THE

Victorian Naturalist

THE JOURNAL AND MAGAZINE -

of the
FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB OF VICTORIA
a . in which is incorporated
ff The Microscopical Society of Victoria —
VOL. 71 *

MAY, 1954, TO APRIL, 1955

Hon. Editor: N. A. Wakefield

‘The Author of each Article is responsible for
opinions therein.

MELBOURNE!
Frown, Prror, ANDERSON Pry, Ltp., 430 LITTLE Bourke STREET
1955

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The Victorian Naturalist

VoL 7i—No. rt | MAY 6, 1954 Na. 845
' PROCEEDINGS

About 150 members and friends were present at the General
Meeting held at the National Herbarium on April 12, L954. Mr,
Baker extended a welcome to visitors, particularly to Mr. Pescott,
Jhirector of the National Museum, Mr. Moir, President of the
Bread and Cheese Club, and Mr. Singleton, a Sydney member of
the FLING. :

Mr. Baker then-introduced the speaker for the evening, the
Club’s Sceretary, Mr. Lewis, who spoke briefly on the colour Alms
taken by hint on a recent visit to north Queensland. He then
showed che films, with a preliminary run through some entrancing
shuts of a pair of wild Rainbow Lorikeets that had become tame
enough to eat sugar from contaiters on a table, The inain film
dealt with the several islands of the Rarrier Reef, and for excellence
of colour and extraordinary vartety of subjects, these shots were
really remarkable, arousing amongst members great mterest and
enthusiasm,

The President said that Sir Russell Grimwade had sent his
congratulations ta Mr. Barrett, who had been chosen as the recipient
of the Natural History Medallion for 1953, and he regretted that
awing to recent illness he was unable to attend at the Club to make
the presentation. My. Pescott was then introduced to perform the
céremorty

Mr. Pescott spoke at length on the achievements of Mr. Barrett
im the field of natural history and his outstanding services to the
people of Australia in this direction. A report of this address may
be found elsewhere im this issue. Mr. Barrett made a yery moving
speech of thanks to the Club and ta Mr. Tescott, ,

Neminations were then received for office-bearers and council
for 1954/55.

Members were asked for nominations for the 1954 award of the
Natural History Medallion. The Club's previous nomination of
Mr. F. Lewis still stands.

Miss Elizabeth Kay and Mr, R. W, McKellar were elected as’
Ordinary Members, and Mrs, V. H. Wood of Geelong as a Country
Member, The President welcomed these new inembers to the Chub,

Mr.. Baker mentioned the Amy Fuller paintings of wildflawers
and the dilapidated state of their mounting,.and asked for donations
so that they could be properly bound and preserved.

It was reported that the Club library had been alnanst completely
trans{erred back to the Royal Sociely’s Hall and that this had con-

1

Viet. Nat,

2
Vol. 71

Procerdtuysr

stittitéed a major tusk. All who assisted in ibis were heartily thankecl.

Mr. Lewis asked for annual reports from the various groups now
operating. He reported that he had received 4 letter fre the
organizers of the Sth International Botanical Congress to be held
in Pars in July 1954, ancl that any person wishing to attend should
getin touch wath him,

The meeting closed at 10 p.m. far the usual conversazione and
inspection of exhibits.

EXHIBITS AT APRIL MEETING
GEOLOGY:

Gypsum crystals in clay found in excavations for dam at Cape Paterson--
AL A. Baker. This appears to he the only known gypsum in this area
BOTANY:

Photogravhs of 4Imyema pendila, the Drooping Mistletoe, showing four
stages in the germifiation of two seeds, a mature plant, Iuds, flowers and
leaves—R, D. Lee.

CONCHOLOGY:
A series oi the Wavy Volutc, dmorera widnlata Lam., from King Island

. —R. Kershaw.

Shells from Brampton Island, including Porcupine Cowrie A, Gibsow,

GEOLOGY DISCUSSION GROUP

An attendance af 18 members ancl! visttors was recorded at the April
Meeting af the Group.

Mr, Jetlréy reported on the March -excursion when the Queen's Park,
Ceres, Waurn Ponds and Limeburners’ Point areas of Geelong were visiterh

The subject for the evening was a talk by Mr. A. Cobbitt on the ravks of
Arthur's Seat. After a brict descnption of the teatures of geological interest
in the Mornington Peninsula, the speaker gave details of the occurrence and
camposition of hornblende darite, rhyodacite, several forms of ranite,
Eraniti¢ porphyry and aplite in the granitic stock known as Arthur's Seat.

A foul display of exhibits was shown by Messrs, Watts (polished jasper
and chert), Cobbite (specimens illustrating his talk), Jetlrey (polished
epidiorite aud native copper), Gill (£nsstl fern leaf and forsil wood}, Baker
(épecimens from the Geelong excursion) and Nielsei Cinarine fosstl shells)

PRAHRAN JUNIOR NATURALISTS CLUB EXCURSION TO
BADGER CREEK, HEALESVILLE

On Saturday, May 1, 1954, about 30 members of the Prahran Jamior Club,
together with a dozen adult friends or parents, set out hy parlour coach for
the Sir Colin Mackenzie Sanctuary at Healesville. Lunen came first.
attended alsa by a number of interested emus, and then parties were formed
and the lour of dispeclion. began.

Tlighlights af the visit were the Stone Curlew that whistied in answer to
imitations of its call by same of the party, and the Rat Kangaroos that were
on view eVen thotigh at was full daylight.

An attraction. in addition ta the round of fauna exhibits, was the range
of toadstools and other fungi in evidence. Children were greatly interested
in these because of a recent broadcast to schools on the subject by Crosbie
Morrison, It is worth noting in this connection that at the next meeting
ai the Jonior Ciub, or) Tuesday, May 11, Mr, J, EL, Willis will give 4 tall

on fungi N. AL WAKEFIELD.

rry “The Wictovion Naturelist 3
PRESENTATION OF THE 1953 AUSTRALIAN NATURAL
HISTORY MEDALLION TO CHARLES BARRETT
[Summary of Speech by R. T. M- Pescott ai the General Mecung
of the Club on April 12, 1954]

Most are aware of the significance of the annual presentatian of
the Natural History Medallion. It is given im recognition of out-
standing work in the advancenient of nature knowledge, either by
the popularization of the subject by articles, books, photography,
etc., or by useful research in branches of the natural sciences. On
this occasion honour is being done to a naturalist of the old school,
Charles Leslie Barrett. .

Australia has in the past been richly blessed with such naturalists,
but the tendency now js for one to get away from the wide field
and to hecome very specialized. In many ways this is to be re-
gretted. In the early days of the Field Naturalists Club, and not so
long ago too, there were many men who, at meetings or on excur-
sions, could discourse widely on a great variety of subjects. This
ability is passing; now one studies one subject intensively, often
becoming quite lost in the mass of detailed informatiun he compiles.
To the old dying class we owe a great amount of knowledge.

Charles Barrett is a native of Victoria, being born at Hawthorn
neatly 75 years ago when that was really 2 country place. He was
always interested in nature and was for 32 years a member of the
literary staff of the Melbourne Herold, conducting a nature column
and information service. As co-editor of The Sine, the official
organ of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, for several
years, he contributed many important scientific papers to it; and
for some twelve years he edited The Victorian Naturalist, prepare
ung it with great love and affectian,

Charles Barrett will always be remembered for thar amazing
series, the Sun Nature Books. At the time these were more or
less taken for granted, their true value not being recognized. Now
they are minor items of Australiana and much prized, and inquiries
for then come from various parts ef che world; but they are not
obtainable now-

When serving in Egypt and Palestine during the First World
War, Charles Barrett gathered information jor some publications,
but it in connectton with Australian books that we remember him
best. These comprise more than twenty volumes on natural history
and travel in Australia and the Pacific generally, Perhaps the best
of them is Coast of daveanture, a typival Charles Barrett book which
one re-reads many times.

While travelling extensively in Centra) Australia, Armhem Land
and the North, and in New Guinea, New Britain, ete., in quest of
information for books, Charles Barrett has collected a very great
number of natiral history specimens, The National Museum has
profited by the acquisition of these, most outstanding of which are

4 Natiral History Medattion for 1953 Ver. ut

the thousands of tubes of ants which included material of many new
species.

Last hut not feast is Charles Barrett's ability to take a good
nature photograph, Taya staid out in one’s mind, the Major Mit-
chell Cockatoo with its crest raised and the Robin on the handle of
a spade.

For these reasoris the Natural Tlistory Medallion Committee
made the 1953 award to Charles Barrett as a memento of his
valuable contribution to the advancement of Australian nature
knowledge,

SOME PLANTS COLLECTED IN PALM VALLEY
By Nor, F. LearmMontu

When the members of the R.A.0.U. who attended the “canmp-
out at Patny Valley, Kriehanff Ranges, Central Australia, in Sep-
tember 1952, looked over their sutroundings they found themselves
quite unexpectedly in a wealth of botanical growth, not the pre-
conceived desert of sand and rock,

Contrary to the usual composition of these annual gatherings
there was not a botamst among the thirty-three members of the
camp. Ir was too much to expect excited ornithologists ‘seeing
many new birds and the strange red rugged country te niake 4
hotanical collection at all representative of the material at hand.
No such attempt was made, but a few gathered odd specimens with
no other thoughi than to show friends down south what grew in
the central “desert",

All the fats between the ranges were bright with Beauty-heads,
Gakden Everlastings, Poached-ege Daisies and Flowery Sunrays,
making in rhe mass a glorious sight. We were told that about
an inch of rain had fallen in the area two months before our visit.
The Hibiscus species would be worthy of cultivation; the one bush
we saw carried delicate purple flowers three inches across. Nardoo
was wide-spread along damp banks of the creeks and utider the
twa-tree that ned them. Trichiniums as elsewhere jn the Centre
were a common flower, the unnamed species carried a soft pis
head about two inches long.

Preservation of these was a problem, for there were no proper
facilities ; indeed, the majority of the specimens brought home were
pressed between three-ply boards and cardboard gathered around
the kitchen dump heap. When opened up in Portland a month
later it was found that there was hardly a failure. When sorted
by Mr. C. Beauglehole and classified at the Nationak Herbarium,
it was found that several among them were rather valuable and
most of interest to hotanists..

‘The specific and vernacular names and the remarks in the list
are as recetved from the National Herbarium; “AR.” indicates
that the species was found also a week later at Ayers Rock, for

May
1954

Lesamonts, Plants Collected in Pala Valley 5

which area a list appeared in the Wtd Life Magasine of Noyember
1953,

This is our Pahn Valley collection:

Acacia kempoana—Whitchetti Bush.

A. spoudplaphylla:

Alternanthera naita—Joyweed.

Amyenta gibberida—Mistletoe (Syn, Loranthus gibberutir),
Brunonte austratis—Blue Pincushion A.B.

Calacephalis siulitforws—Beavty-heads.

Cassia avtemistoides—Silver Cassia.

C. ghitinasa.

C, eremophila-—Desert, Cassia.

C. pleuracar pe.

Gheilesthes lasiophylla—Rock Fern (formerly under Natholaeia vclled)

ALR.
Chenupodnen sp-—Goosefoot (aff. C, pranilio, but probably undescribed).
Crotalaria dissitifiera. A farm or variety.
Datura lvichhardtii—Thorn Apple,
Dicrastgles yilesit AMR.

Luplatin maidentt (Syn. Loranthus ident). A very interesting find:
there is ouly one other specimen in the National Herbarium.
Bebimsiile chrislopheri, E. freelingit, E. gaudewont, EF. qwiilsii—Emu

ushes,
E. lowgifofio—Berrigan (the hairy form) A.B.
Ficus platypoda. A small-teayed Central Australian form. With mistle-
toe, Lystgist erurcarpi.
Grevillon agrifolia. With mistletoe, Amiyrina othherula.
Hokew lovee—Cotkwood AVR, -
Halgawia cyanex—Rough Halgania. :
Helichrysum bracteaiunt-—Golden Everlasting A.R.
Hoelipterinnt florihundym—Flowery Sunray. *
Hibiscus sp. (att. H. solénifohns and 1. brackychlaemus).
Hybanthus auriontiacus—Violet (4. enncasbermas ?),
ludigoferu s¢.—Indige (probably J. lewcolricha).
Fsatomea petraca—Rock Isotorme.
Lavatera. plebesa—Austral Tfollyheck.
Lepidenn oxyirichwe—Peppereress,
Lystnie exocarpi—Harlequin Mistletos (Syn. Lerawhus exocarps), On
Ficns plaiypody, Acacia kempeqna and Santalum lanceoletnne.
Moarsiita driusmmendti—Nardoo.
Myriacephafus siuartii—Poached-ege Daisy.
Pandoren doraterylon—Spearwood (Syn. Tecoma. deraterylon).
Plectronia. latifolia (Syn, Cant hinne latifoliun)
Prastonthera striatifora—Mint Bush A.R.
Psoralew patens—Spreading Scurfi-Pea A.R.
Pterigeron edorius:
Rienex roseus—Pink Dock (introduced).
Selsote balt--Prickly Saltwort. '
Santehun lancealatum—Sandalwoal With mistletoe, Lystra exacarpi,
Sarcostesuna atstrate. ;
Solamun sp —Nightshade (passibly new).
Trachymene glauctfolia (Syn, Didiseus glaveifolius'
Trichintum nobile—Yellaw Tails A.R.
T. obovofum—Silver Tails
Trichintum sp. (not matched at the Herbarium).
Trichodesma. zevlandica. -

6 iraamontit, Plants Collected in Palin Walley Vick mete

Tt will be seen that some unidentified species are listed, which
was quite a surprise to the collectors. A fern in this very low
rainfall area was another surprise, but both at Palm Valley and the
Avers Rock-Mount Olga district, at leas. two species of rack ferns
are common. The number of trees and shrubs supporting mistletoe
ig a marked feature of the Centre.

Finally, it might be remarked that, if ornithologists unversed
in botamical art, can gather in a haphazard collection unidentified
and tare speciniens, what could not a competent betanist accomplish
amongst the wonderful niaterial waiting to be examined in the
fastnesses of the Finke River and Palm Valley ranges?

OBSERVATIONS ON MARSUPIAL MICE
Dy N. A. WakeErF.eln

“The Yellow-footed Pouched Mouse (Anteclunus flavipes) 3s
practically unknown to the ordinary observer.'’ So wrote David
Fleay in that excellent article on this species in the Victorian
Naturalist of April 1949, While it is true that these little creatures
disappear from closely settled areas, nevertheless they persist in
considerable numbers in less populated places. Following are some
observations which have been tade over the past few years in East
Gippsland and south-easterts New South Wales. :

During the early part of January 1953, camp was made hy the
stall estuaty of the Retka River a mile or so southward along
the coast from the tawnship of Mallacoota. The tent was pitched
arnongst Banksia, Coast Wattle and lesser shrubs just in the
margin of the light forest and locking out onta the sands hy the
river and the ocean.

One night attention was attracted by unusual sounds from the
viethicy af the roughly-made table, just ouside the tent, where
cooking utensils and some footstuffs were kept, Investigaton re-
vealed thai a marsupial mouse had dropped down into a tall glass
jar in the hotten: of which was abour half an inch depth of fresh
milk, and was splashing considerably in its endeavours te jump out,

When the jar was tilted onto its side and the milk thus removed,
the bedragzied lithe animal at once began to cleanse its fur, par-
ticularly in the vicinity of tts abdomen. Then it was secn ta be a
female, with several tiny embryonic young ones attached to the
area of the ruchimientssy “pouch”, In her concern jor these she
calmly went about her toilet, completely disregarding the confining
jay and even the glare of a powerful torch.

She was then renoved and placed on a nearby branch, but did
not move off until she had completed the cleansing of her fur, While
all this had been“going on, the little mouse’s mate had been calling
from a thicket a few. feet away. She fnally responded to the soft
“chech-ch-ch”, and whisked off into the darkuess, moving with
the characteristic jerky runs of her kind. ;

ion Wastrino, Obseriatians on Murspial Mice 7

She was a rather slender animal, somewhat larger than an ordt-
nary molise and with the typical long pointed snout of the smaller
carnivorous marsupials. The size aud the greyish colour identify
the species, almost certainly, as the Yellow-footed Marsupial Mouse
David Fieay’s photograph, shown in Plate VIII, opposite page 276
of his article, could well have lwen of the young ones and their
little mother from the oulk jar at Mallacoota.

This species is found throughout the mainland of Australia, and
its Victorian habitat is in the lowlaiids, especially orth of the
lhviding Range. The smaller darker brown Dusky Marsupial
Mouse (4, swarmsonit) favours the more heavily forested highlands
of Victoria and Tasmania. The members of this genus are known
as the broad-footed marsupial mice, as distinct from the narrow-
footed group of the genus Snuntiropsis.

& week or so aijter the incident at the Berka camp, animals
probably of the same species were noted some fifty miles further
north, where the Princes Highway crosses Bellbird Creek, four
miles beyond Eden in New South Wales. On this occasion the
mice were seen foraging in broad daylight in a place easily visible
from the road, This was in niid-aftermoan and constituted an
interesting observation, for these little marsupials usually come
out at night or in the twilight.

Bellbird Creek isa place of great botanical interest, for there,
in a dense patch of sub-tropical raindorest, is the southernmost
occurrence in Australia of several plant penera. The mice were
net amongst the densest forest growth, but in a glade where a iew
large logs lay on the leaf-strewn ground beneath a canopy of rather
large wattle trees. Three were seen, fossicking about and running
with lightning movements along the tops and sides of the logs,
to fake cover finally when they became aware of the intruder.

A year later, in January 1954, Bellbird Creek was again visited,
and another marsupial mouse seen, this time about fifty yards
from where the original three had been. Again it was in full day-
light, at about 3 p.m., and this one was observed for about a quarter
of an hour. Similar build and colour suggested it to be of the :
same species as that at Mallacoota, but its muci larger size, about
hali that of a cominoa rat, indicated it to be a male,

At one stage it disappeared tinder the deep carpet of dead leaves,
evidently in quest of a tasty insect. For a full minute the presence
oi the little hunter was indicated only by the agitation af the leaves,
until it “erupted” into daylight ance more, Finally, realizing sud-
denly chat it was being watched, the mouse “froze” in the act of
traversing a large log. There it remained motionless for half a
minute, looking straight at the intruder. Then, with a thovement
almost toa fast for the eye to follow. it disuppeared into the hollow
of the log.

Several years before. another one of the same clan was sten
in broad daylight, im a scrubby gully which led into the Cann River

a Waxerteto, Observations on Marsupiat Mice bei kony

neat Noorinbee North. The thin dry trunk of a fallen sapling
angled down from a patch of Giant Maidenhair and other ferns,
to the gravelly creek-hed, and along this a marsupial mouse ven-
tured twice, only to reverse its direction each time and return in
a flash to the shelter of the tems,

The rapidity with which the little creatures move is amazing.
The feather-tailed Pigmy Glider was'called “Onya'' by one abo-
riginal tribe; ard this title, which means “quick”, could well have
been applied tu the marsupial mice, Some which were seen in a
hut built by Country Roads Board employees at the Murrindal
River near Buchan, were running upside-down along the uncer
sides of the pole rafters, and even there they would reverse direc-
tion with a suddenness suggestive of a conjuring trick,

At W Tree, sixteen miles north of Buchan, is the home of Mr.
Leo Hodge, a country member of the FLN-C.V., and in the house
garden are many scores of native trees and shrubs. For the sake
of the native birds, domestic cats are discouraged, and probably
for this reason marsupial mice live there too. Mr. Hodge reports
that both the ¥ellow-footed and the Dusky species come into the
house for scraps of food. ’

One of the domestic cat’s usual tasks ts to keep a place free from
mice, but unfortunately “it does not discriminate between the intro-
duced rodents and the mative marsupials. Were it not for the habit
of keeping “pet” cats, the quotation with which this article opens
might never have been written.

MOSSES MEW TO WESTERN AUSTRALIA

(Including PTRRYGONEURUM, a genus hitherto unknown from the
Avttralasian repion, and the description of a new spucivs, Po &eneslevid
By J. H. Wotats, Nationa) Herbarium af Vieroria

PTERYGONEURUM KEMSLEY! J. H. Wilts;

species nova ob folia won-pilifera ct absentiam peristomis capensi
P. maclemo (Rehmann) Warnet. simillima, sed flanentis brevibus
densis in lamellis costar, que haud exturrens est, et theca lacvi
(aon eugesa) differt,

Plouro pusillx grepatix, in terra arenoso-lateritia crescentes. Carisz brevis, 1-2 1m
altus. Fole Gurnida stberecta concava (sieea imbricata valde meuewa), 17.5 mim longa
ad .3 mm. Ists, obovatu vel angurte oblonga, apice subeucullata, ebtusa aed mucronata,
saepe ad apivem eatvenumt denticulata, mncerdum pnulim plicasa, versus basin pallidiocz,
marginibus plans mtegribus; folia perichetiala siniilia, Costa valida, circiter 80 mic.
lata, perourrens aut sub apicem evaneseens; in superficie wsitate lameilis doohus pradita
{lameliz in altitudine © 4-5 cellulis cumposits, ob filamentas breses copionas versie
apicem obliterated.. Cellar pellucido, superiores subquadrate tire, 15 mic. lata,
wiferiores laxin hyaline: rectarurulares 40-50 mic. Jonge, Srte set geacilia, cire, 6 min.
Tonga, rufewens. Thece eréenta, ovoitlea vel subryilindrita, deopérculata circ. 1 mm.
Jonex, lavis. Peristomumm nullam. Opercu/um haud visum, Calypiva anguste cylindrata,
care. 2 mm. longa, Pevis. Spore diam. 73:40 mic., sublaves, contentis: obscure: granuloais.

Tyre (in Herb. Mes, G. O. K, Sainshury No. 148 W and E. B, Bartram) |
Feysville, 15 miles S£ of Kalgoorlie, W.A:—om bare red loam,
growing intermingled with Pottia scabrifolia and in close proximity

to Acanlon, Ephomerint, Funaria and Giguspermun spp. Leg. Douglas
S.Kemstey & Sept, 1951.

May

1954 Wiis, Afosses New to Western Australia 9

It is appropriate that this highly interesting addition to the Australian
moss flora should bear the name of its discoverer, Mr. Douglas Kemsley,
a staff member of the Kalgoorlie School of Mines, who has (at the writer’s
suggestion) most diligently collected mosses throughout the arid terrain
of the Eastern Goldfields during the past three years. Not a single moss
had been recorded previously from this vast portion of Western Australia,
but Mr. Kemsley has brought to light about 20 species, of which five con-
stitute new records for that State. He has also made an exhaustive collection
from the Nullarbor limestone caves, farther east, and this will be the subject
for a special paper.

GO mic
oe...

Pterygoneurum kemsleyi sp. ov.

A-—Single plant, natural size, B—Form of an average capsule (columella and spores
indicated), C—-Spore. D—Form of an average leaf, side view. E—Leaf flattened
out to show areolation below and opacity due to protenemal outgrowths along upper
part of costal fins, F-—Transverse section of leaf (upper third), showing structure
of nerve and lamellae.
[Scales provided for A, B & E are in millimetres, the remainder in microns.]

Pterygoneurum is a small genus (seven species were listed by V, F.
Brotherus in 1924), characteristic of calcareous formations in the more
arid parts of Europe, Africa, west and central Asia, the United States and
Peru; no species had ever been noted in the Australasian region. Most
members have long hyaline hair-points to the leaves and occur as low dense
hoary cushions on the naked ground. With the related Aloina and Crosstdinm
(both in Australia, but uncommon), this pottiaceous genus shares a remark-
able development of /amellae on the upper leaf-surfaces. Such fins or “wings”
(hence the name Pterygoneurum) arise from the nerve and usually run
the length of the leaf, excepting at the base; they vary from 2 to 4 in
Pterygoneurum, but are numerous and crowded in both Aloina and
Crossidium, completely obscuring the leaf areolations.

10 Wits, Mosses New to Wester Australia Same

The pew Australian species. of whieh only the single type collection is
known, does nog form cushions; it occurs ag closely aggregated rosette-like
shaots with minute folisge—shortly mucronate, but withaut any hair-points.
The leaf is obovave, narrowly oblong or somewhat panduriferm, very eon-
cave and almost hooded at the incurved apex. Two lamellae, each 45 cells
high, prayect lengthwise irem the upper stirlace of the nerve and sometimes
a third narrower fn is present. Toward the leaf apex these lamellae are
copiously beset with short protonemal filaments which give a deeper
green, fuzey appearaice to the surface The sporophyte does fot execed
& mm, in height and terminates in an grest, aperistamate, ovmid-cylindric
capsule averaging | nvm. in length. Spores vary t1 size frotn ZS to 40
microns and ate smooth wito slightly granular contents,

Until the discavery of P, kemsteyi sp. nov., the South African 7, macleonssne
was considered! exceptional in having leaves devoul of Jong hair-poimts,
the nerve being only just excurrent, T have had no opportunity to examine
material of the latter species, which also lacks a peristome and 1s obviously
akin to our West Australian plant; but descriptions ascvibe to PF. mtcfeaneen
a Tugese capsule, xo protonemal autgrowths on the leaf lamellae attd an
excurrent nerve—[eatures which do sotapply to 2. temshey, One atnicinates
that the new species will eventually be tound in other parts of inland’ Aus-
partes bot it is ephemeral and so simat! in all its parts as to be aasily aver-
Gaked,

Again, E register gratitude for the invaluable help of Mr. G, O, K. Sains-
bury (N.Z.7 who first critically examined the Feysville moss (1/10/1958),
pearance it to_be @ Plerygonewrum and urged me to describe it; Mr.

B. Bartram (Pentsylvania) cunfirmed Sainsbury's opinion (5/11/1951).

Other Mosses Not Previously Recorded for Western Australia
(im systematic arrangement, the > sign denoting new generic records)
For a century, between the recording of J. Drummond's and L. Preiss's
large collections (including many types) and E, B, Bartrary’s recent paper
Hest lstrahon Mosses (Trans. Brit. Bryol. Soc, 1- 463-470 (1951)],
virtually fo attentian had been paid to the bryophyte flora—admmittedly
incagre—of the western State Since the latter publication, several enthu-
siastic local workers have sent mre large suites of moases, with the result
that thirteen additional specics may now be placed on record, thus:
SPHAGNACEZE
SPHAGNUM SUBSECUNDUM Nees: 40 miles S.E, of Manjimup—in
a deying creek in kerri forest (motel by Prof. G. E. Nicholls, 1932);
Manjimup district (A. J, Eames & J. I, Armstrong, 1938—Herb, Univ
W.A. No, 64).

Bog-mosses are yery localized and quite rare in South and Western
Australia, occurring only im a few favoured tpots in the wetter
southernmost parts of those States, Professor G. &, Nicholls had re-
corded Sploganvs (but without identification as to species) for the
West in the Report of the ANZ ALAS. Sydney, 22: 139 (1933). £
was unable ta examine his material, but received by courtesy af qhe
Botany Department, University of W.A., a sample of typical 5S. sut-
secuttdion trom the Manjimup district; Nichalls's tnass would undenbr-
edly be referable to this speuies toa.

. FISSIDENTACE®

FISSIDENS ASPLENIOIDES Hedw.: 333 miles along Great Eastern
Highway, ie. near Lilliginni tailway siding between Boorabbin and
Coolgardie (Rica Erickson, July 1952)—No, 204 W,

A very stunted, reduced form: but the open sheaths and blunt
Jeaves with ‘sovall, regular, obscure and projecting cells (6-7 mic.
above) surely réfer the collection to this species.

pr Witits, Mosses New to Western fitstratia 1

F. LEPPOCLADUS C. M, ex Rodway: Pemberton—in kari forest, rain-
fall ca, 60 inches (Arthur Bunbury, private expedition round Australia,
Jone 1953). rt ty

‘This callection brings the total number of Aissatens species im WA
16 five, the others being 77, witlaties, F. pargens and I taylor, Ff. viltates
has the widest range, bott in well-watered and aris country, ie extends
for at Jeast 9) miles between the mouth of the Hutt River (40 miles
NW. of Geraldton) and Weebubbie cave in the vietty of Eucla, and
occie’s on several intervening gravite onterops.

DITRICHACEA®

GUILRICHUM FLEXITOLIUM (Hook.) Hampe: Darling Range at 40-
mile past on Albany Highway—on butt ol a dead tree near Mt, Caoke,
1,900 ft. (Rica Erickson, Jan, 1932),

It is most probable that this muss, so common i the eastern States,
will occur in the beayier rainfall forests of the south-west {Poron-
forups, etc,), :

POTTIACEA

BARBULA PSEUDOPILIFERA C.M, & Hpe:: Mt. Hunt, 3 miles S, of
RBoulder—ou red loam (D. S. Kemsley, Aug. 1951); Dundas Racks,
16 miles S. of Norseman—on auriferous schists (1D. S. Kemsley, Oee
195t); Abrakurrie Cave and Chowilla Landslide, 18 miles NOW. of
Evela—on shaded limestone (D. S. Kemsley, Jan. 1952).

Varying much t size and in the degree of cxcurrence of the greenish
hair-point, this widespread moss will ulmost certainly be Found dar
the west of the Eastern Goldficlds.

RB SUBTOROUATA CM. & Hpe.: Dumbleyung Lakes, 15 miles E. of
Waain (BF. C, Bentley, Ang. 1952—cosim. D'S. Kemsley)-

A very interesting discovery, since the species was known only from
the type collection made st Mt Gambier, S.A. by F. v. Mueller more
than 100 years ayo, Affinities are with &. torguata; but the present
moss is far more robust: (to 2 aches high), with very long-acuminate
leaves (contorted when dry), less revolute margins and percurremt or
even excurrent nerves.

FAICAULON APICULATUM (Tk. §. & W.) Jaeg.c Feysville, 15 abiles
S.E, of Kalgoorlie-—on red loamy sail, with Gigaspernnon repens (D,
S. Kemsley, Sept. 1951).

This collection is referable to the variety anstatina which I desecibed
from NW. Victoria, on rather sumilar aml [see Fact Nat, 70: 170
(Jan. 19549]. Ii departs from the typical form of the species in having
fang-excurrent nerves and Targer, thin-walled ceils at the apical parr
of the leaf. Acaidon, being such a niinute moss (only 1-2 rm. high),
has doubtless been overlooked and is prabahly of much wider distri-
bulion in West. Austraha.

FOROSSIDIUM GEHEEBI! (Broth) Broth; Merredin—on bght gray-
efly soil (Raca Erickson, July 1952), , “

A very rave catcophile, with hair-pointed leaves and dense bifid
Jamellie on the nerve, it is known from onty four other locatities in
Australasia, viz,, Warbla Cave (central Nullarbor region) and Minnipa,
S. Aust.; Cobar, N.S,W,; Napier, N.Z.

DESMATODON ADUSTUS Mitt.: Dundas Rocks, 16 miles 5, of Norse-
man (D, S. Kemsley, July 1951)-

Distinguished by its tenuous, branching habit and short road leaves
(scorched-browo except at the branch tipsy), DL adustus was thought
ta be endemic in Victorig where it occurs in a few dryist rocky places
(oui yt Major near Dookie, Rushworth, Tlepburn and Redbank near

yoca).

12 Wits, Mossos New to Wostern Australia Mats Cis

YORTULA PAGORUM (Milde) DeNot.: South end of Wongan LEills,
about 100 miles N,E, of Perth (Rica Erickson, June 1953).

A boreal species, unknown in truit, {2 pagerwa might be mistaken
tor T. papilloso at first sight; but its reproductive gemma are utterly
different, being fusiform and bighly metamorphosed eaves borne in
the upper axils. Besides this first record for Western Austiralix, the
moss has been collected twice recently in South Anstralia (by Prafesscr
D. G. Calcheside at Victor Harbor and Mejrose—both at the bases
of trees). Apparently no other collections haye heen made im the
Australasian region.

EPHEMERACK A

EPHEMERUM WHITELEGGEI Broth, & Geheeb: Feysville, 15 miles
S.E. of Kaleoorlim—on red loam (D. 5S, Kemsfey, Sent. 1951).

A tnipule moss, known previously only from the Port Jackson area,
NwS.W. It differs from EE. ertytatem in having much more slender,
less conspicuously toothed leaves with a distinct nerve.

FUNARIACE AL

FUNARITA GRACTIIS (Ak, f, & W.) Broth. Mi. Runt, 3 miles S, af
Boulder (BD, S Kemslev, Ang. 1951); Gnarlbine Rock, 20 miles 5,5, WV,
ol Coolgardie (D. 5. Kemslay, Nov. 1951}; Tondyay (A. Oldfield, ca.
1840) + Carow Rock Hole, ca. '62 miles SE, of Mingenew (Rica Erick-
son, Sept. 1993); Karratha Homestead, 30 miles W. af Roehourne—at
basc of granite outcrop (Arthur Bunbury, private expedition round
Aastrajta, July 1953)

Tt is surprising that this widespread species had been missed hy the
assiduous early collectors of Western Australia, The Karratha collection
is of interest, jo being the most northerly moss record for the State
up to the present titre.

ORTHOTRICHACKE AL

ZY¥GGDON INTERWMEDIUS Br. & Sch.: 24 tniles E. of Penrberton—
in damp gullies of the karri forest (J. TE Willis, Sept, 1947),
The aréolation (ppaque incrassatcd cells with pellucid walls) ts very
different from that of 2. mecien? which grows in the same kayri
forest giliies near Pemberton.

BOOKLETS ON MOUNT BUFFALO NATIONAL PARK

In thy: Victerian Naturalist for November 1952 there appeared a review
notice of Flower wut Feather at Mt. Buffata National Pork, by IL CE.
Stewart, a imember of FNC V. At thar time the bookler was available only
at The Chalgr, Mt, Baffalo. Th is now on sale, for 1/- per copy, at the
Victorian Tourist Bucewu, Collins Street (at the inquiry desk). Tyo other
execitent bouklets on the area.are also fot sale, viz. :

The Buffalo Mowntiins—A Geologitel Survey, Uy E. J Duan, ras.,
prite 1/-

The Romance af Ruffalo, by Dr J. F, Wilkinson, price dd.

These three illustrated booklets are published through the enterprise o7
the Public Relations and Betterment Roard of the Victcrian Railways. Col-
lectively they are a valuable guide to this particulay park, and 2 pattern for
publications respecting other national parks, not only in this State but through-
out the Commonwealth, Such published matter would go a long way towards
educating the gencral public on the primary purpose eof national parks, the
preservation of the natural fauna and tora.

—Lenerte Yours,

_ The Victorian Netwrutiss 4

MEW BEES AND WASPS—Port XXI|
By Tami.tox Rayment, f.e.cs.*

THR ATTRUISTIC REED-BEES, EXONEURA

Julian Huxley supoar'ts Haldanc's coneept af the “Altebistic Instinct’:
"Tfaldane has alsa alrawn atrention to the interesting pont that altrust,
such as is shown hy bees and ants, cartiot possibly be evolved except in
socal orgamzatians where reproductions ic confined to @ Tignited caste and
the aliruistic types are sterile,” (Gn. Litsng an a Rewalwtlon, p. 79.)

A critical study of Lrenenra demonstrated une Haldane’s statemenr
breaks down. In this genus there is no Limited caste, yet normal females
which reproduce the gpecies are 30 altruistic that trey feed gach other's
larvae with all the care of the sterile worker of the hive. (For a compre-
hensive account of these altruistic bees, see Australian Zeologist If (4):
294, July 1951.5

Periodically We abservant naturalist is afforded additional evidence that
the Afgerenoftera are certainly not mere mectamstns with réflexes governed
by iimmurable laws, These jnseets undoubtedly possess a plastic intelligence
that permits a certaikt experimentation with new substances and strange
hame sites, (For instance, a leaf-cutter Jearned to use the refined wasen
sheet of the modern apiary, and fossorial Parasfhecedes has one species,
P_ swllingtont Ck, that peeiers to Lure inte punky wood above ground.

Mr. C. E. Chadwick, uf Sydney, had already farwarded galls inhabited
hy f-ranewra, but now Ms. Clifford Beauglehole, of Gorae West, near Port-
land, Victoria, has sent the author specimens of Ey bletecte Rasin. that te
langer select the pithy centres of reeds aud other stems, Wut oceupy the
deserted gallery of a longicaorn beetle ina beam of dry timber (Ewealyplus).
This gallery, in the sold timber of a fence-post, was approximately f <1.
in length, 4 mm. in diameter, and with the entrance hole only 3 mm, in
thameter. Tt was entirely devoid ot avy cell-divisions, there being only the

cone communal chamber as is typical with this genus.

Adule males and females, eges, and larvae of various ages, were present
in the chamber, but no pupae, The full-grown laryae measured 8 nm. when
straightened out, but in the normal position, curved like the letter ©,
meastired anly 4 mm: in length.

Each larva had four rows, each of eleven appendages; four on each seg-
ment: the Grst appendage havmyg a large “thumb' and terminal “finger”,
the intermediate finger being the smallest; the second appendage bas only
4 “thumb" and the terminal “Anger”, the other nine ore simple ‘fingers’,
the inner ventral row has shorter “nipples.

The author has already published hig oliscrvations (/¢.) on thle sucking
habjts of the larvaé of several other species. By Ute larval sppendages
these bees ure related ta 2. sub-bucnlifera Raym,, bial lack the cephalic nade
of that specacs; they are also related to E fowwdote CK, By the iace-marks
they are felated te E ruddiana Raym.

The description of the allotype is appended:

EXONEURA SICINCTA Raym. (A Chistor of Bees, p. 73, 1935,
Allotype. Female—Tengih, 7-3 mm sgprox. Black, red abdonten and legs
_ Hear transverse, shining, but not polished; face excayared laterally, even
including the vertess; Frans thrown up ita a conspicuous ridge by the exca-
vations; clypens duller, with many palilerods punctures, and a yellowish
mark Jike @ stout tack sranding on its head with all the margins sudfased
with red; supraclypeal area rising to a fine carina; vertex and frens with
black hair, the ocelli elevated; compound eves large. converging « trifle
below; genae polished: post-accipital hair galden; labrum amber; mandi-
bulae black; antennae black, a reddish stripe on the front of the scapes.

“Hon, Associate in Entomology, National Museum of Victoria.

Vict. Nat,

14 Rayment, New Bees and Wasps—X XII Vol. 71

Prothorax black, with a few white hairs; tubercles black, with a fringe
of white hair; some white hair on the pleura; mesothorax shining, a
delicate tessellation, a few white hairs; scutellum and postscutellum similar ;
metathorax with the tessellation more scale-like, rougher, a few white
hairs laterally; abdominal dorsal segments shining, chestnut-red, becoming
darker apically, a few black hairs not conspicuous, but apically the spare
hair is pale; ventral segments similar.

Legs red, the coxae, trochanters and femora basally black; the posterior
tibiae and basitarsi blackish on exterior side; hair coppery; tarsi lighter
red; claws red; hind calcar very Iong, amber, simple; tegulae piceous;
wings subhyaline; nervures amber, the first recurrent entering the second
cubital cell at its basal fifth; pterostigma amber, rather large; hamuli
about five, weak.

‘ aa Gorae West, Victoria; January 20, 1954; leg, Clifford Beaugle-
ole.

Allotype in the collection of the author.

Eight males and four females, together with a number of larvae, were
taken from a “nest” in a fence-post. The females of species are so difficult
to distinguish that descriptions should not be written in the absence of
males and larvae.

| : rm EY / |
j Pi 1 8 2

" Te

a
gq a 2

EXPLANATION OF TEXT-FIGURE

1, Ivory clypeal mark of male E-roneura baculifera Ckll., and 2, Clypeal
mark of the female, 3, Clypeal mark of female E. elongata sp. nov. 4, Clypeal
mark of female E. bicincta Raym. 5, Larva of E. clongata showing the
cephalic node, and 6, Larval appendages: a, the bifturcate first; b, the
second; ¢, the third: d, the other eight arc reduced to mere nipples.
7, Lateral view of basal segments of male abdomen £. bacultfera Ckll. show-
ing the black markings. 8, Egg of £. bicincta Raym. 9-10-11, First, second
and third appendages of larya of E. bicincta Raym. and 12, One of the
small nipples of the ventral row. 13, The clavate abdomen of EF. bicincta
Raym. is typical of the genus. 14, The parallel-sided abdomen of £. elongata
sp. noy.

ot iad

may Rayment, New Bees and W/asps—X ATE 1§

The following details of the male will be of assistance; ‘The drab-white
hair of the "face is conspicuously long and finely pluymose, while thal of
the clypeus is short and black: the abdominal terga has much close hfack
hair, and there is some black amony the coppery hair of the hind tihiae
The ors clypeal mark of the male Haoneura appears ta be a stable specific
character.

The strange feature of this E:rotcura is its use of galleries. undoubtedly
bored by lcagicors; beetles, im the solid dry limber of Eucalyptus trecs,
where no drilling or excavating of any kind is required. Whether or not
the bees? choice counotes a dearth of seeds and athen plants with pathy
cores could not be determined. \

EXONEURA BACULIFERA CkIL me

Several series of males and females were taket: fram galleries in dey
spars in use about the Gorae West farm, and it was ¢videnb that these were
the first generation, there heing only two far the season. The very pale
colour {callows) demanstrated that both sexes had only past developed from
ihe pupal stages, — had suggested (Sires of Portiond District) that these
Nb ce a bees may have to be separated when more is known ahout the
jarvat,

[ can determine the females from those of £. bictseta Raym. only with
the imost care, but over the whole series the abdomen ts clear-ferruginous
(dark-red in E hicincta); the bees have little if any black hair on the
fiastorior Texs; the plerastigma dark-brown (light-amber in £. broncia),
‘The males not sa robust as in E) bicisieta,

The ivory mark of the msle clypeus-is alike mm both (im &. lacine/o it is
covered with long eottspicaous black hair); only a few pale hairs in &
dacutifora, and the thorax bears much less long ivory hair; the abdomen is
pale-ferrugimous (chestynt-red-with much red in &. bicmecta) witha black
patch basally, and a black macula laterally on second abdominal segment ;
posteriar lews ferruginous (much black in E. bictncta} and the pterostygma
is darker, If not proved to be distinct then this male will he the allatype

EXONEURA ELONGATA, sp, nav.

Type, Female—Length, 9 mnt apprax, Black head and thorax, red
abdomen and legs :

Head shining. almost circular from the front; lacesmarks limited to an
ivory T with a dot below on the clypeus; Jrons elevated to « sharp pyraniidal
form, but excavated rounct bases of scapes; clypeus polished, with whe
mark descnbed above, # few jnliberous punctures and inconspwuous white
hairs; supraclypeal area rising to a’ fine carma that reaches the median
ocellus; vertex with a few white hairs; compound eves with anterior margins
parallel as in 4, hoapudeta CKIL; genae shining, with an excessively delicate
teszAllation; Jabrum reddish, coarsely punctured; mandibulac black, biden-
tate, reddish subapically; antennae rather Jong black.

Prothorax black; tubercles ivory, with a fringe ci white hair} mesu-
thot'ax abnost polished, an excessively delicate tesseblation, a few piliferous
punclures and white hairs; sculellum and posiscutcllum similar; mwta-
thorax rougher, tessellation imore scale-like; abdominal dorsal segments
bright chestnut-red, darker ou thrée apical segments which are very rough
with a few golden hairs; the abdomen is very long, and parallel-asded, not
tike the clavate form normal for the gqnus; ventral segavents slighty darker,

Legs red, only the coxae, trochanters and extreme hase of femora |Mack,
hair straw-coloured; tarsi red; claws red, with darker tips; hind calcar
amber, arcuate, tegulac reddish-black; wings well yellowed; nerwures dark-
amber, cells noriwal for the gewus; plerostigma hghter, with a darker margin,
‘ Totally: Gorse West, Victoria, January 25, 1954; fe. Clifford Reangile-

ore.

Type in the collection of the author.

Ki Rayment, New Bees and Hasps—XXI1 bpad wet

Allies: . Aamulate Cell, by the face-marks; by the bilurcute first appen-
dageo of the larva and cephalic node itis closely related 10 £. buculifera CkIL.,
but it is. easily known by the clongate parallel-sided abdomen. It was removed
with the larva from a gallery in spar of dry Hycalypins wood.

The larva of &, elongata sp. noy. measured abowt 6 inm, in length, and
was curled in the characteristic form of the letter C. There is a cephalic
node, or exudatorium, similar to that of E. baculifera Ck. (See Vict Nat.
45; Aug 1948.) There is only ane canspicuous appendave, ated it is bifurcate.
with two “fingers”; the ‘“ihamh” almost obsolete: the second has only the
elements of three ‘fingers; the thind is simple; the other echt ure reduced
to mere tiny nipples,

NATURALISTS’ NOTEBOOK

{Reserved for your Notes, Observations and Queries)

THE PREY OF THE “BLUE ANT”

The notes on ihe Thynnid Wasp, Diaanma bicolor Westwd., in the Pie-
tortaw Naturalist, April 1954, confirm my observations published in 1935
(a4 Cluster of Bees, p. 173), where the hunting methods of the wasp, and
her remarkable technique im paralysing the mole-cricket, Cryllotelpe coarctata
Walk., 1s described in considerable detail. However, as a Cluster of Bees
is not now readily available, memhers may refer to 2 lengthy extract in
Keith MeKeown's book, Australian Jusects, pp. 196-7. [t will be noted thal
the prey of Mr. Wakefield's wasp was said to be probably Gryllotatjn africans
Pal. de Beau., a species that may have heen ingroduced into Australia. 5Y
the determination of the disjecta membra be correct, i) would seem that the
wasp does not limit her attacks to one apecios of mole-cricket, but will ase
any other member of the genus.

—Taniron RAYMERT, £R7 Ss,

(Mr, Rayment points out that hi last month's notes, (4¢.) both Thynamed
and Gryltotalpa were misspelled —Editor.]

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN
F.W.C.V, Excursions:

Saturday, May 22—Botanic Gardens. Leaders K. Atkins. Subject: Auturiv
Vistas, Take Toorak tram, No. 8, in Swanston Street, alight at Park
Street. Meet 2.30 pion. at Gate D, the Park Street entrance.

Saturday, June $—Geology Group excursion to Standard Quarries, Fast-
seray. Travel details at monthly meeting,

Group Fixtures:

(7-45 pm. at Roval Society's Hall}
Monday, May 24—Botany Group Mecting.
Tuesday, June 1—Geology Group Meeting.

Vietorion National Parks Associotion Activities:

Friday, May 29—National Park Night, in conjunction with Melbourne Walk-
ing Club, at Club-room, 161 Flinders Lane Adinission by ticket only.
Apply J, Ros Garnet, 23 Camdon St., Paseo Vale, W.8

Oueen's Birthday Week-end—V,\N_P.A. excursion to Wilson's Promontory.
Transport by private car; or coach leaving C.T.A. Building, Flinders
St, 9am, Saturday, June 12, returning June 14; fare £2/5/- for aslults
or £1/10/- for under 16, book with J. Ros Garnet. Camping fee 7/- per
person; or cottages (with mattresses, blankets and cookimg gear) ut 13/-
per persor, book with Mr. Harkins, Tourist Buecau, before May 15.
Cutlery may be hired,

Kennetu W, Arenes, Excursion Secretary.

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 71I—Ne. 2 JUNE 3, 1954 No. 846

PROCEEDINGS

Abour 80 menthers and friends were present ab the General
Meeting held, at the Herbarium on Mey 10, 1954.

Mr, Baker informed members that Mrs, Cooper, wife of an
Honorary Member, had passed away, and those present stood far
one minute as a mark of respect.

Messrs, G. A. Hume and B. Kingston, and Miss E, Kay were
elected as Ordinary Members, Mr. R. W. McKellar as foint Ordi-
nary Member, and Mrs. T. H. Wood as Country Member

Mr. Lewis announced that the next meeting would not be held
on June 14, because this was a holiday, but on June 7, the first
Monday of the month,

Mr. Baker theit asked Mr. Sarovich to take the Chair a& it was
his honour to give the Presidential Address to the meeting. Mr.
Baker then gave a most interestiag and instructive talk entitled
“How Old is Australia?’ This was illustrated with diagrams, and
the story unfolded of haw the country had changed over the ages,
the fossil and rock records being now interpreted by the geologist.
It is mtended that the substance of this address will be published
at a later date. -

A uumber of members gave notes and made comments on varivus
subjects, after which the meeting was adjourned for the conver-
sazione and examination of exhibits.

A summary of nature notes and exhibits at the May ineeting,
and several other reports which are being held over, will appear
in a later issue of the Naturalist,

[Note: Owing to an error, the election at the April General
Meeting, of Mr. G. C. Carlos as Ordinary Member, and Mr. and
Mrs. R. J. Tresise and Mr. Mrs. and Miss Woolard as Joint
Ordmary Members, was nat included in the “Proceedings” in the
April Naturalist. |

NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICE-BEARERS, 1954-55

President ,. he ue tebe ee ee ye ee eetae .. Mr. A. A, Baker
Vice-Presidents . .. .. . 1. Mr. T. H. Sarovich, Mr, Tarlton Rayment

Secretary .. -. .. as, tthe ee ue ae ve ee te Mery FR Lewis
Assistait Secretary 20 2. va. Mrs. N. Miller
Treasures -. ee et ny ch ck ee ce ee ee ee ee te 5. ee Dr, WL Gerace
Assistant Treasurer -. .- .. -. bo oee ee ue ae ey Miss M, Butchart
BOGE Mo. eet Ne fee ae tte og Be .. Mr. N. A. Wakefield
Librarian .- 2... ce, autw bee ee ee ey ee ee Mie An Burke
Assistant Librariatt . 0... .. Pee eee ee ee Mer, RD, Lee
Excursions Secretary sep pet apt be oe te Miss M. Allender
Council .. ., “Miss M. Elder, Dr, R. M. Wishart, Messrs, *A. W-

Burstot, R. Dodds, L. Fink, Ian Wallace, *W. I.

= Williams.
> Retizing ttembers

17

18 The Victorian Natiratist , ¥Yol 71

' ‘

ECOLOGY AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE EXTINCT
GIANT MARSUPIAL, “THYLACOLEO”

By Epwuwn D. Girt, Curator of Fossils, National
Museum of Victoria.

In a study of the Inogeography of the Quaternary pervod in
Australia, some ideas emerged on the much debated extinct giaul
tmarsupial Thylacolea carnifex Owen, so they ate put to paper in
the hope that they may stimalate the study of this littl-unclerstoed
animal, and intensify the search for its remains, because as yet
only its skull is definitely known. Moreover, one of the distinctive
premalar teeth of this species has been discovered in Tasmarua, this
extending the known range of its distribution across Bass Strait

' MENU OF THYLACOLEO

Prohably no other animal has had so many different feeding
habits attnbured ta it as has Thodacolee carsifer, im spite of its
name meaning the fiesh-eating marsupial-lion! It has heen called
A carnivore. an omnivore, a herbivore. an eater of eggs, and a
feeder on melons, This very multiplicity of interpretations betrays
aur ignorance, and it is doubthul whether proots of its habits will
cotne until the complete chylacolean skeleton 15 known, Writers
are generally agreed that the anunal is a phalangeroid, but <if-
ferent enough trom other phalanger-like animals to be put ima
family of its own. That it js the only genus and species in the
family bears witness to its unusual nature.

The canine teeth of Thylacoleo are so recluced as to be useless
for grasping and ‘tearing, and sa any argument for the animal
possessing strongly carnivorous habits must perforce he based upon
the very large cutting premolars. It is true that a pair of incisor
teeth is enlarged to tusk size im each jaw, but they do vot Intec-
lock as the canines of carnivores do, they are inclined [orward
and are not erect, and they are pressed together so as generally to
function hke one tooth of triangtilar outline. These imcisore are
conical (like those of NVototheraun) and suon- develop: worn str-
faces; they do not remain sharp, piercing imstrumenis like the
canme teeth of true carnivores, It is interesting to compare the
lower jaw of Thylacofeoe with those of other genera with tusk-like
imcigors aud a large premolar, ¢.g. the giant kangaroo Sthennrus.
which was a conitemporary of Thylacoleo, and Bettongis, the rat
kangaroo, as an example of a smaller animal so equipped (sce
Plate 1, fig. 1), As Murchison (1868) noted, the inner surface
of the premolar of Thylacolezo is sometimes groaved as. it is in
Sthenurus. Some writers (eg Cope, 1882: Tate, 1948) elains
that there are no such flutings in J/iyfacolen, but often they are
slightly developed and may be seen well developed in a specimen

'

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 71 June, 1954

Fig. 1.—Tracings of mandibular rami of Beflonyta, the rat kangaroo (left) ¢
Sthenurus, the extinet giant kangaroo (centre): and Thylacoleo (right) ;
to show the large premolar teeth. Not to scale.

|

Fig. 2—Diagram to show the unusual alignment of the teeth in the upper
jaw of Thalacoleo.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 7 June, 19s

Piatt 1

Model of lower jaw of Thawlaceleo.

About halt natural size.

It is V-shaped, but the teeth do not follow the line of the ramus in

which they are set. H they did. they would not oppose the teeth of

the upper jaw which have an unusual pattern (see Plate 1. fig. 2).

Note how the two median incisors are procumbent, and adpressed so

as to function as one tooth. Such teeth would be no good for grasping
living animals of any great size.

teee (uz, Ecalugy and Disteibution of "Lhylareles” 19

(P 1§920*) from Lake Colongulac in Westerty Victoria (see also
Plates Ill, 1V)-

The maim functional difference between the teeth of Tiylacoleo
on the one hand, and of Sthemeres and Be/fongia on the other are:

1. The latter all have sets of crushing and grinding molars behind
the premolars, while those of Thylaceleo ure reduced (9 almost
insigmifeant dimensions,

‘The latter have flattish incisor teeth opposed ta one another
so that they provide an efficient instrument for plucking vege-
ration, but the incisors of Jiylacoleo are conical and pointed,
and the paints tend to he directed together so as to form, a%
it were, one tooth of tnangylar outline:

This means that Thalacolee could not have been a grazing ammal
comparable with the horse, for instance, because its pomted incisors
could not pluck veyetution in the equine manner, nor has it the
molars for grinding it up. This appears to be one of the negations
We can accept, sa narrowints down the possible ieeding habits 0]
this curtous animal. [f it were-a herbivore, then it was a browser
and uot a grazer. Generally speaking, the warsupials with large
seeturial premolars are herbivores inhabiling brush country or
forests: (ct. Raven and Gregory, 1946), and so if T/laceleo were
a herbivore it is more likely than not that it occupied such a habitat,

THYLACOLEO NOT A HUNTER OF DIPROTODON

Carnivares commonly have a dong head with a well-developed
snout (hike the dingu aniong che placentals aud the thylacine
amuug the marsupials), and even ij they have a sere squat skull
Gike the Tasimanian Devil with its telescoped tooth raws), the
teeth are in straight lines and opposed ta one another jn such a
way as to provide a tight scissot's-like action with pressure applied
to keep the blades torether. This dental apparatus is idea! for
entting meat. Thylaeceleo, on the other hand, has a squat, rather
flattened skull, with no long suout. The tecth in the upper jaw
are far from a straight line, as is shown by Plate 1, fig. 2, while
the rami of the lower jaw forma V-shape {Plate IL), so that the
teeth, in order to oppose those of the upper jaw, are not dligned
in the same direction as the ramus, but swing across it. The
incisors wear flattish surfaces (e.g. P 5287), aud the premolars
are opposed at varying artgles (see below), but there is certainty
no precise fit with presstire sciasorsrattion as in the wonnal carm-
vore, be 1 placental cr marsupial A study of the wear of the
premolars shows that:

1. In some cases they have been precisely opposite one ariothes
st} that horizontal surfaces have been ground on thent by use
(ivettt, 1867),

“WNilfsters 90 given are registered numbers in the Palgeontologisal Ceflestion of the
National Museum oof Vivluria, Melbourne.

R

bo

20 Giue, Beolouy and Distribution af “Thylucaleo" — Li)

2. In most cases they have been opposed so that the ndges of
the premolars have worn at an angle (Stuchbury, 1853: Gwen,
1877).

The great variation in the direction of wear of the premolars is
illustrated from ‘the following list of specimens in the National
Museum :

Reg. No. Preniolar Sa ‘ Lovality

P 15921 Lower 14° Darling Downs, Queensland

P 5287 Lower 23° Duck Ponds, near Geelong, Vic.

P 15922 | Lower 25° Gowrie Creek, Darling Downs, Q,

P 1903 Lower 35° hae rene Vie, (McCoy,

76).

P 18920 Lower 4g? Lake Colangulac, Western Vic,

P 13022 Lower 34° * Buchan Caves, Vie (Spencer and
- Waleotr, 1911).

P 45363 Upper 34° ) Buchan Caves, Vic. (Spencer and
| Walcott, 1911),

The last bwo entrics above appear ta belong to the same side of
the same skull, and to have been opposed to one another in the
head of the living animal (Plate [V)}, yet because of the way the
teeth were set, there is a difference of 20° in their angle of wear.

2

3. In the model figured in Plates X-XII, the premolars miss
each other. The cranium is based on wu young specimen trom the
Wellington Caves, N.S_W., but upon enquiry from Dr. A. B. Wal-
kom, Director of the Austrahan Museum, Sydney, he kindly in-
formed me that “Tt is aimost certain that the cranium and mandible
on which the Thylacoleo model is based did not belong to the one
yninal, I understand the mandible was made up from several
specimens atid fitted to the cranium,.”’ The model was made some
yeurs ago by Mr. J. Kingsley of the Australian Museum, and it
las been copied in the National Museum of Victoria by casting
from the original model. However, although to argument hased
on the wear of premolars can be made from this model, it should
be noted that the specimens figured by Owen (1877) in his Plate
VI as figures 6 and 10 shaw an extremely ligh angle of wear,
approaching the vertical. »

The foregoing examples show that there are all manner of acl-
justments between the upper and lower premofars, resulting in
angles of wear from the horizontal to the near-vertical, It should
be noted that the lower premolur is usualiy set so that the anteriar
end is appreciably higher than the posterior end. Also the ridges
along the summits of the premolars are fiot straight as in tnost
premolars, but curved (e.g. see Plate V, fig. 1); this is a very
unusual feature.

1

sane Giunt, Beoloyy and Distribution of “Thylovalea”™ aL

1954

Now if Tkylecoled were a carnivore, it could not hang on tu
and tear to pieces any large animal like Diprotodon. Trs canines
were jneffective, and its incisars were proctunbent and set together
in the very front of its jaw so that it could not grasp, hold, and
tear like the broadly-spaced, interlocking, sharp, erect canines of
normal carnivures, Gregory (1951) likened the incisors of T/yyle-
coleo to che beak of a parrot, A Jiving animal caught ia such
incisors could spin about as if on w pivot. Thylacaleo’s jaws were
very powerful, but neither its imeisers nor its preniolars were
adequate to deal with a giant like Diprofodoan, as some writers
have suggested. Marrett Tims and Hopewell Sonth (1914) com-
ment, “But its ineisors, lying Torwards and closely approximated in
the middle line, are particularly unsuitable for catching and holding
anything alive and struggling, whilst the nearest resemblance to
its blade-shape tooth is 10 be found in harmless herbivorous
crealures, sa that the balance of evidence is much against Pro-
fesyar Owen's view.” Anderson (1929) has made this further
point, ‘Nor did Fiaylecoleo possess a convenient provision for
rertiaving the flesh at its victim, Typical placental and marsupial
carnivares are provided with transverse incisor ruws ahove and
heim, which enabie them to tear the flesh from their prey, but
Thylacelea had no teeth adapted for this purpose.” Anderson thus
would not even credit that TAylacolea was a marsupial hyaena
capable of scavenging on dead Daprelodom and sueh like. :

Furthermore, if Tiifacolea chewed bones, as he is credited with
doing by De Vis (1884), W. Anderson (1899), Zietz (1907),
Spencer and Walcott (1911), Glauert (1912), and Chapman
(2934), splinters of hane would constantly lacerate its guns, for
na thylacalean looth passesses the protecting basal ridge or ciugu-
lum [or deflecting splinters of bone such as is normal in the molars
and premolars of carnivorous animals. When 2 carnivore chews
hones it does so with tts molars, and especially the hinder ones,
hecause there its jaws have greatest power. By the principle of
levers, the premolars are not well placed For bone-breaking. So
ti this marstipial were carmivotous ab all, it cord only be so in
a linnted capacity. Owen's picture of Thalacolea as a marsupial
Hew raanpant, “one of the fellest and most destructive of predatory
beasts" (L877, p. 119) is thus untenable, although stpported
originally by Broom (1898), De Vis {18$4), and W_ Anderson
{1899). This is a second negation we can accept relative to this
mystery marsupial, :

WHAT DID THYLACOLEQ GEED ON?

if Thylacelee was nut a grazing animal like a horse, nor a
hunter of the extinct herbivorous giants, what did it feed on?
Krefft (1866, 1872, 1873). Flower (1868), and Lydekker (1889,
1894) have considered this palaeontological puzzle to be a herbi-

'

1
‘
|

22 Grit, Ecology and Distnbution of “Thytacoleo” ise aes

vore, which at Limes might devour a bird or smal) mammal. This
ottnivore theary is quite a seasanable one, but whether it is correct
or not cannot be said at present. Bensley (1903) and Abel (1911)
thought this animal was evolving from an omuivore inte a herbi-
vore, then switched tn the direction of the carnivores. In qu ellart
ty account for the aberrant matuce of TAylacolee’s detititiot, some
authors have thought it had a highly specialized diet, Cope (1882,
1884) suggesting eggs, and C. Anderson (1929) native “cucum-
bers” (Cucurbitaceae). As Anderson pointed out, T'hylacvleo'’s
massive teeth are all out of proportion for an egg-eater. Cope
mentioned crocodile eggs, but crocodiles are iound only in North
Australia, while Thylacolea reached as far south as ‘Tastnania.
Andergow’s statement gives a picture of this giant marsupial
spiking native melons with ils tusk-like incisors ard shearing their
rinds with its powerful premolars, but i would appear that the
vinds of cue native Cucurbitaceae are no harder to pierce than
egg-shells! Mr, J. H. Willis of the National Herkarinm, -Mel-
bourne, has kindly informed me that Australia is relatively poor
in Cucurbitaceae. Many of them are small, some are poisonous,
and some prickly, They belong teally to tropical ureas, are excep-
tignal itt Victoria, and absent frotn Tasinania. Thylucofleo lived
in the southern part of the continent, including Tasmania, where
fand plants of this kind are absent or sa few as to be negligible.
Also it lived in Australia during the Ice Age when the area of
tropical couniry in Australia was greatly reduced. A vegetable
feeder has ta coustume large quantities of food relative to its body
weight in erder to obtain sutficient protein, and that is why the
alimentary canal af the herbivare is so long and se large. Giant
animals like Thylaceleo (ii it were a herbivore} would require
vase amounts of focd such as could not possibly he derived frons
native Cacurbitacese. Moreover, what would these annals do
during the part of the year when the plants were without fruit?
Thwecoteo's huge jaw nruscles (see spaces round zygomatic arches
in Plate XT) and powerful dental armament ate quite out of pro-
portian with both eggs and Australian Cucurbitaceac, and there
would not be an adequate supply of cither to maintain hveeding
populabens of these giant beasts all over the Australian mainland
and in Tasmania.

PROBLEM OF THE PREMOLAR

The massive sectorial premolar leeth of Thylacolev, one and a
half to two inches Jong (Plates L111, TV, have been and indeed still
area puzzle. What was their function? There must have been some
adequate reason for thetr development, but what was it? This mer-
supia possessedt only two kmds of teeth related in any way to its
size and strength, vig. the incisor tusks and the cuiting premolars.
Thalacolea was rematkably paucidentate. The remainder of the

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 71 June, 1954

Pirate TI

Upper premolar of Piyvlucoleo from Buchan Caves, Vietoria.
Natural size.

. . ~ = 7. ¥
The lower figure thaws the oblique surface of wear. Note the tendency
towards vertical fluting on the sides of the premolar.

dune

1934 Griz, Ecology and Distribution of “Thylacoleo” 23

teeth were small and crammed. in; they played but a winor role, if
any. Should Thylareleo have continued specializing instead of be-
coming extinct, one imagines that all these other teeth would have
becaine camplerely functionless and disappeared. These other teeth
are but relics, evidence that the ancestors oi this marsupial had a
complement of teeth similar to that of other marsupials. Owen
(1877, p. 111) said, “The upper sectorial tooth of the fossil is
larger than that of the largest Lion or Tiger which 1 have seen,
and that that of the ereat extinct Lion,”

The speciments from the Buchan Caves in eastern Victoria
figured in Plates 111, [V show how that the upper molar is longer
than the lower one, but a small molar of sinmlar height in the
lower jaw takes up the extra length to mateh chat of the upper
premolar. The curve in the crowns of the premolars means thiet
there are rwo convex {when viewed {rom the outside) chisels of
enamel riding over oné another. As seen in Plate 1¥, these teeth,
when they first contact one another in a bite, touch at their auter
ends, so that there is still a space between them in the middle,
ic, they are hoth slighUy concave lengthwise. Anything being
cut by them would therefore be automatically centred and held
while cut. The arrangeurent ig reminiscent of the short, curved
lopping blades near the handles of hedge clippers. These curved
blades ensure that the branch being cut does nor slip when the
pressure is apphed. The loppers are set near the bolt that unites
the blades in order to give stronger Jeverage

As has been reniarked already, the skull of Thlacoleo is short
and squat (hrachycephalic})—the opposite of the long head (doli-
chocephalic) type like the lyangarao’s among the herbivores and
the thyJacine's among the carnivores, This shortening of the head
results iu the teeth being crowded into a short space (in the
Phylacolea madel about 34 inches of a skull about 94 inches long}
and there is no diastema as in kangaroo jaws. Practically the
whole of the thylacolean jaw is taken up by lhe big premolars and
incisors. The incisors are of the Nofotheriien kind. hut anaceain-,
panied as they are in that beast by rows of grinding and pounding
molars—there are only the huge premolars, It these served an
herbivorous function, then they must have been tor mincing and
dicing the plant food ingested instead of grinding it as the molars
usually do, In view of the animal's great size and strength, if is clear
that if the premolars worked in this way they could mince leaves,,
twigs, and fine branches; they could handle with case food that
would ‘be far ton coarse for most herbivores. In time of need,.
Tiylacaleo could survive on herbage that other herhrvores could
not eat. To Tollow this line of reasoning would lead to the ides of
a viant sloth-tike animal, perhaps a parallel to the Sonth Ameri-
can giant sloth Afegatheriwm, But then again. this idea may be
erronequs. We will only know for certain when the rest of the

24 Cun, Ecology and Distribution af “Thylacelca" oH a

skeleton is found, and we can examine this animal’s hands and
fect. Tenison-Woods (1875) called Thylaceize a “gigantic squir-
re(”, while Kretft calied it “the gigantic Kangaroo-Rat”.- Gregory
(1951, p. 677) relates i to Brerrainys.

ALLEGED LIMB BONES OF THYLACOLEO

Knowledge of the skull of Tirylacolea is now fairly convplete,
but no bones from the rest of the bady have been discovered for
sure. However, some authors have described bones which in their
opinion probably belonged to this extinct animal. Their researches
make an interesting. story.

Gerard Krefft, when Curator and Secretary of ihe Australian
Museum in Sydney, published in 1870 a “Guide to the Australian
Fossil Remains” which included the following ;

* Order EDENTATA
Genus MYLODON?
Mylodon? qustralis (Krefit)

The presence of some animal allied to the above- American

genus, is indicated by a single terminal phalanx, or nail-hone, -

with its peculiar protecting hood, partly broken.”
Tn the same publication, Krefft iielided a discussion on Thylacolea,
which he included among the phalangers. [le claimed also to have
evidence of “a smaller allied species . ._ distinguished by lower
incisors of a peculiar form, much shorter and more round’ than
those of Thylecoleo.” He gave the name Plectodon to these re-
mains, because “a portion of the enamel laps over, and covers the
inner side of the tooth, like a fold'' (Greek plectos = folded,
twisted}. “This generic name dees not stand because not wecorme
panied by a description, nor was a trivial name given.

Kreflt published further references to his Mfylodon? fossit in
1871, 1872 and 1882 ‘(see bibliography). Apparently he sent
photos of this specimen and some other similar fossils to Professor
Sir Richard Owen, because he referred to theny (1877, p, (82-183),
suggesting that the only known animal to which they ‘could belong
was Thylucoleo, Owen (1877, p. 119) also described a metacarpal
bore which he thought might belong ta his “marsupial lion’.
Richard Lydekker, when compiling the 1887 catalogue of vertebrate
~ fossils in the British Museu, provisionally referred nine different
bones or casts of bones to Thylacoleo cornifea. One of these was
a cast of one of Krefft's fossils.

When Director and Curator of the Australian Museum, Rohert
Etheridge Junior published (1918) figures and descriptions of the
Fossils trom the Wellington Caves in New South Wales lo which
Krefft, Qwen and Lydekker had referred, as well as a further
ene ftom Cope's Creck, Firstly, Etheridge said it was clear by
that time that there had heen no edentates in Australia, and that

June

ase Gtr, Lealagy end Distribution of “Thylaceleo™ 2

ue

Mylodon? anstralis, represented by a mere terminal toe bone,
nist he a marsupial, With this, all would now agree. Secondly,
he pointed our that the bones studied by Owen by means of photos
were of two kinds (a) hoaded, and (b) unhooded, both of which
could not belong to the same kind of animal. Even if one form
belonged ta Thatacolee, as suggested by the Professor, the other
couk! not. Etheridge suggested that if 7Aylacoleo he a herbivore,
then perhaps the anhooded terminals belong ta it. MH this be true,
then Krefft's Mylodon?® australis toe bone belongs 19 sure animal
other than T'hylacoleo because it is a hooded termnual phalanx.
This sifting out of the fossils by Etheridge was very useful, but
we sul da not know whether or not any of these remaiis really
belong to Thyacoleo.

Tn 1887 De Vis described a fernur which he though| was likely
tu be Thyilecoleo’s, and again in 1900 he dealt with a radius,
tilaa, and calcaneum concerning which he held the same ppimim.
Among fossils which he recorded fron Marmer in Queensland,
Longman (1925) mentioned a caleaneum which he helieved was
thylacolean.

Thus there have beer a number of tossil bones other than
thost of the skull which have been reierred to Thylacoleo, but na
ome knows whether they belong (o that genus or not. Tt is hlped
that before long someone wall ind a more or less complete skeletan,
and it will be very interesting to see how the various prognosti-
cations concerning the animal’s bones and habits check up with
the reality.

ECOLOGY OF THYLACOLEO

Sometimes it is possible to learn sontething about un extinct
animal from the nature of the places it used to inhabit, and the
kind of other creatures that lived with it, ‘The remains of
Thylacoleo are found in two types of habitat;

1. Low-lying areas which carry of have carried a rich yoge-
tation, eg. Lake Colongulac in western Victoria whence came
the type skull, the Darling Downs in Queensland, and Balladonia
Soak in Western Australia,

2. limestone caves itt river valleys, such ay the Wellington
Caves ta N-S.W., the Buchan Caves in Victoria, the Scotchtown
Cave iu north-west Tasnunia, and the Mamimorh Cave in Western
Australia,

All of these are, or were, well-vatered places with plenty of
plaut growth. The associated bones show that a large herbivorous
population existed, and this attracted carnivores like Thylacinus
(the Tasmanian Wolf) and Sercophilus (the ‘Tasmanian Devil),
species of which, including giant forms, lived ow the mainland
thet, (Gill, 1953). De Vis-(1884) in Queensland and Spencer
and Walcott (1911) in Victoria described bores wttich they thonght

26 Gut, Zeoloyy and Distribntion of “Thylacoles” Vet ats

tad been chewed by Thylaculeo (cf, Abbie, 1952: Gill, 1952}.
The writer has commented on Spencer and Waleort’s site at
Pejark Marsh (Gill, 1953, pp. 62-70), and it should be noted
that no remains of Tiylacolea Nave been found with the hones
allegedly chewed by it, On the other hand, the numerous bones
found with Pylacoleo in the Buchan Caves of Victoria and the
Scotchtown Cave in Tasmania have been examined by the author,
but there is no evidence of chewedl bones except for the charac-
teristic marks left by the incisors of rodents. If Thalacoleo gnawed
bones and the caves were the Jaics of these aninials, chewed
bones might well be expected to be present in them. Moreover,
the fraginents from Pejark Marsh are capable of other explana~-
tions. Some of the alleged cuts can be paralleled in Tertiary bones.
belonging to a time before Thylacoleo existed, as far as is known.
Some aré natuval fractures comparable with the curved leg-bone
fractures often sustained by motor-cycle riders—the “motor-bike
fractures'' of medical nen. The Pejark Marsh bones are accomt-
panied by an aboriginal mill-stone and the fragmentation of the
bones could be accounted for by the activities of the aborigines.

Theyre is thus no evidence from the habitats of Thatlaroleo to
support the idea that it was ossivorous. In Victoria, at the sites
where the alleged chewed bones have been found, n& Thervlacolca
has been discovered, and where Thylacolea has been discovered
there is no evidence of chewed bones.

DISTRIBUTION OF THYLACOLEO

This fossil marsupial was first figured in Major Mitchell's
account of his expeditions in ‘Australia Felix" (Mitchell, 1839)
in which he quotes a letter from Professor Sir Richard Owen of
the Royal College of Surgeons, London, who provided identifi-
cations of the fossils collected ty the Major from the Wellington
Caves in N.S.W. Owen was at the time ptizzled by the Thylacolee
premolar found there. and he did not know to what animal it
should be referred. Mitchell himself drew the illustrations of
these fossils directly on to a series of zine plates. The fossils
were lodged in the Geological Society of London ( Mitchell. 1831}.
The next oldest figure I have noted is that in a Queensland
gealogist’s report (Stuchbury, 1553), where a premolar from the
Darling Downs was illustrated, However, Thylacolee was first
described by Professor Owen in 1859 from a fossil collected
trom the cast side of Lake Colongulac, near Camperdawn, Victoria,
by William Adency (Bonwick, 1858; Gill, 1951), The first tise
ot the name Thylacoles appears to he that in Gervais’ Zonlagic
et Paléontologie Froncaises. (1848-1852). In 1853 Stuchbury
valled this animal Schisodon (meaning cleaving-tooth) even before
Owen had published his description, but Gervais had already
published Owen’s name of Thylacolee, and so that stands.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 71 June, 1954

Fig. —Premolar tooth of Phylucolesn from Scotchtown Cave south of
Sinithton, north-west Tasmania. Drawn from different — positions.
Natural size.

TH ~
—— L
Fal \
A \
Ww J \
a LA,

NORTHERN
MARTVALE

/
eee

ra TERRITORY

af

fv

} WESTERN

( OUVEENSLAND
N AUSTRALIA

Be, .400%e SOan /
\fune A
: * : “=

rosea)
a MAN/3

Map showing the distribution of T/iylacolco.

a6
\

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST

PLate. VI

Vol. 71

June, 1954

ones.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST

PLate VII

Vol.

71

June, 1954

of the giant extinet marst

Reeonstruction

Half natural size.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST

Piatt VIII

Vol. 71

June,

1954

IWIN

armefe

reduced

Tine
19h4

Griz, Eeolegy and Distribution of “Thylucuice” 27

Last century, Thylocolro was known only from the eastern
and southern staivs of the Australian tmaimland (Queenslatd,
N_S.W., Victuria, atid South Australia). Earher this century,
Glavert (1912) extended the range to Western Australia. Up
till the present, wn record of the genus has heen made from
Tasmania, hur when exanunmg recently a collection of bones
from morth-west Tasmania in the Qucen Victuria Myseurm, Laun-
cestan, the crowi of the typical premolar of Thatacolee was
recognized (reg. no. QD V.M, 1954.49.1) This fossil came tram
@ cave in limestone at Scotchtown, 3.2 miles south of Sroithton.
A tacth crown such as this has ta be distinguished from half 2’
molar{ Le, one ridge) of a Nototherium, bat Thiyitcalee Was a
characreristic curve of the cutting edge af the tooth, and the
facets at each end are found in it alone. It is interesting to note
that Scolt and Lord (1922) somewhat anticipated that Thylacoleo
would be found in Tasmania, saying, “There is no reason to ex:
clude che possibility of TYeylecolea being found,” Mr, George
Browning has illustrated the Scotchtown tooth (Plate V, fg. 1).
The only other localities in the Thylacolva distribution map shown
in Plate ¥, fig. 2 which have nor been previvusly recorded te scien)
ue literature are:

1, Watch Hill Station (McCoy, 1865) at the north-east cor-
ner pi Lake Corangamite, western Victoria, whence Reble has
nseedt Natatherium (Keble, 1945 and re locality Gill, 19530,
p. 39).

2. Dueck Ponds, near Geelong, Victoria (P 5287), This speci:
men is the right ramus of a lower saw presented to the National
Musewuin by Rev. C. S. VY, Price im 1904.

Tn considering the distribution of animals during the Quaternary
Period, it is helpful to note which of them managed to cross the
iireaS now covered hy the sea ta reach respectively New Guinea,
Tasmania and Kangaroo Island. During the Pleistocene there were
a number of higher levels and lower levels of the sea, and during
some of the latter the areas named were joined to the mainland
of Australia so that plants and animals could freely spread either
way. This explains the essential similarity of the floras and
faunas of these islatds and the nearby mamland areas. The largest
wrarsupial that ever lived was Difretedon, which roamed ali over
the Australian mainland, and reached Kangaroo Island off the
South Australian coast (Tindale, Fenner, and Hall, 1935). But
as far as we know it did not reach ether New Gunea or Tasmania,
although it did get to King Island en route to Tasmania, baif-way
across ‘Bass Strait. On the other hand, Nototteriwws, which 18
swialler and closely related to Drtrotodan, is found al! uver the
Australian mainlane, in Kangaroo Island, Tasmania (Scott, 1915
etc’), and New Guinea (C. Anderson, 1936). !t would appear
fram this that the smaller form is-the older, beiug able (o spread

23. Grit, Ecdlogy and Distribution of “Thylacotca” id or ma

te neighbouring islands from the mainland when the sea was 150
feet or so lower that it is. now. At a later time when the sea was
low but only enough to permit a crossing aver what is now
shallow water to Kangaroo Island, and not to Tastnania or New
Guinea, Doprotedon came along: On anatomical grounds, too,
we would imagine Diprofoden to be a development later than
Notstherium, The ancestors af Notethersum lived in Miocene
times in Australia, and were much, smaller than the giants of
Pleistocene times although quite big animals (Gill, 1953c}. There
has been an increase in size from the Tertiary marsupial to Note-
therimm and on to Diprofodow. This series and others may well
prove later to provide the basis for a new Catnozoie stratigraphy
it Australia.

Thylacoléo is found in Tasmania,and so belongs to the Noto-
thertium group of migratians, probably evolving before Diprotedon
did. but how far back its beginnings go we have not the evidence
to estimate at present, The remains of TAylacoleo are always
associated with the bones of other extinet giant marsupials, and
as far as present knowledge goes, it did not survive the Great
Australian Arid Period of five to seven thousand years ago, The
hed in which tt occurs at Lake Colongulse in western Victoria
is known to be 12,00) years old or a little more,

THYLACOLEAN POPULATION

Judged by its fossil remains, populations of Tiylaceles were
never very big, but this may be a false inference. In the sites
investigated, seldom-are the remains of more than one animal
found, Plate V, fig. 2 shows the distribution of TAwacofeo as
known from fossil remains, and if will be seen that the ntwmber
of localities is small compared with those of many other extinct
marsupials. There.must of course have been sufficient numbers
to provide a breeding population, and the comparative rarity of
the remains may be compared with that of some other marsupials
such as the koala (Piascolarctus), Koalas are rare as fossils,
prabably only because they do not frequent those places where
bones are preserved. The number of koala skulls in our tossili-
ferous beds would give an erroneous idea of the size of the
population of this pentis if it were take as an index of such
The same may be true of Thylacolee, This stringe marsupial
was in the land when the aborigines were here, and the occurrence
of its hones in some places may be due to the natives tsing it
for food (Gill, 1953c, pp. 58-62). Although the koala is an ar-
boreal creature, it occurs fossil in the Buchan Caves, whence
it could have been taken by man or beast, or it could have fallen
in through one of the sink holes. )

However, it is a fact remaining to be adequately explained
that although the bones of Thylacoleo are so robust, tlius having

sare Gre, Eeotogy and Distribution of “Thylacotes” 29

@ good chance of preservation, they are comparatively rare; alse
as yet there has heen no success in Anding skeletal hones to associate
with the fossil skulls. However, a careful check of the cave faunas
inay Inake i possible. to detect such a skeleton by a process of
elitbination.

RECONSTRUCTION OF THYLACOLEO

In order to assist the study of this animal, it was’ decided to
attempt 2 reconstruction, As onty the skull is known for certain,
the reconstruction was Jinnted 10 the head. The writer is indebted
tu the artist, My. George Browning, for his skilled help with this
project. The guiding principle in the reconstruction has been that
the animal is generally accepted as being related ta the phalangers.
The model of Thylecoleo (Plates X-XII) was used as a base, and
on this plasticine was built to represent the inferred niusculature.
- Tate (1948) has queried the post-orbital bar shown ir this medel
which was commented upon by Anderson (1929), but in kind
response lo my enquiry, Mr. H. Q. Fletcher examined the thyla-
colean skull material m the Australian Museum, and the Director,
Dr. A. B. Walkom, has officially advised me that “Specimen
F 4660, a cranium of Thalacoleo, shows a definite post-orbital
bar. The two processes join to fornia rather slender bar centrally
but widening rapidly as it merges with the frontal and jugal bones.
The eye-socket is completely circled by bone,” A phaterraph of
this specimen {Plate VITL) is published by kind permission of the
Trustees of the Australian Museum. Longman (1926) wrete,
“In Thylacolvo the bony orbit is quite complete, this being a
unique feature in marsupials.” Mr Longman has kindly informed
me that this observation was based on the examination of spect-
mens in the Queensland Museum, and that Anderson also saw
this material, Jt rs therefore quite definite that Tirylacalea differed
from ali other marsupials in its possession of a complete ring of
bone round the eye, just as the glyptodons, alone among the
edenlates, had a post-arlntal bar This provides_an interesting
exaniple of parallel evolution. Tirylacolea was indeed a remarkable
animal, standing apart in many respeets fram all others in that
Order of mammals,

Mr. George Browning made the sketches shown on Plates V1
and VI], The illustrations were made with the ruwuth of the animal
open so as to show its unusual dentiten. This reconstructiat
summarizes our thought on the likely appearance of, this extirict
marsupial, and we can only hope that in the not too distant future
# more or less complete skeleton of this interesting marsupial
of the past will be discpvered.

Phylacolee was a very hig animal. The model of the skull is
based on the cramium of a young individual, it being only 94 inches
Forg aul the premolars little warn, but older specimens are known .

40 Gitt, Eralegy and Distribution af “TAylacotea” Sf a Ninn

with skulls up to eleven inches long. Although a brachycephalous
animal, its head must have heer about a foot long in life. Thylavolea
was also a very powerful beast as is shown by its broad zygomatic
arches with space for big muscles to operate the jaws. The skull
is altogether a solidly built structure, On the other hand, Thylaroleo
niust rave been a tather dull animal in spite of irs size and strength.
Gervais (1869) has shown the size and shape of its brain, and his
figure ts reproduced on Plate IX, The thylacolean brain is rela-
tively small, and in form is rather similar ta that of the wombat, as
can be seen from Gervais’ figure, Owen (1877, p. 126) also re-
ferred to the “small cerehral cavity” in the skull of TAalacoleo,
Whatever our opinions on Thylacnico, the mystery marsupial,
may be, we can agree with Nicholson (1872) that “Under any
view of its habits, Thylacufeo is a very. remarkable type of the
marsupials,” t

A BIBLIOGRAPITY OF THYLACOLEO

Ager, A, A., 1952, Incised bones. Aust Journ, Sci, 44 (4); $31,

Apert, O,, 1911, Pataeobiologie. Stuttgart. (Not seeti.} |

—————,, 1926. The Wellington Caves. Aust Mus. Man.
2 (41): 367-374. ;

Awperson, C., 1929. Palacontological Notes No. 1, Macropus
ita Owen and Thylaculen carnifexr Owen, Rec, dust. Mus.,
17: 35-49.

- , 1933. The fossil mammals of Australia. Prov.
Lawn, Soc, N.SAW., 58) ixacxy.

, 1936. Exhibit. geology section, Royal Society,
NUS.W. foun, & Prov. Ray. Soc. NSA, 70> xiii,

Annerson, W., 1889. On the post-Tertiary ossiferous clays near
Myall Creek, Bingera, Rec. Geol. Surv. NSW, 1 (2):
116-126.

Bennett, G, 1872. A trip to Queensland in search of ‘fossils.
Ann, & Mag, Nat. Hist. (4) 9: 314-321.

, 1876. Notes on rambles in search of fossil remains
on the Darling Downs. O*sland Phil. Sar. dun. Rept. for 1877.

Benstey, B. A., 1903, On the evolution of the Australian Mar-
supiaha; with remarks on relationships of the marsupials im
general. rans. Linn. Sac. London (Zaol.), 2 (9) = 83-217.

Bowwicr, J., 1858. Western Victoria; rs geography, geology and
social condition. Geelong,

Broom, R., 1896, Report on a bone breecia deposit near the
Wambeyan Caves, N-S.W, Prer. Linn. Sov. N.S. 21:
48-61. '

——~-—, 1898. On the affinities and habits uf Thylacaleo. Prec:
Linn, Sac, NSW. 23: 57-74.

Cirapwas, F., 1930. Australian cave faunas, Pre Nat. 47:
Yo U0.

THE VICTOREAN NATURALIST Vol 71 Func, 1954

Piate TX

Endoeranial casts by Gervais, te shew the sinikuity of the brains of
Thylaceteo Cabove) and the wontbat Chetow >.

For its size, Phadaeedeo liad aoqamy brain and mist have been somewhat
stupid, Gervais’ cast of the brat of Piaveeeleo was made trom the type
specimen which came from Lake Colongulac, Victoria.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 71 June, 1954

Model of skull of Thylacolee, side view,
About half natural size.

Note the stocky powerful build of the skull.

el Gu, E¢olagy and Distribution of “Thylarotea" 3]

Crapwzan, F., 1934. The book of fossils. Sydney.

Cotiiver, F. S,, 1943. Prehistoric animals af Australia. Pic. Nat.,
59; 198-200,

Cove, E. D., 1882. The ancestry aud habits of Thylacolea. diner.
Nat., 16: 520-522.

—_———__——., 1884, The Tertiary Marsuptalia, Jbid., 18: 686-797.

Daintrer, R., J872, The geology of Queensland. With appendix
by R, Etheridge.- Quart. Journ. “Geol. Soc., 28: 274-360.

Davin, T. W. E., and Browne, W. R., 1950. The geology of the
Commonwealth of Australia, 3 vols. London.

Dr Vis, C. W.. 1884 On tooth-marked bones of extinct mar-
supials, Proc, Lian, Soc, N.S.W,, 8: 187-190,

——__—_-——,, 1887. On 2 femur probably of Tinylacolea. Prov.
Roy. Soc. Q’sland, 3: 122-128.

—————.,, 1900. Bones and dict of Thylaceleo, Anne.
Q' sland Mus., 5: 7-\1.

Erneniner, R., 1878, A catalogue of Australian fossils. Cambridge.

———_—_-——,, 1892. The caves at Goodravale, Goodradigbee
River. Rec, Geol. Surv. N.SW’., 3+ 37-44.

, 1918. The ungual phalanges termed Mylodon
ausivdlis by Krefft, spelean animal vet Thylecoleo by Owen
and Thalacolee by Lydekker. Ann, & Mog. Nat. Hist., (9)
2 (10): 307-318.

Fatconer, H., 1862, On the disputed affinity of the mammalian
genus Plagiauax, from the Purbeck Beds, Quart. Jourm Ceol.
Sec., 18: 348-369,

Flower, W-H., 1868, On the affinities and probable habits of the
extinct Australian marsupial Thylacoleo carnifer Owen. [bid.,
24> 307-319,

1883. Mammalia. Encyclopaedia Brittamica, Stl
ed., p. 383.

Gervais, P., 1869, Mémoire sut les forines cérébrales propres
aux marsupiaux. Now. Archit. Mus. Hist. Nat. Parts, 5:
226-251.

Ginn, 2, D., 1951.- New evidence from Victoria relative io ihe
antiquity of ihe Australian aborigines. dust Journ. Sev, 14
(3}; 69-73,

————, 1952. Thylocoleo and incised) bones, Shid,; 14
(6): 201.

, 19530, Geological evidence in western Victoria rela-
five to the ‘antiquity of the Australian aberigines, Afens, Nat.
Aus. Melb, 18> 25-92.

, 1953. Distribution of the Tasmatian Devil, the
Tasmanian Wolf, and the Dingo in S.E. Australia in Qua-
ternary time. Pte. Nat., 70: 86-90.

, 1953¢- Australian Tertiary Marsupials. -dast. Tours.

Set, 16 (3} 106-108.

é

32 Gut, Beoloyy and Distribution of "Thylacateo” Yeasts:

GLauert, L., 1910-1914, The Mammoth Cave, Rec, Wrest Aust,
Mies., 1: 11-46, 245-231.

_ 1925. A list of Western Australian fossils. Bull.
Geol, Surv, WA., 88) 36-72.

1948. The cave fossils of the South-West. Ha,

Nat., 1 (5): 100-104.

Grecory, A, C., 1879. On the geological features of the south-
eastert district of Queensland, Q’sland Parl. Papers, Brisbane.

Grecory, W. K., 1910. The Orders of mammals. Budi, Aner,
Mus, Nat, Hest., 27

——————_, 1951, Evolution emerging, 2 vols. New York,

Howcein, W., 1918. The geology of South Australia. 2nel ed.
Adelaide.

, 1930. The. building of Australia and the stiecession

of life. Pt. 3. Pleistocene anc Recent. Adelaide.

Jack, R_L., and Eruertoce, R., 1892. The geology and palaeon-
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’ Keeis, R. A. 1945. The stratigraphical range and habitat of the

Diprotedontidae i in southern Australia. Proc. Rov. Soc, Wie.

37: 23-4

1947, Notes on Australian Quaternary climates
and migration, Mem. Nat. Mus, Wie,, 15: 28-81.

Kreret, G. 1866. On the dentition of Thylacoleo carmifer.
Aun. & Mag. Not. Hist., 3 (18): 148-149.

1867. Australian Vertebrata (Recent and fossil) etc

Descr. Nat, & Indus. Pred, N.S.W. as ‘forwarded to Paris

Univ, Exhib. of 1867 (in Official Record). pp. 49-67. Melb.

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bited by the Trustees of the Australian Muiseum, and ar-

tanged and named by Gerard Krefft, F.L.S., Curator and
Secretary. Sydney.

——_——, 1871. Australian Vertebrata, fossil and recent, In
Industrial Progress of NSW, pt. 3, p. 715,

—_——.,, 1872. A Cuverian Principle in palaeontology, tested
by evidences of an extinct leonine marsupial (Thylacolea
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Aun, & Mag. Nat, Hist, 4 (10) ~ 169-182.

————, 1873. Mammals ‘of Australia and their classification.
Trans, "Roy, Sec, NS’, tor (872, pp, 135-147.

—_, 1882. “In Exploration of the Caves and Rivers of
N.S.W.” Motes & Proc. NSW. Govt, 1882, pp, 551-602.

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O'slond Mus., &: 1-15,

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8; 109-110,

ite Grit, Ecology and Distribution of “Thylacatea" RB

Loneomuan, H. A,, 1926. The uniqueness of Australian fossil mar-
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ani Leipziz.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 71 dime. 1954

Plate NI

Model ot skull ot Piaylacalen,
About half natural size.

Note the wide zygomatic arches with roont for massive niuscles: also. the
short, strong Innld of the skull in eeneral.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 71

Model of skull of Vhaylacelee, from beneath.

About half natural size.

zane Gite, Beology and Distrilintton of "Thylacoles” 35

APPENDIX

LOCALITIES WHERE THYLACOLEO REMAINS
HAVE BEEN FOUND

QUEENSLAND. -. .. 1. Maryvale Creek, North Queensland,
‘2. Marmor, between Gladstone and Rock-
hanipton.
Peak Downs.
Hodgson’s Creek, Darling Downs.
Eton Vale, Darling Downs.
St. Jean Station, Darling Downs.
King’s Creek, Darling Downs.
Gowrie Creek (= Tsaac’s Creek),
Darling Downs.
9. Gore, near Warwick, Darling Downs.
New Souta Waxes, 10. Wellington Caves,
. tl. Goodravale Caves, Goodradigbee

River. ;
12. Near Wombeyan Caves (probably).
VICTORIA, .. «. é Lake Colongulac, near Carnperdown.

14. Warrnambool,

15. Watch Hill Station, N_E. corner, Lake
Corangarte,

16. Duck Poncls, near Geelong.

17. Buchan Caves, eastern Victoria.

Tasmanta. .. -. 18. Scotchtown Caves, north-west Tas-
mama.

Sourn Austratia. 19. Yam Creek, Gundaree*
20. Salt Creek, Normanville.- - - --

WESTERN Austraatta, 21, Balladonia Soak, Eucla Division.
22. Manimnoth Caves, south-west W.A.

= Extensive enguity has failed to locate any place calted Bundarce an South Australia.
Jif stamized hat > wane is meat, and ios ia shown in Plate V, fig. 2.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS

As Ordindry Members; Messrs, H, B, Barrett, 19 Brookwille Rd., Toorak;
W. P. Black, 13 Ross St., Elsternmwick; A. F. Busby, 2 McCubbin. St, East
Rew: H. E. Clinten, “Whitehall”, 20 Bank Pl, Meibourne; J, Evans, 25
Queensville St, Footseray, WAZ; W. P. J. Evans, 9 Peter St., Footscray;
Wil; W. R. Greje, 824 North Rd. East Bestleigh; D, Johnson, 9 Clarendon
St. Coburg; E. J. Le Muistre, 20 Flowerdale RL, Glen Iris, S.E.6; R. L.
Lukey, 30 Canterbury St., Flemington; G. Luscombe, 4 Waltham Rd, New-
port; H, Matthews, 10 Muntz St, Caulfield North, $.E.7; C. S. Middleton,
317 Flinders T.ane, Melbourne; DE. MclIisnes, | 129 Waverley Rd, East
Malvern; € A, Nance, 99 Barkly Pe St. Kilda, 5.23 A, B, Newhegini, 15
Church St., North Fitzroy, N.7; F. E, J: Ockenden, 6 Belgravia Av.. Box
Hill, £2: F. HA Parker, 16 Elizabeth St. Mentone; I. “C. Parsons, 12
Brixton St., Flemington; H.-H, Peowrie, 29 Park Rd., Surrey Hills;

4

56 Fiection of Meuibers. Vick. fat

Voi, TI

E. Snell, 4 Matlocle St, West Prestou, NA8; G.-C. Straker, 4 The Avenue,
Coburg, N.ld: EL F. Thiele. Church Rd,, Dancaster- A. Triffett, 3 Coles
Cres, East Coburg, N13; E. B. Waltou, Flat 67, “Sheridan Close’, 489
St. Kilda Ra., Melbourtie, $.C.2; T- H. Wooster, 3 Beep Creek Rd... Mit-
cham; ©. E, Gartly, 24 Baker Pde. Ashburton: Miss R. Ockenden, 6
Belgravia Av.. Box Hill, E12.

AS Joint Ordinary Members: Mr. and Mrs. Behring, 112 Middlesex Rd.
Surrey Hills, E.1G; Mr. H, Pearson atyl Miss P. B, Pearson, 20 Weatherall
Bd,, Cheltenham,

As Country Members: Messrs. R. M. Royd, 168 Autumn St, Geelnag ;
T. R Chelsworth, 8? Gordon St. Traralgon; A. G_ Fellows, Alcomba, via
Cairns, North Queensland; E. Ss. Marr, Lake Margaret, Queenstown,
Tasmania; W. H. Robb, George St. Sorrento.

AS Junior Members: Peter Barton, “4 McCuhbin St., North Kew; Philp
Crankshaw, 28 Milton St.. Ehvaad) J obn L. Hast, [3 Moira Av, Glenhuully;
Perey Matthews, 261D Elgin St. Cariton; Brian R, Wratten; 48 Thomas
St, Hampton.

Rach of these 42 nominations has heen proposed hy Dr R. MW. Wishart
aud seconded by Mr. A, B. Scatt.

These persons are members of the Mictuscopical Society of Victoria.
Wwitich, subject to their election to membership of the F.N.C.V., proposes ta
become incorporated in this Club and to form a Microscopical Group.

Members of the FN C,V, are invited to. take an interest in, mictascopy,
an atteril meennes Dud to participate im activities. (See below fur further
evatls,)

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN '
Excursions:

Sunday, July 4+—Sherbrooke Forest. Subject - Lyrelnres, Leader, Miss Ina
Watson, Take 855 am, Uymer Ferntree Gully train, chen Manbulble hus,
alight at Kallista. Bring one meal.

Saturday, July 10—Geology Group excursion to Conde Tstand, Travel ar-
rangements at monthly mevting.

Group Fixtures:
(7.45 pm, at Royal Society's Pall)

Tuesday. June 1i—Microscopical Group Meeting. Mr. F, E. J, Ockenden
will screen, by means of a micro-projector, a series OF polarized slides.

Monday, June 22- Botany Group Mecting.

Tuesday, July 6—Geology Group Meeting. Speaker- Mr. A. B) Costin.
Subject: Glacial Evidence on the Bogeng High Plaine,

“Preliminary Notices:

Saturday, July 24---Mystery Excursion. Subject: General, Parlour Coach
leaves Batman Avenve, 9 aan., returns City about 630 pin, Reserved
seat bookings. (approx. 22/6) with Leader, Mr: H. Stewart 14 Bay-
view Terrace, Ascot Vale, (Tel. FU 1096)

Saturday-Sunday. September 4-5—Weekend excursiow to Maryborough-
Trauspart by private cars.

Anthropological Society of Victoria:

Wednesday, Time 9—General Meeting: at B.M.A. Hall, Aibert Street, Eas’
Melbourne, at 8 om. Subject: “Personality and Culture” . by Pra lessor
D. W. McElwain, Psychology Department, University of Melhourne.
Members of the FN JC.Y. are invited te attend,

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 31—No. 3 JULY 8, 1954 Hin. 847
PROCEEDINGS

About 60 members and friends were present at the Annual
General Meeting, held ar the Nationa! Herbarium on June 7, 1954-
Mr, Baker welcomed the visitors, especially the President of the
Mierascopical Society of Victoria and a nursher of its members.

The meeting was informed of the passing away recently of an
old and respected member ci the Club, Mr. W.C, Tonge, and those
present stood in silence for one niinute.

After the confirmation of the minutes of the previous annual
meeting, the Secretary read the annual teport of the Council, and
the Assistant “lreasurer presented the statement of accounts antl
balance sheet. Both are published fully elsewhere in this issue of
the Mufirralist,

Mr. Swaby moved a vote of thaiiks to the officers of the Club
for the fme work doue during the year. and Mr. Hooke presented
the auditar’s reporl, staling that everything was in order.

‘The nominations for honorary office-bearers were presented by
the Sceretury, and, as there were wo duplications, the President
declared all the nuinin¢es elected. The Club then proceeded to
ballot for the five menthers required tor Couneil. Details of the
full Couneil are published on the inside buck cover of rhe Naturalist

Messrs. Hooke and Chalk were re-appointed as Auclitors.

Mr, George Coghill invited members of the Club to visit his
home at 17 Afanomeath Avenne, Canterbury, on the afternaon of
July 27. the occasion of his oti anniversary. *

Miss M. Kenny and Miss T,, C. Scotr were elected as Ordinary
Members, and the follawing members of the Microsc paiical poriety
also heerme Members ;

As Ordinary Members—Messrs. BH. B. Barrett, W, 7 Black,
A,¥. Busby, 1. F. Clinton, J. Evans, WP. J. Evans, C. E. Gartly,
WR. Greig, D. Jonson, E. f. Le Maistre, R. L. Lukey, G. Lus-
combe, H. Matthews, CS. Middleton, 1. Ki, McInnes, Cc. A. Nance,
A_E, Newhegin, F. KE. |. Ockenden, # H. Parker, ime Parsons,
= H. Peowrie, EK. Snell, G. C. Straker, EF. VUhiele, A. Triffett,

7, B. Walton and T. H. Wooster; and ‘tia R, Ockenden,

“As Joint Ordinary Members—Mr. and Mrs. Behring atid Mr-
H. Pearson and Miss P. B. Pearson.

As Country Members—Megsrs. R. M. Boyd, L, R, Chelsworth,
A.G. Fellows, E. 5S. Martm aud W. H, Robb,

Vv

re) Vict iat
38 Pracecdugs [ Vol 7

As Jumor Members—Peter Barton, Philip Chankstiaw, Jolin L.
Hart, Peter Matthews and Brian R. Wrattan,

The Chairman welcomed these new members. and reterred to
the fact that the Microscopical Society’ would now he incorporated
inthe F_N.C_V. anda Microscopical Group tormed. Mr. Le Maistre
responded and invited other meinbers af the Club to be interested
ut the néw Group. These matters are reported at Jength elsewhere
in this issue.

After a inimber of amiguncements about future excursions and
various nature notes and rhe description of exhibits, Mr. Baker
thanked retiring ufiee-hearers [or thei services to the Club, and
then adjourned the meeting for the conversaztone atid exanination
of Lhe specinvens on show.

EXHIBITS AT MAY MEETING -

Seaveols, hy R. BD. Lee= Photoyraphs take through micrasvope, and
Mounter! speqimeys, of the followily sealededs, showin their structural
differences; Ballin calfitricha Ceramann clawulaton, Mugllerena inginzts,
Euptifota corauidea, Heterosiphotia pumuiaia and Crifithsia covrtliua,

Cultivated itative flora from Marana Gardens, hy A, J, Swabs: Tirvata-
nwue (FP, CG, Payne), Lontbertia forniosn, Stenncarfius siiinatus, Scacvela
adinde, Banksia spinutosa, Haken nodusa. Crevillea alpina, Correa bauerlonti,
Cerren tiereiciane and Engenid powigitate, :

Gwological specimens, by A_ A, Baker; Algal Limestone, Pre-Cambrian,
W. Australias Archaeocyathinae Limestone, Cumbrian, Plintders Range, 5.A.;
Graptohtes, Ordavician, Campbelltown, Views Riwyose Corals, Situtian, Yass,
N.S.W.; BSaregwonetiv, an early plant, Silurian, Weodl's Point, Vie; Im-
preston of 4 Crinoid, Devonian, West Kiwlake, View: Lepidodenddron,
Devonian. Mitchell River Gorge, Vic., Gleysapteris flava, Permian, New-
castle, W.S.W. (in shale), Bald ELM, Bacchus Marsh, Vie. (in sandstone) ;
Striated Pebbles of glacial ori, Peniian, Werribee Gorge, Bacchus Marsh,
Vie; Fish, Triassic, Broakvale, NSW | Claduphebixs, a common fern of the
Jurassic, Cape Paterson, Vie.; @Atanfeldia, Triassic, Dinmore, Queensiand;
Helemmite. Cretaceous, W.A.; Small Amemoanite, Cretaceous, Oodhuiucdatta,
Central Australias Cisnawionunn fora, Tertiary, Korkuperrimul Creek,
Bacchus Marsh, Vic t

GEOLOGY DISCUSSION GROUP

Viwenty-ole weémbers acd visitors were praesent ait the May tpeeting of
the Group, held al the Royw) Sactety Hall, Au onjovable aud interesting talk
was given by Me, A. B. Scott on “Diatomaceous Earth” The speaker
descmbed the living diatoms. their structure and hahits. and the methods af
preparing the silfceous skeletons for mierosenpic¢ sitles, Me. Scote then
named the localities in Victoria where diatonmcenus carth is found and gave
the uses in industry of the tweated earth The talk was Wlustrated with models
and microscope slides.-Fixhibits were shown hy Mr Baker (iolecite, cliatanta-
ceous earth, ete) and Mr. Atkins (shells and artifacts),

The June meeting was attended hy cighteen wembhers, Mr, Baker reperted
uw a Grout Excursion on Saturday, May 8. when a visit was wade to the
_ beach arca lear Black Rock, regarliig the erosion ot which a record is being

conwiled. The talk for the evening hy Mc. H, Preston was on the "Chemical

Weathering of Rotks". and members listened to an interesting and detailed
disgaurse on tte subject. .

any The Kictorian Natinotise ay

FORMATION OF A MICROSCOPICAL GROUP.

Approximately $5 ineraliers, including those who were, uutil recently,
meimbers of the Microscupical Society of Victoria, attended a meeting at the
Royal Society's Hall on Tuesday, Jute 13, 1954, when s new soup was
iormed—to be known as the Microscopical (sroup,

The following ofice-bearere af the graup were elected:

Group Leader: My. Th. J. Le Mausere, 20. Flowerdale Road, Glen Iris
(nhones: privat: BL 2948, business MX 5231),

Group Secretary; My, EF. Snell, 4 Matlock Street, West Preston.

Excursion Leader: Mr, Ty. E. McInnes, 129 Waverley Road, Malverv
(phone: UT. 2427) - P .

Aur mteresting lecture was given by Mr, A. F, Bashy oi tee nse of polarized
light in: detescing strains in metals aud other materials aud on the variations
in. the crysthllization of various chentieals, The lecture was iWustrated hy
beautifully coloured slitles which were projected an the screen by Mr FE J
Ockenden’s micro-projector. Mr. Ockendeu preceded Mr, Busby with a brici
explanation of the theory of polarized light. Members o7 the Geology Gronp
were particularly interested in the lectyre, A vote of thanks to Messrs Busby
atid Ockendon by Mr. Dave Johnson was heartily supparted,

Following the lecture, several members explained che exlithits which ther
had showh ynder their microscopes, ‘

The Group Leader appealed to the members af other groups te come| to
future meetings uf the Macroscopical Group and to advise whether they
would like an evening devotedl Ws some aspect of micrascapy aseaciated with
theie particular field.

Arthe next meeting of the Group. ta be held at the Royal seciers’s Hall
at B pm on Tuesday, July 20, a tecture will be given by Mr. J. Evans a
member of the Group and an Austrahan autherity on the Rottfera, Tits
lecture will be devoted to an explapation of the life, alatomy and habits of
these most interesting many-celled aninmls. Efforts will be made to have live
exhibits af several species shown under the microscopes.

Te next excursion of the Microscopical Group wali be held at the Albert
Park Lake on Saturday, July 17. Members interested shoult assemble near
the hoat-sheds at the north-west cnd of the lake about 230 pat, Members
of the Group will be pleased to explaiy to visitors and members of ather
Groups their methods of collecting pond life for microscopic exaniination

EXCURSION TO SCHUBERT'S NURSERY

There was an 2ttenctuuce of forty when this excursion was Held an Satur-
day, February 20, As Mr. Schubert hag only been at his present Jovation
tor a little moré than a year, his All-Australian Gardew has aor heeoime fully
established, bul the large number and variety of native plants in the Nurser
provided wmnple evidence uf Me Schubert's efforts to jropulartze our Aus-
tralian native shrubs and trees.

Gn display, aiso, were samples of sand used for the propagation of cuttings,
an example of a culling after it had taken root and another showin a
calloused cutting ready to send out roots. The glassiouse, well packed with
tullings i pols, was open for imspection, and Mr, Schubert answered many
guestions about the propagation of native plants.

" Many of the visitars were surprised 16 filld that such a larae yariety af
native plants are dyallable for our wardens. Afcer afteriueou tea kindly pro-
vided by Mrs Sehubert, many of those present cook the appartunity wwe
Procure sonvenrrs in the form: of one of te native plants for ther how

wardens. -
—A. KH. Brooxs.

Y

FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB OF VICTORIA

STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR 12 MONTI[S ENDED 30th APRIL, 1954
GENERAL ACCOUNT

RECtIrts

PAYMENTS

Subse riptions— | Fictorian Naturalist-
Arrears ,, .- £82.12 7 ! Printing .. 2. 2 ue oe we ee £65015 0
Current... i 7449 5 | Illustrating .. . 177 0 0
Life Membership “si $10 0 Despatching - OO 4 &
£835 12 0 Index 2. 4, 45 12.10 0
Sales of Fictortuu Naturalist . 2. 2. 2. -. -, 917 3 £K) 9 8
Advertisements. in Natitralist ..0 0. 5 39 12 6 Reeprintss a yh sete og ase tania rd me 12 7
Interest received—Library Fund . . . 112 6 Postage .. . ea aes He, 31 14 8
‘Donations received .. . ate. SLT «3 General Printing and Stationery apes AAT ll on oF 7 2
Sales of Census of Victorian Plants 2 s 27 6 Library... . te AS 215 @
7 : ‘ Rent, Curet aking and Meeting: Expenses : 18 10 0
Donations ., .. aaa eae, ene 217 @
General Expenses — » pete oh a te 23 4 °5
Expenses of Show at ‘lye's Gallery Parra are 7 Vil
° £1,025 85
Surplus of Receipts over Payments ior vear . Ik 4 4:
£1,040 [4 0 £1,040 14 0
BULLDING AND CONTINGENCIES ACCOUNT s
Balance in Bank on 30/4/1953 .. 0... iy 8 4 Bank Charges .. . fee tee al 41 0 0
Interest on Inyestments .. 2... 2. 5) 31 16 3 Balance in- Bank on 30/4/1954. peewee) «110-5
Sale of Publications . 2. 2. 2. 02 ls ee 19 16 6
Sale of Badges .. ., Dleewes-ne = 313 6
Profits of Show at Prahran By itn st hoa bi 15 10
£139 10 5 £139 10-5

ee —— = - —

“OF =

AINA

PO-PS6T ‘SUE 2IP

TL TIA |
“EN. ILA

Balance in Savings Bank on SUES 2 £42 lt 5
Interest on Current Account .. -. [2 8
£43 141

LIVE MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT

BALANCE SHEET

LraBILITIES

Building and Contingencies shin £1.088 10 5

Dudley Best Library Fund - a 0 0
41,138 10 5

Subscriptions paid in advance—

Ordinary .. Me £98 19 3
Life Membership. tloyemerf 35 4 =1
134 3 4
Excursion Account ,. -- 74.6 1
Special Donatious in hand, Eaphest 33.16 9
Surplus of Assets over Liabiliues ., 1,174 17 4

£2,555 13 11

—_-

YVaken into Current Subscriptions for the year £8 10 0
Balance in Savings Bank on 30/4/1954 , 2... 35 4 ~=41
#443 14 1
AT 30th APRIL, 1954
ASSETS
Bank Current Accounts .. .. _.. #91 7 29
Arrears of Subscriptions, estimated ty realize . 26 0 0
Sundry Debtors ,, 3910 0
Stocks on hand at vahuation— 7
Poblications . 2. 2. 2. 0. 2. £155 0 0, - f
Badges .. 23 0 0
———— 178 0 0
Thvestments at face valié—
Dudley Best Library Fund:
Commonwealth Bonds ., 450 0 0

Building and Contingencies Fund:

Chwealth Bonds , £930. 0 0
B.S. & A, Bank 138 10 5
———-_ 1,088 if 5 ~

1,138 10-5
Library, Furniture, Epidiascope, Louc-speaker ;
and Water-colour Paintings, at valuation .-

Audited and found correct,
A §. CHALK ] Hon
A. G. HOOKE § mn
7th June, 1954.

Auditors.

W. GERGE, Hon. Treasurer.

982 5 9
#2,555 13 11

ia

‘ADN

ES-ES ‘SNODIP’

Ib

.

42 The Uéetortine Nerltiratist Vat, 71

SEVENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT

Your Council has pleasure in submitting the 74th Annual Report
of the Club. Our membership at the end of the year was 467, con-
sisting of 298 ordinary wenibers, 132-country metnbers, 20 honorary
members, 5 life members and 12 junior members, but 25 of these
will not be continuing their membership in the New Year, 2 having
died ane] 24 having resigned, su that. we shall commence the year
with a total membership of 442, Amongst those whose passing
during the year we have had to mourn were Mrs. L. A. Cochrane,
Mrs; Walter Hanks and Mr. Scamons. During the year honorary
membership was conferred on Sir Russell Grimwade.

The Australian Natural History Medallion for $993 was awarded
toa our old and respected friencl, Charles L., Barrett, ay honorary
member of the Chih who was at ohe time Secretary and later
Editor of the Naturalist. Mr. Barrett was nominated hy the Field
Naturalist Section of the Royal Soctety of South Australia, the
Oveenslaud Naturalists Clib, the Western Australian Naturalists
Cluh and the Royal Society of Queenstand. Sir Russell Gritwade
had agreed to make the preseniatton but was unable to be preseot
awing to iI-health, and in his absence Mr, R, T. M, Pescott kindly
ofaciated.

During the year two organivarions have become affliated with
the Club, namely the Ararat Field Naturalists Club and the Native
Plants Preservation Society. A Junior Club has been formed at
Trahran, with the assistance and co-operation of the Prahran City
Council. Several of our members are helpmg in the running
of that Club, which promises to he a most active and suecessiul
iTyanizalion.

Two outstanding amd important functions of the past year were
the Nature Shows held at Tye's Gallery ia September last (granted
free of cost), and in the Prahvan City Hall in October. The Prah-
ran City Coyneil co-operated hy making the hall available free of
cost, A tremendous amount of work and organization was invalved
in running the Prahran Show, the major part of which was under-
taken by our indefatigable Editor, Mr. N. A. Wakefield. About
5,500 penple artended, of whom 4,000 were children.

Early in the year an area of about 80 acres of virgin bush coun-
iry at Upper Beaconsfield was offered to the Clu, Much con-
sideration was given to the question of whether we could accept
the gift in view of the annual expenditure involved on the upkeep
and the fact that the Cith has ne surplus funds with which to meet
the cast, Au atterupt was made through the donor's solicitors to
see if a grant conld be made available which would meet the anntal
expenditure hut this was not viewed favourably, aud ultimately the
offer of the lant] was withdrawn, It is uot uelikely that similar
offers will he made to the Club ja the future and it seems a pity
that they have to he refisert because of lack of finance.

July
yase

Tutuntyeltonih efnnnal Re fore 43

Members will vecollect the special lyrebird issue of the Naturalist

in September 1952. fn March of this year’ enother special issuc

dealing with Australian matnmals was published. The Ingrani

‘Trust again Ananced this special issue and thanks are expressed
io the ‘Trustees for their generous help in this regard,

Some months ago it was brought under our notice that the
Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways. Board had under considera-
tien a proposal tu extend the present nine-hole golf course im Wattle
Park tu ai eighteer-hole course, As this would have involved the
destruction of a large mumber of trees, your Gouncil took the
matter up very vigorously with the Board and hopes that the
protests mide Iry this Chub and other interested bodies will prevent
the propased course of action.

In December last Mr. R. H. MeMahon of Rosebud addressed
the Chub on the damage being done to the flora of the bayside,
- especially on the eastern side, by the increasing amount of camping:
dene under the authority of Jocal conunitiees of management. These
committers are, generally speaking, composed of local business
people who naturally want to see camping Tacilities extended so that
more and more campers may come to their distzvicts anel thus in-
crease foval business. A strong protest to the Minister for Jiands
elicited the opinion that the Minister was much concerned with
the prablewi and sympathetic consideration was promised to or

recommendations

An attenpt tu hive parc af the You Yangs Forest Reserve alien-
ated for the purpuse of the sturage of ammunition for the Air Force
was slrongly opposed by this and other interested organizations,
hut so far we have not heard chat the matter has heen finalized.

The Vielonan National Parks Assowiation is a flourishing and
virile infant, hut ars Comune! would Welcome miore meinbers so that
the aims of the Association contd be more vigorously presented to
the public and Parliament. Mr. J, Ros Garnet is the Secretary.
The ordinary subscription is only 5/- per annum, We should all
belong to it. The National Parks Bill presented to the last Parlia-
merit expired, we were glad to note, when that Parliament ceased
io funetion. The present Government has promised sympathene
cansideration and we hape a new and better measure will soon sec
the light of dav,

Under the supervision of Mr, EB. E, Lord, the replanting of the
Native Flora Section at Wattle Park was widertaken with very
satisfactury results. Mr. lure! unfortunately felt compelled ta
resign from the Cotineil and, fater an, from the Club. His place
on the Council was taken by Mr. W, f., Williains,

The Fern Book which has been out of print for some time ts
now heing rewritten and brought up to date by Mr N. A. Wake-
fiell. We hope tc will not be long before this will he available,

nn Seveuty-Poniil Annual Repart Doar

You will note from the financial statement to le submitted that
We are Anisting the vear with a small credit balance Only the
most careful management and continued scrutiny of expenditure
has made this possible. Unfortunately the credit balance is 10t
large enough to jistty any vedtiction in our subsesiprion rates,
especially as the printers of the Nalirralist mforn ws that printing
costs are rising, The Micteriwm Naturalist is the maim item in our
annnal expenditure. One way it which we could get mare revenne
and] thus inerease our activities would be by an increase in Club
membership. As things are, we have tot niacde up our meiibership
to what it was two years ago, when a Jarge nuinher resigned because
of the tnereased subscription. Ir is essenhial therefore that we all
do oul best to interest our friends in the Club and try and persuade
them to juin, Jet ns make ihic nest year a year of drive for new
niennibers

The Royal Society's ball has been rebuilt, as you all know, and
thig bas meant that chy Stidy Groups whe formerly used the build
ing have had to meet elsewhere, We also had to remove our book-
cases and library. Now that building operations are practically
finished, the library is gradually gome back but there is stil much
to he done in arranging for the classification and storage of the
large stock of niagazmes, elv.. owued hy the Club. Elaving no
meeting place, the Botauy Group has not met since March 1953,
but has mow resumed at the Royal Society's hall. The Geology
Group reports a tharked increase in altendances at meetings and
excursions. Mectinys have been held at the National Musetin and
thanks are expresacd to the Truszees. the Director, Mr Ro. M,
Pescott, and Mr. Ey D, Gill. Future sueetings will now be held
at the Royal Society's hall,

Finally, thanks are clue to Mir. A. W. Jessep for the use of this
fine hall fuv our mechings and to all who have helped the Club in
any way during the past year.

—F. Lewis, Hon, Secretary.

OBITUARY

We vecord, with regret, the passing on February |6.0f Mr. Teter A. Loue-
man, for many years Director of the Queensland) National Mijseuin, His
frieads iy this Clb who visited ihe Museum jn Brisbane during his term pi
office remember his wilading courtesy, also his niauifest pleasure at showing
them varinus satural history treasures, fossils particularly Ty «evinced
special pride in explaineg the ceceusteucted models of giant Austealian
animals of che remote past, Amoans the public offices the late Mr Longman
formerly held was President of the Queenslaud biel Naturalists Chih For
tis outstanding work he was in 146 awarded (he Australian. Natural blistary
Medailiou. Later. the coveted Mueller Medal was bestowed on hin, At the
tine of his death be was a diligent contributor of nature subjects iu the daily
papers. ;

H.C_E.S-

an The lretortanm Mafgeulist 45
THE MICROSCOPICAL GROUP—PAST, PRESENT
AND FUTURE

By E. J. Le Maistr

The Amnual General Meeting of the Field Nuturatiars Club of
Vietaria was one which could have far-reachinp effects on the
organization, Art this meeting, the members of the Microscupical
Soviety of Vietoria were elected ro inenyber slip on the rall ar the
PLN CV. and thus was finalized an anialgamation between the two
societies

Mr. Raker, President of the F.NJC.V., in extending a welcame
ta the newly elected members, stated that they now fermed the
Microscapical Gronp of the Field Naturalists Club with the usual
rights and privileges of all members, and assured them of the cu-
eperation and Triendship of the other members. '

The President of the Micrascopical Society, in reply to Mr
Baker, thanked him and the members of the FIN.C.V. for the
generous welcome, and expressed the view that a happy future
was assured for all concerned.

“The Microscopical Society,” hevadded, “had heen in existinee
for a considerable number of veats, and its mentbers, quile naturally,
for sentimental reasons were very loth to take steps lo wind. up
such an organization, but the difficuliies which prevail in large
sucidties had a much greater effect on sinall ones aud su at had heen
considered advisable to commence jegetiations wlich would bring
about an amalgamation.

“Instead of Jiving im the past, however, it is better to look te
the future and il seems certam that it will prove adwaritageous
both organizations. The broadened field now available to all mem-
hers should be made the amost of, and the Microscopical Group
should prove a very acceptable adjunct to the Field Naturalists
Chib of Victoria’

Formed officiully in 1908, although actually functioning for some
years previously, the Microscopical Society had. weathered the
Loublesame times of wars and depression and had, during the
years, done very good work and had a number of notable naturalists
in its ranks,

OF the early members, the names of Stickland, Searle, Shephard,
Fullard, Butler and Williams were temembered a5 leaders in their
fields of investigation, Later came such names as Hardy. Jindaie,
lackburn and others who haye contributed much to scientific
ahservation, Some of those mén are notable for their research ith
the Rotifera, Provozoa, Algae, etc., ail in soine eases their names
have been perpetuated in the specilic classification of same of the
forins they discovered. . :

The present interests of members are mauy and varied, some
specializing, while ather study a avedfnm-in-perve of subjects, thus

AG Le MaAtsrnE, Tae Mievaseopicul teronp br or

providing a variety which otherwise woutd not-be tortheoming from
those who concentrate on one aspect only, :

The subjects of interest cover botany, algae, timber sectians,
diatoms, pond hie, manne biolagy, polariscope work, photg-rmicro-
graphy and many other items.

To enable inembers to get ta know a little more of the work
being done in various spheres, the following vames are noted of
some who specialize in a particular freled:

Diatoms—Dr. R. M. Wishart. Messrs. H. Barreit, C. Black,

8. Tindale.

Marine Biology—R. Lukey,

Rotifers—], Evans.

Desmids atid Algae-—-A, Busby, FE. [, Tae Mutistre.

Protozoa—D. Melinies.

Timber Sections—C. Nance.

Instrumental Microscopy—F, FE. J. Ockenden.

Spiders—E. Swarhreck,

Foraminifera—B, Tindaie.

Photo-Mierography—D. fohnson.

Any of these nentbers are available te disenss with other matural-
ists the various aspects of their observations, in fact all the group
Members will be pleased to contact others with similar interests,

Meeiings have the friendly informality common to such and the
lectures given, subjects discussed and exhibits shown ave stimulat-
mug 16 the mind and provide interesting and ediicational evenings,

Microscapy is in itself an absorhing study, offering as it docs a
wide diversity of subject material, and the mere fact vf dealing
with such tiny Tragimenrs of life complete in their minutest detail,
with the heatty and balance of nature prevailing throughout. uur-
tures a philosophy that gives a broader ancl fuller understiunding
nf the world in which we move.

To Jook npon a beautiful Rewer, take in a ylorivus’ panvrana,
or gaze down the tube of a microscope, aud to only see things, is
surely little better than not seemy ther at all. But to do so with
exercise of the mnind, pondering and wondering, is not only a pre-
rogative of aun, but a Jeature that underlies his supremacy in
matters of the wine.

Microscopical study sas, in its infancy, a treasure trove to
naturalists, when there were uatold numbers of fortis to: be clis-
cnvered, identified, vamed andl studied, Then it went through a
phase when the instrument itself was of tantamount importance ancl
the “brass aud vlass” men were in their element.

It is saicl to-day that amateur microscopy is ‘dead, This ts net
trne if it is luoked at in the carrect perspective. Admittedly there
seems little left for the amatuer to discover in the reali vf new

Soe Le Maistre, Uke Miernscupical Group 47

genera or species, at least, that is the assumption based on present
know ledge, but what of the life histories and cycles yet undecided ?
Must we leave all experimenting to the scientist, or, conversely,
are we not all scientists ?

If the microscope is taken as a tool, instrumental in achieving
some object, rather than the be-all and end-all of microscopy, then
the amateur has a means of pursuing his studies to the lint of
his capabilities. In the laboratories, factories, hospitals or univer-
sities the microscope is placed not as an end in itself but as an
integral part of the research into more, deeper and wider fields.
Used as such, it falls into its own category and is of as much value
to its user, as the scalpel is in the hands of a surgeon,

And for the future, the microscope can assist all members, whit-
ever branch of Natural History may capture their interest, and
the Microscopical Group is now established and its benefits avail-
able ta all, A happy and friendly co-operation will assure a happy
and friendly future. This has already manifested itself at the first
group meeting and should continue. Thus the future rests with
us, to write its history, Let us make it good reading.

BUTTERFLY DISPLAY AT CLUNES

One week-end recently two F.N.C.V, Past Presidents were visiting Ballarat,
as guests of the Ballarat Field Naturalists Club. On Saturday afternoon they
were taken over to Clunes, where the Reverend H. S. Bodley was showing
his collection of butterflies to visiting members of all the surrounding Natural
History Clubs. The afternoon would have been a memorable one under any
circumstances, for the gathering of about one hundred people included
members from Ballarat. Maryborough, Ararat and Stawell Clubs, as well
as the two Melbourne members of the F.N.C.Y.

It is impossible to do justice to the butterfly collection ; it filled and domi-
nated the church hall; 15,000—yes. Affcen fhonsand—hutterflies from all
over the world, beautifully classified and arranged, every one perfect and
glowing in coluur in the afternoon sunshine. The collection represents thirty
years of scientific work by the Rev. H. S. Bodley, Minister of the Church
of England in Clunes. He has collected these butterflies through exchange
with entomologists all over the world, to whom he has sent Australian insects.
He told the gathering that this was not a “hobby” but “scientific recreation”,
no dilettante amusement, but one involving much hard work. Some of the
letters he had to write were to people with whom he had no common language
except Latin, in which his letters and their replies were ultimately written.
Half a dozen cases of beetles, equally beautiful and equally well displayed,
were also on show.

A wonderful afternoon tea was provided by some of the ladies of Clunes,
who must have worked nearly as hard as Mr. Bodley to make the afternoon
such a grand success. We came away feeling that we had been indeed
privileged to see a collection of butterflies that is certainly unique in Australia,
if not in the whole world. On the way back to Ballarat we visited Mr. Dunn,
who now has his spiders set up in his home at Creswick, and in the evening
Miss Ina Watson’s lecture on her tp to the Centre completed the Natural
History feast.

—M. M. Cratraway.

48 The Victorian Naturalist Vol. 71

DEN OF THE NARGUN
By N. A. WAKEFIELD

These illustrations are supplementary to the article by IK. W. Atkins in
the Piet. Nat. of January 1953. They are reproduced by courtesy of the
Educational Magazine in which they appeared in June 1954.

This remarkable formation occurs in Deadcock Creek, a tributary cof the

Mitchell River in eastern Victoria. The soft shale has weathered away be-

neath athard sandstone har across the gorge, and lime-bearing waters have
left great stalactitic masses from roof to floor of the cavern.

A glimpse of the cavern and one of the great stalactiti¢? masses.

Jul ., AN as bes 4 - *
aA Wakerrietp, Den of the Naryun 49

The place was discovered in the 1870's by the naturalist-explorer, Alfred
William Howitt. and his two aboriginal companions declared that it was the
home of the “nargun”, a fearsome mythical inhabitant of such rocky localities.

aad. — i.

i -

This is Hlowitt's impression of the den of the nargun, published in 1876 with

his report on the area in the Geological Survey of Uietoria. Comparison with

the photograph on the left shows how much the lime deposit has grown
during the intervening seventy vears.

Since Howitt’s day, this great tree- These sandstone walls of Deadcock
fern has grown at the right-hand end Creek were estimated by Howitt to be

of the cavern. over 400 feet high.

50 The Victorian Naturalist Vol 71

FEEDING HABITS OF THE ORCHARD SPIDER
By A. If. SPILLANE

One of the most unusual spiders in Australia as far as feeding
habits are concerned, is surely the female of the Orchard Spider,
Celaenia excavata. Unlike most tree-frequenting spiders, she does
not construct a web, yet in a most wonderful manner manages to
obtain sufficient food to sustain herself and to produce, even hy
spider standards, a very large family.

When twilight begins to merge into darkness, Celacnia may be
observed rousing herself from the immobility which she has main-
tained throughout the day. Slowly she moves into position to begin
her night's hunting. She chooses her position with great care, evi-
dently according to the prevailing weather conditions.

She hangs from a few strands in a vertical position, with her
cephalothérax uppermost, and is supported by her two rear pairs
of legs. She. then opens wide her two front pairs in readiness to
seize her prey.

Next morning, if she has had a successful night. she may be
observed feeding on a noctuid moth, with one or even more other
moths trussed up ready to be consumed at her leisure. [ach will
be wrapped round with several strands of silk and swung from
another strand. Such good hunting does not occur very often, how-
ever, for I have known these spiders to go several weeks without
catching a moth.

The most intriguing feature of this spider's behaviour is the way
in which she attracts the nactuid moths upon which she invariably
feeds. There is a theory that she lures male moths by emitting an
odour similar to that of a female moth.

Being anxious to test this theory, I recently collected eleven
moths, caught by a female spider which I had under observation,
and forwarded them for identification to Mr. A. N. Burns, ento-
mologist at the National Museum. Mr. Burns kindly supplied me
with the information that they were all “cutworms” or Noctuidae,
and the specimens were divided up as follows:

& Persectania ewingi West. All males.
1 Periphya sanguinipuneta Gn. Female.
2 Caradrina spp. Males.

In his correspondence to me, Mr. Burns stated that there was
just a little doubt about the sex of the single specimen of P. sanguini-
pimcta, as the contents of the abdomen were missing, but that tn his
opinion the specimen was a female.

These investigations appear to substantiate the theory that the
attraction of this spider to male moths is sexual.

Regarding the single female moth, IT consider it reasonable to
assume that it accidentally blundered into the clutches of the wait-
ing Celaciia.

aay Sriaane Me Orchard Sirder 31

]tis miteresting tu observe Ue wiadver in which chis spider drains
its prey of the body junces, LL feeils firse from the back of the head
of the moth ang) then from the windle of the ventral surface of the
alrdomen.

VISIT TO WYPERFELD NATIONAL PARK

Over the Easter period a visit was nade te Weperfeld National Park,
Good rains had fallen throughout the area and surface water was present
in che forntof small pools in many pluces, About the entrance we were pleased
to see a Mountain Bock and a litle fuemher ou a pair ol Maned Goese
in ashallow pool Pbey were being chasely watched by a pair of Wedge tailed
Eaetles, one in the top of a nearby tece and the other oar Ue edee of the poot,
They seemed reluctant to Ay even after our cur had pulled up whiny a dozen
yards of (hon and tie eagles bad flown off to the north. They then flew
vayidly away seuthwards, The usually dry fads of the Jakes tal a lresh
green tint due toa new growth of grass, and the sight af numbers of small
iNUShFOos Was a Surprise. Entus and Kangaroos were noted at many places,
and there were flocks of White Cockatoos, Galahs, Regent Parrots, Red-
hacked Parrots, Eastern Rosellas, Pink Cuckatoos anc an occasional Mulga
Porrat. During a vist toa the rorthers end of the park where we camped
for two days we were delighted to sce several parties ol the Mallee Eynu-
wie, probably ihe first ceeorel of this speces for whe park. Av. inpereating
feature was the extensivt: regeneration of the Murray Pine Rabbits are fond
af the seedlivias of these recs and destroy practically all of Ue naw growth,
so it was pleasing tm sre many headreds af pine saplings cach af which bad
germinated in a clumpoof Parcypine Grass. by those: far tocth-west areas
of the State where the Murray Pine bas dechned so rapidly (his record of
what has vcourced naturally al Wyperfeld way be ol use tn Use interested
int resinring these trees, —Faxrer 5. Hanes.

LYREBIRDS AT SHERBROOKE FOREST

Ow Thoredzy, April 29 2 wee aril blustery day, my pephew who tras
Havellivg from Adelaide ta Sylney, with one day only in Melbourne, ex
pressed a wish ta ser a Lyrebird. Ln spite of the weather we set out at about
230 pay Jor Sherbrooke Forest

Same distance ahove the ed Mill on the road to Kallista, we explored
the forest to the leit of the rond among ice ferns and undergrowth withour
suceras, Then crossing to the tighe and following a slippery wack dawn
to the stream and rising on the other side we heard occasional bird cries to
lure us on We crossed! a road inte slightly mare open jorest where my
nephew went ahead artd sieceeded un seeing a pair of birds and a most
warnderful display en the part of the male. Tle ras able to approach close to
the birds, the swong wond, arising as he neared thent, overvomilg any 108
he may have made. Aniong the. bird cails both the Kookaburra and Whip-
birds were inated. aud part of the dispity appeared to Ve a “showme off”
to the visitor When he wenr closer, however, beth birds disappeared very
quickly, ‘The time was about 4.30 or 5 ym, and it was very dell because of
rai clouds, !

On the jeturn wack close to the main road, two birils alyead slipped tata
the undergrowth jn different diractions and thet the male crossed and
recrossed the path in front of tis abowt thirty feet ahead and finally began tu
wimb a black wattle risimg fram baugh ta bough as, we approached, tu a
Hreipht of about twenty feet. He then touk off and few with a distiner whirr
of wings ahour fifty feer dawnhill ony of sight aniohg some blackwoeds,
showing the lyre in perfect silhouette aganisé the sky. This was indeed a
rich reward jor braving the weather! —Furaus Brexrrr.

$2 The Wtesorutin Neatiralise Vor, 7

NATURALISTS’ NOTEBOOK

' (Reserved for your Notes, Observatians and Ruerias|

SPIMEBILLS AND HEATH

[a a thick clump of Conimon Heath at the Bend oi the Isles ou the Yarra
River near Kangaroo Growin! ssw tour Eastern Spimchills prabtng We white
bells of the heath for nectar. One of these birds, by rapid vibration of its
wings, kept itself paised ithe air with its body ite a vertical position while
it extracted nectar from the fiowers. This happancd three ot Tour times. Is
this the reason why the Wastecn Spinebill is sometimes erroneously called,
“Humming Bird? Ineideutally, the humming-birds L have seen illustrated
haye kept their bodies in a horizontal position while they balanced ji mid-air
with rapid fluttering of their, wings.

—A. E. Buooxs.

HYBRID THRYPTOMENE

Several vears aga T obtained) a plant of a hwbrid form of They piomenc
from Mr. It. C. Payne, of Adelaide, South Australia, and plants from this
are now beg grown in a number of gardens in Melbourne. It is a senti-
prostrate form about two icet in height, and the open light pink flowers are
in bloc for veer Ave mouths of the vear. There seems little doubt that this
native plant is destined to prave one of the masr ae for general
cultivation.

—jJ. S Seatow,

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN
Excursions;

Saturday, July 17—Mbcroscopical Group Excursion ta Aibert Park Lake.
For details, see under Group report ou page ae,

Saturday, July 24-Mystery Fscersionu, Stuibject: “Ts Pltescofarctiys cierctius
phylogenetically seile?" Parlour coach leaves Battuaa Aventc 9 a.m.,
returns City 7.30 p.m. Bring two meals, morning tea obtamable 10: acm.
at tuadsice cafe. Reserved seat bookings, 22/6 with Leader. Mr. H,
Stewart, 14 Bavview Terrace, Ascot Vale (phone: FU 1096).

Sunday, August {—Menzies Creek. Subject: General. Leader, Dr. W. Geroe
Take 3.58 a.m. Unper Ferntree Gully train. then Gembrook bus, alight
at Menzies Creek. Bring one meal.

Saterday, Aneust 7 --Geology Group Excursion ta Statlacd Bros" Quarries,
KRelor. Trausport arrangements at monthly theetiog,

Group Fixtures:
(745 pm. at Roval Socicty's Hil)

Tuesday, July 20-—Mieroscopical Group Mectinus.
Monday, July 26—Rotany Group Meeting.
Tuesday, Auzust }—Geology Group Meeting,

t

Preliminary Notices;

Saturday, Simday, Septeruber 4-5—Maryl oreugh Biel Naturalists Cinb has
invited aur Club to spend the week-end at Maryborough, Tranzport,
either by car or train. Bendivo trato leaves Spencer Street, 3.45 pm.
Friday or 8,15 am. Saturday, change at Castlemaine. Returning train
leaves Matyborouzh 6,20 4.10. on the Monday morning, arrives Mel- .
thourne 10 am. Second class tetuiu tare, 33/10. Canping facilities
available at Princes Park, and accommodation available at hotels,

Saturday, Sunday, Octuber 16-17—Week-end at Bendigo.

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol, 71—No. 4 AUGUST §, 1954 No. 848

PROCEEDINGS

The hall at the National Herbariim was filled to capacity at
the General Mecting on July 12, 1954; and the President extended
a welcortie to visitors. a

Mrs. A. Sutherland, Miss Irene Hall, Mr. E, J. Evans and Mr.
A. Matthews were elected as Ordinary Members, and Mr. T. C,
O'Callaghan as Country Member of the Club. - _

Mr. Baker handed Mr. George Coghill a congratulatory telegram
from Mr, and Mrs. Stan Colliver, and expressed the pleasure of
the Meeting in having Mr. Coghill present, as this was his 72nd
year of continuous membership.

In introducing the speaker for the evening, Mr. Jon Becher-
yaise, the President extended to him a hearty welcome back to the
Club, saying that all were greatly favoured and most appreciative
of having the pictures and story of his “tripping round the youthern
part ef the world”.

Mr. Bechervaise spoke mainly on the bird-life of Heard Island,
but also of many other aspects of life at the A.N.A.R.E. station
there, These were then illustrated by the screening of a series of
outstanding coloured pictures which took the audience inta ijn+
numerable corners of the Island, from the sea-board to the 5000-
foot shoulder of the volcano Big Ben, and then to Kerguelen Island
and the Antarctic continent. The feeling of the Meeting was voiced
by Mr. Lewis, who expressed. the opinion that the prctures could
not be excelled anywhere in the world. [It is intended that same

hases of Heard Island natural history will appear in the Naturalist
-in the near future.] .

Correspondence was dealt with, from the Editer of the Rayal
Aufo, requesting natural history articles of some 500 words, and
from Mr, E. R, Kelly offering for sale a collection of bitterflies
and meths. .

Mr, Baker invited members to the Symposium ov the Geology
of Melbourne, to be held hy the Geological Society of Ajustralia
at the Geology Department of the University of Melbourne, at
7.30 p.m, on July 22. ,

Mr, Swaby commented on information from Miss J, Raff, of
the forthcoming sale of the house of the famous naturalist, Sel-
hourne White, and suggested that Council nught approve of dona-
tions being taken at the next General Meeting, to go towards its
purchase for preservation,

Mr, Lewis réferred to a letter from the West Australian Natu-
ralists Club requesting material for their Nature Show of Sep-
tember 13-14, They desire other exhibits as well as flowers.

53

. Viol. Nat.
4 Procecdings Vol. 7

Mr. Atkins announced that on Monday, July 26, there would
be a talk Lo the Botany Group, entitled “Interest in Botany", by
Mr. Wakefield,

After some nature notes by mentbers, the President extended
to the Secretary and his wife wishes for a pleasant trip northward,
and the Meeting was adjourned at 10.10 p.m. tur the conyersazione
and examination of exhibits.

NATURE NOTES AND EXHIBITS

Moy Meeting:
Shells and corals from waters north of Australia, and sting-ray barb used
ae a fish-spear by native at Datwin—L. Fink,
Phaotopraphs taken al the “Granites near Inglewood, showing ihe Biz
Rock anid other formations near which (races of wrantum have been found—
+ 2, Lee, -
Uranivm-hearing rocks anc minerals which occur mostly in Pre-Cansbrian
formations—A, A. Baker.

June Meeting:

Obsidian ¢voleanic glass) fron a quickly-cooled larva flow at Major
istand, Native sulphur from White Isfand, New Zealand—A. A, Baker,

Living, cemipede, Scolopendria morsitans from Preston. Although the
name means “one hundred Jegs", this one has only 21 pairs. It hag twa poison
claws at the head cud, which can cause severe pain, while at the posterior
end are two terminal claws, much Jarger in size, which can proditce a lesser
amount of polsoning merely hy contact with tender skin, This species is
common throughout Australia, being found under loose stones, logs, and
sometimes in clothes in the house, They move vecy fast when disturbed, are
nocturnal in hahits, and are enemies af caterpillars, wire-worms and cock-
roaches. In Austealia there are about 80 species, belonging to QI genera, m
the class Chilopoda, the largest growing to about 8 inches in length. Cenli-
pedes have been found fossil in Tertiary aaiber and some haye been aentifed
in the Upper Carboniferous of [Mlinois, U_S.A., but these differ fram present-
day forms—A. A. Baker.

Thryptomene (F, ©, Payne), referred to m “Naturalists’ Notebook” of
the July Nuturalist, together with the species thought te be its parents, 7.
saxicola and T'-fhyporitlis—A, J. Swaby. ‘

Frech-water mussel, Propehydridella cidtriformis, frond Lilly-pilly Gully,
Wilson's Promontory—a species common in South Gippsland. Quartz showing
paired towrmaline crystals om one face, and the impressions of a sittilar pair
on another face, from Wilson’s Promontory, Nutional Park—J, R. Garnet.

Mr. Garnet commented on Miss Kurth's observation of large numbers of
ladvbirds hyheruating under Blackboys {Xaxthorrivea) at Wilcatnin Pound
in the Flinders Ranges of South Ausirahia, and Mr, Rayment sad that it
was an unusual place for ladybirds-

GEOLOGY DISCUSSION GROUP

Tifteen members attended the meeting ot: July-6, when Mr. A. B. Costin
sioke on “Ghiciers and Glacial Aciloo”, Whita great nimber of kudachrome
shides, Mr. Costin described the action of glaciers from the-iec-caps, cranes
and glacial valleys. te terminal morains and well-rounded highlands af
ancient glacial periods, through Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Scotland,
Teeland, England and New Zealand, Considerable discussion followed,
especially on the growth of vegetation with the retreat of the glaciers.

Mr FE. D. Gill reported on the excursion uf Jane 5, to Standard Quarries
at Footseray, where the relationship of the Older Basale and the Newer

Aupuat ; . ;
‘sme Gecloyy Discussion Group 59

’

Basalt was cteacly secn. Ropy lava, pahoehoe toes, baked clays, and fussil
soils werc other features abseryed.

Exhibits were a series of glactul rocks from the pre-Cambrian, Permian,
Carboniferous, Pleistocene, and Recent periods of Australia—by Mr, Baker;
a series of rock types from the Standard Quarries at Footscray -by Mr,
Blackburn; and arcanium ore Eram the recenily discovered area near Tngle-
wood, Victorig—by Mr. Jeffrey,

MICROSCOPICAL GROUP

A weil altended gathering settled dawn to the business of the second
meeting of the newly formed group, Owing to the retirement of the group
leader (Mr. FE. Le Maistre), on account of accepting 9 position overseas, at
Was mecessary to elect another leader. On the nomination of Mr W. Evans,
seconded by Mr. Behring, Dr. R. M. Wishart was uoanimousty elected,
Dr. Wishart ts also a member of the F_N-C. Council. © .

Mr. Jack Evats, 9 noted authority m his particular sphere, favoured
the meeting with his lecture, “An Introductidn to the Rotifera’, which he
couched in as simple a larguaye as was possible in the circumstances. tor
the benefit of interested newcomers. This did not deiract in any way fron
au instructional viewpoint and he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks
on bebal? of all by Mr. W. Fivans.

An “Exhitttion and Beinonstration of Pand Tite Collecting”, with a
discussion of the apparatus used for the same, is the theme for the next
sane mecting, to be held in the Roval Soctety’s Hali on Tuesday, August
iv.

Ow the Saturday afternoon preceding this meeting members will gather
at the ponils in the Footscray Park for the purpose af collecting specimens.
Friends who havé no apparatus may bring alone a lew jars which the
more experienced folk will be only too pleased to fli, Why not make this
outing niore interesting hy other “Vield Nats" attending, and therehy
exchange notes and views on varying subjects? The Park ts on the river
bank opposite the Flemington Racecourse. Specimens colfected are usually
shown and discussed at the Tmesday night’s meeting with anything else of
microseapical interest. If you have a “mike”, no matter what sort or size,
bring it along, and if you have no specimen we will supply one. At the
moment we aré stressing “pone fe’ (which gets more predominant in the
warmer months) in the hope that tt “gets someone in", There are, of
course, many other felds of interesting study as well, hut more af them
anon. The Group Slovan is—"BRING YOUR MICROSCOPE AND A
SPECIMEN ON MEETING NIGIIT.

Iris with deep regret that we aoutdunce that Mr. F. EL J. Ockenden
passed away on July 3h.

EXCURSION TO CRESWICK

‘Twenty-aght Club members travelled by coach to Ballarat and. Creswick
on Saturday, October 10, to attend a cambined excursion under the leadership
of the Ballarat Naturalists Club. :

Lunch was eaten on the shores of Lake Weudouree, where we made inends
with mumereus Eastern Swarmp-heas thal permanently inhabit the area, These
large birds, of glossy dark purplish plumage, are not frequently seen about
Melhourne. After the meal, the Nallarat Club members excitedly showed ws
a Bluc-bifled Dack. Ail were able te observe this shy and uncommon btrel
for sonte three minutes before it passed from sight into a dense clump of
reeds,

The combined party then travelled on to Creswick for a visit to the pro-
perty of Mr. A. Sonsee, Presicent of the Datlarat Club, who has established
an arboretum of considerable acreage, for the critical study of native and
exoHe trees and shnibs suitable for the Creswick area:

. . ; Vint. Not,
56 Excwrsion to Creswick - woe

We entered the property from the south where the JoWér slopes are
covered with fine speciniens of Oregon Pine. This conifer from the Pacific
Coast regions of U.S.A, and Canada, is prohably the fastest growing conifer
and grows under a wide range of suil and climate candiltons, aliaining its most
luxuriant growth in areas of 4D to 60 inches of rainfall per annum. Another
interesting exotic wag the Stone Pine, of distinct and picturesque habit, frost
the Mediterranean region, where ihe seeds from the shiny nat-brown cones
constitute an important article of food.

, OF the 150 eucalypt species that Mr. Sonsec has planted, two metit par-
ticular notice. Eucalypias viminalts, raised from seed of trees native to the
area, is abe fastest growing cucalypt in the plantatian. ‘The most attracnive
was 7. nicholii, native of narthern New South Wales, a young spechmen
10) feet in height, of elewant growth and with contrasting natrow dark
green foljage and scarlet eres,

_ Two sperics of Banksia, a local form of 8. snerginaia with larger coves
than has the Melbourne type, and &. collima, from the Grampians, both deGed
positive identification by ouir members, Both trees showed an unusual sturdi-
ness and vigour.

Mr. Sonsee’s home garden held morte delights for uy. A fire and vigorous
Gippsiand Waratah was Coveril with buds, ard two species of Grevillea—
G, alpine with orange and yellow blossams, and G, Javandnlacea displaying
bright pinkish flawers—were the highlights of the many flowcring shruhs.

To’ canclude the outing, we strolled along Lhe railway tesetve, always
-@ situation likely to produce some botanical treasurc, This particular stretch
of line was prolific. with Early Nancy, Yam, Rive-flower, Candles, Everlasting
Daisies, Pink-eye and Parrot Pea, Mats of crimson Sundews vied with
Rabbit-Ears and Fringed Spider-orchids, and there were a dozen or so
specimens Gf the Bearded Greenhand, From a rosette of narrow leaves, this
etchid sends up a stem bearmg a salttary Mower with a transluscent hood
delicately Lined with green steipes, and the quaint feathery tomzue depends
from the frant Of the flower, its tip adorned with a glistening deep mauye

knot
—K. W. ArkKINS.

BIOGRAPHY OF ROBERT SWEET
By D. J, Diextson

When the late J. 11, Maiden published his “Records of Aus-
tralian Botanists’ in the Journal of the Royal Society of N-S,W-
in L908 he was not able to give much information concerning
Robert Sweet, the English horticulturist, wha had in 1827-8 pub-
fished 4 book on the dora of Australia. Since then) however, a grand
deal ot information on Sweet has heen discovered in various publi-
rations and a few particulars of his life may be f interest to Aus-
tralian botanists. ;

Robert Sweet, who was the son of William and Mary Sweet,
was born in England in 1783 at Cockingtan, near Torquay, Devor-
shire. From an early age he showed an interest in plants and when
only sixteen years of age he was placed under his half-brother,
James Swect, who was gardener to Richard Bright, of Ham Green,
near Bristol. THe remained there for nine years and then took
charge ot a collection of plants under the care of Mr. Stewart at
Woodlands, the residence of John Julius Angerstein, On February
14, 1812, he was elected a fellow of the Linnean Society of Londor.
In 1810 he entered as a partner into the Stockwell Nursery, which

e

a Dickson, Piogrophy of Robert Sweet 57

at that time was famous for its rare exotic plants, and on the dis-
solution of this business in J815 he hecame foreman tn Whitley,
Brames and Milne, nurserymen, at Fulham, where he remamed
until 1819 when he entered the service of Colvill, with wham he
continued until 1826,

It was while here that Sweet was charged at the Old Bailey in
February 1824 with having received sever rare exotic plants,
valued at £7, knowing them to have been stolen from the Royal
Garden at Kew. He was acquitted of the charge bur the case
created a good deal of interest at the time. A full report of the
trial was published in a pamphlet, now very rare, entitled “The
trial of Robert Sweet at the Old Bailey before Mr, Justice Best,
upon a charge alleged against him for feloniously receiving a box
containing plants, stolen fram the Royal Garden at Kew" (1824).

Prior to 1826 Sweet had published a few books on plants, but
from that year onwards until June 183L he devoted almost the whole
of his time toa the prodtiction of hotarical works, though even during
this period he did not lose his desire to cultivate plants, In the
garden of his residence at Patson’s Green, Fulbam, he had a limited
collection of interesting plants under cultivation, ard after removin,
in 1830 to @ residence at Chelsea with a larger garden attached:
be cuntitiued Lo grow for-sale rare and choice plants which at that
time were difficult to obtain in England,

In june 1831 he was seized with brain fever from which he only
parcially recovered, but he possessed such unbounded energy that

e could not remain idle for long. He again resumed his botanical
work but suffered a return of his iormer illness trom which he died
on January 20, 1835, at the age of 52. He left a widow but no
family, and he is commemorated by the genus Sweetie.

Though Sweet was more of a hortienltutist than a botanist, he
was 4 prolific writer of botanical bonke, From 1818 untii 1831
he published twelve separate works, most of which were issued in
monthly parts and beautifully lusteated with coloured plates by
EF, D. Smith. Although these books were published at reasonable
prices, they are now bringing enhanced prices on account of their
plates, The following is a list of his published works:

1818, Fortus Subvrdaiing Lordonensts,
1820. Rermueceror, continued in parts until 1826 when it iormed. five
volumes.

1822, The British Plowmr Gorden, m parts until 1826 when it formed

three-wolume¢es., 4). © 2 > 2 * ain - a 0
(1825.- Botanical Cultivator, five editions to IAS -
1825. Cistincue, in parts until January 1830,

1926, British Warblers, in three parts. ” <7 m inp
1426. Tortus Sritansrcis, Part 2 appeared in'1827." ~ + |

1827, Vhe Klorists Guide, in parts wu Wal, = - "
1827. Flova Australasica, in monthly numbers until L828 :
1829., Brittsh Flower Garden, 2nd. series; inonthiy uotil June 1831, when

Professor D.Don took over the editayship, caminuing until 1B38,
1830, TZortus Britannicus, 2nd ed. > ~ wes -y
1831. Botany of Great Britain, Ist number.

--

58 Dickisan, Biography of Robert Sweet ‘ieee ye

In addition to the above works Sweet was also a frequent con-
tributor to Louden’s Journal of Natural History and Louden’s
Gardener's Magesine,

In 1823 he commenced to publish in parts The British Warblers:
An Account of the Genus Sylvia. This work has been a source of
confusion to bibliographers as the title page gives the number of
plates as being six, whereas most copies contain sixteen plates. It
was completed in three parts between the years 1823 and 1832.
The plates were prepared by his botanical artist, E. D. Smith, and
the work was che result of observations made by Sweet on birds
an this genus which he had kept in captivity.

Sweet's position in Australian bibliography is due to the publi-
cation of Flora Australasica in which flty-six Australian plants
are deseribed and figured. No doubt this wark served a useful
purpose to the colonists in Australia and today it is much sought
after by collectors of Australiana, and though it is not a rare book
it is always readily sold at a price in the vicinity of £40, [t is
seldom that a book js found with so much printed -on the title page,
which reads as follows; ‘

Flora Australasica; or, A selection of handsome, ar curious plants,
Native of New Holland and the South Sea Islands; containing oaloured
figures and descriptions oi some of the choicest species most proper for
the conservatory or greenhouse, aad many ot which will endure the
cold of our Climate, in Ute open air with very little protection > with
magnified dissections of their most essential parts, their names, descrip-
tions, and a fall account of the best method of cultivation and propa-
gation, ‘The greater part are evergreety shrubs, and many produced sweet
scented Aowecs and as they are generally of free growth, and easily
managed, they may bé considered as the most desirable plants for cule-
vation. In one volume By Robert. Sweet, FILS, , ..

This work first appeared in June 1827 and continued in monthly
parts untii July 1825. Fourteen parts were published, each con-
taining eight pages of letterpress and four nicely produced coloured
plates. For illustrating his book Sweet obtained specimens from
various fuirseries that were then flourishing in England. The prin-
cipal source of ‘his supply came from Mr. Mackay's nursery at
Clapton, which had been supplied with seeds of numerous Aus-
tralian plants collected by Waltiam Baxter along the southern coast
of Australia, Whitley, Brames and Milne were also very helpful
in supplying plants grown trom seeds which they had received from
Charles Fraser in Australia, The remainder of the plants came
from the nursery of Robert Barclay of Bury Hill and from speci-
mens grown in the Royal Garden at Kew, the seeds of which had
been sent by Allan Cunningham, It is surprising to note that at
such an varly date, so many Australian plants were already under
cultivation in England.

Most of the above information has been obtained from yarious
panicongae issued at the time of Sweet's death but principally

cm Louden’s Gardener's Magazine.

Adeust

154 The Vietorean Naturalist 59

NEW BEES AND WASPS—Part XXIII
Ry Tartron Rayment, ma.¢.s

MEGACHILE ChIFFORDI Raym.

In Janwary 1954, ducing the greatest heat of the summer, two female hees
were observed by Clifford Reauglehole to emerge from a “nest" in a post
al Gorae West, which is nine or xy miles north-west of Portland.

The hardwood {Enealypins} was nearly five inches square ia section, and
supported part of a trellis-work mear the house. At the height of four feed,
an oval entrance led down inte a gallery of Aye cells, and since this jy the
first deseciption of the nest of chis species, it is given here in some detail.

The gallery lad undoubtedly been bored originally by a small longicem
beetle, [t was oval in section, measuring: & mm. at the lang axis, and 6 inm.
atthe short, with a tutal length of 10 cen. (4 tiwhes approximately). It went
it fiest for balf its Jength at an angle of 45 degrees, but the basal half then
turned down almost vertically.

The five cells were constricted in the lower hall, and the walls were entirely
devoid of drapings but were divided off by a remarkable tough tar-like sub-
stance-~jet-black and shining, and ef the consestency of putty. It was other-
wise a simple style of west, At the extreme base was » “packing” of loose
“borings”, then a black wad There was a fully developed femule, about to
emerge, in each pf cells | and 5.

The femate iw the basal cell had a formidable task, Tt is an inimutable Taw
throwzhour the bee warld that not ane bee will emerge to life by hating
through the cocoon of its brother or sister. Indeed, I have known individuals
to perish in the natal cradic rather than attack and destray the adjacent
cocoon barring ther emergence to the light.

Cells 2, 3 and 4 were occupied by the hairy larvae of some strange insect,
possibly parasitic, but they could mot be identified, However, the female tree
had 10 meéreiful whibitions with these strangers, attacking them without the
slightest hesttation as though they were merely a Bittle rubbish to be clesred
away. Needless to say, the larvae suffered fatal injuries in the process,

The tar-ljke substance in the nest proved to be very impervious to water
and quite tiseluble mm alcohol However, it did dissolve im turpentine, and
immediately and more thoroughly in ether, Tt dissolved into a dark-brown
“treacle” without any odour. In att endeavour to discover its origin, the
author carefully removed some small pacers of kino which were present in
a tiny “ger-vein" in the wood. These would not dissidve in alewhol, and tur-
pentine had fitthe effect on then, 11 was plain that same other substaice was
involved, probably resinuus although np charactunnstic odour was percentihle

It is certainly Hot a gum since Gt is not affected by water ur alechol, and
it contains po trace of leafy particles, Under high magnification i¢ showed
ne structure, aod it conlainyl no pollen-pranis. It is the most bitamen-like
substance yet found ty the anther in any bee’s ness, and it would be an
interesting task to discover its source } but it could, of course, he manufactured
by the bee from some other material. 444s apparently manipulated in globules,
whieh are just stock directly emto the wall, where they adhere with the
tenacious grip of glue.

Doring January 1954, the collecter had kept a female under observation
as she worked on a nest, but fearing that she was about tu complete a series
of cells and might then depart for another site, he deemed qt advisable to
caplure her [or identification.

The “nest” war chopped owt of the top of a dry Eucalypius log lying on
the ground in the shelter-belt. Te was comprised af three cells, two Of winch
were dully provisioned, with am egg attached to one and a larva to the other;
the third was in cuurse of being stored, but the fine weather suddenly ended

* Lien. Associate in Entomology, Natioual Museu of Viebiria.

a) Raymexr, Mews Bevs and Wasps—Port XU [VE NRE

and heavy rain set in, fooding the gallery..As q consequtnece gi the wetting
and the cold, beth the egg and the larva. perished,

The gallery was agaia the work of a lonzicorn beetle, and oval in section.
Tire cells micasured 10 mm, in Senath, 9 mm. at the long axis of the oval,
but-only & aim, at the short, As before the walls were quite bare of draping
of any kind, and the divisions which formed the cells were of the black tarry
substance already deserihed,

The puddings were of a light olive-green colour, of 2 savt smooth pasty
consistency, and the pollen-grains had been gathered from several plant
species. Many were from Lotus, and others had heen haryésted fram some
tnyrtaceotis plants, perhaps Lepiosperinunt scoparinm: Where was only a very
rare hurry one from same composite.

None af the females received carried any pollen-grains in the alxlamimal
scopa. but it would appear that the féanales are polylectic, visiting several
genera of plants, Clifford Beauglehole had recorded the females on Leplosper-
mun scoparinan, Lotus austratis, 3 wasor and L. Abs predic,

The male (type) was taken on Howers of Leptosperwnen scoparudn during
Ditember 1950, and now the nest and the female are known, The specific
description of allotype is appended.

THRE SM Raws2nT

Details of Meyachile elifurds Raym.

1, Gallery in post, occupied by two females Whose cells ave muicated by
atrows, 2, A cell enlarged to show pudding with the egg, 3, The jet-black
globules stuck runehly to the walls. 4, The expanded tarsi of the male's
anterior leg. 5, The black “eye’ or macula which is on the janer side, 6,
Caudal keel ‘of the male: 7, Caudal keel of MW. hirbiclla Raym, 8 Caudal
keel af MM. portlandiang Raym. 9. Caudal keel of M. parationantea Raym,

MEGACHILE CLIFFORD! Raym—Bees of He Partlond Pystrict, p 33,

- Allotype, Femule—Length, 11 mm. approximately. Black, with white and
apricot, bands of hair. a ako ~.

Head transverse, shining, with considerable dull-white and ochreous hair;
face with more ochreous hair laterally; frons closely and coatsely punctured ;

*

Koment - Ravarens, New Bees and Wasps—Part XXII él

¢lypens coarsely plincumred; hair longer, many small punctures, attetidc
margin straight; supractypeal area similas; vertex lane, closely punctured,
sante blackish hair; compound cyes converge slightly lelow; genae clasely
punctured, a few white hairs, Jabrum black; mandibilae black, dull, some-
what granular, with nany caniculae; antennae black, short,

Prothorax not visible from above; tubercles blacks tmesolhurax shining,
the cuarse punctures cujitiguous | the erect Itair ou disc blackish; there is =
patch af ochreous hnir near the tegulae; seutellum similar; postscutellum
wery small; metathorax with some rough tesselation, and a few fine rugae
basally; abdominal dorsal s¢gnictts black, shining, closely punctured, de-
pressed basally and apically, a littl: white hair, basally and laterally, an the
disc the hair is black, on 3 and 4 there ts a sltort bar laterally of apricot-
coloured Hair, and the apical semments haye 2 dusting of the same colour;
verteal segments with a senpa of strawecoloured hair, closely punctured

Legs black, with a little white hair: tarsi black, hair yellower; claws bifid,
reddish; hind calear reddish-brown; tegulae black, shining, closcly punctured,
wings dusky; wervuces blackish; cells normal for the genus; a dark cloud
in the radial; pterostijma inconsyicucus; hamuli eleven, strong.

Locality: Gorae West, Victoria; Jan, 15, 1954; lee. Cliflord Beaugletioie,

Allotype in the collection of the author.

Albes: Clearly in the Af. tasmemsea CK. group, but there are no Lateral
ted inacilae on the alidontes. There is alam same approach to M, wilsunt Chil,
by the hair-hands of the abdanien,

Clifford Beaugichole's altruistic wark will long be regarded as 5 fountla-
ional ure tir the vatural history ob Purtland, Lhe Portland Field Naturalists
Club has established a criterian for similar bodies, by ity iniliavive in. com-
yiling an admirable record of ity faurta and flora while'there was vet time,
and its publication, Bees of the Porlord Dtslnet, drew an encomium from
the Protector of Fauna and Flora af New South Wales,

SNOWY RIVER SAGA

By N. A. Waxerieza
[Reprinted by cuurtesy of The Edueetonal Magacine]

Soon after the inception af the Sate of Victoria, just over a handeed
years ago, Dr. Ferdinand Mueller was appointed to the positiun of Govern-
ment Botamst in Melbourne, Within three vears of the date of his taking
office, he had journeyed over 5,000 miles throughout the new soluny, for the
purpose of “elucidating its fiora® as he used to say. In his official report for
1854, the indefatigable explorer described how he “reached, in the middle
of March, the country beyond the mouth of the Snowy fiver, the rnost
southerly locality in which pulms exist in the Australian continent’, Now,
with 4 century gone by, we find there—in place of a vast expanse of virgin
jungle—the richest farmland in the Stare, And therein Wes our story.

The area was discovered im 1836; and was visited again in the twa years
folluwing by Witham Morcis, & pastoralist of Moruya on thé South Coast
of New South Wales, Probably from Nengaita Sration, which he tool up
on the Upper Genaw River at about that time, this explorer Jed parties on
three sonth-westerly expeditions..On the first eccasions, progress was blocked
by the Snawy River; but on the third attempt a crossing was effceterd, and
the steckimen took 500 head of cattle right along ta the Gippsland Lakes.
There the blacks harassed thera so persistently tial after a week of _strife
they were forced ta return, abandoning the stack ta be alauginered by the
HaClves. : . ' < ‘

Then, if 1842, Perv Trnlay—ome of the three brothers who pioneered the
Twotold Bay district in the *thirties--took 800 head of-cuitle to establish a
stution on die eastern side ot the mwuth oz the Snowy River Aguin the
_ aborigines rose jo defence of ‘thelr humting-grounds and were ance inore the

Viet. Wut.
62 Wareriece, Snowy River Sago Gah 71

victors. Imlay’s party returned to New Soutl) Wales with only 500 of the
original herd.

About four gears later two brothers—Norman and John MeLeod, sons
al the pioneer of Bairnsitale—trought several limdred head af stock across
the Tara Range fromm Buehan and established the first permanent catthe-run
on the Snowy River flats. But friction again developed beawern whites and
blacks, and there came the day when the hut-keeper and cuok—Dan Deripsey
—was speared; atid Norman McLeod swam the river and galloped sway,
barely escaping with his life. Thereafter, the Gippsland settlers armed them-
selves and kanled together, enlisted the aid of the Lakes tribe, and marched
against the Snowy River blacks. These uufovlucdtales made their last grand
in the reecly swamps of Cabbagetree Creek, where almost ail of them were
tnassacred. oe

Dan Dempscy’s romaine rest beneath the bitumen eoad in Tront of the
Orbost butter fectory. and lis grave is marked by a rough-hews grattite
slabs while the hres of the original inhabitants lie in the swamps—-a place
fittingly marked by the last remaining natural tract of the river-flat qunple
i the defence of which they laid dawn their hives,

The run was named “Orbost”, alter one af the Mcleod homes on the Tsle
ol Skye, and it was well established when Mueller teached the area in the
course of his botanical investigations of 1854. Here, for: the fest tune, he
saw the great tuiasses of the East Gippsland jungle flora, which js actually an
attpost ofa type of yegetation common ta the sub-tropics of eastern: Australia.
The enthusiasm of the abserver can be gauged from his words: “The vege-
tation here assumes entirely a tropical character, with all ws shady grays
of trees prodiiting dark honzontal foliage, with all those impenetrable
thickets and intricate masses of parasites and climbers over-running the
highest trees, and wath so many typical forms never or bat rarely trans-
pressing the torrid eone, The occurrence of so many plants of a really
tropical type bears a sufficient testimony nat only to the ceniality of the
climate, but alsu to the capability of the soil in the district. Transitions to
the flora of New South Wales were here perceptible cverywhere."

Aad what a wonderland it was in those days! The rict loam along ihe
tiver banks gave xrowta to an unhelievahle mass of vegetation —Blackwood
and Lilly-pilly, and great gnarled Kanookas, with their limbs decorated with
masses of ferms anh festooned wath innumerable creepers. The floor was
thick with the green of acres of eround ferns, and above ali this tanele
taWered the heads of enormous Mahoyany Gums.

Greatest of all the lianas was the Water-yine, with "inonkes-ropes” as
thick aa a man's hody and a huge weight of foliage and herries, right up in
the surmy tree-tops. Somewhat sinatler were the yellow-berried Morinda and
Stalked Dowbah with its milky juice, and the Twining Silk-pod too, The
Woarnbat Berry's crange fruit and attractive foliage aud the shining heart-
shaperl leaves of the Big-loat Vine added! touches of heawey as well as hodanical
interest. The Austral Sarsaparilla, with its prickly Vlawyer-vines", provided
a hazard to progress, and the rare White Supplejark had its place also, The
Famit of jungle climbers was completed by the massive Cletnatis ane the
slender \ittly Wart-flower- 4

lo ate summer and antamn the frult-ealing pigesite came down from the
north far the harvest of jungle berries. The heautiful Wonga was always
there in numbers, and sometimes flocks of the Toplenat Pigeon joined im the
repast "

On the limbs of trees, particularly af the Kanooka, there was a glory of
epiphytic ferns. Here and there Weeping Spleenwort hung in masses, Jungle
Polypody attd Kangaroo Fern enveloped square vards at a time, anc the
jeweltike Felt-fern inturmingled with curtains of fairy Filmy-feen,

On the ground the greatest attraction was the Glant ‘Maidenhairfern, with
its neatly patterned foliage and shining jet-black stemis. At this, its southerct-

ee WAKEFTELD, Saowy River Saga 63

most station, it grew literally by hundreds of ucres. Along the Brodribb River
and Cabbagetree Creck were extensive groves of great Cabbage Palms, rear-
ing their heads as much as fifty fect up among the Mahrigaiies.

Next year, in February 1855, Mueller paid his second, and last, visit to
his “Palm Gountry”. Thereafter he continued as Government Botanist for
trivre than forty years, to become the most famous scientist 1 the Southern
Hemisphere and the most decorated inan in the British Riepire—Raron Sir
Ferdinand von Mueller, with twenty kaighthends, five doctorates, and mem-
bership of some 150 scientific societies throughout the world.

In the imeautime Orbost underwent its great change. Beginning in the
‘seventies, there was an influx of settlers; almost all the flais were selected,
ain, by the turn of the century, the vast jungles were but a memory. The
great trees had been felled and fired, the ground cleaned up and fenced and
ploughed. And crops of muizt, pumpkins, aml grasses replaced the langle
of creepers and ferns,

While the “capability of the soil” was being exploited, Baron yon Mueller
was kept a touch with the district, for # chanced that two of the local farmers
were also keen collectors. They sent him numbers pf plant specimens from
time to time, but there was very liule that had escaped his cagle cye,

Only along the river frontages did a remnant of the jungle survive, and
for a few decades the len-mile road fron Orbost to the mouth of the Snowy,
at Marlo, wended its way through Lillyully groves witha few creepers still
remaining, Jt could have been this “old bush road” iat inspired the Orbost
poetess, Jennings Carmichacl, to pen these prophetic lines;

Dear old road, no wonder, surely,
That T Inve thee like a friend!
Aud I grieve to think how surely
AM thy loveliness shall end.
For thy simple charm ts passing,
And the turmoil of the sreect
Seoou will mar thy sylvan silence
With the vamp of careless feel

The fast Hana ou this stvet¢ch—a great mass of Water-Vine in the head of
a Mahogany—succambed ahout twenty years ago, and now there is but a
single clump of Lilly-pilly beside the Marlo Road to remind os of the departed
glory. Gnly the great Malioganies persist, im a belt along the siver bank
between the water and the modera Farmhouses feanting the bitumen road.

Gui the other side of the river for a few hundred yards under a high bluff
there is still a “pocket” of jongle left—the yery last along the Snowy’s banks
on the Orbost flats. It is a glory of Clematis in September, and beneath the
trees and creepers ume can still find a few fronds of the onde plentiful Black-
stem Maidenhair,

On {he northern fringe of the Rats there was originally a rocky jungle
gorge, with a tangle of creepers and even some tree-orchids on the shmubbery,
Now ib 15 denuded, In one place there is a granite quarry, and in another a
few patches of fabiage can be seen subsisting in the rock crevices.

Several miles from Dvrbost, above where the river issuey from its rocky
Burges into the area of the flats, dn the steep banks and along same tribu-
tary creeks there are still undisturbed masses of jungle. Although the flora-
type here is pot quite identical with thar onginally on the flats, many of its
typical plant spectes are there in profusion, There are the same Kanooka
and Lilly-pilly trees with their attendant epiphytes, beth fern and archi,
and on the rocky creek banky are masses of forts, including a great amount
of the handsome Rlack-stem, The rave Yellow Doubah—enother Junjste
cies an extra beré, for it favours the gully jumgles rather dan chose
pt the ts, !

Viet. Nat,

6 Waxenriy, Snowy River Saga Val. IL

St ig in this arca that Pipeclay Creek offers a wonderland to the naturalist,
and to the tired towtisman a delightlul cool retreat from the heat of summer,
Lhe rovky creek-bed is easily negotiated, and one passes hetween and beneath
asges of ferns and foliage: Wonga Pigeons still come in great numbers for
the jungle berries, and niimerons lyrebitds scratch and delve ior fond among
the rich leaf-monuld, .

For the final phase of aur story, we shall see what retnains of nature on
the banks of the Cabbagetree and the Brodribb. The main groves of palms
along the former have been Icft almost unaltered. A tew were cut down
when a fotestry track was pet through soine years ago. but were immediately
compensated far by a strong growth of seedings in the disturbed area, |

Lower Snowy River area with jungle remnants indicated.
o, Garge> hb, Pipeclay Creek; ¢, Lochend; & Brodribb patch.

On the Orbost side of the Brodribb, opposite the mouth af the Cabbage-
tree, and actually an the rich river Aats, there is stil? an untentched area of
the original jonule. That this has remained unalienated crown-lasid, while
identical tracts neay by wele cleared and converted ints hundred-pownd-
an-acre jarm-land, js a result nf a very fortunate chain. of circumstances.
Pirsi, it is completely isolated by swamps and waterways—a triangle made
by the Brodribh on one side, a creck and a strip of tea-treé marsh on another,
und a reedy awamp on the third. So-it escaped the atterition of the easly
selectors. Then, nearly fifty’ years agn, the district surveyor made special
mention of its remarkable flora atid noted the presence of several Cabbage —
Palms. So the Surveyor-Genera) recorded a memorandum to the effect that
the vegetation there was to be strictly preserved. ; _

Thus, though mot a reserve ip actual naine, we have a fAilty-acte tract of
the rivee-flat jungle quite safe from violation, Not anly'is it protected against
selection by order of the Lands Department, but also’ from man gnd his
animals by its isolatian behind a screen of swamps-and waterways. So there
the ancient Mahoganies stz]l rear their great limbs aloft over & maze of

“tte Wanestets, Snowy River Sage 65

Blackwood and Lilly-pillys Palins still Alourish together with a dozen species

of jungle Wanas, The delicate Butterfly Orchid and the quaint Jointed

Mistletoe are there, clinging to the trees and shrubs, Ii fact every one of ©
Baron vot) Mueller's “treasures of the cast” are atill there—even the rare

White Supplejack. Here alone is a spot that has ostaped the fate foretold

so long ago by Jennings Carmichael—a little world apart thal has escaped

the tnarch of progress. May it almays remain so!

BoranreaL anp Common Nawes or Pants Mentioxro

Felt-iern _. : . ., Pyrrosia rupestris

Filmy Fern... és -. Aynunophylhom cupressiforme
Weeping Spleenwort .. .. Asplentum, pores
Giant Matdenhair-fern —_ , ~ Adiantum, formosim
Jungle Polypody - wy .. Phagnatodes scandens
Kangaroo Fern .- an ., Phymatades diverstfoliun
Wombat Berry -- oh 1 Bustrephus lattfotnes
White Supplejack 7 - Rhipagonuy albton
Austral Sarsaparilla . .) Neila australis

Cahbage Palm .. 7" _. Lintstana ansiealis
Butterfly Orchid Sarcochiins parviflarns
Jointed Mistletoe - . .. Korthalsella npuntia
Erect Clematis. - 2 _. Clematls glyemenes
Big-leaf Vine... : . Sarcopelatum harveyanaint
Lilly-pilly . 7 it .. wemena smithis

KKanooka . . . Tristania lanrina
Mahogany Gon .. = -. Frcalyptugs botryoides
Morinda... a i .. Morinda jasminoides
Twinitg Silk-pod F Lyonsin slraminen
Wart-flower = . _ Tylophera harbata
Yellow Doubah | - 1 .. Moarsdenita flavescons
Stalked Dowbah -. _ -. Morsdenia rostrata

LETTER FROM NORTH QUEENSLAND
By Acrres G Feiiows, Babinda.

[Thowgh ik was net unginally wrtien for publication, bur addressed to
the Secretary of the Microscopical Socievy, we tale the Wherty of presenting
this Jetter to readers as an intriguiny plimpse of a tropical Queensland Junele
aeeu from the inside —Editor,] .

1 pow. live on the lower slopes to the south-east of Mount Bellenden-Ker,
with tropical jungle and almost impanctrable scrub less than 300 yards away,
on my own ‘property. Thin will yield nutnerous spofs where the so-called
Gympie Nettle reigns—in gloomy damp windless glades, or where some forest
giant has crashed down on the hillside and cleared a space for this scourge
of the scrul ic germinate, grow and dominate, Men. horses and dogs shui
_ the Gyrnpie, but cattle and wild pigs are not maddened by it though no animal
deliberately contacts it, :

Often, in fittle gullies. and on the cool Ice-sides of rock-outcrops, a simnlar
hut harmless plant is 31 evidence, its heart-shaped leaves sharp-tipped, hair-
less, poominently veined, on clean Jeai-stalks and with a thin bght-green
inuuk, One ts tot misled by this hartnless plant, however. for where it is, the
other may be expected_ ; ‘

‘The mettle-tree’s leaves are rounded at the tip, very hairy, with recessed
wins ark hairy leai-statks, and the trunk is thick and deop-green. The leat
margins gre deeply serrated add the surface looks like deep plush or velvet.
When this is surmounted by a display of beautiful dowers, or if panicles of

ae Fetrows, Letter from North Qneemeland ahi Het

'

cerise or mauve jlum-like berries ere held out invitingly, one might easily
be cawrht.

A. dead or fralf-ratted nerrle Ieaf loses nane of its potency, Bust raised by
faotstens ar shaken down Ivy touching anu adjacent tree, inay be inhaled anrl
cause great throat ot nasal distress, I liaye deen informed that the sap bas
a strong formic acid cantent, which poison i tmtrodticesd into the yictim
thrangh the siliccaur spines broken off by contart and retained in thre skin,
The "ust treatment!’ is to apply surgical sticking-plaster and (hen rip it off,
Vhis dnes not always remove the cause of the pain though it often removes
sone skin, and, 26 one sufferer remarked, the new pain temporarily celieves
the mind of the other agony.

Whenever it tieerssare for me to penetrate am unknown gully oc ravine,
lt bas Leeome a habit to look far the harmless plant first, then any cunjevo
lity at clompe ef wild banana. The roat portions or leat sap of either of the
Jase two is an unmediate palliative for Lhe nettle which onc may fined without
searching | A tiny plant four inches high with perhaps three 2-inch-wide
leaves might brash cme's ankle as ane’s altentidn is distracted by a ptime
specimen a few feel away, and one is string .

Te is dliicylt to watch continually, for the "wait-a-while” vine with its
sdrina-like [rvt-saw tendrils up to six feet in Jengih and light onough to re-
main suspended in the usually still air, also claims attention, One vertainiy
was aavhile and finds patience more than a virtue when disengaging the
vines with (tet) saw-Leeth well attached, Tt is not dificult ro free ankles, but
the tendrils ucrass face or neck are most painful if pulled against the saw's
ls ae

Though viaky as regards contact with plants, bare legs allow the intruder
into the scrub ta rernove leeches as they progress tip from one’s Soot-tops.
Ticks, especially the notorious “shell-back” variety, must also be dealt with
al once ro avoid illness, Slashing oF an unpedinge- bough may be necessary at
tities, hut ome should move on quickly or stand clear so that the serub-itch
rote 50 disturbed might not gall or figat down vate the cutter, Time tells the
fale, and simall sed jichy pustules register any “catches” cee may have made.

On ridges, away from nettle-gullies, Silky Oaks, Quandong, Maple, Red
Cedar and other splendid timbers stand, while the less valvable Milky Pinc
and T.cichhardt Pine are prominent. Many softer timbers form the serub-mass
generally and Macrazamias and tree-lerds vie with each other, Palms on
milly edses tower aloft on tomks often bat a few inches in diamicter at
ground level, and lower down amongst dwarfed limbers the beantitul ‘wheel-
palins" stand, their circular fronds a‘natural parasol far small ferns below-

Tt is tantslizing to observe, within two miles divect, ree-clad ridges,
scrubby gorges, hare rack outcrops and occastanal forest giants towering
high above ail, But’ these are well-righ imiecessible. An itjured limb or
joreed stay in the scrub without a hammock overnight abe come of the
risks for a fone adventurer,

With a hammock betwwern two slumps. swing on well-greased ropes, with
copious dressitigs of insect-repellent on clothes and lily, maaynita nef ayer
head at least, and all clothing made cocoon-like, sleen might be possible,
But & steady cain lasting bowrs pattering on leaves and descending tree-
trunks and relentlessly soaking one's apparel, is not conducive ta sleep,

Wild pigs may be callers, or a rock-pythen or outsize: carpet snake might
arrive first, for it is their domain by rights, Then the hutan specinet usually
departs. One should learn 2t which period of the veur the reptilia travel hy
night a5 Well us day, it pays to do so. One may put @ bare joot on a cold
squirming “something”, ancl then have a pleasant surprisc aiter the wiltial
shock to observe only a fistrsized toad recovering iram a similar shock

Occasionally a foraziny carpet-smake may call st a house ur barn, Domestic
sals and birds then depart for other Jocations fur a timer tut rats and mike
are actommodated elsewhere as the useful reptile does its foraging. These

ouauet Freeows, Letier from North Oucenstaxd a7

snakes’ beautifully tharked skins often cause their demise, and theic habit
of crossing roads or basking on warm asphalt after a sunny day spells death
to many a “carpet”.

The huge pythons remain in the dense scrubs or amongst great vines and
Vimiber. We usually hope they will always remain there. But mace to be feared
is the minute tick or mite overlooked until deeply embedded, when illness may
result even after a painful extraction,

Ii variety be the spice of tife as some say, then apparently at times we
are aver-seasoned here. However, the anknown has a certain charm, and
nature rewards us m a diversity of ways.

NATIVE PLANTS PRESERVATION SOCIETY

Ecginning as a Group withia the F_N.C.Y,, this Society has funetioned for
sume yeaTs now as a separate hoy, and its 1954 Aunual Report shows ever
increasing activily and achieventent_

The two-fold aint of the Society 3s #9 have checked ihe decline of Victorian
fora and to institute sanctuaries containing wortl-while samples of #. To
educate the public, marty thousands of leaflets are distributed cach spring,
mainly throngh the ready co-operation of youth movements and schools.
Sugrestions are seught now as te ike form of such a brochure for 1955,

The Stawell Field Naturalists al the Warby’s Range and Yatram Preser-
vation Groups are fimetioning, with the saving of focal flora as a. major
objective, and the Suciety ask» for suggestions or help towards the formatien
al sinular groups. Furthermore, it offers practical informauon and a sub-
Seeiption towards the enst of establishing a sanctuary.

Many of the original sanctuaries are now showing abundant growth of
plants which haye appeared spontancousty sinec their respective arcas were
enclosed, and rare orchids continue to thrive, particulacty in the Sydetham,
the Mt, Martha and the Stawell C.R.R. reserves. Sanctuaries have come
mta bemg ac Marla, Dramana. Yatram, Stawell (Three Jacks) and East
Ringwood, mainly on sreas where other rate orclnds grow, and a number
pf new projects are under way.

Tiger Orehid and the rare White Diuris figured on the 1954 propaganda
leafles, the theme of which is that & flower pe the bush ts worth too tn the
hand. Lt points out that the picking of bush-fowers prevents seeding and so
reduces the number to be enjoyed the next year.

The Native Platts Presecyation Society and the PLN,C.V, are working
towards a common goal, and readers who wish to take o qwre active isterest
im preserving our Wushiand beanty should get in touch with the Secretary of
gets Miss W. Waddell, 3 Denham Place, Toorak, S12, phone

‘6. :

CORREAS AND THEIR PROPAGATION

Among the planis which brighten our bushland during the winter months
none has a longer flowering season than the Red Correa, C. reflere. Included
among the many attractive forms of this Correa are those front Traralgoi,
Portland, Monnt Zero, aud Eden in New South Wales. C. piudchelfa with its
orange-pirik bells, aad C decumbens with salmon coloured bells are other
species of special merit, and there is a ligbrul with sll-ced bells resembling
a& more erect form of © pulchelfa, But how seldam do we see carreas srowing
in aur gardens? As ipany correas come nito Mower during the autumn, flower
quite profusely thraughoat the winter, and continue to bluom well into spre,
there seems to be dittle excuse for this amissian.

During January, eight cuttings of C. reflexa, varying in length from about
one inch to six inches, were put in ordinary sand in a six-inch pot, as an
experiment 10 firid if difficulty of propagation had anything to da with the

. - } Vict. Net.
68 Fe.tows, Letter from North Queensland Vol. 31

neglect of this excellent shrub by niursetymen’ and home gardeners By the
end of April all cuttings had struck, that about an inch long having two
roots of about the saine length while the larger cuttings had quite extensive
root systems. The cuttings were from the ends of branches cut just below
a node, or were side shoots removed with heels; most of the leaves were taken
Off, and the potted cuttings were teft in a’ sheltered position in the garde.
They caught the morning sunlight and were watered every day.
Although. it is not usually wise to reach conchisions after a single experi-
trent it seems teasonable, in this case, to say that Corres cuttings about four
inches long, or even longer, planted in January, wre likely to give good results,
(See ' ‘Correas: iu the U. 8. fe, Pret. Nat. ef (7), Nov, 1950).

‘+A; E. Brooxs,

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN

Excursions:

Saturday, August 14—Seaholme and Freames’ Museum. Take 1.29 p.m, train
from Flinders Street. Mrs. Freame will meet party at Scaholine station
at 2 p.m.

Saturday, August 14—Microscopical Group excursion to Footscray Park,
(See Group report, page 54.)

Sunday, August 29—Botany Group excursion ty ‘Belgrave Sotith, Leader:
Mrs. Pinthes. ‘ake 45 amt. train to Upper Ferntree Guily, then
Belgrave South bys to Relgrave South school. Bring one meal.

Sepanbes 4-5—Week-end at Maryborough. Transport by private car or train,
Rendigo train leaves Spencer Street 5.45 p.m, Friday or 8.15 ayn. Satur-

day, change at Castlemaine, Returning train leaves Marybotough 6.20
am, Monday, arrives Melbourne 9.50 a.m. Second class return fare, 35/10,
Those Tequiring a reserved train seat to give names and fares to Excur-
sions Secretary at August General Meeting. Reservations, 1/6 extra.
Camping facilities at Princes Park, or bonk own hotel accommoration,

Saturday, September 11—Geology Group excursion'to Goode Island. Travel
_ details at group mecting-

Group Meetings:
(7.45 p.m. at Royal Socicty’s Hall.)
Tuesday, August 17—Microscopical Group.

Monday, August 23—Botany Group,
Tuesday, September 7—Geology Group.

Preliminary Notices:

Sunday, October }—Parlour coach excursion to Brishane Ranges, Leader :
Mr. Burston, Coach leaves Batnrian Avenue 9 a.n., retuims approximately
7.30 p.m. I’are; 17/6. Brinig two meals, Rooking: with Excursions Serc-
retary.

October 16-17—Week-end at Bendigo, Trains leave Spencer Sirect 5 5.45 p.m.
Friday, 8.15 a.m, and 1.30 p.m, Saturday. Returning irain leaves Bendigo
640 pm, Sunday. Fare 32/1, second class return.

—Manit Atvenprar, Excursions Sceretary.

Your Garden asks members to invile frients interested in mative plant
ee to visits to Maranoa Gardens on September Lt and 12, at 2,30
pm-—A. J. Swaby,

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 7I—No. 5 SEPTEMBER 8, 1954 No. 849

PROCEEDINGS

About 100 meinbers and friends attended the General Meeting
at the National Herhariunt on August 9, 1954. The President ex-
tended a welcome to all, especially to officers of C.S.L.R.O., and
expressed the wish that they might attend other future meetings.

Mr. Baker informed the Club of the decease of several promi-
nent members of the Club: Mrs. Charles Gabriel, whe had assisted
mast rclively in the past with shows and excurstons; Mrs. Wint-
fred Gates, a member of long sianding; Mr. E. E. Pescatt, who
was President of the Club from 1926 to 1928, and Mr. F. &. J.
Ockenden, former President of the Microscopical Society, The
Club offered its sympathy to the relatives of these members, and _
the Meeting observed one minute's silence in their memory.

Mr. A, J. Swaby informed the Club of his resignation from the
Cunvnittee of Management of Cheong Park. Ringwood ; and Mr.
K. Atkins was nominated to represent both the F.N.C. V, and the
Native Plants Preservation Society on that Committee,

As the St, Kilda Boy Scouts’ Association proposes tu hald a
week's exhibition, probably in the coming November, with short
talks nightly. Messrs. Swaby and Rayment undertook to act on be-
half of the F.N.C,V-_ in the matter.

With regard to the reported use of the new rabbit poison, O80",
in Wyperfeld National Park, the President reported that Council
had considered the matter and expressed disayproval of this action
because of the hkelihoad of its killing natave animals for the preser-
vation of which such parks had been secured,

The lecture for the evening was delivered by Mr. Tarlton Ray-
ment, a Vice-President of the Club, who told of his researches in
connection with the pollination of Australian heaths, The conclusion
was that these are self-pollinated, in the bud stage, and are not
dependent on outside agents such as the brush-fongued honyeaters.
Some 15 or 16 genera and 25 species had been investigated and
this was found to be the case with each, Mr. Baker thanked Mr.
Rayment on behalf of the Club, and expressed appreciation for the
fine illustrative slides which had been supplied by Messrs. H.
Reeves, F. Bishap, L, Pasiior and R, Cooper.

Misses M. Parry, E. Jochimsen, J. Cooper and M. Anderson
were elected as Ordinary Members of the Club, and Mr, H, Farmer
hecame a Country Member. All are wished a long and happy: as-
sociation with the F.N.C.V,

After a number of nature notes, the President adjourned the
Meeting for the nsual conversazione and inspection of exhibits.

69

40 The Victorian Naturatise Vol. 71
MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY, OF VICTORIA
Statement af Receipts and Disbursements
from Ist donuary, 1954 to 20th July, 1954
ReEcerets DIsnuRseEMENTS
Cash in Bank as at ist pate Postage, Stationery, etc. £6 10
wary, 1954 ,.+.. 2, . £50 811 | Subscription to, Journals 6 O
Subseriptions— Insurance... at 11
Current, 1954 .. 464 10 0 Rent, 34 Oween Street __ 14 9
Arrears... .,.- 715 0 Bank Charges -. -. .. .- -- 1§
Tn Advance, 1955 110 0 Relunds—
———— 7015 a Advertisers .. .. 7 0
Interest, State Savings Bahk Members who are “already
—Account closed .. , 1 ft members of the F_N-C,. af
Adivertising, Arrears, 1953, 2400 View... - 410
Subscription in 1 advance |. 110
' Subscriptions of 42 members
—paid to the N.C. of Vir. 720 «5
Ralanee paid to the E BNL
of Vic 2
£2314 0 £123 14
Audited and foond correct W. J. EVANS, B.Com, A.ASA,

J, EVANS

Hon. Secretary and Treasurer
Auditor A

4/7/1954

MICROSCOPICAL GROUP MEETING

Abowt 35 members and friends attended the meeting, The assembly sicvod
in respectful silence to marig the passing of our late esteemed member, Mr.
FL E. J. Ockencet),

Mr. D. McInnes explained the technique involved i the art of pond life
collecting. With the help of equipment supplied by himself and other .ex-
perieiced mernbers, this was easiiy utiderstood

The usual display oI specimens was most interesting, and included the
following : water flea, water mites, colonies of rotifera, etc,

The lecture for the next imecting to he held on Tuesday, September 21,
will be on the subject of “Lamps and Illumination for the Microscope”, by
Mr. Charles Middlcton,

The owing listed for Saturday 18 is to the lagoons situated at the Rurke
Road Bridge at Tlewelbere. Members shone atrive at the TMeidelberg station
at approximately 2 2,30 p.m,

FRANCIS E. J. OCKENDEN

Francis E. J. Ockenden, who died at tis home at Box nit on July 30,
will long he remembered by members of the Microscopical Group for his
extraordinary inspiration and energy. In the six years since his as'riyal in
this country from his native England, he has a record of outstanding accom-
qlishment and service, His charm and vitality eudeared him to a circle of
friends, wider in thése short years than many of us achieve in a lifetime,

A Fellow. of the Institute of Physics; member of the Institute of Electrical
Engincers, Past-President of the Queckett Club, and author of several mcna-
graphs on. microscopical subjects published by that Club, he alem filled with
distinction many offices. tn learned societies in this country. As President cf
the Microscopical Society of Victoria, he brought the sume characteristic
zest for service,

aS grout

elif Do oO

eer Fromeis EJ. Ockendon ~ ay

Always a “Brags and Glass" man, as he wsed to say homseli, he gave a mew
meaning to optics for many members, and the superb demonstrations of prin-
ciples which his legendary projector made possible were a delight. His gener-
osity in time and energy in the presentation of their material will be remem-
bered with gratitude by many lecturers,

The Club, generally, has suffered the loss of an able and cultured member,

~

and the Microscopical Group has lost a valued {rvend. —A, F. Busey

BIRDS OF HEARD ISLAND

(Notes fram atv address to the Club on July 12, 5954, by John Bécheryaise,
who recently returted feom a year in charge af the A.N ARLE. Station or
Heard Island.)

Ou Heard Island the birds are a never-ending delight. First they
are met with.on the beach at the carcases of the Elephant Seals which
have been slaughtered ta provide food for the Station dogs. The
big dark brown Skua Gulls are at work with their great tearing
beaks, the scimewhat tniid Dominican Gulls stand a little away,
and on the ourside of the circle are the little white Sheathhills.
Then a Giant Fulmar comes in from the air and takes possession
while the other birds keep their distance.

The trim snow-white Sheathbill is the only land bird present on
Heard Island, and it resembles a domestic fowl in habita and ap-
pearance. It nests and lives with the penguins, stealing their eggs
when opportunity offers, and is otherwise a genera] scavenger,

Several ather kinds of birds are about in the sutl, Hundreds
of prions are on the lookout for floating scraps, fying with swift
and erratic cuurse to escape the predatory skuas; Cape-Pigéons;
with their checkered wings move in shimmering dazzling flight
or alight om the water to form great “rafts”; and further out is
the long-legged and exquisitely black, white and yellow Wilson
Storm Petrel. Perhaps, too. there is an Antarctic Tern, a blue-
grey bitd with a black cap and red bill, hovering humming-bir
fashion to snatch a morsel cut of the water, but never alighting.

Black-browed Albatrosses nest in their old traditional sites on
the rocky clifi-ledges, raising yotmg dunng the few weeks when the
weather is not hitter. Apparently no extra nests are byilt nor are
any unoccupied, ai indication of the periect balance of Nature which
is normal on the island,

The Wandering Albatross does not nest on Heard Island, for
its chick takes a full year to grow, and conditions are too ¢old
there, They wre huge birds. with a wing span of twelve feet, and
an the plains of Kerguelen Island they may be seen seated in
solitary state on nests which are anything wp to a mile apart,

A walk across the plain known as "Windy City" brings one to
the burrows of the Diving Petrels, the South Georgia and Ker-
guelen species. These have no evasive flight, so their habits are
nocturnal ; and if one ts inadvertently abroad in daylight, it is in-

72 Bécireevawse, Gieds of Heard trland Shion —

variably pursued and killed by the skuas, These Diving Petrels,
and prions too, often fly through the lights of the Station at night.

Atitareuc Terns ferociously defend their eggs, diving at the in-
truder. The white-capped Arctic Tern comes to Heard Island on
its way to winter in the southern pack-ice. It is a moving sight
te see both Arctic and Antarctic Terns fluttering tagether and
feeding in the surf—surely one of the strangest meetings in the
birel world. + we, A . = 4

During the periodical walks to the magnetic station, the Gentoo
Penguin comics to stand and watch one. These ave an uncrested
spectes which breed on Heard Island, but do not migrate. ‘Che
rarer Ring or Chinstrap Penguin, also uncrested, is a wanderer,
and it comes in a month after the Gentoo has settled down to the
business of nesting. Oflen Chinstrap takes over a Gentoo's nest
and rares the chick, and perhaps that is one reasom why the fermer
is sO scarce, _ ; : .

Most abundant are the crested Macaroni Penguins which squark
and fight im thousands, putting one in mind of an enortous fowl-
yard. They and their cousin Rockhoppers which arrive from the
sea, form the bull: of the penguin population. After eggs are laid.
the mother birds sit for exactly a fortnight while the males are
away fishing. Then the latter come ii in their thousands to take
over the eggs, and the females depart for the sea. Chicks also are
cared for hy turns until it is necessary for hoth parents to ga
out for food for them. ‘Then the youngesters are put in créches, and
a score at a time are looked alter by a few adults. This apphes
to the Macarom and probably the Rockhopper too, the latter com-
ing in from the sea and departing a fortnight ater than the former.

Most beautifol in the world is the King Penguin, wath its exqui-
sitely golden throat and throat cape. It no Jonger nests on Heard
Tstand, since the stall colony broke up in the ald days. But now
a dozen or so come back each summer, and there are hopes that
they will commence nesting again soon. ‘They come across from
Kerguelen Island and are aristocratic individuals, standing three
feet high. :

Now and again the island is visited by stray Adélic Penguins, and
on one occasion a young Emperor Penguin came in to Atlas Cove
and was found wandering across Windy City.

Birds form but one of the facets of life on Heard Island, where
it snows for 300 days in the year und the average temperature
is at freezing point, Living under the shadow of the &,000-foot snow-
covered mass of Big Ben, there are glaciers to be climbed, blizzards
to tussle with, and opportunity for ski-ing, At any time one may
watch prions, visit’ an.albateoss colony, or say “good-day'’ to the
pengums; and “every hour js an hour’.

¢

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 71 September, 1954

PhatE NIII

Photo: Juhn Béchervatse

Black-browed Albatross and Chick, Heard Island.

The nests are Hike pedestals, about two feet high and a little less in diameter,

a little moss and mud—perhaps one-eighth of an inch—being added each

year. Eggs are laid about the first of November and incubation takes about

65 days; the fluffy youngsters grow phenomenally and by April or May are
off on their circumpolar flight.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 71 September, 1954

PLateE XIV

Photo: Johu Beéchervaise

Gentoo Penguins, Heard Island.

Sepia) The Pictorian Nataratict 73

A.N.A.R.E. BIRD BANDING AND SEAL MARKING
By Parrrera Hawann.*

Bird banding by members of the Australian National Antarctic Research
Expeditions al Heard aid Maequarie Islands begat i 1949 and has continued
ever since. In additian to the work being done ou these islands bird banding
will now be undertaken at Mawson, the stailon recently set up on the
Antarctic Continent. and by using the bands issued by the C.SLELO., ie will
be linked with the Australia-wide prograname being conducted by thar or-
ganization, The isolation of the Antarctic and gubantaretic régians and the
dearth of hospitable breeding grounds for birds causing them to cangregate
in great colonies in fayaurable areas, has made those areas places of interest
and opportunity for the bird lover. The lack oi timidity of these antarctic
birds makes them amenable to study and their unique ‘habits make the study
luviting. ;

ANLA.R.E. seal marking was first carried out at Heard Jsland in 1949
and at Macquarie Island in 1951 and has been ¢gouitinued in subsequem years.
Prior to the comtnencement of this programme, little attention was paid ta
the subatilarctic Elephant Seal, Mffronnge leonina, although some hundreds cf
pups were branded annually at South Georgia from 1921 ta 1925, and amore
recently experiments have been conducted on Signy Island. Seal marking
has, however, heen carried out extensively in the past, for scientific and com-
nevcial Peasons, Dut mast of the work deals with the nurthern Fur Seal of
Alaska. The morphological differences between the northern Fur Seal and
the subuntarctic Elephant Seal are such that many of the successful tech«
Miques used in work on the former cauld not be follawed by A.N|A.R.E,
hiclogists working with the latter. 1¢ was therefore necessary to experiment
at first with various types of marks arid brands and to determine the best
techniques for applying’ these, handling the seals, and avetcoming difficulties
imposed by climatic conditians,

Macytiarie [stand (Lat. 544° 5. Long. 159° E> is a small suhantarctic
island approximately 600 miles trom New Zeatand, 400 miles from, Tasmania
and 800 miles from Antarctica, [i is about 21 miles long and 2 miles wide,
lying approximately jn @ north-south direction, with the A.N. ARLE. Station
established on the northern end of it. Most of the island cansists of a plateau
about 1,000 feet high and covered with tussock erass, moss and other non-
arboreal vegetation, Though the hiehlands are snow-covered during winter,
no peritianent snow exists on the island. Sunshine is rare, but gale-force
winds, sleet and rain are comman

Heard Island (Lat. §3°S, Leong. 734° B.}> is situated alriost midway
between South Africa and Australia, ahout 900 miles from Antarctica, The
island is about 27 miles long and 33 miles wide, the bulk of it comprising
the impressive mountain mass of Big Ben (4,005 feer) with the A,N.A.RLE.
Sfation establsshed towards the north-west of the island. Permanent ice
cavers most of the island; the coast consists of beaches, rock cliffs and the
sheer termina] ice fronts of glaciers, Thece are nn trees and oo vegetation,
except for a little coarse tussack grass, Azoreila, a poor variety of Kerguelen
Cabbage and various mosses and lichens.

On the Antarctic Continent am Australian base was established in carly
February this year at Tat. 67" 30'S. and Tong, 62° 53° E., and was named
Mawson, itt houenr of Sir Douglas Mawson. Seientifie work wall be carried
out here in years’ to come and a bird binding programme will be included,

*DBisingical Seeretary, Antarctic Divisrom, Departwnit of Exterusl Aiaira.

7 Hawaro, Bird Banding and Seal Marking fe; Hor

BIRD BANDING

The bird banding activities of A.N.A.R.E, form part of an overall pra-
graniote directed towards the determination and explanation. of the habits
and life hastaries of antarctic birds, Other projects undertaken include the
collection and examination of specimens, the keeping of phenological records,
and numerous specific investigations. ~

The bands Wineh have been used for the study of the migratory habits of
the birds are as follows:

(a) Flat copper bands stamped "Notify Fauna Board, Hobart, Tas" to-
gether with a four figure number, These bands, supplied by Tr. Ser-
venty of the CSIRO, Wildlife Division in Perth, were used in the
first three seasons of the programme, i.e. 1949-52.

(b) Aluminitm bands stamped “Send Dominion Museum New Zealand’
together with a number. These rings, manufactured im America, were
obtained through the Dominion Muscum of New Zealand. and were
used during the seasons 1951-52 and 1952-53,

(ec) Afuntinium bands made especially for A.NLA.R,E. ‘These were used
during the seasons 1951-52 and 1952-53 and were of two types—

(i) narrow aluminium strips stamped “ANARE Australia’, made
by Hately in Mcthourne; and

(ii) aluminium rings obtained from England and Stamped “Inform
: ANARE Australia”.
A sinalf! number of coloured plastic rings have also been used from time
io time.

For bird banding this year at Heard and Marguerite Islands ate on the
Antarctic Continent, biologists have been supplied with the bird banding kits
insvued recently by C.S.1.R.0. Wildlife Division.

From the commencement of the programme in 1949 yntil the end of the
1952-53 season approximately 4,700 birds have been banded, 4,200 of these
at Heard Tsland (approximately. 3,400 of these iv 1951-52) and SQ) at Mac-
quarie Ysland. The following table lists the species and the numbers (to the
nearest 10) which have been banded «

: vcard acquaric

Species hes " Teland Total
Gentoo Penguim -. .. .. -. -. .. 60 1g) 70
Macaroni Penguin ©. 1. 2... 1.) )=6 100 - 100
Rockhopper Penguin .. 5, 5, «. 100 = 100
Black-browed “Albatrass -. .. _.. 190 20 210
Giant Petrel .. -. ., 2. -, ., .- 3,630 340 1,970
Cape-Pigeon .. 2. 4. 2. ck ee ee 70 - 70
Dove-Prion », .. 2. -, .- -- -- JS a 150
Fulmar Prion ~~ _.. .. 1,360 - 1,360
Wilson's Storm-Peirel . i 4 no -- on
Skua .. i divsesti fp ed ae eed wD ra) 380
Sheathbil! 55 0... ue sl st - 80

Tn addition, small numbers of Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Sooty Shear-
water, Wandering Albatross, Dominican Gull, and Heard Island Cormorant
‘have been handed.
Various methods. of capturing antl handling the. birds banded have been
tned and used by A.N_A.R.E, biologists, and althaugh nets and various traps
and similar devices haye been used, by far the most successful methed has

Senouibte The Victorian Nattraliss 75

been the utilization of some natural habit or characteristic which makes
the bird manageable. Some form of clothing, such @3 leather gloves, is
olien necessary for the bird worker, for protection against the tazor-like
beaks and sharp claws of many species. Numerous methads for the achieve-
ment of swiftness in handling and recording detail have heen deveiapel,
such as the strapping of the recording pad and attached pencil to the knee
of the bander.

Chicks 4f colonjal mesters, such as Giant Petrels, may often be banded
in large numbers without much trouble, bat to counter-balance this advan-
tage is the dace that many will die before reaching maturity, althangh the
éxact age of the survivors is known. The recovery rate uf the surviving
banded chicks may bé greater thals that of the adults however, as.they are
more likely to be storm-wrecked, The banding of adults depends im the main
on the catching of parent birds at the nest, or ot the preparation af suitable
traps. Age is an unknown factoy with the adult bird and the defence mech-
anisms, Which are in many cases extremely unpleasant, are fully developed.

Pereuirs: Penguin banding must still be regarded as being in ‘an experi-
tnenial stage. In spite of Richdale’s success with the Yellow-eyed Pergyin
in Now Zealand, workers with ather species have found that their short,
thick legs are not suitable for banding If the bands are placer! above the
ankle joint they are hidden Sy the feathers, while those placed on the tarsus
too often result in serious injury. Sladen, working an the Palkland Islands
Dependencies, found Aipper bands highly syccessful, but they require great
care and exact fitting. Both methutls have been tried ut Heard Island. The
se of Jee bands was giveri up after some preliminary trials, though one.
Rockhopper Penguin was recently found wearing a leg band still fitting
eamiortably alter nearfy cheee years. Experiments are now it progress jn
the use of flipper bands, and these have given some promising results,
though iurther modifications in the technique are required and meticulous
care is always essential. Punch marks and tatoaing of the webs are algo
uesful and cause no injury to the birds, but the work is very laborious. In
Renéral, petiguin marking is used mainly for special studies an life history
und behaviour.

BLack-srowep ALBATROSS: These beautiful birds, with their black and
white plumage, pink-Hpped yellow bills and bectling brows, nest in colonics
on the top «i cliffs. Most of those banded, chicks and adults, have been
captured in their nesting areas high over the sea on steep terraced cliffs.
Tike- the Giant Petrel, the Black-browed Albatross regurgitates an oily
mixture as a defence mechanism, and the adult, in spite of its normally slow
and deliberate manner can fasten with extraordinary quickness onto the hand
of the bird bander, snd lacerate it with its razor-sharp bill, Tt has been found
best for one person ta grasp the bird round the neck with a gloved hand
and held it to the ground while another fixes the band and records the
details. Another hazard to banding in the home territory of these albatrosses
is the landing adult; for they land with wings outstretched and tai] and feet
spread, and are unable to change their level or direction when approaching
close to their chosen landing spot, Two Black-browed Albatrasses banded by
A.NLA-RE., one at Heard and one at Macatari¢ Tslatd, hare been found
off the coast of New South Wales four months and two and a half years
respectively after banding. Many other banded birds have been recorded
On returning to their esting sites in subsequent seasons.

Wresos’s StoamM-Parret; These birds are present in large numbers at
Heard Istand between January end April nesting itt turraws, usually
benewtht cocks. They are easily captured and banded when dagxaled by lights
when returning ta (heir nests ag night.

76 Howaen, Bod Banding and Seat Marking Va CS

Grant Petrer: These great birds nest in cofoiies, on heaps of grass roots,
om slopes or flat ground near the sea, the chicks hatching from late December
to carly January and being fully Hedged and able to Hy by the énd ot April.
Many of the petrets banded have been chicks, As a protective reaction, these,
like their parents, regurgitate an unpleasant mixture of oil and the remains
af the last aneal, which they direct with precision at disturbers of their
fwace, The chicks are banded most easily whet the haviders work in pairs,
ene pouncing upon the chick, grasping it araund the neck and directing
the head and open mouth in a safe dirvetion whilst Nis partner slips the
ring over the bird’s foot and records the necessary particulars. In banding
the adult birds it was found most fatisfactury to rely on nesting birds and
those which could be captured at right, as traps, although they have been
ted, have beep found difficult to canstruct in a forny sturdy cnough to
withstand blizzards, ight enough to move about, and sufficiently transparent
not co frightetr the birds. Nesting adalts display hostility when approached,
snapping with their razor-sharp bills, she oily regurgitate gurgling in their
throats; But they remaairi loyally at their nests. However, ii the bird bander
is persistent and move: carefully out af range of the jet of reeurgitated
material, the bind can be captuved as it eventually rises to dake Aight, and
banded in the same way as the chicks. Some adult Giant Petrels have been
handed at night by torchlight, partictlarly on dark nights. Calm weather
adds io the success of this method, 2s thesr great birds find difficulty ir
leaving the ground in the absence af wind, Others have been banded wher
they happened to land among tussocks ar were surprised at a seal carcase
surrounded by tussocks, for then they may he cun down fairly casily,

As might be expected from the numbers handed, the work with the
Giant Petrels has yielded the greatest cesuli. Giant Petrels banded by
ALNLA.R.E, biplogists have been found in South Africa, South Georgia,
Chile, the Argentine, New Zealand, and in South Australia; Wictoria, and
New South Wales. Some of these, banded as chicks on Heard Tsland, have
been found a5 fac as 9,000 mifes from thelr rookeries after less than two
months from the time they are known to have been fully fledged and able
to fly. The results of the Giant Petrel banding indicate that after the young
birds feave the rookeries on the subantarctic islands they fly in au easterly
direction, aided by the prevailing winds, in search of food, Only some come
far Snwueh north to be luund. Adult Giarit Petrel bands have been recovered
in the areas of original banding in subsequent years, but to date ha chicks
haye heen tecovered on their home islands, suggestine that they da met breed
until at least three years old,

CaPe-Pijvors These birds are present in, great numbers on Heard Leland,
hut their nesting on almost inaccessible ctifi ledges lias limited the aumber
banded ta approximately 70, When confronted by seeming danger these barils
alsu emit an dily regurgitate, even one to two day-old chicks possessing
this means of defence. ,
we have been no recoveries from the limited numbers of these birds

led. ’

Dove-Peton; These birds nest in burrows on ice-free headlands. Many of
the burrows are quite clase ta the A.N.ATILE. Station on Heard Island,
and before the. atitumn inigration ihe birds are often alirarted and dazeled
by the Stution liglts when they come in from the sea at night. This effect
3a maost pranounced on calm nights with drizzling rain. ‘The dazzled birds,
fluttering among the Station buildings, are rasily picked up by the expeditian
members and banded.

No bauds have been recovered froin Dove-Priona.

Caters oe The Victorian Naturalist 7

Futmark Paron: Large numbers of these birds, often called Fairy Prions,
were banded on Heard island in 19S1-32. Here again the method of capture
is related'to peculiar habits of the bird, They are similar morphologically to
Dove-Prions, .but sever Ay further inland than a few fret over the cliff
edges where they fly and hover along the water's edgé and rocky beaches.
The birds alight on the cliff faces and disappear into the deep twisted cracks
in the rock fates. Although great numbers of these prions frequent Heard
Tsland they were nat observed in any great nambers for several seasons
because of this habit of disappearing into the depths of the chft cracks
immediately they came in to land at mght The Fulmar Prions banded were
easily caplured as they slid down a plank of rock te enter a hole leading
into the depths of the cliff. Sitting near this bole it was possible for one
to band the birds as they passed, for although timid in daylight they are
quite easily captured and handled after dark.

No bands have been recovered from Fulmar Prions,

Sxua! The scavenging habit of these birds allows them to be captured
easily, for they are attracted in large numbers to ¢arcases lying on the
beach and can be banded there. Many Skuas have been caught by means
of the stick and hox trap, the bax of open wire mesh of dimensions 3 ft. x
3 ft. » 9 an. and the stick 3 ft. Jong. with kitchen bones of bird carcasses
as bait. Skuus nest inland from we bewch im positivns hollowed our in Poa
grass and Jined with roots, and their method of defence of these sites
allaws them to be captured and banded. The Skuz wilt attack all intruders
iv this area, whether bird. beast of man, by striking with beak and claws,
in the case of the human intruder, the bird rises in the air and then dives,
striking @ sold blow otf the face or head, pecking and scratching, Tie
ferocity of the attack varies with proximity to the mest and botween individual
birds. It js possible to grasp by the feet those hirds which dive down to
head level and to band them, though care must be exercised when dome
this as the force of a2 bird Amking an outstretched hand can be dangerous,
Leather gloves have heen found advisable.

No recoveries of banded Skuas have been made away from their tslands,
though many locally banded tirds have been recorded.

SHeavaARine: These birds are banded with the usual aluminium band rn
ane leg and a combination of coloured rings on the other, ta allow individual
identification for a life history study which is heing carried out on Heard
Island over s nuniber of yuars, These birds ave easily observed scavenging
round the Station and at carcases an the beach. Many were caught and
banded by means of « hird trap consisting of & large timber frame measuring
10 ft, x 6 ft. x Gft, and covered with string webbing.

The study of the banded Sheathbills is yielding results, but it is essentially
a long term project and it will be some time before conclusions can be drawn.

Other species which have been banded in lesser numbers have presented
siniilar problems to those described above, and it is only by trial and error
and much patient observation that the successful methods of uvercoming
these difficulties have been evolved. On Heard and Macquarie Islands and
on the Antarctic Continent all field work must be carried out aa extrenie
weather conditions and’ on danyerous terrain, adding to the difficulties in-
volved and te the time taken. Howeyer, the bird banding prograiame ip
these areas has already vielded valuable information in relatian to the
migratory habius of the Giant Peevel and Black-browed Albatross and tw
the life Histories of the Sheathbill and certain species of. pengum. In the
future it will continue to play a vital part in the sludy.of the antarctic bird
~ which forms an intriguing and integral part of the general biology of
the area : -

78 Howaxp, Bird Banding and Seat Marking ihe

- SEAL MARKING

The Elephant Seal, on which most of the branding work of A.N_A.R.E.
has been carried out, is mainly subantarctic in distribution. The animals
haul cut in large numbers in fayoured areas, during the breeding season
in the spring and during the moulting period in the summer with a short
interval at sea between the two. After their arinual moult the seals leave
the land and lead a pelagic life throughout the winter months, feeding
mainly on fish and cuttlefish. During the breeding season the bulls, which
haw) out first, collect harems of between ten and thirty cows. The pups
are horn during this period and at birth are about four feet long, and
about 100 pounds in weight. When weaning takes place at the age of 273
days the pups, weighing at that tlae about 400 pounds, are deserted by their
mothers and, until they take to the water about a month later, must live
on the reserves of blubber (hey have accumulated during the suckling period,
Por. the first few months the pups do not remain long away from land and
Seetuseey haul out ta sleep. The Elephant Seal js quite unafraid of man,
and can be approactied closely except during the breeding season.

Oe banding programme at Heard and Macquarie Islands was undertaken
in order to:

(a) investigate the seasonal migtations of the animals and changes within
harems during the breeding season;

(b) check the time and duration of moulting of different age gratips; and
(ce) pent in delermining the growth rate and times of maturity and
senility. i
The following table shows the numbers of Elephant Seals branded cach
year at the two islands concerned:

—

Year | Heard Island Macquarie: Island Total
4949-50 274 = 292
1950-51 292 - 774
1951-52. 401 500 401
1952-53 333 199 552

Total | 1,320 699 2,019

Th addition a number of Leopard Steals, Hydriurga lepiomyr. were branded
ar Heard Island during the seasang shown in the table below:

Year Number Branded
1949-50 9
1951-62. | 120
Total } 129

Apart from experiments with barbed metal discs, which proved imptac-
tical, the only form of seal marking used by A.N.A.R.E. biologists has been
hot-iron branding. Varjous numbers, letters and letter-nuniber combinations
lave been used, consistent within any one year, but varying between islands
and trom year to year. From time to time brands have proved unsutcessful
due to some fanit in application or construction of the brand, but as efficiency
tould be achieved only by a certain amount of tnal-and error, this was
ta be expected, It is interesting to note howeyer. that some of the very
first brands applied were most successful, being easily decipherable several
years later. =

SeneTEne | The Victorian Naturalist 79

The branding is usually begun early in November when the cows are
returning to sea and the pups are left on the beaches. It is possible to
successfully brand adults by choosing those lying wedged tightly between
neighbours on the beach. As it is necessary to hold the branding iron in
position for several seconds, only those animals which can be prevented
from moving can be successfully branded. The size of the adult Elephant
Seal—a large bull may be over twenty feet long and over three tons in
weight—makes this very difficult and, except for a very small number cf
adults, all seals branded have been pups. The pup can be handled easily by
two men, their age is known, their sex is recorded and measurements taken.
As the season advances and the pups prepare to leave the beaches for the
sea they become progressively more difficult to handle.

-_ aa

a

Seal Branding Technique: Note the measuring stick,

The actual branding procedure has been varied in detail from time to time
to suit the convenience of the operator, but the general plan adhered to is
as follows:

The branding is carried out on beaches where large numbers of pups are
congregated. The equipment used consists of a branding iron including an
adequate handle and a system of interchangeable letters and/or figures as
the case may be, an efficient apparatus for “heating the irons, and a means
of readily transporting this equipment. It has been found that two, and in
some cases three, men operating together can successfully brand up to one
pup every four minutes. The usual procedure in branding is for one man
to. pounce on the pup, thrust a large bag over the head and fore flippers, or
simply grip it firmly at the back of the neck and straddle its head and
shoulders, keeping the fore part steady, while the other stands on the hind
flippers and applies the brand. It has been found that the most successful
brand is achieved by using a fine, very hot iron applied for a short interval

80 Howarp, Bird Banding and Scal Marking bits Bate

after the area to be branded has been brushed or preferably sponged until
the hair lies flat against the skin.
The brands applied 4 are as follows:

Year Heard Island Macquarie Island
1949-50 10-284 fn
1950-51 0-99 and H1 in various -

combinations
1951-52 AC-SY and x writs MA-MA
“A 1 500
1952-53 HB-HB and HB-HB MB-MB
AA NM > 4 AA ZZ
es)

In addition, during 1949-50 at Heard Island, experiments were conducted
using barbed discs numbered Bl-E2 which method had proved successful
with whale marking. It was unsuccessful with the Elephant Seal however,
as this animal spends so much time on land and the discs are dislodged
as it rolls on the ground. In the same year an attempt was made to determine
the duration of the moulting period by marking seals with paint. This
proved unsuccessful in the case of adults, the paint rubbing off as they
rolled and lay in the mud, but it appeared to last quite well on the soft, dark
fur of the pups. During the first season on Heard Island approximately 30
adults were hot-iron branded with a circle as they lay on the beach. This
was purely in the nature of a trial, Later 22 adults were branded “L” in
an effort to check the duration of the moulting period. Conclusions could,
however, be drawn from only one of these animals, a bull, which took at
least a fortnight to moult,

The actual branding irons have been manufactured on the islands by the
operators. One which proved very successful consisted of a rectangular
strip of iron, with a handle attached, and to which were fitted interchange-
able numerals formed by iron strips 14 in. long and 1/8 in, thick. The
numerals could be fixed in position by means of a tapered pin inserted
through the shaft of the numeral and passing through an opening in the
rectangular plate. Other branding irons were constructed on similar prin-
ciples by different operators, the numerals being replaced by letters on some
occasions and in those cases where constants were used (e.g. MA on Mac-
quarie Island in 1951-52 and HB on Heard Island in 1952-53) a separate
fixed branding unit mounted on a handle was used.

The ingenuity of the branding operators was tested most severely when
it came to providing an efficient and mobile apparatus for heating the irons
in the cold weather of the subantarctic region. Mobility of apparatus is
essential as the branding irons must be taken to the seal, and exposure to
the air for any length of time results in very swift cooling of the iron and
an unsuccessful brand. One successful heating unit consisted of a large blow-
Iamp, the mouth of which was encased in a shield of two kerosene tins
lined with fire-bricks, affording protection from the wind and preventing
dissipation of the heat. The whole was mounted on a wheelbarrow and
could be moved easily from one group of seals to another. Another heating
unit which was used successfully on Macquarie Island consisted of a large
wooden case mounted on a wooden two-runner sledge containing a four
gallon oil drum. It was found necessary to use two blowlamps at the source
of heat and the nozzles of these were directed through circular holes in the
wall of the oil drum. The brands rested on a turned-in platform beneath
a rectangular opening in the opposite wall of the drum. In one series of
brands used, the letters were too large to be adequately heated by means

The Victorian Naturalist 81

ca
1954

of a blowlamp and, after experimenting with a small coke stove, the operators
finally used a forge, the fuel for which was a mixture of pulverized coke
and charcoal.

Efficient heating of the branding irons is a necessity in seal branding.
An iron which is not hot enough must be left longer on the skin and this
tends to produce a blurred brand rather than the sharp scorched mark re-
quired. Furthermore, an iron which is left for a relatively long period might
burn through the hide to the blubber, producing a wound open to infection
and later healing to an unrecognizable scar. Experience has shown that a
very hot iron applied for a very short period is the most essential, result-
ing in a fine clear brand, destroying only the hair follicles and not scorching
the surrounding tissue. Any great pressure on the branding iron, especially
when very hot, must be avoided as it is quite easy with sharp edged brands
to cut through the skin into the blubber. The other extreme, branding too

Seal showing a 1949 brand after one year.

lightly must also be avoided, and the correct: pressure can be gauged only by
experience. If the pup has not already moulted it is advisable to pull out
the juvenile fur, apply the iron to the hair beneath. It has been found that
a more satisfactory brand is obtained if the hair in the area to be branded,
is brushed to remove all particles of sand, or better still, sponged with water,
for the wetting of the hair confines the heat of the branding iron to narrow
limits. It is essential of course for a clear brand that the pup be held relatively
still. Various ways of achieving this have been tried, and the bag method
already mentioned has the advantage of preventing the possibility of some
quite painful bites. As the pups are held for branding their lengths can be
measured, one efficient method being to mark the head and tail positions
on the ground and measure this distance after the seal is released, or one
simply uses a measuring stick as the pup is held for branding.

82 Howarp, Bird Banding and Seal Marking Baty sate

Although some years must elapse before the most valuable results of the
seal branding will be evident, some interesting observations have already
been made, particularly concerning the pups. It has been found that these
take to the water at an age earlier than previously thought and that they
are quite strong swimmers from the start. Observations have been made un
the growth rate of the pups; in one case the body length of the pup increased
twelve inches in just over six months, Approximately 100 of the Elephant
Seals branded at Heard Island and 40 of those branded at Macquarie
Island had been resighted up to the end of the 1952-53 season. These numbers
include only those with clearly decipherable brands. Numbers of others
have been resighted, particularly at Macquarie Island, where the brand has
been indistinguishable in detail; these were mainly branded in the early
stages when techniques were still in the experimental stage.

Of the 129 Leopard Seals branded at Heard Island nearly 100 have been
resighted, most of these on numerous occasions, on various parts of the island.

Seal branding was continued on Heard and Macquarie Islands during
the 1953-54 season, although the numbers branded and resighted have not
as yet been tabulated, and it will continue during the season just beginning.
As the life span of the Elephant Seal varies from 12 to 20 years—bulls
living a little longer than cows—deductions from the branding programme
cannot be made immediately, but much valuable information is expected to
he drawn iii time from the data which is being accumulated. Apart from
the scientific value of the branding programme. which is throwing light
on the habits and life history of the Elephant Seal and the place it occupies
in the general biology of the subantartic region, it is of commercial interest
and yalue. The sealing industry was so profitable during the last century,
that in many parts of the southern ocean the population of Elephant Seais
was sadly depleted and the species in danger of disappearing from some of
its former breeding grounds, The results of investigations such as the brand-
ing programme being conducted by A.N.A.R.F. will enable regulations to be
drawn up on a scientific basis permitting the sealing industry to operate
successfully again in those areas without endangering the continued existence
ot the Elephant Seal population,

ADVENTURES WITH A NATURALIST
(Book Review)

“The only good thing I ever heard about a South American dictatorship
is that the South American Vermilion Flycatcher is protected in Argentina
by presidential decree.” I have taken this quotation from the adventures of
Roy Bedichek, an American nature-Jover, because I can think of another
fine large specimen that should be protected from himself by “presidential
decree”, because of his natural proclivity to develop an unconscious bias, and
that is not a good thing in a scientific investigator.

The author is a Texan who has devoted much of his life to studying the
things about him. He is, therefore, a field naturalist, rather than a laboratory
scientist, and his observations are set down, not in the regirnented order of
the systematist, but in the casual manner of a field naturalist wandering
abroad on a Saturday afternoon excursion, as it were.

One minute I find myself pondering over the incidence of water reservoirs
on the increase of bird life, and the next, on a clutch of “Denatured Chickens”
—and somehow Roy incubates in his readers a lively interest in these homely
subjects because he is speaking as one field naturalist to another.

For example: “And just what does the customer who buys these crazed,
doped, stuffed, abnormally fat, soft chickens get out of all this?” You see
what I mean! It would spoil Roy's story if I were to tell you just how we
grow denatured chickens. Read it for yourself, and enjoy good poultry for
ever after.

Septembas The Victorian Nuturalst 33

After digesting vhe above meal, I was sot too surprised to alight of the
wiles af the “Mocking Bird”. Now, in a one-page review, [ cannot describe
the real battle between the mocking-hird and a rattle-snake which, hy rhe
way, is himself a mocher of sorts. Howevet, L take olf my bat to the mocking-
bird and salute him for his splendid beare and sagacity,

1 was. stirred by Roy. Bedichek’s praphie nartative of “Roots aud Racks",
ac haw the hackberry tree reduces Hmestone to soll. On a marginal sote
1 fin I had written these words—"This is indeed a fine chapter; true to
nalure; poetically expressed ; written with a large and wholesome philosophy.”

“The tree had thrown an arm across the path of the eroding. water
Battered and beaten; chewed by iron tyres and ground by a thousand rushing
torrents; gaslred to the quick in places, this rqot holds the soil in its steady
grip, ale or no traffic, in torrents of water, ar in parching summer
droughts.” —rTartron Rayment.

BOOK REVIEW
The Face af Australia, hy Chas. FL Losev‘ow.

This book will appeal to all Awstralans who appreciate the scenery of
their wative Jand, It explgins, as far as. possihie in non-technical language,
thereby having a wider “reader” appeal to our F.N.C.V_ members, how. the
present appearance of the country has cvolyed theovgh countless ages. It is
a story of endless change, illuctrated by numercus familiar exaniples. The
yolume contains same excellent photographs and clear diagrams.

Tt will be readily admitted that some of the Australian scenery is beautiful,
aid mt much of it is distinctive; all of it is interesting, Whereas in so many
lands scenic beauty is an attribute of youth, in Australia it is often expressive
of a @reat age. Parts of it are amongst the oldest Jand surfaces m the world,
and even the animals and plants, developed in jong isolation trom the outside
world, are different.

This Dook thus goes right to the heart of things, and not ouly describes
the places that have become famous for their heaury and grandeur, bur
explains how these have been shaped by matural forces. Im it are told the
stacy of the varied coastal features of the continent, the charm of the Great
Barrier Reef, the vivid colour of the Centre, the many volcanoes, naw happily
extinct, the grandeur of glacial Tasniamia, caves with their fascinating tor-
mations, the wild ruggedness of the Grampians and Blue Mountains, and
the ancivul story of the bush itsel4.

In defining patriotism as a leve of one’s coutitry, the author concludes
with an appeal fof us not only i4 Jove our country, but to consider this
natural wonderland of Australia as a sacred heritage, something to be pre-
setved unsullied and intact for the benefit of generations to come. This indeed
is 4 licgk for every person interested in Austraha’s unique beauty.

—A, W. Burstor,

OF INTEREST TO GROWERS OF WILDFLOWERS

“Your Garden” is conducting a monthly feature aw natives for the garden.
Menthers ¢att help by notes far the “pool of experience” and by inducing
anyone anywhere who grows Australians te write, if only ta record their
flames and addresses. Qucrics will be answered by letter if a stamped
addressed envelope is sent w A. J. Swahy, efa Your Garden, Box 244B,
G.P.G., Melbourne. Full pasticutars of soil, aspect and moisture should be

given,
—A.J.S.

84 The Fictorian Naturalist Vol, 71

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN
Excursions:

Saturday, September 18—Micraseapical Group Excursion, Lagoons at Burke
Road Bridge, Hetdelberg. Mect at Heidelbere Railway Station: a4 2.50 p.m.

Sunday, September 19—Botany Group Excursion, Wattleglen to Research
Leader: Mr. Haase. Fake 8.53 am. train from Princes Bridge to
Wattleglen. Bring one meal,

Saturday, September 2 $—Macdonald Satctuary, Black Rock, Planting day,
with some minor cleaning up and inspection of general areca, Take
9.35 am. train ta Sandringham, then bus to Haydens Road where Mr.
Brooke will mect party, or meet at Sanctuary, 10.30 am, Bring one
meal, |

Thursday, September 30 (Show Day)—Maranoa Gardens, Leader: Mr.
Swaby, Take Mont Albert tram (No. 42) fram Collins. Street to Stop
54, Parring Road, 40-minute paurniey. Mar Swaby will meet party at
Beckett Park gates, 230 pm, ~

Sunday, October 3—Parlour coach excursion to Brisban Ranges. Leader:

- Mr. Burston Coach leaves Batman Ayenue 9 aim, returns approx:
7.30 9.m. Bring two meals. Fare 17/6. Booking with Excursion Secretary.

sey October 9—Geolegy Group Excursion to Bulla, Details at Group
Meeting,

Group Meetings:

(7.45 pan. at Royal Socicty’s Hail)
Tuesday, September 21—Microscopical Group.

Monday,. September 27—Batany Group.

Siar 5 October S$—Geolovy Group. Subject: "“ustralites”, by Mr. George
akKer. 4

'

Preliminary Notices:

Saturday, October 16—Rinewood. For jutiors, new members and children
of members. An introduction to plaut life. Tcader: Mr. Swaby, ‘Take
1,13 p.m. train, stopping all stations, or 1.38 p.m. express. Mect reall
2.15 p.m at Ringwood raiiway station.

October 16-17—Weekend at Bendigo, Itinerary: Saturday—Big Hull ent
- Mandurang. Evening—Ilnstrated Talk at School of Mines. Sunday—
Whupstick. Subjects for both excursions, Birds and, Botany, Transport.
by vat or train, Bendigo trains aye Spencer Street, Priday, 5.45 pam;
Saturday, 815 am, 130 pm. 5.55 p.m. Fares 40/4 frst return, j2/1
second. Camping facilities at White Hills gardens, charge 5/- er might
for each car or caravan. Hotel reservations, with £1 deposit for each
gt to be made with Mr, H. Atkins, Botanic Gardens, South Yarra,
S.E.), (Tel. Central 414, aiter 6 pm.) hefore September 16th. After L6th
make own arrangements.

Tuesday, Noveniber 2° (Cup Day}—President’s picnic. Patlout toach exeur-
sion to) Werribee Gorge. Coach leaves Batman Avenue a.m... Poturris
approx 7.30 p.m. Bring two meals. Fare 10/-. Booking with Excursion
Secretary. A

Marie ALLENDER, Excursion Secretary-

Your Garden invites you to bring youe friends ou visits to Maratioa Gardens
with Mr. Swaby on October 9 and 10, at 2.30 p.m:

.

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 7i—No. 6 OCTOBER 7, 1954 No. 850
. PROCEEDINGS

Mr, A. A, Baker presided over the General Meeting of September
13, at the National Herbarium. About 156 members and fricnds
were in attendance,

All present stood ia silence for one minute as a mark of respect
for Miss Winifred Taylor, wha passed away recently.

An appeal for help with two excursions of Church of England
Girls’ Grammar School students to Sherbrooke Forest and Altona
Marshes was lett m the hands of Mr. A. J. Swaby-

Tt was announced that members were required who could give
uiformatian about trees, etc,, at the Boy Scouts’ exhibition from
November 22 to 26, Mr, Swaby will ser up the exhibition.

Members were informed that for Wildflower Week, fram October
4, there would be a display sponsored by the Native Plants Preser-
vation Society at Kodak Pty, Ltd. and Metropolitan Gas Company.

A letter was received from the Minister of Lands, in answer to a
protest against the use of the poison “1080” at Wyperfeld and other
National Parks, stating that Jittle or no harm has been done to
native fauna,

Upon receipt oi a request by a pupil of Presbyterian Ladies!
College, asking advice about pond animals, Mr, Eyans of the Micry-
scopical Group offered to lend some books.

Mr. Crosbie Morrison then addressed the Meeting on the subject
of “Things We Don’t Know Yet", in an endeavour to arouse the
interest of individual Club members in taking up lines of personal
study and research, The substance of this talk may be found else-
where in this issue. This was followed by a fine coloured film entitled
“Tiptoe Through The Checklist’, in which was a series of excellent
shots of many Australian birds,

Mrs. J. E. Connan and Miss A. E. Johnson were elected as Ordi-
nary Members, Mrs. G. C. Singleton and Mr_ N. Forde as. Country
Meinbers, and Jonothan Phillips asa Jumior Member. All are ex-
tended a most hearty welcome to the Club,

After a number of nature notes and comments on Specimens, the
Meeting was adjourned for the ysual conversazione and examina-
tion of exhibits.

The generous gift by Mr. Ros Garnet ta the Club library of a
book entitled H’attles, by A, J, Campbell, was announced at the
August General Mecting, but this wag inadvertently omitted from
the corresponding Proceedings in last month's issue of the Fictorian
Naturalist.

86 Tke Victorian Naturalist Vol. “1

NATURE NOTES AND EXHIBITS
August Meeting:

Mr. Ros Garnet mentioned a news item from the Hobart Mercury, in which
it was reported that a male platypus had spurred with his hind fect the arm
of a man displaying him to his family. The arm eventually became enlarged
to twice the normal size and was very painful.

Mr. A. A, Baker spoke of bis exhitit af seed-pods, seeds and leaf, of the
creeping plant called “Dutchman's Pipe”. The botanical name is Aristolochia
elegans, and the seed-pods hang down (hence the popular name}, the seeds
probably being dispersed by a swaying action. Mr, Baker collected. this
material at Howard, 20 miles north of Maryborough in Queensland, on
October 24, 1954,

Mr. A. E. Brovks exhibited a fine series of garden-grown native plants,
incloding Golden Rain Wattle (Acacia prommens), Qvens Wattle (-
provissima), Coast Wattle (4, sobhorae), Varnish Wattle (4. veritictfiuad,
Box-leaf Wattle (A. Suwifolis), Fairy Wax-flowee’ (Ertostemon obovatis),
Alpine Grevillea (G. alpina), Rosemary Grevillea (G_ vosmarinifolia)—both
the normal and the Huratbridge forms, and the pink shrub form of Purple
Coral-Pea (Hardenbergia wialacea)-

September Meeting:

Mrs. Freame reported seeing 26 pelicans at Altona, and Mr, Morrison com-
mentec| that larger numbers are alten seen, but that a number like that js
unusual so far up the Bay. ;

Mr. George Coghill spoke of the fine display of Myrtle Wattle (Acacte
+wyrtifolia) and 4, sophorae to be scen about the Dandenong Ranges, and
he remarked that the former was ivell worth cultivating.

Mt. Baker exhibited a series of Australites from Kalgoorlie in Western
Australia, and alse Flint from England, brought to Australia as ballast on
the SS. Port Jackson and dumped as filling at the excavations for the new
wharves along the nerth bank of Coode Canal. Flint is a eryptocrystalline
variety of quartz, composed of silica and oxygen_ It is opaque in thin section
but dark or black in the mass; it Usually oxidizes with a white skin or shell,
breaks with a conchoidal fracture similar to bottle glass, has sharp cuttmg
edges and was used by primitive tribes for cutting implements and later with
steel to strike fire. Many Alints contain fossils sich a3 spicules of sponges.
sponges, echinoids and spines, diatoms and ather fragments. Np deposit oF
flint is known jn Victorta but pieces are oftem found on our ocean beaches,
probably derived from deposits off-shore, They are known from South Ant-
tralia and Western Australia,

The orchids, cionthas coudatne, Glossodia major, Plerostyls pedwickluta
and Leptocerus finbridtus—all healthy specimens growing in pots—were
exhibited by Andrew Vail,

Mr. V..H. Miller exhibited a potted plant af Dendrebison speciosnent with
omly one flower spike, and commented that prolific and poor flowering seasons
alternate.

GEOLOGY DISCUSSION GROUP

The August and September Meetings, held at the Royal Society Building,
were well attended,

At the Auguste meeting Mr. A, A. Baker reported on the July group excur-
sion, when Mt. Cooper was visited. The area proved very interesting and rock
specimens [ram the two laya Hows and the quartzite were exhibited. The talk
of the evening was given by Mr, A, Blackburn an the Basalts af Melbourne,
the speaker covering the older and newer basalts, the localities of the different
flows, and the nature of the weathering:

The subject at the September meeting was a continuation of the talks on

be 1968 J The Victorian Naturalis yy

Fossil Invertebra by Mr A, A. Baker, He dealt with the class Crustacea of
the phylum Arthropoda, the lobster being selected as typical ot this class.
A desctiption of the animals and the geolugical history was given with the aid
of numerous illustrations,

MICROSCOPIC GROUP

Owing lo the iness of Mr. Charlés Middleton, wlio was to bave taken the
lecture at the September meeting, Mr, Arch. Rusby kindly proposed to deputize
for him, and delivered 2 most instructive discourse on “IMumjnation for the
Microscope”.

There were several micro. exhibits of interest, among them being diatoms
fran Atitarctic ; silk showing various colours by Rhemberg’s disc; wing-case
of Brazilian Diamond Reetle; cross-section of whalebone by polarized light,
and a system of top lighting devised by Mr, Woollard.

Big Pond-lifers are going to the Park at Ringwood on Saturday, lth, al
25H) pnt,

Mr. T, H. Wooster will give an illustrated talk on “Pleas” at the next
meeting on Tuesday, Octoher 19.

IM MEMORY OF EDWARD E. PESCOTT

Forty-eight years ago Mr. TH. P. Dickins met the late Mr. Pescott at the
Victurian Horticultural Society, The two men became. firm friends and wert
on many archid-hunting expeditions together. Later Mr. Pescoit was elected
President of the Victorian Horticultieral Society, and he became Curator of
the Burnley Horticultural Gardens,

In 1913, Mr, J. W. Andas, of the Najional Herbarium, accompanied
by Mr. EJ. Relph, an officer of the Lands Department, and Messrs. Pescott
and Dickins, visited the Grampians in search of rare species of orchids. The
#uides on this occasion were Messrs, £, and C, D'Alton, who. reported having
seen a strange species during an extended search over the areas known fov
their orchids. The results of the exctirsion were very satisfactory for Mr-
Pescatt collected this hitherto unknown orchid in an wacxplored focality, It
was sent to Dr. Rogers in Adctarde, proved to be new to science and was
named Celadenia tndeccens.

One of tlie itults of this trip was the hook Victarran Wild Flowers, pub-
lished jh 1914 by Robertson & Mullens. It was written by Mr. Pescott and
illustrated with dainty water-celour painings of the flowers by Mr. Dickins
and photographs of shrubs by Mr. Relph. The hook is now a collectors’ piece.

Charles French, Junior, sometime Government Entoriologist aiid well
known mesnber of the F\N,C., acted as guide on many other occasions, Once
at Beaumaris, Mr. Peseott saw a fine specimen of Pierastylis concinua below
the edge of the cliff, and he hungover the cliff to collect it, with Mr. French
holding on to his feet, while Dickins anchored on te French with one hand
and the fetice on the cliff tep with the other

In 1918, Pterostylis granthfora was collected al Lockwood, now known as
Belgrave Heights, This orchid was very rare ai that time.

In 1929 Pescate and Dickins each published books on the Jocal orchids; the
reviews of both books appearing simultaneously in the press. Mr. Dickins
introduced the late W, H, Nicholls to Me. Pescote who assisted him in his
eurly studies of orchids.

Tia the same year Me, Pescott was comtnissioned by the Shell Oil Company
to praduce a book an Aystralian wildflowers, aud he selected his old friend
Mr. Dickins to illustrate it with culour drawings of the flawers af each State,
Four eritions, of approximately ome hundred and tweitty thousand copies,
have been published 10 late, ;

—Lyxetrn Youre

fa The Wielovian Naturakst Vol 71

THINGS WE DON’T KNOW YET
. By P. Croseit Morrtson
(Address to the Clb on September 13, 1954)

When I was in Albany with the Gritnwade Expedition they told
a local story of 2 coloured’ man from one of the American ships that
was in Albany during the war. He announced to his hosts that he
intended to come back and settle down in Albany after the war.
When asked why he selected Albany, he replied that he had heen
in many places in his duties with the Navy, but Albany appealed
to him more than any other hecause, as he put it, “This ts de place
where all de work am finished’, And quiet, easy-going Albany does
give the visitor that jmpression,

What worries one a little 15 that many of our Club members may
have (hat impression about natural history in Australia, and espe-
cially in Victoria—that “all de work am finished”, and that if we can
only get sufficient experts both from within and without the Club
to come and vive us talks, we shall, in the end, learn all there is
to know about nature in this country. Do we assume, in other words,
that among therm all, the group of experts around us knew all the
answer's?

If we da, we have reached a dangerous stage in the Club. The
life blood of a club such as this is activity, and particularly activity
in the field, And, apart from the prospect of a pleasant outing, the
only spur to field activity is the prospect of finding new knowledge.
If there is nothing new to be discovered, why bother to be more
than pleasantly social?

There is, of course, one ready answer to that, in passing. Even
if we, ag club members, did have all the answers, there is still the
missionary work to be done of converting a very large and fre-
quently vandalistic population to a practical belief in conservation.
If we do not, individually and collectively, use all our powers in
the cause of protection of our native plant and animal fife, and of
our geological cunosities, who is going to? There is work that every
one of us can do. 1 would retnind you of the activities of the Vie-
torian National Parks Association, Qur Club is a corporate member
of the V.N.P.A,, but each of its members should be an jadividual
V.N_P.A. member toc. And there is the Native Plants Preservation
Society of Victoria, another conservation project very clasely linked
with this Club: Yes, we can aif be wtissionaries for conservation.

But that, in itself, is not completely satisfying. We come back
again to that awkward question, “Do we know all the answers?"
Do we know, for example, such a simple thing as where the Blue
Wrens disappear to when they desert our garden on a cold winter
day? They don’t zo far away, because as soon as the weather is
right they're back again. Do they just lie low in the meantiine, sleep

ire pe Morrrson, Things We Dott Know Yes 39

right through the cold, or what? It is something that we do not
know yet, of one of our commonest and most attractive birds.

The exatnple just given leads, deliberately, 10 another point that
many still miss. It is xot enough to know the identity of the things
we are observing. Identification is important, but it is only a be-

inning. So many of the botanists, for example, are thoroughly
happy when they are told that a thing is, shall we say, Correa rubra.
They look at it, make a mental note of it, and if they can recognize
the same species on the next outing they “know” Correa rebra.
Rut what do they know about it, really? A name is nothing more
than a Jabel; it ts just the gateway to the beginning of knowledge
of the thing named, What poainrs remain to be discovered about
Carren rubra? Lt would be surprising 11 we could chink of no un-
answered questions about it, or, for that matter, about most of our
native plants.

We must not be fascinared by Jong names. For one thing, they
tlo not indicate knowledge, but often the reverse. Used correctly,
they are 2 kind of sciéntife shorthand, enabling us to make precise
statements with a minimuny waste of time and words; but used as
so many people use them, they become a sort ef soporific drug,
leaving us feeling that we understand something that we really
don't understand at all. Scientists themselves are the worst offenders.

Take the word “instinct”, ior example. Does a bird have co Jearn
to build tts nest? Does it observe others of its kind, and then practise
what it has learnt? Or does i¢ make the right kind of uest by in-
atinct? If we are told it does it by instinct, most of us are com-
pletely satisfied; the question has been answered, Yet has it? If
one may say so, the only answer that has been given is that the
bird does wot take lessons from others of its kind, and it does mot
practise making nests until i¢ becomes efficient. But we are no nearer
understanding Aew it does it, which is what we asked originally,
“[nstinct”, and many other similar terms that are nat susceptible
of precise definition except by negatives, are what Sir Alan Herbert
would call ‘witch-words’, Beware ot (hem! Mast of them are used
to obscure the fact that we don't know.

Having cleared away a little of the undergrowth that surrounds
the subject, lec me refer you to Tillyard’s Insects of Australia und
New Zealand. Read through a few pages at random. You will find
lists of names ancl in some cases descriptions of adult insects of all
orders and families, and the one sentence recurring monotonously
through the book: “Nothing is known of the hfe-histones of these
beetles”, or “moths", or “fies”, as the case ntay be.

People frequently And interesting-looking caterpillars on plants

‘iu the bush, and they ask what they are. In most instances one
cannot even give them a name, because they are the larvae of moths
or butterflies whose life histories have not been worked out, and
the name fs attached to the description of the adult insect, not the

% Monurson, Things We Don't Keow Vet Ve aia

larya. It is suggested, then, that if you are interested in being more
than a passive member of the Field Naturalists Club, you might
well take cote of insect larvae on any of the plants which can be
identifed for you on excursions, collect the larvae, feed them on
the leaves of the plant—it may entail a few more trips into the
bush, but that should not daunt you—and ste what they turn itito,
making careful notes and sketches of their appearance from time to
lime, Then, when you have succeeded in hatching out the adult
insect, have it idennfied by one of the entomologist members of the
Club, or at the National Museum, Some of your results will not be
new knowledge, but at our present stage of knowledge af insect
life-histories, about half of them will be.

Only in a few cases, comparatively speaking, are the food plants
of our plant-feeding insects known, and then it is usually in cases
where the food plant is of economic importance. Professional biclo-
gists are kept occupied with questions suchas this, with ceonamic
implications; but the financially unproductive quests, which are
quite as interesting as the economic ones, are the business of people
such as the members of the Field Naturalists Club-

The late Mrs. Edith Coleman is an example of a Club member
who began inquiries along lines which did not require a professional
training, and she made a lasting reputation for her discoveries con-
cerning the insects responsible for pollinating many of our native
orchids. You haye only to look through the back numbers of the
Fictorion Naturalist to see the tremendous amount of original work
on ‘these lines, as well as others, that stands to the credit of Mrs.
Coleman ; and that work must have given her a tremendous amount
of pleasure in the doing,

Now the Orchidaceae is merely one of many families of native
plants, and mast o£ the others are awaiting another Mrs. Coleman
to elucidate their secrets. Mr. Tarlton Rayment is. working on the
heaths, with interesting and in smme cases surprising results. If
you would like to make something of that sort your hohby, [ have
a brief talk with one of our botanists in the Club to ptt you on
the track of some group which might he expected to give interesting
results along those lines.

Working out the systematics of a group or family requires rather
mure preliminary knowledge than the few suggestions made so far,
but there are many groups waiting to be done. The classification
of our stnaller skinks is na rather haphazard condition at present.
We find a little shiny Hzard under a stone or a tog, but which of
a dozen different kinds of skink is it? Probably there is no member
who can tell ws. If there is, cant he tell us which of these kinds lay
eggs and which produce living young? ,

In coneluding, let me disclaim any original virtue for the line
taken (his evening. On page 44 of Volume 19 of the Pictorian
Naturalist (Suly 1902). you omy read the presidential address of

'

43 | Morarsow, Things We Don’t Know Yet |

i9%8

Mr. T. S. Hall, celebrating the 21st birthday of the Club, and his
message was much the same, Later, in 1909, T. S. Hall made some
more specific suggestions about work waiting to be done, that could
be done as well by beginners and amateurs, backed by the help
available from within the Club membership, as it could by profes-
sional or, as he called them, “laboratory biologists”. To that paper,
which carried the inspired title “Ungarnered Grain", I am indebted
fur most of the thoughts that lie behind this talk. Take the oppor+
tunity to read it, in Vict. Nat,, Vol, 26, page 124 (Jan, 1910), A
few of the specific fields mentioned then have heen gleaned since,
but many of them are still rich in grain for any of you, and T. 5,
Hall’s ending is just as applicable to-day as tt was nearly 45 years
ago:
erie you are puzzled about the choice of a subject, let me recont-
mend the lines—
“Do the work that’s nearest,
Though it’s dull at whiles.

“There is no need tu go to the polar regions for a subject: jt lies
here, under your hand.”

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ROTIFERA
By J. Evaws

The name Rotifera means ‘Wheel-bearer’, and refers to one of
the most obvious recognition factors, for most species appear tu
have a-revolving toothed wheel tipon their heads. Actually this
appearance is caused by the movement of a corona (usually double)
of small cilia, that serves the several purposes of lacomotion, attrac-
ticn of food, and the provision of a steady stream of water for
respiration.

Unlike the protozoa that share their habitats, rotifers are many-
celled organisms, and have no near relailves in the great animal
kingdom, They bear some resemblance to the latvae of certain
trochal worms, which has led fo the interesting conjecture that
they are precocious worm-children in which the slow, bottom-
living adult stage has been abandoned, and full reproductive matur-
ity reached in the larval stage. Ancestral history, which is usually
a great help in classification, is still a matter uf intelligent conjecture,
largely because no fossil rotifers have, as yet, been reported. Very
little has been done on embryonic development, due to many diff-
culties of technique, so that the main alternative to fossil ancestry
is also almost unknown.

Rotifers are now placed ina separate phylum of their own, instead
of the former unsatisfactory method of including them in a general
Taghag of miscellaneous worms, ;

The largest rotifers are under 10 milligrams in weight, whilst
the smallest males weigh less than one-millionth of a gram (1 oz.

92 Evans, 4a utroduction to the Rotifere “et

equals 31-1 grams). These fatter are the smallest taiy-celled ani-
mals known, and their internal structuce is unbelievahie in such
minute creatures. In most species the female is larger than the male,
and produces her offspring hy parthenogenetic reproduction, until
the onset of difficult conditions makes it necessary for the tough,
resistant “resting egps' to be produced. Then the males appear,
probably in answer to the chemical stimulus of the changing con-
ditions of environment, and the sexually produced eggs result.
These latter are capable of standing frost, sunbaking, complete
absence of water, and long periods of apparent lifelessness. By this
means the species is assired of survival, and when the egg is again
immersed in water, it hatches out and the cycle of retifer life carries
on as before.

These cosmopolitan animals are found all over the world, from
the tropics to the polar regions. My own slide collection includes
specimens from tropical rice-fields and also from melted Antarctic
ice, They are easy to find, from practically every swamp or pool,
the sea, brackish pools and estuarine waters, pulters and drains,
and the moss found in swamps, on walls or growing on tree-trunks.
So, although they have never reached any dominance, being @ blind
alley att evolution, they have achieved those qualities that have
enabled them to survive in a multitude of envisonmnents.

A simple description of rotifer anatomy must, of necessity, omit
the most divergent and aberrant forms. Chis is an introduction, not
# scientihe monograph, so, to make it more intelligible, many of the
terms of mammalian anatomy will be used, though these are not
strictly accurate when applied to rotifers, For example, the trophi,
which serve the purpose of jaws, teeth and the anuscular crop of
the birds (allied with the mastax). will merely be referred tn a5

‘The typical rotifer swims by the use of cilia, which are small
hair-like processes on the front of their heads. The rims of cilia,
usually double, are called the corona—a deseriplive name as they
often haye a crown-like appearance. The peculiar swimming stroke
of the cilia tends to cause a vortex in the water. In the case of free-
swimming species thts provides Jocomotion of varied efficiency,
‘When the animal is anchored, or of a permanently attached species,
the vortex draws small food particles to the hungry animal, and
provides a coristaril stream of water for respiration and the washing
away of waste products.

Within the ciliary rigs (often far from circular) is the buccal
funnel or mouth. This leads down to a muscular bag called the
mastax, in which are situated the jaws. The jaws or trophy range
in design from the most delicate curved forceps to massive, crush-
ing anvils, with a wide range of variations between the extreme
wupas.

y he food, when suitably torn and crushed, is forced by muscular

Berns Fvars, du Sitvaduction to the Rotifers 93

action through the oesophagus inte the simple stomach. Here jt is
mixed with the secretion from two gastric glands, and the nutritive
portion is digested. In most species an intestine carries the waste
products to the cloaca, but in certain otlsers all waste is voided back
through the system and out of the mouth,

There is a well-developed system for getting tid of respiratory
waste, The body fluids absorb oxygen over a large part of the
animal's surface, and distribute it directly where required. A system
of fine canals takes away the carbon ¢lioxide in solution, which re-
quires a fast-moving circulation, This is provided by small ciliated
cells which propel the water saturated with COs through the canals
and out of the body orifices, i

The head, carrying the corona of ciha, is vulnerable to damage,
and for protection is capable of retraction. Long and powerful
banded muscles extend from the underside of the coromal promi-
nences to various anchor points tn the body, In many species these
Jong muscles are very little shorter than the main bulk of the body.

Most rotifers have a single foot, with one or two toes. Ina few
species this organ is absent, but on the other hand we have Rotana
Keplunia whose enormously elongated foot, which slides compactly
together like a telescupe, has to be seen to be believed. Antennae,
sometimes single, and sometimes in right and Jeft pairs, ate common
features; and are usually ciliated at the tip.

Reproduction is sometimes sexual, and sometimes asexual. Those
species which live in habitats of intermitcent duration use the sexual
method only when difficult times are threatening, as I: mentioned
hefore, With some of the Joricated or “armoured” rotifers, a slight
but increasing difference in the asexual generations is apparent. In
the genus Keratelia, there may be a gradual reduction in size in the
posterior spines of the lorica during successive generations, to be
ended by the interyention of the sexual phase which restores the
ariginal long spines, However, at limes the change back js slow,
takmg as many generations as the reduction. This cyclomorphosis
is ustally due to seasonal fluctuations in food supply, but may be
affected by temperature also, :

Most rotifers are oviparous, or egg-laying, but a few notable
exceptions produce fully-developed young. The best known of these
are the comparatively gigantic members of the genus, .<splanchyta.
However, these species still revert io egg-laying when ephippial or
resting €gp5 are necessary ior survival.

There is another efficient inethod of meeting adverse conditions
that some species use most effectively, That is the ability to forma
cyst by means of an impervious skin that resists sun, frost and
wind, but disappears very rapidly in contact with water. One of the
commonest and earliest known rotifers is the most striking exantple.
This is Phifodina roseola, that sometimes makes the dust in a dried
bird-bath appear pink, and which was brought hack from Shackle-

4 Evans, Aa Jufroducton to the Rottfera Los ty

ton's Antarctic Expedition, where it was found in the ice, allowed
to dey, put into water, then narcotized, fixed and made into slides
in London, 1 have one of those slides, from the collection of the
late John Shephard.

Rotifers have a nerve ganglion, often dignified by the-name of
brain, In addition they have definite sensitivity in corona and an-
tennae, with very quick reactions to some stimuli, Most of them
have one or two eve-spots, with a notiecable reaction to light. These
pigmented spots lie in close proximity to the brain, and are usually
red in colour.

Form and outer integument are very varied. The two main
divisions under the latter heading are the loricated or arinoured—
with chitinous sheath or plates—and the non-loricate or soit-hodied
species, Other useful methods of making main divisions are by a
combination of form and habit—leech-like crawlers and quick
swimmers, or sessile and free-swimmers; or by reference to habitat,
such as limnetic, bottom-dwellers, dwellers in moss, in small swamp
pockets, or parasites in other animals. There is a small, but impor-
tant group of colonial forms, of which some live attached ta water
plants ard roots, whilst others spin freely through the waters in
globes of several hundreds of individuals.

Most rotifers have the characteristic spiral swimming that is
shared by many protozoa, but a few species manage to keep a fairly
ever! keel by ingenious body adaptations. These include the deep
keels of Ewehlenis triguétra, and, though not so successful, the
double coronal “tractors” of same of the genera Roteria and
Philodine.

For the beginner the easiest rotifers to study are the sessile or
attached forms. These animals live in tubes of their own manu-
facture, into which they withdraw at the slightest hint of danger
of discomfort. The tubes are of several types—the orange chimney
stacks of Floscudaria (Melicerta in the old books), the clear gela-
tinous homes of Stephanoreros and Ceifotheca, with strange varia-
tions on the common theme trom others of the great sessile group.
The tubes are usually fixed by the base to pond weeds or rootlets
oi shore vegetation. It is an interesting experience to watch the
building of a Collotheca tube, The pellets are placed one by one
on the Upper rim, so that the tube extends with the growing animal
The pellets are produced from the rotifer's food supply, so that a
pienti supply means more rapid building to keep pace with quick
growth.

Although rotifers appear to have little or no significance in human
economy, their attraction is not merely aesthetic, Their diversity of
adaptability ta a wide range of environments makes them a fascina-
ting biological study, and some of the problems they pose are so
fundamental that their solution would be a major contribution lo
scientific knowledge.

Trl The Victorian Natnrotist 95

STUDIES ON AUSTRALIAN CHAROPIDAE (MOLLUSCA, PULMONATA!
Port 1—The Shell, Its Distribution ond Habitation
Ry Ron. G. Kersnaw

The present paper is the firse of a series in whic it ts mtended to briefly
discties the Charopidae, Family characteristics are defied and habitat dis-
cussed herein,

The Charopidue are terrestial wollusca which possess a minute shell, ighthy
spirally coiled in virtually the same plane. In certain grotps the spire may
be slightly raised, in others it is sufhciently depressed (o be remarked as
biconcave, sametintes marleedly so. The species may be arranged in such a
tranner that a regular transition fram concave to canvex apical structure
may be viewed, The whorls, generally four or five, are usually narrow, often
very convex, when they are parted hy deep sutures, The pemiitimate whurl
may be raised above the spire, while the ultimate, m the same species, may
he depressed, ac the wharls may regularly descend or ascend, the ultimate
whort nevertheless being always sufficiently vreater in size to preserve the
balance of the structure and its approximation to the horizontal plane. More—
aver the ultimate whorl may be grooved, furrowed near the suture, Jlaliened
or dented at or near the aperture, but carely carinate.

The aperture & semiritcular, cenerally narrow and higher than broad.
In certain istances an almost arcular mouth is presented; however a
erescentic appearance js tymmeel. The contour of the pesstome however 15
frequently irregular, dive to the Hatrening or grooving of the ultimate whorl
in yarious species, This feature is sometimes sufficiently consistently distinc-
tive, aS to provide an additional aid in group recogmlion. Certain species
possess aperiural lamellae, ranging from a single Jamella to as many a3
Twelve lamellac, These are internal and usually extend te the margios, but in
certain species they do mot. A semitranaparent callus glaze, usually obsenricig
some of the seplpture, hut whieh may also be very thin and not do so, appear-
ing at the collumella margin, is a feature of the family, The shell is variously
culoured itom pale horn to dark brown, with pure white specimens not un-
cammon Flame-like streaks or blotches, brown to reddish in colour, are fre-
quently present,

The adult sculpture vs ususliy strong and well marked; fine or compara-
tively weak primwry sculpiure is rather rare. The pritnary sculpture thus
extends trom strong, cleyated, sometimes sharp, sometimes widely spaced,
rils, to fine clusely packed ribiets, while yery occasionally striae only are
present, The primacy sculprire is always radial, the only possible exception,
doubtiully a charopid, presents a peripherat keel with a strangly marked spiral
rib or secondary keel dominating the radial costae. The secondary sculpture
may be of fine racial ciblets or striae only, but more camimonly is teticulate
with fine riblets or lirae, the spiral alien Aner than the radial, or dlecussare
with radia] and spiral striae. Fhe secondary sculpture may be confined ty the
iiterstices of the primary features, but im certain cases extends over the
primary sculpture.

‘The protoconeh, although sometimes smooth, is more frequently sculpaured,
but a compound microscope may be necessary ty adequately reveal it in
some species, Hence it has nften been overlooked, or again oftly reierred to
a5 a point of difference to an allied species without adequate definition being
provided. The sctilpture may be very similar to that of the adult, being radial
or reticulate, However, in some graups the pretoconch may be spirally lirate
or striate, and then abruptly give way to am adult sculpture of radials with
decussate interstices, The dehnition of one group reveals a “smooth proto-
conch" (apparemnty found since to be microscopically reticulate), followed by
crowded vertical riblets, with the final sculpture of spaced elevated mbs,

% KrrsHaw, Studies on Austration Charopidac Nest. Bhat

An wrobilicus a5 usually present although in some species it ig obsolete or
at lest very small. It may te very barge, as arnuch as half the diameter, and
may be shallow or deep, 4 matter often related to the degree of convexity or
concavity of the spire and the depth overall, of the shell, It may alsa he
conical or ¢ylindrical.

The title ‘Charopidae’’ was frst suggested by Hutton (1884) and later
given provisional recognition by Hedley (1892), who wave the first satis-
factory definition of the fariily. Hedley also reproduced the original descrip-
tion of the genus Charopa Albers 1860. This genus and others haye been usel
lor the Austrahan Cheropidaer but in general they are mote applicable to
dhe New Zealand shells for which they were introduced, Tredale (1933), con-
dinning Lhe work commenced by Hedley, arranged various of the species inte
recognizable groups to which he gave names of generic significance. This
work was cantinued at a later date (1937), but could not be completed, some
ai these genera remaining more or less undefined. It is intended to refer to
this matter at a later date

The Charopidoe are found principally in-eastern Australia, New Zealand
and Polynesia, Iredale records a number of species fram Lord Howe Island
(1944), but only one from Papua (1941), which he remarks is not like
typical members. The known Australian species are well represented in Vic
turia, Tasmania and New South Wales, but are fewer in number in South
Australia and Queensland. A very few species are recorded from Central
Australia and Western Australia, although the paucity in the latter case could
be due to the vast areas poorly known, In Queensland, also, dense virgin
jungle may still harbour many more species, while yet a few may still be
found in the mure populous States. In general, however, temperate climatic
conditions seem 10 provide the most congenial environment for these molluscs,

The habitat is generally amongst rotting material in undisturbed places,
under rotting leaves, or in ercvices of rotting logs near ground level, and
underneath where the log is small and soft bark is present, Moist places arc
preferred, where the molluscs are frequently gregarious. They are rare and
hard to find under stones, one species liking such places, and are sometimes
found singly in the crevices of small dry pieces of wood, Again they may
be found amongst moss on logs and occasionally on stanes, while in some
lacalities they are very rare, passibly due to poorer conditions giving a less
suitable enviromyent. Favoured spots appear tu be hear waterfalls, in gullies
of small streams sometimes not iat above bigh tide mark near the sea, and on
river Garike.

Finally it may be remarked that species displaying a sculpture of spaced
Tihbing appear more common in the Queensland area, while as one proceeds
south more species with finer and more complicated sculpture are found,

REFERENCES

Hutton, F. W., 1884—Trons. New Zeuland Inst 16: 199.

Hedley, C, 1892—'Observations on the Charepides,” Prog, Livi, See, NST,
# (4)> 157-173, pl, 3,

Iredale, T., 1933—"Systematic Notes on Australian Land Shells." Ree: Aust.
Mis 19 (1) + 37-59,

, 1937—"A Basic List of the Land Mollusca of Australia," Aicsty,

Zoal. & (4) + 287-333 (Mar. 12)-

, 1937—“An Annotated Check List of the Land Mollusca of Saath and
Centcal Australia” S. duct Not, 18 (1&2): 6-59 (Sept. 30),

—— , 1941—“A Basie List of the Land Molfusea af Papua.” aust. Zool 10
€V) * S194, pl. 3-4.

———, I944¢—"The Land Mollusca of Lord Howe Islawd.” Aust. Zoi, 10
(3) : 290-334, pi. 17-20.

raravge The Victorian Naturalist 97

NEW SPECIES OF TMESIPTERIS
By H. N, Barser, University of Tasmania

In 1943 Wakefield published a short account of the four species of Tmesip-
terits known from south-eastern Australia. His work, based as it was on
unrivalled knowledge of the species in the field, greatly clarified the taxonomic
status of these forms. His paper should be consulted for earlier taxonomic
references. Over the past few years I have been conducting a cytological
survey of the genus. The survey (Barber 1955) in general confirms Wake-
field’s taxonomic treatment.

. ow
} abt ul a8)

, Ni. eee al ut ‘ wal, 4

Fig. 2, Photograph of (left to right) 7. tugana (Brittons Swamp, Tas.) ;
T. truncata (Sommersby Falls, N.S.W.); T. fowerakeri (Longwood
Range, New Zealand) ; T. billardiert (Brittons Swamp, Tas.).

T. parva (Wakefield) is diploid (2n = 204 — 210) as compared with the
tetraploid (2n = 408 — 420) T. billardiert Endl., T. ovata Wakefield and
T. truncata R.Br. These last three are cytologically indistinguishable. The
cytological evidence of genetic discontinuity between 7. parva and the others
is amply confirmed by field evidence, no indication of hybridization either on
morphological or cytological grounds having been found in mixed populations
of these species. For example, T. parva and T. billardieri grow together
sometimes on the same tree-fern trunk at Mt. Irvine in New South Wales.
At Mt. Drummer in Victoria, 7. parva, T. billardieri and T. ovata grow in
the closest proximity with no sign of morphological intermediates or of
triploid hybrids.

T. truncata is a more northern form. I have found no instances of this
species growing mixed with any of the others although such populations may
occur at Mt, Dromedary (N.S.W.). However, since its morphological char-
acteristics differ from the other three species in about the same degree as these
three differ inter sc, it seems safe, as Wakefield has done, to rank this as a
fourth species. It is, however, worth mentioning that forms of T. fruncata
with pointed sporangia occasionally occur (Wakefield 1943). I have also

08 Baxner, New Species of Tmtesipteris beta

found, in the Jamieson Valley of the Blue Mountains, forms with a slight
basal broadening of the leaves but retaining the large round sporangium
so characteristic of T. truncata. Since the shape of sporangium and leaf are
the two main characteristics separating 7. billardiert from T. truncata, it
is possible that the two may, if they grow together, form a hybrid swarm.
If this proves to be the case, it might be better to group these two as geogra-
phical subspecies of the one species, 7. truncata R. Br., giving each an appro-
priate trinomial,

The cytological survey has revealed the existence of two more species, one
in Tasmania and the other in the South Island of New Zealand. Both forms
are diploid. with 2n = 204 — 210, The Tasmanian form, which I propose to
name J, tugana after a Tasmanian aboriginal name for a fern, is closest
morphologically to 7. truncata. It can be distinguished from this species by
the leaves usually becoming. slightly broader at the base, by the smaller
sporangia and spores and, of course, by the chromosome number, It has so
far not been found on the mainland of Australia but appears to be widespread
in the west of Tasmania. The only
other species so far known from
Tasmania is T. billardteri.

The second species, which I pro- . \
pose to name 7. fowerakeri after J Ny
Mr. C, E. Foweraker who kindly sent
me two living collections of it, is
closest to’ T, billardieri. It differs
from this species in being generally !
smaller in all parts (leaves, spo- ~ : }
rangia, spores). The leaves also differ th
in shape. In T, fowerakeri they are I 4
usually broadest just below the mid- wa t
point and taper gradually into the \y
stem unlike the abrupt termination “Sy
of the leayes of T. billardiert. It is : f
diploid as compared with the tetra- “
ploid T. billardieri. '

Type specimens of the new species .
are preserved in the Herbarium of a
the University of Tasmania. Figs, |

and 2 give a comparison of the two Fig. 1, Drawings of the two
new species with their nearest mor- Tasmanian species of Tmesipteris.
phological relatives. I append English Left—T. tugana:

and Latin diagnoses. The latter, Right—T. Rllardiert.

whilst of no conceivable scientific
use in A.D. 1954, are one of the more pleasant anachronisms so characteristic
of botanical taxonomy (Barber 1950).

TMESIPTERIS TUGANA new species. Stems medium size (30-40 cm.) ;
leaves broad linear, 2-3 cm. long and 4-6 times as long as broad, slightly
broadened towards base, apex truncate mucronate; sporangia spherical to
broad ovate 1-5-2 mm. long; spores 65-75 mic. long ; sporophytic chromosome
number 204-210,

Habitats: Britton’s Swamp, Smithton (type); Strahan; Picton River
(H. F, Gulline) ; al! in Tasmania.

TMESIPTERIS TUGANA sp. nov. Caules 30-40 cm.; folia 2-3 cm. longa, late linearia,

ad basin paulum latiora; aper truncatus, mucronatus; sporangium 1.5-2 mm. longum,
rotundum at ovatum; sporae 65-73 mic. longac; sporophxytum chromosomata 204-210.

TMESIPTERIS FOWERAKERI new species. Stems medium size (20-
40 cm.) ; leaves 1-2 cm. long, oblong, 4 times as Jong as broad, usually broad-
est just below midpoint and tapering towards stem, apex truncate mucronate;

oes Barser, New Speeres of Trnesipteris ba
sporatium triangular pointed 2-3 times as lang as broad, J-3.5 mm. long;
spores 75-80 mic, long; sporaphytic chromosome number 204-210, Habitats:
Longwood Range (type) and Westland, South Island, New Zealand,

TMESIPTERIS FOWERAKGRI ap, nov. Cantes 2044 cin; folia 1-2 cm. dong,
oblonga, cantem versur gledatim angudtdta; upes rruliqatus, mucrosatds; sporangsum
F355 mn, longum, trigomum, peracitum; sporoe 75.80 mic. longee; sporaphyforim
shromosomata 214-210,

REFERENCES

Barber, H. N., 1950-—Taxonomy. Austral, J, Sct, 12; 184,
, 1955-—Polyploidy in the Psilotales. Heredity (in peess).
Wakefield, N. A., 1943—Two New Spaeles of Trresipteris, Meet, Not, dt; 142,

I wish to thank Dr. W. M. Curtis for the diagram and Mr, J. E, Cunning»
ham for the photograph.

NATURALISTS’ NOTEBOOK
{Reserved for your Notes, Obsarvations and Queries)

LYREBIRDS IN GIPPSLAND

During a recent trip to Bulga Park and Tarra Valley it was very pleasarr
to Ard iyrebirds plenéz[ul in both these places, Although not easily seen al
Bulga Park, their melodious calls were constantly to be heard armtong the
treeferns in the viciruty of the famous suspension bridge,

At the camping ground almost opposite the Tarra Valley Park lyrebirds
were even more plentiful, and at times the small forest clearing was sur-
rounded by a chomis from invisible songsters, One oarticularly vocal bird,
hidden somewhere among the treeferns along the stream, continued his sing:
ing for almast an hour after darkness had descended on the vailey, and the
first neh cringing notes at dawn probably came from the same bitd, The
song certainly came from the same location as did the late vocal display of
the previous might

The waterfalls and pleasant pathways of the Tarra Vatley Park linger iv
one's memory, but the scene which persists most vividly is of a small camp-
ing ground surrounded by stately encalypts, hillsides densely clothed with tree-
feens, a tountain stream mucmunng by, and a chorus of liquid song pouring
from the throats of many lyrebirds,

—A. E. Brooxs. |

BLUE GUM’S FARTHEST NORTH?

Sonie years aga whet) visiting the Belfast Botanic Gardens (Northern
Ireland) I saw a young blue gum growing in the centre of a bed of scarlet
Seramiams. It looked very attractive with its lovely pearly grey foliage and
scarlet tips vivalling the flowers ind colour, Lately, when writing to act ex-
president of the Belfast F.N.C., I mentioned having seen jt and she made
inquiries at' the Gardens and there js certainly a blue gum growing there
and doing very well, and they think it is the one I saw. May not this be the
farthest north for our lovely tree?

—F, FE, Savrer.

A BLACKBIRD GOES FISHING

In a pool containing ayater plants, goldfish and mosquito fish, in a Canter-
bury garden, the mosquito fish began mysteriously to disappear. After careful
observation a blackbird wits seen standing on the edge of the pool and catch-
jng the little fish as they swan by, atid evidently enjoying his fish meal. -A
wire fence was then erected and the fish are increasing again.

—F. E, Saurer,

ny re Wiet, Nat.
100 Naturalists’ Nolebook Vel 21

HABITS OF ORCHARD SPIDER

It was & pleasure to read A, E. Spillane'a observations an this spider,
especially that part dealing with the chemotropism that lured the male moths
to their destruction, This theory was first published im my article in H’atk-
mhout in June 1942, and the story was also broadcast over the National net-
work through SAR in September 1945, Account was giver af the spider's
habits, its prey, and the making of the eeg-sacs, fully illustrated, under the
ttle of “The Onion-net of a Spider”, in that issue of LH alhatvoxt.

—Tascign RAYMEN?, -P.8.2.5.

NEW BOOK

How to Know Western Australian Wildflowers, by W. E. Blackall, Part f,
30/-. The University of Western Australia Press, distributed by the Uni-
versity Book Shop, Nedlands, Western Australia.

This book deals with all the vascular plants of Western Australia outside
the tropics, up to and including Myrtaceac. It is unique in method. There
is a minimum of description. Identification is. made very easy by thousands
of sketches throwing emphasis on characteristics of the plants.

Fifteen plates itlustrate 61 species in natural colour.

An introductory chapter gives concise instructions for using the key and
a glossary profusely illustrated, explaing technical terms used,

—A. J. Swasy.

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN

Excursions:

Saturday, October 15—Microscopical Group outing to the Ringwood Park
Lake at 2,30 qm,

Saturday, October 16-Ringwood. For juniors, new members and children of
members, An introduction to plant liic. Leader? Mr. Swaby, Take
1.13 p.m. train, stopping all stalions, or 138 p.m. express, Meet feacer
2.15 pn, at Ringwood railway station.

October 16-17—Weel-end at Bendigo. Meet for exctirsions at gold statue,
Pall Mall, 2.30 p.m. Saturday, 10 aim. Sunday. Other details in September
Naturalist, '

Saturday, October 23—Botany Group excursion to St. Albans. Leader: Mrs.
Osborne, Take 1.13 pom. train from Flinders Street to St. Albans,

Saturday, October 30—Brigadier Officer's garden, Olinda. Take 9,18 train. to
Upper Ferntree Gully, then bus to Olinda. Brigadier Officer will mect
members at bus stop. Bring one meal,

Tuesday, November 2 (Cup Day)—President’s picnic. Parlour coach excur-
sion to Werribee Gorge. Coach leayes Batman Avenue 9 a.m, returtis
approximately 7,30 par, Bring twa tneals, Fare 10/-. Booking with
Excursion Seerctary, '

Saturday, November 6—Geology Group excursion to Killara. Travel details
at Group Meeting,

Group Meetings;
(7.45 p.m. at Royal Society’s Hall)

Tuesday, October 19—Microscopicul Group.
Monday, October 25—Batany Group,
Monday, November 1—Gcology Group,

—Manriz ALLENDER, Exttirsidn Secretary,

’

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 7I—No. 7 NOVEMBER 4, 1954 No. 851
PROCEEDINGS

About 100 inembers and friends were present at the General
Meeting held at the National Herbarium on October 11, 1954, The
President extended a welcome to all visitors.

Mr, Kenneth Petersen was elected as Ordinary Member, and
Messrs. Lindsay Scott and A, B, West as Country meiibets, These
are extended the best wishes oi the Club, and it is trustec) that
their association with the F.N.C.V. will be profitable and happy.

Mr. Swaby reminded the meeting of the Boy Scouts Jamboree
to be held at Wonga Park from November 22 to 26 next, and
asked ior the co-operation of members wble to assist at it wilh talks
and information on natural history subjects.

The President then introduced the speaker for the evening, Mz.
Gil. Nicholls, whu showed # series of films, among which were ihe
widely acclaimed Ladybird. films and an equally excellent series
showing the life history of the Wanderer Butterfly. Mr, Baker
thanked Mr. Nicholls on behalf of the Club, and Messrs. Coghull
and Rayment supported the vote of thanks.

Mr, Garnet reported that further moves were being made at
Stawell to protect the local wildfiowers. Tt 1s hoped that a one-acre
nétted-in sanctuary there will eventually be extended to embrace
25 acres. The C.R.B. enclosure is an island of prolife growth jn
barren surroundings, indicating the sort of thing that should be
done in other places, such as the Hrisbane Ranges.

After reports on excursions, nature notes and comments on
exlubis, the meeting was adjowined for ihe usual conversazionc
and exammation of specimens on display. *

MICROSCOPICAL GROUP

The meeting held on Tuesday, Qetober 19, at the Royal Society's Hall,
‘was not attended as well as were previews ones, only 17 members heurgt
present. Mr. D. McInnes reported that the Ringwuod Park Lake had yielded
little of Gviterest, so the party had adjourmed to the Maranoa Gardens.

Mr. T. H, Wooster gave a talk on Fleas, dealing fully with life history
and déseribing many species, the address Neing supplemented Dy a screening
of the speaker's slides and other illustrations,

Mr, Barrett exhibited the diatom Acixoptychus, which js found both
fossil and recent in Eurape and America; Mr. Snell showed. a gathering
of infusara, from an aquarium, mainly of Lionetus; and Mr. MeInness
exhibited same dineba.

The next meeting on Tuesday, Nayember 16, takes. the form of a conver-
‘suzioric and supper, All members of the group are asked to be present armel
lo bring their wives and their microscopes, to ymake the evening a success.
A small leyy will be imposed fo cover the cost of the cateriny, ete,

101

1h2 ike Peetorlan Notnratise Vol. 77

EXCURSION TO MACDONALD PARK

The attendance of anly two FLNC.V. members nt Matdonald Park on
Seotember 25 was a serious reflection on a Club which has lane beer inter-
ested in the preservation of native fora sack ga which members of the
fublic and yariaus orgarizations look far a lead of matters concerned with
the growing of native planis, However, two members of the Braumaris
Tree Preservation Society and a few local mtizens helped to form 2 small
working party which carried out the progranime planned tor the day. Two
poured tens of the Black Rock ward in which the sanctuary 15 sttuated—
Crs, Cleworth and Martin-—-were present during the anorning, and sume
local residents called to ask for information about local bushland plants
or ahout the sanctuary.

Tt was noted that the Sandrineham Council had recently repaired the
memorial enclosure, and put padlocks on both the gate to this and ta the
sanctuary itself. Dyiplticare keys are tn the posacssinn of the writer. There
was some difference pf apinion about suitable plants [pr an avenue Imading
to the memorial, lwe ic was thought that Rumutg Postman (Keuredya
hrostraia), Swamp Jeotame (fsuvtonia fiieiatelis), and Cranberry Heath
(Astratama humafisin) whould be suttable far use around the memorial.

An area inside the encloture was tien cleared and seetis were scattered
of Shrubby Sheoke (Cornertna distyla), Golden Spray (lb Gmtnaria deondata),
Running Postman, Purple Caral-pea. ( Harrtcntergis vialacea), Silver Bartksia
(8B, waorginata), Green Gsround-berry (Aerutriche sersutata), ane) Common
Heath (8pacris impress2). Plants moved inte this cleared area from other
parts of the surrogunding district included Silky Guines-flower (Hibbertia
wertcea), Bundled Guinea-fower (4. fasefculatad, Dwarf Rice-flower
(Piuelea homalis), Grey Parsat-pea (Oilkuyaia cthentseens}, Sweet Acacis
CA, suaveolens), Silky Tea-tree (Leptoaspernuan tiprsinoides), Silver
Banksia, Curling Everlasting (ffeltchrason scorptolder), Common Beartl-
heath (Lesecopuqen virgatusy, Commou Heath, Rabbit-ears (Taciiinere
antennifera) and another species of su-orchid, Red-beak Orchid (f-yper-
anthus nigricans), Fringed Spiter-orchid (Coludenia dilate), Stately
Helmet-orchid (Corybos dilatutus), Guat Orchid (dciontkus rextformis)
and Long Purple-flaz (Patersonian fonpisvapa). a

As if is hoped that istel-scattering will provide an efficient method at
inereasing the number of species at Macdonald Parl, anyone who is pre-
paret to help by calleeling the seeds of selected species is esked to com-
municate wath the weiter, Taformation watld also be appreciated from
anyanc who has knowledge of any other regeneration schemes carried out
by meuns of seed scatterine.

A Waslip Orchid (Glossodite mayor) in flower near the fence, a Pink
Fingers (Caladewia carsea) revealed? when same Coast Tea-tree (Le pto-
shermuan tovigatwnty was cleared, and a number of Fringed Spider-archids
in bud, gave some indication of the possipilitics of regeneration within the
sanctuary, Many other species which had hecorne straggling plants in
their struggle for existence among the tea-tree should now he able to
develop into more shapely planes, Even it they cantinue to stragsle, they
will stil be serving @ uselul purpose if they Aewer und produce seeds.

—A, 7, Broors

MATERIAL NEEDED FOR THE “NATURALIST”

Owme tu the holid2y period, two issues of this journal must be prepared
hy early December. and as there is unt sufficient suitable material in hand
at present, those who have any such ia mind ate fequested to place it ti
the hands af the Hanotary Editor by Nevember 12.

ee |

The Victorian Naturalist 103
1954

BEAUMARIS PLANTS FOR THE GARDEN

By A. E. Brooks
(Photos: F, Bishop; by courtesy, Educational Magazine)

With increasing interest in our native plants and with the rapid
disappearance of Beaumaris bushland areas, many residents are
anxious to preserve some of the more attractive local species in
their gardens. These notes may be of interest to these, and also to
those living in other areas and growing Australian native
plants. Most of the species have a wide distribution and

~~
“|

|

Running Postman DFE or

many occur alsi in “any [DOS Sac
Zealand. ra :

If the plants are to be
moved to new positions in
the garden, specimens be-
tween about two inches and
six inches in height should
be selected, great care being
taken not to cause any root
disturbance, and a position
should be selected which
gives similar conditions to
those under which the plant
has been noted to thrive
when growing in its natural :
state. Autumn or early Coast Banksia

104 Brooks, Beaumaris Plants for the Garden

spring are suggested as the best
times for such transplanting.
Seeds of desirable species
can often be readily collected.
In some cases these will give
good results if scattered on
cleared ground as soon as they
have been collected. For other
seeds ordinary sand may be
placed in pots or seed-boxes,
the seeds sprinkled on the sur-
face and covered with a thin
layer of sand and watered re-
gularly. On hot days some pro-
tection from the sun may be
provided by trees or by using
hessian. Hard-coated seeds
may be treated by pouring
boiling water over them and
allowing them to stand over-
night. Cuttings taken in the

Hedge Wattle “21+ >

Vict. Nat.
Vol. 71

Showy Parrot-pea — ~alhenyn at =.

spring or summer will also
succeed for some species.

The Running Postman
(Kennedya prostrata) 1s a
spectacular trailing plant, often
with runners many feet in
length, and is ideal for a rock-
ery. Seed of this plant is listed
by the Conservator of Forests,
Perth, W.A., but it could be
collected from plants growing
in various areas. Purple Coral
Pea (Hardenbergia violacea)
looks its best when climbing on
the trunk of a tree, while Aus-
tral Indigo (indigofera aus-
tralis), with its mauve-pink
racemes, completes the trio of
excellent pea-flowered shrubs
recorded for the Sandringham
red sand area.

Mereaecs|

1954 Brooks, Beaumaris Plants for the Garden 105

Other legumes of merit in-
clude species of Bush-pea
(Pultenaca), Parrot-pea (Dill-
wynia) and Bitter-pea (Daz-
tesia).

Golden Spray (Viminaria
denudata) is a tall, rapidly-
growing, broom-like yellow-
flowered plant for a moist posi-
tion. Some attractive wattles
of the area are Juniper Wattle
(Acacia juniperina), Spike
Wattle (4. oxycedrus), Hedge
Wattle (Cl. arimata) and Sweet
Wattle (.4. suaveolens). The
Coast Wattle (4. sophorac)
grows so rapidly into quite a
tree and has such a short life
that it is hardly suitable for
an average garden.

Common Heath

Common Heath (Epacris
impressa) is a beautiful win-
ter-flowering species. It is
usually white in the Beaumaris
area, but occasionally plants
with attractive delicate pink or
even red flowers are found.
Common Heath can be propa-
gated from cuttings, but the
scattering of seed as soon as
the seed capsules have dried
appears to offer the best
means. Common Beard-heath
(Leucopoyon virgatus) known
to local children as “Pepper
and Salt” has an abundance of
white blossom. It grows not
more than about a foot in
height, and is quite hardy.
The Twiggy Daisy-bush
Common Beard-heath (Olearia ramulosa) is another

( Lescerengn Pent

Vict. Nat.
Vol. 71

106 Brooks, Beaumaris Plants for the Garden

hardy quick-growing — plant
which has its white blossoms
twice a year.

Wedding Bush (Ricino-
carpus pintfolius) is consid-
ered by many to be the most
attractive plant of the red
sand area, because of its cover
of cream-coloured flowers re-
sembling a wedding veil. It is
not easy to transplant, but
there are scores of seedlings
and small plants of this shrub
on some housing allotments.
Others display the leaves of
many orchids, and at least one
owner of a new home has
found Correa seedlings coming
up in his garden.

The Correas of Beaumaris
may lack the brilliance of the

Wedding Bush OBistrecar py

red-flowered forms, but the
attractive greenish-yellow flow-
ers are borne on the bushy
plants during a long flowering
season extending throughout
the winter. The Guinea-flow-
ers (Hibbertia) have bright
yellow open blooms, and one
lover of natives says that these
plants attract more comment
from visitors to his garden
than anything else. Some of
the LEverlastings (ITelichry-
suit) with golden yellow flow-
ers should also be successful
as garden plants.

The Coast Banksia (3B. in-
tegrifolta) is too large for most
gardens, but the Silver Bank-
sia (B. marginata) makes a
Correa speciosa -7's-'-¥> good garden plant. Its bottle-

ihe |
1954

Brooks, Beaumaris Plants for the Garden 107
brush spikes appear in the
autumn. The leaves are silvery
underneath, and blunt at the
ends.

Really large areas covered
with the white blossom of
Coast Tea-tree (Leptosper-
mui lactvigatunt), one of the
most outstanding displays of
our bushland, will never be
seen again, but many Beau-
maris gardens owe much of
their beauty to the irregular
straggling trunks of closely-
grown specimens of this tea-
tree. The Silky Tea-tree (1.
myrsinoides) is the heathland
species which often has pinkish
flowers. The other very ¢com-
mon heathland species with
rather prickly leaves is the

3undled Guinea-Hower 6 Yoder fy 2

Manuka, from which most of
the hybrid tea-trees have been
derived. Small plants of any
of these tea-trees are easy to
transplant, and they can be
grown readily from seeds.

Other plants of the Beau-
maris area worthy of a place
in our gardens include the
Rice-flowers (Pimeleas), Ivy-
leaf Violet (Viola hederacea),
Swamp Paper-bark (\/ela-
leuca — ericifolia), = Shrubby
Sheoke (Casuarina distyla),
Sweet Bursaria (2B. spinosa),
and Swamp Isotome (/setoma
fluviatilis), while the more
ambitious growers of this flora
will find a wealth of further
material with which to experi-
Coast Tea-tree ment.

108 The Victorian Naturalist Vol 71

PROTECTIVE HABITS OF THE YELLOW-TUFTED
HONEYEATER

By W, Perry, Eaglehawk

The Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Meliphaga aelanops, is a com-
mon bird in the Bendigo district. Plentiful both in the street trees
of the city and in the near bush country, these birds are present
always. Some ornithologists regard Bendigo as the home of these
attractively coloured birds.

Generally speaking, the Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters may be re-
garded as gregarious. In the Whipstick country, among the iron-
bark eucalypts, flocks of upwards of fifty birds are sometimes seen,
flying from tree to tree, making rather slow progress through the
bush and uttering single whistling notes. In some ways these pro-
cessions are reminiscent of the mournful whistling parties of the
White-winged Chough.

From Eaglehawk to Raywood, a narrow water channel winds
through the Western Whipstick, and an hour before dusk, drinking
parties of these honeyeaters, sometimes as many as twenty birds or
more, can be seen at numerous places along its course. They build
their nests in low shrubs, sometimes only a foot from the ground
and seldom above three feet. Grevillea alpestris and the Common
Fringe-myrtle, Calytrix tetragona, appear to be favoured shrubs
for nest building.

A nest containing two fledglings was once found in a shrub of
Fringe-myrtle, and my close inspection of this pair was greatly
resented by the parents. Their objections were indicated by harsh
chirping and frequent displays of the broken-wing act. Within a
minute, the parents were joined by other Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters,
who soon numbered at least fifteen or sixteen. They joined in with
harsh chirping, and then a circular flight close to my head. This
noisy flight lasted for some five minutes, when gradually the flock
dispersed, the display of the parents ceased, and my presence ap-
peared to be accepted with a somewhat sulky tolerance.

On another occasion a nest of the Red Wattle-bird, Anthochaera
carunculata, containing one young bird, was found in a tree fork,
some four feet from the ground. A small party of three persons
gathered around the tree to inspect the young bird, The parent
wattle-birds showed their objections by the broken-wing act, dive-
bombing close to our heads, and by many harsh calls. Almost imme-
diately, a small flock of Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters appeared and
flew around our heads, chirping all the time. It was a most curious
scene—three human beings, dive-bombed by two wattle-birds and
encircled by a wildly chirping flock of honeyeaters. The central
figure of this scene, the young wattle-bird, stood on the rim of the
nest, quite undisturbed. In five minutes, all was quiet. This occurred

Noventier]

1954 Perey, Holits of Vellow-tufted Howeyedtor 19

in the morning, but when the nest was again visited in the after-
fluor, Gur preseitce was totally ignored by all parties.

As the haneyeaters flew to the attack, I thought of the times
when, watching various species of honeyeaters on blessunt-laden
eucalyptus (rees, pugnacious wattle-birds continually chased them
from the nectur-filled flawers. Why did the Yellow-tufted Haney-
eaters came to the aiq of the Red Wattle-firds? L do not know.

Much has been said and written of the Noisy Miner, Mysantha
melanocephala, sonietinies known as the Soldier Bird, T have oh-
served this bird and heard its alarm notes af a nest with young.
When approached by human beings, and also at the presence of
pair of butcher-birds, much noise was made by the parents, and
other Noisy Miners added their alarm notes also. Cotnpared with
the Yellow-tufted Iloneyeater, I regard the Noisy Miner as «in
alarmist, the call might almost be regarded as hysterical, For action,
I prefer the Yellaw-tufted Honcyeater.

VISIT TO A QUEENSLAND SANCTUARY

Turing @ yecent visit to south Queensland, § visited David Fleay's Sauna
reserve. Fromm the sanctuary iheré is a splendid view of the Tallebudgera
Creek estuary and the mile-distant ocean. Jn the backsround are the towering

ks of the McPhecson Range. This beatiful reserve is a mile and 2 half
ram the surfing resort af Wrest Burleigh and 1 54 acres in extent. Me. Ficay
has & large collection of birds, animals and reptiles, and int the task of loaking
after them, he is ably assisted by tis farnily,

A family of six of the rare, golden type ai the normally black Tasmanian
Brushtait Possum (Tvichosuwns filightosus) is one of the most interesting
exhilats in the reserve, Selective breeding hegan in 1946, resulted in this large
farntly of beautiful, pale gold possums. Comfortably established under Mr.
Fleay’s Neuse, are tour Short-cared Brush-tail Possums (Trichosirws
camnus), and a friendly bttle Minders Island Wombat { Pombatus ursinus)
ten months old and weighing ten pounds.

Twa American owls, the great Eagle Owt (Bubo virgeniamigy said to be
the world’s largest, and the closely related Horned Owl, are of special interest,
An adjaining eticlosure botses ats Australian Powerful Owl (Ntsoxr strani).
The three awls are very similar in appearance The Fagle Owl, however, is
considerably larger than the Australian bird, and the Horned Ow) is onty
sliehily. larger,

The raucous diet of a pair of White-breasted Sca-Eavles (Hoakactyt
lervogaster) nearly deafened people watching them. The curious cackling call
of this handsome eagie is always uttered by two hirds perched close together,
heads lifted skywards, Another iuterestine bird vr prey is the Crested Hawk
(Baza seicristata) an uncommon species, found iu coastal regions Trom
north-western Australia to tiorthern New Sooth Wales,

Among the reptiles in the reserve are some death-adders (Acanthophis
antarcticns antarcticus), Me, Pleay tole me that the sluggish appeatance mf
these reptiles ts deceptive. Other interesting reptiles ere some small and
extremely active Queensland troe snakes, anda large and well behaved Black
Snake (Psoudechts porphurivens) Ahat was stiown to the Queen,

i

—J. Mocairsoy.

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ROTIFERA
Currection: In fick. Net. 7) 94, dine 37, for Collatieca read Floscrertn.

110 The Victayian Nataradist Vol. 71

V.N.P.A, EXCURSION TO WILSON’S PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK

By J. Ros Gaswer

During the Queen's Dirthday week-end, June 12 te 14 last, the Victorian
Warional Parks Association conducted a ity to Wilson’s Promouory
Natienal Park. Moce than sixty members took part, and lhe success of the
experiment of a imid-winter excursion to the southernmast part af the State
wave the organizers reasan td believe that it night be but the first of a
series of aruual excursions lo ihe vartous Natjooal Parks of the State.
The Association has reason to be gratefe) to its Corporate Members Gnecludl-
ing the F N.2LV_, the several Walking Clubs, the R.A O.U., and the B.0.C.)
who helped in a oumber ai ways to provide a programme of both walks
amd talks.

Mere Ujau half of the exdursionists travelled by private car, but those
who went by the chartered moatar coach enjayed the journey the more for
Mr. Gurston's ilimminating comments on the physivgraphy and geolewy of
the St-zelecks and Hoddle Katiges over whieh lay the rozd to the Promoncory
A particular plcagure was the wandertul pangrama of the inland ranies,
dqeean, headlands aud the Prosootery itsell! which was viewed from the
southern escarpment of tae Hoddle Ranges north of Poster, Our arrival al
Tidal River in the fate afternaen allawerl Wittle time foe more than the
formalities of "checking in and the subsequent settling in to the cottages
ar camp. but atter rea all gathered in the large "Campers’ Lounge” to hear
alinouncuments of the plats for the Sunday exeucsions and to listen ta a
series Of short talks on the natural history of the Natianal Park.

The sessian was apened and thare present welcomed by the President of
the Association [Mr P. Croshie Morrion) who epoke also us a member
of the Committee of Management of the Par. Mr, 4, W. Pijtston gave a
fall em the geology of the Promontory in the course of which he drew
aliention to many of the interesting natural featutes whielt.could be seen
by the visitors curing ther snbsequent rambles. He waa followed by Mr,
C, E, Crvant, wha spoke of jhe bird life of the region and, in passing,
rélerred to scone of the unusual introductions which had been effected in
the past of birds such as the Lyrelurd and the Lowan, The writer drseussetl
briefly some aspects af the hatany of the Park mainly front the point of
view of the variety of species and the plant associations which acenr thercir.
The session concluded with the screeriry of a number of Kodachrome slides
from the camera of Mr. J. Lankaster depicting scenes of the Protnontory.

Although plans had heen made for a number ai all-day excursions on
the Sunday, leeavy rain during much al that morning disurfanized arrange-
Ments tt some extent. Nevertheless, several parucs, each with its appointed
leader, hraved the wind and rain and Were rewarded by seeing sname af Vie-
toria’s most magnificent coastal scenery. The trail fram Tidal River to
the mouth of Growler's Creek on-Dberon Ray, with funch senvewhere about
midway, was the choice ef two parties, while two other groups continued on
to the telephone line and made their way back to the camping ground over
the Oberon Saddle. Others, in the sutiny afternoon, enjoyed less stretbous
caisbles along, the beaches of Norman and Leonard Bays or quietly fished
in selected spots.

On Sunday evening about fity assenbied 1o listen to further talks: this
time on the history of Wilson's Promontory from $798 onwards, by Mr. R.
G. Hemmy and the writer, and a discussion uf the general biology of the
Park by tle latter. This wis follower by @ sesston of questions and answers.
and the evening: concluded sith the screening of a series of slides of historical
interest which had been lent for the occasion by the F.N.C,V_ The slides had
been gathered together by the late J. Ef Kershaw, Secretary of the Park's
fitst Coimenittce of Management, and they represented a reimarkable

Mer] Garner, Wilson's Promontory Notional Park itt
set of views, some taken as long ago as 1405. Mr. Lankaster kindly re-
serdened his Kodachrome set, A feature of this session was a collectian of
spécmets provided by Mr. CN, Rossiter of Medley who, with several
other families, had driven ever fram the Yarrans district esperiatly for the
evening meetings. Among them were iruncs froin a cultivated plat cf
the Fragrant Fern—an epiphytic fern once abunitant at Scaloes! Cove and
Lilly Pilly Gully, irands of a garlen grew specimen af the Share Soleon-
wort—a iem iohabiten the eranice cliffs at a few places slog the Vic-
torian sez coast, including parts of the Promontory, and a spray of the
Cromsou Berry—an uncommon epacrid localized an a very iow places on
our southern: shoves The pavticular Ireath specimen was found by M1,
Rassiter at Townshend's Paint outside the present boundaries of the Park;
within the Park it is known to grow at Tongue Point and Sealers’ Cove,
hut the Townshend's Pout plans were exeeprionally liwuriant—up to six
Jeet fy height. fo Mrs, May we were indchted for the display of a callection
of water-colours representing @ series of Aowering plants af the Park, ielusl-
ing a Jarge uumber of orchids. Several items of anterest gleated during
the rambles of the excursiogists wer also tabled. Aniong them was a Tame-
breasted Rohin Fouud by Miss Wigan, and a piece of qualtz showing a gout
example ot the long, paired crystals of the IMack gem-stone, tourmaline,

Monday morning was bright and sunny, ané several parties coun)
thelr explorations, soajie ta Srplesky Bay du liocen to the musical sands, ani
eume ta Lilly Pilly Gully with deliberate curiesas, The visiteurs tu the Gully
regret to say that this once citrancing spor ts now a scane of térridlé dets-
latian, Te¢uvecing very slawly irgm the loJacaust of tae summer of L9SL.
luetedible as it mraty seem, the fire seared alinost every Itvatig thing ta the
many acres of the wanderland of magnificent Rlack Watde Pilly Pilly
treeferm and eucalypt. So little is now to be gained hy tourists visiting the
Golly that the party was unanintous that. in Uve mterests af regeneration,
the track leading wi it should be closed for niany years to come, even for as
lang as thirty years, and all reference to it as a scenic spot remioyed Tren
new editions of the torrist literature and the brochures supplied to Iniaiding
visitors. The mevilable trampiing coat otherwise will occur would do serious
harm to the young seedlings which are vow strigeling lo survive and pre-
judice the prospece of eventual re-establishment of the ald plant association,
The botanists among us pray that the Wexlge Pero (Lindsay cuncata)
has survived the “bpen'. lr is retorded in Australia only fram parts of
western Tasmania, eastern Kew South Wales, and this Lilly Pilly Guily.

What of the animals and birdlife af the Promontory? We saw very little,
There were mahy rabbits, a Jew foxes, an accasianul wallaby and kattigarao,
but there were rio teports of koalas bemg seen, But then there is a gteat
area of the Pramantary, and we reamed over but a Traction of its 160 syuare
miles, Although not seen, add naises at dead of night betrayed the existence
of possums and wombars. One has. the impression that birds are caming
back as the ranges and valleys beeame, once aga, elothed with vegetation
but, due to the weather cunditions prevailing at the fane of ovr visit, few
Epecies were noted hy the bird observers. However, one interesting nnd
by Mr, Morrison wes the hady of a White-headed Petrel, picked up on the
beach bese The moiuwh of the Darby River. lt was a new record beth for thy
Promontory and far our southern water's. Although bieds were not abundant
there were times when the writer and his family shared Waratgh cottage
with a few Scrub Wrens |

The writer noted the leaves of what he 33 centain is Covplastulizs toMeckile,
the Little Tougue Orchid Tf his surmise [s correct it Wald he a new record
for the orchid flora of the Park, Visitors in November ar December can
check this by looking far flawering specimens on ihe granite sJopes above
Oberon Bay.

12 Gansu, Wilson's Pramantery National Park Wace

Conservators, at the present tume, are givin, cousilerable thought to the
future of the Promontory, It is a national park which, by trachtion, is
accepled as a lourist resort as well as a reserye far the protection and pre
servation of native wild life, Which should take precedence? Or can the
two purposes be satisfactory recanciled? We believe that, to some extent,
they can, bul an aspect which should be watehed ds te tendency to over-
develop the settled arca at Tidal River. It can be taken for granted that the
ertablishment af caravan and camp parks will ultimately destroy the natural
beauty of an area, as bas happeiad much nearer Melhourne along the Port
Phillip foreshore from Dromana te’ Rye, and it will happen on the National
Park, Such parts can be written off as wildlife conservatinu areas,

The question arises whether a further camp settlement should he estab-
lished somewhere elee in the Park or whether Tidal River camp sites should
be continually extended ta keep pace with the ever-iucreasing tourist trafic.
The Conunitree of Management is largely dependent on two ami-couservatiow
elements—trurlsts aml cattle graziers---for the revenge which it needs for
developmental work of any kind, and until a new coticept of wildlife manage
ment is accepted hy our legislators both elements are likely to take pre-
cedence over canservation. Meanwhile the taurist must be catered for if he
a2 to be alttacted to the Park. The writer has a feeling that if a second
settlement is to be established it would he better fo isolate it drom Tidal River.

‘The resurrection of the old township of Seaforth an Singapore Peninswla
in the north-east sector of the Park might he worth serious considezation.
[y woul provide @ site vehere the approach could be cither by car or by
beat, Ti would open this part of the park to the walker a3 well as provide a
hase for the ranger patrol, At the present terme that part of tne Park is. winder
fo superyision whatsaever, and what is happening there is anybody's euess.
‘\ further advantage of the Seaforth site over any other is chat ats develop-
ment 22 a tourist setclement would do little more harm to the eenlogy of the
Park than tias already beers done by the settlement of the place in an earlicr
era.

Another matter of some moment concerita tourist tracks and aceess roads,
The siting of highways and byways in a national park is a thorny problent.
The keen oaturalist is untikely, except untler compulsion, to stick to the
well-worn paths, but the average sightseer wotld prefer them, Fron the
éunservation pot af view it is better to Jay out a few well-defined imils
to the places of special interest and patrol them regularly ta see that ther
remain in goad order, If this is not dane, unnecessary dérours Will ineviably
Appear, Che fires ot 1951 have cleared considerable areas at the Dark, and
prised is dhe appropriate time to survey any new tracks and rehabilitate the
ald anes.

A factor which ill have an impertant inflaenes on the problent.of access
is the likejiteod of the Fire Protection division of the Forests Commissieny
putting tn strategic roads for the ose of fire-Aghters. Once those roayls ace
established muclt af dhe hitherto unknowa parkland will be thrown open ic
the inotorist, and the refuges of the native fauna will be stull further reduced.
Without the roads the animals, it seems, will be periodically hiurnt ort,
With the roads they will bave to adapt themselves to a closer association
with man. The choice, since it will have to be made, will sutely favour
the rouds,

There wil) be no point in re-stocking the Park with native faye until
the yermin-pront gence has been re-erected, There is a large body of opinion
that, befare this ts undertaken, a substantial pact of the Yanakie Dethmus
should be added to the Park The soulheru part of ile isthmus escaned the
fires, and ats colyponent of lovely casvarinas, hanksts and coast tea-tree
would be a distinct actorniment ta the elMrande to the Park as well as a
harbour for a wealth of mative wildlife, Thece are very gaod reasons too

x remakes Gagner, H’sison’s Promontory National Park 113

for some-of the coastal strip adjacent ta both Shallow and Corner Inlets
to be made a part of the Park, The wildlife association of Yanakie has
ik COuURlerpart within the present boundaries of the Park, and even the well-
prazed heathlands south of the old Yanakie Station Homestead shoul noe
he overlocked when examining the possibility of adding to its area.

A BIRDLAND DELUSION
By W. L. Wirrtams

Another bird has added himself to the record of those seen in
our very suburban back gatden at Essendon. Though we have at
least a mile to go in any direction, and much more in some, beiore
getting clear of what is genteelly known as “the built-up area”,
voices from the hush are occasignally added ta the choir of black-
lirds, sparrows, mynas, doves and speckled thrushes that chants
and twitters and whistles from the fruit-trees and the electric-light
wires, Magpies warble now and then, ravens cay, white-plumed
honvyeaters tweet, and pallid cuckoos mourn. They also graciously
atlow themselves to be seen.

But never until yesterday had we been visited by that busy fellow
with white patches on a black head and neck, yellow under-parts,
and an olive back, When TF looked from the window he was perforim-
ing niad acrobatics in the bare apple-tree close by the garage. So
furious was the activity that it seemed as if he would certainly drop
down from sheer exhaustion at any minute. [ stole circuitously up
to the garage and looked out through the window against which the
apple boughs practically tapped. ;

He was still at it, darting to a braneh within a foot of the glass,
swaying from side to side, hopping smartly a few inches to left and
right, reversing himself, dartmg to a neighbouring branch, return-
ing, craning his neck, Gattening himself on the bough, springing
up again, and now and then hali-spreading wings and tail and
making 4 low clucking sound. I am only 4 fair to middling recog-
nizer of birds, and it was not until he withdrew for a moment to
a tal] peach-almond and, assuming an upright posture, raised his
beautiful black crest that I knew for certain thac he was an Fastern
Shrike-tut.

For two days he has never been long away from the apple-tree,
and the state of frenzy has been almost unbroken. At first t wasted
many moments in gratitude to him for his supposed onslanght upon
the woolly aphis—auntil it became clear that never once did he lay
beak to bark. Never once while in the apple-tree did he raise his
crest either,

To-day, throwing caution to the winds, T walked out through
the garage door and stood behind him, so that he and the apple-
tree were between ine and the window. The gyrations conlinued,
and their meaning became quite plain, In the glass, another shrike-

14 Witrrans, t Birdland Delusion viet Wee

tit bobbed and danced, the reflection, fairly distinct if a little blurred
#8 ty colour detail, of the bird in the garden.

The real bird did not strike at the glass; his whole altitude was
that of one seeking to please, and his shart retirements secined
nieant to entice his inlage tu come out and join hint. I think, poor
chap, be has wasted two whole days in making love, as many a
supposedly more intelligent male has done, to a lady that pever
really existed, except m his own fancy.

A JUNGLE IN THE CLOUDS ‘
{Book Review)

Do you know the Quetzal bird? You sltould karow. this historic species,
but if you de not, then you cannor do berrer then clect Victor von Hagen
to fea you to its haunts in the ‘Jungle i the Clouds’. It is a Tasctnating
journey, believe me, and singularly free from violence and bloodshed, alrhaugle
he takes us through the vast green beart of Honduras, and brings us to
erips with that strange tare al men, the Jicaque Inchans-

Jn Seprermer L told you of a naturalist who somewhat induced us to trail
hither and thither with him antl yer. enjoy an interesting "Saturday aiter-
noon’. Today, however, we shall inake no detours, for yon Hagen knows
what he wants and is eager to get it, consequently we burst throvgh the
forest. feht tke current of a smighty river, and fecl awed at the majestic
remnants of the ancient and glorious Mayan civilization 1 sadeen at the
thotight that ie flawer-loying cultures of the South American people
should have been exterminated by the greed and treachery of the Spanish
invaders.

But always von Hagen's course heads dircetly for the home of that re
markuble bird, the Quetzal. So im due tiiné wé cast anchor as it were. beside
the nest, the eggs, the chicks—many of them, the demure hen, and the
flamboyant anale with liis magnifica avrenvated tnil-feathers, All are ta
adorn some distant zoo. Alas!

L said “historic bird’, for the Mayan people had chiselled him into inn-
imortality cetituries béfore van Hagen chanced upott their marveiluus stone
monuments. The Quetzal was a royal \ird, the feathers: of which were re-
served for the splendid capes of the rulers; all of which brings to my mind
a remarkable parallel of no little interest to the anthropologist. The Maori
people of New Zealand also wave comparable capes of office for their chiei-
tains, and they used the feathers of the Huia bird to add to the dignified
mien of royalty.

T was struck by the extraordinary likeness of the Mayan sculptures to the
figures in Chinese carvings, especially (Hose of hurman heads, and ny thouetns
flashed back to the theory that some 20.000 years ago, the aboriginal peoples
of America descended from Mongolian ancestors who Nad crossed ving
Strait. and gradually worker their way south into what is now the land
of dollars; atom bombs and mules. Bird lover, entornotogsst, botanist, ethna-
logist archaeologist, all may drink a [ittle from this well of tformation.
There is a touch of the Spanish tongue here and there, to colour the water
as it were, but al] will descend irom the clouds refreshed in mind and feel-
ing all the hetter for a gitmpse of a wider horizon,

—Tartion RaAYMENT, F.R2.5-

ate The Victorion Naturalist 115

CULTIVATING PINK BORONIA
By Conn Fo Lrwrs

The very attractive Pink Boromia(&. aoelleri) has now been grewn in
cur various gardens for the last 18 years, and we have leat a little abuul
ils growrly. [1 seems essenual that it should have some protection irom wind,
z Better thatt average soil, and water coriditians of a type not quite deter,
ringed.

Plants in the forest thrive almost equally well on creek banks, un Hats
somenmes Hooded, and on hillsides, but m each situation the moistire cor-
ditions vary lithe. The hillsides are very well drained, their soil is genvrally
rich in humus and iriable, avid the low siles vary to heavy black loam, saad
aud gravel.

In the garden conditions Auctuate from waterlogged ta very dry in all
seasons, sd much sa that we have had many losses, all of which occur in
summer after drying out. Our soil is poor grey loam over clay, to whick
has been added abuut two feet of hight sandy loam. We can sow afford to
lase plants in the course of experiments, since we have a5 pany seediiyirs
everywhere as are tgund in the forests.

One of our plants bas beet grawn in the vegetable garden for three
seasons, among lettuces, where sulphate of ainmonsa has been sed jibtrally
and deliberately around it, Weeding and light digetng have heen carried quit
around it, and this season it hac been covered with flowers. Another plant
iwarby where the sulphate was nor ysed did sot have any Aowers,

Seecls have been jlanted in spring by ws and ather Club ieembers anid
none has germinated, but seeds planted in December, ar tae tine When thev
fall fram the plants, have germinated at the same time (in the next July)
as those that tell in the garden. They sueny to germinate Isest ts the driest
and warmest positions,

The flower trusses on our plants have been a5 fine as any to be seen
anywhere, aud give us a fine show from September through ta December.

It has been said that this Boronia will nol succeed in Melbewrne, and that
it is short-lived. Our garden is not in Melbourne, bur it is only a few miles
beyond the suburbs. A plant in a garden a few more miles away is still
Rournsking after 28 years, and its only attention has been the picking of \he
flowers occasionally, There stems ta be nao reason why it should not he
arown successfully in Melbourne if it can be given suitable conditions.

NATURALISTS’ NOTEBOOK

(Reserved for your Notes, Observotiont and Queries)

FROGS AND SCORPIONS

On the forviug of May @ last. I visited the Big Hill Ranges near Bendive
and climbed ro the summit of Me, Herbert, the highest point, While ascending,
many loose stones were turned aver in a setrch jor spiders. Recent rains had
wade the ground damp, and under many of the stoves, smat) frogs about cite
inch jn length were noticed. In this locality a species of scorpion, almost two
inches in length, is often found under stones. Under one stone, 2 frog and
A SCOrpion were observed together, about an inch apart, ald, when distorbed
hy the moving of the stone, the scorpion rau down a hole in the ground,
clasely followed hy the frog.

Thris incident was mentioned to a friend, a fisting enthusiast, whe remarked
that similar experiences had been related to him by icllow anglers, as they
often turn stones when searching for small frogs which are used as bait.
These observations seem tno indicate that thy trogs have less to fear Tron
the scorpions than froin the fislernmen, and tht while both yirefer a similar
habitat, the frogs are favoured with at jeast some talerance from the scorpions.

—W. Ferny, Eaglehawk.

116 Naturalists’ Notebook eo we

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN
F.N.C.Y. Excursions;

Saturday, November 13—Micrascopical Group Excurston, Botanical Gardens
Lake, north-west corner, at 2.30 p.m,

Sunday, November 14—Mount Littlejoc. Moderate climb. Leader: Mr.
Williams. Take 9,15 a.m, train to Warburton fram No, 1 East platform,
Bring two meals,

Sunday, November 21—Botany Group excursion, Yarra Junction to Launch-
ing Place. Walk approx. five miles. Leader: Mr. Haase. Take 9.15 a.m.
train to Yarra Junction from No. 1 East platform, Warburton end of
train, Bring two meals,

Saturday, November 27—Studley Pack. For juniors and new members.
Leader: Mr. Swaby. Take North Kew or Collingwood bus and meet
at Johnson Street Bridge at 2.15 p.m.

Saturday, December 4—Easy walk from Woodend ta Macedon. Subject :
Botany and Genetal. Leader: Ms. Atkins. Take 9,30 ait, Daylestord
train trom Spencer Street, alight at Woodend. Bring two meals.

Saturday, Decemher 11—Geolagy Group excursion to Kinglake West.
Travel details at Group meeting,

Preliminary Notice:

January 29-31 (Australia Day weck-end)—Week-end at Marysville, Re-
served guest house atcommodation may be booked with Excursions
Secretary. £2 deposit per person ta accompany bookings. Please book
as early as possible, Transport by Mackenzte's bus service, approx. 28/-
return.

Group Meetings:

(7.45 p.m, at Royal Society's Hall)

Tuesday, November 16—Microscopical Group,

Tnesday, December 7—Geology occu prbieets “New Ideas From Recent
Geological Literature’, by Mr.

Botany Group will not meet again ta February.

Marte Attenper, Excursions Secretary,

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 71—No. $ DECEMEER 9, 1954 No, 852
PROCEEDINGS

About 120 members and friends attended the General Meeting
held at the National Herbarium on November 3, 1954, Mr. Raker,
iy the Chair, extended a welcome to visitors and especially to
Mr, G. B. Walton, the speaker for the evening,

Mr. and Mrs. J. Wo H. Strong were clected as Joint
Ordinary Members, Miss Jean Harper is Ordinary Member,
and Miss Elizabeth Strong as Junior Member, All are extended
a hearty welcome to the ranks of the F.N.C.V.

The Excursions Secretary, Miss Allender, asked for the names
of those who proposed to make the trip to Marysville during the
Austraha Day week-end, Mr, Baker asked members who were in
arrears with their subscriptions to get in touch with the Treasurer
as soun as. possible and thus avoid the necessity of sending ont
rejminders. .

Mr. Walton was then introduced to the meeting, and gave a
most interesting talk entitled “Astronomy Simplifed”. This was
iflustrated by a series of excellent lantern slides and showed
details of the earth’s movements, and facts about the sun, moon,
planets, stars and galaxies. Many questions were pit to the
speaker, who was then thanked by the President for a mest
informative address.

After some nature notes, the meeting was adjourned for the
usual conversazione and examination of exhibits.

NATURE NOTES AND EXHIBITS
October Meeting:

“Harvest-men”, of the Phalengidve te the phylum Arlhropoda—small
smder-like animals with very long legs and broad six-sepmented abdomen
not vonstricted off from the unseymented cephalothorax. Respiration is by
tubular tracheae. Harvest-men feed ou small ahsects and ayoid the glare of
daylight. These specimens were collected from beneath damp fogs on garden
heds at Hawthorn South, Exhibited by J, W. Raft.

Lemon Star-bush (Asterotana muellert), of the family Rwtaceae, a native
of Tfealesville and Kinglake; and Pink Dock (Rimex rosens), a Mediter-
ranean native, plentiful jn the Flinders Ranges af South Austratia, likely ro
prove a good garden annual, Both exhibited by A. J. Swahy,

November Mecting:

M{r_ Gabricl reported on some experiments that had been carried out with
$ome¢ Fairy Penguins in Tasmania. Marked birds taken many miles away
had returned tu their home burrows within a few days.

Mr. Swaby exhibited Nethercote’s Tea-tree and seedlings raised from it,
the Western Australian Afelalenca fulgens, and Callistemon cifrinus.

138 The Victorion Naturalist Vol. 71

' 4 + + MICROSCOPICAL GROUP

About forty members and friends attended our last meeting for the year,
Taking the form of a conversazione and supper, the evening was a success
in every way. Dr. R. M. Wishart, group leader, sent his apology for being
absent. He is on holidays, and wished everyone a happy Christmas. Mr. A.
*. Baker, F.NUCY, President, was welcomed as a gucst There were abort
a dozen microscopes on the bench, and each exhibwor had a few words
to say ahout his indivjdyal exmbit. Mr. McInnes: Heart circulatron of gills
of tadpole. Mr. Black: Presh-water diatoms from Kiver Yarra (Victoria
Bridge), Mr. Barrett; Fresh-water diatoms and recent marine diatom,
Arachnoidiscus chrenbergii, Mr. Thiele: Gassamer spider. Mr. Tindale:
Deposit from recent dredging by Melbourne Harbour Trust at Wil-
hiamstown, Mr. W. Evans: Spirogyra showing conjugation, and TS, section
Stem of grape stained safranin atid fast green, Mr. Robb: Eoxaon canadensp,
There will be no meeting in December, See the Fictorion Natetralist, January
issue, for further particulars,

GEOLOGY DISCUSSION GROUP

The October imectiag held at the Royal Society's Hall, was attended by
25 menjbers and visitors. Mr. A. A. Baker reported of a Group Excursion
on Saturday, September LI, to Coode Island, Although the search for fossil
Crustacea was onsuecesstul, the party secured specomens of flint brought
to Australia from Engliaid as ballast on the S.S. Port Jackson and damped
a5 filling on the north sade nf the Coode Canal. The address af the evening
Was given by Mr. George Baker, who spake on “‘Australites'’. The speaker
evidenced a wide knowledge of his subjoct and listeners were appreciative
of the jutercsting intormation given regarding the Australites’ shapes, dis-
tribution, composition, their use by the aborigines, and the theories advanced
regarduig there origin, Y

Thirteen members weee present at the Navember meeting of the Group,
The subject of the evening was a talk by Mr, Gill on recent gublications
of geological interest The speAker reviewed a wide range of geolngical
literature, and commented on the various magazines and books exbitnted.
In additian to the books exhihited by Messrs. Gill and Baker, Mr, Jeffrey
exhibited specimens of polished Jasper and Caitngorn and a ryolite erratic.

BOTANY NOTES ON BRISBANE RANGES VISIT

After the Club excursion to these ‘ranges on October 3 last, always a
profitable one botanically during that month of the year, it is interesting
to refer back to the same day in October 1925, when Dr. C. S, Sutton led
a party there, and to compare a few observations recorded on bath occasions.

Miet Nat., Vol. 42, November 1925, pp. 159-161, states, ater afta:
"Nanthorrhoca attra and Hibbertio stricta stood out deyorid atl orher
plants of smaller size, both in frequency and continuance, and the Goliten
Wattle was also persistent ai” abundant.” 1954 certainly confirmed the
atuindance of these three species. Except for a sdtitary spent spike or two,
the Grass«tree was not in flower, but ihe Erect Gujneasflawer dominated
the floral scene everywhere, with the Golden Wattle a good second. And
over the years the Golden Grevillea (G. floribuinde) was ageit “never quite
out of the picture’, oo, ea ses

Just against the picket fence of aA cottage garden at Steiglitz, a fine
plait, in full flower, of Oleorie parrosa was pointed ot to members, This
as the precise plant of 1925, demonstrating it to be at least 30 vears old.

The earher account mentions “Errostenion obowalis as feither very exten-
sive, so robust o¢ floriferous as araund Bendigo", The later trip; however,
preved this Waxflower to be maintaining its own, and perhaps now more

Avlaay Notes on Brisbane Ranges Vrsit 9

Poot
1944

akin to the Bendigo quality. Of the five epacrids recorded in 1925, all wers
voted again for $954, three in full flower, two not se. Along the timber
track leading from the lower Durdidwarrah towards Anukie, a sixth was
Found, mot recorded by Dr, Sutton—Lexcoposon biflorus (Twrn-fower
Beard-heath); one fine bush onty, covered with flower, and occurring in
association with Red Tronbark, Unfortunately, timber in the vicinity is
being cud down, and this lone plant grew but a few inches from the wheel
track of the timber vehicles.

Two further species not mentioned for 1925 but seen in 1954 call for
camment. Among the several Wattles, a considerable tract in the Reservoir
region was brilliant with Aracta myrfifolu, forming ove of the finest
displays seen anyWhere by the writer, Mr, E, S. Hanks focated a young
tree, showing frvits, of Snow Gum, that occasionally occurs mear the
reservoir,

Two rarities of previous visits, Chortstemon Ayptilrs (Anakie Heath) and
Pultenace groveolens (Scemed Bush-pea} were not rediscovered. We also
failed io encounter Olcaria iodachroa (Violet Daisy-bush}.

Our general impression ts that the terrain traversed still retains & rich
native flora.

H. C. E, Srewarr,

EXCURSION TO MOUNT LITTLEJOE

Dy Sunday, November 14, twelye Club members leit Flinders Street by
the 9.15 a.m. train, bound for Warburton and Mount Littlejes, The cun vo
Warburiun was mide am clear sunshine for most of the time, and the
reserves along the live, especially from Croydan on, were bright with many
flowers. Most frequently seen were Common Teartrec, Small Grass-tree
(flowering freely), Rice-flower, Bulbine Lity, Trigger-plant, Chocolate Lily,
Fringe-lily, Blue Pineushions, Milkmaids, Connon Buttercup {in great
niasses), and Common Billy-buttons.

From the Warburton station the party went to Seatchman's Creek,
following that stream to the re-fortned part of the Old Warburton Road.
On the way, some altertion was paid to the association of creek flora, and
oceasion Was taken to examine Silver and Black Wattles, Blackwood aid
Hazel Pomaderris, together with several Jesser plants, such as Common
Cassinia and Tree Everlasting, Hop Goodenia, which was to he the most
frequently seen flowenng shrub during the whale day, was also Here met
with for the first time, while Goadia fofifolia, more usually in pod, had
a few late Aowers clinging to odd plants Of the creepers or climbers,
Wonga-vine was in (ruit, awd Clematis presented some plants seeding and
others (at higher levels} in full flower, A .

A few minutes were spent in examming the entrance ta the Mount
Littlejoe water tunnel and the vistas to be hac from various spots along
the road, then the climb to the Littlejoe Saddle was undertaken, while
birds and roadside flowers were noted as o¢casion offered. Near the watec-
scheme clearings several flowering plants of the Tall Sun-orchid were
qbserved, together with & Beard-grchid and a solitary Pink-fingers. With
billies filled from the tank of a deserted house, the tharoughly warmed-up
climbers went down to the old roadside camp for lunch, Which was taken
to the accompaniment of many bird songs. Friar-birds, harmonious thrushes,
corrawonps,-a wattle-bird, a lyvé-bird, and a whip-hird were among those
Who jomed in the chorus. | ry

Upon the return to the saddle, an attempt was made on the fal stage
of the route to the top of Mount Littlesoe, but the iracks proved to he
badiy overgrown, and in the circamstances (which include the presence of a
number of deep shafts on the south-eastern slopes), it was thought umene

p oe. ote Viet. Nat.
12 Excarsion to Mount Little(oe Val. 7

te continoe. Instead, it was deetded to follow the read through the bust
an tO etiter Warburton at its eastern end. This was done, and the party
hae tea beside the Yarra, passing, on the way down, 1umerops specimens
of Silverton (2. Siebertans). During tea, memhers were able to ebserve a
pair of Eastérn Spine-bills at the uest in a bush of Furpan; the female
was sitting.

TIowever, the visit to “the rongh" at Littlejoe was not Without interest:
A-strange hypoxiy was found there, which praved ta be MWyposis willose,
a South African plants the specimens had lorig,' broad leaves with silky-
villous margins and mid-ribs, a thick dawn of hairs on the flower-stem and
the reverse of the Mower, and an inflorescence nf two or three rich golden
blooms with the weather-glass habit. In the ‘same locality were seen the
somewhat rare Narrow-leai Star-hair, and a particularly rich and jiush
display of Ptreha ligustrina, with galden anthers sprinkling the white
flawer-heads with, coaloyr,

dt should be mentioned, too, that the day was Joud with the noise of
cicadas, whielt becamé particularly vocal whenever the sun grew warmest.
Green, as well as golden-broiae, specitriens were captired aimong the low
growth uncer the, reas.

- ithe list of floweritig plants and of birds recorded for the trip is as
iolows — -

Frowers; Acacia matlissima, A, verticillata, Velichrysun dendroidenne.
Cassima acleat:, Goodenia ovata, G. humilts, Goodta lotfolia, Platylobinm
formosum, Spyriduen parvifoltum, Olearsa Urata, Pomederris apetala, Correa
reflexe (included on the evidence of a single bloom), Cenlartrean prnlckedius,
Wahlenbergia sp. Tetratheca sp. Leptosparmuan scaparium, Melaleuca
synurrosa, Kuncea pedunculuris, Clematis arixtata, Dieghemopanae sambyuct-
falius, Labelia sp, Zieria smithit, Grattula pervviana, Pivetia digustrina,
f?. spathulata, Asterotricha ledifolia (var, linearis), Fyporis villosa, Bulbine
bulbusa, Siylidinm Gromnignintivar, Dichopogon stricins, Thysametus sp.,
Thelymitra grandiflara, Caluchilus robertson, Caladenie cantea, Praso-
phyllim australe, Xaonthorrhaca minor, Brwiawia anstralis, ‘Bwrchardia
winbellata, Craspedia sp.

Birvs: Kookaburra, Raven, Eastern Spinc-bill. Dusky Wonrd-swallow,
Grey Thrush, Rufous Whistler, Searlet Robin, Magpie, Yellow Robin,
Gang-gang Cockatoo, Grey Fantail, Blue Wren, White-eared Honeyeater,
Magpie-Lark, Crimson Rosella (immature), Black-faceti Cuckoo-shnke-
(The fist exeludes introduced birds and bards Heard but not seen.)

—W. L. Wriztams,
ARREARS OF SUBSCRIPTIONS

With hall the Club year gone by, our Honorary Tressurer Ffeporls to
Council that ahout half of the members are in urrears with their annual
pb EN Those who have not yet paid this year's subscription are
particularly asked to do sb as soon as possible, tu obviate the necessity
of sending out some hunireds of reminder notices

"VICTORIAN NATURALIST’ FOR SALE

Incomplete yolumes of The Mictorion Naturalist are being prepared for
sale, and the frst available is Volume 49 The ser of nine numbers contains
items on Crinoline Fungi and Australian Sea-slugs, bath with coloured
pines: ate three articles by David Fleay, on Native Cats, Phascogales and

izoty Possums. There are alsa well-illustrated major articles on a-diversizy
ai subjects—the Bunya Mountains and Otway Ranges, Sunfish and Octopus,
and a number dealing with Orchids. Obtainable for 5/- (including pastage)
from Mr. K. Atkins, Botanic Gardens, South Yarra, S.E.1, Vietora

eee

1954 The Victorian Naturalist 121

AN OLD ABORIGINAL SITE
By Lioner A. Gitsert, Nabiac, N.S.W.

During the collecting of items of local history, it was learned
from two octogenarians that at least two well-defined aboriginal
sites were in the vicinity, One of these was near Halliday’s Point,
a few miles north of Forster, N.S.W. A visit was made, only to
find that clearing operations had destroyed the marked trees
around the site—an initiation or keepara ground. Fortunately, an
excursion to the other site was more fruitful.

Thanks to Mr. Wm, Dates and his son Eric, an excursion was
arranged to a lonely spot some
11 miles away over a very
rough road. Our goal was a
hill, small but steep, about 100
' feet high, situated on the penin-
sula formed by the Wallamba
River and Minimbah Creek,
» quite close to Lake Wallis. The
hill was found to be covered
by open forest, comprising
mainly Grey Ironbark (Euca-
lyptus paniculata), Small-
_fruited Grey-gum (&. pro-
pingua), Spotted Gum (E£,
maculata), Tallow-wood (E.
microcorys), a type of mess-
mate, and Forest Oak (Casu-
arina suberosa). Coarse grasses
and a few herbs and shrubs
Pwere found among the many
stones strewn down the hill-
side. These smaller plants in-
cluded Rubus parvifolius, Gly-
cine tabacina, Solaniuim sp. and

Photo: M. Gilbert the orchid Acianthus forni-

Ironbark tree, showing dendroglyph, cats. In stump holes and

Minimbah, N.S.W. around logs were such ferns as

Doodia aspera, Adiantum his-

pidulum, Cheilanthes tenuifolia and Blechnum cartilagineum. Apart
from an old boundary fence running up the hill, there was little
evidence of the white man, for clearing operations had not ex-
tended this far. The few stumps that were present were quite old.

On the very summit of the hill, in a position commanding a
view of most of the surrounding country, was found an old mal-
formed grey ironbark, and quite discernible in its bark was a

122 Gisert, 4n Old Aboriginal Site Wyott

large carved goanna. This dendroglyph was outlined in chalk and
photographed. A search all round the hill failed to reveal any
other carved tree.

Some distance from the tree was found a ring apparently formed
by a low mound of earth pressed down and eroded until now it
is merely one to two inches above the surrounding ground. Grass,
a small tree, and other vegetation have grown in and around the
ring, yet the ring is quite visible. Measurements showed that the
ring was somewhat oval, approximately 35 ft. 6 in. by 29 ft. 6 in.,
atid on the E.S.E. the outer mound was broken by an opening

about 4 ft. wide, evidently

f- the entrance by which the

Marked = / a initiates were introduced to
Trea = \

\ the ceremonies. A smaller
and more circular ring was
found within the larger one.

52 This measured about 5 ft.

| across and was possibly the

site of fires.

le 7 _— r Numerous stone imple-
ments have been found in

this district, mainly by
farmers during ploughing
operations. These have gen-
erally shown deliberate
chipping and/or grinding.
One implement was parti-
cularly interesting, as it was
quite unlike any of the
others. It was a_ heavy
straight stone, almost 13
inches long and about 6

~ “eo inches round, somewhat
{ —
en tapered at one end, and
Thins aie Meenara:Crownd: at ground top and bottom along
Minimbah, N.S.W, its whole length to a keel-
shape.

The Wallamba River—Lake Wallis area was once inhabited by
the Birpai and Worimi tribes which had fairly fixed boundaries
at first, but once settlement and the dispersal of natives began, both
tribes intermingled and camped on the same territory. Another
Kattang-speaking tribe, the Kurringgaii, probably lived in the
vicinity also. The Worimi were divided into clans, each with its
own totem, and it is interesting to note that two of these totems
were miakang (lizard) and wurang (goanna). An aboriginal legend
states that it was the cat-fish who instituted the “keepara’’ cere-

Tene |
1854

GILBERT; An Old Aboriginal, Sye A23
many, and ag proof it pointed out that the cat-fish, builds a ring
of stones for a nest, which is guarded by the male.

Details of the Marked Tree: :
Type: Grey Lronbark (2. panterlata),
Girth: 7 ft. din. s
Height: 40 ft, (approx,)- :

Details of Dendroglyph: . :

Length of carving: 4 ft. 5 in Head: 3 it. t in.
Body: 1 ft 1 in.
Tail; 2 it. 3 in.

Tip af nose of goanna to base of tree: ff It.

Tip of tail to base of tree: I ft, 7 in.

Width of carving at widest part of abdomens & in,

Dendroglyph faces 5,5,W

THE ARISTOCRATIC CYCADS
By K. W. ATEINS

The cycads are a venerable race of quaint, primitive. palm-like
plants whose ancestry has been traced back for something like
200 million years. Botanists recognize nine genera in this family,
the Cycadaceae, which is widely distributed through the tropical
and subtropical regions of the world, Three genera occur in Aus-
tralia, Ma¢rosamia and Bowenia being endemic but Cycas extend-
ing to eastern Africa and through the East Indies to Japan.

Cycads are tenacious of life, being easily transplanted even
when large, and in the native state bushfires seem unable to destroy
them. They are noted, too, for their extreme -longevity. Many
individuals of Cycas cairnsione, which forms extensive forests in
North Australia and Queensland, are estimated to be 3,000 years
old; and a 20-foot specimen of Macrosaimia denisomit on Tam-
hourine Mountain in Queensiand has lived for a thousand years
ot more,

These plants are related to ferns, horsetails and palms. They
are dioecious, with the fernale plants greatly, outnumtbering the
males, The male inflorescence is in the form of an erect cone,
resembling a pineapple and composed of miodified leaves which
bear pollen sacs on the under surface, This abundant supply oi

ollen is either distributed haphazardly by. the wind or else trans-
erred by certain types of bees and wasps. The female cones consist
of loosely packed modified leaves with naked ovules on the under
suriace. The seeds are large, often as much as two inches long
and an inch wide, ;

Throughout the family, there ia.a polson present in both seeds
and stem pith; yet wherever cycads grow, native peaples have
leatned to remove the poison by a nuinber of leachings with

Vier. Nat.
Vol Ta

Ted Atkins, The dristucratic Cycads
water, Gr Lo destroy it by roasting; and 30 the seeds and stem
pith are widely used as food” Our natives eat the seeds of the
yalious species of Macrosaaia, Africans eat those of Zanwa and
Mexicans those af Droon edule, The Hotteatets of South Africa
make “Kafhr bread” from the stem pith of Encephaiartos aften-
stem, and from species of Cycos in the Moluctas and Japan a
sago is. prepared from the pithy part of the stem,

There are severa) eyead specimens in the Melbourne Botanic
Gardens, one of the finest bemg of Macrosamia denisoni. During
January and February, this is one of the glories of these gardens.
From within the centre of the last year's fronds, irom ten to
fifteen cinnamon-coloured, velvety buds appear and grow rapidly
into an eérect cluster of narrow spikes six feet in lengitt, The
Hghtly packed pinnae along the sides of cach frond expand to
their fis) size and reveal their lustrous bronze-green foliage, with
a reddish streak running the full length of each midrib. The effect
is one of grace and beauly as a gentle breeze sways the iridescent
fronds. As they mature, the fronds deepen to a glossy dark green
and arch gracefully towards the ground around the small trunk.

Cycads make excellent garden specimens; they are hardy and
their only insect pest is mussel scale, which is easily controlled,
They range in growth habit from a trtnkless plant to one with an
~ BO-foot column bearing a terinmal crown uf glossy fern-like fronds
Probably the finest of all is Macrozaniia miguel, which has a
restricted range in northern New Sonth Wales and Queensland.
The thick underground stem bears a spectacular crown of frow
80 to 100 fronds.

In 1854, fruiting specimens of Stangernt peradoxa, from sub-
tropical South Africa, were exhibited ta cxcited members of the
Lintaean Soctety of London. The excitement was not without
reason, for this plant has a turnip-shaped trunk about a foot in
~ height and three or four Jong glossy fern-Jike Irands. Such was
their form anc venation that, in 1835. the botanist Kunze, who
had imperfect specimens, named it as a fern, Lomeria ertopars!

Bowenia spectabilis, named in 1863. was first discovered by the
naturalist-explorer Allan Cunningham, at the Endeavour River in
Queensland in 1819. Nothing further was known of the plant until
Walter Hill, of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, rediscovered it at
Rockingham Bay and sent a plant with fronds and a male cone
to the Royal Butanic Gardens at Kew in England.

Bowenia has a thick underground stem, marked with the scars
of old fronds, The foliage is loosely pinnate, three or four feet in
length, and presents remarkable analogies with jer frondage, It
ix Tittle wonder that these two plants, each of a monotypic zeimus,
caused such a stir in botanic circles curing the middle years of
last century

ger ya |

Tae ‘The Victoria Noturalist 125

A NEW VICTORIAN (AHD SOUTH AUSTRALIAW) EUCALYPT
By 1. 2, Pryor® and J. A) Worerst
EUCALYPTUS ABROMAPHLGIA L, D, Pryor & J, Hy Willig,

speries nova cx affmitate &, tinpinalis Labill, cum qua hybridas sacpe
geterat, sed eortice Nubilo persistente crasso rimoso fortiter aromatice,
follis juyenilibus glaucescentibus + petiolatis (haud amplexicaulibus),
alabastris fructibusque usitate 7 differt. &. anuculosa Re T. Baker
folidfum florum fructuumque facil simallimg est, sed situ siceo smon-
tano, cortice lacyi cacsio, ligno rubescente, alahastris sacpe pluribus
fte. ab ca recedit, quod &. ager@gata Deane & Muiden diitert cortice
igriore, fructibus (7 per tmbellam) patvioribos distinctims pedi-
cellatis, folivs juveniibus fortivs petiolatis alternisque, occupalione
situuen paludasiorium et floritione acstivali ¢{Dec-Februar,).

dchog usaue ad 20 m, alta, cortice sybitbrillosy crassa griseonubilo rimose spongigse
Petaraiatico usgue Ad ranmlos nuvellos ohteclay rami sdepe late dispansi, Legewnr
Pallide brunndun, moderate vrawe sod sub-dnurle, Cotyledones vespertibiaufornies, eariin
lamina lation quam Inmgiog cireiter 1,5 & 4-5 mm. Fottu juvewifa sarpe paulum glauca,
ad Smulia pari2 opposifa deinde altertiantia, 2-8 cm. longa, chtusa ‘yel subsacula, late
eiktmies vel linearia. prinnunt basin versus coftvacia Cubl sesiliz, pro S10 pores
grimis) desncdke Greviter peliglata. Folia uduiéla alterna, virvfia, augusle vel Jzle Isrtoealsra,
acumirlaca, inferdam paulum faleats; perotus 3-2 en. lonsusy daceinn 4-14 % J-2,5 om.
distinete yeriogas cere’ laterales ciee. 15-10 uteingecus gostam et cym £2 anguium 20°.45¢
facientes, nervus intramarginalis a mareme folii 0.92.5 mm. posilus. Isforrreontic
axiJMzis, umbellata, mierdum gliucescens; pedunculus teres vel pavom complanalus,
d-& mm, juris, Heres cerens, Aiubestri on aucturmtate aperti, glabri, swhaitidh,
distincle pedréelili vel aubscstites, breviler Lusiformes, subsbtusi, 567 & 23 ana;
talyors (ulus ohcomicus, 3-4 mm. loneus, operculum snbhanisphaeriqain yel Inte conicum,
obtusum, guam calyets pibus <ire, duglo Dreviora. Vivace robastus brevisque, 2] mm.
longus, apice Stigmoso paulom iptato. Stotwee permulta, albt. circ. & mm longa.
antherae versatiles, cite. 04 mm. langis, late ohovato-oblonga, eacum Ineul parallel in
times latos Jonziludinales debistentes, a:b comnectivum ylandem dorsziem lstam epri-
Spicuamt gerentes. Frictes glabér, sebliennspliacrious vel late pyritarmis, ty pice 5-7 XN 43-4
mm.; discus promimens, cige: 1 mm. latus, sureym obliquans; valvag 3-4, weriate del
tuidesc, 2+ mitt, latac, erectwe, ewsertac, Semine cire, (5-2 % 1 tam. subapiculsra.
leregilarniter angulata, jitgra dah ovills abertiis parvis rufig pluribus yalde distineta).

A small to medium-sized, round-headed tree sometimes altaming about 20
metres (65 fe.)2 branches usually wide-spreading and often low down on
trans.

Bork, except on stvaller branches, rough, greyish, persistent, subfibrillose,
rather spongy, ditch deeply fissured and always very aromatic (when rubbed
or crusherd)—in texture somewhat uMermediate between the “box and
"stringybark’” types. Tainber gale. pinkish-brown, moderately hard and
heayy (48-66 Tb. per cub. ft), but not durable, apt to warp and snap anit
of use only 4s a second-rate firewood Celyledons Lat's-wing shaped, the
lamin much broader than long {about 15 % 4-5 mm.). Javentle leaves often
sliglitly glauecescert, oppasite tor 8 or more pairs and then hecoming alter.
nate, 2-8 cm, long, abtuse to subacute, fram broadly elliptical (at Creswick)
to linear (Stawell), contracted toward the base where sessile (in the first
& or LG pairs}, leter shortly petivlate; ceppice Hoots at Creswick with sub-
rutund, very “gummy” purplish-glaucous leaves, Adult foliage green,’ nar-
rowly ta broaliy lanceolate, acuminate, sometimes tending to fuleate; petioles
1-2 em. long and blades 4-14 % 1-25 em. Veicis of leaves fairly prominent,
the lateral 15-30 on each side of mid-vein to. which they are inclined at_an
angle of 245°; intramarginal vein 05-25 mm. from the leaf-edge.
Infloresconce an axillary “umlet" of 7 fowers, (rarely more or Jess), the
common peduncle terete of slightly Aattened and 3-6 tim, Jong, sonieiimes
plaucesceitt (Creswick) @uds smooth, rather lustrous, distinctly pedicellate
to subsessile, shortly fustiarm, subobtuse, 5-7 X 23 mm; calyx tube

* Superintendent, Parka and Gardens Section, Dept, Interior, Canberra, ACT.

? Botanist, National Herharivo, South Yarra, Wietorta.

126 Pryor and Wiius, 4 New Victorian Eucalypt biraeve

obeonic, 3-4 mm.: operculum subhemispheric to broadly conical, obtuse or
rarely subacute with a short heak, about half the Jengthk of calyx tube.
Style short and thick, 2-3 mm, long. with slightly swollen stigmatic apex.
Stamens white, numerous, about 6 mm, Joug; anthers versatile, about 0.4
mim. tong, broadly oboyate-oblong, with parallel Joculi dehiscing in broad
longitudinal slits, bearing a conspicuous broad gland on the back of the
connective, Fruit subhemispherical to broadly pyriform, typically 5-7 X 4-6
mm.; disc. prominent, about 1 mm. wide, slopiig upwards; valver 3-4, very
broadly deltoid (2-4 mm. wide}, erect, exserted. Seed subapicitlate, irregu-
larly angular and minutely tugulose, about 1.5 -2 X 1 mini., black and con-
trasting with the numerous rufescent abartive ovules.

SOuTH

AUSYTRALIAL

oD ~
usmle FAN

tismuny | LUGAR OUMALHLTA

NOuezee

South-eastern Australia, wilh areas of distribution of
Eucalyptus aromaphioia shaded.

Flowering period: February to April, some blossom appeating every year.
Habitat; Lower valley slopes or flats, avoiding dry ridge-tops, swampy
areas and basaltic formations, usually on clay sods. Distribusen: In Vic-
turia from Poolaigelo near the Sopth Australian border through Culeraine,
Balmoral and Muchong Creek (Black Range) around the southern fringe
of the Grampians ta Moyston, Stawell, Ararat, Beaufort, Linton, Ballarat,
Creswick, Daylesford, Trentham, Upper Barwon River, Anglesea, Yarra
Junction, and presumably as jar cast as the Yallourn-Walhalla-Toongabbic

eee | Prvor dnd Wiss, 4 Ve Mistorion Eucolypt 127

area (but the very similar tree there mot yet thoroughly investigated)-
Ta South Australia neat Penola and prohably ae other places in the far
south-east,

Type tree: At 113-mile past.on the Great Western Highway, Victoria
(between Boangur and Mt. Langi-Ghiran im Ararat district), and approxi-
malely at the centre of the species! range. Hototyre from type tree der.
1. D Pryor & J, H, Willis, August 20, 1954 (MEL, Herb. Dept. Interior,
NSW, BRI, K); Panatver. from Eastern Hill, Creswick, leg. J. H, Willis,
January 7, 1946 (MEL).

Discussion

A problem that has long been puszling athohgst Wie eticalypts is the way
to interpret variable populations in western Victoria and South Australia
which haye often been referred te &. feboriana. The use of the name
&, fuberioso Naudin has been far fronr satisfactory, partly because: rhe
type described by Naudit was growing as u young tree at Cap d'Annbes in
France from an Australian locality which was nat known, These South
Australian and Victorian populations of Eucalyptus ceferred to E, Auberiana
arc undeed variable. They have for: one thing very different amounts. o4
rough bark from individual to jndividuel, In a sigh staid same irces
inay he conmnletely smooth-barked, whereas others are rough-barked to
the small Jimbs, while others are intermediate in different degrees The
same kuid of wide variation occurs with the inanber of bids m ¢ach Rower
cluster, There ace ysyally some with three on every tree and same with
seven, and olhers with intermediate nunibers. At times a tree may be almost
exclusively throe-flowered with few exceptions, and conversely, other trees
may .be almost exclusively seven-flawered with a few exceptions. In additions,
the juvenile leaves are rather irregular, at times being sessile, opposite
and stem-clasping and indistinguishable irom 4. simina/ts, but at ather
times hecouminy sumewhat aliernate after a relatively few number of pairs
have developed (perhaps only ten or ga), and contracted at the base so
that they are no longer stem-clasping but sometimes even shortly petiolate

This kind of variation 3s identical with that which occurs in populations
which are kiowlh ta be segregating lybrid swarms, and it has seemed
reasonable to posuilate thar these trees were all members. of a hybrid swarim
One of the original parents abvieusly must be fi. wariralis, bot it has been
rather balfling to decide what the other could be, he missing parent is
provided by the recognition af F srowaptityia as a distinet, hitherto un-
Geseribed tree belonmeg to the Macranfnerac-Normales and having as its
principal distinguishing characters: rough spongy bark, somewhat deeply
fissured and always highly aronmtic, flower clusters regularly in seventy
(ef threes in © ttnrtralis) and juvenle leaves alternate usually after
about the tenth pair, with the base contracted to a chort petiole (cf amplexi-
caul in FE. trpnmmelis’).

The distribution of £5. argimaphtore is quite exletsive in western Victoria
and it just crosses dhe South Auscratian border, as ig shown on the aecam-
panying sketch map.

Why, tien, has the recognition of this species been delayed so lone?
The ficst pore ts eat in the herbaritun, without adequate juvenile leaf
samples and withaut hark, the characters of the species are far tag much
like a number of other species for easy determination, Secondly, it hybridizes
so extensively with &. wimdrefiy, and ta some extent With one or two other
species, that its boundaries im comparison with many Eucalyptus species
(although in commun with a wumber of others), are very blurred and
extensive gradations between it and Jf. winotnalts, especially. are very com-
mon. Thirdly, botasists are now ‘reluctant to desertbe any additional species
tt Bueulvplus unless there 14 particulary strong ¢vidence to support che

13 Parog and Wittis, A New Victorian Bucalypt eae

4

recognitron of such This could not be provided until] the morphological
evidence, and especially the field morphotogical evidence, was reinforded by
that resulting from the raising of progenies fram a number of trees throygh-
out the range of its geographic distribution,

The need for establishing this species is emphasized by the way jis which,
in colloquial use, such terms as "Creswick Apple Box” and “Rovgh-barked
maculosa” have been employed to describe it, when other names have been
lacking.

Ia Titetature, E. aronutpitoia. has been variously disguised as “nulti-
flowered” E tdntinalie (Maiden), part of the dubious &. Aiuberigna
(Blakely! Burbidge”), or called “iE. stuartiona” (Dept, Agric. Vic.4,
wart®, Hart®j—a mame whieh A. K. Cameron? has shown to be quite
untenable, since Miguel's original description was based on B. ovata Labill.
from Tasmania After Miquel (1859), sundry botanical writers have applied
the name “E stugrtiqua” to at least frye distingt species, chiefly £, bridgesiqna
R. ¥F. Baker!

Apart from 2. wiminalty Labill,. the most closely related congeners of
the new species appear to be H. smeculosa R, T, Baker and &, aggrecata
Deane & Maiden, both from New South Wales and the former irom eastern
Victoria. E_ macuiosa is also dn autumn-Aowering spfecies,* with leaves, buds
(olten glaucescent) and iruits practically indistingwshable irom those cf
E. arontaphloia, but its blutsh-white bark, constantly smooth right to the
ground, and only faintly arematic, yne habitat on dyier hilly country, and
reddish timber are strikingly different, Or. Margaret Chattaway {Forest
Products Division, CS. & LR.O.) reports m a private communication that
the bark of 2. mraculoss has pahsade phetladerm, which ig absent fram both
E. aggregata and the new &, aromoaphloia, and ‘nas the oil glands seatteread
rather promisguously, &. aggregate ig much nearer the pew species on bark
characters, but its oil glands are more or less confined to wedges of
parenchymatous tissue [Chattaway]: the. preference for more swampy situa-
tians, the summer flowering (December to February}, the more strongly
petiolate and soon ulternate qusenile leaves, the considerably smaller and
mote pediceliate fruits, are all features which serve to distinguish it from
EL. aromapploia

In different pacts of its range, E. aromaphitoia is associated with £, radiots,
E. dives, Bs abliqua, &. macrorhyncha, &. smelliodora, BE. levcoxylon
E, camatdilensss, E, endida and, of course, E. veminalis, Tt as typically
round-headed and umbragcous, and sometimes attains a diameter of 3 feet
at breast height. Tne type tree is of this furm and was selected near the
cemtre of the species’ range—at the Ll3-mile post ou the Great Western
Highway, betwee Beaufart and Ararat. The bark has a distinct and
strongly aromatic, somewhat cumphoraceous to cinnamon-like odour, which
is 60 unusual with the genus that the specific epithet (deliberately short-
ened fran the Greek “aramotico-phiota') was chosen in allusion to this
feature; it is suggested, moreover, thar the vernacular name “scent-hark”)
De adopted for the tree.

We are indebted to Dr. F_ R. Moulds, Principal of the Schuol of Forestry
at Creswick, for supplying the following oil analysis, base on local coppice
regrowth distilled at Creswick February [1 1930-

Cruse oil in Ueewes -, -, 6. 9. 154% of green weight
Refined off v2 21 lke a + 130% ., ‘ -
Ciueol content =. we ia o4 73%

Phellandrenc rh we ae ae oe Abséat

Solubitiey in 70% alcohol), 2.4 vols.
Sapoinfieation MET ee ie dg SAD

Refreive index ae 20°C 8, 4g L612

* Blakely's statement an p. 143 of his Ney! thar £ maentosa flowers trom Octoter
to December Js astonishing 3nd surely errancoua ,

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. 71 December, 1954
Pate XV

Sceceivrrus PRomarngot Pest %s

SP TYPE

For explanation see page 129.

at a Prvor and Wittis, 4 New Mercforian Exucalypt 129

Honcy (from the Graiwprans area) is described4:4s amber-coloured and
nat merchantable; but, with the copious pollen supply, it is a. useful winter
food for bees. .

A full account of the genetic basis wsed to support the recognition of
E. aromaphioa has beer prepared by onc of us and is to be submitted far
publication in the Transactions, Rayal Society of South Australia,

REFERENCES

Braneny, W. F., 1934—KXry to the Evcalypts; 163.

BuRpivce, Naxey T., 1947—'Key tu the Bitte ‘Australian Syeries of Encalyptue
L'Heritt im Trans, Rov, Soc. S. Ast, 72:

3, Cawtaon, A. K., 1945—""The Apple Box of Victoria (Euc. bridgesiana R, T Maker)”
wi Wier Nat. 62: 47-80.

Derr. oF Acwic, Vreroaia, 1949—Haney Flore of Fictaria (54h ed) 39.20,

Ewaat, A. J, 1930—Flora of Victoria: RVS-316,

Harr, T. S., 2927-—"Notes on the Distribution of Eucalypts about Creswick and
Clones” in’ Vict. Nar, 345 104

Maen, J, H., 1916—Critical Revision Guu, Enc. 3: 178,

EXPLANATION OF PLATE XV
fiucalyptas aromupiloia sp, tuoy.:
Specimeny 1-4, Hetoryre fram 313-mile post an Gt, Western Highway, Vig,
fi Seedling fram beneath seen tree; 2. Adult foliage and young fords:
Braronet with mature druits.)
Specimens 4:7, Peaarvee from Creswick, Vic
C4 Juvenile Fetes. on, cunpice regrowth: 5, Adult foliage with almost iimture
buds; 4. Fruits; 7, Bark tram § ft. above ground.)
(As this paper gues to jest? one of us (T..D.P., Nov. 94) hus sioted FE. vrumaphlone
in seuth-rastern N.5,We—ar Dintey Ck, berwcen “Timbitlicn and thy Victorian border.
Te is almost certain tu ocony in parts of Gippsland betwrussy the Gerina and Bunyip Rivers]

po

2 Pins

MORE FLOWER PERFUMES

_ In September 1952 (Vict. Nat. 69: 75) I contributed “Further Notes an
Flower Perfumes”, recording a few indigenous flowers the scents of which
had not been classified in my tabulation of December 1944 (pp. 134-5),

During the past two years distinctive aromias have been noted im a number

of other Australian flowers, and these are now presented under the folowing

categories (as suggested in 1944) -

1, Txngtoin—Hibbertia virgata (at Wyperfeld National Park) ; Righga
scoparia (+ a burnt quality—in Mt, Field Nat. Parle, “Sagmania) ;
Tetratheca pilose (ui mass).

3. Heavy—FPersaonia gunjut (Mt. Field Nat. Park, Tas.) resembling
honeysuckle, but fainter; Grevillea pterosperma, as of Madanua Lily.

4. Agomatic—Calostemma ‘hutotn, faintly as of grape hyacinth; EriocIntus

cucullatus, faintly of cumarnn ; ‘Eucryphia Inejda (Tas.), faintly carna-

fion-like; Bucrypiia mouret (N.S.W.) like Mexican orange (Choisya)
and of vanilla-chocolate type, also in the same category Swainsona
stipularis var. longialata (W.A.); Ptcrecanion glandulesum (Cent.

Aust.), 4 delicious powertul spiciness as od mingled cedarwood, lavender

arid sweet basil.

Acconocic-rruity—Hakea epiglottis (Tas,), quince-hke.

HontYy—Wvollaa pungens (N.S.W.}, intensely weet; Loniunedra langi-

fotia (fine-leaved NOS.W. form); Cxttsia wiburnes (Q'land )-

® Sea-ween—Liparis mowbulena (Q'land), exactly as in the related
N.S.W. orchid L. reflera,

IQ. Porry—Eupomatia laurmra,

VW. Viovet—Sloanea woollsii (N.S.W.), especially in drving,
13, Lemon—Prasophyllun odoratum, slightly,
—J, H, WILL.

ain

130 The Pictorian Naturalist Vol. 71

TWO BOOK REVIEWS

The Literatura of Austrohian Birds

Every now anrl then there flashes on the screen of natural history some
colooriy) character that we remember long after the image has faded out
af focus, Samehow he Jeaves behind an indelible wnpression on the mind.
A profound eopwletes ai plants halts Hie picture, and we see a vor Mueller.
We listen to tales of the ansécts” Hves, and are enthralled by tne genius of
a Fahve. Always there is introduced to the scenes of the living stage some
leader to mark the milestones, as it were, of our intellectual development

Hubert Massey Whittell, O.B.E,, did not live to see the dedication of the
milestone that he had so patiently engraved to guide us in our studies of
Australian birds, but his huge work will nevertheless remain with us tor
all time, since it is undoubtedly one of the foundation stones in the edifice
of ornithological knowledge.

Whittell’s massive yolume numbers 788 pages, divided mto two parts.
The frst covers the “History of Australien Ornithology" from 1618 ta 1830.
and gives us all that is available on the early voyagers; theif collections of
birds, and the observations on them. Onty those researchers who have neca-
sion to delve out relevant facts from a mass of obscure records can appreciate
the magnitude of the task of compiling the bibhography in the second part,

lt is pleasant, but not surprising, to learn of the large contributions made
by many members of the Victorian Field Naturalists Club on the habits of
birds. It would be invidious to single cut a few of them, 2nd there is no
space in a “potted” review such as this to include the full formidable list
of achievements

The volume wall be in constants use, and this reviewer wonders whether
or not the fight paper and cover entployed will withstand the hard wear
and tear of a Work of reference. The baok 13 dedicated to a collaborator of
long standing, Doctor D, L. Serventy, “In appreciation of our long association
in Australian Ornithology’. There is a coloured frontispiece of a lyre-bird hy
Lieutenant-General Thomas Davies (1799), and numerous reproductions in
“b. and w-.” of historic drawings of our birds. The portraits of our carly
birdmen reveal the quality of the men, for there are fine features allied to
strong character.

appreciative foreword is by the Librarian of the Commonwealth
Nationat Library, Mr. H. L. White. The publishers, Mesers. Patterson
Brackensha J.td. of Perth, Western Australia, deserve more than a passing
word of commendation, for they have shown by their many ather publications
a splendid appreciation of the réle played by natural histery in the cultural
life of this young Commonwealth. Review copy direct from the publishers,

Wild O¢chids of Britain

There has come into my hinds for review an exceptionally able work
on orefids. That it deals almost exclusively with the 50-odd British specres
is no reason for Austealian naturalists to by-pass it. Two or three of our
Australian species are mentioned to illustrate some peculiar, feature. Quite
apart from its many (61) ¥éry beautiful photographs im crlour by Rohert
Atkinson, the lange volume is an exceedingly attractive ote, and ‘as full
of “meat” asthe wild orchid corms described by the authar, V. S$. Summer-
lrayes, the well-known orchidologist at the famans Kew Gardens, in Surrey,

The bock iy presented ji) two parts; the Arst discusses the group as a
whole, its classification and propagation, the morphology of the unique
flowers, pollination, distribution, in fact, every phase of orchidology is eluct-
dated in an easy style for our information arid enjoyment.

mene | Tuo Book Reviews 131

HWA

The second part deals exhaustively with the habitat of vach species, and
the average Australian will be more than surprised at the wealth of the
British list, for there is 2 notion abroad that only i) tropic warmth and
hucndity can one really enjoy luxuriant orchids,

Personally, 1 absorbed the first section with avidity, because of its
acute incidence on my Gwn research in the very differemt family,
EPACRIDACEAE, Summerhayes gives 2 fascinating acemint af the extra-
Ordinary association of orchids and fungi in the genera Ihisoctonio awd
Armitlaria.

Orchid seeds are sc minute that they cainot possibly contain a sufficient
reserve of food for the young plauts to deaw on for their sustenance during
their earliest stages. It may be several years before green leaves appear fo
assist the processes of manufacturing more food.

During that long interval, a myoorhizome—literally “fungus-root"—has
a5 its colistant attendait, a fungus which sends its feedings apparatus into
the hunws of the surrounding soi] and also into the tissues of the orchid
stself. The orchid reacts, and obtains some of its nourishment by digesting
gart of the jungus. In the course of time, a state of equilibrium has been
attained by the two plants, and this phenomenon is known as mycorhiza
The Burnt Orchid requires up to 15 years to develop its flowers.

Summerhayes includes the common heather of Britain, Culluna vulgaris,
as another species Gepending on niycorhiza for its start in life. This state-
ment brought the Wid Orchids of Britain right on to my laboratory bench,
as it wert, for 1 have been experimenting to solve the problems involved in
ihe successful werrmnation of seeds of our Australian heaths,

There is no place in a review of this character to include the details of
my own research jn our epacrids, but it ought be permissible to intimate that
the successful germination of Epacris seed appears to he hinged in some Way
bene, hence the failure of nucserymen to propagate heath fram
seed,

The Wild Orchids of Britain introduces the “New Naturahst” series
published by Callies, London; and one of the eminent editors is none other
than Julian Huxley—a sufficient guarantee for the accuracy of the work.
The review copy per favour of our Club member, Mr, H, P. Dickens.

TaRLioN RAYMENT, F.f.2.S.

NATURALISTS’ NOTEBOOK
(Reserved for your Motes, Obseevoticns cnd Queries)

& POSSUM STORY

Tt liappened ity July, on ome of thase etitl, dull days with a fine fails
spitting now and then, a good day for walking quietly and watching the
wild thoys. The Tarwit was cising again, and my eye was attracted by
a new ringtail's mest, placed dawgerously low in a bush over the walter
From curiosity I tapped gently on the branch to see if the occupants were
at home, and after a few seconds a large possum emerged sleepily and
stood motionle:s, wondering from What quarter danger threatened. [Imae-
diately afterwards a tiny young one popped out of the nest, Tts head was
still tao large im proportion to its body, its legs. mere sticks and its hide
barely furred. ; ; ,

The little creature struggled to the very top of the bush, where it clung
“mewing” pittously, but inaddibly (to me), opening and closing its mouth
like a distressed kitten, The fernale turned to re-enter the nest, glancing
casually upward at her unhappy offspring as she did so, and coitiinued on
her way to bed. Silence fell, ~ *

opal Viet, Not.
132 Naturalists’ Notebook ‘aap

Alarmed at the turn of events, and wishing heartily that T had not
disturbed them, 1 attempted to guide the little ome back toward the nest
with a long stick. It clung stubbornly to each twig and progress was slow-
Clearly it was a mother's duty to come to the rescue. A sharp tap on the
nest brought her ferth, L gently worked the infant toward her and this
time she rose to meet it. Holding on te the branch with her right “hand", she
slung the little one oyer her left shotlder with the other, pyshing it well
on to her back. But the tiny ringed tail still held firmly to a twig above,
anchoring them both. Puzzled shoe-button eyes took in the situation, then,
transferting her grip of the bough to her left “hand”, the possum reached
up with her right one and unhooked that tail as neatly as a heman being
would, and, baby on back, she descended again into the nest,

E. Lyupon, Leongatha.

GERMINATION OF GREEN PEAS

i had anticipated that Mr. Wakefield's note [i tet. Nat, Oct 1953] wonld
have brought a number of confirmatory replics to his question, but the only
farther teference has been Mr, Rayment’s contribution [Wict. Nat.,
Feb. 1954]. Yes, I have grown peas from fresh green seed, first because
T rate short of dry seed and later because germination proved to be prompt
and the growth and yigor of the plants was excellent. J have never checked
comparative germination because | was satisted that the practite of
planting greeii seeds left nothing to be desited.

T haye conducted other experiments on germination of seeds of native
legumes and found results analogous ecxcept for their susceptibility ta
infection by fungi. Losses caused by such infection were the principal reason
for the experiments, and it was found that they could be kept to a aninimum
otily in ideal conditions.

Sometimes it has been necessary, on a coHecting trip, to gather very
immature Pultenaca seeds, and though they subsequently gerntinated success-
fully, delay in planting seeds was found to be fatal,

Corn F. Lews.

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN
F.N.C.Y, Excursions:

Sinday, January 9—Seatord. Subject: Jewel Beetles, Leader: Mrs. Pinches.
Take the $53 aim, Frankston tran, alight at Seaford, Briug two meats,

Group Meetings:
Botany Group—Resume February,
Geology Group—Resume February.

Preliminary Notice: _ ;

January 29-31 (Australia. Day week-end) —: Week-end at Marysville,
Accommodation at ‘Marysville Chalet’ 29/6 per day, may be hooked
with Excursions Secretary upon payment of £2 deposit per person.
Please book by December |5, Transport by MacKenzie’s bus service
fram ~Whights Tovrist Bureau, Flinders St. Buses leave 630 p.m.

- Friday, 915 am, 130 pm. and 6 po Saturday.

Marre ALLENDER, Excursion Secretary.

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 7I—No. 9 JANUARY 10, 1955 No. 853
PROCEEDINGS

Ahbouc 180 members. and friends attended the General Meeting
held at the National Herbarium on December 13. Mr. A. A. Baker,
in the Chair, extended a welcome to all. Michael B. Morgan was
clected] as a Junior Member, and the President expressed the
hope that he would be able to take full advantage of the cppor-
tunities offered by the Club. .

Members learned with regret of the passing of Miss Dorothy
Kidd, biology mistress of Firbank school, artd those present at
the meeting stood in silence for 2 minute as a mark of respect.

Mr. Roy Cooper then treated the meeting w 4 tour of the Blue
Mountaing of New South Wales, illustrating the geology, geo-
graphy, botany, ormthalogy and history of the urea with an ex-
cellent series of Kodachrome slides. Mr. Baker thanked the
speaker for the informative tecture, and the meeting indicated ats
appreciation with acclamation.

It was announced that the Club lantern, usually housed at the
Royal Society's [lall, was missing, It had heen returned alter
use al the Wilson’s Promontory excursion, but had not heen seen
since, and any information as to its whereabouts would be wetcome.

The Presideut reported that the Club library was to be housed
in the Natiunal Herbarium, and all Group Mestings. sould in
juture be held there, too. Members expressed considerable appre-
ciation of the generosity of Mr. Jessep, the Government Botanist,
who had made these arrangements possihle,

The matter oi the Club’s objection ta the use of the poisan “1080”
at the Wyperteld National Park was discussed, and Mr. Cooper
reported on the unsitisfactory methods being used there, and
the fatulities he had observed in the Park wmongst native fauna
and grazing stock. Mr. Lewis said that the possibility of intro-
ducing myxomatosis there to deal with rabbits was being gone
into with the C.S.LR.O,

The President spoke of the many opportunities offering for
young members Lo take up scientific work, and sttggested thal
anyone uiterestéd mm such vocations should get in touch with hin
for further information.

Mention was again mude of the large proportion of members
who are still in ayrears with subscriptions, and those who have
nol yet paid theirs for the present year were asked to do so as
soon as possible to keep the Mivtorion Natwralist running,

Alter several nature notes and comments on exhibits from
nenibers, the President wished all the compliments of the coming
seasun, ated adjourned the aneeting for the conversazione.

1a The ¥ tetorim Noturaliss Val 71

FLEAS
Ry T, H, Woostick

The ancients believed that eas were spontaneously generated
in the earth; in fact, the atin ward for flea, Pali, is derived from
“pilvis', meaning powder or dust. Even’ Aristotle was 50
obsessed with this nation that when he acttally saw fleas laying
toes He said that they produced “oval worms”, mistaking thei
tor parasitic worms. It is true that the early stages of the flea’s
life ave passed thraugh in the dust, so the early observers were
not wholly wrong.

The first aceurate account of the flea's life-history was given
in 1695 by Leewwentoek, “the father of microscopical science”
The tiny, oval eggs of the flea are not attached to the hairs of the
host animal like the eggs of lice; they are simply dropped imdis-
eriminately on the floor of the nest or home of the host.

Let us take, for example, the life-history of the dog-tlea. After
lying tor some days in a carner of the dog's kennel, the egg hatches,
the larva cutting its way out of the shell by means of a sharp ridge
on the top of its head. The larva is a cvlindrical grut about one-
sixteenth of an inch long (at frst), devoid of legs, but sparsely
coyercd with long, movable bristles which are used as organs of
locomotion, The hind end of the body is provided with two prap-
like appendages, projecting downwards and used as supports to
keep the larva from rolling over as it wriggles through the dust.
The mouth jg provided with two pairs of jaws for masticating its
tood, which fs all solid, consisting of seraps of organic matter such
- particles of seurf skin from the dog and the excreta of the adult
leas. i

The larva has no eyes, but it is sensitive to and avoids the light,
keeping out of sight, We might say that it swims through the
ilust, breathing the air between the particles and seldom rising to
the surfare,

As the larva grows it changes ira skin, forming a new and imore
cormmodions integument beneath the old one, and then crawling
out of the later, Three such moultings occur befote the Jarvia is
fully grown, and finally it envelops itself in a thin, silken cocoon
and enters into the pupal or chrysalis stage

Within the cocoon the insect lies motionless, like the sleeping
beauty, living on the store of fat accumulated during its larval
existence. while the tissues of the body are gradually broker up
and re-organjzed tu form the perfect insect; and when this mar-
velloys transformation is complete the flea. emerges from the
cocoon, During its larval and pupal phases the flea has cumpletely
ignored the rightful occupant of the kernel, Lut now it makes its
presence known in no uncertai manner.

Fleas are usually found on anittals having a permanent home
ot den, ar on those that consiruct some furm of nest for their

ares Woustes, Flear 135

young. ‘I'he reason for this wil) be understood when tt is remem-
bered that, as we have seen in the case of the dog-flea, the carly
stages of the flea’s life are passed apart from, but yet in close
proximity to, its host; and this is rrue of all fleas, The principal
orders of manimals attacked by fleas are the Carnivora, or flesh-
eaters, the Insectivora, or insect-eating animals, and the Rodents.
The fast may be heavily infested; during a rac-fiea survey con-
ducted by Public Health officers in America, 300 specimens were
found on one rat. ty Australia the smaller anarsuptals such as
native cats, phalangers and bandicaots harbour these parasites.

It ts perhaps worthy of remark that fleas are only found on
animals provided with claws, the best scratching organs known
to science! The hoofed animals have no fleas; they are homeless
wanderers, arid therefore do not provide facilities for the develop-
ment of fleas, In our visits to the Zoo, we have all been amused
by the sight of the monkeys searching thraugh their fur and
scratching themselves vigorously. It will therefore surprise mast
people when they are teld that our simian friends normally haye
no fleas. If the monkeys in the Zoological Gardens are troubled
hy these insects, they have heen acquired from other animals or
from their human admirers! The fact remains that, in their
naturil environment, inonkeys have no fieas.

A number of birds harbour fleas in their nests, but only two
species of bird-fleas have been found in Australia. One occurs
on the Little Penguin, and the other ts the “stick-fast flea” of
fawls,

Tt was formerly believed that each aninial had its own particular
species of flea, and that these Aeas would not live on other hosts.
The English hedgehog has a flea which is not found an other
animals, and i 15 interesting to note that our echidna, which
resembles, the hedgehog. alsa harbours # flea peculiar to itself
But, while each bas its normal host, many fleas thrive well on
strangers. Although wan is the norntal hast of the “human”
Species we must not flatter ourselves hy thinking that our parasite
will not associate with lesser crearures. ie has been found on
dogs, tats, pigs, badgers, foxes, jackals, and even polecats! Con-
versely, several species are often collected from one animal. Thus
rats, whose fleas have been intensively studied, have been found,
‘at different times and in various places, to act 4s hosts for at least
34 species. Most of these were present on the rats by accident,
having strayed Irom other animals, but there are half a dozen
species which are commonly found on rats.

The majority of fleas are temporary parasites, which come and
ta as they please, thus differing from the lice whose whole lives
are spent on the body af the host. There 15, however, a very distinct
fanily of fleas whose mode of hie gives us aniple justification for
calling them permanent parasites, The best-known species of this
family is the cligoe, also called the jigger, or the sand-flea, which

nok Vict. Nut.
135 Wousrra, Fleas Yok vt

Hoursshes in the tropical and subtropical regions of the American
Continent, and in Africa, where it was accidentally conveyed over
a century ago. This was the first foretgw flea ta be described.
Oviedo, a friend and contpanion of Columbus, gave at accourit
of tt im 1551,

The chigoe has weak legs and cantot jump, but the piercings
mouth-parts are very karge and powerful, being much stronger
than those of the human fea, although the chigoe is a very
small Hea, about the size of a pin's head. The males behave
like urdinary fleas, but the Temales are. tiuch tore troublesome.
They become embedded in the skin, preferably between the toes
or wnder the toe-nail, where they remain fixed for the rest of
their hyes. The insect drives its formidable lancets inte the skin
and ihe continual irritation produces a swelling which encloses
the entire insect, leaying only a stmall aperture through which it
is able to breathe. [n the course of six ar seven days the develap-
ment of its eggs causes the Hea’s abdomen to swell until it is the
size of a small pea—a process which is not enjoyed by the
unfortunate host,

ff the flea is nol removed when its first puncture is felt it may
not be noticed until the painful swelling appears. Then the only
remedy is to cut the flea out with a sharp kmie, taking care to
remove the entire insect witout breaking the lancets; if these
ar¢ left in the wound a troublesome sore is formed, often becoming
infected by purulent bacteria prodttcing abscesses and even gan-
grene + neglected. Left to iisell, the chigoe lays its eggs outside
the wound, after which it dies, shrivels up, and falls ont.

Fortunately, there are wo chigoes in this country, but the famaly
is represented by the closely allied “stick-fast” fleas, which repre-
sent an interinediate stage between the furmer and ordinary fleas.
‘They possess powerful Jancets with which they fasten themselves
to their host, but they du not became enveloped in the slin, in
the case of the stick-fast flea of fowls, which ts a serious pest in
Western Australia, the Jarval and pupal stages are passed in the
litter on the Moors of the pens, and ihe adult fleas attach themselves
to the heads of the fowls, where they may remain for two or
three weeks. A badly infested bird can be recognized by the
brown patches around the eyes and waitles. A closer inspection
will resolve these areas inta masses of fleas, closely adherent, with
their mouth-parts fiemly fixed in the skin. Chickens are often
killed by these htood thirsty: parasites. and even old fowls succumb
to a heavy infestation, the mortality among chickens heing as. high
as §5% in some countries, There are also.seven native species in
Australia, found on a variety of animals, including phalangers,
bandicoots, rat-kangaroos and the echidna.

The adoption of a parasitic mode of life feads to certain changes
in the structure of the parasite; some organs degenerate while
others become highly specialized. T'arasiles tend to lose their

aes Woosreg, Fleas ii?

organs of locomotion ard to develop efficient devices fer attach-
ment. These fleas, with their weak legs and strang lancets which

_also function as dowel pins to hold the insect in position, illustrate
this rule; in fact, the more parasitic a creature becomes the more
slalionary are its habits,

In vacant houses human fleas can develop and multiply without
tasting blood. People moving into houses which have been un-
accupied for some time often encounter battalions of fleas, alt
ravenously hungry. The careful use of a vacuum cleaner is a very
efficient means of destroying them ‘i the dust is burned, or an
insecticide containing DDT may be sprinkled on the floors, but
the ancient thumb-nail method is still employed in dealing with
single specimens.

As the American humorist Josh Billings says: “1t is mpossthle
to do anything well with a flea on you... . The only way is te
quit business of all kinds and hunt for the flea, and wien you
have found him he aiar there. This is one of the flea mysteries,
the jaculty they have of being entirely Jost just as soon as you
have fourtd chem.”

The writer bas always admired the facility and efficiency dis-
played by dadies in captering and destroying fleas, and (wih
apologies to rhe author of the original verse) expressed his adniira-
tion thus:

I think that J shall never see
A wog as lively as a Hea;

A, flea that jumps upon the sheet
Before my thumb and finger meet

Fish may be caught. by foals like me,
But enly Mum can cateh a dea,

The study of fleas and their habits has becowie of great immport-
ance since the discoyery, at the beginning of the present century,
of the vital part they play in Use dissemination of huhonic plague,
This terrible discase is usually confined to certain parts of India,
China, and Africa, but may at any time break out in epidemic
form. It is primarily a disease of rats, and is conveyed from sick
to healthy animals by the bites of them fleas. In an epidemic, as
the rats die off, the fleas leave their bodies and seek new hosts.
The Oriental rat-flea, Xenopsylle cheopis, which readily bites man,
is the Public Enemy No, 1 among the rat-flens, and this spectes
has been conveyed by ship rats to most countries of the world,
where it is a potential danger,

Other diseases carried by fleas are tularernia in rabbits and
murine typhus in rats, both communicable to man, endemic typhus,
and possibly leprosy. Dog-fleas carry a roundworm which eats
out the hearts of dogs, and also act as intermediate hosts for tape-
wortis, There are now more than 1,000 species of fleas known,
and probably most of them carry parasites peculiar to their hosts.

138 The Vietorian Notwralist Vol, 71

GEOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE WEST TAMAR
By Row, €, Kersuaw

INTRODUCTION

Ai attempt is made to give & conscclitive account of the geological
sequence as it is displayed on the West Tamar, A general discussion of
the sedimentary and the intrusive rocks exposed in the area jntreduces the
account, aid it is ended with some observatiais on the ptesent physio-
graphical features.

The notes are cleveloped from observations ntade by the author during
field trips, while “udying some of the geological problems of the Tamar
Valley. This tas been amplified by reference to the excellent work done
by various geologists who have Worked im the arca, The aim is a correlation
of the work done, and the valtte of the various works referved to is gratefully
acknowledged,

PREVIOUS LITERATURE

Outstanding Tasmarian geologist R. M. Johnston gave us the frst exten-
sive detailed account of his subject in his Geoloyy aj Tasmania Clohsstay
1823), Attention is pacticularly drawn to the bibliography appended ta
this work, as well as ta his trequent references to the West Tamar area,
mary of which were basetl ot personal observations, He also contributed
notes on the vicinity of Launceston (1874) and the Launceston Tertiary
Basin €1875),

The eurliest work vo which attention is here drawn is that of Chas. Gould,
whose geological explorations itn Tasmania are well and favourably known.
His. Investigations on the West Tamar covered in some detail the areca
between Beaconsfield and the coast (1866). T. Srephens (1869) wrote on
a trip ta the north-west coazt from the Tamar, and later on the geology of
the coast from West Head to Circular Head (1902), A. B, Edwards (1941)
discussed the coastal features of the same arca,

The famous palacontalogist, R. Etheridge jun. (188)) described some
species Of Uniomdae from the Launeesion Tertiary asin, wile plant
remains were discussed by Wintle (1880) and R, M. Johnston, Weet Tamar
mineral resources have fram tinte to time aroused interest; Gould (1866)
reported an the iron ore, while Shaw (1878) discussed the discovery of
gold. Purthor literature by Shaw and othues on this subject may be found
hy reierente ta The Gealayy of Tasmania (Johnston 1888). Cement mate-
rials Were réepartell on by W. H. Twelvetrees at the West Arm (1914)
and at Flowery Gully (1917), Twelvetrees (1917) described the ashestos
deposits at Andersen's Creek, and this way enlarged on by A, MecTntosir
Reid (1919). Both of these gealogists discussed the iron are deposits of
Tasmania (1919), rcferrins in detail to the West Tamar are bodies.

Nye and Blake (1938) have compiled the most up-to-date account of tie
geology and mineral resources of Tasmania, Recently (1947) the State
Eeouomie Pisumbe Authority published two small maps of Tasmania illus-
trating the geolagy ard anineral resources. Little has been dune on the
physiography of the West Tamar, but attention is drawu to the wark of
a. N, Lewis (1955) on Pleistacem raised beaches and terrages in the
south of the State, Reference is made to a terrace in the Tamar valley dy
David (1924), As already stated Ectwards (1941) has dealc with the emast.

A map has been prepared by the writer to illustrate the general features
of thé area Détailed data is not avaitable, and the actual boundaries of the
geological series are not yet sharply defined. Geological maps are included
by varluus authors, providing details of the areus surveyed by them.

5 iment Kursitaw, Geolog¢al Observations on Mest Lamar 139

tu the present paper the area will be discussed according to this schesne:

A. The Sedimentary Rocks.

1. The Pre-Cambriaw metamorpitic series’

2, The Ordoviciau-Silurian Jimestones.
3, The Upper ‘Silurian aurticrous series
The Permian “lower marine series”.
. The Tertiary: {a)The lay beds

{b} The lacustrine series:

6, The Pleistocene and Recent cdeposits,

2

ui

EB. The Intrusive Rocks.
{, The Devonian—Ultra basic rocks with mineral bodies.
2. The Jurassre—Dolerite sills and facoliths.
3, The Tertiary—Basaltic lavas,

C, The development of the geology and physiograply of the West
Tanjar.

A. THE SEDIMENTARY ROCKS

1. The Pre-tambrian

The Asbestos Ranges which parallel the course of the ‘Lamar from Badger
Head for Derhaps twelve miles, comprise Pre-Cambrian marine beds, the
mineral asbestos not occurring in the ranges at all, although it is found in
the vicinity. The rocks are metamorphosed and consist of “overfolded mica~
ceou¢ schists, slates, grits, and clays’. Gould (1866) remarks that the
strike “is ouch obscured by foliation, which produces a pseude-appearauce
of dyatification ine a direction sometitnes inclined to that of the real strike,
at others co-incidental with it, The heds are faulted, they wenerally lie at
high angles, are oxvcasionally perpendicular, and are repeated by severu]
anticlinals.”

The ser ies is. readily examined in the vertical cliff sections at the Badger
Heal. Gould. noted thin strings of quartz in the schists, and these becls
alternate witht thinly bedded grits and clay states, Stephens (1908) observed
numerous anticlinals but cecorded nothing new except to note that the
stvike is about north 30° west. Copper occurs on the western flank of ihe
range whicts extends ahout four miles westerly, and 1s succeeded by sand-

2. The iiatticdencthatied limestones,

The most imiportiit beds of limestone occur in the Flowery Gully region,
the principal occurrence being on the purchase of F. N, Beames whose
family still work the deposits. Phe oaterops are readily followed through
the area from the map given by Gould (1866). Twelvetrees (1917) provides
a more detailed map of the deposit on Beames's property. The beds occur
adjacent to Johnston's Creek, a tributary of Middle Arm Creek which is
also knawn locally as Blythe's Creek. The names Sices’ Creek was also
assourgied with if by some, both these names coming fram earlier settlers
in the region.

The beds are regarded as belonging ta the Shudleigh Ircsh-water series.
The stone is non-fossiliferous and yery pure in composition. Caves occur
on the Beames property, ad were know as the Winklegh Caves. A
description of the original appearance of these caves is given by Johnston
(1888); they were subsequently severely damaged by vandals, but it is
understood that they were opened for iispection in récent years. Ly addibon
to the quarrying done by the Beames family, che firm of Beacimafield Lime
Products operates in. the area on other deposits.

2 fy ath
ae ot

t A +

Taye Doterut® wy

; Acutar ase ¢ Curr vr mY
a _Greends :

wer
i

Altuy iad
in age y Terrsse (BE

LAUNCESTON

we he
wns ‘eS

=

ltl

%,
id

THE TAMAR RIVER: Map 1—Latticeston to Supply River.

Sedimentary Rocks: PC... . Pre-Cambrian; $.. . . Silurian; P. . . . Permian.
Intrusive Layas: Dolerite . . . Dolerite Sms, cte.! Basalt. . . A. and B.
Geological Boundaries: --:—'—-; Roads; ——— — --.

Mupe 1 and 2 are bused on maps prepared by: A—State Mennomie Planning Authority Sketch Map of Geolozy, 1947:
B—C, Gould, Geological Map of Tifracambe, 1368; C—H,. M. Johnston, Geological Map of Tasmania, 1888; D—W. HL
Twelvetrees; Geological Map of West Arm, 1914; E—W. H, ‘Twelvetrees, Geological Map of Flowery Gully, 1917;
F—W, H. Twelvetrees, Geological Map of Anderson's Creek, 1917; —Nyeé and Blake, Gedlogical Map ot Tismania, 1958.
(Other detaila from early maps of the Tamar and trom the anthor's observations.)

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THE TAMAR RIVER: Map 2—Supply River to West Head.

ATULD fF ISIT_AL KO suONDasasge) [WIIG 0j0IH “MV HSS

iFt

14z Kerrswaw, Geological Observations on Hest Tamar been iN

Gould (1864) remacked two beds of limestone in the neighbourhood of
Middle Arm Creek, locally krown as the blue and the white limestones,
Gould traced a broken line on his chart from these heds, beheving it would
indicate the probable whereabouts of the beds. He thought they belonges!
to the same series as (hose referred to ahove, He describes a deposit of
travertine which accompanies a slight rise in the middle of the Alue Hill
ea api from which a spring provides an important source of Middle Arin

eck.

& The Unper Silurian.

Although all the limestanes from this vicinity (Beaconsfield) here dis-
cussel are referred to aboye, certain of the béds are appurently related to
the series now referred to the Upper Sifurian, The Siluvian beds come inte
praminence in Cabbage Tree and Blue Till Tiers and again in Blue Peaked
Hill. They may be studied ta advantage along Middle Arne Creck where it
eats through Blue Hill Tier. Gould (1866) noted a thickness of come two
thousand feet here, the beds being inclined at an angle of trom sixty te
seventy degrees,

Gould gives tie series of beds in this section, and briefly i may be
remacked that they consist of clay slates—certam of them with quartz,
sandy schists. dark sandstones, grits and conglomerates, these latter in beds
oi a thickdess of one foot. The principal constituent of the conglomerates
is ihe emiform white quarts Goyld found clay slates on the west side of
Cabbage Tree Tier which he suygested as identical with those to the east.
He felt that 2 fault or at anticlinal axis would acewunt for their pasition.
The fatter suggestion appears a favourable solution, Grey sandstones of
Bloe Peaked Hill were regarded by Gould as identical with thoze of Blue
Hill Fier, adjacent ta the limestane

Gould envisaged the cessibiliry of the Silurian sediments in this district
ultimately yielding minerals. Tle did not celer to gold, but thts metal did
preve his theaty and yielded rich returns to the Tasmania Gold Mining
Company for some years. A large pumping plant was requiréd ta keep the
mine free of water, and eventually the return would net meet the high costs,
aud the project was abandoned (Johnston 1888). The ruins of the mine
building stil stand on the siopes of Cabbage Tree Hill at Beaconsfield.
Penodically attempts are made to locate the lade at other poimts, but cyidentiy
without striking succest,

Btuc “itl Tier hag a north-westerly teend and passes eventually into the
Pernnian beds at a lower altitude. Yo the east it is divided from the basaltic
fide hy Trally’s Creek, and to the west irom Blue Peaked Fill by Jolinston’s

4 The Permian.

Deposits of Permian age occur fram the vicinity of West Arm, northwards
to Macidle Arm, where they give way to the Silurian, and ta the Tertiary
clays, These beds again appear at Exeter and Supply Kiver, reachioy the
Tamar near Stony Creek, and finally disappearing wpen the adyent of the
Muddy Creek Tertiary. They are generally intruded and bordered by the
Mesarmic doierites.

Gould (166) noted the heeds on Middle Arm to be of clays, shales, sanel-
stones ans conglomerates. The conglomerates are the lowest beds of the
fwcmatian, while the dip of the series brings the sandstoncs—the highest
bed= -to view 2) the neighbourhood of the ver. Geuld remarks “The
conglomerates of this formation ave readily distinguished froat those im ihe
‘Lower’ Silurian, im which the uniformly conspicuous white quartz cumtrasty
stroi@ly with the varied and always mure ot less tinted colaur of the

brie Kersnaw, Geological Observations on West Tawue 143

jasperaid constituents of the farmer." This observation suggests the possible
derivation of the various gravel beds of the Inwer Tamar.

Gould observed Ue ealcaréqus bands in the clays and shales; these halids
are Sornied of abundance iossils of Fenestellar, and they had been worked
for lime The sandstones contain marine Vousils and vegetable impressions.
RM, Johnston (2888) discussing the Lower Marine Series gives a deserip-
tion of the beds on Middle Ann Creek. He remarks that tie series tests
more ov less horizonta}ly upon the upturned edges of the Silurian slates,
and abuts against the dolerite intrusious which he thought to he oliler than
the Permian. The beds, gocurding to Johnston, are characterized by remark-
ably re®ular hard bands of limestone, calcareous sadstones, mudsiones,
e! its and conglomerates, with gecyish ta bluish laminated and nodular slaty

ands.

The series was divide:l by Johnston into tWo zones, on the bags of the
tossi) enitent. Thue he names the Evrydesnia zone, and lets Haryaesriu
cordata vogicher with Spiriler, Terehratutar, Avicalopecten, ete, as wopical.
Abeve this he pointed to the Fenestellae zane, in which Peacstellae spp, are
ahundant, together with Preterctaporn, Stenepora, Tervkratular and Spirifera.

Tertiary aod recent deposits largely obscure the Permisn. but a lcug
series miay be viewed to arlvamtage jw whe worth bank of West Arm, The
Tower Marme Division is discussed by Twelvetrees (1914), reporting an
the limestanes of West Arm, -under the headue “Peymo-Cerhoniferuus’.
He renarks that fle shores of West Avr indicauw the adiscribution of ihe
strata ta the porth and conth He records nvudstones, mudstone conglomerates,
chile usd Jimestone strata, having a north-westerly strike, with a flat dip
to the north-east. The more resistant beds form wave-washed platforms and
reefs, alternaling wita deposits of thick mid aud gravel, with an expanse
ni waterwarn pehbles and erratic boulders evidently derived from the con-
glomerates. The wwurlstones contain concretionary iron, while the yellow
sandstone near tne dulerte intrusion is highly micaceous and lercuginows.

Twelvetrees suggested Ujat these sandsianes mioay possibly be on the horizen
of the Mersey caal ineasures. He remarked a steep ridge of Permian shales
and limestone risig above the uorth bank of York Town Kivulyt (called
by Lt-Gavernor Paterson “Kent's Burn” in 1804) at the head of West Arm
Twelvettees pecurded a slightly caleareaus shale exposed in a lahdslip
jace, fifty feet above the stream, in horizontal beds fifteen feet vertically,

Fifty feet further west some boulders of gircy limestone lie in the soil of
the fall. and ideritical limestone is said to be vischle in the bed of the stream
al low water At the base of the jace a very siliceany grey quartzite rock
eros out. Limestone is aloo to Ke seem at Bluestare Ford on Anderson's
Creek, about one mile irom its mouth; it was not vinhle, however, at the
time of the author’s visit to the creek.

At low tide it iy possible to exantine all the exposures om the north side
of West Arm, and the writer has traversed the series fram Boatenew's Point
ta Anchor Point on the ‘Tamar itseli. At Boatcrew's Muint, where the
lowest Dads exposed jm ule Arin are, a low chill slopes fro the point
towards York Town Rivulet and disappears within a few hondred feet:
In this cliff face Teéitiary clay and gravel Hie on the Mermian mudstone.
Bacing the elff, abe observer views the strike of the Penian beds and
virtually looks down the ip slape He stands on a qlatform ol satdstene
aid shale, which slopes fitally tu fow water mark.

Same seventy feet trom the point a small fault is noted, A block of strala
same thirty feet in wirlth shaws an apparent movement at perhaps three feet
at the Joiwest pont shout a quarter of the distatice alung the block From
Boaterew's Point end of the ocenrrence, a narrow block shows a rnovement
af about ane foot, u six-foot sectian immediately following has shifted an
additional one faot, a third and narrow section a matter of additional anettes,

. ‘ - ‘ iv" abe _
144 Kensy aw, Geelogical Observations on West Tarnar cs oye

while a fourth block perhaps six feet wide has moved approximately one
foot. Fwo more sections show only slight additional movernent, and at
the further end of the oequerence the movement irom the original level is
af the order of inches anlys a little buckling appears in the stable beds wear
this point: The writer is unable ta decide wether the Tertiary heds have
participated in the tiling of this block of fhe Permian strata.

Passing now from Raatceew's Point toward Anéchor Point, the broestone
or calcareous mudstone of Twelyetrees (1914) is noted out-cropping below
high water itiark, ‘Twelvetcees noted that fossils of the genera Spirifera and
FPenestolla are plentiful, and he goes an to describe the nature of the occur-
renee, which is of two beds, of approximately fiiteen- fect and forty fret
thicktess céspéctively, Above the limestone beds in the bank are beds uf
yellawish pebhly grit and clayey sandstone. The limestanc tests on a miuit-
stone ponglomerate, which ts followed by a sandy conglomerate. Near a
small “point'' a narrow dyke someé tliree inches wide intrudes parallel io
the strike, with loealived contact inetamorphosed sediment associated, Above
this a rather curioysly wexthered mudstone makes its appearance, and this
may be traced across a silted indentation toward Soldier's Paint. The bed
is visible in the bak, and also as a platform below high water maric
between zall deposits.

Soldiers Point, said ta be named hecause a soldier jeom the 104 sermte-
mqient is buried there, is an outlier of sandstone, presumably at some time a
rock stack. Tt is connected to the main bank by a marrow “tie bar". tipon.
Which a white quarts gravel conglomerate was subsequently deposited. The
poitit itself is capped swith lay.

Crossing the next smalt bay it is seen that in the opposite bank the and-
stone just noted above comes again into prowdnence in a face which gradually
nses to & ten-foot-high cliff, At this point, very hari pebbly sandstonrs
appear in wave-washed platforms, which, in the next indentation, slope
relatively steeply to low water mark. A fossiliferous miudstene appears near
the bank. Lhe pebbly beds continue for some distarice, both in the bank
and as.a qationn, until a thirty-fnet cliff face is reached, this being referred
‘to as Rock Stack Point for the purpose of this paper. The cliff is capped
ty a fine sandstone which lies on and passes into a fossiliferous mudscone
whiell in. tare rests on the oebbly placturm. Two rock stacks obviously
derived from the headland rest ou the platiorm, whieh catinyés some
distance until ft vanishes in the next silted indentation. Resting on it in
this viciniiy a tutober of erratic boulders appear to have weathered frost it.

The mudgtone and sandstone of Rock Stack Point taay be traced along
the bank anil the upper part of the platform into the indentation This
indertation ig ane cof the most matked along the Arm fur seme distance,
at feast until the uppermost sandstane beds ace reached. Crossing it, a new
cliff face raises to view, which an examination reveals a narrow bed ol
conglamerate which passes down below Jaw water a¢ a reef As at Boat-
crew’s Point, ane views the strike of the beds again at this point; at the
foot af (he face are strewn pebbles therived from ihe Hed, same of which
recall (sould's remark 2hout the conglamerates.

Thus far a series of more pr tess cliffedd heedlunds (wyth the exception
of Soldier's Point) have been passe¢ No further headland accurs for a
similar wdistance fram the one now reached untid the prominent headland
hevé raferred (9 as Sandstane Bluff is reached. A sandy erit lies an the
one-fand-thick ganglomerate, and is followed in turn by sandstone and ooud-
stone. At a small cave a sevies of laminated beds of a dark, seemingly
micaceous, matecial are interspersed with fine sandstone. From here to the
Dripping Wells, a serivs is seen of gery Rne sediments of sand or mud-
stane of various colours, frequently laminated, aril passine into a yellow
zandsburne cemtaining much iron, ane this appears to show promise of being
a possible future headland.

(To be Captiaued)

ht san The Victorian Neavwralse 445

WEW SPECIES OF BEES AND WASPS — Port XXIV
By Tarktton RAYMENT, F.Ras+
MEGACHILE PARATASMANICA sp, roy,
Allotype, Female—Leneth, 11.5 in, approx Black, white hair.

Head transverse, with gruch white hair on frons and sides. of clypeus;
face shining; frams closely and cowrsely puncturedl; clypens shining, closely
and coarsely punctured, cise almast nude; amterior einargmate and sub-
tuberculate} supraclypeal area similar, but depressed along the sales;
vertex tong, closely punctured, the white hair sparse and stained brovynish ;
campuund eyes canverge slightly helow, gemae closely punctured, a few
white Iirs; labrum black; mandibulae black, closely caniculate, many
ounctires, a few white liars: antennae short, sabmoniliform, black.

Prothorax with sonie white hair) tubercles black, with some white haic;
mesothorax excessively closely puuctured, the white hair sparse, and an
the ehse stained with brownish; seutellumt and postscutelham similar; meta-
thoceax with an enclustd ares finely granular, sorne white hair laterally;
abdanyinal dorsal segmeits entirely black, 2, 3 and 4 basalty depressed;
closely punctured, with tnfts of white hair laterally, S and 6 with a dusting
of Wlute hatr, perhaps ochreous; vettral sugments with w dese scopa od
white hair,

Legs black, not very stout, with rather sparse white hair; tarsi black,
galden hair on inner "face", claw semments red; claws bifid, tei; hind calear
short ang black; tewulae black, shiwing, closely punctured; wings dusky,
rather short; nervures blackish, the recurrents received af equal distances
by: the cubital cell; cells normal jor the genus; pterostigma blackish, incon
spieuovs} hamwuli eleven, strony.

locality: Gorae West, Victoria) January, 1954; lex, Clifford Beauglehule

Type and allotynpe in the collection of the author.

Allies: M4. tasmanica CRI, by the black “eye” on the anterior ted tarsne
of the male. but diflers from it by the spines on the anterior coxae (simple .
in M, tasnanteg Chil, the female of which ts unknown). The twa bees
are also very Clastly related to M4. Chfferdi Raym. and M. kirbiclia Raym.

The naturalist receives many surprises when he srudics the leat-cuttiiy,
ees of Australia. for they show interesting divergencies from the typical
pinking habit of the family. L haye before me the “nests! of leaf-eytters;
Jam-makers, wax-workers, resin-haiiders, and naw tmodellers in vegetable
putey

During the first week in January, 1984, Gorae West, which is some nine
miles rarth-west of Portland, Victoria, experienced two sweltering duys,
end my hotorary assistant, Clifford Beauplehwle, rétreuted to the shade
a belt of green timber which fie, tike a wise husbandman, has preserved
far the comfort of his cattle in the beat of summer, and as a shelter jrom
tHe cold of wantei-

Searching the togs littering the ground, he saw a amid! black bee alight,
wid immediately dive intu a gallery, andl ajparently repeatedly wipe its
mandibles on the walls near the entrance. OF course he had to huery back
ta the farmstead for the inevitable axe, clisels, knife, hoxes, test-tuhes, cte,,
ta cut gut the nest. ‘he chores of the farm were forgotten, for such is. my
frends enthusiasm to learn the grand tretthe of Narure,

The ollector adds: “Bistore capturing the bee, | spent an (uur ur su
watching her ac work, and Gined her yisits. She was away for all average
of 74 mimes, and theo spent only about 12 seconds inside, hefore she re-
appeared at the entrance, lacking out, a5 i) were

“Bur T could not for the hfe of me mske wut what she was dolog. She

* Haw. Associate i Enidmolugy, Natioval Muscun, Metbosrie

146 RAYMENT, Vew Bece nud Masps—Part XXTE ve ort

moved lier head slowly from sie toe site, a5 thoash wiping her jaws on
the wall af the tunnel just below the entrance, Perhaps you can tell me.”

OF course T can. She was away making the vegetable putty which she
Jater plastered On to form the davistons of the cells. Bat Ict us investigaie
the interior of the block which Beauglehale has juste an to me.

The timber is quite dry, of pale colour, ane uiodecately bard; 1t ts
probably Anuculyptus barteri, The original gallery wis wndoubted!y ihe work
of some Jengicorn beetle, and the smenth bore was Stained a dark-brown
colour. IL Was oval di section, measuting 8 mim, at the long axis, and §.5 mm.
at the shors, bur it wag itnpossible to measure the entire leneth, since the
slahs had heen eplit off the origrival log,

‘The gallery was divided by a series of “wads'’ of green putty, rather
granular, and toist, and-eyidently made of masttedted leaves, plus some
biclogical secretion; these pigs: or divisions were 1,5 min. io thickiess,
but there was jiat any attempt ta ceape the lumen of the tube; the walls
were absolutely devotd of all covering,

Each cell measured 10 mm. in length, and the only preparation for
the reception of the ptkldtng was @ small “rat! of dry straw-coloured
pailen, the individual grains af which wece smouth avide cryals, almost
circular. The botanical species was identified as Lets atafor, ,

The pallert-ywiding itseli was 8S mm. in diameter when measured as a
ephere. but beitie too soit to relam that shape, at har sunk slightly to form
a smal} oval that conformed with the shape of tie gallery. The pollen-rrains
ef the pudding had been gathered irom the same plants as the dry ones, and
the bee's tiny white egg had been gummed to the pudding.

li did not senuire much cheinieal skill to determine that the batter was
oot merely pollen ancl Ioney, but a complex containing « ‘large proportion
of some biolugical substance, and strangely, the pudding was lighter tn
weight than a eimifar volume oz honey and pollen, The author has, in
other experiments, determined the presence of a hormone in the puddings
of the will-bees

The observer was fortunate enough to see females and males frequenting
tlussoms of certam plants nearby, andl which grow in that vicinity year
after year. Tudeed, he actually witnessed the matings oF the sexes.

“Clese by, = few flowers of Lotus major Fourstied; and L was pleased
to see two females alight, followed very closely by twa males, one of which
effected avery rapid aceoupling with ane of the fermles. The second female
fiew away, huc T was successful in capturing the three bees. The whole
procedure was over so quickly that 1 had to strike instantly and accurately
to callece then.”

Tn view of Ue close relationship, it was iistructive ta Jeam chat the two
males observed by the collector were not identical, ail iL 1 more Utay
probable {hat mutations are myolved in the species discussed here

This ls at adinirable climax, for the specimens proved ta he pf a mew
species, the specific descriptions of which were given above: and the name
should be added to the list publizhed hy the Portland Field Naturatists Chub
(Bess of the Portland Olstrict) a June, 1953.

At arcst [ telt sure that the collector had very fortunately taken the othey
sex ot M. firbiclle Raym., tut a eretical examination revealed that the
male is distinct, although very closely related to the Tasmanian species,
A, fasion CK. LL is plainly beeween this, 27. chfordi, and WM. Riebied{a-
¢ conforms with Coclcerell'’s description of the Tasmanian species, deseribed
vom Gearyetown, but may be separated hy the followin details: Tb is a
lithe Jareer, (0 mm. (74 amen. for WW fasmequecn) j aml there is a short stout
spine on cach af the anterior coxac (slimple in MW, tazaniea) ; tegulac jet-
black (piceous in ad. faymonical; there are four or so microscopic teeth
ina cow beneath the caudal keel, which is more Wrondly bidentate; the
minute teeth ally it in M, Airbiella, and the large black macula ou the cx-

a [oon Ravayxr, Vow Seer and Wasps—Powt NNUV 1d?

pander cream tarsus of the anterior leg relate it to ML tasmaxica Ck, and
Af. atiffordé Raym, Ad. portlandiana Raym. has no “eye” on the ted anterior
tarsi.

A still larger pair of bees are perhaps mutations, for the clypeus of the
wade is made (masked with white hair in the other species) and the atiteriar
half is more closcly and ovnutely punctured, Until more material is avasl-
able for study, I shall regard these harger forms as avtations, perhaps all
the bees reviewed here are mutations of AY, tasmantea.

[take at that the widest distribution cannutes the oldese species, MW. fas-
wianice Chil. stsell is closely related to M, leenwinensis Ckll from Western
Australia, with twee segments of the abdomen red, and the oval cream
tarsus and black “eye” of the anterior Jegs, but the cuxae lack the spies
of the new species. There is, too, a gradation in the amonnt of cofow an
the legs, the femora of AY efiffordé are largely redy WW dirhiclfa Raym. has
‘less red on the nbiae, while Af. poratasnanica has the anterior tibia anly
partly red, and the calour is seduced on the other legs to the claw segment
only.

About 20 Or sa large Acarine mites Were clustered tightly together on
the metathorax of one female. but the second had a tew, aad 1 identified
these as Senerta Iiffiig (Canestr, which appear to favour the Jeal-
cUnise$ family, jor W is Lhe mite taker most frequently in essociatios with
thei, ‘

BIOLOGY OF MEG ACHILE PARATASMANICA RAYM

Again at Gorac West, on February 2, 1954, (Clifford Beauglehole crs-
covered a series of cells Byilt int a Ferce-pOse Lhal had orteiMally been bored
by a longicom hectle. The length of the gallery is 64 om. and the diameter
approximately 6 mm., although it is more or less oval in section. The four
cells ayeraged about 11m. in length, and were formed by thin (1.5 an.)
divisions of a greenish vegetable “putty”, bur the walls were devaid af all
drapings-

The soft batter “puddings appeared to be very large for sc small a bee,
for they incasured about 6 mm. in diameter when ralled inte a sphere, and
wocupred about half of the cell, bur di site they were mure or less oval
in form, The pollen grains were circular, and of a clear ceystalline colour,
almost certainly gathered from the botanical genus Lotus, far the bee
appeared to have corifineidl itsell to that specaes of Hower.

At the base of the gallery was a wad of fine “sawdust, aut since the
heetle had widened the gallery at that part, the mass was large, 12 mm. hy
8 mm. It appeared ty have been gouged off by the bee, for it was very
different indeed fram the excretal debris of beetles, Inimediately wider the
sawdust Was a wad of the dark vegetable (7) putty.

The entree had been. barricaded with a thick wad of 2 dark-brown
substance, shebuly sticky, but very ductile, and no Jeafy fragments cole
be rewuunized It was surprisingly waterproof, awd, unlike the wads of
M. chffordi Raym,, did not dissolve in cther, alcaho), acetic acid, turpentine
er caustic potash solution.

The larva was. of (he typical form, and measured about 9 mm. in Jelieit
whea sliphtly coiled, and conspicnaus numbers of acnocytes—targe creamy
platedike cells Hoating free in the blood—were observed under the skin.
The fully-fed larva had encased self in a thin loose whitish cocoon. In
the mairy specres of Megachile studiet by the author there is aniy ant
bisexual generation for the season.

The final sail appeared ta be a mixture of woody fragments Found
together into @ hard plug with some kind of biological secretion. Never-
theless, i one of the cells there were traces of parasical mivaders: a rough
hairy larva, and the remains of a minute wasp, perhaps in the family
EVANIDAE.

148 Lhe tetorian Naturalist Vol, 71

NATURALISTS’ NOTEBOOK

(Reserved for your Notes, Observations and Queries)

THE GLORY OF SPRING’

Thig has been surely one of ihe luhest and loveliest springs of all time,
at least in our part of South Gippslund, The blackwoods along the river,
which produce enormous quantities of seed before a droughty spell,
scarcely hothered to hinom this. year, Little barren patches of bush that
are burned in autumn, battered hy cattle in winter, and geénerally infested
with rabbits and ragwort, excelled themsclves. Places where I was gratified
to find a single trigger-plant last spring have produced a host of them
this. yeac, as well as a brave show of the pretty, fragile butterfy flags and
trailing masses of clematis.

There was tremendous activity in the bird world, almost every tree.
bush and thicket sporting a nest or two, while dood was easy anrl plentiful:
Tritnming the out-lying clumps of sword-sedge tussocks round the edees
of the swamp, the mower passed under the support of the Aimsy nest of
oe of our most plentiful birds, the Golden-headed Tantail-Warbler, A
handsume little bird, with curious ery and still more curious habits of
flight, it hovered in great agitation over the spot, and even alighted upen
thr tractor. The nest contained five eggs of an intense blue-green with ,
dark blotches. Tt had been Suspended from the under side of a dock teni,
attached also to several of the stiff tussock stems. The dock leaf had been
pericctly and closely stitcher| on to the framework of the nest, one of the
neatest examples of the qest-builder's art that I have ever seen

—E, Lywoon, Leongatha,

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN
F.N.C.V. Excursions:

Sunday, January 1—Ferntree Gully. Leader: Mr. Swaby. Take 8.48 wm.
or 8.53 am, train to Ferntree Gully station, where leader wil} nieet
party, Rring one meal,

January 29-31 (Australia Day week-end)—Weck-end at Marysville. Details
in fast month's Mictorian Noturnlist.

Saturday, February 5—Geology Group excursion Details at group meeting.

Group Meetings;

Geology Grovup—Resume [ehruary

Botany Group—-Respme February.

Mictascopical Group mecting on Wednesday, January 19, at the National
Herbarium,

Preliminary Notices;

Sunday, March 13-—Parlor coach excursion to the Terderdere Gorge;
Leader: Mr, PT. Jackson. Parlor coach leaves Batman Avenue 9 a-nr,
returns approx, 830 pan, are, 17/- Bookings with Exeirsions Secre-
tary, Bring two. meals.

April 7-11 (Easter}—Esxcursion to. Wilson's Promontory, Part camping,
and a few beds in the lodges. Parlor coacly will leave Melbourne on
Thursday evening, April 7, at 6 ¢m., and return on Monday night.
Fare, £4. £1 deposit to be paid when booking; and the remainder by
the Marck general mecting. Bookings with the Excursions Scerctary-

—Marre Atcenper, Excursion Secretary.

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 71—No. to _ FEBRUARY 10, 1955 : - No. 854

PROCEEDINGS

About 100 members and friends attended the General Meeting
of the Club at the National Herbarium on January 10, 7955,
[n the absence of Mr. Baker, the Chair was occupied by Mr,
Sarovich. .

The Chairman introduced the speaker for the evening, Mr.
Stan Colliver, who expressed great pleasure in once again being
hack with the Club. Ile spoke of Low Island, which lies about 8
miles off Pert Duuglas in northern Queensland, and of work.
done by the British Great Barrier Reef Expeditian whielt had its
headquarters there in 1929. The speaker told of the valuable
studies carried out on the island by Mr, F. W, Moorhouse;
particularly in the matter of assessing the devastation wrought
by the cyclone of 1934. Mr. Colliver described the research
carried out on the island by a party of 20 scientists, of which he
was one, and showed some beatitiful Kodachrome slides (o illustrate
the natural history of the area. 4

The Secretary announced that Group Meetings would in future
be held at the National Herbarium, the Microscopical Group on
the third Wednesday of each month, commencmg on: January 19,
and the Geology Group on the first Monday, commencing
February 2.

The meeting was then adjourned for the isual cobversaziune
and examination of exhibits.

J MATURE NOTES AND EXHIBITS
December Meeting: '

Nest of Golden-headed Fantail-Warbler (Castivole oxilis), from neat’
Sydney. The exhibitor, Miss Wigan, referred to the bird as '‘Tador Bird";
or “Stitcher”, and remarked that it sametinies stitches large leaves, such us
thase of docks, around the nest. Nine inests were see in the area, ani
tie one exbibited had been deserted for about three weeks.

Miss Wigan also exhibited two species of cicada, one from Sydney and
the ather from Mefhourme. Mr. Lewis remarked that cieadas were rare
last year, bot may be seen Dow in great abundance, with a torch at about
9 p.m, when the nymphs are emerging fram the ground. ‘he inference
3 that they have a 2-year cycle underground,

Mr. Haase exhibited an example of the Butterfly Orchid, or Smal
Sarcochilus (5. parwiflorws) which had been established an‘an apple tree
at Warburton. :

ARREAS OF SUBSCRIPTIONS

Your Council is still concerned at the large percentage of Club members
whvu have not yet -paid ther current mombership subscriptions, far, the
period May, 1954, ta April, 1955. It would greatly facilitate the organization
of the Club, and lessen the Treasurer's task of issuing individual reminders
if these arrears. could be adjusted immediately. is! line ©

149

130 The ictorian Naturntist Vol 71

DARWIN BUILT A NEW AVENUE OF THOUGHT.

By Epwunv D, Girt*

wFOR A NEW IDEA, THERE WAS A SURPRISINGLY
READY ACCEPTANCE OF CHARLES DARWIN'S
“ORIGIN OF SPECTES". WHY?

“An obscure Cambridge scientist wrote a book im the 1850s;
and, although Darwin shaped no national poticy in those ten years,
the book altered, for ever since, the way in which educated people
lock at any qtiestion.” So wrote Dt, T, R, Glover in The Ancient
Harld when stressing that ideas are the kernel of history, Ir is
not always realized that the law of evolution is not just a biological
principle but one that now penneates every realm of thought. Far
example, history was once portrayed as a string of events, hut
now is considered rather as the development of individuals, peoples.
institutions, political thinking and relationships. Likewise physical
geography, once a descriplion of mountains, valleys, rivers and
plains, is now fav better 4mderstnad as the evolution of land forms,
‘The notion of evolution enables one to understand processes rather
than ‘simply to describe a state of things; il elucidates canse as
well as effect.

THEY WELCOMED A NEW IDEA!

Knowing how hard it is ta have a new idea accepted, it rather
Staggers us to observe how quickly and how widely the epach-
making idea of evolution was received. As a book, The Origin of
Species was at insiantaneous success. The initial edition of 1,250
copies was sold on ihe day of publication, while the secotid edition
of 3,000 was sold the following year. By 1876 in England alone
a total of 16,000 copies had heen sold, which was remarkahle for
those days. By that same date the book had been translated into
almost every European language. “even into such languages as
Spanish, Bohemian, Polish, and Russian. . . . Even an essay
in Hebrew has appeared on it, showing ttc theory is contained
in the Okl Testament! (From Darwin's recollections written
for his children.)

Charles Darwin attnbuted the siecess of his hook (which 15
still being printed) to “my having finally abstracted a much larger
tianuscript, which was itself an abstract, By this means T was
enabled to select the more striking facts and conclusions.” But
whatever the scientific merit and the literary excellence of Darwin's
tome, ihis in ilself was not sufheient to explain the success of the
new (dea it put forward. Literary merit the work did! possess, and
its scientific achievement was that it provided ubjective evidence
for an idea dabbled with since the time of the Greeks, but never

“arator of Fossils, National Muscum of Victoria.

ut
rs

ners Giz, Dorwin Build a New Avenue of Thought z

before miade “a going concern”. However, the explanation oi the
theory’s wide acceptance is in the mental atmosphere of the times,
Darwin was on the right track when he said, “What I believe
was strictly true is that innumerable well-gbserved facts were
stored in the minds of naturalists ready to take their proper places
as soon 4s any theory which would receive them was sufficiently
explained.” A new idea must choose the right time to be born!

IMPORTANCE OF TIMING

On reading history, one is impressed with the importance of
timing for the successful introduction of a new idea, For instanee,
many eHorts quite as earnest as thar of William Wilberforce were
made pricr tu his on behalf of the slaves, but the success of Wilber-
force's campaign was due to the state of public opinion. This matter
af fining is fundamental. If the mental background of the times
had not been right, Darwin's work may well have been practically
unnaciced as indeed was that of Mendel on genetics. Just as nowa-
days psychology forms polite conversation anywhere, sa in the
eighteenth century natural history.was in tugh favour. Large
numbers of people actively studied natural history in books and
in the field. As a result, the eighteenth century was the era of
museums, when a Jarge number of these institutions was estab-
lished. They were centres of active discussion and research, even
more so than the universities. It seems true to say that people
then had a such clearer idea of whal @ species is than they do
now. They were more able and keener to read a book like Darwin's
than peuple are in these times. [t was the sympathetic background
which caused Darwin's book to “take” in su remarkable a manner,
G. B. Shaw said that classics are books praised but nor read.
The Origin of Spectes has hecome a classic in this sense, as few
modern people have actually read it, though most know about it,
li it had been published in 1954 instead of 1859 1 am sure that
few arher than scientists would have read it.

THE NEW SCIENCE

One other important factor in the acceptance of Darwin's new
idea, was the rise of the new science of geology. This science was
born in England, and its workers. were discovering all manner of
things which caused thinking people to doubt the orthodox explana-
tion of the history of the earth, It was becoming clear that the
world had not always been the same as medieval men thought.
Plains had become mountains, deserts had become fertile lands,
and vice-versa, Animals and plants had obviously not always been
the same, for species quite different from the living ones, yer
related to them, were preserved as fossils. Also, creatures strange
and terrible were certified by their bones, All this started more
knowledgeable people looking for some more satisfactory explara-

152 Gite, Darwiy. Binlk a New. Avenuc of-Thowghit vie, Fite

tion of the origin of the species now existing. When Darwin's
hook appeared, it was like a light in the darkness, an answer ta a
long-standing question, In time, most of the prejudiced were con-
vinced, too, and what was formerly a theory is naw regarded by
most as a law operative not only in biology, but in all things,

It may be worth repeating that a new tdea must. choose the
right time to be born! ;

THE BEHAVIOUR OF HONEY-BEES

Everything about the honeybee, “from a teedle to at. anehor™, 1s apparently
available to the reader, in a recent volume by C, R. Ribbands, Principal
Officer of the Bee Department, at the famous Rethamstead Experimental
Station, England.

The preface states: “the book is an alfempt to provide a comprehensive
knowledge of the behaviour and social life of honey-bees"; consequently, it
is a remarkable record of the cfforts of several hundred hymenopterists to
utravel the sectets of the most interesting graup of insects known to man.

Tt might be claimed that the book is a sort of wide mecuny that js, the
results are readily available tor quick reference. In that alone it will prove
of immense assistance to all natural lustory researchers. For example, should
the enquirer wish to learn just how the hee sees things, then he can consult
all the experiments that have been devised to that end. We may net accept
the conefusions of Hecht and Wolf, but we have at hand the reasons
advanced by Graham and Hunter for their criticism of the technique employed
by the two former investigators,

Of course, any modern record could not omit the remarkable studies of
Prof, von Frisch, for his experiments on colour vision in bees are a5 satis-
factory as tis classical work an how the insects indicate to their fellows
just how to And a crop of honey in the field, The professor concludes that
bees can see colour from a greater distance thay they can perceive scent,
cven though the scent be intense.

It is impossible ta da justice ta such a bok jn a short review, so uf you
desire ta learn whether or not bees will discover a “short cut” in air travel
when one is available, then you will have to read for yourself von Frisch’s
mountain edge expertment. Every nature lover should study, and enjoy: the
many admirable photographs of honey-bees in action,

The many experimenters coufined themselves to studying the honey-bee,
but the book would have been even inore enlightening had the author traced
the origin of the instincts of the honey-bee back among its primitive relatiyes.
For éxample, no researcher can adequately discuss the clustering of the
hive-bee unless he has also studied the clustering habits of male bees in
the genera Paracolietes; Hetcrocolletes, Halictus, Parasphecodes, Nomia.
and Anthophers. Netther cap the morphologist account for the pecten of the
honey-bee unless he has alse studied the posterior calear of Trigvona ancl the
many more primitive genera down to Puracolletes. No anthropologist can
eyer understand mankind by confining: his studies lo Enghshmen, :
- Perhaps the most commendable fexture of the volume is the author's
presentation of all the experiments, both “for and against”) that he does
this “withouwl fear or favour’ adds miueh to the value ws a work of refer—
ence. The book js published by the Bee Research Association Ltd, and
the review copy [s arailable by the courtesy of Collins Book Shop, per
Charles Dickens.

TaApLIoN RayMeNy, FR.25,

ora - Phe Féctarion Nainvaligs vo ™ 153

GEOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ON -THE WEST TAMAR
| By Row C Kersmaw
(Caminyed from last issue)

The ao-ealled Dripping Wells, which oecur just priar ta the above point,
are of the nature of a series of basins hollowed out in the mudstane, about
three feet above the level ground, into which seepage water from the ver-
hanging bank constantly drips. Unfortunately, vandals have visited the spot
to ita detriment The next bed to be examined consists of wu salt and very
pliable white clay. Following this there 1s a shaly mudstone averlaid hy
fine yellow sandstone,

As Sandstune Blolf is approached the cliff face rises to twenty or thirty
feet and unave, and beds of yellow, white, pink, and again yellow sandstone,
which are frequently very thin te laminated, are secn, In the cliff face,
perhaps fifteen feet up, a cave is hollowed out; it is elongated rather than
deep, The Bluff itself is of massive yellow sandstone, at the summit of
which the hill slopes more gently up to one hundred fect or so, On passinp:
Sanisione Bluff the cliff is seer to give way to lower ground where the
Permian is obscured by sands and gravel.

However, further along, the hillside has heen cut into again and ‘& twenty-
foot cliff cf pure white sandstone appears, This may be fallawesl at lessemng
baghts into and eruund a wide bay until, on the opposite shore, it is seen
tu be highly fervaginous, as remarked by Twelvetrees (1914). It forms a
piatfurna wpoot which rest large numbers of boulders of dolerite irum the
‘hillside above. The sandstone may le seen now anly at accasional jntervals,
and i is souselimes stauied a bright pink. Finally. it vanishes altogether
a? Anchor Point is approached. The point of contact is apparedtly not
wvinible and may be olscured by detritus and hill wash. It 35 casy to realize
how the belief was held that the age of the dolerite preceded that of the
adjacent Permian strata. -

The distance covered in this desenption would be upwards o7 three miles,
the Perniian beds beig exposed over most of the distance in cliff face ancl
wave-Washed platform, ana they certainly form the hill ridge which rises
ahuve, sometintes gradually and sametimes steeply, to one hutndeed fever or
more This feature is covered with clays, sands, and gravels, which effectively
screen the underlying beds. Tlawever, the authar has picled up, on its slope,
occasional pieces of rock apparently derived from the Permian, which
seems {4 suggest the proximity of the peda. but ihis is of course fiimsy
evidence,

Nyc und Blake (1938) record a number of divisicans of the Permian:

). The Basal Sezies—consisting of conglomerates, pebbly grits and sand>
stanes of glacial origin in most districts except the north-east.

- 2, Lower Marine Secies-..which continues frem the lower series without
a hreak, and consists of Fossiliferons mudstones, Simestanes, and mndstone
complamerates: the genera represented in the series have already Ween nated.

1. The Greta Series—of freshwater coal-bearing sandetones and shales,
including the Mersey beds referred ta by Twelvetrees (1914), \

4. The Upper Marnie, and ather beds which do not at the present endicern
This study, : ; _

The dip of the Permian beds is deseribed by Nye and Flake as. due te
Jaulting resulting: in block. tilting; usually associate with the diabase
Intrusians. Pe
5, The Tertiary. (a) The clay and associate! beds. j

Gould (1886) remarked the ‘Tertiary drifts of sand and gravels which
abscured the older rocks in places on the Jower Tamar, and while some of
the sands may be Pieistocene, the clay beneath the basalt at Inspection ffead

184 Kegsuaw, Geological Observations on Wost Tamar ee ed

is of definite Tertiary age. (Twelvetrees, 1914.) Nye and Blake (1938)
describe the basalts as Upper Pliocene, which suggests Lower Pliocene for
the clay, and this seems to be in accortl with (esr remarks on the series.
Clays uadeérlic the gravel drifts worth of Beaconsfield and are seen oear the
serpentine at Anderson’s Creek; they form the upper beds of the deep lead
ear Brandy Creek at Beaconsfield, and extend to the sauth of Beaconsfield.
They are regarded as of {resh-water origi. Pliocene is adupted here as the
> age at these clays, with the gravels fullowing immediately after their depo-
sition.

At West Arar the clay lies on the Permian strata, being thin near the
water level but apparently sloping up with the Permian to form a capping
of some thickness an the hill ndge above the arm. Thé author voted both
yellow and blue clay on block 21, Clarcnee Point subdivision The clay
surface appears uneven and the gravel beds resting on it wre of auiever
thickness, these variations apparently not always being related to the present
topography. The gravel beds exhibit three layers, the lowest bemg of fine
cemented silicgous sand which passes gradually mto coarser gritg, above
which is 2 much greater thickness oF gravel and gob with roughly rounded
and angular pebbles, of the Size of wn orange or larger, spaced throughout.
The whole of these ¢eponits consists of white quartz gravel, and this has
heen extensively quarried for conecete screenings, ete. The overburden at
the highest levels is a Jight sandy soi] contaiving gravel,

(b) The Lacustrine Series.

R. M, Johnston (1874) lay described the extelisive beds af laminated
tlays, sands and lignite in the vicinity of Launecston and to the south, Beds
of fe blag clay containing remains of water plants occur between the
clays and sands. A lignite is deseribed from Breadalbane, which is thickly
studded with Deads of resin. A bed of Nimite is exposed in the Tamar
chanel, resting uncanfarmahly upon 2 Greywacke Series, (See C. T,
McElroy, Aust, Journ, Sci, 16: 1954, for remarks concerning the term
“Greywacke’')

AL series of beds Of bloe and white clays, otcasionally interlarnmated
with thin bands of tenacious clay containing leaves, forms the Muddy
Creek tleposits north of Lanneesten an the West Tamar. Leaves from the
deposits are figuted by Johnstoi) The term “Launceston Tertiary Basin
is introduced by Johnston (1875) for the Jacustrine deposits. In the
valleys of the rivers discharging inte the Tamar he recnguized vast accumu-
Btions of stratahed deposits up to 500 feet above present stream levels, A bore
at Belmont passed throumh 814 feet of these beds without reaching the base
Jevels, and this reaches the equivalent to All) feet below sea level. An area
a At evare miles was envisaged by Johnston as the probable extent of
the lake.

At Windemll Hill, Launceston, Johnston noted wedge-shaped beds of
clay and tufaceows sand, cut throveh, and overlying similar beds. This
suggested to him the outlet channel of the huge Jake south of Launceston
He thought these bers to be later in age than the Muddy Creek series and
Pestulated their formation dursng:a period of voleamec activity.

At the foot of the Cabhage Tree Hill near Brandy Creck at Reaconsficld
Johnston (1888) records a deep trough suggestive of an infilled valley. The
deposits consist of the trsual clays, the Lowest eoutaining fossil fruits. ‘These
are recordel as from 270 feet below sea level. In the vieinity of the arta
knows as Flowery Gully near Beaconsfield, Goold (1866) described a
probable lacustrine system which found its evenlual onthe: through the
Present Middle Aaa Creek, Nye and Blake suggest Lower Phoceie or
possibly Miocene age for the Launceston Tertiary Basin, and the Windmill
Hill beds, if Johnston is correct, must range toward the Upper Phocene

Seley) Kriguaw, Geological Observations on West Taner #55

ta- the early vol¢aic activity which continued into this period with the
exudation of the lavas.

6, The Pleistocene and Recent

Qf Pleistocene ‘age ure the lower river terraces such 35 that deseribed
by David (1924) and! possibly the sands on the southern side of West Arm.
The lower reaches of the Tamar seem t have sullered at feast two inun-
dations, one probably duraw the Riss-Wurnt interglacial (the Yolande-
Margaret of Tasmania}, and the other during the Tlolocene ecnstatic yise
of sea level. The silted indentations of Edwards (1941) were bays at those
times, and old sea ctiffs are recopiized by Edwards it the Pre-Cambrian
rocks at Badger Head, mand from the present chs, Lewis (1934) corre
Jated the Derwent terraces with the glacial stages in Tasmania, recognizing
tereaces at from 5-10, 45-30 and LOU-150 feet, with river erosion, prohahly
to 60 feet below sea level during the Yolande glacial. Edwards added that
the world-wide ewstatic variations of sea level resulting from the Eurepesan
glacial ace more applicable to the deposits; however, the Tasmanian elacia-
tion is correlated with the European by Keble (3946) when discussing the
Bass Strait land bridges. From Keble's findings, it is readily appreciated
4hat the present ‘Lamar could not have been affected by eustauc vanatio:s
until after the Yolande glacial when subsidence in rhe Rasa Strait avea
exposed the present Tamar tb the ¢ustatic rise of the Yolande. Murgarct
(Riss-Wurm} interglacial,

As tletailed deseciptian af the river bank is ont of the question, dhe ares
betweeit Kelso and Clarence Point is selected, being the best known to the
writer. Kelso Bay as a silted indcntation into which drain two small
erecky, one at Kelsu being more or less permanent, but the vther, nesrcr
Clarence Point, depends entirely on the rainfall, These creeks add thetr
contribution to the volume of silt braught down hy the Tamar, and the
extension of the tidal flats has been noted by locals for many years. Mich
lide mark has encroached to a tnarked degree upon formerly dry land in
some places, indicating the rapid silting up of the estuary. Dolerite rocks
form the bank in places and rise to a hill at Kelso, and again dn the author's
property nearer Clarence Poiit, where the hill is spoken of as Bull's bill,
after a previaus owner, while further hills rise at Clarence Point and
Anchor Point. .

Belween Bull's Hill and Clarence Point two terrace levels may be seen
und wear the first Jowalify the writer tis picked up qyncoes of shells of
Gstvea awl Fasctoloria. Fifty feet above, ont the site of the writer's howse,
an aboriminal kitchen midden was noted by Mrs. Bull, but this was levelled
aia the house was built. Occasionally, picees of shells are found in the
garden.

In between the lower terrace, which is of saudy suil, amd the house, there
js a belt of reddish toa chocolate soil, suggestive of a decomposed dyke,
which may be traced in the direction of (sreen'’s Deach. Above this the sand
follows again, becoming almox! pure grey Bul improving to a loam at the
house, Clay oceure on the saddle upon whieh the Howse 33 located, while
down the apposite slope toward Kelso the sands are repeated, Beneath the
grey sand at the house there iy several feet of pure white sand which
lies on a dark peaty soil, This base gives way to @ white quarlz gravel
of small rounded pebbles as otie returns duwn the hillside, and is traceable
toward the seasonal creck, the bed of which passes ratind the hill ap the
opposite side to that described, reaching the river con the same side near
the lower terrace,

Between the terrace and dhe hill a vidge of water-warn stones of dolente
frid Quartz may be followed toward Clarence Point, The creck has cut a
stuall gorge through this ridge, At Clarence Poimt the opper terracé leyel,

Viet. Nat.

136 Keynsham, Geotagigal Observations on West Somer Val th

‘at a‘similur Ievel to the gravel ridge; is perhaps hali a nile across to jhe
dolerite hills here Sandy deposits accur again beyond them toward Weer
Arm, above which terraces appear to be located at similar levels Hard
sandy beds seplace [he white sani! at this Locality as also ar points on the
weiler's property and at Kelso. :
singe on the clay just above hizh water on the aorth bank of West Act
ts a bed of quarte gravel inan earthy matrix. This bed nay be traced along
the hak at about the same level, at mtervals fram Boatcrew's Point ta
Sandstone Bluff. At Soldier's Paint and at other places it is coveced with
sand, -and at Sandstone Bluff where there are twa exposures the matrix
of the second and langer is ved with iron. Tn the intervals between-exposures
in places below then, and on the opposite side of the arm, the mud-hanks
and platiorms are covered with gravel evidently derived trom this bed.
3

.

. BE, THE INTRUSIVE ROCKS

1. The ultra-basic rocks with ore ani mineral bodies, and the granite,

Ultra-hasic racks, originally peridatites, and pyroxenites, intrude the
older strata in the vicinity of Anderson's Creek which flows into the West
Amt The intrusion is bounded by Ashestos Range an the west, and this
association evidently accounts for the name of the ranee On the other
side are the conglomerates and sandstones of the Beaconsfield series, Toward
the arm the Permian appears. The rocks were themselves mtruded by aplitic
grauite i the form of dvket Probably due to these intrusions, the ultra-
basic rocks underwent serpentinizntion (Tweivetrees, 1917). Differential
‘mevements resulted in slickensides and Assures, and in these later there
crystallized veins of a¢bextos and filrous magnetite. The ashestos has bren
-ouned, but High costs have caused the suepension of the operations. Reid
(1919) deecribed two forms, nanicly picrolite and crysolite, Resemblance
Tras ‘een moted to the serpentine veeurrence of Canada. -

Anderson's Creek, which wag visited recently by the altho, ‘has cut a
ichannel through a narrow terrace of sandy material, following 2 meander-
ing course At @ Wigher level gravels occur similar to che deposits deseribed
earlier, Near Nichols’ Bridge, a dyke of granite may be seen, while a mile
or more farther upstream a gorge ihrough the curious Settlers Range is
cut Near here the fronstone hills, Mf. Vulean and Mt. Seott, orcur.
‘Twelvetrees ad Reid (1919) state that the evidende indicates a’ “residual
srantle of one resulting from the decay of the serpentine ém site”, These
authors. cover the subject thoroughly, with reference to the carly mining
history, The chromiiin conte is a discouraging feature.

The Settlers Range is the most extraordinary featuce of the whole field.
The rock is darkly granular, microscopically resembling a sehisi of enerss,
and containing, according te Twelvetrees (1917), the minerals biotite,
miuscuvite. quarts and felspar, with gvaitis of apatite aud occasional crystals
oF tourmaline. The rock has been variously regarded as an altered sediment
or a cruthed aplite or granite (Reid 1919). Along with ‘other. evidence,
Reid remarks that the alleration of the olivine component’ Of the peridotite
would result in a volume increase of more than 30 per cent, stil] sufficient,
allowing for the lass of iron and. silies, fo exert enormous pressures on the
intrusive Settlers Range dyke, certainly sufficient, according to Reid, to
completely aller. lke structure of the rock and induce schistosty. He note:
that indications of strain. and orushing are present. The range takes the
form of a series of dome-like hills, two on each side of the ‘stream, with
a stecp cliff on the south side, . =
(To be conelited).

tee,

pean The Victorian Naiuratist "57

SYSTEMATIC NOTES ON VICTORIAN MOSSES — 4
Ry J. 1. Wicwits, National Herbarium of Victoria

{.— Amendments to the List of Genere

Durning the three years since, in callahoration with Mr. H, T, Clittord.
T published “The Genera of Victorian Mosses" [Vict Nol. d&: 136-138
LDec. 1951}], 4 has been possthle to examime eeitically the bases upon which
each of the 123 genera had been recorded for this State, Ir it now apparent
thay the names of two must be changed, six must be deleted from the list
(as not Victorian}, while three previously-irecorded genera must be
aded—a net reduction to 120 for Victoria, These amendments may be
diseissed metre under the following three categories :

_ Adjustments
I, For Didywedon Hedw. pp, read Ervikrebarbule Steere

Didymedon in the wider sense bas been re-modelled by Dr. W. C. Steere”
Who raises the subgenus Erythrophyllune to generic rank as Frathroterbwla,
st the Victorian representative D. rubelizs (Hofim.) Br. & Sch.—actially
a ew species record for the State—nmiust now become Erythrobarbula
recwpmirosiris (Hedw.y Steere. (See p. 160).

2, For Eucotageniwmn (Broth) Fleisch, read Cotagoniune CM.

De. A. Le Roy Andrews (The Brvalogist 52: 73 (1949)] remarks that
Brotherus (1924) had been misled by Pleischer in iransterring the austral
moss Categontwn pohtum (Took. f. & Wils.) Broth. to a separate senus
Livcatagoxium, placed in an impossible family and associated with genera
to which it ig not related’, In a personal letter to Mr. H, T. Clifford
(Apr. 1952) he expressed the definite opimion that Eucatagonim should be
re-vnjled with Catugoninn under the famify Plagiothectacear.

Deletions
t, Bruchia Schwer.

This genus of minute mosses is represented both in Tasmania and New
South Wales; bit mo Victorian collection can be traced, and at is doubtful
whether any species occurs in this State,

2. Metzoriua Dozy & Molk.

In the strict sense, Meteortunt 1% practically confined lo the tropics at
south-east Asia, Indonesia and America; but at least one species (M, bailey?
Broth.) enters Queensland. Victarian apecies hitherto assigned to this

snus belong to Papillaria, which is distinguished by having more thar
oue papilla on each Jeaf cell -and hy a smooth seta’to the capsule,

5. Phascuwm Ledw,

Maat af the Australian nsaterial, ‘and certainly” all Victorian specimens,
referred by various authors ta the genus Phascuns (which ‘has no indica-

‘ign of an opercvium) belong either to. .4ytomesn or Potts.

4. Rhadobrywm (Schp. ) -Limpr.

Distinguished from Bryn by the presence of subterranean; chizume-ilee
"suckers", this tropical and subtropical genus was recorded for Victoria
solely -o7 the basis of A. crispatwn Hampe, An examination of the tyne
material (Qtway Ranges toward Apollo Bay, deg. C, Walter, 1874), proves
it tu be conspecific with the common and highly yariable Bryne otardiert
Schwer. ;> na true Meduepsalir safe. yas ever been raljected as far south as

“Victoria.

1S8 0 Wits, Systematic Notes on Victorian Mosses—4 = [Sy Mat

5, Rhuphedorrhynchinm Besch.

An antenable genus, separated from Sematopiyttine principally on the
basis vf its secund-faleate leaves; but the latter’ iiclades species having
leaves both erect and fatcate: All Victorian mosses hitherto referred to
Rhaphidorrhynchium belong wndoubtedly to Nematopliylhon.

6 Tetrapterwm Tampe in C, M,

Dr, Le Roy Andrews [The Bryvlogist #8: 190-3 (1945)] maintains that
Tetrupterwma is monotypic and should be reserved for the single South
African species T. cupense (Harv.) Broth. All Australian plants referred
to this genus by Rrotherts in 1924 must he returned to: Astomunt. 1 believe
there is only one witlespread species in southern Australia, viz A. ¢win-
dricion (Tayt.) Mitt, and consider {from an examination of the types—bath
Victorian} that T. sudlrvani (C.M.) Broth. and T. tetrapteroides (CM)
Broth. are synonymous.

Additions
1. Dicranoweisia Lindh. (Dicranocee).

2. Entodon C.M. (Entodontecer).
3. Hampeella C.M. (Ptychormiccer).

Species of these genera have been fumnid int Victoria during recent years.

il.—Speties which wero mot “New Records” for Vietorin in 1952

Three of the 3F species listed as new ta the State by H, TL Clifford and
the writer [Vict Mat 68: 151-198 (Jan. 1952)] prove, upon. subsequent
investigati¢n, tu have been published previously—two of them under other
names.and the third among a hist of species noted on a Field Naturalists”
excursion 50 years ago, the ceference having been overlooked.

l. Grimnua frichephylia Grev.

The species has been recorded at Jeast twice for Victoria: first under the
name “G, pulvinate, var, africana (Hedw.) Hook. f& & Wils.” by Mitten,
based upon av early collection of F. Moeller's fram Gippsland, No, 76
[see Hooker's Journ, Bol, & Kew Garder Misvellany: 259 (1856)1; then
as "G. fyvamen C.M.” hy Watts and Whitelegge, from Mueller’s Durebin
Creek callectiaa Esee the Supplement td Proc. Linn. Sou. NSW, - 84
(iNMz2}]—ihe Western Avistralian type of G. pygmea €,M, is almost
certainly teferable to CG. rdvinata (Tledw.) Sm., but the Victorian material
tiled above proves to be G. trichuphylla Grey. This:moss tends to replace
G. pulvinata at higher altitudes and is now known to be abundant all over
the Australian Alps, ¢.g. at Lake Mountain, the Baw Baws, Mts. Buller and
Huffalo, Bogone High Plains, Kosciusko region, and also Mt. William in
the Grampians.

2, Rhynchastegiella jauriculata (Hook, =. & Wils.) Broth. F

This had already been published and illustrated, under the name AH ypian
frachychetwn sp. nov. by PF. Mueller in his Analytical Drawings of rinse
tralian Mossess YAS (1864), the only locality being “Australra Ietix'.
A second species of this genus, R. cuciliata ( Mitt.) Dixon, 1924, was known
solely from the type collection—Dargo River, as J/ ppm cacullotum. Mitt—
iwotil I found it on willow tranks along me Dandenong Creek ot Mulgrave,
March 1952; the ovate-clliptic and very concave leaves are quite distinctive,

3. Trigontivm tasmanicum Hook f,

_In listing 2 small collection of bryophytes nade during a Christmas-excur-
sion to the Otway Ranges in 3904, Mr. A, D. Hardy mentions Tridumtinne

peony Wittis, Systamaiie Notes on Mtctoriaa Mosscs—4 199
as having been “collected in the valley of the Aire River” [Viet. Nat. 24:
162 (Mar. 1905)] aid identified by R. A. Bastow. Since Tviduntivim is a
well-marked monotypic genus, the generic record also corers that of the
species. Tr is naw known to oceur also along the upper Gellibrand River
and at La) Lal Falls acar Ballarat.

H1L—15 Species Not Previously Recorded for Victoria

(Annotated list arranged alphabetically, the { sign denoting a new generic
record. Collections cited are all ee in the Natwnal Herbarium, South
. Yarra.)
PARBULA UNGUICULATA Hedw.: Brigtton -- abundant on damp
shaded soil in a garden at 63 Durrant Street (J. H, Willis, Noy, 1951),
Although this suburban occurrence was clasely observed over a
neriod of several yedrs, nO fruiting capsules evet Appeared; but the
yellow-green colour, habitat and bluntish ligulate Jeaves with recurved
margifis, the obscure cella and stout papillase nerves, are exactly as
in. Ruropéan specimens of BL wiguizviala—a very common and vanable
4pecies almost throughout the northern henisphere. Messrs, G. OF. K,
Sainshury and F_ B, Bartram hoth confirm my determination The
habitat and lack of other Victorian sccurrences would suggest that
it is an introduction here. From fhe description (Proc. Linn. Soc, NSM.
$1: 581 (19161), B, glewexle Broth, appears te be the same thing;
bur [ have not had the opportunity of examining either syatype Pbotr
harrenJ—one drom Heyington, Vir. (leg W. W. Watts, No 158),
the other from Nowra, N.S.W. (leg. Watts, No. 6266). Lf B. glayeula
can ever be proved identical with &, angwiculata, then this new record
far Victoria must lapse.

BRYUM LEPIGATUOM Hook. f. & Wils.: Bagong High Plains—morasses
ata head of Middle Creek towards Mt. Cope, ca. 5600 ft. (Coryl Skewes,
Jun. 1952).

A very distinetive tobust species of Anfarctic distribution, the leayes
lieing stiff. shiny, concave, broad, entire and hluntish, with recurved
margins usually strongly bordered and the smali-cells often incrassate.
lt 1s apparently a rarity m Victoria, restricted to our higher alys7 but
it aceurs alsy in the Kesciyske-Tooma-Yarrangobilly area (N.S.W.),
in) outhern Tasmania, thrargghour the New Zealand highlands ,where
not infrequent, on Marquarie Island, and extemting to Patagonia anti
the Falklands at the tip of South America, exhiviting much. variation
throughout its wide ralige,

CRATONEUROPSIS RELAXA (Hook tf. & Wiis.) Fleisch! Koyong
lligh Plains—in crevices of basalt rock at upper Bundarrah River, abour
L niiles % of Mt. Jim (Corvt Skewes. Jan. 1952); Mt. Fainter (A. J].
Tadgell Feb 1926); Dargo High Plaiss- wet basallic slopes al southern
end of Lankey’s Plain, ca. 4500 Tt. (J, H. Willis, Jan. 1946): *Jimny's
Creck, about 18% miles s. of Hall’s Gap, Grampiins—on sastdstone rocks
it) Tunning water (CU. Beaugtehole, No. 1311, Oct. 1950),

Principally alpine im Victoria, this robust mossy is usually easy to
distinguish from the commoner C. deexssata {Hook t, & Wils,) Fleiselr.,
in being Jess regularly branched, woth larger leaves (ta 2 mim- Jong)
which spread out horizantally, instead af recurving sharply, amd much
Slouter nerves reaching almost to the acumen, Beauglehote’s collectian
from the southern Grarapians js an aquaric phase, the yellowish grawing
tips contrasting Strongly with the blackened growth beneath. Elsewhere
it Australia C, ri/ava seents lo be known only from the Yarrangobilly
Cuves (NVS-W,) and the Forth River falls (Tas.), but it is fairly
common in New Zealand ‘

1a ‘Watts, Systematic Notes ov. Vietarian Mosset-—4 Vict. Nat

Vol. Tt

4ERYTHROBARSULA RECURVIROSTRIS (Hedw.) Steere: Between

Calguboyn aud Nowa Nowa—damp light sandy soil, south of railway
line and north of Lakes Entrance (Ruth Clark, June 1951),

The collection cited above (i barren ome) is apparently the first
undoubted example of this boreal species in Australia. It had been
recorded for ‘Tasmania, on the basis of a Bellerive collection, under its
various synonyms Bazhula rubella, Didymadon rubellus and Trichas-
Jomunt dimingdwn,; hut, as Me. Samsbury pomts out [Papers & Prac,
Roy. Soc. Tas. 87: BB (1953) ] the specimens labelled “Barbula rubella
({Hoflm.) Mitt." from Bellerive and Colebrook in Rodway's herbarium
are ot of itis species but belong to the allied Didymodon binct
(R. Br. ter.) Dixon, Species of Ervihrobavinula are distinguished by
their rusty-reddish leaves having thin-celfed hyaline bases and scat-
tered tecth toward the apex. A second species of this genus was found
by. the wnter on-dacite boulders along the Mountain Highway, above
The Basin (Dandenong Ranges) in January 1952; it resembled a
Fubescerit cushion of some Andreaa, but. was unfortunatcly barren and
Must remain indeterminate until good fruiting material is found.

FISSIDENS CRASS(PES Wils.: Yarra River at Heyington Railway

F

Station—wet, muddy Silurian racks at the water's edge (J. H. Willis,
Sepr. 1951),

Mr, A. H. Norkett of the British Museum -(Natural History) has
examined this single barren Victorian coilection and confirmed its
ulentilty with some of the forms of F. rrassipes—a variable, widespread
Tipanian. species in southern and central Europe, particularly on cal-
careous formations, but tess common in Britain. No other records of
the moss have been made for Austrabasia and, from the situation in
a Melbourne suburb, one might regard the Yarra-side example as an
intcoduction, Haweger, while checking over Fisndear material in
Sydney and Melboutne State herbaria, | came across three other much
dider collections of what seem to be undoubted F. crasspes, viz.
Onkaparinga River near Clarendon, S, Aust—'on swarnpy black soil
of 2 spring at cocky river bank" (QO, Tepper, No. 587, Jan, 1982);
Minto near Campbelltown—on banks of cresk (T. Whitelegge, Pech.
1885): Emigrant Creek, Tintenbar, Richniond River, N.S.W.—truiting
on wet stones (W, W. Wans, May 1899), The last two bear the Jabel
“F. syduepensts Geheeb", bot this appears to be a ‘nomen tudum'
FP. premallis Broth. from the Richmond River. N.SW,, and F. undate-
decurrens CM. (another ‘nomen nudum') of Quecnsland are also prob-
ably referable to F. crassipes, It is obvious, therefore, that the species
ranges wodely, af desconmectedly, through eastern Australia, has been
‘here for at least 70 years, and may be avcepred as truly indigenous.
F. dietrichiae C.M. is very closely allied, but distinct enough (in
perichaetial leaves being mare acuminate and cell walls considerably
thickes.]; according to Mr. Norkett who kindly examined the Queensland
type at my request, F crassipes, like our common aquatic F. rigidatus,
belongs ta the section Puchvlomidium in which there is a very strong
border to the leaves—2-several cells ‘thick. The Heyington plants
were ‘like miniature fishbone ferns (about | cm. long), dark green in
éolour with broadish, ablong, regularly placed leaves, small opaque cells
and the feaf-tips minutely denticulate.

BDEALBATUS Hook ft. & Wiis. Colac Road 5 miles east of. Larne,

Otway Rangcs—damp shaded earth along timber track (Mervyn Davis,

Marcls 1952}: upper Gellibrand River. falls, Otways—on hard ‘ground
(Cf, Beauglehole, No. 2044, Feb. 1952), ;

% anni an Wrints, Sustemalie Notes of Piclonan Masges—a is]

A teéemarkable and highly. distinctive little moss (up tao ? mm. high,
represenling tie subgenus Pofypodsppsis—vety pale flabby fronds and
tellucid nerveless leaves, with large loose cells (as in Splachwaceac),
It oceurs rather widely in New Zealand (the type region), in Tasmania
and the wortheri rivers district of New South Wales, 1 baye nat
seen the type collection of F, splacknoides Broth. from Endoorvapilly
near Brisbane; bul the original description applies very well 10
&, dealborme and T strongly suspect that it will eventually prove to be
identical. Tt is singular that Brotherus made no mention of FB. dealbatus
when discussing ihe affinities of his new Queensland moss [Ofo. Finsk.
fet-Soe. Parh. 33° 37 (1893)]..

BL HUMITIS Dixon & Waits; Monkey Creek, Beuthem—growmg with
FP. punyers (Roth Clark, Aug. 1952).

Tins East Gippsland occurrence brimgs the sumber of Fissidenfacee
in’ Vietoria to 18 species. At first siedit, F- Animiis (Section Awiblia-
thollia) conveys the impression of a very diminutive (2-5 mm.) state
ot F. aspleaioides Acdw,; but it fruits abundantly (which the latter
never does in Australia}, has much soiailer, denser, papillase sand
opajue cells and a characteristic Isteral bending af the leaf-tips, Jt
is kudwn alsn ieom Newcastle (the type area), Richmond River at Bal
Vina and Brunswick River, N_S WI, Indooroopilly near Brisbane, O'Tand.,
and occurs jn two varicties in the North Island of New Zialatd [see
Sainsbury, eve Gryot. et Lictenal 21; 214 (1952)], F, coarctata C.M,
14% omen nuduoi’ for the sume piant.

THAMPRELLA PALEENS (Lac) Pieisch,; Caryn River township—rottine
logs in patch of riverside jungle (J. W. Willis, Dee, 1951)

Found first in Java about 1870, this trepical and subtropical species
oi the Ptychommace ranges through New Guinea to Queensland and
New South Wales, where it is not uncameaton i coastal raindtorest—
Richnicid River, Docriga, Blue Mountains, Cainbewarra Mountain,
etc, Jn $943 it was callected ior the first time in New Zealand (hetween
Lake Rotoehu and the Bay of Plenty, North Island}. It 1s a small,
lustrous, bark-iihabiting moss with rather chaffy,-overlapping leaves
jhat are denticqulate at the apex. I.cai-cells are much natrower than
in the closely related genus (rfvphothecinm which alsa differs m having
more symunétrical Iwayes with a group of differentiated, smaller,
marginal celfs at the base; but a most distinctive feature in Rampeeciia
38 the pecolias bundles af iong braod-filaments produced toward the
upper part of the stems. Uniortunately the Cann River specimens arc
harren, but they do provide an interesting cryptogamic link im assessing
the troyical srighy of ovr East Gippsland juagle. flora,

ISOPTERYGliEM ALBESCENS (Schwer:.) Jeg.: Tanjil Brea, between
upper Past and West Tanjil Rivers—wet shaded granitic sand around

_ tree stumps m fern gullies (J. We Walhs, Oct. 19491); Cano River tow
ship—-well coued Togs on the shaded aud offen inundated floar_of siver-
side jungle pateh (J. 11. Willis, Dec. 1951) > Melhourne Botanic Gardens—
at Base pf Cyulhvo anstroiis in artificial fern gully, doubtless introduced
woth ferns (PN. S. Bibby, July 1951).

A very delicate little moss, chiely adhering to the woady substrate
and protably uverlooked by ¢arher callectors. It hns complanate branches
au few inllimetres log, acuminate lustrous leaves, and the operculum
ware rostrate than one usually Aids in Tsopteryqnan J. candidwim (CM)
beg. and f. wolliculwme (Sull,) Mitt, are to be regarded as synonyms,
the species ranging Jrom the Hinalayas to Japan, Philippines, Tndo-
siesta, Polynesta, New Zealand ard eastern Australia—usually ln shaded
submontane localities .

142 Wits, Systematic Notes on Pictarion Mosses—4 Lard —

PAPILLARLA CROCEA (Hampe) Jaxg-: Mason's Falls, Kinglake Nat-
janal Park—danip trunks of acacia melonoxplon (J. He Wills, Oct. 1945) ;
Lock (J. R. Murdoch, Dec. 1915); Tarwinr River (PF Mueller, Ape. 1854;
Maton, ca. 1880); Teadcock Creek north of Glonaladalp—trunks of
jungte trees (f. G, Willis, Jan. 1940); Mt. Drummier—in jungle ({N. A.
Wakefield, Jan. 1952); “East Gippsland" (C. Walter, 1869); ‘Australia
Felix", FE. Mueller, Nov. 1822).

This long- and slenderly-branched icstoon toss was actually recorded
for Victorja 1 a note by the writer on “Mitchell Gorge Mosse"
[iiet. Nat, 69> 131 (Feb. 1953)], but it 15 thought appropriate to
repeat the record and add any other kauwn. occurrences. The type
tame [rom Tasmania, but the species ranges north through eastern
Avuetralia tu Indonesia, Ceylon and India, and it is common in New
Zealand; there is an involved synonymy. More frequent in Victorian
forests is the telated P. Alawo-linbota (CM. & Hampe) Jxee—frst
dexeribed fron: Gippsland—which differs au the rather more rubust
habit, more spreadina and distinctly undulate foliage, and especially
in its camspicuaus pallid Jeaf-harder of narrower, less papillate cells.
The hair-poits of the comal leaves in P. flawe-fimbata are curigusly
and chacacteristically pronged at thee apices.

“PONLIA CROUDA (Web. & Motic) Lindb.: Mr. Ruller—cliff. soakages
between columnar hasalt mks on the southern escarpment of | Baldy”
at S400 it. (J, H. Willis, Mar, 1953); Mt Bogong, at S80 it—erowing
with Lefyroden among rants of the rare fern Cystepleris froyiiis,

_ apparently at head of Wotan Ck. (A. J. Tadgell, Feb, 1923—vollected
unwittingly),

The specifre epithet is libeWous, ior Dixon has truly descrited this
ihagerficent, robust, subnival aoss as “a very fine and beautiful species,
known at onee. by the metallic, almost opalescent sheen on the leaves”-
It is widespread on the mountains of Europe, Asia, North amd Sauth
America (down to Pueeia), of Kerguelen god other subantarene
islands, Mr, Sainshury tells ne it is "frequent enough, dhough it could
not be called abundance’ in New Zealand. lo our Avostralian alps it
remains a decided rarity, known only by fiye gatherings, viz, summit
of Mi. Wellington (Tax), Blue Mouytains and Yarrangobilly Caves
(N.S.W.}, and the present first Victorian records; only the Blue
Mountains cullection fas fruits. On Mt. Buller it crows with and
outwardly resembles another handsame‘glpine species, Lepyrodon lagerus
(Toole) Misty: but the glistening, iridescent lustre (like a dragonfly’s
wings) and wider Jeaf-cells of the Pohtia are uninistakable.

P. NOFA-SRELANDIAR Dixon: Bogong Higt Plains — amongst
sphagoum near the water's ecilge, at head af Middle Creek above Rover
Scout hut, ca. 5400 it. (J. H. Willis, Jan. 1947); Mt. Buffalo plateau
—damnp soil slong road from the Chalet to Lake Catani, ca. 4500 ft.
€K. W. Attins, Dee 1952).

This moss had, been considered endemic in New Zealand, and con-
fined there te two widely separated Botanical districts. [t differs from
all known Awstrafign species an the very oarrow cylindrical capsules
(to 5 mm, tong). hut would be difficult to recagniar in the absence
of fruiting material, Most probably P. wove-scelanate will eventually
make its appearance ja Tasmayiia and the south-castern alps of New
South Wales.

SEMATGPHYLLUM CONTIGUUM (Hook £ & Wits.) Dixon: Lake
Mountam, 10 miles wee of Marysville—rotting tea-tree logs at head of
a moist beech gully tear the tower, ce. 4500 ft CE, Dakin, Mar. L952;

ree Writs, Systematic Notes ou Victorian Wosses—4 163

J. H. Willis, Mar. 1952); Boggy Creek, Nowa Nowa {Ruth Clark,
Aug. 1952), » , 5
Little pullid plants, with straight (never fa)cate), very concave,
entire, Jong-acurminate Jeaves and small short-necked capsules At a
glanee they resemble.a diminutive form of the very common, branzy
S. homomallum (Hampe} Broth.: but the Jeaf-base is entirely different,
showing two or three large inflated alar cells, but #0 numerous orange,
itterassated ones az in 5, hkomoanallian, while the spares are much
stialler (12-16 mic, as against 20-30 mic. i the larger species).
S_ contiguwn ranges through eastern Australia, New Zealand (where
Widespread) and Oceania, but there seems to be only @ single New
South Wales record—from Homebush, 2 western suburb of Sydney;
it has probably heen overiooked.

S&S. TENUIROSTRE (Hook.) Dixon: Lake Mountain, 10 miles ne of
Marysville—damp ground amongst woody debris along a shaded head
of Tageerty River, near Forests Commission camp ot ca. 4900 ft,
(E, Dakin, Mar. 1952); Mt. Buffalo plateaa—on permanently moist
shaded granite houlders, along creck running off Split Peak, cz. S000 ft.
(K. W. Atkins, Dee, 1952); Me. Joliet, near Healesville (F Mueller,
before 1880),

A moisture-loving, robust mountain species to 4 cm. high; it i5 rather
Widespreyd in New Zealand, bul very uncommon on the Avstraliat
mainland, the only record apart frons hese Victorian oceurrences being
3 doubtful ane for the Blue Mountaws (N.5.W.). L. Radway [Fapers
& Proc, Key. Soc. Tas, for 913: 213 (1914)] remarks “common on
deadwood", but perhaps the detenmmation of his specimens is open to
question. 1 certainly found the species last April on Flinders Istand,
Bass Strait; but it grew an granite rock ledges, under dripping water
near the summit of Strzelecki Peak (ca. 2250 ft}. The lustrous leaves
ot S, tesuirastre are faleate, often detticulate tat the subacuminate
apex, and the capsules are large (to 1:5 mm, Jong). -

PESICULARIA RETICULATA (Dazy & Molk.) RBroth.: Melbourne
Rotartic Gardens—gravelly sail around base of Rhaphis taenitis (“low
ground-rattan”) in a flower-pov under glass, doubtless introduced
(J. Hy Willis, Jan, 1952),

The occurrence of this [nda-malaysian mots in a garden hot-house
is recorded imerely as a matter of jnlerest; it ws never jikely to be
found growing spontaneously in Vivlurae and should nov appear in
2 census af the State’s Musci. Two otter species, VP rivale Broth. and
, slater’ (Humpe) Broth. are recorded as indigenous in the Richmond
River district of New South Wales. Meseuleriv is a large tropical
genus (in the Aypxacem’) distingulshed hy its rather asymmetric leaves
having broadish, oval to rhomboid cells,

In comeélusion, 1 would once moré register most sincere thanks to Mr.
G. O. KL Sainsbury of Wairoa (N.Z.) who, over a period of years, has
rendered invaluable assistance by checking scores of <pecimens for me.
Without the benefit of his expert knowledge, soa willingly shared, I would
have been reluctant to present a critical paper such <s this.

NATURALISTS’ NOTEBOOK
(Reserved for your Notes, Observations ond Queries)
SHOTGUNS FOR HAWKS?

The Weekly Tiines of November 3, 1984, carries on its poultry pages &
paragraph entitled “Shotguns for Hawks’, It anwounves that most hawks

14 Naturalists’ Nolebaak ; Sine ny r

will prey on chickens, especially on feolated farms, and it recommends the
shotgun or the baited trap, ‘ A

As a keeper of chickens rimnivg free on some very isolated bil farms
and later ot) swampy river flats, f would bke to place on record that never
vet have T lost chick or any other domestic fowl-ta a bird olf prey, although
many of these birds hyed actually on dhe farms. T feel that a statement
stich as the ahove is ill-considered and an open invitation ta the thonehtless
to destroy on sight some of our most valuable farm birds.

‘That beautiful and {ricridly little white “hawk",, the Black-shouldered Kite,
will hover all day over the farmyatd, catching mouse after mouse. Kites
are protected—but what an easy shot! The other satall hawk, the Nankeen
Kestrel, will do the same, und sometimes harasses the sparrows in the silo,
The Brown Hawk, the Little Falcon, the savage Goshawk, all have heen
our neighbours. Tyy the hille the Wedgetail, in whose territory we liver,
sametimes closely inspected my current poddy Jamb, but it “was the ald
dead sheep whose bones he picked. Here on the Tarwin the Swamp Harriers
werk over us alf the year round. Young rahbits form a large part of
their diet, as shown by the thick layers of bones in old nests, and the fresh
Portions of fur and flesh under the nest trees. Surely more publicity should
be given to-the useful qualities of the hawks in general rather thas to
condemn them all on what may well be only an unwelcome habit in certain
menibers of a species:

E. Lypor, Leongatha,

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN
F.WAC.Y, Excorsions; '

Saturday, Febiusry 12—Microsenpical Group excutsion ta Albert Park
Lake, Mert at South end at 2.30 pam. Visitors welcome,

Sunday, February 2U—Wattle Park. Leader: Mr. Humfiray. Meet at
Waite’ Park tram terminus at 2 p.m, '

Saturday, March 5—Geoingy Group Excursion, Details at Group Meeting.
Sunday, March 13—Lerderderg Gorge. Leader: Mr. F, Jackson. Parlour

caach leaves Batrnan Avenue 9 a.m, retums approsimately B30 yom,
Fare 17/-. Bookings with Excursion Secretary. Bring two meals.

Preliminary Notice:

April 7-11 (Easter‘—Excursion to Wilson's Promontory, Parlour coach
leayes,Eall & Welch's, Minders St., Thersday, April 7, 6 p.m, returns
‘Monday night; fate £4, Cainp sites available, 7/- per person, but
mininium 28/- per site. Lodges with electricity, water, some kitchen
utensils, and beds available, withimattresses and pillows, byt not hnen
and blankets. Beds fo be looked by March 1, approximately 2D/- per
person Camp store sells groceries. Bread and meat normally onme
twice weekly upon ofdering, Book with Excursion Secretary, £1
deposit and balance at March General Meeting,

Group Meetings:
(7.45 pan. at National Herbarium, The Domain, Sout Yarra).

Wednesday, February 16—Micrescopical Group. Open ar "natter” night,
Members should bring: theic microscopes: atid, Gf mecessaty, slides
(and commentator) will be stipplicd,

Wednesday, February 23—Botany Group. Subject: Butanic Gardens (with
Kodaclirome slides), By K.'W. Atkins. |

Wednesday. March 2—Geology Group,

Mani ALLENDE, Excursion Sceretur,

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 7I—Na_ IT MARCH 3, 1955 No. 855

PROCEEDINGS

About 100 members ‘and Friends attended the Gencral Meeting
at the Narional Herbarium on February 14, and the President
extended a hearty welcome to all, especially io Mr. and Mrs.
S. J. Smith of Ontario in Canada.

Mr. and Mrs, D. C. McDonald were elected as Joiut Members,
and Messrs. D. P. Sands and D. McK. Shanks as Country
Members. All are cordially welcomed to the ranks of the Club.

A repart came fron) Mr. Garnet, that the Military Authorittes
were cuntemplating using Wilson's Promontory for Commando
training, and he expressed the hope that the Club would oppose
this.

A short summary was read of the report of the 9th Internationa!
Convention af the Committee for Bird Preservation. Australia
was represented by Mr.H, J. Frith of the C.S.1.R-O., and subjects
discussed ineluded the preservation of waterfowl, international
trade in Egret and Bird of Paradise plumes, and the matter ai
caged birds.

Our Past President, Dr. Margaret Chattaway, was the speaker
for the evening, and she dealt with her recent trip to Fiji, With
the aid of a series of very beautiful Kodachrome slides, Dr,
Chattaway took the audience on a tour of Viti Levu, which.
together with the informative comments, was thoroughly enjoyed
by the Meeting. The President's words of thanks were seconded
by Mr, Coghill, and Mr, Burke added some comments of appre-
eution for the excellent views of the Royal Palms which line
some streets in Fiji.

Mr. Rayment handed over to the Club a copy of the book on
Zoology, by the late Professor Cockerill, of Colorado, A number
of these had been bequeathed to various librarics throughout the
world, and Mr. Rayment was instrumeytal in having the FNC.
included in the hequest,

Mr. Michaél Morgan, a recently-elected Junior Members, pre-
sented to the Cluh library a hank on Conchology, published in
1816, and the President thanked hit sincerely on behalf of the
“Cab

Nature notes included comment by Mr, Stewart on (he appear-
ance of White-throated Tree-Creepers among the “Woolybutts”
at Mourit Buffalo, and the return of Lyrebirds to that ares; and
Mr. Burke mentioned that the Sacred Lotus of Egypt was
flowering in the Botanic Gardens.

165

146 Proceedings Vol. 71

Exhibits included a fine display of garden-grown native flora
by Mr, Savige; and a suite of alpine flora from Mannt Butfalo
by Mr. Stewart. Michael Morgan exhibited a collection of abor-
ginal arpifacts from Mount Koroit, and two New Stone Age
thiplements fron Brighton, England.

THE LATE EDWARD EDGAR PESCOTT, F.L.S.
By Georcr N. Hyan

Older members of the F.N,C.V., who wére active in the years
between the two world wars, will have heard of the recent passing
of one of aut then most prominent members, Edward Pescott,
with great regret and a sense af personal loss,

Mr. Pescott was barn and educated in Geeloug, and his first
occupation was that of teacher in the Victorian Education Depart-
ment, in that lncality and later in East Gippsland. In both fields,
he gave early evidence of his interest and knowledge of botany
and horticulture. Tn the late nineties of last century, he was
awarded the Gold Medal of the Geelong Field Naturalists Chub,
anow defunct organization, which at that time seriously rivalled
the senior club in membership and prestige. This award was
given for work on grasses and was followed later by a silver
medal award for work on ferns, Appointment ta Orbost as a
teacher further stimulated his botanical interest, more particularly
in regard to then little myestigated Last Gippsland flora, and he
is credited with several new Socality records in that area.

In the early 1900's he joined the then newly-formed orchard
branch of the Department of Agriculture, and thas came into
clase and fruitiul association with Charles French, Senr., and his
son, C. C, Brittlebank, H. W. Davey, F, Beuhne, and other
Departmental officers who were also prominent members of the
FNC V. After being stationed in the country, notably in Shep-
parton and the north-east, where he also made some new botanical
locality records, hé had his headquariers in Melbourne and, from
L@13 onwards, had the opportunity af taking an active part in
the Clnh’s affairs.

Tn 1409, Mr, Pescott was appoitited Principal of the Buriley
School of Horticulture, and it was there that he was first able to
actually demonstrate ard further the principles of utilizing uative
species for ornatnental gardening aud for large scale park and
reserve plantiig. Tn LOl/ he was appointed Governmerit Poino-
logist, which gave him a still wider opportunity of travelling over
the State and, apart [rom actual pomological work, this involved
advisory and extension work on alitiost every branch of
horticulttre.

And so from then unt) his official retirement im 1937. tre had
din] took cvery opportuiuty to bring the merits of Anstralian
flora as. decorative garden subjects, their use as shade trevs, for
breakwinds and for erosion control, to the notice of municipal

March
1955 ]

Hram, The Late Edward Edgar Pescati, F.LS. liz
“bodies, farmers and the public generaily- He was in fact the first
lecturer on the subject of cultivating native plants, his lectures
being illustrated by a notable colleciion of slides photographed
by hintself. mainly in sita. Jlis native flower photos were
frequently used as illustrations tu is own and other writers’
books and articles. In the early days of broadeasting, Mr.
Pescott gave about a’ hundred consecutive weekly talks on the
native flora, winch stimulated many enquiries and mich corres-
pondence. Hig officia) duties took him to inany farms, and in a
Tuinber of cases he was able to induce land-owners to preserve
small arcas of interestmg native plants from the plough ur
fire-stick.

Mr, Peseott’s work as a member of the FIN.C.V _ which he
joined in 1973, was also largely in the direction of the preservation
as well as the botanical study of native flora. He was on the
Committee {now the Council) for many years, mcluding one
year as Honorary Secretary. He was clected President for two
successive years, 1926-1928, a very rare distinction in those days.
His presidency anchided the commencement of a campaign for
the legislative protection of the flora which resulted in the passing
of the Wildflower Protection Act. Mr. Tescott was largely
responsible far the first hist of plants gazetted for total protection
under this Act. Also during his presidency, the special Grampians
Research Ixpedition, for the exploration of that area for natural
listery purposes, was carried out under his leadership, resulting
in a special report and the establishment of new Jocalty records
and sonte new species. Tor several years. Mr Prescott was
Director or Organizer for the large Wildflower and Wild Nature
shows which used to be held at the Melboawne or the St. Kilda
Town Hall,

Mr. Peseott was a recognized authority on the acacias and the
native Orchidaceae. A thesis on the former guined him the
Fellowship of the Linnean Society (Londo), and it was after-
wards published as 4 Census of the Genus Acacia in Australia,
A number of articles on native orchids published in the Pict. Nat.
farmed the basis of another book, The Orchids of Victoria,
and his Native Flowers of Victoria was the first popular book on
that subject. He was a member of the original compilmg com-
mittee which produced the Cluls's first Censis of the Plants of
Vietoria, the second revision of which was published during his
presidency in L928; and he remamed 4 member af the present
Plant Names Standing Committee until his death.

Mr. Pescott was one of the most prolific contributors to the
Noturaiist during his long period of active mentbership, uot only
on betanical subjects, but on many other phases of natural history
and anthropology. He had a strong historical hent ane he was
specially commissioned by the committee to write the “History
of the F.N.C.” to supplement earlier historical noles by the

168 = Hyaw, The Lote Eveurd Ldgar Peseatt, FLS- Mi mah

Jate F. C. Barnard, ‘This was published as a complete 32-page’

issue of the Naturalist (Vol 57, No. 1). Another valuable
historical reference written by him was a complete tssue of the
Journal of the Fieturiaax Historical Soctety (1940) on “Pioneers
of Horticulture’, listing our carly nurseryinen, plant introducers
and some of the notable botanical workers iW this State,

Other books by Pescott of historical and biographical note
were the Life Stery of Jas. Furphy (Taw Collins) and James
Bonwick—a Maker of School Baoks and Histories, and he
had in preparation one on the botanical books and writmgs of
Daniel Bunce, an early botanist of Tasmania and Victoria.
Pescotts departmental articles and instructional bulletins were
very numerous and he was also a regular contritmter on botanical
and horticultural subjects to farm und other journals in this and
other States right up to the time of his death.

His other activities meluded membership and presidential terns
in the Victorian Horticultural Society, Cacius and Suceulent
Soviety, and Victorian Orchid Club, and he has been’ a member
and Vice-President of the Reyal Horticultural Society of Vietnria
and the National Rose Socicty. We was also an early meniber of
the Bread and Cheese Club. Ele was Jlonorary Secretary of the
Wattle League of Victoria (196-14), and was. one of the founders
und a Secretary of the Austrahan Federal Wattle League
{1908-14}, and thus he had a good deal ta.do with the recagnirion
of the wattle as the Australian national flower.

Outside natural history and horticulture, Mr, Pescott was a
member of the State Relief Cormmittce from 1936, becoming
Deputy Chairman (1937-44) and Chainndn (1944-1954), For
a short period he was Acting Director of the Botame Gardens
(122-3) and for 22 years was part-time lecturer in bolany at
Burley School of Horticulture. A man of wide interests and
very wide aequaintanceship, he wall be remembered by the niany
who knew him. in his various capacities as a genial irtend, always
willing to help the hudding naturalist or horticulturulist out of
his wide knowledge and experience.

Se far as the Club is concerned, Edwaril Pescotte has left his
own memsrial in the pages of the Naturalist, from 1917 to 1939,
nat only in his articles but alsu in the “Proceedings” during his
active days with the Club. Ile well deserved the Llonorary Life
Membership conferred upon him in 1947 “for services rendered”.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS

Having teen nonnated for membership at.the December General Meeting,
the following persons were elected th the Club at the January General
Mecting : :

As, Ordinary Meniber: Anns Bruckner, Za Graylings Grove, East St
Kilda (E. Dinon/V. Billan}. y ;

As Country Members Lindley W. Wallianis, Meningie Sontt) Austialia
(C, W. Hooke/A, A. Baker). Marry J, Gi. Bigs, State Research Parm
Werribee (A, A. Baker/N. A. Wakeheld).

+

March P 7 7 : 1
An The Victorian Naturalist 169

EAST GIPPSLAND GRANITES
By N. A. WAKEFIELD
[Abridged from The Educational Magazine—December, 1954]

Millions of years ago, the geologists tell us, the granites of
our country forced themselves up beneath the surface rocks.
or through them; so that, when the latter were weathered away by
the action of heat and water through the ages, great areas of this
harder rock were left to form many of the hills and mountains of
our present topography.

School Children Explore the Granites at Genoa Falls

But to us the granites appeal too in a quite unscientific way.
We are thrilled by the scenery from their high peaks, or awed by
the cliffs and ravines they form for us. We marvel at the rock-
stacks and monoliths that the weathering processes have left. and
admire the fantastic shapes they present. And we enjoy the showy
displays of flowering shrubs in their natural rock gardens, or the
delicate beauties of the mosses and ferns in the cool crevices.

The purpose of this story is to give the reader some glimpses of
a few of the more interesting features of the extensive granitic
areas of the eastern extremity of Victoria, mainly in the parts
drained by the Snowy, Cann, and Genoa Rivers.

For a great part of its course, the Snowy River makes its way
through porphyry formations, but here and there are areas of

170 WAKEFIELD, East Gippsland Granites Ketone

granite. The Suggan Buggan, a tributary from the western side,
has carved a 2,000-foot gash out of the East Gippsland sub-alps.
It is an excellent example of a “rain-shadow”, for the surrounding
mountains seem to catch all the moisture, and the valley is left
exceptionally dry. The pine-covered hill-sides are made up of
decomposed granitic gravel, so loose and steep that it often slides
away beneath one’s foot. On the few occasions when heavy rain
does fall in the valley, great quantities of these unstable soils
are washed away, leaving the rocks bare.

McKillop’s Bridge, Snowy River, and Mount Deddick

In three or four places along its Victorian course, the Snowy
cuts through small areas of granite. In these places numerous
floods have worn the whitish bedrock into remarkably sculptured
and perfectly polished shapes. The bather wanders about, bare-
footed, exploring these, with their pot-holes and pools; and
there is never a sharp edge nor a rough patch, but only a lovely
mottled smoothness dipping down to the swirling water of the
river. Such a place is spanned by McKillop’s Bridge, a huge
structure over 800 feet long and 60 feet above water-level, but
carrying an average of less than one vehicle a day!

Three miles east of Orbost, a few hundred yards above where
the Prince's Highway crosses Young’s Creek (is the site of an
old quarry, where, about thirty years ago, building stone was
obtained. This can be seen now, in full polish, comprising the
base course of the Commonwealth Bank, at 367 Collins Street,

etter WakEFIELD, East Gippsland Granites 171

Melbourne. The felspar component has a slightly greenish mineral
staining, giving the whole of the stone a rather attractive greenish-
grey appearance.

Above the site of the quarry, Young's Creek flows down between
two high rocky hills—or, to be quite accurate, it has cut a deep
gorge right down through the summit of a high granite outcrop.
This evidently occurred as the softer overburden weathered
away, to provide us with a perfect example of what the geographer
calls a superimposed stream.

Wingan Beach, where Bass Landed, and Ram Head

Twenty-odd miles to the north-east, a much greater mass of the
same type of granite is encountered. This constitutes the 2,000-foot
range of the Murrungowar Mountains, which run off to the north
to the imposing hump of Mount Ellery, 4,250 feet high. The
most extensive area of granitic formation is further east, in the
area drained by the Cann and Genoa Rivers. Both these and
some lesser neighbouring streams flow for most of their lengths
through this type of rock. It covers several hundred square miles,
extending from the sea at Ram Head, northerly to the State
border.

The Ram Head is as old historically as any place in eastern
Australia, for it was named by Captain Cook the day he sighted
land, when he discovered the east coast of the continent in 1770.
The beach here is known to very few; and, except for the Cape
Everard lighthouse a dozen miles to the west, there is no human
habitation within twenty miles. The Ram Head itself is a granitic

Vict. Nat.

172 WakerteLp, East Gippsland Granites Vol. Ti

outcrop covered with sand and scrub, but with soaks and patches
of lilly-pilly jungle round its base. Here the introduced English
deer can be tracked, though one rarely sees these timid creatures.
About a mile to the north of the head is a delightful little sandy
beach, protected on both sides by jutting rocky points. It was here
that George Bass put in, in his famous whale-boat, in December,
1797, in search of water.

Three miles west of Genoa,
the Princes Highway rounds
a rocky point, above which the
Country Roads Board em-
ployees have recently ex-
cavated some ten thousand
tons of granitic gravel. Just
below the road here, a matter
of twenty or thirty yards, is
a really wonderful example of
Nature's sculpturing, with
granite again as her medium.
The waters of the creek slide
over the smooth face or
tumble down from ledge to
ledge in delightful little falls,
and all around are piles and
stacks of giant boulders and
detached rock masses. Tourists
speed past on the highway,
ignorant of the fairyland just
at hand, but the local school
children delight to explore its
Australia's largest Orchid, the “Rock nooks and crannies during
Lily”, which grows on the Rock their occasional rambles to
Outcrops of the extreme eastern “G Falls”

corner of Victoria enba, Les

A few miles above the
township, the Genoa River itself issues from a deep gorge, carved
out of the granite hills. The high bluffs on either hand are an
ideal habitat for the lovely “Rock Lily”, Australia’s largest orchid.
Great masses of plants, with their long sprays of cream and white
flowers, adorn the cliffs, and catch the eye from hundreds of feet
below. Here the clear waters of the river loiter quietly down from
pool to pool, inviting one to sit and take a little of their peace and
serenity. Elsewhere they tumble in noisy cascades among the ever-
lasting granites, or slide down past smooth faces where rest some of
the huge boulders that have tumbled down from the cliffs above.

About five miles south-east of Genoa is the spectacular rock-
stack which constitutes Genoa Peak. A granite spire 200 feet
high brings the altitude of the point to a bare 1,600 feet above

March
1965

WakeFIELp, East Gippsland Granites 173
sea-level, but the isolated nature of the outcrop and its proximity
to Mallacoota Inlet and the coast give it command of a complete
round of splendid panoramic views. The top is reached from the
south with comparative ease, and an agile and venturesome climber
can descend by way of crevices and narrow ledges down the north
face. The tup-most rock has two depressions in its summit, where
a refreshing drink of rain water can often be obtained after the
hot dry ascent. In the
crevices and on the
shaded rock faces grow
innumerable ferns,
mosses, lichens, and even
orchids.

At this juncture, it
would be well to admit
that all our “granite” so
far has been technically
“granodiorite’, the com-
monest granitic rock in
Vietoria. Red or pink
colouring, due to the
staining of the felspar by
a ferrous agent usually,
was once regarded as a
mark of true granite;
though a more recent
school of thought classi-
fies the granitic rocks
according to composition,
irrespective of colour.
So we shall now appease

One of the Monoliths on the Smooth at least the older petro-

Granite Faces in the Gorge of the 1}: A Se

Gatien: River logists, and conclude our

survey of the East

Gippsland granites with a glimpse of something more like true
granite—the reddish rock of the farthest corner of Victoria.

The Howe Ranges, between their namesake cape and Mallacoota
Inlet, are of this red granite. Here the hills rise to about 1,000
feet in height, then dip beneath the coast to come up again and
form Gaho Island, another feature which owes its name to the
near-by cape, this time via a blackfellow’s distortion of “Cape
Howe Island”. The attractive Gabo Island granites were quarried
many years ago for building purposes. These supplied the dark-
red rock-faced blocks that form the base course of the Elizabeth
Street Post Office in Melbourne; and, not far away, at 493 Collins
Street, one can see polished slabs of the same stone, The quarrying
at Gabo Island came to an abrupt conclusion when a fierce gale

Vict. Nat.
Vol. 71

174 WakerleLp, East Gippsland Granites
arose about the island and wrecked the vessels that were used to
transport the rock to the cities.

In concluding our survey, mention must be made of Mount
Ellery, or ‘“Goon-gerah” as the aborigines used to call it; but the
history of that mountain, the noblest of all the East Ginpsland
granites, is a story in itself.

ve ~

Howe Hill and Gabo Island, both of which consist of Beautiful Red Granite

OBITUARY

We lament the untimely passing of Miss Dorothy Kidd, B.A., Dip.Ed.,
on November 26 last. A member of the Club continuously for the past 26
years, Miss Kidd evinced special interest in botany and biology. Although
not officially associated with Club affairs, she regularly attended general
and Botany Group meetings, and, in pre-war years, took part in field
sorties as well as the Wild Nature Shows. A keen and able educationist,
her positions at various girls’ public schools in Melbourne and Bendigo,
gave her abundant scope to inculcate love and understanding of natural
history among her many pupils. At the time of her demise she was a
member of the staff at Firbank Church of England Girls’ Grammar School,
Brighton. Her father, the late David Kidd, was well known as a public-
spirited citizen of St. Kilda. A former trustee of the cemetery in that
municipality, he, ably assisted by his daughter, rendered valuable service
with the rehabilitation of the Baron von Mueller memorial during 1938/
1939. Miss Kidd, an only daughter, is survived by her aged mother and
three brothers.

—H.C.E.S.

ase]

ube The Victorian Nutiwralist 17

w

GECLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE WEST TAMAR
By Rox C. Kerstraw
(Continued from last issucy

2 The Jurashe Dolerite—masiive sills and facoliths.

Sedimentary rocks of Mesozoic age have vot been discussed, although
acoarding te Johnston (1888) the beds comprising the Taunceston ‘Pertiary
yest upon a Mesozme series, The intrusions of diabase tank place subsequent
to the depasition af the Mrsozaic sediments in Tasmania, and these sediments
are wow recogniaed as Triassic. Twelvetrees (1904) discussed the accurrence,
and orhers have added to his obsctvations. The totrusions appear in Ute
nature vf sills and facohths with dykes in some localities, No Aowage has
been observed and all the exposures are the result of erosion of the covering
zediments. Vast sills cover the eastern and central highlands. The ranges
are almost contmuous on the East Tamar, with the tallest peaks rising on
the horizon

On ute Wesr Tamar the South Esk River has cut its famed and
picturesque gorge thrapgh the dolerite ta ith contyence with the Tamir.
From the Cataract Gorge ihe Tawar River terrace abuta against the steep
slope of the cadge at Trovallyn. and Riverside, and contivuecs toward Muddy
Creck. Crossing this stream a seriking Jacalith-like hill ses abruptly abuve
the highway, and for some miles from here the highway winds along the
river bank with che mote or less steep dolerite range rising directly above
High above Rosevears an abrupt cliff may be seen above which an carly
Tasmanian highwaynian is said te have Kept wateh for his victims.

The Blackwood Hills near Middle Arm continue the oveurrence, which is
seen avain at Auchor Point on West Ace. Froat here it may be fullawed
throwgeh tbe several lacolithic hills fram Clarence FPotnt. to Kelso, and
theace to West Head. Here steep clitfs and wavecut plalforms are repre-
seutative ot the marine erosion of (he end of the dolerite range, Stephens
(1908) gives a section commencing at West Head, anil Edwards (1914)
has @ sketch map of the area. Across the river the dolerite slopes below
water Level from tle Taw Pead lacoltth, snd forms a wave-cut pilatlorm
round the cirewlar healland, Outcrops occur in the river amd on the hanks
in places,

3, The Basalt.

The Tertiury olivine basalts have boen correlated with the Victorian
newer basald and Upper Pliocene ave ascribed to them (Nye and Blake,
1938). .A lava at Marawak is believed to be Oligocene, but if dues not
concern this essay, At Tnspection Head the Tamar has breached a Jaya flaw
which ajipetes to have the usual pattern, appearing on one bank of the
river for some distance Lo the point where it is breached, ‘The only real
exposure of this pacticnlar flow js that at Inspection Head, where a pebbte
heach and weathered cliff appear (Twelvetrees, 1914). The weathering is
typically spheroidal, The flow has been regarded az covering the ground
along the river bank toward Middle Avi, and has the appearance of aij
infilled valley, Large boulders are embedded in the ground slong the
eastern side of the ridge at Lifracombe (Beauty Point). A basaltic outcrop
accurs near the Blue Mill Tier, south at Beaconsheld,

C THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GEOLOGY AND PHYSIO-
GRAPHY OF THE WEST TAMAR

As has beeu seen, the oldest rocks exposed on the Tantar sre the meta-
jnorphased Pre-Cambriatn series of the Asbestos Range, which is perhaps
twelve miles. lomg and about six miles tram the river, [¢ extends for four

i7t Kersnaw, Grologicat Observations oh West Tawar Vee

miles westerly towatd Port Sorcll. The beds ate highly inclined and greatly
eroded, forming chffs and wave-cut platlorms at Badger Head. Bay-mouth
bars ate myid-bay bars have caused the extensive silting up of Whe Badger
Head Bay and that at Green's Beach. (Edwards, 1991). The Badger Head
fay extends from Bulger Head to West Head; it ts lined by dumes behind
whith is a buried lagoon. A slingle storm beach occurs above high tide,
a featwe whieh does not occur at Green's Beach At the civer cid of this
. beach pebbles and houlders extend toe Lelaow the water link.

The tower Silurian of Gould (1866) peesented many difficulties until
Nye and Blakes (1998) were able to récord a discontonmity with the Pre-
Cambrian near Frankford on the West ‘Tamar. For a time the series was
then regarded as Carnibro-Ordivictan; however, the s¢ries appears to he
again regarded as Silurian allhough Ordivican 1s retained for the lime-
stunes, The repetitiun of whe beds suggests an anticlinal axis, and Nye
and Blake ceoord small folds ar the north-western end of Cabbage Tree
Hill; faulting also is common according ta them. There seems a possability
al peneplanation before the Permian Tn any case, the ultra-basie intrusion
appeared through the "Sihanan"” sediment during the Devonian, During the
Permian the evience of glacialion appears to be mdshnite, although che
<onglamerates and pebbly beds are sigeestive. Nye and Blake recognize
glaciation i many districts, but are doubtful af the series in the north-east,
and. without further authority, the writer prefers to leave the Tamar beds
in this douhtiul areca.

The Marie series is seen to Follave <frectly on the conglomerates, an!
the bers suggest many Muctuations in the depth of water, The series is seen
directly om the 45° dipping Silurian strata, and dips due to fanlting are
3eén al moderate angles.

The Tertiary senes foNows directly an the Permian on the lower Tainar,
but at Launceston the Triassic or Jurassic intervenes although not visible
at the surface. The dolerre mntriasions occurred at the end of the Jurassic
and aceording to Nye and Blake (1938) the perductinn oF the present
drainage system began then. A stratigraphic break occurs following the
above sxhenemts am Tasmania until the Tertiary, When the lacustrine con-
ditions became evident on the ‘Laniar Ure Mora and fauna were well estab-
lished. Streams estabhshed themselycs an the Permian and Trinssie sedi-
merits; the end result of the erosion cycles during which the dolerite wes
exposed, wag the formation of a peweglain at the close of the Buceme
This was uplifted in carly Midcene times, the consequent rejuvenation
resulting yn dissection, The old valley located by the Beaconsfield Mine
ghaits may perhaps belone ta this perind:

The forerimner of the Tamar may have been a youthful stream Aowing
well out sceoss what is now Bass Strait at this time. However. it seems
fo the nuthor that the cycle must have been arrested at this point by the
eustatic rise of the Miocene seas, The high Miocene sea deposits are
represettied in Tasmanta at Table Cape notably, but in the Tumar only
the fresh-water beds occur, Ti the Bass Srreait jand bridge was present or
rose ais part of the early Miovene peneptain clevation in northern Tasmania,
the suhsequent inundation by the Miocene sea need tol have reached the
present Tamar region Nevertheless, the fiver erasion weuld have been
halted, and perhaps it may even be claimed that the lakes began to form
on the upper Tamar and its tributaries, The rising waters of these lakes,
however thelr mele of futemation, eventually covered virtually all the water-
shed of the Tamar and its tributaries as they are af present known.

The writer asserts that the withdrawal pi the Miocéne sea, rejuvenating
ihe river system, would initvale the draining of the lakes during the J.ower
to Middle Pliocene. At Launceston, the Windmill Fill beds weiuld begin
io accumulate, with eventually the earkest eruptions prodecimg perhaps al

wach Kerspaw, Geolugral Obsercations om West Tamar 197

first an ejectamenta of asiy and gases onty That something of the sort
was Produced is supported by the nature of the Windmill Hill beds; however,
the qQuintitics Were wot wreat and nu volcanoes are known, the eruptions
evidently being from fissures. Lavas followed and, at least at Tenection
Head, lie on the Tertiary deposits.

The initial rejovevation of the river system brought eroded Jacustrne
clays down to be deposited in the stil] drowned flower reaches, which were
rapidly silted up much as is oscurring at present. In time these areas also
were affected and a valley began to be cut in the clay, following on the
deposition af the white siliceous sand, grit and gravel, the relative prowor:
thors of which suggest a rapid inerease in the flow of water.

By the early Pleistocene, ihe Tamar Rad again passed throwgh the
youthiul stages and had begun to mature, Before and in the first part of
the Yolande glaciation the whole of the present Bass Strait area was a
land surface (Keble, 1945). It was drained by the Tamar Major River,

‘whase tributanes included the present Tamar and other streanis from
Victoria and Tasinania, and which flowed through 2 wide, mature valley
ta enter the ocean jn the vicinity of Cape Otway, According to Kehle
(loc. ett.) this land surface supparted an old and well-established flora and
fauna and provided the mest importante bridge for thigratioty to Tasmatiia
The occurrence af the iresh-water mussel in nortbera Tesmanian stroams
can be tius accomited for. Perhaps also the range of the ga:troqiad mollusr,
Cortella, found in Victoria, and in Bass Strait localities, did pot include the
present Tamar because of the Jand extension of the time, although tis
molluse found its way into the Derwent estuary and eventiinily 16 its present
hakitat there. A

The post Yolandesit subsidence of the Bass Strait area resulted in ahe
flooding of the Tamar Major yalley and most of the land area by the
Southern Ocean, and with the accompanying eustate rise of the Yolande-
Margaret interglacial the present Tamur valley area was Avoded, leaving
the S- to 15-foot terraces after the fall of the sea again and the yesulting
Tejuvenation of the river. R, M, Johnston described terraces on the triba-
tiries Of the Tarmnar, which he thought ta indicate various Jevels of the
Jake as it fell. These are kept distinct here ald only those seen along the
Tamar as jar as Launceston included in this discussion,

Lewis (1934) postulates the cutting of the Derwent channel 20 feet
below ats present Jeyel during-the Maryguret glacial stage of Tasmania.
Keble (1946) correlates the Wurm glacial stages with the Margarct stage,
and his table draws attention to terraces at three levels in Victaria on the
Marihyrnome River corresponding to the three stages of the Worn glacia-
non. No attempt has been made by the writer to take these variations (i.e.
those due to stages of the Wurm elaeration) into account on the Tainar,
Haweyer, they imay well be represented here; accurate levels and data of all
the aecurrences my eventually provide all the evidence required. At present,
however, 50 anany factors cloud the issue that an attempt to find such
evidence would be useless without Ume and equipment. Nevertheless. if, as
Keble postulates, there were three jurther land bridges following that of
the Yolande, during the Wurm period, which were wholly or partly mun-
dated during the high Jevel sea periads, then it would be very surprising
if some evidtuce of hese variations were not prestrved, at least an the
Jawer Tamar. [t would be mast unwise, in view of the conplicated seres
of terraces or terrace remnants visible 10 the Tamar, 10 assume any defini
age for a given terrace without turther investigation, The lowest terraces
are ecfecred to by the writer at of Pleistocene age followiie the correlation
given hy Keble, hut it should pot be overlooked that (he Holocene enstatic
cae almost certainly contributed to the observed phenomena.

A terrace of this oge would probably be seen only a few feer above |he

178 KersHAw, Geological Obsermations mt West Tamar nt Rat,

glacial. terraces, and may overlap. The failure of some of the Kelso area

as orchard land was attributed by one or two of the mole thoughtful of

the orchatdists toa recent covering by the sea.

The present Tamar drains very much the same area as it has drainesl
since the close of the Tertiary. With the fall of the lake the main tributaries,
the North Esk and the South Esk Rivers, assumed the task of draining
the hinterland to the south and east of Latinceston, a large abd mountainous
area, These two have many tributaries such ag the Meander, Nye and Blake
(1938) dre attention to an impending case of river capture, in that the
Rose Kivulet, near Evandale, bas cut back to within a short distance of the
South Esk, so near that a large Mood may be sufficient co effect the capture.
The result then would be that the South Esk would be diverted by way
of the Rose Rivulet ta the North Evk River, a most unfortunate possibility
{ron an-ecnnomic point of view. The South Esk River is a youthtul stream
flowing through the heautiid Cataract Gorge to its cemfiuence with the
Tamar. The North Esk on the other hand rapidly cut out a mature valley for
itselt im the wnresistant Tertiary lacustrine sediments to its ocunfluence with
the Tamar to form the other aqme of the “Y" shape of the junction of the
three The Windmill Hill slopes directly down into the valley of the
North Tek.

The Tatnar itself possesses few other wribataries of impoctance of size
despite the area th drains north of Launceston, The Supply River, Anderson's
Creek, and the York Town Rivulet tise in the Asbestos Range or nuar it.
Muddy Creck and Middle Arm Creel: with its irrbutaries are ihe only other
streams af any size on the West Tamar, The Tamar is a drowned rivet
valley or estuary, with sub-estuaries formed through the drowrling of the
lower reaches of the tributaries near the mouth. These form the charac-
teristic arms; three of imperiance are seen on the Tamar, while many
minor coves and bays sich as Supply Bay exist All are rapidly silting up;
int the West Arm a bay-mouth bar is seen, while on the northerly side the
cliffs are beimg eraded by tidal action, and on Ute southerly side wide mud-
flats are being built up above: water level, At thr head of the arm both
rivulets flow accross a wide expagse af such mud-tlits exposed at low tide,
The Tamar occupies the eastcrit side of its valley at present, and inden-
tations suggestive af ok courses are seelt in places where the walley is widest,

REFERENCES,

Davie, T. W. E, (Sir}, 1924, Geological Evidence of the Antiquity of Man
in the Commanwealth, with Special Reference to the Tasmania
Aborigines, Papers. Proc. Roy, Soc. Tas. for 1923, pp, 106-150,

Cowanis, A, B, 1941, The North-West Coast of Tasinania, Proc, Roy,
Sec. Were. LIM (np, Pt. 11, pp 233-267, plates viti-x.

Forurrince. Ro (jan,), 1881, A Contrsbution to our Knowledge of the
Unionidae of the Launceston Testiary Basin. Papers Proc. Roy. Soc.
Tas. lor 1880, pp. 18-23 fplated.

Gours, C., 1846. Repart on the Geology oi the Counery near MWracombe,
Tasmania, Keport House of Assembly Paper No, 76, (Map.) Papers
Proc. Roy. Soc. Tas. (Monthly Notices), September, p. 84.

Jounstow, R. M., 1874. Rewarding the Composibou and Extent of Cectain
Tertiary Beds in and Around Launceston. Papers Proc, Roy, Soe. Tus,
tor 1873, yp. 39-47 (3 plates}- '

———,, 1875. The Launceston Teértiafy Basil, loc. edt. lor 1874, pp. 53-62,

, 1879, Notes on Certain Tertiary Deposits on Flinders, Barren,
Badger and other Islands in Bass’ Strait, loc. cit. for 1878, pp. 19-29.

——,, 1888, The Geology of Tiswrnia, Govt. Printer, Mobart,

Kesie, R. A, 1946 The Sunklands of Port Phillip Hay and Bass Straia,
Mem. Nat. Mus, Vile. No. 4, Pe. TL, pp. 69-122 (with maps, ctc.).

pig Keaswaw, Geoloyicol Observations om West Tamar 79

Lewitt, A, N,, 1935, Correlation of the Tasmanian Pleistocene Ratsed
Beaches ain) River Terraces in Unglacjated Areas, Papets Prov, Ray
Soc. Tas. tor \934, pp. 75-86 (ilbuste.).

Nre. PB, B, and Braxe, L., 1938 The Geology and Mmvtal Deposits of
Tasmania, Geol. Survey Report No, 3.

Suaw. B. 1878. Gold Discovery at Brandy Crock, ei House Assembly
Papers No. 65. (See also Gold Fields Reports, R, M. Junnston. Bihlio-
graphy, p. X¥iiL)

Stepyens, T., 1869, Remarks an the Geological Sizvetire of Part of the
North Coast of Tasmania, with special reterence 10 the Tertiary Marine
Beds near Tuble Cape. Papers Proc. Rav. Soe tas. pp. 17-21.

, 1908. Notes on the Geology of the North-West Coast of Tasmanis,
from the River Tamar to Citeular Head. Prac. Linn, Soc, NSM,
XXXMUL, pp. 752-767, plates XXIV-XNX_ ’

Tayor, N., 188). Notes on the Geology pf the West Tamar District,
Tasman. Trans Proc. Rov Soc. Pie. XVI, po 155

Twervetrers, Wo H., 1914, Note an Some Axial Lines of Evuption in

fie Reéepart lth Meeting Aust. Assoc. Ady, Sei,, Dunedin.
al. 10.

= p, EMA On Cemetic Materials at West Arih. Geol, Survey Report
a, 4,

, 1917, Cement Materials at Flowery Guliy. Gel. Survey. Mineral

Resources No, 2.

, 17, Asbestos at Anderson's Creek. Geol Survey Mineral
Resources No. 4,

Twecveteers, W. Hand Retn, A, McIntosu, 1919. The Jron Ore Depnsits
of Tasmama. Geol Survey. Mineral Resources Nu. 6,

Raw, A. McIwrose, 1919) Asbestos ig the Beaconsfield District, Geol -Sur-
yey. Report Ne. 8 :

Wete, S. H., 1880. Note on Fossil Plant Remains from the West Bank
of the Tamar at Roseyear, Papers Proc. Roy Soe. Vis, for 1879
(Monthly Notices--April).

Stats Economic PLrarnine Aureority, 1947, Sketch Map o: Geology ol
Tasmatia, Sketch Map of Minerals Resources of Tasmatia. Dept, of
Lands and Surveys, Mapping Rranch, Hobart.

MICROSCOPICAL GROUP

The meeting for January was held at the National Herbarium on
Wednesday, 19. Ir was reasonably wel] attended, and we were pleased to
welcome several new mientbers, Those showing exhibits explained their
iinport, keeping their temarks 23 inteHigible as possible to newcomers,

Mr. D. McInnes shawed the Diantond Beetle from Brazil, and proboscis
af blowfly, Mr Neelands, a country member from Euros, had a. elide of
nmiyxomaiosis, Mr. W. Eyans exhibited a fairy Ay, and his acw (uminating
lamp. Mr. A. Busby showed Closteritut pritchardtoniay in conjugation,
and Dr, R. M. Wishart had @ slide sHowme’ mouth paris of s tick taken off
a tiger snake.

After some discussion it was decided that all future nteetings be held
on a Wedvesday night (the thied in the month), at the National Herbarium,
as this was the enly ight available to us.

Mr. D. McInnes stressed that all members attending a (vitire meeting
should bring a snicrostope, irrespective of whether they have a specimen
or not at the time, A slide will be supplied, and if the member iy difident
about making the few necessary remarks relevarie to the slide, then arrange-
ments will be made for a substitate to do this for him, Will members
kindly co-operate in this matter, and so make the exhibits the most
impartant jtent on the agenda.

[ Vict, Nak

18 Micrascepicut Croup Vol. TL

At the February meeting several other members of the F.N.CLY. sigaibed
their intentiom ta yoin the Microscopical Group, which, with its grawing
wiembership, is a really healthy body. Indication of interstate interust was
apparent when a note was received from a Western Austrahat inember.

Exhibits iiclided ¢iatoms from Tooradin, by Mr, W. Black, atd fresh
water diatom, Sywtedre adna, from tea-trece root, hy Mr, Wishart. Master
B. Wratten showed Digpiamus irom Albert Park Lake, and Mr. Barrett
some hair from Truganira, the last of the Tasmanian natives.

A comprehensive progeamime is heing prepared to provide a satisfactory
evening for each of this Group's meetings for the rest af the year.

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN
F.NLC.Y. Excursions:

Sunday, March 13—Lerderderg Gorge. Leader: Mr. F. Jackson, Parlour
Coach ieaves Batraan Avenue 9 a.m.; returns approximately $40) pam.
Fare; 17/-. Bookings with Excursion Secretary, Bring two meals.

Sunday, March 20—Rotany Group [Exeursian, Koroit Creck. Subject:
Saltmarsh flora, Leader: Mr. K. W. Atkins, Take 1.30 pom Altona
train from Flinders Street, change at Newport, alight at Scaholine:
ur meet at Seatolme station 2 pan,

Sunday, Ann) 3—Ramble through Botanic Gardens. Leader: Mr. A. Burke.
Meet at gate nearest Herbarium at 2.30 p.m.

Faster, March 7-11—Wilsen's Promortory. Bed bookings, about 30/+ per
person, clase first mail Monday, March 7. Lodges have electricity,
water. some kitrhen utensils, beds with mattresses and pillows, hut no
blankets or linen, Camping fees, 7/- per person, with minimum of
28/- per site. Camp store sells groceries: fresh milk, iruit and
vegelables are available daily, Rread and meat available Tuesdays and
Fridays: if ordered in advance. Parlour coach leaves Bat] and Welch's,
Flinders Street, Thursday, April 7, at 6 p.m, returns Monday night.
Bare i4. Boukings with Excursion Secretary.

Group Meetings:

(745 p.m. at National Herbarium, The Dumain, South Yarra)-

Wednesday, March 16—Microseopical Group, Subject: “Hints to
Beginners”, by Dr. BR. M. Wishart,

Wednesday. March 30—Rotany Group. Subject: “Wildflawers of Western
Austrilia"” (with coloured slides), by Mr. W. L, Williams.

Wednesday, April 6—Geology Group, Subject: “Sedimentaiion", by Miss
Barbara Neilsen,

Junior Clubs;

Tuesday, March 15—Prahran Club, Subject: “Life Tlistory of a Native
Bee" (with film}, by Mr. Tarlton Rayment. At Children's Library,
Greville Street, at 7.30 p.m.

Friday, March 25—Hawthorn Cluh. At Town Hall, Burwood Road, at
& p.m. . 4

Mative Plants Preservation Society af Victoria:

Wednesday, March 21—"Victorian Scenes and Netive Flowers” (illustrated
with Kodachrome slides), hy Professar Turner, At the School Hall,
M_CE,G.G.S., Anderson Street, South Yarra, at 8 p.m. Tickets, 2/-,
available at March General Meeting of F\N.C.V.

Marre Aitenxprx, Excursion Secretary.

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. 71—No. 12 APRIL 1, 195$ Noa. 856

PROCEEDINGS

Abont 100 members and MImends were present at the General
Meeting held in the National Herbarium on March 7, and, in the
absence of Mr. Baker, Mr. Sarovich was in the chair. He welcomed
all visitors to the meeting.

Miss Holmes and Mr. McKenzie were elected as Ordinary
Menrbers of the Clab, Mr. Woods as Country Meimbet, and
Masters Ford and Dickenson as Junior Members. The chairman
cordially welcomed these new members to the ranks of the
ELN.GYV.

Mr. Lewis reminded members that the next meeting af the Club

was to be held on April 4, instead of April 11. as Easier would
intervene. He alsa reminded Council members that the next Coun-
eil Meeting would be held on March 22, to fit int with the altered
dates of the General Mecting.
. Mr. Sarovich then introduced the speaker ior the evening, Mr.
L. T. Rayner, whose subject was “The Highlands of New Guinea”.
Mr. Rayner first gave a short talk on the territoty covered hy
himself and his friend and then proceeded ta show some very
beautiful pictures of the trip, The photographs were very dramatic
and showed in detail the amount of cultivation done by the natives
of New Guinea, without the influence of the white man. The
photographs of the peaks climbed by Mr. Rayner were extremely
good, as were the studies of the natives. Th all it Was a imost
instructive and extremely interesting talk.

Mr. Hanks moved a vote of thanks to the speaker ou behalf of
mentbers and voiced the sentiments of everyone when he expressed
his great enjoyment of the subject and the way in which it was
presented, Mr. Wilbhaims supported the remarks of Mr. Hanks
and mentioned how fortunate the Cluh had been in its last three
meetings—Dr. Chattaway's talk on Fiji, the lecture on Low Island,
and now Mr, Rayner’s excellent talk on New Guinea.

Mr, Gabriel read a note which he received from his brother in
Tasmama in which he mentioned that. he had seen a very young
stagull at least -seventy miles. in from the coast and asked, as it
was so very young, if they did breed as far imland as this. Mr.
Hanks said he was sure they did, and if Lake Eyre had remained
filled, seagulls would hive been breeding there.

The meeimg closed at 10.10 p.m. for the usual conversazione.

18}

182 The Vivtorias Natiwralist Vol 7L

DR. HENRY GOULD, WRITER AND ARTIST
By A. H, CaisxHoum

Shortly before his lamented death—which occurred m England:
on September 29, 1954+-Professor Frederic Woerl-Jones was
instftimental in enabling Austral to acquire a booklet published
by John Gould that was unknown to present-day ornithologists,
here or elsewhere.

Although not written by Gould himself (but by one of his
sons). and although not conceried with Australian affairs, the
“new” publication forms a useful addition to the mass of Gouldiana,
in print and manuscript, now contained in the Mitchell Ethrary,
Sydney. The chief points assuciated with the booklet, apart from
its intrinsic interest, are the fact thar it is ihe only Gotldian
production known to have been issued anunyniously, and the fact
that rts author lied in tragic circumstances.

As is well known, John Guuld was a very prolife author ane
publisher. Count Salvadori, eminent Italian ornithologist, who
issued a biography and bibliography of Gould shortly after his
death in 188), credits him with 18 major works (all illustrated
in colour and some containing several volumes each), and with
no fewer than 302 subsidiary productions, mainly individual
articles, Writings an Australian birds formed, Of course, a large
part of Gould's activities—how large can he seen from a elance
at H. M,. Whittell’s monumental compilation, The Literature of
Australian Birds (Perth 1954)-

In addition, the industrious Birdman published several
“arnnauticements’, some of which were represented among the
valuable Gouldiana, mainly manuscript, which I recovered in
England it) 1938. One af these. odidlments is a Prospectus (1844)
advertising his work on the Partridges of America, Another ts
&@ handbill (london, 1845) offermg a reward of £20 for the
recovery of ‘a number of skins of valuable birds” which had
beet. stolen; this T dealt with im the Méet. Nai. fer January 1942,
A third small but interesting item is a Prospectus (Sycney.
1840) relating to that noble work, The Birds of Australia; this
T discussed, in some detail, in the Bmw for October 1942.

With the acqtiisition of those subsidiary items, it seemed that
we had reached an end to the material published by Joha Gould.
Accordingly; IT was considerably surprised when, im May 1953,
Professor Wood-Jones wrote regarding a Gonldian~ pamphlet
which he had come upon in the library af the Royal College ui
Surgeons, London, it was, he said, inscribed “For Private Cir-
citation”, and was entitled Letters froin an Assistant-Surgeon in
the HLETC,. Service to His Father. The author, Wood-Jones
added, was a son of John Gould, and he desired to know if any
examples of the booklet were contained: among Gouldiana in

Ae Crrsuem, Or. Money Gonid, le riter and Arevet i183

Australian libraries. If not, he could probably cause this copy to
be made available as a donation,

Nut having heard of this publication previously, and finding
that. Sydney ltbraries were also uninformed on the point, }
edvised Wood-Jones that the projected gift would he very
welcome. He therefore made a recommendation to ihe library
camimitice of the Royal College of Surgeons, and within a few
weeks the booklet came to hand. It is now in the Mitchell Library,

Octayo-size, and containing only 16 pages, this small collection
of five letters was written to John Gould hy his eldest son, John
Henry, between February & and April 17, 1854. The young
surgean—he was then aged only 24—had erilisted in the service
of the Honourable Fast India Company, and he wrote the letters
to his father from the Red Sea and various parts af India.

Very unfortunately, Henry died soon afterwards—he was
Stricken down while fighting an epidemic. According to an
Inscription on the Gould family gravestone in Kensal Green
cemetery, London, he died on October 4, 1855. Are we to suppose,
therefore, that the bookler (which is undated) was issued during
his lifetime? If not—and it seems improbable—why does the
publication not include any letter later than one of April 17, 1854?
Possibly the explanation 15 that the date on the tombstone (which
was erected after John Gould’s death in I881) is incorrect, and
that, in fact, Henry Gould died in October 1854. In that event,
the booklet probably was published, as a small memorial volume
and in a very limited edition, early im 1855.

Whatever the truth in regard to dates, the letlers reveal Henry
Gould to have been an observant and shrewd young man, with
considerable ability as 4 writer and something of the artistic
talent of his cultured and courageous inother. It would appexr,
indeed, that he had fulfilled the promise he showed when, as a
lad of eight years, he lived with his parents in Tasinania, at which
period he was described (by his mother) as “a general favourite
everywhere”, and also (by Mrs, T, J. Ewing) as “the prettiest
boy in Hobart Town”. -

The sad thing was that Mrs, Gould did not live to see her
talent developing in her children. She died, soon after returning
to England, at the age of 37 (on August 15, J841), wien her
oldest child, Henry, was only 10 years of age. Her passing was
a grievous blow to her husband—for whom she had executed
60 paintings—and, although her children were young, the
tragedy must have pressed severely upon them as well: .

HENRY GOULD'S LETTERS
Letter No. 1 (from the Red Sea) begins as follows; “*My dear
Pather, Aiter leaying you at Malta, we had a strong N-W_ pale
all the way to Egypt - . - and fhe Himalaya mare the shortest

184 Curkvoim, Dr Henry Gould, Uriter and Artist be et

run known from Malra to Alexandria.” This is -interesting,
revealing as it does that John Gould visited Malta in 1854 For
the resr, the letter recounts breezily the writer's experiences in
Expt, and adds a few notes on tates, kingfishers, and other
birds seen there.

Letter No, 2 (Bumbay, Feb, 26) is brief, Tt nierely records
thar the writer arrived in India, on the irigate Semiramis, on
Feb. 21, and ir comments on the tameness af birds about
Bombay, hatably the heapoe, two species of wagtail, a minah,
crows and Sparrows.

Letter No. 3 (Bonthay, Maret 7) gives more definite evidence
thar the father had trained the son well-in bis favourite study.
‘After stating that he was about:to join the 2nd European regi-
ment at Kurrachee, Henry gaes on: “Ornithology, you tay be
sure, will not be forgotten. ‘The following : “species have already
fallen: to ‘your gift of a double barrelled gun’—ancd then he lists
kingfishers, sunbirds, bulbuls, and wagtails, sore with their
scientific names. Also, he describes a visit to fhe neighbouring
island of Elephanta, where he caw “many birds, strange and
new’, and some interesting caves which contained on their roafs’
humerous funnel-shaped nests of a curious little beetle. -

Letter No. 4+ (Kufrachee, March 22) records the author's
arrival in “Scinde, Sind, or Sindh” after a disagreeable votage
from Bombay, during which a mative passenger died of cholera,
A description is given of the area and its people (with a sketch
of a curious head-dress inset), and there are a few notes on farge
birds such as flamingos, pelicans, and the Houbara bustard, “No
peace for the wicked,” Henry adds. “I have: bees only two days
settled in my own honse, and am sent off on a three weeks’
journey up the Indus.”

Letter No, 5 is headed “Kotree, on the left bank of the Indus,
opposite Hyderabad, April 17, 1854, Thermometer 135°°. A
lengthy commmnication, 14 zives at an early stage observations on
wateriowl, but adds, ‘Tam in such a delighti) state of ignorance
as lo what birds ate scarce and which well-known that I skin
but few. . The first numbers of the ‘Birds of Asia’ would
be of very "great assistance, as also Colonel Syke’s Catalogue.
Your works have been very much admired by all who have seen
them,” Proceeding, the writer describes the Indus” in detail,
mentions further its birds, alligators. and Ash (two sketches of
local fishing nets are inserted}, and remarks on the intense heat

suffered in the area~ “Dare to show your nose out of doors
after eight o'clack, or before six, an a sun-stroke awaits you.
Be a. sportsman, and your liver vanishes; temain at home, and
fever attdeles your frame . . -

Ag Crisnoim, Dr, Henry Gould, ritor aud Artist 185

“] must wind up now,” says Henry im reaching a conclusion.
“but in my next I will say something about Hyderabad and the
journey back to Kurrachee, for I have orders to return
immediately ; and, there being no boat ready to start, 1 have hired
camels and shall perform the journey hy segulae marches in
abont ten days.”

How the young surgeon tared on that journey we shall never
know. For, as far as this booklet is concerned, there was no
“next'’ to his letters.

Tt is curious, too, that there were no letters from Henry Gould
among the niass of Gouldiane—including correspondence from
Sir George Grey, Lady Franklin, Mrs. Gould, John Gilbert,
and Gould's second son, Charles—which I collected in England in
[938, As far as I know, therefore, there is no example remaining
anywhere of the adult handwriting of this admirable combination
of surgeon and ornithologist,

But, at feast, we have a specimen of his boyish scraw], written
in’ Tasmania. This fragment, a marginal iete of a letter from
Mrs. Gould to her mother in England, dated Feb. 15, 1839, reads
‘as follaws: “My dear Grandinama, L hope you are qitite well
give my love to my brother and sisters and accept my duty, Your
affectionate grandson,”

More important, we have in Australia 4 collection of paintings
of birds’ eges that were undoubtedly executed by Henry Gould.
These drawings, which were sent to me a jew years ago by Dr.
Geoffrey Edelsten, great-grandson of the Birdman, have been
discussed in the Esww for November 1952. They constitute, in
effect, 2 book that is not a book; for their binding carries on the
spine the printed title, “Birds Eggs/Gould". and yet the volume
was never published. John Gould, it would appear, had intended
to make these plates the basis of 4 supplement to his Birds of
Austraée, but the transfer of his artistic son to India interrupted
his plans. : =
' Tt becomes clear from these two productions—the vohame of
egg paintings and the booklet of letters—that a talented and
wholesame young man was lost to the world through the ontimely
death of Dr, John Henry Gould,

“VICTORIAN NATURALIST” FOR SALE

Incomplete yolumes of The Wictortan Nelwralist are being prepared
for sale on behalf of the F.N.C.V. Council, and the first avajiable ts
Volume 49: The ser of J0 nttmbers contains items on Coral and Crinoline
Fungi and Austtalian sea-sfiys, 21) three with coloured plates: and three
‘articles by David Fleay—on tative cats, phascogales and pigmy possums,
There are alsa well illustrated major articles on a diversity af subjecis—
the Bunya Mountains and Otway Ranges, sunfish and octopus, and a number
dealing with orchids. Obtainable for 5/-, including postage. irom K, Atkins,
‘Botanic Gardens, South Yarra, $.E.1. : .

186 The Fictorian Naturalist Vol, 7

AMONG WESTERN AUSTRALIAN ORCHIDS
By W. L. Witstams

T run the risk that is always run by those who, alter a fiying
visit to any section of the glabe, pretend to describe it—the risk
ef seeniiig to speak with more certainty than a short acquaintatice
warrants. It is my purpose merely to record a few observations
and to avoid as often as possible drawing any conclusions with
which more knowledgeable field naturalists, whether here or in
Western Australia, may not agree.

The frst 3 inmpreéssion left upon a Victorian by a few days’ orchid-
hunting in King's Park and the heathlands to the north of Perth
is that in the West he has been looking at flowers through # mag-
nifying glass. This applies mainly, of course, to species that are
couimion to the two States, The first orchid seen. as. we struck
out from the tamed part of King’s Patk into the untamed, was
our old friend Disrts longifato, We had previously caught fleet-
ing limpses of the same orchid along the railway Jine as the
train dreqiped down from the Darling Ranges toward the etty, but
we were still not prepaced for the startlingly large specimens that
pushed up here and there im the park, where they stood almost
knee-high, nor for the exaggerated purple duskiness ai their
markings. Later, near Newdegate, im the south-east, we found
specimens more closely resembling in colour am! size those of, $ aay,
the Victorian Grampians.

Tt is perhaps fair, to say that the orchid wealth of the West lies
in its caladenias. Caladenia flaws, knows variously as the Cowslip
Orchid and the Primrose Orchid, was literally everywhere, King’s
Park had a fine show of the tright yellow, crinson-streaked bloams,
very large and very beautiful, carried on stems several inches high.
They tumed up all along the thitty-mile road to Yanchep im. the
north; ahd at Byniche, in the somewhat dry Mallee-like wheat
country, nearly" three: hundred miles south and east, we found
specimens not more than an inch high sheltered against the roots
of Taw" shrubs.

The so-called “sand plains of the south-east ate on the whole
neither plains nor sand. Rolling country, clothed with heath and
shrubs from knee-high to head- high and above, stretches for many
miles, though more and more is being rolled. dow and burtted
each year, Timber occurs ti frequent patches—true mallees, gimlet
gut, and salmon gum. Here the caladenias were hoth plentiful
end interesting, There was the little white Calademia saccharate,
‘Whe Sugar ‘Orchid; scattered in! many places through’ the scrubby
lands and rather resensbling at first glance our own Caladenia
cucullaia, There was a beautify! form of Coladenia filamentosa,
with short white segments ending in long red-brown "tails" hang-
ing groundward. These little orchids grew as a rule in clusters
of from three to five, the plants being so close as to give the

zere Wituisms, ‘Amnong Western Austrafion Orchids 187

impresson of having stooled from a common root-stock. A Jucal
name fol the species is, it fact, Cluster Orehid, Atmong the
ted-green spider orchids, we distinguished Calademia ract with
comparatively short though acuminate segments and a brvad pale
green heart-shaped labellum tipon which “crawled a few cows
af dark calli. Either the general appearance of the flower or the
dark calli alone could have earned for this species the common
namt of Ant Orchid, by which it goes. In specially harsh situa-
tions the lip was sometimes densely and beautifully streaked
with dark red vers. Closely related was Caladenia barberassue,
appropriately called the Dragon Orchid. ‘he lip, held upon a
long slender claw. was remarkable for irs deagon-like crest of
basal calli; and if allowance can be made for personal fancies, this
might be written down as one of the most daseinating of the
caladenias of the West. (We regret having failed to discover
Caladenia discotdia and C. cairnsiana, which, we were assured,
might have displaced the Dragon from its high place uport our list.)

Though we had seen one fairly good specimen of Coladenta
fotersonu, var. lengicamda, an fhe south-eastern slopes of the
Darling Ranges, it was not until we reached the forest country
between Albany and Denmark that we found this orchid at its
best. Victorians who think they know the White Spider Orchid
aré usually astonished when a Western Australian specinen turns
up at one of our nature shows. Those we saw in the far south
were at least fifteen: inches high, and the sepals must have been
six inches long. Among the more tasual white specimens, one
blood-red beauty was found.

About Caladenma fenurs I write with hesjtatinn, Severa) secat-
tered specimens, I believe, were found near’ Buniche, with their
whitish segments so brightly veined in the centre with reddish
pink and their tips of so deep a colour that the general effect was
of rich pink, It is hkely that the orchid was found again between
Nornalup and Manjimup, but the «dried specimens jrom this locality
now make me suspect that two species may have begn confused.
Other caladenias noted were C, dilateta (a Western Australian
variety with lateral sepals sharply doubled forward and upward—
var. fadeata) ; C. deformis, with |ip rather less “deformed” than
is usual in Victoria; C. latifolia, richer in colour than I remember
it near the Grampians; and the lovely blue Silky Caladenia (C,
sericea), : : re 4 ,

Outside the caladenias, only scattered members of ‘ether genera
were on show. At Buniche we met. moderate specimens of the
Blue Lady (Thelymifra ecrinita) and several budding plants of
Thelvintivra fusco-luten, anotier yen) that is repeated on this: side
of the continent dnd that seemed to be two or three weeks from
flowering. At Yanchep the Large Enamel Orchid . {Glossedia
estarginata) obliged by opening its petals and sepals, shining on

188 Wattiams, mong Wester Australi Orchids tees rr

the upper surfaces as though with fresh varnish: while down in
the wheat hele the Purple Enamel Orchid (G. dranonts), though |
smaller, fashed no less brightly in the sunlight, a— which, hy the
way, there was far too much to please the local growers of wheat
and sheep. Three remibers af the genus Prerasiylis were seen—
the Shel) Orchid (Pterosmlis renava), with its sepals, though
» veflexed, almost closing the front of the galea so as ta make
it resemble some form of sea-shell; FP ferfosa, resembling our
Bearded Greenhoad (P. barbatn), bat knowa in those “foreign”
parts quite understandably as the. Bird Orchid; and Pterastylis
rufa, larger though less rusty than those I have seen in Victoria.
Of the three greenhoods, the first-mentioned and the third wert
discovered among scrub between Buniche Siding and Lake Biddy,
and the second in the forest countey between Nornalup and
Manjimup, am

It was upan these latter south-western ruadsides, too, that a
beautiful Little pink erinchilus was abundant. We Victorians are
used to Tegarding Eriochilus, on the strength of our one species,
Fi, ewcullatus, as belonging to the autumn. Eriochihes seaber, which
ig only one of Tour species inhabiting the West, exposes its tiny
pink sepals in the muddle of September, Unless church garb is to
go in for sume brightening; our conmmon name of “Parson's Bands”
would scarcely apply ‘to this representative of the genus, ‘The
Western ‘Australian colluquial “Pink Bunty” is mot at all bad.

At abaiit the same spot several specimens of Lyperanthns ser-
ratus, a tall plant with flowers greener and altogether paler than
those of our Syperaanthus suaveolens, came to light among tall
trees. We had seen leaves of .L. wigrirans, the Red-heak or Under-
taker Orchid familiar to Victorians, neac the Darling Ranges and
also on the sand plains. Before we left the West blousns of the
latter were beginning to appear about eigtity miles south of Perth.

Only two specimens af, Prasophylliun were observed, but owing
ta unfavourable circumstances neither was identified with cer-
lainty.1 One was collected during a brief stop ox the all-day bus
journey front Perth to Buniche, but it did not survive the afternoon
Walt of the trip, which was longer and hotter than bad been
ranticipated; and by the time it was possible to get out reference
books the plant was beyond hope, It remains unnamed so far as
I am concerned. The other, collected just an disk among sinall
bushes of purple calythrix Hear Buniche Siding, met with mis-
‘fortune toe; given up for Inst, if was discovered a day or two
‘liter in-the back of the Holden utility, It-was possibly-P. niaera-
stcchyur, small and green and succulent.

“Tr was only a taste that we had of Western” Australia’s orchid
offerings; besides, we were often compelled, by sheer inability to
sesist beauty, to break the orchidologist's articles uf faith and
interest ourselves in mere dicotytedons. Some day we might . .
well, I hope so anvhow!

V9be The Victarion Naturaltst 189

SOME FURTHER MOTES ON: SPHAGNUM
By J, FW. Wroos
Fruiting Records.

When discussirug the Victorian Sphagnacede iy the Mtétoran. Nileraltst,
69, LS (June 1952), J stared thac “plants with spurararps are extremely
rare here’, and mettianed the only Iwo occurrences known fo me No
other record of capstiles in this State has come wi Sight since then. Recent
ohservations int Tasmania, however, have been more successful. On April
12, 1934, T was qushiog through dense growth of sword-sedge (Leptito-
sienna fongilydinale) in a dried-out swamp about two imiles ENE. of
Vinegar Mill, on the sauth coast of Blinders Island (Bass Strait) and aot
far frum Lady Barron village) When T began to tread with the sensation
of walking upon a deeply-piled carpet, 1 parted the lreast-high sedges with
difficulty and stooped to investigate: the whole #round; was covered with
Sphagnwne subsecnndim Nees, diffuse and etiolated through growing in
such dénse shade, and it was Truiting beautifully—the first time I had ever
seen bug-moss capsules int the field.

At Hubart, a few days later, § called upon Miss J. Somerville (Technica!
Branch, Education Department) and was shawn a sample of the same
species from Forth River Falls (collected by Janet Richardson. Feb. 10,
(950) , feuits were abundant. Miss Richardson had re-visited this are2 carly
in February 1952 atid again saw numerous capstiles; she also noted sphag-
nuin capsules plentfally at Arve River beyond Geeveston in late January,
1953. On March 3, 1893, W, A. Weymouth hid found S. australe Mitt. ex
Wale in frost an wet rack (“Black Rock’) at Millhouse’s Falls, Huon
Raid; a.duplicate of this No. 1449 of his Musci Tasmanicé ts in Melbourne
Herbarium. 5

A Robust Aquatic Form of 5, subseeundum -
No bog-moss could be wore variable--even in the one tocality-—than

Npkagnim subsecuidiwt, and the lengthy'' Australian synonymy of this
species is mute witness to the way it has deceived former bryologists [sce
Wiel, Nat. 70, 57 (July 1953)], Typically it ts well branched, with
chasncteristic large yellow-green heads of densely packed branch-fascicles
and smali pointed branch-leaves (ofterr about 1-2 on x 0-5 mm.y. On
December 12, 1952, in the Mt. Field National Park)’ Tasmania, 1 found a
puzeling sphagnum which: 'grew!'“almast submerged argund the edges of
sipine pools at K Col (4,000 it. alt). To did not cannect, iLavith Sregnb-
secwndiunt at -all and was astonished when Dro A. Le Roy’ Andrews of
Hiletcr, NY. (ULS.A.) made this determination (23/2/1953). The colour
vaned drom pele green to ceildish-brown or purphsh; no heads were
developed; the branching was much suppressed; all the Jeaves were very
olluse, jrubricate, and of enorinous size [or this species—mip to S min. a S
mm,

Jn a recent paper by Hyoji Suzuki [Foweraal af Sciaice of the Hiroshima
Umversity, Series B, Div. 2 (Batany}, 6: 281-295 (March 1954)] three
variants af S\- ananssiucsise Warnst, ore descvibed, an the basia of 5,000
specimens’ collected-in-variaus parts of Japan.. These wererall barren plants,
reddish-brown or purplish, attd mostly submerged on mountain muors
between 3/00 ft and 6,500 ft. They are sparingly Lranched, without heads,
“and “are classed 2s “jnvenile forms™ by Suzuki. Except that the branches
are more slender and leaves wiuth smalier {less than 3 mm. tong) an
Japanese 5S. aiuenissancise, there is a close parallel with our rubescent
aquatic form of 8, subsvcartdum from the Mt. Freld plateat,

190 Wiss, Some Further Notes on Sphognuren ba pig

+

A Sub-fossil Gecurrenee |

About 1928 as a preliminary to the construction of Spencer Street
Bridge, Melbourne, borings wete made to investigate the underlying strata
From 60 feet below present low-water mark in the Yarra Reaver, black
peaty material was brought up in the wing-case of a hore. Haping that
ihe sample tnight throw sore light upon the geological history af the
Yarra, and parti¢ularly on the recent past climate of Melbourne, Mr. B.D
Gill began a -critical examination and permitted me to test the peat for
reecgmiable remains of vegetation. To my great surprise, a very Jarge
proportion of this deposit was found ta consist of the well-preserved leaves
ol Sphagmes cristatun: Eipe—an alpine and sub-alpme moss, now otturring
uo nearer Melbourne than the Eeenak-Gilderoy watershed, the Paw Raws
and Lake Muauntain. Pollen of myrtle heech {Nothofagus cunningham)
and dree-fcrn spores were also found in the feat by a palacobotanist at the
University of Melbourne,

Ry radinactive carhon count, on a red gum stump associated with this
deposit, the age has been reliably computed as 8,780 years (+ 200). Thus,
hetween $500 and 9,090 years ago, vegetation in the vicinity of Melbourne
wore rather a different appearance from that which confronted the first
white settlers in 1K35--it was indicative of much Wetter, cooler conditions
than obtain taday, more like the ¢nyiranment of the mountains neat War-
burton. For a historical background to. this subject, readers are rcfecred
to the very fascinating, popelar, two-page article enticed “> Millian Years
with the Yarra", published in tne Melbourne Sin of August 24, 1954.

‘

VANISHING AUSTRALIAN FAUNA

In the course of an article dealing with vanished or vanishingr fauna,
which appeared ig the Melbourne Sun on December 18, Ediiiind Gill stated
that “dozens of species of Australian birds anc animals have disappearetl”
since white settlement was established, “The frst seutlers’. he added,
“heard. the call of the multi-coloured Paradise Parrat’. Lut this species has
“now yanished from the earth’.

tt seems desiradle te point ovt that both of thase statensenis lack the
support of evidence. Some few species of mammals appear to have vanished
in recent years, but it is quite misicadine to'say that many kinds of either
niammals or birds have gone, The only birds knows definitely to have
became extinet durince white settlement are tie emus ot Tasmania and
Kangaroo Island, and these were probably na mare than sub-species of the
well-known bird, One or two species of mainlattd birds may have become
extinct (far example Alrickornis -clammests, the Serub-hird of- Western
Australia, has not been definitely recordecl since 1589), but there is no final
proof on the paint, .

As for the Paradise Parrot (Pzephotuy putchervinay), Tam not precisely

a “first settler”, yet [ have whttea much ahout thus species fram personal
observation, and another present-day naturalist has photographed it at the
mest, What is morc, the beautiful bird was reported only a lew months
ago—though the report lacks confirmation so Far—from the north nf New
South Wales. - -
., There is, of course, constant need to plead the cause of Australia’s rarer
hirds and mannals, but that cause is not well served by “exavecrated"
reports of the passing of various species, All that need be said, and ear
accurately be said, ib régard to the Paradisé Parrot and certain other birds
(and possibly certaim mammals as well), is thar they are now very rate
aad should fe rigorously safeguarded.

—A . Carsanrar -

Apel The tictorion Nateralist 91

STUDIES IN AUSTRALIAN PTERIDOPHYTES—No, 2
By Many D. Linvace, National Herbarjum, Sydney.

Some further votes are provided on the nomenclature of Australian
Pteridophytes and a new fer record 1 made for this continent.

1, FANDENBOSCHI.4A APHTEBROIDES (Christ) Copel, m Phil,
Fore. Sei, 67 (4) > 54 (1938),
Synonym: Trichomoner 2phlebimdes Christ m C. Chr., Ind. Pil: 635
tiona3. Copeland in Pial, Fea, Sei. 32 (2): 219, Pl 38, £1. 5 16 8
1933),

This highly ornamental filmy ferte was collocted at the Daintree River,
NE. Queensland, in August 1954 by Mrs. P. R. Messmer, who recognized
it as a speices of Vandewboschia, It waz growing amongst leaf mould in
a deep rain-forest guilty under rock ledges near a steep-sited creek, ‘This
specimen, which has been lodged at the National Herbarium, Sydney, as
NSW—P6829, represents the first record of this species from Austraha,
i. aphlebioides is chasacterized by thin, finely decompound fronds 18 to
a0 cm, long and 7 to 30 tm. broad, long-creeping rhizontes, tobufar in-
yolucres (industay with whdiely dilated mouths, and by dimorphic frends
Aphlebinid frands 2-3 10 11 ¢m. long and | to 5 cm, broad oceur io the
axils of the normal fronds. The lamma of each aphlebioid frond is modified
© consist nf costae and rhachises with a very Hactow wing of green bssue,
In the other Qneensland species, , sohnstonensis (PF, fi. Bail.» Copel.,
these modified fronds are absent.

LY. aphlebtoides yanges frem Johore and Sumittra to New Guinea anil
Fiji. Several specimens collected] it New Britain and New Guinea have
recently been forwarded to the National Herbarium, Sydney, by the Pepart-
ment: of Forests, Lae, viz. N.G.F. Nos. 5752, 5627 and 3421. So this tere
was easily Tecogmized when it was encountered amonest Mrs, Messinter's
fine collection of North Queensland ferns,

2% BELVISIA MUCRONATA (Fée} Copel. in Gen. Frif.: 192 (1947).
Syoo byt Hymenolepis ajuronds Fee, Man 5 (Get. Filip: $2
1852),
ay itietbuttons Queensland ta the Tweed River district of New South
ales.

In Torun 3 (2): 69 (1954), the Sub-committce for Plendophyta rejected
the proposal Lo conserve Hymenolepis Kaul, so that Befwsva vs the correct
name for this genus, as it has priority of publication, In Dansk Bol Arkiv
6 (3): 62 (1920), Carl Christensen revised Hymenoleprs, placmy the Aus-
tralian specanens under FT. aeweronata Péo, In the Australian floras tris
species. Was been cited as either Aeroshchnm spicatem or A ymenolepir
spicata, wheveas the true Belwsia spicata is an African species distinguished
from B. mucroma{a by the scales of the rhizome heing entire, shortly
acuminate and lighter towards the margin instead of pseudocilinte, dark
brawn ta black and concolorous as in B. auicronate. The main veins of B
spicata are usually very distinct and raised above the surface of the lamina,
whereas in &. mucronata they are usually pot promiment.

3 DICTY MIA BROWNIT (Wikstr.) Copel, in Univ. Cal, Prbi. Bot 26
(2): 114 (1929) | Copel, im Gen, fit.: 182 (1947).

Synonynts: Palypodinn attenuate R.Br Prodr. Fl. Ny Holl: 146
nie (non Hemnboldt et BSonpland ex Willd); Pleopeltis brow
Wikstr.) Melaine i) Prac. Lin, Soe, NSW of (3-4): 120 (3936),
With ils dark-green, leathery, simple fronds, By brownti is a distinctive
and [fairly cammon epiphyte an the rain-forests af Queensland und the
Narth Coast of New: South Wales. [1 belongs i a small genus of about
four species ranwing from Australia to New Caledonia and Fiji but absent

on mid ; : Vict. Nat.
192 Tinpale, Strdies in Anstralian Plertdophytes—No. 2 Val: nae

in New Zealand, 2, brownit was formerly placed in Pfeapettis, which js a
genus of ahour forty species occurfing tnainly in tropical America but
extending to Japan and Africa, Pelopeltis is characterized by peltate
paraphyses and mostly by peltate scales on the lamina, whereas in Dletynia
paraphyses are absent and the fronds are glabrous D. boca is closely
related to D, meltemz (Copel.) Copel, of New Caledonia, but the jatter is
distinguished by the more fugacious scales of the thizome ald by the almost
marginal sori on the Trond.

4. LYOOPO DIUM FASTIGIATUM R.Br, Prodr. FL N. Holl: 168
1810).

Synonyms: ZL. clavatam L. var. magetfanicum Hook. t. Fl Tas, 3:
157 (1858), L. clavatin L. vay, fashgiaten (R-Br.) Benth. Fl. Austr.
AMS (1878); Melvaine in Proc Linn. Soc, NSW. 62 (3-4)5 21
(1936).

Distribution: Australia «N.S.W., Vic. and Tas.), New Zealand and the
Camphell [slateds,

Lectotype: Sunialt of Table Mountain (Tasmania), R. Brown No. 129
(BM), examined. There is an isotype at Kew Herbarium, Ac the British
Musetrn there is also another specimen of L. fostiqiotuy labelled “Insnila
Van Diemen, 2. Brown,_l804", but No. 129 is a better specimen acd .has
a specific locality,

L. fustigiatun: is readily distinguisted fram the casmopolitan ZL. cinudlwen,
4s the apiees of the foliage leaves are acute and lack the fine hair-point
which is so characteristic of the latter spectes, also the bractsfaf the
strobiles (coney) a E&. festigiatias are acuminate instead of hair-pointed.

Acknowledgnerits

In conclusion { should. like to exprets my gratitude and appreciation for
the facilities afforded by the directors and keepers of the following insti-
tutions; The Herbarium, Kew; the British Museum (Natural History).
South Kensington; the National Herbaria at Sydney ancl Melbourne; and
the Botanic Museum anc Herbarium, Brisbane,

1

GUSTAV WEINDORFER—SOME BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES
ii! By Grorce F, J. Beancmas, Sydney

The fife story of the natutslist, Gustay Weindorler, who ducing the
first years of this century was a very active member of the F.N.C.V., and
who in 1906 Jeft Melbourne to settle in Tasmania where he became known
asithe “Hermit of Cradle Mountain", bas been published by the Scenery
Preservation. Board of Tasmania, Roneoed copies may be obtanted at the
price of 7/6 each [rom the Cradle Me-Lake St, Clair National Park
Board, Lands and Surveys Department, Box 641D, G.P.O., Habart.

Weindorfer died on May 6, 1932, and in Vol 49, pages 34-38 of the
Victorian Neturalzst, the late Dr. ©. 5. Sutton, his litelong friend, wrote
a Touching obituary for lis companion of many rambles. As the biographer
of Gustay Weindorfer T had-to investigate Dr. Sutton's statements, and
I came to the conclusion that, in writing this obituary, the jatter had, for
ceagons unknown, widely used and was misled by an obituary published
in the Melbourne: Herald of May 14, 1932, by Miss M. Trvine-Smith-

Extensive research made in flie Austrian state archives, in ¢liaries and
in Weindorfer's correspandence, as well as information reeeeved from
his farmly and froma intimate friends have shown that the story as told
by Miss [rvine-Smith and subseytently by Dr, Sutton contains many
mistakes. L therefore wish ta correct Dr, Suttan’s obituary in the iallowing
points: j -

a BeaéMan, Gustar If’ orudorjer—Some Bingriadhical Notes 1

1, Gustav Weindoriey was fot Uory m 1873, but on February 23, 1874,

2, His father, Joham) Weindorfer was never in the diplomatic service
vf any country."Lina! 1885 he was a high Austrian civil servant, and at
the time of Gustay Weijndorfers birth oceupred the position of 'Bezirks-
hagptmann™ (Lt. of the conotry) of the disteivt of- Villach (Carinthia),
Austria ln S85 he jeft the Austrian. civil service under somewhat par-
ticular circumstances and entered the services of the German East African
Company under the name of Max Winter. Tle was first stationed at
Zanzibar, fran. where he took part in the acquisition of the donner German
colony of East Africa by that Company, Later he became plantation manager
for this Company, and manager of the office ot the Company at Berlin
until he retired in 1904 tw his “ative Carinthia. He was never “Governar
of the part ai Poland, then inclucled in Austria-Hungary”.

3. Gustav Weindorfer was never “educated for the diplomatic service’.
tior did We ever attend Vienna University. From 1883 to 1888 he arrended
the Srate- Collewe at Villach, and from 1889 to E892 the Agricultural
College “Drancisco-Josephinuny” at Moedling near Vienna, -which be tefr
with a leaving certificate. He bad prepared himself for the career of an
agricultural estate manager, wid, after havimg seryed one year with the
Austnan Artillery, hecame assistant-manager of an estate, Later he was
employed as Crauehtsian im a1 engineer's office at Graz, and during this
time (in 1895) attended some lectures at ihe Luiversity of Technology
at “Graz, From [oS until 100 ke wos employed as accountant and
cammercial traveller by firms dealing with spirits.

4..is reasons for leaving Austria were not those pictured hy Dr
Sutton, but the unsatisfactory work be yes compelled ta do and an unhappy
luve affair, as well as the general (lesicre "to go East” and lo explore the
islands of the Sotth Seas, Australia was not is fural goal, bit was
considered only as a stepping stone for these purpodes. Only particular
circuinstaices ultimately kept hint in Australia,

S He did not come fo Austraha "to take the position of Chauceltor
ot the Austrian-Hungarian Consulate at Melbourne’. He was not connected
in any way with the diplomatic service when he arrived In Melbourne.
He was offered an oftice job by the the Austrian-ilungarian Honorary
Consul, Mr. C. Pinschot, when he presented his passport to hint shortly
after his arrival, He did not like the Badly paid position at all, and qried
to leave for Sama and later for New Caledonia, Only the admunitians
of lis parents and later the congenial company which he had found a the
Field Naiusalists Club of Victoria prevented hina tollowing these plans.
On Seprember 27, 190),-he was appointed by Mr. Pinschof “Honorary
Charwellor” of the Consulate, this appointment being coufirmerl in +1902
hy the Austrian-Hunganan Koreign Office. But this was not’ a “permanent”
diplomatic position, ’

6 He resigned trom this position not in 1907, hot en 4711/1905, 9 fier
having been granted British citizenship on 19/8/1903. The reasans for his
resignation were not “medical grounis', bot were Gunnected on the one
hand with disappointment. with the Austrian Foreign Office which in 1903
had refused bis application to juin the‘vAustrian warship “Panther as
scientist em a journey to the South Seas, and on the other hand with his
forthcamiie marriage to a ‘Yasmanian girl. In 1906 he went to Tasmania
and married a fellaw-member-of this Club, Miss Kate'Julia Cowle, ‘on
‘1/2/1906. Miss Cowle's father was nota “police Magistrate’ but a retited
grazicr and JP. ee ee 3

7. Weindorfer has never studied Janguages und was in no way “an
acournplished Jinyutst''. Tlis mother ‘tongue was German When he eame
to Australia, te had only a little knowledge of English, which, however,

tx./

é

7 j P View. Kat.
194 Reeoman, Gustav Mcindorfer—Some Broproplacal Mules [ VG, ry

he learnt very quickly. When he intended to ga to New Caledonia, he
brushed up his school French in evening courses. Of other languages,
contrary to What has been written, he had only @ very superhcial
knowledge. .

8. According to Dr. Sutton, “two brothers of Weindorfer were killed
during the war", one of them “a oredical man”. This is incorrect. None
of his brothers was kilfed during the war, and nine of them was a doctor.
His eldest brother, Richard, art engineer, died im 1918 from a. stroke, and
his other -hrottier, Lothar, a retieed captain of the Austrian-TJungerian
Army, died in 1916 from a stomach illness. '

9. Tr. Sutton tock over Mise Irvine-Smith's statement that “A book
dealing with the plant geography ot the Tasmanian Highlands was in
the process of compilation “when Gustav W. died and @as id be published
in the forthcoming spting” £1932).- Although Weindorfer had inteniled
to write a book about Tasmanian plant ecology and had taken hundreds
of plant photes for this purpose, he had never the time to write: this book.
Some notes were found aiter his death, but me miaquseript of a batik
Other scientific work, especially meterological abservations,. prevented him
from writing this haok, as can clearly be seen fram hus diaries

10. Weindorfer's body was jound not by a “casual prospector", but
Valley to collect cattle which were grazing on Weindorfer's and_his
by Gis iriend, a jarmer nained Stubbs, who lad come t Cradle Mouniain)

friend's (R, EF. Smith's} meadows in the valley.

NOTES ON THE RUFOUS FANTAIL

Every ow anal then we ace a Rufous Fantail in the garden ere and st
ig always a notable event, because of the beauty of the bird and because it is
seen so rarely. | have often wondered whether it is an occasional visitor ar
(as seems probahle from the glimpses we have of it) a regular visitor
which is occasionally seen. The Jatter seems mire likely, as its itote does
not give Lt away. v

Almost all of the 73 species of birds that vast or fly aver otter gatden
ace as well known to me by their notes as their appearance, and, hearing
a bird, J know it is about and louk for 1. Bue £ did not kitow the Rufous
Faitail's Bote so was conscious of its presence anly when T hapoened ta
see it, Moreover, L did net know of any bird-note unaccounted for in the
garden, and began to wonder whether the wisiter with the pbeautiful rost-reel
fan was a "“sangless bright bird". ' :

Search through hall a dozeil books gave me uo elie, Then € fotind one
reference fo the note by A. TL Chisholm, in Nature Fantesy th Australia,
where the Rufous Fantail is spoken of as “twitrering awith all the ecstasy
of hee cousin" (the Grey Fantail). Perhaps & hac heard if sometimes and
mistaken it ior the Grey Fartatl's song, so aptly described by Charles
Harrett as the “notes of a fairy violin”,

I was able to partly resalve this puzzle recently when a Rufots Fantail
flew through the kitchen window and cemained perched or fying alwnat im
the roont for an hour, apparentiy: unafraid, as at often caught small insects
er stopped to preen its feathers, Fearing that it could not fio the way
out, For dt always flew above fhe window level, T eventually held up a
hamboo rod, on which it perched @ dozen times before remaining long
enough to be hfted out through the winilow-

Tiuring that hour J not anly saw many plumage details which 0 had not
knuwn before but also heard two notes—dtoubtless only part of its repertoire,
hut enough to help me to know them again, The “twitter”, as T heard it;
was more lke that of a swallow than a tantail—a siigle note, not a
phrase. exactly like a swallow arriving at the west with food, The other
note, which seemed to express bewilderment or distress, was 2 single soft

“here : Noles on the Rujfors Fantoit 195

“plank"—very high-pitched, like a single drop of water falling inte a weil,

The “ecstatic twittering”, which I have stilt net heard, 4s prabably a
song gi more untroubled circumstances, but as 30 little seers ts have been
written about the notes of this shy and lévely bird gt seems wortlrwinle
recording this happy little experience.

OO PEA MITES PREFER A LOW-PROTEIN GIET?

In Victora, pea mites and/or red-legged earth mites are normally pests
of pastures, especially of clovers and lucerne Thiey seldom altack cereal
crops, but jase year they attacked young wheat crops in the autumn and
early winter (mainly in north-eastern Victoria) and mtore advanced ones
in the spring (mainly in the Witmmera).

As regards the spring atlack in the Wimmera, it was observed, in the
Warrackoabeal and Donald districts last August and September, that the
pea mites, which were responsible for most of the damage ih this area,
showed a definite pretercnce to those crops grawn under condiuons that
would be expected to produce a smaller amount of prateit in the plants,
The crops preferred were a light green (yellaw-green) in colour, Such
crops were grown either an stubble land without fallow or on land intensely
cropped jor a long period. ;

This observation is in Jive with results obtained in Georgia by Blickenstalf,
Morey and Burton (Aarouony Journal 4d; 338, 1954), They found that
greenbug injury to both oals and r¥e was most severe oi those plots where
nO nitrogenous fertilizer had been applied, abd was progressively Jess. severe
with each increment of fertilizer, They also cited results of work in
Alabama, showing that the population of ereenbugs per unit of leaf surface
decreaseii a5 the rate of nitropenouw fertitizer was increased.

On the other hand, McBean and Plait in Canada (Scientifie Agriculture
31: 162-175, 1951} tound that grasshoppers tended to teed almost exclusively
on high-protein wheat, plants, In this case, however, the protem content
was influenced by varjetal maturity, and there was a direct relationship
beeween Lhe extent of the grasshopper damage and the date of heading.
Under such conditions, the fibre content of the plant would increase a5 the
protein content diminished, and the fibre content probably affected the
palaiability of the wheat planis, '

In the experiments jpn Georgia and Ajabaina, the various plows would not
show big differences in the stage of growth, Similarly, this faccor did not
appear to influence the preference of the pea mites in the Wimmera last

spring.
—H, J. Sis.

- MICROSCOPICAL GROUP

The main ttem of interest at the March meeting of the Group was a talk
entitled “Hints to Beginners", given by Dr R. M. Wishart, The speaker
stressed quite a number af paints not usvaliy found in texthooks.

The dazen ar so microscopes on the bench were an encouraging feature,
and the following exlibits were shown: The alga Eugiona virdits (Mr, D
McInnes), a colanial alga of the wenus. Gant (Mr, A, Busby), radula of
snail (Vir. W. Evans), olivine crystals in basalt (Mr. A. Blackburn), the
beacken fern Preridium agnuilfnyan (Mr. H. Barrett}, dhe diatom Stowers
fulknert (Mr, W. Black), and a number of slides from the Group library
(sections of Kaurt Pine, various pollens of plants, the marine. focm Poly-
cysting, crystals of salicine and the components of chalk}, Mr. E, B. Walton
demonstrated a particularly compact type of microscope,

The meeting for April is announced as a Distorn night, to he staged by
the Group experts,

a

1 The Vigturian Naturalist Vol. 71

GEOLOGY DISCUSSION GROUP

The February and March meetings of the Group were held at the Natianal
Herhatium and were well attended, more than twenty members and visitors
heing present on each occasion, At the February meeting Messrs. Jeffroy,
Davidson, Baker, Blackburn and A, B. Scott gave interesting talks on their
Holiday experiences, All speakers illustrated their subjects with either
specimens or Kodachtomeé slides.

Members at the March meeting were treated to an enjoyable and interest-
ing discourse by Mr. Jeffrey entitled “Geology in Colour’, The speaker
traversed two journeys, one fram Mclbourne to Beechworth and the other
from Melbourne ta Waratah Bay, and illustrated his talk with an excellent
selection of slides.

At both teetings many specimens of rocks, minerals, gem 4tones and
fossils were exhibited by Messrs. Jeffrey, Blackburn, Bock, Davidson, Baker
and A, B. Seore,

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN
F.N.C.Y. Excursions: .

Easter, April 7-11—Wilson’s Promontory. Details in last month's Nafwraiizt.

Saturday. April 16—Rickett's Point, Marine Diatom collecting. Take 1.15
train from Flinders Street, meet at Sandringham station at L45 p.m.
(or Kiosk, Rickett’s Point, at 2 p.m.). Bring jars and spoon.

Saturday, April 23—Geolozy School, University, Leader; Mr, A, A. Baker.
Relicf map of Australia (1 inch = 8 railed Tock sectioning, magnetic
separation of minerals, palaeontological techniques, X-ray exansination
of minerals, etc. Open 2 p.m,-5 pi. and 7 ».m-10 p.m.

Sunday, May ]—Tallarook-Breech Peak-Mill Creek. Leader-= Miss Jean
Blackburn, A good cross-country excursion—I0 miles walking distance,
and hilly. Special features, eucalypts and views of the Goulburn River
valley. Catch 9.20 Shepparton trai at Spencer Street (stops at Essen-
don), alight at Tallarook. Fare, 10/6. Bring two meals and either
thermos of tea or fruit drink for lunch, as no water is available until

. afternoon. Return train reaches Melbourne approximately 9.15 pan.

Suttday, May 8—Emerald. Leader: Mr. Lee, Subject: Fungi. Take 8.55

train ta Upper Ferntree Gully, then bus to Emerald, Being one meal

Preliminary Notice:

Saturday, May (S$—Parlour coach: excursion to Mount Se. Leonard, Leader;
Miss M. Elder. Subject: Ferns, Lyrebirds. and General. Coath leaves
Batman Avenue % a.m, returns approximately 8 p.m. Fare 18/-, Bring
two. ineals.

Group Meetings:
(7.45 p.m, at National Herbarium, The Domain, South Yarra)
Wedticeday, April 6-—Geology Group. :
Wednesday, April 20—Microscopical Group, Diatom Night.
Wednesday, April 27Botany Group, Discussion of Graup Prozects.
Wednesday, May 4—Geology Group. Subject: Geology af the Eildon Weie,
by Mr. A, L, Scutt,

Junior Clubs:

Tuesday, April 18—Prahran Club, Ac Childron’s Library, Greville Street.
Exhibits Night) EFLNLC,V. members are invited to assist by bringing
_ specimens and commenting” on them.
Friday, Apri} 29—Hawthorn Club. At Town Hall, Burwood Road-

Mane Atirxper, Excursion Secretary,