THE

Victorian Naturalist

THE JOURNAL AND MAGAZINE

of the

FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB OF VICTORIA

VOL. 69

MAY, 1952, TO APRIL, 1953

| Ina M, Watson

Hon. Editors :
| N. A. Wakefield

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

MELBOURNE;
Brown, Prior, ANDERSON Pry. Ltp., 430 LITTLE BOURKE STREET
1953

Achievements of an Induatry, No. 4.

“p E R A PE x” acrylic resin is one of the most ver-

satile and attractive of the new synthetic materials which
the British chemical industry has yet produced. Since I.C.1.
chemists discovered it in 1932, this crystal-clear plastic has
found hundreds of uses as varied as the transparent parts of
aircraft, electric light fittings, chemical plant, and corrugated
sheets for roof lighting. ‘‘Perspex” is made from acetone, of
which one method of manufacture is based on molasses, a
by-product of sugar manufacture. The first step in making it
is to produce a water-white liquid called methyl methacrylate.
The next is to polymerise this liquid—that is, to cause its
molecules to join in long chains. The result is polymethyl-
methacrylate which is sold under the proprietary name
“Perspex”. Although only half the weight of glass, “Perspex”
is extremely tough, and its development was a timely achieve-
ment of the British chemical industry. In 1939 it was adopted
for the transparent parts of all British fighting aircraft, and
today new uses are constantly being found for it,

IMPERIAL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES
OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND LTD.

Al

SCHOOL CHILDREN. Copies of the previous sertes of
announcements “Ancestora of an Industry” are now available.
Tf you would like a set for use in your School projects, then
write to:

ICIANZ Advertising Section,
P.O, Box 1911, Melbourne, Victoria

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 69 — No, 1 MAY 9, 1952 No. 821

PROCEEDINGS

The monthly meeting ot the Clair was heid at the National
Herbarnmn on Monday, April 7, 1952. About (80 mewhers and
frierids attended.

Apologies were received from the President, Mr, E. E. Lord,
and also from the two Vice-Presidents. It was proposed by Miss
Adams, seconded by Mrs, Couper, that Miss Watson preside at
the meeting,

AIL visitors were welcomed io the meeting, especially Mr. Koy
Deans trom England, and Mrs, Hartshorn, wife of Professor
Hartshora, from U.S.A,

A new memher wis welcomed ta the Club—Miss N. FL Wagner.

The subject for the evening was given by Mr. Henderson—
“With Car and Camera Round Australia’. We went with him up
to Brisbane, through Queensland to Cairns, and vound through
Darwin, Alice Springs and Adelaide, back home again, The talk
was illustrated with beautiful colour pictures and happily described
in a drotl way by Mr. Henderson, wha kept the audience in a
simmer of laughter,

A vote af thanks was passed hy Mr. Bryan, seconded by Muss
Fletcher, and carried with acclamation,

The Secretary announced that an Extraordinary General Meet-
ing will take. place un Manday, May 12, 1952, at 7.45 p.m., to
deal with an application for affiliation by the Maryborough Field
Naturalists Club. 4

The Club has heen asked to send two delegates to the Congress
of AWNLZAASS., which meets in Sydney on Angust 20 to 27,
Dr, Chattaway has agreed ta act as one delegate, and members
were asked to submit the same of any other menther who would
also act in this capacity for the Club, ~ yk

Neominations for ofhce-bearers and Conimittee members for
the ensuing year were reqnested io be ferwarded to Council
immediately.

The Chairman,’ Miss Wartsen, advised members that Council
had been very concerned regarding the finances of the Club. Un-
fortunately advertisements jor the ensuing year in the Naturalist
would be jewer than in previous years. Every possible avenue for
economy in priuting the Naturalist had heen investigated, but it
appeared there was no other way of meeting expenditure in the
future than by raising subscriptions. Under the powers given it
by the Constitution, the Council had decided that subscviptivns
for dhe next year will he raised to:

Viet. Nat.

2 Ficld Naturalists Clit Proceeditios Val. 69
Ordinary Members... atx . £2 00
Joint Ordinary Members .- 4: 210 0
Country Members ct ie 2 110 6
Joint Country Members as a 117 6
Junior Members be 4 Ee No alteration

The Secretary advised that one nomination for the Australian
Natural History Medallion had heen received—that of Mr. J. H.
Willis, proposed by Mr, H, C. &. Stewart, seconded by Mr, Chalk.

EXHIBITS

FLOWERS—Tihryftomene saxtegia, Astroloma conostcphioides, Lam-
bertia formosea—Mr_ J. S. Seatow; Cyclophorus rupestris. Mt. Drunmer—
Mr. Hooke. Exampels of fasciation fu Convoleulus erubescens, Correa
reflexa, garden grown- Mr. J. Ros Garnet,

SHELLS—Brachiopod, Mageflaitia flavescens Lam. from Western Port
—Mr. Gabriel.

ARTEFACTS—Miss Elder. ‘

MISCELLANEOUS—Phota of Marlo Back Beach, Miss Wigai. A

picture yade from scraps and chippinys of opal fram Coober Pedy opal
fields. Miss Edith Raff.

'

NOTICES
EXTRAORDINARY MEETING
Under provisians of clause 24 of the By-laws an Extraordinary Meeting
will be held at the National Herbarium on May 12, 1952. al 7.45 p.m,
to cumsider av) application for affiliation by the Maryborough Field
Naturalists Club,

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the Adnual General Meeting of the
F.N.C.V. will be held at the National Herbarium on TUESDAY, June
10, 1952, at 7.45 p.m.

LIBRARY

The Librarian requests that all books be returned by May 31 for
stock-taking.

LOWER GLENELG STATE FOREST

Word has recently been received that all the aréa on the southern bank
of the Glenelg River has been declared a sanctuary.

The area on the north bank is still open (mainly hecause of compfaints
from soldier settlers of the need to clear out kangaroos, which aré damaging
their crops) hut it is hoped that in the not dar distant future this, too,
will be declared a sanctuary.

bau , Miclorion National Porks—Nepovt New Ss i

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LEGISLATION FOR
VICTORIAN NATIONAL PARKS

(Report No. 5 af the National Parks and National
Monuments Standing Conmuittee)

‘

?

On Aprit il, 1950, the Parkatnentavy State Development
Committee tabled ils Report on the Alpine Regiens of Victoria—
Ski-ing and Tourost Resorts. The enquiry, which culminated m
this report, caused the conintittee to niake certain recammenda-
tions affecting the State's nature conservation areas az well as
its popular tourist resorts, notably the creation of a portfolio of
Minister of Tourist Development. under whose control would he
placed all National Parks, alpine regions and other tourist resorts.
For each of these three divisions of responsibility the Minister
would be assisted by an Advisory Authority for “Commnitiee™', as
a subsequent: report termed it). In the case of the Alpme body,
its merobers would be drawn from the Ski Club of Victoria, the
Federation of Victorian Sky Clubs, Incal alpime reserves com-
mittees and public servants. lt was coltsidered that most or all
of the following departments or instrumentalities should be repre-
sented: Jands, Forests Commission, Couniry Roads Board. State
Electricity Connission, Railways, Touyisy Resorts Committee,
and Treasury, Further, it was considered! thar the Goyernnient
offaaals and the general public should be given approximately
equal representation on the “Authority”.

That the Development Committee was gradually crystallizing
its ideas oh the shape of things to come is evident irom the
proposals embodied in its subsequent reports on National Parks:

An Interint Report on National Parks and Tourist Facilities
issued on November 9, 1950, indicated the general lines aiong
which the specific enquiry into Victoria’s National Parks was
proceeding. The sympathetic attitude of the Committee was
evident front the statement that “Victorians have never given the
matter of parks and monunients adequate or proper attention.
This is in marked contrast to that of other countries’

The tnvestigation occupied many months ahd involved extensive.
travels and tours of inspection by the Committee, and a number
af public hearings during which a considerable volume of evidence
was submucted by many organizations and individuals. (See (ie.
Nat., June, 1951, pp. 20-26.) [ts final report, issued in November,
1951, contained the findings of the Committee and gave, in some
detail, the recommendations ta the Governiient as to ways and
ineans of controlling and developing the State’s National Parks-

The following excerpts from this lengthy document should serve
to inform members of the Club and other interested readers to
what extent the Development Committee’s opinions and recain-
mendations approach those of our own Coumittee and of the

4 Mictorian National Pashs—Report Ne. $ oe et

Combined Societies’ Standing Conunittee on National Parks and
National Monuments,

Neen ror Avtuoriry. “The weight of evidence is that the
control of National Parks should be vested in an Authority created
specially for the purpose”' “The Comnnittee 1s of opinion that the
development of National Parks and alpine regions is interlocked
so closely with Lhe general question of taurist policy that it would
be in the interests of all three that they he controlled by a single
Authority.”

Fisaner, The Committee agrees that “financial starvation is
ane of the main handicaps under which Conmittees of Management
labour" and, inter aha, “For the purpose of raising funds most
of them find it necessary to let grazing Jeases within their parks.
It med searcely be emphasized. that generally speaking grazing
leases and conservation of fauna and flora in a natural state cannot
hotir be suceessfit? in the one area. None of these abuses (grazing,
tiniber extraction and quarrying for road-metal bemg specified
as ‘abuses’) can be removed without some proper statutory pro-
vision for finance,”

Pranninc. “The scientific development of National Parks calls
for the creation of a master plan for each reservation based on
the purpose for which each park was created and on the need
of the people whe use it.” The Committee considers that an
immnicdiate survey of each National Park should he made and the
master plan drawn up for the information and guidance of the
projected Authority.

Recreation, The plan should include provision for recreational
facihties in selocterl parts of those parks where their inclusion
would not detrimentally affect ihe basic purpose of (he area in
question,

Sececrion or Annas. The Comrittee believes that an urgent
- task of the Authority would be to make a survey of the State for
sites suitable and desirable as National Parks, having in mind the
needs nf all regiomal communities. Areas listed for examination
include a number submitted by various municipal councils. They
inclide= (1) Four hundred acres embracing the susnmit of the
Warby Ranges; (2) 516 acres ot the Beechworth, Reserve—an
area, traversed ly the Gorge Road, which was gazetted as a
reserve m 1913; (3) 20 acres of forest on Mt. Moliagul; (4)
approxunately 2,00 acres at Bright, adjacent to the Taworga-
Bright road; (5) Lake Wallace (Edenhope); (6) Mt Ecoles
Reserve (Minhatinte) ; (7) Paradise Fails (Oxley Shire); (8)
Traralgon Creek Valley; (9) a tract of land on the Harry's Creek
Road, Violet Town; (10) a series of small areas on the perimeter
a Bendigo; (11) Paddy's Ranges, Maryborough; and (12)
Fimeraid Park. Appendix B of the report quotes the views of

soe? Victorian National Porks—Keport No. § 5

the Town and Country Planning Association on thé desirability
of inchiding. the Baw Baws, Grampians, Lower Glenelg River,
Central Highlands, Peterboraugh-Cape Otway Forest., and the
Barmah Forest on the Murray as areas suitable for National
Parks,

Appendix D quotes, withour amendment, the 68 sites long
recommended as National Monumenis by the Club's National
Parks and National Monuments Committee, Perhaps the most
imaginative proposal made hy the Deyelopnient Committee con-
cerns the establishment of an alpine national park extending over
the whole of the North Gippsland and aorth-eastern- Alps to the
New South Wales border, Jf was even suggested that the New
South Wales Government might be approached to extend its
Kosciuska State Park southwards to lnk up with the Victorian
Alpine Park—a scheme mooted some years ago and which is
known to be viewed fayourably by:a number 97 pegple im our
sister State,

Provare ENTERPRISE AS AN Ain TO Devetormina. The Com-
mittee -believes that much of the development of our National
Parks as tourist attractions could be undertaken by private enter-
prise under the guidawee and with the advice of the Authority,
after the public facilities had been provided for frou, public funds.

Tourists. While the tourist value af National Parks is vewerd
a5 an important feature of their development (Mt, Buffalo ane
its Chalet are quoted as an excellent illustration of this), it is
pointed out that one of the primary purposes of these reserves is
to preserve therm in a natural state as sanctuaries purpose that
must not be relegated to the background.

Rancexs. The view that park rangers should be trained for
their job—‘schooled in the elements of natural history and con-
servation’ —is endorsed. Acknowledgiig that a park ranger should
be more than an odd-job man, il commends the use of the Fisheries
atid Game Departucnt and the Forests Commission [or w'sining
purposes. .

Grazing AND Tires. The report gives due weight co the find-
ings af the 1946 Royal Commission on Forest Fires and Grazing
and to the evidence of a number of witnesses, The Committce
failed to understand the claim that “grazing leases ssieguard the
parks against unauthorized graziers,” Rather naively it adds: "If
grazing were -prohibited, any stock found in a ‘National Park
could be impounded and proceedings taken against the owner,”
“Crazing of domestic: stock is completely prohibited in masy
National Parks throughout the world, including thuse in Switzer-
Jand an Tasmania.”

Inprvipvat Nationat Parks, Several poiits of interest arise
in the section dealing with individual reserves. [he Committee

& Fictoriatt National Parks—Report No. 5 ie

recoritiends the extension of Wyperfeld by including an area of
up to three square miles to the north towards Patchewollock, where
mallee grows more freely and where the Lowan is kuown to breed.

In evidence i{ was urged that Mallacoota National Park be
extended tu include the Howe Ranges, and in this the Comunittee
ayrees, Extensions to both the Tarra Valley and Bulga National
Parks are also recommended. After stating the various flagrant
abuses ta which Tower Hill has long been subject, the repore
says; “Action should be taken to restore this area as nearly as pos-
sible to its onginal condition.” Buchan Caves, Werribee Gorge,
Chureill Park, the two Phillip ?land Kosla Sanctuaries and
the Sir Colin Mackenzie Sanctuary at Badger Creek are each
briefly discussed and recommended for reservation in perpetuity
as National Parks. Referring to the Badger Creek Sanctuary, it
is stated that action is being taken to transfer the 35l-<acre Coran-
derrk reserve to the Committee of Management—a transfer that
has Jong been advocated by naturalists. In another section of the
report the Committee points out the desirability of using the
Badger Creek Sanctuary as a breeding place for the native fauna
required for restocking the several National Parks.

Some space is devoted to areas such as the Dandenong Ranges
(concerning which are recommended several measures calculated
to stop the progressive despoliation of the scenic features of these
ranges) and the Central Highlands, The latter, the Committee
believes, would provide an admirably situated and highly desirable
National Park, embracing such important features as Mt. Franklin,
the Daylesford-Hepburn mineral springs, and the several water-
falls of the Loddon River and Sailors Creck.

The foregoing are all matters which the Development Commut-
tee believes should be examined by the National Parks Authority
when it is established, In the concluding section of its report the
Coniuiittee deals with matters which can he solved only by
legislation—pre-eminent among them being, of course, the actual
creation of a National Parks Authority,

RECOMMENDATIONS FoR Lecistatrve Action. In September,
1950, a deputation to the Premier made certain requests (see
Vic. Nat, Feh. Spt Pps 193-194) and the following are, in
essence, the recommendations of the State Development Com-
mittee which arose out of these requests. Having satisfied itself
that Victoria's National Parks and National Monuments have
been too long neglected; that the present system: of contral by
delegated committees was, in the main, unsatisfactory; that there
was need of a constituted Authority to adyise and co-ordmate the
work of these committees; and that the present systeu, unfler ihe
guidance uf a Goverment department, could not be made to
operate suecessfully, it recommended:

a) |

lietarian Nations! Parks— Report Noo 4

That the reservation in perpetuity and the control and iman-
agement of National Parks and National Monuments in
Victoria be provided for by legislation.

That a National Park and Yournst Anthority be created
under the responsibility of the Minister of Tourist Develop-
ment, such Authorily to consist of a full-tine Director
(who, in the absence of ihe Minister, shall be chairman),

- the Secretaries for Lahds, Public Works and Health, the

Director of Finance, the Chaiouan of the Forests Commis-
sion, and the Manager of the Government Tourist Bureau.
(Five of those recommended are members of the present.
Tourists Resorts Committee.)

That the functions of the Authority, in respect of National
Parks, sliall include the framing and carrying out of pohey
or the co-urdination of activities, the allocation of funds, and.
such other functions as shall be set out in the proposed
legislation.

‘That a National Park Adivisory Committee be created te
advise the Authority'on matters relatmg to National Parks,
This conunittee should include a representative of each of
a number of Government departments and instrauntentalities
(Fisheries and Game Department, State Rivers and Water
Supply Commission, State Electricity Commission, Victorian
Railways Commissioners, Country Roads Board, Soil Cun-
servation Authority and Police Department), and an equal
proportion of members of the general public drawn from the
Corobined Societies’ Standing Committee on National Tarks-
and National Monuments and from the various organizations
and interested individuals.

(Note: The Advisory Committee could thus munber at
least fifteen individuals.) |

it was recommended that the Director of the Authority
be ex officio Chairman of each Advisory Committee, which
shall report annually to the Authority.

That local park commitlees be retained as a small panel.
one fourth of its members consisting of representatives of
the appropriate municipality, one. fourth representing Gov-
erhinent bodies, and one half drawn from interested citizens.
Their appointment should bé for five years and renewable.
They should be obliged to undertake annual inspections.
The funetions of the local committees should be defined and
should include the supervision of the area noder their
jurisdichon, the making of recomunendations fur works, ane!
the payinent of staff. Lach committee should report at least
annually to the Authority

Viel. Nat.
Voi th

K Wivtorien Nattunal Parte--Report No. 4
A recommendation of some interest ig thal absence without
reasonable excuse from the anual tour of inspection should
be regarded as sufficrent reason fer teruination of a member's
appointinent,

. That adequate anual appropriation be made for develop-
tnental ane) contimons waimtendnce work at parks, and that
the appropriatron be increased in subsequent vears to enable
approved plans te be carried out.

Seveval further recommendations were made, dealing with
access and use by the public, publicity, acquisition and reversion
af private property, fire protection, destruction of vermin and
woxious weeds, aid soil erasion : that suitable reserves be developed
as camping areas for school children; and finally that all National
Parks be declared sanctuaries for both flora and fauna,

C onppent

On the whole the repart 1s a satisfactory document and its
reconnendations are generally acceptable to those interested in
the welfare of our Nacional Parks apd National Monuments.
That they, a1 some measure, depart from the broad pattern of
reform outlimedt by the National Parks and National Monuments
Committee is explained hy the necessity for covering the wider
eoncepl avhich links tourist facilities’ and tourist trafhe with this
type of reserve. The inclusion of public servants at all levels of
National Park administration has something to commend u. “It
should give same assurance that decisions will be made and
recommendations put into effect with due icierence to the rights
and requirements af the various sections of the community who
may be affected in one way or another by National Park policy.
Ir alts) offers samme prespect of a co-ordination of effort being
achieved. -

Finance has been, and it seems always will be, a barrier to
perfection of our National Park administration, but if the projected
legislation makes reasonable provision the Authority wall certainly
not suffer the amajor handicap which continually frustrated the
several Committees of Managemens, the Tourists Resorts Com-
mittee and the Lands Department in their efforts ¢o insprove the
prospects af this State's reserves.

At the present juncture it ts net possible to forecast the farm
the legislation will take. It is, however, understood that the
Manister tor Lands and for State Development (Sir Arthur Lind}
hag appointed a commitiee of officers. of the Lands Departinent to
draft the State Development Committees recounniendations into #
legislative measure which, it is hope, will he bronght down by
the Guvermment early this ‘year.

oy

—J. R Garner, -
lon. Secretary, Nat. Parks and Nat, Monitments Committee,
/

I

May R. amie robbinstt >

1952

RE-DISCOVERING THE MOSS BRYGBARTRAMIA ROBBINSII
By R. 1D. Lee

It was a remark hy Mr. J. H. Willis concerning the flack of locality
records for Victorian mosses that led te the re-discovery uf a very imterest-
ing species, Bryobartramia robbinsii, which had only been found once
before.

Early in September last. with a week's holiday at Logan, it was decided
to see what could be collected there. Logan, sume 140 miles north-west
of Melbourne and about 15 miles from St. Arnaud, was, and generally
still is, one of the unknown districts as far as the moss flora is concerned.

In all, 19 different species were found—not a very impressive number,
but while Mr. Willts was fooking them over for identification, his attention
was attracted by one solitary plant of unusual furm, a tiny moss with
white fructification quite unlike any other. Although |e felt certain of

Plant of Bryobartramia, showing large pointed epigonium and meluded
capsule on a deeply pigmented seta. (Note air bubble in epigonium. }
Photomicrograph by R. D. Lee.

Viet. Nat.
Vol. 69

10 R. D. Ler, Wess Sryabariramia rabbinsi

its identity, in order to make sure beyond all doubt the specimen was sent
to Mr. G, O. K. Sainsbury of Wairoa, New Zealand, whe verified the
«lecision.

The aggravating part was that, beg more or less hidden among other
specimens found on the ground and so small that a lens was needed to
see it, we didn't know to within hatf a mile just where it came from.
Fortunately we had the chance of visiting the locality again for a week-end
in November, and a good louvk-out was kept for more specimens. Mr, Willis
had supplied a clear description of all its parts, so we had a reasonable
idea of what to loak for—all we had te do was to find it. Simple!
Nevertheless, hope was beginning to fade, when just before it was time
to give up for the return trip, we came across a patch of tiny plants we

Two kinds of leaves in Bryobartramia,

felt sure were what we were looking for; they grew on a flat stretch of
ground that would be very damp and waterlogged in winter. We were
extremely fucky in finding this moss again, particularly as by November
the ground in those parts had dried out and become very dusty. Such

May

1942 R. Db. Lin, Moss Bpvabartrania robbins 1

minute ephemerals, na more than 3 mm, loony, are quite Nable to be
dispersed hy the wind, even thotgh growing amongst grass. It would be
interesting 9 know whether the type of ground there is similar to that in
which the original find was made,

Breotiartramia robbiesii cane Arst from Castleniame in [1 by Mr.
FL Robbis an eminent and well-known Victorian botanist; bor up to
September, 1951, it had eluded all other searchings, The fruiting parts
differ 30 much from those of all other known mosses that nor only wes
Avyobarirumia unsuited for inclusion im any existing genus, bur a new
family (the Bryebartromiacvac) had to be created tor it. Under a micra-
Scope, the Internal structure Of the capsule can plainly be seen-—a round
éluster ai orange spares termanatings a short red seta, which as yery brinte,
and the whole completely covered by a transparent cpigonium or false
ealyptra. Evidently the epigoniunt falls away with ihe captule inside it,
when the spores are mature, allowing thea to disperse from below, How-
ever, it would be necessary to colleet specimens ot this moss at other seasans
of the vear to observe full detuils of ats development.

The normal leaves, almost spoun-shayed and each with a strony, nerve
{vanishing belaw), are easily distinguished from the longer, varrow, taper-
ang .peciciiaetal Jeaves. which surround the capsule.

Jet bs Nope that other discoverics of this tiny species may be found to
further the general desire for knowledge concerning if: Tf you come across
a white. puinted, helljar-like fruiting body {ta da so one must discard all
seme of dignity and search on hattids add knees ax we did], think of
Bryoburtniaea roblinsit. You may have found something worthwhile,

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN

General Excursions: '

Saturday, May ifSt. Aihans. four-nile walk, Subject: Mallee Flora,
Leader: Mr. K. Atkins. 12.55 p.m, St, Albans train, Flinders Street.

Saturday, May 24—You Yangs. Bus excursion. Subjects: Birds aiid
Rucalypts, Leader: Mr. E. Hanks. Bus jeaves Batnyan Ayenuc, 8.30
am. Bring ane neal andl a snack, Bouvkings, 8/-, with Me. KO Atkins,
Hotauic Gardens, Seuth Yarra, $.E1

Saturday, May 31—FEmerald, Teaders: Botany Group. 9.18 a.m. Parntreee
Gully train, Flinders Street. Bus to Emeratd. Bring oie seal.

Preliminary Notice;

Two Museum lectures dave boon avranyed |.

Saturday, June '4—Anthropology. T.ecturer: Mr D, J, Tugby, Evinotogist,
Subjects: Ceremonial amd burial trees, witlows' caps, cylindra-conical
stones. and stone implements of the central and western New South
Wales aborigines, Members meer 2.30 pum, Russell Street entrance.

Saturday, July 26-—Entomology. Lecturer Mr A, N. Burns, Entomalogise
Subject: Alpine Liseets. Members mest 2,30 jor, Russell Street
entrance

Speciol Notice:

The Mt, Buffalo Natioial Park Conaniittee bas @ranter! do the Clab
hire of the Horn Hut from Friday, December 26, 1952, ta Saturday,
Janmary 3, 1955. Foll details will be published when finahzed.

Group Fixtures:

Mouday, fay 24—Boiany Discussion Group. Royal Society’s Hall, & pam

Tuesday, June 2—Genlogy Diseussion Group. Royal Society's Hall, & jm,

NOTE—Until further notices, children undet US half fare,

—Kenneth Atkins,
Excursion Scerctary.

A POT OF GOLD

Pots of gold at the foot of the rainbow really belong
to the warld of make-believe, but here you see a very
good substitute.

All you need to do is to open an account with the

State Savings Bank of Victoria, and deposit something

every week, That “every week’ Is important, it's the

regularity that counts, ond that rapidly builds the

balance of your account with a speed that will
surprise you.

THE STATE SAVINGS BANK
OF VICTORIA

‘*it Pays to Save”

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 69 — No, 2 JUNE ¢, 1952 No. 822

EXTRAORDINARY MEET!NG

Under the provision of claiise 24 of the Ky-laws an Extra-
ordinary Meeting was held before the General Meeting at the
National Herbarium on May 12, 1952, to consider an application
for affiliation by the Maryborough Field Naturalists Chib.

Dr. M. Chattaway, Vice-President, took the Chair. The Secre-
tary reported that the Annual Report, Statetnent of Finance,
Annual Subscription List and List of Offices of the Maryborougt
F.N.C. had been examined and found in order.

The following inmotion was moved by Mr. F. Lewis, seconded
hy Miss Adays, and carried by memhers:

“That the Maryborough Field Naturalists Club he
affiliated with the Field Naturalists Club of Viecteria Tie”

This meeting then closed.

PROCEEDINGS

The monthly meeting of the Club tallowed; about 120° mern-
hers and friends attended.

The zollowing were elected and welcomed as Ordinary Mem-
hers: Mrs. C. McQueen, Misses E. V. Reed, Isabella D. ane
Marion J. Phillips, Messrs. R, W. Nicholas and Edward Baxter,
and as a Junior Member, Master R, J, McQueen. A nomination
for membership was recetved on behalf of Mr. Eric John Rush,
af 34 Hornby St, Beaumaris, S.10 (Mr, F. Lewis—Mr. Tarlton
Rayment).

The speaker for the cvening was Mr. Richard C, Seegar, is
member af the Club who has revently spent four and a half
months along the coast of Ambhens Land. My. Seegar illustrated
his talk with heaatitul shdes, and it was gratifying to learn of
ihe excellent care being taken of the half caste chiklren of
Northern Australia.

Dr Chattaway read a letter received from Mr. J. H, Wits
stating he did not wish to accept neimination tor ‘the Natiwal
History Medallion. Members were requested to forward further
mominations to the Secretary before May 27, 1992.

Dr. Chattaway advised that until further notice children under
15. years. of age will be charged half fare on excursions held hy
the Club.

Qwing ta Mr, Lerd’s recent illness, Ur. Chattaway said thar
Council did not propuse to ask for a presidential address for
the Anrual General Meeting on June 10, $952. After the
lhusginess meeting has been held, members will le iuvited to join
in a torversazione, discussion of exhulets aud mature motes.

14 Vietd Moturalists Chie Proceedings Sema

Menpbers were asked to bring as inapy speomens as possible and
sve Lhat an explanatary note was displayed with them.

The Chairnan announced that a cheque for £25, hemg a
Tieguést front the Fstate of the tate J. W. del. Forth, had been
received, and that it wis bei used to help porehise 4 good
screen dor showing caleur jietures,

Mr. dee asked members who have purchased copies of
A Ceirsus af tiretariau Plants not coutaming maps to apply tor
SAMe@ ay HOO as conVveriert,

The Chairman said that a request ior specimens of reptiles
{alive ov dead) has beew received from Jno, MeLoughta, of
Cains, who 7s willing Lo exchange.

Mr. Gahriel spoke bnefly of his exhibit “Roadnight's Volute
which was ceseribed by Professor MeCay ui 1881. These shells,
among the most beautiful and rarest in Australin. were first
obtained by Baron von Mueller.

Mr, Seegar exhibited a pipe used by native men, and ene. -
fashioned from the short chiclk chiw of a lolster—used De the
woinen, beautiful mats weve from panipas ah coloured wath
dye obtaumed fron niangroves, and brooches anade front shells
and cleverly tinted by the guts at the Mission Stations.

Miss) Barbara Nelsen isan) (he interest mm speciniens af

Claudteancha cnmiingt Nes mv thew habitat. The species itself 55
net particularhy wiconunon, being recorded from South Australia
awl Vietotia, and rs usually found in the crevices of rocks ane
hollow stanes, However, the speciuens exlibjled were found
Vivinw ot masses of the worn shell Galdolaria cassiplase
(Lamarck), This is the only recard of a pelecypod living in
assuaalion with the Galewlaria in Victoria.
» Mr. ALB. Scott said lis exhibit of Ligne Brown Coal from
Maddingley No, 2 amine, Bacchus Marsh, was found 80 feet
below surface in the Parwan valley, Specinnen shows natural
imareasite ruoning through lignatised fossil wood. Marcusite 4s
white pyrites, disniphide of irous it ig usecl im the vem trade as
a brillant, The meeting concluded at 9.35) pom.

EXHIBITS

BOTANY —Tiny Greenhoud archi (Plerestylis — poraiflern)-—Mr-
Haase Aanhsia rollita—Mer 1. Lewis. Cracthy orchid (Queensland }—
Airs. O'Mara Greiitlem banksii (var = Forsterti)—Mr. Sauvage, Mass
taken from Meteulf (ynetou}—Mr. Miller. ‘Veee-tomato (CO uplranteniitrd
helacen). lobaew and Trinh. ‘Tropwal America —Miss Edih Raft. Phys
tram the Basalt Ptains—Me, K. Atkins, Thistrationg of phors of Mr.
Sichols “Orchids ol Anstvalia’—My. Wakefield,

SHELLS —Plerespirn raaduightue McCoy “Roadnight’s VYohite™, Bass
Strait and Soath Austvalia~-C. J. Gabriel.

FUNGI—Sly Agaric Cayaaite auseariay irom Macedon.—Mrss T
Watson.

Geology, Granite from Grande Istand (S.A) —Mrs O'Mara, Spec
mien of woleaiic bombs from Mi Porndon Scorch \eutes—Me, Miller.
Livuile trom Racehus Marsli— Mr, 4. B Senet,

va HO Wattinn | yehavian asc plinicees

we

SYSTEMATIC NOTES ON VICTORIAN MOSSES — I.
SPHAGN ACE,
By J. A. Wits, National Merbartun of Vietoria

Certain groups of Stes in Victoria have been very visatis:
Jaghorily investigated, and this pauper is the Al'st in a series of
revisional studies abnedl al bringing sume aruder into the taxonomir
tanvle and chaotic state of nomencluture at present affecting Aus-
uakan hevological tirerature. All pronouncements upor identity
aul distribunon are eather the result of the writer’s personal
research or that of sound critical experts abroad with wham he
has communicated, qhic acknowledgements Weing niade in the text.

Pallid spongy hog-messes helony to the primitive order
Sphaguales, consisting of a single family and single gers
Sphaguiun whieh is represented throughout the world in cool
moist clinvates They ave the wil aml peat-lonvers of Lreland
andl ober vast tracts mothe waethern hemisphere. Though
nowhere so conspicuous ay tn boreal repos, Splaqnunr species
are to he found ju scattered loeahities Ubrough southern anil
western Victoria, crossing the Dividing Range inte alpine counts
cf the north-east, Only ny the Ingher alps da they cover shallow
wiavasses of any size. lowland occurrences hemg usualh quite
small ane isolated.

Plants with sporccarps are extreniely yare here, and 1 am aware
ot only iwe andoubted Victorian collectors that show ane capsules,
viv S lelynedaar strony Mi Budialo CF. Mueller. Mareh 1853) ane
So ostfsecerdunn iron Waratah Bay (Dr. Tsabel Cooksem, ca.
1930); a good fruitmg specipen af S. deioveton io Metbourie
Herhariuiy from “sourees of the Hanne River, 4000 fb" Clegg.
F, Mueller. Jan. 1874) nav awe come frou the Victorian side
elie Marit.

Jzight speafie epithers have been applied to Victorian species,
Jat only Gyo of these ave still af legimmate application, and the
tatal munber of species probably does not exceed five, ‘So muddled
weve the ltevary references 1 our sphagna, and unreliable the
nawes appear on packers of specimens in the Melbourne
Hlerharium, that it was virtually impossible to name collections
with any desvee gf certainly.

Fortunately for Vietoria, C. \Warnstorf., who hacl been respon-
sible for most of the confusien attaching to nomenclature of
Austrahan Sphoamaecess, was not uble ta examine much maternm!
from this State—his sphttny up of species in che Sybsecundit
croup has heen wittily described by Vr AL be Roy Anetrews
as “one of the seven wonders of the world”! \WWeth a stew ta
resolving these doubts concernmg local species of S piragunm,
T recenth: forwarded to Dr. Andrews (Ithaca, New York) 17
collections from representative stations throughout the range of

Vict. Mat.
Vol Ga

if J, H Wounis, Pivterian Minis s—Ypharomces
the gehus in Waetoria, incliding every noticeable variation in
growth form. Jr. Andrews very kindly examined and identified
this materta], and his report (quoted later) is an imvalwable con-
tribution to our knowledge of the Victorian mass flora.

THE TREATMENT QF VICTORIAN SPHAGNACER IN
LITERATURE—A BRIEF SURVEY

[Literary references to bog-inosses in Victoria are astonishingly
meagre (as with most other granps of the State's AZusci), Baron
von Mueller was the frst to collect any Sphaguyi in the colony.
His fruiting specimens of S. Icronotiye CM. (an Methourne
Herhbarinin) are accompanied by the following handwritten label:

“in vallibus dltioribus rmbrosissinis rupestrifas wie non
profindioritis tuundoatis gromimasix tractus Buffule Range.
5/3/1853."

The deternunation “S. eyudifoliaides CM.’ is made in the
handwriting of E, Hampe, who recorded this first species for
Victoria during the same year (Laie 26 > 489, 1853). Dowht-
less this collection was also the hasis of the only Sphagaiem
recorded itt Mueller’s Second General Report to Parliament
(Oct. 1854, p; 17), but the name appears as “SL cywboplty/tanr”’
F, Muell.—a nomen nudute, therefore invalid.

W. Mitten in “Australian Mosses’ (Prac, Reval Sot, Viet.
19; 4-96, 1883) lists only two species tne Victoria, viz.
S. cymnbophyllum F. Muell. fron “Australian Alps” (F. Mineler)
and S. cyinbifolium Ehrh. from “Gippsland” (also collected by
Mueller).

Twenty years later W. W. Watts and T, Whitelegge in “Censue
Muscorum Australiensium’ (Prec. Lenn. Sec. NSN, 1902
Supplement) list six Victorian species of Sphagnant as follows:

S. antarcnewm Mitt——(Miss Cantpbell, without focality).

1S. camnbifelmin Ebvh—Gippsland (CF. Moeller}: Australian Als

(J) Stirling). °

S. eyurbaphyiion Fo Moell., ween imdhai—Gippsland, Mr Aber
deen (ie, The Hora, Mt, Buffalo} and Victorian Ranges {all
collacted by Mucller).

S. laticoma, CM, nam. herb—Blacks’ Spur (Miss Canaplell).

5. sibseenndum Nees,
var, mocrophytleny CM.—Blacks Spur {Miss Campbell.

S. osellivent: GM. 2 nomen andiae—Mt William Creek (D.
Sullivan, 1875)-

In 1912 Rev, W, W, Watts wrote again on “The Sphapna of
Australia aly] “Vasmania’ (Proce. Linn, Sac. VSM", 37 + pp. 383-
389) and his Victorian list now differs greatly from the one-of fen
vears previousty—as a result of “Dr. C. Warnstorf’s exhaustive
monograph (1911) which has, for the frst time, made it possible
lo issue a sitishittory suounary of the Sphagna of Austraha and
Tasmania. ., . . —a striking tribute te the author’s mnremitting

anes J. Wiss, Mielarion Mowes—Splmignaces \F

industry ail patienee in research,” One doesn't question Warn-
atorfls juduetry, bat carmoc resist the thought that it could have.
been turned to hetter accuunt in same other direction,

Five Sphagnwr species appear for Victoria on this 1912
Census. S$, (nticowta and S_ sulfivanit are vepeated Frowy 1902,
S. cymbifetiondes CM replaces the fonner name S$, cynsaph yl
and S$. svdhicalery Hpe. is apparently meant to replace S. cyndi-
fotitan (although Watts does not say so); 9. wntareticun and
5S, subsreundiat. ave now dropped without a word of explanation—
albeit these two species really do sccur jrere—while a new recor
is introduced, viz. 5. cunsosun CML. nom, berb., tro: Berwick
(icg, Robinson), This later treatment did nothing to elucidate
the position and only addeck to the prevailing confusion. Small
wonder that Australian botanists since then have not attenipted
to give names to the sphagna they have found.

From inv recent communications with Dr, A. Le Roy Andrews,
it is obytous that we have only two species of Sphagnwnn which
are at al) common in Yictoria. These he would call S. Jeronotune,
the southern analogue of S. patustre Lo (syn, S. eyabefohiee
Ehrh.), and S. subsecundian, 3. LELONOTUM. C.M. is frequent
in alpirte bogs (as on the Baw Baws. Mr. Buffalo. Mt. Speculatioz_
Mt. Hotham, the Bogong and Dargo High Plains aud sources of
the Murray), but descends to lower altitudes along the Delegete
River vear Bendock, at Gilderny, Beenals, the Blacks’ Spur, Orways,
and Victoria Ranges in the Grampians. 5. SUBSECUNDUM
Nees (syn. 5. novw-selandicum Mitt.) 35 ere widespread and
vatiable, necurring along the swaripy maigms of lowland streains
and in small hillside soaks—often restricted tu a few square feet,
I have examined specimens front the following (west to east)
localities in Victoria; Gallows Creek in Lower Glenele Nationat
Forest. Gorae West, Mt. Clay N.E. of Portland, Mt. William
Creek, Yeodene on the Upper Barwon, Warrandyte, near the
Dandenongs, Healesville, Blacks’ Spur, 15 miles E of Broadford,
' Cathedral Range, Upper Latrobe River, Arthue’s Seat (on Main
Ck.), Foster, Waratah Bay. Muddy Creek and Nowa Nowa. ft
ascends ta S000 ft. on Mt. Buanger near Beaufort, und reaches
into the alps at Lake Mountain and on the Baw Baws where it
mingles with the more typically alpine S, letonutire.

Two other speces, S. anforchcwwe Mite. and 2. faleatasttar
Besch., are strikingly alifferent and nich more localized. Mach
of these is known only from two definite Victorian localities, viz.
along the Upper Latrobe River at Nayaok West (both colleeted
by the writer in December, 1929), while the former grows alse
along the Upper Barwon River, near Forrist in the Otways
(H. NS, Marner, Nov, 195)), and the lattey on the SIZ, slope
of Mt. Clay near Portland (Chit. Beauelehole, Feo. 1950). Iris
unly ta he expected that jurther collecting wall extend the range

Viel. Mat.

48 JH. Wiiats, ietarin Mosses—S phic Pevnar

of hath species. These four sphagna are also the principal ones
ty be found in New Zealand, where S. falratulnn has a Jong
involved svnanvmy—some eight “species” of the Cuspidata eyottp.

Dr. Andrews identifies with the Bornean 5 heceari Hype. sarne
specimens which fF ahtained ar a souree af the Yarra wear Mt
Horstall, bot further information 1s needed to define its constant
ditference from the very similay and locally apundant S. feronetinn ;
S becca would seen to be disringinshable by its Jess porose
Jéaves and less fibrillose cortical branch cells, Tt is a remarkable
faet that all four of the Vietonan species may be collected at the
Latrobe—Litde Varra Divide near Powelltown—surely the richest
centre al Sphayyan development in the State.

ARTIFICJAL KEY BASED ON EXTERNAL FRATURIES

1. Leteral branches Joneaapering. almose flagellifeari: leaves
nyrrow-linceglate to linear, finely acuminate, fateened anc
conspicuously undulate 02 2. kee O fettrertntinnit

Lateral braieles not Jone-tapéring. often shart; leaves
roltud fo hrond-lanceolate. very coneave. hot oer hardiy
undwlate .. j. od dihteees at et a “bY,

2 rauches appearing squarrase from the short. stiff. yepularty
spreading leaves which contact suddenly ahoye (hy inrothing
margins) to.form an almost indurated apex . 9.2 SL a@utareticnn

Branches nat s@ijarrose; leayes niostly appressed anc closeh
imbricate, with von-indurated apices 4.) oo. 2.

2. Massive plants, beconjng aeholly white when drvs Idaves very
obtuse, not or only abseurely toothed at the tips 22 SL letonwtrnr
(alsa Y) begertts

Rather slender plants, atten af ® e@reen or palo ¥ellowisn gast

when dreyy Jivves dentt, conspicuously toothed at the
entrame tips 62 kee ee ee ee ee ee Psu cred nur

CONTROLLING THE BLOWFLY PEST?

At Sandielian recentty, watering the garden one hot morning abot
Bam, 2 div, svady carner was a shallow besin-shaped depression.
evidently dag be a cat. Notecine the movement of a small white object at
the side of the “hasin" T investigated and discovered dozens of magezats
abow: gin. Jone fechly wrgeling and being overran by small brown aals
(Argentine ants). “lhe hitthe creatures were busily engaged ypponrins
and disappearing through small loles in the sides or thy “'basin’. Anxion-
ti Gispdse al bok pests, Lf poured hailing water inte the depression, leaviny
corpses, oF the vaggots straw around the hole. Three hours larer mosi
of the corpses had disappeared ane) a round hele at the butearr showed
mits conmng and waine cisposig of ve penmainder, A few ants wander oy
abeut were the only sigus af hie next day.

EEN.

dute

hae Nota Lesuses ta. daanliny Conek Faieniey iv

TRE DARLOTS CREEK (VIC.) SANCTUARY
Ry Nae & Lediinesr CPerrlandy:

Jin bic Nad, dane, D490 jo 40, apyeareel a netire sunwuncini a mes
sactuary oy Darlote Creek. sear Vierenderra CVie) Members of the
Portland FNC Mave nme several visits to ite orew and listed sare
Wterdsting species of fauna and) flowy on the 1,200 xeres of basalt harriers,
marshes and open forest, Water-loving birds make up one-third of tlre
J25 species Visted.ta date, the best find, Glossy This | Pleyodis faletaellis)
being scen by several observers last winrer; the bird was worh Straw-neckvil
(Phreskivrias spinicoltis) aod White Tbis 47. mofiece), ‘Mhese White
ibis have a ronkery of about 200 nests on Hittbened-oue sugsocks on the
creck bauk. Brolgas CMeyalariis rnbreandus) Viet ibe aren bit di ioe
nest here; they and Corellas (Makaloe fenwirostis) come in from turthes
vast where both are cammion. Wate Kagrets (iyrema alba), Koval (Plated
regia) and Yellow-billed Spuoaiiils 2. ffewper), Nankeet Night Herons
GVycheoar veledemens) Sot Brow Bitterus C8otenen poretaptibes)
a help to yustify the Savchdy'y proclamation, Sen species al ebaingl
birds al pivy (Aleciminsarues) have been listed, from Wedgetailed awle
(Uraadtus aides) lathe beanital Rlack-shouldered Kite (flops anillarig) |
the latter is quite a neweame, beiny practically unknown till September,
WS] “Then there are, aoe ofhars, Finn Wrens (Stipitans dalieiinns).
Fantail Warblers (Cistinadr evilis), Grebes, Ducks (seven species), Grakes
Parcets, Toney-caters and even aw Oriole, (Ortalis sgittumis), oAeure
Wingfirber CAleyone acura) aod Barking Qwi (Mona peanivens),

Teron Mr. Cliff Besnglehole cane the names of sone interest Notaitical
especies he has recorded fro ihe Sanctuary. Among core ferns or Teil
jldnts are Conunon Agolla Celsulla filicudaides) and Shovi-lruitecl! Nardaw
CMoersitia hirsetay. We dee uot found Agdlla on vay olen stream 0
Yoerlind Oisede, aid she Nardow i coufined ta one samiall swan, iy
amily record for SAW. Victoria. Wri, ATLL recarded jt “oa Qarlots Creek
near Ertrich’ over 30 years aga, and the Bortlyad Club dad a lane search
hefore rediscoverine the lant, Water Specdiwell Ciiantia anagallis) is
an sntroduced plait ut nas spread along miles of the creek and 1s the
aly Victorian vecord. Decproated iv cracks of basale harviere graw
acres of Tree Violets (A yiacantheva anyaestifohind, much mere lige a
box-14arn thal a violet! sume busnes dre S feet high and 2 feet arenid.
vers thovigy, almast TeaRess, and Covered an Helens, Many years age
landhoiders regardad am a3 mw pest aed pulled gue Wee bushes with bullock
scans, so ereat is the strength of the rock-haund plane ~a violet, However,
“the evea alsa grows another violet the Purple Violel Civofla beloviicifoliad
au) sernbby wet flats he creek ig a veal home for two heautifal flowering
adlants—Purple Loosestrite ChLythriw salicarie) whose showy heads sci
ont aluve the ruskes, aad laree Binehweed Nol ystegie sonnet wits ike
large wok Sowers climbing over the dese water vewetatiuon. Wate: woud-
sull Cteperitla subsimeples) is most imeresting, as in Viewvia jt 2s oly
Towsd in fhe SAW corner and elsewhere only in Tasmama. Tominant
plaurs slang the streant are Tall Spike Rush (/lenelaris sehacetiie.
Cammou Reed (Parinyiivter verti), Bulrush (Yaka ungrstifaliad.
Floating Pondweed (Potancageton tricaraniwe. Etec CXallisneria
crfivatis), Wlud-duck Cites bidena). Water Parsuip ¢ Roun latdaltysn >
and Gipsvwort (Lyrotur dusteate), tn floatmn alas Common MDuckweed
(henna sanined anda Wwerwoert Circa givens) appeay fh great asses
with the Azalla Tinally these are the Willows, roves al therm—Weepiig
GFahiky laiviwtirae) aval Basket C4, sf }—ie places coinplelely looking
wie creck,

20) AW. Bunsras flecntsion te AS Wei iteus ort ae

In the Sanctuary Darlots Creek crosses the Mount Eveles tava How
from west lo ¢ast and forms a series of rapids over which the pioneers
crossed fi the tarly “Sorties’ the “hitherts wncrossable Darlots Creek!”
As it is am ever-Rowing stream Lwenty [eet wide. ten feee deep, watt
treacherous, Iweggy bunks, it was. antl stl is, a fonnidable barrier.

EXCURSION TO MOUNT WILLIAM

Hetd on Marel) 22, sowery weather, witll lowering clouds, prevailed
most of the day. Leaving Essendon about 9 a.m, ins fully-beoked parlor-
eat, via the Romsey Road, gratitic and sedimentary rocks, overlain with
basalt, were noted at Bulla

Passing Goldie North sthool, the Tancetield-Pyalong road ereésce the
Tivide at 1,800 feet, a mile west of Mt. William, whose timbered summit
at 2,639 feet was shroud! in mist. Shortly after this the hus was lei
and some conspicuous granite tore aml “halanced” roeks inspected. em roule
ta the aboriginal “quarries” which are on a spur of diabase rock at 2.000
ivet elevation, aud a anile vorth-east of the peak,

The Mt. William fault line rouglily forms a boundary between Silurian
(to ust) and Ordovicia rocks, ‘To the east of the North und South Goldie
spur are diabase, lavas and tuffs; whilst to the west are cherty shales
and slates of Ordovician age. To south and east are volcanic plateaus, at
varying altitudes, mostly cleared to form rich pasture and farm lands

The aboriginal quarrics comprise heaps of rock chinpings: resulting frome
the work of the most primitive of human actifcers, thomweh active harcly
wd century ago, a

For toughness and durability, this diabase creenstone was superior to
that of other Victorian docalities as a ovaterial for stove axes; shis heine
realized by the aberiginal family which disonvered these “quarries”.
According to A. W. Hawitt, it was the frst known instance of property
being vested in a family as distinct feom a tribe: so was learnt a principle
of economics, viz, division of labour and progress by syiecialization.

Messengers came irom as far as Mt. Gambier {5.4,) and the Riverina
(N.S.W.) to obtain stove axes frons this family. bringing gifts of fone
and emuipment in exchange. As the Jame of wts product spread, the [sony
then hua jittle need ta hunt. Hence. with food, etc, supplied. there was
nore time to concentrate on making better axes. The abyriginal clipped
with bis stone tools jrom the edge of the axe inwards, takine the stone aff
in flakes. At each point of invpact there is a sinall "cone of percussion”.
showing where the blow was struck; and so distinguishing his chipping
from the disintegrating effect of marural aeenries. A serves of such marks
38 thas evidence that the chipping was the work of homan hands.

Many axes) in varius slages of manufacture were scatterer anouest
the jnmerous chips heaped ere! each heme consaentiously discarded
because of some flaw. The famity ownership of these quarries was upheld
hy tribal councils wha disciplined same of the Avoca tribe which raided
the workshop and stole come partly-completed axes

Resuming our trip, after lunch. Pyalang was traversed: and Mallison':
Creek. draiunng granitic country, iu places examined ow foot. was generally
followed dowanstreant past Glengroua, Cove towards Tallaravk.
crossing the Sugarloal and Sunday Creeks and a “tongue” of basall extend-
ing nineth Fron near Mr Piper, and visiting the Roulton wildflower
sanctuary, the Hume Wighway was follewed, aad the ity rezamed ahotit
913 pom,

NOW Buestox.

‘ ‘

_ Leireies—frotectonw af Nati ilorwers 21

PROTECTION OF NATIVE FLOWERS

To the Edizor,—

The Councit of my Socicty has directed ine to correct a imisconceptyn
oi the efficiency of the Wildflowers and Native Planes Act in N.SAW,

My Society ip of jhe apition that the ficensimg system gn this State is
most ineffective <ind has Ied to considerable abuse and graft, This view
is shared hy ail the bodies interested in. conservation that T have had contact
with besides wameraus private individual and Vrust bodies such as thase
governing the Kuring-gai Chase and Bouddi National Park (near Gosfard)-
Weare, a a matter of (act, most despontdent about scane of our “spectacular
wildflowers” such as the Native Rose und the Waratah, the Jast-named of
which, we understand, is stolen from our National Reserves and sold on
the Vietorlan markets at high prices. As a ocotstant visitor to the sane-
tuanes and the wild fife bands 1 cao say persohally that wildflowers are
not “noticeably re-asserting themsmeives’ . 2 , far fram it!

The main abuse arises from difficulty in policing the act, Licenses are
issued but flowers are stolen willy-nilly fran reserves and Crown lands,
the tags heing afMxed to bunches of Howers that are not taken From the
so-called grower's property, Frequently, “growers have admitted that
they could not possibly grow the great masses of blooms offered for cale.

We have come to the conclusion that only prohitition of the sale of sil
wildflowers ather than Christmas Bush will prevent the loss for all tme~
at our rich focal heritage. We believe sufficient Christmas Bush ri culti-
vated to justify dle cxenption.—Yours, cic.

-ALLEN AL Sirrom,
Honorary Seerctary, Will Life Preservation Society of Aust.

To the Eviiter,—

Mr. Strom's remarks on the inadequacy of the Jicensingg system in force
in New South Wales under its WildHower Protection Act are justified by
a knowledge of defctencies in its adinistration more imtimate than I cai
ever hope te possess The continent which his Society regards as ubjustifed
was based on peports which, T have so reason to doubt, would he ue
irue for certain localities although evidently far from true in others.

Tem told that wildflower thieving in Kuring-zai Chase is rampant and
the thieves 40 deternutied that rangers who have aitempted to intercept
thent have been threatened with violente. However deplorable this sort
of thing may be it seems hardly fair to blame the Heensing system for
what is happening. Rather should its adtainistratioy he condemned, — If
the New South Wales Government, in policing the Act, were to spend 2
small fraction of the money that ir now spends oa policing the Gaming,
Liamsing and similar Acts governing the morals of the community, 1
iitagine that the now-vanishing wildAowers would indeed re-assert then-
sefves in all localities,

Public ymterest on ative wildflowers 35 continually increasing and if the
public wants ta grow them aid use thew for decorative purposes mm prefer-
euece to the cultivated plants and wildflowers of otlier lands why should
they be forbidden ta do sa? Anyway, some of them are so litthe known
that anly specialists would recognize them as native plants, and complete
prohintion would be just as hard te police as the present restrictions.

Tt is my persunal view, bot ane that is, T feel suee, shared hy many
peaple, that the best protection of al) hes in a plant's widespread coltivatiur
in people's gartlens, JL is certam that West Australia's Brown Beroni«
and the Geraklion WasxAower require no protection for ier survival, and

22 (pranks —i nleetion vy Vaticy facies ere

Mr. Strom himself feels that the New South Wales Christrias Busi
should be exempled dram We prabibition (due we it widespread cultivatiau.
Unless the flower Teaver ancl lerticulearist become familiag with) them as
cut flowers, they will have little desire Os juissess then) as etewing plans.
and unless they are cullivated they will inevitably disappear from ail
places Where ana inhahits

1 do doubt the wisdom of a Dlauket prahihitioy om the sale or will-
flowers. Why not press for the prohibition dy vcerlation of spemhedt
nlants> 7a New Senth Wales the sale of the Waratah cane Barone
serritate would oseent ta ment such wo ban We in Viutora eoulel ust
cur attention ta such plants as Barone Avpetlees aid the daly Wax-
flower, both of which appear to have taplured Hie howey of dealers in
cut flowers. Both ave fisted) i te sehddule af protected native phats
yet on regard uy the Boronia. the Counei of the Club tas oer informed
that the Fotests Commission for a noaiinal sin tleensee dealers to our out
truckloads of it tn one of the tow Gippsiand valleys where il flowclshes.
This by the authorizy whieh administers the Wildflawer Protection Act!
Furthermore, uncer the Act the Minister alone can issue the parnut, luc
im this instanee che Goomission appears to have excealerd its authority
and dispensed with that formality—all in tie cause of fire qretectiow in
a State forest, Evidently the safety ol oor State forests aud the preser-
vation of our rarer wildflowers are not completely eouipatible aims, VW
we caimot ensare complete jotecheny at least We Cau sttive to mitigate
olilright destruction, and ane way of dotiy tat ty Eo wibradd ue ss the Liteusilay
systain and endeavour to persunde public oproion that it ls worth pohelny
rltctivelh —Youre, ele,

J. Ros Ganxer,

FLYING FOXES ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Aaartiols in the ?eiinsifa Past of March 5, 1982, stated that Aving toxce
hac caased havec auieng the plums, destroying fruit and breaking lowe
limbs af trees Peaches had also suffered. and orchardista feared attucke
on apples, Growers had spent sleepless niehts, as well as anninition. in
shinoting tlie pests, but Svhen cliaritrbance subsided they canw back, Otd-
established erowers at Fyabb-Hastings say this is only the second time
Ayingy foxes have visited the district in numbers,

Those who have read Frau, Ratelifes Firing doe and (rifting Sand
will remember Cat he says that flyime foxes, or fruit-cating bats, ae
pre-eminent yarns country anierals, bub io -yustralia they make seasonal
inigritions. Usually the wave peters out somewhere near the Victorian
‘border. Iyat it ix theoght that the reeedt Queenslaidl bushfires drove Foxes
forther south: His 4easen

Fiving foxes, says Ratcliffe, eve esgentially creatures of the jungle.
slritwing sustenauce from the hlossoinse ad they heen content to stay
there, they would Wave renamed comparatively yniyipartant mentors of
the Austeauan fanna. Tf their waquez! ford ts abtujdurte, they asually leave
Whe orchards alone, but wheu they do attack, mest af the commercial evap
us safely picked before it attracts their attention, as they prefer ther Fruit
Vipe, Altliongh raids of Aying foxes may sometinwes he a serious spatter
for individual grawers, the craps of all of them. put together forin an
‘nsignificant itent in the diet of the hige Ayiw fax population

SM.

Jang Vy

yea Penny—Ciiaiuinl Siders 23

COMMUNAL SPIDERS
i Ry W. Peeay (iagleimwh, Vig,

While at Lake Boga (Vigtonia) i Febroary, 1944, my atlenran was
attracted) by a great noamber of spider ‘neste on atumerous treés. Theac
vests. Which varied auch a size, comsisted Of teagses of webothrough which
Were Hiniherous pussagaways. While sane were as small asa tennis jal,
others were much larger, One qartienlar nest was at least Ihree feet lune
and iis many deer in girth. “The makers atic! inbupitants of these vests
prayed to he the species OF cribelute spider, Nadincud mart, These spiders
are sinall. the females bhady leneth being five-Sisteenths of am teh. the
wiates onessixloenth of am iich Tess

On pulling a pest to pieces. large nebers uf hath sexes worr sect,
which obsecyatios pranied ne to take one neat ane caulit fhe primates.
The vest cligsen wis sntall. ranghly eviiuddeal in slape, ane aypraxtoarely
seven inches mi leneth by three niches in (diameter “This was placed ii A
cardhnard bos jubled li pieces, and ly the exercise of mmeh yiedauce, alt
the spulers were cageht aud touted.

div all, there were @) spiders, cannprising 47 Temales aud 14 males FI
Might not he expgycrating to estinate spiders in some of the fiteger nest
in thousands,

Many eist skins were fonsises indicating: that moulling takes place avithiy
the nest.

Nethme ds kiown us to the Food of these spulers. bot thar huwe neeier
thraughour these districts aust tuke an enernigws toll ot insects per atuyen

The webs of many cribellate sydders. due perhaps to the rather coarse
wature-a! ther threads aud (herr andsval structure catch dust easy, - The
Lake Boga nests. were very dirty, die ie doubt do abe severe dost stots
wiydli oteasvopaily ecegy it ibis sandy cegion, Magy ui the nests were
oi Pepoer-trees (the ivtradueed Sritnis wolled, white a avietber al citrus
trees ina peachy property were almost matted, ‘Small nests were observed
on Vucalyprus: trees alone the road from Bears Lagoon tu Swan Hill.
Purhapa te the spiders’ disadvantawe is the fact that these noiatted nests on
webs aiist be nyurious te the trees through harbouring pests. anil preventing
leaves ty (umetion nt their normal ipamner,

Fo: the pdentrieation of these gpiders Tan indubted to Ma. By AL Dont,
Honorary Arachsolagis:, Nation Meseum of Victoria

BIRD NOTES FROM THE MURRAY ,VALLEY

Mr. Jim Wurson country member at Albury, writes: "Ou the afteruour
of Clristnms Bay (1951). J tagk a shert outing ta the fawoou belind
Wearlonga, and sighted a pair of Crested Grebes (Padiceps cristata) feet:
ig Vong. and several Nankeen Night Herons (Neveliconiy cdlydanions),
which have not heen noticed previously this summer. Whe tallowing day,
Basing Day, way one tu rerkember, | waded vight into the back of the
Kiewa Pint country, and discovered as fine a Cormorant rookery as ane
coulel wish: for—a law gumrtree sume 90 feet high het nests pr carly
every fork, about sixty or more T woukt say at # @uess AC least Uirer
species—Litth: Pied (Mteragarde mctunatenens. Littl: Black Ualarra-
corar aice} and the larger Pied (7. varus} were nesting jogelber Aust
nests hell veung, aud very bad-mannered yous. toa. if one wean close, tor
they spewed half-eaten vabhic. etc.. down in large quantities. sa iv obser-
vations were mith: at a respectable distance, On a fallen tree in ihe water..
and on {wo low saplings. were clusteced other nests of the littl Pied and.
Linde Black. ard close serntiny could he made of the young end ef. i

Weer Nat,
Vol ay

34 Winns, ‘Adycologa’—A evry
these. What disgustingly uyly and filthy little creatures they were, too,
~will) (hei half-naked bodies and vulture-hke heads: some were neazly
ready to fly, .

(Close to this colony was a reed bed covering perhaps 30 to 100 acres,
and here the White Ibis (Thresktorats molucca) were nesting in numbers,
1 estimated from 30 10 150 nests, bul m@ was hard to Lange accurately as
20 Many of the young birds were already able to Ay. Those <till on the
nests made an interesting preture, though they fool to the reeds immedi-
ately a closer approwch was attempted Two nests only contained exes
No Straw-necked [his (7. spinicatlis) were nesting, thougl odd birds were
Aving around, along with scores of Egrets, Spoonbills (two species),
Herons, and many Nankeen Night Herons, including young birds. Two
Jarge brown birds disturbed irom the tceds obyiously avere Bitterns
4 Balaurns poicilaptiis)—hieds for which T have been searching for many
4eare, but up ty now, wreuccesstully

BOES

“INTRODUCTION TO MYCOLOGY”
(A Review)

By ].-H. Wits

So extremely important have fungi become i man’s economy and so
unerous are the venera and species—about 39,000 were on. record ton.
years age, not including the ji¢het-formers—that it is difficult to gain a
satisfactory impression of the whole vast Tungus realm. We teed a com-
-plerely modern approach to the subject, aid that has been altempted by
Dr. J. A. Macdenald, of St. Andrew's University, Scotland, His frmly
‘bound octave voluine of 177 pages, which appeared last year, takes us
throught the various classes and orders of fuugi as at present recognized
and deals with the major phenomena in general terms. There is a shart
chapter on mycorrhiza and a fimal one on lichens. Line drawings aim at
axplaining the diversit¥ of reproductive structures, but leave much io be
desired; those of Sveretin hirsuhim and S. purperciit on page U1, for
instance, are. hopelessly crude and remind one of an inverted Hodneuw and
some extraordinary polyporoml grawth respectively.

Australian students will he disappomited at the failure to mention a snigle
“vegetable caterpillar’—those aniazing fongi of the genus Cordyceps which
parasitize ynsects and ceach theirhighest development in southero Australia
(C, teyori may produce spectacular fruiting bodies a fout in height), ‘Ere
highly fascinatmp subject af luminosity 1 disnussed in two lines, aed there
“js no treatmént—apari fram a scant referesigg to. Penicilltuan notafean—of
the very important modern develupments m fungal antibiotics. With these
and other omissions. one wonders whether the litle volume is really worth
2); in this regard it compares unfavourably with J. Ramsbottom’s Fri.
which was distributed by Petn’s Library in 1929 tor sixpence! Simtroduetiosn
to Afycology is obtamaile through Butterworth & Co., 6-8 O'Connell Street,
Sydney, and was published hy the same firm in London

The Victorian N aturalist

Vol. 69—No. 3 JULY 10. 1952 No, 823
PROCEEDINGS

The Annual Meeting of the Club was held at The Herbarium
on Tuesday evening, June 10, 1952. About 100 members and
iriends attended,

Mr. Eric Rush and Miss Joyce Braithwaite were welcomed as
new Ordinary Members of the Club,

The Secretary’s Annual Report was read and received on the
mation of Mr, Chalk, seconded by Mr. Hanks, auc was adopted
on the motion of Mr. Sarovich seconded by Mr. Dickens,

Miss Fletcher, the Hon. Treasurer, presented the Club's
Financial Statement. After discussion it was moved by Mr.
Miller, seconded by Mr, Chalk, that the statement he received
and adopted. Mr. Coghill moved that congratulations be
accorded to the Hon. Treasurer; seconded by Mr, Stewart, Mr,
Chalk, Hon. Auditor, then reviewed the Club's finances over
the past year.

‘The retiring Presidetit gave a short aud stimulating address
ont the opportunities that .existed for our Club to any out the
ideals for which it stood.

The election of Office-bearers arnt Committee for’ the enstimg
year then took place. As only one nomination had been receiver
for President, that of Dr. M. Chattaway, My, Lord then declared
Dr. Chattaway elected, Before vacating the Chair in her favour
he thanked all inerobers of “Council for’ thetr work during the
past year, also those members who had found it necessary to
retire before the year had ended. Dr, Chattaway took charge
of the ineeting and the election of Office-hearers proceeded,

A fresh ballot had ta be held when three members tied. for
election to Council, Names of new Office-bearers are on inside
back cover, cng te

Qn the motion of Mr. F. Lewis, seconded by Miss Fletcher,
Messrs. Chalk and Hooke were tiominated as Club's Auditors,
and duly elected. They were thanked for their past services to
the Club.

The President annouticed that two old and valued members
of the Chib, Mr, V. H. Miller and My. L. W. Cooper, had been
proposed as Honorary Members, This was received with applause
and they were duly elected.

A letter had been received from the Director of the National
Musetim stating that they would he celebrating their centenary

26 Frelt Naturnlists Chih Proceediugs Mage Hick

early in 195¢ and askjng if auy members had any information
which wonld’be of'tise in the tampitation ‘of a Histéty’ of the.
Museum, he would like to receive it,

The subject of the By-Laws was thrown open for discussion,
hut there were no comments Jrom members present.

EXHIBITS .;

BOTANY—Greenboods from Beauniaris, growing in tin. Increased frem
12 bulbs in 5 years, beiug fed on ti-trce leafmould Mr, E, Rush. Pterastylis
fislnt, from Woodside, Fungi from. Yarram-Woodside—My, P-. Fisch.
Seeds of Flindcesia pubescons—Mr, K. Ais. Dagger Hakea {Hakeo
pugiontformes)—Mr. A. C. Brooks.

SHELLS—Matiue Shells, Family Muricidae teluding af. denndatus
Perry, MW, triformis Reeve, M-engast Crosse from Victoria, and M_ stoin-
forthi Reeve (W: Aust), 42, endizvia” Lam. (Mauritius), 'M. polmarasite
L. (Ceylon), af, tonnispra Tam. (Ceylon), Af, pinnains Wood (China),
M. cerancorms Lan. (N- Aust.),.d¢, brandaris Linn, (Medit.), 4. Mevtcattals
Linn. (MeditJ—Mr C. J. Gabriel, and Miss Mache,

NESTS—Nests of Acunthisa dicmenensis, and Acaithornis magus
i Tastnania). Bird Chart—"Some. Tasectieeirias Birds of Victoria". —Miss
Vigan:

EN TOMOLOGY—Phisnia—M iss Balaam.

ARTIPACTS—Two aboriginal artifacts found together at | South
FP. Lewis.

FISH—Crinps perspiciliains (C. & Vl—Mrs. Freame.

WINTER FLOWERING SHRUBS

The only native shrubs in my garden which Howered from the first day
to the last of winter were Rosemary Grevillen (G. roonarmifolia) and the
common greenish-fowered Correa (C. refleca), but those which flowered
for many weeks during winter included a red variety Correa, Grampians
Thryptomene (T_ calyema), Long-leal Waaflower (CE riostemon myopur-
oides), Charizema cordatum, and. the pink form: of the Purple © -oral-pes
(Hardenbergia wiolacea, var.). Wartles which flowered during winter
include the Golden Rain (Acuria promimeis), Cootamuidra (4. Baileyanay,
Coast (A. sophorag), and Green or Early Black (4, decurrens).

Ag the greater glories of spring advanced, the Swan River Pea (Brachy-
sima latifolium), Geraldton Wax Plant (Chamelaucivm uncinatuny), Heath-
wyrtie (Micromyrtus ciliatins), Fairy ‘Waxflower’ (driostentort oloualis),
Olive Grevillea (G. olcondes), Showy Bossiea (8B, cinerea), Conmon
Beard-heath (Lemcopogon virgains) ank Common Heath (Epacris iupressa)
were all in flower —

{ have mentioned cnough shrubs to show that an. Australian garden uecd
not lack colour during the winter. but a more experienced grower cuuld
doubtless add many more attractive plants to this list.

—AEB,

t Bg

ay T. £ Rte Neve Orehedt—Phaties, pists 2

A NEW ORCHID FROM NORTH QUEENSLAND
By T. E, Hewt, Ipswich, Otteensland.

Phatus pictus sp. nov

Herbe tenvestris valida, Cutis creo 60 ety alts, gracilis, erectus.
quadrancitaeis, ad basis Inthe pariye Leiwea Ft vin. drametro) pruvdihis,
Folia tuferiora ad sonamas ceiinantes redacta; follu supertora 4-5,
farcedlata, cirea dO ean wx IO van, pltedta, acuta petolata. Inflares
eentin v gholiber unde civee 90 em, longa, nudtifiora, crecia, Bracteac
urea 27 cm, fonyac. dutssimac, coulen: dueplecteutes, Oar cium
pedicelio 2:7 con lorem, enrvitis. Plover circa 5 gin, dtawmetra, auret,
erts clride of ois tube aotar, Septala ef petata acquilanga, 2.6
ci donga, lancealata, aenla; sepalum darsale $5 anpz. lutwor, segmente
iia qnynstiora, sepale etopetula obscure snaleinervata ct bason versus
perce pilosa. Laibelwn 22 corn tenga, crectiin, anrenm wtetegle
wubre valde notntos crlcar lenue, errvnnt, Vast columiog adie tian,
food diase pubescentiz fom subguadvala, ¢ medio basin versus’
incre gyedin usyne ad aptocat putale cf moritbus undulata, Niners
duabis latis abscuris nateta, wvingue parce pilosa, intus prope afteen
dcuse pilosa, Colunna auca, erecta, J:5 cin. louga, parce Puosa;
dlac serralue, onlhesusn cingeatcs ca hod fongieres, Arntthera flirva,
pirece pilosa, Sigua tation, protrude, ais coltainae dapbleerii-

Habitat: Queensland—Cook District, on Bellenden Ker Range
above 2,000 feet. Ley. J. H Wilkie, May, 1947, (TYPE, in
Queensland Herharitim, Brisbane),

A terrestrial, with stem up to 60 em. (two teet) high, slender,
erect, 4-anglel, swullen at the base into a sill bulb up to 3 ent.
in. diameter, green, nodes above the bulb 5 or 6 Lower leaves
reduced ju sheuthing scales, a free lamina appearing at about the
fourth frow the base; upper leaves 4 or 5, elliptical, plicate. up to
40 em. long and 10 cm. wide} acute, petiolate, the petiole about
10 om, long on the uppermost pair, Inflorescence.axillary, appear-
wg frou any of the nodes above the bulbous base—in the two
flowering plants received, the inflorescence arose in hoth cases
tron the third node above the bulb, in one 20 em. and in the
other 30 cn. from the ground, Raceme up to 90 em. long, many-
Aowered, erect. Bracts 2-7 om. Jong, very broad, sheathing, pale
wreen. Pedicel with ovary 27 om, long, curved. Blowers about
3 em. across, deep buttercup yellaw, sumewhat greenish outside
und heayily colanred inside with rich red. “Dorsal sepa) 2-6 cin.
long, 5 nin, broad, lanceolate, acute - lateral sepals narrower. Petala
equal in length to the sepals, but nich narrower; all these seg-
ments with several longitudinal veins, the central thr¢e more pro-
tninent than, the others, and with a few scattered short, white
setae at the hase, Labellum 2 1 cm. long, erect, the narrow curved
basal spur fused to the base of the column; the [ree lamina as
broad as long hut incurved so as to embrace the column, spreading
anteriorly, entire, margins undulate-crisped, plate with two broad,

28 T.E. Hunt, New Orchid—Phains pictus Me at

KEY TO ILLUSTRATION

(A.) Lower part of pseude-bulb. (BL) Portion of the upper part of

psendo-bulb, showing axillary inflorescence and lower leaves, (€C.) Flower

from side. (D.) Flower from beneath, (E.) Column trom. front, anther

removed, (F.} Coltimn from aide. (G.) Labellum from side. (H.} Label-

lum from above, Rattened out. (1.) Cross section of labellum, showing
- i sete. *

(AH: figures approximately 2/3 natural size.)

sits TE, Kugr, Nee Orciid—Photns pictes 29

flat, hardly discernible raised lines terminating near the tip in x
small dense patch of white cilia; upper surface completely besct
with lorig, fine, white cilta, the interior of the spur densely
pubescent, the lower surface of the labellum heating a few shorter
‘cilia; the whole labellumn a clear buttercup yellow. with many fines
of rich red cots above and two groups below. Colum pale yellow,
erect, |-5 am. Jong, broader at the top, sparsely beset with short
white cila; wings serrated, extending in [ront of and hehind the
anther but not exceeding tt. Anther yellow, beset also with cilia.
Stigma broad, deep, immediately below’ the anther and embraced
by the column wings. Pollen inasses oblanceolate, laterally com-
pressed.

The flowers blacken when damaged aud when. pressed.

This beautiful species differs radically [rom those already known
to occur in Australia and reviewed recently by the late W, H.
Nicholls (“The Genus Phaius in Austratia’, vet, Nat. 67: 10-15,
May, 1950). The species diseyssed there belong to swamplands
aid wet, hoggy places in tle hot, huinid coastal belt and estuaries
along the east coast of poveansténed and the Nerthern Rivers Dis-
trict of New South Wales, and are sindar to each other in growth:
they form yery large pseudo-hulbs from which spring the large.
plicate leaves and the infloresvence. P. Pictus came from an eleva-
tion of 2,000 ft. in the Bellenden Ker Ranye, where the nature
of the soil and the chmatic conditons would he very different, Its
habit alone warld prevent any possible confusion with the earlier
known species, as the leaves. and mflorescence arise from a tall,
slender, 4-angled stenr, with a hardly conspicuous pseuco-bulb
at; ils hase. :

Although the flowers are somewhat smaller than those of the
other Australian species, their rich clear colouring (huttercup
seginents marked with crimson and backed by large, clear apple-
green bracts) makes them very distinctive and of undoubted horti-
cultural yalue. Apparently this 36 a rare plant, even in its
restricted habitat, so it is to be hoped that the rugged terrain and
jungles of the mountains, which have hikklen it so long, will
effectually prevent its paving the price of its beauty

OGITUARY

Tt is recorded with regret that Mr. Jack Mardy, who was on the staf
of the printets of Yhte Naturalist (Brown, Prior, Anderson Pty. Jatd.)
died on July 3 at ihe early age of 43 years, His willivg help and friendly
cu-operatioty aver the years meant a great deal ta busy editors af this
Juarnal, and our sympathy goes out to his wife and fainily-.

—TALWw.

FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB OF VICTORIA
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR 12 MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 1952

. GENERAL ACCOUNT ©
RECEIPTS PAYMENTS
Subscriptions— The Victertan Natwralist--

Arrears ., .. .. u- +. «- £25 5 6G Printing £546 5 0

Current ,. -. sau th oor GID 2 Ulustrating 3. _73 10 -0

Lite Membership (2 46 €e 610 0 Despatching = -. 4, we 2D

—————_ #645 2 8 Index ‘as di a: :: <2 &t 12:47 G e
Sales of The Victorian Natwrakst .. 18 18 4 — £658 v Jj
Advertisements in Natiralist 74 5 0 Reprints 0 5 0
Interest received—Library Tund 112 6 Pastage : 33 8 1
: — General Privting and Stationesy 363 =F
£739 18 1) Library . o 21111
Excess of Payments over Receipts for year 4711 5§ Rent, Caretaking, and Meetings ' 21 5 0
Donations thee at 7 7 0
General Expenses .. .. -, .. -- 27:12 = 5
£787 10 3 £787 10. 3
BUILDING AND CONTINGENCIES ACCOUNT

Interest on L[rivestmerits 3g" #31 16 3 Bank Overdraft at 30/4/1951 £2610 7
Sale of Publications bo-635 ah! ee ee te 41-3 3 Cost of Printing By-laws 15 9
Sale of Badges -- 2, 7 ee eee 5 063=«6 Purchase uf Publications $12 6
Bank charges and interest . 44 O17 4
Balauce in Bank on 30/4/1952 _. JOM i
iB 2 6 £78 2 f

oF

aayyysoyesy pao sydrary fo pumas

6G FAA
EN WIEA

LIFE MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT

Balance in Savings Bank at a wu eee OS OSD Taken inte Ordinary Income of year to 30/4/1952 46 10 0
Interest on Current Account = ,- a: Se t40 Balauce in Savinys Bank at 30/4/1952 ., .. 49 19 0
£56 9 0 56 9 0

BALANCE SHEET AT APRIL 30, 1952

LAADILITIES : ; ASSETS

Building aid Contingeneles Fay £98) 171 |. Bank Current Accounts-—~Net Balance .. -. #316 4
Dudley Best Vabrary Fund ,, .. 0 0) : Avreats of Subseriptions, estimated to. realize 25 0 0
———_— £1,030 17 1 Sundry Debtorg .. - cae see dds aes 45 7 3
Subscriptions paid in advance— Stueks on hand at valuation— =
Ordinary ., ve ee ew.) 6£G2 130-1 Publications vee ue ee) ~6EIRE OO -

Life Membership ray ee) 649-19 0 Badges. «sw. uy ee ee HO 0
11212 1 —_— 214 0 0
Esdirsion Account ,, 6.0 6. ee ee ee oe f7 3 4 Investments— ‘
Special Donations in hand . tee ue, 49-15 6 Dudley Best Library Fund— _ - ; e,

Surplus of Assets over Liabilities iy oe ee 1005 18 2 Commonwealth Bonds .. ,- £50 0 0

; Building and Contingencies Fund—
: Cwealth Bonds #950 0 0 5
ES. &A. Bank +
Account ., .- 30 171
——— 98017 1
—— +. 1,030 17
Library, Furniture, Epidiascope, Loud Speaker 7
aud Water Colour Paintings, at valuation 947 5 9
£2,260 6 2 £2,266 6

iN

Audited and found correct, is - ; ; -
Ny = aL } Hon: Auditors. eat
. N_ FLETCHER, Hon. Treasurer.
June 10, 1952. re

T
t

GEG
Ayn

pun seid fo jitawiDrg

Ht

Iulgipeiags

it

‘ Viel Nat
32 Scventy-sctond Aunial Report Vol. BD

SEVENTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT, 1951/52

Your Council has pleasuve in submitting the 72nd Annual
Report for your consideration.

Another successful year has closed with a total memberstuy
of 512, consisting of 335 ordinary members, 147 country members,
? juniors, 18 honorary and § life members.

We have again to miourn the passing of some members of
the Club, amongst whom were Mrs. Edith Coleman and Messrs.
FM. Black and Gee, Lyall,

Mrs. Coleman you will remember obtained the Australian
Natural History Medathou i 1949. Last year, Mr. Tarlton
Rayment, the Club's numince, recéived the Award,

The lectures given to the Club during the year have been
varied and interesting and generally speaking of a high order.
It-is noted, however; that very few of our own regular members
contribute to these programmes. Surely there are some of us
who could give an interesting and edifying evening on subjects
to which we have given some special attention. Aiter all, this
is supposed to he a club of naturalists devoted to the study of
all branches of natural history, It that ts so, and if we are really
domg some study, why not let the club have the benefit of this
knowledge? Perhaps two could share the one evening.

The State Development Commitice has presented its report on
National Parks to the Government which is now engaged in
preparing legislation to implement the Conmnntlee’s reconuenda-
tions. Just what form the legislation will take 1s not vet known,
but the Council is keeping in touch with the Mihister of Lands
ou the subject

We have also been in touch with the Lown Planning Authority
af Melbuurne regarding the possiblity of having some of the
Beautnaris/Sandringhami area reserved as a Wild Flower Sane-
tuary, but after @ careful examination of the locality by a special
sitb-cammittee, the Council found regretfully that such a proposal
was impracticable.

You hardly need reminding that fnunce has given your Council
a great amount of worry and anxiety during the year. Coritiualls
ristng costs have forced us to economize in the size of our Journal,
hut in spite of this, the Council. in order to make ends meet, very
reluctantly had to ask members for an increase in suliscription
rates. Before this was done every pnssible avenue was explored,
and the action taken was on the unanimous recommendation af
the special Anance sub-conimittee appointed to go into the imuatter.
The advertisements in the Journal have recently: decreased in
wamber owing ‘to the increasing financial stringency, and this
has seriously reduced oiit revenue too,

a Semmiyesecond Anaucl Report 33

‘The various study groups associated with the Club have tunc-
tioned more or fess successiully during the year. They all,
however, would vladly welcome new menibers to their ranks.

A few months ago the Native’ Plants Preservation Group
decided to sever its connection with the Club and now functions
as an independent entity under the title af the Native Plants
Preservation Society af Victoria. Our best wishes are with this
organization Jn them effores to preserve for posterity some of
our fast disappearing native Alora.

The Jumor Club at Hawthorn nnder the able leadership of
Mr, Baker atid Mrs, Freame is still a most enthusiastic and
enerzetic hody of young people. Tt is an inspiration to attend
one of their meetings and note the enthusiasm and interest shown
by ‘the members, Mrs. Freame and Mr, ‘Baker deserve our
thanks and commendation for therr untiving efforts at Hawthorn.

Our By-Laws have now been completed and published after
a very strenuous tiye years’ work by My. J. Ros Garnet and his
camuittee. Much work is involved in drafting a set of rules
auch as those we now have.

At this stage, it it fitting to refer to the work of the Council
az 2a wWhole, They meet monthly starting at 745 pin. and often
not finishing a heavy programme of work until nearly 11 p.m.
Dering the year the meetings have beet attended hy almost
100 per cent. of members. Recently, as you know, our President,
Mr. Lord, has beeu kept away through illness, but we are glad
fo know he is progressing so satisfactorily, One of our Vice-
Presidents, Mr, Davidson, has had to resigit because of ill-health.

The first affiliation of another, Naturalists Club under our new
By-laws has just been achieved hy the desire of the Maryborough
Cluh to be actively associated with us. We give them a cordial
svelcome. 4

-Now as regards the fnrure, the Club in spite ai all the difficulties,
financial aud utherwise, confronting us, is still a virile and
healthy organization, We are a long way from becoming senile,
But may we appeal to vur members to be more active in the
next ‘year in some of the tollowing ways:—

Iirmg along more exhibts to the meetings, with explanatory
comments. -

Short notes ot matters of interes! would also be very welcome
to the President at our aneetings and ta the Editor of
the Journal.

(By the way’, if you are talking to the Club and have a mip or
the wall or a stide on the screen, don’t look ut the screen or wali
as you talkface the audience and speak up. using the inicrophone
if nevessaty, ) :

> ora) bain Sey . ir Vict, Nats
a4 Serenty-second Anal Report I ve #9

We must not close without mentioning the receipt of a legacy
of £25-from the Estate ofthe late Mr. Forth. Perhaps other
members might rementher the Club in their wills.

Finally; we must agai express our thanks to Mr. Otto for his
kind assistance in atranging for the advertisements in the
Natnralist; to Mr A, W. Jessep for the use’ of this fine hall
and the room for Council meetings; to our bonorary Auditors for
their valuable help in connection with financial inatters ; to the
Royal Saciety for the use of the Jower hall in their rooms in
which to store the Club's Library and as a meeting place for
the various study groups; to Miss Morton for vahiahte help as
Assistant Secretary, and Messrs, Ros Garnet and Stewart on
the Council for many years, all three of whom are nor standing
for re-election ‘this year; and finally to all who by their intérest
and devotion have assisted in any way the work of the Club
during the past year’

On behalf of the cunt,
F, LEWIS, Secretary

"a

EXCURSION TO THE YOU YANGS (VICTORIA)

The all-day excursion to the You Yangs on Mav 24 was well attended.
On the way the leader drew attention te several imonuinents erected to
early explorers and spoke about the tribal boundary af the early abori iginal
awners of the country on the Werribce River, Two very early excursions
of the Club to the lacality were commented upon and passages from carly
issucs of The Fictoriax Naturalist were read. Birds were plentiful but mo
unusual species were noted, A Bronze-wing Pigeon sitting in the discarded
nest of a Chough was a late record for rhe nesting of this species.

In addition ta those species of eucalypts crowing naturally in the area,
there are fine stands of this species from all over Australia iu the Forestry
Resérye, It is a splendid place to sce the different types growmieg together,
Twenty-six species of birds were recorded for the trip.

—FE. Hanke,

ERRATA

In Fre. Net. 69: £9, June 1952 (“The Darlot’s Creck Satetuary"'),
the following typographical slips affect the spelling of several botanical
names and call for correction:

From bottont of page 19—second line, read Salix (not Salis) < 6th tine,
read Serr (not Sunt) ; 7th line, read Eel-weed, Malitsncria Cnot El-weed,

Yatlisneria) ; 13th line, read Calustegia (aot Salystegia),
i)

pis 70 Years’ Serviev—Mr, G. Coghill 35

THREESCORE YEARS ANO TEN — MR. COGHILL’S NOTEWORTHY
RECORD

With a history of nearly three-quarters of a century, the F.N.C.V. has
listed not a few remarkable records of aaeeibetslitp and service. But surely
the record made at the next general meeting (July) should stand as unique.
On this vecaston Mr. George Coghill will peony his seventieth year of
continuous active association,

Joining up in July 1882, when
the first President. Sir Frederick
McCoy, was still in office, Mr-
Coghill’s entry pre-dates The Ite-
fortan Naturalist, wow in its 69th
valume, The pages of the journal
over the years refer consistently
and eloquently tu Mr. Coghill’s
efforts, so manifold and varied as
to be impossible to. give but in
barest outline here. Two years ouly
had elapsed when he got into har-
ness as Assistant Secretary; at
the same time his father-in-law,
the Rev, Dr. J. J, Halley, a keen
ornithologist, began his presiden-
tial term of three years. When
the founder of the Club, Mr.
Charles French, Snr. became
President in 1897, Mr. Coghill had
progressed to Hon. Secretary,
maintaining that office until Mr.
J. A. Kershaw took over some
years later. From 1903/4 until
1919, a period of 15 years saw
him as a devoted Hon. Treasurer.
On vacating that position Mr.
Coghill received a presentation in
recognition of his sterling work. Then in 1925/26 the Club bestowed on
him its highest honour, that of President.

Although not aspiring to the academic attainments of some of his
distinguished colleagues, Mr. Coghill, by virtue of his capacity for hard
work in the several offices he held, his infectious enthusiasm for nature,
his cheery presence, with wildflower buttonhele, at practically every fane-
tion of the Club, his business acumen, his power of getting the best ont
oi others, and by the force of his example, is entitled to be regarded as
outstanding in our history. To quote one example, both he and the Jate
Mrs. Coghill were unfailing in their efforts at the Club shows, travelling
far afield to bring in exhibits, and taking pains in their setting up.

Whenever the ways of finance proved difficult, Treasurers always found
Mr. Coghill ready with kindly advice or mouetary help. A typical instance
of his frequent generosity occhrred when the Council, worried over the
disappearance from the library shelves of Campbell's Nests and Eggs of
Australian Rirds, decided, after a fruitless search, to purchase a secondhand
copy, offered at an expensive figure. Aghast at this, Mr. Coghill insisted
on the cancellation of the order and presented his own copy to the library.
Some years Jater the missing volume turned up. Ft need hardly be men-
tioned the donor never sought his copy back. So now ithe Club is the
fortunate possessor of two copies of this valuable book,

H 70 Veurs' Servico—Mr. G. Cophill bh

Until his retirement from the Couneil in 1942, Mr. Coghill gave a
Epevial lustre to the post of Senior Vice-President. dispelling any dark
avegestion that such position was a sinecure, Ha was ever alert to extend
a hand to later Presidents wha stumbled by the way—the writer at Teast
being one, While he was on the Gouncil, nominations for presidential
fice were relatively easy, as hesitant nominees invarially acquiesced whic
assured our stalwart Senior Vice would stand by, to step into the breach
if weed arose,

With ‘is flair for organization, Mr. Coghill was outstanding with
excursions i earlier days. Under his direction, which he avers was
thrust upon him at the last moment, one very success{a] .camp-out took
jace. This was at the Buffalo Mountains over the Christmas period o
1903, hfty years alter the first ascent of the range by Baron von Mueller.
There were no roads up then, nor tracks as we now know them to-day on
the Plateau. Razr fell incessantly. the tents leaked, and walking was the
anly means of progression Yet the pariy contrived to make a complete
ecological study of the Buffalo, and even added some notes of a sortie on
foot to Mount Bogony. Mr, Coghill collated the material to print. over
sixteen pages in The Mictorian Naturalist for March, 1904, an issue
alten sought for referdnce, but now out of print. Probably this account
wan be consdered the most comprehensive feld survey ever made and
written up fp the Club’s annats, .

Members are grateful to Mr, Coghill for all the love, time, Iahour and
moncy he hag lavished ow the Club, and congratulate him on the achieve-
sent of his seveati¢th anniversary.

¢ -HLCES.

“DRAWINGS OF BRITISH PLANTS'— PART V¥
' tA Reyiew)
By P. F. Morris

Years of patient Wotauieal research+ and delincation lie behind this
dascinating and valwable addition to the serics alrcady reviewed in our
journal (ict, Not, Oct. 1948, July 1950 and March 1951).

Miss Stella Ross-Craig, with her exceptional flair for descriptive draw-
ings and painstaking accuracy of detail, provides a standard set of allustra-
tions of the Caryophyllacear established in the British {sles, Each familiar
plant is portrayed in natural size and the wnlarged dissectional figures of
flawer parts and imnts are of sufficient magnification to explain ther
Structure quite clearly; the microscopic seed sculptures are works of singular
heauty. Miss Craig matches great artistic ability with botanical accuracy,
emphasizing Jin the line drawings those important features by which cacl
plant may be moxt easily identified. ,

Many of the subjects arc cultivated or occur as weeds i Austcatia—the
wchickweeds. canipions. peatl-worts, spurries, catchfy and pink, the work
should thus be of great value to botanists, teachers and students here, The
moder tendency 10 make every old subgenus a distinct genus has resulted
int such a monstrovs name as Kolfrauschio protiféra for the conmon
Productive Pink, but that is the fault of the botanist and not of the
artist, Eventually some 1,800 plates’ will appear im this excellent series,
published by G. Bell & Sons, London.

July C. E. Cravwies, Unsect Cannaitialiso. av

A CASE OF INSECT CANNIBALISM

On May 21, 1952, three larvae of Heliothis armigera (Hubn) were
foun on caulilowers at Windsor, N-S.W. One Jarva was very sanall,
another about half grown and the third larva apparently mature. The
three larvae were left overnight in a matchbox, At 3 p.m next day. when
the matchbox was opened the sraatlest larva had disappeared and the large
caterpillar was found on its side slightly curled around the other caterpillar
whoch it was eating, On. examination it was fountl that the head and all
the thorax with the exception of the third Jeft les of the victnn had
disappearest.

Canmbahsm among phytophagous larvae js by no means tnknovw,
eg. Hatumer ww his paper Life-Pistery Studies on the Cadiing Moth tu
Michigan (U.S.1D A., Bull, 115, part 1, 1972, p. 83) states that when large
numbers af mature codling noth larvae ate confined some larvae kill, ancl
later devour, weaker larvae. The cannibal then assumcs a dull, turbid

‘colour and may be readily distinguished from other larvae Also it has

.

heen observed that severa] newly-hatched larvae may enter a Prat anil a
ercatly-reducedd number will emerge; in the Jatier case Jiowever one
might wonder if competilion might be a factor.

—C, E, Craswick

ORCHIDS OF THE WEST
{A Review)

By J, Ros Gaprer

Tt is maw some 20 years since the late Mrs. Emily Peltoe published her
small handbook on West Australian orchids, In those two decades much
has been added to the botanical records of the West, and it is gratityiny:
that one so competent as Mrs. Erickson should have carried on the tradition
established by Mrs. Pelloe and undertaken the task of presenting us with
an accurate and ap-to-date oulvey of these records insofar as they apply
to the orchids of West Australia,

The known species and recognized varictics of Westraliqn orchid are
listed and succinctly described under the appropriate genus, and the text is
liberally supplemented by accurate ling drawings of typical plattts or such
parts as will help in the differentiation of species and genera. Delightful,
alike to the veneral reader aud the more exacting eye of the botanist, are
the colour plates reproduced from the author's original paintings repre-
sentiie soitve 26 species These tend distinction to a book which even
without them would prove a valuahle pocket conmppanion to the field
naturalist and bush cambler. Its value for the field observer is enhanced
by the inclusion of simplified keys to the various genera and to the species
of most of them. By the use of these keys it should prove an easy enough
task to identify any of the 147 species recorded for the West.

For naturalists aud orchid enthusiasts in other States the book will
corainly not lack interest. Anyone at all interested in the curious. manifes-
tations of Nattire cannot fail to be [ascinated by the essays which ‘Introduce
each of the sections in which the author treats of the 22 genera of orchids
known in West Australia. Here, in simple non-technical terms, the reader
is introduced to the captivating study of orchids, to their curions aod
intriguing floral structure and the purpose it serves an the process of
fertilizatipn, to the olservatiotis of the author hetsel on the pollanatign of
a number of species each by special ingect agencies, to plané migration,

a8 J. Ros Ganwer, Orchids of the West (Review) — [Vite Nat

Teaction to environment, wildflower conservation and protection, and a
host of other interesting facets of the natural history of Austratia's ground-
dwelling orchids,

A few minor errors have escaped the notice af the proof-reader, aud
it is, perhaps, worth while drawing attention to a few omissions. On page
57. “P. firma” should read “FP, fmbria”’. In the section dealing with the
genus Coryhas pp. 71-73) the epithet “dilatata” instead of “dilatatus”
accurs incorrectly om two occasions, And should not the acknowledgment
subscribed to figure 3, page 77, be to Nicholls and Rupp rather than to
Nicholls and Rogers?

Fhe errors of omission refer mostly to the notes on the extra-Westralian
distribution of species. For example, Phelyuatra mada and T. paneifora
{page 23), Mteratis orbicularts (page 48) and Culudenta deforimis (pare
95) all occur in one or more of the States than those listed.

Int those pages dealing with polhnation by insect agency, full reference
is tmade to the pidneééring obseryatians of Darwin and Fitzgerald and 16
the later researches of Caleman and Sargent, but, sad to say, this reviewer's
own paper on the pollination of several species of Phasophyllum published
in 1940 is not mentioned although it is not without its interest ag a con
tribytion to Australian orchidology.

However, to mention such frivial errors and omissions serves but to
emphasize the care bestowed on both the preparation 1and publication of
the book, It is a creditable production and well worth a place on the
shelves of anyone at all ntterested in Austvalla’s unique flora and, of course,
especially to the orchid Jover. By present-day standards it 1s by ne means
expensive.

Ores oF tine West, hy Rica Erickson; 1951, 109 fa with ilhistrotions by the
v

author including 22 colour and 9 black and white plates with 4 diguves, 9th «
Shin, in buckram boards. Paterson, Brokensha Pty, Lik, Perth, Price 23/~

THE ARCHIPELAGO OF THE RECHERCHE, Pert 2—BIRDS
‘ (A Review!
By LMLW.

The author, Mr. V. N. Serventy, was one of the members of the Ans. -
trahan Geographical Socicty's Expedition which visited the area in 1950.
This js the first part published of the full report. Tt is valuahle, not anly
because it Jists and discusses the birds found on this expedition, but gives
a comprehensive historical review of, and previously unpublished, repurts
on the bitds found by earlier visitors.

Mr. Serventy's remarks on the diminishing numbers of the Cane Barren
Goose (Cereopsis norwe-hollandie) arc disturbing, and it is bopedl that
stricter control on shooting will be established by the arthorities, as he
suggests.

The report is well Wustrated. tully indexed, and has an exectlout
detailed map of the Archipelago. Published by the Austratian Geographical
Society, 25 pages, paper covers, price 3/6.

The Victorian Naturalist

Voi. 69 —No. 4 AUGUST 7, 1952 No. $24
+ ' PROCEEDINGS

The monthly meeting of the Club was held at the National
Herbarium on Monday, July 14, 1952. The President, De.
Chattaway, was in the chair, aad about 120 members and irtends
attended,

The following mew wembers were elected hy the mieeting—As
Country Members, Mrs. ©. N. Southwell and Mr. George E. J.
Southwell, Iona P,O., via Bunyip.

The President drew attention to the fact that Mr, J, H. Miller
and Mr, L. Cooper had been ejected as honorary members of the
club, Mr. Cooper, unfortunately, was not able ta be present at
the meeting, but she presented Mr. Miller with a Certificate of
Honorary Membership, at the same time pinning a bouquet af
wild Howers in his buttonhole. Mr, Miller responded and thanked
the Club jor the honow conferred upon his,

The Prestdent announced that Mr. George Coginll had now
completed 70 years’ continuaus membership of the club, and as a
mark of appreciation he was presented with a small framed iluim-
mated scroll which had been prepared by Mr. H. P. Dickins. He
was also presented with a buttonhole of wild fowers, Mr. Coghill
suitably responded, :

The lecturer for the evening, Mr. Norman Wakefield, took his
audience with him on an extensive tour of far Eastern Victoria,
describing the flora and physical features of the country and illustreat-
ing his remarks with a fine series of pictures and reminiscences.

The editor of the Fictorian Naturahsi, Miss laa Watson, said
that a special issue of the The Naturalist, dealing with the present
position of the Lyre Bird in Australia, would he published in the
near Tuture, and that the Ingram: Trust had contributed £100
towards the cost of rhis issue.

The President announced the receipt of a doiation of £5 from
Mr, Hanks, and one from Dr. Wettenhall for £5/5/-, towards
the funds of the clud, and expressed her gratitude on behalf of the
club for these contributions. She also thanked Miss Raff far the
giit of four new books.

Attention of members was drawn to the new screen, purchased
recently, which was used this night for the first time.

Mr-. Burston drew attention to the fact thar the report of the
Parliamentary Standing Committee on National Parks had now
heen published, and Mr. Ros Garnet, amplifying his remarks,
referred to the fact that the Goverriment was preparing legislation

40 Field Naturalists Club Praceedurge rs ae

to implement: the recommendations of the General Council, Tle
suggested that, as soon as it was known what form the proposed
legislation would take, that Clab Members should seriously con-
sider this. and if it did not conform with, the jdeas of the Club an
the matter, they shoukl interview or write to their local Parlia-
mentary Members on the subject.

EXHIBITS

BOTAN Y—Garden grown wild flowers by Messrs, Seaton, Brooks and
Hanimit. Mountain Banksia (B. colline)-—Mrt. Jennison,

SHELLS—Gone shells—Miss Mache, Ywo Pearly Nautilus Shelis,
ane ti) aatiral state, and the other after acid bath treatment; a miniature
Pearly Nautilus (treated with acid), ai Operculunr (cat's éyes} in solv,
and two toose ones, all from South Pacific Islands—Miss Edith Raff.

FOSSIIS—Fossil leaves m sandstone Irom Lookout Hill, Airey’s liley —
Mr. Baker.

BRIRDS—Bndy pi Eastern Spinebill found in garden-—-Miss Bryning.

MISCELLANEOUS—-Photographs of Mt. Buffalo, also some old photo-
grapas of Clob menbers—Miss Wigan Two volunrés on Swiss National
Parks—Mr_ Popovic,

WHAT, WHERE ANO WHEN

General Excursions:

Saturday, August 16—FElitham, Subject: Botany. Jcaders: Botany Group.
Take 945 aim. Eltham trim. Bring one meal and a siack.

Sunday, August 3l- Langwarrin, Fxcursion to Mr. Jf, J. Rush's property,
Robinson's: Read Nush's lus jeaves Bataan Avenue at 9 a.m, returns
to city approxinwtely 6.30 p.m. Bring two meals. Hookings, 7/6, with
Mr. KR. Atkins, Botanic \Gurdens, South Yarra, SE).

Saturday. September 6—-Aiterncon walk fron Heathmont to Bayswater.
Subject: Botany. Leaders: Botany Group. Vake 1.38 p.m. Vern Tree
Golly tram, abght Heathmont.

Satardav, September 12—Alterncon walk from South Morang to Diamond
Crech. Subjects: Birds and Botany. Leader: Mr, R. Ferguson. Take
12.42 pan, Yhomastown trem from Prices Bridge, then rail miotor to
Souti) Moran

Preliminary Notice:

Saturday, October 1L—Sunday, Gclober 12. The arrangements for a week-
eud excursion ta Maryborough will he anacmmeed at the next general
ineeting.

Sunday, Octoher 19—Parler coach excursion ty Musk and Bullarto. Leaders:
Bendigo Field Naturalists’ Club. Coach leaves Ratinan Avenue 9 aasu.,
returning to <jty approximately 7.49 pan.

Group Fixtures: ; :

(At Royal Society's Hall, unless otherwise stated)
Monday, August 25—Botuny Discussion Group, 8 pan.
Tuesday, September 2—Gealugy Discussion Group, 8 p.m
Note.—cChildren under 15 half fare on bus trips,
Keanern AvKixs, Jixcursion Secretary.

EXCURSION TO MT. BUFFALO, CHRISTMAS 1952
All members interested ore oshed te meet Mer. Atkins, Excursion
Secretary, at the close af the meeting on August 14, to dis¢uss quediron
of transport costs, ete,

Pees Gin, ED. On tiie Aye of Bodrack, Metlonvne-Lilydete AT

ON THE AGE OF THE BEDROCK BETWEEN MELBOURNE
AND LILYDALE, VICTORIA

By Enaisn DB. Gin, bas

SuM MARY

Diplograptids from Diamond Creek, illacuids fram ‘Temple

stowe aud North Balwyr, and AManograpius from Warrandyte

thraw light on the structure of the poorly fossiliferous bedrock
between Melbourne and Lilydale.

INTRODUCTION

Highly fossilijerous rocks-of Upper Siluman age characterize
the Melbourne district, while equally fossiliferous racks of Lower
Devonian agé characterize the Lilydatfe district to the east, but the
intervening tventy miles is almost unfossilferous, The general
stricture ig an artielinoritim (Selwyn 1855-1856, Jutson 1911,
Junner 1913, Nicholls 1930, Gil] 1942), but there appears to be
such veslogical change laterally that there ms no repetition of the
fossilifevaus Melbottrne strata berween there and Lilydale. A
great deal of time haa heen spent by the writer in the past twelve
years endeavouring to Ind index fossils between Melbourne and
Lilydale, but werm tubes, unidentified fragments of shells and
erinould cohumnals are all that have vesulted. Some of the fragments
and poorly preserved jateral may assume micannig when more
is known of our palacemtdlogy = Work on crinoid cohininals shows
they lave stratigraphic value, but the study is not far enough
advanced ta throw light on the present problem. However, there
haye come recently to the National Museum specimens which
have thrown fight on the age of the bedrock betweet Melhourne
ard Lilycale, avd av account of these is now given,

DivcocRAPtivs rrou Diamonp Carn

“An interesting find.” wrote funner in L913 (p. 327), “was the
discovery of graimohtes in bhick pyritic shales from the Diamond
Creek ming. Dr, Hall has kindly examined these, and he has
informed me that horh Climecograptus and Liplograptus are repre-
sented, but he says there was uat sufficient evidence to enable their
precise age to he determined,” Jinmer's specimens have been
tound at the University, but the marcasite i thent has so oxidized
thal they are barely cleterminable, Tlowever. confirmation of
Juaner’s record has new been made, Recently the National
Museum acquired the pulaeottologicul collection of Dr. G, B,
Pritchard, and in this are poorly preservéd diplograptids in a
souilar qnatvix collected by Dr, Pritchard from the Dianiond

*Pulucentologist,, National Museum, Melbourne,

42 Gru, E. D, Oa the Age af teidvock, Metbawrne-Lilydale Ree ae

Creek mine. A map showing the locality accompanies the speci-
mens, which are now reg. nos. P 15,426-15.429, The graptolites
ate preserved as whitish films on dark-grey to black shaley silt-
stone,

After studying these specimens, the locality was again visited,
and it was noted that i the spoil heaps of the mine there was
very little of this particular rock, and it was found generally a
long way from the shaft, suggesting that it came fran) well down
the mine. KXedarites was collected, but no other determinable
fassil, Taktng into account the depth of the mine, and the direction
of the workings, it is thought that the graptolitic shale must have
come fram beds that outcrop very near the erest of the Temple-
stowe Ariticline, These are the oldest rocks outcropping in the
anticlinoriunt, ag Selwyn (1855-1856) showed and later investiga-
tions have confirmed. The diplograptids indicate au age older
than Middle Silurian; they could be Lower Silurian or Ordovician,
but in view of the general sequence a Lower Silurian age is the
more likely (cf. Thomas and Keble, 1933, p, 74).

IntAnNID TRILOBITES FROM NEAR TEMPLESTOWE AND
Norata BaLwyNn

A solitary illaenid trilofite was found by Dr. J, T. Jutson in a
quarry “between Heidelberg and Teinplestowe,” and was descrihed
as Iilaesns jutsom by Chapman (1912). At that time it was the
only illaenid trilobite recorded from Victoria. Dr. Jutson has
obliged me with more precise information concerning the Jocality
from which the specimen came, It isa quarry at a bend in Bulleen
Road, on the east side, half a mile suuth of Manninghani Road,
Military Map Ringwood Sheet 1935 grid reference 114,419.

The holotype (Nat. Mus. veg. no. P12,299) is a vather poorly
preserved biind trilobite 3.5 cm. long and 1.8 cm, wide, with
bumastoid cephalic furrows, traces of a very narrow cephalic
border, ten thoracic Segments, with an axis half the width of the
thorax, and a pygidtum with comparatively Isroad horder, Both
cephalon and pygidium are inflated, but the cephalon more so than
the pygidjum, This trilobite is not strictly an Jfaraus.

Tn Septetiber 1949, Mr, L. M. Fryer presented to the National
Museum an illaenid trilobite excavated during the laying of sewer-
age pipes at 14 Hill Road, North Babwyn, Melbrurne, jn 1939.
This specimen is figured in Plate 1, fig. 1. t ils not well preserved,
but the following features have been noted. Carapace 5.5 cm.
long in one plane, Le, not following the contours of the ¢est; 3 cm,
wide across the middle of the thorax. Cephalon sracoth. tunnd,
the highest part as preserved being about 7 mim. above the plane
uniting the anterior and lateral margins, Eyes absent, Dorsal
furrows humastoid. The periphery of the cephalon is so poorly

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 69 August, 1952

Piate |

a

Fig. 1.—/iuenas aft. jtéson! Chapman, Nat. Mus. veg. na. 2 14.719,
fron. North Balwyn, Melbourne. x2.

Fic. 2.—Monograptus aff. priodon (Brongniart). Nat. Mus. reg.

no. P 14,752, part of slab from: Williams” Quarry, Warrandyte, x2,

he Cut, E. BD, On the Age of Redrock, Metbonne-Lilydale Ax

peeserved that the presence or ghsenve of a horde cannot be
established. Thoraa with nine segments visible, and well developed.
axial furrows, The axis is half the width of the thorax, Pygidium
smooth, tutmd, but Jess so than the cephalon, ats highest parr rising
about 5 mn. abeve the plane uniting the posterior and lateral.
margins. Axial [uvrows absent, A horder averaging 3 num. 4s
present, with fine ineised lines on the veitral suvlace. These are
only preserved on the right side of the pygidium, whiere they show

(as sub-parallel lincs sweeping in towards the inner boundary of
the boarder, .A cross-section of the border would generally inter-
ceot five of these lines, each of which is of the order of a senth
uf a millimetre wide,

This specimen (Nat. Mus. reg, no, P14,719) may be called
Filaewus aff. jutsont because it is very similar to it, but it differs
in size and the lines on the pygidial yoarder appear to be different.
Noting that the above iJlaemds did not correspond with any’
described genus of these tnlcbites, the writer communicated with
Dr. A. A, Gpik, wha has been studying the tllaenids of the
!Filaeaus Band at Heathcote (vide Thomas, 1937), and he infonns:
‘me that he has referred both (Maesms jretsout aud the Meatheote
fossils to a new genus,

The iWlaenid from North Balwyn cones from the Templestowe

- Anticline (zwe map, Nicholls, 1930, while the holotype of
vtilaenys putsont cames from the next antictine west, but it is not
* thought that there 1s any great difference im age between them.

The presence of these trilobites proves an age vatlier than Upper
Silurian (Ludlow). anel in view of their similarity to the trilobites:
of the Mlaenus Band at Heatheote, a similar age is probable Dr,
D, E, Thomas informs me thar graptolise evidence shows ghis hand
to be high in the !.ower Silunan (Llandovery).

Froin this same area Chapman (1914, p. 215} recorded Chonetes
melbournensts, Chonetids afte good index fossils, and so this
Speciinen was investigated, It was calleeted by Mr, Chapman
from “Balwyn, near Templestowe,” and this locality, he informed
ine, is the bank of the Koonung Creek, just past of Bulleen Road
(Military Map, Ringwood Sheet 1935, grid reference 115,410),
The specimen is National Museu reg. no. P 15,529, and was.
presented 30:43:10. Ub is @ fragment of a frachiopod, wih plee-
tambonitid prosppon. Also in the National Museum are some
fossils (reg. nos, P 15,530-15,532) irom “Koonung Creek, Heidel
berg,” cullected by Mr. P. Crosbie Morrison, and presented
22 :6:20, Upem engnitys it is learned that this is the same locality
as that drom which Mr. Chapman's specimen vame. From Mr.
Morrison’s fossils it 1s possible to say that all the spechnens repre-
sent x new species of Plectodonta. “Tims genus occurs throughout
the Silutian and into the Lower Devonian in Victoria, but the only
species so far described is Plectodonta bipartita (Chapman 1913,

44 Gi, ED. On the Ave of Bedrock, Melbourne-Lilydale brian Be

Gill 1950). FPlectedouta has a similar long range in urope
(Koziowski 1929, p, 117). The Plectodonta fron Koonung Creek,
however, is certainty nop P, bipartite, for its lacks the characteris-
tic bipartition and has different muscle scars, No further strati-
graphical information can he abtamed from these fossils until the
suecession of Plectodanta species in Victoria has been studied.

MONOGRAPTUS FROM WaRRANDYTE

Mr. .Paul Fisch, of Doncaster, noted what Inoked like iy
in a piece of ornamental stone delivered to a friend's place, Learn-
ing where the stone came irom, he endeavoured to. find better
specimens, but without result. ‘Mr. Fisch kindly seported this
«occurrence to mé, anid presented the specimen to the National
Museum (reg, wo, P 14752). It is a slab of brownish-grey
siltstone from Wittiains? Quarry, Warvandyte, the precise pasition
-of which ts shown jn text figure J, Although this matrix cand he

TUNNEL % cial a aunght rate
4onw BOTE
nasee WILLIAMS’ QUARRY
¥ d or"
ne W QUARRY ne 7

46
N 25° t QUARRY Py
=

TO. WARRANDYTE Ae
BRIDGE P

10
SCALE IN CHAINS

z North

readily matched m. the quarry, further specimens could nat be
found in spite of a long search by Museum staff. The co-oper-
ation of the quarry owner, Mr. V. Wellin, was. sai ght, and after
sotne months Mr. Williams kindly brought another puece of rock
‘to the Musewm which showed signs of Moenoyraptus, bet even
more poorly preserved. However, this was enough to confirm

the origina! find. Part of the spect: nen found by Myr, Fisch is
t

eee Gui, E19, On the Ane of Bedrock, Melbonrnc-Litydale 43
figured (Plate J, fig, 2). Dr. D, E. Thomas kindly examined the
Monograptns and expressed the opinion that it is like AY, priedon,
dt is this form that occurs on the east side of the Lilydale syneline
at Macclesheld (Hall #914, Gill 1942, p 25), and in the Kilmore
district north of Melbourne (Hacris and Thomas 1937),

The presence of Munagraptis proves. of course, that the bed
from which je cante 3s older than Late Siirian (Upper Ludlow),
and if the form es 32, priedon the aye is probably Middle Silunan
(Wenlock). bur could be alder (Elles ancl Wood 1913, p. 420).
The bed ts almast on an anticline, .

The finding of Monograpiys ac Warrandyte raises the question
-of the age c¢ the nnpertect fossils recorded by the writer in 1942
frm a conglomerate at Warrandyte South, Tt was stated then
ip. 22) that “This conglomerate is considered to be possibly the
base of the type Veringian Series.” ‘The conglomerate is: probably
higher stratigraphically than the Mowvograpinsy hed, but not very
much so, in a symposium on the Siluriau-Devonian Bouilary mn
Australia, helel at the Hobart mecting of ALN-Z.A,A.S. ta January
1949) the writer stated that increased knowledge of our faunas
decreased confidence in this “possible base” of the Yeringian.
because it is fount! thal earher determinations have far too wide a
connotation. [It was pointed out that the lowest clear palaeon-
tological horizon in the Lilydale succession 15 locality 19 on the
Brishy Creely searp (vide Gill 1940), where Nofanoplia occurs.
The species of this genus are present m mumerous localities in Vie-
tora and Tasman (Gill 1950, 1952), and in every case where
other fossils of stratigraphica) value are present, they are oj
Yeringian, affinities.

David and Browne (1950) wrote, “Gil, examining fossils from
near the top of the mudstones. found they included eight species
in comman with the Baton River beds of New Zealand, and on the
strength of this placed the whole series in the Lower Devonian.
On the other hand the Yeringian has nineteen of its 259 species
In common with the Melbournian Serses, and there are at Jeast
twenty-one specres in common with the Hume Series. and not less
than twenty-Aye, on present identifications, with the Silurian beds
of New Suuth Wales as a whole” (p. 209)_ The first of the above
statements 35 maccurate, and the second cng inisleading, The
Devonian age was based on the presence of Devonian foris, and
cm the evidence to show that “in part at least these beds can be
correlated with the Batin River beds of New Zealand” (p- 47),
The anthor did not ‘on the strength of this place the whole series
in the Lower Devonian,” The conglomerate at South Warrandyte
was indicated as “possihly the hase of the type Yeringian Series,”
aud the uncertaiity of the fossils stressed The conglomerate was
given as 4 tenfative base hy analogy with the hasa) congloinerate
of the Walhalla synetinorimn, and what the inadequate palacon-
tological materia] suzgested,

w

46 Gin, E_ D.. On the dace of Bedrock, Methourne-Lilydato pees

The second statement is inadequate, because based on old deter-
minations that are of very limited value because too generalized.
In alt cases I have investigated of Lilydale fossils carrying the
names of Yass fossils, the names should not be applied. The general
similarity of faunas indicates neamess of age. but the differences
show the Lilydale beds on the whole to he younger, because the

-forms are biologically more advanced (Gill 1945, p, 134; 1998a,
p. 12; 1948), p. 22; 1951).

In the writer's opinion, the following pracedure 1s needed for the

clarification of our Silurian-Devonian sequences fn Australia:

1, Evidence to consist of fossils from precisely described (and
preferably mapped) localities. At present if is not even known
from which bed some type specimens came,

2. The fossils to be numbered specimens in a public collection,
where chey can be Studied by anyone wishing to review the
evidence,

3. Authors to imdicate clearly what stratigraphical horizon they
accept us the base of the Devonian, The present writer accepts
the hase af the Ludlow Bone Bed of the Welsh Borderland 2s
the base of the Devonian (Gill 1950, p. 238).

Provisions ] and 2 ensure the objectivity of the palaeontological
evidence, and 3 ensures the objectiviiy of the stratigraphical
definition.

REPERESCES

Chapman, P., 1912: “New or Lite Knows Victorian Fossils in Lhe National
Museum,” Pi, xiv. "On Some Silurian Trilobites," Proc Koy. Soc. tie,
34/293-300. ,

Chapman, F,, 1913: Jbid, Pt xvi. “Some Silorian Beackiopada” Prog Ray.
Sac. Vie. 26:99-113.

Chapman, F., 1914: “Ow the Palaeontology of the Silurian uf Victaria”
A.ALA.S, Report, Val. xiv. pp. 207-235.

David, T. W. E., arid Browne, W, R,, 1950: “The Geotogy of the Cm-
monwealth of Australia,” 3 vols 8vo London.

Elles, G. L., and Wood, FE. M. R, 1913: "A Monograph of British Grapto-
bres” Pts. Pal, Sac. Mo, LOZ: 415-486

Gill, BE. D., 1940; “Lhe Silurian Rocks of Melbourne and-Lilydale™ Pros.
Foy, Sac. Pte. 52:349-261-

Gil, E. D, 1942: “The Tinkness and Age of the Type Veringian Straia,
Lilydale, Victoria.” JDrd. 54 :21-52.

Gill, E. D,, 194§; “Chonetidae from the Palaecozaic Rocks. of Victoria and
Their Stratigraplical Significance,” Thid. 57 125-150,

Gil. ED, 19482 A New Trilobite from the Yeringiayy (Lower Devonian)
Racks of Kinglake, Victoria. ft, 59:8-19.

Gill, EF. D., 19482. “A Gens vf Dalmanitid Trifobites,” Joan iad roe, Muy.
Soc, N.S WE 82-16-24,

Gill, TE. D., 1850: “Preliminary Account of the Palevhloloey and Palweo-
ecalagy af the Eldon Group Formations of the Zechan Area, Tasmania.”
Pap. é Broo. Roy. Sac. Tas, for 1949, 231-258.

Gill, BE. Dh, 1951; “Revision of McCoy's ‘Prodromus' Types from the Lily-
dale and Killara Districts of Victoria.” Prac. Roy. Soc. ict, lin press.

Antu Wituis, ], Hy Avoids Font aud Fragrant 47

431, BE. D, 1952) “Further Studies in Wietarian Chartirlae { Palaenagic
Brachinpoda).” Fbtd, In press

“Gregory, 1. W., 1904: "The Heatheotian—a Pre-Ordovician Scrmes—anidl its
Distribution In Vietoria,” bra. 15 148-175,

Hall, T, S., 1914: "Victorian Graptotites,” Py. iv. "Sdime New or Little
Fanawn Speeies”’ sbi, 27104418 }

Juiier, No BR. 1913: “General and Mining Geology at the Liamond Creek
Area Mr. 25 323-353.

Jutson, J. T, Wl: “The Structure and Geology of the Warrandyte Gold-
field and Adjacent Country.” Jlid. 23 2516-554.
Kozlowski, R., 1829: “Les Bractiopodes Gothlandiens de la Podolie Polo-
naise,” 4vo. Warsaw, :
Nicholls, A. 195): “The Structural Features of the Silurian Rocks tm the
Melbourne District.” Pree. Roy. Soc Mic. 42:129-133. f
Selwyn, A. R. C., 1853-1856: “Geological Sueveyor’s Reports." Parhatieyt-
fary Papers, Government Printer, Melbourne,

“Thomas, D. E., and Keble, BR. A. 1935: “The Ordovician and Silurian Rocks
of the Bulla-Suntury Area, and Discusstois of the Sequence of the
Melbourne Area” Proc, Fav, Soe, Wie. 45733-84.

AROIDS FOUL AND FRAGRANT
By j. A. Watts

In December, 1944 (Mich, Net. Gls 131-236) 1 presented a few roles ont
floral odours and sundry attenipts to classify then—a subject that still holds
fascination for me. Recently (1th January. 1952) | entered the glass-
“house for decorative teopical vegetation m the Melbourne Botanic Gardens
and became aware at once of a subtle delicate perfume, like the spicy sweet-
ness of stocks (Matthiola) ; it was traced to a single unpretentious bloom at
the West Indies araid Spathrphylline coupifotiae. T wonder frow many
different planis have stock-like scents? The only ether one knanwit to me is
aan endemic mountain heath of New South Wales, Epneris robusta, and |
shail never forget a visit to the sources of the Tuross and Kybean rivers
(south-ease of Cooma) in October, 1948. This handsome thick-Ieaved
species, grawing in association with the little rubescent Caswornut nan, was
‘then in full bloom on sandstone bluffs at Kydra Trig. point (aboot 4000
feet), its Jong ngid spikes of thick-set, waxy, pale cream hells exhaling 2
“most delicious arama of stocks The discovery was of more than passing
terest, since weéll-imazked perfumes are unusual m the family Epacridacea,
rand especially so in the genus Epaeris.

Sut to redurn to our fragrant aroid. LT was impressed by the diversity of

<odours manifest in this large family—from indescribable, nauseating stenches
to transpoHingly beautiful perfumes, Probably ne plant family on earth
exhibits the whole gamut of flower scents In the highly advanced
Oretidoce numbering some 20,000 species, we certainly find heavy, spicy,
cyanills, fruity. lemony, musky and animal-like smiells. At the other extreme
of monocotyfedons stands the comparatively simple, primitive dracea with
even preater contrasts. in odour.
_ Australia’s share of the probable 2000 aroid species in the world is almost
infinitesimal—a mere seventeen, which, however, iw twice the number
occurring naturally i North America (excluding Mexico}; New Zealand
has none at all. Of the 17 species (in sever genera) indigenous to Australia,
only Two seem odorous enough ly have evoleed comment, viz, .flocasia
socrorviize and Asmorphophallus galbya—both very sweet smelling.

The group is essentially tropic, with very rich development in South
Amenca, Relatively few members ure cultivatle our af deors in southern

48 Wie, J W. Avoids Foul and Frayyvant be

Australia, Tlus, without recourse to a well stucked hothouse, most ai os.
have litde knowledge al thy Jarge. colourfni aud hitiigeing plant Lamily.
The lute Mys, Edith Coleman has written au the pullisation of a tew familsar
species, viz. Zantedesvhla wilnapica Chief Mat, 53: 147. Jan. 1937}, Arine
taken Cl ¢, 53} 167, Feb, 1937) anc Alocasia adera (6 65: 140, T.3,.
Oct,, 1948), while in Arthur Mee's Childraws Zacvclapedia (under “Flawers
and Their Visitars') is a magnificent series of colour pictures, showing
how tiny midges distritute the pollen of the Cuckoo pint C4 yuen wach).
The form, colour ane odeur af many asrovl inforescenes are reabtless clasely
linked with the vigstation4 of certam imsects which assure their pallination.
Disegreamle odours are absent from bunidreds of spevies. notably those ta the
gauily South American genus Awthurind Comore than 200 species), where
colour becomes the chief attracting medivum.

Here is a selection of ten difference aroids, half of whieh exemplify the
Pleasant and half the foul-smelling kind. All bot nunthers 1, 3, 4, 6 and 9°
may be seen in Melbourne, auc the titadem, Bol, fag, aller mose apreies
indicates a gnod colour portrait in Curtis's Botantcal Adagesiie.

Mavoporous
iF ARO PORT ALEUS TITANIA | Western Synnatrv). Bot, Mifeg.-

53-5,

In Sumatran jungles accurs the giant of this fantastic genus—a veritable
wouder-plant whore inforescence is mast probably the taraest im the whole:
Yegctabls kingdom, Tts huge pleated spathe (purple ingide) reaches six tert
in height, aciging from a tuber about £8 inches in diameter aud up to 60 Ip,
in weight, Natives call it bocuga banght Ccarpse flawer), and rhe allieian
is tot far to seek: 4. Htandw once bloonted in the tropical house at Royal
Bolame Gardens, Kew, where Sir Joseph Hooker (1890) described ite
stench as “very powerlul, suggesting a mixture of rotten Dsl and burnt
sugar.

Ay camparnntuius (Bel. May 2812) is auch snialier, but scarcely leas
remarkable, Ty extends fromm India to Papa andthe Pacific islands as far
as Tahiti, but has got been dound ou the Cape York side of Torres Strait,
This is the purga-pung, subject of a note ae che Migtarint Matizalise, @1¢
219, Apr, 1945, wherein Private R, Ryan clauned for it “the most nauscaling
stench T have cver encountered”. 4. vigverd uf Iulo-China is a still smaller,
Jess pretentious species whivli graws well in the open ag Melbourne Botani¢
Gardens. Its bipinnate leaves form an vmbrella-lke rosette at ile top of
a dark spotted stem and appearat.a differenr season from the naked flawering
scaye, The wide gunmel-shaped, Jiver-purple spathe ts up to a foot lange
and for a short period gives out an unpleasant, characteristically indotic
odouc—toubtless iuvitlng ta carrion flies.

2, BRACUNCULUS WMULGAIIS (Soutaern Europe, trum Portygul bo-
Sayre).

A Mediterranean plant, teot infrequently grown in Melbourne gardens, it
has tall, heldly spatted stems and is most ornamental ‘he long. uarrow,
filled and inky-purple spatke (lo two fect) gives out a sinetl of putrefaction
that his beer described Sy BE. H. Bailey [see Aeure iu tay Cred! Hort, 1° i07L
(925) 7 asa “tevrifying odour" The old, and now standardised, vermucular
name is ‘stink-dragon.”

3. NELICOMICEROS MUSCIVORUS (Corsica, Sardinia and Haleacic
istands).

Lindley £1824). describing this other closely related Muttiterravmen species:
in Edward's Botarical Kegtster, where it te beaytilidle portayed iy celour

Adguat ; . a
neee. Winaors, J. Hy, Avoids Fon? and Peograul 40

(£831), says that the hawy purplish spathe reminded him of "the huge
flappiay ear af seme monstrous atiumal’ he filed to perceive any carrion.
like odour, But E. A. Bowies said of its “The wast fendist plant T know
.- + It only exhalest its stench far a few hours after opening, ain) daring tA:
lime it is better to Inox at it fsrough a telescope." £ doubt if the species js
ever crown in Australia, but would mich like 2o make its acquautance,

4. S¥MPLOCARFUS FRETIDUS (Nova Seotia to Florida, also in
Siberia). (or. Mag. 3ae4,

OF tue eight arose known from Canada and the United States, ‘Skink
Cabbage’ is distiiguished by a very hood-like yellow spathe (about Bia
iuiches tall), spotted aud streaked with purple so as to resenzble a giant
enverie shell standing on end) it secyetes a carrion odeury but, if any part
of the plant be bruised, a sivong skunk-like smell ts given off The "Yellow
Skunk Catbaze.” only aroicd to be fouud i Pacihe North America (fron,
Alaska to Caitfornia) is Lusichittan americanum, which is figueed jn Bedancal
Magaswne 7937. under the mame 'y., canifschalcense. Its spathes are caticely
iemon-yellow and och mare open than in Syorplecarpus. Sur they also
give off a distinct odour as of skunks. 1 have seen no living examples of
either species in Anstralia.

5. TYPHONIGM RONBURGHIT (Geylon to Amboiway. Bot ag. 359°
and 2324.

A small teint plant with blaclkisit spathe and very lone slender spadix,
Curis (1795) attributes to dt.“an intoleralde sere,” hut examples Advyered
witler gases a Melbourne Botanic Gardens bad a cyrious penetrating
emel—like a mixture of mild carrion, Stockholin tar and molasses (if one
couid filagine such @ hlead!ly There are severa! indigenous species af ~
Typhontum iw north Australia, but ae tack information as to their anuuas
Gf any), Tr will be noted that, almost without oxcepeion, these araicds. with
highly objectionable odours share a dark purplisl culoration of ihe spathe
aes zt simulate decayed flesh and serve as ah additional optical enticenierit
to lho fies ? -

PRracrant

6& AMORPAHOPHALLUS GALBRA (North Queensland, beyond Cairns).

‘Khe specific epithet ig an abaviginal word (oot an anagiaiy oY miis-
spelling of glatra, as might be suspected) yeorbell” Weiug another name
applied by the Cape York natives, F) M, Bailey [in Queansland Flara 3:
JA9A, T.76 (1902) | says, “inflorescence highly fragrant,’ and it is a surprise
ta Andiin this genus of so many! vle-smelling members one that is endows)
with au «werecable -seent, pacticdlarly as the species is endemic in our
continent.

7 ALOCASIA QDOKA (Himalayas to lnde-China and Forntosa), Bet
Mig. 3935,

Ayery hardy ilaptable plat with peremumad trunk, its polation was
discussed hy Mrs. Cmenian in October, 1948 (iter, Ned 65: 140), Siy Willian
Hovker said (1842); “What is wanting in colour is aniply compensated ry
fs 02. gowerfil fragrance’ [ would place the seenc as nearest to that af
violets. but it is even sweeter and more rekied, not causing ‘olfactory
fatigue.” J. Dallyehy. writing of our stugle nalive specie A. macrorriccn
(the ‘cunjevor), aseribed ta it a “sweet smell.” but did not attempt to deline
the quadity of its perfume—nor. to my knowledge. las anyone else. A,
aarrervhicn Oxtenas fron UNaqulla, NSA, to ihe Cooktown region of
North Queenshind; its spathes are white, rather thaw green, as in 4, edorae

. ate Wick. Natl
a Wis, J. H., Arous fou! and Fragrant fon aa

8. ZANTERESCHIA ARTHIOPICA (coast regiok from Matal ta the
Cape Peninsula, South Africa). Bar. Mag, 832.

Tho familiar, extremely hardy White Calla Lily needs oi istroduction. It
~was naturalized on St. Helena before 1805, and must have reached Australia
very early too—it has heceme almost a feature of the dain low-lying
country scurramding Albany, Wester) Australia, The delicate scent is
net etsy to define, but suggests certain true lilies or warcissus species, and
thas also 9 slight lernany qwality.

‘ PHILODENDRON SELLOUM (Southern Brazil tu Payvaguay)_ Jul,
May. 6773,

A. fall tropical climber, its flowers are stated ty Sir Joseph Hooker
(E384) to emit a “powerful aromatic oduut, especially at hight," Many af
‘the 460 Philodendrau species are scented and several such blecm under
‘glass in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens.

WW. SPATHIPHYLLUM CANNIFOLIUM (West Indices to Coijonvbia)
Bet, Mag. 603,

And so back te the charniine flower which prompted these notes. Sims
(1803) depicted its small spreading white spathe and creamy spadia, noting
that they diffused “an agreeable odour’’ vet le did not identify the perfume
as stock-like—perhaps that spicy quality is mot always apparent.

No dissertation a aroid oduurs Would be complete without reference ta
‘two species of economic importance: Swollen green frisiting spadicus of the
Ceriman OMonustera deticiosa) exhale a rich pineapple fragrance at maturity
and are recloried as a delicacy among tropical Emits—Melbotirne fruiterers
offer them for sale in season. Hardly less remarkable are the Erormons,
curiousfy perforated leaves of tins scrambler from Central America, which
may he seen grawing satisfactorily ii the fer guily af Melbourne Botanic
Gardens. The Sweet-flag CArorns colamus) is an official Ofd-tterld plait
with strongly aromatic oil in tts réizotue aud, to a fesser degree, in the
Jeaves, It is widely spread in swampy parts of boreal regions, including
Britain, and was regarded by Linnaeus as the only trily aromatic plant
‘to he found in high northern latitudes.

Has anyoue perceived other distinctive odours amang representatives oF
the cirneee?

SILVER-LEAVED EUCALYPFTS

Every specinien of the hugeé ved-flowered Rose of the West (Jucalptus
jnacrocarpa) which T have ever seen has been, badly eaten by iysects, and
oue Melbourne grower of: this tree is said to spray his specimen mice a fort-
night to prevent their ravapes. Leaves of the same trees, whe growing i
the iative state iy Western Australia, are alsa said to be drequently attacked.

Recently, when | visited his property near Stawell, Mr. G, A, Hately, who
lias about two hundred different specics af cucalypts growisg, expressed the
belied that alt of the eucalypts with silver leaves are tiqble to be badly eaten,
and pointed to a plant ot #uvcalyptus desmondensty in support vf Ulis apinton.

Can any reader couhem this belief, or give a reason why silver yur leaves
form) such an acceptable part of an insect’s diet? I[twcidentally, Roge of the
West as the eucalypl with very large decorative Frijits; 4 specimen feo
wone of Mr. Havely's frees measwred four inches across. KER

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 69 — No. 5 SEPTEMBER 4, 1942 No. 825
PROCEEDINGS

. The monthly meeting of the club was leld on Monilay,
August 11, 1952. The president, Dr. Chattaway, was in the chair.
and about 100 imetmbers and friends attended, ineluding Mr, G.
Southwell,-a country member from ‘Bunyip.

The following new menthers were elected by the meeting —
Messrs. Frank Curtis, Branislav Popovic, Chas. W, Buyes, IC.
Jackson, Misses Frances Forster, Tui Coto. Cath. Towden,

Mr, P. F. Morris gave an interesting and informative talk on
Australian fish, rays and crustaceans, illustrated hy wiany slides,

Guides are needed ior parties of school children visiting the
Badger Creek Sanctuary, leaving Melbourne by train at 8.30 and
returning by 4 pan. Lunch would be provided! for all guides. Those
able to help are asked to give their names to the Secretary,

The President asked exhibitors to hand in written notes giving
anything of special interest about their exhibit, and giving its full
common and scientific name, and their own full naine.

EDITORIAL

In presenting this issue of the Vielorian Naturalist, primarily
devoted to a survey of the lyrebird, the Couneil gratefully
acknowledges the grant made by the Trustees.of the M. A. Ingram
Trust, without which its production would not have heen possible,

The full life history of the lyrebird has been covered in detail in
earlier issues (Pict. Nat, Vol. LYIT Nos. 10,11; Vol. LIII No. 1)
It was felt that a general review of the present status of the bird
in each State in whieh it occurés, and particularly how it had
survived the disastrous bush fires of recent years, would be af
value at this time. The description of how a few were canght
and transported to Tasmania and their subsequent history, is a
particularly interesting story of an experiment made in the effort to
preserve this unique species,

The Council is grateful to the authors who generously responded
to their request for contributions with articles and photographs.

The notes by the Jate Tom Tyegellas are from an unpublished
thanuscrtipt in the possession of the Editar. :

wn
™~

W, B. Hitcttoock—Classification of the Tsirehinl prict, Ber

CLASSIFICATION OF THE LYREBIRD ©
By W. L. Hivencocs, National Museum, Melbourne

The affimties of the lyrebirds with other members of the large
Order Passeres were reasonably well established as long ago as
1876 by A. H, Garrod (P.Z.5, London, pp, 506-519), who pub-
lished a series of brilliant papers on Passerine anatomy, with
particular reference to the structure and muscles of the trachea
(windpipe) atid the s\ytinx (voice-box).

Gaerod (ibid, p. 507) suggested the terms Acromyodi and
Mesomyodt to distinguish the we major groups of song birds.
Tn the former, which includes all the “normal’’ or “oscinine”™
Passeres, as well as the “abnormal” lyrebirds and scrub-birds, the
intrinsic muscles of the votce-organ are attached to both end of the
bronchial senti-rings; in the latter, which includes such groups as
the broadbills, oven-hirds, pittas, manakins and cotingas, the
muscles aré attached to ane of the ends or to the middle of the
bronchial rings. This broad classification, with slight modifiea-
tinms, is accepted by modern taxonomists (eg. Mayr and Amadon,
Amer, Mus.’ Nov., 1951, no. 1496),

The two species of lvrebirds, together with the two scrub-birds,
therefore comprise the Suborder Menurae within the Order Pas-°
seres. Their principal anatomical distinction lies in the possession
of but two or thee pairs of sycrinx muscles, as compared with five
to seven pairs in “normal” Acromyodian Passeres. This may be
taken as indicative of their primitive mature

Turning now to more abvious external features, the lyrebird is
unique in having 16 tail feathers, and the form of these is quite
remarkable—at least in the adult amale Superb Lyrebird, The
two outermost feathers have a broad inner web and 4 very narrow
auter weh, and their combined shape is suggestive of a lyre. The
inner web, apparently, is notched at regular intervals by spaces
thar, according to the angle at which they are viewed, seem to be
black or transparent, This effect is actually due to the barbs at
those spaces being devoid of harbules. The middle pair of rectrices
is hkewise unusual, These have no outer web and the inner web
very arrow; neat their base they cross each other and then
diverge, bendimjy round forwards near their tip. The remaining
12 feathers, except near the base, have few barhs and appear
hair-like, All the rectrices have very strong shaits.

Indicative of its terrestrial babits, the lyrebird has very strong
legs and feet, with long, nearly straight claws. Correlated with
these are the strongly ossified tendons af the legs,

The present distribution of the Superb Lyrebird ts a limited
qne—gengraphically aud ecologically. It ranges Tram Stanthorpe
in southern Queensland, through New South Wales (east of the
Divide) to the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria. ‘Typically, it is a
hird of the fern gullies, but jt occurs sparingly ou the outskirts of
stich habitats wherever the environment is suitable,

Sept. 2
1952 Mi

HAUNTS of te LYREBIRD

mow, QUEENSLAND

Tome, ——
re ee, eat ™~

ary
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- ot
lh, Ve

Forest

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54 R. T. Tirrrsgaarws—Rendom Nateg te Lyrebivads Vig dee.

SOME RANDOM NOTES ON LYREBIRDS
By &, ‘ft. Littieyouns

It is natural, perhaps; that any notes | am able to. contribute
regarding the lyrebird, whilst covering a period of twenty-seven
years, will yet be in general terms and wall [ack roany scientific
details which, in such a period should have become avatlable. The
truth is that | have been concerned, mainly, with publicising the
accoriplishinents of the species and have studied deeply only such
aspects of lyrebird character and behaviour as “have been likely
ta be of assistance in variqus forms of photography and tm sound
recording. 2 -

The most iwportant. matter tur consideranon, tt appears to me,
is the present numerical status of the species throughout its limited
range. This aspect is of particular interest to anvone who rement-
hers that im the early twenties the Iyrebird, and, in fact, the koala
and the platypus as well, had reached a dangerous state where
extermination easily could have follawed. Such an ursatisfactory
position undouhtedly arose from the lack of appreciation by Aus-
tralians of theit remarkable fauna. In that era it was fashionable
to destroy any wild creature, and the merit of the achievement was
in direct proportion to the rarity of the victim.

It is the more pleasant, therefore, to be able now to voice the
opituon that the lyrebird, at any rate, is safe for an indefinite
number of future years. There can be no doubt of the reason for
the change, The more or less natural hazards to lyrebird survival
have actually increased heeause more furests haye been cleared,
forest fires have been more frequent and foxes more numerous; bul
matt himself, as the principal danger, has been converted. The
lyrebird is now proteered hy public sentiment niuch more effectively
than would be possible by. drastic laws alone.

These facts hear on the first point I wish to make. The awaken-
ing of public interest was neither accidental nur immediate, Tt was
the result of many years of pioneering work by Ton Tregeltas, He

. lived amotigst lyrebirds for weeks at a time, he studied their habits
and he photographed them. He used the meagre facilities then
available ta spread the knowledge he had gained and he embarked
on a onewman crusade to arrest the drift towards the extinction
of such an important natural possession. Let as make no error
as to the underlying reason tor the present satisfactory status of
lyrebirds, and let us realize how much greater were the difficulties,
thirly years agu, of studying and photographing the species, No
statement on this subject could he complete without inclusion of
a tritytte to the work of ‘Tom Tregellas. -

Lyrebirds at’ Sherbrooke, twenty-five miles from Melbourne,
have received more public atvention perhaps than those of any other
area, and the icreased interest in the species throughout the

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST

PLate IT

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Vol.

a9

September,

1952

RK. TT. Litth

Phata:

R.

T. Littiejohns.

Male lyrebird in full display on mound.

AHL

LSVIVUALVN NVIYOLOLA

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ae R. T. Lrimgyouns—Rardom Notes ou Lyrebirds $$

remainder of its range has resulted, to some extent at any rate,
from the popularity of the Sherbrooke birds. In this area, thirty
years aga, tourists clinbed the shppery path to “The Falls” with-
out becoming conscious of the fact that the forest rang with the
finest bird-song to be heard in Australia, It meant nothing to the
tourist, and it is doubtful whether one in Afty even “heard” the
song. No one cared that, for a period of years, scarcely a young
lyrebird was reared in the Sherbrooke area becanse of various
human agencies. At the same time lyrebirds had no reason to
trust humans and tt was extremely difficult to.obtain more than a
fleeting glimpse of them.

Now the position is entirely different. Almost every visitor to
the forest is there for the expressed purpose of sccing aid hearing
lyrebirds and, on the other hand, lyrebirds have become accustomed
to the presence of humans. Because no harm has come to them as
a result of such association, they are now approachable to an extent
that would net have been considered possible in the hght of
experience of thirty years ago. The effect of pubheity and of public
imterest, therefore, hus been twofold, As humans have become
more deeply appreciative of lyrebirds, the latter have become pro-
gressively more trustiul of humans. Ju areas where humans are
seldom scen, lyrebirds taintain their natural distrust of then,

This natural distrust would appear to be broken down so far as
the female lyrebird js concerned while she is attending to a chick
in the nest. At this tine she will proceed with the feeding pf
her offspring in the close presence of humans. However, at other
times she is more secretive than her mate, so that her action when
the chick has hatthed may be credited more correctly to a strong
maternal instinct rather than to supreme trustlulness, When human
intruders are leaving the vicinity of a nest, the female frequently
will follow them in a manner gencrally regarded by the intruders
as indicating extreme friendliness. Personally 1 do not believe
that this widely practised habit is based on any desire at all to be
close to humans.

It is not tealized generally that the female lyrebird is a capable
songster. Usually, but not always, her singing is more subdued
than that of her mate, but much of her mimicry is, I think, more
faithful. One female lyrebird at Sherbrooke earned for herself
the title of “the singmg hen.” Her song was of such volume often
that, from a distance, one credited it to a male. This bird also
performed the characteristic “dance” with the tail reversed and
depressed over her head. It must be conceded, however, that the
female of the species is not a regular songster, probably because of
the clainis on her leisure made by the unaided taskg of nest-building,
incubation of the egg and feeding of the chick,

Because the male lyrebird provides most of the spectacular
Sights and. sounds caJculated to spread the fame of the species, it

fee. Nat.
Val. 60

Mi R, T, Cerrcxyonss—Ranudom Notes on Lyrebtirds [’
tollows that mose of the photographic efforts of the last twenty
seven years have been devoted to him. As other observers have
dealt fairly fully with the display and the song, it remains hut to
touch upon a few points which have impressed ime.

Within the strictly limited powers of reasoning which I consider
avimals possess, the Jyrebird must be credited with fore than

- usual intelligence, Fach individual is somewhat of a “personality,” -
with characteristics and habits which identify him amongst his
fellows. This is probably the reason why observers are tempted
to bestow pet names on individuals Personally I consider that
per ames are unsuited to genuinely wild creatures. or am I able
to agree with the opinion often serigusly expressed that male
lyrebirds dance or sing “hecause” there is a human audience. My
view is that they periorm ‘Sn spite of” the audience, The singing
arid mimicry anake a teally finished perionuance and ane may he
pardoned tor believing, sometimes, that the singer is striving alter
dramatic effect. Bat Cam, unable to believe that any animal, even
a lyrebird, is able to comprehend what-would constitute dramatic
effect in ihe munds or humans. '

Nevertheless there qre aspects of the performazce which clearly
are not accilental. The song is not entirely automatic and gives
definite evidence of same degree of reasoning. Ofren-when a male
lyrebird is in full song he will breale off in the middle of an irem
atl will jon in with uneanny anticipation to sing a duct, as it were.
with the vecupant of an adjoining territory. Similarly, the song
may he interrupter while the singer mingles imitated notes of
Crimsott Rosellas with those of a flock’ of these birds which may
fly overhead. Jn neither case can at be argued that the instinct of
self-preservation is invalved and thal the action is therefore aute-
matic. he singer had ta “think” about his song.

‘There is further evidence of superior intelligence when com-
parison is made with other species. Several small birds, including
the Mistletoe Rird, have been found to be governed ra a ridiculous
extent by habit. A Mistletoe Bird which had became accustomed
1o feed its young whilst the latter were held in a human hand, con-
tinued to fly of to the hand and to blissfully deposit food therein
on several occasions when the hand held no chick, Experiments
along similar Jines carried out at the nests of lyrebirds have pro-
duced no such evidence of low inentality.

Perhaps this superior intelligence has been responsible for the
survival of inany of the lyrehirds in the Sherbrooke area. The
best-known and mnst photographed male lird there has neeypied,
for seventeen years to my knowledge, a territory at the forest
edge where there have always been joxes. He has escaped this
hazatd in spite of the fact that, with regard to humans, his natural
distrust has disappeared. In the cases of Jess intelligent species

a Lhe Late T, Trecentas—Roosting 57
a relaxation of alertness with regard to humans often results in a
fatal Jack of alerwiess in respect of cats or other enemies,

If arty conelysions may be suggested by these fragmentaty notes
they are:

That, as a result of a belated awakening of public sentiment,
lyeehirds have emerged from any danger of extinction which can
be forseen,

That credit for this state of affairs iz due to Tom Tregellas.

That, whilst the lyrebird is credited often with capabilities
which it does not possess, it is stil. within the natural limitations
to which ammnals are sulyject, a creature of a very high order ol
intelligence. .

ROOSTING

It is an interesting operation, this going to roost in the tree-tops.
Though I have watched them scores of times at camp, there always
scems a strange fascination about the manner of their going up
in the fading light and I never tire of watching the ascent and
listening to the accompanying retnarks. The lyrebird is a poor
flyer but a good jumper, and when he wishes to reach the tree-tops
he combines one with the other with the happiest results. Uttering
# preliminary and carrying call, he gives a nughty jump and flap
and reaches the first limb, Pausing a moment, he repeats the
operation and crosses ta the other side of the tree to a higher limb,
then on again till he reaches the top, He does not always roost in
the blackwoods, though-many of them are 80 feet in height, but
volplanes across to 2 mountain ash and repeats the operation tll
he js at last anything up te 150 feet from the ground,

When he is satished with his altitude he pertorms his toilet,
pausing now and then te send out a parting salute to the dying
day and at last settling down for the night. It has always been a
niarvel to me why the bird chooses such small twigs on which to
toost. One would thinlc a bird so weighty would choose a strong
Kateral limb on which to rest, but very often he goes mght out to
the end of the twigs where even a honeyeater would scarce venture
and seems quite contented. Here is where the powerful claws
stand him in guod stead, as I have never known a bird to blow
down at night, though convinced they spend many sleepless hours.

The birds frequently call at night time, and at frst dawn come
duwn toa lower perch and make further remarks, then jump down
and begin feeding. Asa rule they only partake of a light breakfast
before displaying and calling on the monnd, seeming to firel it a
matter of impossibility to pass a inound without giving vent to their
feclings, ,

_—the late Tom TREGELLAs.

58 M. SHARLAND—Lyrelird ti Tosmania Wash Ups.

THE LYREBIRD IN TASMANIA
By Micrast SHARLAND

In recent years Tasmanian bird observers have been able to
enjoy the novelty of hearing the voice of the lyrebird in the forests
of their chiei national park, and, at times, to watch the bird itself,
far a number were introduced and liberated there betweery 1934
and 1949, and a few have become established.

In the period mentioned 22 birds were obtained from Victoria,
One of these died en route, another died on betng released, the
remains of a third were found in the park where it had evidently
been killed by a Tiger Cat. Five birds were released in an area
of thick ferest at Hastings Caves, approximately 60 miles south of
Hobart, but all the others were Jiberated in the Mt. Field National
Park, some 50 miles west of Hobart.

The object of introducing the species to Tasmania was stated
by the sponsors to be to remove it from the danger of extinction
by the fox. which was regarded as its special enemy in the easterit
States of the Australian mainiand, the fox being unknowh in
Tasmania. It was doubtless a worthy object, regardless of whether
the bird was ever in danger of extinction in its own environment,
and, in fact, it connnanded considerable support from organisations
and individuals interested in bird conservation. The Royal Aus-
tralasian Ornithologists’ Union paid for at least five birds from
a special grant of £50 which had been made by an anonymous donor
in 1926, and the remainder were either purchased by the Tasmanian
Government or generously donated by Mr. T, 5S. Nettlefald-

Althaugh there is evidence that some of the birds are living: still,
there has been no systematic attempt ta prove where acclimatisation
has been successful or otherwise. There are various reasons for
this, The extreme density of the forest areas where the birds
were liberated and the difficult nature of the terrain, .combined
with the comparative remoteness of the localities known to be
inhabited, have rather discouraged observation and search by all
except those expenenced in bush walking: and the number of keen
observers is few. Consequently reports are scarce and not altogether
reliable, and it is not possible at the present stage to determine
whether any of the lirds have managed to breed and rear their
young.

fa Janie) 1945, the author found three used nests in a dense fern
gully in the national park ahout a mile Irom the point where birds
were bberated a few years before. One of these nests, situated on
the base of a fern, contained an egg which, however, crumbled to
the touch and was found to be quite dried and empty, The other
nests were old and may have been used in previous seasons. The
ground was liberally marked with fresh scratchings over a wide
area where scrub had been burnt, indicating that one or a pair still
inhabited the aréa.

rr ] M. SaspranoeLyredird az Tasstania $9

In June; 1946, the author, visiting’ the ‘same locality, found the
foundation of a nest, but subsequent visits showed that the building
was not proceeded wath.

The evidence of nest building is confined to the foregoing obser-
vations, and although further visits have heen made to this area
and elsewhere in the park, and many seratchings lucated, no indi-
cation of breeding has come to light.

Curiously enough, none of the five birds hberated in the Hastings
Caves area has since, been scen. No experienced observers, of
course, have visited this district, and it is possible that an investi-
gation would prove that some birds were there stil]. Guides living
on the spot, and casual visitors, have been asked to keep a lookout
for them, but as yet no records have come to hand. The forest
there is dense and usually very moist, and would seem to be suited
to the habits of the bird.

All that can be said at present is that of the 19 furds. introduced,
three pairs have become established iii and adjacent to the M1. Field
National Park. One of these has its territory well within the
park, in Beech forest between the five anc six mile posts on the
roadway leading from the park entrance to the highlands of Mt.
Field. Another pair has selected territory near Crisp’s hut, on
the Adamsfield track, along the southern boundary of the park;
and the third pair is at Risby’s Basin, about five miles south of the

tk
Pe persiatent reports seem to indicate that another pair is located
near a sawmill concession close to Fitzgerald, outside the eastern
boundary of the park; but there is no evidence at all to show that
this of any of the other known pairs is breeding in the Jocalities
mentioned.

The local branch of the R.A.O.U. intends to carry out a com-
prehensive searcli of the inhabited areas in order ta determine if
the bird is nesting successfully. Ignorance by bushmen ard others
of the habits of the bird,.as well as unfamiliarity with call notes and
type of nest, are factors which may account for the lack of positive
reports regarding range and breeding.

These persotts have hitherto not known what ta look for, what
to expect to see or hear, nor haye they always recognized, evidence
when it was available. For example, on the visit to the park when
the nest with addled ega was found in 1945, the author was accom-
panied by two bushmen and a police trooper, all claiming some
knowledge of birds. In single file they followed down a narrow
wallahy pad through thick fern scrub, with the author in the
rear, The three in turn actually brushed the side of the nest to
pass between two fern stems and failed to recognize it for what it
was, and it reniained for the author behind to locate it and clemon- -
strate How eas}ly its presence could have been overlooked,

Viet. Nat,

fe D. Fiurav—Tronferriug Lyrebirds to Tesmanin Vol. Ga

TRANSFERRING LYREBIRDS TO TASMANIAN FORESTS
By Davin Fieay, West Burleigh, Queensland,

At various tines between 1940 and 1Y50 T have. at (he request
of the Victorian Fisheries and Game Department, undertaken the
delicate anc exacting task of capturing lyrebirds and bringing out
selected individuals unharméd from their mountain fasinesses for
quick transport by air to Tasmania

Such moves, involving’ careful platming, good co-ordination
and the mitumum of delay in transit have followed governmental
approval of applications fron the southern State where conditions
ave ideal, but the species does hot oceur naturally.

lt is gratifying to Jearn from periodical reports that our [eathered
proteges have not only settled naturally inta happy lives, bul are
nesting successfully in chis fox-free State. Tt seems only a pity
that all did not go to the one National Park area so strengthening
the hold of a new species in a new habitat Should the transfererice
of lyrebirds within the State of Victoria ever be contemplated again
it as ta be hoped that none ga to the rather unsuitable Wilson's
Promontory, bul rather, as Mr. Fred Lewis has suggested, to the
Beech Forest between Apollo Bay and Princetown, where there is
good Syrebird country. oe

Locations for the search and snaring of our splendid bush
minstrels for Tasmania varied frem the Toolangi-Blacks’ Spur
country through to Warburton (Victoria), and weeks at a time
were spent wandering and working in the scented and unpressive
environment that is theirs in the mountain gullies bentath towering
Mountiin Ash piatits, Periods when the birds were occupied
with eggs or young were avoided for obvious reasons. While
lyrebirds are widely distributed over this Toolanst-Warburton
section, it is not always possible to find a sufficient concentration
of them to snare successfully. The great fires of 1939 incinerated
even the food-nourishing humus in thousands of gullies, and rt is
to fayoured arcas spared that holocaust that one must tum.

To describe each and every axpedition involved being out of the
question, this is an account ef proceedings with one particular
pair of birds secured is) the Noyembes-December period of 1949,
when Str Thomas Nettlefold defrayed costs of the undertaking,
Stacked with gear, our old car eventually left good roads twenty-
five wiles from gur home af Badger Creek and ascended an old
and bumpy unrber-track winding ever upward as it skirted
granitic mountain shoulders and crassed corduroyed shady crecks
resonant wilh the “tink-tink’’ of many bell-birds| We came to
rest on the site of a hut long since demolished by fire, but marked
by the rusty tron, broken china, ete,, inseparable from sach rams,

Camp was established leside a clear creek, and already’ fran
the, slopes abuve came a faint familiar and ringing “Quolp-quolp!"
Up there a cock lyrehird had patised a his industrious raking of

Bape.
M9hk

D. Preas—Trousferring Lyrebirds to Tasmania 61
the forest floor and the bush resounded with his repeated chal-
lenging notes,’ With equipment slug on backs and fern hook and
hatchet in hand, we began the plod, slash and push through the
gerub to. cut a track, up the mountain side,

All was quiet among the aisles of tall smooth trunks wotil very
suddenly again, and fron. a hidden gully ahead, came the “Ouolp-
quolp! or “Blick-blick!"" of that same cock bird, Louder and
clearer now the bird added @ short session of “recorded music,”
the Iaughter of kookaburras, the ““Guinea-a-week"”’ of the pilot bird, -
the sharp crack of the whip bird, the shriek of swift-Rying crimson
parrots, the cry of the wedgetail eagle and the favourite rich melody
- of the grey thrush.

_ Ouietly we began a descent towards the broadcaster’s position,
the aromatic scents af the gully coming up to meet us, but slipping
and sliding were unavoidable and the lyrebird has keen hearing.
A piercing “zing!" of alarm and the concert was heard no fiore.
The treeferns closed in, but there were dim and cool cloister-like
passageways between their rough trunks, There was chaos where
starkly bleached trunks had fallen at coniused angles, relics of giarits
dead for many years. Obviously the vicinity was a good place for
snares for the whole forest floor was newly scratched over, the
rich vielding earth Lreshly exposed, and at the gully bottom there
were narrow passes between logs, and an assortment of strategic
positions. On the additional evidence of moulted feathers, quite
a few lyrebirds seemed to he in the habit of visiting this gully, anc
almost certainly a proportion of them would be youngsters ranging
perhaps from some fout months to two or three years of age, The
difficult terrain of the lyrebiyd gully, and the ‘just-so” exactitude
of burding snares so that the bird is merely tethered and unin-
jured in any way, takes an uncommionly long time so that, working
until] dark we rigged only twelve that day. Small fry such as the
dheeky Yellow Robin delighted in our activities and they darted
constantly about one's hands picking up exposed Tallitris hoppers,
wire worms and other delicactes,

That night we camped at the car beside a curgling strean) with
a Boohook Owl “mopoking” pleasantly and resthilly. Our anly
visitor was a big, woolly-iurced mountain possum which trumpeted
its distrust of the flickering firelight and the imtruders from a
nearby eucalypt. An early morning round of the snares revealed
2 totally untouched state of affairs, the hirds were suspicious and
had not even disturbed the debris round about,

_ On the third morning things had hegun to happen. Fron
the evidence of torn-up earth and barked sapling butt at No. 1
snare a lumbering wombat must have strayed in during the night
and beet put ta some slight inconvenience before passing on, But
as we rounded a gigantic log and came in sight of Ne. 3 snare a
guttural squalling and screeching assailed our ears and a chocolate-
brown bird flapped and jumped there. [t was a fat and obviously

62 DD, Freayv—Tronsferring Tyrebirds to Tasmania Vich Bate

iewly-caught hen lyrebird. It is vital ta be close at hand when
such birds are captured, for their penetrating screéches are Jiahle
to bring foxes on the run. Two other snares had been set off
and were ruined by the struggles and strong teeth of short-eared
passums. Odd patches of fur identified our might callers.

Reseiting and putting the snare-line in order preceded a return
to camp, where the captured lyrebird was fastened in a roomy
griss-padded tea chest, We then drove her home ro Healesville,
relea3ing her temporarily in a semi-dark shed with a generous
helping of termites. Next morning we were back in the moun-
tains and scrambitng through the trecfern trunks as a plane roared
southward across Base Strait carrying Mrs. Lyrebird for immediate
hberation that day in the National Parle 40 miles north-west of
Hobart, and 400 miles tram the scene of her capture.

Not every -day produced a catch in thts type of hunting, and the
sun rose and sel several times without giving us niore than a fine
mountain passim which so entangled its noosed paw in a FPrastan-
thera bush that it had no chance ta chew off the snare and could
only sit blinking at us in mornmg sunlight Then came a period
of low clouds while trails of vapour hung across the hills, The
ferny underscrul was tog-wet and mist-drenched so that clothes
were continually soaked. Rain and a hailstorm clogged aif snares,
and they had to be reset time after cite. On these days of damp-
hess and discouragement we heard, as if in mockery, the swelling,
challenging melody of lyrebirds from many points of the compass.
Alone one aftetnaon while crossing a saddle into the head of an
opposite gully, and guided by a voluminous outpouring of “blick-
blicks!'" and bursts of song, I watched unobserved for five
minutes while a beautiful full-tailed <ock bird sang from a pereh
on a fallen tree. Around him, preening themselves on adjacent
limbs, were no Iess:than five plain-tailed birds—how mauy of these
were hens and how many immature males it was of, course impas-
sible to tell without standing right among them,

A second hen Jyrebird captured near the entrunce tu a wombat
Inurrow was released iorthwith, however, for as soon as she ceased
squalling, the pathetic cheeps of a well-grawn fledgling revealed
her as a mather with voung “at Toot,”

Knowing by now the actual territory roamed by the cock lyre-
bird heard on the day oi arrival, and having glimpsed him once
when i an meautions Moment he chased an ittmature hird out
mf his gully past me, the quest boiled down to a matching of wits.
Except in cértain tourist areas, such as Shérbrooke, where a few
hirds ase semi-tame, the forest lyrebird is most elusive and seli-
effacing. Time and again our quarry scratched quantities of debris
and soil over snares. ne morning, however, a whole weck after
the initial work in the gully and whilst alone on the job, I heard
danger calls of "Quisst’’! faint and far away, bat-in the direction
of the male's favourite ieeding grounds. Seconds later a tremen-

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST

PLATE

IV

Vol.

69

September, 1952

id Mleay.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Val, 69 September, 1952

Prare V

nem ae

ier D, Futav—Trausfersing Lyrcbirds to Tasmania 63
dous squalling and scolding summoned ‘me to a breathless climb
and scranible into the gully. Sure enough, the big lyrebird was
tethered to a quivering dancing snare-pole, What a glorious,
lustrous-eyed bird he was! My arrival was in time to prevent
damage to a single feather of the sixteen in his new season’s—
and even then jist over two foot—tail, He was a simply perfect
specimen of the mature lyrebird, and his fresh tail was a sym-
metrical shimmering delight. On being handled he reacted as
lyrebirdls do, not pecking with his beak, lut seizing one's hands
in a powerful foot clutch that is quite paintul and tenacious, much
in the manner of a hawt or eagle, except that here the claws are
not sharpeand pointed, By way of interest his weight proved to
be 2b. 12402. With great care for his wonderful tail—sn easily
broken in the struggles of these strong-legged birds—I carried
him down gully and across the ridges to camp. As usual I felt
somewhat conscience stricken about taking such a prince of
songsters away from his haunts, but ina dark and well ventilated
tea-chest he sat quietly and philasophically while the car jerked
and bounced on its journey through the bush to the low country,
Once again, early the following morning, an Australian National
Atrways DC3 winged across the sea to the aouthern islatid State.
By early afternoon this fine bird had scampered into dense scrub
in the National Park, practically identical with his own, and with
the operation completed the total of lyrebirds flown across Bass
Strait rose that day to eleven pairs.

For the appended list of birds and dates £ am indebted te Mr. A. D,
Butcher, Directar of the Fisheries and Game Department. Those secured
and forwarded between 28/8/1934 and 26/8/1938 were, 1 understand, the
result of operations by Mr. Howe.

Tram 5/11/1941 to 7/12/1940 birds snared and delivered to the Mel-
bourne end were largely combined efforts on the part of myself and the late
Roy Alderson, bushman par excellence, and goed compalion oy the Tas-
inatian Thylacine search of 1848-46,

DETAILS OF LYREBIRDS SENT TO TASMANIA
28/8/34 1 ¢ | By air to National Park on 29/8/34. Tasmania reports

is]
1% f bird found dead on 29/8/34, 2 believed wll,
14/8/35 | d’ Forwarded by air and kept in a svecial pen, Died 22/8/35,
23/8/35 1 gf By alr. Liberated National Park.
3/9/38 ig } By air 3/9/35. Liherated National Park.
29 ;
26/8/34 2 patrs by air 26/8/38, Liberated National Park,
S/it/4l g F By air 5/11/41. Liberated National Park
2¢
26/1/45 J pair. By air. Liberated Hastings, 27/1/45,
2/5/45 aa i By air. Liberated Hastings, 29/5/45, -
30/5/45 1% By wir, Liberated Hastings, 30/5/45.
50/11/49 1 2 By ale, Liberated Nutional Park
9/12/69 1 By air 8/12/49. Liberated National Park.
Total .. ¥. .. .. J] males
IL females.

Nine males and eleven females Delieved to have beeoine established,

(4 A. H, Camsnonm—Lyribdird Koflections frau N SL, Witt Ma

LYREBIRD REFLECTIONS FROM NEW SOUTH WALES
Ry A. H. Catsirot, Sydney

Much destruction was caused by fires in heathlands and forests
near Sydney during the summer of 1951-52. It is difficult to
estimate the extent to which birds satfered, but we fear that small
and weak-winged species, sucl as the pretty variegated wren, the
elin emu-wren, and the talented heath-~yren, were grievously
alfected,

We had thought, too, that in some areas that were badly stricken,
such as the National Park immediately south of the city, the
various fires might have reduced the ranks of lyrebirds. Accord-
ingly tt was refreshing to learn from one of the National Park
rangers at Easter that he had seen from time to time during recent
weeks ynite a wumber of the stately birds strolling or running
about near the Carrington Drive—that was, of oourse, at periods
when trate on the roadway was light. F

“No,” the ranger said, “J don't think thar the fires in the park,
had as they were, affected the lyrcbirds to any extent. Those hirds
that were in the stricken arcas probably escaped inte the bases of
the gullies or into the heavier vegetation along the river, and J
Suppose they have since adjusted themselves ta new spots. You
ought to be able to see or hear a few this afternoon.”

That prediction was borne ont. 7 did in fact hear a couple of
male bird singing Atiully, and although the day was Easter Suriday
and motor traffic was heavy. 1 saw a lady Syrebird feeding com-
placently withm a few yards of the Carrington Drive,

Al this, coupled with reports fram the Blue Mountains, Kuring-
gai Chase, and other relevant areas, seems to indicate that the
Ivrehieds of the Sydney district have survived, ta a refreshing
degree, the worst fires of many years. It is a situation that tallies
with the one that arose after the dreadful forest fires that occurred
in Gippsland early in 1939, We had feared al the time that
lyrebirds must have been exterminated in many areas, but soon
afterwards reassuring reports began to arrive--the birds were
observed in various places that had been almost wholly decimated,
ani i some spots they were secn feeding over burnt ground.

Fires aside, ir is really remarkable chat lyrebirds have contrived
to maintain their numbers to an extent which, if aot wholly satis-
factory, is al least sounder than Australians had any right to expect.

These regal birds have been known to the white man for 155
years, and in that time they have suffered a sad battering. First
discovered [by a convict-bushman named James Wilson) in 1797,
the species was made known in the following year to Governor
Hunter, who dubbed it “the New South Wales bird of paradise”
and promptly sent a specimen to Lady Mary Howe, daughter of the
First Lord of the Admiralty—the fighting sailor after whom Lord

Tas] A. H. Cutsnoun—Lyretind Reflections from NSW 6S

Howe Island was named. That specimen caught the eye of a
soldier, Major-General Thomas Davies, and he, in an address
to the Linnean Society of London in 1200, deseribed the bird in
detail and bestowed upon it the appropriate name of Menura
superba, ;

Additional specimens were sent to London from 1799 onward.
and in the following years settlers began ta exploit the bird for its
beautiful tail feathers, As early as 1824 the French explorer
Lesson declaréd that the species was becoriing rare throtgh being
“persistently hunted,” and in 1834 Dr. George Bennett also com-
mented on the slaughter, adding that the price of tail feathers had
increased irom 20/- to 30/- 4 pair, Wandalism of the kind per-
sisted along the years into the present century. As late as 1912 ut
was stated at a congress of the R,A.O.U,, that jn the previous
year two Sydney dealers aloné had been kriown to dispose of 1298
tails of lyrebirds. - '

When facts and figures such as these are considered, and when
it Js remembered that foxes have also joined in the slaughter,
that much “pheasant country” has been cleared, and that the rate
at reproductton is slow (each female laying only one egg a year),
we begirl to realize that it is somewhat astonishing Lhab any of the
birds at all still exist.

The pleasing fact, however, is that lyrebirds sometimes visit
gardens in certain outer suburbs of Sydney, and that nests may
stil] be found in sandstone gullies within easy distance of the city.
‘The males, it is true, are not by any means so accessible, nor so
tolerant, as those of Sherbrooke Forest near Melbourne, but it is
possible to watch them displaying in favoured areas such as the

ational Park, (See K. A. Hindwood’s illuminating notes in the
Vict, Nat, of Feb.-March, 1941, and my own notes in the issue of
May 1936, for observations on the birds’ habits near Sydney.)

On the whole it seems probable that, given strict enforcement
of the protection they now enjoy, through legal enactments and
the force of public opmion, Superb Lyrebirds will continue to sur-
vive, and perhaps increase, in their coastal and near-coastal tast-
nesses, from Sherbrooke Forest to the north-east of N,S.W., during
inany years to come, Doubiless, too, the Superb bird’s Queensland
representative—the one which ighabics the Stanthorpe district.
possibly extending as far trorth as Mount Mistake, and which 1
named in 1921 Prince Edward's Lyrebird—will persist indefinitely
in its self-contained “city” of granite. ;

Confidence may pot he so strang, perhaps, regarding the welfare
of the smaller and less dlecorative species, Prince Albert's Lyrebird,
which is restricted tow relatively smal] area of sub-tropical jungle.
The portion of north-eastern N.S.W., where this bird was first
discovered about 1849, has long since been cleared in the tnterests
of dairying, Sa: have numbers of other once-fayoured spats.

66 No A, Wakerieio—lLyredird Noter from East Gippstand een aa.

Nevertheless there still remain various areas of rain-forest in which
the Albert Lyrebird renders its brilliant concerts, and in particular
there is that choice sanctuary, the National Park of the McPherson
Range.

LYREBIRD NOTES FROM EAST GIPPSLAND —
By N. A. Wakerie.p

With most Victorian nituralists, reference to the lyrebird at
once brings to mind thoughts of the Dandenohg Ranges, and
particularly of Sherbraok Forest, for this is within easy range of
our capital city of Melbourne. There the lyrebirel population ts
comparatively sparse, however, and one must go further east to
sée it in true abundance, Probably it is nowhere more plentiful
than in the treefern country of the Coast Range in East Gippsland.

About the watersheds of the larger streams east of the Snowy,
but particulatly that of the Benim River, there ate many hundreds
of square milés of country where the Soft Treefern predominates.
Everywhere there are signs of a dense lyrebird population. One
may see scores of the birds during a day’s walk, and find perhaps
a dozen of their great nests: and at any time there may be a
nomber of birds simultaneously giving vaicé to their mimicry from
several pons of the compass.

Further south, in the lower country east of Orbost, the Ivrebird
ig almost as plentiful. When one drives along the Princes High-
way in the early morning, it is the rule, rather than the exception,
to see one or two of the birds crossing the road. ‘his is the case
particularly in the vicmity of Lind Nationa] Park (Euche Creek)
and Alfred, National Park (Mount Drummer).

In the northern part of ihe districi too, right into the Alps, the
Menura persists in numbers. It forages in the Alpine ash groves
and nests on the rock ledges of the Great Dividing Range at between
four and five thousand feet elevation,

Hack in the 187s the explorer-naturahst, Alfred Howitt, left a
record of Jyrebirds in the sandstone gorges of the Mitchell River,
With two black guides he was making his way up the chasm of
Deadcock Greek when they came upon two of the birds. One
blackfellow narrowly missed one witht a rock; and the other was
stopped in the act of throwing his master's tomahawk at them
among the rocks. He could not understand the white man pre-
ferring a new tomahawk to a dead bird.

It was in the same area that my father had an interesting experi-
ence some forty years ago. While climbing along a difficult cliff-
face he became aware of a lyrebird’s nest on a rack ledge when
ile youngster in occypation gave voice to the usual car-splitting
screech, Thereupon the mother bird appeared, and noting: the

Seok N, A. WaxeneLo—Lyrebird Notes from Eoat Gippsland 67

climber’s disddvantage, set to work to ‘drive him away, He re-
counts that he had a most anxious few minutes, while she beat him
with her wings before he managed to shilt to a less precartous
position.

On the occasion of a visit to Genoa Peak in 1939, a nest was
discovered on a granitic ledge, and the large chick therein, when
investigated closely, reared up—legs astride—and pushed its body
to the back of the nest, This was quite normal behaviour, but it
provided an exception which I have never noted elsewhere; jt
remained mute. An hour or so later, the test was repeated, and
still it refused to give the normal call for help, So it goes down
im memory as my one and only duntb lyrebird chick!

"—N. A, WAKEFTELD,

MOUNDS AND “DANCING”

_T never by chance, or mischance, refer to the mounds as “dancing
mounds,” as dancing mounds they are nor, and never were. During
all the vears, I have been amongst them I have never seen the birds
“dance on asmound. They merely strut about and turn around
whilst giving voice to their mimicry, scratching about in a desultory
manner and elevatmg and depressing their tails the while perform-
ing all manner of evolutions, Occasionally they give a forward
jump whilst calling “pillick pillick” and take two steps backward
to the first position, This particular eail is very tar-reaching and
the one designated by the blacks as “buln buln,” the name by
which they knew the bird. ;

A more significant call resembles “chewey, chewey, chewey,”
accompanied by a strutting around and balancing on each Jeg
alternately. ‘This call is decidedly amorous. The most significant
call resembles the words “‘pluggerah, pluggerah, pluggerah,” with
the first syllable in each word deeply accented. It is only used on
state orcasions and as a prelude to the marriage ceremony. With
his beak partly buried in the frtable soil of the mound, the bird
spreads his tail fan-wise behind him, hard pressed to the ground,
and emits a most unusual sound resembling an explosion m a stone
quarry. The bird duting this operation never raised his head, hut
he knews his lady is not far away and the performance is all for her
benefit,

These are the only occasions on which the bird even approaches
the so-called “dauce,” but it is distinctly not an aetion to justify that
hame being applied.

—the late Tom Trecentas,

aa G. Mack- Lyrebirds tn Queensiend Vi et

THE LYREBIRDS IN QUEENSLAND
By Grorce Mack (Brisbane)

Both species of lyrebirds are present tn Queensland, but only
int the south-east portion of the State. This is the northern limit
of range of both forms-

The Albert Lyrebird (Menura albertt)} occurs in the tropical
rain-forest af the McPherson Range, including the Lamington
National Park of 47,000 acres, on and near the southertt border.
In the early days it was plentiful in stmilar forest on Mt. Tam-
borine, about $5 miles sonth of Brisbane, Settlement has deprived
ié of much of its habitat in this area, but T have heen informed
that a few hirds are still to be found on, the slopes of the mountain.

North of Mt. Tamborine and about 60 miles south-west of Bris-
hane, lyrebirds have been reported on Mt, Mistake, They are likely
to be M, alborti. Although the presence of the birds in this locality
has been known over the years, it would appear that no one has
yet checked on the species. However, there are good reasons to
beheve that it will prove to be Lhe Albert Lyrelird.

Incidentally, it is not always realized that tropical rain-forest in
Austraha ts patchy, and restricted. Forms confined to ‘this class oj
couttry have been much affected hy settlement, ;

When a resident of Brisbane refers to the Iyrebird, generally
the species in mind is the Albest Lyrebird, which mey have been
heard, or even geen, in the McPherson Range, a favourite walking
and holiday distnet The birds are much move often heard than
seen, and I have yet to know of any one having seen a display by the
male.

The existence of the Superb Lyrebird (Menara novac-hallan-
diag) in Queensland would appear to be little known except to
residents in the restricted area where it occurs. Originally, this
magnificent hird was present in what is known as the granite
country of the Main Divide between the vicinity of Stanthorpe and
the southern border. Now the narthern limit of its range is ¢on-
siderably to the south of Stanthorpe, and the possibility of main-
taining the species in this State js not is good as one would wish.
The fire-bug is here, and there is a particularly vicious ane that
always carries a hox of anatches in the granite bell of Queensland.

This area lies iu the south-west of the McPheraon Range, skirt-
ing the well-known Darling Downs, The climate is temperate,
and it is bere that apples and other fruits which require such a
climate are grown in this State, The exposed masses and great
boulders of granite are features of the district, and this rock has
provided the soil in the valleys ani to the west of the mass where
archards are now established,

Among the boulders and eucalypts of the high country the
Superb Lyrebird (M. novae-hollandiae) is stili found. Its habitat

Bepl.
Tease

G. Mack—Lyrebirds in Queensland “9
is now greatly restricted, apparently much more so than when
Spencer Roherrs (1922) wrote Ins accounts, Roberts was a
medical man who practiserl in the Stanthorpe district some years
ago. Ile was interested tn birds and was readily attracted by the
qumber of amale lyrebird tail feathers he saw in the homes of his
patiertts. With the aid of local bushmen he investigated the status
of the species in the granite belt, and finally obtained specimens
which A. H. Chisholm (1921) named, This is a good sub-species
(M_ 2, edzwardi), lighter among other characters, more greyish,
than nowae-hollandiae,

I visited, the district in the winter of 195] with other members,
af the Queensland Museun sta#. A camp was estalttshed in the
Wyberba Valley, about seven miles east of the main Stanthorpe-
Wallangarra highway, beyond an area of 12,527 acres which
has been declared a national park. This valley was in fair condition,
and lyrebirds were heard and seen by members of the party; but
since then fire has swept through the area.

In many parts of Australia settlers carelessly fire the country-
side with a view to providing stock feed when rains came. -No
such purpose can be behind the res which occur in the granite belt.

Although I heard the grand voice of the Superb Lyrebird on
more than one occasion, I did not af any time hear a good, pro-
longed series of calls of the kind one comus to expect from the
males of Sherbrooke Forest, Victoria. However, my visit was
brief, and the open nature of the granite country is not helpful in
the matter of cover,

It is already well known that the birds of the area sometimes
build their nests on ledges high up on giant baulders. | was not
surprised; therefore, when kindly local residents informed me that
the nests were now always built it this sttuation because of the
presence of the introduced fox. | did mot poimt out at the time
that all the foxes in Australia could not case the birds to change
their habits in this respect, or that the greatést destroyer of the
species is Lhe human heing. .

Subsequeritly three of us, ane a local resident, were high ia) on a
midge one afternoon from which there was an excellent view of
Fhe south. I was appalled and remarked upon the burnt-out state
of the country towards Wallangarra. This,.I was told, was the
work of aman with a box of matches. Making our way down to
the valley in the late afternoon, the going as usual was difficult
and we moved in single file. Suddenly the leading man stopped;
in front of him was a fresh lyrebird nest built on the ground. Out
shot the female, and she disappeared in a fash heiween two massive
bouldets. She had been sittmg on the usual single erg enveloped
im feathers, ‘his was the only nest noted.

70 The Late T. Trecen.as—The Young Bint " [YM

I should add, perhaps, that efforts have been made, and will
continue to be made, by interested societies ta prevent the exter—
mination of the Superb Lyrebird in Queensland.

ReFEvEN CES
Chisholm, A, H. (1921).—A new Afenvra: Prince Edward's Ly rehired.
The ini, 20, pp- 221-225.
Roberts, Spencer (1922) —Prince Edward’s Lyrebird at home The Bune
21, pp. 242-252.

THE YOUNG BIRD

When first hatched the young bird is sooty black, but each suc-
cessive week sees it getting greyer until it leayes the nest in about
six weeks. The question of leaving is determined by the position
of the nest. They are found anywhere—on the ground, on stumps
and rocks, between and on top of tree-ferns, in forks of sassafras,
blackwood and wattle, and as much ag sixty jeet ar higher m a
mountain ash. The earliest bird in my diary left a nest on the
ground at 38 days, and from the nest at 60 fect, his mother helped
him down at two months,

When the mother colleéts food for the young, she stores it in
the pliant skin under the bill, and an overplus of worins often pro-
trudes from the beak. A centipede is regarded as a tit-bit, and
after being chewed all along its length ta make sure of it being dead,
it is Jaid aside untif the moutlt is full, then picked up and carried
dangling to. the nest. Wher. returning with food the mother keeps
up.a continual purring note whiel intimates to the chick that some-
thing good is on the way, and he replies by a gentle twitter, Giving
him the centipede first, she watches till it is safety down and then
bestows the remainder of the food, placing her bill right down his
throat and pushing it down with her tongue.

For maby months after leaving the nest the young bird is
attended by the mother, which at the slightest disturbance utters
an admonitory call which is al orice obeved by the chick taking
cover till danger passes, and again emerging when assured that all
is sate, She is most assiduous in ber devotion, watching him
carefully to.see chat he does not take what is not good for him
and talking incessantly in a soothing voice.

At roasting time she catefully teaches him how to ascend the
blackwoods te get out of the way of marauding cats at foxes, and
itis wonderful to see the agility displayed hy the little fellow even
a such an early age, and the ase to which he puts his already long
claws,

—the late Tom TREGELLAS,

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Val. 69 September, 1952

Phare VI

Day-old Lyrebird Chick
Photo: A. G. Campbell (taken under permit, Fishers & Game Depl.).

sere A. Gi Camearia—Snag of the Laynchizad

SONG OF THE LYREBIRD
By A. G. Gamepert, Walsyth, Vic.

Tt is well known Utat the lyrebird weaves the songs of other
hirds inte a melody that makes the woodland ring, but very Jiftle
has vet heew done ta understand the construction and techiique
of this renarkahle performance. Even in winter, the playtime of
the lyrebird, when it builds earthy mounds. for ats displays, the
hied is ever elusive, never two days alike, full of surprises and new
doings. For long periods of the day there may be no sound front
the lyrebirds, Suddenly a rich voice floods the dim aisles of the
forest with u riot of melody, mocking the birds of the bush with
ininwrable precision, from the Ciniest chatter af litte Thornhtlls,
uttered with bill almost closed, to the long spring song of Grey
Thrush breaking fortissinio on the pungent air. There are at least
a score of wild bird calls woven ifto this shower of song, together
with a percentage, perhaps one-fifth, which may be termed the
hyrebird’s own.

While there is no particular order or sequerice, each call is well
executed ; ibis the exception for one to be partly giver, A prominent
item is the laugh of the kookafurra, which may last several seconds.
The classic item is the full sung of the Grey Thrush, which lasts
about five seconds. This is a charming thing. While some
observers think it an improvisation, it seems to be pure rendering
of one of the most delightful songs of the bush, the mating song of
the Grey ‘Thrush, heard only in carly spring. ‘he Whiphird’s
call is excellently reproduced, and the Pilot Bird's also. Both same-
times lave ihe answering 2otes of the female bird 2s wel On
occasions the lyrebird gives the answer only to a real Whipbtrd
near by, of imitates exactly the notes of other birds which are
heing given at the time. Wild cockatoos, both Black and Gang-
Gang, receive a share of attention. Two kinds of currawung,
Pied and Grey, are well given. There are other sounds ascribed
to the lyrebird ly bushmen—notably the sound of axc, maul. erass-
cut saw or hark of a dog. There is orie whtelt is sated to resemble
a hydratlic ram—a series of clicks or claps which bear some
reseittblanice to this sound, but which are giver at a different
pace, These are signs of annoyance. heard from both male and
female birds on occasions when some onlooker has interfered with
the bird's wishes.

With the assistance of a stenographer, *transcripts of the songs
of many lyrehirds have been made. Hundreds of calls were taken
sertatim in. the Dandenong Ranges. Analysis of these proved
there are certain smal! individual variations outcropping in seme
Jocatities > and again there art signs of clannishness, where adjacent

"1 wes indebted to the Jete John Gray and to Miss [ne Wetson for oscistance.

[vit Nat,
Vol, 64

72 4. G, Camesett—Song af the Lyrebird
male birds follow much the same series of calls, Strangely” enough,
there are no cuckoos or other migrant species of visiting birds
among the calls of these lyrebirds. There are no night nojses or
calls, either of nocturnal animal or bird, Although honeyeaters, as
a tribe, are plentifully distrituted throughout the forest all the
year round, only ove lyrebird was heard to imitate any of the family.

By actual count, those calls, identified as the lyrebird’s own.
head the list, being just aver 20% of the total. They have a
variety in themselves, but attetition hag tot yer-heen given to their
classification. Then there are a great nunther of small notes of
little birds, like thornbills and scrub wrens. These are over 15%
on the list, bearing some relation to the number of small fry which
are usually in attendance about the haunts of the lyrebird, where it
is at work scratching upon the forest floor, Among others the
Grey Thrush takes pride of place with 16%, the Whipbird next
with 9%, and the Kookaburra very close up, Then follow in this
order: parrots, cockatoos (two kinds), Pilot Bird, Yellow Robin,
Golden Whistler, currawongs (two) and Butcher Bird. The only
introduced bird on the list is the Blackbird, whose alarm nate
was sometimes given. Unidentified calls amounted 10 7%. A
session asa Tule Jasted about ten: minutes. One exceptionally tong
recording was twénty-seven minutes~on a wet afternoon, when
the bird had been pent up far some hours owing 10 bad weather.
This, however, was a particularly fluent and brilfiant performance,
containing the beautiful Grey Thrush rendering to less than forty
times. What makes the lyrebird's song the more remarkable is
the pace of it all, besides the fact that there is never any particular
order or sequence in the varions calls, Some birds, more deliberate
than others, averaged 5 seconds, medium ones were 3.7 seconds,
fast ones, 3.2 seconds per call.

On the gramophone record available ta the public, is a partial
but very good representation of these powers of ntimicry and
song, there being about forty myynicked calls, representing eleven
species af other bush birds, and twenty-one calls belonging to the
lyrebird itself. The time actually taken in this reproducticy
averages about two and a half seconds per call. This is too fast,
but serves to illustrate the extraordinary flow of singing that
takes place. ;

All these observations go to show that we have much yet to learn
regarding the voice of the ijyrebird. Probably im other and more
distant parts of tts habitat there would be constderable changes in
repertoire

vital C. Haatsitonne—/mpresstons of Lyrebird’s Singing 73

A FOREIGNER’S IMPRESSIONS OF THE LYREBIRD’S
SINGING

By CuHaArces HarTsHoRNE (University of Chicago)

Lyrebirds have strong claims to the title, “The Most Entertaining
Birds in the World.” This is said, of course, with a view to their
general behaviour, including the dancing, singing, mound building,
and still other actions, The song itself seems to me one of the
great ones. Here is almost a Shakespeare among birds, giving one
everything from the clown's laughter (the Kookaburra imitation )
to the delicate love song (the Pilot Bird’s lyric). And yet the
singing seems to me to have a more original and coherent style
than our North American Mocking Wird’s, which occasionally
exhibits about the same versatility of imitativeness. This style is
one of boldness, tingling vitality, a challenging, proud, imperious
air, The song is not throughout highly beautiful, but it has great
beauty here and there: it is not exactly an exquisite song, but it has
frequent exquisite touches. It has been said of the nightingale
that its keynote is erciftement, that it is an operatic singer. This
seems even more true of the lyrebird. The specialty of this species
is dramatic contrast and stunning surprise. But there is rather
more continuity to my ear, than in the Virginia Mockingbird’'s
sequence of imitations, when that bird is in its most imitative mood.
The chief means of continuity in the American singer is usually a
slightly boring way of repeating most phrases, several, and even six
or more, times. The lyrebird seems to be too impatient to be
getting on to linger that long over any one little -‘musical point. In
this T sympathize with rt.

I have compared the song favourably with two famous ones.
Perhaps I should add that the Nightingale is a neater artist, and,
as it were, samewhat more refined. And perhaps the Mocking Bird
is on the average mellower in tone. None of the species mentioned
has in high degree certain strictly, almost technically, inusical values
which some thrushes in, North America, and even more (it is said)
in Central America, and probably elswhere, can offer us. But no
one composer ever has everything.

A curious feature of the Lyrebird’s singing seems to me this:
it has an upper and a lower storey, and here and there a little high-
pointing spire. That is, a good part of the song reinains near a
certain (for a bird) quite low pitch, much of the rest near another
much higher pitch, with now and then an ascension into even higher
ones, Musical persons ought to decide for us what the pitches in
question are, but I am sure that the total pitch range is one of the
greatest in any bird, greater than any song m Europe or North
America, say, at least three and a half octaves. Only one song
with this range has come to my ears, that of the Japanese Bush

Vict. Nat.
Vol, 69

74 C. Harrsuorne—impressions of Lyrebird'’s Singing
Warbler, as I heard it in Hawai, where it has been imtroduced.
This is considered a leading singer in Japan.

Since neither the Lyrebird nor the forests which it requires in
order to survive have any close parallel elsewhere, the preservation
of both will, I trust, alwavs be a national objective. Only im a
smali part of the United States are there such tall trees, and they
are very different indeed in character. The Sherbrooke Forest,
with its amazing birds, yields experiences which can never be for-
gotten.

Note filmy tyrate and “feeler” feathers
Photo: A. G. Campbell.

aera) J. BR Waus—further Noles on Flower Perlrnes 75

FURTHER NOTES ON FLOWER PERFUMES

‘Ywo country members of the club have responded to my concluding query
am the gdours exhaled by uative arojds and certain otler phuits [Maet, Nat.
69: 30. Aug, 1952], The Rev. TI. M. R, Rupp writes (20.8752) from
Willoughby, NSW, concerning the “cumpevoi” (Alocasia macrorrhisa)
and "dead dog lity” (Fyrhonwer drown), both indaygerous to the North
Coast region of New South Wales, where te bas eludied thei an gifte and
under CUTivalion ;

Mr, Rupp likens cunjevor perfume to the scent of A. & FB. Pears’ histone
lranspatent soap which dates fron 1780—a very characteristic smell. bul
ang whose farmufa is doubtless kept a close trade secret As ta the
Typhontam, Ive calls its odour “disgusting”; but, stranaely enough, a plant
cultivated at Copmanhurst became quite odourless, No aroma was detected
in the other two N.S.W. aroids, Gynmostachys anceps ait Patkas longipes
Qiot P, dowreirit), which are sclcrophyllous plants, with iwenspicugus dit-
forescences,

Miss Jean Galbraith (Tyers, Vie,) challenges my classificatian at Early
Naney (Anguillaria diowa) scett. This bat been placed in the HONEY
erotp (with etrcalypt, taker and Jencopogan); but Miss Galbraith jnsisars
thar the odeur ig a replica of Japanese Plum blossom (Prams soltetna), Le.
a honey-sweet scent with subtle ahinoid background. I have just smelt
ane of these plim trees in Cull bloom and entirely agree, noticia chat ic is
intlined to induce olfactory fatigue (like violets), Early Naney sshanld
therefore he transferred ta the amnoid group.

Since writing for che Aveust Noturetio¢ (Cp, 47), 1 recall two other
Australian speties in which the perfume 15 delicately stock-like, viz.
Bidbophyliun baileys {& rock and tree orchid of iyorthy Queensland, yyith
rather large clourd Rowers that open in January), and Shrekhowsia huegelit
{fowering in spring maths, between the Murchisan River aud. easterniist
talands af the Rucherclre Archipelago, W_A.).

Following are a few examples of distinctive sceuts awiong Anstralian
flawers which may be added to those already tabulated in Wier Mut. Due
1944, pp, 134-5,

Nerole type: Pittesporam rhombifotien of NSW. and Qurensland, amd

Sechhouna pumeris of the Australian Alps.

Nutty-clover type: Warraya evatifoliolata of MN, Queensland, with scent as

of sweet peas.

Atcohotic-Fruity iypes. Nelerandins diate, (like peach gate) and Pimelea

alfa (as of paw-puw). both small alpine species.

[The exatic cricarcous Rhododendron uyricwlotumn and Clethra erboren
are strongly suggestive of pineapple guava frait and quinces, respectivety-
Noltea. africem: in the. Rhamilacee gives out a fetid indolic édour like
that of our Stinking Pennyworth (Aydrocotale lariflern] ‘ LHW

SILVER-LEAVED EUCALYPTS

“AER” {Ftct, Nal..dAog,, $2) asks whether other observers confirm
his experience that [vai-euting insects prefer the silver Jeaf eocalypts? My
experience definitely confirms this.

Several specimens of £, gordata were eaten out almost wholly every
year to such effect chat the plants gave up the struggle alter a few years,
E. stacrocorpae was also badly ravaged, and although 1 succeeded ip fowering.
it, the plent never looked happy nor healthy. Those 1 haye seen in thea
natoral habitar in Western Australia showed a colusloess of leal growth
thet I have never seen on any specimen cultivated in Vietoria, E, etmerco,
of which I have seer gtorwusly healthy specimens in the Alfrary district,

76 Silvor-leaved Eucalypts Tigh aes

dre so defoliated as to be barely surviving in Melbourng gardens, It js odd
that the highly glaucous seedlings of ZB. gtobutus when grawn in its natural
hahitat are not so severely attacked ag the others I have -monitioned. A
suggestion may be that the high cincol content of its oil may protect them.

‘ —W. RUSSELL. GRIMWADE

The contention that £we. macrocurpa, the silver-leaved Rose of the West,
and other elancous-Jeaved species ate specially susceptible to insect attack
is true 50 far as the southern latitudes are concerned, (Pict, Nat, Aug, 1952),
In fact, It is on very rare oveasions that a perfect specimen is seen, in the
Melbourne area. However, hefe in central western N.8.W. my observations
jend to show thar the silver-leaved species are no more susceptible chan
athers,

We haye Buc. inecradarps, Buc. rhodanthe, Buc, pulverulenta, Eye, cinerea,
Luc, albida, Eur, tetragone, Exc, krasiana, Enc, desmandensis, uc cructs,
Kxe. cordata, Enc. orbifolia, Ene. cordiert, Euc. glaucescens and a yumber
of other silver-teaved species, and not one of these ate especiatly stisceptible
to insect attack. Except for some fungoid blemish on the Jeaves of Bue
macrvcarpa and uc. crveis during the record raintall of 65 inches in 1950,
the silver-leaved species are almost leal-perfect. ~

The mealy substance on the Jeaves and stems of so many of our cucalypts
and other plants ts onc of nature's wonderful devices to prevent too rapid
transpiration. Ja short, is a protective device that is needed in very cold,
no less than im very dry areas, All of us know From experience thai a
Plant in very dry soil is more susceptible to frost damage than one in a
qwell-watered area, $0 we And that nature has developed this device to
prevent plants from succumbing to intense cold on the one band and to the
ravages of heat <ind drought on the other. Possibly a chemical analysis
of leaves taken from, say, Ens, macrocarfa grown in Melbourne and
one grown here on the wesiern slopes of N-S,W., would reveal a big
difference in the chemical make-up of the leaves. T know, for instance,
that there has been proved to be a vast difference im the oil content of
Metalewca alternifolia grown in its tative swamps and the same species
grown on the uplands of the same district. Possibly herein may be the
key to the micessant ansect attack on ilver-Icaved species in Eouthern Vie-
taria, There is no real proof that these eacalypts in their native habitat
are any imore susceptible than are other species.

GEQ. W. ALTHOFER,

AN APPEAL FOR PROSTANTHERA SAINT BUSH! MATERIAL

Fresh or pressed flowering material of the follawing Victorian species is
sought :—P, decussate and P. debits, From South Australia the following
species are still neededi—P. calycina, P. Bartert, P, wilkieana, and from
N.S.W_. P. cincolifera, P. cryptandroides, P. ringens, P. Saxicola, P_ marie
foto, P, stourophvils, PB. terettifolia and FP. rugese, Any reader Wving Jn
or having access tr areas where these species grow! is asked to kindly contact
the writer at P.O, Box 5, Dripstone, S.W. Material of all the above js
urgently needed to help in the study of this genus.

—GEO. W. ALTHOPER.

062 What, Where and When 7

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN

General Excursions:

Saturday, September 13—Walk from South Morang to Diamond Creek.
Subjects: Birds and Botany, Leader: Mr. R. Ferguson, 9.4 a.m.
Whittlesea train from Princes Bridge, alight at South Morang. Bring
one meal. Please note the altered train time.

Saturday, September 20—Walk from Kalorama to Olinda Falls, Leaders -
Botany Group. 10.10 a.m. Croydon train, then bus to Kalorama.
Sunday, September 28—Beaumaris, Subject: Wedding Bush. leader: Mr. A.
Brookes. 1.35 pm. Sandringham train from Flinders Street, then
Beaumaris bus to Hayden’s Road, where leader will meet party at 2.20

p.m.

Sunday, October 5—Maranoa Gardens. Leader: Mr. A. J. Swaby. Mont
Albert tram, No. 42, Collins Street, alight stop 54, Parring Road, up
Parring Road to gates of Beckett Park, where leader will mect party at
2.30 p.m,

Saturday-Sunday, October 11-12—Week-end excursion te Maryborough.
Teaders: Maryborough Field Naturalists’ Club. Transport by private
car; details of camping site and hotel accommodation available from
Excursion Secretary at meeting.

Preliminary Notice:

Sunday, October 19—Parlour car excursion to Musk and Bullarto. Subjects:
Galden and Olive Whistlers. Coach leaves Batman Avenue at 9 a.m.
return to city approximately 7.45 p.m, Bring two meals, Bookings 21/-
with Mr. K. Atkins, Botanic Gardens, South Yarra, 5,E.1.

Saturday, November 1—Parlour car excursion to Berwick, Leader: Mr,
Chalk, Coach leaves Batman Avenue 9,30 a.m., return to city approxi-
mately 7 p.m.

Friday, December 26—Saturday, January 3—Christmas excursion to Mount
Buffalo. Transport is by parlour coach, which will stay with party
and be used for trips on the Mount. Approximate cost per person is
£12/t0/- for the nine days. Accommodation at the Horn Hut for 16
people. Bovkings and. full details from Excursion Secretary.

Group Fixtures:
(At Royal Society’s Hal! unless otherwise stated.)

Monday, September 22—Botany Discussion Group, 8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 7—Geology Discussion Group, 8 p.m.

EXHIBITS AT AUGUST MEETING
PLANTS.—Garden-grown native plants exhibited by Mr. K. Atkins,
Mr, A. E. Brooks, Mr, Seaton.

ORCHIDS.—Pencil Orchid (garden grown), Mr. Miller; Small Helmet
Orchid (Certhus inginculatus)—rare near Melbourne—Yellingbo, Mr. R.
Ferguson,

SHELLS.—From Red Bluff, Miss Weston; from New Hebrides Islands,
Miss E. Raff; from Pacific coastal reefs, Miss Macfie.

BIRDS.—Albatross feet, Cape Patterson, Mr. Miller.

INSECTS.—Phasma, “Laurie’s Ringbarker,” Pascoe Vale, Mr. R. Garnet-

MARINE LIFE—Barnacles; crab carrying eggs; large clawed burrawers
(Callianassa ceramtca), ona with parasite /ona—Mrs, Freame.

STONE IMPLEMENTS.—Including an arrowhead from England—
Mr. Brunton,

Shaping Your Future

Your future welfare lies entirely in your own hands.
You may shape it in two ways: You may “‘trust to luck”
—the dangerous way thot is followed by those who
make the serious mistake of thinking that their future
welfare will take care of itself—

Or you may follow the better way chosen by hundreds
of thousands of Victorians who have realized that it
would be a calamity to be unprepared for the time
when, for some reason or other, their earnings will stop.

Save Now For Your Future Welfare

THE STATE SAVINGS BANK
OF VICTORIA

‘it is vital to Save”

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN

General Excursions:

Saturday, October 18—Seaford. Subject: Ephemerals and Succulent Flora.
Leaders: Botany Group. 9.50 a.m, Frankston train, alight at Sea-
ford. Bring one meal.

Sunday, October 19—Parlorcoach excursion to Musk and Bullario. Sub-
jects: Golden and Olive Whistters. Leaders: Bendigo F.N.C. Coach
leayes Batman Avenue at 9 a.m., returning to city approximately 7.45
pm. Bring two meals, Bookings 21/- with Mr, K. Atkins, Botanic
Gardens, South Yarra, S.E.1.

Saturday, October 25—Smuggler’s Gully. Subjects: Birds and Eucalypts.
Leadyr: Mr. E. Hanks. Take 9.4 a.m, Whittlesea train from Prince’s
Bridge, alight at South Morang. Book second return South Morang.
Bring one meal and a snack.

Saturday, November 1—Club Picnic. Parlorcoach excursion to Berwick.
Coach leaves Batman Avenue 9.30 am., returning to city approxi-
mately 7 pm. Bring two meals. Bookings with Mr. K. Atkins,
Botanic Gardens, South Yarra, S.E.1.

Group Fixtures:

(At Royal Society’s Hall unless otherwise stated)
Monday, October 27—Botany Discussion Group, 8 p.m.
Monday, November 3—Geology Discussion Group, 8 p.m.
—K. W. ATKINS.

MOUNT BUFFALO CHRISTMAS EXCURSION
Friday, December 26th — Saturday, January 3rd

Bookings are now open for this excursion, the details of which are:—

The Horn hut has 16 bunks with mattresses, in 4 alcoves with curtains,
one camp stove, an open fireplace. The hut is provided with firewood,
cookery utensils, first-aid kit; no crockery or cutlery supplied. Permission
has been obtained for those people to pitch tents who desire to camp in
the vicinity.

Transport is by parlorcoach direct from Melbourne to the hut; the
coach will stay with the party to be used for trips on the Mount, The
fare, £12/10/-, is based on 15 people guing; the fare cost decreases when
the number goes above 15.

The Mount Buffalo Committee of Management charges a fce of 2/- per
person per day (18/- altogether) to those who camp or use the huts on
the Mount. This charge is not included in the fare.

It is advisable to bring warm clothing and bedding for the nights are
cold; also waterproof clothing and boots are essential in case of bad
weather.

In the matter of fuod, there are at least 23 main meals, plus minor
snacks, to be provided for, and members are to cater far themselves. The
coach will travel to Porepunkah twice during the week for supplies, but
members are warned not to rely on obtaining their full supplies from this
source. Bookings, stating whether the member(s} will need hut accom-
modation or camping, with Mr. K. Atkins, Botanic Gardens, South
Yarra, S.E.1.

The Victorian Naturalist

——

Vol. 69—No.6 OCTOBER 9, 1952 No, £26

=———

PROCEEDINGS

The monthh meeting of the Clob was held at the Nationa
Herbarium on Monday, September 8, 1952. The President, Dr-
Margaret Chattaway, and about 60 inembers attended.

The recent death of Sister Melville was announced and the
meting Tose ta observe 4 brief silence as 4 tribute to her memory,

Master Philip Ernst Back (2de Carle St, Cobure) was elected
-to funior Membership on the motion of Messrs. A, A. Baker and
T. ©. Bryan,

The President extended a welcome to Dr, KR, Melville of the
Heecharium staff et the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Dr. Mei-
vilie, who will be working at the Melhaurne Herharinn for
neatly a yea, responded suitably and expressed pleasure at the
prospect of joining Victorman naturalists in some of their
excurstons.

The President again called for volunteers to assist in con-
ducting school children through the Badger Creek Sanctuary,
Healesville, and asked for (he names of any who would be pre-
pared to tutor boys at a ¥.M.C.A, Swinmer Camp during January
—an attendance of one whole day, a week-end or part of a weels
wonld be appreciated, and all expenses would be met by the
Association, ;

Miss Margaret Blackwood (Botany Scheol, University) gave
an instructive and very enfertainmg lecture on the “Genetics of
Corn” (Zea mays), illustrating her remarks with several lantern
slides and a varied assortment of maize cobs in different colours,
Many questions were posed by members, and a hearty vote of
thanks was carried on the motion of Mr. J. H. Willis seconded by
Miss J, M, Watson,

Oulstanding among exhibits were the following: a large collec-
tion of West Austrahan wiliflowers, by Miss N, T. Fletcher;
zinc sheets being used in the getiial printing of the late W, H,
Nichoils's. monumental work Orchids of Australia, hy Mr. Frank
- Pinchin (one of the skilled artists); wasps and spiders, by Miss
Kramer, -

VALE THOMAS BRYAN

Te is with profound regret that we announce the death of the Club’s vice-
president and hotiorary Janternist, Mr. T. C. Bryan, who passed away
suddenly on September 10ti—two days after he had attended 4 imonthly nwet-
ing, apparently in good health. Although he joined the F.N.C.V. as
recently as November 1946, Mr. Beyste Jost no time m identitying hinsell
with the activities of the Geology Group (formed earlier that yeat) whitre
jus enthusiasm ana genial companionship will be particularly missed. The
Club was represented at the funeral and extends its sympathy to relatives
of the deceased,

1 ; Warereno, N. A, eter

PREMATURE AND ERRONEOUS RECORDS OF PLANTS
FOR VICTORIA

By N. A. Wakrrieco

Te the 1928 Census of dhe Plants of Victoria, there was pub-
lished a list uf 129 species which appeared in Muctiler's Key to
dhe Systewt of Victorian Plants, but were omitted from the body
of the Census. The purpose of this paper is to discuss this list
as regards the species from the easter border districts, to explain
the sources of the erroneous records as well as of other prema-
ture pnes, and to make a number of corrections to this ard other
publications. This will clear up imany questions, and leave the
way open for another paper later, in which proper credit can
he given to those who, often unknowingly, discovered for the
first time in this State, species prematurely recorded for Victoria.

Baron von Muciter made three excursions into East Gippsland
for the purpose of adding its unique species to the lists of Vic-
torian plants. In 1854 he travelled to the Snowy River in the
border area, before going on from Omeo to Orbost. Jn the
following year he explored the New South Wales alps and
journeyed thence down along the Snowy River into Victoria
Finally, ir 1860, he explored the Twofold Bay—Genoa district,

The Baron's botanteal discoveries on these occasions are almost
all embodied in official reports, made in 1854, 1855 and I86f, ta
the Victorian government; and most of the localities for the
species are recorded by George Bentham in Flora Australionsis
(1863-1878). Unless otherwise indicated, all plant species men-
tioned in this paper, under the headings of Mueller’s three jour-
ieys, appeared in the corresponding systematic lists (second,
third and sixth). accompanying these three official reporis. The
bracketed generic and specific names indicate how the species
concemed has been reported (there and elsewhere) without qualifi-
cation however as to whether it is a matter of synonymy or error
in determination, efc, Some of these names have not been validly
published.

Unfortunately. the present location of the border was not then
generally known. It was surveyed in 1870-72; and the Baron
tneluded in his subsequent lists of Victorian plants, all the species
met with on the three excttsions, including those from the
Kosetusko area and (he vicinity of Twoiold Bay, is New South
Wales, Later, the collections of other botanists, from as fat
afield as the Shoathaven district. were used to add yet more
New South Wales species to Mueller’s Key.

™ = ee ew re

axe Premnmture and Erromcens Neeords af Plaats 8)
yay

1854 JOURNEY

After his visit ta the Cobboras Mountains in Febrnary, the
Baron wrote: “From the Cobboras Mountains I continued im 4
north-easterly difection to the Snowy River, as far as the hot-
daries of New South Wales”.

It is obvious from various of his remarks, that the botamst's
idea of these boundaries was well to the north of their present
position. Some specimens collected a year later were labelled
“Summits of Mount Kosciusko on the Victorian frontier”,

Mueller would certainly follow the all Motaro-Omeo track
which skitts the Cobboras ot) the south side, descends to cross
the Herrima River at 3,000 feet. rises again to pass mta New
South Wales, thence to the Ingeegoodbee River, and trom there
down “The Pinch” to the Moyangul or Pinch River at its june-
tion with the Snowy. The track then ascends the valley of the
Snowy for four or five miles to the mouth of the Tongarco or
Jacobs River, after which it again takes to the subalps and alps
to continue on into Monare. :

Dewn “Phe Pinch’, and in the valley of the Snowy River. one
incets dry Callitris--Lucalyptis albens country, as contrasted fa
the alpine type between Oineo and Ingeegoodbee, Along the
track, the former type is qwhotly within Now South Wales.
Amongst the tumerous dry-type species collected in February
1854. on the New South Wales tract of the Snowy River. were:

Myoporion (Discon) Rorlbnidiot—tahelled “April” apparently in
erro,
Sorghian loincladum. (Andropogon australis and Sorghum: plumosum).

Bertya ctouinghiant—( probably ), but it is notom any systema she
list, nor are the specimens dated.

These three species have each been anthentically recorded for
Victoria only within the last twelve years.

Eriger on comysotdes—labelled “near the mouth of the Snowy
River”, but borh Benthan and Mueller invariably placed the spe-
cies ag alpine, at 45,000 feet, Hence it seems that an error in
data has occurred i connexion with the specimen fabel; and
that the original Specimen must have come from between the
Cabhoras and Snowy River, probshly (but nat certainly} Vie-
torian. The “Coast Fleabaue” of the Census is at unsuitable
vernacular.

1855 JOURNEY

In his third repart, in Jnne 1853, the Baron reported, “I
ascended the most) narthern alpine hill of the Munyang Moun-
tains onthe Ist Jarmary, 1855, and traversed in the weeks sub-
sequent most of ibe principal elevations of the prodigious moun-

"Viel. Nat,

Re Wastrieun, NA Yoh. G0
tains , . . descending, in the latter part of January, along the
Snowy River to the lower country - . .' Hence all alpine plant

species collected in January 1855 were from New South Wales,
on the extensive Kosciusko Plateay. These records have already
been omitted from the present Cemsus, with the exception of
Calotis glandulosa from “Dry grassy ridges of the Suowy River
towards Maneroo”’. :

180 JOURNEY

Alter his third excursion into the eastetn corner of the State,
Mueller repurted, “During the mouth of Scpteamber T was engaged
in elucidating the vegetation along the south-eastern frontiers of
the colony, crossing the country from Vwofold Bay to the Genoa
. . - and ascending again the Genoa River ta near its sources,
examining the adjacent elevated country and Nungatia ssoun-
tains om any way”.

Locations noted an specimens shaw that some time was spent
exploring the Nungatta and Bondi {Rockton} Station arcas near
the Upper Genoa River—‘Nungatta River” and its tributary
“Nina Creek”, “‘Nungatta Mrn.”” and “White Rock Mountain’
(near Woy Wog) being mentioned. All Unese, and the “Upper
Genoa River’ of September 1860. are exclusively New South
Wales localities; for, on the Victorian side of the border. there
is a tract of Devonian sandstone with asany species of showy
plants which prow extensively and flower profusely in Seprenber,
but which were never found by Mueller.

The non-Victorian material of September 1860 falis into two
groups. First, we have the species which have never been found,
as fac as is known, within Victoria. These are-

From Twolold Bay: Stephanta hernaulifalia. Homalmithus populsere
COmalanthus leschenaultruus, Carnmbiura populfoliuni}, Ficus aypera
(scabra), Aphanepelalunt resostan and Asplenman nidus; Pomaderris
cinerea, Fanor nueravt cand Vernonta cinerea none of which three
was tn the Sixth Syst, List; and Prestanthera incisa, ‘This last, ue
Po outeiso var. pubescens of Bentham, was haserl on specimens of
FP. -violaced, 2, incisa had appeared in the Fourth Syst. List, and is
cited as “Cann River” iv the 1928 Census, but both these records were
apparently based on errors in determization.

Fron Yowaks River: Phebatiea CEriosteman) rafstout and Lasiu-
felulun parciforian, a4 well as Clooaqlon anstrale and .4cacta elo
gute, neither of which is iu the Sixth List’ This Acaeta is reportel
in Flora Australiensis as “Granite ridges near the Genoa River",
but specimen labels indicate this to. be an error,

From Womboyn River came Phebutiner dioswcon (riostemon
phyticoides) and Bnzalyptns langifolta (Woolslaue). (iy Flora Aus
trahensis this locality is spele variously as Womboyn, Wombayn,
Wombayne, Wombaya, Mombaya and Wombaza—appatently saccord-
ing to variatons m Mueller's spelling and writing!)

Oct.
1052

Premiere and Errontons Records of Flayts St
Fron: “near Mount Inlay” came Acocia sbstilineriis, which is vot
in the Sixth List; and Hpacriz robusta was found at White Rork
Mountain, Dedouweea calyerma (truncatiales) from Towariba River was
listed by both Mueller and Bentham as fron: Genoa River also; but
this seems to have arisen from a generalisation frequewily used by
the Baron when eividing a tollectrod inte & tittuber Gl folders. Speci-
mens Eram Gipsy Poant, identified as this species by AH, B, Williamson,
are DL alterna,

Next there are the species, prematurely Itsted mt 1860, which
have subsequently been authentically recorded for Victoria:

From Twolold Bay; Ewpomatia faurma, Zierin cyttsoutes, Tremma
aspera. (canmabina), Geverta lasiecarpo, Atectryon sabcmerens (Cupania
xylocarpa, Nephelwum leincarpum), Orylobhins (Podglobiwm) trile-
bation, Gootena barbata, Goodenta sielligero, Mitrasacue polymorpha,
and Mestringie rasmarmniformis; Daviesia wyatt and Natatharas
subaurvens (Vigemm incanum)—neither of which is tr the Sixth List;
Pamadevris hgurtrina and Qlearia (Kurybia) detitate, which bad already
appeared in the Secoud and ‘Third Lists tespectively, owing to errers
in deterininations and Pittosporimnt revatiimm, for which Benthans's
Genoa River sitation ig probably also a generalisation,

From Yowaka River came Srhoenus melanostachys Cuct in the Sixth
List), Lasiopetatun ferrugimum and STibberta diffuse, Chis tat name
appears in the First List and Mueller: Key, applying tere ta H. Iiie-
ait var. obtusifolia; while the Yowaka River plants were iachurled
ju Vol. 1 of the Kev, as Ho inonagyita.

From Warmboyn River came Pareathera corymbosa, Isopoyou auc
monifulius and Schvenus dmberbis.

From “near Mont Imlay": Hahea dactylouwes (sahgna) and Aemeia
subporasa, neither of which as in the Sixth List; Gloszodta ania,
which appeared yy error is the Second Lists and Barckea Itnfalia-

From Braidwoud; Hevoragis monosperma, Cryptandrn seartechiai,
(moliccanus), Perseont myritodes, Telopea oreudes, Sceutellaria
mots atid Gednra (Cladiun) oelarotatpas Hreroehloe vrartfora, which
appeared in the Seventy Listy Pieris wabrosa, which was ut the Second
List by error; and Adtantai hispitwhan. Toth these fern pecords
were subsequently listed as “Genow River’.

Fie “Upper Getoa River” came Piltenver citisstma | fexilis).

QTHER COLLECTORS

Although Mueller made no more excursions ta south-eastern
New South Wales, he received further specimens from that dis-
trict, and cuntinued to record for Victoria species which had not
been found in the latter State

Tn 1879 aud 1880, K. Reader supplied twimerous specimens from
Tilba Tilba and Mount Dromedary, including /etis bawdinina
(anrarctica), Nanthosia aithimsoniana, Backhatsu snyrtifedien,
Elwetia dewnvinala and Carex dechinata—none of which has been
found in Victoria; ain! Desmodiuin brachypodwn, Sontalan
obtusifohnm, and Dryople is (Aspidiom) tenera. Fram “The
Peak’, evidently about that dis(rict top, Reader sent Cyathochaete

Vv so 7
&4 Wanrrien, Ne Az Val. o

diondru. These last iuur species have cecenly heer discovered
in Victoria.

From 1883 to 1887, Wiliam: Bauerlen, a surveyor of New
South Wales, sent the Baron much material from the south-
eastern area of that state, Alniast all aj this was recordéd as
Victorian. First ihere are 18 species which have never heen
found in Victoria:

From Braidwood; Holorayis monosperma, Cryptandea scarteelin,
stennotus yfbbonsti, Pevsnamia axvxcoecaides, Persnomia revolnta, Hake
macreana and Prostanthera saxicata; Schoenus vrietornan, which nauie
was later erronenusly applied to specinients of 4. anbertis front Sperm
Whale Head in Victoria; and Chleanthes parviflerd, which was also
recorded later fram “near Swan Holl, Victoria”

Fram Shoalhaven: Zorma aiphivlla, Kamaeo cupitata, Epasvis (ongi-
flora and Tricorgile sinyplev-

“Gentiana quadetfaorie’ was sect Trom Qniedong (near Bombala), and
Cassitte guptquejaria from Conma.

cacta vestite came from “Delevaty District’, and Aniicktya

alotiom Trom Nungatta.

Actinolus ficlianths was tecurdesl ivam 9 spedintes Trou Milton:
and there ig also.an example of it belied: ‘At the summit of Mavnt
Imlay, L. Morton, Dr. Mueifer Comm. Sept. LRG".

Species recorded then from Bauerlen’s New South Wales
material, but since found in Victoria, are:

Casydring sain, Lengopoyont esquomats (Styphelia appressus) aid
Deyerwa qonaviona (Agrostis brevighimit) tran Braidwoud,
Glossegyue tenimtfalia from Twotold Bay district.

Haloragts racemosa (Biiuerlomi) and Levcopogon (Styphelia)
atkenuatus fron, Mout Tingiringg.

CAtthough the herder runs through both Delewate District and
Moun Tingiringi, the specimens concerned were certainly from New
South Wales, Jt lias been noted that the very few specimens collected
by either Bauerten or Reader on the southern side of the border wore
invariably noted with “Wictoria’ on the original field Jabel.)

In 1869-71, Charles Halter accompaiied a geodetic survey
patty info East Gippsland. As well as Victorian specimens, he
sent the Baron a quantity of New South Wales material—some
of his own callecting, hut some, too, possibly from other hands,
Hence, the following four erroneous records were made:

Prostanthera violacea came again, [rom “Cape Howe Ranges, Two-
fold’ Bay", and this time it was carrectly identified; while Hontoranthas
(Datwitha) virgates appeared with the label "East Gippsland”. The
Jatter name was included im the Seventh List. and the specimen was
later- ferroneoysly) Jabelled “Darton faigalie’, resulting, it seems,
in both species being ineluded in Muciler's: Key

The Baron described “iviostemon awplifaling’, from leat only, from
Walter's collecting ou the Upper Genoa River; but its ree identity
is not established, as the specimen is lost.

Restio gracilis, a near-Sydney species, was recorded in the Key
because of an "East Gippsland" specimen of Walter's; but the identiny
of which is unknown as the folder with chis label, in the Melbourite

waa Premature oud Ervroancans Reeords of Plants B45

National Herbarium, later somehow came to cuntain an entirely irtele-

vant specimen. Another collection, lahelled as A. gracilis, (Black-
watch Creek, CG. French, Jan. 1889) is the subalpine A. australis.

MUELLER'S KEY

fn 1885, there appeared Volume UT of Muellers Key to the
System of Victorian Plits, with a census of the species of Vic
tora which were known at that time, Volume 1 of the Kev,
dated 1887-8, embraced also the additional species identified im
the meantime, these being listed on pages 529-30 thereof, Ahnost
an exact replica of these additions ts found in the Victorian
Naturalist §:'14 (May J888), where Mueller published a “’Sup-
plement to the Ifnnmeration of Victorian Plants, comprising
specics added since Part JJ of the Key; with a few species before
omitted”: arising from ‘Fieldwork of Messrs. W. Bauerlen -
and €, Walter”. Following this supplement was a further list
of Riuerlen’s records, of 33 plants which “approach the Victorian
houndary almost within a day's good walling distance’, This
Jatter was a rather doubtful lot, rmost of them coming from some
hundreds of miles away One was already in the Key (Vol. IT),
and another was added in Vol, I, while only three of the others
have subsequently beet found in Victoria.

Of the eastern records of the Key, the reasons have not been
forthcoming for the inclusion of Leucopagan esquamatus, Mars-
denia flavescens, Muehlenbeckia gracilana and Leucopogon (Sty-
phelia) smicraphylits, each of which has been found in Victoria
oily during fle present century.

Jacksonian clarkei appeared in Vol. I of the Key, p. 529. The
type specimens are jabelled from “Sources of Cann River, Mr-
A, Clarke”, This matertal, and other sent at the same time by
Dr. Beckler from New England in north-eastern New South
Wales, are so identical in all respects—size of specimens, aspect,
stage of development of Rowers and fruit, etc—uas to leave no
doubt that the-allegedly Viclorian specimens were taken as. such
owing to a mixture of duts, The species ia confined ta New
England.

Errors in determination were responsible for inclusion of the
tolluwing species:

Callistemon linearis, Eviosternon lanceolatus, Acacia gloucescens awl
Gleichonia hermated, according to the 1928 F.NLCV. Census. Bavckea
famphorata was an ettor for specimens of B, quomtona, Persoonte
janevalate for some FP, foots (salloina), Eucalyptus pilvtaris for &
inticlleviaun and Daodia aspeva for D ymadin Other sinwdar errors
apparently pave us spuricgus records of Flyjpolepis tennifatia, Epacris
crassifolia, Fimbristulis forsuginea. Acacia crassinscula, Myoporun:
tomnifotum aud Melatena hyprricifolia,

All the species dealt with so far ia this paper appear in Mueller’s
Key. An analysis of data on herbarium specimens, together with

S : r Piet. L
BA Wakerietp, N. A. Vek be

the publication af the various records, particularly iw the matter of
dares, and on the nutes in the Baron’s Fragmteuta, leave no davbt
at all that, even after the marking of the border-line, the policy
was to include in the Yietorman Census of Pants any species
found within a hundred miles ot the eastern parr of the State-
Probably this procedure was actuated by the idea that in the
course of time such plauts would be iowud indigenous to Victoria;
it has actually been vindicated in about 50 per cent. of the species.
So, with the advent ol the Key in the 1880's, we find about 50 of
the species with which this paper is concerned erroneously in-
eluded, as well as a similar number prematurely .so, with also
nearly a scure due to errors tn deternnnation,

It must be noted here thac there is little or no evidence that
any published locality recards were based solely on Mucller’s
notes or memory. It seems that he adhered rigidly to the principle
af having actual specimens lo svippart all such records, But, in
matly cases, regional generalisations were later nvtde and clapli-
cate specunens so labeled when they were isolated or mounted Tor
some special purpose. In these cases such ters as “Snowy
River, “Genoa River”, “eastern extrennties of the colony", ete.,
have been used logsely; but the perusal of original labels alinost
always reveais the relevant specific localities upon which these
are based, In some cases, too, specimens are missing from their
rightful places in the Melbourae National Herbarium. From
time to time, Mueller sent much material lu overseas: botanists,
often on Joan; and some such sets, when returned, found place
in huge unsorted and supplementary bundles. When these are
finally sorted, there is certain lo be further light on some of the
doubtful points itt this and other papers on our flora.

: SUBSEQUENT RECORDS

In later years, Charles Walter apparenily received much
material trom botanists of other States, as well as of Victoria.
There is definite evidence thet, possibly after his death, many
of his specimens were placed together, and a great nuyber segre-
gated later with their wrong labels. Thus, from his herbarium
we find specimens of “Lcacta elongata and PRobalinew dentate
(lahelled “East Gippsland, Oct. 1877", but never listed for Vie-
tnvia) and Stephama herwandifolia, labelled “Tast Gippsland" or
“Victoria”. None of these three is known to necur in this State.
In some cases, such labels may have alluded to the supposed dis-
tribution of a species, vather than to the actual source of the
specimen.

For this reason, fo reliance cun he placer on the data with
specimens from Walter's herbartum, of Qlearia dentata, Lasio-
petalem ferruginewm and Schoenns onberbis, Through the same
channels has conte material, supposedly from Fast Gippsland and

rer Preunture and Erroneous Reeasde of Plants 87

collected by Edward I. Pescott, hese are the Stephania agai
from “Orbust’, Levcopogon microphyllus (but not the East Grpps-
laricl form of it!) and Baechkeo Hinifalia. Olearia-dentata hears the
Jahel ““MeCulloch Range” (Murrungowar), and the occurrence
there of the superficially similar Q. stedlylata supports the conten-
tion of mixed labels.

Dates on the other nine preceding specimens are all of about
the same general period, ranging from 1897 to 1902..

Carl H. Grove, a farmer of Newmerella, made an exhaustive
study of the fora of the Orbost district, sending specimens to
Mueller for identification. Later, in 1906, he forwarded material
6i Adbndslémma viscosmn vo the Department of Agriculture. This
variation of action suggests thal it might have appeared as a
weed on his property, and the known distribution of the species
leaves little doubt that ic was a sporadic introduction in this case,
(A. viscosnm) grows naturally in north-easterts New South Wales,
and was collected once on the lower Murray River in South Aus-
tralia, the seeds evidently having been taken there by the fland-
waters of the Darling River. Hence the ald “NW.” record in
the Key.)

. The case of Spieulaea (Drakea) ivrvtabuis has heen discussed
in Vice, Nat. 67: 168 (Dee. 1950}.

W. B. WILLIAMSON'S WORK

In the tetorian Naturaiist of May 1919 (Vol. 36. pp. 11-19)
under the title “Notes on the Census of Victorian Plants’, fhe
late H, B. Williamson went rather Cully into the question of
these erroneous records. On page 17 is “List No. 1 (8), Plants
Recorded for East Gippsland . . . only by specimens labelled
witht definite N.S.W, _ . . localities, arel nao printed record”.
Most of these 45 species have been dealt with in the present paper,
but two of them are really authentic records which should not
have heen included, ramefy—

Zieria cytisoides: Reported jn Fraginenty LX, p, 116, ag “Gabo
Istand, Maplestoue”, tm

Conospermunt taatifelmar. Found by Mueller “abreast of, Gabe
Islund” in September 1860.

On page 19 of Williamson's paper, there is List No, 4, with
nine species given as “récarded from Genoa River’, How the
writer came to list these as such is. not known, for it is true of
one only of them. Three were fron Yowaka River, three fron
Twolold Bay, and one from Braidwood: which seven should
have been in List No. 1'(B) on page 17. The other, Pteris
vitjata (longiiolia), was originally found at Buchan River, not
Snowy River as yeported there, j |

[* jer Wart,
Vel. #4

88 Waxerinci, N. A,

A comparison of the text of the present paper with William-
son’® lists indicates that at Jeast 40 additional species could well
have heen included in the latter. Fortunately, many of these have
since heen found in Victoria, so they constituted premature
tather thaiy erroneous records. Some were missed owing ta
errors In determination, and others because of incorrect data on
speciments.

PNCV. CENSUS

In 1928 came the Census of Mictorian Plants, embodying addi-
tions ta our Hora since Mueller’s Key, aad omitting most of the
premature and erroneous records with which this paper has been
dealing. These onvissions are listed, with reasons, on pages 70
to 72 of the Census, aod are inainly according to Wilhanisan’s
recommendations of 1919. However, in several cases species
were retained against that botanist’s good adyice; and, as well
as these, there stll remain about a dozen other erroneous records.
These must be deleted,

The list of omitted species contains two which should wot be
there, and must be reinstated :

Sossioen ensata was collected by Mvetler in March 1884, pear the
mouth of the Snowy River, where it stili grows abundantly. Bentham
cited the locality in Flora Australiensis, but the specimen hag been
lost.

Dionelia cevtilea appeared in Muchler's First Systematic Last
(1853) following authentic Victorian collectings (Motint Disappoint-
ment, vte.), bul was afterwards inisunderstood as Lh. laevis var.
dsperd (Benthato) and 2. aspera of the Third Syst, List, 22. carulea
reappeared in Mueller’s Ary, only to be apairi deleted at a Jater date;
and was finally “discovered” at Mallacvota im 1937!

Tn the Victorian Naturalist of November 193L (Vol. 48, pp-
142-148) appeared Supplement 4 to the Census of Victorian
Plants, Here, a few premature tecurds were authenticuted ; and
Epacris longiffora and Chloanthes parvifiora were listed for dele-
tion, the latter apparently without justification.

The vital points in this paper may be summarized by listing
these amendments to the 1928 Census of Victorian Plants—

Telete-——(errors in determiyation) :

p.3—flypotepis tennifatia , p. 12—Veloenus evictharuw

p. ld. Restio -uracitis p. 19--Spiculaca ivvitabilts
-p. 23—Persaonia lovccolata p. 57—Prastanthera orcisa
Delete—(New South Wales specimens) :

p. 28—Stephoaia Aernandifatie p. 32—A phanofictalun resinosun
p 34—Acagia oestita p. 34-—Jochsonia clarkei
p 42—Doedanaca calycina. v. 44+—Lasiapetalum parviflorunt
Pp. 46—Backhousia emyprtifolia p.50—Dartinta taxifolia

p. 53—Hpaeris longifiora p.36—Chloonthes parviflora

p 57—Prastanthera tiolacca p.64--Calotis glandulosa

TEP Prune od Beraicens Weevrds of fants gy

Remove to page 74—(aliens)—
pn. 62—AVenostemane viscosum,

Add:

Dp. W-—Diewla ewrnlea Sims amet ok ol
p.22—=Conospersmar taxifotivn Sui - © a1; VE ee
p 86—Bossigew ensida Sieh, i ee EB

In conclusion, it may be noted that there are also about a
dozen premature records in the body ot the 1928 Census, of
spécies which have been found actually in Victoria only very re~
cently, mainly during the last decade, Also, there are @ sunijlar
number of the “erroneous” records of pages 70-72, which have
heen located as recently in this State. All these, as well as a
preat number of entirely mew records, are co be dealt with in
the near future in a@ full report of the botanical exploration of
East Gippsland, . ‘

Finally, the writer would Itke to vecard his appreciation of
the action of the Government Botanist, Mr. A, W, Jessep, in
allowing the perusal of large numbers of specimens in the National
Herbanum: and to Mr. {. H. Willis, whose enthusiastic interest
and continual assistance in connexion with the project consider-
ably lightesed the tedious task of searching oul the records of
the eastern flora.

GREENHOODS GALORE
(Exeursion to Lengwarrin)

Jojning the excursion van at Mentone on Sunday, 31st August. E wae
very pleased to see it comfortably filled with Field Naturalists and happy
to note the presence of some children.

On leaving the yan the members were shown specimetts of the different
species of Pierosiylis they would find growing in profusion during their
ramble. The time we had at our disposal before Junch we spent observing
and collecting: specimens and were amazed to find. these orchids 80 prolific.

The species noted were as follows; Blunt Greenhood (Plerostylic
curta), Nodding Greetthood (/. nutans), Trim Greenhood (f. concinna),
Tall Greenhood (P. longifelta), Dwarf Greenhood (P. wana), Banded
Greenhood (P. wittate), Maroonhood, (FP. pedinewatay, Tt was on Me,
Grand that we found PQ wittata,

We admired aid, like Plerostylis, appreciated the shade and shelter of
the bower above our heads formed hy the four species of eucalypts common
to the district: Common Peyperming (E, tadivta), Silverleal Stringy-
bark (&. cinerea), Swamp Gum (£, ovata), occurring on heavier xoil;
and Manna Gum (£. vininalis), growing on the sand.

We also found tmany specimens of the Gnat Orchid (Aetanthns reni-
formas), Mayfly Orchid (A. caudatus) byt the Mosquiw Orchid CA, ex
sertus) had finished flowering. The Helmet Orchid was found by Mr.
Atkins, and to him we give the honour of the day, for the writer had
not known. previously that this orchid occurred on the property.

After Junct, 2 hall-imle watk along the road avd a short chinb brought
us to the top of Mt, Grand, We were very well rewarded by a fine
yiew of the Dandenong and Warburton Ranges on our leit; to the right,
the expanse of Westernport Bay with the Strealeckics nt ihe distance;

oO Rusu, EB, )., Greathaads Galore plac ae

aud beyond were the snowclad Baw Baws to complete the glory of the
panorama.

Real mosquitees avere plentiful ot the mount. and the blood. lost in
the bate between the Winged gnats and the Field Nats, would have
made a Welpiul donation to any blood bank, So down the mount we
trailed 10 yegrowp our forces ow tle roadway, some to walk along towards
Pearcedale, some to make a round trip batk thravgh the bush im search
of the one koala we abvays find. Jn this we were successful,

in parts %Mardcubergia wioltcce carpeted the roadside in purple and
awined op anythiog that would lend it support One Wedding Dust
(Rfeingcorpus pinifolhis) was found th bloom, racing ahearl of Its tardy
fellows, lo greet the coming spring Beard-heath was plentiful and an
full bloom. Pinke Beard-heath (Leucapogen ertcoides) was more plentiful
than the common species (L. vitgatus). We tound the Harny Concbush
(lropowon ceratophyting) bere and there.

Reaching Mentone after a happy day with Pirrostylts, the lost took
Jeave of ‘is guests for the day with a Prevostylis farewell and said “Tf
will ‘Trim’ nw sails, and without being ton ‘Curta’ will so so-‘Longifolia’
and tun home to ‘Nana’ E.R.

Birds on the Longworrin Excursion

As the weather was ideal far thoy excursion the birdy were active, The
highlight tor the day was the vesting of the Golden Whistler (Pachycephala
pectaralis), The nest was discovered by Frances Pinches im tea-tree
(Melaleuca squavrosa). The birds were incubating ihe eges. and we watched
them change over, the female remaining on the nestifor a lower period
than the male, Jt is generally considered that a brightly coloured male
bird when on the nest would be a “draw-card” for predators, but in aur
opinion no more of a “draw-card” than the. female singing loudly from
her positon on the nest. Jn this ease, however, dhe nest was fairly swell
concealed.

& Yellow Rohn (Eapsaltria ansteafis) with young, and 2 Brown
Thornbill {Acanthica pusilla) building were the only other nests found for
the day. We watched one of the Thombills working on the nest, Fandail
Cucknes were m good voice and several were seen. Other cuckoos for
the day were the Tlorsheld Bronze and the Pallid. Orange-wingel Sit-
tellag demonstrated their versatility by poe np, as well as down, the
tree trunk. —Row, Frrtusox.

THE LYREBIRD AT MT. TAMBORINE, QUEENSLAND

In the “Lyrebird’* issuc (September 1952) of ict, Naturatist, Me,
George Mack refers, on page (to the former plemtiful vecurrence of
the Albert Lyrehird on Mt. Tamborine, 35 miles south of Brisbane, and
stutes that a few birds are still to be found on the’ mountain T can confirm
the latter statement, as a recent letter from Miss Irene Stoddart deseribes,
with other interesting native ubservations, her sighting of a female lyre
bird that visited her delightfal garden, situated quite close to the well-
known Eagle Heights Motel. Miss Stoddart’s own werls are quoter as
follows: “Last week (end of August 1952) a porcupnie (echidita) walked
right op the side of my fewoe, and at was fun ta wateh the curiosity of
the various birds. Then a lhyrehird hen ralled here. TE swish she had
brougit her mate, As‘ ane girl to anather it would have been interesting,
buc perhaps itis hest net to introduce your donah to a pal.”

—H.C. E. Srewser.

(Photograph kK, A. Hindwood)

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WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN

Excursions:

Sunday, December 14—Botany Group Picnic at Fairy Dell. Take either
8.48 a.m. or 8.55 a.m. train to Upper Ferntree Gully, then Monbulk bus
to terminus. Bring two meals.

Friday, December 26—Saturdoy, Jonuary 3

MOUNT BUFFALO CHRISTMAS EXCURSION

The Hor: Hut has 16 bunks with wire mattresses, in four aleoves with
curtains, ofe camp stove, an open fireplace. The hut is provided with fire-
wood, cookery utensils, first-aid kit; no crockery or cutlery supplied. Per-
mission has been granted to those people who desire to camp in the hut
vicinity, Transport is by parlor coach direct from Melbourne to the hut;
the coach will stay with the party to be used for trips on the Mount. The
fare is £12/10/-. The Mount Buffalo Committee of Management charges a
fee of 2/- per night per persan for the use of the hut. This charge is not
jncluded in the fare cost. In the matter of food, members are to cater for
themselves. The coach will travel twice to Porepunkah for supphes: mem-
bers are warned not to rely upon obtaining their full supplies from this
source. Fhe coach leaves Batman Avenue at 8.15 a.m,, lunch at Benalla,
reaching the hut at 445 pm. Bookings, with £5 deposit, stating whether
members will need hut accommodation or be camping, with Mr. K.
Atkins, Botanic Gardens, South Yarra, S.E_1.

Preliminary Notice:

Saturday, January 31—Parlor coach excursion of 2010 miles to Warburton,
Novjee, via MacVeigh's and Loch River, return to Melbourne through
Warragul, Coach leaves Batman Avenue 8 a.m., returns to city approxi-
mately 8 p.m. Bring two meals. Bookings 24/- with Mr. K. Atkins,
Botanic Gardens, South Yarra, $.E.1.

No Botany Group meeting in December; no Botany or Geology Group
meetings in January.

VICTORIAN WILDFLOWERS

So much is heard about West Australian wildflowers that perhaps one
may be excused for asking whether Victoria can make any claim to have
equally outstanding flora,

Scenes of outstanding beauty which come readily to my mind are of
incredible npmbers of Purple Diuris orchids (D. punctate), of hillsides
covered in winter with common Heath (Hpfacris impresse), in red, white,
and every shade of pink thrown in for good measure. Then there are
acres of pure gold when it is Hakea Wattle (Acacia hakeowdes) time
near Bendige, a sea of white blossom when the Coastal Tea-tree (Lep-
fospermiun faevigatiim) is in flower at Beaumaris, and gullies filled with
gold when the Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbaia) is im season.

With our Christmas Bush (Prostimtherae lastanthos) providing a sum-
mer display and covering pathways with snow-like blossom, and hillsides
covered in spring with flowers like the Wax-lip Orchid (Glessodia major),
Purple Coral-pea (Hardenbergia violacea), Pinkeye (Tetratheca cihata),
Correa (C, refiexe), Hovea, and Fairy Wax-flower (Eriostemon abovalis),
T think that Victoria can claim to be well to the forefront where spec-
tacular wildflower displays are concerned. —A,EB.

The Victorian Naturalist

Val. 69 — No. 7 NOVEMBER 16, 1952 No. 827

PROCEEDINGS

The monthly meeting of the Cluh was held at the National
Herbarium on Monday, September 14, 1952, The President, Dr,
_ Margaret Chattaway, and about 100 members attended.

The death of two members, Miss Collier and our Vice-President,
Mr. T, C. Bryan, was aunounced with much regret, and members
stood in silence for a minute as a tribute to their memory, Mr.
Bryan's death had occurred very stiddenly, and our President, Dr.
Chattaway, bad attended the funeral. Mr. A. A. Baker spoke ot
Mr, Bryan's valuable work with the Geology Group. —

Mr, V. H. Miller spoke of the death of Mr. Lush at the age of
91. Although not a member of our Club, Mr, Lush was well
known to many of qur members as a keen ornithologiat,

The President announced that the Conncil had nominated Mc-
A, A, Baker as the new Vice-President to fill the vacancy caused
by the death of Mr, Bryan,

A volunteer was asked for to [ill the position of Hun. Lanteruist
in place of the Jate Mr. Bryan.

As the grave of Baron yon Mueller was in need of being tidied
up, any member able to give time to this matter was asked 10
advise the President, :

Miss Wigan reported having teceived a letter from Miss Carol
Walker, who has recently been in Spain, and also a letter Irom
Mr. David Fleay, who was enjoying living at Burleigh Heads.
The fate Sister Millbourn had requested Miss Wigan to present
to the Club hbrary on her behalf a copy of 4 Handbook of Forest
Trees, by Alfred J. Ewart, and this was handed over to the
President.

Reports were given on the very successful week-end at Mary-
horough recently. The Maryborough Field Naturalists Club was
affiliated with our Club about a month ago, and Dr. Chattaway
on behalf of our Club had presented a copy of Wildflowers af
ictoria, by Jean Galbraith, to the Club.

Mr. Garnet advised that the National Parks Bill had been read
in Parliament for the second time, and members were urged to
procuré a copy from. the Government Printer with a view to
bringing any unfavourable features. to the notice of their Jocal
Member of Parliament before the third reading of the Bill.

92 Field Naturalists Club Proceedings af os

Mr. E, E. Lord had attended a meeting of the Save the Dan-
denongs League at Olinda recently, but as unofficial representative
of the Club.

The speaker for the evening was Prof. 5. M. Wadham, his
subject being “Drought in the Gulf Country.” After a brief survey
of soils, plants, rainfall and general conditions, Prof. Wadham
spoke of variotis cattle stations he had visited. Coloured slides
gave a grim picture of the area during the recent drought.

EXHIBITS
Boatayty

Garden-grown native flowers—Mr. J, S. Seaton, Mrs. D. Lewis,

Prevostylss loagifelia, Diuris punctata, Cymbidium lozianum, Aetanthns
gwani—Mr. V. H, Miller.

Grevillza juniperina, G. microndata, Eucalyptus preissiana—Mr. P., Fisch.

Srx water-colour drawings of native orchids—-Mr. A. P. Diclkins.

Swainsona behriana, collected at Maryborough on Oct. 12, 1952—Mr,. f.
Ros Garnet.
Geology
Cambrian fossils from the Macdonnel Ranges, gypsum crystals, epidote
pebble, brolite schise—Mrs, Woadhurn.
Artifacts
A native knife from Renmer Springs, N.T—Mrs. Woodburn.

OBITUARY

MR, T. C, BRYAN

It is with regret that we record the sudden death ou Septeniber 10 of
Mr. T, C, (Tom) Bryan, a regular attender at the meetings and excursions,
whom most members will remember by his quict disposition.

A. member of the Council and Vice-President at the time of his’ death,
he had rejoined the Club in February, 1947, after some years im Roma,
Queensland, arid) Molesworth, Victoria. He was keenly mterested in geology
and in photography, which was used to illustrate most of the Geology
Group's activities, and he was always willing to record with his camera any
subject which niight be of interest to fellow naturalists. By regular - visits
“to an area at Black Rock (under observation hy the Geology Group), he
obtained a serics of photographs of the erosion taking place én that part
of the coastline. He also followed with interest, and assisted with, the
activities of the Hawthorn Junior Naturalists.

Mr. Bryaw was $5 years of age and not married, The Club has lost an
active member and a keen naturalist, and we extend to liz relatives our
simcerest sympathy.

NAB.

_—_—_———————

oi nial ‘td. Ravages, Nee Booed dud Hass 93

NEW BEES AND WASPS —FART XVII
Rare Parasitic WaAsPs —

By Tarttos RAy MENT, F,R,2.5.,
Honorary Research Associate, Natinnal Museum, Melbourne,

INTRODUCTION

‘The phylogenetic position of trigonalid wasps appears to lie
between the ichneumonid and the vespid families; the wasps have
the long filiform mtany-segmented antennae of the farmer, and the
stouter body and bright colours, black, red and yellow, of the
latter. Indeed, the general facies. with the exceptiun of the long
slender flagellum, is not unlike that of certain vespid species, The
Jarge quacrate mandibles are irideniate or quadricentate, and are
a conspicuous feature of the “ace”. The females may he handled
with impunity, tor the sting is a true ovipositor, incapable of
penetrating hunran epidermis.

The literature on these anomalous parasitic wasps ia very
limited, and prior to the publication in 1948 of the author's paper
describing Taeniogonalos heterodoxus, only two species had been
recorded from Austraha—T, amaculetis (Smith) from (Queens
land, and Mimelagonalos bonvierd Sehultz, from Tasmania, Till-
yard (1926) mentions an undescribed species from Stradbroke
[sland. Queensland.

Observations on the hiology were eve rarer, until Janet W,
Ratt (1934) miblished her notes on T. maculatus Sm,, describmg
the emergence of this species from the pupal cases of a Vietorian
saw-fly.

At Lane Cove, Sydney, Norman Rodd (1946) was fortunate
enough to observe the females of T. feterodoxus Raym. ovipositing
in the leaves of a Sydney peppermint tree (Eucalyptus piperita)
and correlated the remarkable ventral structure of the female
abdomen with the holding of the margin of a leaf. The sterna of
inales lack these opposing processes. ~

it appears that vestiges of these remarkable structures have
survived in certain bees, and there is lictle doubt thar (he unique
abdominal sterna of the bee Meraglassa mivanda are homologous

“with those of prinitive wasps; the inconspicuous tubercle of
Paresphecodes Julvimentris is tow merely ornamental, Another
uimque character, doubtless inherited from some waspish ancestor,
probably saw-fly, is the remarkable fabellate flagellum of another
bee, Cladocerapis bipechinatus Sm.

Rodd was able to confirm the observation of Clausun. The eggs
of Pseudogenalys require to be ingested by saw-fly larva before
they can hatch. Trigonalid wasps are extremely fertile, but 1
appears that few larvae reach maturity, and males are rarer than
females.

94 T. Ravaenrr, New Bees and Wasps ont feels

The present paper describes three new species of Tayitogonales,
one from Victoria and two from Queensland, thus increasing the
number of Australian wasps to six. The author 3s indebted to the
courtesy of Messrs. Burns and Oke, National Museum, Melbourne.
for the opportunity to study these insects.

The author’s researches in the Australian Hymenoptera are
assisted with a grant [rom the trustees of the Science and Industry
Endownient Fund,

TAENIOGONALOS BUKNSI sp. now.

TYPE, Female—Lepgth, 14 mm, approx. Black and yellow.

Head transverse, shining, a few white hairs; face-marks two
small triangular yellow marks lateral of scapes; frons coarsely
fuguso-punctate, a spot of yellow above scapes; clypeus shining,
with many smaller punctures and white hair; supraclypeal area
coucaye; vertex coarsely rugoso-punctate; ocelli close together;
a wide yellow band on margin of large compound eyes; genae
polished, coarse punctures; labrum not visible; mandihulae large.
black, tridentate and quadridentate, a large rectangular area yellow
in middle; antennae filiform, ferruginous in middle, black apically,
globose scapes amber.

Prathorax black, rugose; tubercles black; mesothorax entirely
black, excessively coarsely rugoso-punctate, divided into three areas
by two large curved sulci; scutellum similar, but bituberculate;
postscutellum smoother, with two minute yellow dots; metathorax
with a median stilcus, coarsely, but more or leas obliquely, rugose~
punctate; abdominal dorsal segments black, close piliferaus punc-
tures, golden hair, yellow bands on | and 2, and yellow linear
marks on 4, inactlae on 5; a fibe longitudinal carina; ventral
segments with the yellow band persisting on 2.

Legs ferruginous, trochanters blackish, white hair; tarsi reddish;
claws reddish; hind calear reddish: tegulac ferruginous; wings
iuliginaus on costal margin; nervures brown; cells normal for the
genus; pterostigma ferrugtnous.

Loeaitin: Cohunga, Victoria, February 19, 1947; leg. Alex N-
Burns.

Type in the collection of A, N. Burns,

Allies; 7. marulatus’Sm., which is sinaller, with yellow dots en
iWelathorax, scutellum and postscutellum, and facks the carina on
the abdominal terga.

TAENIOGONALOS MINUTUS sp.nov.
TYPE, Male—Length, 6 mm. approx. Black aud yelluw.
Head transverse, shining, a few white hairs: face-marks limited
to clypeus; frons transversely rugase; clypeus convex, butter-
yellow, emarginate at base and apex; supraclypeal area concave:

November ] T. Rayment, New Beos and Wasps

Rays EAT

TARLTON

“95

Fic. 1. (fot Key sce p. 99.)

06 T- Ramen, New Soes and Waser ait a

vertex polished, a few large punctures; compound eyes small;
genase polished, a few shallow punctures; labrum not visible;
mandibulae tridentate, yellow, with a black cutting edge: antennae
with globular ferruginous scapes, antennae filiform, black.

Prothorax black, shining, many punctures. and a few white
hairs; tubercles yellow ; mesothorax caniculate, shining, excessively
coarsely punctured; scutellum yellow, with a deep median sulcus,
large punctures; postscurelluny black, with a small yellow hand,
metathorax with no elevated dorsum, black, densely and coarsely
rugoso-punctate, a few! white hairs faterally; ahdémen ovate,
polished, a few piliferous shallaw ptunctures and white hair; ventral
seginents black, poleghed. “4

Legs yellowish-ferruginous, hind femur clear yellow; “tarsi
hrownish-black; claws blackish; hind calcar amber < tegulae brown ;
wings hyaline; nervures hrawir; cells normal for the genus; ptero-
stigma brownish-black; hana about eight, ae

Locatity: Mt. Tambourine, Queensland, Janyary 27, 195; leg.
Chas. Oke,

Type in the collection of the National Museum, Melbourne. |

Alhes: Not close ta any described species, but casily known by
its small size and entirely black abdomen.

TAENIOGONALOS TRICOLOR sp. nov;
TYPE, Female—Length, 9 mm, approx, Red, black. yellow,

Head Jaterally small. irom above quadyate, reddish} face-marks
yellow, a lunate mark lateral of the.scapes, a macula above, and
a larger one below the arnculation of the scapes; frons black,
coarsely Fugoso-punctate, hiturberculate, nude. clypeus black, we
Jarge yellow maculae laterally, numerous long white hairs, emar-
ginate anteriorly; supraclypeal area deeply concave; vertex red-
dish, coarsely rugogo-punctate, a yellow macula below the median
neeus; compound eyés small; genae red, suffused with black,
rugoso-punctate, a long junate yellow mark on posterior orbital
margin, a few white hairs; labrum not visible; mandibulaé black,
broad, a large yellow macula in middle, left one tridentate, the
right one quadridentate; antennae long, filiform, ierrugingus, black
apically and acute, scapes short, black, distally some yellow:

Prothorax black, short, deeply impressed, a minute yellow spot
laterally ; cubercles yellow , mesothorax excessively coarsely rigose,
black: Jaterally, with reddish median mark, anteriorly two large
yellow maculae, a few white hairs; scutellurn large, reddish,
depressed in middle, two large subtriangular marks laterally;
postseutelurn reddish, two yellow bands Jaterally, with a median
mark shaped like two arcow-heads cojoined at hases; metathorax
black, with a median red patch, two large yellaw marks semi-
circular in shape, a few white hairs, large punctures; abdominal

——

November
1952

]

T. Raywent, New Bees aud Wasps

TRR TON RaymEaTr

Key see

p. 99.)

Fic, 2. (For

op T. Rayment, New Bees and Wasps v Nal rh

dorsal segments’ covered with much pale har, one red with a
yellow band, two red and black with a wide ycllow band, three
black; four, five, and six yellaw, with a black line anteriorly ;
ventral segments black, three, four and five with a yellow dot
laterally, the Jarge second sterium with the yellow band of the
tergum continuous. .

Legs reddish, femora black on basal half, tibiae yellow basally,
trachanters yellow; tarsi reddish-ferruginous; claws bifid, red;
hind calear red; tegulae reddish, with a yellow spat; wings yel-
lowish, suffused with sepia about the radial and first cubital
cells; wings covered with long white hair; nervures sepia, second
recurrent obsolete ; first cubital cell large, two small cubitals sub-
equal; pterostigma long, narrow, amber; hamiwli weak, about six.

Locality’; Kuranda, Queensland, November 15, 1951] ; leg. A. N,
Burns.

Type in the collection of A. N. Burns

Allies: This species falls between 7. heteradoxns, with a reddish
head, and T, maculatus Sm., which has only small yellow dots on
the black thorax. The new species has the red, yeliow and black
pigment in about equal proportions.

NeW Recorns
Teeniaganalos maculatus Sim,

A series of typical mates and females.

Heathmont, Victorfla—March 7, 1935. A. N. Burns.
Heathmont, Victoria—April 16, 1946. A. N. Burns.
Femtree Gully, Victoria—March 7, 1932, A. N. Burns.

The five species in the genus may be separated by the following
key:

Large, abdomen with yellow band .. .. .. —. }

1 Bead black, with yellow facial marks -- .. .. ¥. snaculatus Sne.
Smal), abdumen without yellow band -- _- .. Z

2 Head black, without lateral marks .. .. __*.. T) miinutus Ray.
Head red, large vehi marks ,, 2. bs -- 45 3

3 Scutellum red... - .. we we. 7. Aetevedeaus Raym.
Clypeus black 12 1. e204, ju 22 te we ces 4

4 Scuteltuns black .. 5. roy cw ee ee ee TF, burnsi Raym,
Clypeus with yeltow nraculac see tne eh Bo, i 5

& Scutellom with large maculae .. -. .. -. .. P. tricolor Raym,

REFERENCES

Clausen, C, P., Entomophagous Insects, p. 36, 1940,
Raff, J. W., Proc, Roy, Sac, Vret., pp 47-77, 1934,
Rayment, T., Australian Zoelogist, Vol. I, pt. 3, p. 241, 1948.
Rodd, N. W,, Austratan Zoolopist, Val, X1, pt. ra p. 33B, 195],
Tillyard, R, T; Insects of Austraha, p. 291, 1926,

Toe | T. Rayment, New Bees and Wasps 9

KEY TO ILLUSTRATIONS

Fac. |—Front of head-capsules of five species of Trigonalid wasps ta show
the yellow patterns of the faces.

Nal. T. tricaloy Raym.

2, T. heteredoxus Raym. ;

3. The abdominal processes of the females serve to hold the margin
of the Jeaf during ovipositing. (After Norman W_ Rodd.)

4, T. ainvtus Raym.

5. T. maculatus Sm,

6 T. burnst Rayra,

Fic. 2—Homologous structures of wasps and bees.

No.1. Abdominal processes of Australian female wasp Tarntogonalos

heterodoxus Raym.

2. Diagonal view of spine on second sternite.

3. Abdominal processes of Australian bee Meroglossa miranda Ruym,

4, Rear view of process on third sternite.

5. Rear view of protéss on fourth sternite.

& The tubercle on the second sternite of Parasphecodes fulvivenirts
Friese, is a vestigial remnant.

7, Abdominal processes of Gitathoprasopis marianella fhastulata, Raym.

8. Abdominal process of undeveloped males of both species and sub-
species of Gnathaprosopts.

9. Apex of abdomen of hee Gonincolletcs sp.

“FLOWER AND FEATHER AT MT. BUFFALO NATIONAL PARK"
(Book Review)

To those who have visited or to those who intend two visit Mt. Buffata
this little booklet will be welcome. The author, Mr. H, C. E. Stewart,
is am active member of the F.N.C.V., and bas wide interests in the fell
of natural history,

After a note about early visits to, and reports about, the area, the writer
proceeds to describe it as it is to-day. Several pages are devoted to the
botany of the plateau, with a special] mention of some interesting species
of cucalypts and wattles. The visitor is informed what wildflowers are
Jikely to be fouad during different months, and where they may be seen
to best advantage.

A full list of native birds recorded for the area is given with the
R.A.O.U. check-list mamber of each species for further reference. Birds
common in the locality are described in some detail.

Travelling in other countries, Australians often remark the amount
ot publicity given to National Parks. For instance, at Yosemite, U.S.A.,
not only is literature available, but in the centre of the park is a musetun
devoted exclusively to that area, covermg its fatima, flora and geology.
Though there is little possibility of projects such as this being undertaker
in our National Parks for a long time to come, the collection of botanical
specimens available at the Chalet, and Mr, Stewart's excellent wark, are
steps in the right direction. This. well-produced booklet is on sale at
The Chalet, Mt. Buffalo, for one shilling, —E.5.H.

100 J. Montrsox, Crocodiles “Al Howe” Mn _

CROCODILES “AT HOME”

During a trip ta North Queensland last year I visited the Mount St.
John Sanctuary at Townsville, where six salt-water crocodiles (Cracodtlus
porosus) are the main attractian. The lareest and best known of these is
Barnacle Bill, who shares & smail aticlosure with a ten-foot crovodile. His
firth is tremendous, and be must be at least JB feet in length; he has
put on a lot of weight, a5 We gets practically no exercise, I watched him
from a distance af a few inches—throvgh a wire fence.

The sanetuary is believer! to be the only one in Australia where crocodiles
breed regularly im captivity. In a large, marshy pond, three saurians live
wider practically natural conditions. I was abie to climb oyer the fence
and take a photo of a 15-footer, asleep on a inud bank, during a week-day
vistt to the sanctuary, The crocodiles are fad every Sunday, usually by
Mr. St. John Robinson, the owner of the sanctuary, Watched by a large
crowd of tourists, Mr. Robinson entered Barnacle Bull's cage, and spec-
talors gaped as he prodded the cracodile with a stick, Bill grunted and
snapped and moved slowly forward. Dr. Robinson then poked a stick, to
which was attached a large plece of meat, into the reptile’s mouth; the meat
was quickly gulped down, The other crocodiles were then ied in a similar
fashion. I watched the simister head of a crocodile, covered with green
aquaue vegetation, gliding slowly through the water and found it difheult
to believe thet I was not watching @ «rocodile In a jungle siream-

Shortly before my visit a female crocodile made a nest in an old galvanized
jron tank on the edge of the pool. When two eggs hatched out, two men
entered the enclosure and attempted to remove the nest, but the crocodile
attacked them, However, she was svcurcly held with rope and the nest
was removed to a wire cage with a shallow concrete pool where sub
sequently 9 per cent of the eggs hatched out. The baby crocodiles were
two months old and 12 inches lang when I saw them. The lively youngsters
Nad aycedje-sharp. tecth, soft bories and green eyes, 1 found the little
creatures. very interesting and tharaughiy enjoyed my two visits to the
maunietuary,

J. Mottison.

SOUTH WARRANOYTE EXCURSION 12/7/52

Twenty-six peopte atlended this excursion which wag held in pleasant
weather, At a gorge in Beamy Gully Road fossil remains and the attrac-
tively marked stone Being quarried) there were of interest, Along Ander-
sos Creek the prevalence af Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata), Christmas
Bush (Prostauthera lostanthos}, Prickly Moses (deavia veritciileta) and
many other planis was noted, After lunch al the Gold Memorial and
when the afternoon excursionists had joined us, a talk was given by the
leader on the history of the Memorial Cairn and of gold mining aroun:
Warrandyte The route followed after lunch was to Fourth Hill and
then of fo Warrandyte along roads where many beattiful Cootamundra
wattles CAfrana hatfoyano) were seen.

A. E. Brooxs.

ERRATA
Premature and Brrancans Records af Planis for ltcioria-—Vict. Nat. Oet.,
Page 83, line 31: Delete “From Braidwood: Haforayis monosperea,

Cryptandra scartechini’; replace with “From Nungatts Mountain:
Elecearfus hnlopetolus, Rubs filiric

The Victotian Naturalist

Vol, 69 —No. 8 DECEMBER 4, 1952 No. 828

PROCEEDINGS

An Extraordinary General Meeting of the Club was hekt ia
dhe Herharium at 7435 pom. on November 10, 1952, with Dr.
Chattaway in the chair, to discuss the application of the ‘Save
the Dandenongs” Leaeue for affiliation with the FLN.C.Y. It
was proposed by Mr. Lewis, seconded by Mr. Lord, anal carried,
that the application af this League be endorsed by the FNC.
My, Lord spoke to the motion, stating that as the alins and objects
ai both organizations were similar, it was advisable to support
this Leayne, and appealed to nrembers of the F.N.C.V, to join it,
the subscription hemg one shilling. Dy. Chatraway then ceclared
the Extraordinary General Meeting to be adjourned,

The Mouthly Meeting af the Club followed, with Dr. Chatta-
way in the chair, and was attended by 86 members and visitors.

Mr. RB, L, Jensz, of 76 Green Street, Ivanhoe, why was nonrin-
ated by Mr. and Mrs, P. Fisch, was elected a member and wel-
comed by the President.

Mr. Béchervaise then proceeded with his lecture on Manus
Island, illustrated by many excellent colour slides of North
Ougensland, New Guinea, Guam, Manus. Island, ancl various
Pacific atolls taken during during a 12,000 mile journey with
a sqnadron of Lincoln bambers on a training Aight ta Manus
Island. Dr. Chatraway thanked the lecturer on behali of the Club.

Wr, Chattaway rentinded the meeting that Christmas cards,
illustrated with a design of the Helmeted Honeyeater. were still
available.

Mr. Miller reported an acr of eruelty committed by same sinall
beys, who had attached a blackbird to a liamb, which they had
fired, injuring the hire,

Mr. Gabriel was present aiter a long illness, aud commented
on hrs exhihiv of shells.

EXMIGITS 4

BOTANY —Diuris from Beaconsfield—Mise Elder, Garden-wrown
yativé plants—Mr. Chatk, Mr. Millér, Collection including i erticordirs
grown by Mr. F.C. Payne of Adelaide, extibited by Mr. J, S. Seaton : and
Alymenosparuan Ravn from Batanie Gardens, exhibited by Mr. Ky -W.
Atkins, (Uhis is a rain forest tree from Queensiand and N.S.W., closely
related to the Pittosporums, It is suitable for the home garden, has rays
growth, svmmetrical pyramidal habit, and produces profuse flowers with
a frangipakar jeriume. The flowers are yellow, marked with réd at the
throat.)

SHELLS.—Marine shells of the genuy duinssiner frum yarinus Jovalities
—Mr. C. J. Gabriel.

PHOTOGRAPHS. —Taken on Maryborough trijpe—Mr. R. DB, Lee.

SNAKE —Heail of tuypan fron N. Queensland—M+, Sataviels,

We R. Keasnaw, MWurscepints ot Virmar River Tras, Aes wi

NOTES ON MARSUPIALS AT THE TAMAR RIVER,
TASMANIA
By Row C, Kersnaw

The locality referred to in these notes is that bordering the
western bank of the Tamar River, which as known as Clarence
Point. Here two west sites of the Tasmanian Rat-Kangaroos were
Tound, one upon the slope of a hill of igneous rock near Kelso, the
other upon the bank of the West Arm. They were separated by
almost two miles of bushiand and orchard.

Both af the nests described were discovered accidentally. the
accupying animals drawing attention by their hurried departure.
The nest at the first of the sices referred to contained two specimens
of the Tasmanian Rat-Kangaroo or Betrong { Beltengia cunicatus
W. Ogilby [838), By reason of the conspicuous difference m
build of the two aniwals it woultl appear thar they were male and
female, the female being of courge much slighter than the mile.
Characteristic head and body length quoted by Lord and Scott
(.4 Synopsis of the Vertebrate Animals of Tasmama, 1925, p. 249)
is of the order of 400 mim. With this in mind, the nest appeared
barely adequate tn conjain two animals. However, it was suitably
shaped and roomy inside, and ne doubt the walls are Isirly flexible.

This nest was situated in a small depression on the grassy
southerly slope of che hill, The slope is liberally strewn wifh rock
and jocse stone, The hill ts lightly timbered—prineipally with
Peppermint (£2. aiygdalina), Casuarina (‘She-oak), Acacia
(Wattle and Blackwood), and Dogwood (fedfordia salictic),
which 1s called Blanket-leaf Tree in Victoria. At the foot of the
slope Melaleuca makes a dense scrub, punctuated by the Swamp
Gom (£. ovate). A large tuit of grass dominoted the nest, which
was huilt chiefly of ative grasses. interwoven with small pieces of
bark ard leaves. Leaves ard twigs resting upon it in keeping with
the surrounds tiade the vest very difheult ro distinguish, even
al a distance of anly 4 few feet. The opening was small and faced
up the slope, while the interior was lined with leaves and bark
which had ¢apparently been shredded by the animals, making a
very comfortable floor half ar ineh in thickess; this bark appears
to be from the Stringy-bark tree and is evidently preferred by those
animals. The nearest such iyee (to the best of the writer's know-
ledge) was at least one mile distant. It cama! be coulirmed that
the animals brought the bark this distance. but Lord and Scott
(p. 249) refer to a nest obtamed hy Mr. Adams whieh was inade
entirely from Stringy-bark carried for a quarter of a aaile by the
animals by means of the prehensile tail.

The writer released a further speconen of the Bettong from a
rabbit trap sume time ago, All of these animale closely approni-
mated the animal illustrated in Fierved Animnels af Aistratia by

4

ead Ro Kensiraw, ilvarswpials of anne Miner Tas 103

Ellis Troughton fp. 150). The Betlong ops in a siidlar manner
to the wallahy. ‘his feature is an tid ih distinguishing the
Bettong. in flight, front the J.ong-nosed Rat-Kangaroo (Potorens
tridoctyius Kerr 1792), whick, using the furelegs in conjunction
with (he hind legs, moves in a kind af gallop; ‘Tie latter animal
is also goimewhat inore sleruler.

Tt aay ba uf interest tq nute that the typical “thump, thanrp™ of
the kengaroo’s movemenr distinguishes his more Jeisurely pace.
When thoroughly startled he and tis telalives move silently and
speedily, the smailer ammals carrying themselves sou close to the
ground that it is diffeult to discern their exact movements.

A nest of the Potorons was fautid aniongst undergrowth on the
hanks of the West Arnt of the Tamar, ‘This west wag sitvated ar
the foot oi a Stringybark tree upon saudy soil. amongst Jarge
tussocks of grass ard shrubs. ‘The whole was overlain by a con-
fusion of sticks, leaves and strips of bark, so that Lhe animal
traverses 3 eorrider of two of three feet uneler cover te the tre
estrance of the nest, This nest consisted alniist entirely of grass
earned from the nearby orchard. Some leaves were used on the
floor, while on each side of the structure louse earth was built up
to a height of several) inches, One animal only was there and,
owing to the thick growth, was in sight for only a short time.
However, its typical gait identified it as a specimen of Potorens.
it must be noted also that the nests of Poturaxs and Reftongia
differ somewhat in materials used, the former favouring g1ass, the
latter bark, Choice olf struation differs also. The site of the nest
ot the Potoraws in this instance was kept damp for the inmost part
by drainage and by the profuse foliage. Preference for this type
of situation is noted by Lord and Scott (p. 251). On the other
hand the Bettong, as already seen, appears tu prefer a site more
exposed to the sunlight on the putskires of bushland,

A commonly seen animal in this locality, as elsewhere in Tas-
ttiania, is the Brush or Red-necked Wallaby (HM allabia rufogrisea,
Desmarest 1817}, generally Known as a kangaroo in Tasinamia.
This animal was faemerly known as Bennett's Wallaby. The
true Tasmanian or Forester Kangaroo (Macrogas tasinamensis,
Le Sonef 1923), althuugh alsuost extinel at one Lime, has recently
been reported in increasing numbers in the Midlands of Tasmania
and is a much larger animal than WW’, rufoyritea, The Brush
Wallaby ranges extensively through brush and heath country and
it is posstble to follow “runs” for long distanges. Ar mght these
animals make excursions into orchards and pasture Jand, and they
frequently do considerable damage to crops. The writer has found
a Jair, or nest, in long grass beneath a low-branched apple tree in
an orchard. For various reasons this had not bee disturbed for
some ime and the animals evidently felt secure wnt the writer

a .

104 R, Kersnaw, Marsupials at Tamar River, Tas. vi ie;

came upan the scene. During the late, dey, stummer months the
“roos’’ came into the garden, As imuany as six individuals have
heen disturbed on one occasion within a few yards of the dwelling.
A lair was found within fifty yards. The animals obviously set up
home according to (he exigencies of the moment. They are a
problem, for it is impossible to scare them away for more than a
short tine and difficult to keep then out. Open seasons give some
measure of control

As already mentioned, MW’. refogrrsua is known as a kangaroo
colloquially, thus leaving the name “wallaby” for application to
the Tasmanian, or Red-belhed, Pademclon (Thvlogiule billardrerit,
Desinarest 1822). However, there appears to be some confusion
in this respect, for while the Pademelon is correctly referred to
as 4 seruh wallaby, the writer has encountered the use of the name
“pademelon”’ for the handicaat (Peremetes qurnu, Gray 1838} by
some country people. The writer has secn anly two specimens
af the Pademelon, and those in dense scrub perhaps five miles
from Kelso. Occasionally “wallabies” are seen. However, some
of these could have been immature specimens of W7. rufogrtsea.

‘The Short-nosect Bandienot (fsedon obestlus, Shaw and Nodder
1797) ss conunon t1 this lovaliiy, although it was apparently scarce
sou years ago. It js said that it is necessary to catch all the
hancicauts in an area before any rabbits may be trapped, and
indeed, hemy frequently abroad im daylight, they do appear to
reach the traps first too often, Farmers, aware of the wood these
animals cdo, release them carefully, but unfortunately a percentage
dic front internal injuries incurred durmg their violent struggles
10 escepe, whilst most suffer some injury, more or less permanent,
to liunbs. Fhe Tasmamao Barred Ganslicoot (Perameltes gun)
has not been seen in this locality, but individuals have been noted
within twelve miles,

The wombat (Venbatus rrsornis tasuiniensis, Spencer and
Kershaw 1910) is fairly common and entirely nocturnal. It dis
plays an unfortunate tendency to rush across a ruad nght in
front of a passing vehicle. Several have been killed an this way in
the last twelve month, and the writer was almost thrown from a
bicycle hy one suvh ammal, All of tie animals seen were darls
brow, which ts apparently typical of lowland wombats, Not long
ago a rablit burrow, situated in 2 pasture paddock, and from
which the rabhits had only just been eradicated, was enlarged and
ocenpied by wombats, The discovery was made when the writer
approuchecl lo close the hole. Although it was not mterfered with,
the wombiats ahandoned at within a few weeks, possibly owing ta
the exposed situation. Upon the pally which these uninvals would
prohably have followed when approaching the burrow to pecupy
it was found a very young specimen. This apparently had fallen

Teeom™] ot, Kensal, Marsupials of Taner River, Tos, 105

from the pouch, for it was completely hairless and measured a
scattt four inches. 7t was dead when tound.

Contionly to be seen is the Tasmanian or Dusky Brush-tailed
Possum (Trichusurus fuliginosus, Ogilby 1831). Some of these
animals Jeave the bush of an evening at dusk to make their way
to the Jarge trees adjacen! to the writer's house. They appear to
avoid ctrivelling upon the vround tnless absolutely necessary,
making use of windbreaks of pine or gums and tea-tree. One
individual caine regularly lo an almond tree, to approach which
it is necessary th cover some durty yards of opeu ground and
garde, This he would do at a great tate to perch high in the
almend tree till dark, before making any further move, The
attraction in this instance appears to have been the nearby apple
tree, Jor he did not come again following the reimoval of the apples.

Atuough these animals appear to go to a considerable trouble
ta remain aloft when moving at dusk or during the night, the
writer's observations lead him to helieve that they spend a good
deal of time on the ground. They do not appear to move far
from the trees without some imtentive, but evidence of their
passage is sometimes to be found many yards within the orchards,
Damage ta fruit, however, rarely appears to reach serious pro-
portiens-

Several specimens of the Tasmamiun Spiny Amemer (Tachy-
gtosssus setoses, Geoffrey 1503) have also been observed. These
have all been seen during daylight hours, while some evidence of
the passing of these animals has been noted al night, One of them
was observed for Somie time at work on an ajit hill the surface of
which had heen broken considerably, prestanably by the animal
With the snout held close ta the ground, the animal “snuffed”
about, quickly snapping up any afits with its Longue—a Jaseinating
scesie.

There appears to he some ground for the belief that the very
dry conditions which have been experienced in Tasmania from
1949 until the rains this year (1952) have resulted in an increase
in the numbers of certain of the annuals referred to in the present
nates, ‘This has undoultedly heen the case with the rabbit. The
wallaby (H*. rufogrisen) is now very common, as also is the
bandicoot, while the writer has noted increasing evidence of the
presence of wombats in greater numbers, particularly duriug the
tas! Iwelve months. What effect the present bad weather (May,
1952) wall have js still, of course, to be seen. -

From the Soviet controlled zone of Germany comes a letter signed by
Dr. Hans Sachtlehen of the Deiches Entomologisches Institut, congrate-
laing Tarlion Rayment on his. receipt of the Natural Ristory Medallion,
and praising the Pictertan Naluralist, copies of which they are glad to
add ta their library, --L.Y,

1% to EB. CHAGWICE. Jiseets on Lemon Pree | Nera ae

NOTES ON SOME INSECTS ASSOCIATED WITH A LISBON LEMON TREE
Ev C, Eo Coanween, Department of Agriculture, Sydiey,

Between Chrastinas 1949 and New Year 1950 same casual observations
Here made On morets associated! with a Lishon lonwa tfee (Cras fonume
Osbeck) at Lismore, NWSW. The tree fad been attacked by several species
at insects These iuctuded four species of scale instets (Pannily Cuceidac).
The white wax scale (Ceraplistes destructor Newst.) Avas inostley bound
as tity white specks (whieh under a Jens showed an oval body with cadiat-
ing arms) alang the inidrib, ar as white. more or less hemispherical wax
cavered dots about the size of & pin'’s Head on the emailer twigs, White
louse seale (Unespry offre CComst.) } was fournl along the larger hratehes
aud oe the trunk, The male scale. which gave a conspicuous white mittliane
to the trum, was ahont 1/25th in. Jong and had three longitudinal ridges:
ihe female insect was inconspicuous and dull brawn. shaped samewhat Like
a mussel, and was about 1/)0rh inch long. The ciecular black scale
fChrysomphains fens Ash.) was ieund on leaves (especially on the lower
surface} and ote the fruit. A few speennens of Sasscvia coffeaer (Walk).
the hemispliermal stale, Hall established themselvese coi leaves,

Adults of tie spmed citrus bug ( Biprontfus divas Bredd.j. a shiny green
ingert with a shary spine projecting from each side of the pronotym or
shoulder, were several times observed with the proboscis inserted ita
fruits. The bronze orange bug (Rhocracerse sulérmentris (Stal) was also
im evidence, Lt could eject & ipartivularly patent and obgectionable Auid
from its stink glands, which were fownd on the ventral surface ef the meta
thorax, lateral to the second. pair of legs.

A cuockroach ¢Periplancia aitstrolasioe (Fabri) was collected insiie
a house and, as a killing bottle was not available. if was placed in a sinall
jar about 8 o'clock on the 24th, atid was Quite ucteye next day. A spined
eiicus bug was placed tn the jar the same morning Ge, 25th}. but its
odour Imut ng apparene il-effects on the cuvkraach. Ar 115 p.m another
bug war added to the jar. A few minutes Inter a bronze orange bop.
whieh had ¢jected seent when captured, was dropped into the par, Within
a very short time (perhaps only a couple of minutes) the scackroach
was unquestionably dead. As the lethal cfiect at this natural killing ageul
had aroused sonte curiosity, & qin of By leaf beetles (Gatrrucelia seui-
pulltta (Clark}) were then added to the company; hotls were dead in 44
minutes. The bronze orange bug wppeared to be dead before 1.40 pam. and
by this fine movement in the spined citrus pigs was lined tu a twitch
of the legs. A floury miller cicada (dlricta curvicosta Germ was rhen
Placed in the jar and was quietened down consideralily by the etAuvinm, bn
the tree hugs and the cieada had ta a very large extent recovered fram
the anaesthetic next moriuing.

The following day (20th) wt 540 pm. a female floury miller was
abserved on a green twig. It had possibly only just started to oviposit. It
Was Statin wath the bedy slightly above the twig, Uhe trp af the rostram
just touching the surface of the bark. While the avipasitor was iserted tito
the bark a regular pulsating movenient was noticetl u: the seements posterior
ta the poing of attachment of the ayipositor, Most of the time the tsect
was fairly clase to the twig and the ovipositor was at an acute angle t¢
the twig and to the body of the anseet, bul occastonuily at raised itself so
that the angle of the ovipositor would be about 45 déerees tw the thscer
and ¢o the twig.

frradually the insect'’s work resulted in a whire cut showing clearly
along the green bark of the ewig. Lt was still engaged Mm ovipusitine at
6.40 ham, but had gone al 6.40, leaving w white cut almost aw inch in length.
When examined \inder a lens the edees of the hark appeared 40 lave heen

ort a C. Bb. CyHavwier, Joscels ot Levon Tree . 107

pushed apart and the woody tissue was obvious, Broken strands of the
woody elements were clearly seen, in. two breaks—ahout the yniddle of the
cue and at the end where the cicada finished oviposition, '

Later, when this twig was split apen, the eggs were found to be the
Saine colour as the weod and scarcely distinguishable with the auled eve.
Two groups of cegs were fond. one below each group of broken woody
elements. The frst group laid contained 35 egus, the second 20. The egus
were in the wood between the pith and-vhe bark, at an angle to the bark.
Vhey were hanana-shaned. plaiis winte, withaut ornamentation. 2 mm. in
Jength, will a maxitium, width of 5 mm. The greatest depth of the eges
was 25 min

Male cicadas of thre species produced a sound which was a mixtare of
al Jest two notes very close together, Those observed were sesting either
head up or Head down on a linb or stem, The abdomen was ratised when
the sonnel was being emitted and Jowered when the saund ceased. One
meet was walthed aud noted co eniut a series of short chirps, followed by
a longer period of sound emission. The number of chirps varied fram
Mi te 41, but 12 to 1d was the cummonest number. Whea emitting the
short chirps before the prolonged burst, ihe intervals between the last iew
chirps were ayprecially shorter The long period of sound emission would
vary fram 7 to Jf seconds as a rule and, curiously enough, the sound
emitted sctemed to coincide with those of two other cicadas 11 another tree
— However, in other case noted the synchronpeation avas much less
perfect,

The sound-producia: drgaus could be seen with a lens. The most cons
spicuous external strictures associated with sound preduction were the
dark brownish, niore or less kidney-shaped opercula which are attached to
the third thoracic segment between the Jegs aml Lhe plenca Below each
operculun was the veutral cavity, whielr contained the folded membrane
and mirror. The folded) rvembrane, immediately underneath the operculum.
Was snore of Jess ovat in shape and had a vellow border and a wurmber of
tity ridges running at eight angles to the langitudinal axis of the body,
The mirror, at the posterior end of the veutral cavity, was semi-circular
in shape, quite transparent, very thin, and had an iridescent sheen, The
tymnpanin oc tinbal, which produced Hie sound, was situated ay the iateral
eavity and was inost exsily seen from a dorso-Isteral viewpoint The
tympanum was roumicd externally and bore a series of small, parallel
ridges running at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the body, Whea
the note was given cat an extremely capil moverment was observed nt the
tyinpaaum, The tympariun in the living msect was covered by tree thick-
nesses of wing, viz, ance by the forewing and twice by the hindwing, which
was folded at the second anal vein.

When handled after feeding a male cjected a sinall volume af clear
liquid from the tin of the body. A jet from cach side of the body was
symected, wot <lircetiy belind, but at an anvle to the baxly, Wut the exact ~
source of the fet could not be ascertaimed,

Quite a yunber of specimens of the black leafhopper Desndaba psittacus
Walk. were found on the trimk and branches of the tree. Apparently they
yeeferted to rest with the lead downwards. When seen on the tree the
weet was practically black, with conspicuous white eyes. The abdomen
was mostly green. wath obvicus while spiracles. When the wings were
opentd the tips of the forewings were lighter than the rest of the wings,
which were blackish; the hindwings had che distal half uwopigmented, the
anterjor basal quarter reddish, and the posterior basal quarter blackish.
‘The insect was quite prettily coloured when mounted to show the wing
qanem, Tt was able 1 ruo sideways quite a5 rapitly as Torwards, in
Jacl uo Ajspeacéd (6 prefer tle former method of progression, Tet could

108 C. BE. Crapwick, duseets on Lesion Tree bra res

hop steongly, bel always appeared to choose to ran sideways to escape
capture, in fact specimens observed seemed te hop ouly when forced to do su

A few stem galls, vo doubt those of Eurviona fellis Gir, were found ott
small stents, but the original iwhabuants appeared to have departed,

Immature forms of att assassin bug (almost certainly the bee-killer,
Pristhesonens popnensis Stal) sere observed moving stealtbity among the
leaves, with the antenvae bent forward and downward at the distal end of
the first antennal segment, Qhe specimen had a smal) blacks!) Jadytnrd
impaled on its proboscis. Quite often a solitary greenish Dolichopodid fly
was observed resting on a Jaf, ant a few Queenslaud fruit flies (Daeus
(ryan (Proge.)) were also seen, Odd adults of the sinall citras buttery
Papa anaciny Mach, also the laree citrus butterfly P. aegens orgeus Don.
and the common hover fy Nonihegrameae graadiecornts (Maca) hovered
around the tree also.

The small brown cockroach Ellipridion mvstrate Sauss. ane af the few
cockroaches which will stay in the sun, was also found un the tree, and
several cockroach ege capsules, probably belonging to this specses. were
attached 4o the teaves.

Five species of ladybird beetle were seen on the tree Odd specimens,
both jarvae and adults of the 20-spotted ladybird Lets conformis (Boisd.)
were found crawling over the stems and leaves. One adult was seem eating
the soft body under the scale of the circulay black scale which it had over-
turned; when it had cleaned out the undersurface of the scale it ate the
remaitis of the insevt on the leaf. Some specatnens of the mealy bug ladybird
Crpptolacinas trontrousie7) Muts,, well-known as 4 predator on mealy bugs,
were moving about on the tree, The black ladybird Ssymnodes Notdinastcr
Mubs., and Rhrcobius Plurtellus Mols., a rather small hairy species with
brownish head and prothorax and blackish Wing covers. as well as a steel
blue Jadybied, Orcus sp. were alsa preseur.

Odd specimens of a green plant-hoppee (probably Siphonta aewla
CWalk.)) Were saficiéntly agile to escape canture, One Lagriid beetle was
found on a Jeat, while some specimens of a brown shield bug, Paceilonrelir
rtrigatus Wwe, were present on the limhs.

Thus 24 species of insect were observed which appcarcd to have cither
a direct or an indirect eect ou the tree. OF the eleven members of the
order Heswiptera, the four scales and the branzy and spined citrus hugs
are well-known conomic pests, the cicada, the two leal-hoppers and the
brown shield bug are sap suckers; the assassin bug, by destroying the
ladybirds, would probably be doing more barm than good in the present
¢4se, so that in this Pepbhiagred exatiple the order Hemiptera would appear
to be citirely harmful to the tree

On the other hand, of the six beetles five arc definitely beneficial types.
bat the habits of the Lagriid do not seem to be known,

Larvae of the two dutlerfiies eat citrus Jeaves, and the gall wasp is a
pest due to the galling it causes on the stems of the tree.

Of the Ares, the Queensland fruit Ay is a notorious pest, and the larva
of the hover fly feeds on scales aud aphids and must be considered heite~
ficial. Dotichopodid flies are stated to he predaceovs on small insects, but
tm this case no feeding of any kind was observed,

As the cockroach could not be reparded as either harmful or beneficial
there would be fifteen harmiul and ¢ix beneficial insects aud three which
could not wuh certatrity be congiened to either category.

Peeera et No A. WareFincy, East Gippsland Fetus 19

EAST GIPPSLAND FERNS
By N. A. Warkentin

In Qctoher J944, iy (his Jourilal (G1: 108), a review was fide oj all
Fern and Clubmoss species then knawt: to acemr in Bast Giypistauwel. Three
addilonal species, Psat nudum, Lvcohadinue cabvaliedamne ana Custap-
tena fragilis, found subsequently in the district, were incorpayated in 'Vie~
torian Fer and Clubmass Reenrds” (Mie Net 65, 215, 279) of January
and Apml 1949, The notes presented hereunder bring the subject up to date.

Hiyinenophaliian pettatin: Vne Stalked Filmy Fern is abundant amongst
Eranitic rocks and in the heads of Sassaivas gullies at Mount Ellery, at
about 4,000 feet. (J. HB. Willis and NLA We. 30/12/19511 This is ac
additional record for East Gippsland.

Boeodie aspera: The Rasp Fern, though abundant farther east, appar
ently does not occur west of ihe Bemm River. Baron von Muellee te-
parted it fram the Snowy River, bat the specimens were af OD. mein.

Lindsaya ancrephulla: The Lace Feru grows also on eranitic slopes of
ranges east of Chaillec's Creek ict the upper Canu River valley. [NAW
5/11/1950.) The aecom! is of particulary interest, for the babitar 16
natural; whereat the two previously reported Wietorian occurrences ape
plied ta plants appearing where man's hand had produced somewhat arti-
ficial conditions. (See ie, Mar, S75 142 and G2: 126.) ‘

The recorded Pieridophata of East Gippstand now Llotals 87 species, 15
af which do swt occur elseWhere in Victoria,

BRITTANIA CREEK FLORA
(Week-end Comp, April 25-27, 1952)

~The country surrounding Brittania Creek has been yavayed by iorest
fires. The stecp mountain sides are vow covered with bracken. aud in
places Zroups of the Rough Tree Fern, Cythera strats, survivdrs of the
fires, have redressed themselves wath loug, graceful green fronds,

When strolling alone the mounlant top. we passed through occasional
Zroves of White Motintain Ash Eucaluptis regnaus, The daiijant seed
hag generated since the fires, and the trees are now '30 tu 40 feet in height,
their tall, ambranched, slendet trunks and avertead foliage, Altering tlie
light, being ta tind the cloistered interior af a cathedral,

At the fack of the Melbourne Wonten's Walking Club hut, the mountai-
side Was ontouched by fice: Silvertop (FE. sichertana}, Messmate (&.
eblique) and an undergrowth of Aeneta diffusa, siowing early Nowers, Grey
Fyerlasting (Motichrysuin ofrordatnar), Mountain Correa (Correa tiorcn-
cine) and Laree Mock Olive (CNolclaca fortaifolia) gave sbade and cover
for the lyrebirds sod other forest denizens, '

Brittania Creek aud the niountain slopes on the north side were un-
touched by fire. The creek bed ds thickly cletied with Silver Wanrle
(Acacia deallata), Blackwoods (Acacia melonorytan), huge hoary Myrtle-
heeches (Nothofugus cuenitghamit) and Pomaderns sp. in places these
plants were strum logether by the Wonga Vile (Paitierea pandarans) :
Browine if the shade were the Soft Treefern (Dicksonta antaretica, Pal-
fenaen spd. Tall Rice-Alower (fumelen Jrgustto), Tough Rice-flower
(Pintutesn vxifurn), Burewn (Kunsco pedunciulevis), Rough Coprasma
(Coprosme Isrtella), White Biderberry (Sasrbucius goihehandiana), Musk
Daisy-bush (Qloaria argaphylia) and Derwent Speedwell (Peronica dev-
werttia). In ope places, the Forest Hound’s-tomeue (Cynaglassuin lett
folie) with its emalt pafe blue flowers formed huge jatches of colour.

On dry banks aiong the creek road, plants of the Batny Mint-lusti
(Prostonthera inetissifotia} still showed 4 few sacemes of lilag Rowers,

KW, Arrrys,

4 E, E. Lorn, Flowery Trees of Carihbean yee) at

“FLOWERING TREES OF THE CARIBBEAN’
(Book Review)

"One day m Rome early in the twelfth century, an balian noblentun,
taken Lime off trom his offetal duties as bread-breaker of tlie Holy Sacra-
ment 1 pursue his hobby. cumbined a number of volatile oils and pro-
nounced the result his most tantaliadog perfume. Lt proyed to be a sure
fire jorimula and one that wot only broucht wealth 19 its makers, but
fixed the inventor's nanie, which he had given the perfume, in the vecabu-
daries OF Many Nations. The man's name was Frangipani.

“The noble Jadtes of Eurepe, micluding the formidable Catharine de
Medici, whose favourite it was, used the perfunie called Frangipani ior
nearly four cewturies heiore the discovery of the westerta hemsplere, It
was a popular and gasily recognized scent, and wme tat was quickly re-
called to the early European settlers in the Caribbean area by the frag-
rance of a tree they found growing there. That they identified the sweets
suxelling flowers of this particnlar tree with a famous perfume of their
homeland is the most persistent explaiation of why the Plnerias ave
called Frangipani.” So read the opening paragraphs of Flowering Trees
of the Carthbcan, a copy of which has just been recaived by us from
the. publishers, Rinehart and Company (New York and Torento, om-
priced1.

it must surely be unique for a book on natural history to be conceived
it a homber plane om active services, and produced by wa shipunug conmipady,
Yet such was the ormin of one of the nicest publications of its kind we
have seen, both a3 regards popular presentation and technical accuracy.
One hundred and twenty-five pages, 12 by 9 inches, include thirty Tull-
page dehghtful colour reproductions af flower and inliage from such trees as
Spatkadca, Cassin fistule, Jacaranda, the Sabebums, Flamboyant, Lager+
slroemia speciosa, Erythrinas, Glirtcrdia, Brower and the Frangipaiis:
The artists are Bernard ail Harriet Pertchile.

The story of these trees. which have been sclected as representing the
cream of tropical and sub-tropical species a5 they occur in nature, is the
work o3 many botanists, horticulturists and foresters. co-opted under the
versaule eaitorship ci Alcoa Steamship Company's officer Paul Knapp.
A yast amount of lristerical, geographic, economic. and cultural informe-
tion, together with quaint legend and lore, is very well presented. The
Bibliography lists na fewer than 143 works, and there is a glossary.

A hook such as this not only deserves a place iw any tree-lover's
library, but is at anee a sharp reminder of the wealth of like materia] in
this comptry calling for author and publisher io tel) of, and tell not only
fhe world at large but our own people algo, who too often, it must be
contessed, arg wholly ignorant of Australia’s rich indigenays Aora, Surely
such Aowering trees a5 Ftrewhee)-irce and Waratahs, Acacias and Banksias,
campate favourably with those found anywhere else in the world. What
erander medium of e¢dvertising our own Aora than a pubheation such ag
Flowering Trecs af the Carihboau?

—E,. E. Lorn.

CATS AND ANTS

THE ANT-EATER.~-HRere in Auckland small brawn ants run up and
down my wire ciathes-lines in hundreds. When the clothes are lung out,
1 go aloe the lines crushing the insects with a cloth, which I then throw
down, My cat rems up, rofls on the ¢loth, and 1s quite crizy until he has
licked up all the ants. Why sheuld they attract him? Do other cats
hehzve im this tashian’—J, Manors, New Zealand, The Countryman,
Spring. 1952.

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 69—No.g JANUARY 8, 1953 Neo, 829
PROCEEDINGS

The miouthly ineeting of the Club was held at the National
Herlarium on December 8, 1952. with Dr, Chattaway in the
chair, and about 180 members and visitors present.

Messrs. H. A. Watts and J. Parkin were elected to ordinary
membership, and welcomed by the President.

Ih. RK. 'Y. Patton delivered a most interesting leeture on the
ecology af the Bogong High Plains, illustrating its geology and
botany with a series of graphic lantern slides. Numerous ques-
tions were asked by members ated ably answered by the speaker,
whom Dr. Chattaway then thanked on behalf of the Club:

Mr, K. Atkins reported that the Christmas excursiuists to
Mount Buffalo would travel by train; and Mr. Geo, Coghill
observed that he was a participant in the first Clab excursion fo
that area, 50 years aga.

Mr, A. A, Baker commented on an aspect of Dr. Patton's
lecture—the influence of man on nature; and, in discussing his
exhibits, brought out the point that the geologically interestug
Clifton Hill quarries were bemg filled by the dumping of rubbjsh,

Dr, Chattaway announced Miss J. Raff's donation to the Club
library of the hook ‘Natural History m Zoological Gardens” by
F. Le. Beddard.

At the adjournment of the meetmg the President. cordialky
wished members a Happy Christmas.

EXHIBITS

BOTANY. —Dorsanthes palneri (Giant Spear Lily)—Mr. Atkin
Garden-grown native plants—Mr. Seaton,

SHELLS—Clam Shells from New Hebrides—Miss E. Raff.

GEOLOGY .—Zeolites and Carborates from the Collingwood Quarry—
Mr. Baker.

Z200LOGY .—Baby Biack Snake from Healesyiile districte—-Mr. McQueen.

MISCELLANEQUS.—Photographs of Fungi—Miss Carberry. Paintings
of orchids foumd at Woodend—Mrs. McQueen, Hair combs and necklace
made and warn by natives of New Hebrides--Miss I. Ratt.

WARRANDYTE GOLD

When 1 ebatted with ap elderly resident of Warrandyte whose back-
yeound was steeped in gold lore, and whose father supervised the cutting
of the Pound Bend tunnel, be expressed the opition that far imare gold had
heen obtained irom the Warraindyte district than is commonly supposed. |

‘He stated that alluvial gold worth one million pounds had been obtained,
and that the Caledonian mine alone had produced forty (housane punees
of gold. On the other bartd forty tons of are crushed froin the Fourth
Hill Tunnel yielded only half an cunse to the ton, while mines at "Golden
Point! where the mentorial caim is situated were stated to have produces
good workable gold, Have atiy other readers information on this subject?

—A.ELB.

ile BR. W. Atkins, Machel! River Gorge an a?

THE MITCHELL RIVER GORGE
By KW. Arkrns

During December 198}, three members of the Club—W, Day,
E_ Dakio and myself—visited the Mitchell River Gorge, alwut
175 mileg east of Melbourne. The gorge extends ever a distance
of 13 miles, as the crow flies, fron) Tabherabhera in the north,
southward to che Glenaladale flats which are abour 15 miles
north-west of Bairnsdale. (See locality plan.)

At 2 p.m. we alighted from the train at Lindetiow South, and
by sunset were camped hy the ruins of the Glenaladale weir-
This structure was erected some 65 years ago to supply Bairns-
dale with water and 16 irrigate the intervening country. It was
wholly constructed of Huge blocks of silicious freesteme secured
Tram a quarry on Une western side of the river,

Next morning we arose early for the ike 10 Deadeock Creek,
a distance of two milts. At first it was easy going through open
eucalypi country, but the latter halt of the journey was notable
for a myrtactous shrub, Nansea peduncelaris, which soon be-
canie thick and a solid front of its willowy branches barred our
way. The task was hor, slow and vexing as we literally “bulldozed”
our way through the high tangled growth. (This shrub is causing
corisiderable alarm in the Bairnsdale district, as it is rapidly
taking possession of grazing areas.)

When the gorge imade a dramatic appearance through this
detise growth, a thankful party stood qn its brink ard gazed down
on the Mitchell Kiver, a silver gleam Howing between Kanooka-
lined banks six Inundred feet helow,

After finding a track down to the river, we wended our way
up the bed oF Deadeock Creek, Two hundted yards upstream
from its coulluence with the river, this creek has an impressive
magnificence, From wall to wall of the gorge is a rock ledge,
30 feet wide and 20 feet high, over which the creck falls, For
the first hondred [eet the gorge walls are a shining rose-pinlc,
due to a well-developed iron oxide varnish, and consist uf silicious
sandstones of sedimentary character, with well-developed vertical:
joint planes. On this rest the vising walls of conglomerates, niid-
stomes arid shales, with trees perched perilously on abrupt ledges,
clutching seat footholds while huge overhanging ubutments
seem likely to crash down upun one, in the creekbed.

We camped, during our stay, in @ large cavern under the
left-hand bank. This cavity is roofed by an averhanging ledge,
30 ta 40 feet wide and 20 feet high, which extends for 150 feet
upstrean) befure making a sharp tam and finishing under the
waterfall.

Eagerly we made journeys uf exploration. Our first was ta the
“Nargun’s Cave". reached hy walking upstream along the boulder-
strewn creek bed, At our approach, “Gippsland Crocodiles’, a

January

1985 k. W. Atkins, Mitchell River Gorge 113

type of water-lizard, slithered into the occasional pools. Huge
buttressed Kanookas of fantastic shapes sprawled across the
creek bed, each hoary giant clothed with brownish-green moss
and with Kangaroo Fern creeping for yards along the branches.
The silver-grey lichen, Usnca angulata, of fascinating appear-
ance, grew here and there in large conspicuous festoons.
Glorious in these gorges are the lianas—Scrambling Lily,
Twining Silkpod, Stalked Doubah, Jasmin Morinda and Wonga-
vine—serambling everywhere. along the creek bed, their roots
and stems forming contorted loops, entangling and stringing
tugether the Lilly-pilly, Blackwood, Mock-olive and Pittosporum,
At the Nargun’s Cave there is a perfect cul-de-sac,, with a
ereat overhanging rock ledge stretching from wall to wall of the

Den of the Nargun—as seen by the editor, in 1947.

[A similar drawing, made by Howitt nearly 80 years ago, was figured
in the Pict. Nat. of August 1923 (40: 79). Comparison of the two sketches
shows perhaps the most remarkable change that has taken place over the
years. In Howiit’s day there were but two comparatively slender stalactitic
pillars from roof tu floor of the cavern: but since then, the whole of the
central mass has been deposited and an additional column has been added
ou the left side.]

gorge. To one side great stalactitic masses form a curtain of
limestone from the ledge above to the margin of a great pool
helow. The outer face is streaked with orange owing to the
action of a lime-loving alga, and behind the curtain are pools of
lime-impregnated water containing leaves and twigs in various
stages of petrification. Small stalactites, many four imches in
length, stud the cave roof, and on the floor are corresponding
stalagmites up to a foot in height.

114 K. W. ATKINS, Mitchell Riecr Gorge heist rae

According to aborigines of the Mitchell Valley, this was the
“ngrung a narguna”, the den of the nargun, a being half stone
and half human. It was said to turn back a spear or bullet so
as to injure the attacker, and that it was fond of blackfellow as
a diet.

The contorted and interlaced Kanooka branches made journeys
along the river banks very arduous, and had often to be removed
to make a pathway. Higher up the steep banks, prickly stems of
Bursaria anc Austral Sarsaparilla, and masses of stinging nettles,
druve us many times back to the water's edge.

The gravelly river banks were covered with Black Wattle,
Tantoon, Woolly Tea-tree and Plum-leaf Pomaderris. The only
sandbank in the vicinity featured the Blue Olive-berry, Common
Fringe-myrtle, Prickly Beard-heath, Swamp Paper-bark, Prickly
Geebung and the Narrow-leaf and Hazel Pomacerris.

(in one of the huge silt banks Tithaatines Se TT
we found the tncommon nat-
ive poppy, Papaver aculeatum,
a plant two feet Ingh with
rough silver-grey foliage and
inch-wide orange-red flowers, Jeg 9" :

In this region, apparently so |) “oot” me hh

suitable, no epiphytic orchards Phy Se,
wecur*, and only one terrestrial,
Custredia sesaimoides, the Cin-
nunon Bells, was foune,

dird life was Innited im
quantity and variety; Curra- -
wongs called frequently, and —_ |
occasionally the raucous cries
of Cockatoos floated down
from above the gorge. Many
times IT gazed at the lastern
Whip-birds which, unlike the z
same species in the Dande- eres <
nongs, do not remain hidden here. .\ pair were apparently nest
ing ina pateh of Kanvoka and scrub, which we frequented, and
they often entertamed us vocally from a few feet abave our heads,

On returning fron: one of our exploratory excursions, we
found that visitors to the camp had, during our absence, left a
jar containing the ‘visitors’ book”, Some pertment extracts there-
from are:

As the custom of wall-writing is abhorred hy two of this trio, a

visitors’ book is here provided as a substitute. Signed: Flora McDonald,
Joan Anderson, M, Elizabeth Williams,

*(The Butterfly Orchid, Sarcochiius australis, ig known to occur in the
gorge area, at Iguana Creek.—Ed.]

fomsery K. W. Atkins, Mitchell Riuer Gorge LIS

First visit by white man, Howitt’s party: the Nargun's Cave re-
discovered jn 1904 by Tom and Dick Morrison, Charlie Booth and
the writer.

The “writer” was L. D. Porteous, who apparently visited, the
urea many times from 1904 to 1919, and again in 1929, 1934
and 1949, One of his later entnes reads:

The chief change is in regard to the present lack of birds; it was
once the habitat of many lyrehirds and hell-bird colonies, with wombats
(still in evidence), rock wallabies and snakes making up the common
fauna.

E. Grace Du Ve, whose first visit was during the 1920's, Jater
recorded that :
A very noticeable point af change during the last few years, apart

from the departure of the bellsbirds, tm the prodigious growth of
Manuka, the scrub on the approaches ta the slip-rails above the gorge.

The plant referred to is not ''Manitka’ but the Burgan (Aiea
peduvexlaris) already mentioned early in this article,

The first white man’s visit, referred to by Porteus, was that
of Alfred William Howitt in the 1870's. He travelled with twa
native friends—Turnmile, a muscular active young black whose
name meant “one wha swaygers’, and Bungil Botlle, an older
mai noted for his extraordinary length of leg, The three
travelled from Tabberabbera down the Mitchell in two flimsy
aboriginal bark canoes. Howitt was the first aboard, stepping
gingerly ito the Jarger vessel, where he sat carefully down upon
a piece of hark respectfully provided for his comfort, Bungil Bottle
came aboard with equal caution, folding himself up im a manner
suggesting that he had several snusual joints, Then Turnmile
launched his craft. The journey was interrupted frequently by
easeades, and while the white man clambered over rugged cliffs.
the natives either coaxed their frail crait through the turbulent
waters or carried the vessels on their heads. On the second day,
Turnmile’s canoe was wrecked on a hidden rock, so Howitt
decided to finish the joutney ayerland.

Our holiday over, we regretfully departed for civihzation, aud
comfortable beds; but some day we shall return to this small
patch of unspoiled wilderness, Our most vivid memory perhaps
is of the Currajong trees seventy feel or more high and with

(runks measuring over fitteen feet in girth.

REFERENCES.

Croll, RB. ., Melbourne Weather, 132 13.

Easton, J. G., Mining and Geolagicat Journal, July 3938, p. 73.
Thomas, F. J., d’tes, Nat, 28: 199.

Green, TE, Piet, Nad, 40) 77,

Daley, Gy ict Nat, 43; 298,

116 H.M. R. Reep, Notes on Anstratian Orchids ee

NOTES ON AUSTRALIAN ORCHIDS

By the Rey, H. M, R. Rure, Willoughby, N.S.W.
I. A New Species of Dendrobiron trom North Queensland.

2D. ELOBATUM, sp. nov:

Plonta. robusta; pseudobylbis pluribus, usque ad 60 cm, altis, prope
aredium c, JG am, fats. Feta ovsta, inacgitaltter emarginata, 5-6 cm,
fanga, 2 cat. lata, practer psendabullyin alterna. Flores racemosi, comnparate
paru, pallentes cum vith longitudinakbus fuscornbris, Sepaliim dotsale c,
16 mm. longum, ad basit 6 nian, lati, acuminafun. Sepala laferalia parlum
longiory, cum colemnae pede calcar magniin vbtisim formantia; calcar
ad basin 1 cm, fatum. Petalea augusta, 2 cn, longa, Labelliuns beewrcs gram
sepala, elobatum, brevissime wngyriciatin, ¢, 13 aim. laiguan, ad dasin
aliguanta angustin, prope uicduen S mm, datum, cacuntitaton, rigiduar,
macilosusm. Caluimta 10 inne. longa, ubainque ateta; alae supra projectac.
Stigma late blosiguane.

DENDROBIUM ELOBATUM, sp. nov.

A—a flawer fram the front, x14
B—a flower from the side, x14
C —lahellum fram the front, » 24

.

A robust plant with several psendobulbs up to 60 cm, high,
and ahout 15 mm, wide near the middle. Leaves ovate, tnequally
emarginate, 5-6 cm. long, 3 cm. wide, alternate along the greater
part of the pseudobulb, coriaceous. Flowers racenose, not large,
pale green or whitish with red-brown longitudinal bands, Dorsal
sepal about 16 mm. long, 6 mm. wide at the base, acutiinate.

sg HM. R. Rurk, Notes on Australien Orelsds Wr

Lateral sepals a little longer, with the foot of the column forming
a large obtuse spur 1 em, wide at its base, Petals narrow, quite
2 cm- long, Labéllum shorter than the sepals, obeless, very shat'tly
elawed, about 13 mim. long- rather narrow at the base but widening
to 5 mm. about the middle, acuminate, somewhat rigid, blotched
with reddish or purplish brown, the longitudinal mdges of the
dise obscure, Column 10 mm. long, winged on either side, the
sarge projecting above as high as the anther. Sigma broadly
oblong,

Growing on Wormia alata in the mangrove scrubs of TVinity
Bay, Cairns district, N. Queensland (leg. S. F, Goessling-
St. Cloud, August 1952—TYPE, in NSW).

This new species is very distinctive. The plant iself somewhac
resenibles a small 2, wadudatwen, but the flowers are unlike those
of any other known Australian Dendrobe, The perianth seginents,
though narrow and rather long, show no tendency towards urdu-
lation or twisting, as in JD. unditlatum, D. superbiews, D. Jahannts.
and other North Queensland species, The labellum is qnite devoid
et Jateral lobes, Mr, St, Cloud calls attention to the unusual
colouring of the ves of the cauline Jeaf-bracts, and, on a smaller
scale, those subtending the flowers, The bracts themselves are
pale lilac, the veins deep lilac throughout. Four plants were dis-
covered: they were not growmg on [he mangroves, but were
about L6 feet up on Horta alata, locally known as Swainp
Mahogany.

Il. Pterostylts fireatu Lindl.

Ty the Wietorian Naturafist, Vol. 65, March 1949, the late
W. H. Nicholls described and figured this species as “an elusive
archid”, from Tasmania. Subsequently he published a supple
mentary article, also illustrated (ibid. 66, April 1950). The
present writer, during a residence of three years in Tasmania,
irequently found whae he believed to be Lindley's species, but
it was very unlike the plant shown in Nicholls’s frst article. His
figure in his second article is much more like the plant J knew.
But there was already existing, in my opinion, an admirable
plate of P. furcate accompanying an article by the late Dr. R, S,
Rogers in Prac. Ray. Soe. Victoria 28 (1us.), 1915. Curiously,
Nicholls must have missed this article, for he does not mention
it. The plate was drawn by the late Miss Fiyeash, and it depicts
Lindley’s species exactly as 1 knew it in Tasmania, and as it
was collected there some years later hy Mrs. P. R. Messmer.
Nicholls alludes to the action of E, D, Hatch and the present
writer in referring Haoker’s New Zealand P. tirieromega to
Lindley’s species, I received New Zealand specimens at that time
which might have served as models for Miss Fiveash’s plate,
The Russell River plants, collected by Atkinson and figured by

118 HK. M. RR. Ruee, Notes on Anstration Orchids ttn ae

Nicholls m his first article, eppear to sme to constitute a very
distinct and unustal variety, with smaller flawers, more flifernn
point to che lateral sepals, and a very different curvature of the
labellian,

IT. Thelymetra purprrala Rupp in Proc, faun, Soc, NSM’.
70: 288 (1946).

In Part I of his splendid (but, alas! posthumous) work on
the Orchids of Australio, the late W, H-. Nicholls, without any
explanation, gives this as a synonym of T. ixioides Sw. 1 am
quite tnable to accept his opinion on this point, and in mai-
taining the specific rank of 7, purpavata I am supported by
competeut and careful observers m New Sonch Wales and Queens-
land who have collected and exaniined specimens. 1 have nothing
ta add to the description and drawings in the paper cited above,
except to say that the known range of the plant now extends
northward ta Maryborough in Queenslaud (W. \W, Abell), and
southward to Nabiac in New South Wales (1. Gilbert).

IV, DISTRIBUTION OF VARIOUS SPECIES:

(a) Thelymitra trunceta Rogers. Woodford, Blue Moun-
tains, N-5.W., Miss I. Bowden, 10/2950. First record
for N,S.W. Vhis is another species which the late W. H,
Nicholls considered to be merely a variery of 7, txvterdes;
but I have always regarded it as a valid species. Miss
Bowden's specimens agree perfectly with sume received
fram the late Dr. Rogers, collected in South Australia,

(b) Phelymitra lnteorium KR, D. Fitzg. Woodford, N.S.W.
Miss IT. Bowden, 11/1950. Previously only recorded
from: South Australia and Victoria.

(c) Thelymitra chestroganm Rogers. Castlecrag,-N.S.W. Mrs.
Marjory Loader, 10/1950.

{d) AMicrates Aipulvinaris Nich. Jannali, near George’s River,
N.S.W, Miss 1. Bowden, 8/1950. New for N.S.W-

{¢) Prasophylium striatum R.Br, Dapto, S. Coast, N.S.W.
R. O'Meley, 5/1952. Most southerly record known.

(t) Prasophylinm plumosum Rupp. The Pyramids, Stan-
tharpe, Queensland. Miss J. Gemmell, 3/1951, A surpris-
ing discovery, as the species’ was known previously only
from the environs of Sydney.

(ge) Sptewlaca huntiona (F. Muell.y Schltr. Mt. Victoria, Blue
Mountams, N.S.W. Miss T, Bowden, 2/1951. This inter-
esting little orchid had pot been found in N.S,W, for many
years; Miss Bowdets reported ii as fairly plentiful near
Mt. Victoria.

retires In M. Ro Ruer, Notes on Angtealian Ovechids 119

(hh) Caladenta: filaseifosa R.Br. Near Campbelltowti, N.S,W
K. Bursill, 9/1950: Abercrombie Caves, N.S.W., K.
Mair, 10/1951; Harvey Ra, Centr. Western Slopes,
N.S.W.,, G, Althofer, 10/1951. Not previously recorded
from any of these @reas.

(i) Prevostyls alpina Rogers. Point Lookout, at the head of
the Macleay River, NSW. F. Fordham, 1/1951. An-
other surprising record, the species not having beew
reported previously vorth of Kosciusko.

(i) Prerestyls fuldee Nich, Originally beheved to be confined
to southern Queensland and the extreme N, of NSW..
this species is now known to have a much more extensive
range. The fullowing records bave not previously been
puldished —Terrigal, N.S.W., Miss I. Bowden, 9/1948;
Mt. Kembla, 5. Coast. N.S.W., W. Schmidt, 8/1950:
Dapto, W.S.\W., R. O'Meley, 8/1950; Springhraok, @.,
W.W. Abell, 3/1949: Ku-ring-gai Chase, N.S.W., Dr.
Melville and party, 8/1952,

(k) Pterostylits daintreana Io Muell. Another species the
known range of which has been widely extended. New
records: Granite near Stanthorpe, O., Miss J. Gemmell,
4/1952: Khyber Pass near Rylstone, N.S_W., G. Altho

fer, 5/1952; Dupto, N\S.W., R, ©'Meley, 5/1952,

(1) Pterostytis barbate, Lindl, Abercrombie Caves, N.S.W.
JK, Mair, 10/1951. [See Rupp, Grek, NSW. (1943),

p. 101.

(141) Bandrodaon delicatum Fo M. Bail. Mt. Nullam, near
Matrwilluinbah, N.SOW. J. Leaver, 9/1980; Ranges dear
Wauchope, NUS.W., Osborne, L951. First records for
this State.

{ni} Phreatia robusta Rogers. Babinda, N- Queensland. Wilkie
and Loader 8/1952. This remarkahle species is a giant
in the genus, which consista for the most part of very
diminutive plants. The minute flowers of P. rabusta are
no larger than those of its relatives, but the plant itself
with its large leaves arranged like a fan, is quite attras-
tive. The new record is. more definite than the previous
vajgue one, “near Cairns”

(0) Acrivpsis nelsomana BF. M. Bail. in G@. Agr. 7. 2: 160
(1898), Bailey described this as 2 New Guinea plant.
In 1046 W, W. Mason junr. sent down a plant, without
flowers, which appeared ta be a species of Arriopsis, a
gentis hitherto unknown in Australia, Flowering speci-
mens tollawed later m the year, and the plant proved to
he <4. wafsomane, which Bailey had described irom the
Gira River in New Guinea, and which oceurs also in
the Salomon Islands. I) September 1952, Mr. A, Pearson
collectecl this species on the Daintree River.

1230 H.M. R, Rupr, Notes on Anstralion Orchids ie “et.

(p) Rhinerhisa diaitifora (F, Mnuell.) Rupp. |Sarcochitus
divitiflorus F. Muell.| Atherton tableland, N. Queens-
land, between Ravenshoe aud Millaa Millaa, Mrs, Eunice
Kirkwood. Previously this remarkable orchid had pot
been seen farther north than the vicinity of Mary-
borough (Q.),

(q) Sarcochilus ftartimannt F. Muell. Upper Macleay River,
N.S.W.,, J. Leaver 1952. Not known previously 5. of
the Richmond R,

(r) Sarcocizlus spathulatus Rogers. Sugarloaf Range, S.W. of
Newcastle, N.S|W,, If. Todd 9/1951, Not previously
known south of the foothills of Barrington Tops, N.S.W.

(s) Chifoschista phvtlovhiea CF. Moeli.) Schltr. Yarrabah, N
Queensland, Mrs. FP. R. Messmer 8/1952, Mest southerly
record.

(t) Malazxts xauthoclila (Schlir,) n. comb, [M. sordida J. J,
Sin.; Micrastylis xvanthochila, Schitr.j). Bellenden Ker
Range, N. Queensland, J. Wilkie, 1951. First record of
this plant for Australia, previously know only in New
Guinea.

EXCURSION TO BERWICK ~ BEACONSFIELD

About 30 members and friends attended the Club's excursion ta the
above region on Ist November. Good weather favoured the outing and. an
enjoyable day was experienced, The Berwick district with its hilly laad-
scapes, shown under their mantle of colourful Spring, presented a general
spectacle. of vivid green with fields marked out by hedges of deeper hur.
Toterspersed were trees atid shrubs of yellow and other shades, and the
varions views were Jikened by a lady fram the homeland as resemisting
certain focalities in England sven under similar seasonal conditions,

About 45 species of birds were met with but a very wet Season seams
to have contributed to the absence of several migratory species which are
usually found in the locality at this time of the year, Jn particular we
missed the Whiteewinged Triller, the White-hrowed Woodswallow and
the Rufous Songsark-

Wild flowers were plentiful and in some places made a goad display
The Howering swamp tea-tree (Leplosperaman dcangerinin) was very shawy
along the margins of the Curdinia Creek. ‘The flood waters of this stecam
prevented us from visiting the territory of the Helmeted Honeyeater,
anc jin consequence we did not seo a single specimen of thia lovely bird,

In the late afternoon we paid.a visit to a renowned “orchid plot” where
thousands of the beautiiut Purple Diuris (2, pwnetatay were found to be
in fall bloom—some heads having as many as five blooms on the ane stalk,
Members felt that they were amply rewarded for the time and effort spent
m making this unexpected deviation, peg?

FUNWEL WEB SPIDERS WANTED

From Mr, Methourne Ward, of Medimv Bath, N.S,W. comes a request
to readers, for specimens of spiders, particularly of the Funnel Web group,
Mygalomorphe, Tw return an offer 3s made of collections of Blue Mountains
msects, reptites and spiders, or of idlentifeation work an spiders,

irra T. Ravvent, 4 Trap for Bers 121

A TRAP fOR BEES
By Taxutton Raymert, F\R.Z,S,

One of the many surprising, methads ‘used by spiders to capture their prey
is that of a greenish spider known as Diara sosra. It is a smallish species,
with a more or less spherical body, and rather long Icgs well adapted for
making a sudden rush forward. In spite af the specific mame, whith
nbany ah a rosy colour, these arachnids actually showed more green
than red,

At Cranbourne, Victuria, on 23rd October, 1952, one of oar Club mem~
bers, Herbert P. Dickens, observed the behaviour of several of these
spiders on the white flowers of the Shasta Daisy. The babite of several
specimens were compared, and it was found that all conformed to a
conimon pattern.

On several other flowers in the vicmity, were very much smaller spiders,
which appeared to be of the same species These dimsnuuve forms were
not crincally examined; but it was suspected that ihey were the males,
far it is a rule among the arachnids for the males to be much smaller
than the iemales.

Tt is very doubtful whether any other spider obtains her prey with less
effort, and so little danger.

The female spider pulls down and in towards the centre of the flower
faur petals, one after another, and fastens them in position with strands
of silk to form a kind of cathouflaged hood. She then retires beneath this
floral dome, and quite hidden from the world awaits patiently the arcival
of her victim,

She does not, however, have to lie in wait very long, for in a few
iminutes an incdwsarious honey-bee will assuredly alight on the daisy to
callect the harvest of pollen and honey from the golden treasury of the
capitulum.

Utterly unaware of her proximity ta violent death, the unsuspecting
hee plunges her head into the florets, ‘The spider suddynly darts owt front
her camouluged shelter and seizes the bee with her needle-Jike pnison-iangs.
There is no dramatic death-struggle, for the heney-gatherer is evidently
imstantly immobilized by the poison, The bee is taken utterly by surprise;
the spider Icisur¢ly loops a few strands of silk about the corpse to anchor
it to the flower, and there it remains until the spider's appetite tefls her
itis time to caloy the rea) 30 easily obtaimed,

PLANTS WITH RESTRICTED HABITATS

Plants which occur naturally in very limiled areas are jot usually hardy
cnough todo well in new areas where the climaric conditions are necessarily
different. An example of this is the Rosy Bush-pea (Pattenaca snl-alpina)
which is found only an the summits of Mount Rosca and Mount William 11
the Grampians, and which has proved dificult to grow under garden
conditions,

Cootamundra Wattle (Acacia baileyane) provides an exception to ts
tule, Although this plant occurs naturally only around Cootamundra and
Wagra in New South Wales, jot only has it responded readily to cultiva-
tion iy Victoria, but it is spreading freely from garden specimens into
our bushland. A very welcome mlroduction it 18, too, because of its
heavtitul display daring the winter months when most acacias have vet ta
come into hloom,

—A.E.B:

3 ‘ "Vict. Nat.
122 Wheat, Where and When Vol, €1.

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN
Generol Excursions:

Saturday, January 17—Walk fron Olinda to Kullista. Subject: Botany.
Leaders: Botany Group Take 918 a.m. Upper Fern Tree Gully train:
then hus to Olinda, Bring one meal.

Saturday, Jauary 31—200 mile parlor coach excursion to Loch River and
Noojec, Via Warburton, Moe, McVeigh's Road; return to Melbourne
through Warragul. Coach leaves Batman Avenue & aa. returmny
approximately & pm. Bring two meals. Raokiings, 24/-, with Be,
Atkins, Botanic Gardens, South Yarra, S,E.1.

Saiurday, February 7—Metropolitan Golf Links, Oakleigh. Subject:
World-famed Scarlet Flowering Gum. Take 1.35 p.m. Oakleigh trai
som Minders Street, then bus to Golf Links: party nicets there at
30 pm,

Preliminary Notice:
Saturday, Mareh 7—~Evemmg parler coach excursion to Healesville Sanc-
tuary. Coach leayes Batman Avenue 2.30 p.m., returns 10.30 p.m.

Bring a torch and one meal, Bookings, 15/-, with K. Atkins, Botame
Gardens, South Yarra, 5.E.1.

Group Fixtures, at Royal Society's Holl

Tuesday, Pebruary 3—Geology Discussion Group, Subject: “Holiday
Reminiscences”.

ee

A NOTE FROM BRAZIL

Several interesting items emerge from a copy of “The Bee World”
195], just to hand. In an article “Stingless. Bees and their Study” by
Dr, P. Noguecira-Neto, of Sag Paulo University, Brazil, S. America, the
author acknowledges receipt of the WViefarian Naturalist (1932) ant
writes, “'T. Rayment gaye a yer’ useful accoum of the Stingless Bees
of Australia, His comparative study of Apis and Trigona ts the most
Important paper writtgy on the bionomics of the Melponins belonging to
the general (Indo-Pacific Area’. Note how far the “Naturalist” travels,
and the value of the varticles published The Stingless Bees. Meliponins,
are fine pollinators, yistng some flowers that are not sought by the
honey bees, Research is proceeding to use them for the pollination of
plants grown in greenhouses. Dr. P. Nogueira-Neto las designed twa
rational hives for them. —L.Y.

ANDERSON'S CREEK

There are at least two things of mote about Anderson's Creek whiclt
has its source about two miles north of Ringwood and flows mia the
Yarra River near Pound Bend,

This stream is beheved to have captured a tributary fram the Dandenows
Creek by decpenme its valley, and so cutting its. way back wot rt mot
the wibutary which then commenced to Aow into Anderson’s Creék

The first reported discovery of gold in Victoria, for which a reward
of two hundred guineas was paid to L. J, Michelle, was from Anderson's
Creek, At the spot where the gold was found, which was known ii the
Wining days as “Golden Point”, a stone memorial cairn tas been erected
hy the Warratidvtee Women's Auxilrary

Incidentally, in the early days Warrandyte was known as Anderson's
Creek. —A.E.B.

Start Your Children Right

All perents will agree that every child should be
trained in c proper appreciatian of ‘the value of money.
A sane money-sense is one of the most helpful factors
in the building of a successful career.

For this reason children should be encauroged to ‘make
good use af their money boxes, Steady saving will ’
develop traits of character that will make for security,
happiness, and contentment in later life.

Teach Them to Save

THE STATE SAVINGS BANK
OF VICTORIA

“The Bank for You and Your Family”

EXHIBITS AT JANUARY MEETING

FLOWERS: Garden grown native Mowers—Mr, J, S, Seaton, Mr. A, E,
Brooks,

FUNGI: Blackfellow’s bread (selerotium of the fungus Polyporus
myplittac), weighing 44 Ib. and plowghed up at Kinglake—Mr, J. Ros Garnet,

OReHIDSs Sprivanthes anstratis Lindl; Cétloglottis fyalli Math—Mr,
345.

SUFLILS: Araonauta tedesa Sol (Victoria) and 3 species of Nautilas—
Mr. J. Gabrich; Mandarin’; Finger-nails (Lingala mnrphyit) from Hayman
Island —Mr. F. Lewis.

DRAWINGS: Raniicoots, orehids and fuigi—Mr. FE, Baxter; Horn
Het (Mt, Bufialo)—Me- Haas.

FILMS OF NATIVE FLOWERS

Members will be secing Dr, Ronald Melville's films of Kew Gardens
(England) at the Club shortly, but there is a chance to see the excellent
colour transparencies Ds. Melville has taken tere of Australian flawers
al ait evening arranged by the Wildflawer Preservation Saciety. It will be
held on March 3, at 8 pm, at Chuech of England Girls’ Grammar School,
Anderson Street, South Yarra. Admission 2/,

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN

General Excursions:

Saturday, February 28—Evening excursiow to Agstconomical Observatory.
Leader: Mr, E. ord Mect at National Terbarium gates at 5.45 pm.
for picnic tea on Oak Lawn. Party limited to 25.

Saturday, March 7—Evening patlor-coach excursion to Healesville Sanc-
tuary, Coach Jeaves Barman Avenue 230 pam, returns 10.50 p.m, Being
a torch and one teal. Bookings, 15/-, with Mr. K. Atkins, Botanic
Gardens, Sowth Yarra, S.E,L.

Group Fixtures, ot Royal Society's Hall:

Monday, February 23—Botany Discussion Group.
Tuesday, March 3—Gedlogy Discassign Group,

AIR LIFT FOR SWANS:

The Hawthorn Standard recently made comment on a B.B.C. talk dealing
with the now rare Trumpeter Swan of North America. This great bird
has snow-white plumage aikl black bill and legs, and the largest are said
to have ia ten-foot wing span. The ceric clarion call, something like a
French horn in tone, is produced through a remarkably looped and con-
torted windpipe.

In the early days, thousands of Trumpcters were slaughtered for their
liveast skins, used to make swandown quilts, and by 1940 only about 600
were left in North America. Some died of lead poisoning, by picking up
too many of the shot pellets Jeft after visits by duck shooters, and now
clrasti¢ steps are Demg taken to prevent complete extinction.

The swans witter in the Western woods and nest as far north as open
water cai be found. At one such place, 2 remote seven-mile stretch of
water called Lonesome Lake, game wardens fed the birds cach winter
with grain brought over a 70-inile sledge trail, but recent severe winter
snows have prevented this haulage. Fortunately, the Royal Canadian Air
Porce came to the rescue, and for the past several years a smali-seale ajr-
lift has been in aperation exch waiter. Sacks of barley are parachuted from
about 500 fect, and the remnant of the rare birds is kept from starvation.

.

Vict. Nat,
Vv

124 E. D. Git, Giant Kangaroos ‘o}. 69,

GIANT KANGAROOS LIVED AT CAMPBELLFIELD

By Eomunv D. Gir., Palaeontologist, National Museum,
Melbourne.

The discovery of fossil bones in a terrace of the Merri Creek
at Campbellfield on the northern outskirts of Melbourne shows
that only a short time aga (from the geological point of view)
giant kangaroos roamed that area. While carrying out his duties
as a surveyor, Mr. A. J. Blackburn, of the F.N.C,V. Geology
Group, found this locahty and kindly drew the attention of the
writer to it. Later the Geology Group held an excursion to this
vicinity, and studied the story the rocks have to tell.

Lavas ANCIENT AND MopERN

Outcropping in the creek floor and banks is an ancient flow
of basait which may belong ta the Tertiary Older Basalts. Dr. A.
B. Edwards kindly made a slide of this rock, and stated that
while it appears to belong to that group, the evidence is not con-
clusive. Over this rock is a bed of ferruginous sandstone 34 feet
thick, which in turn 15 capped by a flow of Newer Basalt, probably
of Pleistocene age. This succession of strata can be seen at the
locality marked | in text-figure 1,

ty
«TO CAMPBELLFIELD
BRIDGE ‘ MAHONEY’S ROAD

if

rr |
SCALE IN FEET

Texi-Figure |
Mern Creek near Campbellfeld, north of Melbourne.
1. Section showing two basalt Hows aid intervening sandstone,
2. Site of fossit giant kangaroo bones.

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 69 — No. 10 FEBRUARY 5, 1953 No. 330

PROCEEDINGS

The general meeting of the Club was held in the National
Herbarium on January 12, 1953, About 120 members and friends
attended, and the President, Dr, Margaret Chattaway, weleomed
the visitors, many of whom were old members on holiday in
Melbourne and who includecd Mr. and Mrs. Stan Colliver (Bris-
bane} and Mc. Leslie Wooleack of Canberra.

Twa matters of general business came before the meeting. First,
the President announced the appointment by Council of Mr. N.
A. Wakefield as Editor of the Victorian Nuturalist in place of
Miss Watson who had resigned. Secondly,-Dr, Chattaway brought
up the subject of the replacement of trees in St, Kilda Road, She
expressed the view that ou: F.N.C.V, should take a lead in the
matter, and members endorsed her suggestion of wnting to the
newspapers requesting interested Societies (not individuals) to
get in touch with the Secretary, so that a representative Committee
could discuss the matter with Cr. Carlyle. ;

Detatls were-given of a survey of the rare Helmeted Honey-
eater by kindred bird clubs, and an appeal was made for more
field workers, Further details will be given in the Wict, Nat,

Before commencing his lecture, Mr, Stan Colltver gave greet
ings from Mr. A. H. Chisholm in Sydney, and Mr, David Fleay
of Queensland. He said also chat Mr. S. E. Richardson, known
to many members, and whuse age was over 80, had just completed
A journey of 1,000 miles upstream irom, the mouth of the Amazon

ivet,

Mr. Colliver’s talk, which was illustrated by slides, ranged over
a wide variety of localities, as he spoke of geology ani general
natural history in South Queensland. The President conveyed
the thanks of the members to Mr, Colliver, whose popularity and
long service as Secretary are still vividly remembered.

NATURE MOTES

The destruction by grazing ealtle at Mt, Bulkala was bronght io aitention
again by the comments of Mr. Atkins unt his recent visit.

Mr. Galliver reported on Curlews nesting at a hotnestead chase to Bris-
bane over a long series at years.

Mr, Gabriel showed specimens of the true (Pearly) and so-called Nautilos
shells. The latter is the Paper Nautilus—really an ege cradle, He asked
fer tHformatiog from anyone finding the true, or Pearly Nautilus on Vic-
terian beaches,

Mr. Stan Mitchell spoke briefly of a recent trip to Algiers whete fre lad
attended a Congress and exhibited aboriginal implements which had creared
freat aiterest, He drew attention to some fne examples of Tasmanian
native weapons wliich he had procured recently in Englard,

aa E, D. Git, Giant Kangaroos 125

The base of the younger basalt is there 271.3 feet above
M.M.B.W. datum (determined by Mr. Blackburn). In this sec-
tion of its course, Merri Creek flows round the margin of the
recent hasalt flow, The basalt infills an old course, thus forcing
the stream on tu a higher level, just as the River Yarra now
flows about sixty feet above a buried bed far below. Since the
Newer Basalt fow consolidated, the Merri Creek has cut a shallow
valley for itself, and on the sides of this valley are terraces of
clayey silt not now reached even by the flood waters of the creek.
In this terrace the fossils were discovered.

When the writer visited this area first in 1951, a new bridge
was being built in Mahoney's Road over the Merri Creek, and
the contractor provided the following information concerning
bores put down in connection with the construction. The depths
are from the deck level of the bridge which is 281.4 feet above

datum. Wrst SIDE EAST SIDE

4it. Filling 9it. Filling

12ft. Tough grey clay lft. Yellow and black clay

lft. Gin, Loose stone I ft, Loose stone

3ft. bin. Tough yellow clay lit. Rock

2ft. Gin. Loose stone 2ft. Yellow clay

lit. Yellow clay l0ft. Rock

Zit. Clay and loose stone Ht. 6in. Tough yellow clay
Foundation on solid Sit. Solid rock ¢hasalt)
tock (basalt)

Zoft. 6in. 19it. 4in.

FossiL GiANT KANGAROO AND BANDICOOT

The “tough grey clay” of the contractor is probably the same
as the terrace of light-grev clayey silt with calcareous nodules to
be seen at locality 2 (see text-figure 1}, There a mineralized jaw
of Macropus titan Owen was obtained along with a number of
frayinentary hones. A ramus of a lower jaw of a bandicoot was
also found, though not so mineralized. Macropus tiian was prob-
ably the commonest of the giant kangaroos that inhabited Victoria
in the Ice Age, for this species is found in so many places and
sometimes in considerable numbers, It has been collected from
a similar terrace further down the Merri Creek at Coburg.

A search in the National Museum collections shows that over
&& years ago, in July 1864, Mr. Frank Meyer found a number
of mineralized bones in the satne or a similar clayey silt on the
banks of the “Merry Creek, 12 miles from Melbourne past Camp-
bellfield”. It could well be that Mr. Blackburn rediscovered the
bed found by Mr. Meyer in 1864.

Members of the Geology Group also found a number of aborig-
inal scrapers, but what their relationship was to the terrace could
not be determined.

126 R. N. Accurertonie, Tenacions Tree ete

A TENACIOUS TREE
By R, N. AUCHTERLONIE

Adventitious rooting in eucalypts is not conmion, but occasional
examples prove that it does sumetimes occur. One example was
brought before the writer's notice in north-eastern Victoria,

The subject is a roadside Red Gum ( £ncalyptus camaldulensis )
which attained a height of approximately 50 feet, with bole dia-
meter of about 2 feet and a spreading head of branches. The first
crisis in this tree’s fe came about twelve years ago, when it was
blown tu the ground in a storm. The head of the tree came down
in the adjacent paddock, the strong branches holding the trunk
well clear of the ground, and forming an arch over the roadside
fence. As often happens, the tree did not die, and the few roots
retaining contact with mother earth were sufficient to sustain sap
flow. Branches contacting the ground also developed roots.

The second crisis came some eight years later when someone
sawed the tree through, removing about twelve feet of its trunk,
thus completely severing all connection between the head of the
tree and its original routs. This operation was no inconvenience,
because time had seen the development of a strong and inde-
pendent root system from the layered branches.

And so the old Red Gum lives on, in apparent good health,
with a completely different set of roots from thuse on which it
spent the greater part of its life. This trunkless and seemingly
rootless tree presents an odd sight on the west side of the Targoora-
Laceby South road, about eight miles south of Wangaratta.

Eucalyptus caualdilensts, sustained ne ctor by anvertitines roots from
the branches. Photo taken by the writer four years after trunk was
severed,

rene] NLA, WaKesieLy, Viclovian Species of Pomuderris 127

THE VICTORIAN SPECIES OF POMADERRIS
By N. A, Wakertein

Following the publication of new names for many species ut Pomederriz,
Cin Mie. Nat, 68, pp, 140-143; Dec. 1951), the following notes are presented
to assist naturalsits in dealing with Victorian species, The tecal members
of the genus will be discussed on the basis of their enumeration in the
1928 FLN.C.V, Census of the Plants of @ietaria, and Ewart's Flora of
Viderin (1930),

A. P, lonigera, P. ferruginca, P, vacciniifolin, P. apetalu, 2. preifolio,
P. clachaprylio and Po phyticifolia need uot be amended; and FP. velativa
was fully dealt with in Pfc. Nat. 58: 176 (Mareh 1942).

B. P. elliptica is a species endemic i) Tasmania; but its name has been
a “dumping ground” for severai species, the Victorian members of which
may be distinguished by this key:

Petals auticulate, style hardly cleft:
Calyx-titbe and under-surfaces of leaves bearing: simple

bafra i oe oo be CM et 2g ee P. sieheriqns
Calyxstube and under-surfaces af leaves devoid of simpte
hairs .. .. ie tA PL sin fore

Petuls not auriculate, sp'le deeply cleft;
Leaves tapered at each end, quite glabrous above, the

margins definitely recurved - 6. 0. wus P. discolor
Leaves usually blunt at each end, upper surface minutely *
stellate—pubescent along the mid-vein, the margins

hardly recurved .. 2. 0. - oe ee OP pifera

C, The “Avan Pamaderris” way otigitvally collected with inature [rtit,
and was erroneously identified with the New South Wales /?, fedifalin,
becalise of similarity of leaf. Another collection, in bud only, from Genva
River, was. incorrectly designated as P, phylicifolia (vac latifolia). A
third Jorm, allied to the Avon plant, has been known as P. leddfalia war.
angushfolia, (See Vlora Australiensis 1: 419.) The Victorian specimens
conceried are now identified as follows;

Flowers in leafy thyrsoid paticles, the ovaries proiminent anid
glabrous; capsules glabrous aid quite exserted:
Upper-surfaces of leaves bearing stellate hairs .. 2. angustifolia
Upper-sutfaces of leaves gilabious ov bearing simple
faire cg eee te ee ee BY heliauthonifolta
(The ‘true P. ledifolra ig dealt with below, it section. G.}
D. P_ beixlina has also provided a “dumping ground" for a number of
speies, the three Victorian ones being reengnized hy this key:

Flowers sessile or almost so, in clusters with persistent bracts:

Leaves invested henvath with a stellate scurt .. -. PL betaling
Leaves invested beneath with apparently simple woolly
hairs >

Unper Jeat-surfaces bearing a velvety mat oF mitidte
hairs sees ah de ah te ae re ope) Py patbocapitate

Upper leaf-surfaces hispid with large stiff ercet hairs,
P. ertocepbhale
E. Relerence to the type specimen of Hooker's P. racemosa lias proved
it to be the Tasmanian form of what has been known in -Victoria as
P_ oubrepanda? so the former name must replace the latter. The specics
which has been wrongly known, in Victoria, as P. racemosa is actually

Muteller’s P_ oraria-

- - ° - vi ¥.
128 N. A, WAxkriELp, Iieforian Species of Pomadorris vee

F, Specimens, from dri¢r parts of north-eastern and eastern Victoria,
with woolly vestiture, leaves stellare-pubescent on their upper surfaces,
and large golden flowers i pyramidal panicles, represent 2 species now
known as P. aurea.

G. As well as the 20 already nientioned, there are a further 9 species
which have beet! added to the known flora of Victoria by their discovery
in East Gippsland during the past fifteen years. Each of these, however,
had been previously collected in New South Wales. They may be identified
by these features:

Similar to FP. Jenigera, but with upper surfaces of Teaves
shining and almost glabrous, aud with a coarser ves-
titure 4. ae 1. « FP. affinis
Upper branches thin, and hearing ‘Tong ‘fine spreading hairs 5
underssurfaces of leaves bearing dense simple vestiture >
flowers tiny, pale, apetalous, im Jarge loose patiicles,
P. ligusiz inte
Leaves small, oblanceolate, upper surfaces hispid with
simple hairs, wunder-surfaces invested with simple
pubescence aod some stellate hairs on ribs and petioles;
flowers apetalous, in sinall loose panicles .. .. Po panciflora
Leaves small, margins. asually strongly recurved, upper
stirfaces sehen with minute dense hairs; petals
none ai ~1 oe = PL pallida
Leaves broad, | blunt, strongly: ‘ pennate-costate beneath ;
flowers pale, apetalous, in dense pyramidal panicles:
Upper leaf-surfaces glabrous, under-surfaces invested
with short dense stimple hairs 9. .. FP. costate
Upper leaf-surfaces pubescent with stellate (or rarely
simple) hairs; under-surfaces stellate-tomentose .. .,
P. cotoneaster
Leaves normally small, their upper sutfaces glabrous, invested
beneath with simple forward-appressed vestiture, the
venation peniiate ar vat apparent; flowers villose, in
email loose clusters;
Petals absent; lwaves racher san wir anhning Ferhat
vestiture beneath =... -. PB sericea
Petals. present;
Leaves tiny, narrow, flai, with no Tuteral veins -. 2. Indijolin
Leayes mediuim- sized with Petinate venation, or else small
broad and quite convex ahaye -, .. -- .. PL andrawedtfalta

The list af species of Pamadorris on page 42 of the FN.C.V, Consus of

the Plonts of Victoria, should We amended as. fallaws:

For P. ferruginca, read .. ty we a RE
Add: P, welitinn J 7 Wits N.E., E.
Delete: P. elliptica
Add; P. stebertone N. A. Wakefield oa SBE
P, maltifera (DG) Fenzl, ., ~ “SK.
P. discolor (Vent) Desf, Cn .:2
f. pilifera N. A, Wakefield _. - 5., EF.
‘Delete: FP. ledifolia, and yeplace by
‘holiauthemifotia (Reis) NL A,
Wakeleld 8. ep te Me ne; at SED ES
Add; P. wrgustifolia ®, A, “Wakeficlih . NE, FE.
P. eriocephala N. A. Wakefiekl -. .. N.E., E.
P. subcapiteta N, A. Wakefield - N.E, E.

Delete: P. raccaroso. aud replace by
P. oravria FY. Muell. ex. Reiss... --

>=
Zz
Z
rl

Egevary M. M. Cuatraway, Those London Starlings 129

Delete: FP, subrepanda, and replace by

F. rareiosa Hook. -- . . NW, SW, 5. C6)
Adi; P. aures N. A, Wakefield .. . .. NE, E.
P. effinds NO A. Wakefield 2 - . E
P. figustrina, Sieh ex DC... E.
P. pauciflera N. A, Wakefield E.
P. patlida N. A. Wakefield E, Ingeegoodboe

P, costata N. A, Wakefield.
FP. catoncaster N. A. Wakehetd
FP. seoricoa N. A. Wakefield .-
FP. ledifolia A. Cum, .. koe <> od
P. gndromedifolian A, Cuyn, =... --
In a later issue of the Victorian Noturodist, due credit wall be given to
Syone whose collections constituted “these, and other, new records for
ittoria.

Upper Genoa River
. Upper Genoa River
Mt. Kaye

mim bape

THOSE LONDON STARLINGS
By Du Mancarer CHATTAWAY

Melbourne City councillors may have their difficulties with the pigeon
pests, but. as yet starlings have tot caused the acute problems that they da
in Landon. A paragraph in a recent issue of Country Life (August 17,
1951} tells of the Frilure of the Westminster City Council to devise a
practical defence against the starlings that roost in thousands on the build-
ings in Trafalgar Square, These birds are commutors in teverse; they
Teave the city at dawn for feeding grounds in the surrounding country,
returning at dusk to their roosts. [t is 2 memorable sight to sec the sky
poring by a fight of returning starlings as they Ay in over the outer
suburbs, ‘

Most of the remedics suggested, such as electric shocks from Jow tension
wires, or sprays, are either too epensive or inefely serve to drive the flock
ftom one building to another. The Constitutional tried letting off freworks,
but these, so far from frightening the birds from ita buildings, attracted
those from neighbouring, ones, as a good fireworks display on Guy Fawkes
night will bring round a crowd of children from adjacent streets,

Tn summer the starlings—like other Londoners—pine for a change of
scene, and they roast during July, to a number of about 100,000, on Duck
Island in St James Park, The City Council decided to eliminate this
gathering, tut how? When pressure hoses were tried the hirds merely
moved ta the Victgria Memoria) outside Buckingham Palice, where they
were even ites welcome.

In Melbourne the starling meuace has uot yet reached these proportions,
but we had better watch aut. Those who use the Hanna Street trans
roule for their daily journey to the city may have noticed, especially in
winter when dusk coincides with the afterework exodus, that here, too, a
peak hour rush may be seen, but in the reverse direction. Flocks ot
imynahs and starlings are also making their way homewards to a large
corrugated iron shed half-way along the street, Here they mey be seen,
perching on the irees and alighting on the rool, chattering and gossipping
before they make their way onder the louvres of the roof to shelter for
the night.

REQUEST FOR SEEDS OF NATIVE PLANTS

Our country member. Mr. E. T. Muir, of dS Normanby Street, Dimboola,
would like to hear from anyone who is willing to send him seeds of
native plants, particularly members of the Lily family, These are needed for
‘an American naturatist, and seeds of American plants may he available
in exchanges,

130 I} H. Wiruis, Plant Geverc al Cresuich ae

LINKAGE OF UNCOMMON PLANT GENERA AT CRESWICK
(Isvites, Piluloria and Dichanthinay)

By J, H, W118, National Herbarium, Vic.

Creswick has a rich diversified flora, and within a radius of about tet
tiles there are at least 414 indigenous vascular plants, more than 60
bryophytes and 150-200 species of the higher fungi. Several inyportant
papers in the Preionan WNoturelst coneern this flora [sec T. S. Hart.
“Notes on the Distribution of the Eucalypts about Creswick and Clunes'—
Vol. 34, Oct. and Noy. 1917; also R, W. Bond, “Ferns in the Creswick
District"—Vol. 50, Jan. 1934, and Vol. 59. Dec, 1942).

During January, Mr. R. V. Smith and L re-tcod parts of the cauntry
which had so fascinated us as students at the School of Forestry there,
and we were rewarded by some excellent discoveries including ten plants
not hitherto recordéd for the district. Basalt plains nurth-west of the
township provided a crescentls of botanical excitements (in spite of heat,
flies and trouhlesome grass-seeds), We found rare Setrpus coirgriats (Nees)
S, T. Blake, of which the sole Victorian representation was a scrap
collected by F. M. Reader in ‘“Lowan Shire’, Nov. 1892. Nearby, on drving
nud gtew Isovtes drumaondy A. Br. (Quillwort) and Pilviana nove-
Aollandia A. Be. (Pillwort), while the rocky gorge of Creswick Creck
at Tourelfo yielded Dichanthtun sericcnm (R. Br.) Camus (Blue Grass)—-
all thrée genera new t0 central Victoria. .

The accompanying sketch wili show roughly where these species have
been callected in the, State: Dichanthivee alone occurs at Suggan Buggayw
and alang the Deddick River (upper Snowy region); PihWoria is present
from around Lake Winton to Graytown (Goulburn Valley); Dichanthiune
and Pilularia hoth accur on the Keilor basaltic plains (between Broad-
meadows and Little River; dsoétes ik co-extenave with Pilvlaria be-
tweet Hawkesdale and Tyrendarra in the south-west, and also in the
western Wimmera (between Minyin and Servicetan—on sandy az well az
heavier “crab-hole’ country).

VICTORIAN DISTRIBUTION
Cas knows) OF t—

Lsoebes Arvmmrondy LL xenax }

Lsoétes Furutior lig xX]

Pilylarie novee-~hellandias [P+]

DWWehan thon Sericeund {so =+~ -7

I+P+D(?)

ea o & a =e eee

Meta EEA
at by

--0.

180 af WoL, Witnrans, 4 Albing Orchid Tal

There 35 one “Winnniera” apecimen of Dichanthitom in Mel-
Bourne Herbarium, but the locatioy is too vague for indicating any field
proximity to the two pteridophytes. Creswick becomes an important vew
link between easy and west in the range of these three genera, and is the
anty defeite locality in which they are at present known to overlap
The other Victorian quillwornt, /secrcs dinnitter F. Muell. Cit really distince)
accupies pools on ezanitic rocks in the caster portion of the State—Mr,
Pilot near Chiltezn, Upper Mureay, Little -River falls at Wulgulmerang
am! Genoa gorge. [See Vict. Nat. d2- 125 (Nov. 145)|,

AN ALBINO ORCHID (CALOCHILUS ROBERTSONII!)
By W. T.. Witaiams

In the }vctorien Naturalist of Noverber 184, 1 ave att account of
albinisna in specimens [ had collected of a number of native flowers wi
various genera, On Nuvember 16, 1952, F added to my list an albino form
of Colochilus robertsonti, collected at the castern end of the Macedon
Range About a dozen normal specimens were in Auwer, theit gorfeous
purple beards doing a little to brightew a rugged hillside clothed with
Silver-leaf Stringybark and Small Grass-tree,

The spike of the alhino carried four flowers, one dead and iruming, a
second fully open but badly chewed and torn, and two still in bud. One
of the hads has apencd, the specenren heane in water, and it well confirms
the impression created by the damaged bloam. The beard is a glistening
white. though the Inirs near the tip are greenish at their bases. The glands
<m the oalummn wings are also silvery white, except that they carry a faynt
spol of mauve at the tip The other scements of the Mower are of a clear
and rather pafe green.

Shede had tethiig to do with the phenomenct; the orchid was growing
jn fall sunlight.

NATIVE POPPY

The comment in the Iici, Net of Febrwary 1952 (68: 163) on the
rarity of the uative poppy, brought « fetter fram our country member, Mr.
W. Huriter, listing several occurrences of the species in East Gippsland;
and National Herhariym records show jt to occur also iv a few places in
the Mallee und Wimmera, as well as at Portland and Daylesford, apparently
asyalty i dry conditions —N.ALW.

MITCHELL GORGE MOSSES

While on the excursion reported by Mr. Ken Atkins a the Jaruary
issue of the Victorian Noatnwatise, Mr. BE, Dakin collected 21 species of
masses, Undoubtedly the most mteresting was an example of Popitlaria
froces in fruit--a rare occurrence for any member of this genus ia Vic-
toria, Papillaria species are string-like mosses which frequently hang as
festoons on the branches of jungle trees, but P. croceu was discovered
‘in the Ferntree Gully National Park {Dandenong Ranges) iburing December
‘by H. T. Chifford—the mest westerly record known. Another attractive
and rather umeommon tree moss collected by Mr Dakin was Nechkera
aurescerty (flattened fern-like branches and shining feaves that are each
tegularly and conceiitrically tndulate); again, Mr, Clifford found the
same species in the Dandenongs (Clematis. Gully) for the first time Jast
July. The Mitchell Gorge suite included good fmuiting maternal of Crvpiea
Milatatn, Macramitriunt archers and Ptychomttriunn wmittenti—a wnfarniliar
mansses in western Victoria. _jpiw,

5 Vick Ni
1)2 M OM, Crarrawat, Papers (orth Reading Vo. or
1. 68

SCOTTISH PAPERS WORTH READING

Volume 3 number 32 af The Advancement of Science, of which a copy
is now available in ule F.N.CV. library, contains two articles on natural
histety which may be of interest to our members. The frst, by Professor
J, R Matthews? is a paper which was read before the sections of Zoology
and Botany at the Edinburgh meeting of the britsh Associatinw for the
Advancement of Science. It deals with botanicul aspects Of adture con-
servation in Sentland, and contains many suggestions and reminders for
all cauntnes such as ours, in which the destruction of odr hatural flora
has moved even more rapidly than in Scotland, but in which, as in Scotland,
remoteness of the more tmountaious parts has made it possible for Same«
to be saved, even at this late hour,

The aulhor deals with two aspects of the sulijed Sone spevies are
rare, Jew in wonmber and growing ite restvicted localities, others are rela-
tively camman ond at present are grawing in abundance, but may yct be
in as much danger of extermination as the rare ones, because the economic
needs ‘of the country are causing changes whoch. will, of necessity, destra;
their habitat: Among these latter are all box afd swamp platits, wiiich
will disappear as more land is drained for pasture and agriculture, and
the Hora of wative deciduous woodland, of which, thtough centuties of
exploitation so litde remains, Professor Matiheaws stales that it is esvi-
trated that before man appeared in Scotland 50 per cent. af the taad
surface was under forest; at present the figure is alnmut 5 per cent.

The widening of roads and replacetnent of hedges by fences bas caused
a marked decrease in the wild rose flora; the felling of native pine forests
has ¢aysed the disappearance of more than acven species peculiar to that
habitat, The extensive cutting af peat, and its present commercial explaita-
tion to replace coal as a houseliold fuel] is, at present, an economic neces-
sity, but it could have disastrous results on the adjacent countryside, for
pear, which is only formed under conditions oi very figh rainfall, is one
of the solls that as most setentive of moistuce, and #4 loss from a moun-
tainous fistrict might well he followed by Aooding and snii erosion.

There it mich matter in this article for thought; exploitation af
natural reserves has the same results in every country, and ab the present
time many countries arc trying to repair the damage done by dorestricted
exploitation of past generations,

Ig Scotland there Nas recently bean set up the Nature Conservaney of
which Professor Matthews says, “Ia functions are sumtned up in its char-
ter: ‘To provide scientific adyice on the conservation pid control of the
natural Hora and fauna of Great Hritain; to establish, maintain and manage
natural reserves ju Great Britam, including the maiutenance of physical
features of scientific imteecst; and to organise and develop the research and
scientific services related therelo'”

AML lovers of nature will approve this courte and hope that irom such
wall begamnings may grow larger schemes that will be worldswide in
their application.

The other paper was read by Dr. F, Frazer Darling to the section of
Zoology aid the sub-section wf Forestry at the same meeting,{ It deals with
the relation of mammats to forest growth.

Dr. Darling groups forest animals ip five groups, {he predatores aru
insectivores, which favour forest frowth, and the erazers, browsers and
rodents, which depress it. Of the wild predatory atimals that raamed
British forests in Saxon times only about four exist afl aby miuitber to-day,
und they are imsufficiert to steal with the menace of the rodents Among
the grazing animals, the ones that do most damuge to-day are decr, which
ate kept ynder control only by wolves, Foxes and humans, Wolves are

¢ Kevntery London Bird Fisitors 133

extinct im Scotland, foxes cannat deal with adult deer, and humans are
at present tal keepig them in check sufficiently to preserve young forest
graivtl: Erorm damage.

Tr this article the facts da pot apply directly to Australia nor can the
condlusions drawn from them be so applied, but the paper is of great
interest none the less, and theneht-provoeking to anyone genuinely loter-
ested in che problems of waimlaming ard improving woodlands, whether
of natural forest or of planted exatic species. —M_M.C.

*Hotanics| Aspects of Tature Conservation in Seothend, The Advanenment nf
Science @; $2. BeMYTSS IT. Ro Matthewe. 1452,

{Meronela and Porestre, The Advanecemeur of Aniemee Av 32: Ata-dty> fw,
Feaser Parle. (ype,

LONDON VISITORS

All over Londan there are vigilant bird-watechers, scanning the streets,
rks acd buildings for any birds that may have strayed in From the esuoetsy,
na BBC talk called “L Spy Strangers,” RS. R. Fitter, @ well-known

Hratish ornithatagist, asentioned some of the avian visilors that have come
to the capital recently. The black red-start, once so rare, is now almost a
commonplace in the City of London, where jt nests annually m yarioks
localities. But ic is the vavsme visitors that brive Ube anost exestement ta
Lotidon’s watchers. The peregrine falco that chased a kestrel over the
Central Hall at Wesiminster was recn by a distinguished givil servant wha
Je a great bird Jover, while the peregrine that occasionaliy visits St. Paul's
Cathedral 16 diné a} Jeisure as as Warmly welcomed by the Watchers as it is
distiked dy the pigeons that form its ineals, Another avatcker. af present
head of ane of the London colleges, happened toa see a tnigration of lune-
tailed tits proceeding through the City. He heard diem calling in (be trees
Wear St. Paul's, and, m spite of ths traffic noise, was able ta pick out their
curious Tittle splutter, We followed them by foot and hy lus, ad cache op
with them again by a cherch in Holbarn. In the same afternoon, other
people heard them in Lincoln’s Inn and in Bloomsbury.

This and much other information about birds in London i6 coutained in
two cemarkable reports which appear cach year. One is a report on bird
sanctuaries in the royal parks and is issued by the Ministry of Warks; the
other, the London Bird Report, is the work of the London Natural History
Society, To the autsiver it may seem range that there shoukl be two
yearly teports devated to bird fife in the vast and sprawling Gity of Greater
London, but there is plenty of it to be seen by those who go about with
their eyes opell, To a migrating itd Londen, with its thirty meles or more
of bricks and mortar, takes as much crossing as tte Straits of Dover, and it
is not surprising that some tired flyers come dawn in the jniddie, In todo
@ mast uncommon bird was seen ther#; this was a Great Grey Shrike, which
chose to take a rest in «@ taxidermist'’s yard in Camden Town. "l'on glad
to be able to tell you," said Fitter, “that despite the foolhardiness of this
bird, it created a record by being the firsc Great Grey Shrike ever koown
to have left 4 bird-stuffer's premises alive.”

(From The Howlhornm Standard, Wed, July 18, 1951,)

PROTECTION OF NATURE

One good law jestigated by the Nazis and approved by all four oetupa-
tional powers in 1945, was the “protectiun of nature’, The law is adil iu
farce in Western Germany, but is ignored in Eastern Germany. Ur is
factidden to catck animals by trap or snare, ar anythimg that will burt the
animal; they may be shot dead, or Orouwglit back alive and unharmed, Tt
also is forbidden to ¢atch singing birds. The man keeping the law in order
is OP-yearsdld Herr Herold, a slewler, white-haired. dusty old gentleman
wha hecomes a ball of fire if he hears the Allies have heen shooting his
ducke out of season.—Reprint fram Progress Press, 22/6/50,

is MM. Crattaway, Nest Rares for Birds Wilcke Wat. '

NEST BOXES FOR BIRDS—A REVIEW
“The Eneourazemont of Birds in Commercial Eiantations by Nest Baxes
and Ciher Means,” by J, M, D. Mackenzie

A paper on this sulject was presented to the Edinburgh (1952) meeting
mithe British Agsueiation jor the Advancement of Science and has Noi been
irinted in she Journal of the Royal Scottish Forestry Sociery [Scottaste
Covostvy O: VO-L7 (1952)*]. Interesting records are given of siléempts to
encourage British birds ta nest again i areas from whieh hey have been
driven, thrauzh loss of their normal nesting places as nianospecific, even-
aged stands have replaced the natural forests of mixer species

“Bird management" has now been studied tor many years by foresters,
as well as by ornithologists, and since the end of the Jast century the bene-
ficial versus the harmful hatils ol certain species has been a controversial
subject. In the main the present view ss that birds cam he effective cone
trallers nf insect pests, anf there is no proof that they act as a hindrance.

in 1992 the British Forestry Comrismon initiated a mest box experiment
in the Porese of Dean, and later other areas were added; in 1948 the experi-
ments were put into the hands of the Edward Grey Institute. Im. this
paper the author vives interesting details of the making and placing of
ldxes, He Gnds that plastic boxes are favoured, with metal as a second
and woolen hoses as a rather poor third choice. He finds also that both
he (far convenience) and the birds. liked boxes set at 5-6 ff, from the
ground, lat that boys and hikers do too, aud that 10-15 ft. fs usually a
safer herwht, althoozh it meatis extra time and trouble. Interference with
the boxes is serious in some places for “the persevering boy will cheerfully
smash a box or teke it home. They do not seem to renlize that there is
anything wrong with this, for some obscure reason connected with tts
being it a wood,” Is it cheering or depressing to find that human ogre
Ts just the same at home as in Australia? i

His boxes, with If-inch entrances, were used ior vesting by len oar a
dozen different species—tits, fveatrhers, nuthaiches, rohins. wrons and
tree-creepers—and in winter they were used as Taosts. Further: jmprovement
of the hird population niay he made by planting a few “preferred” trees
for ordinary open nests end by the occasional pruning of sclected trees to
Jeave cups antl forks. It js the removal of old and crogked troes by
thitining plantations that leaves them so bare of nesting sites

One ol his conclusions is that, wheress before boxes are put up the
number 97 ncet sites undoubtedly limit the density of the bird population,
willl increasing use of nesting boxes food supplics and territory become
the Jimiting factors.

funcy naturalists have noticed the charges in bird population chat

have occurred in Australia as a result of settlement, the clearing of virgin
Forest and ¢he tendency to substitute exotics for mative trees.’ Jt ts
encourating tu Arid similar changes in biel population have been reoog-
mzed in other countries, and that alternpts faye been made to reeain a
balanced population. Is it too much to hope that ornithologists and
foresters a Australia may seme time carry out similar inyestigations and
help to restore ihe appropriate nesting sites 1a some of wir own displaced
hirds.? M.M.C.

"It iW hoped ¢hnt a remeimt of shin Intevessbne naner will shortly he available for
members of the FLN.CY.

EDITORIAL CHANGE
Miss Ina M. Watsan for private reasons refinguishetl the overaus. posi-
tion af Honorary Editor in Navember, The Club ic grateful for her services
during the previews 20 months. an! begs the terary suppord of members
jor her stuecessor, Mr N, AL Wakefield,

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 69 — No. 17 MARCH 5, 1953 No. 831

PROCEEDINGS

An Extraordinary General Meeting of the Club was held at
the Herbarium on February &, 1953, at 7.45 p.m., to discuss an
application by the Frankston. F\N.C. for affiliation with the
PNLC.V_ The Secretary read statements of the objects of the
F.F.NAC., which accorded with those of the F.N.C.V, Tt was
proposed by Mr, Lewis, and secouded by Mr, Chalk, that the
application of that Cluh be endorsed by the F_N.C.V. This was
carried, and the President adjourned the Extraordinary Mecting.

The Monthly Meeting of the Club followed, with Dr Chattaway
ta the chajr, arid about 190 members and visitors m altendance.

The President announced the decease of an Henvrary Mem-
ber, Mr. W. F. Gates, aged 96; and the meeting stood in silence
for ane minite as a mark of respect.

Dr Chattaway introduced Dr. R. Melville, of the Roval
Botanic Gardens, Kew, Engiand, Dr. Melville gave an interesting
tallk on the history of those Gardens, from their comniencement
in 1760; and deserihed them as they are to-day, illustrating the
lecture with wiany beautiful colour shdes. Members. asked
numerous questions which were ably answered by the speaker:
Dr, Chattaway thanked Dr, Melville on behalf of the Club.

Quite a number of new members were elected to the Club,
Mr. and Mrs. M. R. ©. Millett and Charles Millett became
Joint Members and Junior Member respectively; Mrs. Pat
Fuggetter, Miss Ruth McVicar, Miss Laura Younger, Miss Betty
Sommerville and Mr. F. R. Coulson comprised the new Ordinary
Members; and Mrs. Hiida Ramsay, Mr, K, C, Rogers, Mr, Leo
Hodge and Mr, TI. R. McCann were the new Country Members.

It was announced that Council had approved the pranting of
Life Membership of the Club ta Rev. Hf. MR. Rupp, of Wil-
loughby, N.S, W.

The Club was informed that the Natural History Medallion
for 1952 had been awarded to Professor Cleland, of Adelaide.

Mr. Dickins reported being present at the departure of the
“Tottan” for the Antaretic, On behalf of the Club he had fare-
welled] Mr, Beéchervaise, who is in charge of the relief party for
Heard Islatid.

Miss Wigan. on behalt of the Club, thanked Miss Ina Watson
for her two years of editorship of the Victorian Naturalist, and
particularly for the excellent Lyrebird issue of September 1952.

Dr. Chattaway closed the meeting af 9.45 p.m, for the Conver-
sazione and the examination of specimens.

136 What, Where and Wf hen “Ya a

NATURE MOTES

Mr. Tarfton Rayment remarked upon a large bee, one of the group af
leaf-cutters, which had departed from its natural habits to engage in the
purloiimg of material from domestic bee hives for the purpose of furnishing
its owi hone.

Miss Neighbour illustrated a safe method by which housewives may
remove Huntsman Spiders from walls, by using a potlid and. piece af card-
board. Miss Watson sutirested ugtag a long tumbler fastead, thus facilitating
iminediate retreat if necessary,

EXHIBITS AT FEBRUARY ME&TING

BOTANY; Garden grown native Aowers—-Mrs, lewis, Mrs. Bennett,
Mr, A. E, Brooks, Mr, J. Seaton, Native plants from Mount Buffalo—Mr.
H. Stewart. Buttertly Orchid, Sarcachtlas paragflorus, whieh bad 35 flowers
last season, collected i: Soth Gippsland and presented to the Botanic
Gardens—Mrs. QO. Brewster. Starfish Fungus, Aseroe rubra, from Lake
Mountain, dried tinder high yacuum while frozen, to preserve size, shape
and same coloration, collected 24/1/53 at about 5,000 fect—Mr. J. R. Garnet.

MARINE BIOLOGY: Upper jaw of Great Sawfish, a species of shark
af tropical eastern Australia and elsewhere, growing to 20 feet in length
and with a saw 5 feet long—Mr, F, Lewis. Coral-dwelling Molluse, Magslus
antiguas, ttom Mauritlus—Mr. Gabriel,

CONCHOLOGY: Five species of Land-Shells (Snails) introduced into
Victorig—Mr. Gabriel.

GEOLOGY: Series of specimens of racks of metamorphic arigin, from
251 mile-post on the Princes Highway, east of Orbost—Mr, A. A. Baker.
Roek specimens from the west shoreline af Waratah Bay, South Gippsland
—Mr. A. Bursian.

MISCELLANEGUS: Photographs of Lake Hattah Sanctuary, illus-
trating two fruiting Cedenecarpus—C.S.1.R.0, Snapshots of Kew Royal
Hetanic Garilens—Miss E. Raff.

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN

Excursions:

Saturday, Maren )4—Excursion to Werribee Gorge. Subjects: Geology
and Botany, leader: Mr. W. Burston. Take 8.40 am. Ballarat train,
ulwht Bacehue Marsh, rehuen tu city 810 pon Bring two meals,

Sunday, March 18—Excursion to King's Falls, Arthur's Seat Take 6.45
aim, Jrankstor trtin (express), ther hus to Dromana. Leader: Botany
Group, Bring two meals.

Manday, April G—Excursion 10 Seaholme (weather permitting). Subleces:
Sea-marsh Flora and Birds. Leader: Mr. K, W. Atkins, Take 9.3 a.m,
Altona train, alight Seaholne. Bring one meal.

Saturday, April }1—Plimting and inspection day at Maranoa Garden,
Balwyn. Plants will be provided. Take Mont Albert tram, No. 42, in
Collins Street, alight stop No. 54, Parring Road, walk up Parring
Road to gates af Park, where leader, Mr. A, J. Swahy, will meet
parly at 3 pan. Bring friends and make the garden more widely known.

Group Fixtures, at Reyal Society's Nall:

Monilay, March 23—Botary Discussion. Graup.

Tuesday, Ajiril 7—Geolowy Discussion Group.

Kexxeta Atkins, Excursions Secretary.

march R. t. Patton, Bogang Higk PMhrinex 137

ECOLOGY OF THE BOGONG HIGH PLAINS

(LECTURE GIVEN AT CLUB, DECEMBER 1952!
By Dr. Reenew T, Parros

The Rogoug High Plains are situated in the nosth-east of
Vieroria, af an elevation of approximately 5,500 feet, and form
pact of the Australian Alps; but as the papular name implies,
their surface is reasonably level, not mountainous. They are
actually a plateau caused by an uplift which took place in either
late Pliocene or early Pleistocene dimes, (Singleton, 1939.)

The uplift was possibly as much as 4,000 feet and reasonahly
rapid, hence there is a striking contrast between the mature
topography of the High Plains and the steeply eroded country
surrounding them. In Vig. 1 can be seen the junction or feck
potnt of the two cycles of erosion. The Plains consist of wide
open country gently sloping towards the valleys in which strearts
nucander through sphagnum beds, From the surface of the Plains
rise a number of hitls, mogt of which ate capped with houlders.

CEIMATE

The elevation took place at a time when’ temperatures were
still falling from the wari conditions of the Brown Coal period
(Miocene), and to this fall was added a further decrease due to
the uplift. Altogether, from both causes, the Thigh Plains suffered
a total loss of approximately 23°F., and thus a totally new environ-
ment was created in Australia. Snow lay for most of the year,
and possibly all the year in sheltered areas. So heavy twas the
rainiall thal itis doubttul rf any vegetation covered the surrounding
rapidly eroding caintry. Since the coldest period, rainfall has
decreased and temperatures have increased, so that to-day vege-
tatian has gained the upper hand and erosion is held in check.

The temperatures row, based on thase of Hotham Heights and
alluwing 2° extra for the lower height of the Plams, show that,
irom May io September, average monthly temperatures are less
than 40°F, Below this temperature both plant growth and the
meiting of snow are retarded, and above it both are accelerated.
April and October have temperatures only slightly above 40°F.
and are therefore of little assistance to plant growth, There js good
flowering in December, but January has the maximum; and it
is of jaterest to mote that 11 Septermber the temperature of Mel-
bourne corresponds to that of the High Plains in January. Tem-
peratures of the High Plains are now from about 7° to 10° F.
wariier than they were at the coldest period.

Pranxt ParuLarion

‘\s the uplift of several thowsand feet \as rather rapid, not all
tie plants of the origmal lower surface could adjust themselves

ha R.T. Parvan, Bagong Migh Plots Viet Hab

ta the vigors of the alpine environinent; age hence only those
with 2 wide amplitude of adaptability could survive there. The
present-day flora is rich in species, and these may be considered
as derived front four’ sources.

First are the plants that survived the uplift, and these form a
considerable portion of the Whole. Among them are Acena
sanguasorba, Craspedia wniflora, Danthonia semiannularis, Drasera
pellata, Geranium piloswm, Leptorrhynchus squamatys, Palysti-
chum aculeatum, Stylidiwn graminifotium and Romuncieflus lappa-
ceus, all of which are well Known in lowland areas, Probably the
Snow Gum, Laculyftus pawcrfera, belongs to this group, tor it

has a fairly wide lowland range, Apart from the extreme range
of the adaptability of the species, this group is not important.

Qf much greaver interest are those species endewic mm the
alpitie areas and derived from typical Australian genera, for they
may be used as a meastire of the rate and mode of evolution. In
this second group are Baschea guiniana, Bassiaca folios, Callis-
temon ‘stebert, |eucofegon hookeri, Prostanthera cuneatr. Pheba-
linen. phylicifolinm and Velleia snontana,

The third group of spectes ts derived frou: genera which have
& wide distributtun beyond Australia, iat which also have repre-
sentatives elsewhere in this continent, These species, like thuse af
the second group, are of great interest, for they, roo, may be ysed
to measure the rate of evolution, Amorig then) are Birphrasie
mYarctico, Geraninin sessikfforum, Ranunculus guacanus, R- rnil-
fant, R. mnellers, Podacarpus alpinus and Feronica utven.

Fourthly there is a group whose genera are confined to alpme
regions and whose geographical affinities are with plants of other
southern lauds, particularly New Zealand. With few exceptions
these genera are represented here hy only ane species which in
some cases is found also in New Zealand, In this group, hawever,
it i¢ of ltttle significance that some species occur alsu in New
Zealand, as it is the genera that are of importance, Amongst the
plants concerned ate Acsphylla glactals, A. simplictfoba, Astetia
alpina, Caltha intraloba, Oreabolus pumilio, Oreawyrrhis endicota,
QO, pulvinifier and Triseten subspicatem. These genera could not
have beer, in Austtalia prior to the uphit, for there was not an
alpine climate. an! therefore these inust have arrived aiter the
formation. of the Alps, but it is net at all clear by what means.
In his study uf Tasmanian mountain floras, Gibbs (1920) con-
sidered that the genera, and in sonie cases the species, of this flora
were derived frat the high mountains of New Guinea by means
of high north-west winds which carried the seed on to New Zea-
land and South America. But if this were (he case one would
expect a good representation of Australian genera, particularly
in New Zealand, Jt is possible that in the Pleistocene period a
series of islands may have facilitated the transport vf the fourth

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Val. 69 March, 1953

PLATE VII

I. Anick Potet: June
tion between the mature
topography of the Plains
and the deep valley ai

Middle Creek

2 i ivpes of hralsttat
ut tf; fhegh Plaines
Swamp oi feregreurid,
vrass plain in left back
grommne, aud rocky hilltap
on rigl

3. Grassland association:
Grass plains

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 69 March, 1953

6. Sphesunue assoctaty
An extreme meander, held
in position by the Sphag

mum beds

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 69 Mareh., 1933

Piatt IX

7. Nelerophyvll association
at rear Prostanthera
cuncata and Orites fauct
folia. Sphagnum in
ground

8 Scleropltiyll assoctation

C/rite’s ctfolta espalier

9. Brachycome nivalis in
sclerophyll scrub

THE VICTOREAN NATURALIST Vol 69 Mareh. 1953

Pare N

12. DPried-up spring

ervity R. ‘y\ Patrosx, Boyory High Plots j 139

group when the alpine climate was very much lower than it is
to-day ; but it did not permit the reverse movement of the charac-
teristic Australian genera such as Acacia, Botrhwid, Casuorina and
Excalyptus which evidently arrived after the original connection
was severed, ;

Hooker (1853) pointed out the fairly intimate horanical con-
nection between Australia and New Zealand, and this suggests a
land connection between the two. However, the botanical relation-
ships belong to two widely separated periods of trme—the modern
alpine, and the older one that goes back to the Brown Coal
period, Represetited in both countries are the genera Coprosme,
Drimys, Hedycarya, Rapanea, Nothofagus, Oleavia, Pittosporum
and Pomaderris. All these belong to the ancient period; end it
is of interest to note that all are found in. the fern gullies,

VEGETATION

Although the elimate may be regarded as uniform on the High
Plains owing to the low relief, yet the rather small variations it
the topography produce stmking differences in the vegetation.
Standing on any clevated area, one may readily recognize three
faitly extensive plant associations by their various shades of green.

The most widespread is the Grassland of the more level areas
—silvery-grey green in summer but fading to a greyish straw
in autumn. In the lower land, the Sphagnum Bogs, known as
Moss Beds, are marked out by their bronze-green due to the large
amount of dead tissue assccated with Rickea quam, Restio aws-
tralis, arid Hypetaeno laferifiera. On the higher ground. generally
where boulders occur, the Sclerophyll Serub is easily picked out
by its dark olive-green colour. Sometimes this last is dominated
by snow gums, but as the trees are not always present, it is
preferable to reter to this assaciation as scrub instead of forest

These three associations were first secognized on the Kosciusko
Plateau by McLuekie and Petrie and described by them, Besides

-these three there are two smaller associations,

The ALPINE GRASSLANDS, both in its species composition
and growth forms, has a close relationship te the lowland grass-
lands; but in percentage composition it is very different. In the
High Plains the Tussock Grass, Poa caespitasa var., dominates
ail else; while Danthonia senannularis, very common on the
Basalt Plains, occupies a very minor place, and D_ nudeffora, an
endemic, 1s very abundant. Other grasses present are Agropyrum
scobrym, A, elutinnm, Agrostis vernsta, Hierorhloe redalens,
Stipa pubescens and Trisetuit subspicatin,

Rossties, fairly common in the lowlands, are also plentifully
present; The fanily Compaositae is strongly represented by
Brachycome dectprens, Celmisia longifolia — perhaps the most
striking plant in the alpine associations, Craspedia wniflara, Micro-

14h R. VT, Partos. Bogong High Plains boxe rag

seris scapigera and Padolepis acuminata, Other rosettes are
Acipliylla glacialis, Cardamine Jursuta, Gentiana dientenns, Oree-
myrrhis andicota, Plantaga tesmonica, Ranunculus lappacenus and
Miela betonicifolia, Other growth forms are mit proutinent, fut
small cushions are formed by Coloboathus apelalus and Seleranthys
biflorus; and Gnaphalinm callimen grows in small mats. Very
large mats are produced by Ktazea aivelort aad Penataghoudre
pumile, the former very stoking in flower and the fatter in fruit.
Both these are woody plants and belong to genera strongly repre-
sented hy shrubs.

The MOSS BEDS are composed of living and dead material
of Sphagmam cyabhifolnar and vary in thickness trom under a
fuot to at last Seven feet. When well developed the beds consist
of three Jayers* the upper white and living, the second white and
‘lead, ancl the lowest—the greatest in thickness—ilatk and dead
and passing into peat. The surface of these sphagnum bogs is
tot level bul is formed of a seves of small tiounds, which
character ts to be seen in the High Moors of [urope. The general
mass of sphagnum is not solid, aud when walking across at, its
sprinvy character is very nolieeable, These Moss Beds are ex-
tremely interesting for the sphagnum is not only a econstiluent
metiher af this association, bur it also forms the substratum in
which the other species grow. And if we accept the deliuitiou
that soil is the median from which roots draw their nutrients,
fhen the sphagnum is soil!

The development af these sphagnum Moss Beds is dense
cnough fo keep the streams in their own channels and zlso to
build vegetable dams. Both these characters have already been
observed by Dultrunty (1946) in the Kosciusko region. Another
feature observable af the High Plains is that the streams are
often held ay a course ligher than the lowest portion of the area.
Some of them meander expessively in the sphagnum hogs and
convey the impression of a very maturely eroderl surface.
~ The moisture content wf these beds is very high, for water is
held both physiologically and physically. The average moistmre
content of several samples teste] in the lalboratury amounted to
$2009, caleulated on the dry weight of organic matter; but in
the bog itself the content 1s higher.

The plant populatiun is a very yaried one. fn addition ta
Sphagnum are the characteristic Asteha alfa forming dense
colomes, Restia avstvalis, Hypalacia loleriflora, Riches guunii,
Epacris bawbawtensys, E. qnicrophylla and E, petrophila, The
presence of the woody species grawing in an organic medium is
reminiscent of the swamp-growth of trees which resulted in the
brown coal deposits. The farnily Cyperaceae is very strongly repre-
sented, and among those present with greatest interest attaching
to Cirpha alpina and Oreeholus primilio, for both these species

roy R. T. Parrox, Boyong Hick Ploins Mi

extend to New Zealand. and the genera, both small, te South
America.

The SCLEROPHYLI SCRUB is of particular interest, for
it occurs in a high ramfall area where no month receives less
than 3,38 inches of rajn (Hotham Heights) and the total for
the yea? is over 70 iiches; but, as this plant association is on
rising rocky ground where the soil is shallow, the iuif benefit
of the rain is not received. "

There is an usumistakable similarity between the plants here
and those of the Mallee. both anatomically and physiologically,
and many of the genera occur in both areas—Grewillea, Heli-
chrysum, Leucopogon, Glearta, Phebalivn, Pénelea. and Pres-
tanthera, Tt is noticeable that such a large shrubby genus a3
Acacia is absent from the High Plains, and it is striking that
the family Legumitnasac—so strongly developed in Victoria—bhas
but few representatives on the High Plains. Among: the selero-
phyli shrubs, however, are two very showy legumes, Bossizea
fahosa and Hevea longifolia. Herbaceous species are but few in
this habitat, but Brachycone wtvalis makes a very attractive sight.
On the High Plains annuals are very rare, almost absent, and
this is of great interest as regards the scleruphyll scrub, con-
sidering the very high percentage of annuals associated with the
Mallee. Where grassland adjoins che sclerophyll scrub on the
High Plains a very attractive annual, Excphyasia attarctiva, occurs,
but this fowers very late in the season.

AL feature of these shrubs in exposed rocky positions ts the
readiness with which they form espalier growth on the rocks. All
appear to have this habit, including Awngeo suelferi which is a
mat in grassland. Aecchva gunniona, Orires lanctfotia and Prastan-
thera cuncata are the most spectacular of this group.

At the sources of the streams where the water js issumg from
the springs or arising irom ihe melting of the drift snow (which
in 1947 lay well into January) there is an unusual plant ‘group
provisionally named SHINGLE ASSOCIATION which, unlike
the other associations on the High Plains, does not form a com-
plete cover for the soil, Tt is an open community wich the indi-
viduals growing along the joints of the bedrock im gravel or
shallow muddy areas. Even well into the flowering period they
may be continually hathed with icy water,

This association is bright with colour. Here are Jound Calfha
miralaba with its large white flowers and the curious infolding
of the leaves, Clavtonia austritesica forming at times almost 3
mat vovered with small whire flowers, Drosera areturt with its
rosette of linear leaves more glistening than any other sundew,
Oreebalus junio small and very rigid, white flowered Rasun-
culss millenia daintiest of all the buttercups, Stackhousie pirleinarts
forming a small mac bright with cream-coloured Howers. and

142 R. T. Parrox, Bagong High Plains ba

finally tela betanictfolia brightest of all with arrow-shaped leaves
well upstanding and its flawers large and purple.

The heads of the streams lic in more or less semi-circular basins
with somewhat steep sides, cirque-like in character, and in which
snow lies transversely below the crest. Similar observations were
made hy Browne, Dulbunty and Maze (1944) on Kosciusko, and
it is therefore possible chat the heads of these streams have heen.
caused by “snow patch erosion” and that they are really smait
cirgues. :

Finally, the SK Y-LILY ASSOCLATION covers the floors of
dry vegetation dams or cut-off meanders. The chief feature of this
community, which is only a transitory one aud will ultimately be
replaced, is that al) the species produce either runners or rhizomes
and hence the soil is completely cavered, The first (and tallest)
invader of this uew surface is Curex gaudichaudiona. Viole siebert
anil Hypericum japonicum are diminutive plants with tiny flowers.
iiydrocotyle Airta and Ifalorrhagis micrmmtha are well appressed
to the sol and have inconspicudus flowers. Veronica serpylhfatia,
not common, is readily recognized by its upstanding racemes, Seerr
at its best, with its large pale steel-blue Howers elosely set in the:
surface of this perfect little sward, Herpehrion novae-scaiondiag
is the gem of the High Plains.

CONCLUSION

The present vegetational caver of the High Plains is the result
of a Jong series of changes, and as neilher climate nor geology
has heen static, change must he going on at the present time. In
the northern part of the State, lakes dry or drying, and rivers,
now much contracted, both indicate a decline in climate, and on
the High Plains more evidence is available, Foviner stream heads
are now dry, lines of shingle show where streams once ran, and
there are dead or disintegrated sphagnum beds, The sequence of
changes appears to be that sclerophyll serul is descending on the
grasslands and that sphagnum is being replaced by either scrub
or grassland, Erosion does not appear to be af any consequence
and Dulhunty (1946) has expressed the opinion that in the
Kosciusko region “conditions are the reverse of sol erosion’.

BIBIIQGRA PHY

i. Browns, W. RR. DuLucenry, J. A, and Mazer, W. HH. 1944; Genlopy,
Physiog raphy and Glaciology of Kosciusko, Prac Lam, Suc. NM,
Wal,
2 Detwenry, J. A, 1945; Gn Glacial Lakes in die Kosciusko Respicn
Jour. wul Prac, Roy. Sor. NSW, Vol, LXXIX,
Gions, L. &, 3920; Notes on the Phytogeograpky and Flora of the
Mountain Summit Plateaux of Tasmania. Jane, of Beal, Vel, VUIT
Tlooker, J. D., 1883; Slara Nowe-Zeulandiac.
Sivereron, F, A, 19410 The ‘Vertiary Geology of Australia: Prov. Reva
Siac. Witet., Vol. 1.111,
Note— Plant naines are as in A. J. Ewart’ flora of (irtaria (1930),

toe co,

s

erty Tawisoxn Rayment, Lo Soyeher Foscinate tris? 143

DO SNAKES FASCINATE BIADS >
By Tanvtow Raiwent

One het afterwoon the author was walking alone a ferussy yrully in the
forest of ‘“Tow-worrtmg” in North Gippsland, wher his attention was
dtawi to the peculiar actions of a Resiless Ply-caicher, Setsiere tquicti,
on a dead shrub of tea-tree some six feet tall Irs wings were worlang® in
an cxeited, ajipless mame as the batd mure o¢ lesy fluttered down From
branch to branch, ignoring the author's approach As the bird was about
to fall to the ground, he stepped cleser, aud disenyered a Black Snake,
Psemdechis porpkyriaeis, al the foot of the shrub The hard was unible
to nse fram the ground, although the snake had not touched it. The reptile
was killed, and she hird soon ronovered fis powers of fight.

On another summer day, Clarice Rayment was walking near the lleme-
stead, at Leongatha, South Gippsland. She saw a small bird resembling
a sparraw—she did not know the species—trembling and Autterime gradually
down to dhe ground, aud quite unable ta rise. A few Jeet away, and neglst
wider the bird, was a Copperhead Snake, Deudsonio superba, which slithered
away among the tussocks of grass, but was followed and Irilled.

Some years ago, at Bulgandra, an extensive pastoral property in the
Riverina, New South Wates, two peopte witnessed 9 demonstration of
"Snass hypuotisn’, The pactoralist, the Jate Mr. C. A. Gibson, and his
young son, Nigel. were sitting on the verandah of the lomestead during
the leat of noonday, Abour thirty feet distant was ihe dead stunip of @
Yellow Bax tree, Evcalpptus mehadora, some fifteen feet tall. The stunp
was hidden under a dense growth af ivy, in which some haidreds of English
sparcows came in noisy Hocks each night to roost with its shelter.

Suddenly, young Gibson called out, “What's bappencd to the sparrows ?
They’re all tombling to the prota!” He ran over, and saw that the birds
were fluttering about om a gravel drive, where 2 six-foot Brown Snake,
Demansia textifty, was stretched out on the ground aliout ten feet from
the base of the slump. The birds were extremely agstated, and made a freal
conmnotion, but they appeated to be incapable of escaping, for they kept
on fluttering down fram the ivy.

‘The snake, steing Nigel approach, wriggled off towards the homestead,
Haviig vo weap at hand with which te attack the reptile, Nigel followed
it closely, calling for someone to bring a gun, Tt slithered im behind a sll
wire framework supporting a number of sweat peas. It was dislodged
alter » few minutes tussling, aud shot by a station hamd Wher cut upen ib
was "fell of dead sparrows”, which had been swallowed whole.

Tt was evident to these witnesses that the reptile had, in some on-
accomtable tnamner, succeeded im attracting to it a Jarge ninber of birds
from the shelter of the iyy. The Gibsons are persemal friends of the
author, and there is uo reason to doubt ‘then veracity, or the details of
‘the encountec.

These three observations demonstrate very conclusively a peculiar ihflue
ence that dominates the victims’ behaviour. The author belieges the majority
vd reatlers will agree thal the snakes, and no over agent, were responsible
in the three cases described abaye.

Nevertheless, the wuthur has excellent evidence that the “charm” «does
snot always work Tr ihe North Cippsland home, the family was at dinuer
ane very bot day Presently the strange belligerent caning of a pet pigeon
called the author oul to investigate the unusual sounds. v

To his great astonishnient, be saw a Black Stake stretched ouc on the
elope of the gtassy inole on which the homestead yas bully The cack
pigeon, a "Belgian Homer", was calmly walking roid the reptile, and
ever and anon he souragcously drew in closer, and rapidly struck the
reptile avith (he “shoulder” of his wing, He was ttelvering sharp <lips just

144 N. A. Waxerieia, Goll of the Progmiautts Mon o

behind the smake’s head, aud ic made no attempt to strike the bird, but
remained auite still. The hen pecan stood off a little way, obviously an
interested. but dn aawise frightened, spectator, A garden hne suddenly
ended the duel.

Qn descnbing the fight, and prarsiig the courage of thé uiarmed pigeon,
the author was reminded of the nonchalant behaviour of a umber ot
White Leghorty hens which walked jnquisitively, and apparently amafraid,
round aml round a Tiger Snake, Notcches scntutws, which one straved into
the harnyard of the farm.

CALL oF THE FROGMOUTH

Desjate published information Lo the contrary, that old fallacy 4s alll
rainpant, that the Tawny Frogmouth ig the "Mopake’, and utters this
well- known night call An excellent chatogeseh of the Aaobook Owl—the
true “Mopake’—appears im the Victorian Naturalte! of December 1941
se opp. 118).

Dr, J. A. Leach, tn his Avstvalion Bird Book, may have (intentionally
supported that libel an our Frogmouth. He quoted “Mapoke” as a name
for this bird, and the casual reuder may not realize that the‘(e)" there-
alter indicates that this appellation is erroneous, Moreover, its call, written
there as "OQom, oom", may be taken as representing the iwin notes of the
Boobook!

Tn 1846-7, the late Mrs, Edith Coleman supplied this Journal with three
mast informative and well-illuserated articles on the Frognouth, one of
which dealt particularly with the call of the bird (63; 123). There we read
that its most familiar nate is a deep “Com-oone uttered many {nies &
rhvthonwc pulsing sown, and that Mr, 4. 4. Mattingloy ostonates the
nunibers af “oars” a If to 350 without cessation,

Despite these published motes, it is probable that few liave consciously
heard the remarkable call of the bird, and fewer still have realized the
identity af the caller, The monatonous “oomeagm-oom . - —' is utlered so
low jn volume ay to be inaudible fram any apprecralile distance. The frst
time L recognized the Frogmoutn’s call was at Cormbienbar in 1938, and
it was necessary to listen intently in order to “hold” the sound, I went
outside and flushed the bird irom 2 post not 3 tect from the house!

Recently, when camped at Bentleys Plan on the Nunniong Plateau above
Ensay, I heard the call aga, The faintness of the drumming brought
the suggestion From ayy companion phar the hird was some hu: dreds of
yards away, but tt was aurcly very clase to the hut. From the distance, 190,
came the yuterinittent “Mopoke” of the Boabook Su we heard beth birds
simultaneously,

Qnce heard, the call ot the Tawny Frogmouth can never be for; ite
antl there i no question af confusing ic with that of the Booboak

—N_ A, =e yn a

HELMETED HONEYEATER SURVEY

At @ specal meeting of the Bird Observers Club at Yellingho, st was
decided to organize & survey throughout the known range of the Helmeted
Hontyester. Any persons interested are welcome ta take Part; and those
able to assist with teanspart ar fieldwork should cantact the Leader and
Canvener, Mr. EQ Hanks (‘phone FL1740). Other conumittes menthers
are Mr. Garnet Johnson, Seeretary and Treasurer; Me. H, Wilson, repre
senting the R.A.O.U. Conservation Committee: Mr. F, Pinchin and Mr,
J. Launder. The eastern side of the Dandenong Ranges is being examined
first, bot co-operation is invited fram Gippsland residents too, in cannection
with the perusal of areas further afield. One object of the Survey is to
select = suitable area for reservation, to provide a permanent sanctuary
for the rare atid beautiful honeyeater.

ee H OM. R Rope, Memories of Pictorion Ovelidy i45

MEMORIES OF VICTORIAN ORCHIDS
By the Kev. H. M. R, Rote, Willoughby, N.S,W,

As To was born at Port Fairy in 1872, £ may claina that ny memaries
vo well back aito the Long Ago of a man’s life Some of thent have sow
grown din, others are sill very clear; and among the latter ave those of
the witdRowers which have had such a special attraction for me all throvgh
the years. | leit Port Fairy before ! was old enough to distinguish an
orchid from a cauliflower; but a few years later my father became vicar
uf Korat, and it was there that T first made contact wilt our Australian
bush T can remember yery destinetly two orchids aynotig the many wild-
flowers which in those days graced the bushlands north of Kerait, The
south side of the village was, of vourse. monopolised hy the glories of
Tower Hill Lake—anil in the 'seventiys of last century they were vlories
oideed; glories of primeval bush forest with sts Fer tree gullies: and musk
arbours and clemaos howers. Twenty-five years afterwards I yisited Kovoit
and saw what man had dane to that lovely Inrest; and fifty years have
not swectened the lsitterneess which entered my soul as | contemplated
that wicked yaudalisny. Bat ot iy not of that which T set out to write.
Theee were no archids at the Lake; they belonged to ihe open forests
northward, The two that L remember so clearly were almost certainly
Catadena potersont and €. dilatata; we children were taught by my mother
to call them Spider Orchids.

My next hone was at Coleraine; but just after wy father settled dow
there 1 was sent off to Geelong Grammar Schusl, whase headmaster, John
Bracebridge Wilson. was married to my mother's sister. Bracebridge Wilstm
had earned his FL.S. by lias work on Victorian alwae> fut he was a Ane
all-round botamsi, and was quick lo encourage any botanical inclinations
is his boys. Those of us wha ‘were so disposed, after z long Saturday
rambhng in the Wushkaids er down the river, would take our specimens te
han on Suieday for identification, Our favourite hunting-grounds Jay to
the seurl| and south-east of Geelong. L don't know to what extent the old
Saturday traditions are maintained to-day; bur a 44-unle row (to Barwon
Heads and back) or a 40-mile tramp te and from Queenselifi-road, Bream
Creck or Spring Creek (Torquay of to-day). were very ordinary aceon
Wishmems, There were, of course, atlier localities besides those mentioned,
and ¢ven the You Yas were not beyond our reach. though 1 think we
twok the trajie to J.ara. By the time I féeft Geeloie ih 189] 1 knew between
30 and 40 spexies of orchids, Some cof these, however, were not found any-
where near Geelong, but in the Coleraine district during holidays. A good
deal of iny tinker qwas syient at Wanedo Dale, the haspitable home of Ma,
William Moodie, a uephew of J. G, Robertsan. of Wando Vale, whose
botanical prowess is well knows to all students of Bentham anf Mueller's
lore Austratienns, There was a large family at Wando Dale, and most
of them Joved wildfowers, so l was always ready for u weck ar two in
their company, OF yhat family only twe are now left; Miss Grace Moodie
and her brother Murray, who live at Mosiman—not sa very far from me—
ate) grow lovely flowers. The other day I came across a Itttle “Catalogue
of the Wildflowers of Wado Dale’ cenipiled by ine an 1892. 1t includes
the following orchids: Thelwnitra oriusteta, Diuris longifolia, Acianthus
evsertns, A. reniformits (then called Cyrtostvis}, Corssanthes prutmon
(this was undoubtedly Carshos dlatetus), Caladewia Anterronti, C. men-
sient, Pterastytis unians, P. cueta, Po pedimentata, P, alata, Pipodinn
Prurctaflwin

In [892 1 went up to Tronty College, Melbourne; amd for the next few
years my botanical activities were divided between che outer suburks of
Melhourste, Coleraine, and Bisineong, whither any father moved about

J

146 Ti M. OR. Rut, Moniorfet of Fictorion Orehies vee pig

What chanyes have bee wrough! since chen! Goe ot my Favourite trips
was lo Sandriveham, where within a stone's throw of ie sailwiy station
one ciult pick bumches of lovely “Spider” Caladenias without being it
vandal. Beaumaris, Black Rock, Cheltenham and Mardialloc were often
visited, and there were orchids galore. [e was at Cheltenham, 1 think,
that I fitse collected Lyperanthus vigeicens auc Leptucerva Prabelalivn,
two of the most fascinating of Pore Phillip terrestrials, Rlackbury and
Ringwood were favourite areas custward. Onec or twice 1 got ay far as
Fern Tree Golly, where L was thrilled at the sight ol avy first epiphyte,
the lovely ditth Sorecehitey austratis, growing om Coprasnia atadrifda,
Geeensboroveh, further rewnd towards the north, way appropriately noted
for its Greenhoods. A surprisingly interestiig spot was the Merri Creek
about Nerth Coburg, where Nowished thet guxint Intle Groenhood
P. crenlleta—in the variety which Mueller hated &, izverdebford Inerdent-
ally 7 may say that iy wae during my Trinity College years that I made
the acquaintance of Baron von Mueller; but that story has been toid by
Mrs. Margaret Willis in her memoir of the Barov, Ay Their Fritts.

One of my best-renmrembered “Anis during those years was at Portarling-
ton, Where [ had the good luck to collect two fine specimens of Tihelgunviea
efipactoides, even then comsiflered rather rare, Those two specimens are
still in my cnlection art the National Herbucium of N.S.W.

My father’s new hone av Buninyoug proved javeurable to ty activities
among ihe orchids, Thirty-one species arc recorded in the little census of
local qWants which T compiled in 1896. Ts was there that 1 first met the
delight{ud tittle Citfoglortts gumnw; and in a bog near the top of Mt
Runinyone 7 discovered the largest Greenhood I had ever see, IL was
at that tone ermoneously classed wath 2, encwlleta; pearly twenty years
were ta pass before the late Dr. Rogers gave it its rightiul stutus and
tamed it P. falcata. :

The rest of my orchid tecurds (22. of species actually collected by me
in the field) belong almost entirely jo New South Wales aid Tasimaina,
The number pd species which 7 callocted in Victoria from about 3885 co
1898 was just under GO. Bur stumbers count for Uitte i menieries; what
one can never forget is the thrill of a “new" discovery, abd the joy uf
rambling through those bushlands of the Long Ago which were the homes
ol the flowers that one loved.

JANE LILIAN EDMONDSON

At the time af her death, August % 1952, Mrs. C. AL Fdmonelson had
teen @ member of the Club for just over a balf-centucy, and lately as
Honorary Member. Whe, as Miss Lilian Bainbridge, she jeined the
Club, she was the teacher of botany and physiolony at Tintern Ladies
College, now Tintern C, or EE. G.G.S,, and later became a meniber af the
Covticil of this school. Som after Mer marriage in 1904. her hushynd
also became a metiber of the Club.

During the, earlier years of her membership, Mrs. Fdinondson regularly
attended meetings, Jrequently with iseresting tochibits, and joined in many
excursions, She was itast interested in the anual Wildflower Showy
staged by che Club, and worked bard far their success ;

Mrs. Edimondson was one of the pianeers in the Girl C2uide inovement
in Victoria, andl in that sphere of action was able (6 use with advantage
her knowledge of our native plants and trees. Au obituary notice it the
Guide magazine said, “Al who think of Mrs. Edmondson with affectionate
remembrance, think of her garden, her <lelight and her expert interest. We
always knew her with a flower” She heeame successively District Com-
inissioner. Division Conmitissioner. member of Stute Executive, and member
ef Vinance Sub-Committee. Mis. Edniandson’s cheerful ani wptimistic
nature and unaffected eharni af manner endeared her to ail--A.D.H.

AUTUMN

Showing now in place of Summer's green are the mellow
golds and russets of Autumn. These hues—heralding
the season of shorter doys—ore a vivid reminder thot
day by doy, month by month all things livina change.

Man, too, progresses through seasons. Your life changes
...and your family's needs. ‘You con't foresee what your
needs will ‘be ten or twenty years from now, but you can
plan to meet them with o Stote Savings Bank account.

The Future is Safe if You Save

THE STATE SAVINGS BANK
OF VICTORIA

“Save at this Bank’’

FUTURE OF THE “VICTORIAN NATURALIST”

At the Club's Finance Committee Meeting on March 12, 1953.
_ jt was: estimated that the recent increase in annual subscription
rates would soon causé.an easing of the financial strain which has
sq drastically restricted Club publications, The Committee bud-
geted for an increase in expenditure on Volume 70 of the Victorian
Nattvalist; and this should allow the journal to regain sorme-
what the standard of previows years,

The advertisements, which have occupied the first several pages
of each number for the past, four years, are now discontinued. It
was financially sound to include thein in 16-page issues, but the
extra cost of printing, 20 and 24 pages exceeds the income from
the advertisements. Volume 69 was published at a net cost of
much less than was originally intended, because. from month to
month the extra finance was. simply nor'available. By limiting
each number to 16 pages, including an average of + of advertise-
ments, and by restricting illustrative material, it was possible to
continue publication.

The special Lyrcbird issue of September 1952 came at a time
of actual financial embarrassment, and the present slight easing
of that situation makes if possible to expend the expenses saved,
by the Ingram Trust’s action in financing that issue, on enlarging
Numbers 11 and 12 of Volume 69 to pick up the leeway of Club
tnatter displaced by the special issue,

The discontinuing of the advertisements is the most economic
method available of increasing the monthly numbers (from about
12, to the full 16 pages of Club material per issue), Mlustrations
may now. be more liberally ased, and, if expectations are fulfilled,
members. may look forward ta larger issues of the Pictorian
Natuvatist in the near future,

RECOGNITION OF THE GEOLOGY GROUP

At the February meeting of the Chub,-our Council Member, Mr
A. A, Baker, was congratulated on his appointment as Curator to
the Geology Department of the University of Melbourne. Mr.
Baker satd that he was sure that his association with this Cluli,
and particularly with the Geology Discussion Group, was the
factor which obtained the position for hin,

The appointment, is mogted, tao,.in. the Geological, Society of
Australia’s Neus Bulletin, Vol71,No.-1 ¢ March’1953),*in which
there is also the follawing entry : ;

FIELD. NATURALISTS’ CLUR' OF VICTORIA--GEOLOGICAL
DISCUSSION GROUP—Many field excurstolis have heen conducted since
this group was inaugurated in February 1946. Speciniens collected are lodged
with the National Museum. An interest in the coastal erosion at Black
Rack resulted in a map bem ‘made of this area in July 1947. Since then
photographs of the cliffs have been taken at regular jntervals. Vast changes
in the cliff profiles have been recorded. Darébin Creek is at present being
mapped frots its souree to the junction with the River Yarra at Rew.

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 69— No. 12 APRIL 9g, 1933 No. 832

PROCEEDINGS

Dr. Chattaway presided, and about 120 members and visitors
were in attendance, at the General Mecting of the Club on March
10, 1953. Jt was announced that Mr. A. E. Brooks had heen
appointed hy Council to the position of Honorary Assistant Editor,

Misses Mollic Abbott, Gwenda Erskine and Jill Hassett, and
Mr. Douglas Gunn were elected Ordinary Menihers, Mr, Ciive
Fisher to Country Membership, and Ronald Tremewan asa Junior
Member. The President welcomed these new members tn the Chil).

The Meeting was then handed over to Mr, A. W. Burston, who
conducted the first part of the National Parks ‘Symposium. The
details of the lectures presented are given in this issue of the
Vret. Nat.

The Secretary announced that nominations tor the 1953 recipient
of the Australian History Medallion must be made at the next
meeting, At the same. time nominations would be required for
Office-bearers and Council. Particular consideration should be
given to the appointment of a new Honorary Treasurer, for that
position will fafl vacant. and there is at present no Assistant. Mem-
bers were asked to make nominations themselves, rather than
leave Council to attend to appointments.

Miss Lynctte Young reported that. ant oil refinery was being
established at Kurnell, the site of Captain Cook's historic landing
‘at Botany Bay.. The spoiling of this National Monument was
proceeding despite protests and the availability of an alternate
site at Port Stevens,

MATURE NOTES

Miss Ina Watson described how an jnch-long mantis in her garden had
eaten a blowfly, taking just 25 minutes from the first “crunch” to the Anat
“wiping of whiskers". She wondered if other members.might time-a similar
feat and determine whether her mantis had established a record }

Dr. Chattaway conimented on the cesyation of nectar-flow in Sugar Gums
at the You Yanga, Lorikeets and bees departed suddenly thotgh actual
flowering continued. Dr. Melville suggested that dry weather was responsible.
and he cited the example of a Ceanothus which produced no tiectar on first
flowering but was mduced to do so by copious watering,

Mr. Tarlton Rayment commented that the native bees can survive a
nectarsless ‘period, whereas the intraduced ‘honey-bee cannot. .He remarked
further that, in the Box group, of eucalypts, the outer row of aithers tend=
to become sterile and curve over to shelter the inner ones, At one. Box
forest in north-east New South Wales, the “disappearing disease” caused the
Toss of 42,000 hives. It was a matter of pbllen-starved larvae producing’ dere
too weak tavretura to their hives against even a light breeze.:

148 National Parks Sympasiuir V Val oe

NATIONAL PARKS SYMPOSIUM

Ih opening the symposium, Mr: A! W-. Burston pointed out on
a map the positions of the thirteen Victorian National Parks and
sx other important reserves. The Parks are Wyperheld, Kinglake,
Ferntree Gully, Wilsous Promontory, Mount Buffalo, Spermwhale
Iead, Lind Park, Alired Fark, Wingan Inlet, Mallacoota Inlet,
-Tarra Valley, Bulga Park and Tower Hill; and the other areas
are Buchan Caves, Werribee Gorge, Churchill, Phillip Island, Sir
Colin McKenzie Sanctuary ancl Koala Sanctuaries.

Mr. F. Lewis explained that the prosperity of the country de-
pended on the primary produicts, necessitating the destruction of

abituts of the native fauna. Some birds and animals, such as the

Kookaburra, Magpie, Koala and Possum, were adaptable to new
conditions, but others were not. Im the Western District of Vie-
toria the numbers of kangaroos, wallabies, and emus have been
greatly reduced; the Cape Barren and Magpie Gcese, the Brolga
and Bustard have almost or coiupletely disappeared, In Gippsland,
& small wallaby and the Koala have suffered: while the Lowan,
which has practically gone from Western Australia and New
South Wales, is now sare in South Australia and Victoria. The
solution i$ not in the restriction of the clearing of land, (o the detri-
nent of food production, nor in the enforcing of protective laws,
hut in the proper selection and maintetiance of suitable ‘National
Parks. This has been done in other countries, notably ULS.A.,
Canada and East and South Africa. Queensland has a National
Parks Association; but, while that State has considered flora,
geology and scenery, the fauna has heen neglectedl—with drastic
results to koalas, ens and kangaroos. In Victoria the- National
Parks are valueless land adininistered by committees of nianage-
ment with ouly a negligible revenue from grazing leases or fire-
wood royalty, resulting in complete frustration and often cessation
af activity, In Victoria we nuw have a National Parks Association,
which. recently tendered a very constructive report to the Govern-
ment, A bill was drafted, but the Association is now concerned
with its revision, mainly to have expert park managers appoitted,
to avoid the possibility of any park area being alienated simply by
Order of Council, aud to eliminate the leasing for grazing by local
committees. Mr. Lewis illustrated the necessity for fauna con
servation with a fine coloured film showing intimate shots of some
of our disappearing bird species-+Emu, Cape Barren Gonse,
lowan, ete, and Macquarie Island penguins. ;

Professor J. S. Turner disposed that not one of our thirteen
Victorian parks was well administered, and proceeded 1o demon-
strate proper methods of organization by reference to two in
U.S.A, The Yosemite National Park, m the middle of California,
covers 1,174 square miles, with snow-capped mountains to the

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Val, 68 April, 1953

Pirate XT

Broleas at the Healesville Sanctuary

Lowat at its Nesting Mound, in the Vietarian Alallee
Fhauta: FL Lewis

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 09 April, 1953

Prate XII

tchell Cockatoo

Major 3

pe National Parks Symposiiui 149
east and numerous streams tumbling over ledges and precipices
sometimes over a mile high. The Yosemite Valley itself occupies
only about 8 square miles of the vast area, and is the most visited
National Park area im U-S.A. ILis traversed by a netwark of roads
and contains hotel and cottage accommodation for visitors, thus
providing revenue for proper administration. Spectacular colour
slides were shown, including some of the Yosemiie Falls, which
have a total drop of 2,370 feet in their three leaps, and of the
gigantic granite crags known as El Capitan and the Half Dome.
Professor Turner suggested that the Wilsons Pramontory Nattonal
Park should be organized on the lines of Yusemite. The second
example of « United States reserve was the Orgaupipe Natiorral
Park in the desert of Arizona, established to protect the giant
Organpipe Cactus, This park was likened by the speaker to the
Wyperfeld Reserve in the Victorian Mallee: and again some
lwautiful slides were shown, Perhaps the most iuteresting point
iy connection with these United States Parks ts thar they have
well organized miuseutns and resident naturalists. providing guid-
ance aud instruction for visitors,

Mrs. H, 5, Hanks spoke on Wyperfield National Payk—Vic-
toria’s largest, with an area exceeding that of Buffalo, Wilsons
Promontory and Sperniwhale Head combined. It ts not spec-
laciilar, with its dry Jakes, sand-dynes, and light forest of Red
Gum, Black Box, Murray Pine, Cherry Ballari, Mallee and
smaller scruh; but it is of great interest tn naturalists nevertheless.
Fortunately. the helder of the grazing lease is Interested in fluta
and fauna preservation, and he polices the area against illegal
interference., Many colourful slides were shown of the topography
and flora-types, as well as many of birds taken by the late A. 1.
Mattingley during the R.A.O.U, camip-out there. The Spiny-
checked Honeyeater, Red-throated Whistler, Striated Grass-Wren
and Owlet Nightjar were seen, all at their nests. The reason for
upposing the “cleaning up" of the park floor was demonstrated
with pictures of the pround-nesting Spotted Nightjar, Chestnut-
hacked Quail-Thrush and Seruh Robin. The Wyperfield Reserve
is a stronghold uf the Major Mitchell Cockatoo and the Smoker
ov Regent Parrot.

Mr. J. R. Garnet spoke briefly on Victorian National Park
finance, inentiomng the apparently ‘iheral proposed grant of
£300,000, which, however, would have been tied up with Country
Roads Board work om access to the reserves, and not for the
essential purpose of providing rangers and curators. Ferntree
Gully had used a £5,000 allowance on the establishing of concrete
tracks, etc, but a change in government had terminated such
expenditure,

SO Pach Fiscu, Wisit to Moynt Buller bith

VISIT TO MOUNT BULLER
By Pauj. Fiscu, Doncaster

A three-day trip to Mt, Buller in mid-January '952 proved
anost interesting and instriactive, We left Doncaster at 11 am_ an
January (9, and at 6 p.m, were erecting our tent among the snow-
gums of Cow-Camp some 800 feet below the summit. The route
we chose was by way of Healesville and Blacks’ Spur to Alexandra,
thence to Eildon, Mansfield, Merrijig and Merimba, From the
Delatite River at Merimba ta Cow-Camp the narrow well-graded
road climbs 3,000 feet and only about the last mile is rough. Cow-
Camp is a saddle on the imouniain tidge that branches off the
Great Dividing Range from Mt. Howitt in a westerly direction
and of which Mt, Buller (5,911 feet) is the most promment peak
The ridge is fanked on the north side by the Delatite and on the
south side by the Howqua, both tributary rivers of the Goulburn.

At Cow-Camp, 5,200 feer above sea level, one finds two rock
formations, The vorthern side of the saddle and the hill towards
the east consisL of granite, and the southern side of the saddle
is composed of Older Basalt, The first rise, called “Baldy” (5,700
feet), west of Cow-Cainp, still consists of Older Basalt, with some
fine columns showing on its southern scarp, Just before the final
steep climb up to the crags of the summit, granite is in evidence
again, and two fine springs issue forth, one flowing towards. the
Delatite and theether towards the Howqua, Mt, Buller peak con-
sists of Palaeozvic sediments which seem ) be very resistant to
erosion, and some of the rocks show very good examples of folding
‘and faulting,

An ancient river valley occurred in the vicinity of Cow-Camp
and “Baldy” in Oligocene times, and was subsequently filled by
an Older Basaltic lava Row. During Pliocene and early Pleistocene
times the so-called Kosciusko Uplift caused an acecleration of the
clissecting power of the streams, thus fonning the deep valleys aid
the Basait Residual of "Mt. Baldy". While the granitic and basaltic
formations give the mountain a rounded character, the sediments
of the peak fall off very steepfy towards the valleys, sume 4,000
feet below.

At the time of our visit the alpine flora was at its best and the
summit was 4 yeritable reck-garden, ‘The most prominent and
shawy species were Bulbtne Lily, Mountain Shagyy-pea, Common
Billy Buttons, Alpine Westringia, Alpine Eyebright, Snow Aci-
phyll, Brackycome vigidla and Oleana flavescens, Also present,
Init just finished flowering, were the Tufted Buttereup and the
Long-leaf Hovea. In the Sphagnum. bogs of “Buldy" there were
two Howering colonies of Richea, together with Silver Daisy; and
the Motintain Phim Pine, growing prostrate over the crags of
the stummit must be of very great age. At approximately 5,60)

April
1953

Pau Fiscu, Mrsif to Mount Buller 151
feet on “Baldy” occurs the upper tree-line of the snow gums,
above which a rich alpine pasture provides summer grazing for
cattle. The beautiful snow gums of Cow-Camp seem to have
always escaped bush-fires, and now provide excellent shelter for
a village of winter-sport cottages. On granitic country to the east,
masses of Grass Trigger-plants and Royal Bluebells (}i’ehlen-
bergia gloriosa) were flowering.

The most unexpected finds at our camp were aboriginal stone
artefacts, three axe-heads and a sharpening stone on which axe-
heads were ground.

eee
ch See © I
Artefacts from Cow-Camp Photo: H. T. Reeves

Axe-head 1, consisting of Felspar Porphyry (probably of local origin).
Edge ground, but subsequently broken. Weight 22 oz., length 54 in,
width 2! in., and thickness 1f in.

Axe-head 2, consisting of Diorite or dioritic type of rock (resembling
rock from the Mt. William aboriginal quarry). Weight 12 oz.,
length 373 in., width 2§ in., thickness 14 in.

{Both 1 and 2 have ground cutting edges and are also hammer-
dressed ]

Axe-head 3, consisting of chiastolite slate. Weight 18 oz., length 63 in.
width 3) in., and thickness 1] in. This specimen possesses a well
ground edge but is not hammer-dressed, the shape being obtained
by flaking.

The sharpening-stone consists of a slab of hard sedimentary rock with
a well-worn groove caused by grinding.

The artefacts were found on sandy turf overlaying granite,
indicating that the aborigines chose the comparatively warm camp
sites of granite in preference to those of basalt,

152 J. R. Garnet, Natural History Medallion ee, hi

One can well imagine that the well-grassed slupes of “Baldy”
and Mt. Buller attracted a considerable native fauna (Wallabies,
Emus, etc.) during the summer months when the lowlands were
parched, and that the aborigines followed, hunting this game for
food. Possibly too, the natives visited the locality to feed on the
Bogong Moths which gather in enormous numbers in rock crevices
in altitudes of Mts. Hotham, Buffalo and Bogong. Although at
the time of our visit we did not observe these moths, it is most
probable that at the right time they would be present on Mt. Buller.

So the locality must have heen a very suitable camping ground,
providing the tribes with five essentials—food, water in a small
soak, shelter, timber, and suitable rocks for the making of stone
implements.

AUSTRALIAN NATURAL HISTORY MEDALLION

John Burton Cleland, C.B.E., M.D,, Ch.M,, F.R.A.C.P,, Professor Emeritus
of the University of Adelaide, has been awarded the Australian Natural
History Medallion for 1952.

His nominations by the Royal
Society of South Australia, the ° -

Field Naturalists’ Section of the
Royal Society and the South Aus-
tralian Ornithological Association,
were for his outstanding contribu-
tions to botany, ethnology, anthro-
pology and general] natural history;
and he has devoted considerable
energy to the cause of flora and
fauna protection and preservation.

Among biologists throughout the
Commonwealth he is known—as a
one-time microbiologist in the New
South Wales Department of Public
Health, as the Government Path-
ologist and Bacteriologist in West-
ern Australia, and, since 1920, as
Professor of Pathology at the Uni-
yersity of South Australia, His
investigations into Q-fever in
Queensland and the encephalitis
outbreaks in the Murray Valley 4
are among his important contribu-
tions to medical knowledge. Though, f
since 1929, a member of the Board Prof. J. B. Cletand
of Anthropological Research (Unive
of Adel.), and currently the Deputy Chairman of the Aborigines Protection
Board in South Australia, and joiut author of a long paper on the Natives
of South Australia published in the Seuth -Atustrattan Centenary Flistory,
among field naturalists he is in the forefrout as a botanist ail ornithologist.

Responsible for the establishment of the Science Guild Handbook Com-
mittee of which he is Chairman, his own contribution to that series—Tvad-
stools and Mushrooms of South ustratin—was published during the years

By courtesy Wild Life & Qurdoor

ith J. R. Gaanet, Natwral History Medallion 153

1934-5; and he became joint editor, and member of a team of botanists. com-
pleting the revision of the Flora of Sonth Astratia—another contribution
to tha same series.

Readers of periodicals such as the South Australian Naturalist, the
Transactions of the Royal Soetety of South Atstratta, the Hitt, Anstratian
Avian Record, South Australian Ornitholagist, and the Victorian Naturalist
know his ability to blend enthusiasm and the professional scientific approach.
His more recent papers have been concerned largely with pliant distribution
and ecology

Apart from those civie and scientific offices he has acted as Chairman o1
the South Australran National Park Commission since 1940 [he was
appointed as Commissioner ig 19293 and, since 1930, as a member of the
Flora and Fauna Protection Board, which has campaigned vigorously to
prevent the alienation of part of the Flinders Chase santtuary.

At various times he has Alled the office of President of the Roval Societies
of both N,S.W, and S.A, the R.A,O,U, and the Ornithological Assogiation
ef South Australia and has acted as Chairman of the Field Naturalists’
Section of the Royal Society of South Australia, of which he has been a
meriber for more than thirty years.

Although now in his seveuty-fifth year tas interests and energy appear
unabated, the years weigh hghtly on his shoulders, and field excursions are
suill part of his recreation and enjoyntent, PFiaally ic shawld be noted that
Professar Cleland has been a member of our F.N.C.V, since 1943,

' —J. R. Gaaner.

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN
Genatal Excurtions:

Saturday, April 1$—Execursion to St. Albans (westher permitting). Sul-
ject: Mallee Flora. Leader: Me. K. Atkins. Take 8.46 am. St. Aibans
trait from Flinders Street; bring one meal, (Walk af 5 miles)

Saiurday, May 2—Excursion ta Sherbrooke Forest, Subjects Fungi.
Leaders: Messre J. H. Willis and R. Lee. Take 9.18 a.m. Upper
Ferntree Gully train (express Richmond to Box Hill), then Olinda
bus to Memorial Gates, Bring one meal, Party limited to 40, names to
he gent to K. Atkins, Botanic Gardens, South Yarra, S.B.L-

Geology Group Excursions:

Saturday, April 18—Moonce’ Ponds Creek, Ascot Vale, Subject; “Cenhlo-
pads", Leader: Mr. A. A. Baker. Take Essendon tram to Ormond

gad, or the West Brunswick bus from Saraly Sands Hotel, Sydney
“Road, Brunswick, Meet at bridge at 2.30 nm. .

Saturday, May 9—Korknperrimul Creek, Bacchus Marsh, Subject: “Basaly
Rocks". Leader: Mn A. A, Baker, Private transport from Flinders
Street at Elizabeth Street loading ramp, 9 o'clock sharp; bring two
meals) Walk of 6 miles.

Group Fixtures:

Owing to building operations at ihe Royal Society Hall, group meetings
pwill be discontinued until further natice.

Kessxttr Atkins, Excursion Secretary.

REQUEST FOR AUSTRALIAN INSECTS
From Rev. G. Variat of French Motoceo comes a request for sone
specimens of the larger insects characteristic of Australia, to aid in the
teaching of entomology and for private work, Groups mentioned are
Coleoptera, especially, Cerambycids Clongicorn beetles) and Prionids;
Orthoptera, espucially Phosmids (stick-insects) and Mautids; and Dermap-
fere Cearwies}, Rey. Variot is interested particularly im the species whieh
have developed imitative camouflage; and he offers Morocean insects in
exchange, Those Wo are interested shauld communicare with Miss C.

Crémer, Flant Research Leb, Swan Street, Barnley, £.1-

454 Tauntox Rayuent, Blood-Sucking Midges bs Hots

A TALE OF BLOGO-SUCKING MIDGES
By Tarutow RayMeny
Hosorary Hymenopterist, National Museum, Victoria

T have jist cxammed two amazing artis—huiman anes resembling the
pebhle-grain af certain leathers.

But fet oe tell you about it, for the story is well worth recounting. “In these
dzys of hustle (alas, the etiemy of that placid contemplation in which all
true research is bern) even honey-bees are drawn ints the infernal racket,
They are whirted from place to place so that another harvest shall he

_ gathered in to feed a hungry world. -

tn the early spring my bee-farmor friend, Lesley Rush of Black Rock.
who is perhags not anknown to you, hsd transported his hives and some of
mine ta central Victoria, whece there was a promise of nectar for the bees.
Lesley set up camp among trecs im the “One Eye Forest’—no hoary jake
of ab eye squinting protesquely after attack by an irate bee! The arntising
burlesque of the white man's name i¢ unfortunately true and it actually
uppears thus an official plans of the forest. The aborigines, simple fellows,
probably hed a much more melodious name, such 2s “Kinvi-wallan” or
“Aral-kira”s which fast may be freely translated as “the kind eye"'—bur
then, our dark-skitined brethren are so primitive, you know _

The winter and spring of 1982, you will remember, was drenched with
rain, It teemed down ji and out of season, creeks ran as they had never
tun before, cattle were drowned—ronre people, too. Now, if the people
of “One Eye" protested that they had had more than cnough, certain midge-
like Aies actually rejoiced in the floods and increased beyond the wilder
drezms af the «entomologists. These tiny creatures, a mere owe or threc
millimetres in length, owe their lives to water, for the larvae flock together
itp Targe calonies on rocks Mi tunning streams, and Would like te bave
space to tell you of the strange silky bags in which they pupate,

Peudently, of course, Les wears the usual bee-vell of commercial apiarists,
hut he is ahle to sec ahout him myriads of midges or sand-flics—you may
have your choite af word,

A plain inan ts Les, one not given to suspect evil in others; sa he warks
on, Whenever both hands are occupied with biting the heavy hives, gnats,
midges, sand-flies (or what you will) descend on his srms, bared well above
the elbow. The flies bite, viciously; they draw blood unti] they are bloated
with the living red Auth Mareaver, the Jittle savages force a way thrangh
any crevice in the clothing; they erawl up over his socks, and bite bine on
ankles and legs. Les can clip his trousers close ahout his legs, but arms
qnust be bare for quick hard work.

Everyone knows that Aman catinet Carry something requiring the use of
both hands, and a1 the same time defend himself. So Les has to endure
the tortnent, until he has had probably thousands ot bites. A few days clapse
hefore he is able to visit ine, recount his painiul experiences in the “One Exe
Forest”, and bring a few of the Ales,
~ Tsaid his arms felt like “pebble-grained leather”, for each bite was wiatked
by a small red speck, surrounded by a hard tubercle of swollen flesh. Qne
could hardly pot s-match-head between the bites. |The trritation banished
all sleep, ‘The constant itchiness forced hin to seek a momentary relied by
scratching; only then, the irritation increased to an unbearable degree,

Could I sugpest any remedial mensures? Well, at least a preventive ane—
wash the hands and arms before begining the work of the day, and at mean,
with a weak solution of carbolic acid crystals {phenol} dissolved in water,
for this will repel all insect attackers, including the bees themselves,

Oh, about the flies > I take = specimen or two inta the Muscam and discuss
them with ty esteemed collaborator, Alex. N. Burns. We agree that the

Aen HOM. R. Rupp, Ueyananthis aninntne 195

fites are of a dreaded bload-sucker, Augtrosimuliia yicteriad, hy the family
SIMULIDAE. 4 J

Peoples of the world have learned to dread the great hordes of these tiny
lovers of human blood. In New Zealand they are known as “Midge flies’:
in England, “‘Gnat-fies” are abundant, breeding in water; in America, the
smoky clouds of “Buffato-gnats” acc alarming. My old and lamented friend,
the late Keith McKeown, considered that Australia was fortunate in hot
having the cloud-like hordes of America; but then, Keith had newer been in
the “One Eye Farese" of Victoria!

DRYMOANTHUS MINUTUS
- (Orehidaceac)
Note by the Rev. H. M. R. Rupp, Willoughby, NoS.W.

In this Journal (59: 173 (Feb. 1943)), the late W. H, Nicholls described
and figured a néw genus of archids with a solitary species, which he named
Drywoonthus minutus, The specimen upon which he based lis observations:
had been in his possession for more than two years, and it was orielually
collected by Mr. A. Glindeman at Mt. Fox, near Ingham in north Queens-
land. This diminutive epiphyte was ‘not recorded again until January of
the oresent year, when Mr, J. H, Wilkie of Babinda, N.Q,, collected severa!
ants with buding racemes aud sent them to Mr, Norman Leader of
Castleorag, N.S.W. The plants them-
selves looked so different from the one
depicted by Mr. Nicholls, fie. that at
first & new species wag suspected. But
as the flowers opened, they were seen
to agree completely in every detail with
those figyred by Nicholls. It was then
realized that the plant att#ins greater
dimensions than was suspected by the
author af the genus, and mature speci-
mens possess sterms upwards of 3 cm.
in length, on the lower portions of
which are a number of old withered
racemes with persistent floral bracts.
The Jeaves in all the Babinda speci-
mens are rather rigidly reflexed, This
feature is lacking lt the solitary plant
of Nicholls's plate, but that may be
accounted far by its development for
more that two years under glassliouse
conditions, The perfect agreement nl
all the Horal details wath those given
by Nicholls ten years, ago forbids any
doubt as to the identity of the species.
Because of his inability to obtain any
further material after the type speci-
men hid been consigned to his her-
bariwin, the author once expressed to
the present writer some misgivings
abaut his action m erecting a new
genus on the evidence of a single plant
He would doubtless have been delighted to hear of the reediscovery of
Drymoanthus by Mr. Wilke, and to learn that this jitde orehid, though
vuidl ranking as 9 dinninutive, is mot quite so insignificant as he, had supposed.

INSET—Mature plant of Deyolaowttis mbintis Nicholls fram Bskinda, N. Q'land,

136 X. AL Waserienp, My. Buller's Botanical Century [YS Beh

MOUNT BULLER’S BOTANICAL CENTURY
By N. A. WaKkerremp

Mareh 22 this year was the centenary of a very imporyant everit
in the history of Australian hotaqieal exploration, for it was en
thar day in 1853 that Baron von Miteller ascended Mt, Buller. He
had already explored the Buffalo Ranges earlyer a1 March and
ascended Mt. Aberdeen (The Horn); and the significance of his
next mave is gauged from his report:

As Mount Aberdeen offered hardly any plants of a true alpine charac-
ter, I resolved to ascend Mount Baller, whose summits, at an clevation
ai more than 5,000 feet, are cavered thremipghout the greater art of tle
year with snow. Travelling quite alone since leaving the Buffalo Ranges,
the ascent was not accomplished without cansiderahle danger, But 1
was detighted to observe here, for the fitst time, this continent's alpine
vegetation, which in some degree presented itseli as analagous with
the alpine flora of Tasmania... jand whith was also by no means
destitute al its own peculiar species (PAchalium podocdrpuides, .
Oaylobiuun alpestya, Brachycome nivalis, Autsotowye alicialis, etc.) 2...
Mount Buller bail never before been scientifically explored. 1 nl

Thus the Baron made his acquaintance with the Alora of the
Australian Alps, and Mc. Buller soon becasie a type locality for
several new species of plants, ln most cases, other localities were
cited also with the descriptions. of these, but it is certéin that this
nrounrain. provided the first known specimens of almost all of them.
Besides the four already mentioned in Mueller’s:own report, there
are Brachycome ainiticaulis (a form af B, wtgidula), Danthonia
robusta (syn —D. pallida), Agrostis nivalis (= Deyervia crassins-
cule), Deyeuria frignda, Festuca muelleri and MH estringia senifote.
Of all these Mt, Buller is a type locality.

“The late Dr, C, 5. Sutton did a certain amount vi cullecting at
Mt, Buller, and he wrote a short report in the ict, Nat, 24; 175
it February 1907. On January 4, 1945, our ehergerie botanist,
My. J. H. Willis, managed to fit in two hours there on his way
from Mt. Cobbler to Mansfield. (See Viet. Nat. 62: 138, 9—
December 1945}. Tn thar year Mr. Willis compiled a census of
the known flora of the Barry Mountains {from Mt. St. Bernard
fo Mt. Speculation) together with Mt. Cobbler Plateau and Mt.
Buller. The plants noted as occurring in the summit areq of
Mt. Buller numbered 113 species. With this background in mind,
a party of five paid a visit ta the mountain during the Labour
Day week-end, March 7 ta 9, 1953. Tt included Dr. R. Melville
of the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, Mr, J, II. Willis and the
writer, Weather was ideal for the three days, so Uhal a maximum)
of botanical exploration was possible.

Though it was late in the day (March 7) when the party: was
established iw the Ivar Whittaker Memorial Lodge, as guests of

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol, 69 April, 1953

Prate XIII

Goa ~ o>"
£ Ae i8 “% ae Os
Roval Bluebells, with a haekground af Mother Shield fern,

under the basaltic searp of “Baldy”

Sunrays and Daisies on the north slope Gentians on the south slope of Mt. Buller

\ od

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NV ISO

SUINM OLA

— N. A. Waxerain, Mount Buller's Botanical Century 157

the Ski Club af Victoria, each botanist spent an hour or so on
“Baldy”, between the ski settlement and the main summit. The
“find” of the excursion, Cystopteris fragilts, turned up in crevices
of the basaltic southern scarp of Baldy. This little fern had been
recorded only four times before in Victoria—always in the spray
of falling water, but on this occasion it was growmg quite abuti-
dantly here and there for several hundred yards, m the rather
dry cliffs. In the same locality, Senecio pectinatns was Aowering. .
Some members of the patty examined the baggy creek-head known
asi “The Springs’, just north of the summit, and saw there
Prasophyllion suttonit and the tny Exacarpus nena. Acacia sici-
Miformis ascends here to about 3,600 feet,

The next day a party inchiding Melville and Willis made the
long hike along the main top round the heads of the Delatite River
to Mt, Stirling. Two raceties came to light: Lyvopedium selago
gn lossy rocks under masses oF Oaylobivin, and Carex jackiuna
in one of the bogs, Hircalyptus pervintiana was growing in the
lowest saddle between the two mountains, in one af the few re-
Inaiting areas of umburnt Alpine Ash. Onn the same day, the
writer confined his attention to the rocky summit of Mt. Buller
itself. On the way, the Springs were investigated and Scirpus
neorilli, and Hicrechloe redafens noted there. On the 3.900A4o0at
summit, 4Sgrostiy niwelleriana was abundant on. rocky ledges, and
the diminutive Scicranthus awmaroides and Schizeilema fragoseum
were growing amongst the Snow Grass on the steep southern
slope. These three grow here just as they do on the 6,000-foot
summit of the Cobboras Montitains,

Before leaving Tor the lowlands again on March 9, further atten-
lion was paid tn the interesting Sphagnum hog at the head of the
Springs, and there were found Trochocarpe clorket, Schoenus
calyptrains and the Carex jaghiana again, Agrostts parviflora. was
sibundant in most wet places.

These #7 plant species were almost all additions to Willis's
Garry Mountains-Buller list, but as most of them are insignificant
many have probably escaped notice before, and may not he un-
corurton,

At this season of the year, one misses the main glory of the
alpine shrubbery. The acres of Hestriagiv, Grevillen, Hovea,
Oxylobium, Phebathan, Pleurandropsas, Olearia and Orites speak
of aimagnificent spectacle up there above the tree-hne. Hut even
in March, the glory is not ali departed, Royal Bluchell displays
its deep colour almost everywhere, daisies mass here and there
to provide the rocky slopes with vivid splashes of mauve, and in
some places the Paper Sunray makes an unbroken blaze of gold
for acres, But most exquisite of all is the Mountain Gentian, in
full flower here and there down the grassy southern slope, the

_ nov fertile

159 Eto Howat, Fpbrids of Nalin Plosds Ne 6

colour ranging fram white ta pale blue and some plants over a foot
across. ‘

All hor two of Mueller's original Mt, Buller species were
observed on this occasion, the exceptions heing the two large
grasses (Danthonia and Festuca}, which have evidently been
grazed out of existence. At least a hundred cattle were present
above the tree-line, and the state of both the vegetation and
ground surface told the usual story of destructioi, Al told, there
was an addition of over 50 plant names to the known- alpine flora
of Mt. Buller, a fitting commemoration of Baron von’ Muelier’s
commencement of the work a hundred years ago.

TWO HYBRIDS OF NATIVE PLANTS
By Leo Hance, W Tree*

* The weiter of these notes is aw East Ginpsland finner living alkiit L6 niles nocth
of Bachan, and he has recently been elected as a Country Member of thy Club. Hix
efforts im the cultivation of Austrahan plants have met with remurkable suceexs even
though the locality has severc atnumn and spring frosts as well as winter anows. In hin
quarter acee Hatise black mere are thees, shrubs aml herbs of about 100 loeal apecies as
well as 60 other Australian natives, moat spectacular of which are the dozen kinds of
Pomadevns and almost 2 score of Grewdloas, While exploring the Snowy River gorges
in quest of suitable subjects for the gatden, Mr. Hodge found extenswe areas of Boronia
fedifolia, which was not previously recorded for Victoria, and a IWestringia new tw

selenec. | ;
. —Editor,

Here are a few notes about two hybrid plants Which J have growing in
my garden ,

One is a Prostauthera whose pares are P, fostanthos and P. Klicifolic.
EF faund this plant on @ hot, rocky, north-west side af.a mountain-lop between
the Snowy River and Butchers Creek; east of where 1 live (W Tree).
It was growing amongst quite 'a number of seediings and mature plants of
P. Kicifalie. The other parent. P. lostawhos, grows quite plentifully along a
creek about half a mile distant. This hybrid plant has now grown into a
dense, shrub 7 feet high and 11 feet wide, Teaves are rather smoorh, stiff,
lanceolate, slightly serraic, 14 10 iF in. in length and about 2 inv wide

| Flowet's resemble thuse of 2. Aiafulia but are not’so datk in the thrvat and

do not onen so wide. These are produced ina panicle much the same as
that of P. lasianthas, bot whereas the panicle of the Jattec is usually devoid
of leaves and the bracts fall off as flowers mature, this hybrid usually hes
small feaves subtenditg the branches of the panicle as well as the flowers
themselves. Thus the flowers are in effect solitary in the leaf axils. as in
P, Wictfolia, These leaves oc bracts of thé inflorescence are persistent ‘until
the seeds mature, after Which the whole panicle withers. The seeds aré very
small and may not be fertile. - , can
The other hybrid is a Brachyromwe whose parent plants are ‘B. rtpidula anil
a form of B. -uerdfente. The former came from the Buchan- River and. the
latier from the rocks along the Snowy. I grew both for, some time in a
flowerbtd in the home garden. The plant of 4. rigidula died. eventually, but
HK. atulcrla Torined quite an extensive mass, Many seedlings of the Satter
have appeared, and ‘amongst them was one with foliage intermediate ‘hetwten
that af the. two species, The leaves'are not divided as finely as in B- rigidula.
the Aowers are larger than those of rither parent, and-the seeds are.apparently |

Avrii

183 J. BH. Wanuis, Moth of Macromitrin in WAL 159

THE MYTH OF MACROMITRIUM IN ‘WESTERN AUSTRALIA
|\A Mose Note)
By J, H. Waais, National Herbarium, Victona

A bryalogist, visiting West Australian forests, is strack at ance by the
absence of many family groups that are conspicuous in the moss fora of
the casturn States, Wheeever rainfall and arboreal growth are comparably,
Por instance, no member of the Polyrrtchacea, Rhisogowiacer, Leinbo-
phallaces, Hypopteryaiacer gr Hypnacea (sensy stricto) has ever been
recorded tram the Wesr,

Macromatrinas is a very large getius of chiefly tropical mosses that cree}
on the bark of trees, Two species, JM. tircurufolinn. (Hook & Grev.)
Schwen, and M, involitifeliwn (Hook & Grev,) Schwer., were recorded
joc King George's Sound, W.A., by F. Schwaegrichen in Part 2 of his
second supplement to Hedwig's Species Muscorum Froiudosonun, p 144
(1827); but, despite all the extensive collectings of Drummond, Preiss and
F. Mueller in the middle of the last century and of several quite recent
hotanists, Oo subsequent specimen pf any Macranuirium has heen taken. in
Western Australia. Otre naturally wonders whether the ariginal records
were reliable.

Watts and Whitelegge (Moss supplement to Proc. Linas Soc. NSH.
p 303, 1903) drop the Australian record of M. incuritfaltem. altogether anc,
under Af, arvolutrflotuue, remarks that the W.A.-record is “open to-doubt”.
Brotherus (Natur. PAaueepf., Muset, 1925 ed. p. 41) restriets the former
to Indonesian and Pacific Island distribution, but repeats the King George's
Sound locality for the Jatter species (p, 39). Both mosses were described
originally under the genus Orthetrichum by Hooker and Greville (Edt
burgh Journ, Science, 1: 117, T. 4 & 5, 1924). By courtesy of the Regius
Keeper, Reyal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, I was recently privileged ta
examine the two type collections From Greville's herbarium, and we shall
now consider each af them briefly:

1. M INCURVIFOLIUM Schwar. The single specimen, with one irult,
is labelled; “Ovthot, incervifoliinm H, & G. Ternate, Dickson’, There
is no mention of King George's Sounr. Since Ternate is a small
island off the west coast of Halmahura. it 1s unlikely that suet a
tropical Indonesia tree moss woul occur also. om the south coast
of Western Australia. Schwacerichen'’s record is certainly puzziing.
Brotherus gives Java, Ambosa, Taltit: and Pitcairn Island as addi-
vaital localities—all. reniote fram King George's. Sound,

2 M.INVOLUTIVOLIUM Schwer. The type sheet of Orthotrichu
\ . tuppletifolivim H, & G. carries what purport to be two collections
one is over the label “Paramatta, Australia, Hobson, 1823", the other
aver "Kine Gearge’s Sound, Dickson", Both examples might well
have come off the same plant; they are so completely similar in-form,
coloration and stage Of developimént—even the sane fitth hepatic
threads iuelf among thoirt shizaids. | deubt whether Hobson and
Dickson (British batanists who kept herbaria of cryptogams) ever
collected these specimens themselves in the antipodes. What is fiore
likely js that qhey received them cither by carrespondence or irom
collectors returaing to Europe

Now there is a Mt King George (3,400 {t.) at the head of the Grose
River near Katoomba, in the Biie Moyntains (N.S.W.). Would it aot be
possible for the field callectar ta write “King George's Mount" against
his specimen, and a recipient im Britain to misconsteue this as the more
familiar place name, “King George's Sound’? Such mistakes have
occurred all toa frequently, and the possibility here is heightened by the

100° W. Wanner, Orchids ix Hid ower Sanctuaries ee oat

fact that F. Sieber, who collected the type of Af. Acmatnckodrs Sclhwer-
(Swph, 2, pt, 2, p. 130, T. 193, 1827) dia visit the Blue Mountains in 1823
—the very year attrihoted ta Hobson's A’. involudifolinm material, More-
aver, although [ have not been able to study the type of Schwaegrichen’s
MW, henutrichades, his deseriptior’ and colouced figures accord very well
with the type specimens of AZ. involutifetier. | suggest, therefore, that
the twa species are identical ad were actoally based upon athe same Sieber
collection -cither irom Parramatta or the Blue Mountains,

Gaviously Schwaegrichen had not seen the Hooker and Greville. types.
for Ne places these Macvomiitrinm species in a section “Peristurda tunel”
(p. 144), notwithstanding the fact that type M. favoluttfolian [alsa a series
of neat pencil drawings accompanying it) shaws a distmet single peristonie
of short free tecth: Fad he examined this type, he would harrlly have extah-
lished his M. heandietichodes ou. page L36 of the same volume. Brotherus
(Natur, Pflanserf,, 1925 ed.) assigns trvalntifoligm co the section Leigttemea,
having double peristame with cohering qutce teeth, so it 3s doubtful whether
he, too, hail ever consulted the type.

bi conclusto), ali available evidence is against the probability of etther
Macraauirinm tnerereifalinm or M. dnvolwifativw having been collected
at Ring Gearge's Sound | therefore advacafe the deletion of these species
irom the West Australian list, which will still lagk any represcutative of
orthotdchoid or macromitriod Afuset.

ORCHIDS IM WILDFLOWER SANCTUARIES IM VICTORIA

Lists vf plaints in sanctuaries have alten been tratke He sulurin and winter,
and vary from the probably complete list for Tallaraok ta n short list for the
santtuary to be made by the Torests Commission near Beniigo, which rives
theee orchids.

Places where sanctuaries have been made or are being made are bere
arranged ian order which probably indicates the ratio of the number of
orchids on the census to the number in the sanctua Tallarook, Langwred,
Nonawading, Warrandyte, Frankston, Croydon, slo, Anglesea, Bendigo,
Sydenham.

In? af the arens Giossadtio mayor; in 6 Lriochilas; in § Calochilus roberi-
som and Pteroshylis riufans; in 4 Thelvmira puucilora, Microtis resifotin,
Pineis maculata; in 3 Thelynitra artstata, T. antewnsfera, Aaouthus reni-
farmis, Diuris longifolia; in 2 Dipodinem (Warrandyte and Croydon),
Prasophyliun despectone ( Aneleaca and Nunawading), Pr, wericons (Tal-
larcok aud Longwood), Thelynitra rubra (Longwood and Nunawading),
Actanthas crserfus (Anglesea and Marlo), Loperanthus wserecons (Angie-
sea and Frankston, Pterostylis prdunculata (Warrandyte and Frankston),
Caladenta covruled (Longwood and Warrandyte), C. ailatata (Tallarook
and Warrandyre), Dinrts padwecnlta (Longwood and Croydon) ¢ in § ¢Tal-
larook) Vhelwaitrn ivioides, Caledenio angustata, Dinris sxlpiurca (Long-
wood) D. palachila, Cotadenta cueallata (Frankstan) Prasephyllunt elatugn;
(Warrandyte) Coladenta fitz-gerida, Ptrrostylss cwrta, Pt. barbata, Ft. puniia;
Anglesea) Leptoceras, Corybas (7) > (Bendigo) Caladenta carnca; (Marlo)
Thelyunitra qrendiflora, Carybes acouitsflores, Chilaglattis reflexa, Glossodia
minor, Orthocerus, Griptostylis subululu, C. creetra, Peterostufis longifola,
Pt. pedonlossas (Sydenham) Disxris elva,

Mr. Hunter expects to add to the Marlo census. Elsewhere, except Angle-
sea and Bendigo, only likely additions would bo Prerystplis and Thelymrtro.

The Nabve Phos Preservation Society af Victuria will wuleome sug-
gestions Which oay lead to the Hlling in. of certain obvious and serials amis-

s10N5,
W, WADDELL, Secretary.
The Native Plants Preseryatian Society of Victoria.