ane: bop ing a alae | aii sheet ey 2M e ie peg: kde LP bbear Smee vidi ihdedhdbdinck se ee . ‘ ‘ we oe oak nn ‘ i Si ats eee ett aes Peplall sated ah iP hte ali ai oniy Agta! om pi oe aid : d Sokinitad iit . pei oh Soke te ttp et reme es ielelelelti cate pabereted etelaiscis ‘ Noten ntating vitae Mekerteteimie ete tub ene! -:abaiielesein Damiese heheh RI re al Bley me eke ee nee arg ttE aren tet tive Odgt engin matehe 3 ; £ aCe Dele lesan a taint hg Seige ym pty llama miele opted Ol pha let pee os » Se ple ge a peeeee : whe Teepe el wile ieee ety a eee 2 of ee gine) mhecadnbe F , rd “ ‘ ° ¥ ’ an ae ea one ae . . . - ‘ : ‘ od ee F 4 ‘ / R. >" QBs PAPERS AND PROCEEDINGS - iF OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY + OF 4 TASMANIA, 4 FOR TASMANIA: PRINTED AT THE “ MERCURY’’ STEAM PRESS OFFICE HOBART, 1883. » - . ;. OM OO Dt Re ee eet om . ’ a j 6 Be 1 : % a ? ; P . ~ . ~ sf 4 Se » e ~ > F , : x ’ - = ° ; - ‘ wen poems Fs i s + A. fae Ci oe . t = AL é “te es. le : _ ‘ a ** te : ; : sa er ’ . ~ = ’ - , , : y 3 a ee , 4 , ¥ ; : ‘ 7 : - - / ‘ - * be \- \ 4.) ’ ites ’ ‘ ~ = + ’ x x Es PAPERS AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE meeYAlL SOCIETY OF dS MeAUNGE Ae FOR TASMANIA: PRINTED AT THE ‘“‘ MERCURY” STEAM PRESS OFFICE HOBART. : 1883. THE responsibility of the statements and opinions given in the following papers and discussions rests with the individual authors ; the Society as a body merely places them on record. Contents, Page PMESEAINOS TOK ADT -siieencccacasc'gn eas d sis shee s ces esiaaists vpiateee aurssing anita: « XXV Australian Museum, Sydney, Presentation of Birds from............... XXVI neeaaisn: from Kaeo Coast. sissies. 2-2 oceshaes sme ncets wedeweoh deleoacstens " Pe EIT OU MALLE cis Siod cunt ok veins neds cous 25s tient Woaa tele. cepieut ese na hme " Shells from North Coast, presented by Miss fodder ..0)..atenctee " Telephone Experiments...........0....sc0e.eee0ed Ei cehan Satostioioane teas ritee XXVII Proceedings for IM ecie ade sc aihateetharts tie eiacaas (ataee tie ea baeaeceee " Hermes chice bifida) mew locality fO01s.00s0e<0s scicscensvresspe ovdecsjereees XXVI0 Discussion on Mr. McIntyre’s Papers on Surveys..........¢..csee..seeeees XXIX alee ee Ae OTe) IDG scp cianqs snsiaandn'aa'deeOaans voxe mci eeinacls at Stay ow aes’ sais Xxx Fish, a rare ( Gastrochisma melanmvpus). Rich...............csceeeescesecees p.9.6.4) Trilobites, etc., discussion on Mr. Etheridge’s Paper on.................. XXXII Plant, new to Flora of Tasmania, discovered by Mr. A. Simson........ " Bt COMIN EOL: MeO ULL YI. 5 6c» 35 3 Ve Sete lores nn a's x05 Saien Hae tac i oes clewiala asap rassbem XX XIII BOS amNY CL CCLOU 2 tn sobs sfeuedaguecocanct danas dca eines atees tues ot oev een since " Dearie TO ,. Wig OULUO se. the ve uaetente ones cgesly ncucasty nels be sad neaennet eat) " Cuckoo, fan-tailed, shot at Mount Nelson in July..................eseee. XXXIV Mattress, buoyant, as used in the Italian Navy..........cccccsceeeee eee ee " EMpCeedines AOr AUPUSE. S325: ..5dsshsonhcSsaascceioh asa Mtweds «nares sears REKV Temperature, Minimum in July, discussion on.................0000e. ge he XXXVI Pipers OL CP UCMDEL. «2 bac dcvncacseseces sade sn dd Me oles os sale eotidias XXXIX Mueller, Baron von, K.C.M.G., elected as an Honorary Member....... " MMOS serene cts. enison, Gitbot. so. ssiiecns cnn Rees on veldanneSlve caeees " PE DeEREOS LOMA ANAErSON Ss (CLEC: 5 cade sin: 5s tin an oan RMe « Me oo nnisle(s lots da quelle XL Native Rats, two new, described by Mr. Oldfield Thomas............... xLI enGece diame tor MO CLODCI LL). isis 4 sie coin asics eectinn ty ¥ id 4. A . nef * ‘ . ’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ee wer a « ity “is vie ’ ease - ~~ ie f « . Magis - i cael ' \ Shag 45% ’ i ; ja Mn rt ; , ty ) ay Hj , + ; ast ean bie ily at y THN Aer be a as 2 4015 : . a 3 | fi vi As + F ° WV ’ ; ~ , a a i \ if ‘ iy « yt ‘ ‘ i a ' & ie won) ' i f : 5 eh late : 4 ? rig mf kovée ~ P s i ae i if _— ; ee Lal . ree | [ seat L454 . i " BP ae ' RI 4 . oo ‘ tied be KD Yeh ER ee: me hs! é te) ee ui ‘ ' é ehh iran GPALY ts ‘ ’ , y ea faa" haere oh! tay) au 1 af Ute aid ’ ie ‘ vs 1K j ‘ . i ¥ SM oe a a fp te "aes $0, A . Ah aaa a i BEE) « } 7 7 ’ ae, {sla Nea vw % oF; es ype feat P ne eee i ae . . ; yl Gis aii . a \j BSS cs ID PROCEEDINGS. APRID, 1882. A monthly meeting of the Society, the first of the preseut session, was held at the Museum, on Monday, Aprill17. Mr, Justin McC. Brownein the chair. Mr. W. F. Ward, Government Analyst, who had previously been nominated by the Council, was balloted for, and declared unanimously elected as a Fellow of the Society. The Hon. Secretary (Mr. BARNARD) brought forward the usual returns, viz. :— 1, Number of visitors to Museum, January—On Sundays, 634; on week days, 1,400; total, 2,034. Do. February—On Sundays, 613 ; on week days, 1,022; total, 1,835. Do. March—On Sun- days, 499; on week days, 969; total, 1,468, 2. Do. Gardens, January, total, 7,577. Do. do. February, total, 6,383, Do. do. March, total, 5,536. 3. Plants, etc., sent from and received at Gardens :— January—Received from De Smet Freres, Ghent, Belgium, 2 cases Rhododendrons, Clematis, and Peony. From Chamber of Agri- culture, Washington, United States, 55 papers of seeds. From Baron von Miieller, Melbourne, bulbs of Crinum uniflorum. Sent to De Smet, Ghent, 7 Tree Ferns. February—Received from Mr, Kayser, Mount Bischoff, seeds of Acacia rhombifolia. Sent Mons, J. Linden, Ghent, 6 Tree Ferns. Received from Vilmorin, Andrieux, et Cie., Paris, 11 packets seeds. March — Received from Vilmorin, Andrieux, et Cie., Paris, 10 packets seeds. From Chamber of Agriculture, Washington, U.S.A., 16 packets seeds. Sent to Messrs. Law, Somner, and Co., Melbourne, seeds of Clianthus. To Mons. August von Geert, Ghent, 6 Tree Ferns, To De Smet Freres, Ghent, 6 do, 4, Books and Periodicals received, January, February, and March, 5. Presentations to Museum, Meteorology. 1, From the Marine Board, Hobart. Tables from Mount Nelson for January, February, and March ; South Bruny for January and February ; Goose Island, do.; Swan Island, King’s Island, and Kent’s Group, for January. 2. From Mr. Roblin, Tables of results of Meteorological Observations taken at the lighthouses and Mount Nelson during the year 1881. 3. From Mr, F, Abbott, jun. Monthly tables of Rainfall at Society’s Gardens. During January, 1‘0Gin.; February, 1‘Olin.; and March, 0°65in. 4, From Mr. Kayser. Do, at Mount Bischoff during March, 3:34in. 5. From Mr. D. C. Purdy. Do. at Macquarie Harbour, do,, 2:09in. 6. Rainfall at Mount Nelson, January, 1'64in.; February, 1‘5lin,; and March, 0°49. Time of leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few standard plants in the Botanic Gardens during January, February, and March :— January 8. Veronica angustifolia in full flower, ws 10. Apricots commenced to ripen (Roman), 3 16. Grevillea robusta in full flower, 5 18, Jargonelle Pear ripe, XXVi January 24, Black Mulberry commenced to ripen, February 10. Kerry Pippin Apple do. i 15. Windsor Pear do. f 20. Bon Chretien Pear do. - 22. Green Gage do. Be 25. Ash commencing to shed seed. a 27. Sycamore do. March 14. Seckle Pear commencing to ripen. ss 16. Tips of Hornbeam commencing to turn, - 18. Coe’s Golden Drop Plum ripe. a 28. Horsechestnut leaves turning brown. # 28. Ash leaves turning yellow. s5 30. Oak leaves commencing to fall. 3 31. Tips of Elm turning yellow. The presentations to the Museum were as follow :— 1, From Mr. J. A. Clark, Franklin, Stalactite, from a recently dis- covered natural tunrel, running through a hill on the Craycroft River, Huon district. 2, From Mr. V. Johnston. A specimea of the ‘ Ribbon Fish” (Trachypterus a tivelis), caught off Darlington, Maria [sland, East Coast Tasmania. 3. From Mr. S. P. H. Wright. Specimens of the various strata passed through in boring for water at The Grove, Glenorchy. 4, From Mr. A. P. Canaway. Specimens of the paper money (Assignats) cf the First French Republic (1793-1805). 5, From Mr. John Page. Nine Snake Skius, from the Eastern Marshes. 6, From Mr. D. M. Barnard. Skin of Black Snake (Hoplocephalus curtus), from Beaconsfield. Ina note which ac.ompanied this specimen, the donor states that ‘‘ The snake was originally 6ft. in length, the skin is now 5ft. 10in., without head, and allow- ing for shrinking.” . From Mr. J. Barnard. 89 Coprr “vins and Tokens, and 4 Silver Coins. [Among the latte: 1. a Specimen, in excellent preserva- tion, of the ‘‘dump ”’ struck from the centre of the Dollar, and formerly in circulation in the coliny. It bears the date 1813, and its value, 15 pence, is stamped on the reverse side. } 8. From Master Stephens. Two specimens of Unio Moretonicus, from the Lake River. 9, From Miss Lodder. 73 Species of Marine Shells, from North Coast, Tasmania. 10. From the Trustees, Austral an Museum, Sydney. 108 Specimens of Foreign, and 121 of Australian Birds, mounted ; three Heads of Egyptian Mummies. Presentations to Library :— 1 From Captain W. V. Legge, R.A. Two Photographs of the Chaldean Account of the Deluge, taken from Terra Cotta tablets found at N:neveh, and now in the British Museum, with translation and text by George Smith, of the Orien al Department, British Museum. 2. From Trustees British Museum, Catalogue of Birds, Vol. 6. 3. From the Government of Victoria. A descriptive Atlas of the Eucalypts of Australia (Eucalyptographia), 5th Decade, by Baron von Mueller, K.C.M.G. The SECRETARY called special attention to the extent and value of the donation (No. 10) from the Trustees of the Australian Museum, as an act of great liberality, especially coupled with the promise of a future gift of skins of New Guinea Birds, whenever mounted specimens are available for the purpose. ‘‘In exchange, the Trustees would be ~J XXVil glad to receive skins or skeletons of Thylacines (Native Tigers), and skulls or skeletons of small Whales; also, fresh water Fishes and Crustaceans.” The SEcRETARY read a letter from Baron F. von Miieller, K.C.M.G., “a : Short paper entitled, ‘“‘ Remarks on the Vegetation of King’s sland.” Mr. R. M. Jounston, F.L.S., followed with a ‘‘ Note and Description of the first discovered representative of the Genus Pupa in Tasmania,” with a drawing of the Shell. The meeting closed with a vute of thanks to the writers of the papers and to the donors to the Museum, making especial mention of the presentation of Birds from the Australian Museum, and of Shells from Miss Lodder. At 8 o’clock the members adjourned to the upper rooms of the Museum, when an exhibition of the telephone took place, at which a number of ladies were present by invitation. Mr. R. Henry, the superintendent of telegraphs, conducted the proceedings, and commenced by giving a lucid and interesting description of the construction and uses of the instrument. Communication was made with Pearson’s Point, Mount Nelson, and Battery Point; the extreme distance traversed being about 20 miles. The experiments were very successful, and afforded much gratification to those who witnessed them. Twelve telephones were employed on the occasion, by which means the various messages and replies were made audible to a number of persons simultaneously, In addition to conversation held between the several stations, music and singing were introduced, the airs being distinctly heard in the room, In conclusion, Mr, Henry gave explanations of the working of the phonograph and microphone, which were attentively listened to, MAY, 1882. The monthly evening meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, 9th May, His Honor Mr. Justice Dobson, V.P., in the chair. Mr. Fleetwood Wilson was balloted for, and declared duly elected as a Fellow of the Society. The Hon. Secretary (Mr. BARNARD) brought under notice the following Returns for the month of April, viz.:— 1. Number of Visitors to Museum—On Sundays 959, on week days 777 ; total 1,736. 2. Ditto to Gardens, total 4,880. 3. Plants and seeds received at and sent from Gardens. 4, Presentations to Museum. 5. Books and periodicals received. Meteorology. 1, From Hobart Marine Board. Tables from Swan Island for March, South Bruny for do., and Mount Nelson for April. 2. From Captain Shortt, Meteorological Observer. Mean of Observations taken at Hobart during April, 1882. Result of Rainfall at Southport during do. 3. From Mr. H. W. F. Kayser. Register of Rainfall! at Mount Bischoff do. 4, From Mr. F, Abbott, jun. Do. at Botanic Gardens do. The following are the results of the observations above referred to :— Hobart, April, 1882. Barometer—Mean, 29°695. D? XXVI Thermometer—Means, Max., 6l*ldeg.; Min., 45:2deg.; Dry, 54:4; Wet, 51°5. Humidity of Air—Means, Dew Point, 48°54deg.; Humidity, 814 ; Elastic Force of Vapour, ‘346. Condensation—Number of days on which rain fell, 13 ; amount collected, ‘90in. Cloud—Mean daily amount 5 (scale 0-10). Wind—Mean force 1°3 (scale 0-12), principally from westward ; light airs and calms prevailing during the month. Remarks—“‘In the above the rain was taken for the month, the other observations for the last 24 days only. The greatest temperature in shade was 74°8deg. on the 10th, the lowest 37-0deg., on night of the 6th. On the evening of the 17th, the Aurora Australis was very brilliant, commencing a little before 8 o'clock, and lasting nearly all night, streamers of light ascending to the zenith from between the 8.E. and §8.W,, illuminating the heavens and making it as light ‘as if the moon was up. It was said to be the grandest Aurora seen in Tasmania. A smaller Aurora appeared on the evening of the 20th, but with nostreamers. Calms and light winds prevailed through the month, though heavy gales have been experienced on the coasts of Tasmania and other Colonies.” J. SHoRTT, Meteorological Observer. Southport Rainfall, April, 1882.—Number of days on which rain fell, 14 ; amount collected, 2°55in. Waratah, Mount Bischoff, April—Number of days on which rain fell, 18 ; amount collected 5°27in. Botanic Gardens, Hobart.—Number of days on which rain fell, 9; amount collected, 0°58in. Time of leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few standard plants in the Botanic Gardens during April, 1882 :— 10th. Chinese Chrysanthemums commencing to flower. 12th. Elm leaves commencing to fall. 12th. Coe’s late red Plum commencing to ripen. 20th. Pyrus aucuparia leaves commencing to fall. 24th. Black mulberry ditto ditto, 26th. Seeds of Hornbeam ripe. The presentations to the Museum were as follow :— 1. From Mr. F. Bednall, Adelaide, per Mr. C. E. Beddome, two Specimens of Voluta flavicans, and one of Cyprea thirsites. 2. From Mr. E. D. Swan, a Specimen of Nautilus pompilius, and one of Nautilus umbilicatus. 3. From Mr. H. White, two Specimens of Copper Pyrites, from Saxon’s Creek, near Beaconsfield, Tasmania. 4, From Mr. W. K. Dixon, Ouse, a Specimen of a Petrel (Prion turtur ). [No particulars furnished with this specimen, which had probably been driven inland bythe severe weather lately prevailing on the coast.] 5. From Mrs. Percy, Rokeby, Clarence Plains, a Basket and Eggs from a petrifying spring at Matlock, Derbyshire, England. 6. From Mr. Justice Dobson, a specimen of the Fern Schizea bifida, found near the Cascade Brewery. [The donor of this specimen remarks—“ This fern has hitherto, so far as is recorded, been found only at Southport in this colony. The Schizea found at George Town and on the North Coast, which is com- monly known as ‘ Schizea bifida’ on Hooker’s authority, is, according to Bentham, p. 693, not ‘ Schizea bifida,’ but ‘ Schizea fistulosa.’”’] To Library— 1. Annals of the Entomological Society of Belgium, Vol. 25, 1881. From the Society. 2, Catalogue of the Australian Stalk and Sessile-eyed Crustacea, by William Xx1x A. Haswell, M.A., B.Sc. From the Trustees of the Australian Museum, Sydney. (Two copies.) 3. Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections, Vols. 6 and 7. Report, 1865. From the Smithsonian Institute, Washington, U.S.A. Mr. BARNARD read a paper, entitled “ Notes on the economic value of the aquatic plant J'ypha latifolia.” Some conversation followed the reading of this paper, after which Mr. J. B. WaLKER read a communication from Mr. G. McIntyre, of Christchurch, New Zealand, ‘‘ On the State of the Surveys in Tasmania.” Mr. STEPHENS said that as the discussion and correspondence on this subject had been started by the quotation of some remarks of his by His Excellency Sir J. H. Lefroy, in a paper read before the Royal Society, he might be allowed to say afew words. The late Mr. J. E. Calder was one of the earliest pioneers in the exploration of the Western country, and from his long experience in the Survey department was entitled to speak with some authority upon the question of land surveying. The author of the admirable paper which had just been read clearly points out the defects of a magnetic survey, and‘shows that a proper system can be carried out even in the wildest parts of New Zealand. It was almost unnecessary to say that his criticism upon Mr. Calder’s letter was conceived and written in no unfriendly spirit, and that at no time had there been any intention to find fault with the surveyors of Tasmania, but only with the system under which they had to work. With reference to some unfavourable remarks which had been made respecting the conduct of the trigonometrical survey, which was unfortunately discontinued before it could be made much use of, he (Mr. Stephens) would read a short extract from the report of Major Cotton, then Deputy Surveyor- General, upon the subject, which was read before the Royal Society on May 10, 1854 :—From the Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society, Tasmania, Vol. 3, p. 87.—‘‘ The observations have been entirely in the hands of one individual, Mr. J. Sprent, whose scientific knowledge, together with untiring perseverance and patient endurance, has enabled him, single- handed, to effect what would in other countries have been shared by many equally qualified for the work. But the result is such as he will, I am sure, from the interest he takes in this work of science, feel no small re- compense for his efforts.” A long and interesting discussion then ensued, in which Captain Sranuey, Mr. J. M. Cuarke, and the CHarrMaN took part. Mr. C. H. Grant considered the thanks of Tasmanians generally, no less than of the Royal Society, were due to the author of the paper for again calling attention to what was undoubtedly a matter of great regret in the present system of conducting the surveys of the colony. A previous speaker had alluded to the discrepancy between the due North and South lines shown in the survey of the property held by the Van Diemen’s Land Co., and what purported to be similar lines in more recent surveys. This was shown in even a more striking manner on the land plan of the township of Somerset, where the lines of the true and magnetic meridian were shown at a considerable angle to each other, leaving a triangular space between them of a “ no man’s land.” He presumed that by the Lands Titles Act the Government guaranteed the owner of each property registered thereunder the correctness of his boundary lines, but this they were practically unable to do under the conflicting systems of survey, which, in his own experience, had been productive of very great embarrassment, expense, and delay. The increasing resources and importance of this colony, and therefore improvement of its landed estate, appeared to make it desirable that a scientific department of the Government should be created, and placed under the charge of a highly competent scientist, who should be specially charged with the superin- tendence of the Land Surveys and of the Meteorological and XXX Astronomical observations. There would then, he thought, be no difficulty in having the surveyors’ field notes sent direct to the central office, and there plotted, with the check lines and angles also furnished, and a well-established conection with a _ trigonometrical station or some accurately learned point or line. It would doubtless, under existing circumstances, involve too much time, and therefore cost, to connect all surveys with the trigonometrical standard, but the great importance of doing so should always be kept in mind, and every effort made at the central office to correctly plot each new survey on the land plan of the colony ; and, as far as practicable, correct any errors discovered, rather than allow them to indefinitely accumulate. The matter of the paper now read being of such great importance, and the necessity of a change in the present system being urgent, he desired to suggest that the Secretary be requested to forward copies of Mr. MclIntyre’s valuable communication to each of the town and district surveyors of this colony, and that they be asked to favour the society with their views thereon, in order that the subject may be more fully discussed here, and some practical suggestions arrived at for the improvement of the present anomalous system of the land surveys. A vote of thanks having been accorded to the authors of the papers read, and to the donors of presentations, the proceedings terminated. JUNE, 1882. The usual monthly evening meeting of the Society washeld on Tuesday, 13th June, Mr. T. Stephens, M.A., Vice-President, in the chair. The following gentlemen, who had previously been nominated by the Council, were balloted for and declared duly elected :—As Fellows of the Society, Mr. William Knight. M.A., and Mr. Patrick Mackay ; as a corre- © sponding member, Mr. George McIntyre, of Christchurch, New Zealand. The Hon. Secretary (Mr. BarNarD) brought forward the following returns for the past month, viz. :— 1. Number of visitors to Museum, May—On Sundays 747, on week days 601; total 1,348. 2. Do. to Gardens, 3,319. 3. Plants and seeds received at Gardens :—From Baron von Miieller, Government Botanist, Victoria, a collection of miscellaneous seeds, comprising 402 varities. From Messrs. Shepherd and Co., Sydney, 20 varities of Eucalypti. From the hon. the Colonial Secretary, a packet of seeds of Typha Latifolia, received from the Italian Consul, Melbourne. From Mr. J. Latham, Hobart, a collection of imported seeds. 4, Seeds, etc., sent from Gardens :—To Mr. C. F. Creswell, Melbourne, 20 varieties of seeds and bulbs. 5. Periodicals received. 6. Presentations to Museum and Library. Meteorology. 1, From Captain Shortt, Government Meteorologist. Monthly means of observations taken at Hobart during May. 2, From Mr. F. Abbott, jun., register of rainfall at Botanic Gardensfor May. 3, From Mr. H. W. F. Kayser. Do. at Waratah, Mount Bischoff, do. 4. From Mr. D. C. Purdy. Do. at Strahan, Macquarie Harbour for April and May. 5. From the Marine Board, Hobart. Tables from Mount Nelson for May Swan Island for April, South Bruny, for April and May. 6. From Dr. Hector. Printed abstracts of observations taken in New XXX1 Zealand, from October, 1881, to March, 1882, inclusive; and monthly tables from Wellington for February, March,and April,1882. The following are the results of observations above referred to :— Hobart, May, 1882. Barometer.—Mean, 29°656, Thermometer.—Means, Max., 55'4deg.; Min., 43deg.; Dry bulb, 50'2deg.; Wet bulb, 47°5deg. Humidity.—Dew Point, Mean, 43'9deg.; Humidity, do., °816; Elastic Force of Vapour, do., °297. Condensation.—Number of days on which Rain fell, 16; amount collected, 5’91in. Cloud.—Mean daily amount, 5°9 (scale 0-10). Wind.——Mean force, 1°8 (scale 0-12); prevailing directions, South and West, and calms. Remarks.—Rain fell on 16 days. The heaviest fall, registered at 9 a.m. on the 8th, was 1°18in. The greatest temperature in shade, 62deg. 5in. on the 2nd, 11th, and 16th. The lowest on the night of the 19th, 34°8deg. Heavy gales passed over Hobart from the westward on the 7th, 16th, and 17th. Snow fell on Mount Wellington on the nights of the 2nd, 6th, and 31st. The Aurora Australis appeared about 10hrs. 30min. on the night of the 14th, but not very brilliant, and with no streamers. Foggy on the morning of the 27th. A few cold and frosty nights. Wet month throughout. The fall of rain for month, 5°91lin. J. SHorTT, Meteorological Observer. Rainfall Botanic Gardens, Hobart, May.—Number of days on which rain fell, 14; amount collected, 4°49in. Do. Waratah, Mount Bischoff, do.—Number of-days, 27; amount collected, 14°55in. Do. Strahan, Macquarie Harbour, April.—Number of days, 14 ; amount collected, 4°73in. Do. May.—Number of days, 21 ; amount, 7in. Time of leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few standard plants in the Botanic Gardens during May :— 8th. Dutch Medlar, commencing to ripen. 16th. Photinia serrulata, commencing to flower. 20th. Diosma alba, do. 25th. Ailanthus, leaves all shed. The presentations were as follow :— To Museum— 1. From Captain Langworthy. Specimen of a rare Fish (Gastrochisma melampus. Rich.), caught off the mouth of the Derwent. [Mr. R. M. Johnston remarks :—“ This is the second specimen only of the fish known. It should be preserved if possible.’’] 2. From Mr. J. H. Grant. A Stockwhip Handle, made from a Queens- land wood known as “Ringed Giddia.”’ Ina note which accompanied this presentation, the donor refers to the wood of which it is formed as one of the handsomest in Queensland, and adds :— “It was made by a half-caste stockman on the Paroo River, who ‘merely used a knife, glass, and sand-paper for the purpose.” 3. From Mr. George Fry, per the hon. Minister of Lands and Works. A fine specimen of Tin Ore, from Upper Ringarooma. 4, From Mr. James Grant. Specimen resembling fossil wood, from a boring at Tullochgorum, at a depth of from 66ft. to 76ft. 5. From Mr. A. J. Taylor. Model of a Gold Nugget found at Long Plain, West Coast, Tasmania. [In reference to this presentation, the donor has furnished the following note. “The nugget was discovered by a man named Buckner at Long Plain, W. Coast, and weighed a little under 9o0z., (avoir.). Ihave named it the ‘ Little Welcome,’ as it resembles in shape, somewhat, the large ‘ Welcome’ nugget found at Ballarat, Victoria, some years back.” | XXXII 6. From Mr. R. M. Johnston. Specimen of a Cone, probably of a species of Lepidostrobus, from the auriferous sandstones of Campania. [In reference to this presentation, Mr. Johnston read a short descriptive paper. | To Library— 1. From the Author, Baron von Miieller. ‘“Fragmenta Phytographize Australis.” Vol. II. 2. From Dr. Schomburgk. Report of Progress and Condition of the Botanic Garden and Government Plantations, Adelaide, 1881. 3. From Mr. C. Todd, C.M.G., Government Astronomer, Adelaide. Meteorological Observations made during 1881 at Adelaide. The CHAIRMAN read an elaborate and interesting paper on the remains of Trilobites from the Mersey River district, and on other fossils from the boulders in the conglomerate beds near Table Cape, with figures and descriptions, communicated to the Society by Robert Etheridge, jun., F.G.S., etc. of the Museum of Natural History, London, and a corre- sponding Member of this Society. Mr. STEPHENS said that the specimens which formed the subject of the paper consisted of a collection of Trilobites and other fossils sent to England by himself several years ago, and comprising representatives of all the forms which have yet been discovered in the Silurian rocks of the Mersey district. Mr. Etheridge having very kindly consented to examine and describe them, a large collection of similar specimens was contributed by Mr. Hainsworth, who also furnished several specimens from the boulders near Table Cape. The result is that two entirely new Trilobites belonging to the genera Conocephalites and Dikelocephalus are described and named by Mr. Etheridge, and six others noticed, which are too imperfect to be described, together with an Ophileta, and the ,internal cast of a bivalve ; the fossils identified from the Table Cape conglomerate being a new Pentamerus, a Tentaculites, an Orthis, three species of Spirifer, and some doubtful forms. The Trilobite beds might now, in Mr. Etheridge’s opinion, be confidently classed as Lower Silurian, and some at least of the Table Cape boulders as Upper Silurian. The arduous nature of the task which Mr. Etheridge had so kindly undertaken might be imagined by anyone who had seen the refractory matrix in which the fossils were found, and he (Mr. Stephens) was sure that a cordial vote of thanks would be unanimously accorded for his valuable paper. Mr. R. M. JoHNSTON stated that the paper read was one of very great importance, as the determination, of the horizon of the Caroline Creek beds at Latrobe, with their included Trilobites, and the fossiliferous conglomerate at Table Cape, will materially help Tasmanian geologists in relating the undetermined ancient rocks which are found largely distributed all along the western part of the island from North to South. Mr. Johnston further pointed out that the Crassatella bed of the Table Cape Tertiary series, which was formerly described by him, rested immediately upon the con- glomerates referred to. Much credit was due to Mr. Stephens for the careful selection of fossils made by him in order to have the positions of these important geological horizons truly determined. The members of the Society were under deep obligation to Mr. Stephens, as well as to the able paleontologist, Mr. Etheridge, for this very valuable contribution to the Society’s papers A communication was received from Mr. Aug. Simson, of Launceston, announcing his discovery at “ Brady’s Look-out,’ Swansea, of a plant (Helipterum exiguum), new to the flora of Tasmania, and its identifi- cation by Baron von Mitieller. A special vote of thanks having been unanimously accorded to Mr. Etheridge for his admirable paper, the proceedings closed with the usual acknowledgment to the donors of presentations. XXxX111 JULY, 1882. The monthly evening meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, 12th July, Mr. C. H. Grant in the chair. The following gentlemen, who had previously been nominated by the Council, were balloted for and declared duly elected as Fellows of the Society, viz. :—Mr. William Lees, of the Union Bank; and Mr. C. W. Chapman, of Cascades. The Hon. Secretary (Mr. BARNARD) submitted the following returns for the past month, viz. :— 1. Number of Visitors to Museum—On Sundays 719, on week days 802 ; total 1,521. 2. Ditto to Gardens—Total 3,722. 3. Plants and seeds received at Botanic Gardens:—From Mr. Barnard, seeds of Wistaria megasperma. From the Hon. J. Maclanachan, seeds of a variety of Cedrus Libani. From Mr. C. F. Creswell, Melbourne, 14 packets of seeds. From the Betanic Gardens, Melbourne, 30 plants. From Messrs. Heyne and Co., Adelaide, 24 packets of seeds. 4, Plantsand seeds sent from Gardens :—To Mr. C. F. Creswell, Melbourne, collection of seeds. To Mr. J. Smith, Riddell’s Creek, Victoria a collection of seedsand plants. To Mr. R. J. Lynch, Botanic Gardens, Cambridge, collection of seeds. To Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, Queensland, seeds of Eucalyptus Globulus. To Messrs. Vilmorin, Andrieux, et Cie., France, collection of seeds. To the Chamber of Agriculture, Washington, U.S.A., collection of seeds. To the Royal Gardens, Kew, collection of seeds. To Mr. W. Bull, London, ditto. To Baron von Miieller, Melbourne, ditto. To Messrs. Shepherd and Co., Sydney, collection of seeds and plants. To Mr, J. Latham, collection of seeds. To Dr. James Hector, Wellington, New Zealand, ditto. 5, Books and periodicals received. 6. Presentations to Museum. Meteorological Returns :— 1. Hobart, from Captain Shortt, Government Observer, table for June. 2. Table of Rainfall at various stations in Tasmania, from ditto. 3. Mount Nelson, from the Marine Board, table for June. The following are the results of observations above referred to :-— Hobart, June, 1882 :— Barometer —Mean, 29°776in. Thermometer. — Means. Max., 58'2deg. ; Min., 33deg.; Dry bulb, 45'6deg. ; Wet bulb, 43°2deg. Humidity.—Dew Point Mean, 40:4deg.; Humidity, 823; Elastic force of vapour, 251. Condensation.—No of days on which rain fell, 13; Amount collected, 2°41in. Clouds.—Mean daily amount 6 (scale 0°10). Wind.—Prevailing direction, Westerly ; Mean force, 1°5lb. (scale, 0°12). Remarks.—Rain on 13 days ; the heaviest registered was 1°38in., at 9am. on the 20th. Highest temperature in the shade, 58'2deg., on the 28th. The lowest, 33deg., on the nights of the 9th and 15th. On the morning of the 16th, a very heavy fall of snow, from two to three inches deep. Light snow falling at intervals for 30 hours. Before the snowstorm the barometer had been falling slowly and steadily day by day, from the 5th ; at 9 a.m. the barometer, then 30°387in., rose a little for 30 hours on the 8th and 9th, then fell slowly to 28°923in., its lowest, on the 15th; with heavy squalls and rainfrom the westward, lulling early in the | morning, when the snow commenced falling heavily. The Comet has been observed a few nights only at Hobart (though seen XXXIV frequently in the northern part of Tasmania), on account of the cloudy evenings. It showed a well-defined nucleus, and a tail of about 3deg. in length, nearly vertical; visible about N.W. by W., between 5 and 6 p.m. A few days of strong westerly winds, but light winds and calms prevailed during the remainder of the month. J. SHORTT, Government Meteorologist. Rainfall in Tasmania, June, 1882 :— Circular Head, rain fell on 9 days, amount 1°17in. Oatlands, rain fell on 9 days, amount 1°27in. On 16th, 7in. of snow. Falmouth, rain fell on 4 days, amount ‘76in. Mount Bischoff, rain fell on 17 days, amount 5°59in. On 16th, heavy fall of snow. Southport, rain fell on 13 days, amount 3°89in. Low Heads, rain fell on 8 days, amount 1°55in. Macquarie Harbour, rain fell on 13 days, amount 4°34in. Botanic Gardens, Hobart, rain fell on 12 days, amount 1°88in. Hobart City, rain fell on 13 days, amount 2°41in. Mount Nelson, rain fell on 6 days, amount 1°84in. Time of leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few standard plants in the Botanic Gardens during June, 1882 :— 15th. Maclaura aurantiaca leaves commencing to fall. 18th. Common Privet ditto. 20th. Calycanthus preecox commencing to flower. 24th. Crocus vernus ditto. 30th. Pyrus japonica commencing to flower. The presentations to the Museum were as follow :— 1. From Mr. R. C. Weeding, Mount Seymour. A specimen of the Grey Flying Opossum (Belideus sciwreus), from that locality. 2. From Mr. Thomas Ransom, Fingal. A specimen of the Owlet Nightjar (4igotheles Nove Hollandie). 3. From Mr. A. Dowling, Melton Mowbray. A living specimen of the Chestnut-faced Owl of the colony (Strix castanops). 4, From the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. A specimen of the buoyant mattress used in the Italian Navy, with letter from the Italian Consul, Melbourne, on the subject. 5. From Mr. J. E. Baynton. A specimen of the Fan-tailed Cuckoo (Cacomantis flabelliformis), shot near Mount Nelson, ou July 6. [In reference to the Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Gould states that it “is a migratory species, arriving in Tasmania in September, and, after spending the summer months therein, departing northward in January and February.” Its occurrence in the colony in the depth of winter is therefore remarkable. } 6. From Mr. G. Innes. Specimen of Huon Pine (Dacrydium Franklini), and Red Pine (Athrotaxis selaginoides), from Macquarie Harbour, in which locality an extensive bed of the latter timber has been discovered. Mr. BarnarD read “Some further Notes on the economic value of the aquatic plant, Tipha latifolia,” illustrating its utility as a material for stuffing buoyant and life-saving mattresses in the case of shipwrecks and disasters at sea. Some conversation ensued, and an examination was made of the sample mattress, with a general expression in favour of its introduction into the marine service, its value being recognised from the fact that it was in use in the Italian Navy. A vote of thanks having been accorded to Mr. Barnard for his paper, and tothe donors of presentations, the meeting terminated. XXXV AUGUST, 1882. The monthly evening meeting of the Society was held on Monday, August 7, Mr. C. H. Grant in the chair. The Hon. Secretary (Mr. BarnarD) brought under notice the following returns, viz.:— 1. Number of visitors to Museum during July. On Sundays, 957 ; on week days, 960 ; total 1,917. 2. Do. to Gardens, do.; total 3,899. 3. Plants and seeds received at Gardens :—From Baron von Miieller, Melbourne, 18 packets seeds. From Mr. C. F. Creswell, Melbourne, 68 packets of seeds indigenous to Australia. From the Horticultural Society’s Gardens, Victoria, 44 varieties of fruit scions. From Mr. J. Smith, Riddell’s Creek, Victoria, 39 trees. From Messrs. Law, Somner, and Co., Melbourne, 38 varieties of Gladioli. 4. Seeds sent from Gardens. To Botanic Gardens, Calcutta, 36 packets. To do., Saharunpore, 36 do. 5. Books and periodicals received. 6. Presentations to Museum. Meteorological Returns :— 1. Hobart, from Captain Shortt, Government Observer. Table for July. 2. Table of Rainfall at various stations in Tasmania, from do. 3. From the Marine Board. Tables from Goose Island for March, April, and May ; Kent’s Group for do.; Bruny Island and Mount Nelson for July. Time of leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few standard plants in the Botanic Gardens during July, 1882 :— 14th. Cytysus leucanthus commencing to flower. 18th. Arbutus unedo in flower. 20th. Eranthis hyemalis commencing to flower. 22nd. Garrya elliptica do. 28th. Almond do. 28th. Yellow Crocus do. 30th. White Hyacinth do. 31st. Snowdrop do. Results of the Hobart observations :— Barometer.—Mean for month, 29°664in. Thermometer.—Mean, Max., 50°9deg.; Min., 38°9deg.; Dry Bulb, 44'5deg. ; Wet Bulb, 41°7deg. Humidity.—Dew Point, 38'ldeg.; Humidity, 230; Elastic Force of Vapour, *785. Condensation.—No. of days on which rain fell, 13; amount collected, 2°14in. Clouds.—Mean daily amount, 5°25 (scale, 0°10). Wind.—Prevailing direction, N.W. and 8.W. Mean force, 2°3 (scale, 0°12). Remarks.—Rain fell on 13 days ; the heaviest fall (5°25in.) was registered at9 a.m. on the 4th. The highest temperature in the shade was 59deg. on the 2nd ; the lowest, 3ldeg., on the night of the 29th. There were nine days of strong winds and squally weather from the westward. Snow fell in Hobart on the night of the 13th, the ground and houses being covered in the morning. At 7 a.m. of the 26th another storm of snow, intermingled with rain, passed over the city, continuingall day and through the following night. Very cold weather, with heavy frosts at night continued until the 3lst ; the minimum thermometer registering for the nights of Friday the 28th, and Saturday the 29th, at 9 am., 32°5 and 3ldeg. respectively. At Southport, under the thermometer shed the minimum temperature registered was 30deg. on the 28th, and 28deg. on the 29th. The lowest reading of the barometer was 28°964 at 9 XXXVi a.m. on the 25th, and the highest 30°288in., at 9a.m. on the 20th. This has been the coldest month experienced for many years, although the mean minimum temperature was higher than that for June. The falls of snow during June and July covered the city to a greater extent than has been previously observed. Mr. W. E. Shoobridge, of Bushy Park, New Norfolk, has kindly furnished the following record of the minimum temperature, at that place, for July, the instrument being under a thermometer shed, viz.—On the 29th, 29deg. ; on the 30th 26deg., the latter being the lowest register for the year. Rainfall in Tasmania, July, 1882 :— Low Heads, rain fell on 15 days, amount 3°99in. Southport, rain fell on 23 days, amount 4'12in. Falmouth, rain fell on 9 days, amount 1°21in. Oatlands, rain fell on 10 days, amount 1°10in. Mount Bischoff, rain fell on 27 days, amount 11°53in. Mount Nelson, rain fell on 10 days, amount 1°70in. Botanical Gardens, Hobart, rain fell on 13 days, amount 1°52in. Hobart, City, rain fell on 13 days, amount 2°14in. Circular Head, rain fell on 19 days, amount 5°82in. J. SHorTT, Government Observer. The presentations to the Museum were as follow :— 1. From Mr. G. lunes. A large specimen of Lignite, from Macquarie Harbour. 2. From Mr. D. Carsons. A Cardinal Finch, from Brazil. 3. From M. Murachi, of the Japanese warship Tsukuba. Three specimens of Japanese money, viz., 10 cents, paper; 2 ditto, copper ; and 10 ditto, silver. The Hon. W. A. B. Gellibrand exhibited samples of a Seedling Apple, originally grown at Cleveland, and subsequently worked on stocks at South Arm, which were greatly admired. Mr. STEPHENS read the following “ Notes on Minimum Temperature at Hobart during the month of July ” :— A question having arisen as to apparent discrepancies in the records of minimum temperature during the month of July in various parts of Hobart, a few remarks on the subject may not be without interest. On the nights of the 28th and 29th July two unusually severe frosts were experienced. Mr. Leventhorpe Hall reports to The Mercury that at 7°45 am. on the 29th his thermometer registered 23deg. (Fahr.), and on the following day at 7°30 a.m. 2ldeg. Comparing notes with the Rev. J. C. Whall, who had also been recording the temperature, he ascertained that the two observations for the night of the 29th July exactly tallied. About the same time it was stated that the minimum results registered by the instruments under the charge of Commander Shortt, R.N., the Government Observer, were 32°5deg. and 3ldeg. respectively for the two nightsin question. A considerable variation may occur at any time in the readings of different instruments, which are not periodically tested by the same standard. Commander Shortt informs me that of two minimum thermometers which have been in use else- where in the colony, and which he has compared with the standard, one is 3deg. 5min., and the other 5deg. out. This possible discrepancy must always be taken into account in comparing observations ; but in the present instance the difference is mainly caused by registrations of temperature under widely different conditions of exposure. Mr. Hall’s instrument is an ordinary mercurial thermometer, placed outside his house, and un- protected above, but sheltered from the sun. It reads nearly 3deg, lower than the Museum thermometer, and if corrected to that extent, and placed “ on grass,” the result for the night in question would probably have been much the same as was actually recorded. Mr. Whall’s is a self- registering instrument, of the type known as Six’s Thermometer. It XXXVii is placed about 18in. from the ground, without protection above or around it, and the general conditions of exposure are nearly equal to those under which the temperature “on grass” is usually ascertained. On the other hand, there is no thermometer in use at the Barracks at present for recording the temperature “on grass,” nor is there any place available for the purpose. The maximum and minimum thermometers are in- tended to record the temperature of the air under definite conditions of protection, and arekept, asnearly as present circumstances allow, under the conditions prescribed fer all the meteorological stations in the inter- colonial system. They are new instruments by Negretti and Zambra, and as they were obtained from Mr. Ellery, it is superfluous to say that they supply a better standard than is obtainable elsewhere in the colony. Their position, pending the completion of the instrument shed, is of course not satisfactory, and they will probably register both a higher and lower temperature when placed under it than they do now ; but it must be remembered that the temperature of the air, as taken at a meteorological station, is a very different thing from the temperature “on grass.” My own observations have necessarily been so irregular that they are of little value ; but I believe that the lowest temperature yet noted in the colony was registered bya thermometer which I placed on the top of Mount Wellington several years ago, and which gave lédeg. as the minimum temperature for two consecutive winters. The minimum ‘on grass” in Hobart during the same period was 24deg.; but, for the present exceptional season, a record of 2ldeg., as the minimum temperature, is probably not far from the mark. But no meteorological statistics can be satisfactorily registered at Hobart until the station is properly equipped, and favourable conditions of observation permanently and effectually secured. Since writing the above I find that Mr. Shoobridge records as the minimum temperature of the air at New Norfolk, on the night of the 28th July, 29deg.; and on the following night 26deg.; a result which, if I may judge from experience of the winter temperature at the two places, agrees pretty closely with that obtained ac the temporary station in the Barracks. On the conclusion of the reading of the paper, Mr. Granv observed that Commander Shortt must have chosen an unfortunate position for his thermometer, the day temperature throughout the whole of the 30th July having certainly been below the freezing point, as proved by the frozen condition of the ground, and the forming of ice on tubs placed 4ft. above it, where sheltered from the direct solar rays. Such temperature, therefore, would probably have been much lower during the preceding night, and was proved to be so by the observations of Messrs. Hall and Whall. He understood that Captain Shortt’s thermometer was placed under a deep verandah, and a worse place than an ordinary verandah could scarcely be selected for observing the air temperature. The usual position for this instrument is at the back of a light screen of trellis work or louvre painted white, and with atop covering which protects it from the direct sunlight, but allows the free circulation of the air around, and it should be at such a distance from every other object as not to receive heat therefrom. Under a verandah the temperature of the partially stagnant air, increased by the heat radiation of all surrounding objects, especially of the house, would alone be obtained, and doubtless differ many degrees from the true air temperature correctly taken. In a long course of practical experiments and observations he had not found much difference in the minimum readings were the thermometer placed only Qin., or several feet above the ground, whether covered or uncovered, if the roof were simply a shade; but there was a considerable difference on a clear night between the readings of an instrument placed on the grass, or not more than 3in. above it, of a wet bulb, and of a dry bulb thermometer ; the wet bulb reading showing an intermediate temperature between the other two. He did not think that in Hobart the extreme difference would XXXVill much exceed 43deg., because there is rarely an entire absence of cloud, which checks the radiation and evaporation, but in some of the high table lands of India, the Deccan especially, where the air is of less density and the skies perfectly clear, the difference between an air and grass thermo- meter sometimes exceeds 10deg. The readings from a Six’s Thermometer could not be so fully relied upon as the simple form, as, although very convenient for reference, their liability to derangement made them almost a toy. There was little trouble with spirit thermometers, if attention were paid them to see that the spirit was all connected with that in the bulb, but it must not be expected that any two thermometers will read exactly together throughout the scale, even though all were divided on the glass, from very carefully ascertained points, and from comparison with undoubted standards, as were the best instruments. Still, the registered maxima and minima of all good thermometers, placed in similar positions, should coincide. Mr. STEPHENS thought that Mr. Grant had somewhat misunderstood his remarks, and described the conditions under which the temperature of the air would be registered, when the arrangements are completed, by ther- mometers placed close under a double roof, and 4ft. or 5ft. from the ground. Of course the temperature registered by thermometers freely exposed would depend on whether they were placed close to the ground or at a considerable distance above it. 'The thermometers at the Barracks appeared to have been put in the verandah because there was no other covered place available for them. Mr. R. M. Jounston said he agreed with the remarks made by Mr Stephens. He was aware that arrangements for reading the. temperature were not yet made, and it was therefore not fair to say that Commander Shortt’s readings were incorrect, for he was necessarily more conversant with meteorology than the gentlemen who had published the records of their thermometers. Commander Shortt had, moreover, followed the system laid down for taking such records, whereas the other records men- tioned had all been taken at different times and under different conditions. He considered that Commander Shortt, as far as his present arrangements would allow, had taken his records under precisely the same conditions as were adopted in every part of the world, and that the other gentlemen were necessarily incorrect, having conformed to no rules whatever in placing their instruments. He hoped that in a short time Commander Shortt would be able to take records under all conditions, and then his readings would compare with the thermometers of others, Mr. H. J. BucKLAND understood that Commander Shortt s thermometer was placed against the wall of his house, and thought that would to some extent affect the reading ; it would draw heat from the interior of the house and surrounding objects. He doubted if readings in other parts of the world were taken under such conditions, as if so, it would be impossible to arrive at the true climate of a country. If by this means the temperature of what was admitted to be a bitterly cold night was only shown as 32deg., and by other instruments without cover it was said to be 20deg., it was surely impossible to arrive at a correct tempera- ture of the locality. Mr. JoHNSTON explained that the reason for using a cover was to exclude the direct influence of sunlight, and everything was eliminated that could, in the least degree, influence the temperature, and therefore scientific men have advised that there should be some standard of eliminating all disturbing influences, and Commander Shortt, as far as he could, had adopted these principles, and if all these conditions were taken into consideration, there would not be such a great discrepancy in the readings as now appeared. Mr. RippocH thought Commander Shortt’s readings deceptive in stating the temperature of the atmosphere. He had seen where XXX1X Commander Shortt’s instruments were placed, and did not think they could ever give the normal state of the air. The verandah had a roof, and was enclosed on both sides. The instruments were against a weatherboard wall, and sheltered from the west and south-west; and altogether a more sheltered place could hardly be found, and the lowest temperature could not possibly be obtained. Mr. JoHNsToN then read an elaborate and valuable paper, entitled ‘ General and Critical Observations on the Fishes of Tasmania, with a Classified Catalogue of all the known species.” The time was too limited to admit of more than the first two divisions of the subject being read, and the remainder, including the classified catalogue, was deferred until the next monthly meeting. Discussion on the portion read was also deferred until a future occasion, in order to admit of its being printed and circulated. The usual vote of thanks was accorded to the contributors to the Museum, and also te the authors of the papers read, SEPTEMBER, 1882. The monthly meeting of the Society was held on Monday, the 11th September ; Mr. T. Stephens, V.P., in the chair. The following gentlemen, who had previously been nominated by the Council, were balloted for, and declared duly elected as honorary Members of the Society, viz.:—Baron Ferd. von Miieller, K.C M.G., M.D., F.R.S., Government Botanist of Victoria; and the Rev. J. E. Tenison-Woods, HES, F.GiS., .R.G.S., etc., ete: The Hon. Secretary (Mr. BARNARD) laid before the meeting the following returns for the month of August :— 1. Number of visitors to Museum—On Sundays, 1,012; on week days, 666 ; total, 1,678. 2. Do. to Gardens—Total, 4,192. 3. Plants received at Gardens : —From Messrs. Shepherd and Co., Syduey, 16 plants. From Messrs. Vilmorin and Co., Paris, a general col- lection of flower and shrub seeds. From Mr. W. R. Guilfoyle, Director of Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, seeds of Pinus Australis (the Georgia Pitch pine). From Professor McOwen, Cape Town Botanic Gardens, sods of Disa grandiflora, a magnifi- cent Orchid from the Table Mountain, in good condition. 4, Books and periodicals received. 5. Presentations to Museum. Meteorological Returns. 1, Hobart, from Captain Shortt. Table of observations for August. Registers of rainfall at various stations through the colony. 2. From the Marine Board. Monthly tables from Mount Nelson for August ; Swan Island for May ; Goose Island for June and July ; and King’s Island from February to July inclusive. Time of leafing, flowering, etc., of a few standard plants in the Botanic Gardens during August :— 20th. Sambucus niger commencing to break. 24th. Horsechestnuts do, 28th. Gooseberries do. 28th. Elm commencing to flower. 29th. Poplar commencing to break. 30th. Apricots commencing to flower. Results of the Hobart observations :— Barometer.—Mean for month, 29°836in. xl Thermometer.—Mean, Max.,52°2 deg.; Min., 40‘7deg.; Dry Bulb, 48"1deg Wet Bulb, 45°6deg. Humidity—Dew Point, 42'9deg.; Elastic Force of Vapour, ‘276 ; Humidity, °821. Condensation.—Number of days on which rain fell, 12; amount col- lected, 4°82in. Clouds.—Mean daily amount, 6 (scale 0-10). Wind.—Prevailing direction, South and N.W. Mean force, 1°4 (scale, 0-12). Remarks.—Rain on 12 days. The heaviest fall, registered at 9 a.m. on the 9th, was 1°48in. Highest temperature in the shade, 60°8deg. on the 25th; the lowest, 33*6deg., on the night of the 10th. Light and variable winds prevailed during the month, with a few squally days. Thick fogs at beginning of month. Heavy rain during the first eight days, 43in. having fallen in that time. Cloudy and damp throughout the month, The lowest reading of the Barometer, 29°233in., was at 3 p.m. of the 31st ; and the highest, 30°209in., at 9 a.m. of the 27th. A very large and brilliant meteor was observed at 7h. 10m. p.m. on the 5th. Rainfall in Tasmania, August, 1882 :— Hobart, rain fell on 12 days, amount 4°82in. Southport, rain fell on 14 days, amount 3°23in. Oatlands, rain fell on 15 days, amount 2°47in, Falmouth, rain fell on 17 days, amount 4°91in. Low Heads, rain fell on 18 days, amount 4°13in. Circular Head, rain fell on 23 days, amount 4°12in. Mount Bischoff, rain fell on 23 days, amount 4°52in. Botanical Gardens, Hobart, rain fell on 14 days, amount 3°09in. Strahan, Macquarie Harbour, rain fell on 26 days in July; amount collected, 6°62in. Presentations to Museum :— 1. From Mr. A. Winter. Specimens of an albino variety of the Brush Kangaroo (Halmaturus Bennettii), mounted. 2. From Mr. W. Ritchie. Specimen of Asbestos, from Anderson’s Creek. 3. From Mr. J. Simmons. Specimen of Lode Tin from the claim of the Lottah T.M. Co., Gould’s Country. 4, From Mr. Lester. Specimen of Ruby Tin from the vicinity of the Heemskirk River. In reference to the specimens of asbestos from the West Tamar, which were exhibited at the meeting, the CHAIRMAN remarked that it was to be regretted that this mineral had hitherto received little attention, though it had lony been known to exist in the colony ; indeed, the Asbestos Ranges derived their name from it in very early days, though, as Mr. Gould had pointed out, they were quite unconnected with the serpentine of the neighbourhood of Anderson’s Creek, in which rock it occurs. There was one point in connection with this substance which was involved in some obscurity. The mineral known to manufacturers in the United States and elsewhere, and now largely used for sheathing boilers and steam pipes, for packing piston rods, and for general felting purposes, is the true asbestos classed by Von Cotta, Dana, and other mineralogists, among the anhydrous silicates of lime and magnesia, and is a fibrous variety of tremolite, or actinolite. The proper title of the West Tamar mineral is probably chrysotile, better known as picrolite, or Schiller asbestos, a fibrous variety of serpentine, which belongs to the hydrous silicates of magnesia. As far as one could judge from superficial examination, the fibre seemed to be of excellent quality, and it would be interesting to ascertain whether it is inferior in any essential point to the other asbestos, so far as regards the special purpose for which it is manufactured, xli Mr. C. H. Grant observed that there were many reasons why the article had not yet been exported in large quantities for manufacturing purposes. Asbestos was found in considerable abundance in many parts of the werld, especially in Cornwall, Corsica, and the Austrian Alps; but the largest deposits he knew were situated near the banks of the St. Law- rence, and in the United States: there the fibres were of great length. He had not heard of two qualities, differing in chemical composition, being used in manufacture, but there were many varieties from the desiccated fibre of amianthus to the massive rock, and these necessarily differed to some extent in their chemical composition. The specimen on the table appeared similar to other deposits that he had seen, but not so white and silky as that from Cornwall and Hungary. Some very fine samples had been procured in Virginia, U.S. He understood that the mineral was found in large quantities on the West Tamar in veins 2ft. thick and upwards, of considerable length. That so obtained appeared to be a good merchantable article, as far as he could judge, comparing it with what he had previously seen. The bulk of the asbestos that had come under his notice was of much shorter fibre than in the samples on the table, it being arranged vertically in slabs of from half an inch to one inch in thickness, but he had been informed that fibres of only half an inch in length could now be worked into many useful products. It should be remembered that Tasmania is a long distance from the centres of manufac- ture, as compared with other localities where this mineral is found, end whence it could be obtained at a low prize. It had only recently become in important demand, but now that it is coming into such general use there is a probability that a large market will be found for the Tasmanian article. Mr. R. M. Jounsron said that he had found a variety of fibre and colour in asbestos according to its exposure to atmospheric influences. It was only possible to get the fibre, in its true state, in the solid rock. Mr. Davies, an authority on the subject, states that asbestos is only just coming into general use, and is found very useful for packing engine piston rods, etc., but dependent upon the length of fibre to be of value. All the Tasmanian asbestos that he had seen had very short fibre. Mr. R. M. Jounston read the second part of his paper on the Fishes of Tasmania, which will be concluded at the next evening meeting of the Society. The CHAIRMAN said that at the last meeting of the Society mention was inadvertently omitted of a new addition to the fawna ot Tasmania in the shape of two native rats—one constituting a new genus—which are described by Mr. Oldfield Thomas, F.Z.S., of the British Museum, in the “ Annals of Natural History” for June, 1882. One was described from a specimen sent to the British Museum by the late Mr. Ronald Gunn, the other from specimens contributed by Mr. Augustus Simson. A paper on this branch of the Tasmanian fauna had been communicated by Mr, Petterd, and would probably have been read that evening, had time allowed. Mr. JoHN Swan remarked that about two years ago he obtained a specimen of a black rat, generally considered as a Tasmanian species, but, on reference to Gould’s work, he found it to agree with the description of one previously known to exist in Western Australia, and not mentioned as occurring in Tasmania. He did not agree with the idea that rats of different colours could not belong to the same species, for he had observed two of these animals, which had their nest near his residence, one of them being similar to the one above referred to, and the other of a much lighter colour. When at Deloraine a short time since, he saw a black rat killed, the colour of which induced no remark, being evidently regarded as nothing unusual. A short discussion ensued, after which the usual vote of thanks was passed to the several donors to the Museum, and also to Mr. Johnston for his interesting paper, E xlii OCTOBER, 1882. The usual monthly evening meeting of the Society was held on Monday, 9th October ; Mr. Justin McC. Browne in the chair. Mr. H. W. D. Archer, M.H.A., of Brickendon, who had previously been nominated by the Council, was balloted for and declared duly elected as a Fellow of the Society. The Hon. Secretary (Mr. BarNnaRD) brought under notice the following returns for the month of September, viz.:— 1. Number of visiters to Museum—on Sundays, 742 ; on week days, 1,000 ; total 1,742. 2. Do. to Gardens—Total 4,603. 3. Books and periodicals received. 4, Presentations to Museum. Meteorological Returns :— 1, Hobart, from Captain Shortt, Government Observer. Table of observations for September. Registers of rainfall at the various stations in the colony. 2. From the Marine Board. Tables from Mount Nelson and South Bruny Lighthouse for September. 3. From the Government Observer, Wellington, New Zealand. Printed tables for May, June, and July, 1882. Results of the Hobart observations for September :— Barometer.—Mean for month, 29°428in. Thermometer.—Means: Max., 67°2; Min., 37°2; Dry Bulb, 52°4; Wet Bulb, 48°5. Humidity.—Dew Point, 44°8 ; Elastic Force of Vapour, 29°7 ; Humidity, 75°4, Condensation—Number of days on which rain fell, 18; amount collected 2°93in. Clouds.—Mean daily amount, 6°6 (scale 0°10). Wind.—Prevailing direction, N.W.; mean force, 3°4 (scale 0°12). Remarks.—Rain fell on 18 days ; the heaviest fall, 0°51in., was registered at 9 am. on the 30th; showery weather throughout the month. The highest temperature in the shade was 67°2, on the 21st; the lowest 37°2, on the night of the 14th. Gales and strong squally winds from N.W. prevailed through the month. On the morning of the 13th snow was well down on the hills, and in the forenoon large flakes fell in the town. Snow fell heavily at Oatlands. The Comet has been frequently observed in the morning ; it now rises earlier, and to the Southward of East, travelling to the Northward. The tail is extended toa greater degree than when first seen, and the nucleus is more brilliant. Rainfall in Tasmania, September, 1882 :— Hobart, rain fell on 18 days, amount 2°93in. Do. Botanic Gardens, rain fell on 18 days, amount 2°45in. Southport, rain fell on 21 days, amount 5°37in. Oatlands, rain fell on 17 days, amount 1°69in. Falmouth, rain fell on 9 days, amount 1°26in. Low Heads, rain fell on 18 days, amount 3°04in. Circular Head, rain fell on 23 days, amount 4°54in. Mount Bischoff, rain fell on 29 days, amount 14°30in. New Norfolk, amount 3°82in. Fingal, rain fell on 8 days, amount 1°83in. Mount Nelson, rain fell on 11 days, amount 1°75in. Macquarie Harbour, rain fell on 5 days, amount 1’81in. Time of leafing, flowering, etc., of a few standard plants in the Botanic Gardens during September, 1882 :— 20th. Horsechestnut commencing to flower. 22nd. Mountain Peony do. xiii 28th. Ash commencing to break. 29th. Grape vines do. 29th. Sycamore do. 30th. Robinia pseudo Acacia do. The presentations to the Museum were as follow :— 1. From Mr. 8. H. Wintle. A collection of Fossils from the Rock House estate, St. Paul’s River. 2. From Mr. A. J. Taylor. Specimens of Garnet from Mount Heemskirk. 3. From Mr. Schofield. An Egg, probably of a species of Petrel, embedded in Guano, from Bird Island. . From Mr. Moore. Specimen of Aragonite from a cutting through greenstone at Elboden-place, Hobart. _ 5. From Mr. J. R. McClymont. 18 silver and 32 copper coins. 6. From Mr. James E. Salier. Jaws of a large Shark. 7. From Mr. D. Carson. A “Bleeding Heart” Dove (Phlogenas cruenta). The following papers were read :— 1. “Description of some New Marine Shells of Tasmania.” By Lieut. C. E. Beddome, I.N. 2. “ Notes on two species of rather rare Fish recently captured in the Derwent ; viz., Clinus despicillatus a species of the Blenny family, and Bovichthys variegatus.” By R. M. Johnston, F.L.S. 3. “ Descriptions of hitherto undescribed Antechini and Muride inhabiting Tasmania.” By Mr. E. T Higgins, M.R.C.S. Eng.; and Mr. W. F. Petterd, C.M.Z.S. The proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to the authors of the papers read, and to the donors of presentations. NOVEMBER, 1882. The usual monthly evening meeting of the Society was held on Tues- day, 14th November ; Mr. T. Stephens, V.P., in the chair. Mr. Wyatt Hickling, who had previously been nominated by the Council, was balloted for and declared duly elected as a Fellow of the Society. TEGEOn Secretary (Mr. BARNARD) brought under notice the following returns for the past month ;_ viz. :— 1, Number of visitors to Museum—On Sundays, 1,217 ; on week days, 794; total, 2,011. 2. Number of visitors to Botanic Gardens—Total, 5,600. 3. Seeds received at Gardens. 4, Books and periodicals received. 5. Presentations to Museum. Meteorology :— 1, From Captain Shortt, Government Observer. Abstract table of observations taken at Hobart for October. Table of rainfall at various stations in the colony during October. 2. From the Marine Board. Tables from King’s Island for August, September, and October; Swan Island for June, July, and August ; Goose Island for August, September, and October ; Kent’s Group for July, August, and September ; Mount Nelson and South Bruny for October, The following are the results of the Hobart observations for October :— Barometer.—Mean, 29°718 inches. Thermometer.—Means : Max., 72; Min., 37°5 ; Dry Bulb, 55:5; Wet Bulb, 51°1. ‘xliv Humidity.—Dew Point: Mean, 47; Elastic Force of Vapour, *323 ; Humidity, °922. Condensation.—Number of days on which rain fell, 13 ; amount col- lected, 3°79 inches. - Clouds.—Mean daily amount, 6 (scale 0-10). Wind.-—Mean force, 2'5 (scale 0-12); prevailing direction, N.W. and S.E. Remarks. —Rain fell on 13 days; the heaviest fall, 1:45in., was registered at 9 a.m. on the 20th. The highest temperature in the shade was 72 on the 18th; the lowest 37°5, on the nights of the 2lst and 27th. The lowest reading of the barometer was 29°207in., at 3 p.m. on the Ist ; the highest 30°139in., at 9 p.m. on the 27th. Strong winds from W. and N.W. on the 6th and 10ib. The Cometis becoming much fainter. The planet Venus has been frequently visible to the naked eye, in daylight, during the month. A very heavy fall of snow occurred at Oatlands on Thursday, the 17th, covering the ground, in some places, to a depth of seven inches. Rainfall nm Tasmania during October, 1882:— Hobart, rain fell on 13 days, amount 3°79in. Southport, rain fell on 12 days, amount 3°50in. Low Heads rain fell on 12 days, amount 1°31in. Botanic Gardens, Hobart, rain fell on 12 days, amount 3°16in. Oatlands, rain fell on 15 days, amount 1°‘95in. Falmouth, rain fell on 7 days, amount 1°68in. Circular Head, rain fell on 12 days, amount 2‘56in. Mount Bischoff, rain fell on 21 days, amount 6°27in. Fingal, rain fell on 7 days, amount 1°39in. Waratah and Macquarie Harbour for September, rain fell on 24 days, amount 8'63in. Time of leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few standard plants in the Botanic Gardens during October, 1882 :— 5th. Carpinus betulus commencing to break. 14th. Ailanthus glandulosus ditto. 15th. Morus niger ditto. 16th. Common Lime ditto. 18th. Elm ditto. 20th. Melia azederach ditto. Presentations to Museum :— 1. From Mr. William Knight, M.A. 12 coins, viz.: 1 frane piece (silver), French Republic, 1851; three half, and three quarter annas (copper), India, 1835 ; one ditto, 1858 ; three ditto, 1862 ; one 5-cents, Ceylon, 1870. 2. From Mr. G. Dinham. Portion of cloth unrolled from the mummy of an Egyptian priest. 3. From Mr. A.S. Raiker, Campbell Town. A copy of the Mercurius Caledonicus, the first newspaper printed in Scotland, dated 1661. A silver egg-cup and spoon, asilver teaspoon, and pair of sugar tongs, formerly the property of an officer on board Captain Cook’s ship when on the voyage round the world. 4, From Mr. E. D. Swan. 140 specimens of shells, 5 ditto of birds, mounted, and a collection of insects, from Fiji; 25 specimens of shells and a lizard (Pygopus lepidopus) from New South Wales ; and 8 Tasmanian birds, mounted. [The SECRETARY drew special attention to this valuable collection of objects of natural history from Fiji and New South Wales, presented by Mr. E. D. Swan, and observed that that gentleman set an admirable example to Fellows of the Royal Society, when visiting foreign countries, not to forget the Society when opportunities offered, for adding to the contents of the Museum, and thus helping to make it more and more - —— xlv attractive, to the youth of the colony especially, in an educational point of view. ] The attention of the meeting was directed to a magnificent specimen of topaz, discovered by Mr. S. H. Wintle on the claim of the North Mount Cameron Tin-mining Company, and kindly forwarded by him to the Museum for exhibition. This specimen weighs 41b., is of a pale blue colour, very transparent, apparently without flaw, and shows the form of crystallisation very perfectly. The CHAIRMAN read a letter which he had received from Mr. Ward, Government Analyst, who, he said, had kindly undertaken to examine the West Tamar Asbestos, and to compare it with the manufactured product which had been exhibited in the shape of a specimen of packing for steam joints. The results of analysis are as follow :— (A) West Tamar Asbestos. ‘‘Packing.” Silica a SA As : aye ... 38°88 INUSOTICRIA Gatco. cen.” asm OO eee ac wow OL°68 Iron Protoxide oete ate OSC OR w .. 6°84 Waterlost at. 212, F ... «1700: «! ae — Do. lost at red heat ere | Waar U balan Ae bU ame he. 8 ae none ... ... traces 100°00 100°00 (B) Results calculated minus loss on ignition :— West Tamar Asbestos. ‘* Packing.” Silica BAe MERI ene) AA ae sien’ bak. COO Wagmesiar eee soso dau ALO at pee LUE iron Erotoxade 61.45. yhut 900i 2:, see ROLOe In reference to (B), Mr. Ward says :—‘‘I have also calculated them out minus the total loss on ignition, thus getting a much fairer comparison, as the ‘ packing’ contained oil as well as water. The results show that, so far as chemical composition goes, there is nothing against the use of the Tasmanian mineral for similar purposes. The composition in each case closely resembles that of some varieties of serpentine, and not that of horn- blende. Mr. R. M. Jounston, F.L.S., read a description of a new species of Fish (Lophotes Guntheri), caught near Emu Bay, Tasmania. Mr. JoHNsToeNn then read the concluding portion of his paper on the Fishes of Tasmania, which had been held over from a former meeting. The SECRETARY referred to the elaborate and exhaustive paper on the Fishes of Tasmania which had just been concluded by Mr. Johnston, and regretted the absence of several members who had been present at the previous meetings when the two former parts had been read, and who, it was anticipated, would have joined in the discussion upon the whole sulject when completed. It had been hoped also that the paper might have been printed in the interim, to facilitate the discussion, Mr. Barnard added, that the Society, as well as the colony, are highly indebted to Mr. Johnston for his valuable contribution to this important division of natural history, as, to his own personal knowledge, the publication in the ‘‘' Tasmanian Journal of Science,” some forty years back, of an article by Dr. Richardson, on the Fishes of Port Arthur, was followed up by an earnest application from the writer to the then Lieut.-Governor, Sir John Franklin, to procure and send home specimens of all new varieties of fish that could be procured from our waters ; and ever since a more comprehensive account of our Fishes has been deemed a desideratum. This has now been accomplished by Mr. Johnston, who enumerates 190 species of Fish as known to Tasmania, Mr. Barnard xvi then referred to the economic uses of the fish which abound on our coasts, and that this catalogue, in pointing out the best species for the purpose of being cured and exported, will prove a most useful guide in promoting trade and foreign commerce; and he concluded by moving the tharks of the Society to Mr. R. M. Johnston for his valuable papers, to Mr. W. F. Ward for his analyses of the specimens of Asbestos, and also to the various donors of contributions to the Museum during the past - month. Mr. Napier remarked that many years ago a large trade was done by some Chinese in the treatment of fish for exportation. The vote of thanks, moved by Mr. BARNARD and seconded by Dr. E. J. Croucu, was then put to the meeting and carried unanimously. Mr. JOHNSTON, in acknowledging the vote of thanks, spoke of the labours of those who had preceded him in the same path, and especially mentioned the late lamented Mr. Morton Allpor: as having contributed largely to the Ichthyology of Tasmania ; and he then drew the attention of the meeting to some exquisite drawings of certain Fishes, by Mr. H. J. Graham, which he had brought down for exhibition. The meeting, which is the last for the session of 1882, then closed. ele bh. pate ie lait, ie ‘ A aN Si Paes wie ane my hai ay ae AS Wi } - ! es | re Pater sy iy a: ‘onl ei re a a}. - ia ; Be inte hia o ae Hy pe i ray on ae J ‘wn ru ‘ae ype aevesne \ Bia LN ver ns Ni ee - : LN: ae a y : 7 a surge a Ramee ae ie dah pal Nb Tass a ‘ sy ul ht ae uy a % : hae a eee ih hbo A He, PY kU ARN 1 ni BTA) arg.) ‘SR es AY ty Che nan vith i A: Rs T Abie aed , a a a ie a i Meld Hash a: . Sane ih ae im | need av BN: M i a eR : if Ue fe be: oy ae uy: he a iste a Buna id ae ce ok ald me ut SAphe a ‘es on oe Mp as Uw iid ene | ae ee 4 is i hey nal Coy a : mia u@il Ft hi mae fei) Le Oe tee) ae et oil Maks f ahs ee a i ie Pees cae a “ Py bt Vi ie st ie 7 - 7 ie a ie a % De ann a tn : he a 7 Mi liew as a) i oy a ty | ra Je i ar ae Ti U 7 aD A he Zan ea. : et ee Wig or Sree Ste wr : a en eke od cite ive. _ aie “ Ms ’ “ ‘ * ra, pats iy a Y ts: ( f Ate 7 ld e ae ee Ai in ay oe ny ae i " J ) At ME vie ve i) ne i ot ay hi ™ 1 a ony. on eS 7 : iy PP piss ms i oe sie a4 ee me ie in MiNG hal oY Pat a ant bat ¥*) i: aes de > Ge it i" Bi ae y ea 4 AN ‘ vile) : : aie vi ‘igh oan rite Ri yh : 1 A ey net a ra) sented wae i 7 Mal ‘aaa ie ne aA, “4 y ‘Jou ar t) a) Me Lu : ie ro ae s _ ay oy Al Pee rie a i ‘ : Ne anes, /~ GENERAL AND CRITICAL OBSERVATIONS ON Pot FISHES OF TASMANTA: WITH A Classified Catalogue of all the known Species. BY ROBERT M. JOHNSTON, F.LS., Fellow of the Royal Society of Tasmania and of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, &c. [Read 7th August, 1882. } 4 § ieee *% Sea rat ¥ ee , ae “Ne OAOVTATERRRG fF .1TT OKA TAR 4 ~ th ¥ Bok Meh : or. a adel ead roe nee PHAaOW. TOs RRS Rte, L aid tw 7 GENERAL AND CRITICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE FISHES OF TASMANIA, oe ei In submitting to the Fellows of this Society my observa- tions upon the Fishes of Tasmania, I am especially reminded of the valuable labours of the late Mr. Morton Allport in this direction, and of the loss which Ichthyology has sustained by his untimely death. Not only had he laboured zealously and successfully in all matters relating to the acclimatisation of the European Salmonide and other fishes, but, in addition, he had at much pains during a number of years collected many of our indigenous fishes and forwarded them to Dr. Gunther, of the British Museum, with his observations. A few of those forwarded by him were after- wards described by Dr. Gunther as new to science, and a still larger number, although already known and described, were reported for the first time to include Tasmania in their distribution. In this way he materially extended our know- ledge of the indigenous fishes, and so increased the known list from about 100 to 142 species. These were recorded by him in a MS. Catalogue, which the Council of this Society kindly placed at my disposal when they learned that I was independently engaged on a similar work. Unfortunately with respect to this Catalogue, there are no notes or obser- vations of any kind regarding the fishes themselves; and if no other records exist, the greater part of the knowledge which he gained by his many years of patient study has been lost to science. It is right that I should here also mention how much we are indebted to Mr. T. J. Lempriere, who was the first Tasmanian naturalist who formed an extensive collection of fishes. His collection was described by Dr. Richardson, and afterwards published in the Journal of the Zoological Society in the year 1839, and reprinted in the Tasmanian Journal, vol. I, p. 59-65 ; 99-108. My own labours in connection with the fishes of Tasmania only extend over the last six years, but during that period I have devoted much of my time to their investigation. The branch of study which especially occupied my mind has been one that had already engaged my attention in respect of the land and fresh-water shells of this Island,—viz., habits and variability. Like some species of our land 54 shells, many of our fishes have been described from single specimens, or from individuals sent to Europe at various times more or less imperfectly preserved. The difficulties of dealing with the classification of certain species are great enough when the specimens available are abundant and per- fect, but they are increased tenfold when the only specimens available for examination are both imperfect and few in number. The limits of variability must first be accurately determined before a satisfactory classitication can be estab- lished in respect of closely allied species. It is not expected that the vexed subject of “‘ whatis aspecies” and ‘‘ what is a variety” can be settled by the references made in this paper in respect of some of our fishes about which there is some doubt; but it is hoped that the observations carefully re- corded by me may be helpful at least in basing the classifi- cation of some of our local species upon a wider and more secure foundation. As such, these observations are respect- fully submitted for the consideration of those eminent in the science. Of the 188 species known to exist in Tasmanian waters I have personally examined the general characters of about 145 species. Indeed, I have been in the habit of making drawings and recording particulars of all individual fishes which came into my possession, whether rare or common. Of the more common fishes I have recorded characteristic particulars of several hundred distinct individuals. I mention this for the purpose of showing that the opinions herein advanced by me in respect of matters related to classification are based upon the observations of many individuals of the same species taken in different seasons and in various stages of development. It is in this place also desirable to state that as a Member of the Royal Fisheries Commission, which has now almost completed its enquiries into all matters relating to Tasmanian Fish and Fisheries, I have been enabled to verify many observations of which I was formerly doubtful, and to extend my in- formation with respect to the habits of the more common market fishes, and to matters relating to the fishing industry of this Island generally. The great portion of our fishes were described from specimens collected by various naturalists who accompanied expeditions from Europe between the years 1834 and 1842. The following are the names of authors who have deter- mined the greater number of species known to exist in Tasmanian waters :— Dr. Richardson ......... 41 species. Dr. Gunther 213 00324 os) 32) , ditto. Castelnau’. sis as hase 10. ditto. WOnmMMON TS. ee es cia. ss. LO” dito: Various authors (25) .... 57 ditto. In the Catalogue which follows the General Observations I have given reference specially to three distinct sources as regards fuller specific description or as an authority for the existence of the particular species in Tasmanian waters. These are— 1. Dr. Gunther’s Catalogue of Fishes, 8 vols., London, 1859-70. 2. Mr. Macleay’s Descriptive Catalogue of the Fishes of Australia. Pros. Linn. Soc. New South Wales, vols. 5 and 6, 1881. __ 3. Mr. Morton Allport’s: MS. List of | Tasmanian Fishes. With respect to the last reference, I have to explain that although it consists of a mere list of names, it is a guarantee of the existence of the species in Tasmania, and it affords me the extreme gratification of having Mr. Allport’s name associated with my own in the first attempt to give a systematic review of our Tasmanian Fishes. That there are many imperfections may be expected, but I have endeavoured to make the list as complete as possible. Mr. Macleay’s very useful Catalogue, to which I have referred, is very complete, and those who wish to study the Fishes of Australia will find it to be indispensable. The following Chapters contain— Ist. A brief description of our Market Fish and Fisheries. 2nd. Observations upon the Freshwater Fishes, in- cluding a chapter on the Introduced Species. 3rd. Observations upon the Marine Fishes, in the order of the Families as arranged by Dr. Gunther. 4th. A Classified Catalogue of all the known Species, with references to the sources where they are more fully described, and, in some cases, with critical notes and observations. 56 fAarket Fish and Fisheries. With a population of only 120,000 persons, it cannot be expected that the fishing industry in Tasmania can be very extensive; nevertheless it is estimated that there are about 1050 persons directly dependent upon the capture and sale of Fishes. Hobart is the chief centre of the industry, its position being particularly favourable in this respect from its near- ness to the principal fishing-grounds. Fully 63 per cent. of the men and boats belong to Hobart; and the men carry on their business either in the upper or lower waters of the Derwent, or in the open sea Trumpeter reefs, 40 to 80 fathoms, lying between Seymour on the East Coast and Port Davey on the South-West. The marine fishing- grounds may generally be divided into three classes :— I. The “ Home Grounds,’ near shore or in the upper shallows of estuaries, where the seine-net is largely used in the capture of— The Sole .- .. Amnotretis rostratus. The Flounder .. Rhombsolea monopus. Garfish ........ Hemirhamphus intermedius. Mullet ........ Agonostoma Forsteri. In the Derwent, Tamar, Port Sorell, and George’s Bay especially, there are many fishing-grounds where these fish are to be found in considerable numbers. Unfortunately, the flat fishes of Tasmania, and the Garfish, can only be captured by means of the seine-net, which in its operations destroys in myriads the young of all the fishes which tend to seek such shallow ground for food and shelter. Many unprotected localities, such as Ralph’s Bay, in the Derwent, where such fish were once so abundant, have now been rendered almost barren from the indiscriminate and con- tinuous operation of the destructive seine-net. The effect of the seine-net is clearly shown in the Derwent. The upper portion of the river, prior to being closed for the protection of the Salmonide, was so much thinned out by continuous and destructive seining, that the rod fishermen interested in the capture of mullet, native salmon, perch, &c. could no longer find it profitable to fish in this locality. Since this portion was so protected, all kinds of estuary fish have become so abundant, that4it is stated that more mullet are caught now in these waters by amateur rod fishermen than were taken formerly by the seine-net. The problem of devising some means whereby the Flounder, Garfish, and other useful marketable fish, might 57 be secured without involving the destruction of countless numbers of the ova and young of these and other fish, has yet to be solved. Certainly, limiting the size of the mesh of the seine might do some good, but it has been shown that the mesh which would allow the escape of the young Mullet, Perch, and Bastard Trumpeter, would still destroy the young of the Flounder. It is also shown that, owing to the mode in which the seine is used, the scraping of the lead- rope, and the enclosed weed render it almost impossible for the young fish to escape when the net is drawn upon the beach, even though the mesh of the seine were considerably enlarged. It seems, therefore, that the only way to remedy the evil is to reserve certain suitable areas in our estuaries as nursery grounds, wherein the use of the seine-net should be absolutely prohibited. The New South Wales Government have been obliged to adopt this course in respect of certain lakes and estuaries, in the interest of the deep-sea market fish, whose wholesale destruction was threatened by the operation of the seine-net. II. The ‘‘ MiddleGround” Fisheries are generally situated towards the mouth of estuaries, or in certain sheltered bays where the depth of water is from 5 to 6 fathoms. In such localities the graball net and ordinary hook and line are et ae principally, in the capture of the following market sh :— The Native Salmon ...... Avrripis salar. The Bastard Trumpeter.... Latris Forstert. The Black and Silver Perch Chilodactylus macropterus. The Magpie Perch ....... Chilodactylus gibbosus. PRE ACAD” ann'eis ss +s ».++ Chilodactylus Allporti. The Flathead ... ........ Platycephalus bassensis. The Silver Trevally ...... Caranx Georgianus. The Snotgall Trevally .... Meptonemus brama. The Rock Cod .......... Pseudophycis barbatus. The: Lang, .ivjeceas cee inns Genypterus blacodes. Fhe Sand, Mullet: .:: <. ti0p ox Mugil dobula. The Conger Eel.......... Conger vulgaris. II]. The “Outer,” or “ Open Sea” fishing-grounds, lie principally in the Southern waters of Tasmania, from one to sixteen miles off the coast, in depth of water ranging from 20 to 80 fathoms. The fishing-boats employed in these grounds are neces- sarily the best of their description, although the most of them are open whale-boats, fitted, as nearly all of our Hobart fishing-boats are, with wells for keeping the fish alive after capture. 58 The fish, bottom fish, caught by hook and line in such places are The School and Old-man Trumpeter ............- Latris hecateia. The Rock Gurnet........ Sebastes percoides. The Black and Silver Perch Chilodactylus macropterus. The Real Bastard Trumpeter Mendosoma Allport. Towards the surface of these open waters, the Maori “jig” and the swivelled barbless hook are employed in the capture of the rapacious though important market fishes— The Barracouta .......... Thyrsites atun. The Kingfish .... ..... ZLhyrsites solandri. Altogether, it is estimated that out of the 188 known species of fish, there are about 63, or a third, good edible fish,—but only about 21 of these are sufficiently abundant to be considered as of any importance, so far as a regular market supply is concerned. Large schools of sprats and anchovies are known to appear upon our coasts regularly, but there are neither establish- ments* amongst us for the preservation of such fishes, nor have we the suitable equipment, in the shape of nets, for their capture. In time this source of wealth may be opened tous. At present, want of knowledge, and possibly want of enterprise, operates against this valuable source of supply. Trawl-nets have been tried on our coasts, but without good result. Either the class of bottom fish are absent in our waters, or the proper grounds have yet to be discovered suited for this mode of capture. ——— Freshwater Fishes. Our Freshwater fishes,—and among these I include migratory species which necessarily live a portion of their existence in fresh water,—may with convenience be dealt with specially, and they naturally fall into two distinct groups; ViZ.— 1. The Indigenous Fishes. 2. The Introduced Fishes from Europe. Among the former there are 15 species, belonging to eight distinct families and 1] genera ; viz.— * Mr. Peacock, of Hobart, had tried to establish a preserving industry, but gave it up because he had not the skilled labour nor the proper facilities for carrying on the business successfully. 59 eos P Family. Genus. | Species. spielen Comme EE a sa el tains 1| Percidee Lates colonorum ta 2 ” Microperca | Tasmanize 3) Triglide Aphritis Urvillii 4| Gadopsidz Gadopsis marmoratus > 5} Haplochitonide | Haplochiton | Sealii is Prototrectes | marzena = 7| Salmonide Retropinna | Richardsoni * = 8) Galaxide Galaxias truttaceus 9 aS attenuatus # 10 “4 - auratus 11 ” 3 Weedoni 12 99 ; Aa Atkinsoni 13} Mureenide Anguilla australis % 14] Petromyzontide | Mordacia mordax * 16 A Geotria Allporti The most important among these, so far as the market is concerned, are— Lates colonorum ........ Brackish-water Perch. . Gadopsis marmoratus .. Blackfish. . Anguilla Australis .... The Common Eel. . Prototroctes marena .. The Freshwater Herring. . Retropinna Richardsoni. The Smelt or Whitebait. . The various species of { Jolly-tails and Native Galaxias. Trout. DOV 09 09 The first three are the only fish attaining any size; the remainder are small, valued for their quality as food, and in most cases for their wonderful abundance throughout nearly all the rivers and streamlets of Tasmania. Lates colonorum.—Is a well known fish in Australian waters, but its distribution in Tasmania is confined, so far as is yet known, to one small river discharging into Anson’s Lagoon, in the north-east part of Tasmania. It has more the appearance of a saltwater fish, and indeed, although it is not a sea-going fish, it is most frequently captured in brackish water at the mouth of small streams whose connection with the sea is frequently closed with shifting sand-bars. It is probably in this way that this genus had originally become acclimatized to the fresh water. The existence of this fish in Tasmania was only recently made known to the Society through the instrumentality of Mr. John Swan, who states in respect of it, that he had seen, about the end of June, 30 or 40 specimens in the course of two days, weighing from 13 to 3 lbs. each, which were netted by Chinamen, Their stomachs were filled with small fish, which he stated resembled anchovies. The Chinamen cut a slit down the back of the fish, and put 60 them into a composition which they keep secret; they then hang and dry them, without removing the intestines. A specimen preserved in this way, now in my possession for more than a year, is still in an excellent state of preser- vation. The market for the fish captured by the Chinamen is chiefly among the tin-miners of Thomas’s Plains. It is most singular that this species, with the Blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus), should be identical with species found abundantly in Victorian Rivers, and wholly absent in all the southern waters of Tasmania. The Unio (U. more- tonicus), and the Freshwater Lobster ( Astacopsis Frank- lini), are also restricted to the rivers which discharge their waters into Bass’s Straits. The peculiar inhabitants of northern rivers, therefore, are more Victorian than South Tasmanian in character, which is remarkable when we consider the present insular character of Tasmania. Mr. Wallace’s theory of the original distribution of ‘ Island Life’ receives ample confirmation from these and other facts known to me in connection with the Flora and Fauna of Tasmania. The Blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus), whose singular distribution has been commented upon, is found in nearly all the rivers of Tasmania which flow into Bass’s Straits. Their original absence in some northern streams, such as the South Esk ,—which has recently been successfully stocked by Mr. Harrison and other pisciculturists,—is somewhat puzzling ; but the total absence from all the other rivers and streams of Tasmania where the conditions are identical, can only be explained on the principles of geographical distribution as illustrated by Darwin and Wallace. I believe if the Fauna of Tasmania were specially studied by Mr. Wallace, that many of the opinions advanced by him in his last great work would receive ample and striking confirmation. The Blackfish somewhat resembles a small Ling in mark- ings and general appearance. It is much esteemed as food, and is a welcome fare to bushmen and settlers who are far removed from the centres of population. The fish usually are taken in considerable numbers by rod and line all the year round, the hook baited often with the large white grub (a species of moth obtained from the ‘ wattle’ or ‘ honey- suckle,’ (i.e., Acacia dealbata: Banksia marginata). A good take can always be relied upon in most of the northern streams, especially in the Ringarooma, where, it is stated by Mr. John Brown, they have been known to reach a 61 weight of 10 lbs. The average weight, however, runs from 3 to 4|bs., except in the North Esk, where they run smaller than elsewhere. Mr. Brown and others who have observed our freshwater fishes closely, assert that they cannot dis- tinguish the male from the female, although they have purposely opened hundreds of them. I have opened a good number myself, but at the time I did not know of this fact, and naturally supposed that they were ordinary females. I am inclined now to consider that they are bisexual, and will take the first opportunity to enquire into this matter more fully. Untortunately, the specimens in my collection have the intestines removed. Blackfish are sometimes taken in the brackish water of tidal rivers. Anguilla Australis, the Common Eel ot Australia and Tasmania, is very abundant in all our rivers. Large num- bers are caught in the Tamar and its principal tributaries, the North and South Esk. Some of the eels have been taken in the Ringarooma and South Esk Rivers over 30 lbs. in weight, and over 20 inches in girth. The market supply could be greatly extended if there were any demand for them. Prototroctes marena, the Freshwater Herring, or Cucumber Fish, although rarely exceeding 3? lbs. weight, and 12 inches long, is perhaps the finest of our native freshwater fishes. It has an adipose fin, and is closely allied to the true Salmonoids of European waters. It is to a certain extent migratory; but whether it approaches the lower reaches of the streams to spawn in suitable redds, or whether it is necessary to approach the brackish water for some other reason, is not yet quite clear. They are stated by Mr. Brown to have been found in brackish water in the Tamar a considerable distance below the confluence of the North and South Esk Rivers. They are a clean cut, handsome shaped fish, with small head and elongate body, like a diminutive salmon. They are chiefly insect feeders, and during the season they at one time could be caught in vast numbers in nearly all our rivers. Although in many of our streams they appear to be again on the increase, it is remarkable that about 14 years ago they suddenly almost disappeared from most of our rivers where they were formerly plentiful. The general conclusion is that this disappearance of the herring was due to a wide spread epidemic. In some places it 1s stated that. thousands of dead fish were seen floating down the rivers. The fins, eyes, and gill-covers appeared to be covered with afungus. Itis therefore likely that at particular periods they are subject to the widespread attack of some species of Saprolegnia, 62 similar to that which attacks the Salmo salar of Scotch and English Rivers, as described by Professor Huxley. They are caught chiefly with rod and line,—a fly-hook baited with a “gentle” seems to be the mode of capture in greatest favour among sportsmen. | Retropinna Richardsoni, the Smelt of New Zealand, is also found in the various estuaries of Tasmania at certain periods of the year. It scarcely exceeds 3 to 4 inches long, and is usually found in myriads in the shrimp-nets, together with the silver-belly Sand-smelt (Atherina, sp.), the Jolly- tail (Galaxias attenuatus), and the Anchovy. The Jolly- tails, Sand-smelts, and Smelts are frequently termed ‘ Whitebait,’ and are esteemed a great delicacy for the table. In the Tamar all these little fishes may be eaught in vast numbers. Dr. Gunther formerly supposed that &. Richard- sont was confined to New Zealand, but it is now known to be common to Australia and Tasmania also. The various species of Native Trout (Galaxias) are more numerous, and are found more widely spread than any other freshwater fish in Tasmania. G*‘. auratus, the Golden Lake Trout, is found at an altitude of nearly 4000 feet, while G. attenuatus is generally found at the lower levels, and are most abundant not far away from the influence of brackish water, which they freely enter. G. truttaceus, the Spotted Trout, is found in the inland streams ; a variety ascends the mountain rivulets, and hence it is termed the Mountain Trout. They are all small fishes, with rounded scaleless bodies and flattened heads. The Golden Lake Trout (G. auratus) isthe largest. Specimens of this fish, which is most closely allied to G. truttaceus, are in my possession measuring 11] inches long. The Lamprey, though abundant in some rivers, seems not to be in favour in the market, as they are rarely seen there. INTRODUCED FISHES SUCCESSFULLY ACCLIMATIZED IN TASMANIAN WATERS, It is no small credit to Tasmania that she is the first Colony in the Antipodes which has succeeded in the remark- able achievement of stocking her waters with European fishes, from eggs hatched in her establishment at New Norfolk, on the Plenty, which were originally taken from the parent fish and artificially impregnated in England. The history of the Salmon experiment of Tasmania is now 63 a famous one, and need not be enlarged upon here. It is necessary, however, that a brief reference should be made to it, and to the fishes now successfully established in our waters, and included among the Catalogue of Tasmanian Fishes. It is now nearly 33 years ago since Sir W. Denison, Mr. Burnett, Capt. Stanley, Mr. A. Young, and others, originated the idea of stocking Tasmanian rivers with the Salmon of Europe. Many trials and proposals were made, and repeated failures ; but these experiments were in one sense a success, for they eventually led the minds of such men as Gottlieb Boccius and Mr. J. A. Youl, C.M.G., to ponder over and eventually to overcome all obstacles and difficulties. For, although the shipments of 50,000 ova in each of the years 1852, 1859, and 1862, by the Columbus, S.Curling, and Beautiful Star failed altogether, yet, mainly owing to the enthusiastic ardour and intelligent direction of Mr. Youl, in conjunction with English and Tasmanian naturalists, success at last crowned their labours by the safe arrival of the Novfolk, in the year 1864, with healthy impregnated ova, packed in moss, and surrounded by ice, in a suitable chamber. Mr. Seager, the Secretary of the Tasmanian Salmon Commissioners, has kindly given me the following particu- lars. Of the 102,000 ova of Salmo salar, and 1500 eggs of Salmo fario (Itcham Trout), it is estimated that about 34,700 of the former and 300 of the latter arrived at the Salmon Ponds on the Plenty in a healthy condition ; and of these it is further estimated that 3000 of Salmo salar and 300 S. fario were successfully hatched and eventually liberated in the Plenty. In 1866 another consignment of about 102,000 ova of S. salar and 15,000 of S. trutta arrived, from which about 6000 of the former and 496 of the latter were successfully hatched, and eventually liberated in the same tributary of the Derwent. The result of this has been that the River Derwent is now stocked with the migratory sea- going Salmonoids and the Brown Trout; while in all the principal rivers of the island the Brown Trout has been successfully established. Indeed, it is noteworthy that the Brown Trout hatched in the Ponds from a box of ova supplied by Frank Buckland and Francis Francis, are the progenitors of all the Trout which now exist in the Austra- lian Colonies. The following is a statement, also supplied by Mr. Seager, of the ova and fry forwarded to the various places between the years 1869 and 1881 from the breeding establishment on the Plenty ; viz.— 64 Ova. To rivers and streams through- out Tasmania ........ seeeee D/,190 36,600 Nitherisis: dejeccd wins} ddd seclecegt= pls 81,500 New South Wales .......-...- vig 21,500 South Australia ...... s neolwawe -. 20,000 Western Australia ............ ad 800 New Zealand .....-.e.0s SE yee 18,850 Pam bad sages wed 57,190 179,250 For a fuller account of the Salmon experiment I have only to refer to the many interesting papers contained in the Proceedings of this Society contributed by the late Mr. Morton Allport, to whom also the success of the experi- ment in Tasmania is in a large measure due. The ova were obtained originally from the following streams in England and Scotland— Salmo salar —Ribble and Hodder, Lancashire. Severn, Worcestershire. Dovey, Wales. Tyne, Northumberland. Tweed, Scotland. Salmo trutta—T weed, Scotland. Salmo fario —Itcham and its tributaries, near South- ampton. Among those gentlemen who rendered their valuable aid in procuring ova, and in forwarding the success of the various experiments, may be mentioned the following :— Mr. Frank Buckland, Mr. Brady, Mr. Francis Franeis, Mr. Ramsbottom (father and son), W. Allies, and Mr. Johnston. In Tasmania we have associated with Mr. Allport the following gentlemen who have specially taken an interest in the introduction of the Salmonide from the first, viz. :— Sir Robert Officer, Dr. Milligan, Mr. John Buckland, Dr. Agnew, Mr. Curzon Allport, and Mr. Robt. Read, upon whose estate the Salmon Ponds have been constructed. Besides the acclimatization of three species of Salmon, to Mr. Morton Allport is mainly due the successful intro- duction to our waters of the following well known Euro- pean fishes :-—- The River Perch ........ Perca fluviatilis. The Common Tench...... Tinca vulgaris. The Crucian Carp........ Carassius vulgaris. The Golden Carp ........ Carassius auratus. 65 These are to be found in our various rivers, and are so well known that they need no description. Victorian and New Zealand Rivers have been successfully stocked from Tasmania with the River Perch, the Tench, and the Crucian Carp. Of these latter the Tench is the only fish of importance which has become really abundant in Tasmania. The Perch seems to thrive well in certain lakes where introduced, but not to the same extent as the Tench. With respect to the exact nature of the Derwent migratory Salmonoids, there has been much discussion as to whether the Salmo salar has really established itself or not. The handsome fish which is now so numerous in the estuary of the Derwent is within certain limits a most variable form, —some individuals being almost identical in all specific characters with the grilse form of S. salar, while others partake more of the character of the equally valuable S. trutta and its still more closely allied congener, S. Cam- bricus. It is clear to me, however, that the prevailing form found in salt water is a mean between these, and it is this overlapping of the closely agreeing characteristics of these so-called species which renders it so puzzling to determine to which of them any one individual belongs. The question, which has excited much interest in Tasmania, is confused by the notions of imperfectly informed persons, who, by the use of such a misleading common name as‘ Bull Trout,’ have led many to think that we have only succeeded in acclimatizing the common Brown Trout and its varieties in our waters, and they often, in ignorance, speak of our fine migratory fish as if it were a coarse, destructive fish of no value. It is to be regretted, where legislation may be con- cerned, that erroneous notions should be circulated in this way. By such people the fanciful views of amateur pisci- culturists or sportsmen are deemed to be of equal value to the utterances of learned ichthyologists such as Dr. Gin- ther, whose profound knowledge forces them tospeak with extreme caution. We only know as yet that we have a fine non-migratory Trout (the Brown Trout), and a splendid sea-going migra- tory Salmonoid. The question is, not S. fario versus S. trutta, or S. fario versus S. salar, but the more difficult one of determining whether the variable, handsome, migra- tory fish, which is frequently captured far out at sea, is (1) S. trutta, (2) S. Cambricus, (3) 8. brachypoma, (4) S. salar, (5) all of these in variable numbers, (6) a hybrid partaking in varying degrees of the characters of the four 66 named species, or (7) one or other of those named. but modified by transfer toa new environment. If the indi- viduals which prevail agreed with or fell within the classified limits of any one species we would not have the slightest difficulty in determining their specific value; but when no one individual comes exactly within the limits of the written characters, it is necessary that the seven pro- positions advanced by me should be answered satisfactorily before any one can pronounce with confidence on the subject. Mr. Allport, who knew very well the niceties of dis- tinction between S. salar and S. trutta, inclined strongly to the opinion that our Derwent Salmonoids are grilse of the former, and not S. trutta. Dr. Gunther and Professor M‘Coy have had the disadvantage of determining the nature of the species from single individuals sent to them at odd times. They consequently, from such disconnected points, could have no means of determining the curve of variability, and I am not surprised therefore that, respec- tively, at different times, they have pronounced certain individuals to be S. salar, S. trutta, S. Cambricus, and a hybrid between S. salar and SW. trutta. Odd specimens cannot determine the curve of variability, nor can they determine whether the four fish, so differently named, were not after all the progeny of the same parents. The following are curious facts. A Brown Trout, caught in the Mersey, with a coarse head, weighing 223 lbs., girth 24 inches, contained 7 lbs. of very large mature ova. Each ovum was of a pale straw colour, with a conspicuous pinkish nucleus. The colour of the pinkish nucleus gave a decidedly pinkish tinge to the ova in mass. The pectoral fin of this fish had 16 distinct rays. A short, but silvery variety of Brown Trout, which frequents the wharves in brackish water at Launceston, weighing about 5 lbs., has pinkish flesh, and well-developed pyloric appendages. In one individual I counted as many as 72, all of them larger than the average size. A fish of similar habit, called by some ‘‘ White Trout,” is found, common, in brackish water at Bridgewater. The latter, however, is generally more elongate, and individuals have been captured over 223 lbs. in weight. A handsome migratory Salmonoid, caught recently below Bridgewater, weight 9lbs., total length28 inches. Incolour, form of body and tail, shape of caudal and other notable characters, it agreed with the characteristics of S. salar; yet in the tail series of transverse scales, certain characters of 67 the opercule, the slightly obtuse snout, and in the relatively long maxillaries, were more in accord with the charac- teristics of S. trutta. The shape and number of pyloric cca were within the overlapping number common to both. It is begging the whole question to assume hybridism when the prevailing type is similarly variable, unless we assume also that the ova of one species were artificially impregnated by the semen of the other by mistake prior to dispatch from England. ‘Thisis conceivable ; but when we consider the names of those who carefully selected the fish in Englend which were stripped, it is not at all probable. Besides, the theory of hybridism is to me extremely unsatis- factory. It assumes that we know the exact measure of the external influence of varying light, food, and the local nature of the medium in which these animals exist. The extraordinary facilities for intercrossing among fishes naturally must also be taken into consideration, together with the fact that the extremes of each type steadily perpetuate themselves in European waters. As directly bearing upon this subject, it is noteworthy that already in New Zealand and Tasmania the allied non- migratory species, S. fario, var. Ausonii, has developed into distinct types, which are peculiarly characteristic of parti- cular streams. This clearly shows that differences of this kind are not sufficiently fixed to remain unaffected by environment,— that they are in fact racial and subordinate to influences of immediate environment, and not fixed or specific, and remaining constant in spite of such accidental] influences. HAarine AFishes. BERYCID&. There are only two known representatives of this family in Tasmanian waters, viz., Bery« affinis (G.): Tvachichthys Macleayi, (Johnston). They are seen on rare occasions, and are consequently of little importance from a utili- tarian point of view. The greater number of genera belonging to the family live at great depths. The genus Beryx is sometimes found at a depth of over 300 fathoms. Percips. The Perch Family. This family is of considerable importance. It is repre- sented in Tasmanian waters by ten genera and thirteen species, 68 So far as the fish market is concerned, the most important members are— 1. Anthias rasor.... Tasmanian Barber or Red Perch. 2. Arripis salar ....- Native Salmon. 3. Arripis truttaceus.. Native Salmon Trout. The first of these is generally caught in the winter season, along with the Trumpeter ( Latris hecateia ); and although not taken in great quantity, it is nevertheless, from its quality, highly esteemed. The Native Salmon (A. salar) are brought to market in the greatest abuadance all the year round. They enter rivers and approach wharves in myriads at certain seasons, chiefly in spring, and afford the angler passable sport, as they dash greedily at bait or artificial fly, and sometimes are known to vie with their noble namesake in the plucky manner in which they play the sportsman’s reel. It is almost certain (as stated by Prof. M‘Coy) that the Native Salmon Trout (A. truttaceus) is but the immature form of A. salar. In the young state they are barred or spotted,— the markings becoming fainter as they increase in size, and disappearing altogether in the mature forms. They are of handsome shape, sometimes reaching 7 lbs. weight. They are most esteemed for food, however, when they are under 1 lb. weight. The other members of the group are unimportant either as regards size or numbers brought to market. Muuiipa. The Red Mullet Family. The only known member of this highly-prized family of fishes is the Red Gurnet or Red Mullet of our fishermen (Upeneichths porosus). It is very scarce, however, for it is seldom seen in the market. Sparipa. The Bream Family. Of the Bream family there are five representatives in Tasmanian waters; viz.— 1. Chrysophrys australis, The Common or Silver Gunth. Bream. 2. Girellatricuspidata, Cuv. The Black Bream. and Val. Girella simplex, Rich. .. The Sweep. Pagrus unicolor, Cuy. The Snapper. and Val. Haplodactylus arctidens, Rich. SG -__-— = —— > 69 Although all the members of this family are valuable food fishes, there are only three of the list which are suffi- ciently numerous on our Tasmanian coasts to claim our attention as affecting the market supply, viz., the Silver Bream (C. australis), the Black Bream ( G. tricuspidata ), and the Sweep (G. simples ). The first of these, the Silver Bream, enters the brackish waters of creeks and rivers during the summer months in considerable numbers. They subsist chiefly upon crabs and other hard-shelled animals which abound in such places, and which they crush with their strong jaws, armed as they are with rows of molar teeth. They are supposed to shed their spawn in the brackish shallows during the months of November and December, returning to the sea before the close of June. At the mouth of Brown’s River, the Jordan, the Scamander, and other favourite places, the amateur fisherman could always find abundance of sport in former years; but, latterly, in some of these places their numbers appear to have greatly diminished, chiefly caused, it is affirmed, by the use of fixed nets across the mouths of the streams, by which large quantities of the immature fish are ruthlessly destroyed, and possibly obstructing the ingress of the mature spawning fish. It would be well if a stringent measure were passed by Parliament prohibiting the use or otherwise limiting the fixture of nets in such situations. The Sweep (Girella simplex) and the Black Bream (Girella tricuspidata) are not taken in much abundance towards the south of Tasmania, nor do they seem to ascend the estuaries so freely as the Silver Bream (C. australis ). They are principally vegetable feeders,—their rows of fine incisors, frequently tricuspidate, being well adapted for the purpose. They are most frequently taken together in nets (graball) in the bays of the North-West and North-East Coasts, particularly the Tamar, Port Sorell, Bridport, the Mersey, George’s Bay, and the Scamander. Those sent to Hobart are generally caught at Southport. The Snapper (Pagrus unicolor) is seldom seen in the southern waters of Tasmania, even where the reefs, depth of water, and other conditions seem to be favourable. This splendid fish seems to favour the warmer latitudes, for it abounds, and forms the chief market supply, along the coasts of Australia. Its place in Tasmanian waters, especially in the south, seems to be occupied by the Trumpeter family (Latris), which latter seems to favour the deep fringing reefs of the colder southern latitudes. The North Coast of 70 Tasmania lacks the deep fringing reefs which seem to be the favoured resort of the Snapper. This may account for the rare appearance of this fish on our northern coasts, where, from other considerations, it might be expected to be found. The fifth representative (Haplodactylus arctidens) is referred to by Dr. Richardson as found at Port Arthur, but it is seldom seen in the market. It has simple lanceolate incisors, and is a vegetable feeder, like the Sweep and Black Bream. SQUAMIPINNES. It is very doubtful whether we have any representative of this family in Tasmanian waters, although the species Scorpis Georgianus (C. et V.) has been stated to have been seen. It is, consequently, of little interest as regards the local fish market. Dr. Gunther states with respect to this family, that they abound chiefly in the neighbourhood of coral reefs ; aud that the beauty and singularity of distribu- tion of the colors of some of the genera are scarcely surpassed by any other group of fishes. Comparatively few are used as food. They are carnivorous, feeding on small inverte- brates. Cirrwitipz. The Perch and Trumpeter Family. This is by far the largest and most important family, so far as the edible fishes of Tasmania are concerned. It comprises 6 genera and 13 species, chief among which are— The Real Trumpeter ( Zatris hecateia), Rich. The Red and Silver Bastard ( Latris Forsteri), Cast. The Black and Silver Perch ( Chilodactylus macrop- terus ), Perkins. The Carp ( Chilodactylus Allporti), Gunther. The Magpie Perch ( Chilodactylus gibbosus), Rich. The Real Bastard Trumpeter (Mendosoma Allport), Johnston. The first of these, the Real Trumpeter, or Hobart Trumpeter, is brought to market in considerable abundance all the year round, and is deservedly held in repute as the finest of the Australian edible fishes. It commands a ready market in the neighbouring Colonies, whether fresh, smoke- dried, or salted. Many, indeed, consider the smoked Trumpeter equal, if not superior, to the Finnon Haddock of Scotland (Gadus eglefinnis). It is therefore worthy of special notice. 71 The Trumpeter proper is readily known from the other members of the genus by its finer and more elongate head, and the three or four characteristic longitudinal white bars along the sides of its body. It is very limited in its dis- tribution, and favours the colder southern waters of the Island. The fish are generally found on what are described by the fishermen as coral reefs or banks, 10 to 70 fathoms deep, and 3 to 10 miles off the land. These banks are distributed all round the southern coast of Tasmania, from Macquarie Harbour, in the west, to Seymour, in the east. There is no trustworthy record of Real Trumpeter being caught much further north.* It has been reported that Latris hecateia has been found off the coast of Victoria; but, as there are two or three Victorian smacks which regularly fish in Tasmanian waters and bring their fish into Port Phillip direct, it is possible that the supplies so brought into market might be confounded with the supplies brought from the Victorian coast. The duty at one time imposed upon Tasmanian fish might also tend to favour such a belief. In searching for the right fishing banks, the fishermen test the bottom with heavy sinkers shod with grease. Should there be any traces of coral they consider them favourable indications of the presence of the fish, and they at once proceed to sink their lines, even though it should be 70 fathoms deep. The lines are baited with Crayfish (Palinurus Edwardsii), or, afterwards, Sharks’ flesh when the fish come about. The Real Trumpeter takes bait readily ; but, owing to the great depth and strong currents upon these outer reefs, the large deep-water Trumpeter has never been attempted to be taken in nets. All the boats employed in fishing for Trumpeter are termed well-boats,—being fitted up witha chamber to which the fresh sea-water has free communica- tion by numerous perforations on the bottom and sides, Immediately the fish are hauled in they are placed in these open wells, and are thus preserved alive until sold in market. Real Trumpeter will thus feed in confinement ; and they have been known to live over three months in the well-boats after capture. There are two well-marked varieties of Real Trumpeter brought to market in Hobart. The one, the Deep Coral- reef variety, large, and usually full of roe or milt, frequently * Mr. Barrett has since assured me that two specimens were caught near Waterhouse Island in the neighbourhood of deep water. 72 attains a weight of from 15 to 20 lbs. Specimens have been captured weighing over 60 lbs. The other, termed Pair or School-fish, is smaller, with a darker hue along the back, with yellowish tinge over the lighter parts, especially on throatand belly. The latter is usually found on a rocky bottom, in shallower water, near shore,* and in this state is never found with mature genital organs, and. rarely exceeds 6 to 7 Ibs. weight. Unlike the immature Bastard, however, the School-fish or Black Trumpeter, which is most probably the immature form of the Deep Coral-reef Trumpeter, is held in most esteem as an article of food, and commands a higher price in the market. The fisher- men are of opinion that the two forms represent distinct species; but, as the general characters are identical,—viz., D.17:1:36-38. A.3°28-30. P.9°8-9. L. lat. 110,— and as the smaller form caught in shallower water is never found with the genital organs mature, it is most probable that the latter is the immature form of the larger. It is likely, just as in the well-marked type of Red Bastard Trumpeter (Zatris Forsteri), that they seek the deeper coral reefs as they approach maturity. No other conclusion seems possible, taking all the facts into consideration. The Bastard Trumpeter ( Latris Forsteri), D.16:1:37-42. A. 3:33-36. P.9-10°8-9. L. lat. 115-120. Scarcely inferior to the Real Trumpeter, and superior to it in abundance all the year round, comes the Bastard Trumpeter, especially the well-conditioned mature variety known as the White or Silver Bastard. The latter, or mature form, however, is only taken during January, February, and March. This fish has hitherto been confounded with Latris ciliaris, (Forst.) ; but, although the latter species has been reported as existing in Tasmanian waters, it is most probably a mistake: for the two varieties, (the red and white), found in such abundance here, have the general characters as shown above; and although some of them vary within certain limits, there is little doubt but that they must be referred to the Latris Forsteri of Count Castelnau, which appears to be the Bastard Trumpeter of Victorian waters. It is true that Castelnau’s Z. Forstert is described as having only two spines in the anal fin; but most probably this is simply a mistake, and that the Victorian LL. Forsteri has three spines like all the other representatives of the genus. The following diagnoses of certain external characters taken indiscrimmately from a dozen specimens, will give to * They have been known to ascend the estuary of the Derwent as far as Hobart. == = = 73 ichthyologists a notion of the variability of some of them; and when we consider to what extent age and local sur- roundings modify shape, colour, &c., it may be conceded that it would be hazardous to fix the limits of a species of this genus from an odd or immature individual :— Latris hecateia, (Rich.) The Real Trumpeter. D. A. Py View| Tila br. s. 1) Ve 13s. 13°29.) Vee OS) 15 110 2) Vl Se. atau bo Oo OT Tb 110 (3) | 17:1°36 | 3:28|17=98] 1:5] 110 Latris Forsteri, (Cast.) Bastard Trumpeter. Red variety. (4) | 16:1-40 | 3:36 |18= 99] 1-5 |115-120 (Oye 1622-40) | 3685 179 8) ob 1115-120 (6) 16:2: 1237:( 3-33) 18 =10°8|) 1-6:1:15-120 (7) 16: 1°42 | 3:34 | 19=10 9} 1-5 /115-120 (8) | 16:1-41|3-38/18= 99] 1-5 1115-120 White or Silver variety. (9) 1621-50 3104, (IO = 10-9! Web: bia On 10) FO 40) | 0: Ss OO ike Beare bie ao) (11) 1621-39 (3°54 (18 = 9 9) Obes (15-120 (12) 16: 14h. 3-30.) 1810-8... bo, IS 120 There are to be found individuals which link the two latter varieties imperceptibly together. In exact shade of colour, and number of soft fin rays, scarcely two individuals agree ; and hence I am of opinion that the Latris bilineata and L. inornata of Count Castelnau are merely immature forms of the one variable species common to the waters of Victoria and Tasmania. The first spine of the anal in young specimens may be easily overlooked, and frequently I have observed that in extracting the fish from the meshes of the graball the same spine readily gets broken off. This may account for the anal spines being recorded as 2, instead of 3, in the odd individuals erected into specific rank by Count Castelnau. The Bastard Trumpeter attains a length of about 21 inches, and rarely exceeds 6 to 7 lbs. weight. It is most prized for food in the Silver Bastard, or mature well-conditioned form. It differs from the Real Trumpeter chiefly in the absence of vomerine teeth, and of the longitudinal bars of light colour along the sides. It has a more broadly oval shape, a shorter and thicker head, and a more fleshy and obtuse snout. 74 It has, moreover, invariably one spine less in the anterior dorsal; is most abundant on the shallow banks of estuaries, 3 to 6 fathoms deep; enters brackish water more freely ; and, unlike the deep coral-reef variety of the real trumpeter, it is generally captured in nets, and rarely takes a bait of any kind. For these reasons it is perhaps scarcely desirable that this abundant species should be included within the same genus as the Real Trumpeter (7.e., Zatris). Fishermen generally regard the red and silver varieties of the Bastard Trumpeter as distinct species.. The reasons given by them are various, but they generally concur in stating that the red is generally a somewhat smaller and leaner fish; it is almost invariably found on a weedy bottom nearshore, and in the upper shallow banks of estuaries, all the year round: while the silver, or white form, is larger, better flavoured, better conditioned, and, for the most part, is generally taken in deeper water in the neighbourhood of reefs towards the mouths of estuaries, during three months of the year only. Itis significant, however, that they (the fishermen) generally concur in the statement that the red are always lean, and the silver are as invariably fat. The Red Bastard is rarely caught with maturely developed genital organs,—indeed, the fishermen are mostly all of opinion that they are entirely absent in white and red; but this is a mistake, founded probably upon the circumstance that a large white fatty mass invariably covers and nearly conceals the genital organs of the Silver Bastard, while the undeveloped condi- tion in the red is sufficient to justify the erroneous opinion in respect of its supposed sterility. With regard to the exact spawning season and the spawning-grounds of the Real and Bastard Trumpeter, little isknown. We may recapitulate what has been learned, how- ever, with respect to the former :—They are only found with the genital organs in a mature state in the outer coral reefs, 10 to 70 fathoms deep; the School-fish, which are in all probability the half-grown, or immature, are however found in shallower rocky bottoms nearer land, although an odd one of the latter may be caught at times among the mature forms in deep water. It is probable, therefore, that the mature fish spawn on the reefs in deep water; that the young fry afterwards approach the shallower rocky bottom nearer shore, where they grow up into the stage known as “School-fish.” As these approach maturity they return to the deep coral reefs from whence they originally migrated. The movements of the Bastard Trumpeter are probably very similar to those of the Real Trumpeter. Only the Silver form, found on what may be termed the reefs of the 75 middle fishing-erounds, appear to be found with mature genital organs; and although it has been shown that the “ Paper-fish,” or fry, and the Red Bastard, which are most probably the immature state of the Silver form, are found in large numbers in the upper shallow banks of the estuaries, yet it is rarely the case that a mature Silver Bastard is caught in such situations. As the Red Bastard is seldom found mature in these shallows, it follows that the parents must spawn towards the middle-ground reefs, i.e., & to 6 fathoms water; that, like the Real Trumpeter, the young fry afterwards approach the upper shallow weedy banks, remaining there until the half-grown poor condition of the Red Bastard, when they again return to the parent ground on the reefs of the middle grounds—6 to 7 fathoms deep-- where they speedily, from changes in the nature of the food, or from the altered conditions of the bottom as affecting the light transmitted to them, they assume the rounded propor- tions and the more silvery appearance of their parents. It is also significant as bearing upon the unity of the two varieties, that the colour of the Red form varies to a remark- able extent: sometimes it is uniformly dark rusty brown on snout, head, and along the back and shoulders, lighter and becoming quite silvery under the lateral line; at other times the color is a much brighter red. There are fine longitudinal streaks of light yellow along the junction of each row of scales; they are deeper on the side near lateral line, becoming obsolete towards belly. These streaks are, however, extremely variable; sometimes they are bilinear, with uncolored spaces of equal breadth between each streak, In the latter case there are generally two well marked olive- colored streaks above, and the same number immediately below the lateral line. Frequently, in both cheeks and opercles, plumbous, with a tinge of pink; cavities of pro- tractile jaws green and blue; throat and tongue very deep blue, almost black. The young are always colored, more or less, like the Red, and are known by some as “ Paper- fish.’ The mature form of the Silver Bastard is alone caught. This is conclusive as favouring the opinion that the Silver is simply the mature form of the Red,—the latter seeking the deeper water and gradually changing condition and colour as they grow older. We havestill to account for the total disappearance of the Silver, or mature form, during the 9 months of the year from the reefs where they are usually caught by nets. It would appear from the evidence of intelligent fishermen, that they migrate to the outer deep- water reefs, 30 to 70 fathoms deep, where an odd one is now and again caught by hook and line while fishing for the bait-taking Real Trumpeter. It must be borne in mind that the Silver or Red Bastard rarely take bait, and hence 76 the odd ones caught on these deep grounds when they have disappeared from the breeding-ground of this species (6 to 7 fathoms) are no index whatever of their numbers in deep water. It has been stated that, by the improper use of seine-nets, immense quantities otf the Paper-fish and other young fry are every season ruthlessly destroyed upon the sandy beaches, and that the valuable mature Silver Bastard and other important market fish. are becoming scarcer every year. It is reasonable to suppose, therefore, that the wanton destruction complained of in the upper waters of estuaries may have more to do with the increasing scarcity of the Silver Bastard in the outer reefs than the cause usually advanced by the fishermen themselves, 7.e., over- fishing. If it be satisfactorily proved that the Paper-fish thus referred to are really the fry of the Silver Bastard (and there is little doubt of this), it is imperative, in the interests of our fishermen and our permanent fisheries, that some means should be devised for the better protection of the nursery grounds of these important fishes in the upper waters of estuaries.* The deep-water fishes, like the Real Trumpeter, whose young do not seem to ascend as a rule into the upper waters of estuaries, have only their natural enemies to fear, as they are beyond the reach of the destructive seine-net when drawn up upon the sandy beaches. The young of other fish, such as the Perch (Chilodactylus macropterus), the Horse Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus), the Mullet (Agonostoma Forsteri), the Garfish (Hemirhamphus intermedius ), the Flounder (Rhombsolea monopus), and, indeed, the introduced migratory Salmonoids, are also known to be destroyed in a similar manner. The Black and Silver Perch, ( Chilodactylus macropterus and Chilodactylus asperus.) The Black and Silver Perch are the next in importance to the Trumpe er group as regards quality and supply. The form knovn asthe Black Perch is particularly an excellent fish,-- some preferring it to the Real Trumpeter. The young are to be caught on the numerous rocky banks, in three to four fathoms water, in the. upper bays of the * A law which would regulate the mesh and the mode of using nets in such places might be devised. The working of such a measure might be committed to the existing Salmon and Fisheries Commissions, whose functions might be extended accordingly. a a ee 77 estuaries, especially in those of the Derwent. They are in this state found in more or less abundance all the year round, and are highly esteemed for the breakfast table. In the various bays in the immediate vicinity of Hobart the young Silver Perch, 7 to 8 inches long, afford ample sport to amateur fishermen. The fish take bait readily,—the mussel, boiled, being a favourite; and, during the months of March, April, and May, it is not uncommon for a party of two or three persons to catch from ten to twenty dozen in a couple of hours. The young specimens are invariably of a bright silvery appearance, with a conspicuous dark-coloured transverse bar across the shoulder and posterior lobe of operculum, and terminating towards root of pectorals. This bar becomes obsolete, or is not so conspicuous, in the mature form; and this may partly account for some of the confusion which still exists in the classification of this most variable species. The pectoral fin has one of its simple rays prolonged far beyond the rest; and this simple character readily distinguishes it from nearly all the rest of the family. The Black Perch (C. asperus) is most probably a mere variety of C. macropterus. The former is found invariably upon a rocky bottom, and the latter upon a sandy bottom ; and the colour is, undoubtedly, the result of the difference in local environment. The young are all silvery. This species is most variable within certain limits. No two individuals are alike in all the following characters ; viz.—dorsal, spinous, and branched rays, anal soft rays, length of longest simple pectoral ray, length of ventral fin, shade of colour. The Black Perch is only distinguished from the Silver by its condition and quality; in all other respects its general character varies within the same limits. Out of twelve specimens, Black and Silver, taken hap- hazard, the general characters of both forms varied in each individual within the following limits :— ee? 18.2 2a = 08... As - 3 12 S14 Pa (9+6). Me Vee? Gat bea. ir; 62 4S 2 ee In some the ventral fin did not reach to the vent; in others it reached as faras the vent; while in one or two individuals it extended beyond the vent. The longest simple ray extends to varying distances between the first and sixth soft rays of anal. Generally the Black Perch is found in deeper water, and attains a greater size. They were in former times found in great abundance in Adventure Bay. They do not carry them in the wells as a rule, however, as they prick each other with their strong dorsal spines, and 78 so kill and disfigure themselves. This renders it more difficuit for fish of this class to be brought to market. Fishermen have to cure them partially when they are hindered in any way from reaching market. Although some are caught in nets with the Bastard Trumpeter, they are usually caught by hook and line. The remarks applying to the destruction of the Bastard apply equally to the Perch. It is most probable that the mature fish spawn in five to six fathoms water; that, like the Trumpeter family, the young immediately after seck the upper shallow banks of estuaries, remaining there until they are half-grown, when they again gradually return to the parent ground, towards the mouths of estuaries. The Carp. (Chilodactylus spectabilis, Hutton: C. All- porti, Gunth.) Although the Carp of the fishermen is common in the market, it is not to be depended upon, for the few that are caught are only found at odd times in the graball while fishing at the mouths of estuaries for the Bastard Trumpeter. There is a ready market for all that are taken, however, for, although somewhat coarse-looking fish, they appear to be highly esteemed. They are, moreover, strong fish, and will live a considerable time in the well. They are seldom taken by hook and line. Little is known of their habits. The fish is of a reddish colour, with about six darker trans- verse bars across the sides. It was formerly known as Chilodactylus Allporti; but Dr. Gunther has recently referred our local form to the C. spectabilis (Hutton), found also in New Zealand. If the description given by Prof. Hutton be correct as regards the prevailing form in New Zealand, it may be doubtful whether the suppression of C. Allporti was advisable, as the description of the latter is different in important characters. The Tasmanian form iuvariably agrees with Dr. Gunther’s description :— C. spectabilis. C. Allporti. Height of body in total length—times ...... more than 3 times 25-22 Longest ray of simple peetoralg: / fo. Py 600s. Ist 2nd Head contained in total lengths ......eeeees 4} times 4 times Baei anterior spinous blackish light red onsa" | posterior soft. . ditto blackish If the differences as shown are constantly maintained in the New Zealand form, it may be advisable to retain the specific name C. Allporti for the Tasmanian species. Like Se - 79 the Carp, the Magpie Perch (C. gibbosus), and the Real Bastard Trumpeter ( Mendosoma Allporti), are only taken in limited numbers during certain seasons, upon the Perch and Trumpeter ground. They are both good table fish, however; and it may yet be an important matter to study their habits and movements more closely. It is known that the Real Bastard runs in schools; and large numbers have at times been caught at the Schoutens and at Bicheno. Mr. Barnett, who has great experience as a fisherman in Tasmanian waters, states that they are only good for food when full of roe. JI was somewhat astonished, two or three years ago, to find that this fish, which is not altogether an uncommon one in our market, should have escaped the notice of former classifiers. It was described by the writer in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania, 1880, pp. 54-56. The following are its general characters :— fe Oe 2 1). 230) 25, An oA 8. Vode... le lati 76. Ltr 16. The larger scales, greater number of dorsal spines, and the small pointed head with protractile jaws, readily distinguishes it from the members of the Trumpeter group proper. TRIGLIDZA. This is also a somewhat important family of fishes in Tasmanian waters,—consisting of eight genera and eleven species. It includes the fish locally known as the Rock Gurnets, the Flatheads, and the Butterfly, Kumu, and Flying Gurnards. The Rock Gurnet (Sebastes percoides ), found more abundantly in the northern coasts, is held in great esteem for the table, and is obtained in the vicinity of George Town in considerable numbers. The various indi- viduals are brilliantly coloured red and orange; and, like all its family, are well armed with dangerous head bucklers and sharp spines. The Common Flathead (Platycephalus bassensis, Cuv. and Val.), is, however, the most important member of the family on our coasts. The Flatheads are rather repulsive-looking fishes, with reptile-looking flattened heads and bodies; and their sharp gill-cover spines make it awkward for the inexperienced hand when they are captured by hook. They are termed “bottom fish,”—their flattened under surface being well adapted for following close the surface of the ground, like the common Flounder. They may be considered the scavengers of our shallow waters, for they are found everywhere around our coasts, in estuaries and around wharves, all the year round. When no other fish can be obtained the Flathead may always be depended upon. They are good edible fish, and would be 80 much more highly prized for the table were it not that they are repulsive-looking and are so common. As regards appearance, the following three members of the family present a wonderful contrast to the last ; viz.— . The Butterfly Gurnard ( Lepidotrigla vanessa), Rich. The Flying Gurnard (T'rigla polyommata ), Rich. The Kumu Gurnard (Trigla Kumu), Less. & Gaim. At times during the winter season these most beautifully coloured fishes, with their gaudily painted pectoral wings, may be seen around our wharves in small schools, dashing, or rather flying through the water, with sudden bounds after their prey. The pectoral fin is a most beautiful object, measuring, expanded, in some individuals of the Flying Gurnard, six inches long by six broad. The under surface is most brilliantly coloured blue, orange, and red, with pure white and blue margins. There are two large conspicuous black patches near the base, which, bordered with deep blue and white, form a most beautiful object in this fish, with its body-scales of burnished golden- yellow and silver. They are rarely captured, however, on our coasts, and are therefore unimportant here from a commercial point of view. It would appear that they are caught more frequently off the coasts of New Zealand. Latterly, the family Z’riglide has been divided into two,— the Gurnet group, under the name Scorpenide; and the Flathead and Flying Gurnard group, under the name Cottide. TRACHINIDZ. This family is represented in Tasmanian waters by five genera and six species. They include amongst them the Cat Fishes, the Freshwater Flathead or Sandy, and the much prized Whiting. Indeed, for commercial purposes, the latter is the only member of the group which need engage our attention. The Tasmanian Whiting (Sillago ciliata, Cuv. and Val.,) is a most valuable market fish. It fetches a higher price in the market, for its size, than any other fish. These fish are usually taken in seine-nets, during the months of November, December, and January, in the Derwent aud along the East Coast. They also may be taken with hook and line; and a dozen or so are frequently captured in this way at odd times in the upper waters about Sandy Bay as late as July. They go in schools; but they are stated to have greatly fallen off in numbers during the last year or two. ‘The reason for this decrease has not yet been satisfactorily determined. They are a delicious little ee 81 fish, averaging a quarter of a pound in weight, silvery, with elongate snoutand body. The sides are faintly marked _ with yellowish bars, which become obsolete towards belly. ScIENIDS. There is undoubtedly one member of this family in Tas- manian waters, although it is rarely seen inthe market. It is termed the “ Kingfish” in Victoria, although it must not be confounded with Thyrsites Solandri (Cuv. & Val.), our “Tasmanian Kingfish.” The fish belonging to this family is thought by Dr. Gunther to be the “ Maicre” of Euro- pean waters—Sciena aquilla. Other naturalists, however, have considered the Australian species to be distinct from the European one, and the late Count Castelnau has given it the name of S. antartica. It is just possible that there may be two species, but this is extremely doubtful. Dr. Gunther states the members of this family prefer the neigh- bourhood of the mouths of large rivers, into which they freely enter, and he also attributes their scarcity in Australia to the fewness of large rivers which enter the ocean. TRICHIURIDR. This is not a large family of fishes in Tasmanian waters, but the individuals of one genus at least are so abundant, and all the members are so valuable as food, that it may be even reckoned on equality with the Trumpeter group in importance as affecting the market supply. The family comprises the following species ; viz.— 1. Lepidopus caudatus .... The Frost Fish. 2. Thyrsites atun .......- The Barracouta. 3. Thyrsites Solandri...... The Tasmanian Kingfish. The first of these, ‘‘ The Frost Fish,’ is common from the south of England to the south of New Zealand. A _ speci- men was recently taken in the Derwent which measured 5feet Ginches long; greatest depth of body behind shoulder, 6 inches; least depth at tail peduncle, three- fourths of an inch; thickness, notmuch more than an inch. It is captured at odd times during the winter season, and has been known to enter the Derwent as far as Sandy Bay. It is esteemed as the most delicious of all the edible Fishes in New Zealand, where it appears to be caught more frequently. The next species, “ The Barracouta,” is caught all round the coast, especially at the mouth of the Derwent, in the greatest abundance, during ten months of the year, (No- vember to October). These fish prey upon the shoals of 82 young or small fry which swim near the surface—princi- pally sprats, anchovies, &c.; although they are so swift and rapacious that even the English “Sea Trout” and other large fish fall a ready prey to them. In the absence of the still more terrible Kingfish (7. Solandri), they reign supreme amongst the scale fishes; their strong jaws, armed with terrible looking teeth, rendering them a most formidable enemy. The fishermen usually take the Barracouta by a rude instrument, first used it is believed by the Maories, and termed a “jig.” The jig is simply a long stick, from the extremity of which a wire or cord is suspended, armed with a double hook attached to a small block of wood. Upon these hooks a bit of colored cloth, or the skin of a shark, may be attached. When the fish are about they may be jigged aboard with wonderful rapidity while the vessels are sailing at any speed. Great quantities are thus caught and brought to market, where they are much esteemed, and, for a limited quantity, command a ready sale. The local market, however, is so limited, that it is easily overstocked; and, although a large quantity is ex- ported, there is not sufficient demand to encourage the fishermen to extend the supply. There appears to be no systematic curing establishments, where large quantities might be profitably disposed of. Dr. Hector states that dried Barracouta are imported into the Mauritius and Batavia as a regular article of commerce, being worth £17 per ton. This being the case, I am surprised that a trade in this fish, which can be got in the neighbourhood of Hobart almost in unlimited quantities, is not more systematically and extensively carried out. The fish usually measures about three feet long, and averages 8 lbs. in weight. Fishermen say that it would pay them if 3s. a dozen could always be got for them, 7.e., under $d. per lb. Surely with such a fine fish as this better results might be obtained. It is a reproach to our local enter- prise when fishermen complain that “ at times there are so many caught that no price can be got for them.” These remarks equally apply to the next important member of this genus, the Tasmanian Kingfish (7’. Solandr?). This species appears upon our Southern coasts, at times in immense numbers, the height of the season being May and June. Three fishermen have frequently been known to capture over 40 dozen of these fish in a single night, each fish averaging 12 to 14lbs.in weight. The principal fishing rounds for this important fish are Recherche, Wedge Island, and Adventure Bay. The individual fishes resemble the Barracouta, but may be easily recognised by their - 4 4 83 greater thickness, the much larger eyes, and the fewer detached finlets on the tail (two),—the Barracouta having usually six behind the dorsal and anal. They do not approach the surface during the day time. They are always captured during the night, at varying depths from the surface to ten fathoms deep—the bait usually being horse-mackerel or barracouta. The jaws of the Kingfish are also very formidably armed with strong, long teeth, and they are so voracious that the fishermen are obliged to use strong barbless hooks which are immediately attached to an iron chain and swivel. Even this strong line has been at times insufficient for these powerful fish: recently a large individual was captured, which, when its stomach was opened, disclosed a chain, swivel, and hook, which it must have swallowed some time previous to capture. At the time when it was taken it appeared to be a strong, healthy fish. The Kingfishes do not appear during each season in equal numbers. A few years ago they were to be found entering the bays and inlets towards the mouth of the Derwent in such vast numbers that they were stranded by tons on the long shallow sandy beaches. At such times immense numbers were taken and sold for manure to hop-planters and others. Recently they have not appeared in such numbers, but no satisfactory reason can as yet be assigned for the irregularity of their appearance in this respect. Some reason has been advanced to show that they follow the main body of the Horse- mackerel, which approaches our shores from the south- west, going in a northerly direction. When these shoals of Horse-mackerel are in greatest abundance they are followed by the Kingfish and other enemies in corres- ponding numbers. Their migratory movements, when better understood, may explain the irregularities which are for the present inexplicable. The Kingfish, although it averages from 12 to 14 lbs. weight, sometimes reaches a weight of 20 lbs. The usual price in the market is 5s. per dozen. When abundant they are largely exported. Professor M‘Coy has described another species, termed by him also “ The Tasmanian Kinefish” (7° micropus.) It must be extremely rare, however, for I have never seen a specimen, and so far as our local fishermen observe, they are not aware of asecond species of Kingfish. ScoMBRIDSE. The family has been divided by some authors into two, under the names Nomeide and Cyttide. It includes the following fishes :— | 84 1. The English Mackerel.. Scomber Australasicus, Cuy. & Val. » dhe Riimyd car iti Soe Thynnus thynnus, L. . The Pilot Fish ........ Naucrates ductor, L. . The Sucking Fish...... Hcheneis remora, L. . The John Dorey ...... Zeus faber, L. . The Bastard John Dorey Cyttus Australis, Rich. . The Butterfly Fish .... Gasterochisma melampus, Rich. The English Mackerel is seen on the East Coast, occasionally in large numbers, each year, moving in a northerly direction. There are few regular fishermen on the East Coast, how- ever, and little is locally known of the habits of these fishes. They have been known to enter the estuary of the Derwent in large numbers as far as Bridgewater, but, owing to the absence of proper means for capturing them, they rarely find their way to the market. This statement also applies to the Bastard John Dorey ( Cyttus Australis), which is rarely captured, although during the month of May it has been known to enter the estuaries of the Derwent and Tamar in considerable numbers. I am satisfied that the local fishermen have not the proper appliances for the capture of this valuable fish. I suppose a trawl-net is best adapted for their capture, but these nets are not employed here. SIO Ou Co 0 The other members of the family enumerated above are only caught at odd times around the coast, and do not affect the market supply. I am doubtful, however, whether the Zeus faber, i.e., the true John Dorey, is to be found in Tasmanian waters. It is recorded from Tasmania by Dr. Gunther, but it must be exceedingly rare, for I have never seen a specimen. CARANGIDA. This is a very important family of fishes in Tasmanian waters. Jt includes the following valuable food fishes :— The Horse Mackerel...... Trachurus trachurus, Cuv. and Val. The White or Silver Trevally Caranx Greorgianus, Cuv. : and Val. Port Jackson Kingfish .... Seriolu Lalandii, Cuv, and Val. Tasmanian Yellow-tail .... Seriola grandis, Cast. Snotgall Trevally ........ MNeptonemus brama, Gunth. Mackerel Trevally........ MNeptonemus dobula, Gunth. Port Jackson Snotgall .... Meptonemus travale, Cast. Skipjack ...........++..- Zemnodon saltator, Bl. 85 - The four most important as regards the market, are—The Horse Mackerel, the White or Silver Trevally, the Snot- gall Trevally, and the Mackerel Trevally. The first, the Horse Mackerel, occurs in these waters in vast numbers. The young are seen all round the bays of the upper waters of the Derwent during the autumn. The mature fish are in fair esteem in the market, but the fisher- men are prevented from extending the ‘catch’ of these numerous fishes because of the limited demand. They are not exported. The young appear to form the chief prey of the Kingfish (Thyrsites Solandri). The Silver Trevally are very much prized for food, and are caught at times in considerable quantities in the Tamar and at South Arm during the autumn. Although it is said that they grow to a considerable size, the smaller ones are alone seen in local markets. They are caught by graball and seine, as arule, but they take bait readily, and may be caught with hook and line. They are extremely pretty, silvery fish, with a barbed keel along each side towards the tail. The Snotgall Trevally (Neptonemus brama), although inferior in quality to the Silver and Mackerel Trevally, from its greater abundance and size is of much greater importance as regardsy the general market supply. The young enter the upper waters of the Derwent, and are caught by rod and line from the jetties and wharves about Hobart in considerable numbers during the months of March and April. The Snotgall is better flavoured when itis under one pound in weight. The larger individuals are coarser, and are found towards the mouths of estuaries, in deep water. They are frequently found from two to two feet six inches long, and at this size would average twelve to fourteen pounds in weight. They are taken with hook and line, without a sinker, and are thus caught sometimes in very large quantities. They are sold in the market at rates averaging from 8s. to 12s. per dozen for 12 Ib. to 14 lb. fish, and are exported in considerable quantities to Victoria, where the larger fish appear to be in greater favour than in the local market. The Mackerel Snotgall or Trevally (_Neptonemus dobula, Gunth.) seldom reaches a length of twelve inches, is more elongate for its size than the last species, and is esteemed a greater delicacy for the table. Unfortunately, although appearing in the estuary of the Derwent during March and April in considerable numbers in certain years, they are 86 not always to be depended upon. They mysteriously appear and disappear. This season they have been captured in considerable numbers, with the more common species, around the jetties and wharves ; but it is stated that it has been upwards of four years since they were last seen in the same estuary. Their migratory habits are not very well known. The other members of the family are seldom seen in Tasmanian waters, and are therefore unimportant. GoBIDzZ, PrDIcULATI, BLENNIDEH, SPHYRENIDZ, ATHERINIDE. There are fourteen species in Tasmanian waters which belong to the above families, which include the Gobies, the Hand Fishes, the Blennies, the Silver-bellies, and the Tasmanian Jack or Pike. With the exception of the last named, which is rarely captured, they are all small fish ; and, although some of them are peculiarly interesting from a naturalist’s point of view, they are of no value whatever in the fish market. They may therefore be ignored in this general sketch. Muaitipaz. The Gray Mullet Family. There are only two representatives of the Mullet Family known to exist in Tasmanian waters ; viz.— The Sand Mullet... Mugil cephalotus, Cuv. and Val. The Sea Mullet .. Aygonostoma Forsteri, Bl. The first of these is found principally towards the north- east of Tasmania (the Scamander and George’s Bay), and is very highly prized in the market. It attains a much greater size than the following species; but its distance from the chief towns is sufficient to account for its great scarcity in the market, where it always commands a good price. The Sea Mullet is caught in the shallow bays of the upper waters of estuaries, particularly those of the Derwent and Tamar, in very large numbers. In the latter river the young ascend regularly as far as the Cataract Bridge, Launceston, every year, about the months of November and December, when they are caught in large numbers by amateur fishermen with the rod and line. It is supposed that they follow the ordinary shoals of prawns which are then found in myriads in the fresh water of the North Esk and in the Tamar. It is most probable that these young fish linger near the spawning beds in the lower salt-water flats until about the time of the appearance of the prawns, and then ascend into the upper fresh-water flats along with 87 them.* The supposed spawning grounds in the Derwent are situate above Hobart,—viz., Prince of Wales’ Bay, Cornelian Bay, Lindisferne Bay, and the various sheltered mud-flats between these points and Bridgewater. On a holiday hundreds of pleasure seekers may be seen between Bridgewater and Hobart with rod and line,—the chief attraction being Mullet-fishing. The favourite spots between these points on the Derwent appear to be Risdon, Flat Rock, Elwick Jetty, Berriedale, Trifitt’s, Austin’s Ferry, and Bridgewater. These points, too, are frequented by enthusiastic anglers all the year round. It is no uncommon occurrence for a single angler at these places to land four to six dozen fish, averaging #? lb. weight. Occasionally individuals are caught reaching 12 Ibs. Prior to the closing of the River Derwent above Hobart for the protection of the introduced Salmonoids, the indis- criminate use of seine-nets almost destroyed the fish in these upper waters. From the evidence of old anglers it appears to be certain that, since the closing of the river, all fish have rapidly increased in numbers, size, and quality ; the ruthless destruction of young fry on the nursery grounds has ceased; and it is affirmed with confidence that more fish are now caught with rod and line alone than could be got by sweeping the bays with the seine-net prior to its prohibition in this part of the river. It is also worthy of note that the class who principally fish in these upper waters are tradesmen, to whom the fish caught are a most welcome addition to the household fare. The fish measure, on the average, 8 to 12 inches long, has two dorsal fins, the first considerably in advance of the second, composed of four spines. Otherwise, the fish has a remarkable general resemblance to the Herring; and on this account it is frequently called by that name im New Zealand, where it also seems to be abundant. Dr. Gunther states, in respect of other members of this family, that, if attention were paid to their cultivation, great profits could be made by fry being transferred into suitable backwaters on the shore, in which they rapidly grow to a remarkable size. Local advantage might be taken of this suggestion. CENTRISCIDEH, GOBIESOCIDA. The only fishes belonging to these families are— * Dr, Giinther states that their food consists of organic substances contained in mud or sand,—their organs of the pharynx being well adapted for filtering the mud or sand which they partially swallow. 88 The Bugler or Trumpeter.. Centriscus scolopax, L. Another species, knownas . Crepidogaster J asmaniensis, Gunth. They are of no value for food, and are very scarce. The first named fish is also called “ Bellows Fish,’ from its singular resemblance to that instrument. The snout is pro- duced into a long tube. TRACHYPTERIDE. The Ribbon Fish Family. Two representatives of this remarkable family of fishes exist in Tasmanian waters ; viz.:— The Jtibbon, Fish, js 6.2 Regalecus gladius, Cuy. and Val. POE CULO, 55,4: wie) a ye aye ies Trachypterus altivelis. A specimen of the first named, ?. gladius, was captured on the shore near the Penguin about 3 years ago, which measured 14 feet long. It was afterwards exhibited in Launceston and Hobart as ‘‘ The Sea Serpent’—its mane- like rays over the head, and its extraordinary length, giving common favour to this idea. The Spotted Ribbon Fish caught recently at Spring Bay, 7. altivelis, is a smaller fish, but so extremely thin and transparent that it has been preserved by laying it flat upon a paper surface, after the manner of ordinary mounted seaweed. Dr. Gunther states with respect to these singular fishes, that when they ‘ reach the surface of the water the expansion of the gases within their body has so loosened all parts of their muscular and bony system that they can be lifted out of the water with difficulty only, and nearly always portions of the body and fins are broken and lost.” Gapipm. The Cod Family. This is a most important family of fishes as regards market supply; although it only comprises two species in these waters— | Bull-kelp Cod ........... Letella Swanii, Johnston ; Rock Cod—Cape Cod .... Pseudophycis barbatus, Gunth. ; the individuals of one of these, P. barbatus, “ Rock- cod,” exist in such wonderful abundance that they are captured during a portion of the year in quantities far exceeding the local demand. They are caught in moderate numbers all the year round, although their season fora variety known to fishermen as the Deep- -water, or Cape-cod, is from May to September. It would appear that the latter is simply the mature form of the “ Rock-cod,” which enters the upper waters of estuaries in vast numbers during the 89 month of May. Certain shallow banks seem to be favourite localities, probably because their food—small squids and crustaceans —exist in such places in greatabundance. There is one minute pretty colored pea-shaped crab which seems to be eagerly sought atter by them, for during capture large numbers of these tiny crustaceans drop from their capacious mouths while unhooking them. Their numbers entering estuaries during different seasons vary to a remarkable degree. It is not easy to account for this, but it has been noticed that they are most abundant when the “brit” and other crustaceans appear in greatest numbers. It is quite conceivable, therefore, that the seasonal variation of tem- perature and meteorological conditions may determine to a great extent the development. of the small crustaceew, and through them regulate the natural increase of the Rock-cod and other fishes which so largely subsist upon them. The Rock-cod rarely exceeds 23 lbs. weight, although its appear- ance would be apt to lead one to suppose that the ordinary mature individuals are at least double this weight. The prevailing colour is tawny brown on back, creamy or pinkish- white on belly. The dorsal has only two divisions, the anterior one composed of from 9 to 11 soft simple rays. The flesh is rather soft, but it is held in fair esteem as food. It will cure well. When smoked with cedar sawdust they are highly prized. It is stated by experienced fishermen that if greater care were taken in the modes of smoking and curing, our fish would be held in much greater esteem. As the Rock-cod may be caught during the season in quantities far exceeding local demand, it would be well if greater attention were paid to the preservation of this fish, and so secure a wider inarket. OpuipipaA. Ling Family. There are two members of this family in Tasmanian waters; V1z. :— Bie DIS a Bis ag 5atess s «avd ts Genypterus Australis, Cast. (blacodes ? ) VETO, aso ots aie teeny Poke Fierasfer Homet, Rich. The first of these is alone important as regards the market supply. These fish usually are captured on a weedy or rocky bottom, in from 3 to 8 fathoms water, with hook and line. The average weight is about 7 lbs., but indivi- duals are known to reach a weight of 15lbs. They are sometimes captured on the surface. It-would appear that if in pursuit of prey they happen to breach on the surface, they rupture the air-bladder or sustain some other injury. They are held in fair esteem in the market, but are only 90 caught in numbers at odd times, and therefore cannot be much depended upon. The second species, Pierasfer Homei, Rich., is rarely captured. PLevRONECTIDAZ. Flat Fish Family. There are four members of this family stated to exist in Tasmanian waters, but only two are found abundantly. These are— 1. The Sole of fishermen . Amunotretis rostratus, Gunth. 2. The Flounder ........ Rhombsoleamonopus, Gunth. These fishes are generally taken in the shallows of estuaries and along the sandy coasts, by seine-nets. They areamong the most highly prized fishes for the table, and are taken in considerable quantities all the year round. They are rarely caught with hook and line. There is a law in existence pro- hibiting the sale of Flounders under 9 inches, but it would appear from the evidence of various fishermen that the law is evaded to a very great extent. From the evidence of Mr. Barnett it would appear that the individuals brought to the Hobart market are much below the size formerly captured, and he attributes this to overfishing. It would seem to be impossible to regulate the mesh of the seine so as to allow the escape of the young fry of flounders and other important food fishes, and large numbers are destroyed either through wanton carelessness in not immediately returning undersized fish to the water, or because they are actually destroyed by the drawing of the seine-net. As the use of the seine needlessly destroys young fish far out of proportion to the few captured, its use should be con- fined to particular localities. It is perhaps difficult to devise a better mode for the capture of certain fish now principally obtained by seine-nets, but it is undoubtedly a barbarous engine of destruction, and it would be of the zreatest service if some improvement could be devised which would have the effect of rendering it less destructive to the young fry on the nursery grounds. In the meantime, where there areno naturally protected nursery grounds, such as exist among the snags of the Nelson shoals on the Tamar, the only alternative would be to close particular localities in estuaries so far as the use of the seine-net is concerned. During former years the Flounder was much more abundant in the waters of the Tamar and Derwent; but, 91 until recently, when they appear again to be on the increase, their numbers fell off so much that it was hardly profit- able to search for them. It was reasonable to assign this decrease to the indiscriminate use of the seine-net, and the partial closure of the two rivers may have something to do with their reappearance in great numbers. It must be granted, however, that other causes unknown may have also operated together with those assigned. ScoMBRESOCIDAZ. Garfish Family. There is only one species belonging to this family known to exist in Tasmanian waters ; viz.— The Garfish ............ Memirhamphus intermedius, Cast. It is found in great abundance in the shallow waters in estuaries during the summer months, and is most highly esteemed in the market. It does not ascend within the influence of the fresh water so freely as the other migratory fishes, and its capture by seine-net is not affected by the closing of the upper waters of estuaries. There is a good demand for all the Garfish brought to market, and they usually fetch a price from 4d. to 9d. per dozen. The fish may be captured at any time between April and October. The mesh of the seine-net used in its capture usually measures a quarter of an inch from knot to knot. GoNORHYNCHIDS. : There is only one member of this family known locally ; Viz. :— Phe Sand Hele. secs as ws 2 Gonorhynchus Greyi, Rich. It is rarely captured, however, and is therefore of little interest from a commercial point of view. HopLEGNATHIDA. There is only one representative of this family said to exist in our waters, viz., Hoplegnathus Conwayii, Rich. ; but it is rarely taken, and is of little importance. Lasrivpe. The Parrot Fish Family. There are nine representatives of the Parrot Fish family in Tasmanian waters, of which the following are the most common :— 92 1, Blue Groper ........ Cossyphus Gouldii, Rich. 2: (Parrot: Bud 37420; 328 Labrichthys bothryocosmus, Rich. 3. Purple Parrot Fish .. Labrichthys fucicola, Rich. 4, Banded Parrot Fish.. Labrichthys laticlavius, Rich. 5. The Ground Mullet or Kelp, Fishi.:. 222 2 Odax balteatus, Cuv. & Val. G. The Strangensiadca% <2 Qdax Richardsoni, Gunth, The first and last of these seem to be the only members of the family that are held in any degree of favour as food. Fishermen however state that, although not in favour, they are all good for food. It is stated that the Blue Groper, though little appreciated, is exceedingly good. In the Report of the Royal Commission on Fisheries of New South Wales, it is recorded that the head of this fish makes the most delicious dish one can well conceive. The Blue Groper is uniformly dark purplish ; the upper profile of head bent downwards in a regular curve; caudal fin truncated ; four anterior canine teeth in each of the jaws, sometimes reaching a length of from thirty-nine to forty-two inches. The Stranger is caught occasionally in the upper waters of the estuaries of the Derwent; is in fair esteem for the market,—though, as its name implies, it is only obtained occasionally. It is of a curiously elongate shape, like the Pike, snout produced, body and fins marbled, and streaked with faint yellow. The other members of the family are noted for the beauty of their colours. They invariably feed upon shell-fish, their jaws being well armed for this purpose. The most of them have very thick lips and strong canine teeth. The colours in some of the species vary considerably; and it is possible that this feature may have led classifiers astray in some cases. Ciupeip#. The Herring Family. Of this important family of fishes there are only three species known to exist in Tasmanian waters ; viz.— The Anchovy «3... ..2s<2~\- Engraulis encrasicholus, var. Antipodum, L. The Sprati: 25 FoR. ak Clupea sprattus, L. The Pilchard’ } 120008225 Clupea sagax, Jenyns. The two former exist in our waters in vast shoals, and form the prey of the Barracouta, Mackerel, and other fishes. They sometimes ascend into the upper waters of the estuaries of the Derwent and Tamar; and occasionally they have been known to have stranded themselves in millions while pursued by their natural enemies. No attempt has 93 yet been made to make use of these fishes in Tasmania. No doubt attention will in time be drawn to this valuable source of wealth. At present there are no proper means among us for their capture; their migratory habits are little understood; and there are no establishments in our midst for preserving them. It is not creditable to local enterprise that this source of wealth should have remained so long without an attempt being made to utilise it. It is unfortunate that our waters should not also contain the Clupea harengus, the Common Herring of European waters. The successful introduction of various species of Salmonide into our rivers from Great Britain gives hope that the Herring may also be introduced. There are great difficulties in the way, but they may in time yield before improved means of transit; and it is not impossible that we may yet see our southern waters the home of this, the most useful of all food fishes. Muranivpa. The Hel Family. There are four representatives of this family in Tasmanian waters, but there are only two of them important as regards the market supply ; viz.— The Common Eel ...... Anguilla Australis, Rich. The Conger Eel........ Conger vulgaris, Cuv. The first of these is referred to under the heading ‘Freshwater Fishes.” The Conger Eel is brought to market in considerable quantities, and is largely exported. They are caught all the year round, and are sold at a very low price. They vary greatly in size, and weigh from 7 to 50 lbs. They are chiefly taken by hook and line. PEGASIDE, SYNGNATHIDE, SCLERODERMI, GYMNODONTES, The fishes belonging to the above families number twenty- seven species in Tasmanian waters, and include the Pipe Fishes, Sea Dragon, Sea Horses, Leather Jackets, Globe Fishes, Porcupine Fish, Sun Fishes. With the exception of certain individuals of the Leather Jacket Family, there are none of them of any marketable value, and need not engage our attention. The Leather Jackets are singular fishes, with a single erectile, barbed or toothed, dorsal spine, a coarse granular skin, and having wonderfully strong jaws armed with sharp cutting teeth. Some of them are said to be very good for the table when skinned ; 94 but they are not held in esteem in the market, and conse- quently they are seldom seen there. CuHonprRoPTEeRYGI. Sharks and Rays. The following is a list of this group, so far as known to exist in Tasmanian waters :— Callorhynchus antarticus, | Fy Rg as cea The Elephant Fish, Carcharias glaucus, UL... The Blue Shark. Galeus canis, Rondel.... The Tope, or School Shark. Zygena malleus, Shaw .. The Hammer-headed Shark. Mustelus antarticus,Gunth. Smooth-head. Lamna cornubica, Flem.. Porbeagle or Blue Shark. Odontaspis Americanus, 1. FXG, ORR ap age The Grey Nurse. Alopecias vulpes, L. .... Thrasher. Notidanus indicus. Scyllium maculatum .... Spotted Sea Snake. Scyllium laticeps.....+.. The Sea Snake. Parascyllium variolatum, Dum. Crossorhinus barbatus, L. Wobbigong. Heterodontus Phillipii, hhakepclwiavk. staves Port Jackson or Bull-head Shark. Acanthias vulgaris, Risso. Spotted Spiny Dog. Acanthias Blainvillii, 1.. Spiny Dog. Tthina squatina, Li... The Angel Shark. Pristiophorus cirratus, Latham (i. oss ams..] 37. >) 105 No caudal fin. TRACHYPTERIDE—XXI, Caudal fin present. 26. . Spines on each side of tail. Caranorpa, part—XII. Otherwise constructed. 27. . Ventrals with more than five soft rays; opercular bones armed with two distinct spines; scales ctenoid. B. 8 or 4. Berycipx—lI. Ventrals with five soft rays. 28. . Caudal rounded; body compressed and much elevated. B. 7 or 8. ScomBRiD&, part—XI. Caudal forked. V.1:5, PErrcrpm, part—Il. . A papilla near vent; ventrals sometimes united. Gosiip= —XIII. Without papilla; ventrals not united. 30. . Scales ctenoid. 70. Scales cycloid or absent; with or without finlets. 31. . Finlets absent. a. Lateral line not armed with plates; A. fin with less than twenty soft rays. SpHyrxNIDE—XVI. b, Lateral line often armed with plates; two A. spines remote from soft portion; soft rays more than 20. CARANGID, part—XII. Finlets present. 32. Ventrals long ; scales cycloid, moderate ; body oblong, com- pressed ; teeth small. ScomBripa, part—XI. Ventrals moderate; scales absent, or moderately small; teeth variable; V. sometimes rudimentary, or absent ; body elongate, compressed. ScoMBRID®, part—XI. Ventrals jugular. 34. Ventrals abdominal. 38. . Spinous dorsal greater than the soft; scale small, or naked ; one, two, or three dorsal fins (small fish), BLENNIDE— EY. . Spinous dorsal less than the soft. 35. . One dorsal fin. 36. Two dorsal fins. 37. . Ventrals of a single bifid ray ; a small portion of the D. and A. formed into true spines. Gapopsip% (GaADopPsIS MARMORATUS)—XXIV. Ventrals 1:5. Mouth vertical or oblique. TRACHINIDE, part—VITI. Body frequently covered with minute spines; carpal bones prolonged, forming a sort of arm for pectorals; gill- opening reduced to a small foramen, situated in or near axil; tentacle sometimes plumose on snout. PEDICULATI —XIV. Body smooth or scaly ; teeth in villiform bands, sometimes with pointed and conical canines; gill-opening wide; eyes frequently directed upwards. TRACHINIDE, part a 38. 39. ” 40. 3? 106 Two dorsal fins. 39. Mouth produced into a tube; body elevated; teeth, none; scales none, or small; body covered with a cuirass or with nonconfluent ossifications. (CENTRISCUS SCOLO- PAX.) CENTRISCIDH—XIX. Mouth not produced ; body not elevated. 40. Spines of the first D. more than four. 40a. First D. with four stiff spines. Muginip=—XVIII. 40a. No barbels; spines of first dorsal feeble, flexible; teeth 41. pp 42, 23) 45. 9 44, ” 45, 2) 46. 47. ” 48. ” minute; a silvery band along the side. Minute’ fishes. ATHERINIDE—X VII. Body symmetrical, with an eye on each side of the head. 42. Body unsymmetrical; both eyes on the same side of the head, on the upper, which alone is coloured. PLEURO- NECTIDZE III. (Type, Flounder.) Ventrals thoracic; tail tapering to a fine point; no caudal. Macrvripe—XXVI. (T'ype, Ling.) Ventrals jugular. 43. One, two, or three dorsal fins, occupying nearly the whole of the baal ; one or two A. fins, with or without a barbel ; caudal free, or, if united to D. and A., the dorsal has a separate anterior portion ; Hn with several rays. GaADIDZ —XXV. (Type, Rock Cod.; One dorsal united to caudal; A separate anterior dorsal or anal. Opuiplp®—XXVI. (Z'ype, Ling.) Second dorsal composed of an adipose fin, without bony rays. 405. No adipose fin present. 47. Dorsal fin very elongate, occupying nearly entire length of back ; opercular apparatus incomplete; oviduct present. Scoprrmx—XXX. Dorsal not elongate; opercular apparatus complete; no oviduct. 46. First dorsal before the vent; margin of upper jaw nearly altogether formed by maxillary ; body naked, or scaly ; pyloric appendages, none ; minute fishes. Havrocut- TONID=—XXIX. (Type, Freshwater Herring.) First dorsal over the vent in minute species, before the vent in the larger introduced species; body covered with scales ; margin of upper jaw formed by the intermaxillaries laterally ; pyloric appendages generally numerous. SAL- MONIDE—XXXI. (Types, Salmon; Smelt.) Body apparently scaleless. 48. Body with scales. 49. Dorsal short ; belly rounded; vertical fins not continuous with caudal ; in creeks, fresh or brackish. GaLAXIDa —XXXIT. ’ (Type, Jollytail.) Dorsal and anal long and continuous with caudal; body rounded or band-shaped ; under lens the scales become apparent; no ventrals. Murmyipz—XXXVIUI. (Type, Freshwater Eel.) Pp] or wo >] 63. ”) 107 . Mouth with barbels; scales spiny; mouth inferior; gill- opening narrow. GONORHYNCHIDE—XXXYV. Barbels, none. 50. . A series of keeled scales on each side of belly; mouth ter- minal; lower jaw produced; dorsal opposite to anal. ScoMBRESOCIDE—XXXIII. (Type, Gartish.) Sides not armed with keeled scales. 51. . Abdomen frequently compressed into a serrated edge. Ctiv- PEIDE—XXXVI. (Types, Anchovy ; Sprat.) Abdomen rounded. Freshwater fishes. CyPRINIDE— XXXIV. (Types, Carp; Tench; Gold Fish.) . Bony fishes, composed of plates or osseous rings; dorsal 1 : } rays; teeth minute or absent. 68. Fishes with rough scutes or spines; jaws armed with distinct teeth. 69. . Marine fishes, generally with brilliant colours; frequently armed with canine teeth, Lanripm—XXIII. (Type, Parrot Fish.) . One external gill-opening only; produced snout, with soft pear-shaped appendage. CHIMERIDE—XLIII. (Type, Elephant Fish, Callorhyneus antarticus, Lacep.) External gill-openings, 5 to 7. 55. . Eye with a nictitating membrane. Two dorsals and an anal. CarcHarIpDm—XLIV. Eye without a nictitating membrane. 56. . Anal fin present. 57. No anal fin. 60. . Two dorsal fins. 458. One dorsal fin opposite anal. NoripaAnip#—XLVII. . First dorsal above or behind the ventrals. Scy.Liip= —XLVI. (Type, Dog-fish.) First dorsal between pectorals and ventrals. 59. . Teeth acute. LAMNIDm—XLV. Teeth obtuse. CESTRACIONIDE—XIVIII. (Type, PortJack- son Shark.) . Gill-openings lateral. (Sharks.) 61. Gill-openings ventral. (Rays.) 63. . Snout much produced, with lateral saw-like teeth. Pristio- pHoRID#=—LI. (Type, Saw-fish.) Snout normal. 62. Dorsal fins, two, without spines. Ruinipm—L. (Type, Angel Shark.) Dorsal fins each armed with a spine. Sprnactpm-—-XLIX. (Type, Spotted Dog-fish.) Snout produced. 64. Snout not produced ; rounded ; caudal well developed. Tor- PEDINIDE—LIII. (Type, Torpedo.) 64. 70. ” 108 Snout with a detached pair of cephalic fins; spine on the tail; sides of head free from pectoral fin. My1ioBaTIpx —LVI. (Type, Whip-tail Ray.) Snout otherwise constructed. 65. . Pectorals not extending to snout; two dorsals on tail. Ru#INOBATID=—LII. Pectorals extending to, or confluent at, extremity of snout. . Spine on tail; tail without lateral longitudinal folds. Try- GONIDEZ—LV. (Type, Stingaree.) Two dorsals on the tail; tail with a longitudinal fold on each side; no serrated caudal spine. Rasipm—LIV. (Type, Skate. . Head without barbels; semetimes with pouch under throat ; fresh-water. PrTromyzonTipb#—LVII. (Type, Lam- prey-) Cirri on each side of fissure-like mouth; marine. CrrRsoToMI —LVIII. (Type, Lancelet.) . Ventral fins present. Pracasipm—XXXIX. No ventral fins. SyNGNATHIDM@—XL. . The elements of a spinous dorsal and ventral fins generally present. ScLERODERMI—XLI. No spinous dorsal. No ventralis. Pectoral fins. das 1: Ope Giinth. Cat., II., p.117. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 287. Not common. GLYPTAUCHEN PANDURATUS, Rich. (A.) De 7 54.3 6 vk“ G: Giinth. Cat. U., p. 121. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 291. Rare. HoLoxENvs cuTANEUS, Gunth. (T.) 29.28" 10+ Ast. bet Wao os Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., 1876, vol. XVII., p. 393. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 299. I have not seen the above, but I have good reason for sup- posing that the fish, not otherwise mentioned, known here as the Velvet Fish, is probably the same, although the spinous characters are not in agreement with those of #. cutaneus. They are as follows :— B..5:. D.825°10) A.3°9. -C.12-18.. V. 115. Velert Pom: The body is compressed, covered like the fins with loose skin, which in a great measure connects and conceals the minute spinous rays in the sinus between the anterior and posterior dorsal rays. The whole of the skin on body and fins is covered with minute glandular skinny appendages, so soft to the touch as to give the notion of velvet. The colour, when fresh, is a uniform deep purple, sometimes more or less marbled with yellow, which probably changes to white in spirits. The teeth are more —,- >." 35. 36 ° 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42, 115 granular than villiform. Average total length, 10 inches. In all other respects it agrees with H. cutaneus. Should it prove to be a distinct species I propose for it the name Holoxenus Guntheri. PENTAROGE MARMORATA, Cuv. et Val. (A). The Soldier. B.7. D.12-13:10. A. 3°6. Gunth. Cat., II., p. 1382. Allp.MS. Macl. Cat., 300. Common in shallow banks of estuaries. The spines are evidently poisonous weapons, as they inflict painful wounds. PLATYCEPHALUS BASSENSIS, Cuy. et Val. (A). The Common Red Flathead. * Do s7 3:4 AoA TS lat. Lib, Giinth. Cat., II., p.179 (Tasmanius). Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 444. Abundant all round the coasts and estuaries. PLATYCEPHALUS CINEREvS, Giinth. (A). The Black Flat- head. * Dos 7 332, Ai... dat. 10. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 450. Brought to market rarely. Not uncommon. LEPIDOTRIGLA VANESSA, Rich. (A.) Butterfly Gurnard.* D103 17. A.17. Li dat: 70, :.Caec. pylon. 8: Gunth. Cat., II.,p.197. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 461. Captured occasionally in the estuaries of the Derwent and Tamar. TRIGLA POLYOMMATA, Rich. (A.) The Flying Gurnard.* D.7-9:12-13. Ls lat. 62. E. tr. 8k 26, Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 409, Rare. Derwent. 116 43, ApHRITIS Urvitii, Cuv. and Val. (T.) Freshwater Flathead or Sandy.* D.6:19. A. 25. L. lat. 65. Cec. pylor. 4. Giinth. Cat., II., p. 242. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 410. Common in the lower waters of fresh-water streams near to the sea, especially on the eastern coast. All the specimens examined by the writer had seven spines in anterior dorsal fin. The first spine is invariably closely adpressed to the second, and hence the possibility that a mistake has been made. 44, Srntaco crzaTa. Cuv. and Val. (A.) The Whiting.** D. 11 2 2°¥7 -18 A.2: 18-18 P. 14-15." LTE 7e: L. tr.4- 5:11 - 12. Giinth., II., 245. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat. (Bassensis), 414. The characteristic torm found occasionally in abundance during the months of November, December, and January has the above characters. When caught, however, there are six to seven faint irregularly oblique bars running across the sides in a forward direction from dorsal to lateral line. Faint oblique streaks of olive upon inter- spaces between dorsal rays. There are invariably 70 rows of scales along lateral line. Depth in total length varies from 43} to 5} times. Average length 10 inches. The Tasmanian Whiting may be an intermediate form linking S, maculata (Quoy and Gaim.) and S. ciliata (C. and V.) Highly esteemed as food. 45. SILLaGO MACULATA, Quoy and Gaim. (A.) Spotted Whiting.** D, 11,5 1°20. A. 1°21. L. lat. 70, iL, tranisy.5 6 27: Ginth. Cat. II., 245. Macl. Cat., 412. It is doubtful whether this form exists in Tasmanian waters. Some of the last-mentioned variable species, however, can with difficulty be separated from S. maculata, 46, BovICHTHYS VARIEGATUS, Rich. (A.) D. 8 + 18... As 43, Giinth., II., p. 250. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 419. Rare. Fam. IX. SCLZNID. 47, ScL#NA ANTARTICA, Cast. (A.) Victorian Kingfish. D9 Ti 27. A. 2's. 2.49. | us 1h Gs- Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 329. Cast. Proc. Zool. Soc., vol. I., p. 100. Rare in Tasmanian waters. 48. Scrmna aquia, Lacep. (E.) European Maigre. D. 10 :21°96 -27. A.2°7. 1 Jat. 63. AA Lie Giinth. Cat., II., p.292. Allp. MS. Macl.Cat. (Antartica), 329. Cast. (Antartica). Proc. Zool. Soc., vol. I., p. 100. There is some reason for the belief that only one species exists in Australian waters. As Dr. Gunther recognises an 117 important difference in Z. lat. as of specific value, there is no doubt but that Cast. S. antartica is distinct from the Maigre of Europe. I have, however, retained both species, as it is conceivable that both forms may exist in Tasmanian waters. Fam. X. TRICHIURIDA. 49. LEPIDOPUS CAUDATUS, White. (Z.E.) The Frost Fish or Scabbard Fish, D.102-104. A. 24-25. Cec. pylor. 23. Vert. 41:71. Gunth. Cat., II.,p.341. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 333. Odd individuals caught in the Derwent occasionally in the winter. Wide-world in its range of: distribution,—Europe, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. 50. THyRSITES ATUN, Cuv.and Val. (A.Z.) Yhe Barracouta.** OF) RG NALS wa eos VER, Wort: 37. Gunth., Cat., II., p. 350. Allp. MS. Mael., 336. Most abundant off the South-east Coast, preying chiefly upon the shoals of Anchovies and Sprats. Caught with a jigger abundantly all the year round. 51. THYRSITES Microrus, M‘Coy. a Se lar Viet Ate te eed ee Le, Ay V1 S Pa re (4) Da 16.0 2a: Woe Ae tid a eas (S.)- Do is: Tr(a e PL A ode 14a iis See aoe No. 5 has been deformed. The soft dorsal portion had received an injury at one time, and three abortive detached finlets have grown in place of the usual ten destroyed. 118 Full size (No. 2) about 38 to 40 inches long, and about 18 inches greatest girth. One of the most important food fishes of Tasmania. Fam. XI. SCOMBRIDZ (including the Nomeide and Cyttide of some authors). 53. GASTEROCHISMA MELAMPUS, Rich. (Z). Butterfly Fish. Be.: D. 17 31-10: Vi. V2 125. EE 2 ie Wie L. lat. 64. L. tr. 27. Ginth. Cat., II., p. 387. Hutton, Cat., N.Z., p. 20. The fish from which the above characters were taken was recently captured at the mouth of the estuary of the Derwent. Hitherto it has only been seen on rare occa- sions off the coast of New Zealand. The following are the principal dimensions :—Total length, 39inches ; length of body, 35 inches; length of head, 82inches; length of snout, 4inches; length of pectoral fin, 53 inches ; length of anal fin, 5% inches (not reaching to vent as in Dr. Gunther’s figure; greatest depth, 9 inches; least depth, 1 inch; breadth of eye, inch; distance of extremity of maxillary from snout, 4 inches; distance of Ist ray of posterior dorsal from snout, 203 inches; distance of extremity of 1st ray of anal from snout, 23 inches. In the figure in Dr. Giinther’s “Study of Fishes,’ p. 455, the anterior dorsal spines exceed in length the 1st soft rays of dorsal and anal. In the mature specimen above de- scribed, the highest of the gently arched anterior dorsal spines are not so long as either the first longest soft ray of anal or dorsal, which are nearly equal. 54. SCOMBER AUSTRALASICUS, Cuv. and Val. The English Mackerel, or Southern Mackerel. ** D. 1031-11: V. A. E2441: VY... delat. about, 16. Giinth. Cat., II., p. 359. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 392. I have not seen specimens, but the fishermen assure me that a fish called by them The English Mackerel is seen in immense shoals, after long irregular intervals of time, on the East Coast, followed, as in the case of the Horse Mackerel, by their rapacious enemies the Kingfish. Pro- fessor M‘Coy (Zool. Vict., Dec., III., p. 43,) gives reasons for regarding the Hobson’s Bay species,—which most pro- bably may prove to be identical with the Tasmanian,—to be merely a variety of Scomber pneumatophorus (De la Roche), viz.— Di Ie LW: adres We P49. oD ay: 55. THynnus THynnus, L. (E). The Tunny. D. 14: 7-13: FR As 2°12: Vill.’ Vert. 2022. Giinth. Cat., II., p. 862. Allp. MS. Seen occasionally in the estuary of the Derwent. Have not examined any specimens. 56. NavoraTEs puctor, L. (E). The Pilot Fish. D. 3-6:1:26-28. A.2°16-17. Cee. pylor. 12-15. Vert. 10 - 16. Giinth. Cat., II., p.374. Allp. MS, Macl. Cat., 559. Not uncommon in Tasmanian waters. 119 57. ECHENEIS REMORA, L. (E). The Sucking Fish. D. 16 -18:22-24. A.25. Cee. pylor.6. Vert. 12:10. Seen occasionally. 58. ZEUS FABER, L. (E). John Dorey. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. )..10 < 28> Aj 4-92 V2 TG: Giinth. Cat., II.,393. Allp. MS. Macl. (australis ) Cat., 386. I have not seen any specimens from Tasmanian waters. Fish- ermen usually designate the following species by the name “John Dorey,’ and hence the evidences given are very unsatisfactory. CYTTUS AUSTRALIS, Rich. (A.Z.) The Bastard Dorey.** Boo. DOS A oe oo) A a0. Poi, Ne-1°6, Giinth. Cat., II., p. 396. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 387. Abundant during the month of April in the estuaries ot the Derwent and Tamar, but although a fine edible fish it is rarely captured, probably owing to the lack of the proper kind of net. Graball and seine-nets only are used by Tasmanian fishermen. Fam. XII. CARANGIDZ. TRACHURUS TRACHURUS, Cuv. and Val. (A.Z.) Horse Mackerel. ** D.824°32-35. A.2:1:25=99. . Lela 75=86. Gunth. Cat., II., p. 419. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 847. Appear in immense shoals at times between January and June, and might with proper appliances become the source of a valuable industry. Their appearance in very large schools is an indication of the presence of the much prized Kingfish. CaRANX GEORGIANUS, Cuv. and Val. (A.) The White or Silver Trevally.** D. 8 31:26 -29.- A. 2: 1°22-24 L. lat. 20-25. Gunth. Cat., II., p. 440. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 350. A valuable food fish. Immense numbers of the young have at times been captared in the estuaries during the autumn. The larger fish, 10 to 12 lbs. weight, are taken in deeper water. SERIOLA LaLanpil, Cuv. and Val. (A.) Port Jackson Kingfish. DD: 7 21°32 - 34, “AS 21-20-21. Gunth. Cat. JI., p. 463. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 365. Doubtful. I have not seen any specimens. May have been mistaken for the following species. SERIOLA GRANDIS, Cast. (A.) Tasmanian Yellow-tail. ** D.6 31°32 -65. A, 0! 1°90. P. Or. . Vi 5. Cast., Proc. Zool. Soc. Vic., vol. I., p. 115. Macl. Cat., 368. Appear in schools; abundant off the George Town Heads regularly during a brief season (autumn) every year. Take bait greedily. 64. 66. 68. 120 NEPTONEMUS BRAMA, Gunth. (T.) Snotgall Trevally. ** D. 7:22:27 = 29. (A. 2:1-°22-23. L. lat. 885 OL. te. 16 ; 25. Gunth. Cat. II., p. 390. Macl. Cat., 370. The young are caught about the wharves at Hobart in abundance during the months of February, March, and April. They sometimes, in the mature state, reach a size of 2ft. 6in., and weigh from 12to 14 lbs. (Barnett). The large fish do not ascend the upper shallow waters of estuaries. . NEPTONEMUS DOBULA, Gunth. (T.) Mackerel Trevally.** D. 7.: 1437 -40., A.2: 1-23. . Vert, 24. Giinth., Pro. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1869, p. 429. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 371. This is a smaller and more elongate fish than the former ; is considered a greater delicacy for the table; and rarely attains a length of 12 inches. Its habits are similar to the former species, but approaches the upper waters of estuaries seldomer and more irregularly. NEPTONEMUS TRAVALE, Cast. Port Jackson Snotgall. D.6:2-30. A. 2:2°21.. L. lat. 93. Cast., Proc. Zool. Soc. Vic., vol. I., p. 119. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 372. Tasmania (Allport). Doubtful. I have not seen any specimens from Tasmanian waters. . TEMNODON SALTATOR, BI. Tailor or Shipjack. D. 8 +1°24-96.> A 1-2:1°26- 28. L. Jat. 90= 100. L. tr. 8:19. Vert. 12:14. Ginth. Cat., IL, p. 479. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 375. An odd individual caught occasionally in the Derwent. Fam. XIII. GOBIIDZ. Gosius TAMARENSIS, nov. sp. Bod. » D6 218, -Al18._/L. lat..32. . be tr: 24 - 26: 36-34. . Vert. 59-60. Cec. pylor. 49 - 61, rarely less. Giinth. Cat., VI., p. 24; Allport’s Report, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tas., 1866. Ova introduced successfully by the Lincolnshire in the year 1866. As already pointed out with reference to S. salar, it is difficult to say whether the form resembling the above species, now abundant in the Derwent, is, properly speak- ing, S. trutta or not. It is in many respects more allied to S. Cambricus. The following are the average limits of the common form :—B. 10-12. D.13-14. A.11-12. P.14. V.49. L. lat. 120. Cec. pylor. 42-67. Maxillary, relative to snout, longer and thin; transverse series of scales from adipose fin forward to lateral line, 12-14; depth of operculum relative to length, 13 to 1}; hind part of body moderately elongate; vomerine teeth disappearing in specimens from 3 to 5ibs. weight; caudal fin invariably emarginate in full grown specimens; colour usually bluish- black on back and shoulders, silvery on sides; parr markings, 11 to 12 bars, frequently seen in smolt stage. Whether this local form is the result of hybridism, as suggested by Dr. Giinther, or is simply the effects of the differing conditions of a new environment, I am as yet 130 unable to decide,—perhaps a good deal may be due to both influences. It is noteworthy, however, that already in New Zealand and Tasmania the allied species S. fario, var. Ausonii, has developed into types which are peculiarly characteristic of particular local streams. This variability in relation to environment is very suggestive, and may yet help to explain the trifling variable ditterences in character, often overlapping, between S. Cambricus, S. gallivensis, S. brachypoma, and S. trutta of Scotch, English, and Irish streams. ; I have already pointed out (Mercury, Hobart, Nov. 25, 1879,) that characters which may be greatly affected by environment are not to be depended upon, and, in the opinion of some authorities in other branches of natural history, such differences would not be recognised as of specific or even sub-specific rank. The assumption of hybridism is to me éxtremely unsatisfactory, for the reason that the extreme types steadily perpetuate themselves in European waters notwithstanding the extraordinary facili- ties among fishes for intercrossing by natural means which probably have existed unrestricted for ages. 115. Sato FARIO, var. Ausonii, L. (1.) English Brown Trout,** P13 = 14. A010 - 11. Pos 'V. OF lata) ae 26:30. Cec. pylor. 38-51. Vert. 57 - 58. Giinth. Cat., VI., p.64. Allp. Rep. Pro. Roy. Soc. Tas., 1866. Ova introduced successfully, together with the former species, per the Lincolnshire, in the year 1866. The species now abound in all the principal rivers of Tasmania, and sometimes reach the enormous weight of 28 lbs., and a length of three feet. The new conditions in our rivers appear to have greatly modified their general form and character. The following limits of variability show that the old limits of characters are not of much value here :—B. 9-12. D.13- 14. A.10-11. P.13- 16. V.9. L. lat. 120. Pylor.cec. 41-72. Maxillary strong and, relative to snout, generally much longer; hind part of body generally short and high; vomerine teeth in specimens 3 to 5 lbs. weight generally disappearing ; caudal fin generally emarginate, not truncate. Colour varying with the nature of the bottom and the country through which the stream passes. They are generally coarse and dark where the streams are choked with heavy dead timber, as in some places in the River Meander ; silvery in gravelly bottoms and open country, as at Simmons’ Plains; and especially so those which have formed the habit of entering the brackish water about the wharves in Launceston. Fam. XXXII. GALAXID. 116. GALAXIAS TRUTTACEUS, Cuv. & Val. (T.) Spotted Trout.** BOs 1 as = 15 Vo ee Giinth. Cat., VI., p. 209. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 841. Abundant in most of our freshwater streams, but not descend- ing to brackish water like G, attenuatus, 131 There are two or three varieties :— Var. a.—In the North Esk, without the three charac- teristic cross-bars upon shoulder. Var. 6, Mountain Trout.—Without spots or bars; head more depressed: Colour, grey, with beau- tiful iridescent specks of greenand gold. Mount Wellington. Var. c.—A red-finned variety, found in streams at Gould’s Country. Although not large they are highly prized for the table, and often afford sport to the angler. 117. GALAXIAS AURATUS, nov. sp. Lake Trout.** Bo9.” D.. TY 12, -Anle Pl 16. Ve 9, The height of the body is contained five times in the total length; the length of head nearly four times. The head is very much depressed. Interorbital space wide, having three pairs of pores over each eye. About seventy distinct pores, mostly in pairs, along usual course of lateral line. Head blackish. Body of a bright transparent golden hue. Spots very large, rounded, and sometimes confluent above lateral line. No blackish bars across shoulder. Ventrals tipped with black; base and tips of anal and dorsal blackish. Pectoral reaches to halt the distance from root of'ventral. Total length, 9%in.; body, 8}in.; head, 2} in. ; snout, in.; depth, 2in. nearly ; interorbital space, lin. nearly. This species is confined to the neighbourhood of the Great Lake, at an altitude of about 4000 feet.. It attains a larger size than any other member of the genus. 118. GALAXIAS ATTENUATUS, Jenyns. (A.Z.) The Jolly-tail.** De YW2ALIO. P34 Ww. Giinth. Cat., VI., p. 211. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 844. Abundant in all freshwater streams, entering brackish water in vast numbers. Are highly esteemed as a delicacy for the table. 119. GaLax1as WEEDONI, nov. sp. Mersey Jolly-tail.* D. M.A. 14. Pe 15. Body somewhat compressed. Length of head scarcely exceeding the depth of body, and contained four and a half times in the total length. Pectoral reaches half the distance to root of ventral. Head and body brownish black ; back and sides marbled with irregularly transverse wedge-shaped streaks, and bands of darker hue. Caudal bifurcate. Length, 44 inches. Mersey River. The finer head and more compressed form, together with marbled sides, dis- tinguish this species from its closely allied congener. 120. GaLaxi1as ATKINSONI, nov. sp. Pieman Jolly-tail.* BO. De ala betas)” By Peele wee Bee Length four and one-third times that of the head, and the latter is equal to one and a half times the height of body. Diameter of eye equal to length of snout, and about one- fourth the length of head. Length of pectoral more than 132 one-half the distance to the root of ventral. The depth ot peduncle is not half as long as the distance between caudal and dorsalfins. Colour darkish brown. Sides with sixteen to eighteen regular transverse bands of a deeper shade composed of microscopic dots. These bands are less defined towards tail, and are rather wider than the inter- spaces. Larger dots are distributed along the lines of vertebre and ribs. Specimen 2}inches long. Pieman River (Atkinson). Fam. XXXIII. SCOMBRESOCIDZ. 121, HEMIRHAMPHUS INTERMEDIUS, Cant. (A.Z.) The Gar- Sish.** D. 15-17. A.18-20. P.11. Giinth. Cat., VI., p. 260, Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 867. Abundant during the summer months, and caught largely in seine-nets in our estuaries. They are valuable market fish, although it is to be regretted that their mode of capture by the seine-net appears to commit great havoc among the young of other valuable food fishes. Fam. XXXIV. CYPRINIDZ. 122. CARASSIUS VULGARIS, Nilsson. (I.) The European Carp. 123. Carassius auRATuS, L. (I.) Gold Fish. 124. TrncA VULGARIS, Cuv. (I.) English Tench. Fam. XXXV. GONORHYNCHIDZ. 125. GonoRHyNCcHUS GREYI, Rich. (A.Z.) Sand Eel. * B.4. D.11-13. A.9. V.9. Cec. pylor. 6-9. Giinth. Cat., VII., p.373. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 883. Not uncommon in the Derwent. Fam. XXXVI. CLUPEIDZ. 126. ENGRAULIS ENCRASICHOLUS (var. antipodum), L. The Anchovy.* B. 12-13. D.16-17. A.18-20. L. lat. 48 - 50. Vert. 46 - 47. Giinth. Cat., VII., p. 385. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 885. (Antarticus. ) Abundant; frequently entering rivers Derwent, Tamar, and Huon. It is surprising that no effort has been made locally to utilise this valuable fish. Fishermen can have no interest in attempting to capture the shoals seen frequently by them towards the mouth of the Derwent, so long as there is an absence of proper curing establishments. Hobart is very favourably situated as a centre for a fishing industry of this kind. 133 127. CrurEa spRATTUS, L, (E.) The Sprat.* B.6-7. D. 15-18. A.17-20. V.7. L. lat. 47 - 48. Vert. 47 - 49. Giinth. Cat., VII., p. 419. Proc. Zool. Soc., 1871, p. 672. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 899. Large shoals of these fish are observed by the fishermen to pass along the coasts at certain seasons, attended usually by their rapacious enemies, the Barracouta and Kingfish. Small numbers ascend the Tamar as far as Launceston during March each year. Sometimes the main body mistakes its course, 48 in 1844, when the Sprats entered the Derwent in immense numbers. The late Mr. Calder gave a description of an immense shoal which had been driven ashore and suffocated, in Simmons’ Cove, Bruni Island, in 1867 (Proc. Roy. Soc. Tas., May, 1867). In speaking of the mass of fish thus destroyed at one time, he estimated that there was not less than three hundred tons, which he reckoned would amount to forty- three million eight thousand individual fishes. Dr. Giinther, in quoting this instance, urges that “ attempts ought to be made to utilise the Tasmanian Anchovy and Sprat in the same way as it is donein Europe.” The Sprat does not seem to visit the Australian coasts. 128. CLUPEA SAGAX, Jenyns. The Pilchard. (A.) B.7. D.18 A.18-19. L. lat. 50-54. L. tr. 18. A series of more or less distinct blackish spots along the side. Giinth. Cat., VII., p. 443. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 890. Not so common as the sprat. ‘Tasmania (Allport). Fam. XXXVII. SYMBRANCHID. 129, CHILOBRANCHUS DORSALIS, Rich. (A.) Paired fins none. Vertical fins rudimentary. Colour black- ish brown, with a median dorsal line. Giinth. Cat., VIL, p.18. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 908. Tasmanian specimens 90 mil. long. (Gunn and Giinther.) 130. CHILOBRANCHUS RUFUS, Macleay. (A.) Colour red, with six or seven blue or dark purple spots along each side. Length three inches. Macl. Cat., 909. Tasmania (Macleay). Fam. XXXVIII. MURZENID. 181. Anquritza AustTRaLis, Rich. (A.) The Common Eel.** Dorsal fin begins at a short distance in advance of anal. Giinth. Cat. VIII., p. 36. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 913. Abundant in all rivers. Reaches to an immense size in the South Esk River. 182. CoNGER VULGARIS, Cuv. The Common Conger Eel.** Dorsal fin begins nearly opposite to extremity of pectoral fine Giinth. Cat., VIII, p. 38. Allp.MS. Macl. Cat., 913. Brought to Hobart market in considerable quantities. 134 133. ConaER WItsont, Cast. Conger Eel. Dorsal fin commences behind the extremity of pectoral fin. Cast., Proc. Zool. Soc. Vie., vol. I., p.193. Macl. Cat., 914. Tasmania (Cast). 134. MURENICHTHYS BREVICEPS, Ginth. Origin of dorsal twice as distant from vent as from gill- opening. Giinth. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1876, v. XVIL., p. 401. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 922. Rare. Tasmania (Allport). 135. CONGROMURENA HABENATA, Rich. (A. Z.) Silver Eel. Upper jaw much projecting beyond lower. Dorsal com- mences immediately behind the pectoral. Gunth. Cat., VIII., p. 42. Macl. Cat., 916. Rare. One specimen in Roy. Soc. Museum, caught in the Derwent. Fam. XXXIX. PEGASIDZ. 136. PEGASUS LANCIFER, Kaup. D5: AS. YPelbneNVe2: Giinth. Cat., VIIL, p. 149. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 946. Not uncommon in the Derwent. Fam. XL. SYNGNATHIDZ. 137. SYNGNATHUS SEMIFASCIATUS, Giinth. (A.) Pipe Fish. D. 38. Osseous rings, 21 + 49. Giinth. Cat., VIII., p. 162. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 947. Not uncommon. 138. STIGMATOPHORA ARGUS, Rich. (A.) Pipe Fish. D. 49-52. Osseous rings, 20 + about 75. Giinth. Cat., VIII., p. 189. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 969. Common. 139. STIGMATOPHORA NIGRA, Kaup. (A.) Pipe Fish. D. 39-40. Osseous rings, 17 + about 72. Ginth. Cat., VIII., p. 190. Macl. Cat., 966. Enters the Tamar occasionally. 140. STIGMATOPHORA GRACILIS, Macleay. (T.) Pipe Fish. D. 58. Osseous rings, 20 + 56. Macl. Cat., 970. Length, 5 inches. Tasmania (Macleay). 141. SOLENOGNATHUS SPINOSIssIMUuS, Giinth. Pipe Fish. D. 35. Osseous rings, 27 + 55. Giinth. Cat., VIIL, p. 195. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 973. Common, Derwent. 142, PHYLLOPTERYX FOLIATUS, Shaw. (A.) D. 30. Osseous rings, 18 + 35. Giinth. Cat., VIII., p. 196. Allp. MS. Macl., 974. Common. © ‘ 135 143. HIPPOCAMPUS ABDOMINALIS, Kaup. (T.) Sea-horse. D. 28 - 31. Ginth. Cat., VIIL., p. 199. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 978. Abundant. 144, HIPPOCAMPUS BREVICEPS, Peters. Yellow-ringed Sea-horse. D. 19 - 21, standing on five rings. Ginth. Cat., VIII., p. 200. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 980. Common. Fam. XLI. SCLERODERMI. 145. Monocantuus Gunuir, Giinth. Dark Brown Leather- jacket. D. 34. A. 83. Skin velvety, dark brown, mottled with black. Giinth. Cat., VIII., p. 247. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 993. Common. 146. MonocanTHUS CONVEXIROSTRIS, Giinth. Grey Leather- jacket. D. 34-37. A. 82-35. Small spiny distinct scales. Giinth. Cat., XIII., p. 248. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 994. Common. 147, Monocantuus Prronit, Holland. Pale brown Leather- jacket. D. 83-35. A. 33. Scales spine-like, with swollen tips like a mushroom. Giinth. Cat., VIII., p. 249. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 997. (Giintheri ?). Common. 148. MonocantTuus GuNTHERI, Macleay, (M.Peronii, Holland). Macl. Cat., 998. 149. MoNOCANTHUS SPILOMELANURUS, Quoy & Gaim. (A.) Golden-streahed Eye Leather-jacket. D. 30-32. A. 28-32. Giinth. Cat., VIII., p. 250. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1000. Common, Sandy Bay. 150. MonocantHus MacuLosus, Rich. (A.) Small brown Leather-jacket. D. 29-33. A. 29-380. P. 12, Giinth. Cat., VIII., p. 25. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1001. 151. Monocantuous Bavuprni, Cast. (A) Lozenge-scaled Leatherjacket. D. 35, A.3l. P.13. C. 8. Scales lozenge-shaped, each armed with three or four spinelets. Proc. Zool. Soc. Vic., Vol. II., page 55. Macl. Cat., 1007. Tasmania (Cast). 152. 154. 156. 157. 136 MonocaNTHUS MELAS, Giinth. Black Leather-jachet. D. 34. A. 34. Colour brownish black; two whitish bands across chin. Giinth. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1876, vol. XVII., p. 402. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1014. Tasmania (Allport). . MoNOCANTHUS RUDIS, Rich. White-Landed Leather-jacket. D. 34-35. A. 34. Brown, uniform or with four indistinct broad, whitish, longitudinal bands. Ginth. Cat., VIII. p. 244. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1020. Common. MONOCANTHUS HIPPOCREPIS, Quoy and Gaim. Blue- banded Leather-jacket. D. 35-37. A. 33-386. Brown, with undulated bluish bands on the snout and along the lower side. Ginth. Cat., VIII., p. 246. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 992. . OSTRACION AURITUS, Shaw. Trunk-fish. Spines, 1 above hind part of orbit, pointing backward. Ginth. Cat., VIIL, p. 266. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1036. Common. OsTRACION ORNATUS, Gray. Yellow-striped Trunk-fish. Spine, 1 above middle of orbit, nearly erect, pointing up and out. Giinth. Cat., VIII, p. 267. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1087. Common. Fam. XLII. GYMNODONTES. TreTRoDON Hamitront, Rich. Toad Fish. Back and abdomen covered with minute spines; back and sides marbled with roundish dark brown blotches. Giinth. Cat., VIII. p. 280. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1045. Common. This globe-fish is stated to be highly poisonous taken as food. It is abundant, entering fresh water at Cataract Bridge on the Tamar. . TeTRopON RicHEI, Freminv. Globe Fish. Body densely covered with minute spines; light brown above, lower parts uniform white. Giinth. Cat., VIII., p. 285. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1046. Common in all our estuaries. They inflate their bodies and emit singular sounds when being captured. When inflated the belly floats uppermost. . CHILOMYCTERUS JACULIFERUS, Cuv. (A.) Porcupine Fish. D.16. A.15. P.19. C.9. Three black spots on each side of the body; jaws without median suture; only 5 spines, in a straight longitudinal series from parietal spine to side of dorsal fin. Giinth. Cat., VIII., p. 318. Macl. Cat., 1063. Common. 137 160. ATOPOMYCTERUS NYCHTHEMERUS, Cuv. Slender-spined Porcupine Fish. All the spines slender, without ridge; upper part of tail _ without spine ; snout to dorsal, 13 spines in transverse series. Giinth. Cat., VIII. p. 315. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1065. 161. OrnTHAGORISCUS MOLA, L. Sun Fish. D.17-18. A.14-17. C.12-16. P.12-13. Vert.10- 7. Giinth. Cat. VIII., p. 317. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1066. Captured occasionally. Sus-crass II. @hondropterpgit. Fam. XLIII. CHIM/ERIDA. 162, CALLORHYNCHUS ANTARTICUS, Lacep. The Elephant Fish: Snout with a cartilaginous prominence terminating in a cutaneous flap. Giinth. Cat., VIII., p. 351. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1070. Common in the estuaries of the Derwent and Tamar. Fam. XLIV. CARCHARIDZ. (Eye with a nictitating membrane, an anal fin, two dorsals.) 163. CaRCHARIAS GLaucus, L. (E.) The Blue Shark. An anal fin. Teeth serrated, those of upper jaw oblique. First dorsal opposite to space between pectoral and ventral fins. Without spine. Mouth inferior. Giinth. Cat., VIII., p. 353. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1074. Common. 164. GALEUS CANIS, Rondel. (E.) The Tope. Teeth, 84 : 84. The second dorsal fin is only one-third of the size of the first, and somewhat in advance of anal. Giinth. Cat., VIII., 379. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1079. (Australis. ) Mr. Macleay is of opinion that the Australian form is specifically distinct from the European form. It is termed the “School Shark”? by the Port Jackson fishermen. Length about six feet. 165. ZyG#NA MALLEUS, Shaw. (E.) The Hammer-headed Shark. The length of the hinder margin of one side of the hammer is nearly equal to its width near the eye. Giinth. Cat., VIII, p. 381. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1080. 166. MusTELus aANTARTICUS, Giinth. (A.) Origin of dorsal fin behind the inner posterior angle of pectoral. No spine. Teeth small, numerous, similar in both jaws, arranged like pavement, obtuse or with very indistinct cusps. Giinth. Cat., VIII. p. 387. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1081. Common. 138 Fam. XLV. LAMNID&. (No nictitating membrane. An anal fin. Two dorsals, the first opposite to the space between pectorals and ventrals. Nostrils not confluent with the mouth, which is inferior. Spiracles none, or minute.) 167. LAMNA CoRNUBICA, Flem. Porbeagle or Blue Shark. Teeth 13-16:12-14. Lanceolate, not serrated. Third tooth either side upper jaw small. Gunth. Cat., VIII., p. 389. Allp. MS. Tasmania (Allport.) 168. OpoNTASPIS AMERICANUS, Mitch. (A.) The Grey Nurse. Teeth large, awl-shaped, with small additional basal cusps. Gunth. Cat., VIII., p. 392. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1084. Not uncommon. Length, 10 feet. 169. ALOPECIAS VULPES, L. Teeth of moderate size, triangular, not serrated. Third tooth upper jaw smallest. Ginth. Cat., VIII. p. 393. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1085. Tasmania (Allport). Length, seven feet. Fam. XLVI. NOTIDANIDZ. 170. NoTIDANUS INDICcUwS, Cuv. One dorsal fin only, without spine, opposite to the anal. A single median pointed tooth in upper jaw. Lower tooth with lateral cusps only. Ginth Cat., VIII., p. 398. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1086. Tasmania (Allport). Length, five feet. Fam. XLVII. SCYLLIDZ. (No nictitating membrane. The first dorsal fin above or below the ventrals. Ananalfin. Mouth inferior. Teeth small, several series being generally in function.) 171. ScYLLIUM MACULATUM, Bl. Teeth of the lower jaw of moderate size, with a long median cusp, and a pair of small cusps on each side. Brownish above and below, with scattered brown spots. Nasal valves confluent. Giinth. Cat., VIII., p. 401. Macl. Cat., 1087. Length, two feet. Doubtful. 172, ScyLiIuM LATICEPs, Dum. Teeth very small tricuspid. Nasal valves not confluent, separated by a broad interspace. Brownish, marbled with darker. Giinth. Cat., VIII, p. 404. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat., 1088. Tasmania (Allport). 173. PARASCYLLIUM VARIOLATUM, Dum. Teeth small lanceolate, only those of lower jaw with indis- tinct lateral cusps. The two dorsal fins subequal, the first distant from root of ventral. Anal entirely in advance of 139 second dorsal. Dark brown above, with more or less distinct black spots. Ginth. Cat., VIII. p. 410. Allp. MS. Macl. Cat. Tasmania (Allport). Length, two to three feet. 174, CROSSORHINUS BARBATUS, L. Wobbigong. Spiracles wide, oblique slits side of head, with skinny appendages (about seven). Upper parts brown, marbled with grey. kandsemes ten eee (Not given). This most interesting species differs from all its described congeners in Tasmania and Australia by its extremely robust form, the powerful build of its feet, by the extremely long claws of the fore feet, and the dark, almost black appear- ance of its fur. To Mr. Sultzberger, of the Upper Piper, we are greatly indebted for this beautiful Antechinus. Mus GRisrocHRuLEvs, § and @. Hars naked, and moderately long; whiskers 23 inches long, black; fur long, bluish-grey, passing at the sides into pale, ashy-grey, which colour extends over the entire under surface ; feet clothed with short, yellow hairs; tail sparsely covered with short stiff hair of a black colour; scales freely showing through. Length from tip of nose to root of tail...... 4 inches. SPT ANA iy 1 LAR RSE et rf) AEP GF? ye Ye TPOMEMOSE: LO: CAT ys: concen ssa dosencasesee 1S ee ‘ es TOLOVCsncnus dieses eeseeee anes inhale bg EOL CAT: Siete aise hp Rneat eoedoe dey Se tnoas re »” OL fore, toot and! clawsiei../1is.ciscmnes ante ¥h) SOF Wing stOOtra hailey ike cvetatee as Rick: eee sub QING UM As eas Resk ss We od aiecaniisteakwousonet Ba, VET ras Pola Beh scirach cuca tuasodadecestanedn ene Bis Ses Bensthy of nacalBOnMeSia..sacesqecdonbeseaesens. Sr. Sy aie mM AOWGL Ja Wisctes tease esti wecsa teasreneeReeeee ie are “Blue Rat” of the colonists; widely distributed over the 174: northern portion of the Island; has been obtained at Kentishbury, Deloraine, and Launceston. In half grown specimens the under surface is sometimes quite white; supraorbital ridge extends to occipital crest; coronoid process thin, narrower, less curved, and more acuminate than in Mus decumanus; condyloid process longer, and thin ; posterior angle rounded and broad ; descending ramus deeply emarginated. Fig. 2.—Lower jaw of natural size. 2a.—Superior molars magnified. Mus LeEvcorvs, °. Kars long and patulous, internally sparsely, and externally thickly covered with short, dark, almost black hair; whiskers rather full, black and white hairs, 2} inches in length; nose grey, extreme tip nearly white; fur long, soft, dark-brown, tipped with pale fulvous brown, slightly paler at the sides, passing into dirty ashy-grey underneath ; tail long, upper surface clothed with short dark hair, interspersed with paler hair; under surface covered with white hair, concealing the scales; fore and hind feet white. Length from tip of nose to root of tail......... 5? inches. fe RSG Peal Bonatined keaciscon inven asso ean eae BP suas $4 OTD ARGS, LA BST sina ania edna nee eau dis Gig fs EO: BY Cans cesses edenitots beaches e > ths PY FD EP OAs wine etstcietnnmiorincoriawas acbedade eMree et Pig ie eaethy boe incavic al reac. eeregndaes + igs Length of fore foot and claws...........cccceeee #5 5 hind £006 and.-clawS. ...:c0..sssseesesees 1 ae si CRU MSTA eh ele ata ldineaa st abcediemeab uate ae ee Width so Bac pan cttctans tied San ctcReaihaa a ton epientigaatdene re Leneth-of nasal bomes.:......cc.sc.eccceceensecsnseds eder- soe OL OWE AW fos terest c,h ge cde sees te ty Circumference of chest ..%.06)i0..cs.eieeewdod 0K (Not given). Principally noticeable by the pure whiteness of entire under surface of tail; supraorbital ridge absent; coronoid process short and pointed; condyloid process pointing backwards ; posterior angle short, and slightly acuminate; descending ramus moderately emarginate. Obtained by Mr. E. Higgins, of Kentishbury, near the Minnaw River. Fig. 4.—Lower jaw, natural size. 4qa.—Superior molars magnified. Mus variaBiuis, &. Ears rather large, broad, very rounded at the apices, and almost naked; whiskers dark-brown, almost black, with intermingled white hairs 25 inches long; fur dark bluish- grey on the back, gradually becoming paler towards the under surface; feet brownish ; tail thickly covered with short, dark-brown hairs, through which the scales are visible. ?.—Fur rather long and soft, on the back of a fawn < a ~ Granam. Lt H.d. ' LIST OF FIGURES, TASMANIAN MURIDZ. Fig. 1.—Lower jaw of Mus decumanus. » 2.—Ditto of Mus griseoceruleus. 2a.—Superior molars of ditto, magnified. 3.—Lower jaw of Mus variabilis, natural size. 3a.—Superior molars of ditto, magnified. 4.—Lower jaw of Mus lewcopus, natural size. 4a.—Superior molars of ditto, magnified. 5.—Lower jaw of Mus Simsoni, natural size. 5a.—Superior molars of ditto, magnified. heh able ee whats i Bcig ‘ oe , : (git Ty ; ite j ‘Ss ae Alyn H.3Q WAL TOW ad J ‘ eT iM es NT ‘TOY erty Pate 4) RA sith we | ae ; ; Ra Ny Haynes ode! oo: 10) BERS. tO diid- “a en h +s =~ + 4 4 r eum Ie ye ae taere Ay Ete sv Su Pret evan A nies NOP ‘ . Tt ted eee “8 “4 - 1 iter ies. ae ' ORO bay PERSP we ae ; Pi Vi iS 5 ae c ARIS Wi Ba oe o peel ghsy! 4 : » Wail a-t an. 4 | f +4 ’ ] ry ¢ é na ’ : 4 7 ; f - er iG Gi th AE eT oe Sate te ih e | f ' a4. sae z > ‘asin Lestat BES See e ras 5, fi 7? it Lo tom Hsiggglet i). ‘ ’ ‘ a : E a Pe ’ acy . tr) . . . ’ € a 7 1 7 ees nal > * * e 4 e) 4 ; a a ¥ ¢.8 A - cam 175 colour; the base of the hairs bluish-grey, with numerous black hairs scattered throughout; the fur gradually pales to white on the entire under surface, where the hairs are perfectly white to their base; fore feet very pale fawn colour; hind feet white. In all other respects the female resembles the male. Length from tip of nose to root of tail......... 8 inches. $0 OR GMa ted sna aran cai ceanec stuns keer ssonceanes Se: se SEOMIUMOSS CO CAD sac3c,0)ss0sancssnopseosnesdeere Le ; % EO BY Cl Bi asdcevcweeasaee'ouasdatees 1 _ oP OL CAM ohesce aceetctitee thee bathe sabene dann Sedes is NN GB oy Meet pide scdacieth nsieatinaetansiticeenSsicdingaatebe a Length of fore foot and ClaWS......scscssseeeee. a : bind foot and: ClAWS .24....5..ccc0ssereses00 12 =, ‘ Kan cccan seers ewe tear stone Seadeeuar eyes | aoe WAG On eal aieots uvibetheps stun ue sseeemeacasonen va es Length of nasal bones.............cscssremscererserees ss; & WGOWEE, (AWE oct wsioncuciee-weeveehee ester diotas EAs; Supraorbital ridge very prominent, extending as far back as the occipital crest; palatine openings long and narrow; coronoid process rather short and acuminate; condyloid process inclined backwards; posterior angle rounded, nar- row, and long; descending ramus deeply emarginate. Fig. 3.—Lower jaw, natural size. 3a.—Superior molars magnified. From Mr. Swan, of St. Leonards, to whom we are indebted for the specimens, we learn that these rats are of many colours. For this reason we have selected the specific name. Mus Simson], ?. Har moderately long, clothed internally ad externally with short brown hairs, which are rather darker on the outer surface ; whiskers moderately long, dark-brown; fur greyish- brown, interspersed with darker hairs; under surface of a paler tint; face bluish-grey; chin white; fore and hind feet clothed with short yellowish-white hairs; tail moderately clothed with pale-brown hair; scales distinctly visible; base of tail thickened. Length from tip of nose to root of tail......... 28 inches, PRE ROE GAUL eossconesnosscucokraeester soracnmenieranater oF ., Pepi TORI NGSC LO; CAL? ....025- pes seear etree cece ar . LOCC YC iass eae t see eeeeaeeeccoeaee ae OE 7 OE OAR ck mevdccecvanle ander espeeaaee seen Ai ys AV A3 Ul Cie I, I ap ne an ee A amr eer is? as Length of fore foot and ClaWS..uscssssecuseesseees ee # hind foot and Claws...:...0icc0s«epex=. ae 59 OliS KW iecsescnceticose dee mee eanes enon aes VAC Diss | adhere Ree nae avecees-eaeeteenenees 4 5 Length of nasal DOMES: .2.-25-200s4ssnnnsnaserbaneinds : ae - DORVAL. |b Winen dic seeds core ste duasseeeacbeneanen : ee No supraorbital ridge; condyloid process very convex ante- 176 riorly; a deep sulcus between it and the coronoid process, which is rather short; posterior angle very short, and slightly acuminate ; descending ramus deeply emarginate. To Mr. A. Simson we are indebted for this species, which was found by him in some abundance at Ringarooma, and have pleasure in naming it after him, as a slight acknow- ledgment of his kindness in having so liberally given it, as well as the Antechinus leucogenys, to us. Fig. 5.—Lower jaw, natural size. 5a.—Superior molars magnified. Species of Antechini now known to inhabit Tasmania :— Antechinus Swainsonii, Waterhouse, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. 1840, p. 300. minima, Temminck, Mon. de Mam, Vol. 1, . 00. i ites. Gray, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist, 1842, p. 261. 7 Rolandensis, Higgins and Petterd. ie leucogenys, 35 s ” niger, °F) ” Species of Muridee :-— Mus setifer. » penicillatus. », fuscipes. » velutinus, Thomas, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., * June, 1882. Mastacomys fuscus, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., June, 1882. Mus griseoceruleus, Higgins and Petterd. » leucopus, 29 09 ie variabilis, - a » Simsoni, : a DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF FISH, CAUGHT NEAR EMU BAY, TASMANIA. By Rost. M. Jounston, F.L.S. [Read 14th November, 1882. | LOPHOTIDA. THNIOIDEI, PART., Cuvier. Body elongate, strongly compressed, naked; eye lateral; cleft of the mouth narrow, with the dentition feeble; vent 10¢ situated near extremity of the tail; one dorsal fin, oceupy- ing the whole length of the back, composed of flexible rays, which do not show either articulated joints or branches; anal short; caudal in the longitudinal axis of the fish; ventrals thoracic; gill openi:g wide; branchiostegals six ; gills four; pseudobranchie ; muscles coherent. 1. LOPHOTES. Lopuores, Giorna, Mem. Acad. Torino, IX., 1803, p. 19. Cuv. Régne An. Head elevated into a very high crest, at the anterior extremity of which the dorsal fin commences; the vent is situated near the extremity of the tail; a small anal fin behind it; ventrals and caudal small, the former thoracic ; mouth protractile, subvertical; teeth in the jaws, on the vomer, and on the palate ; air bladder present. LopHotes GUNTHERI (n. s.) BG. (e236, Ales Pad Ve 2 Oran: The height of the body is contained 52 times in the total length, and the length of the head 83 times; eye very large. The first spine, in the specimen being described, had been broken off close to the anterior point of elevated soft crest, and is somewhat compressed and moderately strong. The rays of dorsal immediately over the eye are about 4 inch in length, gradually increasing to 23 inches long behind the extremity of pectoral, and from thence gradually diminishing towards a point measuring 1} inches from extremity of caudal fin, where a second rudimentary series of about 36 rays connects the principal series with the caudal fin; caudal fin composed of 14 rays unsymmetrical, and terminals bend- ing slightly upwards; anal fin small, measuring ? inch long, and ¢ inch deep; the first six rays are simple; ventral 1, rudimentary, scarcely ¢ inch long; fins pinkish- yellow; sides uniformly silvery, with reticulated markings resembling scales—208 series longitudinally, and 65 trans- versely. The above singular fish is closely allied to the ribbon fish family. It was caught recently on the North-West Coast, near Emu Bay, and subsequently presented to the Fisheries Exhibition Commission by Mr. John Swan. Dr. Gunther states that the fishes of this family are of very rare occur- rence, and hitherto only known to exist in the seas of Japan and Mediterranean. Only one species, Lophotes Cepedianus, Giorna, is described in Dr. Gunther’s Cat. of the Fishes of the British Museum. The Japanese species, Lophotes Capellei, Schleg., is stated by the same authority to be doubtfully distinct from L. Cepedianus, of the Mediterranean. It is of great interest to find a representative of this singular family 178 in Tasmanian waters. The specimen described was photo- graphed while in a fresh state, and the latter will in future be serviceable for identification. Potaldenchin. Be wie ie icdon waver. adsede 43? inches. PENSTH OF MODY > Hebi a0. heaves. AS hes 40% ,, % Ba 342 sons datasets cnschpertork nee is ae + SR OMG essbatt lett sacecnaneseneueg ae Depth behind shoulder. :..-<.0.1:......... (aro Gil nearpniddle t....c.tsye.0-227etoews 7 . 49) All BAW ANICO OF ANUS 222425522. -0220 0c 5 % od }OVEE? AMILIS 0 Sata vsa wana esees onengs er sk GA OOD a oon coseee wa neopiete naar $y Leneth or pectoral Tay. .:02-.....0050 2200+ Oh ges Diaieter Gl CYC. ..ts. oo -- oie es essedset sees g B Greatest thickness of body ................ $c). FL | €90-§ 6.69 669.62 “' SSUIPLOOOY UBOTA| ‘UBT 99.1} OY} JO UBOT GTS. | 8.9P 6.9 6) “WS PM'N'M LET _P9G-16 1.69 | GPL | 9FP | 6.9E | 8.89 | 6.69 6LL. L-6P | §-99 | 9-69 | 602-62 | 049.66 | STL.66 | “ttt WBOTAT ‘T890,L| TRIOL | OTP G.&9 L 8-0 PASH AAS N’ a 9T | 809.6 | 4-19 | 4.9L | &EG | Loh | 6.69 | 8.98 GPL 0.19 | 6.49 | 0-F9 | PF9.6 | GLG-6% | 829.66 | “"** LaquIe0eq FOF. | L-E9 g.G ¥.6 HSH PAA N &I G0-% 1.19 | T-8T | 9.19 | 0.0% | 1-69 | 0.88 PSL: 8-84 | 6-89 | 6.89 | 998.62 | €81.62 | LP8.6% | “*"'" LOQUIAGAONT S38. LP 9 G.3 “W'S PO MON 61 61.8 G.Gg | 1.FT | &.9F | GLE | 0.19 | 0.62 GEL 9-1G | §.89 | F.99 | ShL.6@ | $89.62 | 661-66 | “7 —-1EQ09DO 166. | 8.FF 9.9 |PE “M'N SI | 864 | $29 | LPL | ZHP | Z2e | 8.89 | 3.29 PSL L.6¥ | 3-99 | 9-19 | F0G.6Z | 19F-6z | GTS.62 | 8" laquieydag 912 6.6P 9 FT) “UMS Y “AN GL 68.9 T-Sh | 9-TL | 4.07 | 9.88 | &2G | 8.09 1Z8.- 8-GF | 6.1 | 9.9F | F€8.6% | 608.66 | 198.64 |“ asnany 0&3 L.8§ G3.G 6.6 “A'S FP OMIN ST TPT-G | 9-PP | 0.6L | 6-88 | 0.TE | 6.09 | 0.69 G84 8.8F | §.09 | €.FF | 969.62 | 099.62 | 699.66 | “et ATL 193 ¥-0P 9 q.T “98° MA &T Cly-G | 9.G9F | 0.6L | €&.8E | 0.88 | §.0G | Z.8g 668. LPP | 9.6F | 9-3F | FSL-63 | 9F4.66 | 164.66 | “ne OU LC 166 6-8P 6-9 8-T | “IS9AA PUB TINGS | OT 16.9 G-0G | ¥-6L | O-€F | 8.FS | F.GG | G.39 OTS. 9.8F | 4-89 | F-8P | 999.62 | 179.62 | $01.66 | “tt ABTA OFS. | G.8P G §.L |) “UB pus so ST | 6.0 PPG | &-OL | BF | OLE | G19 | 8-FL PIs. L-29 | §.89 | 8.99 | 669.62 | 119.6% | 911.63 | “Tad : OL-0 {21-0 seyouy; = * : c 7 ‘i i ‘ ‘ ° |sotpouy | seyouy| soyouy a) | > ie 5] 2 = ie Ne} UC) Ne) Ne) wo Ne) a 5 5 g oe Cal sen e e eo 5 a 5 = ~ | | b> ry ~ > v7 S| & 8 eo) aban (40S) te 5 Bg | 5 B ee BE LE | Fs ES = | 3 a8 S ye | aisle | toed | = S iS = , by = : 5 Dy 2 fe") = _ 5 ~ a 4 : Pe) Fee | 4 Beem ek x | & Bele a se; 2 | & 5 2881 < ~ : 3 f| | ; } 5 6 | da | q o_! ie (tsa) be ALIGIWOH eaten ‘SGNO1)D | “SANIM ONITIVADUA ‘NIVU “ACVHS NI SUALAWOWUAHL | VaR TUALVUAMNAL | UALAWOUVA JO NVAW } HaVHS NVAW "PAT Bog UvayT 0} peonpor puw Se eee 0} Popood109 LOIOWLOIV — *409} OFT ‘OAT vog uvoy eaoqe AIOZVAIOSGO Jo FSIOP, “W/L 0S LPI ‘opnqsuoy {9 ,F% SE VF “Opnqyery UAAYASHO LNYWNYAAOD “N'Y “LLYOHS UAACNVNNOO AG ‘6881 UVHA AHL JO LUVd ONINOCG LUVAOH LV NeDIVAL | SNOILVAUASEO TVOIDOTOUORLAN HO AUVAIOS AVOTOUOULAWN a i ; } : . t ‘ . ) i s ne ie A 2 my! va Pe m4 Ah. Se os co Oe ‘ ers a ) # ‘ J pi. lie gh = \ o04 4 \ . ok | “ red he ppg ; lal, J Lats i y ‘ ’ f4 r it : ' j iy i ‘ . ’ 4 j i ' . . Ls . i ial be ‘ ‘ m " 5 ’ i hing hag! ’ DRA HOM +) ea iu i a mee ty aati lt 2 : t . ad fer by ' ? hg ee ic 1 Fs rn net } Tha) Ae iy Fen i : ; > 1 bith ery ‘ 4 ‘ * . = w \ . =D ' i tA li {i ‘ a ‘ ive ‘ ; - / \ . i ‘ ’ . = ‘ Y ' biays 3 al ! € , ; , ‘ i Pas |: a ii ahts ~). SMRRANME OF ATROR ; ; 9 fw mead ach bate J f ] c t eh Pas havd arian {' 6 ¥ & . B, ~ BW “Eas 4 “£4; ¢} teste piaeee a t 25s %, -* j ‘ >! , Nod } j L { : Ko | Revs wh TABLE OF RAINFALL OF TASMANIA DURING PART OF THE YEAR 1882, Showing the Latitude and Longitude, and Distance from Sea Coast of each Station, the Number of Days Rain fell during each Month, and Total Rainfall. Name of Station. Hobart «........0000+0 Southport ......0++ Falmouth. Fingal, ......cssee0 Killymoon, Fingal Botanical Gar- dens, Hobart ... Oatlands .........000 Low Head........... Circular Head...... Strahan, Mac- quarie Harbour} Mount Bischoff ... = TOTAL. JANUARY. | FEBRUARY. | MARCH. APRIL. MAY. JUNE. JULY. AUGUST. SEPT. OCTOBER. | NOVEMBER. | DECEMBER. <= bed 2 2) pe be A F | 2 ; F : E : s 3 | 9d g x gS) x S| S| x Sere S| os S| = Sains Sos lS: | Sy Sal ieee 8] ow — $ 3 = 3 = Ej > = = = > = = = 3 x > ij = 3 = x eS 8 = i= = = = = iS Q | S ix} $ Q > a = i< 3 i $ Ss $ i} § & & a § q § S § a § 3 s 2 = 3 = & = = & = 3S = = 3 = 3 = 3 = 8 Ss = 3 3 3 3 & S 8 3 Q |B] el Fl ells lel (eS les les leEl/SlEl/SlEl/SlESleEle lesa } } to! — | eee ee | ee —— South. East, Miles. | No | Inch. | No. | Inch.| No. | Inch.| No. | Inch.| No. | Inch.| No. | Inch.] No. | Inch.) No. | Inch. No. Inch.| No. | Inch.} No. | Inch.) No. | Inch.| No. | Inch. «+ awle 0 | | 42 53 24 | 147 20 7 10 _- = _ = — = 13 0:90 | 16 5°91 13 2415) 13 2141) 12 4°82] 18 2°93 | 13 3°79 | 13 205] 16 2°61 43 26 0/147 1 O | Coast _ —_ 14 2°35 | 20 542] 12 3°82} 23 4°12) 14 2°84 | 21 5°37 | 12 3°51 8 1:90 | 13 2°30 41 32 0} 14819 O | Coast. _ _ — — 4 0-76 9 “21 vi 491 9 1:26 7 1°68 5 155 | 10 1°40 4140 0) 147 48 0 23 7 1065) 4 5°05 6 1:23 9 118 7 1°50 4 0°92 8 1:48 | 12 2°80 8 1°83 vf 1°39 4 131] 15 2°81 4135 0| 14810 0 9 = = 3 5°79 8 | 1°60 5 1°05 8 144 if 140) 11 7, |g. 5°91 | (13 1°26 7 1:09 8 2:35 | 16 2°23 | | 42 52 0 | 147 19 50 12 135 | 24°62 9 1:065) 4 1015) 9 | 0°65 9 O58 | 14 449 | 10 1°88 | ll 152] 14 | 3°09] 18 2°45) 12 316) 10 1°81 | 16 2°91 4218 0 | 147 24 0 28 87 | 12°46 = = _ = =a f= _ —_ — _ 9 1:27] 10 110] 15 | 2°47 | \17 169 | 15 195 | 10 2°35 | 11 1°63 | 41 3 0| 146 48 0 | Coast. 86 | 17°93 = _ _ = = _ 8 1:55 | 15 3°99 | 18 | 413] 18 3°04 | 12 1°31 6 2°09 9 1°82 40 43 0 | 14517 O | Coast. | 101 21°25 - _ 9 uly cae) 5°82] 19 | 411] 23 4°54 | 12 2°56 9 1:39 | 10 1°66 | | | | 4211 0/ 14517 0 2 146 | 46°53 | — _ _— _ 13 209] 14 4°73) 21 700 | 13 4°34 | 26 6°62 5 181 | 24 8°63 | 12 3°84 9 3°27 9 4°20 4125 0} 145 34 0 28 206 | 74°82 —s = — = 15 3°34 16 5°27 | 26 |14°55 | 17 5°59 | 25 j11°53 | 23 | 4°52] 20 |14°30] 21 6°27 | 15 3°53 | 19 5°22 te "408 Th i ; ‘ as 2 aS 2 é Post Rie ' i ; la - - o re >) ; ‘xy 7 - - ( I ' , Pay +4 is sha ju i ‘ ° t os , ‘ y s | . ” é ¢ ' 4% i ‘4 A PAE ATL SOP RAT ) beg oh be + iil ovifbtak shes i : Ah . od : Pi Samaras - mie fuga . iat ; ‘ . ie ' cade Sd es Vij \ ‘ \ , 1 ot. 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