the creek some distarice, Doc. liad his litue camera and
exposure-meter, Tt was so dark (althnugh above, chinks of the bright,
sunny sky could be seen) (hat. an S-second expose of FB aperture was
necessary—about wermal for an “inside seap.”

42 Weronn, It the Nagitcap National Forest eet ae

About 4.15 we started the climb out, and it mas a climb, JT had asked
Williams about orchids. He said there were matiy near the falls, where
the spray kept everything moist over a large area, but of course we missed
seeing these. However, he soon pointed ont colonics of orchids growing
on cuicalypts, mostly blackbutt, in clusters of from two or three to as many
as 30 or so. They were mostly high up -70 or 100 feet perhaps. They
seem to be rooted in the somewhat rough bark on the dark lower parts of
the blackbutts. At this time of year they were uot if flower, and Wilhams
could only say that the flowers -were of yarious colours. I doubt if he
seally knew, because all we saw appeared to be one variety.. Each plant
was about ten or twelve inches wide,

Williams led us out bya slightly different route which was, I think, rather
hetter going. However, 1 puffed and sweated, and was so engaged in pull-
mg and climbing that | had do time to worry titch about Doe, Frequent
rosis, were essential for us, although ovr hardy Williams seemed able te
leap from rock to rock without either concern or distress.

As we ascended, the slope grew steeper and sleeper. and soon it was
almost a matter of going on hands and ‘imees, clutching at everything
availahle. Near the top, we skirted along the hase of a small precipice and
then scrainbled up-a diagonally slaping fissure in the rocks, Actually, with
care, the trip was not dangerous, for it would have been practically inypossible
to fall any distance because of the thick brush.

We walked hack to the car, and were saon dawn to the Repentance Creek
bridges, where we parted from Mr. Williams most affably. He would not
accept anything for his guidance and said he would take us apaim if we
ever came back, The whole descent and ascent cook only, two atid a half
hours, but we should have needed w whole day to allow ai more spells and
a better exptoration of this most worderfal gorge.

J saw neither bird, mammal, nor reptile In the gorge, but signs of wallaby
were seen about hali way down, and the eutrances oF small birrrows were
noted itr the toe of the steepest part. These may have sheltered some sort
of small marsupial. We heard @ bird like the whip-bird, bit very loud—
perhaps this was caused by the confining effect of the jungle. Doc, said
that, when we were zt the top of the falls, he had naticed a flock of birds
in the angela palm tops, but these would not have been visible from
neneath.

List of Principal Hardwoods ond Bricshwonds in the Nightcap National
Forest.

: (Adapted fron booktet issued by the Forestry Commission, N.S-W-)

Tardwoods *

Blackbutt (Eucalyphis pilnloris).
Blan¢wood (2. gwmmifera)..
Tallawwood (EB, micracorys),

Whire Mahogany (#, triattthw).

Red Mahopany (Z. resinfero}, ,

Ble Gum ¢&.. saligna)

Forest Ked Guim (E, fereticarnis),
Scribbly Gum (2. heemastomey,
Brushbox (Tristania ceuferta),
Turpentine (.Syiidorpia. procera),
Brown Salwood (4eacia imsplexa).
Forest She-oak (Casuarina toritosa). ,
Brush Cypress Pine (Collitris Macleuyana),

Pelenaed

1046 Werert, In the Nighleap National Forest 44)

Brushwoads ;
Yellow Carrabeen (Sloanca ‘It? vollsit),
Cherry Birch (Schizemrerta ovate).
Scented Satinwood (Ceratopetalum apetalanr).
Brush Mahogany (Getssois Bouthamt),
Corkwood (Ackamea Muellert)-
Silver Quandong C£fueocar pus grasidis).
Black Beau (Castanosperninns atustrale),
Sassatrag (Daphuandra micrantha).
Orleais Plum (Chrysophyllum pruntferne).
Rose Walnut (Badiandra discolor).
White Walnut (Cryptacaryn obawata).
Bolly Woad (Litsea reticulata},
Parsnip Wee (Protian onstratasicum)—mas southerly locality on

recor :

Tulip Oak (Tarrictia argyradendrar),
Eugenia, Myrties, etc.

THYLACINE AND THYLACOLEO. °

A probable ancestor of the present-day carnivorous TAslacire, the
"ager" of Tasmania, was Thilacaleo, a fossil form known vernaculatly
as the marsupial tion of Queensland) This fossil form was about the
sive of the present Afnecan species, and evidently a bone cater, as it had
only one back tooth on cither side of each jaw — formidable crushing
tecth. Many forsil bones show marks of teeth apparently made by the
marsupial lion. When the Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union held
its anual session in Launceston in November, 1913, an dlustrated fec-
ture on the wild life of Queensland was given by me in the art gallery,
Amongst other illustrations, I screened a picture of a suggested recon-
structian pi Thylacoleo running on its hind legs. From the structure
of its fossil remains this primeval creature was suggusted by a paleantoln-
gist to be able to adopt this meéthod af Ipcomotion. The pose, as given
to tne, was tmentioned in my lecture. Act the conelusiat of my remarks
an elderly man stated that he was 4 breeder of sheep. During the winter
months the thylacines were npt to harry his flocks, When this occurred,
aid to drive off the marautlers, he took a pack of dogs to pick up their
scent, and to beln to chase them, When the tigers were driven into the
snow, some of them, int an endeavour to mislead the hunters, ran off
on their bind legs, thus leaving only two pigs instead of four—A. H_ E.

MATTINGLEY,

BENDIGO F.N.CV.

At the annual mecting of the Bendigo branch of the Club, held on Sep-
tember Lith, steady progress for the year was reported. The branch has 29
full members 2nd 18 associate members. whilst 7 mew members were
proposed for the new year entered upoo. The club ictlowed the action of
the parent club in Melbourne im electing the Hon. Seeretary as President
for 1946/47. Mr John C. Ipeen is well-known for his interest in botany
and ornithalogy and the parent boy congratulates him on his accession ta
the presidential chair

The cetiring President, Mr Mare Cohn, who has gives sound service in
the formatian of the branch, delivered the presidential address, entitled “Bird
Photography,” wath epidiascope itlustraticans.

Ata tecent Bendigo Rotary Cluh gathering, another active FNC, member,
Mr. ITugh Milne, addressed Rotarians on the importance of fauna and flora
preservation in the district.

144 A Century Agu Today ae

A CENTURY AGO TODAY

Mount Faraday, wt the Great Dividing Range, stands at Lhe sources of
the Nogoa and Warrego Rivers in the extreme south-west of Leichhardt
district, Queensland. The tirst white man to ascend and descrihe it was
Sir Thomas Mitchell, in his retreat irom the search foe a food overland
rolite fram Sydney to the head of Carpentaria Gulf, He Found the Faraday
region a wildflower paradise and wrote as follows in his diary:

“With October, 1846—We coummenced our retteat with cattle and horses
in fine condition, and with water in every crevice af the corks, That in the
the reedy swamp near the pyramids had a sulphurcous tase, and nausea
and weak stomach. were complained of by some of the men... . T went to
the summit of Mit. Faraday, and... ascertained the beight, by barometer,
to be 2523 feet above the sea. The plants growing there were Comnetna
inaulota, Thysanotizs elatior, Plectranthus parvifierus, the yellow Vigor
lanceolata, a villous form of Ayxnge custralis and a little Piletheca with
narrow, close-appressed leaves (/?. ctliafa Hook. ms.J... . Many beautiful
shrubs were now beginning to bloom, The Byrsava ieena was now
covered with its panicles of white flowers; the Ovothomnnus diosmefolius
{=Helehrysum diosmifoliwm), a,shrub four teet high, was loaded with
sraail Bulbs of snow white Rowers: 2 downy. variety of Lotter atistralts, with
pink flowers, was common on the open ground; the 4eacia podalpriefolia
was naw forming its fruity in the open forest we found a beautiful little
Gempholodinw [G. fottolosum Benth. ms.J. 2‘. Mr. Stephenson and 7 had
heen so busy collecting these on our way back that we only reached the
caine at sunset,” —- -

MUELLERI MEMQRIA FLORET

This day (October 10) marks the fiiticth anuiversary af the death of
Baron Sir Ferdinald von Mueller, founder of the Melbourne Herhariuri,
nestor among “\ustralizn men of science, an ardent Victorian field haturalist,
and beloved friend of aJl who were privileged to know him,

Avy reference here to the varied accomplishments of this great man,
during bis 44 years as Government Botanist of Victoria, would fe super-
fiuous, Today his spirit permeates almost every book and Solider af the
vast State collection that he called together.

Our Club will Juanour the aniversary by a pilgrimage to Muellér's grave,
and ii is hoped that many will visit St, Kilda Cemetery for this purpose
anu Saturday afteradon, October 12. Next -yoar is the centenary ot Baron
vot! Muetler’s. arrival jix Australia, Would it not be tilting for Australians
to recognize the occasion hy a commemorative postage stamp, with attractive
Roral malit? JAW

ERRATA

Referring to the article “Observations on Australian Spiders” (ict, Nut.,
April, 1946), Mr. R. A. Duntt points aut that he is responsible for only
portions af pp, 224-229, otherwise his sole contsibution was mm reading and
suggesting alterations to the text of the original paper.

Tit Mes. Edith Coleman's article, “Foods of the Tawny Frogmanuth”
(ite, Nat, Sepiember, 1944), the following typographical corrections, ere
uccessary:—P_ 114, fifth line in third paragraph: for “on instinctive action,”
read “an ibstimctuive action.” P, 17§. second line in frst paragraph; jor
“fresh diet,’ read “flesh diet.” PL 115, cigidh line in fourth paragraph:
jar “his garden,” read “this garden.”

It 5 regretted that the dlustration accompanying Mr. S, T, Blalce’s
arsicle, “A New Species of Scirpus” CMuN Sept, 1946) was accidemrally
verted in the press—Icy,

The Victorian Naturalist

Val. 63.—No. 7 NOVEMBER 20, 1946 No. 755

PROCEEDINGS

The monthly meeting of the Clul was held om October 14, 1946,
at the Lecture Hall of the Public Library, the President (Mr. F, S.
Coiliver) presiding and about 180 members and friends attending.

The President announced the recent passing of Mrs. Geo,
Coghill, wife of one of our oldest members, and daughter of our
second President, Rev, J, J. Halley. Representatives of the Ciub
had attended the funeral service and a wreath was sent.

The Dunlop Rubber Company wrote stating that its plans for a
village at Beaumaris were still in the very early stage, but they did
intend to haye parklands and playgrounds in the area, and when
the time was opportune would seck advice from experts such as the
Club suggested.

The President thanked all who had assisted at the Nature Show
and stated that results were well worth while, The show was equal
to any we have ever staged (this in spite of transport difficulties),
and several new methods of lay-out were a feature of the display.
The three Discussion Groups revealed their value to the Club, and
the results to date showed that approximately £130 was received
and about £35 paid out.

The President announced that Mr. Les Woolcock, a young
member, had recently joined the C,5.L.R, and would be transferzed
to Canberra at the end of the month. On the Club's behalf he
expressed good wishes.

The following were elected; As Ordinary Member, Mr. R. H,
Adains; as Country Members, Mrs, Mary Norman-Bale, Miss
Julia Norman-Bale, Messrs. Hurst Gray and Ray Verity.

Questions asked by members included the following: Does the
Indian Mynah in Australia migrate? (Answer: No.) Are there
any Lyrebirds at Healesville Sanctnary or the Wild Life Saze-
tuary? (Answer: There is a pair at Healesville. )

THE WEDGETAILED EAGLE

Under the heading “Does the Wedgetailed Eagle Deserve Pro-
tection ?, Mr. F. G. Elford took into consideration various reports
that have appeared in the Press and gave the results of his
attempts to follow wp such reports. It was suggested that the
Wedgetailed Eagle was a good control on rabbits, and that the
C,S,..R. should be asked to investigate this pomt. Further, it was
suggested that what mainly operated agamst the eagle was the

146 Field Naturalists’ Chik Proceedings be sete be

general public's wrong ideas concerning the bird, which smpres-
sions were fostered by the newspaper photographs and feperts.

Mr, V_II. Miller, who had read of a Wedgetailed Eagle carrying
off a full-grown wallaby, asked Mr. Elford if this were possible,
Mr. Elford replied that he had checked up several such statements
and tral fond that the animals called wallabies ranged from the
Great Grey Kangaroo to the short-nosed Rat-Kangaroo; it sas
cerlainly impossible for the bird to carry off the first-nanred aiunal.
but it would be comparatively easy for the second to be taken,

Mr, A. 1D. Hardy, commenting, stated that rhe Poest league
was in favour of protecting the eagle. On one occasion there
appeared in a newspaper published in the Upper Murray district
an announcement that the Graziers’ Asseciatiom had resolved to ask
forthe protection of the Wedgetail.

EXHIBITS

Mrs. M, Pinches: Earth-star fungus.

Miss Helen Knjep: Collection of pressed Australian wild flowers.

Mz. and Mrs. E. Muir: Thorny plagianth (Playsanthys nicrophyllus), a
flawering and fruiting specimen from the Dimboola district,

Mr, A. N. Carter: Specimens of Luontphulus norttit from Cave Hill
quarry, Lilydale, showing the cavity partly filled with calcite crystals

Mr. J. D. Seaton: Collection of cultivated native flowers.

Mr. C. French: Orchids—Ca/eona antnor (Small Duck Orchid) fram the
Grampians; Pteragivlts curta (Blunt Orchid), specimens with two and three
flawers on the’ one stem (specimens collected at Warrandyte by Mise
Stanton of East Camberwell); Prerostylis grandiflora (Blunt Greenhood),
collected at Belgrave; Dendrobium striolafum (Streaked Rock Orchid) from
East Gippsland.

Mrs. Lyndon: Mistletoe (Loranthus execarpi) mfesting three differciit
types af veretatian in the You Yangs area, namely, tha snowy iat bush,
sheoak and sweet bursaria; photograph ol nest and eggs of the Silver Gull,
laken in the Altona marshes,

AUSTRALIAN TREES IN THE AZORES

The seven small islaids comprsing the Azores archipelago fie in) the
wind-swept Ailantic, 1200 miles south-westerly from Land's End and 800
miles west of Gaibcattar. Writing in the Gardeners’ Chronicle, May 4, 1946,
Mr. Stanley Pittman draws attention to the value of Australian trees and
shrubs fore protective plantations in agricultural and horticultural practice ;
he instances Blackwood, Sweet Pittosporum, Banksia and Eucalyptus species,
ali c® which have found a conpenial home there.

It is claimed that the increased wooded surface of the islands, taking place
mainly toward the close of last century, has been responsible for » slow
but definite effect on the clirmate—peridds of summer drought have been
shortened, but the wet seasons dangerously prolonged. Eticalypts are stated
ta absarh amd retura ta the atmosphere (as vapour} abour ten times their
own weight of water [daily?], and the Portuguese Forestry Commission
exercises contro! of all planting, This opens up the old, highly contentious
question, "De forests affeet rainfall?"—P\F.M.

Wovember |

1986 Conemas, Fvagmouths tt the Garden 147

FROGMOUTHS IN THE GARDEN
By Exity Coteman, Blackburt, Vic,

After reading Dr, Serventy's interesting paper on the feeding
habits of the Frogmouth (Emu, Oct., 1936) I decided to watel the
birds closely and to make fuller notes on those that frequented this
garden—which is not a garden in the accepted sense of the word,
but really a piece of the Australian bush in which we have gradually
carved our home and garden. It offers especially good observation
ground, being almost equal to natural conditions.

Here are no moist, bied-haunted lawns, but plenty of native
griss growing under the trees, chiefly encalypts (messmate and
stringybark), a few acacias, and pittosporums under which the
Frogmouths love to forage. Until recently three very tall sugar-
guns (£, cludvecalyr) domimated the garden, but they swayed so
alarmingly ina high wind, and have such brittle wood, that it wae
decided to have them cut down to within two feet of the ground.
The extra space afforded, as well as the fat-topped stumps, gave
the Fragmenths playgrounds in which they seemed to delight.

T had watched these birds for years, never without recaliing
Kiphng's “The long and the short of itis that we don’t inatch our
hackgrounds,” T had watched the mother Frogmouth cruuch along
a bough as though she were a part of it, or “nothing in particular.”

-I had many times seen her “freeze” into her broken-branch atti-
tude, stretching her body vertically so that ito wavy markings
harmonized niarvellously with ridges and furrows of the branch
behind Her. To an unpractised eye she was lost to view.

Hier greatest protection is the blend of greys and browns in her
egloucing, streaked, blotched and splashed in such a way that not
only is her outine broken up, but she appears to be merely a
jumble of shadows and streaks of sunlight filtering through the
boughs,

Other parent birds, when alarmed, crouch in their nests, beak
held where it is least likely to betray a, bird, wnrecognizable as
anything more than a piece of grass or a short stick. But the
Frogniouth has never learned to hide in a nest. She broods with
flattened feathers thal seem to dintinish her great size, often with
neck éxtended vertically to its fullest extent—to the human mind
a rather cruel pose. With the heads of two babies peeping through
her feathers, like guns through the port-holes of a ship, she may
hold thig turret-like pose for hours, mever seeming to ynberd, even
to fondle a nestling. '

The following notes, jotted down as they occurred, are evidence
of the Frogmouth’s attachment to one particular locality, She is
truly a “hird of the hearth.” Where there are gaps in the notes, I
was either away from home or otherwise prevented fram watching
the birds.

148 Coneman, Frogmonths in the Garden Vict, Spt:

Early in November, 1943, 1 had been watchmg tour Frogmouths
fora week or two. There were two idults and two young, perched
in the trees during the daytime, flying about the garden at dusk.
They had probably nested in the garden, but 1 had missed that
phase. As they appeared to leave their daytime perches at almost
exactly the time when our street lights were switched on (artificial
summertime}, 1 begatt to time them, and to make other notes as I
stood watching them.

Fach evening at dusit I saw them drop at about 9 p.n., taxi
along the ground, dive heaks into the grass, taxi along a little
jurther and dive agaw. Wangs were spread as they sed their
bills,

Nov. 2}st: As I wished to find out what they obtained from the
grass, ] lay on a cane iounge under the eaves of the sumimer house,
eyyered with a dark mg, hat pulled over my eyes, opera glasses in
hand. The birds had never seemed to worry about my great
imerest in them, either in the daytime or evening, but in this way
I should have a eloscr view, as they were in the hahit of foraging
near the summer house. With the glasses 1 was able to watch
every movement af the birds on their high perches, as they waited
for the evening “call,” They Hew to the ground at my feet, and
ene alighted on the foot of the lounge. They would, three at once,
alight on a water pipe just above a small pool, but took no interest
in the pool, A new call, a “squeak” close to me. A young one, °
T thought. '

Nov. 22nd: No sign of Frogniouths all day or at night. Probably
in trees beyond ihe garden proper.

Nov, 24th: Birds hack in tree at 7 ayn, (Had not lonked om the
evening of 25th.) Greenies shrill at them, Spinebills, too, 1 think,
Preening a lot. Feathers drawn through the bill for long period,
Saw one shake a tuft of feathers off its bill with some effort, Sun-
lover's, Pretty to see greal wings stretehed fo full extent, often
arched to, miect aver back. Eagle-like they look then. Bob and
peer down atime like a cockatoo on his perch, Sleep with bill on
breast, All are perching properly, not crouching as one so often
sees these birds crouch. Seem to hke the ofd, oper gums. Don't
go into densely foliaged shelter, Turn at times during the day, but
towards dusk face the west watil time to leave their perches. “Side-
step” quite long distances along a bough for change of position,
hke soldiers closmy in after dressing from right or deft. Parents
together all day, Young apart on next bough.

Nov. 26th, pan.: Seattered some mralworms and watched frany
the lounge. Saw birds drop vear, Pieked up something several
times, which I was to learn later were beetles. ‘The mealwornts
move quickly and, doubtless, soon disappeared into tusaocks,
Three together on a garden seat, Not yet dark. Seat nataral
colour Of wood, so fairly light and easily seen by birds. Flew to a

movant | Copeman. Frogmouths in the Gordes 149
light Wood lattice table, rhe other one io Mat top of sugar-gurh
stunip, ji light colour probably making it an casy landing stage.
Prefer gpen spaces.. Apparently need “some” light.

Dee. 4th, pari; Young about: the trees. Saw parents fly low,
then Ay 1p ta feed young on boles uf trees. Yourig would attempt
to follow paremts, then cling to first tree they reached.

Dec, 12th, p.m.= Dropped at ten minutes to 9:

Dee, 13th, p.m.: Dropped at tight to 9, Lights on at that time,
Appeared to go to bed again at 10.25 p.m. Watched them get
ready to drop; stretehed wings. One left first, creeping up trunk
uf free like a mouse or big beetle, before dropping. Must use bell
or tail as a climbing organ, T think. Watched them in paddock,
from tree to tree, clinging to boles, alighting ow low branches,
probably fo get correct -focus on ground prey. Did not forage
among branches. One young one nearly walled over by inember
of family coming down path. Is hearing poor? Seemed gatly to
disappear fur the night. Ti, as it seems, they are only feeding for
about an hour and a half, they must staré foragang very carly in
the morning ta secure enough food. What a long day without
food or water! Saw one sidle along branch at ¥ 20 pm. (artificial
time}, then all disippeared.

Dee. 14th: T rose at a quarter to 5 (summer time, really quarter
to 4, bird tine). Frogmouths not m paddock or garden, J ihink,
Ten minutes later they were moving about among the trees ucar
summer house, They appeared about to settle for the day. Would
be tao dark, one thought, to forage among trees, and possihly
getting toe light fur them in the more open paddock. Probably
had their “one crowded hour’ before 1 tose. Beaunful to see
them, three together, scrounging together, leaning.all one way: The
male bird tow appears to perch apart from the others,

Dec. 14th, pan.: Lights on at hve to 9 but birds did not drop.
Vivid sunset. Glow stilh in western sky, which birds faced. Tach
geve a little jump, as if testing feet, then dropped at five past 9.
Babies had heen alone all day, Male, at first ahove them, was
joined by mother. She had feet and- part of legs clasped round
hough, toes, of course, not meeting, so that her breast rested on the
hough (seen from below). Much preening and wing-stretching
usually tales place before the birds drop, Give little startled turns
af the head, as if listening. Although they always drop io the
graund first, [ think a Intle hunting is done among the trees. Came
in at 9,30,

Dee. 15th, am. : Birds in pairs today at 7 a.m., but at other times
mother and babies were together, Photographed. Male not in-
cluded in photo, though not far away.

Dec. 13th, p.m.: Dropped at 9.10. Sell-feirly light in open
spices, Flew from low branches to ground many times. Ran
along ground, witigs open. Many beetles emerging Flew close

B

151) Cownstan, Frogmonths in the Gardex hades het

to my head several tunes, Don’t they “see” mer Almost bump
into me, In Windy weather they perch “along” a bough, but on
calm days across it as other birds perch. Due, perhaps, to small
feet. Crouch rather than perch. Saw young one walking up
trunk as if using till as a third foot.

Dee, 16ih, am,: Beautiful ta see how three of the birds have
settled so that a big horizontal bough makes a wall against sonih
wind and gives overhead shelter. Saw them thus at 7 aan, Did
they foreknow the weather? Rain did not come till 7.30 a.m.
Male under a leafy branch.

Dec. 17th, p.m: Down at 9 oclock, ro sugar-gumy stump.
Surprisingly light. Three on log at once, then jump the short
distance to ground, then back to log or low branches, as if watching
for movenient ou ground before pouncing. Went to paddock soon
after. One dropped six leet froin vie as I stood against the fence.
Squeak. Was it something on the fence, or on ground? Prefer
to drop in open spaces; fly between the holes; clear and fairly
bright, so perhaps do not really love darkness as we have supposed.
Can still see sky through branches which are nol thickly foliaged,
so could work quite late. On moonlit nights it shoukl be easy to
forage among these guns. 1 came in at 9.30. They were still
active,

Dec: 18th: Fine day. Not “under” branch, Three together,
perched just like other birds.

Dee. 18th, pm.: Down at 9 p.m, Almost touched me, perched
on law fence within six meches of my face. Made noise as of
stationary steam enpine, a rhythmic, somewhat hissing sqund-
Three at once on stump, Took broken branch attitude when little
white dog romped underneath them.

Dec, 19th: Three together again, Male distant. Wheelbarrow,
nigved below, caused all four to “freeze.” Held pose for a long
time. Froze again in afternoon when visitors taken to see them.
Beautiful to see four in Bittermtike atlitude, (Have seen three
Kookaburras freeze in exactly the sayne attitade.)

Dec. 19th, p.m.: Down at 9.10. Street lights on, but not dark
until nimch later, Seem fo run along ground like a landing plane’s
“ran-up’ before stopping. Just like animals at play in the grass.
Not afraid of me. Do they see me? Settle so near me, on table,
seat or lounge. Can see nothing, yet they certainly get something
when they pounce,

Dec. 20th, p.m.: Down ai five past ¥. Again that pretty Little
chick-like run along the ground when they drop, or like 4 broody
hen when she leaves Ger eggs,

Dec. 21st, ain.: Very warm. Too hot to sit close. All separate,
and all perching, not squatting, Peer and bol at me like berking
owls, Wings spread i sui; much preening and “powder-puffing.”
No pellets cast up.

Parent Cousatan, Fragmrorths in the Garden 151

Dec, 27th: Photographed again. Saw two “side-step” quite a
long way. One young one flew across a space of same four feet
to join two of the others.

Dec. 28th: Two perched among slender branches at the ends of
the old gums; just'as conspicuous as any other birds. No attempt
to camouflage, Do they feel too safe here to bother?

Dec, 28th, p.m.; At 9 p.m., when street lights switched on, saw
them wake up and tum to west. Ilad been crouching with tails
to west. Scattered some mealworms, They seemed to run after
them like chicks, A sort of crawl and dive, (I learned later that
they were after heetles, nat the mealworms.} On the grass close
ta me ag I lay on lounge, hat over eyes, Not yet dark. They were
heard in very carly morning on roof of sleep-out, and were seén
fying past its windows before daylight,

Dec, 29th: AIL day three together, Male alone not far away,
My daughter watched irom the lounge and I from a verandah that
gave another view, 1 saw them drop to the stump and play(?),
jumping from it to the clear ground beneath. Then, hiddert front
me by trees, but visible to my daughter, they dived for beetles
which were crawling up grass-stems to “take off” for flight. She
could hear the beetles. One Frogmouth twisted round and dived
for beetles that were behind it, so he must have “heard” them,
My daughter, too, heard the rhythmic engine sound, With the
torch she examined a diving-paint and saw hosts of beetles. So
that question was settled for me. She had experimented with an
artificial monse, drawing it fo her by a long thread of black cotton,
but the Frogmouths were quite mdifferem to il, Beetles were the
attraction,

Dec, 30th: Very hot and windy, Trem their early positions
one might think they fore-knew the day's weather. Allin sheltered
positions with a crotch nearby, The male crouched tn broken
branch attitude far ont on a limb but sheltered by leafy twigs,
All seemed ta feel the heat; biNs agape. Three moved right unto 3
crotch formed by a thick branch and the main trunk. The two
actually in the crotch crouched corfortably. Third one faced wind
and seetied unhappy, Later it moved to where the branch rase
vertically, and so Proke force of wind. He put his bill against
vertical branch as if holding by it. He was almost upnght, clinging
rather than perching.

Dec. 30th, p.m.: Down just as lights switched on. With torch
saw hosts of beetles emerging. Birds both pounce on them and
catch them in the air quite close to the ground. No sustained
hawking.

Dec. 3tst: Hot north wind. Birds in a new tree which gave
better shelter. Visitors again. Possibly my handclapping and
handkerchief-waving, to induce them to perform, annoyed birds.
Or probably the changed position of seats, table, etc., om which they

152 Coteman, Frogmanths im the Garders bet aol ty

had been alighting, perturbed them, Did not see them leave in the
evening. Not in the garden, They probably regarded visitors as
disturbers of their peace. Have disappeared,

. Jan. 17th, 1944: Two Frogmouths back. Separate trees, but
quite close, Dropped at 9.10 p.m. Still fairly light,

ai 18th: Both in same tree, side by side. Young ones prob-
aoly. 4

, Jan, 19th: Both in same tree. Dropped at twelve past 9 p.m.
' Jan. 20th: Close together in same tree. Dropped at 9.10 pn.

Jan. 21st: Broken branch attitude. Chose splendid position
where limb broken off,

Jan. 22nd; Great rain in night, No effect on them, Not under
cover on inorning of 23rd, though still raining. leat distresses
them. Rain does not. Here every day until 27th, but I did not
always see them as they chose different trees, and I was too busy
to search for them, Their perches were betrayed by “whitewash”
beneath. No sign of them after Jan, 27th until April:

Apal 18th: Two in favourite tree as before. Dropped at sixteen
past 6 pan, (normal time). Did not notice street light until 6.30
p.m, Fine sunset. Glow still in the western sky-

. April 19th: Same tree. Dropped af 6.5 p.m, Old birds, I think,
. Jan, 3rd, 1945; Two Frogmonths hack ; old ones, { think. Both
together watil other birds annoyed them. Then on separate boughs
not far apart. One dropped at five past 8, the other at ten past 8,
Had seen many beetles emerging.

| Summing op, I think there is httle doubt that the Fragmouth is
chiefly 2 ground feeder. From stomach analyses, as shown by Dr,
Serventy and others, its dict consists of phasmids, grasshoppers,
weevils, scorpions, spiders, beetles, centipedes, crickets, frogs atvd,
rarely, moths, mice and birds. Add an occasional small handicoot, a
nocturnal ground forager, and it is seen that most of the prey is
wn-winged and taken on the ground, Unsustained hawking flights,
1 think, add winged creatures. [ should expect to find evidence
of more moths, taken from lree trutiks, or in short flights, Tree
foraging probably gives small mammals and birds. He probably
never “pursues” his prey among branches, but pources on them
when they are still, or moving slowly,

Dr. Serventy suggests that the great width of bill which educed
the hawking theory may he regarded as an over-spectalization ; but
its grewt size should be more advantageous in capturing moving
ground prey, than u bill such as thar of the magpie. In cricket
parlance, its great width has widened the bat, or added another
stump to the wicket, From the structure of tail and toes, Gould
believed the Frogmouth to be a climber,

Ht is interesting to note that, on two occasions, I saw one
climbing, with the assistance, I thought, of its bill. I had not

Aeienbe |
1946

CoLeman, Frogmouths in the Gorden 133
noted the use of the tail, but thought it was possibly used as 2
climbing organ,

Watching Budgerigars climb a vertical wall I noticed that the
tail was pressed flat, as if held by suction, but when they climbed
sniall-meshed wire netting I could see that the feathers under the
tail were half-erected, making what might be called a “shingled”
surface, and giving a suter held.

With reference to night screams, I am aware that some authori-
ties accept the word “owl” as used in the Scriptures, as 2 general
term covering night birds, so many of which were regarded with
horror, Shakespeare's screech-owl, night-raven, night-crew may
ali be reierable to the one bird, perhaps the Night-jar, whi
hterally jars the night.

“ICELAND MOSS” APPEARS IN AUSTRALIA

In Febtuary this year some University men explored our far eastern
highlands to became acquainted with the rarer alpine flora and fama, A
very interesting botanical “fnd’' was made by Mr. J. H- Willis, botanist of
the party—a genuine specimen of Ceiroria tslandica Ach., the “Iceland
Moss.” This alpme lichen, somewhat resembling crisp parsley, was foutd
growing among clumps of white Thamuolia vermicularis Shaer. an bare
porphyry. rock at the summit af The Cabboras (five miles fram the N.S.W-_
border, at about 6000 feet). s(t °

All available records to date show this to be a purely boreal ‘species, and
its undoubted occurrence in south-east Australia now provides yet another
link in the slender chain of typically Northern Hemisphere plants which
affect only our highest mountain peaks: Thamanlia vermicularis, Batrachiune
lunaria, Carex canescens, Cyexvta, Gewh webauum and Alchemilla velgarix
are other links in this chain;—P.N.S.B. v

SLAUGHTER OF SEA-BIRDS
(To the Editor) . :

* ; ‘
Sir—My note,on Macquarie Island as reported in Nature Notes of the
Victorian Naturalist, vol. 63, is somewhat at variatice with my statements.
I said that thousands {net millions) of albatross on Laysan Island had -beers
destroyed by the Japanese—practically the whole ‘rookery was slaughtered,
It was mentioned by me that-there. were millions of penguins in the area
exposed to a similar fate if, Macquarie Island was not protected during the
breeding season irom the Japanese and others iv pursuit of oil, At no time
did [ suggest that the Japanese had already destroyed penguins on Macquarie
Yafaiid, although they may have done So in defatilt of a caretaker stationed
thereon, corte - 3 -

¥ours, ete., ‘
AgrHvk Hy. E. Magrixcley,

Melbourne

154 Firay, Ow the Proil of the Marsupiat Wolf es ee

ON THE TRAIL OF THE MARSUPIAL WOLF

By Davin Fueay, Director, Sir Cotin Mackenzie Sanctuary,
Heaiésville.

Past II

. Difficulhes connected with transport and the use of a ttuck
drove us for an interval of several weeks to the great game
Sanctuary of Lake St. Clair. Here, on the advice of Mr. A. D..
Fergusson, one of Tasmania’s best-known characters and an
expert bushman and capable ranger, we made intensive searches
of the Lake Hugel area— lumping the sections of heavy traps
334 miles up a 1,000-feet rise to set thern among the mountain
tarns, stunted pums, low pencil cedars and other snow-line
crows The daily tour around ont traps involved a ten-mile
walk!

Here Jast winter “Fergie” had found tracks in the snow,
revealing the story of'a relentless pursuit by a “Tiger” of a
Bennett wallaby right into the bitterly cold waters of the
Jake, This last refuge, so typical of hard-pressed members of the
kangaroo clan, is evidently no protection from the ‘Thylactne,
which readily follows its prey tito lakes and across rivers, On
the Hugel plateau extremely cold weather usually prevailed,
with snow and piercing winds, One solitary and doubtful footprint
between button grass clumps was the sole piece of evidence
attending our search of the Lake St, Clair region for “Tigers.”
There is every attraction for such predatory animals here, and
undoubtedly there are one or two about, for, thanks to the
protection given this great 365,000-acres reserve, game is par-
ticularly plentiful, especially in such places as the Cuvier
Valley. There is no comparable game sanctuary in any other
Staite, and Tasmania is to be applauded for her foresight.

It is regrettable that the services of so knowledgeable a
tanger as Mr, Fergusson have recently been lost, Such men who
work for the love of wild animals in the bush are few and far
between. Unfortunately for Thylacines living in this remon,
the reserve is surrounded by “hostile” country not conducive
to the safe-keeping of these nomadic animals. -

As previously mentioned, it is undoubtedly true that snares
have caught Thylacines in recent years, just as they have devils,
and in remote areas the term ‘'protected ammal" is meaningless,
particularly when such catnivorous creatures are in the habit
of spoiling the skins of wallabies held in snares. Hunters
génerally never spare the devil, and it, too, may become a rare
creature; but there is every hope that they will stay their hands
in the case of the “Tiger,” especially now that they realise both
its rarity and scientific value_ .

| FiEay, On the Trail of the Marsupial Wolf 155

So far as the West Coast Road is concerned, the decrease
in numbers of the Thylacine on both sides of it in little more
than a decade may be traced fairly easily. This main route to
Queenstown was put through about 1932. In those days tigers
were seen and caught on the road itself, and even now there are
several ‘Tiger Hills’ and at least one “Tiger Creek” (or
“Crick” of the locals).

At the Collingwood River Crossing the Davie family knew
of a female Thylacine with several “cubs,” which approached
the house at night. Unfortunately, but inevitably, with this
new country opened up snarers worked along and off the road
each winter and the “Tiger” began to go.

Then, in 1935, came Rob Warne’s discovery of gold on Ridge
Creek, near the Jane River, Prospectors journeyed there along
a foot track originally made by the piners of the Jane. They
found plentiful tracks of the “Tigers” along this river and its
tributaries, and were intrigued to find that these animals fol-
lowed the human tracks for considerable distances, The piners
and prospectors set only odd snares to keep themselves supplied
with sufficient fresh meat. However, as Mr. Jack Daly (one of
the original diggers of the field) told me, the first systematic
winter snaring of the tracks between the West Coast Road and the
Jane field and Frenchman’s Range began in 1941-42, and has
continued since,

This was a natural consequence of the construction in 1939
of the new pack track, when fifty men were employed in cutting
this new route through the ranges. Most of these men had
dogs, and amused themselves by hunting. Two brothers, opera-
ting a line of snares several seasons back, had 2,000 in use at
one time and they obtained that number at least of “kangaroo”
and wallaby skins in the one winter’s work! So, adding our
recent observations, it is obvious that there is little hope for the
“Tiger” once snaring begins on a wholesale scale, and its dis-
appearance is now proceeding at an alarming pace.

One day at Derwent Bridge Mr, Ron. Brown, driver of a
freight lorry operating between Hobart and Queenstown, told
me that twice within a week, two months previously, he had
seen 2 “Tiger” on the road at night, in the vicinity of the Colling-
wood Range. That was the warmest news we had so fat
received regarding our quarry and J travelled down the road
through the mountains on Ron. Brown’s lorry to the scene of
his meeting with the animal. It had turned off into a quarry
the first time, and on the second occasion had quietly faded into
the scrub another hundred yards beyond, Early January found
our camp at the foot of the long Collingwood Range close by the
Collingwood River, and within half a mile of the scene of Mr.

156 Fieay, On the Trail of the Marsupial Wolf ae

Brown's “Tiger” locality. The bare conglomerate mass of Mt.
Hardy, showing white outcrops of quartzite, stood to the east
of us, with the impressive mass of Mt. Gell more north by east.

Here, within a stone’s throw of the road, was more game than
we had seen in the remotest parts of the Jane River. Tracking
was difficult because the ground was either stony or covered
with soft, springy moss. Picking out gullies and natural passes
between the hills where game pads showed signs of the greatest
traffic, we set the large wire traps and others of varying types,
also special composite brass-wire and hemp snares fashioned

Spectal treadle-spring snare for Thylacine, near Erebus River,

by Mr, Alderson on a converted egg-beater. These snares were
set in all accessible places of strategic importance over a large
area. Decoys, such as well-fed possums and wallabies, were
comfortably and securely housed in boxes or stockades behind
the traps, so that only a limited approach was possible through
the trap itself. There were also live sheep, regularly fed and
well protected in stockades, with catching devices set outside their
enclosures.

The general opinion is that when the “Tiger” catches its prey
it opens its victim’s thorax and eats the heart and liver, but little-
else. So, each evening, sheeps’ hearts and livers, lumps of bacon:
and other delicacies were semi-cooked to render them more.
odorous and then dragged on a string for several miles, creating

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 63 November, 104i

‘

Movesaher'] Fitay, On the Trail of the Mavsupial Wolf 157

a scent trail, which it was hoped that a tiger would encounter
at some point and follow down to one or other of the scattered
traps.

That these were effective with carnivorous marsupials was
proved beyond doubt, for, approaching the scertt line in éarly
morning when heavy mist was beginning to roll up from the
Collingwood Range, we weuld often see fresh devil or dasyure
footprints, going in the direction of the trap, If a mature
specimen, the visitor would reconnoitre the contraption for the
first night or so; but sooner or later we would find the door
down in the morning, with a black devil or graceful spovted
dasyure glaring at us with baleful eyes, We caught 19 devils.
in the wire traps— some iully grown, others half-grown speci-
mens of the previous winter’s breeding season. Some large
males twisted the chain wire with their powerful jaws in a
phenomenal fastiion. One cut his way tight through the wire
and escaped, leaying a fringe of black hair around the opening,
This feat was really not remarkable compared with the story
of 4 man who once tethered a devil by means of 2 strong dog
chain and collar, only to find one moming that his captive
had departed wearing the collar and leaving the chewed aff
chain behind! “Fergie,” of Lake St. Clair, tells of one old, old.
devil that rushed in on a winter's night and attempted to drag’
his cat away from the hearth for its supper!

Entering the cage traps on hatids and knees to remove cap-
tured devils was a test of nerves. Slow, deliberate movements:
were the order of the day, rapidity of action would mean dis-
aster, ‘The only mishap for the trip was a nice quick bite om
the elbow, I don’t want any more!

Other animals, too, were snared and, caught, There were
Bennett wallabies, more pademelons, spiny ant-eaters, eastern
swamp rats and lizards, native cats, both black and yellow and grey
types. Once-a black brush possum came along a bacon trail and!
caught himself when he tried out this new fare.

One morning,,on breasting a rise, I could see a trap door
down on the opposite side of the gully, a big greyish animal’
padding up and down inside) My heart missed’ several beats?"
Could this by a Thylacme at last? A breathless climb, and then
the: anti-climax: tt was a large domestic cat— probably born:
in: the. bush —a fighting, snarling, spitting: fury, That was the
first of eight of these wre(ched scourges of the bush that we
caught, and they were the only captives to be summarily dealt
with, Tasmania's West Coast has little enough bird-life without:
cats to-take toll of such things as the ground parrot {which was
both seén and heard), the blue-winged grass parrot, the friendly
dusky robin, the pink robin,. flame robin and confiding grey

158 Frsav, On the Tral of the Morsujtal Wolf cir

thrush. One cat was shot in the act of stalking a young and too-
friendty blue-winged grass parrot near our third camp.

A month of. tough work on the Collingwood saw us flooded
out three Gmes, invaded by countless small whip snakes and one
large black tiger snake, which, with nine others of its kind, is
now a resident uf the Healesville Sanctuary, Mrs. Fleay was
on friendly terms with the whip snakes, but she could not
summon up any enthusiasm whatsoever for the tigers, One
lived temporarily in the tool box of the truck until we found
an opportunity of sending him across Bass Strait. Nocturnal
trips with headlights on, up and down the road in the still small
hours, were unproductive, and fraught with a good deal of
danger when one's eyes left the road even for an instant.

At the base of the Raglan Range, Mr. Mick ‘Tiffin, road
patrolman of Cardigan River, showed me a tree butt which he
was Sawing up some 214 years previously when 4 young
Thylacine had run out from under it, From his descriptior
there was no doubt about the animal, However, a long
hike over the lofty Raglan Range, now blasted by fire, yielded
no better results than similar quests op the Alma River, across
the slopes of Mt. Hardy and down the gorges of the Collingwood
River. Over a month's stay on this river had revealed nothing
positive in the way of traces of the Thylacine unless odd skeic-
tons af large wallabies, untouched except for broken ribs, were
farmer victims, so camp was struck and moved to a piner’s
deserted cabin at the foot of Mt, Atrowsmith and near a gully
where myriad glow-worms studded the mossy banks at night.

In a further attempt to work out all accessible areas, and to
reach south among the Gordon River tributaries, the next sur-
vey and trapping attempt. was made down the ofd Frenchman
track, We entered from the Stonehaven creek, crossed the
Franklin and Loddon Rivers, skirted the hase of the majestic
and awe-inspiring Frenchman’s Kange to approach the Jane
River via Calder’s Pass and Thirkell’s Creck. Ajan Batchelor,
of Derwent Bridge, proyed a stout mate on this, the wettest
and most difficult of our many wet journeys. Four miles in from
the road a single blurred foot impression on a gravelly patch
of, the 2,000-ft. Franklin Hill indicated that a “Tiger,” pos-
sibly one of which more js written later, had evidently crossed
the track at right angles, possibly in pursuit of a wallaby. Tracks
of wombais and wallabies and the fur-frilled droppings of devils
were particularly numerous in the Joddon Hills, The first day
out was fine and warin, and, after 4 long plod over a seemingly
everlasting soggy plain of button prass, we reached the middle
Dump Iut, just below Cualder's Pass, at dusk.

That night as we sat before the fire there came from an

Noe) = Futav, On the Trail of the Marsupial Wolf iIs9

adjacent higa hillside a most peculiar cry. It suggested the brief,
sharp creak of 2 door and was quite unlike any cry of a mammal
or bird I have ever heard, Then came a recollection of what
Tasmanian old-timers say of the “Tiger's” voice. They declare
independently that the animal had a habit of yelping shrilly
near camps at night and that its voice had some of the charac-
teristics of both cat and dog. Five years ago, on a moonlit
night, the Davie brothers had actually seen a “Tiger” perform-
ing in this manner on Gum Ridge, between the Jane River gold-
field and the Prince of Wales Range. Therefore, here .at last
it seemed we were listening to the voice of an animal that in our
estimation was altnost a phantom, The remarkable voice came
only three times during the night, We set the traps and next
day conducted thorough searches of the heavy myrtle forest
along Thirkell's Creek, after a solid struggle through the ap-
coaches to Calder's Pass where Bauera Scrub has obliterated
ig sections of the original trail. ‘

However, the only foot-prints we found were those of devils,
wallabies, wombats and small swatnp rats, Abort 1 a.m. the fol-
lowing day a Jump of bacon was taken jram beneath a heavy
Stone outside the hut and there was a rattle of tins. Whether
a “Tiger” was responsible or mot we never found out, for im-
mediately afterwards rain began to fall and for two days and
nights we scarcely had a break from rain and hail. There were
devastating lightning and deafening, stupendous thender. At
one stage blue flame flickered round the walls of our hut and
across the soaked Roor, Then came snow, With food exhausted, we
set off back to the base camp. This part of our 40-mile journey
was a wading, stumbling, bitterly cold crossing of the button-grass
flats and a risky fording of flooded rivers,

(Fo be continued.)

FOXES AS SNAKE-KILLERS

A bushman sends this note: "I have never ‘actually seen a fox killing 3
snake, but sound about the dens where there are young cubs it is quite
usual to find many Jarge dead snakes which have been partly eaten. The
shakes seemed to have al) been bitten in half, s0.it looked as if the fox had
seized them jn the first instance by the middle of the back,"

The same writer says: “During the summer months, especially October
and November, I have watehed vixen foxes stalking trouc in the shallows
of & certain creek, Fhey would sometimes spend half an hour, crouched
low and motionless like a cat after a bird, waiting for a Ixvourable oppor-
tunity to spring on a fish, which they- seldom missed, The trout were
carried to the cubs at a place quite a mile away from the creck, and, instead
of taking the fish into the burrow, or den, the young were always called aut
ito the opan to eat it. It was a common occurrence to find remains of
trout in places where J knew foxes were breeding.”

10) Aunas, The Victorian Grampians br

THE VICTORIAN GRAMPIANS
(A Botanical Retrospect}
By J. W. Avbas

Orchids Fart UT

Sandy tracts with heathland vegetation are frequent throughout
the ranges and on such formations terrestrial orchids flourish;
no fewer than 70 species. of these fascinating flowers are on record
from the Grampians area—iourteen of Caladenia, eight of Plero-
stylis (the “yreewihoods”), seven of Thelymifra ("sun-orchids”)
and six of Prasophyllum, to mention but the largest genera.
Spectral Duck-orchid and Spiral Sun-orchid are two of the rarest
The Common Spider-orchid here shows an amazing range in colour
and may be found with unusually attenuated petais, Althongh the
flowering line may vary by a week or two in different distriets, i
is yet remarkably constant for each area, and in the Grampians
there is w succession of orchid blooms throughout the year—small
Leek (or Midge) Orchids during autumm, certatn Greenhoods itn
winter, a wealth of spring kinds (“spiders,” “beard-" and “horned”
orchids, etc.), with Potate and Hyaanth Orchids in summer.

Prateads -
The family Proteaeew has two dozen shtubby representatives in
the Grampians, including a rich development of showy Grevilleas
(ten species); particularly bright and large-flowered forms of (+,
alpestris and G, lavandrlacea are there. [Takea claims six species,
the Beaked Hakea having large S-shaped fruits, laughably reminis-
cent of “turkey-gobbler” heads. Victorian Smuke-bush (Cono-
spernman Mitchell) differs from its greyish, loose-flawered West
Australian congeners in having dense teyminal heads of creamy
flowers, Llairy and Prickly Geebung (Persoonia rigida and P-
juniperina) evince a preference for rocky mountain sides.

Wattles and Peas

There are at least 22 Acacia species in these mountains, shrubby
A, Mitchell and A, rwpicola bung comparatively. uncommon ; the
latter, together with 4, spinescens, A, calamifolia, A. aspera, A.
montana, and 4. vernicifiua, occurs'arnly at the northern extremities
where they merge inte typical Mallee desert vegetation. 4, myrte-
fotia is very widespread and, with A. acinacee (Gold-dust Acacia),
is a delight in the springtime; both exhale a sweet perfume. '

Still more numerous are the lovely Bush-peas (genus Pullen@a) ;
it is questtonable whether any like area in Australia can claim suchy
a long: list as. the Victorian Grampians—25 species, of which five
are endemic here, P, subalpine of the mountain peaks hears thickly
clustered pinkish-matve blossoms and is unique in a genus of

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Val. 63 Noventher, 1046

P I

ovens
1m6

Aunas, The Victorian Grampians 16]
otherwise yellaw or red-striped flowers, Mt, Rosea takes its
‘name from this rare and beautiful Rosy Bush-pea. P_ stollis, a
tall sticky shrub from near Mt. Sturgeon, is exceedingly rare,
perhaps cven now extinct through repeated bush fires,

OF other legumes, there are Bitter-peas (fuur species of Darien,
leafless red-flowered D, brevifulin bemg the most unusual), Parvot-
peas (five species of Dillwyntia), Shaggy-peas, Bosseas of Sun-
bushes—-all with ericoid foliage and most attractive blooms in red,
orange or yellow tones that have carned for them the rather
absurd collective name of “eggs-and-bacon.”’ Gampltolobeum
Huegelit, Pale Wedge-pea with variant bronzy ved and gold
flowers, both Comimon- and Tong-leaf Hovea, one species cach of
the humble sprawling Eutavio and Phyllota, and the gracetul Jilac-
sprayed Indigofera australis are worthy of mention. but these do
not by any means exhaust the catalogue of handsome leguminous
flowers to be seen in the Grampians.

Borawas

Half of the twelve Victorian Aoremia species affect the Gram-
pians, none more lovely than B. ptnmata of Mts. William, Rosea,
Difficult and one or two other lofty points; its large rosy flowers
are very conspicuous and the whole plant, as with the heathy 2,
pilosa, gives out a delicious aroma, Blae Borate caerulescens is
to be met on the Black Range. Downy. star-bush, Sandfly Zieria,
Prickiy-, Truncate- and Umbellate Phebalium, Small-leaf and Fairy
Waxflower, and three delightful Correa species (Hairy, Mountain,
and several forms of the red-belled type) are among the score of
rutaceous plants accutring here. Tetratheca ciliata and T. eriet-
folia, of the small related, but purely Australian, family Treman-
dracew, provide charming, widespread clusters of bloom close to
the ground—white, mauve, or rich magenta,

The Myrtle Family

Beside the fifteen eucalypts, there are twenty other species in the
family Myrtace@, including some glorious emcoid shrubs that add
much to the distmetive floral aspect of the region, Manuka, Tan-
toon, Silky and Woolly Tea-Tree (Leplospermnm species) grow
freely almast everywhere, while a large-flowered form of the last
adorns the heights. Honey-tnyrtles (Melolemeo) embrace cight
gpecies, three with purplish flower-heads—M. yibbosa is very
dainty and has the smallest leaves, Af. neglecta is an unusual
migrant from the Mallee The Scarlet Bottle-brush (CalMstenton
regulosus) reheves dense thickets with vivid splashes of colour
an Season.

Rather similar in their encoid foliage, slender branching and
profusion of virgin white blossom are Snow-myrtle (Lhotshuc
alpestris) and Grampians Fringe-imyrtle (Calytrix Sullimanr) ; the

162 Aupas, The Victorian Grampians a

more common Fringe-myrtle (C. tetragona) has white or pink
flowers with spidery calyx segments and is another link with’
Mallee scrubs to the north. The endemic Bushy Heath-myrtle
(Thryptomeéne calycina) is the special glory of the ranges, and is
now widely and successfully cultivated in nurseries and gardeus,
being freely sold as a cut flower. A close relative is Fringed
Heath-myrile (Micromyrtus ciiatus), both species delighting the
eye with copious dainty white or rosy Aowers, or with the reddened
calyces which remain Song after petal fall, All of these heathy
myrtles have strong affiniies with the sand-heath Rora of West
Australia.

Heaths

The 22 ¢pacrids afford a pelaxy of colour for a farge part of
the year. Common Heath (Epocris impressa) is abundant in all
shades from white and faint pink to deep red. Pink Swamp Heath
{Sfrengelia incornata) attractively brightens many wet low-lying
areas of scrubland and Flame Heath (Astrotoma conostephioides,
with satiny scarlet bells) the drier ground. Pine-Heath (A. ptnt-
foltvam) favaurs rocky ground and bears rich yellow flowers, as
does Golden Heath (Styphelia adseendens), Each of the last three
produces succulent stone fruits, much refished by emus, On Mt.
Difficult occur all of the four Brachyloma species indigenous to
Victoria, while one or several of the seven Leucopegon species
(Beard-heaths) are sure to command admiration anywhere in the
Grampians; L. glacialis and L. thymifolins were long regarded as
eridernics, but have recently mvade their appearance m several other
parts of Victoria,

Daisies

Largest family hy far is the Composite, with nearly 90 local
representatives, from subalpine ta semi-desert kinds. Though
richly developed on dry inland plains (chiefly ephemerals), daisy
plants are essentially mountain lovers and the higher one ascends
in any part of the world, the more do they predominate over other
raups of plants—a species of Saussutea attains the high altitude
imit among flowers, 19,000 feet in the Himalayas, We have
mentioned the stately Silver Daisy (Celmisia longifolia) whose
large flowers, lovelier than shasta heads, once graced the summit
of Mt. Wilham; recent botanical visits there have failed to locate
it and extermination is feared. Daisy-bushes {Olearia) and Ever-
lastings (Helichrysuut) have each ten species in the Grampians,
while the true Australian Daisy genus { Brachycome) claims twelve
—they are a particular feature of Mt. Difficult. In the “Wild-
flower Garden” (east of Hall’s Gap), white Woolly Everlasting
{Helichrysum Blandowskianum) grows in profusion, and on the
Long Red Hill (near Stony Creek diggings) is a wonderful variety

Hevesiver Avunas, The Fictorion Grunpians 163

of everlasting types. - Pluinéd Humea (#, elegans) calls tor special
notice; this tall biennial, with large tebacco-like, very aromatic
leaves, produces great nodding panicles of countless tiny glistening
flower-heads—rosy carmine, flesh-pink or white, and a most com:
pelling sight,

Some Other Attractive Plants

OF chimbers and twiners there are many species, two hand-
some ones being Clematis with delicate starry blooms succeeded
by silvery feathered fruitlets. Three parasitic Dodder-laurels
(Cessytha) are here, two modest Apple-berries (Billardiera scan-
dens and B. eymosa}, the dainty blue Love-creeper (Bredemeyere
volubilis) with small ererulean flowers like ininiature peas, Purple
and Scarlet Coral-peas, Twining Glycine, Twining Fringe-lily,
Blushing Bindweed and Wiry Bauera. Smaill-leaf Bramble (Aubues
farvifoliws) seeks the support of rocks and neighbouring vegetation
in its growth toward sunlight, Mattecl Bush-pea sprawls along the
ground, but the most delightful and elfish o£ ali our lianes is Orange
Bell-climber (Mavianthus bignoniaceus), 50 abundant at Wonder-
land and other spots near Hall's Gap.

Nine of the golden Guinea-flowers (Hibbertic) find the Gram-
pians to their liking, the rarest being Mountain Guinea-fower (H,
Ausmntfusa) from Me, Zero. This northernmost peak also yields a
remarkably fine unnamed MWestringia and the exteedingly rare
Skeleton Club-moss (Psilotuwm nudum) Hereabouts, several plant
types have intruded fram the dry Mallee scrubs to the north,
whereas a number of Grampian types have extended their tange
into the outskirts of the Mallee. this interchange probably arising
from the gradual declination of the lofty sandstone ranges toward
the northern plains; seed dispersal by weather, bird visitations;
and stream flow Irom the Grampians watershed has been easy. In
the so-called “‘desert" area those migrants from Grampian hills to
the south have been somewhat modificd in leaf structure, growth
habits, and Aoral colours to conform with the more arid conditions
of thetr new environment. The change front Grampians flora to
that of swampy plains adjoining the Wannon River to the south
is more pronounced.

In closing this sketch, it need scarcely be said that a vast array
of glorious wildflowers has been left unnoticed. To extol the beau-
ties of the Mint-bushes (Prostanthera}, Enphrasias, Veronicas,
Rice-flowers (Pitielea), Hop-bushes {Dodonga), Goodenias and
Trigger-plants, including that charming littke endemic Trigger
(Stytidium. soboliferuiny whose dense bewhiskered rosettes perch
on dripping rock faces among moss, like “her-and-chicken” plants

* (at Sempervivum), it would require not a paper, but a volume of
considerable size. - _

Floristically, the Grampiatis are a first-class tourist attraction,

404 . Mueller Medal Award Vice, Sat

and te (must guard their. treasures for posterity. The Wildfower
Protection Act has materially helped to check thoughtless spolia-
stion, buf legislation is impotent without the enthusiastic support
ef all nature lovers, wha must spread their gaspel among the
unenlightened - -

Preyiors Contaneriins 7% TRE “Vicrourtan NaAtveanrst’’

“One of Nature's Wonderiands—The Victorian Grammans,' xxx (19135,
. 146

“The Grampians Revisited.” xxxr (1914), 24,

“Nature in the Serra Range, Grampians,” *xxv (1919), 171.

ee a Marra Murra Country (Western Grampians),"” xxxv0
“Theoagh the Balangum Ranges and at Rose's Gap (Grampians) ,” eo Curt
“A Cirecit ‘af the Grampians" (with map), «xxix (1922), 87

“The Flora of the Black Range," xitv (1928), 341,

(Concluded.

MUELLER MEDAL AWARD

At the meeting of the Australian and New Zealand Association for the
Advancement of Science held recently im Adclaide—the first since before
the war—Mr, Cyril T. White, Government Botanist of Queensland, was
amade the recipient of the Muefler Memorial Medal. This bronze medallion,
which figures a waratah head on one suriace and a profile ai Baron yon
Mueller an the othet, is struck whénever the Association meets (but not
miore frequently than ance in two years) and awarded to some distinginshed
author of “researches in watural science’ within a period of five yours
preceding the nreeting.

special inter-State committee administers the medal fwid for the
AN.Z.A.ASS., and the first award was made in 1904 tr the late Dr, A. W
Howitt, af geological and cthnalogical fame, The committee's present choice
of a recipient—almost exactly 50 years after von Mucller’s death—is par-
ticularly gratifying ta our Club.

As a Past President. Secretary and Treasurer, and most active office-
bearér iit the Queensland Naturalists’ Club for many years. Mr. White has
alwave taken a sympathetic interest in the affairs of the FANUC, More-
aver, he is a grandson-of the great Fredericl Manse: Batley—contemporary
attd Ioyal friend of the Baron. Railey was appointed Colonial Botanist of
Queensland in 1#81, and, at his death in June 1915, was succeeded by Mr.
Whitc—first as assisting, then a3 acting, and finally as full-time Government
Botauist in 1917. So, this honoured position bas, been held with conspicuous
ability by members of one family for 65 years, and there is surely no other
tyon whom Mueller himself would rather have bestowed the ment oh:

J-H.W-

ROYAL COMMISSION ON FOREST GRAZING

The report of His Banovr Judge Stretton has just been published (1s, dd.
from Govt. Printer, Melbourney and will surely be weloamed hy all
naturalists. The Commissioner likens the appalling state of our mountain
forests ta the rum that has long since overtaken much of Africa, the
Levant, and Chita) He condemns present grazing methods as a common
cause of fire and erosion. and tecomtnends the establishment af a Land
Utilization Authosity ta protect all forest ion,

ene | Dusx, Notes on Ansteation Horvestmrn 165

NOTES ON AUSTRALIAN HARVESTMEN
By R, 4, Dunn, Melbourne.

It is to be regretted that man is inclined to grade all animal Jife
according to cammercial value, and so tends ta overlook those
forms that have no direct influence on. his well-being. Into this
category comes the majority of Arachnida—the spiders and their
allies—and there are few branches of zaology that have been
neglected more than that of arachnology. Even now there is only
a slowly-awakening realization of their interest and importance,
but there are signs of an increasing desire for knowledge, par-
ticularly of the spiders, which cause arachnologists to hope that it
the near Suture there will be created an interest in arachnids
compatable co that shown in insects.

Although spiders have claimed 4 certain anjount of interest,
smal! enough though it ig, other arachnids have received even Jess,
and in Australia the “honour"’ in this respect helongs probably to
that group which contains the Harvestinen—the Order Opiliones.
That this group will become muuch better known is certain, mainly
because one of New Zealand's leading arachnologists, Mr. R. R.
Forster, who has done much to elucidate the Harvestmen of New
Zealand and the Pacific islands, has fortunately turned to the study
of cur Australian forms. Obviously there is a vast field waiting
to be studied, as a species which 1s fairly coutimon in the writer's
garden is not anly undescribed, but will become, so Mr, Forster
says, the type of a new genus.

- In view of their novelty to the average naturalist, chiefly because
of the fact that popular books cm Australian arachnida contain no
mention of Harvestmen, a few notes may be appropriate.

Also known as “Harvest-spicers,’ Harvestmien are almost in-
variably mistaker! far spiders, but actually are much closer related
to the Mites (Order feart). The distinguishing feature of spiders
is that the abdomen is separated from the cephalothoray by a
narrow waist or pedicle, whereas most other arachnids have the
abdomen and cephalothorax joined across their whole breadth. In
Hatvestmen the abdomen is distinctly segmented, bat the Mites
have lost almost all traces of segmentation,

One of the most obvious features of Harvestmen is their long
and slender legs, which gives them a somewhat superficial resem-
blance to the “Daddy Long-legs” spider (Photeus litoralis), Like
those of spiders, the legs are seven-jointed. The tarsi, however,
ate divided into a varying number af segments. Among spiders,
the Pholcidee have false segmentation lines on the tarsi, and soine
af the males of the genus Afenneus (family Dinopidae) have their
tarsi divided into two parts, but in the vast majority the tarsi are
entire.

Another peculiar feature is the position of the eyes. These ase

ft Duxx, Notes on Australion Harvestawn VE

two in number, and are usually placed back to back on the sides
of a tubercle of varying shape. ;

Harvestien are essentially nocturnal, and may be found by day
under logs, stones, ar fallen Icaves—generally in damp situations,
as they cannot live without water, Their food consists of cater-
pillars, cenlipedes, spiders, and other smatl animals, and they are
not averse to cannibalism. Unlike the spider, they will ajso cat
the bodies of creatures found dead, but only if these be fresh,

Notwithstanding their ungainly appearance, they possess a Lum
of speed that is surprising when first encountered. The legs are
readily cast off when seized and the discarded member has the
ability to move for some time. The writer has examined the leg
fram a Jreshly-killed specimen, and after more than an hour the
leg still “kicked” strongly enough to fall off the microscope slide:
Probably this helps the creatures to escape irom their enemies, but
it seems that their main protection 1s the ability to emit an adour
from glands which lie in the forepart of the cephalothorax.

Being of various shades of grey and brown, sometimes with a
touch of yellow or other colour, they blend into their surroundings
and often cannot he seen until they move, The sexes are very
similar jn appearance, and their sexual organs aré wsually concealed
in the front end of the abdomen.

No cocoon is made—they have no spinning organs—but the egys,
20 or more in number, are Jaid in holes in the ground, or under
logs ar stones, Wher the young hatch out they are exactly the
same as theic parents, except in colour and size Up ta nine monlts
may take place before maturity is reached, and usually the first
moult gives thent the normal markings of the adult.

Although some 40 species have already heen recorded from
Australia, it seenis probable that mayy times this nuinber are still
undescribed. As Mr. Forster so mildly puts it, the Australian
Harvestmen are ‘not very well known,” and anyone who desires
to help in increasing the knowledge of these interesting creatures
is asked to forward specimens. no matter how common, to Mr.
R. R. Forster, at 33 Buller Street, Wellington, N_Z., or through
the writer, who will be glad to pass them on.

CONCERNING THE *“YAHGO"

“What is a yahoo?" B.G., an ald bushman of Walcha (NiS.W.). asks
the question, He remembers that when a youngster he heard talk of its
heing a blacktellows’ name for an_evil spint of the night. Te has never
seer the watd in priat, except in Gulliver's Trouels, and wondered how or
where Swift got it. Between 50 and 60 years ago he heard this call on
a creek 20 miles east of Tanwworth. and, the moon being full, he was able ro
teace it to a bird about the site of a kaokaburra which he “moaned” in a
low tree, but he was never able to fix its identity.

“~ Seen by ites 16=19 aire gq &-

Hicwmaee Caster, Encalypts of the Australian Capital Tervilory 167

EUCALYPTS OF THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
V4 £. albens Ev-in By ©. E. Carter, »yF., Canberra,
‘ta

é by sphigia y ifs 2670"
OE Blakely Beldoe 2506 Te ee echens Emit). Migga mtegga (26 70"),

E, brevirostris—Laurel Block,
E. camphore—Blundell's, Coree Flats, ;
¥ E, cinerco—N,E, Boundary of A.CT, Mugge Mugga{ac7e’).
&. Corifiertm2,000-3,00) ft. common towards Tharwa and Naas, less
plentiful farther N. Stremls.
~“ EG. Dalrympleuna—usnally abave 3,500 ft,
“ &, dives—Widely spaced all elevations up to 4,060 ft.
~ £& fastignta—2Z,800-4,000 it on Mins,
~ EL detegatensis-—3,800-5,000 ft.
FE. Huberiana—Below first 5 crossings, Corce.
~ &. matulosa—Plains to 3,500 ft.— two distitict forms.
WE. madrorrhyncha—Commaon te 2,700 ft, Black Mountain.
re, yar wtnor—Below Cotter am.

E. acthiadora—Common plains up ta 2,400 tt,
var. drachycarpa—-Foot of Ainslie, smaller fruits. :
&. niphophila—On mountain tops ahove 5,000 ft.
4 E. pawetfloro—Widely in A.C'T. towards S, Bimberi.
&. Perriniana—At 4,000 ft. on Coronel Trig, above Cotter House.
E. polyanthemos—On plains and low foothills,
E. Rodertsonii—2,500-4,000 ft, (see radiata), f
£. Rassi—Comman to N. and E. of A.C.T. (see micrantha).
&, rubida=—Damp places to 2,500 ft.
E. siellvlota—Damp sites plains to 5,000 ft.
E. Brdgestana—Common plains to 3,000 ft.
&. vimiielis—Fram plains te 4,000 ft,
£&. vitrea—-Blue Rge., Laurel Block, Brindatelle Rd.
£, Westom—Neat Gungahlin Block.

[Commenting upon “Nature Notes on Ganberra” by C, Daley (Iie. Nat,
July, 146, p. 52), Mr. Carter has been good enough to supply the above
complete, informative catalogue, His Jong and wide experience of
eacalyprs, first as Principal of the Victorian School of Forestry, Creswick,
and Latterly of the Commonwealth Forestry School at Canberra, needs
no eniphasis, but members interested in our gum-trees may not all know
that he is the author of a very, excellent recent work, Distribution of the
More Important Timber Tress of the Genus Eucalypius,—Ed,}

TIGER SNAKES AND BOGS

How deadly the venom of the Tasmanian tiger suake may be is indicated
in this note from a resident of the island State: “Some years ago two boys,
one of them a son of Mr. John Headlam, of Woodbury Station, in the
Midlands, were rabbiting with a pack of six dogs which held up ata fallen
log. When the boys turned the log over all the dogs rushed @ tiger snale
coiled under it, and quickly tore it to pieces. Five of the six dogs died, the
first af them within a few minutes of being bitten, and the only one of then
ta get hotme—Mr. Headlam's favourite sheepdog—ied on the chain the fol-
lowing night. I have heard other cases of dogs dying quickly when bitten,
acai pen the heart action of a dog means more rapid circulation of
the oa ‘al

168 Diggers’ Kest—S1, Albany Bseursion Vie Met

DIGGERS’ REST—ST. ALBANS EXCURSION

All who took part in, this excursion (September 14) enjoved thé very
Icisurely walk along the callway reserve under unexpectedly pleayant weather
canditiuns—even the windl was gentle, which is remarkable for the Keilor
Plame | September. Had there been the usual brisk wind blowing, the
pany might have had mare reason to note the absence of trees fromp this
part of the plains. Even the few Casvarinas seen in a previous walk by the
writer were tv longer there: Among what now remains are a few stunted
Eucalypis, Blackwoods ancl. Roohiallas—the Jatter near to St, Albans

To the omithologically-uitrained eye bird-life seemed seanty—thase birds
which were not heard were fot acen or, at any rate, tint commented upon.
Magpies. ravens and skylarks were noted, byt not much else,

Misa Peggy Sweatman made a vast collection of caterpillars which were
particularly abundant on the grasses, and im all stages of development—even
do the pre-pupaling stage where they were seen making their way under-
ground. Wo siakes were seen, although # is safe to say “teers are atill
as jilentiful in that region as they were in the days when Tam Eades used
to take a degen or more in an afternoon's hunting, The only reptiles
encountered were two blud-tongue lizards.

The existing Alora of the area we traversed can, to some extent, be taken
As 4 cross-section of what once covered most of the near-Melbourne portion
af the basalt plains, except that the present comipotiunts of the communities
have increased or decreased ar, i some cases, even disappeared as a result
of complete change to cultivated forage and cercal plants in the adjacent
paddocks, and of nvasion by weeds.

Several specimens of a plant not specifically recorded for the I"lains in,
our 1928 census—Thysanotus Palersonit, the Twining Fritwe-Lily, were
observed, and several others plants were seen which it may he of interest to
record. The Adder's Tongue (Ophioglossmn coracewm) was noticeably
abundant. Of the eieht Filicates recorded for the Plains, the only others
observed were Rock-lip Fern and the Common Bracken, the latter in only
oné small patch near Sydenham.

Of Crehwfaceae, which contrivute abut twetity species ta one part ol!
aiother of dhe Plnins, only three were noted. Several sizeable calanies of
Prerostulis truncata sill ¢xist, bat, it being an autumn-Agwering plant, na
bloums wese seen. Although the area was examined yery carefully, not
more’ thatt 2 decent specimens of the scented Sun-orchid (Thelymtre arivtanr)
and two specimens of the Golden Moth Orchid (Diurig¢ pediinevlata) were
seen. Both these species, as well as Diwris alla, were cammon enough not
mixh more than a decady ago and maw one has to search closely to find
any of them. Theiy present scarcity may, of course, be due entircly fo
seasonal conditions ami not to ruthless collectors, but one fears the worst
with regard to 2. aida.

The probability of the previous seasons being unfavourable was emphasized
hy thy relative paucity of the characteristic composites. A very few plants
of Clustered Everlasting (Helichrysum scmipappasum} were seen, but the
Common Everlasting (J? apirifatum) gave quite long siretches of the
reserve that curious greyness that is noticeable from railway carriage
windows. Even the Bulbine Lily (8. bwtkoso) with its showy golden-yellow
flawers, previously seen ab thousands on the moist Aats, was evident only in
twos or threes. Members of the Gousefoor family are av imporiant cone
stttuent of our basale olams Alora and several were collected! during this
excitsion, vik, Chenapadinn mieraphylain, Rhagodia wiumis, aad Atripler
semibaccatnn, :

° J. Ros Gaanev

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 63. 63.—No. 8 8 "DECEMBER 5, 55 1956 Nao. 756

PROCEEDINGS

The monthly meeting of the Club was held at Nicholas Hall,
Wesley Chureli, Melbourne, on November 11, 1946, the President
(Mr, F. S, Colliver) presiding und about 450 members and
friends attending.

This being a special film evening, the President weleamed ta
the meeting representatives of the University and members of
allied. societies.

It was announced that for the time being the proposed excursiot
ta the Anakie Gorge must be cancelled owing to the illness of the
leader, Mr. S. R. Mitchell.

A message from Mr. R. G. Paiater, now at Hepburn, near

Daylesford, announced the proposed formation of a Field
Naturalists’ Club in the district, after an excursion to the golf
links which revealed a large variety of orchids.

The Hon. Secretary (Mr. J. Ros Garnet) reported on the
opening of a new National Park at Dimboola during the Back to
Dimboola Celebrations. when a mamber of Club members attended
for 4 week-end excursion (October 17-18, 1946). This park is
the smallest in the State, but consisting as it does of original
Mallee scrub it should be a worth-while addition to the list of
National Parks, The council has promised to fence the area.

The following were elected: As Ordinary Members, Dr. M. M,
Chattaway, Mrs. M. Johnston, Mrs. M. Trott, Mrs. V. At
Wallace, Mrs, E, M. Fyson, Misses P. Barrett, N, Clancy, J.
Routley, Messrs, J. LW. Schultz, W. J. Schultz, J. D. Ashburner.
F, 1, Beauchamp, T. C. Bryan; as Country Members, Miss L.-F.
Meaumont, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Smart. Rev. E. N, Mclie,
Messrs. O. H. Lightbody. Ruben S, Gullick, J. L. B. Mills, G. C.
Collis, A. J. Russell; and as Associate Members, Miss J. Muntz
and Mr. Sydney B. Blencove,

NATURE NOTES AND REMARKS
C. J. Gabriel exhibited a fine specimen of the iube-shelt,
Siliquari nm aystrulis, O.& G., dredged. from Bass Strait. He state
that this shell is found in company with various kinds of sponges
and this particular specimen, the finest he had collected during
fifty years, was to be passed over to the National Museum
collection,

‘Viet, Nat
| Vol. 63

170 Mold Natiralists’ Club Pracendings
Mr_ Garnet spoke of the nest of either a Rail of a Sandpiper
built in salé ear Dinmboola. :
Mr. Colliver exhjhited specimens of salt from Altona and
Geelong. arid outlined the process whereby salt-water is reducec!
ta this material at the Altona salt pans

SUBJECT FOR THE EVENING

Two short films, ‘The Flax Industry” and “Behind the Food
Front.” from the Agricultural Department, were introduced ty
Mr. G. N. Hyam, who stated that they were wartime preparations,
used to show what Australia was dome. “The Flax Industry,”
in’ particular, showed in operation several Australian-invented
machines that reduced handling of raw material to an absolute
minimum.

Due to transport trotibles the film advertised (“The Sands of
Centra) Asia”) could not he shown, but the Soviel Legation
made available in its place “The Vigour of Life.” Wonderful
photography and some outstanding combinations of animal and
plant life made the film something to be remembered. Death, of
course, had a part in this film, but it was never blatant, being seen
rather as the natural ending to a busy life and part of the plan
of nature. As against this side of the fihn, many groupings showed
young’ manimals and birds of various kinds as indications of the
opening life-cycle.

At the end of the film, which lasted one hour, the thanks ai the
Club were accorded the Soviet Legation,

EXHIBITS

Mr, R. Cuddihy; Volcanic Bomba froin Wiridei) Hills, Camperdown:

Mr. J. R. Garnet: Botanical specimens fram the Winynera® (Dimbhacls.
Malice and Little Desert) and Diapur (Lawtait Ranges) | salt \vater fram
Lochiel salt lakes near Dimboola showbuy a trace of culoration due ta a
pink algac. .

Mr. J, S Seaton- Pertivardia plaaiyso’ (Wester) Anstralia), garden-
grown at Caulheld., ‘

Mr. C. J. Gabriel: Marine shells. Siiquarie australis, dredged from Bass
Strait. a

Mr. F. 5S. Calliver: Specimens of salt from the sait pans of Altona and
Geelong

THE RIDDLE. OF VOCAL MIMICRY

Mr. A. H. Chisholm's study of this subject. which appeared in several
issucs of the [icterian Nehiralist, bas been revised and amplifed and
published as a booklet under the ‘auspices of the F.N.G. Containing 24
pages of letterpress and eight illustrations,.the booklet, which is entitled
Nature's Lingrists, is now on sale at 2/- a copy, As the edition is limited,
intending purchasers should make early application to the Club Librarian.
Proceeds go to the Cluh’s publications fund “~ ]

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 63 December, 1946

Piare NIT

eee GU., Distinctive Pebbles From An Old River 171

* UNUSUAL PEBBLES FROM AN ANCIENT RIVER

By Epmunp D, Girt, B.A., B.D,, Melbourne.

A large mature river flowed in early Tertiary times from the
Woori Yallock basin northward round the Coldstream end of
the Dandenong Range and southward through Lilydale and
Mooroolbark to enter the sea probably in the direction of Frank-
ston. This ancestor of the River Yarra flowed down beside a
range of hills running roughly north and south (through where
Croydon now is) called by Keble (1918) the Wurunjerri Range,
It is therefore suggested that this Oligocene(?) river be called
the Wurunjerri River.

Clays, sands, quartzites, conglomerates and gravels left by the
Wurunjerri River are sti]l preserved, and have been mapped in
an earlier paper (Gill, 1942), and later field studies have brought
to light still further evidences of this river. Leaves of Nothofagus
and a piece of silicified wood (Beilschmiedia) about a foot in
diameter have been collected in the vicinity of Lilydale, Holes
have been noticed in the quartzite at Cave Hill which might well
be cavities left by sticks,

Cave Hili Pebbles—One of the most interesting features of the
Wurunjerri River deposits at Cave Hill, Lilydale (where they
underlie Older Basalt), is the presence of sheared and crushed
pebbles. These are readily found in the soft sands overlying the
Lower Devonian limestone which is being quarried for lime.
Fig, 1 shows the wall of the quarry with the limestone in the
lower part of the section, basalt on the upper right-hand part of
the section, and sands with quartzite in the upper left-hand part
of the section. Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate the nature of the shearing
and crushing found in the quartz pebbles.

Origin of the Pebbles—As the Wurunjerri River originated in
Tanges consisting of dactte and granodiorite, it may be asked
where the very numerous milky quartz and quartzite pebbles
originated. It is probable that the milky quartz pebbles of larger
size came from dykes, while the fine material could, of course,
originate from the volcanic and intrusive rocks named. The
quartzite pebbles no doubt originated in the quartzitic beds of the
bedrock which occur in the Woort Yallock basin and appear to
be a repetition of the Brushy Creek quartzites.

Cause of Shearing.—It is obvious that the pebbles could not
have been sheared in the sands in their present condition, because
the sands would give way before the hard quartz pebble would
break. On the other hand, the pebbles do not seem to have becn
transported to their present location. in a sheared condition because
the edges are so sharp, as the plate shows. If they had been
transported, the edges would have been abraded in transit. The

B

172 Git, Distinctive Pebbles From An Old River mncaae

most likely explanation is that they were sheared and crushed
while heid in quartzite. It might be inferred at first that the
sands accompanying the quartzite are just unconsolidated sands,
but closer inspection shows that much (if not all) of the sand is
a result of de-silicification. All stages between the solid quartzite
and the loose sand can be identified, and the de-silicification is
seen in places to he developing along joint planes and areas more
readily open to infiltration of percolating liquids. Moreover, the
partly de-silicified rock is firm but easily broken, having a sponge-
like consistency, i.¢., there are fine cavities all through it, whence,
apparently, the silica has been leached away. ne imagines,

Fig. 1. Wall of quarry on site of the old Wurunjerri River,
Cave Hill, Lilydale.

therefore, that the pebbles were sheared and crushed while forming
part of a quartzitic conglomerate, and that since then the matrix
has been de-stlicified sufficiently to release some of the very hard
pebbles it contains.

Origin of Shearing Forces.-— Another problem is why the
pebbles at Cave Hill should be sheared and not those in the other
sub-basaltic deposits mapped by the author (Gill, 1942, p. 248).
The explanation suggested for this is that the sands and quartzites
at Cave Hill overlie a limestone deposit. Quarrying operations
have shown that there are numerous caves in the Hmestone, and,
particularly when these are near the surface of the limestone, a
certain amount of collapse has ensued. Fig. 1 shows a cave in the
limestone, but in this case it has been infilled with basalt. Collapse

December] Gaz, Distinetioe Pebbles’ From An Old River 173

due to slumping over limestone caverns could provide all the'tocal
forces necessary to provide the sinall-scale faulting and crushing
seen in (he pebbles under discussion. .

Dispasition of Sands and Quartzites—It will be noted from
Fig. 1 that the sands and quartzites rise to a height equal to that
of the basalt, and some have questioned whether the basalt did
actually cover the sands, A study of the stratigraphical contours
reveals that the base of the basalt shown in the photograph is the
thalweg of the pre-hasaltic river; also that the flow. was of the
order of at least 200 feet thick at this point, The base of the
basult is about 435 feet above sez level (aneroid measurement),
while the top of the basalt on the hill nearhy is about 650 feet, An
enormous amount of erosion has taken place sinee carly Tertiary
tines when the deposits came to rest there, so much so that the
Wurunjerti River materials are now preserved only on occasional
hilltops in the Lilydale area, and the basalt Aow is reduced to a
few small yesiduals. Apparetitly a marginal stream developed
between the basalt and the toscanite-dacite enmplex of the Dan-
denongs to the east. The stream was able to erode the latter
more easily than the former and so the Olinda Creek runs on a
tescamile bedrock in this vicinity, leaving the ‘Tertiary quartaite-
hasalt association ag a monadnock. ;

REFERENCES
Gill, E. D., 1942, “The Bearing of the Tertiary Sub-basaltic Deposits an
ihe. Palatogeography of the Lifydale Districa” Proc. Roy. Soc. Iie.,
“ns. Vol. LIV, Pu 2, pp. 245-255,
Keble, R. A., 1918. “The Significance of Lava Residuals in the Develop-
ment of the Western Port and Port Philip Drainage Systems." Proe-
Rey, Soc. Vic, ns, Vos. XXXVI, Pt. 2. pp. 341-300.

NORTH QUEENSLAND FERNS

‘Fhe North Queensland Naturalists’ Club, Cairns, js to be complimented
on the appearance last motuh of its third special publication—a complete
check list of the pteridophytes (ferns and club-mosses) to be found jn
warthera Chueensland. Mrs. D. A. Smith, lately of Brisbane Herbarium,
was the ptendologist msintly responsible for the determinations and general
set-up. Nearly two-thirds (220 species) of afl the ferns in the Common-
wealth aré included; this renders the brochure of considerable scientific
value, enhanced by the facts that an wp-fo-date classification is nacd and
the text is remarkably free from annoyimg typographical errors, (Selagincila
prunific Tastead of S. pumilia is one of these rare slips). Authors, localities,
callectors' names, elc., are given for each species. One could wish some
definite limit bad been assigned to the area called “North Queensland,”

Tt t3 noted that Cheilanthes Sieberi has been retained as a species distinct
fram C. temnifolia—an opinion discredited by Mr. N. A, Wakefield (tee.
Nar, uv1, p THO, 1939)—and that Diplasium anstrale hus been kept iw the
Benus Athyrinn, despite Wakefield's explanation tn the contrary {Mtct. Nat,
tynt, p, B40, 1942). But these Jittle bones af contention in no way detract
from the exceltence of the cotnpilation.

JAW,

174 Panay, On the Prattiof the Marsupial W/nif Aeo ae

ON THE TRAIL OF THE MARSUPIAL WOLF

Ry Davin Fisav, Director, Sir Colin Mackenzie
Sanctuary, [Lealesville.

Part III

The weather having defeated our attempted penetration of the
old trail, we decided to search the country up the Jane River in
the vicinity of a piner’s old cabin towards Lighting Plain, Jack
Daly, ex-praspector and ex-packer, whose tales af gold-seeking
in wild western Tasmania had beguiled ws on many occasions,
accompanied Alan Batchelor and myself, We sct out in the first
week of February just as the ground was becoming firm after the
rains that had weather-bound us at Calder's Pass. Our route lay
along the pack-horse track we had not travelled since November,

Then, out of the blue, and only three miles along the track,
lay revealed what we had for so long diligently sought— an un-
mistakable and fresh series of (racks made by a Phylacine no
more than 24 hours previously! Rain is too frequent for im-
pressions to last long in this couniry, but these footprints were
perfect, running for a hundred yards down the track and then
turning off into the button-prass whence they had come. We
had no doubts at all about the animal responsible, carrying as
| had done a plaster cast of a Thylacine fore-foot kindly loaned
by Dr. Pearson, Director of the Hobart Museum.

‘Marking the locality for later reference pending the results of
this new journey, we pushed atid wheeled several bicycles {in
this instance), fo which were attached bedrolls and trapping
gear, Llowever, since heavy and continuous scouring by water
had reduced large sections of track to little more than boulder-
strewn creek beds, we were forced after seven miles io abandon
the system, and there the bicycles stayed. An uncommon black
native cat was our catch that first night, which was also notable
for a brilliant display of the aurora australis, I carried the “cat”
on foot for 40 miles after that, and now, at Healesville, she has
claims to bemg quite a tourist.* On down to the Erebus, along
the river. and across open butlon-grass once again to the lower
end of Thirkell’s Creck, thence (on the second day) to the
piner’s cabin on a knoll high above the deep and dark Jane
River. We had passed wire “mecker”® snares by the hundred.
Game was again as scarce as we had found it nearer the field in
November: and though we searched most carefully, there was
not the slightest sign to indicate the presence of Thylacines.

In spite of the favourable conditions prevailing in the cam-
_ plete absence of the piners, prospectors and hunters, snaring in

*This dasyure now. bas four jeeys in her pouch. Their colours will be
interesting-

nest Fusay, On the Trail of the Marsupial Wolf. 175

recent seasons had done its work only too well, Years‘ago Mr.
Daly had regularly found “Tiger” footprints at each end of 2
great log spanning the rivet, but now xpecial investigation
yielded no signs. Likewise, no tracks could be found either
vp or down stream or out on the plains, Tu fact, the log cabin
itself, once the scene of a nocturnal visit by a curious Tiger”
when Messrs. Fleming, Shartand and party stayed a night there,
showed unmistakable evidence of having heen a snarer's base.

Faded white lettering on the door, relic of the hospitable
pining days, could sill be deciphered — “Enter here all ye who
are heavy latlen anc tired and we will feed you — The Jane River
Hostel.” It did not need Jack Daly to tell us that many a weary
packer had accepted the invitation,

Several days later we.crawled back dispiritedly to the West
Coast Road. Nevertheless, we had a card up our sleeves, namely,
the ttacks mow sadly rain-worn on the three-mile near Poverty
Plain. I a Thylacine had been there so recently surely sooner
or laler tt would return, particularly as this was a natural
gateway between the Loddon and Surprise Valleys, No time
was wasted in bringistg the truck load of traps from the Colling-
wood and taking them by means of pack horses to the new
prospect. They were set at fritervals along a mile section. Two
palisades -were erceted for sheep decoys, a thitd for a young |
Bennett wallaby and a fourth for a brush possum. I had caught
the little Bennett wallaby by- the tail at night in the bush and
had thought myself very clever until it was discovered that she
was totally blind, though otherwise healthy and well.

Having dispersed these varying types of traps, we now settled
down to the tedious but necessary job of laying scent trails each
evening for miles and placing iresh baits, such as sheep’s hearts
and livers, on hooks to attract the fastidious Thylacine. Owing
to the precacious blow-flies, no bait was of any further use even
as early ag att hour or so after sunrise. The decoy animals
also had to be fed, kept clean, and fly free, and it was usually
2 difficult job to find sufficient green food for them. No wonder
that rabbits had never managed to establish themsclves in this
part of Tasmania, It was a somewhat deserted locality here,
with few devils and no native cats. This- was an advantageous
state of affaivs, as the traps remained undisturbed and ready
for the purpose in hand.

Day and weeks went by. One morning an absolutely jet-
black devil was sitting im 4 wire trap; another tore a great hole
in the chain netting of the lightest one and escaped after first
cleaning up every scrap of liver, heart and bacon. A tiger cat,
small but fierce cousin of the Thylacine and devil, recunnoitred
the cage traps ane night. Footprints in the mud betrayed the

176 Fizay, On the Troi! of the Mursupial Wolf be sari bo

way .in which he had circled the whole system after following
the scent trail for half < mile. Next night he tried some bacon
and became a prisoner, Taking him out of the trap was a nerve-
racking job, for, with hair standing on end and jaws gaping
widely, he flew at me time and again, uttering the most piercing
“circnlar-saw’ screeches. A whole month elapsed with little
further excitement than the capture of two more wild domestic
cats,

In what spare time there was we prospected the King William
J Range, where game was fairly plentiful and where among
eleven native cats handled we found one male specimen which
was as big as a medium tiger cat, The dasyures here we found
to be hiving on land yabbies, which they evidently caught at the top
of their turreted burrows at night. Bettongs, or rat-kangareos,
were also met on the plateau country above Arrowsmith. and it
Was @ unique experience to walk through the stony forest country
here putting up these alert bounding marsupials instead of the
ubiquitous rabbit that has replaced them on the mainland,

Then, following an evening of drenching rain, and only ten
days before the end of the trip, the Poverty Plain Thylacine
or another of its kind came by the traps at last. Picking ont
the blind Bennett wallaby in its stockade and endeavouring to
reach it, the “Tiger” evidently approached crouching low, and,
unfortunately for us, instead of being held by a paw in the
special trap, all he left for us was a tuit of hair from his shoulder
or chest as he got away. It was a most bitter disappointment,
after the long weeks of work in that wet, cold, silent region,
ljioweyer, the marauder could not have been unduly alarmed,
for footpnnts and ‘a chatacteristic dropping betrayed his
presence in the vicinity only two nights later. This tine he had
come within close range of a pen from which a sheep had not
long becn removed. So, at an interesting stage, I had relue-
tantly to leave it all.

‘Thanks to the continued co-operation of the ‘Tasmanian
Animals and Birds’ Protection Board, we have been permitted
to continue the quést, and at the moment three cage traps are
still being kept in operation by local bushmen, Ie is hoped that
with snow-time the Thylacine's keener appetite may overcome
its caution and we may be successful after all. In any case, in
the interests of securing a pair of these remarkable creatures,
even at this late stage when odd roaming individuals are the
best that one cat. hope for, I intend, with the help of the
Tasmanian authorities, to continue the search, procéeding on the
next inp to country where snares have nevér been known. ‘There
is also, of course, the strong likelihood that snarers will acci-
dentally secttre odd specimens.

Crgeaer Ficay, On the Trai of the. Marsupial Wolf 177

Il is my belief that there is only one means of giving the
‘lhylacine a chance of survival, comparatively short-lived like
devils and dasyures as it probably is, and of slowing the process
of extinction; that is, to prohibit snaving wm any form in the
whole south-western area from the West Coast Road down to
Port Davey and South West Cape. It) 1939 Sharland forecasted
possible disaster once hunters worked the area traversed by the
expedition he accompanied. Ilow quickly that prophecy is com-
ing true! Even if only im force for ten years, resulis of total
protection in the Seuth West could be assessed, Not only is the
Thylacine of great importance, but ‘Tasmania, as compared with
the setticd states of the mainland, is an invaluable storce-house
of sany other forms of marsupial life unaffected by the destruc-
tive fux. Particularly is it the home of flourishing carnivorous
species either long gone or disappearing rapidly from the main-
land, largely because we have no such naturally dense and terri-
fically mountainous, unsettled country to harbour them, as is
found in Western Tasmania.

Postscvipt—lIn a letter written late in) August Mr. Jack Daly;
of Mr, Arrowsmith, informed me that Bob Warne, now back at
the scene of his fumous strike, reports the recent tracks of a
Thylacine between River Peak on the Jane River and the Field
itself. “A resident of Queenstown has alsa reported to Mr. Daly
thar he actually saw a “‘Liger’ at Lake Margaret, due north of
Gormanston, less than twelve months ago. Mr: Daly’s final irem
is a report of the catch made by syarers between the West Coast
Road and the Jane Riyer in the winter season recently ended,
He estimates this at appraxunaiely 7OO skins, which, like furs
from other areas, brought a record price—up to 26/- per pound.-

(Concluded) —

; ROYAL VISIT TO BIG TIMBER AREA

Their Royal FHighnesses the Governor-General and the Duchess of
Gloucester have seen much of the operteair life of Australia during the
past twoyears. Their Jatest experience in pomt was pained on Navember 8,
wheo, secotupanied by Prince Williats, they visited the Cumberland Valley,
beyond Marysville, in order 10 see timber-men af work amen fhe ereat
Mountain Agh trees. Although the day was showery thraughoul, the Duke
and Duchess and other members of the party were wttch impressed by the
wild scenery of the ranges within ahout 70 miles of the city, and ever more
so by the trees in the “Sample Acre” where every example of Enanypius
regs exceeds 250 feet in height and one extends to 30) fect, Later the
visitors saw an Ash 260 feet i height being fetled—a majestic sight, with
as a oorallary a tumuftoans thud as the gipantic iree struck the wrouned
The prevailing dampness repressed birdlife to some’ extent, hut Tyrebirds
and Golden Whistlers provided incidental music while the party were
Hunching with the timberinen under tlie shelter of an awning —A.H.C.

1
78 Rope, Notes on the Purple Dinrss Wiis Rate

. NOTES ON-THE PURPLE DIURIS
By the Rev. H. M. R. Rupe, Northbridge, N.S.W,

Ry many who are well acquainted with the genus, this is con-
sidered the most beautiful of the many species now known in
Australia. But [ doubt if it is geuerally realized how many
striking variations are to be feud in the fowers; and therefore I
propose to discuss here those which have come under my personal
observation. |

The habitat of Diuris pwtctafa is extensive. Its western limit
appears to be the south-east corner of South Australia, whence it
ranges eastward through Victoria and northward through New
South Wales and Queensland, at least as far as Ingham, about 100
miles north of Townsville, Tt has mut bees found in Western
Australia or Tasmania.

So far as [ have been able io observe and to ascertain, the fowers
do not exhibit a great deal of variation in southern areas, Many
years ago [ remember collecting specimens near Geelong, and
farther west along the Wannon River. Quite recently I have heen
shown a flowering plant which came from Gippsland; and it
appeared to agree precisely with those of the western parts of
Victoria. This may reaily fe regarded as the typical form of the
species, although it is nof, botanically speaking; the type form; of
that I shall have more ta say presently. This “typical” form is a
plant up to 2 feet in height (30-60 em.), with the grass-like leaves
characteristic of most species, and producing from two to five
flowers—often large for the gemus—the prevailing colour of which
is variously described as purple, lilac, or hetiotrope. The two
longitudinal ridges of the labellum are occasionally dotted, or are
darker than their surroundings, and between them there ix often a
suffusian of yellowish-green,

Sir J. F. Smith, who described and named 2). psnetata in his
Fxotic Botany, Part I (1804), p. 13, merely stated that it was a
native of New Holland, so we do not know where the type locality
was. The epithet which he bestowed upon it, “purictata” (dotted),
has been widely regarded as a misnomer, the only known dots
being those occasionally seen on the fabellum ridges, and’ they are
inconsmeuoys, The coloured plate accompanying Simith’s descrip-
tian shows large handsome purple flowers htcazily spatted all over.
Was this a figment of the author's imagination? It has at all everits
been conaidered by inany a gross misrepresentation of the teal
flower, although it is worth noticing that Bentham, who castigates
Smith for his plate of Dendrabinm speciosum, aceupts the Drurts
plate without comment, and follows Smith's description,

Now recently I have received the clearest possible proof that
Smith’s critics (of whom I have been one) ate quite in the wrong;

Deiat Rurp, Notes on thé Purple Dinris “179

that his plate of Diuris pinetatd' is true to fife’ >and thar the name
he bestowed upon the spectes is cntirely appropriate tn the form
which came into his hands, [nm October, 1945, Mr. A. W: Dockrill
of Kogarah, N.S,W., sent me a large Jinrés flower collected by
fat, near Campbelltown, on:the western outskirts of Sydney. It
was undoubtedly a flower of 2. punctate; but it was a fot which
I had never seen before, except in Sir J. EK. Smith's plate! With
that iL agreed perfectly, except that the purple was a little paler,
All parts of the flower were rather densely spotted in a deeper
tone; the spots were clear-cut, and none united into blotches.
Twelve months later Mr. Dockrill sent several ‘complete plants
from the same area, Here, then, is the type form of D. punctate,
I rhink we may go a Jittle further and say that it is quite likely
that Campbelltown was the type locality, for-settlement had begun
there a few years prior to the publication of Smith's work.

The type form, however, appears to he rare. | should like to
hear [roiu anyone who has come across it.

Among the 1946 specimens from Campbelliown sent by Mr,
Dockrill was one with pure white fowers [laters] sepals excepted).
This was not Robert Brown's J. alba, which is distinguished from
allied forms by {1) violet suffusions on the white floral segments,
(2) the consistently fan-shaped mid-lobe of the labellum, and (3)
tliree raised lines on the disc af the Jabellum. {L have seen white-
flowered D. punctate elsewhere; it is not uncommon in several
localities between the Hawkesbury River and Newcastle, I have
never seen a genuine D. alba from New South Wales or Queens-
land, although E am not questioning its oecurrence there. Brown's
type, indeed, seems to have heen located in North Queenslned.
But I think that frequently it has been confused with a white-
flowering form of D_ punctota.

Hentham’s var, minor, with which I have identified specimens
frou) Barraba in New South Wales and Stanthorpe in Queensland,
seems to ine to require further investigation; it may prove to be
specifically distinct, Very small fowers received from Proserpine
in North Queensland ate merely diminutives of the typical form,
and do not agree well with these from Barraba and Stanthorpe. I
have not seen Bentham’s var, fongissimea from Mudgee, New South
Wales; hut I have found that the length of the lateral scpals, even
in ane area, varics considerably.

The shape of the floral segments is also very inconstant, and
difficult to define. In Harris's Mild Plowers af Australia (1943
ed.j, pl. XLI, facing p. 42. Forster has figured a form from Bega
in southern New South Wales, of which I possess the artist's
original specimen, and a duphicate of his life-size painting. ‘The
dorsal sepai, petals, and labellum of this form are very peculiar.
The sepal is acuminate; the petals are very narrowly lanceolate and
reflexed; the lateral lobes of the Jabellum are exceptionally small ;

19) Ruer, Noles oil tie Purple Diets by hee

the mid+lobe is shaped like a spear-head. ‘These differences are
almest of specific value

In the Paterson district of New South Wales D. punctate is (or
was) very abundant along the railway line towards Maitland.
This is 4 tall and robust form samecimes bearing as many as ten
flowers, which are of good size and less flaccid than usual. The
lateral sepals are just barely more than twice as long as the petals.
On the North Coast about Kempsey, both plants and flowers
ate smaller, Farther north, however, large-flowering specimens
reappear, and over the Queensland border, at Burleigh Heads, is
a form, sent to me by Dr, C. P. Ledward, exceeding in dimensions
any others I have seen. This is a truly lovely orchid, only
surpassed within the species by a form sent by Miss Jean Gemmell
from Stanthorpe, in praise of which I aim moved to use the epithet
“superb.” Assuredly if it had been sufficiently misguided to choose
a tree for its home instead of Mother Earth, commercial growers
would have raided it. It is nearly as large as the Burleigh fori,
but the #owers are a rich reddish-purple—by far the darkest I
have seen. ;

Perhaps the most remarkable variety known to me is one that
hails from the New Engiand tableland in northemt New South
Wales. This was forwarded by the Rev. E. Norman McKie, of
Guyra, and collected by Mr, T. P. Skinner on his property in‘that
district, The whale flower, except for the green lateral sepals, is
sulphur yellow, At first T fede suve it must be a new species—a
yellow Diuris with elongate lateral sepals was unheard of! But
exaniination proved that in everything but cofour it had all the
essential characters of D. putctatas and so it was duly named var.
suffurca. A curious point is that it possesses the perfume of the
old-fashioned “Flag Iris,” I remembered how distinct this was in
the case of Geelong and Wannon River flowers years before,
Genetally speaking, in New South Wales I had found the flowers
to be scentless,

Ty would be interesting to know whether any Victorian readers
who are familiar with this species have observed any variations in
tine (or out of line) with those I have described above. *

‘ CYCADS IN THE FLINDERS RANGE

A botanical discovery of some moment has recently been made by
scientists in South Australia—the occurrence of living cycads im the wild
Gammon region at the northern extremity of the Flinders Range. This adds
not only a genus bin a family and order ta the South Australian macro-
flora, and it is astomishing that sbch a large plant shauld have escaped
detection for more than a century of plant hunting.

Until complete material has been collected and exatrined, the identity of
this fan-palm must remain uncertain, but there is the possibility of its
being specifically distinct from Marrosanda Macdoxnellti, geographically
the closest .cyead—in Finke River Gorge, 600 miles away to the north-west
of the Flinders autpest.—J.H.W, :

December] — Wiss, Unpublished Comments ion a Mitehell Jourvial 181

SOME UNPUBLISHED COMMENTS ON A MITCHELL JOURNAL
By J, H. Wircts, National Herbarrum, Melbourne,

Amaug many books on Austratian exploration ac the library of the
National Herbarmm, Melbourne, is an miteresting copy of Sir T. Lo
Mitehell's Jaxrnal of on Expedition inte the Intertor of Tyapical- Australia
(published 1848) whreh was once the personal property of Baron yon
Mueller, In some way, probably by loan from his baropial patron, the
celebrated Ernest Giles was enabled to peruse this particular volume, and
alota -the margins of its pages he pencilled suslyy, comments on the text,
The general tenor od the reniatks gives an esmihate of one great explorer
by another whe siyled himself (1889) “the Jast of the Australian explorers.”

On the whole, Giles? commentary is decidedly acrimonivus, and it is evident
that he was irritated, even goaded to hosulity, -by reading certain statements
and coneclusious made by Mitchell. Especially was Giles disausted with the
frequent references to water scarcity: i southern Queensland and the lard-
ship occasioned thereby; he snecrinely implics a companson with his own
harder experience of the really waterless tracts in Centra) Acistralia

Contentious passages of the journal narrative were underlined in pencil,
These and their accompanying marginal motes. are wpppacet hereunder in
chronclogical order:

= June 21, 144i—The first insertion concerns an entry whew Mitchell's
parly waa in the vicinity of Mt, Owen, wiz, “the want of water waa the
grvat impediment te this journey,” to which Giles responds:

“Ie a country where permanent water exists wb cwery ere!”

June 22,—The statement, “Water was only to be found, in so dry a season,
in the neighbourhood of mountains,” evokes the surcastic retort:
“There never was an explorer who didn't travel we the drt ist sed sorp
ever known, vide wll-the janrnals,”

June 25—"Felix Maguire’ had on two occasions dreamt of waite risen,
and walked directly ta where he found it! However vg ment have been,
this man had a happy knack in finding water." Nate (E

"They tould have hod nothing else to dreeim about, as pant could searenty
9028 yard without voming to walrr, They were folloreine ay the: conrsed
of river after river, ond the area 6f zamplaining Of want of -witer 18
monstrous; tiy should hase been exploring in Gentral Western
shustralia ta know what wont af water really svas, They couldn't help
finding it im @ country thbl wets all rivers —FEG,”

Fune 26—"“Water of any quality, in abundance’ too, was to us rather
uncommon good fortune, and ‘quite cheering even when surruinded by soft
mo”

Note (T.G.):

“What infernal dnembien. when they kad ck ag the Baoan, Macquaric,
Hanwot, Narra, Balanne, Cagaon, Maranon avid were wor an the
Warrego,”

’ July S—"The course of rivers afforded the readiest meats og determining
where the division was between northetn and southern wuters.””

Note (F.G.):
"T should rather think a did.” :

August §.—~—"We found the party in the midst af scrub and sockended in
patos it, even by moonliglit, ta te cond at which we had watered our
rses.”*
Note (EG): ‘
“How clover!”

1820 Wrrrts, Unpublished Comments on a Mitchell Jonrstal be iter

Again, “The kangaroo, on- being so incessantly followed, becomes at
length so defenceless that one native can despatch it with a tomahawk."
Note (E.G.):
"This as such easier sutd thon doe.”

August 13—"We crossed some pitches of dry swamp where the clads had
been very extensively turned up by the _Ratives, but for what purpose
Yuranigh ceuld not form any conjecture.”

Note (E.G,)

“Youranigh must have been a bright specimen of un Auttration obo-
ruwial not ta knour Mat the wild blacks live dt tines almost cxttrety
on routs and vegetables and: that these clods were turned over to
obtain the little yams or yam-like dui which are foutd near most
Australia watercourses.”

August 14—"The drizzling rain continued, |. - An unpleasant smell pre-
vailed everywhere this day, resembling that from a kitchén sewer ar sink,

Whether it arose from the earth, or from decayed vegetable matter upon it,
T could not form any opinion, .. , Tr was equally new and unaccountable
to Yuranigh,”

Note (E.G.):

“The tree called Brigalow ts probably the acacta which on many paris
of Queensland (or tropical Anstralia) cavers large areas and is known
as Gtdia, Whenewr reins acecur the stench fron a Gidia serus ts
horrihle—resembling that of scwers."

August 2)—"I was tnost thankful for the glorious abundance of water,
the want of which had hithertu confined my route and retarded the
exploration of the country."

Note (E.G.);

“What on carth did this man expect? He had found 5 or 6 new and
Shlendidly watered rivers that had token hin ararly 600 miles
through previously unknown cauntry, and here ke says ‘the want of
water had retarded exploration of the country’!

August 29.—"Thus it was that, during a season af unusual draught, we
has found whundance in this river.”
Nate. (E.G.);
"ON i”

September 13.—“‘The aborigines kill emus for thet fathers [feathers ?]
only; these birds being reserved, or held sacred, for the sole use of the old
men and women!"

Note (E.G):

“That's absurd. becatise oven where enus atc mast abundant they are
alwys vers difficult ta catch, and it is very seldom hat even the moult
Hexuvious oF natives cam get mere food than they cam eat, Evan if
ene or Iwo in a tribe ave go fortunate as to hill more game in a doy
then Muy can eat, there ave always plenty wove tn, the tribe that have
not been quite so fucky and to whone the surplus ts gtoen,”

September 17.—"Unless we found water today, Yomorraw’ had found us
giahle either ta proceed of return! However, we went forward and found
4 pond in the river bed, not distant more thaw two miles.”

Note (E.G.):

"Oh Pp

October 26. “Yuranigh told me that this was the nest of 2 pair of these

fish, and that they carried the stones there and made it, That the fish

December ]

1966 Wirwis, Unpublished Camments on a Mitchell Jona 83

had some way of carrying or moving Stones ia such spots seemed evident,
but for what purpose E could not discaver.”
Note (E.G.):
“Tt they did $0, tt was to protect their ova.”
| October 28—"The riatives use a bough of acacia wrimry tn poison the
fist in waterholes, They are tao honest and fair in thetr fights to think of
Poisching their weapons.” J
Note (E.G,)+
“Stmply because thes can’t do tt Australian trees do not” [yield blood
poisons ?] :
~ November 21—"The sky resembled that ina Poussin’s picture of the
Diluge, and ta ane who had contended 2 whole year with scarcily of
water..." .
Note {E,G.):
“Bosh t"

EXCURSION TO BOTANIC GARDENS

Saturday afteruoot, Novernber 2, was both pleasanily warm and surmy
for the three dozen excursionists who assembled to observe proteads, The
feader road a short paper on the remarkable austral family Profeacca—its
distrifmtion, floral and vegetative peeulrarities, and economics, A book
itlustrating the value of the N.S.W. Waratah (Trlopea: speciasisstma) in
applied art and a superior tabacea pipe made irom Hoaked Needlewood
(Afakeo vittete) were passed round for exainination. In addition to the
iospection of several fine proteaceous trees: and shrubs, the party's atterition
was drawn to certain other Australian ttces which have proved worthy
subjects in landscape design, notably the Brishane Box {Tristonia conferta).

PM.

FISH OUT OF WATER

The powers invested in lresh-water tuollusea to resist droughts are well
shown by the following incident: On April 13, 1946, the writer, accompanied
by Mr. George Buick, of Adelaide,’ attended the FE.N-C.V. excursion ta
Broadmeadows. From ponds in an old grantie quarry on Gellibrand Hill
many specimens of fitdarella katnesit (Tryon, |8661, were collected, The
anithals retreated into their shells and remained in a perfectly dry state far
aver ¢) months, until Gelober 20, 1446, whet they were again placed in
water, and, practically without exception, they+emerged from their sleetis
and commertced crawling about It is by such a process that pand snails
are frequently found im ponds that only contain water for short infrequent
periods —Aran N. Carrer.

are es oe ‘
WHIP-BIRDS IN A GULLY GARDEN

“We were very, thrilled on Thursday (October 3lst} to see a hen Whip
hird feeding her young un the garden path, It looked! a pe with its little
top-knot and wo tail, Such a neat little bird and so perky: We hare
Whip-birds in our gully always. T have sauntered along the garden with
a cock bitd making the lon crack of the whip .on one side of the path,
and have watched the Hew bird responding with the little twitly bit on the
other side of the path, One afternoon I heard what I thought was a new
bird-call, and went ty investigate Saw a hem Whip-bird makmg a ‘son
of all the twirly bits. Some people think the cock bird does both cock
and twirly bil, . This is ant nty ahservation here.” -

ere a country member in the Datdenong Ranges, communicated hy
H.C.E.5.)

184 Leeb-Orchids of Albany, WA. i icra

LEEK-ORCHIDS OF ALBANY, W.A.

Surely the genus Prasofhyllant must attain the acme of its developmettt
and beauty in this favoured south»western district. Mr. W, H, Nicholls
writes enthusiastically from King River (elght miles fromm Albany) -

“Flowering spikes of Presopkyltim régivin stand five to six feet high and
are abour jhroe-quarters of an inch in diameter at the base (veritable giants
of the genus). Mrs. Pelloe’s description says ‘lowers whjte, but 1 have
seen Jittle white showing in them. FP. clot is also a noble species and very
plentiful on the mountain slopes—we saw hundreds of them on Mt. Clarence.
P. cyfhochitum, too,'is abundant; it has yellowish flowers and only the
labellum white. FP. macrastachywm is deliciously scented and grows in
myriads over certain granitic hills, while 2. ‘Mucllerd is equally abundant ont
sandy stretches.

“Other species occurring in great profusion are P, offenwatum, P, hions
(very lovely), ©. dancealatuus, trim little P. orale, P. plumeforine, P,
triangularc, and P, cucutlatum (often on swamp lands}. P. fimbria exhibits
two eormmon fotms—one tall, robust and green, with mauve end white
flowers, the other purplish-black and quite slender. This is the ntost lovely
Prasophwlum I know and specimens at Little Grove and Nanarup were
exceptional; the fringed jnnet plate of the large labelfum assumes a brilliant
mauve colour and contrasts delightfully with the crisped frasty-white
edzings, P, ellipiicum has not been collected-here sa far—it ‘iz one of the
three remaining Westem leck-dechids which T haye yet to find.”

SUBMERGED BATHING BY HONEYEATER

The jollawing notes are taken from observations extending over a
number of years af the submerged bathing habit of the White-plumed
Honeyeater (Meliphaga pericitiata), The first observation was made some
years ago at a swatnp near Raywood, Victoria. . White | was engaged int
watching movements of water birds, a White-plumed Honeyeater perching
upen a dry overhanging branch suddenly flew down to the water, dived
almost completely under, emerged, and flew back ta the branch again and
began preening its feathers. ‘

Some years later, in summer-tinve, I was watching birds drinking at one
af the jew dams to be holding water st this time of the year, in the
Whipstick Scrub, Hendiga. The time of day was sunset. Flying about
and perching on a hali-submerged tree-stump in the dam was a flock of
about a dozen White-plumed Honeveaters. The birds would perch on the
stump, flutter dawn and onder the water, and back to the stump again to
preen their feathers. They appeared a very happy party, and this perform-
ance was kept up for almost half at hotir.

Again, during the last month, L have observed them at home, usually in
pairs, submerging in a lily pemd in the garden. One individual bird sub-
merged three tittes in as many minutes. Sometimes individual hirds will
fly off the edge af the pond, anly 2 few inches above the surface of the
water, sometimes irom free; and shrubs a dozen yards away and much
higher above water level. Almast always entry to the water js made head
dawnwards, the head being shaken quickly [rom side to side, with only the
tail not being submerged, although occasionally 1 have noted a complete
submergence. I have mot noted any other honey-eating bird submerge
when bathing. and the habit of the species under notice is remarkable ip
the fact that submergence ig made in de¢p water—when the bird is Aying,

W. Perry (Eaglehawk, Victoria),

reer y bg Kavaunt, Habits of a Sphegtd Wash 185

HABITS OF A SPHEGID WASP.

By Tastron RayMent, Melbourne.

Coma, on the George's River, is 30 ar soa miles south of Sydney, and in
sandy ground there, Alex Holmes, of Woollahra, abserved a large black
wasp dragging a paralysed green Orthopleron to tts shaft. He captured
both thw victor and the yictrm, aiid the author was sable to determine the
wasp as Sther cauescers Sm.

In anather paper the author bas deseribed the attack on the tomatd
grab by # black and red wasp, dmmophila mespiciosa, which frst stings
the prey on the several verve ganglia, and then drags it to the “nest”
celi to receive an ege. The grub does trot die for several days, and it
seems that the Gethopreran of Como survives for the several days while
it is being consumed, : '

The author tégards this diversity of hakat among the Sphegid wasps
as evidence of the plastic pature of wasp intelligence, for most wawuralists
who have studied wasps in the field are impressed by the changes in the
technique of attack when called upon ta deal with prey of another
character. The Ammophila stings her grub perhaps ten times, Spher
gives her Qrthopteron 2 single stal with her lance. The diffetence is
treniendaus, and it is such departures fram typical beliaviour that make
the wasps an interesting group for the observer in the field,”

A remarkable feature of the Come observation was the presence of
many small palesgreen insects clambering over the body of the paralysed
victim, and since these, too, were m the formalin solytion, the author
was amazed on discovering that they were actually the young of the
caphye Orthopterot, Without being dogmatic, he puts forward two
sugecstions to account for the presence of the newly-hatched young in
these extraordinary circumstances. First; the yictim was amongst its
progeny when struck by the wasp. Of course, there are certain objec-
vions to this speculation. Second: The shock brought on hy stinging
precimtated the premature telease of many young from the body of the
mather, ‘The objections to this are less serious than those io the first
speculation. TToweyer, | record the abservauion, Since il presents a
phenomenon ior which no satisfactory explanation is readily available.

FICTORIAN NATURALIST PRATSED

From Colorado, U.S.A., Professor-Emeritus ‘IT. D. A, Cockrell acknow-
ledges receipt af several numbers of the Club's journal cob/aining accounts
of the Reed Hees, Bxonesrce, by Tarlton Rayment, and be writes: “On
the eve of cur departure for Honduras T haye just received vour most
excellent and interesting. articles. and [ enjoyed also the ather good articles
which they contained.”

Professor Cockerell has recently gone Lo lecture for six tronths at the
Escuela Agricola which has been formed to educate selected men froin
different States for a course in atlvanced methods of modern agriculture
ahd horticultate. Professor Cockerell visited the F_N.C.V. on his last visit
to Australia, We is now eighty years af age—t.¥.

The old case of a caseemoth Crota which yotn hatched last year is
hanging high on my ocak tree. Recently T saw fluffy pieces wf "silke?
adhering to it and was puzzled antil I saw a goldfinch pecking at the case
and teasing out the siJk-like thread of which the case is made atid Ayiru
away with it, evidently for nest building—L.Y.

184 Plant Names Sub-Commitice ape

PLANT NAMES SUB-COMMITTEE
Third List of Recommended New and Chimged Vernacntars,

Your sub-committee regrets the delay of two years since tts second and
last: list was published in November, 1944 (Vict, Nat, Lxt, p, 127), This
does not signify a long period of inactivity, but simply that certain sections
of the flora, which would normally have been dealt with first, were being
critically revised and it was deemed expedient. to postpone publication of
the committec’s recommendations thereupon.

In the meantime, work has gone uhead until, now, 42% of the Store's
yascular flora, has received attention—up to and including the family
Droscracea, So that revision of the remainder may. be hastened, it is
proposed to hold. future meetings faite a month, instead of once as formerly ;
more frequent publication of results in the + Naturalist ts also hoped for,
During 1945 the sub-committee welcomed to tts personnel Mr, R. Vo Smith
of the National Herbarium atalf. ;

In this ‘Third Tist, hereunder subsitted, all JTemaining. additions’ and
witerations (10 tate) in the large, difficult Grass Family wil! be found. As
hefore, the asterisk serves to indicate a naturalized alien spccits :

GRAMINEZ (Grasses)
' Tribe PANICE.
For *Paspaten drletdatint [reconsidered], change “Dallis Grass" to
' “Pagpatum,”

Tribe PHALARIDEAE
Add *Bhrharta vitlosa, "Pyp Grass.”
For Tetrarrhena jeseea, change “Wire Grass" to algo Grass."
» *Phataris puradoxa, change “Bristle-spiked .. . ." to “Variable
Canary Grass,” ;
» *Antharanthiia odoratim, change “Scented ..., .” to “Sweet Vernal
Grass.”

Tribe FESTUCEA.
Add Echinopogou Cheelii, “Long-flower Hedge-hoy Grass.”
For Distichlis distichophylla. (not D, spicata), change “Salt Grass” 10
“Australian Salt Grass”
» WFestuca gigantea, change “Tall . ‘to “Giant Fesene.”

» Festuca osferula (not F. darwseula), change “Hard .
“Graceful Feseue”

Add Festuce Muelleri, “Alpine Fescue.”

» "PF alpie megalura, | ‘Fox-tail Fesene."

» “Exdpia cilieta, “Fringed Fesene.”

For “Bromus catharticns (sya. B, wriolodes}, change “Prairie Grass"
to “Rescue Brome.”

« "Bronms trermis, change “Hungarian Brome Grass” to “Awnless
Krome.”

In *Bvaums anatrostachys (not B. scoparins), *B. madritensis, *B.
mollis, *B. racemosus, *2. rigews (syn. B. willogus), and *B,
sterilis, delete the . suffix “Grass,” simplifying 10 "Mediter-
ranean, Brome,” “Compact Rrome,” “Soft Brome,” ete.

For *Brisa maxi, change ‘Shel! Grass” to “Ouaking Grass.”

» “Brisa miner, change. “Shivery Grass” to “Little Quaking Grass."

» Britgreshs parviflora, ( syn. E, pilosa), change "Soft 2..." ta

“Weeping -Love-grays.” :

ew £ ra, restig ladunaria (irot E. falcate), change “Sickle 3 Vb te
‘Purple Love-grass.” '

"

to

embe ae abe | met Fe he
bt ntl Plant Nasies Sinb-Comnnitter 18?

For vagroshs anstratastca (syn. Glyceria Fousigetay, change as
bao Grass" to “Cane Grass." ) ssc" ;
Add *£ragrostis a igre “Carolina ‘Lave-grass."
For Poa lepde, P Dryonondiong, and .*P_ frivislis, change * “Sealy
; “inotted . ane “Rough-stalked Meadow, Grass” to
“Scaly Poa," “Knotted Poa,” and "Roygh- stalked Poa" re-
_ spectively.
, Pea Pordeana (syn. G lycerta Fordéanad, ange "Swamp Swect
Grass” to “Swamp Poa,” -
Bi Pueringtlia stricta (gyn, Glxcevia strives, change "Marsh Grass"
"Salt- marsh Grass.”
+ Glycerin waxing (syn. G. ayuittica), change ‘Reed Sweet Grass"
to “Reed Manna Grass." "

Tribe AGROSTIDE
For "folyppoyou tmonspeliensts, change "Beard Grass” to "Annu
card-grass.’
Add *Polypogan fatosus, “Perennial Beard- grass.”

. Agrosks australiensis, “Australan Bent.”

») Agrastis fiensalis, “Winter Bent.” °

» #Ayrastis equata, Rare Bent.”

aAgrastis Adamson, “Adamson’s Bent”.

w Agrests, Muelleriana, “Mueller “Bent,” x

4 Agrostis rudis, “Silver Bent,” :

) *Ayrostis semivertiediaia, “Water Bent.” Z

For Agrostis parviflors. (syn. “A, Muellerty, change. "“Muellee’s Bent
Grass" to "Tair Bent."
, Agrostis marines (syn. Calamagrastis: filiformis), change “Blowt
Grass” “Common Blowi-grass."* ~~
Add Avrdstis emule, ‘Plains Blown-grass."'
Agrostis Billardicri, “Coastal Blown-grass.’
Far *tyrostis giganten (ayn) 1. alba), charige SaMhite Bent" ta “Red-
top Bent,”
*Agrastis travis (sayy ly Dulinaris) change “Finé Bent Grass” to
' “Browa-tap Bent.”
*Agrostis Spicd-ventt (syn. Apera Spica-venk), change "Silky
Apera" to “Silky Bent.”
Add Deyeusia mmiicola, “Mountain Bent- -grass.”
» Devesia brackvatharer, "Tailed Bent-gtass’
- Deyensia. Benthanriava, “Alpine Bent-grass.” :
Pog Deyourra frigida, change “Alpine... ." to “Tall Renteerass.”
» Derventa contract2 (not Calamagrastis, rudis),- change “Coarse
“to “Lax Bent-grass.”

" Abistida a cnaria, A, Behriane, and AL ‘ramos, change “Sand
oa" “Brosh... .” and “Cane Spear-grass” ta “Sand Wire-
grass,” Brash Wire-prass, and ECene Wire-gfase respectively,

« Stipa teretifoli, change “Coast -.. ."-ta “Prickly Spear-grass."

. Hpa elatior (syn. mi aphononenra), ‘change “Delicate Lint” fo
“Maritime Spoar-grass.”

>> Add Stipa denstflnra, “Detse-headed Spear-grass.”
. Stipa verteillaia, “Bamboo Grass.” f

. *Stipa leucairichka, “Texas Needle-grass."

Far Sporobolus virgouens, change “Coast Rat-tail] Grass" to “Sale
Couch.”

Trike CHLORIDEZE aa ) *
Add Chlovis wentricosa, “Plomp , Windmill, ‘Grass. id

—_—

| Vict Wat.

ets Plant Names Sitb-Commrttee Vol, 84

Tribe AVENEA: |
Add™* Avena sativa, “Common Dat.”
» *Auonm sterilis, “Animated Oat.” . -
n ‘Avena strigosa,Bristle-pointed Oat.”
For *Halcus mollis, change “Creeping Velvet Grass” to ‘Creeping
Fog.”
” *Schismus barbatus (syn, 5, Falyemus), change ““Kelch Grass” to
“Arabian Grass,”
Add Amphibronus Archers, “Pointed warp Wallaby-grass,”’
» Amphibromus gracilis, “Gracetul Swamp Wallaby-grass."
For Danthkonta palhde, change "White-tapped . . =. 2 te “Red-anther
Wallaby-grass_” :
iv Danthonia nudiflora (not D. panciflere), change “Few-flawored
‘ta “Alpine Waltaby-grass,””
Add Danthonia nuda, “Srow Wallaby-grass."
, Danthania robusta, “Robust Wallaby-grass.”
» Danthonia Dittoniana, “Dutton Wallaby-grass,”
Danthenia Richardsomi, “Richardson's Wallaby-grass.”
. *Pentaschtstis cores, “False Hair Grass.”

Tribe HORDE

Add *Leliant sigtdus, “Rigid Rye-grass.”
we * Lalit subritatuen, “Dalmatian Rye-grasy" [this was’ the original
so-called ‘Wimmera Rye-grass’ "). TT 5
» *Triticuny estivam (syn T. sation, FT. vilgare), “Common
Wheat.” é =F
hy ae rants ovistatus, ‘Bristle-tail Grass.”
» *Agrepyran juncewn, Sea Wher erases
For slygrapyy on veliufinnm, change “Velvet . "to “Mountain Wheat
aruss,”
vo, tHordeveon aiarinitn. (sin. H,, “ maritinum), change “Sea Barley”
to “Sea Barley-grass.’
ay "Hordewn siotoxune, change ‘ “Knotted . . 2" t0 "Meadow Barley-
Bripe
J, WH, Wits, scree P.N, Sub-committes,

POSTING OF CHRISTMAS. GIFTS AND GREETINGS
The Past Office is most anxious that gilts and grectirigs be’ delivered to
récipients before Christrras Day and.the co-<dperaton of <itizens. ise sen
by early postitigs. The Deputy Director, ‘Posts and Telegraphs (Mr, C. G,
Brown) would like you to \—~-

Post during the week-end the 14th “and 15th ‘Detember!:

Make sure that cath address is very clear and dn ae

Pack -all gifts securely and show the ‘name and address: of the sender,
preceded by the ward “from”. :

See that correct postage is vreisaitle Sdspeciatty on Christmas: cards, 14d,
postage js correct for a Christmas card.if the envelope is not sealed,
but if the envelope: is Sealed ever: with-the ends partly cut open, the
charge is 24d. Only five words of greeting may he. writtest ow a card
posted at the ld, ratey: -

SNAKES

Mr, Ray Hunt (State School, ‘Texas, Queensland) lectetsi to communicate
with any iellow-members interested in snakes,

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol, 63.—No. 9 JANUARY 9, 1947 No. 757

PROCEEDINGS

The monthly meeting of the Club was held at the Lecture Hall,
Melbourne Public Library, on December 9, 1946, the President.
—£Mr, B.S, Colliver) presiding and about 150 members and friends
attending.

It was aunotneced that beth the Botauy and Geological Discus-
sion Groups would continue next year, and interested members
were advised to contact the respective. secretaries for further
information.

Mr, G, N. Hyam, representing the National Monuments. Sub-
Couwwnttee, said that the tine had now arrived for this sub-
committee to be reorganized. He asked members generally to
submit lists of areas, natiral or historical places or objects for
the considerztion of the sub-committee with a view to having them
proclaimed National Monuments.

A. letter was received from the Bird Observers’ Club regarding
proper protection of: Macquarie Island now that whaling has
started again. The President stated the committee would keep in
touch with this matter, :

The following: were elected as Ordinary Members: Mrs. C,
King, Miss N. Lewis, Mr. §. R. Dunn and Mr. A. R. Henderson;
as Country Members > Messrs. A. F. M. Haque, V. Subramanyam,
A. E. Lindner, Alan Jordan, W. H. Gray; and as Associate
Members; Mr. V. Weston and Master Ros King.

' NATURE NOTES AND QUESTIONS

Mr. V. H. Miller reported that two white Cockatoos were seen
flying high above his home at St. Kilda.

Mr, L. K, Lord reported a large Ghost Fimgus near Ringwood.

Question asked: Why are certain birds called Cuckoo-Shrikes—
is it that they are parasitic? Answer: Mr. A. S. Chalk said
the bird often used old nests belonging to other birds, instead of
building one for itself, but the term “Cuckoo” was used merely
because of superficial resemblance, Mrs, V¥, H. Miller stated chat
Dr. Leach used to say the birds were so named because they had
the Might of a Cuckoo and the bill of a Shrike.

190 Piel Naturalists’ Chile Proceedings Medea

SUBJECT FOR THE EVENING

This was an iustrated Jecture on ‘Sea-Shells and Snails,” givert
by Mr, F. S. Golliver. The lecture was strengtheued by a series
of specimens displayed by Mr, C. J. Gabriel and by the part he
also took in the discussions. (A summary of the lecture will be
printed ina later issue of the, tc, Nat.)

Mr. A. A. Brunton stated he was on one occasion bitten by an
octopus, and he had vivid recollections of the.arm swelling,

Mr, A. J. Swaby asked if univalve mollusca had tentacles or
the other parts of the hody beside the head. Both Mr. Gabriel
and Mr. Colhver suggested that fringes of the mantle suggesting
tentacles would only have hmited reflex actions by comparison
with the proper areas ol sensory organs.

Mr. A. H. Mattingley asked what was the heaviest recorded
weight of a bivalve. Mr. Gabriel, speaking from memory, stated
that examples of the Giant Clam weighing 551 and 520 Ibs, were
recorded.

Tn reply to a question, “What is the most handsome shell
in Victorian waters?” Mr. Gabriel suggested the Painted Lady
(Phastancla austrais} for the univalves, and Mr. Collives stug-
gested Trigonia margaritacca for the bivalves.

EXHIBITS

Mr C. j- Gabriel: Marie shells—Dolabella yigas, Rang. Mauritius;
Dalebritera olivaceu, Pease, Hawail: Umbracathan smicum, Gel, Maurtivs;
U, aurontinin, Pease, N.S.W,; Philne angost, Crosse, Vie 3 Tethys tigrina,
Rang, Vic.; 7. concava, Shy., View Aphistenm vellum, Gmel,; Abera sovuta,
Chem, 5.A-: Aes nadecwns, Liu, 8. Caledonia.

Mr. A. BP. Dunn: Land shells—Paryphanta. atranentaria Shuttleworth,
from Gembrook: Hefia piscina and Cuachlicella acute (Muller) frone
Carnegie (introduced species)

Mrs. J. J. Freame: Freshwater mussel anid pearl fron (bjs shelf,

Mr. F. S. CGolliver: A series of univalves sectioned to show hverioc
cavities.

Mr. A. H, Mattingley Aboriginal ornamental breastplate of mouther-of-
pearl and gin's hair necklet.

Mr. R. C. Kershaw: Coloured sands from Noosa Mead. Queensland.

MR. W_ H. NICHOLLS RETURNS

Mr. and Mes. W. H. Nicholls have returned to Melbourne after several
weeks of orchitl-hunting in Western Australia. They ceport haying had a
Croitful experience. Mare than 40 spectes of orchids new to Mr. Nichalls—
piclading some new to sctence—were discovered, and these will be figured
im the forthcoming worle an the orelnds of Australia. Meanwhile, it is
hoped that articles bearing on the expedition will be made available for
presentation in this journal,

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Val. 63 January, 1947

Puare NI

Stomach content Clargest items} of Frogmeouth. One moth larva seen
at top of photograph.
Photu.: Edith Coleman.

‘ p47 7] Gueman, Further Notes on Faods of Fragmoytits 19),

FURTHER NOTES ON FOODS OF FROGMOUTHS
By Epity CoLreman, Blackburn, Vie.

A dead Frogmouth, picked up on the Healesville road at about
5.30 pm. on October 2, provided unexpected confirmation of this
bird's habit of pouncing, with open wings, on its prey, Jt also bore
eloquent testimony to a wide taste in foods.

-Neck and one leg were broken, but the body was not crushed,
nor was the skin broken, Apparenly it had been siruck by a
car in its early morning foraging, but. lyimg well to the side, ina
slight ridge of road sweepings, it had escaped further trafic, which
was exceptionally light on this Saturday.

Underneath the Frogmouth was a toad, rather larger than a
fully-zrown mouse, to the back of which adhered feathers front
the Frogmouth’s bare breast, firmly attached by dried mucus. The
toad’s akin was quite dry and the body greatly distended. It was
obviously distressed and madé no attempt to escape. - Presumably
it had jain there all day, embedded in the breast feathers, quite
unable to mave. Tt was put into a tin with some wet moss. Half
an hour later it had recovered. The now moist skin had shed. the
feathers, which lay in the moss, The toad was released in the
garden, none the worse for its great adventure.

One assumed that the Frogmouth was struck as it pounced,
falling on its prey in the characteristic manner described in the
September and October issues of the ic. Nal. Headlights ofter
show frogs and toads crossing this road at night, sometimes in
Jarge numbers. It is. doubtless, a happy hunting ground for many
a Frogmouth,

Inflation of the toad’s body would seein to be a protective
measure, making it almost as difficult for the bill to grip as a
rubber hall. The Frogmouth's habit of falling on its prey has,
surely, developed through long expertence of such elusive shapes!
Ji suggests that the battering of toads is nor done to crush the
limbs hut to deflate the body, and so to bring it within compass
of the mandibles. Battering of Jess inflated frogs may he necessary
to crush the wile bones of the bead_

Examination of the bird's stomach content was interesting, even
exciting, as huge centipedes, bhuntsman and other spiders, longicarn
and uther beetles were withdrawn, So tightly was the com-
parstively small stomach cramined that one seemed to be cutting
inta a solid body. There was only one moth larva. Tf there were
moths, they were too fragmented to identify.

The large items were dropped into formalin solution for an’
hour. ‘They were then laid on blotting paper to dry over night.
They were really too dry, and so appear shrivelled in the photo-
graph shown herewith. The centipedes appeared to have been
well crushed before swallowing,

192 Coteman, Further Notes ox Foods of Freqmonths Wirieaist-

The residue, strained from the formalin salutiun and laid on
hlotting papér to dry, yielded two tablespoonfuls. (by graded glass
measure ) of heads, legs, elytra, antennae and other inidentiiale
desiccations. One looked in vain for the road's “waiting-room” !

Several hemi-spherical beetles with hard chitinous elytra ex-
plained part of the resistance met by the razor hlade. “I'hese
should have taxed the bird's digestive juices.

The great umber of huntsman spiders was surprising, until one
remembered the Frogmouth’s habit of hunting on tree-irunks,
Which are also favourite hinting-grounds of the huntsaman, One
muy see ther at dusk aud later, In the daytime a prised-up sheet
of bark will often reveal a family of dozens of hali-grown huntsman
spiders. -

Several jumping-spiders are shown. These, so often brought
into the house on leaves of silver-beet, explained why the Frog-
mouths made frequent dives into the vegetable garden. The
absence of moths, too, was stirprising when one remembered the
bird's habit of Aying tr street lights. Possibly the soft bodies are
san macerated ‘uid digested, and the delicate wings may be too
fragmented to identity.

VOICE OF THE FROGMOUTH

Te will he agreed that Mrs. Coleman's various articles on the behaviour
of Fraemouths: have been very inveresting aud instructive, aiid Have indeed
shed ight on many aspects of the life of these eutious birds

Rearing on the voice ot the species, when at Wattle Park (Melhaurne) an
Suyust 25 last, I was attracted by a curious zooming ar huzznig sound,
tather suggestive of a hive of bees, and, investigating, found gs it came
from a Podargus that was sitting Jizard-like 20 feet upin a tree. Was this
4 eourting note? Anyway, it was the first call of the kind 1 had heard
fram the species, and in fact the first time T had heard a Frogmoeth calling
1) daylight—A.B.C,

¢
MUELLER MEDAL AWARD

Mention should have been made ii last November number fp. 164) that
Mr. FE. C. Andrews, na., *6.5., the nofed Sydnoy geologist, also réceryed
a ynedal jrom the recent A. NwZ.AA: S. mecting at Adelaide. Since no
award had heen made during the past seven years (Professar T. Harvey
Johnston was the Iast recipient, 1939), the committee had recommended
thai fara medals be given. in 1946. This aversight is regretted, and the
Club’. congratulations extended to Mr. Andrews.

Nr. 4. RB. Walkom, Hon. General Secretary of the Assocation, tas bsindly
drawn attention to a necessary correction in the conditions mentianed 43
governing the award, which ts now made for "“importayt contribotions to
unthrapological, botemeal. geological or zoological srience, .. . ." and 45
wre aig tine Maid, (The original rewulations, vide Minutes af Conseil
Meeting, Jaguary 8, 1992, specified a period of Ave years precediug the

aware.)
¥ 5 7 JSALAW.

ee " kure, 4 Variable Dinris 193

- A VARIABLE DIURIS ,

By Rey, HM, R, Rure, Northbridge, N.S.W,

In reading Mr. G, W Althofer’s remarks on the orchids of the
central-western slopes of New South Wales (Mict. Nat. August,
1946), 1] was reminded of the exceptionally fine display last yeu,
in many widely-separaped ateas, of Diwris anrea Sia, which is
pre-eminently the “Golden Diuris” of this State.

[ip ta the present it has not been recorded nich farther sotth
than the Shoalhaven River; but at extends northward into southern-
Queensland. It is yery common between Port Hacking and the
Hunter Valley. I did not know that it-extended so far west as
Dripstone, and Mr. Althofer’s specimens came as a Surprise,
especially as his flowers were larger than any I had seen elsewhere,
The measurements oi one now m my herbarium are as follows:
Lateral sepals, 3°5 cm.; petals (with the claws), 3 cm-.; dorsal
sepal and labellum, each a trifle over 2 cm.

In the accompanying plate I have endeayoured Lo alustrste the
remarkable variahilicy of this species, from actual specimens in my
possession, As variations in the caluinn are so trifling as ta be
negligible, it is mot depicted fn any of the figures, which are
confined to [he perianth and labellum,

No. | is the Dripstone fawer, Except for its larger dimensions,
this will be seen to resemble closely No, 12, which is a Hunter
Valley form. It will be ubserved by glancing through the series
that there 1s great diversity in the rnarkings (brown on a ycllow,
background) at the base of tte dorsal sepal, In 1 and 12, however,
these dre similar, and both agree with those of No, 6, which
otherwise is a very different tower.

No, 2 is a flower irom Somersby, neay Gosford. Tt muy be
taken ta represent the commonest Hawkesbury Sandstone form.
All segments are relatively narrow. The lateral lobes of the
labelluin ace just about balf as long as the imid-lobe;

Nos, 3 and 7 are two different forms fron’ Pyinble, growing on
shale. In No, 3, notice the orbiculay petals an short, broad claws;
the very broad Jateral lobes and almost rhontboid wid-lobe of Lhe:
labellim; and the short, slightly petaloid Jateral sepals. These
leatures are all different in No, 7, which also has cremslate upper
edges to the lateral fohes of the lahellum, and a quite cistinet
pattern for the dorsal sepa! mariings.

Nos, 4 and 6 are two forms differing still more widely. They
were growing quite close to each other, near the Butineronp power
house on Botany Bay, in sand. Were it not for iterinediates, one
would be disposed to regard them as distinct species. Compare
the orbhicular pecals of No. 6 with those ef No. 3—the former on
long, slender claws, the latter on ahort, broad ones Im No. 6 the”

194 Rurr, 4 Veriable Diuris beac at

dorsal sepal and mid-lobe of the Jabellum are almost as orbicular
as the petais,

No. 5 is. a flower from the granite country about Stanthorpe in
southern Queensland. ‘It is smaller than the average New South
Wales flawer, and the petals are cuneate like those of the lilac-
coloured PD. cuneata Fitzg, Relatively to the mid-lobe, the lateral
lobes of the labellum are very large. The dorsal sepal resembles

QO? Ww a
©) ahd
Qe? Aer WAN

a ron {B\ §6
7

ra fe

Variations a the Aawers of Diuwis aurea. (See text.)

that of YD. saphurca R.Br. This is even more noticeable in No, 11,
another Stanthorpe form, suggestive of a natural hybrid between
these two species: the dark band across the front of the labellum
is very characteristic of D. sulphurec.

No. § is another Dripstone flower, all parts except the petals
aiffermg from those of the giant No. 1, The petaloid sepals,
conspicuously coloured, are almost as broad as the mid-lobe of
ire labellum, contrasting strongly with the green linear sepals of

o. 1

No, 9 is another Bunnerong flower, with most unusual lateral
lobes to the labellum, The petals, as in No. 8, are cuneate rather
than clawed.

aeeet Rem, 3 Sarieble Diuris 195

No, (0, another form fram Stanthorpe, puzzled ime very much.
The dorsal sepal and petals .were buff-coloured with a faint
guffusion of reddish-purple ; the labellum was bright yellow, The
long, linear lateral sepals, when considered in the light of this
colour-schemie, suggest a natural hybrid D, punctata Sm, x O,
auree, Neat the Stanthorpe golf links there is a remarkably fine
formal D. puxctata with reddish-purple flowers, | am indebted
for all these Stanthorpe speciniens tu Misses Jean and Dorothy
Genimell, of “Braemar,” Glen Aplin-

Variations such as are indicated here are very interesting, and
not a little perplexing; since some of the miost distinctive forms
are found growing close together, and cannot be accounted: for by
different climatte or soil conditions. Those who are interested may
be fecommended to study a paper hy W. H. Camp and C, L. Gilly
entitled ‘The Structure and Origin of Species, with a discussion
of intraspectic vanabihty and related nomenciatural problems,”
published in the American periodical Britton for March, 1943,
With all due respect to the learned juthors, | would add that for
the ordinary amateur hke myself, in studying this brochure a
dictionary of technical botanical terms is an indispersable aceessory-

ORCHID COLLECTION FOR NATLONAL HERBARIUM

Mr. W. H. Nicholls, authority ov Austrahan orchids, bas préseited Bis
entire collection of mere than 5000 specimens (including many types ane
rarities) to the Victorian State Herbarium. Tins splendid gesture auginents
the national collcctron of Australian orchids by almost as many specimens
as those already housed at South Yarra, and Mr. Nicholls is to be wanwly
cainmended for Is generous action,

- FOR MOSQUITOES

Bearing on the subject of the use of kerosene on ponds to kill mosquitoes,
an experienced. man recommends not more than half a teaspoontul per
square yard. ‘Some years ago, in the Bendigo district, the mosquito pest
becaine simply intolerable, and after much suffering he tried oil on a tank
near the house, The tank was about 6 ft. m diameter, and he used a
teaspoonful of kerosene with astounding results. In the morning there Were
myriads of desd mosquitoes; the water was black with them, The tant
was Aushed with a sprinkler and given another speontul at night. ‘The
second morning there were still myriads; the third trial showed only a few,

and mosquitoes at ance ceased to be a nuisatice about the house. It is
suggested that if kerosene were used in anything like excess the mosquitoes
would tot alight on the water.

144 Grinent, Glinpses of a Sub-tvapre Kain Forest : p44 -

GLIMPSES OF A SUR-TROPIC RAIN FOREST
By Leone. Gitgert, Nabiac, N.5.W,

Although muclt of Australia is with the (ropes, actual areas of “rain,”
'Sunple or “tropical” forest are not particularly extensive. beng tainly
alomy the Queenstand coast fespectally in the north). These ary fairly
large in the narth, Wui decrease as one proceods farther seuth, uuil in
northern New South Wales oniy more or less isolated patches of such
forests are found (an damp and shelvered places). Vhe raiu durest localities
becoe crill smaller and rarer south of Syduey. and finally disappear in
eastera Victeria, >

In Nurthera Australia the country i mainly covered with sayannah
woodand and the only vegetation approaching the fungle type is found
along toe freshwater rivers and creeks. Such rivér forests are very derse,
bur do mot extend bevond the rivers, and lack the state and damp
atmusphere of Une real east coast rain forest wath its Malayan Epems of
vegetation.

Junegles are a relic of the times when Austrélin had a uch inoister, inore
hurnid climate than now, and consequently they are found anly in linose
places which still offer shedrer, humidity, & huntas so, aad rainfall of some
50 dnehes or more

About three miles trom the town of Nabiac, N.S,W,, is Mount Totawahl
(1400 ftJ—a mountain of considerable hulk. cavered maiwly with rather
heavy upen torest. Arduiid the mountain are river gullies, and on the
southern side there is one which 49 quite noteworthy. Thus gully & deep
in places and a smail stream occupies the narray rocky bed.

From 2 distance one sees a dew tall palms (Litéstoun australis) sanding
seats the forest, and these are signposts to Somethin “tropical”

yon

Following up the rocky creek-bed, one encounters ereat Tawertia thickets
with Ribas rosacfolins and fe, Aittit io render progress mara difficult,
Looking forward, aboye the Lantana, to che mountain akead, the vowetarive
covering of the mountain vecms to be divided into three. There appears
a dark, compact mass of tangled vegetation bounded an each side by the
lighter normal open forest. This dar anass marks the path of the creek
down ithe sheltered mountain valley, and is the sire of {he tain Purest we
are goin to consider

Along the creek-bed at the foot of the mountain. plauts of the open
forest muy be scen an either side beyond the Tantan, These are mainly
Guns (iuealyphes sp), Turpentine (Syncorpra procera) Native Cherry
(Exocarpur crpressiferais), Green Wattle (4tcacta deeurrons), sith "Tea
trees” (Afelalence spp.) in the damper areas, Among the ferns at ins stage
are the tougher types—Pteridnom anion, Cheilanikes teamfpelia, CO. dts
tans, and Dondia aspera, wile amwug the orchids are Ervochitie surnllatus
and @ species of epiphyte growing in slumps, Slirubs asclude Persoonie sep.
Cassio lawvigate, Meldlewca thynafaha tet of), Leptasterana si. ane orber
coastal Types,

Higher up the ereek-bed, softer types of Terms are to be seen—Maiden
Hair of three kinds (Adtontimy anthro picun, A Mepitilum, A. faeesam,
with f, diephaniy jn a jew places), Proves teepa and others ta be
mentioned later,

Where the creek finally Rows inter the open, after its passage througl) (he
dark forest! che vegetatton on either cide of the creet-bed forms a natural
doorway Trading ta (he forest proper, and the charge in vevrtation, scenery
and atmasphure ts ahrupt, The Lantana loses dominance \ecaise of the
lack of light in the lawer places, owing to the thick canopy overhead, and
thus progress Wp (he rocky creek-bed is comparativeiy easy once the favest
is entered.

mil Giumer, CAmpses of a Sub-lrapic Minin Piyrest 137

Tt & pivw that one realizes the presence of a tropical Vemet—the whole
plare 18 damp and wWusty, and strangely quice—the racks are all thickly
mass-clad sa that one’s footsteps are mufBed, rotting trees are lying across
rocks or Teaming crazily anon Wage “niunkey ropes of lianes, The
atmosphere is damp and gloomy.

Surface soil is well-nigh lacking However, leal-mould is thick between
the rocks, and onderyeath then may be seen a rich dark brown soil wte
which the huge trees firmly root themselves Leteatty the rocks,

Here one feds great trees towering overhead an al) sides—Rrosh Box
{Treshaania conferta . Flaine Trees (Stercudia_sp.), Firewheel Trees Stevo
carpus siauates). Pittospormiv vovolutum, Figs (Ficus soy.), Atbrsens 3p.
Featherwoad (Polyosina Ciminghemiona}, Native Plums (Siderosyion
aastrate), Stinging Trees (Laportoe gigas, TL. thotiaiphalio), abil inany
ather types, all seeking the essential sunlight, aml by Loew very seeking,
malig the task more difficuly for toertselves sm that further growth is
necessary, atid thus the struggle gnes on, to produce enormous trees.

Various climbing plants add to the confusion by trying to solve the light
prablen In some areas. at the tdge of the forest is the White Passion
Vine (fassitiern alba). repartad ta be poisonous to stack, while within the
forest is the Supplejack (Ffngelfarta medico) su come iy) the eiyer
forests of the Narthern Termitory, One of the prettiesy climbers is the
liliacestus Rhipogomim Livesonwin, with strong thoray stern and sprays af
white flowers, Lantana conara is comparatively rare in the forest hecwuse
of its inatihty te climb ta great heigitte.

Ferns, 109, yeek the light by ¢limbing—the flesh (bonded Cuctephernd
confuens, <iethropleris tenetle, aad Polypodiian. pestitatunn These ferns
beautify the qunks of trees to a great drgrer.

The Stinging Yree or Gympie is very plentiful, amfurtunately, ancl is
usually given at extremely wide becth by all who lmew it (either hy repute
or by experience), By tisfortune I slipped and bunped against a leat of
Lapertea gigas, and a most painful sting resulted immediately, with small
swellings all over the affected patt The sensation was jest as if dozens
oj powerful anis Were stinging simultaneously, ‘The pain lasted ior tive
hours and the part itehed for three days after Laporte. photinapinla does
not have as many sliging dies ol the leaves, but, is bad enough, 1 ts said
that the natives of northern Queensland used |e trees as 4 eure for
rhemmatism: | should imagine that the shock one feceives Crom the tree
would serve to cure anythizig! ‘Vhe yap of a bluc-faweredd lily ts sad te
lie an antidate, but this is denied by some authorities

Climbers amd epiphytes, with their ingenious ways of seachii2 sunlight,
cammand tha mast allentiou. Huse lianes may be 3 to 6 inches thraugh,
and sometimes they lie coiled at wie feet of ees like enormisns haw'sers
The epiphytes may He divided inte fems and orchids, The former include
three mam specles—the Staghor, (CPlntyeerinn grande), Elkhorn CP
bifircatim) andl the Bird's Nest Fern CAsplesinm nidus). There seonis te
he some confusion regarding the Fw colloquial terns “Stag-7 and "E)k-
horn.’ P_ grande sometimes receives the naine Efxhorm, or it may he
referred to us 3 Staghorn. (Fortunately. all three are ov the protected lst

Tt is interesting to sole that the anty colony of Mistletow observed in the
forest was of a specimen of biscnm growing on 2. grande. Platycerinins
may have another fern—Paynliia deeitatr—giowing on them, and the
combinations Make i very striking sighy Likewise. Asplentin itdis may
lave the very heaurifit 4. fufcatems crowing on it, with fronds three or
more fect log, spraying aver the side of lhe Bird"s Nest Fern. All threc
ivpes Grow loa ezreat size, wel sometimes at is said that Flatyceriums crow
to such a sic that they cause the downfall of the bratich or even of tho
tree unon which they are growing. P, bifurcatue often grows righy around
a Uree truiik.

198 Giraret, Gliarpses of a Substrate Karn Foresr a ee

‘The second group of epiphytes comprises the orchids. Like fers, they
may grow at very great hetghts above the ground. The beautiful “Rock
Lily" (Gendyobtwm speciasem), the Bronze ar Spider Orchid (0. tefri-
‘gonant). a Pencil Orchid (0. Becklers), and the tiny Surcauthas tridontotns,
as well as about three or fuur other species, sro quite conmnoy, The delicate
vanilla odour of J. tetreaonnat is very pleasing, while D. Recklovi has an
odour someting fike cinnainan. The collecting of orchids for pressing is
quite @ task, as in addition to the heights of the specimens, they have a very
definite flawering period, and a day or so on either side will result in the
fiiding af a withered flower stalk, necessieating a further year's patience.
Far this reason, not all the orchids seen have yet been collected ot classified.
Some trees seem to be literally bursting with orchidaccous colonies, especially
in the case of Y. speciosa, which grows to a enormous size and like the
Platycetiunis appears to cause the downiall of the branch whieh has
supported it fram the chime when 3) was a yeedting.

The species oF Ficus which strangle ather trees are quite plentirul, and
excellent examples of the process of strangulation may be seen,

Saprophytes. are also at home in the forest, the leaf mould praviding an
ideat habitat. Orange, white, brown, yellow, and black toadstodls are seen,
and some mushrooms—or at least Junge which proved to be edbblo—were
found. Orange “liver fungus" and a red and grev “bracket fungus" are
also common. One specimen of a bright orange crinoline phalloid waa
seen, and, as usiai, the characteristic fly-attracting odour was evident.
Farth-star Tung: (Gceaster spp.) are (airly coniman, also, though erratic in
their disteihutian,

Because of the lack of Jight on the ground beneath the densely clustered
trees and yaines, shrubs and herb: are comparatively rere, and ferns such as
the Sour species af Adiantzm listed above. as well as Aspleniene attenuata,
A, fobellifoltiet, Pella poradosa, P. falcata var, nano, Doodia comlata,
Oryopteris tenera, D, decompastta, D. parasitica, and occasional Athyricn,
dominate the. ground, with the masses of inogseg, lichens and fungi Some
lichens clothe the branches of trees also (Usuee spp.), The Musci are very
well represented, ineluding the Jarge Dacesonia moss. On the roeles, too,
Apeciintus of Peperonio vitae are yéry COmmon.

Heve aud there are specimens of Gyantostoniys anceps and the prety
Piectanthrus parvifloris, with occasional Solonpar spp,

Rock lichens sre found carpeting same rocks in a moss-like fashion,
while others, as already stated, inne from tress, causing them to have a
Rhostly appearance. Both foliose and iriticase tichens are well represented.

After rain has fallen, and the creek js runuing dawn its rocky stairease,
the whole picture js most pleasing, and would be one of restfulness were it
nat for the myriads af pyer-aceive mosquitoes that tihabit the gloomy depths
of the forest im summer There 19 something striking an every hand, whether
it be: the creek itseli, the lowly mosses and fang, the quaint staghorns and
birds’ nests, the beautiful arches or the fine ‘trees that hold them to the
sunlight Such places never fail to provide one with saterhing new and
fascinaimy, whether we be seeking the aesthetic or the scientific, Ter ur
hope wise coutisels wil) prevai) in keening many of them inviolate

LATE NESTING .

A member asks whether it is umagual for the English Seng-Thrish, 4
eonmuon bird in Metbourne, to nest late in December, “The answer ve thal
the Thruslr as apt to produce a second brood, or perhaps 2 whird brood, as
fate as January, Incidentally, this has heen a poud pestiay season for
native birds in sonthem Victoria, and sante—ineliding sueh early Arredery
as the Yellow Retin—are sel) nearing —A.1C,

sesnry : Coruiver, Bibliography of Charles J. Gabriet i99

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF CHARLES J. GABRIEL
Compiled by F. 5. Corciver, Meibourne,

This compilation has been made for the benefit of workers on the Mollssca,
‘and gives a complete list of published material, chronologically arranged.
The system followed is that of a similar bibliography (Bernard C. Cotton)
published as 2 Supplement to the South Australian Kield Naturalist, Vol.
24, No. 1.

1908

1. Gabriel, Vic. Nal., xxv, No. 3 (July), pp, 54-55, Marine Mollusca
found near Stony Point, April, 1908.

2. Gabriel and Gatliff, Proc. Roy, Soc, Vie., Xt (ms,), pt. J (Aug),
pp. 365-367, pl. xx. On Some New Species of Victorian Marine
Mollusca.

3. Gabriel and Gathiff, Proc. Roy. Suc. Fie, xxt (ns.), pt. 1 (Aug.),
pp. 368-391. Additions to and Revision of the Catalogue of Victorian
Marine Mollusca.

1909

4. Gabriel, tc. Nat., xxvr, No. 2 (June), pp. 19-20. Excursion ia Stony
Point, Western Port. (List of Mollusca additional to previous.)

5 Gabriel and Gatliff, Proc. Rey, Yoo. Vie, xxi (ns), pt T (Sept3,
pp. 3536, pl, xa7, Description of 2 New Marine Shell of the genus
Larina(?).

6. Gabriel and Gatliff, Proc. Roy. Sec. Vie., xxu, (ms.), pt. 1 (Sept),
Pp. 37-46, Additions to the Catalogue of the Marine Shells of

ictoria, .

7 Gabriel and Gatlill, fic. Nat, xxv1, No. & (Dec.), pp. 117-118, pls.
Ti, I, First Record of the animal of Moluta gamilfa Gray, wath
remarks thereon.

1970

& Gabriel and Garliff, Proc, Roy. Sor, Vie, xxomt (ns.), pt 1 (Aug),
pp. 82-86, pls. xvit, xrx. On Some New Species of Victorian
Marine Mollusca.

9, Gabriel and Gatliff, Proc. Roy. Soc. Vie. xxmt (ns.), opt. 1 (Aug.),
pp, 87-98, Additions to the Catalogue of the Marine Shells of
Victoria,

195

1@, Gabriel, Mic, Nat., xxvia, No. 5 (Sept). pp. 96-98. Notes on Exotic
Mollusca found at Coode Island, with Lists of Species.

§), Gabriel and Gatliff, Prac. Roy, Soe. Fre. xxw (ns.}, pt. I (Sept.),
pp. 187-192, pls. xcyv1, xuvat. On Sume New Species of Victorian
Marine Mollusca. }

12. Gabriel and Gatlifl, Proc. Roy, Sov, Mic,, xxiy (s.), pt, U (Sept),
pp, 793-200, Addition to and Alterations in the Catalogue of
Victorian Marine Mollusca.

Wiz

13, Gabriel and Gathf, Vie. Nat, xxix, No 3 (July), pp 46-48, pls
m, tv. On a New Variety (var. Bakert) of the Marine Shell
Fasctalaria avstralastag Perry.

14. Gabriel and Gatliff, Pracy Rov. Soc. Vie. xxv (ms), pt 1 (Aur),

pp. 167-148. pls. On Some New Species of Victorian Marine

Mollusca,

ann Gartiver, Bibliography of Charles J. Gabriel V Yor. 8°

1S. Gabstel and Gatliff, Proc, Roy. Sac, Vie, xxv (ns), pr J (Aor),
pp. 169-175. Additions to and Alterations mm the Catalogue of
Victorian Marite Mollusca, mm

1913

16. Gabriel and Gatliff, Proc. Roy. Soc. Fie, xxvi (ns.), pt. 1 (Sept),
pp, 67-70, pi. vin. On Some New ‘Species and Varieties of Victarian,
Marine. Mollusea-

17. Gabriel and Gath. Proc, Roy, Soc. Mic. xxvi Gis, wm. 1 (Sept,
a 7-87. Additions to the Catalague of the Marine Shells of
‘ictoria.’ -

18 Gabriel and Gatliff, ic. Nat, xxx, No. 11 (Mar.), pp. 210-214, pi, mm
List of Recent Victorian Brachiapodo.

19, Gabriel and Chapman, Proc. Nov, Sec. Vic, xxvi (ns,) pt. 1] (Mar,
pp. 301-330, pls, xxiv, xxVitr. Description of New ahd Rate Fossils
obtained by Deep Boring in the Mallee. Pt. 1. Motlusca.

20. Gabriel and Gatliff, Vic, Nat, xxxt, No. 5 (Sept, pp, 82-84, Ateera-
tions in the Nemenclature of Some Victoria Marine Moltusca.

21. Gabriel and Gatliff, Proc. Rov. Suc, Vic. xxvit (as.), pt. I (Sept), -
pp. 94-98, pis, xiv-xy1, On Some New Species of Victorian Marine
Mohlusea,

22, Gabriel and Gatlil, Proc. Koy. Soc Fie, xxviy (n5.J, pt 1 (Sept).
pp. 99-103. Additions to the Catalogue of the Marine Shells ni
Victoria,

1915

23. Gabriel and Gadiff, Proc, Rov. Soc. F'&.. xxvutr (n.3.), pt 1 (Nov).
pp. 115-123, pls. xi, xm, Notes on Some Victorian Species of
“ereda.

24. Gabriel andi Gathiff, Proc. Roy. See, Vie, xxex (s.), pe £ (Oct),
pp, 104-105, pl. yar. Deseription wo! 4a New Genus and Two New
Species of Victorian Marine Motlusca,

25, Gabrici and Gatlif, Proc. Roy. Soc, Vie. xxrx (na.). pt. I (Oct),
po. 106-113. Additions ta and Alterations in the Catalarue of the
Marine Shells of Victoria.

26. Gabriel and Chaprnan, Proc, Roy, Sac, Vic. xxx us), pt. 1 (Sept.).
pp. 414. Ona Sheli-bed underlying Voleame Tuff near Warrmam-
bool, with Notes on the Ape of the Deposit.

27. Gabriel and Gatliff, Proc. Roy. Sec, Mie, xxx (3), pl. I (Sept,
pp. 21-31, pl. in. Additions to aid Alterations in the Catalogue! of
the Marine Shells of Victoria,

1927

28, Gabriel and Gatliff, Proc. Meloccleyical Svc, x1, pis, V and VI
(Oct), p. 173. Text fig. Description of a New Pliasianctig (P
tomlings) from Western Anstralia,

1922

29, Gahriel, Pals (Boys' Weekly), Vol. 2, No. 36 (Apr), p, 847. The
Young Collcetor, Sea Shells,

ahve Co.uver, Bibliography of Charles f. Galrtel 201

30, Gabriel and Gatlifi. Prov. Rox. Soc. Vic., xxxiv (ns.), pt IT (May},
pp. 128-161, Additions to and Alterations in the Catalogue of

: Wictorian Marine Mallisca.

4923

31. Gabriel and Gatliff, Mte. Nat. xn, No, 1 (May), p. 10, pl me Ona
New Marine Bi-Valve Shell, Hemidonaxr chapauni sp. nov.

32, Gabriel and Chapman, Prac. Roy. Sac. Vie., XxxvI (ns.), pt. 1 (Dee),
pp..22-40. pls, Fith A Revision and Description of the Austraiian
Tertiary Mafellidae, Patcllotdidac, Cacéulinidae and Pisstrellidae.

1925

33. Gabriel, Itc, Nat., xtu, No. § (Dec), p. 207. Land Mollusca New
far Victoria. .

1926 :

34, Gabriel and Gatliff. Proc, Roy. Sec. Pie. xxxviar (ns.), CJuly), pp.
88-94. Additions to the Catalogue of Victorian Marine Mollusca.

929

35, Gabriel, Pir. Net, xiv, No. 6 (Oct.). pp. 130-134. Text figs. Report
on Land Shells from Cann River, Victoria,

1930

36, Gabriel, Proc. Roy, Sor, Fre, xem (s.), pt. DT (Sept.), pp, 62-88,
pls. s1, 1, Catalogue of the Land Shetis. of Victoria,

1931

37. Gabriel and Gathiff. Proc. Rov. Soc. ic., sur (ns.), pt. IY (Feb.),

pp. 202-232. Additions to and Alterations in the Catalogue of
Victorian Marine Mollusca.

1932

38, Gabriel and Cottot, Proc. Row Sac. Wie, xury (ns.), pt, IL (Ape),
pp. 155-160, pl xin. Australian Unionidae.

39, Gabriel, Vie, Nat., xutx, No. 1 (May), p. 21. Fresh Water Mussels
(Beechworth, Excursion, Easter, 1932).

W933

40, Gabriel, Pe. Not, 1, No. 2 (June), p. 48 Text, fg. The ‘Victorian
“Umbrea Shell.” Tinkeaewnesii corticale Tate.

J934

4}, Gabriel, Memotrs Nationel Miscun, Melbourne, No. 8 (Sept.), p
157, phi Xa. Figs, 1-3. -Thelassohelis translucens,-a New Victorian
Land Shell.

1936 :

42. Gabriel, Wictorian.Sea Shells, (F.N.C.¥. Handbook, pp. 1-68, pls. t-6.

es Text figs.) ee? '

1937

‘43. Gabriel, ic. Nal; vin. No. 10 een pp. 171-172. Text fig. Hann
! pareva strangei A, ‘Adams: A Peculiar Bivalve Soekk ;

1939

“44: Gabriel, Memoits Notional Museut., Sansone. No, 11 (Nov.), pp.
100-139, pls. 1-nv. The Fresh Water Mollusca af Victoria,

m2 Gannet, Excursron fo Daantoula Ye tr

EXCURSION TO BIMBOOLA
By J. Rog Garner, Melbourne,

The purpose of Ute excursion fro November & to 10 was to afford Ciub
members an oppariunity of being present at the offeta) opening of the new
National Park at Dimboola and, during the visit, to see something of the
Wimmera. Tic part of Victoria présenls a very different jacture trom
that of the Club's usual exeursious, which, ol recent years, have favoured
the well-known distracts nearer Melbourne.

Gealaically the Wimmera is a part of the Murray Basin Plains—an
area Of mternal drainage where streams such as the Wimmera Liver follaw
a uoctiwaed course finally te difappear into chains of stallow lakes,

Seatrered through the Wimmera and Maller are other evidences of the
internal drainage systein—aniated salt lakes and mud pas, both depending
for their water intake on rain, cither divect ar thraugh seepage, and wnder
the guldance of Mr and Mrs. Murr the party liad an opporrunity of seeing
ooe af these shalluw salt Jnkes-

At Lochiel, about sever miles west of Dimboola, Nee one ob the peculiar
pink salt lakes, covernng an area of about 20 avres. Almost Surroulding
the lake were Kanyarou Island Melaleucas, which provided a sharp cantrast
to the cot colours of pink, dlue and white to be seen in the water, the panke
due tu tbe pigmented micro-organisms which dourish m the saturated bone,
the blue from tho reflectian of the almest cloudless sky cmd dhe white Ere
encrustations ot salt winch are depositing throughout the water aud en the
margins of the lake. Salt fram this lake was, and perhaps still is, harvested
tor conlmérce and, while we were walking around the path of one of the
concentrating pans, we noted a nest of salt crystals—a bird's nest with
three. oggs which we have been told were Utose of the White-headed Stilt.
"Phe writer collecled a sample of the saturated brine for M'ther examination
(a report of which will be published at a later date}

Of mare immediate mrerest to us was the marginal flora of salt bolts,
glassworts and plagianths. Curiously enough, in the lake hasia and not far
distant from the salt water was @ spring irom which Alowed quite palatable
though semewhat “hare!” water, Near this spring scveral grasses and
pigniy rashes flourished, together with the little mossy Axuietihus siete.

Leaving the lake, we travelled on to Nhill (a contraction ol “North
Hill," we were taformed by Mr. Muir}, where we lunched. From here we
visited Dispur and the Lawloit Range—a red ironstone outcrop which
all but bridges the “Tittle Desert" and the “Big Desert.” Here wwe spent
the afternoon hunting insects and plants, each according to Taste. AL the
ome of our visit the special.charm of the flora lav ia the wealth of Mowers
af Raecker Rehnii, Melalonra Wilsonit and Excaluptus dwmese. (all in toll
bloom) and Exealyptus grocits, just commencing to bloom, A single plant
of Sentalun Murrayamen, with its ripe, bitter quandonis srl on the tree,
was a plcasing sight among the myrtacecaus shrubs, P

All these spwetes are peculiar to the north-west of ie State and with
the smaller herbs and undershtuhs such as Loudonia Brin, Brevenjevera
tatymega, Calyiriv, Micromyrtis and Hibbertia in bloom, there was plenty
to be seen. and admired. Jt was only a sudden thunderstorm with a tollnw-
ing and even [ess expected faltstorm which pershadtd os that iL was Lime
tex leave the Lawloit Range,

That night we were the guests of Mr, and Mrs Mile at an open-air
concert in the Dimboola Recieation Ground—an unexpected treat which was
enjoyed all the more hecause of ihe absence of mosquitees. We were vp
“betames” on Sunday morning. Et wasn’t that the concert lasted as lone as
2 Greek play, but that, after the concert; we had nar callections af plants
aild hectles to sort and classify, However. this task was completed al about

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 63 January, 1047

Piatt XLV

\ustralia’s
most beautiful birds
Vhbove Splendid
\\ ren { VV :/ wrus
splendens) and, on
right Black-backed
Wren (Af, mela

Most of Australia’s lovely Ith Fairy Wrens have now been photographed.
Here are two of the most recent additions to the gallery: the Splendid Wren,
by S. R. Winte (W.A.), and the Black-backed Wren, by Nerman Chaffer
(N.SAW.).

January

mer Gaener, Ewcursion to Dinbnola 205

half past two and we were able to sleep in uiltil almost ¥ q'ciock that
morning. : : i

Our next excuraon waa to the riverside fringe of the Tittle Desert, but
we were too early for the fiery dikplay of the Crimsan Bottle-brush
(Callisteman regylosisy which occurs im dense colonies in this area. But
that part af the desert was not lacking in cology wor ik interest, wath
Calpiriz, Pipieler, Brodemayera, Aibbertia, Gondesia, Dilkuyia, Wahleu-
herqia, Melipterso and Helichrasys species in bloom, together with a little
Cafandrimia and the curmous Modotheca avguetifefio, Banksia arvata was
the dominant species on the sand and Encalyprus /argifiorens and &. camal-
duensis on and near the banks of the river arid tes analraaches.

After attending the openmy of the National Park, we inspected the
prounds and biniding of the Dimboola High School The school adjoins the
National Park and, as the headmaster pointed out, same care has been
taken to preserve cs niuch as possible of the native flora within the grounds.
This poticy has undouhtedly added much to the already attractive setting
in which the schnol is placed.

Although there was more sorting and identification that night. we did
mangspge to get to our beds soon after nridwteht sa thur we might be up
early enough ta catch the lus ta Morshasn, aud ca by train ty Melbourne in
the early afternucit—tired, rather sleepy perhaps, but Mled with appreciation
of the kindness and hospitality of Pimhoola and especiasly of Mr. and Mrs,
Exic Muir... Aa perfect hosts, they even purchased a motor caf to coincide
with our visit, and this explains how we tour "got around” so much,

THE, STORY OF A MARSH CRAKE

The following mores lave Deen received, through Mr. K. A. Hindsyood,
fram Miss Daisy MeCulloch, of Sydacy, wha in tury got thent fon? her
sister at Clesrmonc, Central Queensland. They tell a striking stary about
a species of bird of which little is known:

A strange Ute bird canje in at the kitthen window one ight recently.
As far os we cin judge it is a Marsh Crake, though the colouring and
markings are more like a Lewin Rail, but that is too big, It is the prerciest,
daintiest little thing, very quiet. and ate moths jrom our fingers a few
minutes after ic was caught. As there is na water about, we are keeping
the lird until sain comes—we think it came from the Pigk Lily Swamp,
vow almast dry. We have it in an old safe, where it seems quite happy,
and has a wonderful appetite. Grasshoppers are nat ta be found, sa it has
to cat meat, and we catch flies on the ganag, and also give rt “crawlers”
which breed in damp laying-mash. Tt calls to us as we pass: one note is a
loud “knock” Jike the call of the little serub-bied which cores sometimes.
It has a dish of water with clover ip it, and It often dips its foud in this,
We let it free in the gauzed mam every day; it has a bath. which it greatly
enjoys, and afterwards races round the raow.

Later —The little Crake is at iny feet, talking sadly -it wants another
feed. Tf it gets joo Immery it Aies om the kitchen table and tries to catch
hes. We fet at out in the garden sometimes, but it is nervous, and its tail
as up with a twiteh, like that of a waterhen; it never does that inside.
Lis yery conversational and slways answers when we speak to it, No
matter how softly L come downstairs in the moming, it always ureéts ne
gaith a loud "Chit? before | seach the gauze donr.

[.ater,---Our little Crake seeins quite content to live in the gauzed roonr
and the kitchen, and runs about the floor like a little impuse. As soon as it
sees Mary wave her arni to catch a fly, it comes running to take it from

204 The Story ef a Marsh Crate Vier. ait

her fingers. and peers between them, to see where the By ix, Lt really isa
brainy little creature. It didn't care for meat at first, but mow eats quite
a yood meal ‘of it, tugging it vigorously out of our fingers. It talles: inv all
sorts of tones whenever we speak to it, j

Later againi—The fairy Crake grows more intelligent every day, Tt
follows me round when it’s hungry, calling “Chit chit” Jt kmaws the meat
is kept in the frigidaire and tries to Ay mito it ahd help itseli 2 2 am tod
slow. When | take a piece of rneat to the kitchen, table to cut it sinalh the
bird fics up and pulls the meat away, tugging hard. When satisfed it
retires behind the stove, stands on omg leg, and sleeps. We eave it Iree,
Hut it has no wish to go away.

HARVESTERS INDOORS

Queer creatures come indoors to shelter from the rain, Queerest, perhaps,
are the Jong-legged huryysters or “harvestemen,” which obviously are not
spiders because their round bodies (absurdly small in, proportion to the
length of limb) appear to be all in one prece, bul which as obviously are ool
“ynites,'” at least in the popular sense, for iv leg-span they equal or exueed
gven the yery large House spiders named after Cardinal Wolsey,

These Cardinal spiders can move fast cnough, but the speed and reaching
power of the harvesters is amazing. Transierring fromm one surface to
another or from the hotizontal to the perpendicular with the utmost ease,
there #5 for them only one woscaleadle beight in the house, atid this the
slippery road to escape from. the enamellest abyss of the bath,

Called to “reseue” a spider front ghe bath, au observer found, ow one
éecasion, a Cardinal spider, farge and threatening, facing a poor harvester
trembling it every jimb, its small round body vibrating, in terror [or
possibly in anger), Semething interrupted the operations, and when the
rescuer returmed a little Jater there was anly one to be reseed, The suivivar
was—tlte haryest-man; of the spider there remained only a few scattered
Jege i was difficuit io believe tat the harvester, whose body seemed to
have grown no bigger, had really killed acd eaten w spider so large and
powerful, Yet what else couid have happened?

(From a vetent irsue of the weeldy edition ef Phe Tomer. Londen.
Forwarded by Hf. Latdawiei}

BIRD STEALS HUMAN HAIR

While spending a hwiiday at the Grampians garly jn October T had any
firs! experience oF the Whiitereared Honeyeater a4 a “hair remover,”
wae making a day trip ta Mt Wihain for botamea) specimens and had
proceeded ahowt hali way up the track when the Honeyeater, after flying
around, scettled on my head and endeavoured to pull out bair for its nest.
The persistence and compleze lack of fear must be seet to be believed, As
T had still some aniles to go, Lynarked the piace ont the track and went on,
hoping to renew the bird's acquaintanve on the retutn journey. Ir was tate
atterioon whe I rétucied to the spot and I was disappointed at the White-
éar's non-appcarance, However,.a hule further down the track it flew out
of some trees—ani straight on to the top cf my head. After some further
puiliiig of hair the bird appeared to become discouraged, and presently
departed.—J. S. Sratow (Caulfheld). ; :

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 63.—No. 10 FEBRUARY 6, 1047 No. 758

PROCEEDINGS

The monthly meeting of the Clab was held on January 13, 1947,
at the Lecture Hall of the Public Library. {n the absence of the
President (on vacation), Miss Ina Watson, Vice-President, pre-
sided at the gathering of about 200 members and friends.

The Vice-President aimouiced that owing to illness Mr, A. H
Mattingley, who was to have been the speaker for the evening,
was unable to he present. In his stead Mr. G. N. Hyam had
agreed, at short notice, to address members.

The Tlonorary Secretary drew attention to a recent addition to
the Chib's fibrary from the office of the Chief Inspector of Fisherres
and Game—a small book entitled The Fresh-water Fish of Fictoria
and Theiy Food. |t was stated that members may obtain personal
copies from the office of the Chief Inspector at 2/- each.

The following were elected ta the Club; As Ordinary Member,
Mr. N. E. M. Walters, of Caulfield; and as Country Member,
Miss Ethel Tonge, of Eltham Heights.

NATIONAL MONUMENTS

Qn the completion of the formal business My. G. N. Hyam
addressed the Club on “Conservation of Natianal Monuments,” As
convener of the recently reconstituted sub-committee on National
Monuments the speaker was able to draw freely [rom the consider-
able amount of data on the subject that he has accumulated, and
the series of ilustrations that were shuwn towards the end of the
lecture gave emphasis to the extent that the conservation of
national monuments, in such forms aS primitive areas, reserves,
sanctuaries, intermediate ateas, geological features, panoramas,
trees and buildings, is proceeding in other lands, In the course of
his talk Mr. Hyanv reminded members that what had already Leen
done in thts direction in Victoria was achieved largely through the
influence and activities of members of this Club, but much yet
retnained to be done, and the need for conserving not only for
our own gereration but for posterity many of our extraurdinary
or unique natural monuments was becoming the niore pressing as
industrialization and settlement extended. He appealed to all
members to assist the sub-committee in its work by subnuitting
suggestions and recommendations relative to the establistiment,
maintenance and control of ary subject which was believed to be

aM ‘ Field Naturalisis’ Club Proceedings Vick Fist

worthy of being conserved as a national monument. 1t could be
safely left to the sub-committee to sift'the wheat from the tares:

In the course of the discussion which followed, one member
cited Mt, Eyeles, in the Western District, with its crater lake, as
being well worth reserving.

Mr. A. A. Brunton protested that Victorians did not seem to set
inuch value on what national monuments they already possessed.
A case in point was the Kinglake National Park, the entire assured
finances for the maintenance of which were deriyed from the
parking fees collected at week-ends, This enterprise provided the
Committee of Management with funds sufficient to employ and
pay the ranger on an average of one day a week!

Mr. Hyam believed the hest approach to the problem of interest-
ing the general public in these matters was to enlist the aid of
the Education Department and through the editor of the monthly
school paper keep the subject alive through the medium of a
regular monthly article dealing with one or other phase of the
subject. J

Dr. Margaret Chattaway spoke of some of the achievements
of the people and governments in Britain in the direction of
conserving outstanding national monuments. In passing, she men-
tioned that many of the reserves that had been taken over for
defence purposes during the war were, under public pressure, being
rapidly restored to the people.

Mr, F.G, Elford suggested that the Club should seek an anual
report front the Sherbrooke Forest Advisory Committee.

The discussion was closed following Mr. G. Coghill’s reference
to the camnplete lack of funds for many of our nationa) parks. The
National Park at Sperm) Whale Head (to whose Committee of
Management he belonged) had no source of income at all, and in
such circumstances little could be expected in the way of its
development or even in maintaining tt a5 a primitive area,

EXPRESSION OF SYMPATHY

The Vice-President announced with regret the recent death of
Mr, John Ingram, a2 member of the Chib [or over twenty years
and a former Treasurer, By invitation, Mr, A, S, Chalk niade
brici reference to Mr. Ingram’s passing, which occurred on Decem-
ber 3st fast. A wreath had been sent on behalf of the Club, which
had been represented at the funeral by Messrs. Cofliver, Chalk
and Hyam-

NATURE NOTES
Mr, Tarr reported the finding on the westerit shores of Port
Phillip Bay (near Werribee) of two nests, each containing eggs,
of the Pied Oyster-catcher.

at 7 Fig? Naturatists’ Chip Proceedings my
3

A further nole concerned the location at Marlo, in East Gipps-
land, of a nest containing young of the Rufous Bristle-bird. The
nest consisted of a rough structure amongst undergrowth, This
observation was of particular interest to ornithologists, as it records
x considerable extension of the range of the breeding places of this
bird.”

-Miss Watson mentiyned that, during her recent holidays at the
Glenelg River, where the stream is stil! affected by tides, she had
the happy experience of watching a platypus diving and swiniming
in the river. ;

Mr, Tarr commented on the nesting of seagulls near Goodwin
Sands, There were 40 nests containing young birds and the
observers were intetested to sce 2 White-breasted Sea-Eagle
pounce on one of the young birds and Ay off with it in its talons.

Mr. Stewart, in reporting on the,alpine flora of Mt. Buffalo,
mentioned that this summer had provided a notahic clisplay,
ariong which the orchids were prominent. A greenhood, withered
beyond easy recognition, was taken to be Pterostytis alpina Rog.,
in an atypical form, while a particularly tawny manifestation of
Prasophyllun brevilabre. Iook.f, was another interesting “find.”

EXHIBITS

Mrs. M, E, Freatic; Philline engast, white sea-slug and epg-mass; hody
divided into two halves containing fragile shell and three gizzard plates,
used for crashing small shell fish, swallowed by the animal whes burrowimg
through the sand! Specimen from Altona, Wis he

My. A. WN, Carter: Large specimen of the Giant Punk; fron the head-
waters of Tomahawk Creek, Beenak, Victoria.

Mr, © French: Rare Longicorn Beetle (Tragocerex spericet) collected
ai the Seaford’ excursion by Mrs. Pinches; also a collection af Banksia
and Acacia Borers. - 7

Mr. K. Savage: Flowering specimens of garden-grawn native shrubs,
including Melaleuca pulchelle, M. Huegelit, Baockea pilicate, Baursarte
spimasa, Prostanthera spinescens, Grevidlea buxtfolta and G. Hoakeriona.
act emieat Woodburn: Types of soil frora Central and Northern

usteaha.

Mr, iT, ©, E, Stewarts A collection of native Aowers fram Mt. Buffalo.

F.N.C. EXCURSION TO SEAFORD

About 25 members and friends took part in this excursion, We first
visited the sand-pits. and’ examined the Bauksias, Wattles and Caswarinas,
Quite 2 nice lot af the beautiful Jewel Beetles were collected, some being
fine specimens. The larvae of Banksia borers (Uracanthits tiangularis), the
driangular-marked Jongicort, and alsa the larvae of the Acacia Teathery-
antenrac lodgicori were observed feedim iu the boughs. Other isects
were observed, the principal “find being the rare and fine Jongi¢orn
Tregacervas, This was found by Mrs. .Pinches on = -young Banksia tlase
to the ratlway station, Aller hunting the tiees in the sand-pns we pro-
ceeded aimongst the trees along the shore, and the extensive damage caused
by borers was observed. Most of the fine cid Banksias, Wattles and
Casuarinas are being wiped out.—C, Frencm and R. Lee.

os

208 Coneran, Hunting Masts as Grasihepper Checks Mit Boe

HUNTING WASPS AS GRASSHOPPER CHECKS

By Enrrj Coueman, Blackburn, Vie,

In the Pie. Nat., April 1944, I referred to the felling of trees
on our forest land at Healesville, a necessary precaution after
fires had swept through some acres of it. Although we regretted
the Joss of the trees, there were, to 2 nature-lover, some com-
pensations, One was the chance it gave to study certam insects
which “nested” in the trunks beyond reach,

In some of the fallen eucalypts. (peppermint and prey-box) and

black wattles, tufts of grass-stems protruded trom holes at intervals
of 9 to 15 inches, commencing at about 12 feet from the ground.
They were not always one above the other, but showed here and
there round the stems. ‘The trees were of all sizes from small
(but tall) saplings to fully-grown trees_
. We were able to point out tufts on still standing trees, and these
the woodcutter felled more carviuily, splitting some of them open
ior me to examine. Each tuft of grass filled the opening that led
to cradies of a hunting wasp—man’s valiant ally m the war
against grasshoppers,

The cradles were in tunnels up to 15 inches in length, They
were most heautifully packed with wads of tightly curled grass-
stems and were divided into sections. Two or more sections were
crammei] with the remains of grasshopper nymphs, and in the
same sections two plump pupae showed how well the wasp's larvae
had dined on the soft parts of the nymphs.

I photographed the contents of one section and seit a print,
with descriptions of the cradle, to Mr. T. Rayment. He replied
(28/7/43): “T feel sure that this is the work of a wasp and it
seems possible that it is one of the gents Chlorion (Family
Sphecinae). These wasps have diverse habits; same nese in the
ground, others occupy holes in trees. However, yours is the first
example I have seen of curled grass-wads. The Chlorion wasps
certainly tse grasshoppers for larval fuod, but there ts little
information on their habits. You could help there,”

Although Mr. Rayment had not seen the wasp, his “guess”
proved correct, When, later, I was able to see the small wasp, [
marvelled at her skill in capturing such hosts of active nymphs
larger than herself, and in curling Tong strands of grass-stems.
That there were no adult winged grasshoppers stored imust be due,
I think, te the fact that the period of the wasp's egg-laying
corresponds with the symphal stage of the grasshoppers. Some of
the stems were brought ta Blackburn and cut into sections to fit
a glass fish-iank (28 in. x 10 in. x 10 in.} and a kerosene case
with closely fitting hinged lid. These were placed in a wired-in
verandah

Free COLEMAN, Attia Matis as Grasshopper Cheeks BOs

Several wasps escaped: from the fish tank before I notices! that
the lid rid not fit closely, Two were caught on the verandah wire,
As there were two enipty pupal cases in one of the logs, it was
proof assumptive that the wasps were the grass-curler's

However, as I hac not actually seen them emerge, I waited for
further proof. Then I found one (dead) with its head fArmly
wedged ina aniall slit made by one ef the two box hinges; It had
flown to one of fhe two tiny chinks of hight. T then sealed up the
lids of both tank and box with nucraft, and was rewarded with
two perfect wasys, apparently male and female,

These were sent to Mr, Rayment, but in the rush of Christmas
postage could not have reached him, (i learned later that he
was in Queensland.) As no more wasps have emerged ir seems
possi that the pupae were badly shaker) when the trees were
élled. I showed the wasps to Mr. A. N. Burns, who confirmed
Mr. Rayment’s determination of the genus Chlorion and suggested
i Species near wiirbrosus,

Seme of the logs have since been-split, and in one of them was
a dead wasp wedged in a grass-wad A few pupae still “look’”
unharmed and may yet complete their metamorphoses. :

The wasp, a glossy black pin-waist with transparent, bronzy-
brown wings, is under an inch in length. Great compound eyes
half cover (he sides of the head. When short hairs on the fore-
head eateh: thé light they appear golden, on a silver base. The
undev-suriace is covered with short buff hairs. The curled an-
tennac, sweeping incessantly this way and that, suggest that they
are “picking-up” the whereabouts of prey,

A glance at the larder should male us all her frienrs for bite.

Whether the wasps did any of the tunnelling | do not know,
As there were long “wads" of tightly packed sawdust at the farthest
ends of the tunnels T assume that she had “squatted” iu tunnels of
burrowing larvae of waltle-goat and other wood moths.

The photograph of the burrow and its cradles was taken on
November 22, 1943. The pupae shown were ¢ inch in length,
The arrow inclicates the opening. The-tult in the opening had
been disturhecl-

The curling of grass-stems up to 10 inches Jong scems a rermark-
able feat. d :

One section of the tunnel contained packing of soft fine grass
cut very short, or perhaps (eased into a soft bed, and iu this the
€ge appears to have been deposited, not on the body of a victim,
as with certain other hunting wasps. Next to this js a wad of
slightly coarser grass closely curled and closely packed, Beyond,
fear the opening, is the final packing, and this shows hyw its, close
spirals and straight ends are placed. ’

For this, a stern of 8 to 10 inches is carried into the opening,
always in an upward direction, and several spirals are made in

210 CotpaaAn, Hunting Hasps es Grasshoaper Checits ee

the upper end of it. The straight end is left protruding from the
hole. Another stem is carried in, the tip curled, and the spiral
laid ayer that of the first stem; then another and another, until
12 to 25 stems have heen carried in, their spiral tips lying tghtly
packed one above the other, their straight ends protruding fram
the hole.

Further inwards, there are no straight ends to the wads. For
these the whole length of more pliant grasses, 8 to 12 tehes jong,
have been curled into spirals,

Why did the wasp not use tightly curled grasses right to the
opening? Tt may be suggested that che tufts of grass-ends serve
as directiim flags, to wark Her doorways, Tut she has finished
with the tunnels when those pulls are added, aud wil) not again
wisit the cradles. It certainly suggests that she anticipares rain,
and that the stems will drain the water downward, away from the
holes. so that no rain will enter the tunnels, as it would if the
tufts were horizontal or potting upward.

I think the explanation of the dramage Yes in the position of the
burrows in which she “squatted.” She could place the stems in
na other way because the woodmott's larval burrows lead down-
wards towards the rout of the tree. A tight wad of sawdust lay
behind the hurcowing larva. Therefore the wasp's grasses could
be carried in no other direction. IJt does not detract from the
wander of the whole proceedings—the perfection and safety of the
tunnel, the store of nymphs, the tightly curled grasses.

The tufts were probably a mater of “chance” in the first
instance, and proving of survival vatue were “arlopted” until they
became a Axed habit of the species,

Ti is a beautiful story which makes one wish that our ento-
roclogists would devote more space in their books to the fascinating
ways of stich little lives, One does not suggest the deletion of
necessary taxonomy; but it is disappointing to find too frequently
in the works of greal entomologists; “Nothing is known of its
habits." Why do they not set to work to unravel these fascinating
hut puzzling stories, so that they may feed the hungry nature-lover
with more substantial food? We go to their books asking jor
bread, and are given pages of tedious classification with scarcely
an item ot human appeal. Such books are invaluable to the
specialist but of little use to the ordinary nature-lover.

Ts ita matter for wonder that boys and men sheer off eniomiology
at a time when entomology is of such vital interest to Australia?
If a boy's interest be captured lie will soon seek more technical
knowledge. We want our entamologists sometimes to unbeni, not
too much Fabre and Maeterlinick, but with quiet stories that will
impress by their very simplicity.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Val. 63 February, 1947

Pirate XV

7
f
‘

foe

wepriary ] Buscess, Houeyoaters iu the Mallee 211

HONEYEATERS IN THE MALLEE

By Witt. Burcess, Mitcham, Vic.

The 1941 season was good, but.an early-breeding one for a
number of the trae Mallee forms, especially the ground-loying
species found in the locality of Manya, north-west Victoria, where
may wife and I spent a holiday fram Sept. 20 to Oct. 11, 1946,

We went from Panitya to Manya and stayed with Mr. and Mrs.
Harold Hitchcock, who had also been our hosts when we visited
the locality with Mr, and Mrs. F. E. Howe during the season of
1941, {For a description and the number of species observed on
that visit see "Ornithologists in the Mallee,” Emex, vol, xcit, pp.
65-73, and jor a description and map of the iocality see “On the
Occurrence of Psophodes mnigrogularits im Victoria,’ by F. E.
Howe and J. A. Ross, Ew, vol. 32, pp. 266-269.)

Mr. A. H, Chisholia, in his “Observations and Reflections on
Birds of the Victorian Mallee” (Ein, vol. 46, pp. 168-186) deals
extensively and interestingly with species of this and some near
localities.

Although I spent many days—fonrteen, in fact—~in the area
where the Mallee Whipbird was first recorded hy F, E. Howe
and J, A. Ross, no sight or sound of the birds was gained, and £
am sorry to say we were not able to visit the Little Desert (some
13 ales south of Pinnaroo) where we saw the birds and Mr.
Howe found them nesting on our previous trip.

It was spending so much time in this locality, watching and
listening for Whipbirds, that led me to the discovery of a species
new toa me and also for the district, and later to record it nesting,
for the first time. I believe, in Victoria. This was the rare
Piet! Honeyeater (Certhionyx variegatns). The habitat of this
Species, as quoted by the Checklist of the R.A,O.U., 1926, is the
interior of Australia, New South Wales, Western Australia and
north-west Australia.

It was on September 29, while near the Manya Bore, that I
wandered through the scrub northwards and saw a pair of hirds
of which I had not had any previous knowledge, They attracted
my attention by their extraordinary fight and unique call-note.

Both male and female were seen.to mount into the air together
and literally loop the loop, Frequently during following days the
birds were seeti to repeat this performance, and also an act that
I could only describe as a “back slide.” To see the male with the
light shining through the outspread tail, singing as he rose and
descended—an action not unlike thase of the Songlarks—was a
never-to-be-forgotten sight. 4!

Usually at the conclusion of these flights the male would perch
on the topmost branches of a tree and, with the head thrown well!

Vict. Nat.
Vol. G2

212 Bunerss, MToneyeaters tn the Maller
back, would utter a rather monotonous, melancholy piping note.
’ They were extremely shy and would not allow yery close
inapection before they would be up and away, Aying some con-
siderabie distance. Many of-their actions inthe air were similar
ta those of the Black Honeyeater (MM yzontela mgra),

On October 10 a nest of this species was found, I[t was then in
course of constraction—merely half a dozen twigs had heen placed
in position. The site chosen was 3 feet from the ground in a
large, bushy, round-shaped wattle of a species that abounds in the
area. The nest itself was placed on a horizontal twiggy branch
on the northern side of the bush, ahont & inches from the edge of
the foliage. Tt could only be detected with difficulty from tinder-
neath and from the opposite side of the shrub. , {

Both male and female (they shared the-task of incubation)
could only reach and Jeave the nest by entering from the southern
side of the bush.

The nest was completed and two eggs laid by Octuber §. I was
amazed at the celerity ot the whole proceedings, When last
visited the nest still cantained two eggs, from which the quale
was finshed.

The nest itself was an open saucer, 14 in, deep, irregularly
forméd on the outside of long thin twigs of broom-bush and
tei-tree, with small twigs aud some spiders’ webbing forming the
main structure, The inside was scantily fined with seeding yellow
daisy flowers.

Only a few days previous to our visit Black Honéyeaters had
arrived in great numbers, and during the first few days of our
stay were busily choosing nesting Jocations, which were niainly in
the scrub bordering the roadways. Very few pairs stayed or nested
in the larger scrub areas. On an average there was a pair of
birds in every five hundred feet of roadway,

On the morning of September 20 J watched a pair of these
birds choosing their nesting-site, which was a horizontal fork of a
dead, half-burnt fallen limb of 4 Mallee gum. Wo cover whatsoever
was near the nesting-site. Its height trom the ground would be
about 6 inches,

About 10 feet away fram the nest the branches of a dead Mallee
acted as a look-out perch for the male. He, while the female was
absent, would keep up a monotonous call, When the female
answered the call and arrived back, both birds would fiy to the
nesting-site, where they would twist in turn for a few moainents
then off they would fly, the female hothy pursued by the male,
Within 15 or 20 minutes the male would return and the whole
proceeding would be repeated.

Passing in the late afternoon of the next day, much cobweb was
to be seen forming a foundation arnund the fork of the branch.
By. the fext afternoon the nest was taking shape'dnd by September

!

Pebruury

907 Risreess, Homeyraters dy the Mailée 215

25 it was completed, One egg was laid on the morning of the 27th,
and two cges were secn in the nest un the 29th, The anale was
then flushed off the eggs. . 2

The nest itself was a small, open, shallow structuce, loosely
constructed of small dead twigs and grasses, and matted with
cobwebs and lined with seeding fower-tops of a small plant,

Both male “and. female shared the task of incubation and were
extremely fame when on the nest, allowing one to approach within
inches betore flushing.

Their actions 1 the air when flying from place to place are at
all times. rapid. Freguently the male ascends te a considerable
height, with spasmodic rises and falls, uttering bis plaintive note
the while, . - y

A female of this species was found lying on the ground with
the bill clogged and the breast feathers covered in nectar, When
she was lifted neetar ran from the bird's bill and for some time
siterwards her actions were those of an extrerttely intoxtcated
person, She was not able to perch or keep her balance and ihe
cyeés were very much glazed, After some hme, however, she
recovered and went of her way,

Ju was the day I found this bird that I also noted the Regent
Honcyeater, Four individuals were observed, but T do not think
they stayed in the locality for long, No sign of them could be
found in the Jatier half of our stay, Mr. Howe informs inc that
during his many visits to the district he had mever heard of Regent
Honeyeaters or observed them in the district.

One of the most common of the blossom-birds. were the White-
fronted Honeyeaters (Gliciphile albifrons). Pairs were all through
the district and we saw many of their nests, just commenced
building, with eggs, or with young nearly ready to fly.

The nests were cup-shaped, about 24 inches m depth, and com-
posed of greyish-coloured bark and grass, matted together with
spiders’ webs and cocoons, and were lined sometimes with wool,
somelinies feathers, and sometimes down trom flower-sceds. ‘Two
eggs are the usva) clutch quoted by authors, but‘my observations
showed that generally three eggs: were Jaid. The White-fronted
Honeyeaters were extremely tame, and many a time I wished for
the company of one of our photographic-minded members, or 4
camera of my own.

Two miles this side of Bolton's Crabhole the White-plumed
Honeyeaters (Meliphaga penicillata) were met with again (two
birds seen on the 194) visit), half a dozen individuals. bemg
observed. This species seemed to be well out of its sual habitat.
It was, m1 fact, in close proximity tu its, near relation, the Yellow-
plumed HMoneyeater (Mf ornaie). The last-named bird was com-
mon -and breeding was in full swing. Brown-headed Homeyeaters
(Metithreptus brevirostris) were numerous atid one test placed

* Th

24° Burcess, Monkeyeaters in ihe Mallee eee

about § feet high in a stunted Mallee gum contained three young,

Tawny-crowned Honeyeaters (Glictphila melonops), found com-
mion and breeding on oir previous trip, were not seen, This
seemed rettarkable in’ view of the fact that Honeyeaters generally
were so plentiful in variety and numbers of birds. 4

White-eared Honeyeaters (Meliphaga lewcotts}: and Purple-
gaped Honeyeaters (M. cratitia) were in good numbers and both
had well-developed young on the wing. Nesting seemed to have
been completed some weeks earlier,

Some few ather common Honeyeaters were noted and two
Striped Honeyeaters were watched whilst they drank from the
leaking Manya Bore tank, a place I can recommend to anyone
lor bird-watching on a hot day.

THE LATE JOHN INGRAM

Tt 35 inevitable that the personne) of the Club must undergo chanjtes with
the passage of time. Nevertheless, it iy always a sad ditty to recerd the
death of tried and trusted members who have rendered faithful service, even
though they may have long since reached the allotted span. Our mast
recent Joss was Mr. John Ingram, who pasned away at the close of the oid
year, December 31, aged 78 years.

Althovgh his twin brother, the late W. H, Ingram, had been a nyetnber
for several years, it was not until October 1926 that Mr. John Ingram
jeined the ranks of the Field Naturalists’ Club. Possessed of a dry wit,
his amiability on field exctirsions was somewhat overshadowed by his retiring
disposition, That the Clnb was not dilatory im assessing his sterling
qualities was exemplified ly his election ag Honorary Treasurer tn 1929,
This exacting position be filled for the succeeding 13 years, with one short
leave of absence, until failing health compelled his resignation as an office-
bearer ipl 1942. To those in close contact. with the Ingram brothers it was
obvious that Me. Joln’s sojourn with us was nearing tts end, yet, surprisingly,
he survived ‘his brother William by nearly two years, (Iie, Nas, vol, 62,
p 31.3

A miatried sister predeceased Mr. John sotme few days earlier; and to
the surviving Miss Tngram we tender our wartnest svinpathy i 8 on

NATURAUW HISTORY MEDALLION

Just as this edition of the-Tic, Nié, goes to press advice has been received
that the Australian Natura] History Medallion for the current year has
been awarded to Mr, Heber A. Langman, retired Director of the Queensland
Museum. Mr. Longman's chief utterests have been palaeontology and
hecpetolagy, but, in addition to mych admirable work on fossil Temains and
on reptiles, he has“been interested iq botany, ornithology, etc., and durin
many years -has rendered sound service to the Queensland Field Naturalists
Club,Royai Society, and other bodies,

alas hd Watson, Seen Beside the Glenelg River 215

SEEN BESIDE THE GLENELG RIVER

By Ina Warson, Melbourne,

Fishing is one occupation which gives the nature-lover oppor'-
tunity to indulge in his hobby. With the hoat tied up bo a reed-bed,
we were enjoying the changing glories of the sunset and its
reflection, when suddenly there was a tiny splash and a ripple
mafred the crimson surface of the river. A platypus—a large
specimen—had emerged from its burrow farther along the bank,
and proceeded to perform its toilet about half a dozen yards from
our boat. Even a “bite” on one of the lines was neglected while
we watched. Later the animal swant and disported lazily alongside
the boat, just before darkness closed duwn. We thought we
caught a glimpse of a second form near the burrow, bur it didn’t
came farther out into the stream at all. At this pomt, approxi-
mately 40 miles upstream, the Glenelg is about 70 yards wide.
Tt is brackish and subject to tidal movement of several feet.

The gang-gang cockatons are in force along the river, and theic
crazy calling while fying, with their lolloping erratic flight, might
well be the ‘‘signature tune’ of the Glenelg.

On the four days we were at the river, the weather was hot ard
settled, atid each evening we saw swifts hawking in nurobers,
However, the storm they are said to presage did not arrive.

On a warin still morning we were fishing beside a rocky,
precipitous cliff, in the base of which swallows had built on the
ledges. There seemed to be about 20 in the group fying in and out
ta the ledge. As far as could be seen from the boat, there was
only the one nest still containing young, and though we watched
carefully, it was not possible to tell how many birds were helping
tu feed the babies, ,

Elere, also, we saw the azure kingfisher plunge from a twig

-about 4 feet above the water, in the manner of a gannet, and
emerge with a simall fish shining in its beak, with which it flew
off downstrean, .
during a hot aftertoon, we watched a sand-wasp. {A study of,
McKeown’s Atistratian Insects suggests that it was a Sphes Psp.)
Vt had burrowed its tunnel in a tiny ledge of sand between the
griss, and’ drew our attention by the erratic flights of ies large
black and orange-red body. in a few moments we saw it walking
in a straight line over grass-stems, Jeaves and obstacles, carrying
@ paralysed caterpillar in its jaws—the caterpillar was equal in
length tn the wasp. We saw the caterpillar move slightly when
deposited before the tunnel, while the wasp made a aon trip
inside, returning to drag in the prey, and presumably to deposit its
eae Then began a fascinating performance lasting well over half
an hour.

216 Warsow, See Beside thy Glenelg River Guan

First it scavenged round and carried back tiny pelsbles and
gum-nuts, which it forced into ihe tunnel. Between these trips,
the wasp balanced itself on its four hind legs, and, using its forelegs
in the manner of a-dog-digging, sent the sand flying over the mouth
of the tunnel—sometimes froma distance of three or four inches.
This went on from all angles until the bole was filled. Then began
the camouflaging. Smut sticks, dead leaves and grags-stems were
tugged int position, arid more sand was thrown, until it was
impossible to vell the surface had been disturbed.

The sequel is interesting. Leaving early next morning, we went
for a final visit to the scene. We found the whole of the camonfiage
removed, and although the symmetry of the tunnel was not dis-
turbed, presumably the pebbles and guim-nuts had also been
renioved completely—there was no sign of them in the immediate
vicinity of the bole. Not only that, but in the Sinall area of sand,
possibly 6 in. x» 4 in. were two other holes in line about an inch
apart, and previously insuspected. Unable to suggest what agency
‘had been at work, we decided to dig up the area to see if the cater-
pillars had been taken. [t was difficult in the dry sand soil bound
with erass roots, butin the burrow we bad seen filled, at least, the
caterpillar waz intact, stil limp and alive, and attached to the
middle of it was the tiny elongate white egg of the wasp, Unior-
tunately it became detached from the caterpillar on the journey
huiie, and so the possibslity of watching further events was lost,

Captured, from the landing was one of the large freshwater
crayfish, OJ the usual dark colour, it was approximately 18 inches
long, and armed with claws at least 4 inches in length. Lt was
studded, particularly over the tail section, with sharp spikes:
altogether a formidable armoury. Clustered over it, not confined
to any one urea, but Spread front claws to tail, were groups of
small, soft, dark, round parasites

These are all common things, seen and deseribed by many, but
still holding magic when actually observed jor oneself. Incidentally,
the Glenelg River is a glorious stream, and it is hoped that the
Inoyeittent now afant to have re declared a reserye and sanctuary
will be successful; it is worthy of all support, °

BLUE WREN AND BRONZE CUCKOO

On the eccasion of the Club’s excursion ta Bayswater on December 21
last, we came upon the nest of a Blue Wren containing four eggs.
Suspecting that one of the clutch might be the ege of the Narrow-hilled
Bronze Cuckoo, we removed the eggs from the nest and at ance recognized
the egg of the Cuckoo, Usually this Cuckoo's eg ts more elongated than
that of the Wren, but in thie anstance it was about the same size and
shape as the remainder of the clutch, The colow, of course, always
resenibles that of the Wren's eggs, though it differs considerably from
those of certain other fosterers.-A.S.C, ,

February j
1947

AN UNDESCRIBED. VICTORIAN PHALLOID. FUNGUS

By James H. Wirzs, National Herbarium, Melbourne,

Class BASIDIOMYCETES Sub-class GASTEROMYCETES
(rder PHALLALES
Family PHALLACEZ

Wits, du Uadescribed Picloriaw Phatloid Fungus 217

MUTINUS CARTILAGINEUS Sp, ow,

Planta t inexpendita ovoidea vel sxbolobaidea, 12-35 num, ie diam. Peridtunt
tevtia- xptssatienn, album; media crassa gelatinase, altis ivnuiter preribrouacess.
Receplactiin. album wsqie 7 con, altun, 5-8 a0. in digi, fusiforme,
fistalostan, sape distartumn wet complonatiun, dstriteecus wepe striavan, texte
duro cartilagines. Glebu olivaces recepinenld . majorem partem (zp.
Sporac elliptic, glabra, 35:4 X 1:3- 2” pnte,

Hab. Hyams arenosts Jruticctoram crteacearimn. prope Cheltenham, Iic«
toria (TY PSI); ange in. Hovte Camperdown, Mie. :

Unexpanded platit avoid, ‘obovaid, or irregularly subgloboid,
12-35 mim. diameter, attached to the ‘substratum ‘by several basal
rhizomerphs. Peridium _of three layers, the outer white, ment
branous and exteriotly: finely pubescent, the centtal thick aud
gelatinous, inner thin and membranous, rupturing irregularly at
the apex into two or more irregular lobes. Receptacle to 7 om.
tall, 5-8 mm. diameter, often distorted and flattened when 10-12
x 4-3 mm, diameter, fusiform, sometimes bent, tapering gradually
to the base where perfuanently attached ta the peridium and
imperforate ; apex bluntly acuminate, or as frequently subturbinate
and «distorted, pervious, white, irregularly roughened and often
provided with 2-3 Jongitudinal striae, sometimes appearing tri-
quetrous; hollow, composed of a layer of cellular pseudoparen-
chytra, cells two or three, pervious on the exterior, stuffed with
woven hyphae, abont. 1-3 mm. thick, appearing rigid and car-
tilaginous. Gieba olivaceous, mucilaginous, at first aromatic with

a “fruity” quality, becoming somewhat foelid, carried tapon the
pan i part of the receptacle, save for the sterile base and apex,
attached to a thin {1 mm,) membranous tissue which is per-
manently attached through the pervious cells, Spores olivaceous,
elliptical, smooth, 3-5-4 x 1°8-2 mic,

DISTRIBUTION: Victoria, Australia—in lnimus- rich soil
under shrubs,

Heathland at Morly's Road, West Cheltenham, J. H. Willis,
May, 1946 (TLOLO-TYPE and PARA-TYPES i in Nat.
Herb., Melbourne) ; also in adjoining tea-tree scrubland
at Black Rock, Dr. E. I. Mel cenman, May, 1938.

Camperdown Public Park, D. Fuller, May, 1946.

218 ° Wis, 4 Undeseribed Victorian Phalloid Fungus ee

Characters of the new species are the white colaur of the
receptacle, its fough firm structure (hence the specific epithet),
often ridged exterigr, and peculiar manner in which the gleba ts
carried over ihe greater part of the receptacle upon a firmly
attached woven membrane. Plants are irregular in. size and shape,
the apex often being distorted and enlarged. Sections show that
there is no true pileus, however, so that the species is a Mutarus,
related to M. curtus (Berk,) Fischer m its small size. Rabbits are
apparently fond of this phalloid, nibbling off the receptacle (often
to ground level) when it emerges,

(Nar. s1z£.)- oa pe Sonia,

Sepiies fey.

Left: Receptacle emerging from peridial egg.”
Right; Peridium opened out to show ‘narrow base of a mature flattened
receptacle, apex of which has been eaten by rabbits.
Below: Transverse section of receptacle—
A. Olive-brown sporogenous layer (4-4 min.}.
B. White chambered pseudoparenchymatous layer (1-3 mm.)
of Joose rounded celis, 30-6() site.

Cc, mere layer surtounding stuffed or hollow medulla

Miutiins cartilagincns sp. nov.
Group ai plants in site, on damp, sandy heathland at West Cheltenham, Vic.
(Nate unexoandedd “eees” and presence of rabbit faeces.)

YEN

NVIMOL

LSVIVANLVN

trol ‘A

rag Wire, as Undoseribed Victorian Phalloid Pmgus 219

Dr, Ethel I, MeLenian, Associate Professor of Botany at Melbourne
University, first recognized the distinctiveness of the Furnes, collecting
speciriens at Black Rock in May, 1938, and forwarding them (together
with mounted sections) to Dr. G, H. Cunnmeham, Director of the Plant
Diseases Division, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research,
Auckland, New Zealand. Unfortunately, the package was opened up in his
absence and the covering information discarded, sa that the sender remained
unknown to Dr, Cunningham, who could make no report. dn May, 1946,
Miss E. Colline Chuge re-discovered Lvs interesting plant {in quantity) at
West Cheltéhliam—at the south-west corner of Victoria Golf Links, and
not far from the original collecting ground. She willingly escorted the
author there, and from the abundant material available, this diagnesis has
been prepared with Dr. Cunningham's kindly assistance. Sinultaiveously,
the plant appeared also at Campurdown in westem Yictona—growing among
the roots of <ultivated shrubs ju the public park. An interesting feature is
that the new phalloid was accompanied at both Iocalitics by the “Luttice
Fungus” (Clathris gracilis),

BOTANY LISCUSSION GROUP

A review of the experiment made during 1946 in the formation of the
Club, Botany Discussion Group justifies the hope that the forthcoming year
will see the Group cansolidated and extended in activity, At the nine
moauthiy meetings held the average attendance of members was 29, All the
Group field excursions were successful and consistently well attended. The
Group co-operated with the systematic botany section of the Austrahan
Nature Show in Qetober. Improved classification and higher general
standard of the set-up on the previous show was manifest as 4 result.

The Group mainly functioned under the capable tutelage of Mr A. J-
Swaby, t whom the thanks of members of the Group, and the Club
generally, are due for his splendid service. Tho hulle of the Jecturettes
was given by him, whilst he provided all the charts and many of the extnbits
Able assistance in the talks by Mr. J. H. Willis and Mr. J. Ros Garnet was
also appreciated.

For 1947, a camplete programme has heen outlined, to include a beginners’
course in Elementary Botany, Special reference ts to be made of the Chub
census of Victorian flora. New Club members are cordially invited to take
the opportunity to link up at the first meeting for the year on Mandsy,
24th February aext, at 8 pam. im dhe Royal Society’s Hall, The meetings
thereafter will continue on the fourth Monday in each month. Group
excursions are fixed for the third Saturday monthly, which in a few
instances will coincide with Club general excursions of botamca) character.

A register of research has been instituted, and newer members are
encouraged to assist actively hy undertaking plant tcalogy investigation,
Specis) field work and study wall be covered by other excursions to Nearer
areas, such a5 the Sherbrooke Forest, Studley Park and Seaholnme, still
possesting platt survey valud.

The Group committee comprises Messrs. A. J. Swaby, J_ 11. Willis, R. D.
Lec, and Miss A, B, Adams, with Mr. H. ©. E. Stewart as Hon. Seeretary,
Intending 1947 members can contact any of these for further information.

The Rey. George Cox, who died of December 16, 1946, was widely
knows a3 @ field naturalist, and had a good natiral history collection at his
Mornington home He founded a children's naturalist club at Mornington,
and in arher days (frequently lectured at the Melbourne Museum,

220 Garner, Estobtishwent of New National Pork Ta

' THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NEW NATIONAL
PARK AT DIMBOOLA

By J. Ros Garner, Melbourne.

_ At 3 pm. on Sunday, November 10, Victoria’s latest National
Park was officially apened by the President of the Dimboota Shire
Council (Cr. Howland). There was a large attendance of resi-
dents and visitors, including (whorn the President generously
weleamed) “four very distinguished visitors from Melbourne”

Dr. M, Chattaway, Messrs. F. Hallgarten, W, Watts, and the
writer, with Mr, and Mrs, Eric Muir, of Dimboola, and Mr_ Keith
Hately, of Kiata, represented the F.N.C.V_ on this occasion and
listened with interest to Councillor Howland’s addvess. Although
he, in common with so many of the early Mallee settlers, had
regarded Mallee scrub as little more than a nuisance, to be
eradicated by the quickest means possible, he was now converted
to the belief that it was very desirable to leave the small remaining
areas untouched so that inture generations could see for themselves
the type of country the pioneers had to deal with and perhaps see
something of the flora and fauna which were once dominant in
the district. He congratulated the people of Dinthoola on their
possession of such a reserve and expressed the hope that in the
near future, when inaterials became available, the fence with which
jt was intended to surround the park would deter the thoughtless
from using it as anything else but a national park.

In referring to the mterest in natural history that was made so
evident by this particular occasion, the President said he would
very much like to see a branch of the F.N,C.V. established at
Dimboola, and it is not at all unlikely thar such a branch well be
established with the present country members a5 a nucleus tor the
group of thirty or forty people who share a common interest in
natural history,

By invitation, several of the F_N,C-V. members addressed the
gathering. One of the party, Dr, Margaret Chattaway, who
recently arrived in Australia from England, drew some happy
comparisons with what sie had seen sinee her arrival and what
she had been led to believe she might expect to see, Perhaps what
impressed her most was the colouriulness of the scenery—the
green of the Mallee gums, their coppery tips, the red of the sand-
stone areas, the white of the Little Desert and, best ot all. the blue
of the brilliant sky: to have afl this at one’s doorstep and a national
park as well, was a matter for congratulation to the people of
Dimboola,

As F.N.C. Secretary, the writer expressed the Club's apprecia-
tion, not only for being afforded an opportunity to be in Dimboola,
but for being officially represented at such an event as the founding

mary Ganxer, Estobtishonent of New Natienal Park 22)

of a new national park. Although our simallest national park, its
very nature made it a valuable acquisition both ta the people of
the Shire af Dimbaola and to the Vieborian public. Beimg senall,
tS proper maintenance would be simplified and it would have
little attraction as a prazing area—a feature which has spelt the
ruination of our big national, parks.

Here then was our best means to preserve what is fast vanishing
from all parts of the State, ¢g,, the once magnificent stands of
Mountain Ash in the eastern half of the Stabe—anuther “noxious
weed,” often 300 feet high, which because of tts commercial value
had ta be eliminated as quickly as possible, Without the extension
of a system of regional resetves, the tine would soon arrive when
the flora and fauna of our country would he replaced by exotic
iypes, while our own would be sought only in the parks, zoos and
museums of other lands. Preservation wm their own fund is not
merely a matter of sentimenr but of vital ecological importance,
and Dimboola's small reserve is an area where careful ecological
study might amply justily its existence, .

‘Continuing this line of thought, Mr, F. Hallgarten stressed the
tingency for the need of proper entomological surveys of our
primitive areas. Withoue the knowledge afforded by such enquirses
we were helpless in the face of such invasions as north-west
Victoria. was now experiencing—the grasshopper plague. And
“hoppers” were not our only economic enemy, We knew some-
thing of their lite history, but of so many of ous other plagues,
little or nothing, and reserves such as this one, where the original
communities were least affected by settlement, provided the ento-
mologist with bis necessary field laboratory.

Mr. Eric Muir spoke in turn as a resident and # field natiralist
who, with Mrs, Muir, was glad to be associated with the establish-
ment of a national park which could serve such an important
purpose in the community, He called attention to some of the
special features co be found within the bounds of the reserve and
taok the opportunity to compliment the pupils of the nearby High
School on the practical interest they were taking in its welfare,

Mr. Daws, the headmaster of the High School, who also spoke,
made it clear that the young people of Dimboola who passed
throngh his lands and who would be aniong the fitire custodians
of our native Hora and fauna would surely profit by the betler
understanding they will gain from active interests in this reserve.

At the conelusion of the brief ceremony, held in brilliant sun-
shine, with the Mallee gums forming a baclkgraund to the gather-
ing, the party dispersed to tour the area and see for themselves
some of the treasures which for many, even alter long residence
ir the district, were surprisingly unfamiliar, Mr. and Mrs. Muir
have undertaken the preparation of a complete Plant Census for
the park,

222 Sarnssury, Additions to the Mosses of Victoria ae

ADDITIONS TO THE MOSSES OF VICTORIA

By G, O, BK. Sarnspury, r.t.s., Wairoa, Tawkes Bay,
New Zealand.

T have in recent years received from Mr, Frank Robbins,
Castlemaine, Victorta, three interesting mosses which were col-
lected there by him, and which had previously ranked as New
Zealarid endemics. One of them is clearly distinguishable as a
variety, and I have desenbed it aceurcdingly, but the others are
essentially identical with the New Zealand plants, Tf any proof
were needed of the close relationship between the bryological floras
of the two countries it would be furnished by these aiuteresting:
discoveries. The collector's number is given in each case at the
commencement of the reference,

SAINSBURLA NOVAE-ZEALANDIAE Dix,, in Phe Brycto-
gist, Vol, 44, p. 40 (1943),

No. 50b, 3rd Oct., 1942. Shady vertical clay banks, Castle-
maine. In fruit.

This monotypic genus and a few others, whilst having the
gametophyte of Jissidens, differ in the peristome tecth not being
divided above. In Satusburia they are cimose above, entire below
and at the tips, and striolate at apex. The Castlemaine plant
agrees well with the type, the only noteworthy difference being
‘that the operculum, to judge by a single aperculate stern present
in the gathering, 1s sub-erect -instead of being curved as in the
New Zealand plant. The Jatter bas been collected by myself in
several Jacalities in the Wairoa Cotinty, North Island.

TRIQUETRELLA CURVIFOLIA Dix. and Sainsb., in Jonrnal
of Botary, Aug,, 1933, p, 217,

No, 30. April, 1943. Barker's Creek, Castlemaine, Barren,

A very distinct species in the Ieaves closely spirally twisted
round the stem when dry, with cells crowned by several low
papillae, The Victorian plant matches the type closely, except that
the leaf arrangement, though gute distinct, 1s perhaps not so well
marked, and the stems are often more robust, with» somewhat
Jarger Jeaves. The New Zealand plant has only been found in,
and near, Havelock North, Hawkes Bay, North Island, by its
discoverer, Mrs, HK. A, Hodgson. Fruit has not been Joumd.

TORTULA FLAVINERVIS Dix, in Bull. No. 3, Nud4 Trst.,
p. 144 (1923), var. nov. PARVIRETIS Sainsh.
A forma typiea differt cellulis superioribus magis abscuris,
minorious, 8-12 w. f\ bi 12-28 vw.) Costa in aristem longiss
wan cca dintdian partem folit aequantem, excurrens.

Sr 1 Satnspury, Additions do the Afusses of Vreloria 223

No, 2b, 1943; common.in open fields, Castlemaine. Barreti.

In nanting this variety I have been influenced hy the smallness
of the cells, which -is, in the circuinstances, a more important
character than the strikingly long arista, because the herve in the
New Zealand plant shows great variation in the degree of its
excutrencé, aid 1 have collected a specimen in which the arista
- is quite one-third the length of the leaf. This variation in the
length of the arista has been established by gatherings subsequent
to the publication of the species, the plant having been there
referred to as having the perve very shortly mucronate. The cells,
however, in the type plants are constantly larger than in the
Victorian, and in the latter they are alsa more obscure, Fruit
has been igund in New Zealand, though very rarely,

VALUABLE BENEFACTIGN

The fate C, C, Towle. of Eastwood, N.S.W., a former member of the
FW.C.V., whose death was referred to at the Club's monthly meeting in
May fast, bad. over a period of 25 yeare, amaveed an immeise collection
ot aboriginal stove artifacts, Comprising about 14,000 specimens of knapped
and tinned implements of all kinds, including axcheads, grinding, per-
cussion, ritual, and cylindro-conical stones, wbtamed from many parts of
W.5,W., the collection is regarded as the finest ever nade privately in thar
State. Under the terms of Mr. Taowle’s will, the whole of this splendid
collection has been bequeathed to the Ausiraliaty Muscum, Sydney.

Mr Towle contributed several articles on ethnology to the Wictorian
Natwalis!, He was a naturalist of wide interests, botany, geology and
astranamy finding 2 place in his actiwe interests.

DEFINING “NORTH QUEENSLAND"
(To the Editar)

Sit,—“. LW.” offers come criticism that the use of the geographical
designation of North Queensland hag not been defined it, the Checkltst of
N.G, Ferns (and of Orchids). Tlowever, in 4 Census of Plants of N.Q.
(first published in the V.Q. Naturalist. No. 9, June, 1933) this is given as
“Including Pastoral District of Cook, Rurke and North Kennedy, attd thal
portion of Mitchell nérth of 22nd parallel of Sonth Latitude.” ‘This
corresponds to District No. 3 (Northern) gazetted by Order in Council an
March 37, 1950, in connection with the Animals and Birds Act, 1921 to 1924.
Like all the mainland State borders, the southern and western boundaries
at feast are purely arbitrary, but the coastal boundaries are established by
nature. Actually the definitian should read, “That part of Queensland
north of and including Pastoral District of Conk,” etc., as defined above,

Yours faithfully,
J. WYER,
Hon, Secretary.
; North Qocensland Naturatista’ Club
Cairns, January 16.

224 The Mueller Memorial Ket Mat

THE MUELLER MEMORIAL

The Austialian plants at the memorial to Baron Sir Ferdinand von
Mueller in the Se. Kilda Cemetery, sct out during 1938 and sinee, have an
the main theved and Mossonted, Of the necessary replacements ynadé, two
eucalypts—e, fiexteri, which inadvertently sprang up alter same Grampians
seedlings were planted, and £. suphoplila (a “Snow Guin')—haye so
flourished that regretfully their carly removal is imperative in order 10
avoid overcrowding and possible iwiterference with the memorial foundations.

The Baron ched on Octobur 10, 1896. It was fitting to commemorate the
fiftieth anniversary on Saturday afternoon, October 12 last, by foregathermy
at the memorial fr ats wative sylvan setting, One of the orignal shrubs
planted, Calyivie fetraganea, was resplendent in: flower for Lhe oocasian,

The commemoration was unique in that Messrs Charles French and
George Coghill, pioneer members of the Clul, and Mr. Best, a yisttor, who
had attended the funeral filty years before, Came again tu honour the great
inan’S memory, together wilh a Sarge gatheruig of Club members, and
accompanied by many from the Historical Sociery of Victoria, Others in
the assenblage, too, had heen witness to the unveiling of rhe monument by
Lord Hopetoun, as first Governor-General of the Commanwealth.

The President of the F.LN.C.V. (Mr. FL 5. Colliver) presided, welcomed
Wiese present, and nitroduced the various speakers. The principal brief
addresses were dlelivered hy Mr. A. 13. Hardy, for the older peneration
comtemporary with the Baron and Mr J, H, Willis, BSc, a5 representative
of the younger generation, Other speakers included Messrs. A, JT, Latham
(for the Historical Society of Victoria), Charles Daley, and H. © E,
Stewart, A message was read from Mrs. Henrietta Sinclair, of Brisbane,
the Baron's oiece, who #lso sent a handsome wreath, which was placed on
the inemorial by Me. Daley for her atid the surviving Mueller relatives,
Native flora from his garden was brought by Me. Charles French, Among
the other floral tributes, the Club’s botany “pole,” four feet high, composed
entirely uF wililHowers, was conspicuous.

Proceedings terininated with the planting of two native shrubs, one by
the Presideist, Mr, Colliver, and the other Ig Mr, P, F-. Maris, as Pepete
seittative of the Director of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens and National
Herbarium, whe was unable to: aterm.

The centenary of the fanious botaist's arrival ia Australia falls im
December next, aid the Club committee intends suitably marking the
anniversary. One propesal is ta ask the Conimmanwealih Government to
issue a special Moeller stamp Where required, the replacement at the
niemorial arca of nore suitable Australian plants wiil be undertaken,

H. €, E, Srewaer,

SILVEREYE AS MIMIC

While working i wy garden recently T was attracted by the whisper-song
of a bird, The sound came from a Iealy willow-myrtle. | began to search
for, the vocalist, which semmed to be practising yentriloguism, for the youce
appeared to come from different directions as 1 carried on the seareh. 1
expected to Rind a Blackbird, from the tone and class of mirinicry usec—iich
as “Preity Jory,” the calls of the Mudlark, Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike, etc.
Imagine niy surprise, howéver; when T at Jast discovered the siiiger to be
the Grey-backed Silvereye. With its yaite kept to a pitch lower than ihe
ordinary, at carricd on this whisper-song. which was made up mainty of
iminiiery inerspersed with short breaks of its own song £ have many times
heard and watched the Silvereyes in jheir solilaquies, fut never before haye.
1 known this type of mimicry to ‘be practssed by them—A. 5. CHAck,

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 63 February, |! 45

Pirate XVIL

The Mueller Memerial at St. Kilda.
The left-hand tree is Aacalyplus Barter, the smaller one on the ce!
Hucadvpirs wiphophila,

Photo.: R. BD. Lee.

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 62.—No. In MARCH 6, 1947 No. 759

———

PROCEEDINGS

The monthly rheeting of the Club was held on February 10,
1947, at the Lecture Hall of the Public Library, The President,
My. B. 5, Colliver, presided and about 200 members and iriends
attended. :

Mr. lvo C. Hammet gave notice of motion aiming at increasing
subscriptions to thé Club to 25/- for Ordinary Members and 12/6
for Country Members, and to increase the price for the Victorian
Naturatist to £/6; the subscription for Associate (without journal )
to remain at 5/-. The President and Hon. Secretary spoke on
the matter. ;

The following were duly elected as Ordinary Members: Mrs.
I. Julian, Mrs. Winifred Hazel, and Mr, H, E. Myring; as
Country Mormber, Mr. Geoff. Stephens.

HOLIDAY OBSERVATIONS

Members were invited to tell briefly of their holiday experiences,
and the following notes were given:

Miss Margaret Sarovich reported having visited Sorrento and
the spot where white people had first landed from Van Diemen's
Lard.

Mr, E. Prohasky had visited the Kinglake-Mt, Slide district,
with its very fine fern gullies, and he suggested that this area
deserved to he far better known, He offered to lead an excursion
to the area at some future date.

Mr. C. J. Gabriel had travelled about three yards. to his wife's
glass-house, where he had made an onslaught on some alien land
mollusca. There were now several species of these creatures in
gardens, and, although interesting, were very destructive to our
garden flora, The first of them were brought jnto this country
ona pot plant, in 1843, by two Frenchinen.

Miss R. Chisholin had visited Tasmania and was interested in
the pebble deposits along the Tamar, about 14 miles north of
T.auinceston. She mentioned also plants, insects, and birds.

Mr. A. H. Chisholny (Hon. Editor) reported having jound two
sare birds, the Black Honeyeater and the Inland Warbler, nesting
in the Maryborough district, these beng the farthest south records
in eastern Australia for both species. He also showed nests of

a

226 Meld Natwratists Ginh Prorcedings Veh 68

the Mistletoe-bird and the Painted Ioneyeater (remarkable ¢an-
trasts in bird artistry) and discussed the question as to what pact
these eaters Of mistletoe berrics played in the distribution of the
parasitic plants. He imvited botanical opinion om why uustletoes
had spread considerably of recent years and whether they did any
serious damage to forest trees,

Mr, Garnet Johnston reported that at Kalorama the mistletoe
had infected guns and wattles, especially wattles.

Mr, ¥. H. Miller stated that at Mallaroota a number of trees
infested with Inistletoe did not appear to he greatly affected by
it. We asked if the spread of rhe mistletoe was ascribed to the
mecreased number of Mistletae-birds, and, if foresters decided to
destroy numbers of the birds, how was it propeased to de this?

Mr. Colliver stated that at Wersthee Gorge he had noticed phat
wattle-thecs iniested with mistletoe were lying, but close exaniina-
tion had showed the trees ta he infested with borer as well.

Mr, Miller suggested that other means of dispersal of the mistle-
rte were available, Trees were mfécted at Toorak, but he bail
yet to hear af the Mistleroe-hird chere.

Mr. A. A. Baker said he had visited the Mitchell Gorge, 4
very rough region west of Bairnsdale. Geologically it was very
interesting, showing alluvial flats and high cliffs. Fossiliferous
hed2 were common in the tertiary beds, Some sperimens of plants
of Devonian age, including a nice stem of Lepidedendron anstyaie,
were collected, and the neighbouring Deadcock Gorge also visited.

Mr, F. S. Colliver reported having visited Sydney and Broken
Hill, At Beacon Hill, near Sydney, he had collected a fossil fish
of Tridssic age, Gonsiderable time was spent at the Australian
Museum, and if was of intérest to tote the damege done in the
district by a freak storm. So much glass was broken in the roof
of che museum that a galvanized iron roof was erected over the
whole building, and it is estimated that iour years’ work and the
sum of £50,000 will be necessary te effect repiirs At Broken Hill
consideralle {ime was spent below at the 1150-f, level at the
North Mine with the geologist engaged in his routine napping, and
on the field with the suriace survey on the leasehold. The trip
was mirted by the fact that Broken Hill had at the time che
longest hot spell for about twenty years, and a dust stonn to bont.-

Mr. J. I. Willis said that there was a reserve of some five acres
on Deadcock Creek, but if should be enlargeel to at least 500,
this Gorge being useless for any other purpose although a won-
derful area for a national park. Jie had just visited Genoa Gorge
anid had seen Rocke Lily ane Streaked Kock Orchids in quantity.
Regarding mistletoe, he suggested thal heavy infection only toulc
place when the trees were in ill-health, A very sncommon clib
moss, Originally collected: at Genoa Park by Baron von Mueller,
was seen, and in the short time available, under the guidance of

march Vuld Naturalists” Club Proceeding? 227,

Mr. Norman Wakefield, he had seen for the first time in the living
state nearly 100 different plants, The Bogong High Plains also
were visited, and there, at 6000 feel, many snow plants were seen.
including the Alpine Marsh-marignld, A search revealed speci-
mens of rate Bladder Fern, which had not been collected since
Mr, Tadgell first recorded it 24 years ago.

EXHIBITS

Mrs. J. J. Freame: Marine shell fish with internal shell (2aplysia ap }-

Mr. J. A, Blackburn: A series of Pleistocone tossyls from Portarlingtan.
(described in PLS. Vic, Val. 49; New Series}_

Mr. R. A. Bunn: A cearertion Victorjan scorpion (U/redacus manicatur)
{rom Me William.

Mr. RD, Lee! Fight mounted specimens of sea-weeds,

Mr. C, J. Gabrie): Introduced land shells from glass-louse at Abbotsford.

Mr. A, N. Carter: Rare shells from Apollo Bay, eluding: Dostwa
coerulea, Kye.; D. erecea, Desh.; Bussina pachyphylla, Jos; Psammohia
kenyowtona, Pritchard and Gatliff; Paryplanta compacta, Cox ated Fedley.

Mr, J. 5. Seaton; Raanfortia sharsa, a Western Australian species garden-
grew at Caulfield.

Mr. A. A. Baker: Geological specmitens, including Lepdodendroa from
Dead Cock Creek; Devonian plant remains from Iguana Creek; can-
glomerate, grey and ced niitaceous sandstone from Mitchel) River Gorge:
spherulitic rhyolites with gendes of quart2 crystals from Mitehell River
Gorge; Limestone replacing wood, Dead Cock Creek; cassiterite, Iguana
Creek district; agiates, chalcedony and banded jaspers from the gravels at
Tom's Creek; and manne fossils from hmestonc, Bairnsdale.

Mr J. Ros Garnet: ‘he life history of w teal miner (Lavra gromfts),
showme larva, pupa and perfect form of the beetle) also haryestman from
West Brunswick,

Mr. A. Hi. Chisholm: Nests and photographs of various birds.

Miss Ro Chisholm: Pebbles fron: beds, Tamar River, “Vasmana.

SIMPLE FISHING

Mr C. T. White (Government Botanist of Queenslsud) reports that
when daing botanical work a1 the Solomon Eslands last year fie was such
witctested in the kite fishing practised by the matives. A man sits in a
Canoe fying a kate from which és suspended a Ashing line. It has no- bait
or hook, bul some very sticky cobweb acts as a combined hook and lure.
It flits over the water and fish, mostly mackerel, snap at it and get ther
jaws entangled. They are then pulled into the beat and clubbed.

DEATH OF REV, J, R. B LOVE

There will he wide regret amonty naturalists at the death of the Rew.
Tames Robert Beattie Love, M.-C, DOC.M. M.A., which occurred on
February 19. Mr. Love was distingtnsled a5 a Presbyterian mitnister and
missionary and as an officer of the A.LF, in World War J. In addition, he
Was a competent anthrupologist and had dove mruch valuable research work
among aborigines, particularly in Western Australia, His boak of 1934,
Stone clge Bushmen of Today, is a volume of very consideralde interest.
Mr. Tave also took a healthy interest in birds. am! his awe is com-
weniorated of the Desert Bush-Chat. 4yhlyia Lovensis, He leaves a widow,
three sons and one daughter,

228 Daancawey, Seedling Habit of Pitlasporunt bievlor ye et

SEEDLING HABIT OF P/ TTOSPORUM BICOLOR
By Jean GALBRAITH, Tyers, Victoria.

The regular appearance of ether one or two cotyledons in all
flowering plants has been regarded as universal and it is a basic
distinction in all plant classification. Therefore a plant which
regularly has three cotyledons seems a remarkable discovery tu a
botanist.

There appears to be such a unigue species, for among many
dozens of plants of Piltosportn bicefor which I have grown from
seed, every oné has three cotyledons, The first seedlings were
from seed gathered at Blackwarry about 1924. Some of the seeds
tool filteen and some eighteen months to germinate and then for
the first time | noticed the three cotyledons.

About six years later I noticed the same peculiarity when seed
from another part of the Strzlecki Ranges germinated.

Two years ayu (January, 1945) I collected more seed of
Pittaspornm Incaloy at Fern Tree m Tasmania, and last winter
(June, 1946) the fainiliar “tricofyledons” appeared, Other seed
collected in Tasmania {from Bruny Island, T believe, but I have
not been able to verify this} and some sent by a friend from
Pern Tree also grew. Among all these seedlings not one had two.
cotyledons, It seems as if three cotyledons must be an established
character vf the species, to be taken much more seriously than the
freakish appearance of an occasional extra cotyledon which may
he seen in almast any species—

It would be interesting to hear of any other observer's expesi-
ence m connection with the germination of this Pittesporint,

I suggest no conchlustons—I have drawn none, but merely recore
an lateresting faci, with the suggestion that it should be studied
by someone living (as 1 de not) ifs a district where Piltessorna
bucolur is found,

HW development in nature is, as it appears to be, toward infinite
variety, this seems to be a new line of variation,

A further interesting fact about the growth ef this tree is that
in South Gippsland it seems to germinate only in the trunk of a
\ree-fern,

“. bushinan hving at Blackwarry pointed this out. “I've looked
at every one I've seen for years,” he said, “and every one grew
out of a tree-fern.”

T have looked for one that started life in the ground, or even in
a cranny ina tree, but have found none on the southern slopes of
the Strzleckis—l have never seen P. bicolor on the north ade of
these ranges—but in ‘Tasmania it appeared to grow in the gramd
as readily as P. undalaten: does here.

Incidentally, all my Victorian seed germinated in tree-fern fibre,
and that from Tasmania in leaf ivould, bot this proves nothing as
J did not try any of the Victormn seed in soil,

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 63 March, 1947
PLaTte XVIII

Glenelg River, Vic.. in an area which jt is hoped ta have reserved as a
National Park. (Club members will make an official inspection at Easter.)

Photo,: A. H. Chisholm.

arte Lorian, Remarks ou. Mietorian Bluobella 220

REMARKS ON VICTORIAN BLUEBELLS
(WAHLENBERGIA)*

By Nowe Loraian , Christchureh, WZ, formerly ot
Melbourne,

- The genus Wahlenbergia has wide distribution, and with few
exceptions all species are limited to the continents and ‘islands in
the Southern Ilemisphere, The total species number approxi-
mately 120, and of this number over 90 are recorded from South
Africa, 20 from South America and only 10-12 species for the
whole of the Australian and New Zealand region (4-5 for Aus-
tralia and 7 or 8 from New Zealand). Jt is obvrous that our
knowledge of the species in this region, especially Australia, is
very incomplete, and much study will be necessary before {his
can he remedied. ;

Members of the genus have a widespread distribution in
Australia, and have been recorded from coastal, savannah, forests,
“deserts,” montane, and alpine regions,

Up ta 1827, all species of Wahlenbergia had been described
ander Companula, but in that year Schrader proposed a new
generic epithet “Wahlenbergia” in honour of George Wahlenberg,
then Professor of Botany at the University of Uppsala, Specific
mention was made of C wnpunilae gracths Forster, and whtile
Schrader suggested that this plant be transferred to the new
genus, he' did not make the new binoniial, This was Jeft ta Alph.
de Candolle in Ins. monumental work Monographie des Catt
powules, published im 1830, Theretore the true name far Forster’ 3
plant is, YW’, graciits (Porst.) ADC. Unfortunately A.DC.'s
description included elements other than the true “gracilis” which
helped to give a misunderstanding of this and closely related
species.

The species dealt with in this short paper are limited ta those
the wiver has su far recogmaed tu Victoria, viz, W. quadrifida
(R.Br) ADC. . sincacfera (Vent) Dove,, HH’, Billardievi
nom, nov, HY, licaler nom. nov., and rhe following recently
deseribed* new species; i, consinmili, We. gloriosa, We. gyimne-
cladn, We. Fadgelhi and WW’. gracilenta. These additions to the
genus will be found justifiable, when careful field work is carried
oul, and checked with the descriptions.

Confusion fits been inno way Kimited to the “gracilis” complex
—or “marginata’ complex as it should be called—and we find
the same trouble occurring in the “vincacflora” nud “rultcauli's”
groups. | now claim to have established these on a sure foun-
dation, allowing for further constructive work to be conipleted,

“See N, Lothian in Prac. Linn Sau. NSM, Vol, uxxi, pts. 3 and-4,
Jan. 15, 1947, pp. 291-233,

R

230) LATBIAN, Hemarhs on Ftetorion Bliabells bh ie

The confusion which surrotinds these ad many other species
is not surprising when we consider the varying climatic and
ecological conditions found in the Australian continent, The lack
of type material for comparison, wide dispersal of this material
and the uncertainty of the actual existence of certain types have
also accentuated such a problem. It is probable that much con-
fusion could fave been avoided by careful comparison of fresh
materia] with the types. Bentham unfortunately stated, “they rus
so variously into one another that they would require to be
differently defined in every separate collection.” This statement
most certainly hindered a better understanding, nat only of the
species involved, Lut the. conditions whic cause variatinns te
appear. It also makes plain the absolute necessity for field work,

In 1913, NW, E. Brown* published a revision of the species
oecurring tn the Australian and New Zealand region This was
the first real attempt to give under one head all the then knawn
species occurring within this region, However, Brown did not go
deéply enough into the problem, and many later botanists have
been Jed to wrong conclusions from his writings.

Together with Hi’. marginata (Thunb.) A.\DC.—a species nut
found in Australia, but common elsewhere—the greatest confusion
surrounds (". gracilis variously of Forster, Schrader and A. De
Candolle, This Jatter species is recorded in all Australian Floras—
those of her States included—yet NO specimen matching the type
collected by Forster in New Caledonia has ever appeared in
Australia!

The plants which are usually referred to IV, gracilis are W’,
guadrifida (R.Br.) ADC. and . gractiesfa, both with a wide
range in practically every part of thé continent, All evidence at
present points to the fact that mainland species are not closely
connected to the “7. wmarginata complex” at all, though this group
is widespread in Asia. Pacific islands. East Indies, New Caledonia,
New Guinea and New Zealand, and may possihly extend to
Norfolk andl Lord Howe Islands,

The precise correlation of anitontical features has been neglected
in the past, hence appreciation of the specife identity of many of
our plants has been rnissed, This, togerher with the lack of careful
field work, has, for the main part, been one of the principal causes
of such gross misunderstanding. While vegetative characters
differ under varied ecological conditions, the floral parts have
remained almost constant, and this is amply harne out by what
little experimental work has heen accomplished.

Hybridism between spectes has been over-estimated im the past
and has been frequently advanced as one of the principal reasons
for great variation within the genus, Evidence at present indicates
that rarely, if ever, do species of this genus naturally hytiridise.

=See Cordeners’ Chronicle, Vol. ty, p. 316.

March
wey

Tovntan, Romorks om Meetorian Bluehelts 231

Mention may be made of the great variation im the number of
petals and sepals, frequently found on the same plant. (47. graci-
lenta, 7. quadtjida, HW’. Tadgeliit, ete, all show this variation, the
first-ramed especially so, But the most astounditig cases, so tar
recorded, are to be found in A’, bicolor; instances ot 7-9 petals are
‘not tare, and there is more thart one instance where the number
of petals has exceeded 16, and even 18-petalled flowers are
recorded,

Apart from these “double flowered” specimens, normal poly-
petaly appears ro have little systematic value, and is probably of
comnion occurrence in Australian species.*

Space prevents. further elaboration, but it is emphasized that
accurate field work, in conjunction with the descriptions given
below, will do much to clear away the misunderstanding which
at present exists. It must also be stressed that the species herein
described by no means exhaust the total number of Victorian
entities, not to mention those in other States of the Common-
wealth. Preliminary work has commence, Dut further long
periods. of time will be necessary before a complete survey af
Australasian Malendergia species is possible.

Work of this.nature could not proceed without the very kind
co-operation of numerous botanists, both Australian and overseas.
Acknowledgements have been duly made in Proceedings of the
Linnean Soctety (N.S.M’.), bur T would again like to express my
deep appreciation tu two Victoriang; Mr, A. J. Tadgyell, who
throughout this revision has forwarded me fresh material and
copious. field notes, and Mr, J. H. Willis, who has helped me
continually with technical advice, wilhiout which this paper could
not have been presented.

KEY 10 THE VICTORIAN SPECIES

Flowers over 12. min. ih diameter .. 60 6 ee eee we OA
Pe under 12 mm, in diameter .. 2c ce ae eee CAA
A Plant tufted, with numerous close- set glabrous
stems, leaves narrow linear eels .. HW, bicalor
Plant not tufted, stems one to few, Jeaves ovate
to lanceolate .. .. \ B
B Leayes lanceolate, hirsute, thargins crispate n C
ff tancevlate, almost glabrous, margins
serrate-denticulate -. -. ., -, .. ,,
c Galyx and capsule birsute .. 0.0... -- 4) HP. onstenesfora
ty \s ffabrous .. ., . oO, ronstmilis
D Leaves \ssually opposite, rarely alternate... 4... E
» Osually rosalate, rarely alternate or
Uppoxite on stems .- ., ee gy cy ye OE

*For yarigtio)s lin Strocture and other notes congerning the genus see
A, J. Tadgell in Piet, Nat, 355 (1938), wn. 148.

232

Loraran, Reutarks on Victorian Bluebells ie

Wohlenbergia quadrifida (R.Br.) A.DC.

Al, Sketch from Type (R. Brown).
D, Leaves—various adult types
to be found on the one plant. E1, Diagrammatic cross-section of the flower,
E2, Mature sced capsule. Fl, Stamet—tront view. E2, Stainen—side view,

A, Typical plant, natural size. B
and C, Seedling and one-year-old plants.

uchrhy Larrian, Komarks on Victorian Bachells 23
E Corolla more than 295 cm. in. drameter.

royal porple; calyx half length of the
corolla tube (Calpitie species) ,, _
Corolla less than 2.5 cm, in diameter,
btge, mauve ar white, calyx equal ta
length of the cornla tube .. fe --
F Corolla up to 3 cin. im diameter, deep blus,
with large tube; leaves linear ,. -— .- -- FP, aynmtpelada
Coralla up to 16 mm. jn diameter, blue to
purple, with smull tube; leaves lanceo-
fate—spathulate 2... 6k ce ee ee ee
AA Perennial, alnast, glabrous, branching from saat-
crown; corolla 6-12 mim, itm diam, capsule
elongate obcomie == =. oe en ee en ee
Amtual, almost completely hirsute, branching
along a central axis; corolla up to $ mm, in
diam,; capsule subgiobose -. .2 1... - .. -- AY pretetlesitn

-- BY glorinsa

WW Billawdters

HY. Padgellit

HH’, gnadrifida

1, W. BICOLOR N. Lothian, nan. nov. Cin Proc, Lins. Sac, NSW),
(Camp, gracifis yar, stricia R.Br., non A’, stricta Sweet; A’. gracilis
var. stricia ADC.)

. Much branched perennia] plant, Glabrouws except at the base, 6-18 inches

high. Leaves very numerous, almost glabrous, Jinear lanceolate, up wo 14
inches long. up to £ inth wide, margins entire or denticulate, Flowers

numerous, azure blue; yellow, old gold or white externally. Calyx 5-,

rarely 6-10, labed. glabrous, narrowly deltoid, 4+ inch long, quarter as long

again as the carolla tube, Corolla S-lobed (6-18 petalled speciniets not
unknown), up to 4 inch in diameter; tube one-third the length, Staminal
filaments broadly triangular, with 2 incuryed ciliated shoulders, Capsule
slender elongate, glahrous, up ta 7 inch long.

lt favours savannah and open, dry grassiand formations. and has bren

extensively collected im Victorias, fram Keilor Plains, Eltham, Torquay,
Bacchus Marsh, Sandringham, Grampians, ete; also recorded from New
South Wales and South Australia. Confused with Id’ inficauits Benth;
tt differs from that Western Austratan species principally in the size of
flowers and length of corulla tube. The species is one of the best examples
af polypetaly so far recorded; specimens sliowifie 7-9 petals are camimon, and
above that number not rare, Abortion of stamens nyually follows with
such ineveases, Like all of aur largeflowered species it males an excellent
tackery and barder plant ' :

2. W. FINCATLORA {Vent) Dene (C. viiceflora Vent; Ue. grectlis
var. litterahs ADC. pro jovte.)

Mentign is made of this species as it has been continuously canfused with
the iollowing, in so far as Victorian records ave concetned, All the speci-
mens I have examined come from New South Wales, where it iz comman
in savannah areas (especially Ingleburn, etc.), and the species miay be
limited entirely to-that State

3. (¥. CONSIMILIS N, Lothian (in Proc. Lain, Sac. NSW)
, CH. wnceflora N. E. Brown, not Dene}

Strongly growing hirsute perennial, up to 2 feet in height. Stemy densely
hairy at the base, glabrous above, Leaves lanceolaig, up to 2 inches long
and 4 inch wide, hirsute on both surfaces, corizceous, margins crispate and
thickened. Flowers large, dark blye in colour. Calyx S-lobed, attenuate
or narrowly delfoid, glabrous; equal te or slightly longer than the corolla
tube. Corolla S-petalled (frequently 4-6), up te 1 joches in diameter.
Staminat filaments large, with two prominent wines edged with hairs

Pm Peer Wict, Nae
234 Lorktan, Remarks ob Victorian Rlwballs Vol. 62

Capsule barrel-shaped, ot subglubove, glabrous, up ta ge inch Jong, and 4
inch int diameter : , ,

Cammon ii the drier parts af Victoria (Warby Ranges, Keilor Plains,
etc.) and also found an New South Wales and South Australia, Previously
included with H/. cinoweffora (Vent) Dene, it differs from that species by
its glahrons calyx, and barrel-shaped ar suhgloboss, slahiraus capsule. There
appears to be a montane jarm pi this specins growing i subalpine aress at
this State (Dandenongs, etc); the parts are much smaller, the foliage
being almost glabrous, aiid flowers rarely above 4 inch in diameter. Evidence
is at present inconclusive and preciudes action to rank this plant es other
than a form, The typical plant is reaily beautiful, Rowermg for many
months of thr year, and well worthy of cultivation,

4. IV, GLORIOSA N. Lothian din Proc, Dim, Soc, NSA).

Almast glabrous perennial, 6-18 inches high; stems slender, westk, hirsute
below, glabrous above. T.cayes mostly opposite, avate to elliptic-lanceolate,
4 to 12 inches long, up to 9 inch wide; efabrous on upper surface)
hirsute below; subcartilaginous; margins thickened, crispate, rarely «entate.
Peduncles long and slender, glabrous Calyx glahrous, y-$ inch Jong,
linear-deltoid, acute Corofla rich Mue te royal purple, large, up to Jf
inches in diameter) tube shorter than the lobes. Staminal filaments ligulate,
with two small shoulders, pilose on their edges, Capsule broad obvanic,
4-3) inch Jong, glabrous,

Widely spread among rocks along the alpine chains of east, north-east,
and south-central Victoria at Mts. Hothatn, Buffalo, Feathertop, Torbreck,
elc., rarely belaw 3,009 feet; also collected in the Australian Alps (N,.S.Wo,
Previously included with 4’. ancefiora, it js totally distinct fram that
speaes It is 4 handsome garden subject, and those who have grown this
plant all excoi its beawty,

S MH. BILLARDIER WN. Lothian, nom tov. (id Proc. Lyon. Soc, NSA),
(Camp, fittaralts Labill,; C. gracilis var. horas R.Br, now 7,
Httoralis Schlecht. et Hrehm.)

Perennial, 9-15 iuches bikh, stems birsute, simple, rarely branching.
Leaves mustly opposite, ovate tu Janceolate. hirsute, 4-1 inch tong, up to
t ich wide: margins nndulate, dentate. Flowers ble, mauve pr white.
Calyx 4-6 tobed, narrowly deltoid, glabrous, 44 inch long, almost equal to
ihe length of the corolla tbe. Caralla S (rarely 4-6) petalled, 3-2 inch
in diameter; tube gohlet-shaped, Stajninal filaments ronghly deltoid, with
small stwulders, covered with glandular fales. Capsule obeonic, +t inch
long, ap to Fy inch in diameter, glabrous.

Precise distribution unknown, but prabably limited tm caastal ond limht
forest areas (Toranay, Heathmont, ete). Alsa faund in Tasmania Mis-
identification bas heen responsible for much of the confusion respecting this
species. Previously identified as the plant Gaudichaud collected at Port
Jackson, which is referahle to MY. winemflora (Ven) Bone, it is now
considered identical with the plants Robert Brown callected at Arthnr’s Seat,
in 1802, Labinardiere's plate in his Nowe Hollandie Plantarum Specimen
differs in some respects, dive nia doubt to “artistic license.”

6. HY. GYMNOCEADA N. Lothian (in Proc, Linn, Soe, NSW, CH
grocths. var. cainceffore Wki.; IW. gracilis var. Netoralis ADC,
ira parte; (4. grectlis var. vince fers N. E. Brown.)

_ Slender, almost plaSrous perennial plant, 9-15 inches high; stems usually
simple, spartely hairy at thie base, glabrous above, Leaves. confined to the
basal part ef the plant, frequently as a loose rosette, or more rarcly
scattered along the stem. ghabrans, Jinear, rarcly lanceolate, up ta 2 inches
Fong. 4 ittch wide, margins entire or dentieulate. Flowers borne singly om
Jong stems, blue ta purple, rarely white, Calyx jobes elzhrous, narrowly

ictcy Lozutan, Remarks on Micteram Blichells 235

deltoid, 4-yh tich long, equal to or slightly exceeding the length ol the
coralla mbe = Cnralla dl4 inches in diameter; tube short, two-thirds abe
length of the lobes. Stantinal filaments broadiy ligulate, shoulders jot
prominent, hairs inst angarent, Capsule obconic, gs inch wide, up to 7 inch
long, glabrous. ‘ ' :

At present knowl only trom Victoria and Tasmania, T am indebted to
Mc. Cliff Beauglehole, of Gorae West (Portland), whn supplied nie with
sucll excellent material af this species, Tu Victoria it has also been
coliected from Clarinda (E. Oakleigh), Frankston, Bemm River, ete.

7, Wt, TADGELLILT N, Lothian (in Proce Looe Soc NOS). -

Robust perenitial, 1224 inches tngh; stems cigid, erect, rarely branching
exgept From the hase; covered below with longish hairs, glabrous above.
Leaves alternate wr opposite, spathulate-lanceolate of lanceolate, 1-24 inches
long ad wp to Ap inch wide; upper surface glabrous, under hirsute; margins
entire Or dengiculpte. Flowers up to 4 inch in diameter, deep blue with
white throat, Calyx 5-4 lobed, glabrous, narrowly deltoid, 4 to + inch long,
two tn three times the length of the coralla tube. Stamaual flaments broadly
ligulate, with two ercct ciliate shoulders Capsule broadly obgonic, 4-4
iach lowe. up to 4 inch in diameter, glabrous.

Sporadic, but widespread in its Victorian distribution; on heathlands at
Torquay, Grampians, Stawell, Tlsternwick, etc. Also collected in Squttt
Australia and New South Wales. The species may be easily identified by
its etroue Growing habil, which inmediately separates il from (7, guadrifida,
I have bestowed on it the mame of A. J ‘Yadgell, im appreciation of the
very great Kindnesses which T haye received, from him

8 WW. QUADRITIDA €RBry ADC. (Camp. gracilis yar. vinewflora
Br.; C. qnadrifida R.Br.; We. groctis var. vinceflova A.THC)

Almost completely glabrous perennial, 6-15 imehes high, with ane or more
steme arising directly from a somewhat thick and Acshy rootstock. Leaves
mostly basal and glabrous, except for scattered hairs on the lower parts and
around the wxils, lanceolate, up to 14 inches long and { inch wide; margins
denticulate Corolla blue, spreading, up ta x inch in diarmeter. Calyx
Biabrous, ap-¢y inch long, iwier ihe lerurth of dhe ourolla tube. Capsule
elongate-obeonit, glabrous, up to # inch long amd inch in diameter,

Complete "ay0al distnbutan unluewn; the majority of localities are
those in which the plant has appeared recently on disturlied goil, rather
ian being tidigenons, viz. King’s Domain (Melhoure), Keyocton and
Mont Albert Raitway Statiows, private gardens, ete; also i New South
Wales. [1 is extremely variable in halat, which may avvaust far the absence
of recarded localities
9. I. GRACILENTA N. Lothian (in Proc, Linn. Soe NSW), CH,

quadrifida J. M, Black, non DC» We, gracilis var. setuutifiora
Bailey: WH. gracilis var. Getorats Kk)

Annual or ephenierg), 1-15 inches high; stems hirsute, simple, with
frequetit branching along the central axis, ar rarely ranching from the
base, Jcaves almost rosulate and adpressed iy dépauperate, Lut aiternate
ulony the stem in nohnal specimens; ovyate-lanceolate, clothed with Jang
whitish hairs on both surfaces, wp to $ inch long and 2 inch wide. Pedunctes
and pedicels glabrous. Fliwers small aud tiumierous, clear flue Calyx
3-4 lobed. broadly subulate. 4-4 inch long, glabrous, Corolla 3-6 lobed
(varying on the sane plant), up to 4 inch in diameter: tube slightly longer
dhan the calvx Jobes Staninal filainents narrowly ligulate, »nen-ciliate.
Capsile subelabose, glabrous, up to 4 inch long and & ineh im diam.

Comman along coastal heathlands and scrubs as well as on diy inland
stations. Tt has in the past heen confused with MW’, quadrifide, no doubt by
teasun od the frequent 4-partite Flowers. No other species described herein
displays more patently the effect of climatic conditions on growth.

26 Piney, Bfect ef Port! Fumes on Spiders eae

EFFECT OF PAINT FUMES ON SPIDERS
By W. Perry, Eaglehawk, Victoria,

While painting ovr house recently T was able to observe some
curious eects of paint fumes on spiders. The spiders affected
were of two species, mainly the Window Spider (4mawrobius
ralustus) and the grey and black Jumping Spider ( Ocrisiona
melaichalica) ,

Regarding the iormer, our house had the usual large number of
funnel-shaped webs as are found around window- “mouldings, barge
hoards, etc. These were first swept lear before the paint was
applied. Always within two or three minutes after the paint was
applied the owners of these destroyed snares walked out irom
their hiding-places, sometimés on the piint, sometimes on to parts
not yet painted. Their movements were slow aud, geverally within
4 matter of seconds, they would bunch their legs in close against
their bodies, and tall te the ground. .

T abserved na spider ta make a dragine by wliich ir ittight
lower itself. The way in which they succumbed to the funes was
similar to that when a specimen is ldlled with chlorniorm The
majorily oF spiders affected weie females, only one male being
observed.

The gtey and black Jumping Spiders acted in much the same
way, bot were nat so numerous.

CULTIVATION OF THE HYACINTH ORCHID

In January, 1946, my father and I transplanted a Hyacinth Orchid
(Dipedum punctatum) fram the western slopes of Arthur’s Seat to our
home in Melbourne. In its natural habitat this orchid was growing close
to eucalypts, as has been noted so often, The rovrs of the plant were very
hue exposed during tansit, and the orchid was planted am sandy soil in
au old Jaundry tuk, which had first been well washed to remove any traces
ot soap. Tn the sare cleel of earth were bracken, sword sedge and a sjumber
of muscellaneous small plants, During September and Qetoher, several
Nodding Greenhaods and Spider Orchids, whith had obviously been. traus-
planted with the Digodiem, appeared ahave the surface of the soil and
flowered,

Eariy this month (January, 1947) we fouma that Lipadinw had sent up
two flawer stalks, where last year there was only one. The buds of both
flower stalks are new showing colour and look pertect)y fealthy, although
T have seen larger specimens in the bush.

Our tub iy not situated in a yery shady position. but it is nol exposed to
Ftrong sunlight during the whole day, it has received very Jittle water
apart fircm natural rain, although we have sprnikled it lightly at times te
cemnpensate for undue evaporation. u

T note that in Me, J. Murray Cox's recent ambitions work, 4 Cultural
Table af Orehidoceons Plants, this plant is listed as a epecies suitable for
growing in gardens, but I should certalnly like to hear’ from. anyone else
who has succeeded in cultivating ‘jit,

Winireen Wricuit.

ae Couttver, Sea Shells and Snails 27

SEA SHELLS AND SNAILS

(Summary of lecture givert ta F_N.C.V., December, 1946)
By F, S. Cottiver '

From very early tines shells have been an object of admiration,
and as such have been collected by most of us. Sea shells obtained
during holidays at the beaches may have kept alive memories of
better days for a time—before being discarded on the arrival of
fresh treasures trom other holidays. Or, in a few ceses, they may
have been'the basis of a habit continued throughout life, and as:
such been kept until replaced hy better specimens,

Some of us have collected and discarded time and time again.
Some, like myself, find it hard to (hrow away specimens once
treasured until that bug-bear of all collectors, space, makes it a
necessity to do something drastic, and then mayhke a better and
more useful collecticn results,

_ The number of specimens in our larger museums, speaking of
shells alone, indicates the wealth of material available to the
collectar and student. Certainly most people have the chance of
making at least “locality collections,” which can be a decided help:
to the museum worker or group specialist. I would suggest that
here is a study available to all at very little cost, and one that can
occupy all the interested people there are, arid keep then at the
study of conchology as long as they live.

The Mollusca are really named iram being “soft-bodied animals.””
Slugs and snails, oysters and cuitle-fishes are familiar examples of 2
restricted group (sub-kingdoim or phylum) of the animal kingdem.

Being a plastic form of animal, they differ very much antong
themselves as regards external form, some of the wore aberrant
types being hard to recognize as mentbers of this group at all,
Nevertheless, apart from the protective shell which is a leading
feature of the group, there is a remarkable uniformity characteristic
of their internal organization which is partcularly marked in the
young forms. Externally most possess a head, a ventral creeping
ergan called the foot; and a dorsal covering called the mantle,
which bears and secretes the-shell sf present. Usually, this mantle
does not extend far beyond the shell, although in some cases, for
example the cowries, it extends right over the shell to:meet at the
top.

Tn the more specialized forms of the Mollusca there is a tendency
to reduction of the shell. This may reach a stage where there is
no shell at all, Where the reduction of the shell occurs there ts 3
corresponding \iability for it to become more and more enveloped
permanently in the mantle, ;
The muscular foot is generally an organ of locomotion. * Uni-
Valves—slugs and snails—creep along by jt; great many of the

258 Cortiver, Sea Shells and Sunils bc

hivalves use it to burrow with; the cuttle-fish have it modified to
form the “arms,” and other types of Molluscs have it transformed
into “fins” for swimuing. In some forms, ej. the oyster, it has
degenerated so much that it is.no longer used; in other forms,
eg., Trigenta, by its means the animal ts able to jutip,a con-
siderable distance; and in other farms, eg., Sphaerivm, a bivalve,
the animal can actually crawl on the inside of the stitface film of
the water.

The composition of the shell is mainly carbonate of calcium, as
much as 95 per cent. being in the form of the mineral calcite or
araganite, with an admixture of a chitinows substance, “con-
chyolin,” and a little phasphate of hme and carbonate of magnesia

This material originates in a “shel] gland” oy “pit'’ in the
eutbryo, and the successive layers of which it is built up are
formed as the animal grows by addition to the miargin; these
layers are deposited in otder froin the outermost to the inner by a
series of special ceils.

The first series or outermost layer is known as the “peri-
ostracumn” and contains most of the chiton-like material, the
function of which is protection of the shell material itself from acid
in the water, or Irom weathering influences in water or land forms
as the case might be. This layer is the work of the cells right at
the edge of the mantle.

The second series or principal layer ts known as the “ostracuny.”
Tt is Secreted by cells in from the mantle margin. This material
ruay be coloured, and is sometimes made up of prisms of the
mineral calcite (as in Pinna’) or it may have a porcellaneous
structure. Cells more remote still deposit the innermost Jayer of
the ostracuim, thus thickening antl strengthenmg the shell, This
layer is of the mineral aragonite, and is often known as the
“nacreous layer,’ being generally formed of overlapping plates
giving Tise to the well known mother-of-pear] appearance.

The remaining surface of the muntle is alse able to secrete shelly
matter, and if needs be repairs an injurv, strengthens the shell
further, or fills in unwanted spaces.

The successive additions along the growing edge of the shell
generally leave ridges or marks parallel with it, and these ate
termed “lines of growth.’ Deposition of shelly matter does not
go on continuously; there are definite rest periods, which are
often incicated by a stronger ridge or mark on the shell, The
different details of sculpture on the surface of the shell—siriae,
ribs, spines, ete—are all products of corresponding irregularities
on the mantle margin, and when first formed were ¢ituated on the
growing edge,

The power of removing, by solvent action; unwanted portions
of the sheil is possessed by certain Mallusea, especially gastropods.

pear Corswver, Sea Shells ard Snails 2x

This removal of material can take place either fram the inside or
outside of the sheli. By this means additional space or lying
raont necessary for an animal grown larger can be excavated from
the inside of a shell or made bry the removal of partitions.

The lime used for building up the shell is obtained from the food,
ant where lime is ahundant strong heavy shells are generally the
tule. Certain areas, however, do not have much lime, That is so
in the Channel Islands, and there the larger land shells even
resort to the shells of dead individuals to obtain supplies of the
miecessary material.

Internally, canwiort traits of the Mollusca are the reduction of
the body cavity to a space around the heart and the concentration
of the principal nerve ecettres into a ring sutrounding the
oesophagus.

With the exception of the bivalves, all sections of the Mollusca
have a distinctive feeding organ called the radula, Besides this
there is one or a pair af horny mandibles or jaws. This mandible
is single and placed on. the upper side of the mouth in the Hozpets,
some of the sea-slugs, the lind and freshwater snails and tusk
shells, Two kinds of freshwater snails, Limaaga and Pianorbis,
have three maridibles, and the majority of the other gastropods
have two lateral plates. Possibly the hest-known examples of
these mandibles or jaws are the so-called “beaks” of the cuttle-fsh
and octopus, which strongly resemble a parrot’s beale, with the
difference, however, that the upper fits into the lower one.

The cadula itself consists of a series of recurved teeth jormed
of a dense chitine, attached to a membrane of the same substance.
The teeth are attached in transverse rows, and in the case of the
limpets may contain as much as 27 per cent. of hydrous silica or
opal. In the rest of the gastropoda the chitine ig hardened super-
ficially by deposits containing calcium, iron and phosphoric acid,
which together may amount to upwards of 6 per cent, The
chitons differ from the other Sections by having ferric iran oxide
as the most tmportant of the mineral constituents in ihe radula-

Tn each transverse tow the nirnbets of teeth tay vary from
one, a5 in certain sea-slugs, to 300 or more, as in the tnp-shells.
The number of rows also varies from a few to very many, so that
in soine types, as the limpets, the radula may be twice as long as
the animal,

In all, the teeth in the front tend to become worn through
constant tise, and to replace them fresh teeth are constantly being
fortied at the other end, which is kept tn a special little pouch
under the gullet, “The worn-out teeth usually fall ont and are lost,
but in one tribe they are recovered and retained inva special sac.

The total nuniber of teeth varies according to the type of Mollusc,
Chactoderma has one single tooth present, the whelk has about

| Viet, Nat.
Vab, 43

240 Coutiwer, Sea Shells and Snails
250, the impet 2,000, the periwinkle 3,500, the camution garden
snail (Ache aspersa) 15,000, the large grey slug, (Limer maar-
wus} 26,000; and from here we go through ascending numbers
to the genus Umbraculumt, which is computed to own 750,000,

The shapes of these teeth are so constant that they assist the
determination of not only families and genera, but, with few
exceptions, that of species also.

The Molluses have a heart which is well-developed and entirely
arterial, and a well-developed nervous system. The gills whictr
aerate the blood have been used as a hasis for the classification of
the group, and in number they vary from one in the majority of
the gastropods to 80 pairs im some of the chitons-

Most forms have eyes, and these are particularly periect in ihe
higher cuttle-fish. Snails have their eyes elevated on horns at times ;
and although headless and usually having no eyes, certain forms
of the bivalves possess them in the larval stages, and they persist
in the adult Myrilidae and Preria

Possibly one of the most, interesting of all eye structures is found
itl the chitons, If the surface of the valves of a chiton be examined
with a microscope they will be seen ro be studded with minute
black specks with convex, perfectly round, shiny tops. It is now
known that these black specks are really eyes in the shell, cach
complete with retina, pigment and lens, and connected by nerves
passing right (hrough the shell to the mantle of the animal under-
neath, Some species of chitans possess many thousands of eyes,
arranged in symunetrica) patterns. A New Zealand species,
Eudoxochiton nobilis, has approximately 8,000 of these eyes.

That Mollusca can hear is inferred, owing to the presence of
“otocysts,” or sma)) cavities Alled with fluid in which grains of
shelly material float; they seem to be capable of tasting and they
certainly can smell,

Certain observations suggest that these animals have a degree
of inteliigence, or instinet, Tt is well known that each dinpet
returtis alter each grazing excursion to the spot to which it has
fitted its shell, and all gardeners know how slugs and snails
punctyally return to their hiding places aiter their nightly, forays.
Even higher intelligence is credited to a Roman snail, Hel
pomatia, which is cited by Charles Darwin as having made one
journey from an ill-stocked garden over the wall to a well-stocked
garden, ther returned and piloted a weakly companion .to the
better land_

The classification of the Mollusca presents certain difficulties as

" ¢o timitation of sections m the group. For the purposes of this
discussion T propose to use five main classes, as follows:

1; Amphineura or Chitons,

Cortivin, Sea Shells and Snails 24l

2. Gastropoda or Snails, including the Pteropeda, Heteropoda
and Nudibranchs,

3. Scaphopoda or Tusk Shells.

*%. Pelecypoda or Bivalves.

5, Cephalopoda.

Amphinenra or Chitons have a body more or less elongate, with-
aul a distinct head, bat with a definite foot forming the ventral
surface,

The animal is symmietrical and generally has a shell consisting
af eight plates or ¢alves that either fit over one another, like. tiles
on a roof, or appear as a row of shelly humps along the animal's
back. Placed also in this class are some lesser known molluscs,
one genus of which, Chaetoderma, lives on the smaller anunals
contained in the ooze through which it burrows.

Gustropoda ar Siaits. The shells of this group are essentially
a longer or shorter hollow cone. In the limpets it is a simple
hollow coné, but in the greater number it 18 an elongate cone
coiled round and round, each coil forming a whorl, the last being
the body whorl, The coil may he flat, but most are dextral or
coiled to the right hand; some are normally synstral or left-handed,
and oecasionally rever sed individuals are met with. Some of the
shells start off as synsiral forms and change to dextral as they
develop. The axis or columella ts sonietimes ‘hollow or umbilicated,
the hollow itself being the umbilicus. The cavity here is at times
filled with callus, The apex or extreme top of the shell is generally
different in marking and other features, and this nucleus or
protocanch is the pertion formed in the egg and is knewn as the
ambryonic shell.

The spiral channel formed by the junction of the whorls is
termed a suture. 2A spiral line traced along the whorls midway
between the stitures wottld mark the periphery. The mouth or
aperture has sometimes quite a circular margin, when it is said to
he entire; more often it is interrupted.

There are frequently notches in the lip to give passage to the
siphons of the animal, these notches being the posterior and antenor
canals as the cuse may be, In some forms (Plenrotema, Bellero-
phon, Plenrotemaria, etc.) there is a slit that gives passage to the
siphon; in others, as Haliotis, this slit is reduced to a series of
perforations,

The outer lip or labrum is thin and sharp in most juvenile shells
and in some adult forms; moré frequently in the adult stages it 15
either thickened, curved outwards (reflected) or curved inwards
(inflected), expanded or fringed with spines. When these occur:
at intervals during the growth of ihe shell they farm, on the whorl,
conspicuous markings termed vaiiecs. - '

242 Coonrven, Som Shully ond Snails we

External spines, etc, that come in the way of the growth of
the shell as whorls are added, are olen dissolved in some way and
Temoved by the animal,

An untised space in the upper whorls ts either infilled or cut.
off by 4 wall or septum, <A similar partition is found when the
apex of the shell becomes worn through, broken by accident, or
attacked by boring moltuses, or is broken off as a regular phase of
the animal's existence, as in Ryne decollata. :

Many oi the gastropods close the mouth of their shells by a trap-
door, or operculum When the animal is extended this operculum
lies on the animal's back, and in many cases iorms. a sorl of
pillion, on which the shell rests. The operculum consists of 2
horny layer sometimes strengthened hy shelly mafter, which has
a structure different fram that of the shell. The inner side of the
operculum ig marked by the scar of the muscle to which it is
attached and the outside face exhibits lines of growth. This
growth is by addittons made to the original point of beginning,
aad the spiral is dextral in synstral shells and synstral in dextral
shells

Nearly all gastropoda have an operculum in the yang stage
within the egg; sone discard it, but the greater nimtiber retain it.
Same genera have a perfect fitting operculum ; in others it only
partially closes the aperture; in others again (e.g., Strowibns) it
is reduced to or converted to a sort of a claw and used to assist
the animal's locomotion,

Besides the operculum, niany pi the gastropods. use other means:
for blocking ertrance lo the shell. Claxsifta, a genus of land
shells, has a sporm- shaped élashe plate attached to the cohimella
within the shell, and this “clausium™ closes autontatically behind
the eceupant as it retires. Another genus, Thyrophorella, which
inhabits the island of St. ‘Uhamas in the Gulf of Guinea, has portion
of the peristume hinged and projecting beyond the upper halt of
the aperture, and this portion is hent down by the retiring animal,

In many gastropads, especially land shells, .a series of projecting”
teeth occur some way back in from the mouth of the shell, and at
times these are so long and numerous that it is a matler of wonder
how the rigktiul owner itself gets in and out of the shell.

Scaphopade or Tusk Sheils. The animal is symmetrical, with 2
rudimentary head and a long cylindrical foot used for bert owing
in the mud in which the amma! lives. The shell is tubular and
open at both ends, with generally a notch in the smaller end on the
convex side,

Petecypadw or Bivalves. The head is rudimentary and there is
-no radula, The foot in many cases is well developed and serves
as a burrowing, organ; more rarely it is used for creeping. The
organs of the body are enclosed hetween the two (sight and left}

meee Couiver. Sea Shells and Snails 2A

lohes of the mantle, wich are in turn covered by the two shelly
valves oy plates, hence the term bivalves. In a few cases the
mantle 1s extended and refiected over the valves, and m one genus
(FEphippodonta) actually envelops them. The mantle lobes are
attached along the back and extend out to the margins of the
valves, and towards the back of the muscular foot is situated the
gland for spinning the horny threads, or byssus, by which many
Species anchor themselves, and the animal generally has the power
of rejecting the byssus at any time and spinning a new one.

The animal has a mouth but no jaw. The mouth is flanked on
either side by a pair of twin triangular lobes called the labial palps ;
it is apparently the function of these to collect and possihly taste
the food before it passes into the mouth. Each valve is a hallow
irregular shallow cone, the apex of which is termed the beal or
umbo; this is the point at which growth began, being in point of
fact the young shell, This gencraily differs in shape and markings
from the later growth, The umbo is usually curved more or less
to oue side and generally points toward the head or anterior end.
The two valves are generally of equal size and shape and are
termed ‘“equivalve,” as in cockle shells. Sometimes one valve is
sinaller than the other, as in oysters, and the valves are then
termed ‘inequivalve.””

Bivalves are all more or less “inequilateral’'; that is to say, the
two halves made by a line drawn from the umbo to the ventral
margin will be found to be of different sizes,

When the shell is shut it is said to be “close” if the valves fit
aceurately, and to “gape” if there are openings left, Near ihe
“umbones" the two valves are united by a chitonous ligament, or
sort ai “C" spring, which tends to open the valves. The act of
clasing is effected hy twa powerful adductor muscles that pass
fram one valve to the other and are situated at either end of the
axis of the bady.

Ta prevent the valves from shifting when closed, a series of
projections, or “teeth,” are developed near the ligament. These
arc sometimes numerous and all alike (eg, as in Nacule, Arca,
etc.), being then termed “toxoclont"; but more usually they are
divided into “cardinal teeth in the centre and “lateral” teeth
running with the sfiell margin, and in this case they are termed
“teleadont.” The shell margin beating the ligament and teeth is
the “hinge line” and thts area is sometimes extended inwards to
form a “hinge plate,”

Shelly tubes of Laredo, Brechites, Axpergillwm, etc, scarcely
seem to helong to the bivalves, but a careful examination will
show the two valves built into the tube in the case of Arechates and -
Aspergillum, and the two valves free within the tube in the case of
Teredo.

2dd Corrtvin, Sea Shells and Snails ‘Yai. 8°

In the bivalves, the muscle attachment points are marked by
well-defined “muscular scars," and other minor ninscles leave sear's
as well, Running from one “adductor sear” to the other is a
shallow groove, the palial line, which marks the atrachment of the
mantle edge.

Molluses with long retractile siphons have a “palial sinus” also,
this being a well-defined reeurvature in the “palial line,”

Cephalopoda, ‘These are the most highly organized oi the
Mallusca, as well as the lurgest, for certain of the cutlle-fishes are
well over 50 feet long, and fragments of one washed up on the
north-west coast of Australia some years ago seem to indicate a
specimen nearly twice as long. In this class the mouth lies in the
centre of the arms and is furnished with a teak. Many of the
forms have an ink sac from which a cloud of sepia is extruded in
times of danger—the animal mukes good its escape by these means,
Many of the group have shells, the two betler known types being
the chambered nautilus and the paper nautilus, The latter, how-
ever, is not 4 true shell but actually an egg-case manufactured by
the female animal as a cradle for the eggs. ;

Tn the Cephalopods we meet with cartilage for the first time in
the group.

The shell resembles that of the gastropods in being a sample
conical rube, but it has the difference of an internal structure, As
ihe animal grows it moves forward in the shell, partitions off the
apace behind, but always remains attached to the apex af the
shell by 2 tube, parc shell and part chiton, which ts called the
“siphunele.”” The chambers of the shell durmg hie are filled with
die containing more nitrogen than is in normal atmospheric air,
thus giving great buoyaney to the shell and permitting the animal
to swim rapidly, ‘

The earhest forms of these shells were straight, but through
geological time all sorts of means of coiling were tried. The shelly
types, ghee living it their hundreds of different forms, are now
restricted to a few species of rhe closely coiled genus Nawtilts and
one living Dibranchiate form, Spirva, in which the uncoiled flat
spiral shell is partly internal.

The octopus, cut(le-fshand squid are members of this class and
are nuimerous both in genera and species.

Distribution: The greater number of molluscs lve im the sta;
and of these the greater number live in the laminarian zones, which
is to about 15 fathoms. Certam forms frequent the racks, others
sandy or unidey sea-Hoors; others spend theit whole time on the
surface waters of the open sea,

There is 4 fauna that extends to abyssal depths. The Challenger
Expedition recorded a chiton from 2,300 fathoms, a gastropod |
(Styffer) at 2,650, a nudibranch at 2,425, a pelecypod at 2,900,

a scaphopod at 2,600, and a cuttlefish from between 2-3,000_' *

Anes “Sauce tie Dorests” 245

The brackish waters of estuaries and Japoons have their own
fauna, and ponds, lakes and rivers show # considerable number of
species. On the land, every spot capable of supporting life has its
quota of Mollusca, and some spend their whole lite below the
surfave of the ground.

A slug was taken on the Himalayas at 16,400 ft.; a land shell
(Witrina) extends to 72 degrees in Greentand; a ireshwater form
(Limneea hoveri) has heer taken at 18,000 ft. above sea-level;
and a British species 1s said to extend as jar as 73° 30° North in
the Taimyr Peninsula.

Truly, study of the Mollusca can keep anyone interested and
busy, ard I suggest this science ta some of the younger members
of this club.

"SAVE THE FORESTS"

In ils January oews cireglar, the “Save the Forests” Campaign juts
forward the claint af forests in relation tm the observance of Anstralia's
yarional day.

At the anniversary of the joundation of Australia it is natural for those
oi os whoa love and appreciate our country to endeavour to form a mind's-cyc
nicture of its appearance in those days.

itt such « picture as we might conjure, we would be correct in clothing
the arta irom the eastern seaboard to the western slopes of the Great
Dividing Range in a rich anil all-enveloving mantle of jorest, Historical
reports bear this out, and on this point J. W. Andas, in his hook Native
Trecs of Australia, says: “Australia as we found jt was one of the best
endowed lands as rewards the amount, variety and wsetulness of its native
Unibers: At the present time it ranks far down the schedule of timber
wealth."

The first Australian homes were, therefore, literally carved out of the
forest and for 150 years the process went on, each vear gathering momentum
until anly the threat of national suicide called. a halt. Control of ovr forests
was eventually established, but much damage had heen dane.

Gor a century and a half, the people of Australia have taken copiously
oF Australia’s boaaly—her natural resources, her sunshine, bluc skies and
kindly climate. 11 should, therefore, be with a spirit of thankfulness for
such blessings that we regard Australia Day,

To a wrest extent, “Australia and “our forests” are synouymmus. To
love the one is to love the other, Put if the Australian forests sre to survive,
we must show cur fove not only in werds but in deed, Words are not
though.

Fortaiately, ovr Governments have realized this, and, bodies have been
created for forest preservation, not only to control indliscrimimate felling,
but to prevent and combat forest fires, which are the forerunners of the twin
evils—wind and water erosion, and the subsequent siltatnan of our reservoirs,
which aight be regarded as storehouses of (he nation's lifeblood, water.

Bue legislarion can only be cffective if it has the ¢a-operation of the
citizens, and surely there is no better way of expressing our patriotism and
gratitude than by ¢a-operating in aly movement, Government or private,
which makes forest preservation its aii

Each one of ws has received so moch from this great land af ours that
the time has came when we should give something back in. return.

Wuman gratitude may prompt this but economic necessity eértainly
demands it,

‘

246 Birds Sleat Ananen Mair Het te

BIRDS STEAL HUMAN HAIR

Apparently the Grampians White-cared Honeyeaters make more of a
habit of collecting human hyir than those in other parts of Vietoria. We
had a similar @xperience to that described by Mr. Seaton in the January
Noturaltst, when climbing near Boroaig Peal, Mt, Willlam Ratgé, Gram-
pians, on September 6, 1944, .

At least two White-ears, alter brief examination of my companion and
myseli, proceeded in busmesslike manner to pull out our fair, One was
very persistent, and cotilinued to Viste and work on my lead while 1 wes
sdalking Tawny-crawned Honeyeaters—rather distracting, but exceilent
camouflage, I suppase, Tor a bird-observer,

Twa porte about these occurrences: (1) Both the Grampians and the
Sydney uplands, where these cards habitually take place, are sandstone areas,
(2) Shortage of animal hair a probably stot the explanation in the

Grampizns.
“J. L. Provas.

[Although there are isolated records of White-cared Honeyeaters taking
human hair an other localities, itis true, as Mr. Provan gays, that the chief
ceniras of the practice appear to be the sandstone areas of the Sydney and
Grampians regions. The explanation, surely, is that loth districts ure
deficient tu the animal kair which dis bud appears to repard as essential
for the lining of its nest, The deep-seated nature of the bird's attachment
to haie is especially maniicet in certain parts of norrbern Sydney, There
the White-cars, tormally alouf birds, are so persistent in their attentians
te human visitors {in springtime) that a specimen often alihts on the head
of a naturahsl who is érying to photograph it on, another fellow’s head —
Evrron.]

EXCURSION TO KOROROIT CREEK

Oiler saizre Axtures over the holiday week-end probahly eccounted for
ihe reduced attendance (nine members) at the excursion arranged for
Korerait Crevk, Svaholme, on January 23th tast. The locality can always
Ue relic upou to produce senie good example of marine bird-life. This
visit mentbérs were unexpectedly introduced ta the Sea Curlew. Five ot
ihese stately birds were first sighte) in the beach shallows, their Jong curved
beaks sharply defied against the smooth water as they fed. Nesrer the
mouth of the creek another ten birds were Seen i the distance, but these
were very shy On closer approach they flew off, uttenng cheer double
alarm notes. Afterwards, the first company were still ta be seen mt the
vicinity of the feediiy-area. With numbers af Pacific aud Silver Gulls,
They rested, facing the gentle breeazc, on a sandy spit a litle distance out.
Duder these favourable conditiatis, most of the members present were able
ta see the hirds for the firse time

Piest discovered last spring not Tar front the mangrove area hy Botany
Gloup members, a solitary pleut af the Showy Cussinia (Cussivia specteditis)
was an this aceasion faund to be in Rower,

H.C, E Srewarr.

NARDOO IN JHE METROPOLITAN ARIA

Members of the Botany Group were iilerested to. see this clover-like,
mad-loving fer (Marsitia Dremntondiy) during an excursion to the Yarra
lagoons at Burke Road Bridge, Kew (Feb. 8). Baron van Mueller bad
four T}-on the Yarra in the early ‘fifties, though it has been seldom, if ever,
collected since. Litele River and Bacchus Marsh ate probably the next
headrest occurrences to Melhourne,

Mort Finances af the FINO a7

FINANCES OF THE FNCY.

T ‘cel i€ is miy duty, a Honoraly Soorctary of this society, to state
reandns which have influenced the coninutlee wn endorsiny the actron of My.
Tye Hafimet, who, at the Febrwaey general meeting, Beye wotice of motion
yegarding an inctéase 9 subscyiptions, The proposal is for an increase as
from May Ist, 1947, of 25% in the annual snbscription of Ordinary aud
Country Members and of 50% an che price of the Natwralist,

Tt may be remembered that at the general meeting mm July, 146, Me,
A. S. Chalk, speaking as one of the Hom Auditors, drew attention to the
insecure Slate oF the Club's finanecs, He made special deference to thé
high gost of production and distribution af the Nalwrahist and tcommended
that steps should br taken to reetity the position.

The present committee fas considered this malter aud with much reluct-
ance has come to the conclusion that the least detrimental step wouid he
to dicrease the charge for the Natyralist, so that st stiould he self-supporting,

Study of the statement o€ receipis ancl expenditure (Mic, Nah, Avpuet,
194%) shews that the Club is run very cconemically, the working casts
(excluding the charge of f325/11/5 associated with the journal) being
£85/11/10 jor that year.

Tt will also be seen that the Club's tevenue Irom subscriptians amuunted
ta £932/19/5. whith include £40/1/6 for advanve subseripuons, without
whites the revenue would have been 2297/17/11, leaving £27/13/6 to be
acquired from other sources to finance the publication of the journal,

We now have an ordinary membershiy of rather more than 400 and a
country membership of about 180, but this iicrdased membership dues not
help ta case the position, TJs is because costs asseciated with the journal
have risen sharply from £27 per issne in the 1945/46 period to more than
£30 per issue in the prosent yeu—roughly 339%.

At the present rate of subscription, ard even with our present larger
niemnbership, the revenue will not mect fhe expenditurc—we can expect a
deficit which will have ta be met from other saurces. -

Members should not (and doubtless de of) expect the Cloi’s activities
to be financed from any profits which may arise from sach functions as
Natore Extibitions—profts which resull only from tae labours of relatively
few inembers, wlio, of course, do such work as a labour of oye.

The Cluh, 17 it 18 to function as ii shantd, must be hacked hy a substautial
fund of Huid assets. Such a fowl is needed if the Club is to sponsor such
publications as the Ceusis add the several Natural Histoty booklets which
have appeared in the past. Marcover, the fund is needed if the Cluly js
ever to put into effect its long-cherished hope of establishing its own cloh-
rooms, This hope will remain Jie more than a. hope if the Cluh cannot
do better than accumulate in, ts long life of more than 60 years a simi of
ZIOON—£16 per year.

This, of course, is relevant te the motion only inasmud) as it indicates
that the P-N.CV. should at Icast take steps to preserve the continuity of
one of its most niportant dunctions—the (yctorien Naturalrst

J. Ros Gawnee.

ASTRONOMER ROYAL ViSITS MELBOURNE

The University fechzre rhom was packed beyond capatiiy on the evening
of February 28, when Sir Farol Spencer Jones delivered a public address
on the possibslines wf extra-terrestrial life. Sir Haraié is the tenth
Astranamer Royal (dating fram: I675), and iL as hoped that his uvitliane
discaurse will le published in some Anstraliau journal for the fenchr of
all naturalists,

248 9 Central Australian Aborigines and Rocke! Bomb Tests Tae 36s

CENTRAL AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINES AND ROCKET
BOMB TESTS .

Im commen with Anthropological Socteties in the various States,
and other movements interested in the preservation uf the prini-
tive culture of Australian aborigines, the F.N.C.V_ has heen, arul
stil is, gravely concerned with the implications of the proposed
“ourded missile” range to be situated in the Centre. A statement
hy the Minister for Defence (Mr. Dedman) in Parliament on
Novernber 22 lase reyealed, swter aba, that the firmg point of
the range will he in the vicinity of Mt, Eba (South Australia),
between the Transcontinental und North-South railways. The
flirectian of the centre line of the range is such that, i prolonged,
it would pass roughly midway between Broome and Port Hedland
in W,A. The initial step is to build a short range of about 300
_ miles, designed to be capable of extension at a later date, and to

reserve the necessary area. This means that the range, at first,
will not affect the Central Australian abariginal reserve,

The Minister referred to the aborigines, and gave assurance that
evervthing possible would be dane to safegnard the natives from
contact, or encroachment, on any area of special significance fo
them. He said instructions had been given that the Austrahan
Rocket Bomb Committee is to consult with the Director of Native
Affairs and other bodies concerned in aboriginal welfare, and to
report on the measures necessary ta ensure their safety.

However, the possibility was mentioned of the range being
extended to a litmted rumber of observation posts along the line of
fire, and with past experience in retrospect, maliy anthropological
minds continue to feel disturbed over the infiltration of white man’s
ways that will inevitably follow in the wake of rachet range develop-
ment. From ithe Canberra reports, no exhaustive search by the
Commonwealth aucharilies seems to have been made for alternative
routes fos the tests. Further, the Reserve was originally created
in consultation with informed anthropological opinion as the best
means of preserving the remnant of unspoilt Anstralian natives in
their primitive condition, To take the range through the area,
violates such reservation. This aspect dors not appear to be fully
realized by our Parliamentary representatives,

To protest against the route proposed, a public meeting is hxed
tur Monday. 3lst March next, in the Melbourne Town Hall, at
8 pan. Dr. Duguid, of Adelaide, is one of the sponsors of this
meeting, and with kindred sucieties, FON.C.V. has been officially
inyiled to co-operate. Members are asked to attend in force, to
urge that the natives’ territorial rights be respected and their
claims brought more prominently against the policy of setting up

the range. nips
—H.C.E.5,

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 63—No. 12 APRIL ito, 1947 No, 760

PROCEEDINGS

The monthly meeting of the Club was held on Mareh 10, 1947,
at the Lecture Hall, Melbourne Public Library. The President,
Mr. F, S. Colliver, and about 200 members and friends attended.

The following weré elected as Ordinary Members of the Club:
Misses W, Waddell, I. D, Dike, L. Fraser and Lucy I. Rixon,
Mts. A. Binns, Messrs. ‘T. Il. Sarovich, F, J. May, E, Prohasky,
Peter Price and Chas. Metcalfe; as Country Members: Messrs,
C-Southes, T. H. Banfield, F, W,. Sadlier and G. IT. Fetherston ;
atid-as Associate Member: Master Jan Webster.

A Special General Meeting preceded the Ordinary Meeting to
consider the notice of motion given at last general meeting by
Mr, Ivo C, Haminet, viz., a propasal for increasing subscriptions,
‘This was formally moved by Mr. Hammiet, seconded by. Mr Chalk
and discussed at some Jength; an amendment was carried,
referring the matter hack to Committee for further consideration.

NATURE NOTES

Mr. T. 5, Hart gave a note on the Ayacinih Orchid, stating
that the new season’s growth is normally fram Sateral buds near
Ute base of the old stem. Two, or even three, such buds may
accur providing for increasing number of stems, Flower spikes
should always be cut sharply as, if pulled, next seagon’s bud may
come awiy, ,

Mr. A. A. Brunton asked if any member had noted echidnas
in the district about 20 miles north of Shepparton,

BOTANY OF THE BOGONGS

In the course of a half-hour lecturette, Mr, J. H. Willis pave
a physiographic outline of the Bogong High Plains—largest single
area of alpitie moorland on the Australian continent, and the most
elevated land itt our State, The vegetation was shown to be a
reflection of the rigorous climate and, ta a lesser degree, of the
~ geology ; basalt arcas differ slightly from the schistose and granitic
parts. Of 275 vascular plants now known to occur within: the
180-odd square miles of the Bogong Alps (i.e, between Mts,
Bogong, Nelson, Cope, Feathertap and J*ainter, and above the
lower alpine finttt of 4,500 feet), 97—or almast 2/5ths—are found
only in alpine terrain, [htroaduced weeds number less than a score.
with Sheep Sorrel as the inost conspicuous and abundant species.

.

230 Field Naturalists’ Clu Proceedmgs feet

The botanical unveiling of Bogong district was traced, from
Baron von Mueller’s frst ascent of these great mountains in
December, 1854, to the present day. With Mueller, two other
figures are pre-eminent in the elucidation of the flora; viz., Messrs.
J. Stirling (1879-83) and A. J. Tadgell (1922-'26). To Mr.
Tadgell, in particular, we are indebted for a very comprehensive
tabulation of Bogong plants, based upon his own extensive
peseerclies and all previons recordings (see Mic. Nat., August,
924). ;
_ Experimental work now bemg undertaken by a University
research team (of which Mr. Willis is consulting botanist}, under
the auspices of the Soil Conservatibn, Board and S.E,C, was
explained briefly, and the lecturer drew attention to several
dncommon, and beautiful plats that he had been able to examine -
while in the Bogong region last January, e.g., massed white star-
flowers of Coltia tmtroloba against melting snowdrifts, Paltenwo
enpitellate in moss heds along Wild-horse Creek, “‘peach-jain-
scented” cushions of Seleranthws atander on Mt, Feathertop, and
the very rave fern Cystopteris fragilis on a Mt. Bogong cascade.
Several examples of “Red Starhsh Fungus” (4seroé rubra) were
found and cvoked especial interest, while “Reindeer Mass"
(Cladonia vangijeriua) was located on Basalt Hill—apparently for
the first time in Australia.

‘ : EXHIBITS ‘
Mr E. Muir (Dimboola): Nardao (Afarsilia Drraniandit) from Tarran-

gtinic. N.-W: Vic. -

Mr. A. A. Baker: Photographs of the Mitchell Gorge. '

Mr, A. N. ‘Carter; Land shells Frais fpbe. West Indies (Pleuradonta
sageinon PL & R.; Polymita iolimbate Gut, P. rioséco; Liguat blainanaes
Pils; £. fasctatws aaridis Clench). A

Me. T. S. Hart- “Cetttipede Plant” (or “Flat-stem Lignum"), Hamelo-
éladiuen platycladum, from New Caledonia, showing unlistal devclopneist
of leaves on the typically bare flatiened stems. Pe ee \

Mr. J, S. Seaton> Beaufortia sparsa from Western Adistralia.

Mr. F.S. Colliver: Fossil remains of solt-bodied crabs (Calttanasse) and
their suppesed burraws. Th TP OM

ett

EXCURSION TO MOOROOLBARK - eeTse

Not many species of plants were seen in flower on Feb: 22," the most
abundant being the “Wiry Buttons” (Leptorrhynelms temufaticr) which
continpes well through the summer. Chief interest was av the eucalypts.
Examples were seen of Candlebark (£. riebiday ‘and Yellaw Hox (2, anefhi-
adora) of much larger size than the genetal run af trees Pemaining, but
these Were evidently individuals unsuitable for splitting, The change of
foliage in young Candlebark was scen. She-oaks with altractive small prowth
also came in for sume attention. f :

Those who returned by direct road to the statian could searecly have
missed the introduced Oxtangue (Pieris echioides) and the parsnips run
wild. Few fruits remained on the Exocorpus, A bush-like Caprese
Billardieri was seen, also without feuit. (By a slip, ©. hivfella was given
as the name. but it is not there.) —T.S.H. ’

.

aac r ( Careman, The Charming Pittermouse 25]

THE CHARMING ILITTERMOUSE
By Enity Coreman, Blackburn, Vie:

At Sorrento in November 1946 my daughter and I watched
13 bats emerge from between the verandah root of shingles and
its covering roof of corrugated iron, At 20 to 8pm, (Nov, 11)
and 10 te 8pm. (Nov. 12) they scrambled through a very small
opening, dropped a foot or two to clear the verandah roof, then
rosé, to gaih off on their evening “air-raids”, I have always loved
these little elfin creatures and was delighted to see so many of
them. Incidentally, why de we not use the pretty nantes “Flitver-
mouse” aud 'Pipistrelle”’?

Writing from Sorrento in January 1947 my daughter told me
that they were still there and could be seen hanging upside down,

“having come nearer to the opening during the hor davs, They
were beard calling and scrambling as they changed position, She
described their tiny squeaks as resembling the blice-wren's twitter,
bet higher in pitch and uttered more quickly, quite different from
their shrill, high-pitched evening calls which so few people are
able ta catch,

Just before dusk they were clearly heard calling from the
vafters, With a lighted candle my daughter watched one little
fellow yelling “blue-murder in hat language:

Hie little fnee was lovely ta watch; the pink lips moved and_ his
mouth nade an ‘O" as he screamed, looking at me al! tae time, Then
I put my hands over bin. [He didn’t seem to mind, and crawled over
dheny 2nd up my acm. It felt so nice! After sketching him, I let the
little dark angel go. [mn the daytime the ears are crumpled, but whet
the bats wake up they open like wines. They have a tiny horse-shee
aver the nose, The membrane between the bind legs is ‘smocked!’ and
looks like 3 skirt. On hot days there is much scuffling and blue-wren
twitter, Ai any time of the day, whenever T look, 1 can sce a dusky arm
or an ear between the saiters.

On February 8 a tiny baby bat was found on a rustic table just
beneath their opening. It must have fallen from the mother, or
perhaps had been scraped off as she clambered through the narrow
exit far her one crowded hour.

One bat flew into a bedroom and crouched on the floor. Several
ties it rose as high as the bed, but fell back, perforce. This
raises again a question I asked a year or cwo ago. It is a common
beliet that bats cannot fly unless they first drop irom a height,

In Algernon Blackwood’s beautiful fantasy, ‘'Jintbo"', we read:
“You see, we're like the bats and cannot rise from the earth. We
can anly fly by dropping from a height,’ Paley, writing in 1802,
held the same view, doubtless borrowed from the naturalists of
his day. Discussing the hat’s hooked thumb as a contrivance
compensating for the decrepitude of jts legs and feet, he says:
“Without this hook the bat is the most helpless of animals. She
can neither ran nor raise herself from the ground, Thése jnabilities

_ , f n
252 Coreman, The Charming Flitteranse iil

are made up ta her by the contrivance on her wing. She remains
suspended by this claw and takes flight from a." Bewick, writing
in 1820, says of the bat: “It raises itself from the ground with
difficulty,” The Sorrento bat was able to rise as high as the
bed, It may possibly have risen higher had it met no obstacle.

While the artist worked Flittermouse grew sleepy. His head icll, like
that of a tired child: but be did not fold his ears, s6 she knew that he
was Suill alert.

1 well remember an instance of a bat's tising from the earth.
I had found it clinging to a sack in the shed. Ie did not move as
T carried it outside. Sack and bat were laid on the ground and
were lightly covered with another sack, so that the children might
see it qiter schoal, When J began very carefully to uncover the
bat, an old mau in the gatden told me I needn't be so careful:
“Tt can’t fly from the ground.” The wards were scarcely out of
his mouth when my bat did “rise from the earth”, and sailed away
before the children could get a close look at it.

The legs are not muscular enough for the bat to use them very
efficiently as a spring in leaping from the gronud. “Seeing it
suspended upside down with closely tolded wings one wonders
whether a drop may be necessary to unfold fully the Aying
membrane, as in the case of a parachute. The wings are almost
horizontal, not raised above the body, the weight of which would
carry it down nhl atr pressnre against the tucimbrane counteracts
the force of gravity.

It is said that bats are not so numetous as formerly, The
reason may not he far to seek. Jn the roof of another week-end
cottage at Sorrento were many bats. The owner told us that he
“got rd” of them by hitting them down as they emerged at dusk.
This suggests that 2 wider knowledge of bats and their usefuluess
is much needed,

According to Professor Wood;Jones, bats'are the most wonder-

ea Cutanan, The Charming Plittermouse 253

ful of mammals, but of our Australian species next to nothing
is known. Little can be recorded of the life histories of even our
commonest specics. Here is not only a fascinating field for
naturalists but an opportunity to dispel much harmful ignorance
and superstition regarding them. In America their usefulness is
fully recognized and bat-roosts are provided—saving two birds,
as it were, with one stone, for the droppings are one of the finest
manyres. In Biblical times the bat was classed amonp “fowls
that creep, going upon all fours”, an “abcmination” not ta be
eaten. (Levit, XI; 19-20,) In Hebrew the word fowl is literally
“winged” and is as applicable to a bat as to any bird. Doubtless
this Scriptural indictment has clung to the poor litile Flirtermouse
all down the centuries, For this it has suffered cruelly, J+ has
suffered, too, for the sins of its fruit-eating and blood-sucking
cousins. The Harpies of the ancients wére probably attributable
to a hatred of bats,

Shakespeare and Middleton use the poor bat for their witches’
cauldron. Bewick, whose pencil was so ready to depict beauty in
bird ot beast, describes the appearance of the Pipistrelle as: “the
Ieast disgusting of bats.’ He records the slaughter in 1808 of 280

Walking or scrambling attitude of Flittermouse. Sometimes he lifted his
head to show his gyome-like face.

of these elfin creatures in art ancient mansron belonging to Sir Hugh
Owen. Many of the females had two young attached to them,
How many injurious moths and other insect-pests multiplied as 3
result of that slaughter ‘of the innocents!

Could we not do something to save the little Flittermouse?
A changed attitude might so easily be developed in our schools.
Old superstitions should be relentlessly attacked, and the bat

Viel: Nat.
Vol, 08

254 Coresas, The Charing Flittesmonse
should le aererded the respect its position in zoology demands,

The older naturalists classed it with birds, a sinister bird, a
bird of i-omen. Linnaeus placed it in the Order Primates, with
man! Tt was later given an Order of its own, Chiroptera (hand-
winged), a ligh Order placed next lo the Primates in zoological
precedence. Few people have fully appreciated the temerity of
Linnaeus in classing the little winged “mouse” with man. A glance
at the illustration of the bony structure on which its delicate flying
membrane 1s stretched shews some reason ior the high status
accorded him,

Like those of man, the Sats’ fove-linbs have humeins, sadirs,
elbow and a five-fingered hand. Its hind-limbs, again. like those
of man, have femur, tia and 2 five-boed foat. Moreover, the
female has two teats, not on her lower abdomen, as is usual in
most manunals, but on her breast. When suspended by her
hooked whumbs she enfolds her little ones in her soft wings as
in a shawl, tenderly as any human mother, Its closeness to man
would seem to be further emphasized by the modern employment
ot the bat for experinental work on malaria. The reactions
achieved are said to be closely akin to the form of malaria
developed i man,

Tn old materia mediva we find frequent reference to the bar as
a remedy for various human ills, John of Gaddesden, Court
Phystcian under Edward UT and a great authority in his day,
treated the spleen with a remedy compounded of 7 Jat bats’ heads.
These medical \ises led ‘ta more suffering and slaughter, Why
were bats carved on the folding imiserere seats in some churches?

W. H. Hudson described the bat's wing as the most sensitive
thing in mature, the antennae of insects only excepted :

A bed and field ot nerves, so closely placed as to give the membrane
the appearance of the finest, softest slot sulk, The brains of the creattre,
as it were, are as if spread out in its wings, and sm exquisite fs the
sensitiveness of these parts thal, iv, comparison, our finger-tips are no
inare quick of feeling than the thick tough hide af some hinbering
pacshyderm,

Surely the study of such soft furry creatures shuuld appeal to
wore, with their innate love of silks and furs. One waould like
wo stress the need for pentlencss in handling these little allies, so
valiant in their quest of foud, so timid in the hand, To quote
W: £1. Iludson again: “TL have never held one in my hand without
heing struck by the shrinking shivering motion, the tremors that
passed over it, like wave following wave; and it has seemed to me
that the tauch of a soft fingertip on the wing was to the bat like
the blow of a cheese or bread-grater on his naked body to a
man! '

It was a great salisfaction to read Ellis Troughton’s: plea on
behalf of the “little: bats” (Furred Animals of dustratia) :

To kill, fav worse to'injure, such marvelously modified little mammals
becaase of wirensaning fear of eval or damage is a positive crime against

inaia - :
Saat Comenman, The Charmitg Fiittormonse 255

nature. In Australia the various ‘little hats' are of the greatest possible

service to man. - OF SO or more species of bats arly 4 dying-foxes

are sericus pests, while aver 40 species of ‘hte bats’ are allies at man,

taking the mght watches in the battle of ihsectivoraus birds against idect

rngmies of nunlend,

‘These words should surely appeal to the average schoolboy's
love of fair play. Tf space could be found for them in the School
Paper, say onee a year, they. should bear good fruit.

A Filittermouse xi fight:
Geoftroy's lang-eared Bat (Nyctophilus geoffyoyt)-

KEY TO WJ.USTRATION

Beneath the furry body are hind-limbs and tail, all attached to that part
of the Aying-membran! which forms a pouch when curved under the bode
On each side is a ereat winged hand which supports tiost of the fying
membrane, amd which gave the mame to the Order (Chiroptera, meaning
hand-wing).

T= the small hooked thumb at the wrist.

Si, 1i1, TV and V-= very long Angers,

VI: the bead in the elbow, :

From. hody to elhow is the davaerns, and from elbow to wrist the radtier;
long borte of the leg is the tibia, white short hone of the leg is the fester
all of which fallow exactly the bones of our own limbs.

LOAN OF NATURALIST RLOCKS

All blocks ased in illustrating the Mictonan Naturalist are the property
of the Club (unless responsibility far the cost of their preparation has been
guaranteed to the Committee by respective authors of articles before
publicarina).

The Committee is cancerned at the many gaps among the stack on hand
at our Clob’s library, and urges any member having blocks on loan, or
knowing of their whereabouts, to take ttninediate steps Sur the return af
these to the Hon, Librarian. .

Committee has ruled that anyone desiring to obtain blacks an joan, for
Printing purposes, shall first produce the written consent of the artist or
photographer (4/1 living) atid then pay the Club a hire fee—10/- for half-
tone and line drawings, and £2/2/- ‘tor colour hlocks—excepting Joans. to
the artiste or photographers themselves, to lindred societies and ta non-
proht projects, which shall be at the discretion of the Conimuttee.

256 Rayment, New Bers end Wasps Mice Ses.

NEW BEES. AND WASPS—Parr tV
A New Cerceris Wasp, and sume Small Chrysomelid Beetles
By TarLran Raywent, Melbourne ,

Superfamily: SPHECOIDES; Family: PHILANTHID#,
CERCERIS ZIEGLERI, sp.nov.

TYPE: female—Length, lm. approx. Black and yellow;

entirely coarsely punctured.
. Head large, transverse; black; sub-quadrate; lateral face-marks
large, lemon-yellow, semi-circular ; frans rising to a sharply defined
cirina; clypeus lemon-yellow, a large mark laterally, a few stiff
silvery hairs; supraclypeal area with a short yellow line; vertex
broadly-rounded, black, cnatsely rugoso-punctate, a small spot of
yellow laterally; compound eyes large, cliret-brown; genue large, ,
with a median yellow mark, coarsely punctured; labriim blackish-
brown; mandibulae simple, yellow, black apically; antennae clear
ferruginous beneath, scape black.

Prothorax large and black; cnarsely rugoso-punctate; cabercles”
black; pleura black, coarsely rugoso-punctate, Mesothorax and
acutellum. longitudinally ~coarsely rugoso-punctate, shining, black;

astscutellum black, finely punctured; metathorax black, an area
ike an equilateral triangle enclosing fine radiating rugaze, outside
of the area coarsely rugoso-punctate; abdominal dursal segments
black, coarsely punctured, a few stiff silvery hairs; No. 1 with a
jarge yellow mark laterally shading to red; 3-4 with hind margins
broadly yellow; 6 with a broad oval bare plate; ventral segments
black, a few stiff silvery hairs on margin; a mark of yellowish
colour on sternites 1 and 5.

Legs ritdish-yellow: coxac, trochanters and femora basally
black; tarsi reddish-yellow; anterior pair with coarse “earth-
rakes”; claws reddish: hind calcay finely serrated, reddish; tegulae
polished, reddish shaded vellow, Wings dusky, especially in the
large radial cell;. nervures blackish-brown, strong; cells—the
second cubital small; the intercubitws nervyures uniting at the apex,
tiie recurrent meeting at the middle of the base, pterostigma large
and dark-brown, hamuli about fourteen but not strongly developed,

ALLOTYPE; Male—Length, Simm. approx, Superficially
like the female.

Face entircly yellow, with a few stiff silvery hairs; frons exces-
sively constricted, with the yellow carina of the female; clypeus
with beautiful dense lateral fringes of golden hair on the anterior
margin; imandibulae. golden-yellow, black apically; antennac
brighter ferrugitious beneath, black scapes with a yellow dot.

Prothorax with two large yellow marks jaterally; tubercles
yellow, . Mesothorax, scutellum and postscitellum similar to

bh Ravuent, New Bees and Wasps 257

fernale, but area of the metathorax not so defned. The propodeum
black, and coarsely punctured (developed to a distinct cylindrical
segment mn both sexes). The apical plate coarsely punctured in
the male, Ventral segments shining, coarsely punctured, with
golden hind margins,

Locatity—Emerald, Victaria (alt, 1,100 feet), Jan, and Feb,,
1938, T, Rayment. :

TYPE in the collection of the author.

Allies; €, froggatti R. Turn., which is larger, 18mm,, and of
similar colouring, = 8 :

The species ig dedicated to John Ziegler, in appreciation of his hospitality
and assisrance during the study of these remarkable wasps. Jt had been
intended by the wuthor to append this paper to his Notes on the Biology
ef Bxoncuee (see ict, Nat., Vol. 62, p. 1?8—frst par.}, but, as material
for two further papers on undescribed Fvoneura species came_along, he
deemed it advisable first to have these published as a series.

Lacahty Notes

» The Emerald district (Dandenong ranges) is 37 miles east of
Meihourne, at an elevation of J,100 feet, which js the highest point
on the Gembrook narrow-gauge railway. The soil of the hills is
a deep, rich-red Joam of volcanic origin; m it are cultivated peas,
beans, potatoes, strawberries and raspberries for the metropolitan
marker. The rainfall is heavy, and the temperatures mild, although
snow is not unknown during winter months, —

| Apart from the main highway, the reads through the hills are
often formed merely of the native soil, which consolidates under
keavy trafic so thoroughly that plant-life cannot succeed, and,
although in winter the hard crust softens into greasy red mud,
yer it drains rapidly and the hard surface soon reappears in spring.
The original forest of eucalypts was very dense, but has now been
almost superseded by introduced plants, and the hilly landscape is
no longer Australian an aspect.’

Architecture of the “Nesting” Shafts of Cerceris 2icgtert

During January, 1938, my attention was drawn by John Ziegler,
who has a house in the hills, to a number of small semi-circular
“hoods” erceted aver the entrances to shafts in a bare roadway.
Actual count revealed 57 shafts in an area of six feet square, so
that the colony is an extensive one, The “hoods” all faced N_N.E.,
and are about half an inch in height, om a semi-circular base
averaging three-quarters of an inch m diameter. Every opening
revealed a routid shaft going down at a low angle, and having a
diameter of three-sixteenths of an inch. Tn no‘ case was the
deepest cell below nine inches,

Careful excavation showed the shaft sloping down at an angle
of 35 degrees, for about six inches, when it branched radially,

The radiating galleries at the base contained a pair of cells in five, ,

Viet. Nut.
258 Rayment, Vew Bees and IW osps ~

but, in one case, the stxth contained three -cells, each being half
an inch in length at the long axis. The pairs were all separated
by concave earthen plugs shyhtly less than one quarter af an
inch in thickness, This “twin” arrangement of cells is 50 winusual
among the Hymenoptera that the author searched the available
literature for a similar construction, but the only record is the
“nest” of an unknown species figured by Phil and Nellie Rau.
Although these observers give only the figare of the twin-structure,
without any other detatls, yet they describe the habits of many
Cerceris wasps, and the remarkable twin-cells may have been the
work of a species in this. genus,

“Nesting” galleries of Cercerts sieglert, with shatt and “hood” over
entrance. Fig. a—a hi-concaye cell plug,

Larval Fasd ~

The cocoons: were of silken thread, in which were incorporated
traces of the red soil, and thé dry elytra of many tiny beetles.
Although only fragmentary remains are available for study, it 1s
quite certain that the larve were fed on Chrysomelid beetles,
identified hy F. E. Wilson as Edusa perplexa, which is often scew
swarming on plants of the Bidgee-widgee (lcana anserinifolia) ;
there were, in additian, elytra of two other ,species in the same
gents, The beetles are less than one-eighth inch in length,
and some exhibit the purplish-greeniridescence of this family.
Although it is difficult to be precise, yet it would appear that front
40 io 60 beetles are given to each larva.

The author was unable to ascertain whether or -not the prey
was merely paralyséd by the foraging mothér, or killed outright,

1947. : Rayment, New Bees ond Wasps 259

Gislaleluledag
<¢ oe i rhe

V

TASLTON RayvaMent

Cerceris siegleri (new species). Key on page 260.

260 Ravatent, New Iiecs and Wasps Wick, Min

betore being. placed in the cell; it would certainly seem that the
beetles are killed outright, because such 2 number would surely
take a day or two to collect, and the food js constmed as it ts
brought home. However, it is well known that fresh meat ts
favoured Ly other wasps for the feeding of the young, Moreover,
there is no evidence that the full quota of heetles is placed in the
cell before the egg is deposited. and the cell closed with an earthen

plug,
Behaviour of the Individual

On extremely hot days, the wasps were abscrved bringing up -
the spoil from below, and, because of the tough nature of the
ground, the pellets cohere easily. Since they are not cast away
at a distance, after the manner of Sphex and Bentbex, a hood is
soon built up. Whether or not this protection 1s intended to act
as a bad weather caw] cannot be ascertained, bul it is clear that,
since the heavy rains come from the south and the south-west,
the north-east orientalidn most assuredly prevents the copious
moisture irom driving mto a sloping’ shaft..

There is a strong flight of departing and homing females, and
copulation of the sexes takes place close to the site of the colony
soon after the females emerge from their natal cells. The author
has some slight evidence that the deepest cells contain females, the
others males. No eggs were diseavered so early, for they. are
not deposited until] towards the end of January.

When winter comes, only slight patches of the greyish subsoil
tnark the site of the “weather-hoods” of the industrious switmer
colony. Many specimens were coliected on the wing, with a net,
and others were taken from the interior of the shaits, The series
was examined later hy microscope, and the insects were determined
as a species new to science.

+

es Key 70 Fiaures
1, Adult. mate Gerceris siealeri, 5p, Nov,
Head of ieinale tipped back to. show mandibles
. Front of fead-capsule of male.
, Earth-rake on the front basitarsis.
Strigil or antenual-cleaner on the anterior leg.
. Apical serment af male ahdomen.
Apical segment of temale abdomen.
‘8, Genitalia of the tale,

-

NOG rds bo bs

A TAME LIZARD

In a Bayswater nursery we watched a small lizard wait quietly while the
awner foraged among some flowerpots, a few vaeds away, for slugs.
These he tossed to the lizard. Some were expertly caught in its open
mouth. Others it picked up from the ground—E.C.

onl Hart, Monat Seckeith Cromtes 251

MOUNT BECKWITH GRANITES AND SOME ERLSPAR .,
CRYSTALS >

By T. S. Hast, w.a., #8, Melbourne,

Mount Beckwith, or Beekworth, one of the “Little Mountains” of
Mr. E. M, Webb's article (ltr. Nat, September, 1943) lies a few miles
west of Clanes. The shorter spelling appears on Major Mitchell's map in
the Three Expeditions (Boone, publisher, 1838), but there ig no explanation
at this point of the narrative. The other spelling has lang been in official
use, at least as early as 1863.

As mentioned ty Mr. Webb, the mount is granitic, dot one of the Huinerous
yoldanit Solis of this district, Apart from scveral minor variations, there
are, in particular, a moderately woarse-gramed rock with Jarge ielspars and
a fine-textured very hard granite, strongly resistant to weathering. The
coarser tock usually weathers tather easily. yet of bare expascd satlaces
where the rock shells off ander the wide change of temperature, the felspars
are jound to be fairly fresh and catch the light on their smoother surfaces,
the dulling by chemical change being less than ustial, i

The hump which forms the actual summit of the mount cansigts of th
coarser rack, traversed by bands of the resistant type—an arrangement which
allows prominence as a whole with rather smooth outlines, The granitic rocks
being deep-seated ate origin are anly exposed at all by Tong-continued
demmdation, and the detaile of their outlines ave due to continued, atore ov
loss varying, wear uttder atmospheric agentes.

Mt. Roltor to the south 13 in the same graritic mass, bil shows a more
ivreguar profile The harder rock is there, aud ao douht cemtributes to
the peaks. '

A knoil of this dlose-textured sock ocedrs at the Leammnoith Cemetery,
actually om the Main Thvide though much tower than Beckwith and Beltan,
The Main Divide here is a water-parting forrned by the coalescence of the
lower shapes of a number of volcanic hills. separating the waters going ta
the Loddon from those golng vz Buerumbeet to. the Hopkins.

Farther south, the granitic series is mostly concealed under the much
newer volcanic rocks, hut au explosive ceitre tear the north-west part of
Lake Burnimbeet has thrown ont much granmitiy material, some in blocks
of several tons. This ts not sorted by weathering and remains reasonably
fresh inv the tuff cliffs atid ou the beach. (See (te. Nol. xv, qe 160, 1901).

The Felspay Crystals

At places in these rocks there accur good specimens of felspar with the
usual chatacters of orthoclase, a potash-alurmina-silicate. ‘

In the knoll of fine granite at J.carmonth, crystal nests are frequent,
quart: aul felspar crystals projecting inta the was cavities. The crystals
are lisually not large, but the reck is yery hard and gond specimens are not
easily obtained. us

Not fay away, near Addingtow School, a small watercourse has cut
through the voleanic layers, just cxpositg granitic material. Here was
found a fine example of an orthuclase crystal, practically 2 text-look figure
“Fine example’ does not imply crystal clear nor necessarily large, but one
which shows unusually well the typical festures of the orthoclase Crystal,
the word “crystal” being technically used fur the more-or less symmetrical
shapes which most minerals gad many other substances assume under
suitahle conditions. : i

These shapes are an expression af dhe symmetry of the minute structure
of the mineral and this symmetrical stcucture is found even when the
Orystal ontlines do not appear, Exact tests are made hy optical and other
methods outside the-scope of this ante, which refers to,characters visible in
the held and in hand samples without special preparation. :

262 Harr, Mott Bechtvith Granites Mis at

in many minerals this minute structure produces a property of repeated
splitting in certain definite directions always related to the ¢rystal shapes,

This is known as cleavage and is present even when crystal outlines arc
mot-seen, sa that it ig a most useful feature for identification of minerals.

“Tf differs m different minerals, The ofthoclase cleavage 15 in twa direc.
tions at right angles to one another, hence the name orthoclase,

This cleavage 4s a different character from the cleavage of slaty rocks,
thougtt a cleavable mineral may contribute ta a type of fissility in some racks.

, The Addingtan crystal is enclosed by jour sets of iaces, each set includiig
similar faces which must occur together ta keep the characteristic symmnerry
ofthe mineral. Io thos particular case also the fares parallel to the cleavage
are smoother and brighter ihan the others,

th such set covstitutes a crystallographic “form”, a technical term
differing from shape The actual outline of a crystal is usually made by
tore than one “form”.

At Burrumbeet the large felspars are welded into the gravite and outlines
are nat clear, but the cleavage is excellently displayed Ortltoclase in granite
is usually in “twin crystals” made up of two parts definitely situated with
regard to one ahother, In the most [requent type one of the two cleavage
directions usually present in orthoclase agrees in ihe two parts of the cwin
erystals, but the positian of the second part turns the other cleavage away,
though still keeping ite proper orthoclase position in its awn part.
haphazard blow will often break the rock along the cleavage of one half
af the twin crystal aud continue acrags the cleavage of the ather, giving
a seemingly irregular fracture, which on closer examination often shows 3
succession of minute steps following the cleavage of this part,

Worth-west of Mt. Beckwith there oteurs a series of dykes (wall-lile
masses of ignegus rocks) aften showing tatger individimls of quartz and
felspar in a finer wround, A block of ene of these near Stahy Creck had
weathered jn such a way that the felspars separated readily, firm and
showing good outlines, though dulled by chemical change in weatheringa—
again, guod typical shapes, thoueh difering from the Addirigton crystal.
These in the dyke were twin crystals, often in flat shapes [rom one pair of
faces, being rejatively large. Others were of nearly square outline with
small feces making oblique ends in accordance with the orthoclase symmetry.

These dykes are shown ot) Norman Taylor's map af Clunes and Talbot
on which there js 3 hill called tocally “Granite Hil", not really granite but
= micch rarer rock provisionally called ayenite, pending more tuodera
examination. Tis hill 35 quate distinct from the gramtic hill near where
Mitchell crossed the Main Divide,

SUBMERGED BATHING BY HONEYBATER

1 was interested to read iw the December (1946) Nataralist W. Perry's
Hotes referring to the submerred bathing habit of the white-plumed honey-
eater. Although T have not observed this habit in the white-plumed species,
T have seen both yellow-faced honeveaters (Meliphaga cheysops| and spine-
bills {Aeontharhyichus temnivosteic) doing the same thing in both Sydney
and Canns (Narth Queensland) districts. In both instances the procedure
was similar to that described by Mr. Perry—the birds flying down and
through the water, cither partially or wholly submerged, and then up to a
nearby Dranch to: preeh their feathers. One bird. wil) often repeat the
performance three or four times before fying off. “As in the case af the
white-plumed honeyeater, the submergence is always made in deep water
neat the centre of the pool or creek, although there is shallow Water around
tire nde where other sina)! birds bathe—j. D. Watcrroues, Lindfield,

«

“ + ere) ‘ ye
mri GARNET, Gétinination of Peas af Low Temperature. 263

-ON THE GERMINATION GF PEAS AND OTHER SEEDS
AT LOW TEMPERATURE

By |, Ros Gauner, Melhouene.

In January 1948 [ exhibited at the FNL, some ordinary gardel) peas
which, after retinval frdin the green pods and subsequent storage Im A
telvigerator for 2 short tine, had germinand. The jwepase of the exchibit
was to illiistrate uol so much an unusual as a very interesting phenomenon
associated with the germination of seeds. '

No Aarlicalturist or home-gardener would dream of planting his peas
Straight fram the pod. even were he atixious ta have no delay in establishing
another crop of the same yariety of pea, It is alinost safe to gay that most
of his seed would rot in the ground withaut germinating—and this would
not he the iault of the ganlener, except insiich as he eased the peas
au be planted

The horticultuvist's poteutial seed crop normally remaing in the pod until
perfectly mature, Le senled-off in ite tough skin. This stave t's reached
wer atmosphene cooditious favour cesiccatian—continued warm sunshine
and a fairly dey aunosphere, At delascerce ot pod, the peas (onless
sollected) wilt drop tu the ground and there remain donmamt pemil ie
following auhiin or winter, or until such time a6 canlinued rams cause
germination. Sbauld sunimer rains bring about gennination the chaiices
ef coutinued growth are eather limited unless the peas, are deliberately
pushed heneath the yurface of the soil to protect their developing embryos

tom the dericcating effect of any subsequent hot sunshine and dvying winds,

Undey the rather special conditions of successiul pea growing, dried and
Inature peas are planted henearlt the surface of the ground and, in Uwe cricr
“months, the sou is kept sufficiently moist by supplementary watering, both
ineasures deing taken to eliminate the hazard of i yiag-olf, Whatever mi
‘be the practice of the peasgrower, the firsr essential for success fg te
stimulate the formation of iqat hormone-like substance (which induces

p-£ermination in the dormant seed, and a ligt as to how this is brought about
is given by the experiment demutistrated m the exhihit. mentioned ahove.

Other details of the experiment are that the peas were some of a quantity
“purchased in the usual wav from the greevgrocer in late December. It cate
be assumed that they were part of a crop picked some time withis a jorinight
of the date of retail sale say. about Wecember Jk The peas were quite *
fresh, green and full and, after shelling, were placed in a dry gisss jar with
a screw-top, but not acnually air-tight, lid- The filled jar was then placed
jk a refingerator at approximately 10°C. und leit there Cin the dark, of
scourse). At the end of a week rermination hac commenced and when first
noriced the plunwies averaged 3 ar 4iror.. in leneth. A doxen of these
getminated plants were transferred to aneaher and smaller jar similarly
sapped aad allowed to remain in the refrigeratur pendiug-their ‘exhibition,
at which time the plumules were up to Jom. long am! the primary root
had developed to a length of & little over Lom, After exhibition, following
24 dave’ incubation at 10° C., the seeds were planted out in the Barden
where they flourished and finally produce! a crop of peas.

The interesting features of the experhvent are that the seeds were not
"ripel’ in the accepted sense of being fully mature, since neither jiod nor
testa Were dried. The temperature at which germination occurred was
20° fower than the usual imum for peas; oxveen tension was presumably
much lower than ts generally acceptable, sinve the amount of oxygen ovailable
for a pound of green peas practically filling a closed jar would he small and,
even if sufficient, the respiration would surely be binileted fy the gradual
accunrutation of the products of respiration, even making die allowance
for some slight diffusion ta and from the jar.

264 Garner, Gevweuatlow of Peas ot Low Teniperonure — | Yeh ae

~~. concluded that the seeds had been “vernalized’ althougi: that conclusion
‘sxplained nothing By a curjouis coincidence, a icw days alter the January
meeting of the Club I came across a sitert paper by V, A. Novyikor in the
Compiles Rendus le Vdcanldwere des Sctonces de PUR SS, JAS, xlvi, 204,
co the “Stimulation at Resting Secds of Polygonum Bucharcun” (ome of
4 cosmupolitam genus of which the Victorian tepreséntatives are alten called
"knotweeds”), In this paper the author discussed a series of experiments
tindertaker to find the reason for lack of success in the cultivation fron
seed of this Wild plane Which is so useful in the Russian tanuingvindastry.

Novikoy considers that the resting condition of sveds may he either
enforced or profound snd in the lormer case germination may Jail co occur
even under suitable conditions of humidity and temperature. Jn such case
the seeds are unable to swell or to absorb oxygen because of the pecuhart
structure of iheir coat, By damaging the testa these disebiltties are removed
and. germination may readily be tnduced. “Profound rest”, it is postulated,
obtains through the presence of a dednite geowth-yhihitine substance or,
alternatively, by the absence of a substance which can provide the stimulus
to germination. “To become freed of growth-inhibitimg substances and to
form Nie growlh-stimulatiig ong the seed must pass, alter ripeniig, under
suitable conditions.” He goes on to point out that it fins een established
that during vernalization substances of the nature ob hormones are formed
at temperatures slightly ayer 0° €

A further remark om calton seed as also relevant. Swollen cotton seeds
kept at between O° and 7° C. ‘lest their capacity to werminate, whereas the
immature scedy germinated well under the same conditions of cold. The
actual experiments With Polygonuii seeds gave as high a5 37% germination
when the seefs, lavered hetween moisr cotton-wool cuiained in covered

lass vessels, were refrigerated at from 1° ta 3° C. for 45 days. Other
aiches soaking in Water and kept at the same temperature pave no
termination even when subsequently meubated at 20" to 24° C,

There js soine parallel in the expermments of Novikov and my observations
on the preen fieas, masmouch ag it would seem that the Immature motton
seeds. the Polygonyn) seeds and the immature peas were all in the state of,
profound rest and, theretore, to effect eermination in cach case the substance
inhibiting germination had to be ceimoved or, alternatively, that stimulating
germination had to he formed: the particular hormone oduld anly be
destroyed or produced, as the case may he, by lowering the respiration rate
while maintaining a high relative jutmidity.

Since mature peat germinate freely enough at rocm temperature in the

esence of ablindant water and oxygen, it is probable thal they are free
rom the erowth-inhibiting hormane and that the factors of remptrature
and humidity are sufficient to inerease their rate af respiration to a stnge
where the hormone, responsible far initiating germination, is forntidd,

y imevest jn ssed germination having heen stimulated by the green peas,
it scermed worth while following-up the observation by same experiments
‘on a collectias. of mature seeds of native plants—expedisliy those of the
Leyurmingse which ave difieult to germinate by fhe usual shvple means,
The same procedure as for kitchen peas was first applied to same immature
Sweet Peas taken from their green pods. Alter 8 weeks’ refrigeration
most of the Swect Peas had germinated and, bile the kitchen oes, they
developed yigorously When transferred to the opth carte).

The same technique failed when applied to some dried peas. even after
the seeds had been swolfen i tan-water aad kept swollen by adding a little
water from time to time. My farther uimecessary persistence in the experi-
ment merely resulted in the peds serving as a nutricnt medion for a
eotluction oF micro-arganisms, including a mould,

, OF the seeds of eleven indivenous plants that were tested, those of
Choriseina Hitfolra, collected [ly 1943, germinated. Within 40 days at 70° C,

Aes Gaver, Germination of Pees at Low. Temperaginre 265

There being fewer seeds of each af the species to be tested, the technique

was varied ta Ihe uxtent of placing them on the suriace of moist, washed

sand contained in a shallow ghags dish covered’ with a glass-lid. As in the

Previous experiments, no attempt was made to observe aseptic conditions

and this shovtesimitig resulted tn the developrieitt af a mould whose hyphe

had {a be removed by occasional washings with cap water. The vrable and
healthy seeds resisted invasion by the mould and, after starage at the low
temperature for more than 2 months, appeared to be still healthy, but the

Chorizemo seeds were the only ones that actually germinated and continued

to develop at 10°C.

After 4 days’ refrigeration, samples of the seeds of each species under
test were [on 29/1/46) transferred to pots containing moist sand and kept
at outdoor temperarure. Of these seeds which were planted juat beneath
the surface of the sand, the Chorisama centinued ta grow while, after a
fortnight, the seod of a white-flowered form of Grewilea alprstris trem)
Whroo (collected in January 1942, ie, 4 yeans previously) pushed its
Cotyledens above the surface. On 20/4/46. it was planted out in the garden
and at the tite of writing —9 months latem—appears well established,

Retriveration aft the main collection of seeds was continued, bur as up
further perttingtians kad axurted after 64 days the dish was removed from
the retrigerator an 2/4/45 and kept at room temperature, After 6 days at
room températiite, one seed only germinated—that of Grevilleu olroides,
tollected in Pecember 1943. fie, aver 3 years previously); ovelve days
later, it was soficiently devclotied to plant out. This plan has subsequently
beer added ta the garden collection and is thriving satisfactorily. None of
the other seeds germinated either gt room temperature or out-nf-doors,

As in the case ot dried kitchen peas, retrigeration failed to promote
germination execpt jn the three cases quoted above ahd, of (ese, one only
belanged to the lefame family. OF particular interest wos the demmnstration
of viability of the 3- and 4-vesr-old seeds of the Grevilless—seeds which
are usually credited with @ short life, remaining yiahle for pot niet teore
than a year.

jFallowing ix a sumunacy of results with the seeds of the eleven native
pants «

Chorisema weifola (2 years 2 wonths old): 4 om af S (30%) sieds
germinated after 40 days at 10°C. and the syedlings contmued to
develop under these conditions, After 43 days ai JO" C. no further
verminations had ceeurred.

Grevillea alpestris (4 years ald) = One seed, after 40 days at 10° C. dajlowed
by 14 days at ott-of-doors temperature, germinated and developreent
continued under these conditions. No other seeds perminated,

Grevillva vieodes (2 years 1 monty old}. One seed, aiter 63 days ar 10° 0.
followed by @ days ar room temperature, germinated and developntent
continued under these conditions ad sebseruenth ont-of-daors Ne
ather seeds germinated utider these conditions, nor after further storage
at roum tempcragure. '

The remaining eight kinds of seeds which gave negative resylts after
‘64 days’ refrigeration at 10" C., together with their respective awes, were:
Rardonbergia violocea (L ycar 3 months), Kennedye rxincunds (3 parti Y
Haken tauvring (7 years 5 mouths), Correa refléwa (1 year 3 mohths),
C. veflexa var, rubra €3 months), Boronia. filifolia (1 year 3 months),
Prostaithera metissifohia (4 years 1 month), and stroloma hunasem
(3 months}.

Judge Strettin’s foll repavt oo forest grazing ig relation to sylyiculture,
soil erosion, and forest fircs, may naw be obtamied fran, the Guvernment.
Printer at 1/3 a copy,

ad Theve is Much Scope for Study Laie :

THERE 15 MUCH SCOPE FOR STUDY

Bearing ov ihe plea by Mrs. Coleman for more intensive field worte
(UVic, Mat, for February), it is mteresting to recall remarks in point made
57 years ago (May, 189) by the then president a1 the FNC, Mt. C, A.
Topp. Here 1s a partion of Mr, ‘Topp's presidential address to the Club:

in te@ard to papers, it would be satisfactory to haye more dealing with
the life-history or habits af animials and plants irom the personal abservation
at the writers. There fs sill an almost unlimited field tor abservers. for,
though vear after year it is more difficult te disenver tew species, 34
catalogues become more complete, there are countless points iw connection
with the hahits and distribution of the most familiar animals and plants
which lave not yet been sufficacntly observed and recorded, many of which
merely require patiestce and ordinary intelligence to cltreidate.

I may refer to the methods of qertilisation af our native Aowers; te the
times uf Roweérlug and seed Fipening in each speaes in various luealities;
the partictlar inseets ar birds on which fertilisation depends, and the
provisian for self-fertilisation, a any; the form of dichogany, whether
protaiidry or protagyny; the forms of the coryledanary and primary Ieeves
{a most aleresiug 2td suggestive subject); the gall-produciig msects,
which so trequegtly deform our vativa plants; the struggle for existence
between our vatiye flora and introduced weeds; the. causes which produce
the, spread of the latter, ans the districts they have invaded; the duration of
Natcling and-ot the terval and pupal stages of insect Nie af various species:
the feneth of life of the Sully developed niseect, and its instincts dr psychical
Inanifecterion 1 Nouse-building, care of its young, ere: the causes of the
appearance, at intervals mf several years, of awarnis of particular species;
the forms and materials of the nests of birds; the particular trees, shrubs,
or other places where they are built: the periad of incubation of eggs; the
inddets and (ruits whiele Iorm the food, espectally in dbstricts remote from
settlement; ihe eommection of the colours of birds with aheir surroundings.

Mr, Dendy jnfermes the that a wide field still remains open for Victorian
naturalists in the study of cur cryptazaic fauna, The habits, the Jife-histary,
the daod, the enemies, and the mutual relations of the different members of
tbe Jittle cojdniurity which ‘dwells im harmony, or otherwise, beneath every
stone or fallen Joe are almost unknown to us. The sdiution of these
problems is-a pecntiarly Atting tase for the field naturalist. The eryptezoic
tauna inay be jowly. but it is nat insignificant; every little community of
these hidden animals 2% a microcosm in whith we may study, in a restricted
and convenient area, almost all the biolegical problema which present
themselves for solulion in eommunities oi x Wigher and more extensive
character.

Tf each one of a patiently endeavours to make accurate observations on
some one of these ar similar shdjects, and gives a reoord of the result, he
wall not only he gafning, ay additional interest and pleasure in natare for
tittisel€ and a resource for idle and otherwise tedious hours, but the eeerepate
result of many similar observations will furnish invaluable material far the
speculations and peneralisatiors of the Furtunate student who is privileged
after a complete training in one af aut modern Motogical laboratories ta
devote itis le to the elucidation of the workings oT nature,

CALADENTA CLAFIGLKA
At Bayswater (Qetoher 1946), the orchid Colodewia clovigeta was more
numerans than TF have previeusly sean it, An Intetestme feature was that,
ating so fany lowers, only onr specimen was scen which had son-clapate:
sepals; yet In specimens sent io the late Tr, Rogers Jrom anoltter part
of Bayswater aft the sepals were noneclayvate—2_C

{

April

1047 Excursion lo Mavonoa: Gardeus 27

EXCURSION TO MARANOA GARDENS

A; Club excursidn to Marapoa Gardens on Fehruary If had a dual por-
pode—ty arouse tmterest in the gardens and to draw attention to a eerisin
amount af deteriaration which has been noted in recent years.

The President, Mt &. S. Calliver, weltomed excursionists, about 10 dn
numher. Fle stressed the unique nature of the garden and -the need for care
lest further losses accor, althaugh no one doubted the skill, interest, and very
hard work of the gardetier, Mr. Bury, whose heard was in his task. The
oint honorary curators, Messys Ghatles Freneh and. Ray Vick, had also
& clear understanding of the. problems. of maintenance. Mr. Colfiver
suggested that the pubiie might welcume another visit in the spring and
asked for the opinion.of those present, The response was definitely in
favour and an Outing was promised. . '

Mr, Swaby drew attention to the difficulties of fencing, poo) water
supply,the great Jack oi Mabels, and somewhat forlorn appearance, He
mentioned evidence of vandalistnm—a major problem. Tle endorsed the
President's acknowledgment of the work done by those most immierhately
concertied, but said that their efforts were nullified unless cvery piember of
Beckett Park Committee made of the garden a major interest. Tt was alsa
imperative that the link: hetween Committee and the City Cotinesl should
be effective. a, as -- ; en)
_ Visitors were ther divided inté small parties, cach witha lsader wha had
made a study of the gardens. The advantage of small groups, with oppor-
tenity ‘for questions. atid general discussion, was amply demanstzated, and
many appreciative tommerits were heard. The: thinks of the members
respansihle ate tendered ta those leaders Tor their’ valuabli: help.

Tuspections of this type should do much to doepey civic imterest and
ta-vperation. Members are asked to take a study of Maranda Gardens,
with a view to providing more leadcra for a jargec gathering ia October.
The full influence of this Club stwuwst he brought ta bear upon the public, for
hetter appreciation and protection” in Camberwell and upon practical
co-aperation between the Cluh and the Comitiittee. >

Representatives of the Club were invited to attend.a subsequent meets,
of the Beckett Park Committee which controls Maranoa Garten, Messrs,
F. E. Lord and A. J. Swaby attended. Thev found the Committee fally
isy Accord with. the views of gun members, and it is €xpected that a frm
hasis of mutual telp will now be cemented-—A,J.5, % ee

—+

- SWARMS OF MIDGES

The swarms of midges. at_Croyilon described hy Miss J. W. Rafi
(hie, Nat., LX, -p. 67, Sept. 1943) have been noticed on several occasions
singe they at the place chiefly described. The close agreemént in lates.
however, is partly actidental. They’ may be seen from about the first week
in Aptil to early in May, The reappearance on the same patch of Acacias,
sombtime: on the same hush, may be only the easiest available to the breeting
fround, or to their habits of Aiwht They swarai of different kinds of plants
at different localities noticed.

Mr. Ros Garnet's note (Vic. Not, Oct. 19439) wives Avgust and a
Casuarina, “among its kind'—analngous. behayinur, hut not. necessarily
exactly the sate fiy. The poyition "close to Point Nepead Road” sugecsts
easy accessibility from flight whether individually qr colléctively, The soil
is no doubr ditrerent fram that of Croydon and tnight allow cifference tn
season. The food suppty also, might well difer—T.S.H.

: View Nat,
268 ' Bolohy Grau Nates Vel. 63

The Group excursion to East Kew on February 8 was notable for the
discovery af a small patch of Nardoo, Marsilta Driomiondii, aot far from
Burke Road bridge, an the Kew side downstream (see (ic. Nat. for March,
p. 2461. Widely spread aver Australia, this Tern has an interesting assocraton
witl the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition of the ‘sixties. The explorers
staved offideath jor a time by a kind of Aéixe ground from the sporocarps
of the Nardao, shown ta them by the aborigines, The clover-tike fronds
possess 2n astringent: Havour, anid form 2 low grade fodder in tumes of
drought, F i ron A

OF aquatic plants, the mait-objective of the visit, white Swamp Lily
COttelig ovalifata) was found flowering profusely in a shallow pond ‘and
evaked admiration. Mud around the water's edge was covered with, dense
mats of the Waterwort, Blatize gratiolmdes., Four species of Polygennen
were seen in flower, Among non-aguatic botany, the wooded area along
the river's marsin contamed specimens, same almost tree size, af Common
Nemphush (Plagivathus pulehiellus), a handsome member 07 the Molvacew
and just past its flowering stage.

The locality has a diverse nature jiteces(. Many birds attracted notice
On the top rail of the main road fence a Little Falcon rested, and several
White-faced Herons few overhead in att attractively patterned silhouette,
A pair of White-winged Trillers gambolled in the bighec branches of a
Red Gum, while on x limb lower down a Black-faced Cuckoo-Shirike fed
iis Medsling. Silvereyes were common, and some nests of Magpie-larks
were noted “A youthful meeinber of the Group found the riverside
vegetation a ‘profitable gathering-place for insecty—H. C, E. Stewart,
Hon. Sec of Group. ;

RAPID GROWTTT OF NARDOO

Owing to @ Icakage, it was necessary Co tertove my nardoo fram its tab,
which is 26 inches in diameter ancl anty 23 jnches deep. -The roots had
become consolidated into a most remarkable felred fabric & inches thick—a
mat of densely interwoven roots and rhizomes, One portion was placed jn
a large tank 36 inches deep, filled with water right ta the brim, Jn, ewo
weeks leaves had risen to cover the surface. Owing, daubtless, to extra:
light and spxtce. these leaves are very large, their four Jesflets, when
unfolded, barely fitting inte a syuare of 2t-inch sides,

The rest at the “mat” was replaced in the repaired tub, the surface af
which is new so Uiekly covered with lezves that Iackbirds, wartlthirds
and others, quite unafraid, bathe right iq the middle of the tub (They
bruise the leaves sadly, and sparrows eat them;) Nardoo has certainly
tearned tovmake haste “while the going is good”.

No leaves. kriows to me dry so quickly and completely as those of
nardoo, when removed from the water, Seftor Luis Victor Vega (Mexiog),
who is experimenting on the_restoration of life ro dricd plants, world find
nardgo a tough problem. (According to Seficor Vega, unless. plant cells
become disintegrated they are capable af being restored to life by a elverncal
process which Ite is demonstrating.)—Eoitn Corsman,

CURIOUS NESTING SITE OF PARDALOTE
While in a nurscryman’s workshop at. Bayewalee (24/11/46) we saw a
Spotted Pardalote fly throvgh the. open doot and ester = long rolt of
hessian resting high up on the rafters. This was the third season it had
ested in the hessian, which probably represented a burrow wr tuned.
Afthaveti these rolls of hessian are userl to spread over skeleton sheds,
as plant shelters, this one has been left undisturbed for the birds’ we—E,C