THE Victorian Naturalist THE JOURNAL AND MAGAZINE of the FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA VOL. 66 MAY, 1949, TO APRIL, 1950 Hon. Editor: J]. H. WILLIS, B.Sc. The Author of each Article is responsible for the facts and opinions recorded MELBOURNE : Brown, Prior, ANDERSON Pry. Ltp., 430 LITTLE Bourke STREBT 1950 The Victorian Naturalist Vol. 66,—No. 1 MAY $, 1949 _ No, 785 PROCEEDINGS The monthly meeting of the Club was held at the National Herbarium on April 11, 1949; the President (Mr. J. Ros Garttet) and about 260 members and friends were in attendance, It was with regret that the President mentioned the illnesses of Mr. A, H. Chisholm, also of Mss, C French® and Mrs, A. S. Chalk; and best wishes were expressed for their speedy recovery. Visitors to the meeting were cordially welcomed, among these being Mrs. H, Sinclair. a niece of Karon van Mueller, who has just made available to the National Herbarium a magnifeent illutshinated address that was presented to the Baron by the Vietorian German Clab on his 70th birthday im 1895 [exhibited at the meeting]. . A letter had been received from Miss Ina Watson, from England, and was available to anybody who wished to read it. Advice had been received from the Minister of Forests that the arta comprising the suggested National Park along tire Glenelg River had been examined, and the matter was still under consideration. Iy letter, the Director of Meteorological Services hed asked if Club members would be prepared to co-operate with the Department in undertaking phenological abservations. The President suggested that a small Sub-Committee might be formed, and those interested were requested to notify him, The President reminded members that as the Annual Meeting would be held on June 6, nominations must be handed in at the May Meeting. Mr. Chalk had already been nominated as one Auditor, and Mr. look was elected as the second on the motion of Messrs, Coghill and Miller. No nomination had yet been made by the Club for the Natural History Medallion, 1949. Maranoa Gardens Planting Day was fixed for Apni 23, and over 40 trees would be planted, children From all the Camberwell schools and representatives of our Junior Club at Hawthorn taking part, A leiter hal been received from the Bread and Cheese Club notifying our Club that on April 1§ at Stawel) a plaque would be amveiled to the memory of Mr. R, H. Croll, There would be no Show during the present year; bul the Secretary appealed to all members who can help in a fyture “As this number goes to press, wé are yorry to record Mrs. French's death {on April 27), and Live sea-slug {Dares ap.) from ‘Altova, also skeletaw of a stingray. : NEWS FROM COUNCIL, MARCH 1949 Every cndeayour: is to be made hy the Council to have the mangroves behind Williamstown racecourse preserved. as they wi)) peed protection wher the Housing Comnvssion commences building operations on the racecourse Crown Land. Engaities in a number of directions arc to be nmaade with a view ta finding the hest means of cacryving out this objective. The Show Comnuttee is to be revived, in order that it may be functioning when required for the next FNC. show. a? A sub-committeeshas been appointed: to cimjuire into the financial standing of the Club and..will make important recommendations to Council: ’ Viel Nat, 4 Report of National Porks and Monuments Cosusanittee Vol. 68 REPORT OF NATIONAL PARKS AND NATIONAL MONU- MENTS STANDING COMMITTEE, FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA—APRIL, 1949 During its long history the Field Naturalists’ Clib of Victoria has evinced a sustained interest in the National Parks of ihis State, Tt has been, in fact, largely instrumental in having a number of them proclaimed as reserves for the preservation of native animal and plant life — reserves where the biologist and naturalist might continue his studies of the natural history of this changing land of ours and where the general public migh? salisty is yearning for the joys that come to those who derive deep and lasting pleasure from a sojourn in places remote from the hurry and frenzy of cities and towns. The Club has always been concerned with the problems of conservation of wild hfe, and the first step in the direction of ensuring its conservation and protection was to have as Many’ areas as practicable set aside for this purpose. The first objective has been realized to an encouraging degree, but now there remains the task of ensuring that these reseryes futhl the purpose for which they have been set aside. It is a problem not easy of solution because of the many conflicting interests that are emnecrned, Perhaps the most detrimental interest, working against the realization of the ideals of the wild life conservator is one born of ignorance — ignorance of the value and importance wf these reserves to the ecouomy of the State, ignorance of their useful- ness #8 places fer the enjoyment, edifration and education af the people, ignorance af the fact that, i theory, they are set astde for all time, not merely for the people of to-day, but for thase yet tinborn. That our National Parks are not even defined by law, that they are commonly exploited by such private interests as graziers, local government authorities artd the ubiquitons vandal and that their admintstration is often quite haphazard, guided by no common policy and without adequate finance is merely an expres- sion of this ignorance. During the recent war the National Park at Wilson’s Promon- tory was occupied by ottr own military forces, and some con- siderable damage was caused during this occupation. When it was ultimately returned to the people there was a public outcry about the sorry condition of the Park, and the F.N.C-V. arranged a Conference of the many natural history societies: and of organizations interested in the welfare of the Promontory to discuss ways and megns of rehabilitating it, to determine the extent to which it required re-stocking with ihose native animals May 1949 Report of National Parks ond Momonents Connniitee 5 that had been introduced there in the days gone by and with those that originally existed there, This Conference, held in Jurte, 1946, under the Chairiman- ship of Mr. Crosbie Murrison, was attended by delegates Eran more than twenty organizations but time was so limited that delegates had opportunity to eo little more than express the views of their society on the general question of the control and management of National Parks and to make some scathing com- ments on ihe condition of Wilson's Promontory in particular and of National Parks in Victoria in general. One important outcame of the Conference was thal, before it adjourned it set up a committee to investigate the actual condition of the Promon- tory and to explore ways and means of bringing about an improvement im the adimmistration of the National Park and how best ia approach the problem of its rehabilttation, The commiltee was expected to report back to the Conference when it resumed ifs sitting at a later date. The personnel of this committee included Mr. J. M. Allen (Victorian Advisory Council for Flora and Fauna), Sir Julius Bruche (Wyperfeld National Park Committee), Messrs. A. G. Camphell (Victorian Branch, Australian Wattle League), E. T. Chariton (Gould League of Bird Lovers — Victorian Branch), A. H. Chisholm (Royul Aus- tralasian Ornitholagists’ Union), F. 5. Colliver (Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria), J. R. Garnet (Atistralian Association of Scientific Workers — Victorian Division), A, R, Henderson (Victortan Town and Country Plaming Association), P. Crosbie Morrisan (Trustees of the National Museum, Melhourne), E.G. Stewart (Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs) and Miss M. Wigan (Hird Observers’ Club of Victoria). Arits firs( meeting late in June of the same year the Investi- gating Committee continued the general discussion and decided to extend its survey to all the Victorian National Parks, As the F.N,C.V. had already m operation a National Parks and National Monuments sub-committee which was pursuing an enquiry along these lines, the task of the Investigating Committee was dele- gated to it. The Cliub’s sub-cominittee included Mr. G, N. Hyam (Chairman), Mr. J. R. Garnet (Secretary), Messrs, S. R Mirchell. C. F, Lewis and R. Kershaw, and their inguiries occu- pied a penod of almost two years, during which tine an astonish- ing and often depressing amount of information was gleaned Irom many authoritative sources and, in several instances, by direct observation by members of the sub-comttitlee, The results of their Jabours were finally published as the now well-known “Report on the National Parks and National Reserves of Victoria” —a@ publication which occupied twenty- four pages of foolscap and which aroused considerable interest Z : ny: ‘ : Nigh. . 5 Report of National Parks and Monuments Comanrttec = ainong many sections of the general public. Jt was widely cir- culated to the metropolitan newspapers and to all the societies, institutions, National Park Committees of Management and government depariments and agencies which were thaught hkely to be in any way interested in National Parks. The Investigating Committee again mef an July 21, 1948 and, with a few minor amendments, adopted the “Report.” Using it as a basis, a number of resolutions were drawn wp and sub- mitted to the second session of Conference which was convened on July 28. This session of Conference had an even wider represenlation than that of the first session held in 1946, since, in: addition to the natural history interests, delegates from several government departments and commissions and from the Com- niittees of Managément of a number of the National Parks were present. Again time was. loo short to allow proper consideration of all the resolutions that were submitted, but hve of particular importance were studied and carried unanimously — (1) That the Victorian Government be asked to enact legis- lation to ensure the adequate control and management of Victoria's National Parks and Reserves of hike nature (2) That all the several types and classes of Reserve dedicated to the use of the public and the protection of nature and to the preservation of historic, scenic and natwral ypony- ments, be.defined in and covered by the Act. (3) That the projected Act provide for the creation of a single corporate Authority to admunster such control and MANAGE MER, | - ' ; (4) That the Authority be endowed with sufficient Funds from general revenue to administer the Act effectively, (5) Phat. the Authority be empowered to recommend the acquisition asd proclamation as a National Park or Reserve of ony object, site and/or area which, in its apinion, should be so reserved in the interest of posterity. ' Before the Session ended a Standing Committee’ was elected by Conference to continue the work of examining the remaining resolutions. This committee included the personnel of the former Investigating Comrhittee, together with four additional members namely, the How. C. E, Isaac, M.L.C., Professor J, N. Greenwood (Chainnan of Kinglake National. Park Committee of Management), Mr. I. G. Forbes (Research Officer of the. State Rivers ‘and Water Supply, Commission), and,M, W. J. Northey (Chajrman pf, Wilson's © Promontoxy -National, Park Committée“of Managemetit)- ot Mes hy aa Report af National Parks aid Manimeits Committee —- @ Aiter geveral meelings its task” was completed and ‘the Con- ference reassembled for its third and final session on December 6, 1948, at which the Standing Committee presented’ ‘for considera- hon five resolutions which were complementary-to those. carried at'the previous session. The resolulians fully discussed and finally adopted without dissent were — ; (6) That the Authority consist of fue (5) members, ane representing the Government and the other four (4) appainted by the Gavermment’ from nominees recam- mended by (a) Cammirttecs of Management of National. . Parks, (by Natural History Societies, (c) \Edseational Bodies and (d) Recreational Organisations, : (7) That the mombers of the projected Authority be appointed for a limited term, up to, say, five years, whith. eligibility for _ reappointment and that provision be made, for continuity by staggering the terms of individual members, . (3) That the functions af the National Parks Authority bei— (a) To develop the géenerdi policy ‘concerhing Mationat Parks and, National Monuments, (bh) To recommend the eeguisition und proclamation as a "National Park or Reserve of any object, site andt/o¥ aren which, a. its opinion, should be so reserved im ‘the interest of posterity. : scMate:, Tt will be seen that ihe above clause (6) is identical m purpose with that of Resolution 5, Ir was. deliberately incov- porated jn resolution, 8 as being but one of the several functions of the projected Authority.) my (¢). To administer fiends for the preservation ent dewelop- ment of all National Parks ynder its control. (d) To appoint such personnel as are,required to.carry aut the detailed supertision and separa pear of the ' National Parks. _ , (e) Ta wtaintain overalt. supervision ‘of detailed work - carried out by Conunitiees of Management, (f) To control membership -of Committees of atone ges ment under prescribed rules, , Ag) Te report annually to Parliament. 7. ~ (9) That the present system of appointment and. wictioning -of Committees of Management of our Nationa Parks ‘gate | Reserves be modified: io provide for" - (a) Limitation af tenure to fide (5) years with the right _ > Lofteligibility for reappowitment: : x ; Vict. Nut. & Report of National Parks and Monuments Comnunttec Vol. 66 (b) One representative of the local governing bedy or bodies of the district within whose boundartes the Reserve ss situated, {c) One representative of a Government Department. (d) The selection by the Authority of nominees from a panel of names submitted by wtlterested organizations or groups of cilizens. (10) That the functions of the Comimitives of Management of “the National Parks and Reserves under the control of the Authority bes— : (2) To ensure the preservation and to promote the development of the’ Reserve wader their charge im conformity with the general palicy formulated by the Nitional Parks Authority, (bh) To central and derect such personnel as are allatted to them- (¢) To regulate traffic in the Parks and to collect. charges for the various facilities (parking, camping, etc.)- (d) To report onnually to the cluthority, As the adoption of all these very worthy resolutions meant that a substantial cross-section of the community is desirous of seeing them put into effect, Conference set up a Standing Com- mittee for this purpose. This committee, comprising the Hon. C. E. Isaac, M.L.C., Professur J. N. Greenwood, and Messrs. P_ Crosbie Morrison (Chauman), J. Ros Garnet (Secretary), A_G, Campbell, E, T. Charlian, A. R, Henderson, J, F. Melaren (who had sticceeded Sir Julius Bruche as Chairman of the Con mittee of Management of Wyperteld National Park), K, G Stewart and Miss M. Wigan, was charged with the respousibility of bringing them to notice at the appropriate time by deputa- tion to the Government and the Chairman, Seeretary and Pro- fessor Greenwood were appointed as a seb-committee to make the necessary preparation and, with the assistance of Mr. Isaac, to arrange the tine atid place of the deputation. Closely foilawing the final session of the Conference, the President of the T.N.CV. (Mr. J. R. Garnet), Mr. G. N Hyam and the Secretary of the Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs (Mr. E.G. Stewart) were invited to give evidence before ~ the Pariiarnentary State Development Committee, whose wide terms of reference provided it with an opportunity of itiquiring into the possibilities of development of our National Parks, This Commi(tee, whose members are Lieut-Col. J, A. Hipworth, M,J..A. (Chairman), Mr. H. ¥, Drew, M.L.A., Mr, W. Ruth- ven, V.C, M.L.A., Brigadier R. W. Tovell, M.L.A., Mr. R. K- May 1044 Report of National Parks and Monuments Committee 9 Whately, MLA., Mr. A. E. Shepherd, M.A_, the Hon, 1. A, Swinhurne, M.L-C. and Mr. J. L. Gilhes (Sceeretary}, ltstened sympathetically to the submissions that were made, Some em- phasis was given to the views expressed by the delegates who had attended the several sessions of the Conference on National Parks, and comparisons were drawn between the conditions of management ard control of similar reserves in Queensland and in certain overseas countrics and those prevailing in Victoria. It was sugested that the interests of not only naturalists and those concertied in the preservation of nature, but of the State stself, would be seryed by utilizing public funds to establish our National Parks on a sound basis and by bringing into bemg an Authority which could accomplish not only this, but the further objective of preserving our unique National Monuments. A nmnber of documents, incitding the Report on National Parks and National Reserves in Victoria and those covering the proceedings of the several sessions of the National Parks’ Con- ference were submitted as exhibits, It is felt that this Committee has provided the Club with one of the most encourayping avenues of approach in furthering the campaign for leyvislanve action in respect of our National Parks and National Manuments. Such is a brief ontline of the development of the campaign which was initiated by the F.N.C.V. It is hoped that 1949 will see the end of our labours in this phase of the work, but so long as there is work to do, so lotig as ignorance has to be com- batted and overcome, the Club can be assured of the support and encouragement o7 all those organizations and agencies which have added their voice to the cry for a hetter deal for what should be among our most important centres of nature preserwa- Uon—out National Parks. The subioined fist includes those bodies which have supported the F,N,C,Y. during the campaign : Natiorml Park Com- Anthropologival Soviety of Vic- foria, ; Australian Forest toriaw Branch, Australian Natives’ Association. Australian Watth: League--Vie- lorign Branch. Rendigo Field Naturalists’ Club. Bird Observers’ Club. Léeacue—Vie- Botany Dcpartment, University of Melbourne Federation of Victorian Ska Clubs. - Federation of Victorian Walk- ing Clubs. ' Gould League of Rird T-ayvers— Victorian Teranch, ‘Tawn Kinglake mittee of Matiacement, Lakes National Park Committee of Manarement, McCay Society, Melbourne Bush Walkers. Melbourne Walking Club. National Fitness Council, Royal Australasian Ornitholo- gists’ Union. Royal Automobile Club of Vie. torja. Royal Saciety of Victoria. “Save the Forests’ Campaign. Ski Club of Victora. and Countty Planning Assaciation. «f «Victoria. 10 Reporl af Nelional Parks and Monvments Committee T Taralgon Tourtst, League. Vietortan Compast Society. peta Meantain, Trampiig, u Wyperfeld National Park Com- mitter of Management, Youth Haslels Assectation : Yhe National Herbarium, Mel. bourne, The National Mel- bourne. Central Planning Authority and - jts regional committecs. Museutn, Viet, Natt Vou, 66° Department of Fisheries and Game ~ Forests Cottimission i Victoria. Government, Tavrist Bureau. , Melhanme and Metropolitad Board of Works’ ‘Soil Conservation Board: State Dovelopinemt Cammitiec. | State Electricity Cammission State Rivers and Water Snpplv Commission. . AZoolagieas! Board of Victoria, Although the F.N.C-V- has borne the niajor part of the cost oi this campaign, several of the associated organizauans have ussisted materially Donations totalling five guneas have been received from the Wattle League, Committee of Management of Kinglake National Park and the Melbourne Bush Walkers, Ta hoth the Kinglake National Park Committee and the “Save the Forests” Campaign we are grateful for the work they have each undertaken in preparing circulars and miultigraphed intnutes and Conference Proceedings. As’ well as undertaking the organization o7 the Conference séssions, the Club’s Natinnal Parks and Natioual Monuments Committee which, in July, 1948,.was estabfished on a permanent basis; has worked assiduously to méintain wie campatgn as a lively:movement. There has’ heen a ‘regular exchange of views on imatters affecting nature protection und “conservation with interstate qnd overseas organizations. The Queensland National Parks Association has given valuable help in supplying relevant Parhamentary Acts and Regulations and a number of informa- tive booldets and leaficts dealing with the 240 National Parks in that State, The Wild Life Presefyation Society of Australta, the Forestry Advisary Council of N.S.W, and private indiyiduais in chat’State have all materially assisted us in a similar way. The New South Wales organizations are: gravely concerned for the fate of the various reserves tn their State and are now convinced that the whole question uf nature protection, wild life preserva- tion and Yorest’conseryation can be tackled effectively only On a Commonwealth-wide basis, ‘Somé interesting imformation regarding the structure of the National Park Commission in South Australia has been made available thraugh the goud offices of, Mr. Noel Lothian, who, by virtue of his. appointment as Director cf the Adelaide” Bovanic Gardens, is-a-membe? ‘of the Commission. From West Australia has come a-wealth of data concerning the several types, nf-reserve iit that Stateand far. thts: we are indebted: fosthie West: ‘Australiaty State Gardens Bbatd!"* : ze ~ Report of National Parks and Monuments Commitee i} All these documents and data are adding to a collection which i$ proving Of great vse to the Club’s National Patks and National Monuments Conumnittee, and, indirectly, to the Conference Stand- ing Commtirttee. ' Our overseas contacts have brought us information from Den- mark, Sweden, Switzerland and Great Britain. Through the kindness of the Director of the British Museum (Natural His- tory), we have received a number of publications, several of which have been issued under the auspices of the British Govern- ment. These deal with National Parks and similar reserves in Great Britain, and a perusal of these papers has revealed how similar to our own are the problems in thay country. Tn Europe has been founded the International Uniou for the Protection of Nature, and it seems likely that this organization, working under the aegis of the United Nations, acting through U.N.E.S,C.O,, will be securely established as a body of consider- able world influence. The General Secretary of the Union has been good ¢nough to forward us a particularly fine and well- illustrated publication, ‘Pro Natura,” which is now issued each month, and the Council of the Club has, in exchange, agreed to forward our own journal, the “Victorian Naturalist.” At home, the Committee has used its influence to discourage auch projects.as the transfer of the Royal Park “Zoo"' to Fern: tree Guily National Park. It is surprising that the proposition was ever contemplated, as its announcement in the Press closely followed the withdrawal by the Chief Secretary's Department of the licence held by a private concern to keep protected animals in captivity within the precincts of the National Park. This withdrawal jollowed representations by both the I.N.C.V. and the R.A,O.U., ancl our contention that the National Park was quite unsuited for the confining of animals had the support of the Director of Fisheries and Game. The Club, its Council, and the National Patks Committee have maintained very cordial relations with all the governmental agencies with whom there has been contact and, with the con- tinued Synipathetic and able assistance from them, and from our own members, it is believed that the care of our historic and natural monuments and our biological research stations — the National Parks and Nature Reserves—will yet become an integral and properly appreciated responsibility of the people of Victoria and their Government, > wer . —G, N, HYAM (Chaitman). “ y. ROS GARNET (Secretary), . _ §. 2. MITCHELL... 2, SORIA LEWIS. © Fa. FN.CY National, Parks, and -National, Mononients Committee, April Lath, 1949_ 43 E. Gauna, Reotifications ta Nomenclature bi ei RECTIFICATIONS TO THE NOMENCLATURE OF SOME KOCHIA SPECIES IN THE “TRIPTERA” GROUP By Dr. Erwis Gauea, Research, Victoria In the Victorian Naturelist, Nov., 1948, p. 165, I established a new species, Kochia decipiens, citing (among specimens pre- served in the National Herbarium, Melbourne) 4 collection from the Aroona Range, South Australias, by R. ‘Late, under what I believed to be a manuscript name, “Kochi. pertatropis.”’ Through a letter from Mr. 5, T. Blake, Botanist at the Brisbane Herbarium, iy attention was recently drawn to the fact that Tate Aad cor- rectly published a diagnosis of his K. penialrapis [in Trans. Rayal See, S. Aust. vil, 67 (1885)]. Thus, according to the Rules of Nomenclature, my name K decipiens must lapse as a synonyrit of K, pentairopis, Unfortunate as was the publication of K. decipiens, thereby adding yet another synonym to the Jong list already existing under Kochi, I teel that some explanation of my action is pertinent and that the literary confusion surrounding entities in the “Kochio. hibtero” group of species requires clarifying ‘by re-examination of type materials. The repeated changes in systematic position and rank of Kachia pentatropis by variaus authors, more particularly che fact that Tate himself had later rejected his own plant as a species propria, led me to the conclusion that K. pentatropis was only a nomen nudum; so I placed it as a broad-winged form under my K. decipiens. In the Key to South Austratian Plants (1890), Tate still maintained his KC. pentatropis; but later, becoming doubtful that it was really specifically different from K. decaplera Fv.M.,, he states: "“K, pentatrapis Tate is now reduced to K. decaptera” |Suppi. Census Fl. Jixtratrop. S. Aust, in Trans. Royal Soc. S.A. xix, 79 (1894/5)]. It this statement were correct, then my K. decipiens should be considered ag a synonym of Mueller’s K. decaptera which, in J, M, Black's opinion, is a very dubjous Species. In “Additions ta the Flora of South Australia,’ No. 19 [ Trans. Royal Soc, 5.A., xlv, p. 6 (1921L)] Black remarks under Koela iriptera, Benth ; “The more specimens I see, the more I feel con- vinced that A. decaptera Fv.M. Fragm. (X, 75 (1875), cannot he maintained even as a variety.” Nevertheless, in beth the first and second edition of his Flora S. Aust, (1921 and 1948), K decaptera is presented under the combination A. friptera Benth var. pentaptera J. M. Black, while K. pentatropis Tate appears under K. tripfera var. ertoclade Benth, So, finally, both Tate's and Myeller’s plants were relegated to Kochia (riptera—a species “a E. Gauba, Rectifications to Nomonelatare 12 well defined by its "broadly turbinate tube” with a “thick solid hase." But how can Tate’s penfetropis, with an “obeconic tube” hollow down to its base, be brought into any close affinity with K. trepiera? We now approach the question — what i Kochia decaptera F.v.M.? Its diagnosis is based on “fruiting perianths” only, col- lected by E, Giles ta the north of Fowler's Bay, S.A. in 1875. l examined the few original samples in the Melbourne Herbarium, with the amazing result that they represent nothing else than the withered seceding corollas of same 4butlen species (Malvaceae)! A certain resemblance canhot be denied: che eon- torted petals imitate a winged conical] tube, while the base of the carolla, splitting into five lobes, copies the horizontal wings. Therefore, ‘‘Kochia™ decaptera F.v.M, doesn’t exist at all, and can be dropped from future lists of synonymy. On the other hand, I se-affirm as a gond species Kochia pentatropis Tate, rejected by its author, and place under it as a synonym my Kechia decipiens with all its forms, grouping them around Tate's Arcona speci- wens as type No doubt responsible for a great deal of the confusion, indi- cated above. is the Tact that too much importance has been attached to the very unstable number of perianth wings, a5 expressed in such epithets as pentatropis, decaptera, pentaptera and fripters, The best reliable character for classifying those Kochia species that I have treated is the structure and shape of the tube of the fruiting perianth (shown in Tig, 2, Viet, Nat. LXV, p. 164): Tube broadly iurbinate . K-_ triptera Benth. Tube funnmeleshaped .. -. K. ertocladn Gauba (syn. K. fripiera var. - ‘ ertoclada Benth. Tube obconic 2 -. - KO pentatropis Tate (syn, K, dectpirns Gauba), In each of these three species the wtunber af vertical wings is SO inconstant, even on the same sample, that the segregation of any varieties based on numbers alone is not justihed. Both Koclua erraclada and K. pentetYopis are now known from several parts of the Victorian Mallee and, since contributing my article ta the November number of the Mtctorian Noalurelist, specimens ot genuine Kochia triptera have reached the National Herbarium for the first time from a locality in this State, viz, “Tn 4 depres- sion between low sand ridges, 3 miles $.E. of Mildura University” , (Jeg. Brian Easterbrook, 11/4/1948, 10/11/1948) ; these show the typical glabrous-glaucous byanchlets and foliage and laccate broadly turbinate fruiting perianth tubes of Bentham's species. 14 AH. Crrsmain, Saleto to Birds of a Melbanvint Park bh Sil . SALUTE TO: THE BIRDS OF A MELBOURNE PARK fF By A. H. Crnstornnt Writing rather more than six years ago (ict, Nat., September 1942), I gave some detailed notes on the birds of Wattle Park. and some months later (April 1943) published additional observa- tions drawn from the same area, Now it seems desirable ta submit some further, and perhaps final, comments on the birds of this air-well.of suburban Melbourne, ' As with the earlier papers, the notes here given relate only to the eastern portion of the park, an area perhaps 600 vards long by 300 or 400 yards wide It is a well-grassed spot carrying a considerable number- oi eucalvpts (some gtnte old) and acacias, together with a sprinkling of shrubs growing in an eroded channel. Because ot the wealth of native trees, it is possible to find on any favourable ‘occasion, during a ramble of an hour or two, at least 20 species of native birds. Thus the area, served as it is by tram, cars trom the city, ranks as a very gracious asset for athers besides those people who live in neighbouring suburbs. When members, of the FNC. hist paid a company visit there, to the number of about 50, they saw in a brief rime [6 nests, belonging to Jl species; and when some 250 trainees fram che Teachers’ College had a similar ramble, they too saw many birds and quite a naaiber of nests, Over the seasons and the years, of course, the rmmber af species recarded is much larger than the number that thay be seen during any one ramble, Some of the birds on the list for the park are seasonal visilots, Othets are “casuals”. It is one ot the charms of the place that you never know what novelty will be there bo greet you, + . Here isa sunimary of the numiber of species recorded for che park feastem: end only) during, the past ‘eight years : Native “regulars” and, frequent visitors ., 39 Native species rarely secn i area... 5. OF Tntroduced species in or near area. 1. - 8 Total =, 64 Necessarily, the 56 native species recorded for the area include quite a number of birds that one wauld sot expect to see in a metropolitan park. It is surely remarkable to find on a lst for such an area the names of such birds as the Red-backed Grass- Parrot, the Rose Robin, and the Grey Currawong, even thoug!s they be noted only as casual visitors. It is remarkable, too, that - the records include among birds that breed in the area such species as the, Rufous Song-Lark, Scarlet Robin, Oriole, White-winged ‘Triller, Regent Honeyeater and Sacred Kingfisher, to say nothing of Sundfy Cuckoos, - 7 aa >. vide ie Bnd AH Chtssoem; Sativetto Biryls of a Melbourne Park, 15 My total of native species that have been known to’ breed jn the park (eastern end only) is now 28. Passilily a check upon other portions of the reservation would materially increase this figure. It follows that an area having a bird-list that includes five kinds of parrots, three robins, and seven honeyeaters must produce irom time to tine some very beautiful sights, Reference to these, as well as to other interesting observations garnered jy the park during recent years, is made in the detailed notes that follow - Parrors—Earlict references have remarked the frequent presence in the park of the Red (Eastern) Rosella and the occasional appearance of that other Ixauty-bird, the Crimson Parrot or Red Lowry. In adelition, an odd pait of Switt Parrots—those pretty birds with the elinking potes and the vapid Right—have been noted as casual visitors, and sa .loo lave small companies of the dainty dittle Budgerigar. Cursously, Burlgies” irrupted in the area in January of 1949, when, according to a local resident (Mr. S. W. Harcourt), there were at Ieast a thousand birds festooning the cum trees during several days. We may well Iselicve that the sight was very striking That aside, it as difficwe to conjecture what caused 40 many of the birds to visit Wattle Park. An unexpected addition ta the list of park parrots came in August of 1948; to my surprise a company of twelve Red-backed Grass-Parrats (eight males and four females) was scen feeding contentedly bencath the wattles. This species ts not rare, of course, but one looks fer it in the sub-interior rather than in a suburhan park. Apparently opinions differed among the birds tgarding the wisdotm of remaining in the area, for a month later emly one pair remained, and soon afterwards those two disappeared. Cuekoos.—All ihree of our commonest parasitic birds, the Pallid, Fan. tailed and Natraw-billed Bronze Cickoos, have been recorded im the area in springtime, and one species at least, the enterprising Pallid bird, has boen known to foist its tgs. upon White-plumed and Regent Honeveaters, Also; on one oecasion it scemed to have achieved the novel feat of causing an English Sparrow to hecome a fosterer, Ou TDocember 30, 1944, a pecvish cheeping revealed a young Pallid Cuckuo, perhaps a week gut of the’ nest, sitting in aightar fashion on a broad branch of a punt; and presemly, to my surprise, a female sparrow flew up and fed the Aedeling Since vo other kind of bird approached during 40 minutes of watching, it appeared that the young cuckod actually "belonged" to the spartrow—an unusual deyelap- ment in the case of a sced-eating bird Obviously, He sparrow was a novice at the business, far instead of popping food into the large mouth and retreating quickly (as most practised fosterers do} she usually stood up close and “pumped” food repeatedly into the wide-open bill. Possibly, tow- ever, that action was prompted. by the nature af the foad—ingects can he passed orer quickly but seeds have to be broken up and fed to the bake m “spoontuls”. Tawny Fuocmauiy —We first noted Frogmouths breeding im the park im September of 1943 und have found nests in each spring ever since. “A Hoctnal est is a svucer-shaped structure of twigs in. the yough fork of a gum tree fover which the curious, protectively-coloured hird broods in” Statuesque fashion), but in one instance the site chosen was an old nest- of, the Magpie-Lark. On August 25, 1946, a queer zooming or buzzing sont causal me to peep up into a Yellow Box, and there f found the "buzzer’ to be a Frogmouth, sitting lizard-lilke on-a branch. Tt.avas the first time J . lf AH, Crxrspoim, Salute fu Beds of a Melbourne Park J Vice. Het liad feard sucli a sound from one of these birds. and the first (ime J had heard one call in daylight. Another Natturnal lite was added ta our perk hist in August of 194? = xt was a stray Boobook Owl, and its presence was being stranmly resented byr a baud of Chickawees, Kinerisukes—Several pairs of Kookahurras inhabit. the area. Mossibly sume breed there, arid pogsrbly, a6, they are responsible tor the calamities that sametimes overtake the nests of yanous small birds. A nipratory scies, the Sacred Kingfisher, usually visits the park during springtime and remains to breed in a hollaw tree near the kinsk, Swacuws anb Swikts—Bott the House Swallow and the Fairy Martin are to be noted [rom time to tine bawking above the pork, and in some years il is possible to see small mumbers of swallows at work there in the depth ot winter. Swifts were added to the list in March of 1947, when a conviderahle obmber af Spinetuils was seen carcyings out acrial evolutions atiove tle treetops, PrrearcHens.—It was perliaps injudicious of me to say, in atl earlier paper, that several pairs ef Wagtails ate “ranstant’ to the area; don although the species nests freely among both the gums and watiles, and although numbers af the birds may usually be seen in late summer and autumn, the main biddy appests 40 “a walkabuut” an winter, and then. it is) sometimes difficult ta find even & single bird, Nesting of the specics may extend from as earhy as August ta as Jate as January, each pair ustially having more than ane tirood. ln at least two instances Wartails in the park have been known f0 nest in the same trees as these of Magpie-Larks, a combination that hag beer Frecly recorded elsewhere, Another oddity int black-and-white was vecurded when ane of the local Magpies (which are in general a peace- able canlingent) was seen to attack a black-and-white terrier, whereupat a Wagtail in turn attacked the Magpie, That other familiar flycatcher, the little Grey Fantail, roantinues io be a coal-weather visitor to the ares (usually arriving in March and sometimes staying as late as October}, and the species that is often confused with the Waztail, namely, the Restless Flycateher, or “Scissors-grinder”, bas been Iwice tecorded of late as 5 casual caller ot the park. Raatns.—As recorded cartier, the vegetatian of the park is nov suitable ior the charming Yellow Robia, but duriyg winter an observer may see occasional Flame-breasts ity the open parts near eardeus atid Scarlet-breasts among the wattles’ and gums Searlet-breasss nested in fle areca in 1942 but were scared away by a military camp in the following year and have since been known only as -yvisiturs during the ool months, Incadentally, they seem then to be always in pairs, An interesting addition ta the park's list of robins was mare on September 19, 194%. “Here's aiiother Mastletoe-bird,"” shouted a focal resident who had just been introduced vo that species, and who was. peering into a rather dense bush. The spot being no place for a Mistletoe-bird. I approached it dutiously. Then, to my astonishment, T saw a fine fitthe male Rose Robin, all alone and obvinesly a trifle bewildered, How did this juugle-breeding bird find a way, on its small wings, across open areas te the temparary haven of Wattle Park? Wruerters—tIt is possible to see a Galden Whistler, usually a female (or at any fate an unoolatred bicd) bot sometimes ad radiant male, in the park during any one of the cooler months. Once, on a bright day in July, I suw a tale “Goldie” and a male Scarlet Robin ywrched near exch other an mond AK. Carsnotm, Salite to Bteds of a Melbourne Pork v7 a grey old tree, and—well, you may readily imagine what 42 prety sight they made. Gur other fanviliar Machaecphola, the Rufous Whistler, appears m the arca only capriciously, In 1943 — male bird was seen oi October 3, aed. midly enough, not a sound did it urter—this in the heagi of spring) In 1944 4 male. caused surprise hy appearing’ a8 carly as August 13, and an Devember 17 of the sane year further surprise was cased by the sight of wo Rufous Whistlers in female plumage, one of which was singing heartily. (There is av impression among seine ornitholngists that the feniale Rafous Whistler dovs mol sig, bul, us a fact, Lo have heard and. seen both male aw female, when agitated, singing lyrivally together at a nest. ane that while their beaks were full of nscets,) Troanomis—Watwe Park continues ta be the most reliable spot near Melbourne for observation of that tiny and exteemely active bird, che Little Thornbill, which lives in clase association with the acacias of the area. The small qest is more dificult to find than that of the other tit of the locality, the Yellow-tailed Thornbill, In the case of one mest of the Yellow-tail, built ia a thorny bush, the situation did not afford scope for the usual “top story”, and so this was set apart, ten inches away from the nest proper. Mr. K. A. Hindwood has sugyested thar the “upstairs room’ of the Yollow-tail is Hot -deyued for a special use, such as a roosting place for the mate lard, but is constracted by the mute bird merely because his nest- building urge remains strong even when the ege-chamber is completed and his miate is brooding. Perbaps so. But why is the practice restricted to this one kind of smal) bird? Cresten Surice-Tiv—Having long been Familian with the breeding-time nates Of Shrike-Tits, I have found at least rwelve of their nests in the park during the past eight years—always one in a scason and occasionally two or three, The breeding penod tay range from Avgust to November, and an every jostance the nest, although constructed by small birds with beaks resembling those of parrots, is a mode) of arvisiry—cup-shaped, deep, very compict, symmetrical. and attached firmly to thin twigs at the tio of an upright branch, pertaps 25 or 30 feet atait. Once, on the frst day of spring (September 1), 1 hearet the soft nesting whistle of a Shrike-Tit and saw twa birds, Presently 1 “lost then both, bat after a white foul the male avain and, fram subsequent observations, suspected him of taking up a position midway between the source material aud a half-built pest, That deduction proved ta he squid, and the paint may be worth keepitig in mind by other observers who want to find the treetop cradles of these birds.. Both Shrike-Tits, of course, are yellow-breasted, but the throat of the male js black white that of the female is greenish, In general the male is content to supply meoidental nwsic white building: is aw progress, but sornétimes he assists in the work, Also, he tukes his tum at brooding the eggs and feeding the young, Shvilre-Tits appear fo-rewain in the park during the cooler months, although their yoices then are rarely heard. [Lt is odd that at such times they are often scen in threes. This habit on the part of cerrain hirds—the customs of associating: in trins—needs investigating, Ware-wincen Tamire.—in my nots of April 1943. [ male somewhar detailed remarks on four pairs of Trillers that beod i the park in the spring of 1942. Now it is to be stated that a female of ihe species made an unexpected appearance so the area on May 2, 1943, hut no breeding dcturred in any of the following three seasons. tia November 1946, how- 13 A. HA. Crrsnonas, Solile to Birds of a Melbourne Perk bs solo reg ever, samen few of the shapely little birds appeared, but then, instead of heginmune neste at once (as they did an 1942), the males spent much tine in disputation; 3166, when three neste were huilt, they remained largely untended, and in December all of the hirds vanished. In the spring of 1947 T saw nothing of the Trillers, but in 1948 two pairs attended and built nests, in both instances pes were laid and voane hatched, and in both instances Hie male biyds teak part in the broading and feeding. Strangely, though. hoth were quiet throughout, in strang contrast to their usual tondncss For chatter, Curigus birds} You never can tcl) whether they well or will not appear or how they will behave if they da appear. Woop-Swattows—Ol three species of these gracetul birds recorded for the park, ihe most constant one w the Dusky Wond-Swallow. Although this dapper Httle bird uswally deserts the area at witler, varying numbers ure present during perhaps mne months of the year; and, from time to time, you may sce the “Blues” tending their small stick nests, or cuddling up to cach ether on a horizontal brauch. or soaring and swooping alter fying msects, ar clustering together for the viel in a tree-fork of among dense leaves, One nest, built ina tree-clete only + feet from the ground, contamed the nowsua) number of four cegs. Like other spriagtime visitors to the area, tle two migratory members of the group, the White-brawed and Masked Woaod-Swallaws, have oan- ied to be sporadio iy their appearances and generally unpredictable in their breading behaviour, Occasronally, mm tecen} years, the White-brows have built efests in the park and then have sometimes failed to. use thetn. Que nest was placed in an old nest of a Magpie-Larte. An amusing incident occurred when, on a November evening, a Blue Jay leaued over a few inches from one branclfet to another to feed ats young ang. A male White-brow immediately Aashed between the old and young “Jays”, grabbed the food, and flew hurriedly away, with the larger bird in hot pursuit. As that Wood-Swallow had taken up a strategic position car the younc Jue Jay, it seerned to me that the thefe was carried owt on a basis of “matice aforethought”. Larks.—Although Rufous Sene-Larks were oanspicuious in the park in the sprine of 1941, and iliree of the rarely-found nests were discovered then, the birds failed somehow to reappear in the following two seasons, both of which were good. In Octoher of 1944, however, the species “stayed a comeback". and on November 16 ! went to ithe area in the coolness of dusk to try to flash a irl from a mest. Sure enough, at a spot an the hillside where 1 had seen a slim female bird previously, a lark rose at my fuer, disclosing a nest cleverly built tute 4 depression, with three pretty eges resting on a lining of horse-lair, Two days later some of us nated, in aiother part, the general area [avoured hy a male Song-Lark, and when the female appeared we followed Iter tn a neat nest. Again there were three pectly cegs and again the Wing was horse-hair dn each instance we heard only a sight grating or churring wete fram the lady, whereas the males were vocally yery assertive, Since then the appearances of the bird have hecn unaccountahly sporadic, and na further nests have been found, Gnuil recently we had been accustomed to see Pipits (Ground-Larks}) ani an oceasionel pair of Brown Sonp-Larks, as well as a few pairs of Englesh Sicyvlarks (whitch seem to sing as well in May and December as they do in springtime), ina field! just east of the park, Now, hiwever, that field has become a new suburb, and so we shall hear the larks there no more. ' rr ; 4 H. CeiswHoim, Salute to Birds of o Melbavrnc Park wo MIsTLETOE-BiRD—] have seen single examples of this tiny bird ity the areca during April, May and June of various years, which period appears to be the {rujlina-time of some ew tather anaemic-lookilig spectmmens af mistle- toe that are attached to both cwtalypts and acacias,’ None of the plarila ig af all conspicuous, but the “professional” eye of little Dieneuan discavers them all with ubiailing skill. A memorable sight is provided when the red and blue feathers of the male bird are burnished by sunhghe. Srotrnn Pardanete.—First nated in 1943, this pretty little Diamand-bird has since hecome revealed a3 an established resident of the area, mainly being known as an unbodied voice issuing from the tops of the large Yellow Box trees, Doubtless the species breeds in the park: a pair was seen trying to make a nest-burrow in the low bank ot a roadway. Howrvesters—The blithe shaut of “chick-o-wee" being one of the con moiiest and mast distinctive hird-calls about Melbourne, it follows that the White-plumed Honeyeater is abundant in Wattle Park, and that at all seasons. ‘The Red Watlle-bird is lees constant: sometimes only a few are ajyarent and at other times the din created by the raucous voices of many hicds dominates the area. Other honeyeaters of the locality, previously listed, are the Brush Watlle-bird, Naisy Miner, Regent Honcyeater, and Silvereye. to which should he added the Spinelill, recarded for the eastern portion of the park ia 2947, The pretty Regent Honeyeater, it may be noted, seems to gather a good fal of food iroin the leaves of the Yellow Box. Three nests af this bled were found it ane season, hut you cannot always rely oy secing if in the akea, Ceow-Seerkes—Whit-hacked Magpies appear to have maintained their normal numbers m the park over several years: apparently surplus birds niove off ta fresh fields. "Maegies” are, of course. among the chief vocalists of the area; they carol im autumn as wel] as in spring, and both singly amd in choruses, a jact that seems to dampen the theory that bird-song 45 prompted only by the desire ta defend territory it breeding-lire. Grey Butcher-birels, too, may be heard singing Iustily at almose any titne, and notably in autumn. On January 2], 1945, T saw a pair of these hirds singing strangly while attacking a Kookaburra, Like the Magpie, the Buecher-bird freeds regularly in whe park, In one instance a “Whistling Jack” was seen, on October 23, sitting on a nest that had hecn seen to Sontain eggs on August 14; evidently tt was tending 4 second or third clutch ain the same nest, Ao addition to the Grow-Shrikes of the arca was made when, in September of 1945, a Grey Currawong was heard and seen lilting up its clanging voice among the gum trees. That bird remained in the park about a month. Luter, in May ans July of 1947, the same or another member of the species was observed, ; Orues Seycies— Regulars" in the area include also the Grey Thrush (seen at all seasons but not known to test aaehi the Black-faced) Cuckan- Shrike (ofien ests in the sane spot as was uscd in a previous season), the Bronzewing Pigeon (breeds in the park), and the Magpie-Lark (nests ireely from August ta Decemher}, Casual visitors include the Goshawk, Craw, White-faced Heron, Landrail. Brown Quail and Oriole, which last las failed to nest since its enterprising experinient of LY4l ¢sec paper of September 1942), The Blue Wren and Wnte-browed Seruli-Wren stray into the area from blackberries im the south-eastern caruer, Tnwoduced birds recorded iy or near the park include the European Sparrow, Starling, Blackhird, Thrush, Goldfinch and Skylark. and the Indian Minah aud Java Dove. i ' 2B Méhat, Where nad HF lies "YoLee. WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN General Exeursions: Saturday, May 7—Monbulk and Kallista. Subjects: “Gully Tree-ferns and Fungi.’ Train from Flinders Street 9.18 am. to Upper Ferntree Gullv. then service bus to Monbulk. Bring twa meals, Metnbers on ths excursion to coflect fungi for exhibit at May general mecting, Saturday, May 21—Nationa) Museum. Subject; “Australian Marsupials,” Tweader: Mr. C, W, Brazenor (mammologist ta Museum), Meer at Russell Street entrance 230 p.m. Names ot mtending excurrionisis to Mrs, M. Pinches, 8 Thomas Street, Brunswick, Saturday, May 28—Mystery Winter Walk (approx. 6 mules, vasy going) Leaders) Mr. and Mrs. 1. §, Lewis Nash's bus from Batman Avenic, 9 a.m. Bookings, 7/6, with teaders, 77 Dendy Street, Brighion. Bring two meals, King’s Birthday week-end, June 10-73. Albury and Upper Murray. Subjects: Physiography, Birds. and General. Leader: Mr. H. Stewart, with Mr, J, Watson as focal guide. To Jeave Mulhoume by evening trav on Friday, June 10, return Manday evening. Hotel accommodation ai Albury, from thence district mortar excursions will he made. Limited party only. Further particulars from leader, Group Fixtures: Seturday, May 7—Geolo » Discussion Group excursion to Essendon Sand Pits Subject: “Bicld Work of Part I." Mest at Essendon railway station 2 pam. Monday, May 2}—Botany Discussion Group, Royal Sociaty's Hall, & p.m. New members welcome. Further details from Hon, Sec, of Gronp, Mrs. A. Osborne, 21 Renwick Street, Glew Tris. Thursday, Tune 2—Wildflower Garden Group. Royal Society's Wall, 8 pm. Subject> Film Studies, by Mr. Fred, Lewts. (Hoa, Sec, Miss Dawn Weston, XW 2091.) Friday, June $—Marine Biology Discussion Group, Royal Socicty’s Hall, 7.45 p.m. Lecturette by Mr. A, J. Swaby- Beginners imyited. Tuesday, June 7—Geology Discussion Group Royal Society’s Hall, & pm. Hon, Sec, of Group, Mr. A. A Baker, 33 Carlisle St, Preston. N18. i H, E.G STEWART, For FNC. Excursion Committer. FIXATION OF ODOURS BY ANIMAL HAIR 1 wonder jf others have noticed that the coals of some doys pick up a pleasant heather-like scent after heing for a few days in the scrub at Sorrento or other uccan Jocalities? Lt lingers on the coat of one of our dogs for several days, and we notice the same scent on my hnshind's tweed coat after he has been at Sorrento for a week or two, I faney it is akin to the characteristic scent of Harris: tweed The edgur seems to be gathered from the air, rather than irom contect with the scrubs, aud is, I assume, held by the natural oo of certam hair, or woollen materials. Although both dogs share our holidays, the scent is picked up by only one of them, A former dog cared the same fragrance for days afrer a holiday at Sorrento, —E.C. The Victorian Naturalist Vol 66—No. 2 JUNE 1, 1949 No. 786 say Fa toca hoe ge, 59 - PROCEEDINGS The monthly nieeting of the Club was held at the National Herbarium on May 9, 1949. The Presidens { Mr. ]. Ros Garnet) and about 160 members and friends were in attendance. . A welcome was extended to any visilors present, and cordial greetings to Miss Jean Galbraith, an esteemed menther from South Gippsland. With regret the President announced the dearhs of Mrs. C. French, Mr. Gregory Mathews (in England), and Mr, Vernon Davies of Tonlern Vale, Expressions ot sympathy had heen sent, and several Club members had attended the funeral of Mrs. French. Mewwbers were asked to stand for a moment as a tribute to the memory of our former friends. ] The planting day at Maranoa Gardens on April 23 had been 2 great success; more than 100 interested] members and fnends of Maranoa were present, and children took an eager part in planting the shrubs. A short address was given by the local Member of Parliament, Mr. Reed; the Mayor ot Caraherwell was present, also My. (Brigadier) Wilfrid Chapman, The Club has nominated Mr, E, E. Veseott for the 1949 Aus- tralian Natural History Medallion award. By tind co-operation of an exhibitor, the National Parks Cam- paign will receive publicity in the form of an exhibit of animals and birds in appropriate setting at the International Motor Show. Notice of motion was given, “That the annual subscription of Country and [nter-State Members he increased to 15/- in order to cover their share ‘of the increased cost of The Victorian Naturalist.” On behalf of the Finance Sub-Committee, Mr, Hyam and Mr, Hooke spoke in support of the motion. Mr, Ayam poimred aut that the present country subscription af 12/6 did nat cover the actual costs associated with the Natwrafist, which have almost doubled over the last three years. Mr, Miller reported that the plot of ground which had been allotted to the Club by the St. Kilda Council many years ago is in a neglected and disgraceful condition, and he asked that the matter be discussed by Council. The following new members were elected:—As Ordinary: Miss E. L. Foster. Miss K. Coram, Mr. A. B. Scott, Mr. L. V. Steen, Mr. E. K, Lording and Mr. J. W. Barr; and as Country Members: Dr, PB, Langton-Lockton and Mr. R. N, Aucliterlonie. The following were nominated for membership:—As Ordinary : Mr. H, Best (Mr. J, Willis/Mr. P. Bibby), Mr. P. Green (Mr. 22 Fieid Notuvalisis' Club Proceedings Me rstee J. Willis/Mr. P. Bibby), Mr. T. E. Atlet (Mrs. Freame/Mr, Freame) and Mr. Clark (Mrs, M-. Freaime/Miss M, Wigan}; and as Country: Mr. J. Watson (Mr. H. C. E. Stewart/Miss M. Wigan). Nominations for office-bearers during 1949/50 were as follows ; Prestdont, Mr. Colin Lewis (Mr. Garnet/Mrs. Sarovich}: Vice- Presidents, Mr. Fred. Lewis (Mr. Stewart/Mr. Sarovich)} and Me. George Hyam (Mr. Hammet/Mr. Chalk); Hon. Secretary, Mr, H. Preston (Mrs, FPinches/Mr. Lee); Aon. Assisiant Secretory, Miss A B. Adams (Miss Young/Mr, Hanks); Hon, Treasurer, Mr, Lord {Mr. Hooke/Mr. Chalk); Hon. Assistant Treasurer, Miss N. Fletcher (Mr, Lord/Mr. Preston); Hon. Editar, Mr. J. HW. Willis (Miss Young/Miss Raff) ; Hon, Assrst- ant Editor, Miss I, Watson (Mr. Preston/Miss Blackburn) ; Hon, Librarian, Mr. A, Burke (Miss I. Dixon/Mr. Seaton) ; Hon, Assistant Libvovion, Mr. R. Lee (Mr. Watt/Mrs. D. Lewis); How Eacursion Sceretary, Miss J, Blackburn (Mr- Lord/Mi¢s Adams), The following nominations were made for Council members: Mr. H. C. E. Stewart (Mr. Lord/Mr. Hooke), Mrs. M. E. Freame (Miss Raff/Mr. Preston), Miss M. L. Wigan (Mr. Bardy/Mr, Hyam), Mr. R. B. Jennison (Mr. Hyam/Mr, Watts), Dr, M. Chattaway (Mr, Hardy/Mr. Coghill), Mr, A. Cohbett (Mc. Stewart/Mr. Hooke), Mr. R. Davidson (Mrs. D. Lewis/ Mr. D. Lewis), Mr. Dodds (Mr. Lee/Mr. R. Dunn) and Mr. T. C, Bryan (Mr. Preston/Mr. Baker). THE "RUINED CITY” OF ARNIVEM LAND The “cry” of Mr. Keith Young's fibn is roughly 80 miles south-east of Darwin, through practically unknown country. It ts comprised of a maze of cliffs and gorges, in conglomerate, sand- stone and limestone, eroded away into the most fantastic shapes and beautiful colours by water and wind action under a merciless sun—a place of dread to aborigines, who could not be enticed into the area and who were convinced that Mr. Young would be devoured by the presiding evil spirit. Little animal life was apparent there, but cackatoos, snakes, many iridescent beetles and countless flies had been noticed in the brief time available; a fairly thick vegetation grew in and about the rocks. The “city” glowed with a faint aura after sun-down, and the eause of this phenomenon is not yet known. Mr. Young accompanied his filns with lively description and, once again, members were fortunate to be taken on tour to a remote and little known part of our vast continent. Of particular interest was the screening of an actual mative “Making-man” ceremony at sunrise. A hearty vote of thanks te the lecturer was moved by Mr, Colin Lewis and seconded by Mr. R. Davidson eer Piotd Naturalists’ Citb Proceedings 23 NATURE NOTES Mr. Burston reported having found in a hollow stump a ring- tailed possum and two half-grown young. This nest was lined with fresh green leaves, and he suggested that the occupants had been driven out of their original nest ly bush fires, EXHIBITS Mr H. ©. .E, Stewart: Fronds of Slender Tree-fern (Cyathea Cone ninghamit), the prant moss (Datvsoma superia} and various fungi collected at the Monbulk excursion on May 7. Also Grey Bush-pea (Pultenaca Cuaninghamit}, foliage only, from Mt. Granys, collected during the Easter excursion to Tallangatta; and a sample of jelly made from fruits of Cydosio sinensis, “Chinese Quince,” collected on the excursion to Mossvale, March 24, Mr. J, Ros Garnet: Large “cun-fungus” (probably Galactinia. Sarractnt) growing on cement. Mr. Ken Atkins: Collection of cultivated Australian flowers from Mcl- bourne Botanic Gardens, including Acacta alata and Crotalaria labannifatia. “NEWS FROM NATURE” (Book Review) During the War, Mr. Alec H. Chisholm, F.R-Z.5., published in a daily _ paper many topical sketches on natural history subjects to be observed about the sfireets and gardens of Melbourne. Selections fram these have now beet ¢ombined into a book, generously ilustrated {mainly with photography by the author), and gublisicd in a handy format by Georgian House. , The sub-title, “A Selection pf Seasonal Gassip,” underlines the interest- ing arrangement af the sketches, whereby twelve are grouped together for cach season, What a pleasatit thought to introduce Sommer by reterring to Australia as “The Land of Christiwas Carals.” and te wke the reader, during the hohday season, jo the coolness of Sherbrooke Forest to hear the red fantail and the golden whistler in “sglos and choruses of warm appeal," or, again, to wform the feader that there are 440 species of Australian and New Zealand plants in the Maranoa Gardens, North Balwyn, which makes it possible “to see and smell the blooms of a wider variety of wattles than can be seen jn any one area a Australia," as Nature prepares for “her age-old Pageant of tle pring.” Reference to high personages and military camps. are brief reminders of the period during which the sketches were written, but natural happen- ings among the birds, the flowers, the trees and the insects have a fresh- ness quite independent of time, Indeed, jt would seem that Mr. Chisholm had this contrast in mind when he decided on the book, for lie invites the reader to decide whether seasonal gossip written hurriedly, day by day, haz any of the tonic qualities “which we look for in nalure writings born of more Icisurely moments" My answer would be a firm “yes” — and I believe that readers of the book will agree with that opinion, As one would expect from such a kcen ornithologist, bieds are the subject of a majority of his sketches; but a very wide ambit of other natural fistory subjects is covered with equal facilty, and, combined with the kuowledee that the “news” was gathered from familiar haunts, makes the book attractive and instructive, —Jeaw Beackeuan. 24 E. Coveman, Mehece of the Mistletoe Lae MENACE OF THE MISTLETOE _ By Eniru Coteman, Blackburn, Introductory That nistletoc infestation is increasing can hardly be doubted. One sees dead and dying trees in any settled forest area. Unfor- tunately we are apt to View the devastation along roadsides, or in distant timbered country, with an easy complacency; but when its Tavages are seen at our gates the matter becomes an urgent one. Those who have lived for twenty or thirty ‘years in one locality cannot fail to have noted the inevitable. changes whicl settlement niakes in native flora, Here at my pate (1 am writing from Healesville) are three stark trees (Grey Box and Ironbark), mistletoe victims, and within the space of 100 yards up or down the path, and opposite, are scores of once lovely trees in all stages of infestation, Within 3 stone's thraw a grove of noble Cedar Wattles (Acacia terminalis) “i8~sucetimbing, one by one, to infestation by the Grey Mistletne (Amcyemun guandang), the most beautrind, and most deadly, of the mistletocs known to me. As the. seeds of this species germinate freely on wattle trunks and | main limbs, its work of destruction is swift. Last night a Blackwood, weakened by a niass df foliage not its own, came down in a not very high wind. At a distance, it had appeared to be a shapely, well-foltaged tree, but now was seen fo be overwhelmed with Grey Mistletoe. _ Few people doubt that human settlement has brought about disturbance of what was once a perfect balance of tree and mistle- toe, animal, bird and insect’ hie. Yn virgin country, unfit for settleinent, the parasite does not appear to have become a menace. Periodically an alarm is. sounded, with little effect. The latest comes from Central Australia. It was reported, 13/9/48, that the Mayor of Port Augusta was sending possums to Pichi Pichi Pass, where mistletoe is killing valuable forest trees, The possums will feed on the mistletoe and so act a5 a control, Soine botanists contend that, like birds, possums will spread the seeds. That danger seems negligible. From the nature of their excrement, it would roll to the ground, although seeds in faeces that lodge in forks might germinate in moist conditions—so rare in Central Australia. Writing in 1908, C. C. Brittlebank said: Twenty years ago the parasites were very scarce in the Myrniong district. At the present time there is scarcely a tree free from them, scine trees supporting several dozen separate plants.” Writing to me fram Paterson, N.S.W., in 1927, in reference ta anarticle I had written on the mistletoe menace, the Rev. H. M. R. Rupp said: Your remarks on the advance of the mistletoe make me feel uneasy; and they appeal io-me because [ have more than once called attention Ist fig.: Honeysuckle-like flowers and develaping fruits of Grey Mistletoe { Anvema quandany), one af the most destructive species. 2ud fig.: Mistletoe seeds germinating on apple and wattle twigs, 3rd fig.: Cord- Hike outgrowths sent outside the branch by established mistietae clumps, also peg-like absurbing “suckers” which enter the wood and are able to provide fresh plants should the original clump die. O10 R A IMO. ue .\ LL¥N SIV’ r | win} orl June ] 1949 E. Coneman, Menace af the Mistletoe 25 to the increase of several species in many districts, and their devastating inroads upon tree life. Is it mere coincidence, or is there something more tha mere coincidence underlying this asidious advance of parasites north and south? How do you account for it? The Loranthi are indi- genous plants which in the past have not, so far as we can judge, previausly affected the vegetation oi their habitats. Why are they doing so now? 1 ain told that 25 years ago you would hard had to “take a look round” for mistletees in this district, Now, wherevey you turn your eyes you are greeted by them or their handiwork. - Trees in al? stages of destruction eatt be seen within half a mile in any direction. . . - Some accuse the Mistletoe Bird as responsible. J don’t believe ir, The Mistletoe Bird is jot at all common and it has always been here, At the present rate of destruction, in a few years the five mules hetwoen here and Vasy, once a notable Ironbark area, will be trecless, It is a very serious matter, and should engage ihe attention of forestry depart- menés.- It is mast difficult to sce any possibility of checking the pests. I quote Mr, Rupp’s remarks in full hecause they night have been written today from hundreds of localines. The Mistletoe Bird is not sufficiently common at Healesville to account for the great spread of the parasites. We know, today, that many other birds must share the responstbility of seed-sowing, but man himself is the chief culprit: In 1927 the Chairman of the Forests Commission stated that the most effective means of control was to remove infected branches. In this way mary thousand acres were dealt with annually by the Commission, who viewed the matter serinusly. Tn 1941, following an article I had written in the Schaal Paper, suggesting that childrei: might form a mistletoe-army, I was told that in many districts parents and children were Jopping off infected branches within reach~a mere drop in the ocean, R. H. Anderson, B.Sc.Agr., in lus Presidential address to the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 1941, referred to a marked increase in rhany districts, the wifestatian heing greater than previously, although the cause of increase was not clear. He stated that, as we note todav, infestation 1s more apparent in fairly open country than tn closely tinthered areas, aud mentioned that mustletoe was quite rare, for example, in rain-forests. [The writer has geet it high up on Mountain Ash, Euc. regnans, trees ut Belgrave, and has planted seeds, picked up on the ground beneath the trees, on plane, apple and wattle. They geriunated only on apple.) . Most observers will agree that mistletoe is aj ight-loving plant- As country is opened up, and timber thinned, infestation is more common, partly because birds carrying seeds have fewer perches, and so infestation on any one tree will be increased, and partly because the percentage of germinations is higher where more light is available. In A Survey of the Mistletves of N.S.W. (1941), Valerre May, M,Sc,, states that frees on semi-cleared Jands are imnre liahle to 2 E Coreman, Mende of the Mistletoe Vids. at iifestation, and attributes this to high hght requirement. of mstle- toe. She found that in darkness the embryos of Amyema Miquelt gave only 44% germination, but those in the light gave 91 fe: which clatly sheets the blame on to settlement. The writer alse pointed out that the pest weakened its host; that when uninfested trees are felled they pive rise to suckers, but infested trees do so only rarely, Professor Cleland (1940) showed that mistletoes are more susceptible to fires than their host trees. He recorded 36 dead mistletoes, on a White Ironbark (fc. fewcoxylon) which had recovered after the fire—a sorry means of control that we nynst not adopt. Agents in Spreading the Pest The fact thal in many canntries mistletoe is lopped for fodder suguests. that many animals relish the leaves. I have seen cows, knee-deep in good grass, eating mistletne at Healesville. Possunis have been blanted for spreading the pest, hut I regard them as # definite check. In my gurden the foliage ai a clump of Phrygilanthus cucalyptifoliuns (Creeping Mistletoe) on Acama admire was completely eaten by possumis. Many people believe that mistletoe increase 1s due to decrease in koalas. In 1923 export of skins was prohibited by Federal proclamation, but many were still secretly destroyed, At the beginning of am open season in Queensland 23,0%) skins were sold, According to Mr. David Stead, 40,000 skins left Sydney by the Aerangi, and before the end of the season at least 300,000 koalas had heen killed. Many naturalists blamed this slaughter for the increase af imistletoe, Tr 1928, through the efforts of Mr. Raleigh Black, then secre- tary of the Australian Naturalists’ Club, Sydney, circulars were sent to the Shire councillors of N-S.W, asking for an opinion as to whether koalas fed on mistletoe. Most of the replies were of a negative character. (As Jan Ridd said, “We look at things aid never think to notice.) Some councillars said that there was little mistletoe when koalas were numerous. One man had fed a tame koala on mistletoe, Another said that kodlas could not reach the iitistletoe at the ends of slender branches, and blamed flying foxes. A. third man blamed the Currawong and Noisy Friar-bied, (The knob formed by mistletoe is a favourite nesting site of the Curya- wong—handy to the talle, as it were.) The replies were reaily not very helpful. Mr. Basi) Burdett’s koalas lad access to wiistletoe at Koala Park but did nut touch it. Miss Valerie May, in her “Survey") stated that the faeces of flying fuxcs contain an immense number of mistletoe seeds, Birds are undoubtedly distnbutors of sceds, and the Mistletoe- rf FE. Coreman, Menace af the Mistletoe a bird (Picts), whose range over the contineut 1s as wide ag that of the pest, enjoys the viscid seed covering, and feeds at to nest- Tings. H. BP. C_ Ashworth, writing on “The Dispersal of Mistletoe” (iret, Not., XTT, Aug, 1895, p, 51) says: “T am convinced that io Vicloria s,s it [i.e, Diceewdit| is the exclusive agent in the dispersal nf mistletoe.” He also gives personal observations on the feeding habits of the bird. Ina letter to the writer, 3/10/27, Mr. L. Rodway, then Govern- ment Botanist, Hobart, sal: “I have never met with Loranthus in Tasmania and there is no record of its existence here. Mr. Lord, of our Museurn, teis me that the Mistietoe-hird (Dicewmn hirendmaccum) does nol accur in “Tasmania.” But, contrary ta Ashworth's assertion, the Mistletoe-bird is by no ntans the only distributor, Indeed it is prohable, as we shall presently see, that this bird is responsible for ofly a small percemage of infestations, Few of the seeds voided by birds are left on trees, owing to their habit of perching “across', not “along” a bough, but many are deposited by lnil-cleaning, Forty years ago Mr. Britulebank slated thaf che greater portion of seeds are ejected by birds after the yiseiel covering is eaten. Many of the unwanted, rejected seeds stick to fills and are wiped off on brauehes. He had noted that the Grey Bell-magpie swallows the whole fruit, casting the seeds as owls cast pellets of hones, teeth and hard, indigestible parts of smal) mammals. The writer has seen pellete of “peppermint” seeds (Sehtnas maile, an introduced plant) ejected hy currawongs. almost as large as the pellets of cormorants, Many other bins, natives aud aliens, eject seeds in the same way. It is probable that many seeds are rejected by the Mistletoe Birds, i.e., not eaten. Mr. R. Littlejohns, whe is as intimate wit this bird as with the Lyre-bird, estimates the nember of mistletoe “fruits” (seed and pulp without the fruit-cnav) Ted to each fledgling at 60 per day. Cousidermg the large size of the “Sruit”, as shown in lus beautiful photographs (Mild. Life, Aug, 1948), it seems feasible that many of the seeds may he retained in the parent's bill, the pulp only being left with the nestling—the size and intemal struc- ture of the nesthng's bill would have some bearing on this. Examination of the exeremtent-sacs shoukl enlighten us on this elit. “ One often sees the British Song-thrush and the Blackbird insert a huge “bunch” of broken up snails, or worms, into three or even four open bills, Hnally leaving it, much depleted, in the last eager bill. Lizards and moths are proffered in the same way to Grey Thrush babies, but are taken whole by the last bill, That sore seeds pass through the bodies is not questioned, It seems remarkable that a large bird like the Currawong should eject them, yet a tiny brrd like the Mistfetoe Bird retain them. os - . i . ° 1 * #? 2h te. Coveman, Menace vf Wie Mistletoe iP ra A meniber of my family watched an adult Mistletoe Bird stretch back a foot, catch the dropping as it fell, then wipe it on a branclt, The dropping was examined and found to contain a misiletoe seed. This iiight be regartled as fortuitous were it not that the action was described (0 me as deliberate and practised. A sketch of it was made. Was it not, rather, that the presence of an onlooker was fortuitous ? A hundred years ago, Ann Pratt, quoting from Mudie’s History af Birds regarding the Missel-thyush, whiclt is regarded as the chief distributor of seeds of the British mistletoe Visenad allan, said: - Missel sygnifies ta soil Et is called Missel-thrush because it missels (sails) als toes with the slumy igice of the berry, atid the Mistletoe derives it name irom its soiling the toes of the bird. How does it soil its feet, auless by usmg them to wipe sticky seeds from its bill, when rubbing an a branch does uot dislodge them? in the Dutch East Indies a Dieeun feeds on mistletoe Fruits. In Australia King Parrots and Gang-gangs eat the seeds, but as these are grovnd up the birds must be regarded as checks, According to A. G. Hamilton (#ush MRannbles}, peach trees growing near brush forest at Illawarra were infested with a Loranthus and a true nustletoe (Misc articwatum). ble blamed the Silver-eye which fed on the berries, then alighted ou the peach trees, to leave the berries: “As 1 have sect, one or two inay slick ‘to their beaks, which they rub on the twigs to clean, and the bernes being sticky ,find a suitable place to germinate.” He had seen as many as 20 or 30 of these tape-wornriooking plants of the Viscum flourishing and fast killing the trees, [The accepted hame of these jolted mistletoes is now Narthalselia opuittia—Ed,] World-wide Problem The problem is almost world-wide. Sir John Farmer, 1889- 1890, saw hosts of germinating embryos covering telegraph wires in the Nilgiri Hills, left there by birds which had alighted to clean their bills. Jn Jamaica, mistletoe was descrihed by Gosse as growing on "Sour Sop” (Anona muricala), the seeds sticking ta leaves and iwigs, germinating in every imstauce, so that there were thousands of young plants springing from the leaves, on both upper and lower surfaces. The position of enthryos on the “under” surface of leaves ts interesting, How did they get there? Not from drap- bings, Probably wiped off as the birds moved from twig to Lwig. A “leafless” mistletoe was said to be ruinous (o orange and coffee plantations of Brazil, Heine wholly parasitic, its effects would be rapid, =e sin,“ tC re . & pees E. Covescan, Menace af the Mistletoe ,2¢ A mistletoe on pines in California squirts its seed out vinlently when vipe, to a distance of some yards. Fifty years ago Sir Frederick Keeble made a close study of the mistietoes of Ceylon, where the smallest bird im the jsland (Dicauin iminium) feeds on the fruits. Like our Dicewuii, this bird had adopted the habit of squeezing out the pulp and rejecting the fruit-coat. Keeble found that birds generally avoided swallow- ing the seed. Jn none of the many birds which he shot for examination did the put contain a fruit-coat, though it was dis- tended with the pulpy matter extracted from the fruit; but, like Mr. Brittlebank's Currawong, the crop of a Bul-bul, which only visited mistletoe when other food was scarce, was full of whole fruits, Tot most of the birds examined he found only pulp and one or two seeds, three al most. But birds visit more than three fruits; they gorge them! It seemed obvious that they avoided swallowing the seeds. When seeds were found in the excrement they had heen acted on by digestive juices, and the embryos were killed. So we may say that, with most birds, pulp is the objective, and that birds get rid of the seed by striking the hill against branches. (“Sharpening their bills” as we say of canaries.) On the single telegraph wire Sir Frederick saw, every year, hundteds of seedling mistictoes, all in the early stage of germination, but they were doomed to dic in the absence of a living host. They could not possibly get there by being voided; only by beak wiping. Siumming up, Sir Frederick believed that with most Ceylon species seeds reach their hosts without having passed through the alimentary canals of birds. Their spread depends upon an acquired habit—squeezing and rejecting both seed and frurt-coat, which are rich in tannin, and probably “distasteful, He found groups of small-seeded Lovanthns in voided excre- ment, on leaves and twigs. Such seeds were often quite hollow, due to the action of digestive juices. He believed that, even in the case of smaill-seeded species, the seeds were distributed by bill-wiping, And this, I suggest, is the chief method of distribution in Australia. Natural Pruning Mr. Littlejohns suggests that, because the extremity of an infected branch often dies and drops off, this may be Nature's method of tree-pruning —to allow light to reach young trees beneath. But this would beave a chink in her armour, and the mistletoe has more than one “string to its bow.” In rnany instances, removal of the terminal infestation would be quite ineffective to arrest growth of the pest, unless the cord- like outgrowths that run up or down the branches fur many feet (as in Phrygilanthus eucalyptifotivs) are also removed. From the w E. Coveman, Menace of the Mistletoe Ven at upper layer of the swollen disc of the first sucker sent mta the host these thong-hke outgrowths arise. Lyery here and there they send down fresh suckers inla the wood, and from these new mistletoe plants may shunt, A growth julled away from the host will reveal the suckers, hike a row of pegs, at intervals of from half an meh to many mehes. A six-foot length of the Creeping Mistletoe, P. encalyptifalins, pulled from a Wallangara wattle showed 50 of these “sinkers’ The outgrowth, on reaching the end of a branch, had coiled back on itself, sending “pegs” into its own wood (auto-parasitism). So that, unless these growths and their suckers are rernoved, it would be quite ineffective in many instances to remove the terminal tufts. These suckers may not themselves he absorbing ‘mouths’ but have power to produce a new plant, if needed_ At Healesville there are many infected trees bearmg six of eight infestations on one branch. Sir F, Keehle suggested that these aerial “roots’ may throw light ow the course by which the mstle- toes became parusitic. In the early stage of their history they probably threw oui roots, which, like those of Prens, grew towards the ground, rooting im any earth which had collected in forks af trees, enabling the plant to exist until it had tapped its host's Supplies, It may safely be said that the Mistletoe Bird is mot so culpable as it has been thought to be. It may as safely be said that the mistletue itself once served a aeftl purpose in feeding uscful fruit-loving birds which dropped more seeds tha they planted, and preyed on harmful insects when the fruits were out of season. Th virgin country, where possums and other animals have not access to garden products, orchards and crops, they doubtless play a usesul part in checking the growth of the pest. Movement of the Embrye An almost incredible movement is seen in the embryos of ferminating mistletoe seeds. Lt may he followed. by squeezing the fruits on to twigs of wattles, sycanores, apples, or other trees with amuvth, tender bark. In a moist attnosphere they may germinate ina few days. One sees a tiny “radicle” emerge fram the seed. becuming thickened at its tip into a club-shaped dise, As if in respanse to a secing eye, it moves, seeking 2 suitable spot for anchorage. Tt may continue to stretch forward until the embryo has almost left the seed-coat. Having reached a suilahle spot, sometimes alter several changes of direction, the disc exudes drops of fluid and soon peneirates the hark, softening the cellulase matter beneath, “dissolving” a passage into and cemenfing qtaelf to the hast. ei E. Coreman, Memrce of the Mistletoe 3 Mr. Brittlebank, in his observations on Lysine exocarpi, found that when be placed a piece of paper between disc and hast the fluid dissolved a passage through the paper; but, if mica were ingerted, the embryo, being unahle to penetrate it, moved forward or from side to side, seeking a place for attachment. Having reached its objective, and bevome firmly cemented, the dise spreads into the unsightly growths that disfigure so many branches, From its lower surface it sends dawn, nul roots, bu| an absorb- ing sucker, into the sap wead, where it taps the supplies of water and mineral salis being conveyed to the host's own leaves. From the upper part of the cise the first small leaves appear. There are few more fascinating plant movements that may be watched with a lens, De Candolle found that, with the European Mistletoe (itscum albwis), the germinating seed, placed clase ta a window inside a room, turned away from the glass toward the shady room; but, if placed just outside the window, it turned to the plass as if to penetrate ii—iowards the shade. The branching of the mistletoe iS as interesting as the rest of its processes, In some species the age of the plant may be calewlated from the number of branches, Because of its mysterious way of lic, there has always been Tach superstition wrapped ahout the mistletne, [t was believed aot to grow [rom gee at all. Descriptions by early writers are often delightful. That ot Jerome Bock (1539) imay be instanced, Beck followed writers whose herbals weve so beautifully illustrated that words cold add little to the work of the dranzhtsinan, and so fewer pains were taker with the text, Being unable tn afford illustrations for the first edition of his herbal, Bock deseribed his plants mure carefully in words, Of the mistletoe he says; + They grow into the shape of a cluster, with many forks and articu- latinus. . - The berries are full of tough white lime, yet cach has its srnall black grain, ax if it were the seed, which however does not aruw when 30wn, for the Mistletoe only originates and develops ot trees, Tn winter the missel-thrushes seck their fond from che: Mistletoc, but im summer they are caugle with it for bird-lime ts made fram the bark. Thus the Mistletoe is both beneficial and harmful to birds Gerard, J597, repeats the old belief: “This excrescence hath not any rout, neither doth increase himself of bis seed, as some hath supposed, hut cometh of a certain molsture gathered upon the boughs and joints of the trees, through the bark thereof this yaporous moisture proceeding, bringeth forth Mastletoc.”' Bulleyn (Baok of Simples, 1562) assures us that “the tree derives no more benefit from the Mistletoe growing on it than any member of the hody upon whom 4 canker is placed, fe will at length destroy altogether unless pulled from the tree.” Pliny in the first century sums it up: “Moreover there ts noth- ing more certain than this, that Ivy killeth trees. The like is to be 2 FE. Coreman, Menace of the Mistletoe Reacher saitl, in some sort, of Mistleime, although it is generally thought that the harm thereof is not so soon seer,” Controls Apart from mnking its deadly work more widely known, and perhaps making others more muistletoe-conscious, naturalists, im stucdymg the mistletoe, have opportunities of fpllowing up interest- ing life-stories of what were once, undoubtedly, checks and contrals of the pest, The story of the pest is bound up with that of certain butterflies and other insects, as fascinating as anything in Nature. There are few more beautiful, nor more interesting, butterflies than the Imperial-white (Delias harpalyce), whose larvae prey on the leaves of several species of mistletoe, Other species of Delias prey on other mistletoes. The Imperial-white has the habit of soaring, ike an eagle, with motionless wings, This butterfly was once riummérous at Heales- ville, Greenshoraugh and Diamond Creek, but uufortunately the larvae are destroyed im the mistaken belief that they may prey on garden plants. 1 have seen tufts of mistletoe denuded of leaves by these larvae. ; At Sorrento we have watched the life processes of a smaller, but wot less beautiful, species (Deas oyanzppe), whose larvae gorge the leaves of the Wire-leat Mistletoe (Aimyema Preissii) which infest the Winlda Wattle (efcacta rhetinades). It is in full flower in January, A community of the larvae bronght from Sorrento, 12/12/38, had all pupated by Dee. 26, The butterflies emerged from Jan. 6 to Jan. 10. It will be noted that the larvae do their good deed hefore the mistletoe has produced seed. The foregoing was written in October, 1948. It was recently reported (18,5,49) that fame throwers are to be used this winter ‘against the mistletoe which is slowly killing tens of thousands of eucalypts and other trees in South Australia. Profi. J. B. Cleland stated that, undoubtedly, the chief cause of the spread of the pest was the more effective control of bushfires. Mistletoe was sensitive to fire. Whon a bushfire swept through gum country it cleaned out the parasite, but left the gums to grow vigorously again. (Unfortunately, although some burnt gums shoot again, too many do not recover, ) _ BIRDS OF NORTH QUEENSLAND No. 5 af the publications by the North Queettsland Naturaliets’ Club, Cairns, is a twelve-page pamphlet entitled List of Btrds Occurring in North Goseeetiand, This comprises a census of nearly 400 species of dhe 700 birds in the R.A.O.U, Official Check-lst for the whole Australian Continent; and embodies nomenclatural and other changes made smce the second edition of the Jatter was pnnted For ornithologists resident in or visiting the North, this local Last. will form a convenietit adjunct '—HC.ES, ' I, Aa! s far palyce . end fig. : on their community web, ready to pupate (about Several butterflies Just emerged from chrysalids four-fifths natural 1] AN LaTIVAOIVSN. XVRIOLOTA SL bro, ‘une Jon ' ‘T. Rayment, New Bers and Wasps - 8B NEW BEES AND WASPS — PART XI Two Confusing Earth-digging Bees = By Taarton Rayment, F.R.2.5, PARACOLLETES SUBDOLUS (Chil), stat, nov. [Syn. P. fervidus Sm., subsp. subdtolns ChIl., Ann. Mag. Not, Hist. (3), XI, p. 279, 1913] Although originally published as a subspecies, swbdolws vas distinet characters which readily separate it from Paracolletes fervidus Sm. Dissection of a long series of both sexes (including some tapetypes) shows that it is nearer to species in the genus Trichocolletes; but, since Paracolleles (as known at present) contains many diverse elements, E propose to leave both bees in this latter genus pending critical revision. Smith's only locality was “New Tiolland", but males and females of fervidus have been collected tram Cheltenham through to Clyde, Gippsland, A description of the allotype is appended, and the following notes will amplify the original descriptions and situplify the identi- fication of these two hees. P, fervidus Sm, is larger, altogether 4 ntore robust species, with broad ovate abdomen; the abundant hair of the mesothorax is redder; the scattered yellow punctures on a conaceous integument ; scutellun emargimate posteriorly; inetathorax with two concentric patterns of fine lineation. but no keel; hind calear with very fine short serrations; punctures. of clypeus large, even, and confluent ; flagellum long, sub-crennulate; second cubital cell large, quadrate ; the third cubital greatly contracted at apex; third ‘intercubitus nervure reduced to a mere stump on several females, but where complete it meets the second recurrent meryure. Males with a similarly wide ovate abdomen; terga broadly red. P. subdolus Chl. has a narrow elongate abdomen ; hair of meso- _ _thorax paler, with muck fuscons hair, the deep punctures scattered over the polished integument; scutellym simple; metathorax with a sharp transverse keel; hind calcar long-pectinate, with eight teeth; ptinctures of clypeus deep. but of irregular size; flagellum much shorter, sttb-monilfonn;:, second cubital cell small, greatly contracted at apex; third cubital large, slightly contracted at apex; secoud recurrent nurvure received inside of the third imtercubitus. Males with a conspicuously narrow elongate abdomen, and hair varies in colour from straw to foxy-red; tenga practically all black. Genitalia and sterna of the two bees are very different. PARACOLLETES FERVIDUS Smith ~~ [New Sp. yin. BA, p. 4, 1879] ALLOTYPE; Male—length 12 mm. approx. Brownish black. 34 T. Rayment, New Bees and Wasps Vict, Nat Vol. 66 Characters of Paracolletes fervidus Sm. [1-6] compared with those of P. subdolus (Ckil,) Raym. [7-12]- a Y. Rayment, New Sees and Wasps 35 Head small, with much golden-red hair; face masked entircly with long plumose hair; frons with large scattered punctures; clypeus with large contiguous punctures (hair must be removed to see these); supraclypeal area similar; vertex sharply developed, with scattered large punctures; compound eyes with anterior mar- gins parallel; genae with large rough punctures on a tessellate sculpture, and much golden hair; labrum reddish: mandibulae _ more or less suffused with red: antennae with flagellum sub- crenulate, black above, reddish beneath; the scapes short and stout, Prothorax not visible from above; tubercles black, with Jong golden hair; pleura with large scattered punctures; mesothorax with niuch foxy-red hair, large close shallow punctures over the coriaceous tegument; scutellum with a median depression pos- teriorly, hair dusky; postseutellum with abundant golden hair; metathorax with the fine concentric lineation of the female; abdominal dorsal segments with the reddish posterior margins wider than the black portions, much long simple pale hair, a large red pygidial plate; ventral segments similar. Legs blackish-brown, with a wide red stripe, and much yellowish hair; tarsi reddish; claws red, black apically; hind calear reddish; tegulae black, shining. Wings clouded apically; nervures brown, strong; second culsital cell large and quadrate, receiving first recurrent nervure at its middle; pterostigma brown, small; hamuli eleven, strong. Locality: Clyde, Victoria, January 30, 1949, fey. Qwen Dawson. {Allutype in the coljection of the author.) Allies ; These hees show a superficial likeness to P, subdalus, but * = closely related ta it (sce notes and drawings to separate em). Collections; Females of P, ferwidus were taken at Tooradin, Victoria, Jan. If, 1946 (Qwen Dawson) ; females of P. subdolus at Tooradin, Feb. 5, 1944 (Owen Dawson); males of P. subdolts at Tooradin, Jan. 11, 1946 (Qwen Dawson), at Cheltenham, Vic., Feb., 1946 (T. Rayment), at Highett, Vic., Feb. 15, 1946 (T. Rayment}, and at Watsonia, Vic., Feb. 10, 1941 (Rev, Father Stanley, 5.J.). The specimen cited last is not typical and should, perhaps, he separated as a subspecies, : The remarkable shelteying habits of the wales of P. subdotus depart from those of typical Paracolletid males, which congregate at evening in a dense cluster on the branch of a shrub, or even m an old dry frond of a fern, The Rey, Father Stanley, now at Riverview, Sydney, collected his specimen in a cavity in a branch at Watsonia, Vic., and several of Owen Dawson’s specimens enverged through the wet plaster covering a brick wall at Clyde, ic. 36 . JA. Bhackrurn, Folcanis Plug at Balwyn panty : EXPLANATION OF TLLUSTRATIONS 1, Genitalia of Paracolletes ferandur Sin, 2, Sixth sternum of male, 3, Seventh sergum af male, 4, Eighth sternum of male abdomen is nearcr to Trichocalleter 5S, Ninth sternum of male abdomen. 6, Pegs an genitalia highly magnified. 7, Genitalia of P. sutdoins Chil. 8B, Seventh sternum of male. 9, Seventh tergum of male. 10, Eighth sternum of male abdomen. 11, Ninth sternum of wate is nearer that of tvpical Parucolletes. 12, Pets and spines of eighth sternum (highly magnified). Note: Al! figures are at same magrihcation, bet plates are distorted owily lo pressuie ol the cover-glass ot: the mounts, " A VOLCANIC PLUG AT BALWYN By J. A. Buacknurw On December 18, 1948, a party from the Geological Group sel out to re-locate the “Limburgite Rock occurring as 2 volcanic plug ai Balwyn, rear Proneaster" as deseribed by F_ Chapman and A. O. Thiele (Prac. Roy. Soc. Vie, XETV €N.S.), Pt, I, 141). The published jucality description was misteading, owing to the alteration of a road name, and beeausé the distances were given as ‘fect’ instrad of “yaeds". Amended, 1 should read; Al about 8) yards down Greythorn Raad, north from Belmore Read, and about 200 yards cast from Lie coad. Subsequent subdivision of the laiel now enables the location to he more precisely described as: near Wild Life Sanctuary, about 200 yards cast of Greythorn Road and 40 yards south of Sweys Street. The site of the occarrencé is occupied Wy an irecgularly shapel depression about 100 feet Iong, 50 feet wide and 15 fect deep, which is uv tle process of being filled in with soil and rubbish—t will apparently be built over im the Near future. No rock is yuible on the surlace, but specimets were ohtained by digging into a bank about five feet betow natural ground level, Qur observations confirmed the description of “a jointed rubliy rock . . - - decomposed in the superficial layer but ae the anterior dense and of a IMue-black colour.” The description also says; "Theeo are few vesicles in the mass hut many of the cavernous parts of the surface matcrial are seen to he due to the decomposition of the olivines .... Some of the laya was formerly employed Jor metalling the Doncaster Road, but was eventually given up on account of the objectian of the stenebreakers to using material hhirder than Collingwood bluestone.” This objection was sustained by the experience of the Grou members. Voicanic plugs ‘and hecks have been recorded from other localities in Nictoria, viz.: Mts. Adam and Eve neve Coleraine, Mt. Consultatinn near Castlemaine: uy Sowth Gippstond near Anderson's Inlet and south of Woodend. These rocks are generally similar to that found at Balwyn and are considered comtermporaneous with the older basalts. “The nearest occur- rences of older basalt on cither side of Balwyn are at Lilydale on fine cast, where there is a vent represetited by tuff and cinder cones, and Flemington on the west, represented by a rather massive flow of spheroidal basalt.” Chapman and Thiele suggest that the Balwyn volcanic plug solidified in ujid-Tertiary times at some distance below the land surface and was sub- sequently exposed hy crosinu 4 it had reached the original surface, the outpeured fava, being resistant to subsequent erosion, would have had considerable influence on Ue topography of the area. As evidence of this is lacking; they favour the former apinica. " ‘The occurrence of the plug right an the axis at ihe Templestowe anticline seems 10 indicate that its origin is directly connected with crustal folding haan H oT. Stats, Plane Regeneration ty the Mallee v PLANT REGENERATION ON STABILIZED SANDHILLS IN THE MALLEE By H. j. Sus, Walpeup. Tn many localities in the Mallee, sandhills which have been denudel of vegetation cover (either by the cultivation practices adopted, or through overgrazing by fana livestock or by rabbits) have become sertously wind eroded. The northern section of the Mallee, where the rainfall is lower and the soil more sandy, has suffered to a greater extent than the more southern areas. Where steps are not taken hy landholders to check the erosion which bas started, these sandhills can develop rapidly into moving sand-dutes, which are locally referred to as ‘‘weeping-ridges”’ or “razor-backs.” ’ Detmonstrational work carried out by the Department of Agri- culture and the Soil Conservation Board has shown that such sand- hills can be stabilized by sowing with cereal rye. This stabiliza- tion work has been described in the Journal of the Victorian ld ol ida of Agriculture (XLVI, No. 11, pp, 477-478, Oct, 1948), Stabilization of these sandhills is necessary before any naturai regeneration of plants can occur. On the unstabilized areas, the sand blown by each wind cuts off and kills the seedlings of any natural regeneration before they ate big enongh to stan! such blasting. {1 the stabilization with rye, the rye is sown thickly enough to give a quick cover te the surface — and this cover then protects the surface from further wind action. However, afler consolidation, many plants naturally occurring in the Mallee have established themselves on these hills. During the three seasons 1946-48, a census was made of the plants craw- ing on three of the demonstration areas sown to rye in 1945. These areas were at Paignie (5 miles east of Walpeup}, Bronze- wing (7 miles south of Quyen), and Torrita (2 miles north of that township). ‘The plants recorded in each year are enumerated in the accompanyimg list. Tn 1946, self-sown rye plants were the dominant plant growth on the Paignie site, accounting for approximately 95 per cent. of the plant growth on the area. This rye was haryested when ripe, and yrelded about 14 bushels of grain pet acre. In the next year, about 30 per cent, of the plants were rye, but it had been replaced as the dominant species (approximately GO per cent.) by “ham- and-eggs daisy" (Myriocepitatus Stuart). Arabian grass (Sckismus barbatus) had spread also, and was present to the extent of 5 per cent. In 1948, ham-and-eggs daisy was still the dominant plant, bul there was a yery large increase (to 30 per ctnt.) in plants of Avabian and barley grasses. On the Kronzewing site, rye also was the dominant plant in the 4 38 H. J. Sims, Plant Regeneration. in the Mallee ae first year (1946), but ham-and-eggs daisy became dominant the next year, although there was still quite a large number of rye plants. In 1948, ham-and-eggs daisy was. still dominant (80 per cent.}, while only 4 plants of rye were observed, | [to next page] LIST OF PLANTS ON THREE STABILIZED SANDHILLS, 1946-48 (x indicates presence in year shown) (* indicates a naturalized alien. plant} Baonzewine > Toanita PAIGNIE Boranical NAME ComMOoNn Nave 1846 1947 1948 |NFAG 1O47 1948 |194G 1947 1948 GRAMINE “Bromys sadritensis mpaeb hrome-grass x x x Stina voriabitis Vartable Speur-crass x x *Schraonua barbatus Arsbian Grass x x x x* zs x *Secalo cereale Rye x x § x x « x x x *Hordéum murinum - Barley Grass x xM © | K X ®& x POLYGGNACEX Muchlonbeskia Cunninghamit Tangled Lignam x x CHENOPODIACEE Chenopodinm t cristatum Crested CGoosefoot x «x x x Salyati Kali Prickly ‘Saltwort x x AMZOACE SE *Mesenbryanthennm éryatallenam CRUCIFERE "Sisynibrium orientale , Hedwe-mmustard x xX xX * Brassica, Tournefortii {ld Turnip x x x oN zx a CRASSULACES Crassula Sieheriana Austral Stonecrop x LEGUMINOS# Acadia brachybotrye Grey Molen x x Acacia liguiata Sraall Cooba x ‘Trifolium tomentosum |Woolly Clover x EUPHORBIACES Euphorbia Drummonda |Flat Spucce x BORAGINACES Heliotropium europanim Common Heliotrope x' x x SOLANACE wihogercia Rar Theol Le mallsleat yeflower x MYOPORACE® MET ty Sogarwood CUCURIITACE2! ® "Cuenmir myriocdrpas | Paddy Melon x Xx x x a Citmilliva colodyuthiz Bitter Melon x x GOODENIACEA Goodenia pinnatifida Curent Goodenia x COMPOSITE F Vittadinie trilohe New Holland Daisy | x x x x x x ®Fnuls graveclens _ [Stinkwort P x i.e ; Myriocephalua Stuartii fHarm-anc-egas Datsay] x « ww x RR x xX SNanthinm apinory nr Bathurst Surr x NX °Cryutostemma edlendwacenm Cane-weed x *Onopordon acaulon Stemiess Thistle x x x x x *« *Cardnua pyctooephalus Shore Thistle x *Cenxtaqures mektlensia Malia Thistle x Xx x *Carthamua lanunais Saffron Thistle * SS x [|X x # *Hijpochwris rodicata Flat-weed x x x xX “Sonchus olavaceus Sow Thistle } x * tyes H, J, Sims, Plant Regeneration te the Malice Rr) At Torrita, practically all the growth-in 1946 was wild turnip {Brassica Tournefortti) (50 per cent.), and self-sown rye (45 per cent,), By 1947, wild turnip had taken practically complete control (95 per cent.), but in 1948, comparatively few wild turnip plants were present, and the dominant species was now ham-and- eggs daisy (more than 80 per cent.}, i In all, a total of thirty-three different species were observed on the three sites. OF these, only mine species oceurred on all three sites. Twenty-three species were recorded at Bronzewing, twenty- one al Paignie, while only thirteen were recorded at Tornta, MELALEUCA PUBESCENS IN QUEENSLAND In the Victorian Naturalist for August, 1948, Mr. J. A. Wilhs had an weeresting article on the Moonah (Melaleuca pubescens Schauer) and its distribution im Australia. In it he stated: "MW. armillaris is related and vety similar in appeararice it seems to replace pubescens along the coast fron Geneva vorthward into Queensland’ I have no knowledge of M. arnitllaris 7 Queensland. When it Melbourne recently, I looked through the material in the National Herbarium and saw that the specimens from Queensland and northern New South Wales so Jabelled Cpyresumably by Baron Musller) belonged to Af. alternifolia Chee. M, prbeseens Scliauer, on the other hand, is a common tree in our brigalow (Acacia harpepityita) scrubs on the Darling Downs and is very difficult to eradicate by ordinary ring-barking and burning. When cleared, brigalow country is among the mast productive in Queensland. The usval method is to ring, allow to stand jor a few years, and then fire. In some places the “Moonah” or "Black Tea Tree” as it is known in Queensland is very abundant and niakes a rapid rccavery after cven an otherwise sucoessiul burn. Our specimens were first determined by Mr E. Cheel and were later compared with type material from the Lachlan River. New South Wales, collected by Allan Cunningham in May, 1817 (No. 283}. In Queensland, M. pubeseevs does aot occur on the coast but is confined, so far as we know, to the Darling Downs district, \ C. T. Wire, Government Botanist, Brisbane. EYES OF THE MARINE ONCHIDIUM (Nete on an exhrbit at the Jonuary “Hidden Treosure’’ Night) Semper, a famots German zoologist, discovered that the upper surfaces of certain Ouchidius species were very unusual. He found that some of the rough papillae freely scattered an this surface were actually tipped with eyes. There were dozens of thet in littl: groups of two to four, and these papillae could he retracted from the summit downwards and inwards after the manner of a perrscope. The structure of the noraial pair of eyes in the head tentacles resembles that of the eyes of other slugs and snails, but the extra eyes on the hack are most surprising. they have an inverted retina and a pierced retina with blind spot—-the sort of thing (although far more rudimentary) which is characterisuc of verlebrates. ; M. E. Freame. av N, F) Learmonra, Mantiily Notes from Pov tand yee en MONTHLY NOTES FROM PORTLAND F,H,C, By Noec F Lraraontr. We noted with mterest in the Nodweatts! for Match, 149, that some Viying Phalangers from Port Fairy ‘had been, liberated near Portland, Kepeatedly some of lhe marsupial “smaller fry arc sent (or described) to us for ideutification. A district list, which we lope to compile, wat assist those interested, as well as shaw what a wealth of marsupial life still exists i the little disturbed forests around Portland. During March, one of cur members brought in a Pigmy Possum (Cercartelwe onus) which, after many altcmpts, was photographed by our seerctary, BR. Carthew, and near Tyrendarra a Sagar Glider (Pelauras breviceps) was calight a few days lates, A new sanctuary has been proclaimed on Darlot Creek, two miles north of Tyrendarra, and 1 conta about 1,200 acres along both sies of the stream, This preserves 4 White bis rookery and the nesting sites of many water birds. The area on the Western bank allernates between swamps and basalt flats and barriers, while on the East are Aloaded creck flats densely covered with rush and sedge growth and backed by clumps of Munna Gum, Tea-tree and open pastoral land. The area is a par- ticularly rich hunting ground for the botanist, and Mr, Beanglehote lias undertaken to make a plant census. A complete bird List has still to be made, but up to daie 102 species have. heen noted there, Bricfy, we have two rails; wo crakes; stilts and stints; bralga and Yellow-lilled Spoonhill; three heros and two eprets; etght species of ducks; four cormorants; nine hawks; eleven parrats ard cockatoos, Ficld, Fi, Bluc and Scrub Wrens: Fantail, Speckled and Reed Warblers, seven honeyeaters; Oriok:, Chovgh, tliree currawongs, aud many otbers. Neduralist readers will remember that during Easter, 1947, the F.N.C.V-. sent an exeentive party to the Glenelg to inspect and report on a pro- yused National Forest on the flower seaches of the myer. Their report was very Jayourable und, singe then, effocis have been mule to conclude the matler by obtaming gazetial of this area. Difficultics arese because some of the land was considered suitable for settlement, On Vebmaary 17th last, representatives of Lands and Forests Depatiments were accompatmiel by our Iocal FNAL President m an inspection of the sectors most likely to be alicnated. In genetal, they fornd a good strip of strngy-bark country, fram 10 to 20 chains wide, fronting the river and considered that this could with advantage be included in the proposed reservation. The balance of the Dlocks are nol necessary tor wild life conservation, and can be serected Wf nerd he This left the fern gullics of the Lith: Moleside Creek system the only portron io clear up, as they are probably an Crown Lands, Our president Welerviewed the Secretary for Lands, aud asked that these beauty spois he Jeft out of any Cluser Settlement plans, a request that Mn Meilroy readily granted, So, when the Glenelg National Forest is finally wezctled, we will have reserved as a perpetual sanctuary all (he lower river front- ages, adjacent forests and the Moleside waterslied—some 70,000 acres. Since the Melbourne Club's visit, our focal Club has discovered antiher fern gully about two miles NF, of the Little Moleside one, Jr contains two kinds of tres ferns (the soft and rongh tree fer), The appoar- ance of the rough species is most dnpxpected, as none is in nearby gollics, and ‘only twe other plants knows in the whole Partland district, Another new find in the proposed sanctuary area is 200 acres of open heath, surrounded by thick forest, four miles NE. ef Nelson, Tr season itis one blaze af colour—red, pink and white heaths, yorh many orefids. The Victorian Naturalist Vol. 66.—No, 3 JULY 7, 1949 No. 787 PROCEEDINGS The Annual Meeting of the Club was held at the National Tlerbarium on june 6, 1949, the President (Mr. J. Ros Garnet) and about 130 members attending. A letter had heen received from Mr. E. FB. Pescott, accepting with pleastire the Club's nomination as candidate for the 1949 Natural History Medallion. Mr. I'rench had requested the Presi- dent to convey to members his gratitude for their expressions of sympathy in his recent bereavement, ’ Membess were interested to learn that Miss Ina Watson had been invited to address the London Natural History Society on March 29. ‘The followmg were elected to membership and warmly welcomed by the President: as Ordinary Members—Messrs. II. Best, P. Green and I. QO.’ Maroske [The name of “Mr. Clark” (Mrs, Freame/Miss. Wigan) appearing on the Business Paper in the Naturalist is amworrect and should read “Mr, Allen’]; and as Country and Interstate Members—Mr. J. Watson and Mr. J, A. Patrick. Nominations for membership had heen received from: Mr. J. E. Allen, 4 Glen Eira Rd,, Ripponlea (Mrs, Freame/ Miss M, L. Wigan) : Mr. McLaughlin, Valonia Avenue, Surrey Hills (Mr. J. Willis/Mr. L. B, Williams); Mr, EK. Diem, 90 Caroline Street, South Yarra (Mr. P. Fiseh/Mr. J. Ros Garnet) and . Junior Member, Ken. Sargent, Henry St... Murrumbeena (Mr. P Crosby Morrison/Mr. H. Preston), . The Secretary, Mr. H.” Preston, resi the Annual Report, its adoption being carried on the motion of Mr. Preston, seconded by Mr, Chalk. Mr. A. G. Hooke, one of our Auditors, then spoke on the Balance Sheer; the salient points: were written on a blackboard and Mr. Hooke pointed out that the £100 collected from out- standing subscriptions was unusually ape and due to the determined efforts of the Treasurer, Mr. E. Lord, to collect these amounts. During the year expenses a been cut to a mininum and quite recently advertisements had been included in the Naturalist and these would return approximately £60 per 42 Field Natwralists Cin Proceedings ae annum, Notwithstanding such measures, the Club has a deficit of £36, Which is undoubtedly attributable to the imereasing cost of the journal. The President pointed out that if prices continue to rise in the future there wil] be no alternative but to raise sub- scriptions of Ordinary Members. Mr, Lord elucidated some items appearing on the Balance Sheet, which was adopted on the matron ot Mr, Hooke, seconded by Dr. M. Chattaway. Mr, G. N, Hyam then spoke on the notified Motion, “That the antiual subscription of Country and Interstate members be in- creased to 15/- jn order to covey their share of the iiereased cost of The Victortan Naturalist’ On the Motion of Messrs. Hyam and Hooke, “'Cotintry and Interstate Members'” was expanded to “Country, Interstate and Overseas Members.” A torther amendment ta the Motion was proposed by Mr. Sarovich: “that the raté fur Ordinary Members be raised an additions) 2/6 also,” but as there was no seconder the amendment Japsed. The Motion as amended was carried without dissent. The retiring President, Mr. J. Ros Garnet; then handed the meeting over to Mr, Colin Lewis, whom he had much pleasure in declaring utopposed President for 1949/50, Mr. Lewis, taking the chair, thanked members for the honour yhat had been shown him and proceeded with the election of office-bearers and Council members, [The personnel and addresses of the newly elected Council appear elsewhere in this number of the journal]. Mr. Swaby thanked retiring councillors for all the hard work they had put in during the past year. This motion was seconded by Miss Young and earried with acclamation. Mr. J. Ros Garnet then delivered his Presidential Address, a sutamary of which will be published later. NATURE NOTES Mr. H. C, E. Stewart reported sighting a Fan-tatled Cuckoo at Maribyrnong near the river bank on June 2, at midday, he watched and followed the bird for several minutes, once within a range of about four yards, but it did not call This supports evidence that the species does riot always migrate from Melbourne for the early winter. Miss Perry saw another cuckoo in the Fitzroy Gardens about the same time. An observer had reported handreds af sea gulls at Hamypton tt the still, shallow water ‘dancing.’ Mr. Swaby's explanation was that they were stirring up the sea fice that were attempting to bury themselves beneath vhe surface of the sand, Mr. Miller remarked that for several years past the Spinchilf Honeyeater had been absent from his garden but has now returned Miss Chisholm reported having seen a particularly beautiful complete treble rainbow one morning at Sunshine. ape 7 Steheninth Atwnlel Report 43 EXHIBITS Mr. V, H, Miller: Cymbidines traceyamoan, grown under glass av St. Kilda, Mr. Ken Atkins, from Botanic Gardens: Acacia ofata, A, difnsu, A. rhetinudes, Banksia ertejfatie, B. ralur, Eucatyptes temuasylon (rose for), Grevillee alpina, Hakea lavrina, Leptaspermann lanigerwin, acd L, seo parinwe var, grondiflorwm. (rose form), ‘ SIXTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT The total membership is now 544, including —345 Ordinary, L6& Country, Interstate and Overseas, 12 Junior, 3 Life and-20 Haon- orary Members; there are also L3 subscribers. The Club had. the pleasure this year of electing to Honorary Membership Messrs, J, T. Hamilton (of more than 40 years’ association with the Club), A, A, Chisholm (a Past President and Honorary Editor for eight years) and F. S. Colliver (also a Past President and Honorary Secretary for 17 years). Tt is with serrow that we recall the loss through death of several members, amongst whom should be mentioned Mrs. V- H. Miller, Mrs. Charles French, Mr. Alister Clark of Bulla, and a one-time member Mr. Vernon Davey of Toolerm Vale- At this juncture reference might be made to the unveiling of a plaque in memory of the late Mr. R, H, Croli at Stawell, on. April 15, 1949; the President had forwarded an appropriate fetter to be read at the unveiling, Also, a eucalypt had been planted on behalf of the Cluh hy Mr. A. 5. Chalk at Toolern Vale Bird Sanctuary in memory of pur mutch esteemed late member, Mrs. V, H. Miller. Excursions have continued to be a prominent feature of the Club’s activities, but their effective organization has unfortunately heen hampered by the paucity of Leaders and the vacant office of Perinanent Exeursign Secretary. Such disadvantages were offset to some extent by the Excursion Committee, and especially by Mr. H. C. E. Stewart who stepped into the breach to maintain a regular programme, The parlor coach venture, initiated the previous year, was continued at intervals and amply justified by capacity attendances. Principal objectives for these trips were Lock, Inverleigh, Waughan, Inverloch, Geelong, Moss Vale and Granite and personal contacts were established in this way with several country members. Shorter hus trips were also well patro- nized, A highlight was the four-day visit to Rushworth, and the Easter period cnabled a successiul natural history venue at Tallangatta, Reference to the statement of accounts will disclose that the excursion fund has heen carefully financed, Future stiy- pluses may help this Fund to subsidize some long-range project such as a visit te Central Australia or the Barricr Reef. Uyefut Yee Nat. Vol. a6 44 Sicty-nimth Anaaal Report suggestions ang volunteer leaders must be forthcoming ta marshall the very apparent interest evoked in the ficld hy those attending. With inore leaders and the appointment of a permanent Excursion Secretary, it js confidently anticipated that the committee will improve the range and quality of the excursion syllabus (sroup Meetings inaugurated the previous year have contiaued tu flourish. The Botany Group Junctioned sormally with ten monthly meetings interspersed by field excursions during 1948, ‘The average attendance was 32. Most of the lecturettes: were ably given by Messrs, J. H. Wilks, A. Jo Swaby, J. Ros Garner, and P, Ribhy. The Group is indebved to Messrs. Swahy and Stewart for the foundation work put in by them and regrets that the commencement of 1949 found them both unable to continue mm oafice. Mrs. A. Oshorne kindly consented to act us Group Secretary in the New Year. A healthy sign of members’ interest is the many and varied exhibits of native flora at che meetings and the enthusiastic use miembers are making of the Club's brary facilities, >A Tn the Marme Biology Group, though sinall in numbers, members are very keen aud are encouraged Lo exhibit specimens. The Group is greatly indebted to Mr. Swaby for his series of lectures: to Mrs. M. EB. Freame for her exhibits, which are rnany, varied and appropriately explained, and to Miss W, Taylor who has worked hard as Group Secretary. During the year excursions have been held to several beaches, and dredging has been carried out in Port Phillip Bay. Steady progress is being maintained by the Geology Discussion Group. Attendances were consistent, with most members taking an active part. The Group has been assisted by Kev. E. . Gill (now palxontologist to the National Museum) in both discussions and excursions and wishes to register its gratefiel thanks to hin. Av the General Clutr Meeting in December, members of the Geology Group presented the subject, “Melbourne with a Past” and, as a result, members are now preparing this matter for a special publication by the Club with approval of Council. Au important feature of the Group’s work is the study of geological areas and this year the Bacchus Marsh region was deserihed by Mr, T. C Bryan. Several of the more active mentbers of the Group ade weekend camp-ouls to Torquay and the Korku- perrimul Creek. The area under observation at Black Rock is proving its worth as an example of cliff erosion in progress and successive coastline maps are being prepared for record. Regutar excursions are made and particular attention paid to “lost” locali- ties In view of the rapidly expanding built-over area aroynd Melbourne. A series of talks, “Geology Sinplified” in four parts, prepared specially for the beginner is how being presented by Mr, A. A. Baker, and Club members who desire a knowledge of this weet Saaty-ottnth trintnal Report dS interesting subject are invited to attend the meetings helt on the first Tuesday of each month, The scope of the Australian Wild Flowey Garden Group ts Hot as Wide as that of other Groups. but 15 ¢o 20 enthysiastic members have attended. In the past year instrictive talks were given by Miss Waddell, Messrs, A, Burke, P. Bibhy, A. J. Swaby, J. Ros Garnet, and Colin Lewis. The Group possesses a Seecl Register in charge of Mr. R, Savage and into thts Register members place their good unused seed, to be used m exchange for species difficult to purchase elsewhere, Miss Dawn Weston is Group Secretary. During the year a sub-committee was elected to revise the list of Institutions and Societies receiving the Victorian Naturalist either grafiy or on exchange. From 2 questionnaire farwarded to recipients, the sub-committee has carefully reviewed the “exchange” list and selected only publications most useful to the Chil. The Nature Exhibition for 1998 was extended to three days- Continuous heavy rain reduced the attendance at Hawthorn Town Hall on the last evening, but good publicity was secured. Visitors numbered only 1241 adults, and 767 children. Receipts were £121/7/6 and expenses £85/9/3, leaving a balance of £35/18/3. The generosity of the Hawthorn City Council waz much appreciated and an outstanding feature was the exhibit set up by the Hawthorn Junior Naturalists. Council sincerely thanks Mr. A. J. Swaby, organizer of the exhibition, the exhibition Conmnittec for assistance iven, the many country members who co-operated and the large ady of helpers for their enthusiasm and excellent teamwork. The Record of Research makes little progress. Any member who is investigating even the simplest matter should let Mr. A- J. Swaby have a note for entry in the record. The Club still takes an active interest in the affairs of the Council. of Scientific Societies. This Council, representing many scientific bodies in Victoria, strives to help its member societies by working for communal requisites such as a general technical lending library and possible creation of cultural centres. Mr. E. E. Lord the Cluh’s representative on the Council has been elected Honorary Treasurer to the Council for the year 1949. The Australian Natural History Medallion for 1948 was awarded to Mr. Ludwig Glauert, Director of the Perth Museum, Western Ansiralia, Although Mr. Glauert was not the Club's nominee, we take pleasure in the finding of the Award Committee, Mrs. Edith Coleman, the Club's nominee for 1948 will stand again without further nomination and arrangements for the 1949 Award are well under way, Mr, E, E. Pescott having been nominated as Club candidate for the current year. ' d In the capable hands of Messrs. A. Burke and R. D, Lee the library has served those members who have attended the Royal AG Siatyenioth Anaval Report Ves : Society Hall, especially during group meetings. Your Couricil regrets that it canmot house the library at the National Herbarium but invites you to use it at the Royal Society Hall on convenient evenings) Many fine books have been donated during the year and for these we are indebted to Miss Raff, Mesars. E, E. ‘ord, R. Kershaw. H, P. Dickins, H.C, E. Stewart, P. Crosbie Morrison aud A. H. Chisholm: Miss. E, T, Green donated several early volumes of the (ittarian Naturalist and Dr. M. Chattaway copies Of Conntryrmatnt and Country Life. The Plant Names Committee lias not met as irequerttly as it would have wished since May, 1948, but revision of the Victorian flora has nor heen overtooked and the Committee has an immense ainourt of material ready for publication and approval inv the Naturalist. During January, 1949, the A.N.Z.A.A,S, held another Con- feyence at Hobart, Tasmania. Three of our members attended as afficial delegates and on their return reported on findings of ‘natural history Wniportence. Gerieral Meetings held at the National Herbarium have received ‘good support from members, attendances averaging 180. Lectures have heen wide and varied and usually supplemented with slides or films. Volume 65 of the Mietortan Naturalise with Index is now coniplete. The included articles have been well balanced and for this and many other requirements of the Journal our thanks go ito Mr. J, H. Willis, Honorary Editor, and lis two able assistants, Miss Ina Watson (now in England) and Dr. Margaret Chattaway. A report from the Maranoa Gardens Advisory Standing Com- mittee indicates a successful period, A highlight of the year's activity was the Annual Planting Day by members, on April 23, 1949,. For the advancement oi the Gardens the Club requires many more “Friends of Maranoa’’ and those who have nor joined ‘its ranks are urged to do so, The Youth Movement Committee can look back on a useful ‘year, The Hawtherm Junior Club, mainly ‘under the careful ‘guidance of Mrs. Freame and Mr. Mitchell, have held regular monthly meetings and the Standing Committee wishes to thank ‘those members of the Club who have helped the Hawthorii Juniors. A furthet report’from the National Monuments and National Parks Committee seems unnecessary after the comprehensive statement published in the récent May issue of the Nuturalist, The Standing Committee is to be congratulated on its worthy ‘accomplishments during the year, Thanks of the Cooncil are conveyed to Messrs. G. Hyam. Colin Lewis, R. Kershaw, S,-R, Mitchell, P_ Crosbie Morrison and J. Ros Garnet for their constant efforts to bring about adequate control and managernent of Victoria's National Parks and Reserves. July 14 Sivty-ninth Anew! Roport 4? , With regard to incorporation of {he Club there is Juile to report, the matter being still in the hands of the Club's solicitors and awaiting their pleasure. Refore coneluding this report. the Council wishes to express its gratitude to several persons and institutions an your behalf: to Ma, A, W. Jessep, the Government Botanist, for use (rent free) of the National Herbarinm Hall us a general mecting place and for rows in whieh to hold Couneil Meetings; to Miss Ina Watson for the use of her home as a Cornel] meeting place up ta the time of her departure for England; to Miss Jean Blackburn fot help rendered in preparing typing and in reneoing; to Messrs. Hooke und Challe for auditing of the Club's accounts and for preparing with Mr. Lord and Mr. Carter the Club's Balance Sheet z tu Mr, and Mrs, Mitchell fur help at the Royal Society Hall; to Mr. I, Cudmore for his help with the Club's Library; to Mr, Swaby for painstaking effort in organizing working bees al the Royal Society Hall: to Brown, Prior, Anderson Pty. Ltd. for their continued interest in and praiseworthy effort in publishing our Victorian Naturafist; to the Council of the Royal Society for use of the lower supper hall in which to store the Club's Library and ag a meeting place for the Disctission Groups, and finally to all mientbers and friends who have unselfishly devoted time and energy to durthering the aims and idedls of the Club. (Signed) J. Ros Garwnr, President. H, E. Preston, Hor.;Secretary, BOOK REVIEW The illustrated booklet New Austratians, written by Ernest Platz, and published by the Jewish Council to Combat Fascism and Anti-Semitism, should be read hy all those who have at heart the adequate permarent settlement of displaced Europeans in Australia. As indicated by Mr, Clive Turnbull in the introduction, this publication goes a lnng way to remove misunderstandings concernim the cultural calibre of folk of non-Australian origin who have songht to Jive with us. Some of these yery desirable “new Australiais” bave already made their mark tm scientific circles here. notahly Dr. Boas, a physicist, yne of the principal research officers af the C.S.LI.- Dr. F. Luewe, associated with the Australian Antarctic Expedition on board the ship Hévatt Earp; and Dr. Leowhard Adam, an ethnologist of distinction, who proved his special metier by sponsoring a unique exhibition of primi- tive abatiginal art im our National Muscum a few yeare ago The Club has welcomed to jts membership others personally known to us Without exceptim, these have demonstrated their genuiwe ipterest in the native flora and fauna, givett us the henefit of their overseas training and experience, ang, faethe, set a worthy example in the svstemutig stady of Australian wild life, FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF. VICTORIA STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS TOR 12 MONTHS ENDED 30th APRIL, 1949 GENERAL ACCOUNT QsptnaAny IncomE— Oruinary Exeeynttugr— Subscriptions— hdetortan Naturalist— Arrears ,. .. e. ue £100 1 ol Printing .- -. -, -- £37715 0 Current .. .. fee ae)=647R NF 8 Illustrating -. .. 2) j. 42 4, 66 9 4 Life Membership _ hate te 20 9 Despatching .- .. 6. 6... a 46 15 11 —-—._ 6581 0 9 f(r | rr 8 0 0 Cash Sales. of— ———- 499 0 5 Viclorian Naturalist 2. 4. 4. 4 1 2 FRO PETES. 2 a ge al dete ple oslesie ge Jee tlle ace den 510 6 Badges .. . : 411 3 Postage .. . ie Bis ae 16 19 8 “1212 § General Printing antl "Stationery ee ce 27 7 =5 Advertisements in Naturalist .. $11 0 Library .. .. te teleb oh ADalepe 712 5 Thterest reccived, Bibeary Fund, #50 0@3 aig 112 6 _ Rent. Caretaking and “Meetings n 3016 0 Donations reccived . ite jas hs oe 270 General Expenses .. . +i 30 17 10 ————_ National Parks Report. cost ‘ot printing ar 8 9 0 #606 3 8 Donations and Affitiation Tecs -. ., ae 16 6 0 Excess of Expenditure over Income for year... . 3615 7 #642 19 3 £642 19 3 * BUILDING AND CONTINGENCIES ACCOUNT Balance in Savings Bank Account at 30/4/48 .. £11810 4 Balance in Savings Bank Account at 30/4/49 .. £193 7 10 Interest on Commonwealth Bonds and Current Account .. ,- eae ve ue ps 6 £34 0 3 Sale of Publications . ieee ' 4 8 0 Wild Nature Show, tect proceeds 36 9 3 7417 6 £193 7 10 £193 7 10 8P aniyipusdray pun syiaray fo puaittayoys j 59 ‘LOA “SEN PIA LIFE MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT ~ Balance in Savings Bank Account at SBA 4 A 00 Subscriptions received during year .. .. .. .. 5 0 Interest. on Current Account .. .. 4... 0... re 2 #66 0 2 6vart ‘ BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30th APRIL, 1949 LIABILITIES Building and Contingencies Fund £1,143 7 10 Dudley Best Library Fund .. *. 3.0 «0 £1,193 7 10 Suhscriptions paid in igang i Ordinary .. 5, «- Sb atfarsse, £80" 1. 6 Life Membership .. a ae 64 0 2 ———— 418 Excursiott Account , fs a ieee eee 44 4 11 Special Donations in Hand . ws leitette to 5 5 6 Surplus of Assets over Liabilities st pe pegoas 8S] £2,252 1 1 Audited and found correct ALC ‘A. red HOOKE \ Hon. Auditors: 6th June, 1949, E. E. LORD, Hon. Treasurer. Taken into Ordinary Income of year to 30/4/49 #2 06 0 Balance in Savings Bank Account at 30/4/49 .. 64 0 2 £66 0 ASSETS Bank Current Accounts-— General Account, E.S.&A, Bank #11 3 1 Life Membership’ RGeouet, State Savings Bank . iv f4 0 2 ———._ #75 3 Arrears of Subscriptions, estimated ta realize .. 4 25 0 Stocks on Hand at Valuation— Publications .. .- .. . . . #3618 9 Badges .. cs py a te ay ee oe 2111 3 : ———-._ 38. 10 Investments— Dudley Best Library Fund— Commonwealth Bonds #50 0 0 Building and Contingenctes Fund— C'wealth Bonds .. £950 0 0 Stata Sav. Bank . 193 7 10 1,143 7 10 ———- 1,193 7 Library, Furniture, Epidiascope and Water-colour Paintings, at valu- ation .. .. 0... ; wu 900 0 £2,252 1 [me aLnjyipuad es puy syfievay fo jMautaynyy oF be “ge ' rE, 1) F, Lewts, Some Notes on Lyre-lird's Display yeh ee SOME NOTES ON THE LYRE-BIRD’S DISPLAY By Free. Lewts, Melbourne Is the display of the male lyre-bird associated mainly with courtship? Is it an evidence of male pugnacity, defiance ov chal- lenge, or is it simply ‘show-off?’ Miss Ina ‘Watson's report on the lyre-bird’s display at Sherbrooke during the Christmas holiday season set ine thinking along these lines and, after summing up all the evicence, [ am frankly puzzled. This is a subject on which comments und observations from interested and critical Observers would be welcome. The display of the wale lyre-bird is so well known that a des- cription of it is not necessary. Jt is sufficient to say that, in my opinion, it is amongst the most beautiful of all bird displays and transforms a dull brown inconspicuous bird of the forest Roor into a most glamorous, entrancing creature. For a long time 1 held the opinion that the display was associated mainly with courtship. Practically all birds, as the breeding season approaches, indulge m some form or other of courtship hehaviour W. P. Pycrait, a noted English ornithologist, in his hook The Slory ef Bird Life has # most interesting and informative chapter on this subject. He divides courtship behaviowr roughly inte two -categnries—conguest by blandishments and conquest by battle Blandishinents would include such things as vocal and instrumental music, dances, antics and display of decorative or brilliantly coloured plumage. All those who have seen the lyre-bird’s display will, I think, agree with me that it includes a// these items, .viz., amusic, dances, antics and display of attractive plumage, ' Lyre-birds breed in the winter, the one egg being laid usually in May. Those who have seen them displaying in the autumn will no dawbe have noticed that the hen ts seldom if ever in evicence. ‘The male performs on his dancing mounds apparently entirely by himself. It may be, of course, that the hen is watching the performance unseen by us. Miss Watson reported that at Christ- mas the hen was present at the mound and watched the display. The matter in regard to these hirds is complicated by the widely held belieE that lyre-birds pair for life. If that is so, then wy the need for so much elaborate display in persuading the hen to select him as her mate, if they are already an old “marned couple”? Tt is well known that at Sherbrooke a pair of lyre-birds will occupy the same breeding territory year after year to the exclusion -of all others, and it is my experience that, in the breeding season, no other birds dare trespass therean. Apparently this taboo ceases to exist after the breeding season is over and the birds then wander -all over the forest. There seems to be some evidence that the male auses display as a means of driving away any trespassers on his alamain during the breeding season, THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 66 July, 1949 Pirate III Abeve: Lyre-hird examining his image in a mirror. (Note the raised crest.) Below: Displaying in front of mirror which is concealed by foliage in the foreground. Fhato.: Fred Lewis. anly 1 PF. Lewis, Spare Notes on Lyre-lird’s Drs ploy 51 One pair of birds which I studied for several years nested in a gully at Ferny Creek on the western edge of Sherbrooke forest. The male was éasily recognizable becatise he had a twisted toe on one foot. During the autumn and winter he used to feed reguarly up the side of the hill which, near the top, included severa) private gardens and homes, One house had a large window facing the west and one day the imale, feeding nearby, saw his reflection in the glass. At ance he fi¢w on to the sill and endeay- oured to attack the supposed intruder in his territory. Bemg unsuccessful, of course, in driving his reflection away, ke drew back and for some time gave his well known display. This performance was repeated frequently throughout the season and for several years, in fact unt!) he died of old age. | saw this performance afler two or three years and hoped to photograpli it, but conditions were always unfavourable far photography, In the meantime, the owner of the house built a woodet plat- form outside the window. At the end of this I securely fastened a murror about 10 inches square. As soon as he saw this he endeavoured to fight his reflection and dislodge the mirror, Frus- trated, he drew back and gave a musi wonderiul display which I was able to photograph, These facts seem to indicate that, here at least. the display was an evidence of male pugnacity and defiance or a challenge, used in an. effort to drive away the Stipposed intruder, A patr of Ivre-birds was kept under most favourable conditions in a large aviary at the Sir Colin Mackenzie Sanctuary at Badger Creek for seven years, During the whole of that time, I am informed, the male neyer gave his well known display. It has been suggested that the reason for this failure was the fact that no other lyre-birds lived anywhere near and that he had therefore uo need to demanstrate his ownership of that territory. If that be sa, it would appear that the display is predominately one of dehance or challenge to other males, The third point to be considered is whether the display ia simply “show-off.” Why does a bird sing? Is he telling the world that— “The blac eggs in the robin'’s nese Will soon have wings and heak and breast, Aud flutter or Ay away"? “Some hold that singing is merely the expression of super abundant energy; that a bird sings irom the pure enjoyment af life, the song being the measure of his superfluous vitality.” itis true that many hirds sing at ttimes other than in the breeding season, although Darwin regarded true song primarily as a method Of courtship, . But the lyre-bird displays at times quite apart from the breeding season and sometimes under circumstances where there is no 2 P_ Lewis, Sone Nates on Lore-bird’s Displey ee question of Lrespass by another male. Can it be said that under such conditions there is any explanation ather than simply the desire to show-off? Those who have watched the displays of peacocks will have found plenty uf evidence that ‘show-off? is a frequent reason for their display. Armangst certain monkeys and. apes in a zoo, as soon as a crowd gathers round their cage the animals hegin ta show off. May it not be s¢ too, in regard to the lyre-bird at those times of the year when there 1s no other obvious- reason for his wonderful performance? A BIRD BOOKLET Though only in the third year of its activity, the Tlawarra Naturalists” Society, Wollongong, N.S.W., has shown enilerprise i veprinting in brochure form, with a toreword and index, Birds af te Hlawarre. District. compiled by Ellis McNamara, and originally published iv The Aastrafan Naturalist, The idea of issuing regional lists, with appropriate notes, on our native flora and fauna by country mature clubs 3s: commended. Mr. MeNamara's list of 200 species, with bricf relevant observations, is- the sunimary of his 20 years’ experience in the district. He records some unusual facts, such as the virtual disappearance of the White Cockatoo and the Kine Parrot, both formesly yery common. Against this we are heartened te read of the increase of the Woupa Pipeon, A aew note cancerns the Pilot Bird cyincing a propensity for bosh burnt oul the previous season, and for blackherry-cavered areas. Another deals with the habit of the Yellow-faced Honeyeater im frequenting orchards and occasionally damaging salt frulis, Have Victorian observers evidetice of sinular tendencies in these two birds here? The booklet is obtainable (pest free for 1/4) from the author, Mr. Ellis McNamara, Cordeaux River, Mount Kembla, N.S.W. H. C. E. Srewent, ANTS AND THE “CRUCIFIX ORCHID’ (EPIDENDRUM O’BRIEN- IANUM) For many years I have. had several plants of thie hardy hybrid ovchid frowing under glass. They thrived in pots, allaining a height of two eet; but, as J had propagated them from the green tips, I had to wait three years before the galden cluster af cruciform flowers appeared. This year one of the clusters preduced «a nutober of globules of a viscid sweet substance from what-[ take to be extra-floral nectaries, since they were on the stems and not mm the fldwers, The small cammon black ant attended daily to lick the exudate and, later on, at the end of February, faur or so pretty green seed-capsules— fashioned somewhat ike Chinese lanterns —deyeloyed after the flowers had fallen. Ants probably pollinated them [see note by Rev. H. M. BR, Rupp, Meed. Nat, LXIIJ, Feb,, 1946, p. 188], for no other insects were observed to frequent the Howers. The green capsules, about half at inch ih diameter, began to split an April 5, and thousands of microscopic long slender scrds wafted down like bright dust in the sunlight. —TAueTon Rar Mey, ae W. HL Nicuores, dditronts fo the Orchidaceas nf 4.4, 53 ADDITIONS TO THE ORCHIDACEAE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA — IV Tour New Varieties of Thelywutra spats Lindl., with Netes on Allied Speries, Ry WH, Nicnotrs, Melbourne, Thelymitra sblyatizs Jind"? is a widely distributed endemic terrestrial orchid of Western Australia, It ix clusely related Lo the New Zealand and Victorian 7h, Matthewsit, Cheeseman? [TR. | Db’ Altomt Rogers), a species which invariably has a solitary deep violer-Llue flower. Th, variegata Lindl.) 1s also a close ally, and R. D. FitzGerald's “plate purporting to be this species unquestionably represents a very excellent specimen of Th. spiralic™ >) Both Th spiralis and Th. variegata. are to he found chiefly in forest or scrubland, where they grow in sandy soil among rushes or in grass tissocks, same= dimes several plants together. Dr. R.S. Rogers writes at some length concerning the problem “of differentiating between these spiral-leaved species |), Ta bis Swan River Appendix to Vol. xxii of the Botanical Register | (1839), p. 50, Lindley published two new species of Thelpmitra Cifae- vfonaldia). which he named Th. vartegate and Th. spivalry, These short deseriptiots lack details of diagnostic importance, but for convenience T quote them here— 1, TY. “warteyata—floribus purpurcis, sepatis petalisque Mncaribts aci- sunatis, cuculli dacuitis lateralibus linceolatis subcarinatis intermedia chsoleta, muthera carnosa ubluse elongata loculiy brevibus semicireu- farihns menbyanaceis.” 2 J. “spiratis—fotia radicali spirali cantina solttaria onata, dade wnt floro, floriius purpurets, enculli laciniis lateratibas carnasis dalabre formilus intermcdia obsolota, onthera obtuse afice paprillosa” [J¢ will be noted in these deseriptiuns that the leat is undeseribed in T. weriagata, but stated to be spiral in the other; the flowers are purple jin both; the intermediate lobe of the hood iy absent or rtidimentary in both, and there is na reference to the presence of a crest in either: the lateral lobes of Y. eartegata are lanceolate and subcarinate, in 7° spiralis they ave fleshy and hatehet-shaped, The name wrgala imnphes & character (presumably in the flowers) which receives no reference m either description, .. . . In my own material trom Western Australia, ile AaWers 2re sometimes punetaie ar variegated, sometimes nat; the lateral appendages vary considerably from ablone to elliptical, hut are always more or Jess elongated, in one specimen reaching a length af Stn, Lt is dificult to avoid the conclusion that Bentham®) and other anthors have included more dfign one species under the same name.) Th wariegafa Lindl, is a very beautiful species, the most brilliancly hued 7 Kefywxitva of all, and has been dealt with by the present uthnr () The leaf, however, is just as often spiral as ve and the perianih is definitely variegated as the specific name implies. Th sptrahs Linil The leaf fin my experience) is usually :strongly spiral, only very eccasionully linear The flawers vary in [ae Nat. Vol, 66 W. H. Nicuot.us, Additions to the Orchidaceae of WA, 54, For description, see page 56, ase W FL Nicnorts, 4ddittans to the Orchidaceae af WA, 5S size and in nutnber; in colour they are putple or purplish-blue, and the columm appendages are usually but not mvariably hatehet- shaped. The writer visited Western Australia during the sprmg of 1946,. and again in 1948; he saw these two species growing am sit, and also obtained material of both from other collectors, Th. voriegaia appears to be a stabilized, well-defined species; but Ths. spiralis is definitely of polymorphic unstable character. The typical spirals flower (as already mentioned) is figured by FitzGerald under “Th, variegate”’, hut is shown with several flowers (2-3) instead of the solitary bloom specified by Lindley, Bath species: flower between August and December, according to habitat and. climatic conditions. Four additional varieties of Th, spiralis will now be dealt with, indicative of the diversity of form and colouration within this Species and showing the difficulty which conirunted previous: workers in their efforts to unravel a most petpiexing botanical. problem. lL. THELYMITRA SPIRALIS Limll,, var, SCOULERZE war. nov, Planta gracilis, civca 25-30 curt. alt. Flores (in meno speci~ mine), majuscul, Segmenta-periantia late ovate-lanceolota, purpured, flaccida. i A slender plant about 25-30 em. high. Fluwers 2 (in my’ specimens) large, the perianth-segmenta purple, broad ovate- jJanceolate, Aaccid, Habitat: Yarloop (Mrs, E, Seouler, Sept-Oct, 1946—also several seasons prior), : This showy, largest-flowered form was seen by the writer tm sate near Yarloop. lt was first found by Mrs, Ethel Scouler of Yarloop, and ig named in her honowr. Mrs. Scouler is an enthusiastic collector of Western Australian Orchids, with numerous interesting finds to her eredit, among these being several new species, 2, Var, PALLIDA, var. nov, Planta gracilis, circa 30-35 cm. alla, Flores 1-2, magusctti, carned,; segmernia-perianthia lenceolata, stellata. A tall slender plant 30-35 em, high. Flowers 1-2, large, star- like; penanth-segiments lanceolate, acute, sepitls brownish-green and blotched, petals pale pink. Habitat: Yarloop (Mrs. E. Scouler’). 3. Var PUNCTAT.A, var, now, Plonta gracilis, civea 20-25 em. alta. Hloyes 1-2, tiajusenki, subdepur purer; Seqmenta-perianthi anguste-lanceolata, punctatn. Si W. HL Nrewouns, Additions ta the Orchidaceae of Wad, [Viet Mas A slender plant about 20-25 em. high, Flowers 1-2, large sonze- what purple; ihe perianth-segments narrow-lanceolate, generously marked with spots along the nerves. Habitat: Yarloop (Mrs, E. Scouler). 4. Far PULCHELLA, var. nov. Planta gracilima, circa 15 cm. alta. Flos solitarius (in eo Specimine), carneus, punctatus, circa 2-5 em, in diametra, Segmenta perianthti flaccida. Colimna carnea, lobi laterales sub-orbiculares, anrantiact. A very slender plant about 15 cm high. Flower solitary {in my specimen), Perianth segments pink, spotted, chiefly on the outer ones, somewhat flaccid. Lateral lobes of the column almost orbicular, orange, Habitat: Open plains or sand covered gravel, near Bolgart (Mrs. Riea Erickson, Bolgart, August 1934 and 1949). 4 “The locality of collecting was 7 miles north of Bolgart, near the iain road and about a mile from Wyening Siding, The country js sandplain and gravel, a small area with Wandoo, Marri and Banksia trees near at hand. I found it in August, 1934, and was very interested in the leaf shape which varied from straight to wavy and spiral. Never was it so conspicuously spiral as the leaf at Th. vartegaia,; The lobes of the column were consistently ‘stumpy.’ * (Ext. Letter, Mrs. Erickson, 17/2/1949.) KEY TO [ILLUSTRATIONS Thelymitra spiralis Lind]. and its varicties A—Two specunens growing together, showing leaves, bracts sud lower postion of peduncle, also tubers. B—Flowers of yariety pallida, var. nov. C—Flower of var, Scoulerac, var. nov. Deflowen of var pulcholla, var, nov, E—Colurnn from side in var. pwlehelia T—Flawets of var. pronctote, var, noy. G—Flowers of the typical form. H—Column of the typical form. {For natural size, see letterpress.) REFERENCES Swan River Appendi« XXL (1839), 90. Trans. NZ, Inst, 43 (1910), 177. Austr, Orchid., 2, Pt. 4 (1889). Trans. Ray. Soc. S.A., LIV (1930), 43, Fl. Austr’sis, VI (1873), 323. Wiel Nat. 62 (1945), 146. Ai seater EXCHANGE OF CRYPTOGAMS INVITED Through Miss Ina Watson has come the following request: Will any meniber interested in an exchange of Moss, Lichents, Hepatic or Seaweed specimens please communicate with Mr. A, H, Norkett, British Museum «i Natural History, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, S,W.7, London? ave \ E. Cobearan, Steurminy at Mand-Swalkews oP FURTHER NOTES ON THE SWARMING OF WOOD- ~ SWALLOWS ° By Fairyw Coleman, Blackburn. This year, wood-swallows again swarmed in our trees on Febtuary 16, 17 anil 18,. On February 19 they did not appear, probably serising the heavy rain which fell at 1G p.m, February 20 brought rain in the late afternoon, and was stil] moist and over- cast at 7.15; when the swallows clustered “under” an almost horizontal bough, On the 2lst, 22nd and 23rd there wag rain and wind ; the birds did not appear. On the 24th and 25th, after warm sunny days, they flitted between two of our tallest old gum trees which were lit up by the setting sun; birds aad trees turned to rose coloui—a pretty sight. They settled in small clusters, preening and tavittering, finally clustering in @ more densely foliaged tree, The 26th found them again sitting and preening, but they did not cluster, The 27th and 28h were cold ana windy; birds did not appear to settle in our trees, although they were about. Oi March Ist and 2nd, they were hawking over the garden, but did not cluster. For the first two nights (February 16 and 17), the birds settlect on the same tree, exactly in the same spot as last year. On Feb ruary 18, a large cluster had formed at 7.10 pum, At 7.30, a magpic few into and dispersed the cluster. They then settled in lines on branches of a Jarge stringy bark which had been ring- barked and had lost most of its foliage. Later they clustered on,a very slender limb just below a: forks. On the defoliaged tree, the cluster stood out boldly against the evening sky — a great bristly oval mass that should have pre- sented a formidable appearance, even to a bird of prey. (It is possible that magpies are feared. 1 have mvself seen one snatch up a vellow robin which was foraging in a wood pile.) Fortunately, there was no wind, as on the previous evenings, or the birds would have heen uncamtattahle in such an exposed situation. There was much movement hefore they had finally settled. At 8 p.m. all was guiet, Although tt was not very light in the garden, the ¢luster, high up on the bate tree, stood aut clearly. At 845 it was still plainly visible, it will be noted that the birds may cluster above or below a fork which, obviously, is not chosen as a support; but all of the trees have thick stringy bark into which the clawed foes should sink. Has any observation heen made on the type of bark chosen for swarming? Apart from giving a goad foothold, perhaps stringy-bark would be warmer than a smooth bark, probably hold- ing Jonger the warmth of the iree, At 3.45 aan., this particular swarm had flown. The sky was stil pierced with stare and the moon clear, though it was not 58 E, Coneman, Sroearmiug af WM’ acd=Swallouis ae yery light in the garden. I had hoped to see them “take off” from such a spléndid position, but missed what would surely have been a beautiful thing to sce. It is interesting that the daily papers recorded the coldest weather in February for 25 years. A comparison of the clusterin dates for the past six years stresses the punctuality of our wo swallaws:— 1944 ww. Feb. 26 1947 _.. . . Feb, 18 1945 a. , Feb. 20 1948 _ . Mar. | 1946... _.... Feb, 17" 1949, ow. Feb, 16 1946... April § ={In the April, 1948, igsue of the Vicrorian Natiralist the clustering date for 1946 was omitted, and that for 1947 inadvertently substituted, J Resulting from an article T wrote for The Age on May 7, a letter from Licut.-Col. Sutton (May 11) brought the report that he and his wife watched a swarm of wood-swallows about 40 feet from the ground at his country home, on the Waori Yallock side of Emerald, during Easter Saturday. He said: “We watched this {to us) phenomenon until we could see no more, by which time the cluster was only a darker blur against the lighter shading of the gum tree.” Tt was estimated that there were 60 or 70 birds in the swarini and chat it would occupy ati area of 3 feet in diameter. They did not see them again during the holidays, but, knowing now when to look, there is little doubt that Lieut.-Col. Sutton will report sinilar proceedings next year. AUSTRALIAN FOREST LEAGUE The Ausitahan Forest League, Victarian Branch, founded 1912, with tucmbership unbroken for 37 years, has urged Australians to maintain exist- ing forest reserves, have more reserves on hilltops and river banks, restore clenuded ateas, plant waste places atid sand dones, protect forests from fire aid damage, prosecute offenders, use wise Iezislation, plant trees to shelter stock, crops and homesteads and for ornamentation, use timber correctly, weet ta discuss forests, publish facts and statistics, Tarim: forest conscious- hess, and protect native Aora and fauna, Full Members, 10/-: Associates. 5/. Apply immediately to A, N. C. Gilbert, Hon. Treasurer, 12 Edward Street, Kew, 14, PERSONAL Ur. Harry E. Young, of Brisbane, has accepted an important undertaling wilh the Imperial Institute in connection with rescacch among the rubber plantations in Ceylon. During Dr. Youne’s period of war service in Mel- bourne he evinced a keen interest in our Club, and gave a splendid lecture on one occasion. MMis many friends here wish him success im his hew «phere of work, whith is auticipaied to cover 4 period of 34 years. esis N, A: Wankerieen, New Combinations iv Anstralasion Forns SY NEW COMBINATIONS IN SOME AUSTRALASIAM FERNS By N. A. Waxerigt. Faniily Ayincnophnlacear Perisal of Australasian material, in conjunction with Copeland's “Genera Hymenophsilacearnm,” (PaAilipp. Journ Sci, LXVIL, No. 1), mere the necessity for the following additional revision within |has amily: 1. MECODIUM WHITES (Goy) comb. nov. [Syn. Hyntenoplestinns Wistes D. A. Goy, Oneunslond Nateralist, XL, No. 6, p. 126, Aug., 1941.) Thornton Peak, North-east Queensland. F 2, CREPIDOPTERIS WILD (Bail) comb, nov, (Syn. Triche- wmoanes Wildit Bailey, Geeensl, Bot, Bull, No, 4, p, 19, t, 5a, 1891.) Near Cairns, North-east Queensland, 3. CREPIDOPTERIS AUSTRALIENSIS (Domin} comb. et sta. tov. (Syn, Trickowmanes nanumt, var, austrehense Domin, Bitvigtheca Retenica, p13, 1913.] Dainirce Rever, Norili-cast Queensland. The above three combinations were used and attributed to the prescnt writer in Check List ef North Queensland Ferns (Publication No. 3 of Ihe North Queensland Naturalists’ Club, Nov., 1946) with the assistarice of Mrs. L. S Smith. lately of Queensland Herbarium, Brshane, They had not, however, been correctly published, but had been in manuscript form for several years, and as such had been communicated by the writer to Brisbane Herbarium, 4, CREPIDOMANES MAJORAE (Watts) comb. not, (Syn. Trieha- wanes Moyoroe Watts, Froc. Linn. Soc. NSW, XXXI1XK, f 759, Pl. LXXXVI, i. 2, 1924; Trichomanes Wolleri Watls, Le, p 761, £. 3] ucensiand, . CRASPEDOPHYLLUM CHEESEMANI! (Baker) comb, non [Syn Hymenophyllem Cheesemanii Baker, Hook Ic, Pl, t. 1132, 1873.] New Zealand. The genus Craspeduphylium wag described by Copeland as charac- lerized by the black contents of the obliquely placed marginal frond celts, and 25 monotypic, the only species being C. wiarginatiin, The concep: tion of this genus must now be broadened to cover two other New Zcalazul species, the ane aboye having the margins of its imyolucral valves only, thickened and bhick, : The combination, Crospedophyllum Armstrongh {Baker} F. J. Rae cx Copeland, was made for the third species as recently as 1947 (Genera Futcum, p. 33}. Professor E, B. Copeland had previously CPhilipp. Journ, Set LX, No, 4, p. 15?, 1940) dransferred it to the genus Microtrichowtinnes. Holloway considered Baker's Hymenophylun Cheese- maenit to be no more than a form of his Trichomanes Armslrongi [i.c., A, Aratstrangit Kirk, $878] published in 1868 (Sym. if, T, p. 452). Family Cyatheaceas ; CVATHEA WOOLLSIANA CF. Muell.) comb, nov. [Syn. Alsophila Woollstana F. Mueller, Fragw VIIL, p. 479, 1874.] Mount Grahame, Mt. Spurgeon, Cardwell Range, Rockingham Bay aud Herbert's River~North-cast Queensland, : This species las the dark terete basal hairs of Dicksonia antarctica a3 well as visa ctirved scales, and is not at all allied to Cyathea Lefeh- bardrang with which many have combined it From information suyyplicel by the writer, Mrs L. S, Smith (née Goy) lias already used the jpame “Cyathea Woolisianc” [sec “The Tree-ferns of Queensland.” in Qand, Nat. Xi, 42, May, 1943]; but, in the absence of any “references in a previously ahd cflectively published description” (Act 37, Mules Bot. Nomencl), her combination can not be accepted as validly published- oH What, Méhere wad When _ pean WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN General Excursions: al Saturday, July 16 Zoology School, University of Melbourne. Subject: “Biology,” Leader: Professor ©. W, Tiegs, Meet at entrance to Zoology School, Oniversity grounds, at 2.30 pm. Names to be repis-' tered with Miss W. ‘Taylor, 13 Jolimont Square, Jolimant, G2 (Tel- MY 4269), Preliminary Announcements: Saturday, August Lie-—-Roeking Stone at Lysterfield Hills, Subjects : Geology and Botany of area, Round trip via Upper Fermuree Gulty and retewn via Narre Warren.’ Nash's new Blue Bus from Batinan Avenue, 9 am. Kare, 6/6, Bookings with Miss M. Elder, 17 Adelaide Street, Malvern, $.E.3 (Tel. U 7297), Leader and larther detiils tater, ‘Satbrday ws ‘Sunday, August 27-28 -Bendigo week-end. Subject: “Hakea Wattle aud early Whipstick Flora," In conjunction with Bendiga Field Naturalists’ Club and Wattle Club of Victoria, Teave Melbourne by morning train on Suturday, return by road service on Sunday evening. Linnte! hotel accommodation, aud local transport (one half day and oue full day) at Bendigo, Further details from Mr. H, Stewart, 14 Bayview Terrace, Ascot Vale, Early hotel booking essential. 9... Saturday, Sept, }—Snob’s Creek Fish Hatcheries (by, courtesy of Mr A. Dy Butcher, Director of Fisheries aud Game Dept). 200-rmile parlor coach excursion via Healesville and Buxton, Leave Batman Avenue 7.45 am, return to city about 9 pm. Reserved seat bookies, 22/-, with Mr. H, Stewart, 14 Bayview Turrate, Ascat Vale, W.2 (Tel FU 022, extn, 457). Advance bookings mus, be confirmed on or hefore lith Angnst, otherwise cancelled. Bring two nreals, Group Fixtures: ' saturday, July 23—Botany Discussion (srowp excursion -to Somertan ani Mount Gellibrand. Subject: “Red Gumi and Associated Ground Flora” 928 am. wain trom Finders Strcot to Somerton (via Coburg and Fawkner) ;, retort 4.5 pm, train from Broadmeadows, Fare, 1/10. second class return, Easy wall of about 44 miles. Bring, one meal. Al Club members cordially jnywited ; Monday, July 25 —Rotany Discussion Group, Royal Society’s Hail. 8 pam Subject: Discussion on Ground Flora from Saturday's excursion. Hoan. Sec. of Group: Mrs. A, Osborne, 21 Renwick Street, Glen Iris, SEA. Tuesday, August 2—Geology Discussion Group, Royal Society's Hall. & fim. Monthly Meeting, VParnculacs fram Tor. See, of Group: Mr A, A, Baker, 53 Carlisle Street, Preston, N.S Thursday, August 4—Witdftower Garden Group. Reyal Sceiety'’s Hall, & pan, Subject: “My Experiences in Growitg Natiyé Flowers," by Mr. G. Meck, Toran. Hor. Sec. of Group; Mr. J. B, Jennison, 2, Linda Street, Moreland, : Friday, August 3—Marine Biology Discussion Group. Royal Society's Hall, 7.45 pam. Joveturette by Mr. A. J. Swaby. Hon See. nf Group: Miss W Taylor, $3 Jolanent Square, Jolimont, C.2. NB, Excursion Committe: would welcome suggestions fot may excursiny programe. 4 =Jean Blackoiin, Txearsion Seeretary, “a Allenby Aveaue, Glen Iris, SEG. The Victorian Naturalist Vol. 66.—No. 4 AUGUST 4, 1949 No. 788 PROCEEDINGS As the July number of the Pictorian Naturalist was being wrapped for despatch to members, the FP.N.C.V. Council reluc- tantly decided that, by reason of unforeseen power and transport restrictions and the engagement of the Herbarium Hall on other possible meeting nights, it was desirable te abandon altogether the July meeting of this Club. Metropolitan members were notified of the cancellation by a slip imside the cover of their journal copies; press and radio announcements were also made, but it is to be hoped that circumstances will not soon necessitate a repetition ef this extreme and unfortunate measure and that we shall be privileged to hear Mr. J. Ponder’s leeture, “Birds of the You Yangs,” jn the not too distant future. Norninees for metnber- ship, as published in the July Naturadist, will stand for election at the August meeting. PRESERVATION OF NATURE, AND THE F.N.C.Y. (Summary of Presidential Address, June 6, 1949) By J. Ros Garnet I have heard it said that a Presidential Address, like a good sermon, should be modelled on a radio talk—it should not exceed 15 minutes, I may not be able to say afl that T wish to within that desirable linnt; bul, if I do take rather Jonger, it will be because my theme is of cngrossing interest to me and, I imagine, to you also, This is the one oceasion in the Club year when your retiring President may, if he so desire, undertake the task of reviewing the past, discussing rhe present, or anticipating the future. My purpose now will be ta discuss the present and look forward a little to see what the future may have in store for the Club in its ever-widening membership. During recent years some of our presidential “swan songs’ have had as their principal theme memories of the past—rather saddening memories of men and things Jong since departed, We have gazed retrospectively at the picture of some long-departed form of wild life and, perhaps, we have drayen a moral, We live in a world, and especially in a land, that is intensely interesting—with mulltitudinous changes in pattern of life and ‘ P ; Vict. Nat. 62 J. Ro Garxer, Preservation of Nature rere ee form—and, although fossils andl museum specimens are part of that pattern, we strely never cease to recall that once they were all living things. It is the vital thing that matters most and it is the prime object of this Club to see that the living things of to-day do not too hastily become the fossils of to-morrow, How much Letter it is to browse among the living than among the tambstones, salutory though that latter protess may sometimes be! With us and around us are Birth, Life and Death—Innovation, Consetvation aud Destructiot—and the ifteractions between them are aptly summed up fn the phrase, “The Balance of Nature,” As mankind struggles toward its destiny—as the process ot civilization moves toward its climax—the concomitant processes of destruction are modernized and improved to a degree where the CONSERVATORS become more and more essential if this balance of Nature is to remain stable. Most of us have lived our lives in years which have surely witnesstd unparalleled destruction, not enly of precious human lives hut of almost everything that makes for human livelitiood —forests, soil, arable land, wild-life and so on. This destruction, brought about by man himself, is so complex and so highly specialized is his present system of living that he is apparently powerless effectively to halt these destructive processes that he has unleashed. This is hardly the place to enlarge upon the adverse effects of industrialization and the development of urban conmmunities in relation to modern economics, tanless it be to remind ourselves that these very factors have led to the formation of such societies as our own Club und it is imperative that the activities of all such bodies he perpetually expanileri. The FLNLC.V. can be taken as a typical cross-section of people wha, to the limit of individual and collective means, endeayour to weight the balance im favour of preserving and protecting all those things that are niost prone to wanton destruction. It is easy to believe that in this, our own country, without the continued influence of naturahsts and nature Jovers, our birthright of virgin forests, crystal-clear streams, enchanting bush tracks, coastal scrub and the haunts of native wild life would rapidly disappear, never to be seen agai, lt is only in recent times that the public has begun to appreciate properly the need for all these things and by “properly appreciate” TF do noi mean merely the wish to preserve them as mruseunt speci- mens, The need for preserving nature's balance itnplies much more than that. To preserve our rural and urban communities and, what is even more important, before we can extend them, steps must be taken to see that sufficient land is available for the farmer and, not only available, but effectively worked. No our J. R Gaover, Preservation of Nature 43 farm, nar, indeed, any kind of comtmuriity, can prosper Where there is inadequate water and water can hardly be controlled jri the abserice of perennial vegetation, especially of trees. Trees, with their associate shrubs and herbs, will soon pass away and fail to regenerate i7 their own communities are reduced in number below a certain biclagically stable value. Their dis- appearing in such circumstances can be related to a corresponding depletion of birds, beasts and insects. Thus it is that, to preserve our communities, and even our civilization, the soil, forests. bush, springs, creeks and rivers, lakes, Julls and mountains must all be husbanded, tended and contralled, Where damage or unwitting destruction of any Kind takes place we should be alert to see that the damage is promptly repaired and the effect of the destruction nullified by appropriate action of a constnictive kine. Action along these lines is, as you well know, a matter of public policy nowadays. We in Victoria have a Forests Commission, a Board of Works, a State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, a Soi! Conservation Board {and the prospect of an equatly neces- sary Land Utilization Authority), a Department of Agriculture, of Mines and Geological Survey, of Fisheries and Game, a Central Planning Authority with its several regional committees aud all these. with several other public bodies, are intimately concerned with one or other phase of conservation, utilization, repair and planning of the Statc’s. natural resources. We are surely moving towards the time when there will be yet one snore public organiza- tio, one specifically concerned with the task of undertaking a biological survey of the State—a body that may be but a Divisien of an organization concerned with a task of much greater scope and importance, the bielogical survey of the whole of the Common- wealth, A comprehensive survey of this kind is appearing more and more necessary if all those other statutory bodies are to furction to the best advantage for the people and, to function in this way, each must be aware of what the other ts doing or what it proposes todo, A Biological Survey Service carr become the clearing house of biological knowledge which can be eollected and marshalled only by trained scientists and trained field observers. Qur Club and allied societies have been important media for the training and instruction of field observers and from their membership have been drawn tnany men and women whe to-day are widely known and recognized for their experience of the general and scientific aspects of malurat histery. Our first President, Proiessor Sir Frederick McCoy, very clearly recog- nized the need for supplementing academic studies with practice in the field and encouraged many teachers and students from the a4 JR, Garnet, Preservahon of Nature wir tae then-young University to become F.N.C. members; this carly- formed tradition still persists. There is, however, a difference now. I think I am right m saying that the present membership includes a lower percentage of University students than actual graduates and this can be explained, perhaps, on the assumption that the high pressure of a modern University course leaves little time for the more leisurely pursuit of field natusal history. When his course is finished, a student may then join us for the recreatyon and pleasant associations that develop among those very kindly people called naturalists, It is the young man ard young woman whom we need now if the Club is to play a continuing and effective part in the traming ef future biologists—those botanists, entomologists, zoologists and general naturalists whe will be required for the inevitable Biological Survey Service. Obviously, it is not the function of the Club to train thern in the academic sense ,although through the kinduess and enthusiasm of certain experienced senior members their own enthusiasms may be kindled along many avenues of profitable research. Our aum should be rather to instill into members, by precept und example, a sense of the jntimate relationship of all natural phenomena—to demonstrate ta them that every accurate observa- tion, however ununportant it may seem, is worthy of record, The medium for recording these apparently nifling or insignificant data is available to all of usin our journal and magazine, The Victorian Neattralist, which we must never allow to cease—a tnonth-by- month publication for 65 unbroken years is a splendid tradition that must be upheld at all costs. Among more obvious purposes, it serves to bring to the notice of all kinds of people and instlitu- lions recent advatices in natural history and, even more impore tantly, the views of a considérable cross-section of the thinking community on matters affecting the conservation of our wild life. Let us encourage the youth of the cities and towts to under- stand our objectives, to share our teereational activities and help us in gur work; from their ranks can be chosen the leaders of selentific thaugit ta-morrow—the men and women who wil) direct the several government departments of which I have already spoken, It we are to do this, the appropriate schools must be available ta those who would wish to learn. The “school” of the Field Naturalist, whether destined to become a geologist, a botanist or what you will, is the whole world of nature and if his studies are to be something more than a mental exercise; making some ¢antribution to the sum total of ecological knowledge, then he must haye materials available for such studies HEREIN LIES THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR NATIONAL RESERYES, fing. JR. Garner, Preservation of Nature 65 Unfortunately, the distribution of those we already have is not well-balanced, if we think of them in terms of scientific uschulness- Certain areas within this State which are highly desirable, ever) necessary, for the purpases of special study and training are not subject to public control in any way and they may easily suffer irreparable damage and lose their scientific value at the inere whim of their owner or controlling body. Others of umque scenic or historical interest are being lost to us through the inevi- table extension of settlement. Even such National Parks and Reserves as have already been set aside for centres of nature and scenic preservation stand in grave danger through neglect and gradual deterioration. The time has come when out country’s Ieaders must act to protect and control the existing National Reserves and the wild life within them. To ensure that they will have the greatest possible value to the State, steps should be taken to prevent them {rom becoming breeding grounds for pests, and we should see to it that their function as resorts for out-of-duor pleasure hy the people does not over-ride that of their function as strict reserves which typify the best in natural beauty and attractiveness of the Victorian landscape, It is superfious to atress the meed for many tore inalienable reserves, properly controlled and managed as assets of great value to the State and its people, boih to-day and in years to come., To secure his effective management of nature reserves, there is only one course open to our Government and it was clearly seen by delegates who attended the several conferences on Victoria's National Parks and National Monuments which were held last year. Yhere was compiete unanimity among delegates that nature reserves should be placed in the control of a special statutury authority whose executive officers would be experts in wild-life management, fauna biology, forestry, botany, ecology, etc. Such an authority could de much, with the co-operation and support of existing Government agencies and with the future Biological Survey Service, Without co-operation it conld do tittle; burt, if we can judge from the cuthusiasm of delegates who repre- sented Government agencies at the conferences, it is certain that a National Parks Authority would be welcomed by their adminis- trators. - An annual expenditure of £25,000, with capital expenditure ot at least twice that sum, would go far toward giving our National Parks the attention they deserve and would bring untold advan- tages to the State—in the obvious way of attracting tourists and visitors and in the less apparent way of providing a healthy outlet jor vouthful energies, 2g., the establishment of “nature trails” for hikers and campers, the provision of hostels, chalets, etc. 66 J. R, Gargwer, Preservation of Natere betes Then, evert less apparent, would be the stabilizing effect on the pier biological balance of the State's forests, streams, and wild lite. Members of this Club should not spare their individual influence to see that this project is realized. It may be recalled that, through the wide and influential membership of our Club, many of our nature reserves have actually been established. We must now see that these reserves fulfil the very purposes for which they have been reserved. If our unique and characteristic native flora and fauna is to prosper, or even survive, the job of preservation must no Songer be delayed. “Leadbeater’s ‘Possum’ 1s but one exaniple of mar- supials which can now be seen ofly in our National Museum (this particular animal was originally described by Professor McCoy, the first President of our Club}. Other species will surely dis- appear unless we take steps NOW to preserve thern and the ideal place for their preservation is nol in a museum but in a National Park within which close wild life refuges can be established. In what other ways can the Club continue to justify its @xis- tence? The days are gone when the majority of members vied with one another in contributing to the well-being of the Club and efficient management of its affairs. This is rather regrettable as, with our present large membership, far toa much worl: ts imposed on those who are appointed to shoulder the routine business, without fee or reward. There are very few of us who, while still pursuing our daily vocations, can give continuously and unstintingly of Jeisuce hours without feeling the strain. It must be realized that efforts ef your Council to conduct the Club’s business within the limits of income mean that stringent economy is practised; but I doubt if these economies are yery evident to the average member wha receives bis Netnuralist regu- larly each month, whose excursions are carefully organized, whose General Meetings are provided with an attractive and interesting subject, who, in short, has to do nothing but pay twenty-five shil- lings & year and come along. Is not the F.N.C. now a society, tather than a “club” in which every member pulls his weight? There js a reluctance in most members ta accept nomination for office or to lead an excursion, and the same team is allowed to carry on as best it can with whatever makeshift devices it can secure—so long as it does nothing that will prejudice our balance- sheet to the extent of indicating a desirable increase in our subscriptions; but, unfortunately, the device of increasing sub- s¢riptions applies equally to the hard workers as to the sleeping partners ! We have all wished that a list of members could be published; but, as tt will involve much extra labour for the Secretary and as the cost of printing would be abotit £30, the project is deferred on JUR, Gaanes, Preservation of Nature a7 {rom year to year. The Rules of the Club, as now revised, should be available to every member; but to pont and circulate them will cost another £20 or £50. The Cluly's incoine from current revenue just will not permit such expenditure. These are items which must be distinguished from those which are in the nature of contrilutions to the community as a whole, e.g., incorporation of the Cluh and the publication of the Fern, Shell aud Fungus booklets, the Census of Victorian Plants, ete. The latter would be financed from the special fund, resulting from the accumulated efiorts of members past and present, viz., the “Buildings, Publica- tions and Contingencies Fund.” As a final word on this topic, we should endeavour to develop the special fund so that, eventually, the Club may have a home of its own—a place where our library may be safely housed, where members may meet ag in a Club, where we may keep collections of natural history interest and where we may browse and talk as individuals and groups. One of these days it may be worth our while to convene a special general meeting to consider such a long-range project. I fcel sre that the objective could he achieved by some such scheme as the issue of debentures to all willing members, to interested and affluent people, ‘ ff the F.N.C.V. ts to continue as a front-line vehicle for the dissemination of the conservation gospel, if it is to contnue contributing tu the acenmulation and dispersal of scientific natural history knowledge; then we members must take a grealer share in its activities We mnst be prepared to do just a little more than assemble once a month lo hear what someone else has to say or passively watch the result of someone else’s creative effort ‘There was a time when members of this Club were the recog- nized giants in most branches of natural history—Mueller, McCoy. Spencer, Lucas, Dendy, French and Leach, to name but a few of the stalwart leaders of a past generation. Their fields have heen so well scanned that relatively few novel or spectacular species remain for naturalists of the present day to discover, but there ave still vast virgin tracts awaiting the student. The life-histaries of eotintless insects and many of our spiders yet await study and description; birds and their habits have still many mysterious features which can he solved only by patent abservation. of the naturalist; plant specification is now a matler maimly of academic interest; but there ts stitl the limitless fick of ecology—the relation of plants (and aninials) to their environ- ment—almost unexplored in this couritry. How hitle we know of the natural history of our own shores and coastal waters. So little, T think, that each of us could spend a lifetime studying niatine natural history without trespassing on each other's field, and then pass on, leaving merely the preface 1oa story. 6& N. PF. Leanmowtu, Mondlily Notes fram toe Portland & NC [ Viste Mit. There is work, too, for the minvralogist, geologist and palaeon- tologist—by no means all of it need he directed consciously fa economic needs. The specialist can later piece together the whole story from piecerneal records so that, ultimately, the economic need may be met when it arises, Field Naluralists are workers in the field—their principal lalio- ratory. Even though they need nor he trained scientists, they have eyes to see, ears to hear, tongues to speak and hands to write. Let us therefore individually use all these faculties within the compass of our capabilities. If we do so, I am prepared to forecast a lively and increasingly useful future for our Club which now approaches its 70th year of fine tradition in vigorous growth and public service, May we be ever justified in believing that the past can never rival the future. MONTHLY NOTES FROM THE PORTLAND F.N.C. By Noew F. Leaamonre Among the exhibits brought to our last meeting were twa Rufous Bristle-hirds {Dasyerais troadbent), 2 Ground Thrush (Oregcinela) famdata}, a Goshawk (A4stuy fasciatus) and an Allied Rat (Rathaus osstue- Hy)—all from among that morning's catch in a member's line of rabbit traps, Brisile-birds are frequently killed in this way and, though difficult te see in the thick undergrowth south of Partland, ere quite common: the writer saw five birds on one bis) track at Cape Nelson recently, Gromd Thrushes are rare here, though widespread, The goshawk was only just déad when found at dawn, sa it must be a very early hunter. Several members spent a day last eronth hunting for the patch of tree- ferns, said to be growing still at the headwaters of the Fitzroy River. We found them m a2 remote gully Netween Mts. Vandyke and Deception— abouc one hundred specimens of Dicksonia antarceica (Soft Treée-ferts), pratected from man's intrusion by almost wocrossable bog with swanms of hungry leeches. In this locality also we found several examples of the Yeilow-staining Mushroom (Psaltiofa xonthoderma}, a tather repulsive- louking fungus witich had not been reported previously from our district; the species has recently achieved fame as the source of 2 powerful antibiotic af far greater potential usefulness than penicillin or strepboriyein, Another tlew botanical find was uw patch of Wiry Coral-fern (Gleichenia circieata, syn. G. dtcorpa), which Mr. Beauglehole came acréss near the site of the ald Pipeclay Mill—an early-day timber yenture, Swamp Club-mass (Seloginelia wliginasa) was seen near the souree of the Surrey River, the only other hava locality in aur cistrict being the western slopes of Mt. Clay. During this auspicious day we saw 40 emus and same outsize “Foresters” (Red Kangaroo, Megalo rxfo), Under the direction of Mr. H. B.S, Womersley, of Adelaide, our sea-weeds are being gathered and listed by CHT Beauglehole. A great wealth of marine Natural History material awaits the collector on the rockebound headlands of Grant, Nelson, and Rridgewater; but such worl ied risky and can only be attempted under favourable weather and tides, The Portland District Bird List bas mow reached 253 species since checking began on Ist Faly, 1948. Owlng to many unforeseen diffientties the work has been much interrupted; but, despite this, 170 of the recorded species have been actually seen in the past twelye mouths, rin E, Th. Gnu, arly Tertiary Plant Beds nedy Paseoo Vale 69 EARLY TERTIARY PLANT BEDS NEAR FASCOE VALE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA By Eomexp D. Grit, 8.4. B.D. National Museum, Melbourne, The Great Dividing Range runs east-west in Victoria, and go the natural drainage is always to the south. This has held since early Tertiary times at least, a matter of 60,000,000 years, At the present time al! the Victorian rivers drain directly to the south except two—the Mitchell and the Yarra. Taulting 1s the reason giver, for the easterly flow of the Mitchell along a great part of its course. The Yarra, however, is a patchwork river, compoundes| of various pieces of various ages. There are two matt pieces involyed. One is the early Tertiary Wurunjerri River, which drained the Woori Yallock basin and then flowed southwards through Lilydale and Frankston (Gill, 1942). The other 1s the Melbourne River, which flawed southwards over the site of Melbourne it early Tertiary tinies, and aver ithe land which fater subsided to form Port Phillip. A branch of the Melbourne River later linked up with the marginal drainage of the lava-blocked Wurunjerri River valley to form the ancestral Yarra (Gill, 1949). Early Tertiary River The city of Melbourne proper is built on Silurian foundations. This ridge of Silurian racks continues northwards, although hid- den at times by a thin veneer oi sands.and gravels as at Parkville, or Newer Basalt, as at Brunswick. he brick pit sections in Brinswick show this very clearly. But west of this Silurian ridge there is in the bedrock a deep valley now filled in with Older Basalt, Phocene sands and gravels, and Newer Basalt. The deep railway cuttings at Footscray do not penetrate the Newer Basalt flows, much less the underlying sands and Older Basalt. The Spotswood Bore (see Keble, 1918) penetrated 222 ft, 6 in. before meeting the bedrock! lf one proceeds west from Brunswick, the Siluriatt bedrack js not met again at the surface until the meridian of Braybrook and Keilor is reached. A geological map of Melbourne (such as that published by the Mines Dept.) shows much Older Basalt out~ cropping between the two lines of Silurian outcrops deseribed. Thrs occupies the valley of the buried Melbourne River, which flowed from north to south as is the normal direction for rivers in Vietcria, When this valley became filled with later deposits, marginal sireams slowly developed along its flanks-—the Moonee Ponds Creek on the east and the Maribyrnong River on the west. The history of these streams was complicated by the extrusion of the Newer Basalts. 70 ED, Git, Berly Tertiury Plant Beds near Pascoc Vole eat Trait of an Ancient Stream Although the main part of the bed of the ancient Melbourne River is still buried deep under later deposits, occasional glimpses of it can he seen along the Moonee Ponds Creek and the Maribyr- nong River. These consist of gravels, sands, and clays which the waters of that tiver of long ago carried along its course, They contain as fossils fragments of the trees and shrubs which grew along its banks. For instance, Wall and Pritchard (1894), Hall 1906, p. 64), Pritchard (1910, p. 94), and Hanks (1934) refer ta some of these plant beds al various places along the valley of the Moonee Ponds Creck, and Paterson (1934) has described leaves therefrom. Sketch Plan of Location of EARLY TERTIARY LEAF BEDS on Moonee Ponds Creek. Pascoe Vale. M. mM thy, Fossil oe, ALLUVIAL Leaves TERRACE ALLUVIAL TERRACE Figure 1- In a survey of fossil localities round Melbourne, the beds on Moonee Ponds Creek at Pascoe Vale, whence came the Icaves described by Miss Paterson, were investigated, and the present notes are the result, The locality is shown on Mr. Hank's map, and is Military Map reference Sunbury Sheet 950,476, ie., 14 miles in a direct line west 35° north (grid N.). from Pascoe Vale railway station. Figure 1 shows the exact positions of the fos- mie J E. BD. Gnu, Garly Tertiary Plant Beds neor Pastor Pale = ¥1 siliferous beds, and Figure 2 sets out the relationships of the rocks as seen in a cliff section there. At the base ate grey sands which have lines of current bedding brought out by slight differential erosion by the creek waters. picaawimanic secron Above this are four feer af un- of cif yn runt bank of MOONEE PONDS CREEK stratified but well compacted at bend shown an Pian sands which become browner gop». ... upwards in the section due ta Pecamposed the infiltration of ferrugimous OLDER stain from the overlying aasAtT-~ basalt. At the top of the sub-basal- tic Auviatile. deposits are three feet of very fine sands and Distonformity ... sandy clays containing plant PLANT geo -- remains. Part of the bed is pid enstene hardened into dark red irot- Gey iy brown - za stone, and parts also are SANDSe a ee aot ae quattzitized, but most of it is Gurren Bedding-- comparatively soft, tronstone in joni planes "COLER WATER QEvEL Figure 2 Remains of an Old-time Flora As shown in Figure 1, fossil stems were found at the upstream end of the section, and fossil leaves at the downstream end, The leat bed is of limited extent, and apparently but a lenticle. The fine silt in which they are preserved has been coloured brown with iron oxide from the overlying Older Basalt. The leaf remains ate very numerous, but no plant tissuc remains, the fossils being in the form of impressions. A large piece of tree trunk replaced by silica and iron oxide was found in the creek bed. It was not in situ, but is presumed to have come from another part of the leaf beds a little farther upstream where much more silicification has taken place. The piece was so big and heavy that it could not have come far in so snail a stream. However, the possibility of it having come irom sub-Newer Basalt sands higher up the valley wall cannot be excluded. The leaves from Pascoe Vale are part of a widespread early Tertiary flora, which is notable in that it supplied the materials to form the great brown coal deposits which have become so important in the economy of Victoria. Deane (1902) and Chapman (1926) described plant remains from Berwick and Narracan respectively. It is generally considered that the flora indicates a warmer and nicister climate than obtains how. Further attention is now being given to these interesting palaeobotanical remains (Cogkson, 1946, 1947). 72. ELD. Gna, Barly Tertiary Plant Beds near Pascoe ale ee River of Stone Millions of years ago, 2 flood of molten lava flowed down the valley of the Melbourne River, obliterating it from the landscape and covering the sands and clays with their fossil plants. That basalt is now greatly reduced and highly decomposed. Neverthe- less, in the outcrop on the Moonee Ponds Creek shown in the figures, indications of columnar jointing can still be seen, and im places also of sphacroidal weathering. Ironstone has accumulated along many of the joint plaries, and it is iron from this source which has stained the underlying plant beds. Alluznal. Terraces Like the Matibyrnong River (Keble and Macpherson, 1946), the Moonee Ponds Creek has a series of terraces in its valley, and on these Hall wrote a chapter (1906, chap. YI), As painter out éarlier, the Maribyrnong River and the Moonee Ponds Creek are twin streams flowing down the two sides of the lava flow in the old river valley. They have shared the same geological his- tory, and so the same senes of Lerraces arc to be sgen, although of course they are better developed on the larger stream, The terraces immediately downstream from the figured section are about 20 fect above the creck bed, and are not reached by the waters of the creek. The terraces are very wide in places, and are parréd, They are considered to be the equivalent of the Braybrook terraces on the Manibyrnong River described by Keble and Macpherson (£946), In the Maribyrnong Rrver valh vy, the Braybrook terraces are characterized by a dtastem, or break in deposition, about half-way up the terrace. This can be readily seen at Keilor in the form of a strong furraw which runs round, the terrace, due to differential erosion at the diasterm. Jt is interesting to note this same feature in ihe terraces on the Moonce Ponds Creek yalley, where it has been traced fora few miles from Moreland Road, Essendon, to above the leaf beds. LITERATURE REFERENCES . Craraan, F., 1926. New or Little-Known Fossils in the National Museum, Pt. XXIX. On Some Tertiary Plant Remains from Narravan, South Gippsland. Proce. Roy. Soe. Vict, ns.. vol, 28, pp. 193.191. Copnson, Isaner, 1946, Pollens of Nothofagis Blume from Tertiary peat in Australia. Proc. Linn, Sac. NSA, vol. 71 (1-2), pp. —— 1947. On Fossil. Leaves (Oleacee) and a New Type of Fossil Pollen rein fens Australian Brown Coal Deposits. Ibid, vol. 72 (3-4), pp Deane, H,, 1902. Notes on the Fossil Flora of Berwick, Ree. Geol. Sart: Viet, 1, gp 21-32. Gru, E. D,, 1942. The Bearing of the Tertiary Sub-Basaltic Deposits on the Palaeogeography of the Lilydale District, Prog, Koy. Soc, Vict., 1.5,, val, 54 (2), pp. 245-255. Seturday w Sunder, August 27-28—Bendigo. In conjunction with Bendigo Field Natorlist’ Club snd Wattle League nf Viclorin. Subjort: “Heken Wattlo aod Barly Whipstick Flora.” Train from Spencer St. August 27, 7.50 gm. Fare: 2nd clagd single, [6/t. Return pazlour ‘bus feom Rendiga Avgitel 28, 7.0 pm, Single fare, 17/~ Hotel oecommodstion nt LKendigo, 11/6 per day, Two jocul tripe: Baturduy afternoon und all duy Sunday—by Bendign “bus. Twa plenic meals requived [oy Sunday. 10/- depovit on hotel reservation required. Dockinga with Mr. HK, Stewart, 34 Bayview Tre. Ascot Valo. (Tel: ¥U 022. extn, 467,) Membere able to go by 6.40 p.m. tain an Mriday con arrange for extra accomihadstion. Saturday, Jentember B—Snob's Cueck Fish Hnteherles (by courtesy Mr. A. D. Butcher, Director of Pisheries and Game Dept.), 200-mile parlour canch exour, Sen vin Healesville and Buxton, Leave Batman Ave. 7.45 um, Yreturn tu city about 9 @.m. Hesorved rent hookirey, 22/-, with Mr. A, Stewart, i4 Bayview Tou, Ascot Vale. (Tels PU 022, extns 457.) Adyance bookings maw be confirmed on or before August 8, otherwive September, Octobey, Hobiidt, Quail Island (NW, corner Western Port Bay, Victoria) : leg. P. F. Morris, Sept., 1943, HOU.O-TYPE in National Herbarium, South Yarra, [Figures A, to F.), ' * All spocice of Micrptiy tire more-ur less fragrant, but i the msfolily the avont in hurdly peéreeptible. — W, H. Nicnouts, Genus Microtis (Orchidaceae) in Victoria 93 ( Pheer te nel cogun 3 oomepaad wth \ : For explanation, see page 95, 94 W.H. Nicuoits, Genus Microtis (Orchidaceae) in [ictorta 1s: Bat The specific name has been given in allusion ta the prominent cushion-hke elevations on the lahellum-lamina, The uearest ally is M. parviflora which lacks these cushion-like swellings, but has conspicuous glands at the hase of the labellum—unlike the new species in which thev are much reduced. 7, MICROTIS HOLMESIT/ sy. nov. Planta robusta vel subrobusta, circa 25-30 cm, alta. Fothon bast vaginans; lamina anyuste-lincaria, cirea 9-12 cit. longa, Jafforescentia compacta, circa 8-12 em. longa, multifiora. Flores submagnis, virides. Pedicellis brevibus. Sepalum-dersale ercchan, concavum, minute apicuda- tum, circa 24 non. longum. Sepala fateratia’ ablongo-lanccolata, arte revoluta, circa 34 mun. louga. Petela oblongo-linearta, erecta; apices aliquando libera, circa 2 mut. tonya. Labellum sessile cordiformu, recrer- vunt, ceca 24 mom. longum: marginbus integris andulatis; bast bicallosiem, prope apicem callo unica minuto, Columna brevissina, Anthera obtusa, Auriculis comparate prominentis, A more or less robust plant from 25-30 cm. high. Leaf sheathing at the base of the lamina: lamina slender about 9-12 cm. long. Inflorescence in a compact (though not crowded) spike of about 8-12 em, Flowers numerous, with rather large ovary, green, the pedicels short. Dorsal sepal erect, concave, minutely apiculate, about 24 min. long. Lateral sepals oblong-lanceolate, tightly revolute (in many flowers), about 34 mm. long. Petals oblong-linear, erect, apices obtuse or somewhat acute, often con- cealed within the dorsal hood, or quite free and prominent, about 2 min. long. Labellum sessile, cordate, recurved, about 3 mm. long: the targins entire, undulate; 2 dark green calli at the hase, and a minute pale green one at the tip. Columm short. .Anther obtuse, the auricles comparatively large. Viseid disk prominent. Flowering: November, January. Habitat: Moe, Victoria, feg. Norman Holmes, 1946. TYPE in National Herbarium, South Yarra. [Figures G. to I.]. T have named this outstanding addition to Mtcrotis after its discoverer, Mr. Norman Holmes of Moe, Gippsland. Some of his specimens were remarkahle for their splendid svmmetrical spike of flowers. Af. Halmesfi is quite a late-flowering species, being in bloom when flowers df both M. unifolia and Af. parviflora are withered in the same association. With the following new species (M. biloba), it was found along the railway enclosure on the western outskirts of the town, in grev and rather clayey sail- 8 MICROTIS BILOBA sp. nov. Planta gracilis, circa 20-25 om. alta. Folium auguste-lincare; fistula circa medion; lamina 10-15 cm, longum, Luflorescentia brevis (4-5 cm.), Flores viride-flauus. Pedicelli brevibus. Scpalum-dorsale erectum, con- cavunt, accumunation, circa 3 mor. forgnii. Sepala fateralia oblonga- lanceolata, obtusa, aric revoluta, circa 34 mur tanya. Petala erecta, lmearta, obtusa, circa 24 mm. longa. Labeltian oblongo-quadratiun, 34 aim, longa; lamina virides; marginibus irregularis, intets; apex bilobus, lobis angulart; basi duo cullis magnts ovalibus, ct untco minuto prope apicem. Columsina brevissima. Anthera obtusa. Auriculis parvis. spt WH. Nicaan.s, rele Adtcrots (Ovetidadeacy wm Pidtaria OS A small (or comparatively small) -spesies up to 25 cm. high, sintiar in habit to Af. wefela. Inflorescence rather short (4-5 em.) Dorsal sepat erect, concave, with 4 proninent acuminate apex, about 3 im. Jong, . Lateral sepals free, revolute on each side of the labellum, oblong-lanceolate, obtuse, about 34 mm. long. Petals erect, linear, obtuse, about 24 num lang. Labellom oblong-quadrate, Jt nim. long; lamina green, margins irregular, pale yellow: apex framinently bilebed, the lobes angular; 2 large dark-green call at the base and a minute one near the tii. Column short. Anther obtuse. Auricles small Flowering: December. Hobital; Moe, Victoria, leg. Norman Holmes, 1946, Type in National Herbarium, South Yarra. [Figures J. toh] | Characteristic features of this species are the yellowish tinge pervading the whole plant, and the eitrious bihd labellin from which i¢ derives its mame. . KEY TO ILLUSTRATION Figurg A.M. bipwrinarsi sp. uu¥—Infloveseetice, Jeaf, ete B.—F lower Tom side, C.—Mlower from front. D,—Tetals (% forms). E.—Columy from side and frant. F—Lubellum from nbove ard side, C—M. Holmeatt 4. nov —linflorascence, leet, ete H.~Flowet from side I— Flows: trem front, T.—M. bileha sy. novy.—Typical plant. K—Flower from frowk. L—Uprer port pf flower from :side. M—AM. woufetin (Foret) Reichb..—Flawer from front, N.=—M. gurviflore R.By—Flower (upper part) Srom front G—Fiowe: Cron aldo, P—M, obfonoa Romers;—Flower from front Q.—M. orbieukertx Rogers.—Flower from frant. R.—M, attata Lindh lower from front. Note: Figs. 4. G) and 7 ebont one third ontuen? eee, All others muct enlarger. ' NATIVE PLANT RESEARCH Many species of our native flora reveal astonishing variations ui the wild and it in regrettable that so fittle Has been done to Seiad ol) promising straing with a View to obtaining improved and reliable varieties for gatden culture. A few private enthusiasts have been cultivating superion fornis of some species for years, but, outside this circle, their existence js practicelly: unknown. Vhe species with greatest variability and geographical range are those most cligible for selection and hybridisation and offer the best chance of success, Li order to survive, many of our native plants must have the power to fight for self preservation and to vary strongly; so the hybridist has a wonderlul field to explore, So great are the variations in form, foliage and flower with some species that, by selectwon alone, yastly improved types could be derived for the garden. In this respect several outstanding species come to mind, notalrly | Micramavrins citeatus, Hriostemon obounlis, Carrca mibva and Greate alpine. all. these would prove excellent subjects for selective propapation. Ti is pleasing to know that attemtion, at last is being Jovused an this divection and experiments are ta be carricd out pn a munnber of the most suitable spécies Wirh the development of improved anc reliable types and their availability ta the public it will be only a matter of time before their popularity will equal, if not surpass, the hest known Cxutes. =—J, S, Searax, ' ¥ ‘ fy a . “By Theip Poults" "Yol os “BY THEIR FRUITS” ' (A Book Review by Rey. H. M, Ro Run) ii was a lone time in comings bet Tere ip is at fast—a reaily adequate tribute to the life and work of Australia’s areatest hotaiist, Jp wvas eeriainly worth waiting don, tes. Margaret Willis has written the storyoof Féreinand yon Moeller with admirable judgement, exchibiting thy man’s genic, his amazing achievements a5 explorer and botanist, his lovable personality; vet not auempling Lo conceal his faults aul ecceumrraties, aud those meradi- table traits of racial character which to the end of his days'led so many people to think of Juin ss “a foreiguer.” Porciener le wae not, save lor his German origin and accent. He was Australian through and through; he loved his adopted coutitry passionately, and not even the scurvy lreatmnent he veecived from ¢ettain bureaucrats and politicians abated one jot of Ins. intense Joyalty to our traditions. 1 fowe that Jitle story Mrs. Willis tel on gage 19, because it is so thoroughly characteristic of the ian. He was returning trom an exploring wip with a friend, when they saw ihe State Governor's carriage approaching alot the road. “Mr, Pottcr suggested that they step behind a hedge, as Ihey were wel, muddy, and a comical sight in gum-boats, macintosh, and sou'westers. ‘Varl’ said the Baron, ‘turn our backs on the Queen's representative? Never |’ Se they stood and saluted while the carriage passed” Mrs. Willis Rghtens her story of the Baron with a number of equally cheerSul anecdotes, and they are very welcome. For notwithstanding the records of great things achieved, and of innumerable honours received from many Jainds where the greatness of the Barul’s work was apprecsated, there is a vein nf tragedy reaning through the tale; The deead of tuber- culasis, which had claimed as its vietine his parents and other mumbers of his family, seems to have haunted Mueller tbrovghmint his life [y was sesnomsible, indeed, for the frustration of his ane romance, the story of which will probably be new to most readers of this book. Mrs. Willis tells it with delicate tact and understanding, But even niore tragic than the fear ol thberculoss, in my apinion, was the consistently shabby treatment doled out co the distineiished Governrient Botawist by hie official supertoss. Let it be granted that ‘he was eccentric, and cametimes “dificult.” What may of genius ever lived who was [ree fron such idiosyncrasies? Were was a world-famous explorer and boranist, hemeured in every tand overseas Where the value of scientific research was recognized, but treated hy his own Government with almost imeredible meanness and Jack of consideration, Ins part of the story makes sad reading. Mrs. Willis deals skilfully and fairly with tho two great disappoinuuens OF Muctler's botanical career. These were (1) his hiss of the post of ‘Director of the Melbourne Botanical Gardens, and (2) the decision by English botanists ta entrust to George Bentham the projected comprehensive worle on Avstralian Pionts, Flora Austridionsts. Tt is clear that Mueller never quite ceased to feel that he had been unjustly tealed ji these matters. Dut Mrs. Willis shows that in régard to the Gardens there was much lo be sad for the Govermment’s decision, though it cout have been carried out with » good dleal more tact aid courtesy. As far the Morr Austrationsis, it was justly impressed upon Mueller by Tooker and others, that if he inidertook the worl, it was impcrative that he showld visit England aud study at Arst hand what had been done by carher botanists Otherwise serious imistakes and omassicins weuld be inevitable. “As he could not go, Mueller reluctantly gave way, atid placed bis herbarium and ales at Bentham's disposal, Oblvivusty, without: this co-operation Bentlaw. ay he acknowledges, coal! never have produced what has ever sitte leon recognized as He curstanding “classic” aniong yublications on the Adsttalfan (fora. Stories, af (he Baron's simplicity of life and kindness af heave are Sept. | iat Wild Flacer Preservetion Group 97 inmameralile, and Mrs. Willis bay made a pleasant selection or them. Ae died rathéer,.suddenly on October 10, 1896. Tistinguished_scientists and - many ,other people attended the funeral in .St. Kilda Cemetery. The + Government of the day was represented by one of its Under-secretarics, Tike Mrs. Willis, T forbear further comment, upon that. The book is attractively produced by Messrs: Angus add Robertson; there ave three portraits of dhe Baron and ane of the lady of bis yormance, seyeral repreductions of drawings, and two maps illustrating the Baron's explorations. Uhe author gracelully dedicates ihe volume to her brother- in-law, Mr. J, Hi Willis, whose assistance is acknowledged in the I'reface, » 2 >, WILD FLOWER PRESERVATION GROUP Unlers inembers of the FVN,C. are inyportunate in their endeavours tO preserve sumples of the Victorian countryside AS NATURE MADE IT, na one else will“be—why should they ? :Rabhits leave few orchids or seedlings of choicer shrubs (in the far north- , west they are leaving aothing at all, except weed peuta) and bush that has hoe beat burnt is rarely seen, most forest and scrubland has been the yictimn of sucoessive, very often devastating fires, and there is little i the tangle af unnatural growth thar follows fire ta suggest thar any steps loward preser- vatian are worth maney or trouble. Moncey 25 necessary, hence the osinimum subyeription of &/- proposed for the new Group A Roard or Committee is much more likely to make a sugested enclosure if those who dt the suggesting, show, in the only way That can be effective, that ahey consider ahe enclosure well warth while, Results in the very few areas already proofed against rabbits and man are mast encouraging. Possibly, alter the establishment of one or twa, Plower Sanctuaries will come to be regarded ag natural, desirable adjuncts _ to Parks and Reereation Reser¥es, Another function of the Wild Flower Preservation Group will be the channel tor acceptance of mowuy and properties left specifically for the preservation of flora and fauna, In the past there bas been no body that could accept such gifts and guarantee the donor that adequate measures would be taken for perpetual protection: But after the Club's Incorperation is effecred, this new Group could deal with property (if clean and otherwise acceptable) and it js wunecessary to say what it could do with monetary bequests, A preliminary mecting will be held ac 3 Denham Pisce, Toorak (off Conunercial Road and between Kaoyong and Glouferria Roads) on Seplember 4th, at. & pan. Tntending members who are unable to attend are askeil ta ter me have their aames, Any suggestions would also be weleamed Wrrerreen W Annet, & JUMPING LIZARD a * ‘ - + Many small lizards {hygoseme anusteliven or [.. pretiaswn) live in the rack wall jn miy garden. One sung hyntself on & box, about three feet alrave ground and six or seven inches qway from a lattice partition over which honeysuckle grows. When T disturb him he jumps aerass to the honey- suckle—clinging to the stalks with all his feet and swinging around so that his silvery-grey underneath 35 uppermost, When he renevers bis halance, he will pause right side up, and then jump to a higher branch, where tle perfoviaice is repeated until he reaches the strong harizunts! beam of the ‘Tatuec, along whiclr he quickly rims to his bide-out—L.¥- ' ' of Witet Did You Do im the Great Her, Daddy? [Viet 2a WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE GREAT WAR, DADDY? The ‘old question was par ain new dress when an older member was asked to liat his contributions to the bibliography of Australian Orchi- daceae, The shock was so severe that it started him thinking, He lad trampled Over the whole field af nature, scratching here and there, wlling vawhere, (Te had enjayed the wild Truits; hut had cultivated none tiny export. Tr is feared that the same might he said of other Club members, Few are now doing definite onginal work. OF these, cull fewer are leaving any record, It is not healthy. Can sometlung be done to revive the activity of early years? Please think over the following suggestions and imprave upon them, ; . t, Nobody can cover the whole field. Se let us each take @ very small corner and work it thoroughly. 2. ‘The work cau have no valué to science unless it is comtiunicated. Let us keep a systematic record, with dates and Jocalities, 3. Records demand illpscratian. . Nathing can compare with the Jine drawing fov this. Let us. cultivate the art of illustration. 4, Space cannot always be found for published records; but we could adopt a standard sheet and file records with an index. § Where can we begin? We still have a few active inembers, Shall we ask them te tell us of unexplored tanks they know of? One thing wil] lead to another. 6 What is there left to study? Everything. Enoweh ic published to establish mast species of plants, birds, mammals and reptiles; bot that is merely putting on labels. ‘There is a library of periadicals full ot won- derful work —quite unlliimbed., Go along catly to a yroup meeting and have your eves opened, ; 7, We are sadly Jacking in the tieans to atlam our objectives, Could not a score of members make a special study of National Parks and be | prepared to address meetings on the subject? 8. We profess interest in the spread of appreciative study of sature in the comtmuhity. We have a comniittee for contact with Youth Move- ments. What have we done to assemble and aquip members who will prepare to understand the natyre of sych moyements as Sconts and Guides? Both value nature study as an important part of their traiming j but they can never fd the people who can give them any simple help, Tt should mot reghire mitch imagination ta picture the potentialines 14 scientific observation af an army of yonnp ycople spread aver Atistralia ready to collect data. ’ Well, what are you abous t do in the groat adventyrc? —"Jeremrai” me dahaintedl NATIVE BIRDS IN GLENHUNTLY At noon on December 17th 1 watethed a young Pailid Cuckoo being fed by its fester parents, a pair of “Greenies” (White-ylumeel Hotteycaters). The vaung cuckoo perched mostly an our home-made rolary elothes ine. Its unmature vlomage had a speckled black-and-white appearance, with Jeatheved levs, The honeyeaters frequently returned to a Silley Oak (ree (soon after i flower) and fed the cuckon with white grubs. These birds were about the eatden for three days. : A. WL Mckenar, pub of Remar table Lluilstorus oy A REMARKABLE HAILSTORM On Tuesday, November J6 last, a eyelonic storm of usprecedented viniece swept the western Goulburn Valley, leaving such a wail of-ruin that, had ihe calamity befallen suburbia, would Dave wuudoutiedly made headlines in ali the daily papers. This much | learned recently from my irieud, Mz, Bert Pairman of Nathalia, and, since the Goulburn Valley was a pet botanical siampiny ground twenty years ago, 1 was curiotis to follow up his report by reference to the Nathalie Herald (Nav, 23, 1948), The printed account is of sufficient iiMerest to-4 naturalist to be-worth abstracting and recording jn our journal, ao here are the facta; Travelling casterly on w front varying from one to three nules wide, thc cyclang struck Picola West at about 4 pan. and passed on through Yielenra and Yalea South Mr. Fairman describes the approaching sterm as “like a biack cfoud of sinoke travelling over the ground, with a white curtain an either side of it,” while all arousd was an uncanny stillness, In a cjuarter of an hour, 2 360sacre crop on his property was completely destroyed . and the storm cut a straight swathe across anothcr Hailstones as iarge as golf balls covered the ground and were piled up 9 inches deep around his louse; some were irregular lumps of ice 5 inches wide The bailstomes were still ling about at 9 o'clock next moming {17 hours later) and the whole summer-morning landseape preseined a strange wintry appearance. Gur trees were completely stripped of their Igaves; pute trees estimated to be 80 years ald had been lifted bodily Irom the ground, while hundreds of rabbits, crows, thagpies anch cockaloos werg lying dead about the paddocks—tilled by the impact of the hail. One man, on his way to market, was caught along an open road when the hail came. After receiving several hits, he quiclk)y enmptied out a case of eggs and put the empty box over his head for protection; his horse nearly bolted mv panic, Damage to the whole district in this part of the Goulburn Valicy was estimated at £80,000. AW i CORRIGENDA 1, In rer. Nat, Sept, 1998, p. 110 (Contrib, Flora S. Aust--l"): The words “em. Gonba" should be delafed from the heading Corynotheci luteriflora CR. Be) -Fa.M. They should have appeared at the ctd of the succeediny Jing, “Diagnosis nova completa,” but are better omitted altogether, Cleurly, ir was the description that was intended to be emended, not the pane of the species, E. Gavoa, 2. In Fret. Nat., Jan, 1949, p. 208 (“New Bees and Wasps—Vill"): The omission of the prefix “a i the typeescript of the epecrhe description of ENONEURA ASIMILLIMA Raym. was untortunstely overlooked wher the author was correcting galley-proofs, ahd the name was jirinted ws “Evonenra aimtlliai” The latver name was elyen ig = yoeriee described by the author an 1935. [A Clister of Bree, 2 Tn Fict. Nak, Mar, 1949, y 250 (“New Bees and Wasps—IX") = In the explanation below the Plate, No. 3 should read “Jearval appou- dages Of Lardketra marjoriedla, sp. nov.” (not, Bxonenra odds), The aliove erro. 2 Storena fJarmasa; Iaautiens, sp. BEETLES (idenrited by courtesy Mr. C, Oke) — Tenebrionidae amaryomimal. Chalcoplerns cyanuplerns Hope: Clalcopterus variabilis, Bless. Halaginae; Fievohclaews pellatus Brenye; Adetinas; Adeliuen anguicolle Germ. Elateridag: Lacan sp. ‘ MILLIPEDES—Mottled Millipede, Dienartocrizus ap.; Smooth Millipede, JziHes sp, ! CENTIPEDES—Cammon. Centipede (dull greemsh colour), Scolo- pendre snorsifens; Red-legged Centipede, Lthmostigmis riebripes; Ribbon Centipede, Sclisoribautia aggrequtum. Mr. J. Ros Garnet: Four species of Mallee eucalypt growing intermingled et Bagshot, near Bendigo—F. aividis, FE. polybractea, E- Behrionu, EB. Froggatlit. Examples of thé more showy fowermg plants irom the Bondigo "Whipstick’ (Photographs taken on the F.N.C. Excursion nf Aug, 27/28.) Messrs. C. F. Lewis and J. Ros Garnet: Plants from Bendigo including— Micromyrtus ciate, Caberia felrdgoite, Prastanihera ospalathoides, P, denticulata ,Eviostesmon gracias, Dasmpiera funceclata, Qleurin teretifolia, Boranta dentigcra. Mr, B. E, Schubert. Borania heterophylla (garden seown), Dr, M. Chattaway: Exhibit of photos, taken on the Soob's Crock [-xcursion, Septembtr 3. Mr. C. J, Gabviel: Marine shells Som Ulladulla, N.SW—Chioneys kedieyi Dautzenberg, Xonophora tatei Wats. Mr. J. S. Seaton: Merticordia plumose, Anigosauihos wirtdis, Lepto- Sporimum staparing, var, Keatleyt, 7. seopasivm var, Lambeth! Call garden grown). Mr. V. Millar: Pot of Purple Diurte (0. fumetolit) which has been rowing in the same pot for 12 years also Cynpdiain Towranuit, C, leat ander!, Lucasty Shonicet, Epidendrunn O' Broentumuyn, Mr. H, C. E. Stewart; Flowers trom the Anglasea Exeursion on Octuber §, including large blaoms.af Pimelee actoplilin, Daniesia ulfeina (dark red), acaba ortburda and Melaleuca prtcsceus (flowering two mouths earlier than usual). pee | J. H. Wtius, Botanical Pioneers ty Tictoria—ilf 123 BOTANICAL PIONEERS IN VICTORIA—III By J. H. Wits, National Herbarium of Victoria. . ITI—LOCAL PIONEERS From west to east, we shall briefly consider eight areas in which more intensive investigations have been, and are still being, carried out— LOWER GLENELG—PORTLAND AREA J. G. Robertson (1803-62) arrived at Portland in 1840 to take up a pastoral holding at Wando Vale near Casterton. He was an ardent collector until he left again for his Scottish homeland in the late ‘fifties. Unfortunately for Victoria, this pioneer botanist of the Lower Glenelg terrain sent all his dried specimens to Kew, and we shall probably never know the extent of them—he leit no regional Census of his findings, |Commemerated by Calochilus Robertsonti Benth—a common, attractive ‘“Beard-orchid’—and Ranunculus Robertsonti Benth.], W. Allitt was curator of Portland's local Botanic Garden from the ’sixties to the ‘eighties; he botanized between Darlot’s Creek and the South Australian border and his collectings, remitted to Mueller, are available in the National Herbarium, South Yarra. [Commeniorated by Leucopogon Allittit F.v.M.], J. Eckert did some later collecting around the mouth of the Glenelg, and C. Beauglehole of Gorae West has, in the last year or two, nade comprehensive lists of our far south-western flora, adding a few novelties to the State Census. GRAMPIANS After Major Mitchell's original penetration into the Grampians and discovery of its rich and varied flora, Mueller visited these mountains 17 years later, to be followed successively by C. [ilheit —his assistant in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens—and C, Frenelt (Senior). Tt remained for D. Sullivan (?-1895), in charge of Moyston School {near Ararat) for 27 years, to give us an adequate picture of Grampians vegetation. He combed the Ranges, compiling the first breviary of their flora, ‘Native Plants of the Grampians atl their Vicinity’—ten papers in volumes I] and III of Wing's Southern Science Record (1882-83). Mosses were also syste- matically collected (q.v.), Sullivan records an amusing circumstance connected with his location of Agivs on heathland at the foot-hills. Four suspicious men rode up on horseback to see what he was doing, and held a “pow-wow” on the best course of action. One thought hin: to be a surveyor, another an artist but the third and fourth maintained that he was a fugitive from the Kelly Gang 124 J. H. Wiis, Botanical Pioneers in Pictoria—ill 459 a and an escaped lunatic respectively, and they were strongly inclined to take the poor botanist off to police headquarters. Happily the opizion of the first man prevailed! ‘There are many Sullivan specimens in Melbourne labelled “Mt. William, 1872”, [Commemo- rated by Calytriz Sullivantt F.v.M. and several mosses]. J, W. Audes (1872- jy, ex-Senior Botanist from the Nat- ional Herbarium, made many trips to the Grampians between 1912 and 1927, including a complete circuit of these mountains. Iis book, One of Nature’s Wonderlands (1925) gives a summarized account of the various journeyings and what they yielded. [Com- memorated by Caladenia Audasit Rogers]. WIMMERA AND LITTLE DESERT J. Dailachy collected material for the Botanic Gardens along the Murray Valley (Mallee areas near Swan Hill) and in the Wimmera Mallee (Horsham to Underboo!) during the springtimes of 1858 and 1860 respectively. His scrawling “Pine Plains” labels are familiar at the Melbourne Herbariun, [Commemorated by Acacia Dallachiana F.v.M.|). St. E, D’Alton (1847- 1930), a nugrant from Tipe- rary, was a shire engineer at Nhill and Dimboola from 1875 until after the 1914-18 War and he sent numerous exsiccate to Mueller from the Little Desert and north- ern fringes of the Gram- pians, D’Alton published “Notes on the Plants Indi- genous to the North-West Portion of the Colony of Victoria” in 1898 (Proc. Aust. Assn. Adv, Sci vu, P: 455), and a comprehen- stve “Botany of the Little Desert” (Vic. Nat. Aug. 1913) but, strangely, he ST. ELOY D'ALTON makes no mention whatever (1847-1930) ot Reader’s outstanding Pioneer ae weet bse iy flora achievements in the same ‘ttle Desert, etc.). Photo: By courtesy, Miss H, D'Alton aber, During his retirement (daughter), re-photographed by R, D. in Melbourne, -he wrote of ee, his rich experiences in the Australasian, [Commemorated by Trymealiunt D’Altonii F.v.M., and Pultenea D’Altonti Williamson]. ey J, H Wrters, Aotantcal Pioneers in Wictoria—tit 125 F. M. Reader (21880-1911) had a chemist’s business at Dim- boola during the 1890's and first few years of this century. He was 2 first-rate botanist, collected ample nraterial of every plant — that came his way {including brysphytes and lichens), nidunted and labelled all lis trophies in the neatest possible mamner, ‘and accumulated a larger collection of Victorian xerophytic plant specimens thar any other field man—these were purchased for the National Herbatium where they rank second only to Williamson's in point of size and importance. Between February, 1897 and August 1906 the Victorian Naturalist published 17 contributions by “Reader on the flora of this State. He was an expert on local Grannuew, describing several species: il 3s ta be regretted that poverty dogged his declining years. |[Com- ‘memorated by Brachycome Readeri Davis and several mosses, &.2. Pattia Readeri Rrotherus]. FAR NORTH-WEST Apart fram spasmodic records by visiting Melbourne naturalists, the vast Murray Mallee was not properly described until Chiet Forester W, J, Zimmer's Flora of the Par North-West of Victoria, - published by the Forests Commission iw J937. My, Zimmer worked 'the country from Hattuh to the South Australian border and north to the Murray during his ten-year residence at Mildura; he has classified all his species falmost 500 vascular plants} on an ecological basis, the vegetational types being closely correlated with soil profiles. BENDIGO WHIFSTICK MALLEE D.J.Poton (? -3941L), for some years LIS. Dispensary chenzist at Bendigo, gave us an admirable account of “Plants af the Whipstick Serab” (Ic. Nat., xv. Feh,, 1924)—the first lacal flora for this district. Tadsell, Audas, anil others have since augmented Mr, Paton’s original and very authoritative list. MELECURNE REGION Apparently F. M, Adamson, who “formed very extensive and excellent collections” (according to Hooker) at Melbourne between 1840 and 1855, was our first metropolitan botanist but all his specimens went to Kew and are practically unknown to Australian warkers. Mueller’s vast gatherings from Yarra Mouth, Prahran, St, Kilda, Brighton, Merri Creek, ete, give us a good cross section of Melbourne's original flora of which there are still considerable survivals at Fisherman's Benl and Studley Park, Reader (ini Vic, Nat, 1, 1885) commenced an ainbitions aonntated checklist of Studley Park plants, but his removal to the Wimmera untor- tunately preclided the completion of this project. 344 J. BH. WILL, Botanical Pioneers in Victoria—li ay athe Dr. C. S. Sutton’s “Notes on the Sandringham Flora” (Iie, Nat,, May, 1911) and“Sketch of the Keilor Plains Flora” (i.c., Dec., 1916} are the amost informative accounts we have of the ‘-sand-heath and basaltic vegetation [except Dr. Patton's recent ecological studies] that once clothed so much of Greater Melbourne, J. AH? Audas has also published, largely for the beneftt of local naturalists, a booklet Rora of the Mitcham district (1937), typi- fying the sedimentary formation of Silurian age—third major vegetational unit in the Melbourne area. ' ALPS Baron von Mueller's pioneer alpine collections and recordings were extendéd by J. Stirling (1852-1905), Lands Officer at Omeo and finally Gavernment Geologist. Stirling visited many parts of; the Australian Alps, seiiding specisiens to the Bayon for confir- mation. His “Phanerogamia of the Mitta Mitta Source Basin” and “Cryptogainia of the Australian Alps" (published by the Royal Society of Victoria, 1884-86) were the principal contributions to onr knowledge of highland botany. [Commemorated by Hehehrystem Stivlingit Fv.Miq. ~ A. J. Tadgell paid several visits to the high plains and ad joining peaks (between Mts. Bogong and Hotham), adding materially to Strling's records and correcting some that were dubious, “Mt. Bogong and Its Flora” (Mic. Naét., Aug,, 1924) is an outstanding paper and the first one devoted exclusively to that impressive remion—the highest land in Victoria, }Commemorated by Mahlen- a re Ci Lathian—Mr. Tadgell, bora 1863, died on Sept. , 4 ‘ JUNGLES OF EAST GIPPSLAND E.-E. Pescott sent suites of specimens to Melbourne Herbarium while he was a school teacher at Orbost (from about 1900). These include valable records of the jungles (now practically gone) whith once covered the fertile Snowy River flats, T.S. Hort (1871- —-),, one-time Principal of the Victorian School of Forestry, Creswick, and Science master at Ballarat and Bairnsdale Schools of Mines, has devoted 2 Hfetime _to taxonomic botany, making very accurate recordings of the district foras wherever his work has taken him. He gave a thorough account of the Creswick district eucalypts (two papers in Fie. fat, xxxtV, Oct./Nov., 1917), traced the occurrence nf Yellow Box within the sand formation south of Melbourne and, while at Bairnsdale, niade pamstaking observations on East Gippsland plants —probably his mast Notable paper in this connection was “Botanical Notes about Bairnsdale and the Eastern Lakes” (Vic. Nat., xt, p. 107, Oct, 1923), [Commemorated by Prasophyllum Harnt Rogers}, ‘ soak ]. H. Wnuis, Botanical Pioneers ii Victorio—ilT 127 W, Hunter, a surveyor of Bairnsdale, has made valuable contri- hutions to our knowledge of far East Gippsland plants; pertraps his most noteworthy achievement was a comprehensive checklist of the mteresting Suggan Buggan flora [see I’sc. Nat, vite, p. 25, June, 1941]. N. A. Wakefield js giving serious attention to surviving jungle “pockets’’, as well as the gencral flora of Croajingalong, and hopes eventually to present # very complete report ont the floristics of East Gippsland; he has already published papers on several small isolated areas, with special reference to the ferns: therein. CONCLUSION Fron these ¥ery incomplete notes on the hotanica! unveilings of our State, several interesting facts emerge. The really magni- ficent work done by country school teachers, who made ‘botany their hobby, is at once apparent; we should have been infinitely the poorer, but for the collections and researches of such able field men as H, B. Williamson, D, Sullivan, H. T. Tisdall, A. H. 5S. Lucas, J. Bracebridge Wilson and others; their work 1s beyond raise, + F Another fact’ is the pre-eminent rafe in furthering botanical science that has been played by the Field Naturalists’ Club of : Victoria, during nearly seventy vears of endeayour. This body of amateurs has always been a champion of systematic botany, and it is hard to imagine what would have ‘become of the science in ‘Victoria had the F.N.C,V, journal, Victorian. Naturalist, not been available as a medium of expression and interchange of information. For their willing and invaluable co-operation, a special word of praise 1s dné to past editors—especially ta Mr. F, G, A, Barnard who edited the Naluraizst for 33 years (1892-1925) and himself contributed many articles and paragraphs on botany, I have done my best to give a balanced pictiire of botanical beginnings in Victoria. Some deserving personalities have probably “been overlooked and for any such omissions I apologize. Grateful acknowledgment is made for help derived from J, H. Maiden’s “Records of Victorian Botanists” (ic. Nat., Nev., 1908, pp. 101-117) also for information supplied by Mr, E. E. Peseott, ARDENDA On pm. 163, it was stated dhad the orchid Prasophythim Frenchit Poy.M. conimentarates the laic C, French, Sen, ; but reference to the type description “(Pic Nat, vt, p. 126, 1889} discloses that the persun actually honoured js the late Mr, George French—a son of our veteran orchidologist, G, French, who kept a florist’s shop in Queen St., Melbourne, and his brother Mr. C. Freneh, Jun. (still with us) followed their father’s footsteps in the botanical sphere and added materially to our knowledge of the State’s orchid Ror ‘ , On p, 104, referenece should have heen made ta the pioneering Tescarches of our esteemed member, the Rev. H. M. R. Rupp, iv connection with. Victorian : : : Vio, Nate 128 Exenrston fo Wattle Park ve. a Orchidecew Although not now resident a Victoria, Mr. upp is a itative of this State and his early interest a orchids was awakened here during the Lake's. For many years he has collaborated closely with Mr. W. TT. Nicholls and his numerous papers wo the: Mirferiae Naturalist ace well Imowe and widely acclaimed. On p, 109 typographical slips are responsible for mis-spellings in the names of Dr, tsabel {nol “Tsube!”) Cookson and Dr, B, J. Greve (not “Grive"). WORLD BIRD DAY EXCURSION TO WATTLE PARK Nearly 30 member's and friends spent a very pleasant afternoon at Wattle Park on August 27. Red Wattle Birds (4xthochaera taruncwats) were most HuMerns and sine nests were observed. Only two neats-qwere low enough to allow the use of the mirror, and these each contained two eggs. The White-backed Magpics ( Gynanarhinee hypolenes) were also nesting— four nests weré noted, alsa one nest of the MagpicLark ¢Grallinal cyato- leacal. Birds were net pienilul, but several interesting species were toted, including a pair of Tawny Frogmouths (Podergus strigoides), an Eastern Shyike-Tit (Falcunculus fromtates), some Dusky Woad-swatlows eae cywaoplervns), returued Crom cheir usval migration, a remarkably teme Bronzewing Pigeon (Phaps cholroptera), a varty of Little Thornbills (Acanthizg sand), and several Fastorm Roselias {Plabyeerous exis), During the whole afternoon L& native species were observed in the Park. Roy Webs, 0.4.0.0), MYSTERY EXCURSION About 34 members and friends joined in the “Mystery Walk’ trom the Upper Beacansficld-Oficer Road to Beaconsticld reservoir on May 2& Mest plants observed were: these already well known o1 the district; but a noteworthy feature was- the abundance of Epacris impressa iu all shades from deep ted through to while. Mr, Haase found five orchids in Mower. (Pierostylis paruijiora, P. longifolia, P. grandiflora, Aciantinis easertus ant A, rewforsus). Acacias noted were Acaen myrtifolia, A, stricta, a. leprosa A, avmala, A, mycronata, A, dealbata aud 4. Oxyeedrin, Paltenaa Gwinis Was seen in sparse flawer and P. Rraderiana was noted almost continually along the entire: Toute of the wall. Dr. Chattaway and Mr, E, Hanks saw a Helmeted Honeyester io Swamp Paper-bark and cucalypr serub, near a small creek om the Ofieer side of the hills and some miles south-cast of the well-kilawn Cardinia Creek haunt of this endemic species. Whett they returned Iater with other members of the party the bird was no longer to be seen On the hamewarnl journey, Mr. C. Lewis escorted the party to see & curious eucalypt, superficially like Mania Guin CE. vinrinahis), but differing in it8 juvetile fobege, the arrangement of dhe buds and in the fruits. A handsome mature tree of this unknown species stands on the rood east of Officer, running parallel to the Prince's Highway and almost apposite past no. LU18 of the S.E,C transmiagien line from Morwell—D, S$, Lewis. FOOD OCF MANTIDS 1 ame watched ar immature Praying Mantis pounce ou a bee, thew thraugh its neck until the head dropped off, then devour the remainder “nag-stop’. Net a inersel waa wasted and the whole feast lasted 30 minutes. About the same time, a lerge mantis was let loose i a to0m with a gra3s- hopper having. wings Jike gin leaves; before long, the mantis caught and ate the grasshopper. Do mantids have any partivalar food preferences? —H. McKenzie. iss N_ YF, Leantsonte, Rodiscovers' of a Lenglost Foyt 1a REDISCOVERY OF A LONG-LOST FERN THe Forxen Spieenwort (Aspleminm proinorsteitt) By Noeu F. LeArmonra, Portland, In the ''sixties’* of last century William Allitt, who was the first curater of Portland Botanical Gardens, made collections of the plant life in Portland district, sending his dried inaterial to Baron von Mueller for determmation. Most of these specimens are still preserved in the National Herbarium, South Yarra, and include three ferns which have’ not been recorded from: the south-west since Allitr's time, viz., Mother Spleenwort (Aspleminen ilbi- ferwn.) from the mouth of the Glenelg River, Common Filmy-fern (Hymenophylhen cupressiforme) trom Darlot’s Creek aud Forked Spleenwort (4. praemorsum) from “Darlot’s Creek, near the Grampians”. OF€ this last fern the FLN-C, Handbook, Mietorian Ferus, remarks, “a very rare fern in Victoria, being recorded only from Darlot’s Creek, near Portland m the South-West”, Darlot’s Creele (named after J. M. Darlot who rested 500 cattle there in January, 1838, while overlanding to Adelaide) is a short deep stream rising in Lake Condah and flowing south through basalt to joint the Fitzroy River some five miles above its mouth. The whole length is only about 25 miles, bur throughout this distance the creel: is bounded, on one or other side by stony rises. In many places these basaltic barriers are exceedingly rough—just heaps of bare honey-combed rock, marking the flows from an, old line of volcanoes stretching from Mt. Eccles far out to sea in Portland Bay- There are thousands of acres of this country and it seemed optimistic in the extreme ta expect to find a very tare fern Jast seen scinewhere in the area, eighty years ago. But Mr, Cliff. Beauglehole had searched many times in the last ten years, and of late had been joined by other enthusiasts whose endeayours have occasionally beet mentioned in tms journal, On September 4, Mr. Beauglehole and I went to Tyrendarra and picked up a local resident, Mr. C, Stanford, who acted as guide through the barriers, caves, swamps, and thickets that surround the Dartot’s Creek—Fitzroy River funelicn, ior we had a “hunch that thereabouts the lost Spleeuwort would be found, Our guide took us lo several caves—really circular holes in the flat stony surface, resulting from subsidenees. It is possible to ger down onte the central heap of rocks in most of these caves and the -surtound- ing walls are usually draped with various ferns, delicate and pale green in che subdued light of their cavernous home, The fizst cave that we examined yielded the locally rare Delicate Rue-fern (Anogramune teptoplylla), Bhinket Fern (Pleurosorus retifolins) and Necklace Fern (dsplenium. flabellifolitae). 136 N. FL Lyarmoantn, Rediscourry of te Lony-lost Fern [ vie yt, Scrambling out, we were taken to a second “hole” containmg more Rue and Necklace Ferns and a great ¢juantity of Shiny Wood Fern (Dryepteris Shepherdi) which tw the Portland distiet is knawn only from one other spot, on the Lower Glenelg. The “next cave was occupied exclusively by Tender Brake (Pterts ivemula) and another some distance away by Sickle Fers (Pellaca falcata). Rock Fern (Chetlonthes tenwfelia) was abutdant every- where, hundreds of acres of it as thick as the Common Bracken . (Ptersdivim aguilinwmn) of which some very beautiful specimens were noticed i sheltered corners. In the centre of this volcanic yegion we came to a limestone outcrop ‘where, on a wall facing the hot sun and northerly winds, grew plants of Purple Violet (Hiala betonicifolia)—surely an extraordinary situation for this wet-soil plant. : While lunching, we found that we were sitting close to some insignificant ferns—the little Adder’s Tongue (Op/moglossunt coriaceunt). Thereafter we walked up a high barrier which runs in'an unbroken line for many miles, The crest of it was split apart lengthways—a kg jagged fissare in the rocks, six feet wide and twenty feet deep. Mv. Beauglehole jumped down to a Jedge and suddenly cried out, ‘We've got the Forked Splecnwort!” There, surely enough, growing in cracks on the rock wall was Adsitt's fern. Little wonder it had not been seen in 8) years, for only special business would bring anyone to such a place. There were several clumps of the fern and Mr, J, B, Ponder's photograph {ane shortly alter Warde} gives z good idea of its appearance. p and down the cleft a number of smaller colontes and several single plants were noted. i The winters of 148 and 1949 have been exceptionally dry and much of the Spleenwort is dead on the rock ledges, doubtless a resull of insufficient moisture seeping through the barrier. Beautiitul samples of Necklace Fern hutig down the rucks and it) oue clump of Spleenwort grew two leaves of Kangaroo Fern (Polypodium diverstfolium), This set us off om another quest, our guide remembering having seen similar ferns lower ‘down the barner He was not mistaken, as we soon found a large colony clinging with ivy-ike grip to damp rocks a few fect above the water-level of a dense reed and sedge swamp. Apparently Alhtt missed thie species, for there are tio collections from Portland district ju the National Herbariun, ‘The habitat (on rock) is unusual in Kangaroo Fern which commonly affects the trunks and branches .of lrees and mossy Ings in wet forest country; but at Cape Woolamal and on the eastern islands of Bass Strait it is known to occur in cracks of granite rock near the sea. In the succeeding days, Mr, Stanford made a thorough search of the junction area, so that when we joined him again on Sep- tember 18, he was able ta show us many places where Forked THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 66 November, 1949 Pirate [V . joe | N_F, LearMoxra, Redtscowery of a Longelost Fern 131 Spleenwort was growing. For about a mile and a half south of . our orginal discovery the fern 18 net uncomman in cracks and caves of the barriers, One of these cracks revealed it growing in conjunction with Common Filmy Fern (ynwenoplyllumn express forme }—the other of Allite’s Darlot Creek records—so this was fuost prabably the spot-where he saw both (we walked within 150 yards of it in October, 1948), In a limestone cave, outside the volcanic belt, Mr. Stanford foutid a mass of Black: Spleenwort (Aspleniuanr trichomanes)—another fern that Aljitt seems to have missed. There is same uncertainty about the future safety of our Forked Spleenwart, because the authorities are even now surveying all the handy basalt barriers for 10-on rocks which within a few years will be tipped into Portland Bay to fort an uuter breakwater, It is hapexd something may be dove to reserve the small sector where the ferns Mourish but; if the worst happens, we intend to move specimens of them into some suitable hayen. Can the F.N.C,V_ do anything to help? : [Asplenium premorsion Sw, is recorded from-cvery State except Tasmania, yer it is a*distinet rarity in all but Wester Australia where it occurs ationgst granite rocks in the high rainiall area of the south-west division, eg. the Porougorups, and also as an epiphyte on the mossy limbs of the Karri forest sheoak (Cosvarina décussaia). Tn Queensland tt is apparently testricted to waterfalls im the Bunya Mountains; m New South Wales to the Blue Monntains region, and in South Australia to the “South-East"— Mr. J. M. Black advises thar Professor ‘Tate specified “Mt. Gambier district” (probably i basalt caves there), but there is apparetitly no specitnen extant by which to verify this old recording—Fad.], SAW-FLIES PUPATING | While watching a pair of Noisy-miners building a nest, a movetnent on the ground attracted my attention. A large mass of Saw-fly laryac were all teavelling in ome direction. Bemge very fat, they moved very slowly and took numerous rests, Their method of progression was ta raise their heads and thump them down and then trawl slowly forward about three inches. Then, as if exhausted, they slumped and remained still for a iew setullds, This procedure was repeated several dimes, the farvac keeping in a compact mass. L was disappointed that 1 had to leave for lunch hefore they reached their pupatity spot, which [ suspected wag the foot of the nearest trer, aliout twenty fect away. When T returned next day they had disappeared, tat the sand (it was sandy country) at the foot of the tree, for which I suspected they were making, had been disturbed. On diggin T found them all about ane inch underground, About a hundred yards away, I found more disturbed sand, at the foot of another tree, and it proved to be the restrig place of anather proup of larvae —Murc. Cohn, endigo. RETURN OF LIBRARY BOOKS DESIRED The Hom Librarian wishes all Club library books at present oul on lean 0 be returned, 20 liter than December General AMevtiag, for annual stocl- taking. Vict, Nat- 132 W. R. Stevens, An Arboretinat Vol. 86 ee AN ARBORETUM ? By W. R. Strvens, Wanganui, N.Z, During a recent trip to Australia my wife and I met many plant enthusiasts who were making commendable efforts not only to grow native plants, but also ta imterest other people to do so. We were privileged to inspect a few private collections, which were extremely interesting 10 us because the main object of our trip was to see as much of your naitve flora as our time allowed. Now after our return to New Zealand we have time to correlate our impressions and sum wp our ideas, And here ts the sunimary: First of all, your flora is without doubt one of the inost beautiful in the world, and unique. Secondly, it is practically unknown outside of Australia, and not very well-known ifiside it. Thirdly, it is almost impossible to secure plants and- seeds from any cam- mercial source, and therefore a potential overseas business remains unexptoited. This is bad, both from a publicity point of view, and for the wider distribution of Australian species. Our fourth point is that the overseas visitor who is really interested i your plants, and comes to your country for no other purpose, has to travel great distances to see ag many types as possible, and even then sees but 2 small percentage of your floral wealth. We think there is only one solution to all these difficulties and frustrations, and that is an arboretts! Tf it is not possible to have a national arhoretum, fle next best to it would be for each State to have an arboretum of all plants native to that State, Before discussing this idea any further, we can say we know mast of the crilictsms that can be levelled against it, particularly the difficult one of finatice. But other countries havé had the same obstacle, and eventually have surmounted it. An instance for that is the Botanical Society of South Africa, who have estal- lished a national garden for all South African plants, This was begun in 1914, and is now well known throughout the world for its collection. Admittedly an arboretum is an expensive under- taking, and can be established only with government aid, and kept going by endowments. The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens have to a certain extent solved the problem of upkeep by issuing a list of seeds for sale every year, Also, gardeners all over the world are encouraged to become members, and for their financial support are entitled to so many packets of seed per year. This seed, collected in the gardens, has proved a boon to a great nay gardeners, nurserymen, and seedsmen jn all parts of the world, . So, what can be done in South Africa can be done in Australia —if there is a will to do it! Somebody, of course, is going to point out that all of your plants cannot be grown aucter the same N08 W, R, Srevens, An Arborettion? 133 conditions, This objection is correct, but cari be overcome hy choasing a site which has as many types of soil contlitions as possible. Very often have we heard it said thal ‘we must conserve our native finva, and hold itas 2 trust for julure generations.” Very ‘fine-scunding wards, but do they mean anything to us? The usual method is to declare ceriain areas national parks, which sunply means that the public ure not allowed to pick or interfere in any -way with the flora in that particular region, But this has given nominal protection io the plants against only ong pest. What about all the others, such as weeds, rabbits. fires, ete.? We have much the same position in New Zealand, where our ational “reserves are getting over-tun with goats, deer, and opossums, and consequently it is necessary to employ trappers on a full-time. job. This is very expensive and does nol get us very far, as it is almest impossible to trap out an area, so that tt is a recurting expense. : In an arboretum it should be possible to keep most of these pests down to a very low level, Picture the results tor yourselves. All your native plants assembled together, for all to study and admire. The botanist, the gardener, the uurseryman, and the tourist, would have no need then to journey tar into the bush to set therm, und they would consequently become better known, Tlow many weary hours have your small band of enthusiasts spent grubbing up smal} plants to add to their collections? How tnany losses have they had? Trt is as well they are content to get a small percentage tu grow. it contained a large number of Auctralian epiphytic and terrestial orchids, but his favourite plant was the West Australian creeper, Hardenbergia comptomiana, which be bad succeeded in, growing around three sides of the house The words of hig son, Mr. C, Reg. Tadgeil, that “nothing in life thrilled him sa much as pecasionally tu add something new to botaniva) science,’* aptly describes our esteemed and cultured mtenber, why is survived also by another son, Mr, F, H. Fadgcll. Mrs. Fadeell lived bot a week after. ber husbattel, P. F, Monat. 336 “Georgie” as a Nest-buthtor Vol. 6 "GEQRGIE’ AS A NEST-BUILDER The pretty bard which we tenn the Painted Moneyeater (an inappropriate mane for a species that subsists largely om niistletoc-hernes|, has beconte in recent years moderatcly common in certain parts of Victorsa where it was formerly unknown. IL have seen examples during the last ten years or so, in practically every spring and summer, frisking among the ironbark and box trees car Maryborough, Victoria, where, in fact, the ringing cry of “Georgie, Georgie’ has become familiar to numbers of residents. The bird's visits, governed by the (ruiling of mistletoes, are strictly seasonal, Lyle Courtucy, a keen young observer fying a mile oc so east of Maryborough, tells me that ia the last breeding season he first saw “Painteds" on September f2 and did pot see or hear then again after Gebruary 4. Where do they go atid what do they feed upon during the cooler months? [ raised these questions previously (see “Rirds of the Mistletoe", Mic. Nat., May, 1944) and have not yet been able to obtain satis- factory answers, Most people who see for the first time the pendulous, cup-shaped nest of “Georgie” are apt to gasp with astonishriient and ask how such a “Aimsy" structure can be persuaded to hold the egas, Actually, while it is true that the nest is distinctly Jacetike and generally frail in appearance, the strands are woven rogether and attached to branchlets wath consulerable artistry, and so the structure genersily 3s much sironger thaw tight be supposed. "Moreover, it has oftcn.scermed to me (is stated in “Guests of the Mistletae"” in Bird Wonders af Austratia) that addiuuual strength is given by the use of mucilage from mistletac-seeds as "“wall-plastor”. On December 11 last, Lyle Courtney showed me one of these nests which could just be discerned among slender leaves 30 fest or so alofé ina yellow box-tree, loaded. with mistletoe, in thr yard of his home. After breeding- time the nest was slot doWwn— it was good shooting om the part of one of the Courtney Jads to break that small branch with pea-rifle bullets—and a few months apo T acqeived the trophy, heoueht a to Melhoarne, and had it examined at the National Merbarium hy Mr. J, #4. Willis, Mr. Willis'’s report should be placed on recom), Here it is; “] have spent considerable time on ‘Georgie’s’ flimsy nest and have got as far as I can with the determination of the veiretable material used. “That particular loueyester gleaned a good deal of tis (or her) material from sonrivone’s yard, for the followmg: iterns were readily identifiable ; 1, a strand of five fishing-lne; 2, several pieces of the dead fronds af Asporaens phonosns, an ornamental garden creeper; 3. several pieces of flay fibre’ which could have come from good string or twine The bulk of the material consisted of various root and stem files which may oF may wok hav: came out af the hush—ihey are quite indeterminate without other evidence in the form of leaves or fruit. “A few seeds of the box mistletoe (4 mavcma Maguctii) elaed to one side of the iicst sugges! that the Painted Yoncyeater may chew up and use the mucilage sirrounding these seeds as a cenient for fixing its mest to leaves, cle There was also evidence thai fibrous material, probably fiax, had been more or less ‘spun’ by the bird’s beak and geltvesaeely Wound found aml round branches in oder to secure the nest only." Tn the tight of Mus report, "Geargie’ must now be acquitted of being a slipshod nest-byilder Indecd, we nay well agree jyith Mr, Willis that i amnazang, Uille creature seems to be possessed of considerable resource- uleiess", —A. H, CrtsijoLm We ds Club “Library Notes ‘37 CLUB LIURARY HOTES Recent overseas publications, in exchange tar The Victaritn Nabaralist inglnde two new notable additions. Pro Natura, pubhshed in Switzerland, as the outcome of the Brunnen International Conference in Jily, 2947, 1s a superbly-illustratert journal dealing exclusively with Nature protection. Tle letterpress, in both Trench and English, contains articles by international ature writers. The frst issues of Volume T hive a variety of contributions, such as “Wild Life Conservation in Great Britain,” an epitome of bird life of the Rhone delta marshes, and matter from places a3 widely separated as Tegland and ‘New Caledonia, One writer expresses concern at the pos- sthle extinction of the Golden Kagle, in the Swiss Alps, now reduced to the knowt presence of 12 to 15 breeding pairs. Australians, generally, may not be aware that the European Bison still exists, thanks to the Uirernational Socicty formed for iis preservation. Nittety-thres pure- bred animals have been riised from the two issues’only that fortuaately survived two world wars. These specimens are now distributed jy special reserves atid zoos, thus asiuting the continuance of the species. A-high leyel ot excellence marks ihe five volumes of Insects of Hawest, hy Elwood C, Zimmerman, sponsored by the University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu. With its outline of the ccology and complete biota, this work forms a comprehensive up-to-date survey of the considerable insect fuuma af these Pneafic Islands. - The journals are available on [van to Club members. —H.CE.S. EXCURSION TO MONBULK The Slender Treeferns, Cyathea Cunninghomti, -recently re-discovered hear Monbulk were readily locayed by the small bani of members who attendel the Club excursion there on Saturday, May 7 With the clove scrutiny given ta the Dandenongs over the past 25 years by fern enthusiasts arid others in the Club, it appears incredible that these surviving examples have so long escaped nolice, flourishing as they do in an accessible position. Of the eleven specimens examined, all were conspicuous by contrast with the abundant Soft ‘Tree-ferns, Dicksonia onterctica. Each grew near rum ning water, aud presented a picture with the graceful canapy of fronds and slender trimk, covered in several by Kargaroo Peru and other smal) ferns. Tt as understood that about 20 of the fems still remain in this area, which constitutes the nearest watural uceurrence of the specivs to Melbourne, and it 1¢ to be hoped the region will be jealously preseryed as a National Munhument. Tracks afong the creek pass thraagh varied, characteristic fern gully vegetation, The dominant trees were Mountain Ash and Mountain Grey Gum, Blackwoods and Silver Wattles, with ondercover of Austral Mulberry, Sassslras, Blanket-leat and Musk. The mass Dawsouta superbe was plen- tiful, while lichens aad many species of fungi were noted. Lyrebirds were listened to, and seratchings denoted search for food carlier that marning. As we emerged an the main road again a flock of twenty Kioe Parrots, attracted by atuts iu a Jarge Chestnut tree, provided yivid colour jn their liveries of scarlet aud emerald, agaiust the cadmium yellow of the autumn Chestnat foliage, , : —H, CE. Stewanr. 138 Natwe ts a Backyord we val. NATURE IN A BACKYARD The following is extracted from a letter (11/4/19) from Mr. F, S- Colliver, of Rrisbane, our former esteemed Secretary | "J have been very interestel in the wild life of my backyard. Tn weeding, T tarn up ants by the million and large aumbers of chrysalids. A hix one about 24-in long I kept inside recently and last week-end it came out as a very lovely dark velvety black Hawk Moth, However, I have to be careful of anything J wish to save as the Pee-wits are so checky they walk over my legs at times, and often 1 see a specimen, put to one side for exainination, suddenly disappear nyide one of the pair of binds that seen to own our hackyard. "Lately, both morning and night, we have regular concerts from a group ot Jackasses. I counted eight Jast time, right outside the Tront door, Same of these nest clase hatidy and come in to catch large grasshoppers that eat the citrus tree leaves, Incidentally, they make considerable naise in chewing the leaves, DJowever, the Jackass gets 2 very bad time fram Pee-wits, and is soon driven off. The Willie Wagtail ts even more aunoying to ‘Jacky,’ as T have often seen him Jand om ‘Jacky’s' back and tug wt the feathers fchind his nerk. Although the bird population is shifting, T found a freshly-braken Dove's eee an Thursday last and yesterday watched an Indian Turtle Dove collecting nesting maternal and taking 17 to a néarhy tree. "A point of interest was a note from: Mr. Rarker (of Barker's Book Shop), a pAdted onmpitholagist, thar recently at Tweed Heads le saw the first Jabirn be had noted im thas district for twenty years, And quite near our place last weel-end 1 found a large Bluc-tongued Lizard which enabled me to demonstrate the longue, tc, to a young English cole who haye recently aycived to settle here,” —H.C.ELS. FURTHER RECORDS OF MELALEUCA PUBESCENS IM N.5.W, With reference ig Mr. J. H_ Willis’ ariicle (Pier, Nar, Aug, 1948) and luter notes by Mr, C, T. White (Pict, Nat, June, 1949) on the distribution of Melalenca pubescens, L may intevtion that Lo have collected the. species fram 1936 onwiurds in the Ganog Forest area, N,E. of Dubbo, NLS.W. f behieve thal AZ. preteens wall be found northward of my Tocalities and also in the intervening country between my Dubbo records and the most jiortherly Lachlan River location (ict. Nat., Aug, 1948), along the fringe of the old inland: sea, 7 frel assured of its occurrence algo im the Pilliga sesub (100 miles north) and shortly will make a detailed! examination of that area, I Rave an unconfirmed report of the occurrence nf Moonah in the Temora district, N.SOW. The Ganoo Forest occurrence is 18 oles NUE. of Dubbo, on the Mendovtan Road. Another isolated patch is on Ranters Creek, 10 miles farther north, The trees are evidently long established and some show signs of extreme age However, there are tnany shapely specimens, Ire 15 vo 25 foe high They occur in rather deep, reddish sandy Joam in assnciation with Excalyptus pilligaensts, Ene. viridis and Sontaliun neuminaten, with Phebatiumn glandulosa (uarrow-lgaved form) as the prevailing undershrob, Melati wiciata, M. crubescens and “Cabyiriy garogensts” (prov. name) eccer in a nearby Wwistable area, tothe almost total exclusion of all tree growth. —G. W. Actuorrr, Dripstone, ryt Albury Excursion 139 ALBURY EXCURSION Doring King’s Birthday week-end, spent by mine members at Albury, two visits were paid {4 the Horseshoe Lagoon, about a mile westerly alang Ue Howlong road, on the N.S.W side of the Murray, This was the haunt of imariy water birds, which were excellently placed to ohserve at close range. The several fights in formation of Black Swans and White Lhis were specially enjoyed, lowether with Aying Black Ducks and Plovers, while & lone Pelican provided entertainment by the leisurely tanver of its Janding ov the water, On the first moriting a dramatic episade was witnessed, with two Whistling Eagles causing ‘consternation aniong smaller denizens of the swamp A flock of what appeared to be ravens vocally resented the intrusion, and one courageous bird separated to attack the two cagles. The combat in mid-air wat watclied for several minutes, unlil tre raven appeared to become distressed. [t spiralled down, but managed to straighten out before disappearing from vicw, A second visit om the Monday morning enabled us closcly to approach White Egrets, Spoonbills, Whate-faced Herons and Cormorants (Little Pied and Little Black) perched in the trees Swamphens and Banded Dottercls were disturbed along the waters edge. Coots, with an carly brood of young Black Ducks, scuttled over the water. and Little Grebes dived, A fascinating sight was a wery near yiew of a Scissors Grinder, hovering and “sizing its motes, and the differences between this bird and the Willie Wactail, also common hereabouts, were readily noted. Dusky Wood- Swallows were more than once observed Aying oy clustering on dead ices, confirming the species as 2 partial migrant in the district. Other birds common to Albury were Pied Currvawongs, Black-hbacvked Magpies, Noisy Miners, Kookaburras, White Cockatnos, Galahs, aind Flame Robins, Rarer ape included the Hooded Robin, Blackochinned Honeyeater and Speckled arbler. The Rotanic Gardens of Albury, though restricted in area, contam some lovely native trees, among them: Queensland Kauri (Agethts robusie) and Lemon-scented Gum (Eucalyptus vitricdora). Early flowers showed on sone FPirewheel trees (Stenacarpus simuatis). Part of the slopes around ihe War Memorial are stil hapmily clothed wath the original mative flora. Some idea of the physiographic character of this part of the Murray basin was gleaned from two motor trips. One, wo the Hume Weir, took up an adternoon, «ad next day was spent atta 75-mile tawr through Yackan- dandali to Beechworth, with returm via Chiltern, Stands of Rot Cypress Pine (Callitris cofceratn) around Beechworth and Red Ironbark (rcaly pre sideroxylon) between Chiltern and Barnawartha were traversed of) the Wek trip, Our country member at Albury, Mr. Jamus Watson, kindly assisted the party iw many ways. He escorted several meobers to places of nature Iuterest in his cas, whole his knowledge of lova) bird-life proved invabuable H, G. EL. Srewanrt- NO WILDFLOWER PICKING ON CLUB EXCURSIONS Council feels that jhe ation of inembers who remove plants or wild- flowers during Club excursions docs not set a worthy example and, is, im fact, a negation of the ideals for which the F.N-C,V. stands, In this connection it has now ruled “that ai; absolute bau be imposed on the picking of native Towers or hilting of roots (whether of protected plants or olherunse) onaony Chub excursion, this ban decs na! exempt any member who may hold a permit’. 140 What, Where ond When Ya WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN General Excursions: - Batirrday, Navernher l2—Atternoon exenrsiou tw Keil (Green Gully) for Genlogy Group and fenev#) members, (Devails' were in Ontober Naturalial,) Saturday to Sunday, November 26-27?—Colac, Red Rock ond Lule pioreneam te: Subjects: Birds and Geology, byy oxeursfoth alao of g@enerad anterest, Lenders » Missea M. Eldor and J, Mackturn, Lodal entde for bitds: De, A, Gham Brown, Parlour coach leavea2 Me)beurte 12.46 pom, Saturday, uth, Fare, 32/6 Burt hotel accommodation (dirmer, bed and breakinsr) and part camp-owh ut Rud Rock, Campers provide four meals, othove tava, Hookings (to ba confirtied by November 14) with Miss M, Elder, 17 Adelaide Street, Malvarn, Sd (Tel. U 7297), Erqnirice after November [8 trom Miss J, Binekburn, 4 Allenby Avenue, 5.10.6 (Tel. ME 1637—before & p.m). Saturday, December J—Studiny Pork. Subjent: Astronwmy, Special observation of tajor Planets. Leaders Mr EF. EB. Lord. Monet ot Johnston St, Oridge, 6 pm, and bring picnic tem Saturday, Devember 10 Mason's Vulls, vin Whittlesea apd Tommy: Tot. Reon vin Hurstbridge, visittne Hald Srair en route Subjeet: Forest Vexetation, Lender: Mr A. Cobbett. Nash's bus keaves Batman Avenue, 848 a.m, Tare, 8/6. Brine two meal Buokines with Mr. A. Cobbeth, Flof 3. 14T Osborne St., South Yarta. (Tel. MU B211—before 5 p.m.) - Preliminary Announcements: Venember 26. to January 2—Chriskmus camp-«iut at Dale Mountain. Special featares | Alpine era, including aphagnam bee flura, Exeuraiony to Beha Plat. and other interesting localities. Party limited tu about 14. Tntetested mombere contact. Mr. W. F. Duy, # Narrawong Crescent, Caulfield South, S08 (Tel, MU 86B1, extn. $2), by December # at jaiest, (Member uble tn provide own fransport also weldome.} Jinwary &8-30—Apstratia Day weekwnd camo nv. Chpe Patterson. Excursion of seneral interest, with emphusie on Geology. Lender: Mr. AL A. faker, with Toval agpistance from Messre. J, Glover and @. Lynch, of Wonthaggi. looking acrangemetiié in Decenvber Naturezet; but; (ly sséisl transport arrangemynta, interested members please reyister their names with Mr A. A Baker, 63 Curtlale Stu, Preston, Nis. Group Pixtures: Saturday, November 26—Gotany Group excurmint ta Sextiolme Subject: ‘'Mangroves and Grasses." Losder: Mr. RD. Lee Train; 1.29 mm. Willieestown train, - change at Newport. Fare; Second ease raturn Seaholme, 2/516. General ‘moms bers enrdially invited, Monday, November 28—Dotany Group. Roynt Soclety'’s Hell) © wom Monthly Taretiog. Subiech: “Grusses."’ by Mr P, F. Morrty, All members corsinily invited. Hon See: Mrs, A. Osborne, 24 Renwielk St.. Glen Irie. Thucsday, Deeember 1—Wild/iower Garden Group, Royel Society's Holl, 8 p.m. _ Monthly meeting, Hon. Sec,: Mr, R. B, Jennison, § Tanda St, Moreland. Priday, December 2—Merine Bislogy fsroup. Rayal Society's Hall, 1.46 pam. Monthly mesting. Hon, Ses.> Misa W. Taylor, 14 Jolimont. Sanave, Jolimoant. Monday, December b—Nativu Plants ’reseevation Group. Wome of Miss W. Waddell, _ B-Denham Place, Toorak, § pin Tuenday, December 6—Guology Group, Kuyal Sneiety"s Hall, § p.m. Reminisvencea Night; five minntes from each member. Hon, Sen: Mr A. A; Beker, 68 Carlicly St, Preston. Saturday, December 10—Geoloxy Group cxcorsion tn Mont Purk. Subject: Felsite Dyke, and Physiepgraphy, Jueader; Mr. A, G Hrestich. Trainm- 120 p.m. fram Princes Uridge. Book: Second class reborn co Rosaunns, fare 1/a% IEAW BLACKBURN, - Excursions Suerolary: The Victorian Naturalist Vol. 66—No. # DECEMBER 8, 1949 - "No. 792 __ PROCEEDINGS a The monthly meeting of the Club was held at the National Herbarium on Monday, November 14, 1949, Vhe President, Mr, Colin Lewis, presided and about 180 members were present. An innovation this year is the .printing of Christmas cards, attractively designed with the Club’s badge on the front and a coloured picture of the Helmeted Honeyeater (Victoria's endemic bird) imside; these are available at Od. each. ; The President announced with pleasure that Mr. Coghill had donated £5 to the Club, The news was received with applause. Tt Was with regret that menibers heard of the death of thetr Fellow-member, Mr. Grassicl, and the meeting stoad in silence for @ minute us a mark of respect to his memory. : The following were elected as Ordinary Members: Mr, and Mrs, F, |. Scamons; and as Country and Interstate Menibers: Mrs. B. M. Forbes and Mr. C. H. Hamilton. Nominations for membership were received as fo/lows:—Ordinary : Miss R. Griffin (Miss E. Chugs/Mrs. E. I. Chuggz), Miss J. A. S. Adams (Miss D. Kidd/Miss 5, Raff), and Miss M. B. Veal (Miss Kidd/Miss Rall) ; Country: Rey. A, Thomas, Yarramy (Mr. G, A. Jennings/ Mrs, Lord). . CENTRAL AUSTRALIA AND THE MACDONNELL RANGES Mr. Fred Lewis took us through the Red Centre” om the magic earpet of a fil strip: Intense colour ts undonbtedly a characteristic of Centra! Anstralia and this was abundantly evident in Mr, Lewis's superb pictures, From Alice Springs we visited Palm Valley) where tall Livistonia palms rear tousled heads above the symmetrical Macruzentia “palms”. Difficulty was experienced in taking pictures of Standicy Chasm, a great slit in the ochre-coloured rock and a mere 15 feet wide throughout its depth of 150 feet: only when the sun was in the meridian was there sufficient light. We stopped at Simpson's Gap and Emily's Gap, where a clear pool of water mirrored the intense colours of sky and surrounding rocks, and clinibed into a mountain region of “ruined castles” as far as the eye could see. “i The Prestdent thanked Mr. Lewis for his instructive and interesting talk and for the showimg of his films, Aa Glis mimbér goose to press we regret. to annaunes the death of Mrs, G. 0, Singkton, wife of our eslemtted member at Sytvania, N.S.W., to whom Uhe sympathy of the Club is extended, ‘ Rae Nat, 442 Field Noturatsts’ Clab Pracecdintys Vol. 66 EXHIBITS Mr C, F, Lewis: Caleana major (Large Duek-orehid) ia por, potted plant.of eucalypt from Officer (referred to in November Natypatist)- Mr. TT. Muir, Dinboota, Tine drawings illustrating soine of the mative plants oi the Wimmera, iteluding the Slender Buttercup (Jranunculus robertson’); dried specimens of the Slender Buttercup, a rare. species found only in western Victoria. Mr. J. Ros Garnet: Lrodia achilleames, garden-grown at West Brunswick. (Native ta the S.W. coast and Grampians arcas. When wet with rain or hosed, the white ray-bracts fold over to protect the yellow disle flurets.) Mr. C, J. Gabriel; Victorian marine shells with egg capsules—Cy metre sponglort Chemn., Exgytina subdistor nie Lam., Fascialaria austrafaste Pere. Mr. F. 5. Coltiver, Brisbane; Desert plants collected durtig August, 1949, at Glenoriiiston i the extreme west of Queensland, nea’ Northen Territory border—Colandrimin balonnenns (Parakelia"), Bromophila Preelingnt, B- Latrodci, Craspedia chrysantha, Meniha oustvalis, Tsotomra potrace, Basne biceurnis, Mersilia hirsuta (“Short-trait Nardao”), Trichodesma ceylanicun, Trichintwm efopectraiduiuny T. obavatwm, and Sida. fibulifera. Mr. A. Stewarts Puftenaca Cunninghanit (Grey Bust-pea") in Rower, fram Mt. Graoya: pure white variety of Kiowea parinflova (“Violet Kunzea") fram near Walwa, Upper Murray: specimen of a large "Robber" oy Policeman” Fty, probably Asns of the family Asifidae—collected on Corryong excutsion. x Mr.G. C Singloton, N\S.W_: Flowers of Jifendfordia grandifiarn, Feijyoa Sllowiane and Mangtfers dudica, —Se “THE WOOD ANATOMY OF THE PROTEACEAE,” BY M. MARGARET CHATTAWAY (Australian Journal of Scientific Researeh, Series B, Vol 1, No 3, 1948) In this paper, Dr. Chattaway erves detailed descriptions of wood structure im this somewhat primitive family of flowering plants, which fs so alun- dantly and widely distributed in Australia, as well as in South Afnca and a few other countries, A map ta show world distribution of the genera ls given. After dealing with the structural features, with suitable consideration of ihe relatively cuommous medullary rays cammon i most genera of the family, the relationship of wood anatomy to hotanical classification f(s considered. _ Attention is’ drawn to the vascular tissue iti rays of Raxksa ahd Oryandra, * The author thew prepares the ground fora key to the genera on wuod featuges we erving means af distinguishing between the Proteacee and otber woods with large rays. The use of such a key on the catd systein has been found pracncable, and a specimen card is illustrated, ‘this ws a thorough and valtable treatment of 2 syecialist’s subject. but claser to the systematic hotanist's requirements thay generally realized, —R, W, Bonn, POLLINATION OF THE ELBOW ORCHID Tt ts suggested that any observer who finds Spirulea Hnstinig—iet so tace as we once thaught—should not pick it, but should ctand by ta wait developmicints. That “clbow' so delicately Hexible, and the definite