£{ 0 f - JftSSc " ?l ^ 0*^-1 $& wmSIBm WMmmm ISit&Si jMH ss^tscs^^ sasiii^ 11111^^ ms ^SSSs ^sfm^W ^mBBS^^ S^^^Mm^dz^k6(^f^ p^tpi mKm ■'v; , HHf mhw RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM EDITED BY THE CURATOR. PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES IE . IP. EAMSA Y, LL. 3D., Curator. SYDNEY, 1890-91. ■F. W. WHITE, PRINTER, MARKET STREET. 1892. C 0 N T E N T S . O No. 1. Published March, 1890. Pages 1-40. Plates i.-ii. Report on a Zoological Collection from the Solomon Islands. Part I. by E. P. Ramsay ; Part II. by J. Douglas Ogilby ... Re- Description of an Australian Skink. By E. P. Ramsay and J. Douglas Ogilby ... Re-Description of an Ablepharus from Australia. By J. Douglas Ogilby... Report of a Collecting Trip to Mount Kosciusko. By Richard Helms ... General Notes made during a Visit to Mount Sassafras, Shoalhaven District, by Messrs. R. Etheridge, Junr., and J. A. Thorpe. By R. Etheridge, .Tunr. Report of a Collecting Trip to North-Eastern Queensland during April to September, 1889. By Messrs. E. J Cairn and R. Grant On a Species of Moth (Epicrocis terebrans) destructive to Red Cedar and other Timber Trees in New South Wales. By A. Sydney Olliff Note on Piezorhynchus leucotis , Gould, Pycnoptilus floccosus, Gould, and others rare to New South Wales. By E. P. Ramsay Notes on the Nidification of Merula vinitincta, Gould, and Ocydromus sylvestris, Sclater, from Lord Howe Island. By A. J. North... Notes on the Nidification of Heteromyias cinereifrons and Orthonyx Spaldmgi , Ramsay, from the Cairns District, North-Eastern Queensland ; and on Sternula sinmsis, Gmelin, from the Tweed River, N.S. Wales. By A. J. North No. 2. Published May, 1890. Pages 41-54. Plates iii.-vi. Report on the Worm Disease affecting the Oysters on the Coast of New South Wales. By Thos. Whitelegge No. 3. Published July, 1890. Pages 55-76. Plates vii.-x. Descriptions of two New Species of Australian Lophobranchiate Pishes. By J. Douglas Ogilby Description of a New Australian Tortoise. By J. Douglas Ogilby Descriptions of Upper Silurian Fossils from the Lilydale Lime- stone, Upper Yarra District, Victoria. By R. Etheridge, Junr. Re-description of Pseudaphritis bassi, Casteln. By J. Douglas Ogilby. Re-description of Anomalops palpebratus , Bodd. By J. Douglas Ogilby... Additions to the Insect-Fauna of Lord Howe Island, and Descrip- tions of two New Australian Coleoptera. By A. Sidney Olliff rAu e 3 8 10 11 17 27 32 35 36 37 41 55 56 60 67 69 72 IV. No. 4. Published September, 1890. Pages 77-88. Plate xi. On a New Species of Petaurides from the Bellenden-Ker Range, N.E. Queensland. By Dr. E. P. Ramsay On Parmella Etheridgei, Brazier. By C. Hedley, F.L.S., Zoologist, Queensland Museum, Brisbane. (Communicated by J. Brazier) Description of Vermicella Bertholdi. By J. Douglas Ogilby Description of a New Tetrodon from New South Wales. By J. Douglas Ogilby On a Fresh-water Alga at West Maitland Waterworks. By T. Whitelegge ... Specimens obtained on a Dredging Trip in Port Jackson, Saturday, 30th May, 1890 No. 5. Published 21st November, 1890, Pages 89-104. Report on a Zoological Collection from British New Guinea : — Part I. Reptiles, Batraeliians, and Fishes. By J. Douglas Ogilby ... ... ... Part II. Coleoptera (Cicindelidcc, Carabidce , and Buprestidcc). By Thomas G. Sloane No. 6. Published March, 1891. Pages 105-124. Plates xii.-xvii. On a New Species of Pteropine Bat from the New Britain Group. By E. P. Ramsay Notes on the Disappearance — Total or Partial — of Certain Species of Birds in the Lower Lachlan District. By K. R. Bennett... Description of a New Fish from Lord Howe Island. By J. Douglas Ogilby Supplement to the Catalogue of “Nests and Eggs of Birds found breeding in Australia and Tasmania.” By A. J. North Notes on new and little known Australian Madroporacea;. By W. Saville-Rent, F.L.S., F.Z.S., Commissioner of Fisheries, Queensland ... No. 7. Published 30th June, 1891. Pages 125-148. Plates xviii.-xxii. Further Descriptions of Upper Silurian Fossils from the Lily dale Limestone, Upper Yarra District, Victoria. By R. Etheridge, Junr A much-thickened variety of Bulimus bivaricosus , Gaskoin, from Lord Howe Island. By R. Etheridge, Junr. ... The Land and Fresh-water Shells of Lord Howe Island. By C. Hedley On the Organism Discolouring the Waters of Port Jackson. By Thomas Whitelegge... Note on the Nidification of Plot us novce-hollandice , Gould. By A. J. North PAGE 77 78 80 81 82 84 89 102 105 107 110 111 123 125 130 134 144 147 V. No. 8. Published July, 1891. Pages 149-178. Plates xxiii.-xxvii. On a new and peculiar Fresh-water Isopocl from Mount Kosciusko. By Chas. Chilton Notes on “Rock-shelters,” or “ Gibba-Gunyahs,” at Deewhy Lagoon. By R. Etheridge, Junr... Description of a New Pelagic Hemipteron from Port Jackson. By Frederick A. A. Skuse ... Note on the Nidification of Edoliisoma tenuirostrc. By A. J. North. No. 9. Published October, 1891. Pages 179-197. Plates xxviii.-xxix. On the Recent Discolouration of the Waters of Port Jackson. By Thomas Whitelegge. (Plate xxviii.) ... Descriptions of three New Papuan Snakes. By J. Douglas Ogilby Note on the Nidification of Turnix melanolis, Gould. By A. J. North ... On Hadra gulosa, Gould. By C. Hedley (Plate xxix.) No. 10. Published December, 1891. Pages 199-211. Plate xxx. On the occurrence of the genus Palccaster in the Upper Silurian Rocks of Victoria. By R. Etheridge Junr. (Plate xxx.) The Operculate Madrejioraria rugosa of New South Wales. By R. Etheridge Junr. ... Notes on the structure of Pedionomus torquatus , with regard to its systematic position. By Hans Gadow, Ph.D., M.A. ... PAGE 149 171 174 177 179 192 195 196 199 201 205 LIST OF THE CONTRIBUTORS. With References to the several Articles contributed by each. o Bennett, K. H. Notes on the Disappearance — Total or Partial — of certain Species of Birds in the Lower Lachlan District ... Cairn, E. J. -Report of a collecting trip to North-eastern Queensland during April to September, 1889 Chilton, Chas. On a new and peculiar Fresh-water Isopod from Mount Kosciusko. (Plates xxiii.-xxvi.) Etheridge, R., Junr. A much-thickened variety of Bulimus bivaricosus , Gaskoin, from Lord Howe Island. (Plate xx.) Descriptions of Upper Silurian Fossils from the Lilydale Lime- stone, Upper Yarra District, Victoria. (Plates viii.-ix.) ... Further Descriptions of Upper Silurian Fossils from the Lily- dale Limestone, Upper Yarra District, Victoria. (Plates xviii.-xix.) General Notes made during a visit to Mount Sassafras, Shoal- haven District, by Messrs. R. Etheridge, Junr., and J. A. Thorpe ... Notes on “ Rock-Shelters ” or ee Gibba-Gunyahs ” at Deewhy Lagoon ... On the occurrence of the genus Palceaster in the Upper Silurian Rocks of Victoria. (Plate xxx.) The Operculate Madreporaria rugosa of New South Wales Gadow Hans. Notes on the structure of Pedionomus torquatus with regard to its systematic position ... Grant, R. Report of a collecting trip to North-eastern Queensland during April to September, 1889 ... Hedley, C. On Hadra gulosa, Gould. (Plate xxix.) ... O n Pcmnclla. etheridgei. Brazier. (Plate xi.) The Land and Fresh-water Shells of Lord Howe Island. (Plates xxi.-xxii.) Helms, Richard. Report of a Collecting Trip to Mount Kosciusko North, A. J. Note on the Nidification of Edoliisoma tenuirostre Note on the Nidification of Plotus novce-hollandi.v, Gould Note on the Nidification of Turnix melanotis, Gould ... Notes on the Nidification of Heteromyias cinereifrons and Orthonyx spaldingi , Ramsay, from the Cairns District, North-eastern Queensland ; and of Stcrnula sinensis , Gmelin, from the Tweed River, N.S. Wales. (Plate i.)... Notes on the Nidification of Mcrula vinitincta, Gould, and Ocydromus sylvestris , Sclater, from Lord Howe Island. (Plate i.) PAGE 107 27 119 180 GO 125 17 171 199 201 205 27 196 78 134 11 177 147 195 37 36 PAGE vii. North, A. J. Supplement to the Catalogue of fC Nests and Eggs of Birds found breeding in Australia and Tasmania.” (Plates xii.-xiv.) ... Ogilby, J. Douglas. Description of an Ablepharus from Australia ... Description of a New Australian Tortoise. (Plate vii.) Description of a New Fish from Lord Howe Island Description of a New Tetrodon from New South Wales Description of Vermicella bertholdi Descriptions of three New Papuan Snakes Descriptions of two new species of Australian Lophobranchiate Fishes Re-description of Anomalous palpebratus (Bodd.) Re-description of Pseudaphritis bassi, Casteln. ... Report on a Zoological Collection from British New Guinea : — Part I. Reptiles, Batrachians, and Fishes ... Report on a Zoological Collection from the Solomon Islands : — Part II. Reptiles, Batrachians, Fishes, &c... Olliff, A. Sydney. Additions to the Insect-Fauna of Lord Howe Island, and Descriptions of two New Australian Coleoptera. (Plate x.) On a Species of Moth (Epicrocis terebrans) destructive to Red Cedar, and other Timber Trees, in New South Wales. (Plate ii.) Ramsay, E. Pierson. Note on Piezorhynchus leucotis } Gould, Pycnoptilus floccosus , Gould, and others rare to New South Wales On a New Species of Petaurides from the Bellenden-Ker Range, N.E. Queensland On a New Species of Pteropine Bat from the New Britain Group Report on a Zoological Collection from the Solomon Islands : — Part I. Mammals and Birds ... Ramsay, E. Pierson, and Ogilby, J. Douglas. Description of an Australian Skink ... ... ... ... S Saville-Kent, W. Notes on a new and little known Australian Madroporacece. (Plates xv.-xvii.) 123 Skuse, Frederick A. A. Description of a New Pelagic ITemipteron from Port Jackson. (Plate xxvii.) ... 174 Sloane, Thomas G. Report on a Zoological Collection from British New Guinea : — Part II. Coleoptera ( Cicindelidte , Carabidce, and Buprestidoe ) 102 Whitelegge, Thomas. On a Fresh-water Alga at the West Maitland Waterworks ... 82 On the Organism discolouring the Waters of Port Jackson ... 144 On the Recent Discolouration of the Waters of Port Jackson. (Plate xxviii.) ... 179 Report on the Worm Disease affecting the Oysters on the Coast of New South Wales. (Plates iii.-vi.) ... ... 41 Specimens obtained on a Dredging Trip in Port Jackson, Saturday, 30th May, 1890 35 77 105 3 72 32 111 10 56 110 81 80 192 69 67 89 84 LIST OF PLATES -O- PLATE FIG. I. 1. Egg of Sternula sinensis, Grnelin. 2. „ Orthonyx spaldingi , Ramsay. 3. „ Ocydromus sylvestris , Sclater. 4. „ Heteromyias cinereifrons , Ramsay. 5. ,, Merula vinitincta , Gould. II. 1-9. Epicrocis terebrans , Olliff, $ . III. 1-10. Polydora (Leucodore) ciliata. IV. 1-6. Polydora , enlarged under a lens. V. 1-3. Ostrea cuculata , Born. VI. 1-10. Oyster-shells showing tubes of Polydora. VII. 1-2. Chelodina rugosa, Ogilby. VIII. 1-2. Trochus (Scalcetrochus) lindstromi , Eth. fil. 3. Niso, sp. 4-5. Niso ( Vetotuba ) brazieri , Eth. fil. 6-9. Favosites grandipora , Eth. fil. IX. 1. Niso, sp. 2-3. Niso (Vetotuba) brazieri, Eth. fil. 4-5. Cyclonema australis, Eth. fil. 6-7. Oriostoma northi, Eth. fil. X. 1. Toxeutes rasilis, Olliff, ? . 2. Rhytiphora rosei, Olliff. 3. Ceresium procerum, sp. nov. 4. Monohammus cestheticus, Olliff. 5. Nothophysis barnardi, Olliff. 6. Monohammus artius , Olliff. 7. Elasmostoma insulana , sp. nov. 8-86. Anoplognathus punctulatus, sp. nov. XI. 1-4. Parmella etheridgei, Brazier. XII. Nest of Ailurcedus viridis, Latham. XIII. Nest and egg of same. XIV. Nest and eggs of Sphecotheres maxillaris, Latham. XV. 1-4. Goniopora fruticosa, S.-Kent. 5-8. Alveopora spongiosa , Dana. XVI. 1 . Goniopora fruticosa, S.-Kent. 2. Alveopora spongiosa, Dana. XVII. Tridacophyllia rectifolia, S.-Kent. XVIII. 1-2. Ambonychia post striata, Eth. fil. XIX. 1-2. Cyclonema australis, Eth. fil. 3. Cyclonema lilydalensis , Eth. fil. 4-5. Phanerotrema australis , Eth. fil. 6-8. Bellerophon cresswelli, Eth, fil. IX. PLATE XX. XXI XXII. XXIII. XXIV. XXV. XXVI. XXVII. XXVIII. XXIX. XXX. FIG. 1-6. Plaeostylus bivaricosus , Gaskoin, sp., var. solidus , Eth. fil. 7. Plaeostylus bivaricosus , Gaskoin. 1. Diplommatina macgillivrayi, Pfr. 2. Diplommatina capillacea, Pfr. 3. Nanina sophice, Gask.,, var. conica, Braz. 4. Plaeostylus bivaricosus, Gask. 5. Microcystis catletti, Braz. 6. Patula whiteleggei , Braz. 7. Nanina howinsulce, Cox. 8. Realia exquisita, Pfr. 9. Simpulopsis ? master si, Braz. 1. Patula whiteleggei, Braz. 2 & 6. Nanina hilli, Cox. 3. Plaeostylus bivaricosus, Gask. 4. Parmella etheridgei , Braz. 5 & 8. Nanina howinsulce, Cox. 7. Nanina sophice, Gask., var. conica , Braz 1-7. Phreatoicus australis, Chilton. 1 — 5a. ,} j> 1 — 6 . ,, j f t3 1—6. ,, 33 33 1-10. Halobates whiteleggei, Skuse. 1-7. Glenodinium rubrum , Whitelegge. 8. Gymnodinium spirale, Bergh. 9-16. Dinophysis homunculus, Stein. 1-6. Hadra gulosa, Gould. 1-6. Rhizopliyllum australe , Etheridge, fil. 7-15. Rliizophyllum interpunctatum, De Koninek. 16-17. Palceastcr meridionalis, Eth. fil. ADDENDA ET CORRIGENDA. o- PAGE LINE A" 8. 1. Omit "Re-.” t/ 8. 1. For "an ” read "a new.” y' 8. Omit foot-note * ^ 9. 30. For "44” read "48.” y 10. 1. Omit " Re-.” ^ 10. 1. For " an ” read " a new.” ^ 10. Omit foot-note. < 18. Foot-note f for " 1877 ” read " 1887.” y 20. 32. For " milee ” read " miles.” k- 23. 33. For " viverinus ” read " viverrinus.” ^24. 36. For " Lymnodynastes ” read " Limnodynastes.” ^27. 30. For " Barwon ” read " Barron.” v/30. 20. For "nalabatus” read "ualabatus.” y 30. 42. For " Scenosepus ” read " Scenopoeus.” ^ 31. 10. Omit "Ptilotis” and substitute „ / 31. 17. For " epioletus ” read " epicletus.” K 31. 17. For " Agavista ” read " Agarista.” i/ 31. 36. For " Gonyodactylus ” read " Gonyocephalus.” / 31. 38. For " Myxophies ” read "Mixophyes.” ^ 36. Omit foot-note. ^ 37. Omit foot-note. ^ 38. Omit foot-note. ^ 41. 6. For " Lucodore ” read " Leucodore.” S 49. 23. Add " 4 ” after " Ser.” y 51. 24. For " moveable ” read " movable.” k' 52. 6. Add " 4 ” after " Ser.” #*61. 30. For "macroscopic” read " microscopic.” / 65. 30. For " mising ” read " mosing.” ^ 69. 5. For " cresentic” read " crescentic.” ✓*78. 2. For " (155) ” read " (15-5),” ^81. 23. For " of the total ” read " in the total.” 81. 23. For " four-sevenths of ” read " four-sevenths in. 81. Omit "and is” in foot-note. ^ 86. 8. For " artica ” read " arctica.” c/ 86. 19. Add " Herd.” after "viridis.” ^ 87. 6. Omit " , ” before " ovum.” k 91. 40. For " subtymppanal ” read " subtympanal.” / 98. 41. For " mmch ” read " much.” / 99. 18. For " this ” read " thus.” y 99. 30. For " percepttble ” read " perceptible.” ^123. 2. For " Madroporaceae ” read " Madreporaceas.” ^123. 8. For " ctenenchyma ” read " ccenenchyma.” y PL xi . The figures are reversed. ^ „ xxi. (Explanation) For " Microcystina ” read "Microcystis.” Note " Doticus pestilens : A correction. — From a communication kindly forwarded by Mr. F. P. Pascoe, it appears that the genus for which I adopted the MS. name Metodoticus (see p. 75), has been described under the name Doticus (Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. ix. p. 27, 1882). The Victorian Apple-pest should, therefore, be known as Doticus pestilens , instead of Mctadoticus pestilens , as at first suggested. A figure of the insect, and some account of its life-history, are contained in Mr. French’s recently published ‘Handbook of the Destructive Insects of Victoria.’ — A. S. O.” The rapid increase in the Collections of the Australian Museum, and the gradual acquisition of extensive series of new, or little known forms from Australia, New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands, have forcibly brought under the notice of the Trustees the necessity of officially publishing the investigations of their Scientific Staff. Hitherto this has been accomplished to a considerable extent through the medium of the local Scientific Societies, but the Trustees now propose to publish under the title of the RECORDS OF TIIE AUSTRALIAN' MUSEUM, an occasional periodical, to contain the Results of Original Researches by the Staff, Reports of Collecting Expeditions, and other matter relating to the work of the Museum. E. P. RAMSAY, Curator. REPORT ON A ZOOLOGICAL COLLECTION FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS. Part I. By E. P. Ramsay. During the month of November, 1889, the Museum acquired by purchase a mixed Zoological Collection from the Solomon Islands, in which the species mentioned below are represented. Howla Island, on which the collection was made, belongs to the Shorthand Group, and therefore to the western section of the Archipelago, to the fauna of which, as was to be expected, we find that with few exceptions the terrestrial vertebrates belong.* The exceptions referred to are Enycjrus bibroni , Dendrophis calliy aster , and Ilyla macrops. The following list conveys a general idea of the Collection : — Mammalia. Cynonycteris brachyotis, Dobson. Two adult specimens. Cephalotes peroni, Geoffr. Four specimens. Phyllorhina diadema, Geoffr. Seven specimens. Aves. The specimens received are represented by seven species, which, although only one is new to science, may be enumerated to show the range of the species throughout the group. All were obtained from the Island of Howla. Halcyon leucopygialis, Verr. This exceedingly beautiful and rare species has been hitherto, so far as I am aware, only recorded from the Island of Gaudalcanar (see Notes on the Zoology of the Solomon Islands, in the P.L.S., N.S.W., (1) iv. p. 67 (1879), where it was re-discovered by Mr. James Cockerell, Junr., in 1878. *This conclusion is principally based on the excellent papers of Messrs. Thomas and Boulenger (P.Z.S., 1887-8). 4 Halcyon albicilla, Cuv. This remarkable species lias a wide range all over the Solomon Group, South-East of New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland, and the Duke of York Islands. Edoliisoma salomonensis, Ramsay. Graucalus salomonensis , Ramsay, P.L.S., N.S.W., (1) iv p. 314 ; id. (1) vii. p. 22 (1882), sp. 20. Graucalus pusillus ) Ramsay, P.L.S., N.S.W., (1) iv. p. 71. (1879). An interesting species allied to Graucalus swainsoni , var. lineatus. Sauloprocta tricolor, Vieill. ; Ramsay , P. L. S., N.S.W., (1) iv. p. 82 (1879). This is a large form of the well known Australian species, S. motacilloides ; the young just from the nest resemble the adults, but have the feathers of the shoulders, upper wing-coverts and scapulars tipped with dull brown. POMAREA LEUCOPIITIIALMUS, Sp. UOV. The present species of Pomarca I believe to be undescribed, as I have not been able to find any description with which it agrees. It comes near Pomarea castaneiventris (Verr.), but is a slightly lirger bird. Head, neck, throat, chest, and all the upper surface shiny black, the feathers of the throat in the female (?) elongated, under surface of the wings and tail feathers dark brown, the inner margins of the primaries below dull ashy-white, abdomen, under wing- and tail-coverts dark chestnut, a conspicuous crescent- shaped spot of white in front of the eye of the female ( ?) ; in the male (?) this spot, is light rufous , but may have been stained by the spirits in which the specimens were preserved ; bill black, margins of the mandibles horn-white, legs and feet black. Total length G* 6 - 6*8 inches, wings 5*25 -5*5 inches, tail 3 inches, tarsus 0*7 - 0*81 inch, bill from forehead 0*7 — 0*75 inch, fronr nostril 0*5 inch, height at nostril 025 - 0‘ 3 inch, width at nostrii 0*25-0*3 inch. This species differs from Pomarea castaneiventris (Verr.) in having a crescent-shaped white mark on the lores in front of the eye, the tail and wings above shining blue-black, the under surface blackish-brown, with the margins of the quills shading into ashy white on their inner webs, there is also a greater extent of black on the sides of the chest. In one specimen ? there is just the slightest tip of white on some of the outer tail feathers, and the chestnut or chocolate tint of the under surface is darker and of a 5 more coppery hue than in those figured in the British Museum Catalogue, Vol. iv., pi. xi., representing P. castaneiventris (Verr.). Dioceum iENEUM, Pucker. et Jacq. This handsome species was first described from a female by Hombron & Jacquinot, in Voy. au Pole Sud., pi. 22, fig. 4, 1845, under the name of Dicee bronze , and afterwards by Pucheran and Jacquinot, Voy. au Pole Sud. Zool. p. 97 (1853), as D. ameum. Dendrociielidon mystacea, Less. A peculiar and interesting form which seems to be dispersed over the whole of the Solomon Islands, the Louisiades, South- eastern .New Guinea, the New Britain Group, and also in the Malay Archipelago. It nests in trees, much after the habit of the Wood-Swallows ( Artamus ), and the nest is made of sticks and twigs ; the eggs, 3 or 4 in number, are oblong, and white without any markings. Paut II. By J. Douglas Ogilby. Reptilia. Ckocodilus porosus, Selin. One immature example. Geiiyra oceanica, Less. One specimen. Gecko vittatus, Houtt. Seven specimens. Varanus indicus, Baud. Two specimens. Corucia zebrata, Gray. One specimen. Lygosoma smaragdinum, Less. Six specimens. ,, cyanurum, Less . Two specimens. ,, cyanogaster, Less. Two specimens. Lygosoma striato-fasciatum, sp. nov. Habit stout ; the distance between the end of the snout and the fore limb is contained once and two-fifths in the distance between the axilla and groin. Snout short, obtusely rounded. Loreal region vertical. Lower eyelid scaly. Nostril pierced between a nasal and a supra-nasal, the latter being the smaller. Fronto- nasal one-fourth broader than long, forming an equally broad suture with the rostral and the frontal ; prefrontals small ; frontal heptagonal, the two posterior sides forming a right angle, in contact with the two anterior supraoculars, and rather shorter than the frontoparietals and parietals together ; four supraoculars, the second slightly larger than the third ; eight supraciliaries the first the largest j frontoparietals distinct, equal in length t^ G the interparietal ; parietals forming a suture behind the inter- parietal ; a pair of nuchals and a pair of temporals bordering the parietals ; sixtli upper labial beneath the middle of the eye, and not larger than the others ; upper labials completely separated from the lower eyelid by a row of scales equal in size to the supraciliaries. Ear-opening oval, vertical, about one half of the size of the eye-opening, with li ve small lobules anteriorly. Thirty- three smooth scales round the middle of the body ; dorsal scales much larger than the laterals and ventrals, which are of equal size ; preanals not enlarged. The adpressed hind-limb overlaps the wrist ; digits moderate, compressed ; sub-digital lamella? twenty-three under the fourth toe. Tail rather short and stout, not much longer than the head and body. Colours — Above yellowish-brown, below creamy-white ; a series of vertical violet bars on the labials ; a violet band from the angle of the mouth, inclining inwards along the throat, and not reaching quite so far backward as the fore limb; a similar, but shorter and more indistinct, parallel band from the sixth upper labial; upper surface with seven narrow dark-blue longitudinal bands, which cease about half way along the tail, and correspond to the intersection of the series of scales ; a few similar, but less conspicuous bands between the limbs ; fifteen rather irregular broad dark brown transverse bands on the body continued for some distance down the sides ; outer surfaces of limbs with narrow dark blue longi- tudinal lines. Inches. Millim. Total length 14-60 ... 372 Length of head 1-22 31 Width of head 0*88 22 Length of body 5-59 ... 142 Length of fore limb . . . 1-75 44 Length of hind limb 2*35 60 Length of tail 7*85 ... 199 This Lizard belongs to the sub-genus limpet, and though undeniably closely allied to Dr. Gunther’s Eumeces albofasciolatus , hitherto recorded from Northern Australia, New Ireland, and the Duke of York and Solomon groups, still, putting aside the very distinct pattern of coloration, I consider that the differences cited sufficiently justify me in describing the species as These differences are as follows : — ( 1 ) The greater corn- new. parative length between the tip of the snout and the fore limb ; (2) the reduced number of supraoculars ; (3) the equality in size between the interparietal and either frontoparietal ;* (4) the non-enlargment of the sixth upper labial ; and (5) the distinct overlapping of the adpressed limbs. * This character is not prominently brought out in the figure of the head shields in the latest British Museum Catalogue. 7 Enygrus carinatus, Schn. One specimen. „ bibroni, //. & J. Two specimens. Dendropiiis calligaster, Gnth. One immature example. Dipsas irregularis, Merr. Six specimens. Hoplocepiialus par, Blgr. Three specimens. Batrachia. Uana guppii, Blgr. One specimen. ,, OPISTHODON, Blgr. Four specimens. The very interesting account given by Mr. Boulenger of the curious breeding habits of this Frog will well repay perusal. (See Trans. Zool. Soc. xii. p. 51.) Ceratobatraciius guentiieri, Blgr. Three specimens. IIyla macrops, Blgr. One specimen. Pisces. CiiiETODON vittatus, Bl. One specimen. Gobiodon rivulatus, Rapp. One specimen. Ampiiisile strigata. Gnth. Nineteen specimens. Heliastes lepidurus, C. V. One specimen. Fierasfer iiomii, Rich. One specimen. Ophichtiiys colubrinus, Bodd. One specimen. Crustacea. Mr. Whitelegge has determined the members of this Class as follows : — Gelasimus vocans, Fabr. Seventy-five specimens. MatutA victrix, Fabr. Thirteen specimens. Calappa hepatica, Linn. Three specimens. Thalassina maxima, Hess. One specimen. Birgus latro, Herbst. Oiie specimen. Insecta. Mr. Olliff reports as follows : — “The Collection contains a few interesting Longicorns, chiefly belonging to the genus Batocera , and one or two Dynastidce which are new to the Collection, but the majority are well-known forms.” Echinodermata. The only species represented is — Archaster typicus, M. T. Four specimens. 8 -^^-DESCRIPTION OF AUSTRALIAN SIvINK. By E. P Ramsay & J. Douglas Ogilby. Lygosoma maccooeyi, sp* nov* Habit lacertiform ; the distance between the end of the snout and the fore limb is contained once and two-fifths in the distance between the axilla and groin. Snout short, obtusely rounded. Lower eyelid with an undivided transparent disc. Nostril pierced in the nasal; no supra-nasals ;f fronto-nasal much broader than long, forming a broad suture with the rostral, and a narrow one with the frontal ; prefrontals large, much bent down on the sides ;| frontal pentagonal, forming a rounded angle posteriorly, equal in length to or but little shorter than the frontoparietal, and in contact with the two anterior supraoculars ; four supra- oculars, the ‘second the largest ; seven supraciliaries ; fronto- parietal single, followed by a small interparietal ; parictals forming a median suture behind the interparietal ; a pair of nuchals and a pair of temporals bordering the parietals ; fifth upper labial much the largest, entering the eye. Ear-opening oval, slightly smaller than the transparent palpebral disc, with a single obtuse lobule anteriorly. Thirty-two scales round the middle of the body, the dorsals very indistinctly bi- or tricarinate, the laterals a little smaller than the dorsals or ventrals ; preanal scales slightly enlarged. The hind limb when stretched forward reaches the elbow; fingers four, toes five; sub-digital lamellae twenty to twenty three under the fourth toe. Tail one-third longer than the head and body. Colors -^- Above rich olive-brown, most of the scales from the shoulders to nearly the end of the tail with two or three light-blue longitudinal pencillings which are generally edged with black ; these are absent on the sides of the body, but present on those of the tail ; in some specimens there are two broad orange lateral bands between the limbs, separated by a blue band ; in others a single orange band bordered above and below by blue, while in a third section the orange is *Sii^ publishing the desciiption of the original specimen in the Proc. Linn. S^., N.S. Wales, Dec., \889, several fine specimens have been received, the examination of wbick^necessitatcs the amplification of that description as here given. fin one specimen there is a lange supra-nasal on one side, which is wanting on the other. Jin one speewne^n these shields are in contact with the second upper labial. 0 entirely wanting, leaving the sides blue ; sides of head bluish- brown ; labials and chin greyish-white ; throat, abdomen, and under surface of tail light greenish-blue, each scale of the hinder two-thirds of the latter with a distinct posterior brown margin, which becomes more accentuated towards the tip ; limbs blue, the outer scales broadly brown-edged, and with an occasional orange spot. Total length . . . Length of head Width of head Inches. Millim 5 1 *65 143 052 ... 13 0-41 ... 9 Body . . Fore Jiinb Hind limb Tail ... 1*88 48 0-67 17 0-91 23 3*25 82 The Lizard above described was obtained by Mr. H. J. McCooey at Brawlin near Cootamundra, where it does not appear to be scarce ; the Museum is indebted to this gentleman for many interesting and valuable specimens both zoological and ethno- logical, and we have therefore much pleasure in dedicating this well marked and interesting species to its discoverer. The species belongs to the small section of Dumeriland BibroiVs genus Liolepisma , which is characterized by the absence of a fifth finger and the conjunction of the fronto-parietals, its nearest ally being apparently Mocoa tetradactyla, O’Shaughn. ; the most obvious distinctions between the two forms, as taken from Mr. Boulenger’s description of O’Shnughnessy’s species and from that given above are as follows : — In L. tetradactylum (1) the head is much larger, both as to length and breadth, in comparison with the body (14 and 10 to 41 against 13 and 9 to ^mm,); (2) the prefrontals are in contact ; (3) the frontal is much shorter than the fronto-parietal ; (4) the scales have no trace of carination ; (5) the non-enlargement of the preanals ; (6) the shorter tail ; and (7) the different pattern of coloration. Even, however, should future investigation prove Lygosoma maccooeyi to be a. handsome variety of L. tetradactylum^ much will have been gained by fixing indisputably the habitat of that species ; and should this conclusion be arrived at we have little doubt that L. pectorale (Ileteropus pectoralis , De Yis) will also have to become a synonym of L. tetradactylum , but the description is unfortunately so inadequate that it is quite impossible to determine this question without an examination of the original type. 10 ^-DESCRIPTION OF ABLEPIIAIiUS FROM AUSTRALIA. By J. Douglas Ogilby, Ablepiiarus boulengeri, sp . nov .* Habit lacertiform ; the distance between the end of the snout and the fore limb is rather less than one-half the distance between the axilla and groin. Head small; snout moderate, obtuse; rostral not projecting. Eye incompletely surrounded by granules. Nostril pierced in a nasal; supra-nasals present. Eronto-nasal large, forming a narrow suture with the rostral and a slightly broader one with the frontal ; pre-frontals small ; frontal penta- gonal, forming a rounded angle posteriorly, not so long as the fronto-parietal and inter-parietal together, much larger than the prefrontals, and in contact with the two anterior supra-oeulars ; four supra-oculars, the second much the largest ; six supra, -ciliaries, the first large the last minute ; fronto-parietal single, cordiform, followed by a moderate inter-parietal ; parietals forming a median suture behind the inter-parietal ; a pair of enlarged nuchals on either side ; fifth upper labial beneath the eye, much larger than the others. Ear-opening large, oval, oblique, with no distinct anterior lobules. Thirty smooth scales round the middle of the body. Limbs moderately developed, pentadactyle ; the adpressed limbs do not meet ; subdigital lamelhe sixteen beneath the fourth toe. Tail not quite so long as head and body. Colours — Bronzy above, each of the scales of the back with a dull blackish spot, which on either side of the vertebral column form an indistinct darker band ; tail without spots ; a pale salmon-colored lateral band extending from the angle of the mouth, through the ear- opening, and passing above the fore limb to the groin, bordered above by a broader, below by a narrower black band ; lips and cheeks freckled with black ; upper surface of the limbs bronzy, with lighter and darker spots ; louver sides of head and body white tinted with green, of tail salmon color, the last fifth silvery, spotted with black. Inches. Mill ini. Total length ... 3*57 90 Length of head 0-33 8 Width of head 0-24 6 Length of body 1-52 38 Length of fore limb... 040 9 Length of hind limb 0-65 16 Length of tail 1-72 44 The beautiful Lizard described above is another of Mr. McCooey’s discoveries at Brawlin. I have taken the liberty of dedicating 11 the species to Mr. Boulenger, as a slight recognition of the impetus which he has given to herpetological science by formu- lating a definite method for the description of the species belonging to this interesting sub-order. REPORT OF A COLLECTING TRIP TO MOUNT KOSCIUSKO. By Richard Helms. ( Abridged from his Report to the Curator, ) Leaving Sydney on the 5th February by night train, and reaching Michelago about 7 a.m., \ proceeded without delay by coach to Cooma. On account of the boisterous weather of the previous night the roads were very bad, and the prospect of success in my undertaking, which almost entirely depended on fine weather, was therefore not very hopeful. All my boxes got saturated, which compelled me to unpack them to prevent the contents getting spoiled. This increased my discomfort, for anxious as I was to make my tour a success, particularly as it was my first for your Institution, the outset was so discouraging that it almost disheartened me. Moreover everyone predicted a long continuance of bad weather, this having been the usual experience in that part of the country after the breaking up of a long dry season. I t is pleasing to relate, therefore, that since I left Cooma only a few rainy days have stopped my collecting, but I was at a great disadvantage in reaching the field of operations at such a late time of the season, when most of the shrubs and trees were past flowering. Another disadvantage was that I reached Jinda- byne, the last settlement near the mountains at a time when everyone was engaged in harvesting, and consequently a con siderable difficulty arose about getting a guide and packhorses to enable me to push on at once to the highest peaks of the range. I am however doubtful whether after all much has been lost, for whilst waiting to get a guide, &c., I put my time in well at another place, and what I missed from the highest altitudes, I gained in extra numbers where I collected, many of which also proved highly interesting. To collect successfully at these high altidudes, it is my opinion one ought to be there before the beginning of January, and stay at least during the whole of that month, when the floral development displays its greatest luxuriance. The high winds which commonly prevail at altitudes above 4,000 feet, are very detrimental to successful collecting ; but occasionally almost dead calms are experienced, and during such periods insect life appears abundant. 12 After three clays stay at Oooma, where I collected as much as the broken weather would permit, T started on Saturday, 9th February, for Jinclabyne, which was reached at 3 a.m. on Sunday, 10th February. Jinclabyne is very pleasantly situated on the eastern bank of the Snowy River, about 26 miles from the highest peaks of the Australian Alps. The neighbourhood at one time must have been excellent collecting ground, but at present is much deteriorated owing to the denudation of the forest lands, and by ring-barking ■ however, a good number of insects of all the orders were obtained, particularly some line Ilym mopUm. After a few days collecting about Jinclabyne, I went to a place on the upper Moonbar River, having been informed of the occurrence of numbers of butterflies. This information proved correct, but although the Lejridoptera were much knocked about and many quite worthless, a fair number of good specimens, and many other interesting Insects were obtained. My instructions being to ascend the ranges, brought me back to Jinclabyne. After several unsuccessful attempts I obtained a good guide, with packhorses, &c., and started on Sunday, 3rd March. The road, after crossing the Snowy River, leads through Mr. Body’s run till the Crackenbac, better known as the Threaclbow River, is crossed, not far from its junction with the former. Here at Mr. Spencer’s old station “ Westpoint,” mentioned in Dr. Lendenfeld’s Report, a rest was made, and from thence for a considerable time we followed his route. For some seven miles there is a splendid track, formerly used by bullock drays, and this part of the journey must have been in Dr. Lenclenfeld’s mind when he made the assertion that he could drive a carriage to Mt. Kosciusko. At a place called Wilson’s Valley this fine track ceases, and from thence it is utterly impossible to proceed except on foot or horseback. The rises, hitherto with but few exceptions having been gradual, occasionally now got very abrupt for short distances, while intervening bogs and thick scrub made it rather difficult to bring a pack on safely. Wo got on pretty well however, as the guide was a very careful man and the horse very docile. Just before sundown wc reached Tom’s Flat, and camped for the night. During the day I dismounted many times and obtained a few good insects, and at night I got several specimens of Galaxias in the creek near the camp by the aid of a lantern. Next morning an early start was made, and we reached a camping place at an altitude of about 6,600 feet, and the next day reached the highest peaks. The place we camped at was on the margin of the scantily timbered part of the country, opposite the eastern “ butt ” of the “ Perish er,” a desolate rugged mountain range nearly surrounded by water, two different branches of the Snowy River closely flanking it. In ascending to Mts. Townsend and Kosciusko the scrub gets more 13 and more stunted, and the open is covered with a thick sward of tussock grass, at times quite dense and from six to eight inches in height. Where the ground is not swampy and sour, it yields splendid pasturage, particularly for cattle. Only now and again some of the pretty alpine flowers are met with, mostly Gentians (G.montana) and Heliochrysums. The Celmisias, of which large patches are found, like many other alpine plants were past dowering, and had already shed their seeds. I managed to collect the seeds of about a dozen kinds, mostly Composite. On the whole with such a bleak day as we had, and at the time of the year, the higher parts of the ranges did not look very attractive. Much of the almost desert-like look was undoubtedly caused through the firing which had been carried on to an unusual extent during the long dry summer. On every peak half burned and dead scrub stared us in the face. We reached Mt. Townsend about half-past eleven, and Mt. Kosciusko an hour later. Mt. Townsend is easily accessible, and in a northerly direction is connected with Mt. Clarke by a saddle. By turning to the left from Mt. Clarke over another saddle Mt. Kosciusko, or, as called by IV. Lendenfeld, “ Mueller’s Peak,” is reached. This peak, surmounted by a large cairn, affords a fine view and is the most frequently visited. It is somewhat surprising there- fore that the error in Townsend’s map of this interesting part has not been rectified (unless it has been done quite recently). 1 regretted very much that I had left Dr. Lendenfeld’s Report at the camp, and therefore could not compare the map on the spot and correct it, which I would not care to do from memory. The error is that the Snowy River is made to flow from the saddle connecting Mt. Clarke with Mt. Kosciusko, whilst in reality it is plainly seen to How into the Murray from the peak. Mt. Clarke on the contrary connects in a northerly direction by various lower peaks and saddles with the “Big Boogong,” a very prominent mountain dividing the Snowy and Murray waters. I was very desirous to obtain specimens of Natural History from these high elevations, but owing no doubt to the cold weather nothing was visible. Over the highest waterhole of Australia (7,000 feet altitude), at the foot of Mt. Kosciusko, a few dipterous insects were hovering, of which 1 secured about half-a-dozen, and in a pool a little lower in Wilkinson’s Valley I found two species of frogs in a young state. Besides these only several kinds of seeds were collected here. The absence of Galaxias at this elevation struck me as peculiar. It is, however, remarkable that on the Snowy River side these fishes are met with almost everywhere. From Mt. Kosciusko we somewhat retraced our steps through Wilkinson’s Valley, and leaving Mt. Townsend on our right 14 crossed one of the permanent snowfields which are hanging everywhere on the south-east side of the highest ranges. Crossing a saddle that again divides the Snowy and Murray waters, by turning slightly to the left we reached the highest peak of the Ramshead Range, which from our position extends almost in a true easterly direction, and divides the Snowy and Crackenbac Rivers. My aim was to obtain some “ Boogongs,” the native name for the moths which so abundantly occur on this range, and no doubt have given it its name. From descriptions I expected to find a large Sphinx, and was puzzled how such an insect could exist in such masses at this altitude and in a comparatively barren country. What I found was a Noctuid moth, an Agrotis ,* probably the same as is found in New Zealand, and likely to be a cosmopolitan species. The first 1 discovered was sitting in a crevice, and as soon as I saw it I knew where to look for more. On lifting some of the stone slabs, split from the rock by frost, dozens scrambled away in all directions. I secured some fifty specimens, and but for the high wind might perhaps have caught many more. Why, at such an elevation (from 6,000 to 7,000 feet), millions of these insects should be found, is perhaps one of the most remarkable problems in the insect world. The conditions are by no means favorable, because sometimes during nearly seven months of the year the country is covered with snow, and when the summer comes immense numbers of birds pursue them, particularly the crows which may always be found by thousands about the rocks where the “ Boogongs ” con- gregate. In former years before rum and disease had diminished the aborigines, hundreds of them went regularly to the ranges “ Boogonging,” and lived for months on almost nothing but these insects, returning fat and with a polished skin. An informant, who has lived in Monaro for over forty-five years, told me as follows : — In October, as soon as the snow had melted on the lower ranges, small parties of blackfellows would in fine weather start for the rocks on the summit to get “ Boogongs ” (most likely hybernated examples), and perhaps return if the weather changed ; but a great gathering usually took place about Christmas on the highest ranges, and for about two months a great feast of roasted moths would be held. He assured me he lias seen corroborees of 500 to 700 aboriginals on the mountains, in which the various tribes that took part were friendly, some of them coming from a great distance. Their method of catching these insects was both simple and effective. With a burning or smoldering bush they entered as far as possible the rents in the rocks, and by the heat and smoke stifle the thickly congregated insects sitting in the upper parts of the *This species has been identified by Mr. Olliif as Agrotis spina, Gu., immense swanns of which appeared on the sea-board of Victoria and Now South Wales in the early part of the present summer. — E d. 15 cracks. The stupified and half singed insects were gathered on outstretched kangaroo skins, or on line nets made of the fibre of the “Currajong” tree or the bark of a Pimelia , prepared with great care, expanded on two poles, and then conveyed to hot ashes wherein they were well stirred till done. The bodies would then be shrivelled to the size of a grain of wheat, and the number con- sumed by such an assemblage must have been considerable. The larvae, from what I can see, must principally live upon the tussock grass, since that is the only plant in these regions which could pos- sibly outlive the attack of such numbers of these voracious insects. Towards evening we reached a place just below Pretty Point, which I had selected on my up journey, and in the choice of which 1 was not disappointed. On my way when crossing Tom’s Plat I gave the glacier marked rock, spoken of in Dr, Le nd enf eld’s Report, a rapid but still careful examination, and cannot say that I discovered any distinct stripe, such, for instance, as 1 had seen in New Zealand, nor had I seen any previously on the rocks in Wilkinson’s Valley. There are certainly patches of polished surface to be found, but these in my opinion may easily be produced by less heavy friction than glacier action. 1 have found polished patches on several rocks, though not so large as those on the rock on Tom’s Flat, and almost feel inclined to attribute them to cleavage in the granite where some quartz or quartzose veins or perhaps micacious veins occur. The absence, so far as I can see, of any old moraines leaves the glacier question very doubtful. If any remnants of a moraine were found at the base of Wilkinson’s Valley, the matter might fairly he considered settled, but unless this be the case there seems to me not much ground for it. The aspect of Wilkinson’s Valley undoubtedly favors a glacial formation, but then in my opinion the moraine should also be there. It was not within the scope of my researches to spend any time over this interesting question, but a few days’ careful examination and search in the right places would, I believe, settle the matter beyond dispute. My first night camping near Pretty Point was again very unpleasant, the strong wind blowing the bent down and breaking the ridge-pole. After a perishing night the sun rose bright, and the wind abated considerably, 1 therefore selected a better sheltered place, and improved it by a breakwind made of felled trees. This precaution made me fairly comfortable for the remainder of my stay at this camp, from the 7th to the 23rd March. As anticipated this place proved a fine collecting ground, and it is not likely a better locality could be found in the ranges. Forest scrub, swamp, plains, and small watercourses are more or less approximate, and only for the lateness of the season I should have done still better. Here I obtained the greater number of my Alpine Lepidoptara , and also many interesting Coleoptera , besides many specimens of other orders of insects. The only species 16 of Mm obtained by me was caught here in my tent. But perhaps the most interesting contribution to my Collection was made on Sunday, 10th March, in the shape of a specimen of Peripatus. This interesting find was later on augmented by two others, and one specimen was obtained on the 19th at an elevation of at least 5,700 feet. This is the highest altitude at which I obtained this interesting Myriapod, and as far as I am aware none have been previously found at such an elevation. It must be remem- bered that this locality for at least from four to five months is frequently covered with several feet of snow. During my stay there I experienced several frosty nights. After a few rough and cold nights, which made insects very scarce, I shifted on the 23rd of March to a well sheltered place called Wilson’s Valley, at an altitude of about 5,000 feet, and stayed there for the remainder of my time. Being favored with exceptionally tine weather for the time of the year, I was lucky enough to obtain in this locality many fine insects, particularly some interesting GoUoptera , Dipte/'a , &c., and the greater number of the Peripatns was also obtained here, but only one variety which I did not get amongst the four specimens from the higher altitude. There are in my opinion three distinct species in the collection brought by me, and one doubtful species or variety. In this place were also obtained a good number of Planarian worms, and some Mollusks, including an interesting (most likely new) naked species. The comparatively short stay amongst the mountains scarcely enabled me to thoroughly explore even those parts of the imme- diate neighbourhood of my camping places, and still less the whole of the mountain ranges. If with this is taken into consideration that my collections are made from the autumnal fauna, and that I secured none of those animals that make their appearance. in spring or early summer, it stands to reason that the result of my captures cannot give anything like a fair representation of the extremely interesting mountain fauna. Considering that the Kosciusko plateau alone is estimated to contain upwards of 100 square miles, there is an immense tract of country still waiting for a thorough zoological examination. Already vast stretches of country are annually burnt off to improve the pasturage, and during summer, when through the devastation of forests, the water gets scarcer in the low lying parts, and consequently the pasturage parched up, the mountains will be more resorted to. The finish of my trip, like the beginning, was a wet one. Rain just started the morning of the day 1 had appointed to break up Camp, and lasted for several days, giving me some trouble to get things dry again. It is, however, very satisfactory to me to be able to report that in spite of this and of rough coaching over some 75 miles, I have brought all my collections without mishap to Sydney. 17 GENERAL NOTES MADE DURING A VISIT TO MOUNT SASSAFRAS, SIIOALHAVEN DISTRICT, BY MESSRS. R. ETHERIDGE Junk., AND J. A. THORPE. By R. Etheridge, Junk., Paleontologist to the Australian Museum and Geological Survey of N. S. Wales. The following “Notes” were collected during a ten days’ trip from Tarago, on the Cooma Branch of the Southern Railway to Mayfield, the residence of Mr. C. H. Roberts, J.P., on Boro Creek, a tributary of the Shoal haven River, and thence to Mount Sassafras, in the Parish of Sassafras, County St. Vincent. The rapid movements of the party render the “Notes” but imperfect and tentative at the best, but as such, it is hoped they may be found of sotye service to future travellers in that district. Geology . — Between Tarago and Mayfield the country is gently undulating, speaking generally, and but little rock is visible in place, the aspect of the ground, however, is that generally assumed by rocks of Silurian age, hidden by a surfacing of local drift or wash. At Mayfield the configuration of the ground is more rugged, grits, greywackes, and altered nrudstones being exposed along the flanks and summits of the ranges, and these I take to be without doubt of Silurian age. The average height of these ranges, taking the Mayfield Trignometrical Station as an example, is about 500 feet above the fiat, although of course some of the hills ascend to a much greater altitude. Immediately opposite Mayfield Homestead pinkish ternary granite occurs in the creek bed, and is traceable along the alluvial fiat for some little distance down the creek. In the home paddock to the west of the homestead occurs a low hillock of ironstone. An opportunity did not permit of my ascertaining the precise relations of this deposit to the surrounding Silurian rocks. It may be a reef in them, or form a capping of Tertiary ironstone, un conform able to the former, and I am rather inclined to favour this view. In the Boro Creek, in a direct north- easterly line from this point occurs a highly altered white siliceous grit of a very remarkable character. The soil on the western side of the Boro Creek is of a very sandy nature, of that peculiar appearance assumed by drift derived from granite disintegration, and it is possible that a considerable area of that rock may be concealed here. The track from Mayfield towards the Sassafras passes over much of this sandy country, extending as far as the crossing over the Boro Creek at Virginia Water, the residence of Mr. Peter Roberts. Here a fine alluvial flat has been formed. From this point onwards rough Silurian country is traversed as far as 18 Tomboye, the station of Mr. P. A. Stuart, although the homestead stands on a patch of basalt, but whether an outlier or portion of a large flow, time did not permit me to ascertain. Descending gradually again over Silurian ground the track joins the main Braidwood coach road, and continues onward until immediately before crossing the Ningie Nimble Creek another outcrop of basalt occurs, near the local post-receiving office. Onwards from this point Silurian rocks seem to predominate in the valley of the Coorong River, which is crossed, until east of the Nerriga Hotel, near the village of Nerriga, a third patch of basalt is observable in the road cutting. After leaving Nerriga the country becomes much more rugged, and a few miles further a rapid descent takes place to the bed of the Endrick or Bulee River, a rocky, well-watered stream, also like the preceding watercourses a tributary of the Shoalhaven River. Overlooking it., on the west side, is again a basaltic escarpment. The road, a main one by-the-bye, immediately after crossing the river leads up the latter on the east side, partially in the bed, and a more disgraceful piece of road planning could not have been devised. The four basaltic outliers I have here recorded do not appear to be shown on the “ Geological Sketch Map of N. S. Wales. 57 Throughout the whole of the district so far passed over, the strongest evidence exists of its probably auriferous character, especially from Boro Creek at Virginia Water onwards. Large quantities of scattered quarts are observable, and a few defined reefs were seen. As early as 1851 this district was reported by the Rev. W. B. Clarke* as an auriferous area. He says, “it 55 (i.e. gold) “ also occurs .... in all the creeks falling to the Shoalhaven from the Nerriga district. 55 Mr. Clarke also states that gold was found at Boro Flat. Nerriga now seems to be the centre of a promising little goldfield, as several large claims are being worked for alluvial gold along the Shoalhaven River and some of its tributaries. Encouraging reports of these are given in the “ Annual Reports of the Department of Mines 55 for 1886 and 1887f by Mr. James Galway, Mining Registrar. He there describes the operations of the Coorong Sluicing Company, who have probably “ made the most complete and extensive race in the Colony. 55 This race, a portion of which came under our notice, takes its supply from the Coorong River, and is some twenty-four miles in length. From the Endrick or Bulee River a very rapid ascent takes place up the steep short spurs of Mount Bulee, as the western portion of the Sassafras plateau is called, the road ultimately * Voces & Proc. Leg. Council N. 8. Wales, 1851, 121 -a (Cool. Surveys), p. 86; also Researches in the Southern Goldfields of N. S. Wales, 1860, p. 20. fAnn. Report Dept. Mines N. S. Wales for 1886 (1887), p. 73, and Ibid for (1888), p. 79 19 passing through the “ Gap,” a break in the precipitous and rugged escarpment of Hawkesbury Sandstone, which here unconformably overlies the untilted Silurian rocks. The latter can be seen almost vertical along the river-bed road previously mentioned, with a general north and south strike, the junction of the Silurian and Hawkesbury rocks taking place a little below the escarpment. The plateau now reached, and of which Mounts Bulee and Sassafras only form portions, consists of a high tableland of Hawkesbury Sandstone, and possesses many features in common with the physical aspect of the district north of Port Jackson. The Bulee escarpment exhibits some grand examples of rock weathering, the particular form here taken being the castellated, producing large detached buttresses gradually decreasing upwards, and disintegrating in thin layers or laminas, like so many pancakes piled one on the other. Prom above Bulee Gap the road proceeds over the tableland, now rising, now descending, but never to any great extent, until the summit of Mt. Sassafras is insensibly reached. A short distance before Mr. Greg’s accommodation house comes into view, a marked change takes place in the appearance of the ground, which suddenly passes from the glistening sandy soil of the Hawkes- bury Sandstone to a rich red and brown loam, resulting from the decomposition of the basaltic rock of which the summit of the mount is composed, but when first struck the latter rock appears only as cappings to the low spurs of sandstone. The basalt is described by Mr. 0. S. Wilkinson as intrusive,* and I have been favoured by my colleague, Mr. W. Anderson, of the Geological Survey, with the following notes on' this rock from specimens collected by us. “ It is a dolerite consisting of triclinic felspar, augite, olivine, and magnetite, but none of the minerals showing much decom- position. The olivine contains many included crystals of magnetite, and neither it nor the augite show distinctly crystalline outlines, the latter occurring as large irregular shaped pieces, in which are embedded both felspar and olivine, showing that it was one of the latest minerals to crystallize out.” At the Gap our attention was called by Mr. C. II. Roberts to a large branch of fossil wood, which had been obtained in situ in the Hawkesbury Sandstone. It is silicified, microscopic sections failing to yield more definite details than the feet that the wood is probably coniferous. Mt. Sassafras is the highest point on the watershed between the heads of the Clyde River on the south, and the Ettrema and Danjcra Creeks, branches of the Yalwal Creek, a tributary of the Shoalhaven River, on the north. It is stated to be 3,125 feet above sea level, and rises considerably higher than the tableland around it. * Ann. Report Dept. Mines, N. S. Wales, for 1885 (188G) p. 132. 20 The general physical features of the Sassafras Tableland, on either side the watershed are simple but marked, shallow, open, basin-like gullies, and wide Hats, surrounded by low steep scarps of weathered rock, the dividing ridges covered with stunted timber, or forming open heaths and scrubby spaces, and the flats usually swampy and clothed with coarse grass. These spots are in fact swamps and feeders for the headwaters of the creeks previously named. On the south, in addition to the Clyde River, the Endrick branch known as the Bulee Creek, takes its rise in offshoots from Mt. Sassafras, a long narrow north and south ridge separating the former from the two latter. The Clyde River, two or three miles from its source forms a precipitous ravine, or gorge, 600 feet deep. The basaltic spurs and summit of Mt. Sassafras support a vigorous growth of Messmate, the change to a more stunted form of Eucalypt, the moment the Hawkesbury Sandstone is reached, being a most marked one. The gullies on the north and north-easterly aspect of the Sassafras present quite a different character, being very deep, with steep sides, clothed by a dense subtropical vegetation of vines, creepers, tree ferns, various large Eucalypts. and the handsome Sassafras tree ( Doryphora sassafras ), from which the general plateau takes its name. This beautiful tree occurs throughout the Illawarra country, following the coast region, but it is particularly abundant hereabouts. A magnificent view is obtained from the higher parts of Mt. Sassafras where the ground has been cleared, over the Shoal haven Valley and Jervis Bay, with Mount Cooloomgatta in the distance, frequently seen above the floating clouds of the low ground. The course of the creeks previously mentioned, flowing to the northward, is particularly well marked, from the scarp-like outline assumed by the Hawkes- bury rocks at the margin of the deep gorges which they have cut. The Clyde River,* about three mile/ from its source in the Sassafras swamps, in a fine deep ravine, with similar branch gullies presenting high perpendicular precipices of sandstone, producing scenery closely resembling that of the Blue Mountains, supporting a subtropical growth, which renders progression very difficult. Deep water holes and falls are numerous, and the bed of the river is generally rocky and encumbered with huge boulders and fallen blocks. A few years ago the Coal Measures were discovered in this river underlying the Hawkesbury Band stone, and the seams of coal were reported f on by Mr. N. Taylor, of the Victorian Geological Survey. We visited the seams in question, situated in the Parish of Endrick, three 640 acre blocks *A short sketch of the Geology of the Clyde Elver was given many years ago by Mr. Alexander Berry, in a paper entitled On the Geology of part of the Coast of New South Wales.” [Barron Field’s Geographical Memoirs of N.S. Wales, pp. 246-248 (8vo, London, 1825).] ■fllis Report appeared in the Milton and Ulladulla Times. 21 having been taken up for the purpose of prospecting the measures. A full report was subsequently made by the Government Geologist, Mr. C. S. Wilkinson,* in which he gives the following general section : — liawkesbury Sandstone and conglomerates ... 300ft. Marine beds, conglomerate, sandstone and shales.. 200ft. Coal Measures, bituminous shales, sandstones, coals, and kerosene shale ... ... ... 120ft. 620ft. Tie mentions three coal seams, two of which only came under our notice. The lowest, including its bituminous and shaly partings, is sixteen feet thick ; fifty feet above this are Nos. 2 and 3, which we saw. The immediate coal-bearing measures seemed to me to be about fifty feet thick above these seams at the point where we struck them, the uppermost or No. 3 being three feet, and the lower or No. 2 about two feet in thickness, separated by a few feet of strata. The fifty feet of measures above are generally seamed with thin irregular bands of coal of no workable value. The kerosene shale is poor in quality. The measures are very flat, not dipping at a greater angle than to 6 L in a south-westerly direction. Mr. Wilkinson remarks that the upper part of No. 1, or the lowest seam, which contains four feet nine inches of workable coal, will yield after due allowance for loss and waste in getting, at the rate of 3,778 tons of large coal, and 1,259 tons of small coal per acre. In the present condition of the country the working of these seams is hopeless, the simplest method would probably be by sinking from a convenient spot on the liawkesbury plateau above. Mr. Wilkinson states that to the westward the Coal Measures do not extend beyond Narriga, where the Siluro-Devonian gold- bearing formation rises to the surface. So far as our rapid movements would allow me to judge, the area to the westward of the Clyde River occupied by this formation must be much curtailed. So far no indications presented themselves of an outcrop of Coal Measures during the ascent of Mt. Bulee, and the probability is that in this direction they have thinned out. The presence of the kerosene shale enables the position of these beds to be ascertained with tolerable accuracy. The researches of the Geological Survey Officers appear now to have placed it beyond a doubt, that the Lower Coal Measures at Greta, Port Stephens, Hartley, Joadja Creek, and other places, are always accompanied by bands of this mineral. The presence of the latter in the Clyde section will therefore support the reference of the coal-bearing beds exposed there to the Lower Coal Measures likewise, in * Ann. lieport Dep. Mines, N.S. Wales, for 1885 (1886), pp. 131-2, 22 which case the fossiliferous marine beds above will fall into the Upper Marine Group of our Permo-Carboniferous System. Ethnology. — Mr. C. Ii. Roberts informs me that the neigh- bourhood of the Sassafras was at one time a great refuge ground for those aborigines who had offended against their own unwritten laws, especially those referring to the connubial state. The main offence was that of lubra stealing, great enmity then existing between the Braid wood blacks and their neighbours the Maneroo tribe.* One of their customs appears to have been this : — Should the offending party be caught by the pursuing tribe, when travelling in company with the kidnapped gin, the guilty pair were simply brought back to their place of departure, and the male was then forced to undergo the ordeal of spear-throwing, f This consisted in having one hundred spears cast at him when stationary, by five men as fast as possible, when the dexterity displayed by the culprit in avoiding them is said to have been marvellous. Should the man succeed in escaping without fatal injury, the matter was considered as settled, honour satisfied, and the woman was allowed to remain with him as his wife. On the other hand, should the runaways be found cohabiting at the haven of refuge, dire vengeance was at once administered, the man killed, and his body disposed of in the manner we found the object of our search at the Sassafras. Mr. Roberts states that from some superstitious custom the legs were severed at the knee, but in this particular case it had not been done. Instead, the femora had been cleanly divided high up on the body of the bones, and then the legs doubled up on the trunk, following a post mortem method of preparation customary with several tribes of the aborigines. The right femur, however, had been divided by a direct oblique clean cut about the commencement of the body, and the left tibia had been smashed by a direct heavy blow with a blunt instrument just above the lower end of the body of the bone, and the injury presents the appearance of having been done previous to death. We hoped to have found these remains in the mummified state, the condition in which they were seen by Mr. Roberts some years ago, but the lapse of time, notwithstanding protection from the elements, had almost completely destroyed the dried sinews. Nevertheless, the whole of the upper part of the trunk is osteo- Logically entire, held together by portions of the soft tissues. The body was deposited in a small recess in the Hawkesbury Sandstone escarpment at the Round Hill, about six miles north *The sea-board of this part of N. S. Wales was occupied, according to Dr. J. Fraser, B.A., by the Murring tribe. ( Journ . B. 8oc. N. 8. Wales, 18S2, xvi., p. 20G, note.) f A similar custom appears to exist in a more or less modified form in several tribes, Mr. Froggatt mentions it as practised by the Kimberley blacks. ( Proc . Linn. Soc. N. 8 . Wales, 1888, hi, (2), p. G52.) of the Sassafras, at one of the head gullies of a tributary of the Yal wal Creek, probably the Bundundah Crook. Tt- would appear to have been placed on its back, a rather uncommon position amongst the aborigines of N. S. Wales, lying on the ’possum cloak, the pattern of which Mr. Roberts says was at one time plainly visible. The corpse was disembowelled, and the abdominal cavity filled with Eucalyptus leaves, a constant custom with the Braid wood blacks. The recess containing the remains was some five to six feet from the ground, and of small dimensions, and the bones of the limbs had to some extent been disturbed, but con- sidering the long number of years since the body was placed in its then position, it was surprisingly perfect, all the bones being present except the left fibula, part of the sternum, and most of the hand and foot bones. The skull is in excellent preservation, and the teeth very sound. In addition to the severance above the knee of the right femur, the left ramus of the lower jaw, under the last molar, and in advance of the angle, is fractured. The fracture seems too clear to be the result of a blow, still it may have been. The right zygomatic arch has unquestionably been smashed in by a blow, as the malar bone is caved-in longitudinally in its widest part, just posterior to the orbit. No implements or weapons were found with the skeleton. Two excellent tomahawks found in the district were presented ; one from the Endrick River, by Mr. Mark Piercy; the other from the Sassafras itself by Mr. F. West. The former is a narrow oblong weapon of a dioritic rock, ground to a cutting edge on both faces. The latter is much heavier and larger, of the same material, similarly ground, and oval and smooth on one face, fashioned on the other. Both were pebbles. Zoology . — The neighbourhood of Mayfield, hitherto so prolific in Marsupial life, was found to be practically deserted. We saw individuals of Macropus major, Shaw, and llalmaturus rujicollis , Pesm. We obtained the black variety of Dasyurus rivopinus, Shaw, a female with five young in the pouch in an early stage of development. The Wombat ( Phascolomys Mitchelli , Owen) was at one time an inhabitant of the Saassafras Tableland, a few burrows being observed here and there, but it is reported not to exist now. In the dense scrub a Paddymelon ( llalmaturus thHidis , F. Cuv.) was secured, and its young with it. These small graceful Wallabies appear to keep closely within the thick vine scrub, and are diilicult to obtain. This specimen is of great interest as illustrating the largo size, as compared with that of the mother, to which the young grows before quitting the pouch, in this case twenty inches from the snout to the tip of the tail. Throughout the journey Birds wore not found to be by any means plentiful. At Mayfield the Cuckoo ( C noulus inornatus , Gould) was observed, and this would appear to be rather early for this bird, as frosty nights still prevailed, and even snow fell 24 at least fourteen days after its arrival. One of the Black Cockatoos ( C alyptorhynchus funereus Shaw) was seen, and from the general behaviour and noise made by the flock, preparations were clearly being made' for breeding. The Rosehill Paroquet ( Platycercus eximius , Shaw) was very plentiful and in tine feather. The Sassafras Tableland, and more particularly the immediate neighbourhood of the Mount itself, is a well known locality for certain birds. For instance, the Gang-Gang ( Gallocephalon galeatum , Latham) in small hocks of live to seven individuals was seen on several occasions, and specimens obtained ; the King Parrot (Aprosmictus scapulatus , Bechst.) seen but not captured, and evidently now rare there. The Laughing Jackass ( Dacelo gigas , Bodd.) was found to be very plentiful, and in good feather. The specimens shot appear to be liner and of larger size than those usually met with in more open forest country. The Wonga-Wonga (Leucosarcia picata, Latham) was well known here, but this line pigeon has been almost exterminated. One example of the rarer Scrub-Thrush ( Geocichla lunulata , Latham) was shot in the vine scrub by Mr. Alfred Stuart. The White-winged Corcorax ( Corcorax melanorhamphus , Yieillot) was common in large Hocks, and very tame. The pleasant note of the Brown Thrush ( Collyriocincla harmonica , Latham) betrayed its presence throughout the more open ground near the summit of the Mount ; and the Coach- Whip (Psophodes crepitans , Y. & II.) was equally noticeable by its peculiar and characteristic note. The Satin Bird ( PtUonorhynchus violaceus , Yieillot) frequents this locality in large flocks, feeding on the berries of the wild raspberry, and always accompanied by a few old full plumagcd males. Lastly, the rocky gullies and escarpments afford excellent cover for the Lyre Bird (Menura superba , Davies), which undoubtedly exists here in certain spots in large numbers, and I would more particularly point out the neighbourhood of the Bulee Gap. We heard them in great force hero when passing through on our way up from Nerriga. Little need be said of the Reptilia. Our specimens have been named by Mr. J. Douglas Ogilby, who has determined amongst the frogs Lyynodynastes dorsalis , Gray, from Mayfield, and L. tasmaniensis , Keferst., from the Sassafras. Numerous examples of Pseudophryne bibronii , D. 5 Sassafras & Mayfield jj u 55 >5 n n u n . .Sassafras fo Mayfield • • jj )> ■ • ij >> • • )> )J >5 . . Sassafras . . . Sassafras . . . Sassafras ,, sp. ... ... ... ,, Lacon caliginosus, Guer. ... ... ,, The new genus of Carabid?e is a very interesting form only previously known from the Australian Alps. Stigmatium Mastersi , Macl., is common at the Sassafras. Amongst Orthoptera two species of Blatta , and Anatostoma australasice , Serv., were obtained at Mayfield. The Mollusca, named by Mr. J. Brazier, C.M.Z.S., consist of Helices and a few shells from Boro Creek. Although there was abundance of water and weed in the latter we only obtained an Aneylus , perhaps a narrow variety of A. australica , Tate, and Physa ciliata, Ten. Woods. On the flat below Mayfield here and there we found Helix ( Charopra) funerea, Cox, plentiful under logs and split wood. On the Sassafras Tableland three species were met with, either under old logs or bark, or in old stumps between the bark and the wood. They are Helix (Pomatia) gulosa , Old., H. (Dorcasia) brevipila , Pf., and II. ( Rhytida) capillacea , Fer. Botany. — Time did not permit of much attention being paid to matters botanical. Scattered over the open low scrubby portions of the Sassafras Tableland we found a most beautiful reticulate lichen, which Mr. T. Whitelegge provisionally referred to Cladonia retipora , Sprengel, a reference subsequently obligingly confirmed by the Bev. Dr. W. Woolls, F.L.S. The latter, in his “Contribution to the Flora of Australia,” refers to it as follows : — “ The most interesting lichen that I have seen in Australia is C. retipora , .... from the vicinity of Berrima, .... but as the species was described by Sprengel many years since, 1 think that it must occur somewhere nearer the coast. It grows to the height of several inches. As it becomes old, it assumes somewhat a coralline appearance, becoming nearly white. My learned friend, Dr. F. Mueller, informs me that C . retipora is common in the glacial regions of Tasmania and New Zealand.” It forms one of the most attractive plants growing on the more open and usually dry flat spaces on the tableland, usually sheltered by a few low bushes. It is locally called 1 Coral/ but botanically is evidently little known, and it is, therefore, with much pleasure that we are able to fix a well marked habitat. It grows at heights between 2,000ft. and 3,000ft., and in masses from nine inches to one foot in length, On the heights near Mayfield Trignometrical Station, we found a very peculiar fungus protruding from the ground only within the shade of the She-oaks (Casuarina). It is to be regretted that it was met with only in the dead state, and in consequence Baron von Mueller, who was kind enough to examine specimens, would not venture to name it. It was, however, pointed out to the writer by the ltev. Dr. VVoolls, F.L.S,, that the fungus in question has many points in common with the genus Phallus, The stipe is elongated, simple or bifurcate, each portion bearing at its apex a capsule. The Sassafras ( Doryphora sassafras) is remarkable for the pleasant aromatic odour emanating from the leaves when bruised, and a bitter principle, which can be extracted from the bark by infusion and used as a tonic. The tree grows to a height of one hundred and twenty feet, with a diameter at the butt of about three feet. 21 REPORT OF A COLLECTING TRIP TO NORTH-EASTERN QUEENSLAND DURING APRIL TO SEPTEMBER, 1889. By Messrs. E. J. Cairn & R. Grant. (Abridged from their Report to the Curator .) Dr. Ramsay’s instructions to us on leaving Sydney were to make our way if possible to the higher peaks of the Bellenden-Ker range and Mt. Bartle-Frere on the eastern fall, and to endeavour to obtain specimens of all Mammals, especially Dendrolagus , and to collect Birds, Insects, &c. We left Sydney on the 12th April, and arrived at Cairns on the 20th inst. The rain was exceptionally late this season, for instead of commencing as usual in December, it had only really set in a fortnight or so before our arrival, so that to have gone into the ranges would have been useless. W e therefore collected in the neighbourhood of Cairns for some weeks when the weather would permit, and made a camp about sixteen miles north of Cairns (Double Island) for a fortnight, hoping to get a new Lyre- Bird that was reported to have been shot there. We obtained a fair number of Birds and Insects, several amongst the latter we understand will prove new. The P . archeri however was the only Mammal shot or seen. On the 30th June we returned to Cairns, where we shipped all our gear and started for Boar Pocket on the Cairns-Herberton u Road. We fixed on this place for a camp, as provisions are obtainable near, and the rivers Russell, Mulgrave, Johnson, and Barron head at no great distance. It is a patch of forest country about a square mile in extent surrounded by a dense vine scrub. On making enquiries we found that the natives had been brought in by the police at Atherton, a township on the other side of the B arw t m River, ten miles from our camp, and they were also in on the Russell River diggings. We obtained the assistance of two or three with their gins, and had them attached to the camp until the murders on the Russell were committed. They proved exceedingly useful, and without their help we could not have collected so large a number and variety of animals. We never saw Pseudochirus lemur oides and P. herbertensis until they hunted them out, these species being apparently strictly nocturnal. We found Pseudochirus lemuroides (native name u Yappi) in holes high up, usually on good sized trees. They are exceedingly active when disturbed, running and jumping along the tree tops, at times taking prodigious leaps from tree to tree. In this they resemble a flying squirrel but do not make such an easy slope, 2B and falling down much more quickly. They appear to flatten themselves out, and when skinning them we found a small flap or fold of skin from the thigh to the ribs, and the same behind the forelegs, but not so noticeable. This fold or parachute does not extend along the body, but no doubt it is of assistance in their movements from tree to tree. The eyes of this species protrude in a very remarkable manner, and both sexes have a strong disagreeable odor, which, even in a young one that we attempted to rear, was very pronounced ; it appears to proceed from the sexual organs. The habitat of P. herbertensis (native name “ Obta ”) is similar to that of 1\ lemur aides, but it is hardly so numerous. The white markings on this species vary very much, two specimens being obtained with one foreleg completely white. The two species were occasionally found sleeping in the stag-horn ferns, but generally in holes in trees. P. archeri (native name “Tula”). These animals are occa- sionally seen moving about in the daytime, or seated in a branch or fork. They differ from the rest of the Pseudochirus in having the pupil of the eye elongated like that of a cat. Tvicltomrus johnstonii (native name “Bong-a”) is also found in the scrubs on the tableland, frequently amongst the masses of staghorn ferns growing high up, but they have the peculiarity of coming out at night into the forest to feed on the gum leaves, and we obtained our specimens by moonlight on the tall gums at the edge of the scrub, but never any distance away. None of the other varieties were seen on these occasions. All the mammals collected, with the exception of the Tree Kangaroos, were obtained on the tableland at Boar Packet, with the aid of the natives, they simply walk up saplings with hands and feet, but for the larger trees they use a cane, known as the “lawyer’s” (a species of Calamus) about ten or twelve feet in length ; they tie a knot on one end and swing it round the tree, get a grip with the other hand, then leaning well back walk up, lifting the cane about two feet every step. Unfortunately they are not to be trusted, and after the Russell River murders we got very little help from them. Dendrolagus lumholtzi (native name “Map-pi”). The speci- mens brought down were obtained on a special trip, by Mr. Cairn in August, to the Dividing Range about eight miles eastward of Herberton. Through the kindness of Inspector Stewart, Mr. Hanson and the native police accompanied him. It rained the whole time they were out, or they would possibly have obtained something new in the way of Birds. Mr. Cairn saw the bower of P. newtoniana but none of the birds. The party, however, was fortunate in getting fine perfect specimens of D. lumholtzi, and had an opportunity of seeing the aboriginal style of hunting 20 them. Their method is on finding one in a tree, to build a sort of brush yard round it a few feet from the roots ; one of the natives then climbs up until he is above the animal, which he compels by pelting it with sticks to descend to the ground, where being unable to jump any height it is easily killed with waddios. The natives say they will bite, but we are inclined to think the fence is rather to prevent their getting away, or as a protection against their fore paws, of which the claws are very strong and sharp. The habits and movements of this animal appear to be like those of the native bear ; so far as we saw they did not show any great activity amongst the branches, and they come down a tree backwards making no use of their very long tail. Their tracks were generally seen on leaning trees, but one animal was shot from a tree that was practically perpendicular. We had no means of ascertaining the altitude of the ranges where the specimens were obtained, but should say not less than 4,000 feet, and they appear to frequent very rough country. There was nothing in the paunch of any of the specimens but leaves. D. luniholtzi and the various Pseudochirus were in splendid condition up to August, after which the fur on the latter began to get ragged and worn. On the 25th August Mr Cairn left the camp for the Upper ltussell River diggings, situated 28 miles S.E. of Boar Pocket, and being joined there by Mr. Hanson with his native troopers and four “ myalls,”* started all heavily packed for a trip to the top of Mount Bartle-Frere. The country is exceedingly rough, and being all scrub a track had to be cut, but they made a camp within a few hundred feet of the top of the mountains on the 28th, but not without difficulty as two of the natives gave in. They were again unfortunate in the weather, being enveloped in mist nearly all the time. They obtained seven of the new Bower Bird Prionodura newtoniana , and saw several of their bowers. The sides of the bowers are built round two saplings chosen about two feet apart, and are constructed of small twigs laid horizontally and loosely built together ; the walls are raised to a height of from three to seven feet, and are semi-oval in shape. In two of the bowers at a height of about nine inches from the ground, was a sort of hedge from wall to wall. The flat inner sides of the walls of the bower were decorated in each instance with white orchid blossoms. In two cases one of the walls was raised con- siderably higher than the other. Accompanying is a rough sketch of one of the bowers, which will give a fair idea of the construction. The rainfall is very heavy on Mts. Bartle-Frere and Bellenden- Ker. * Wild aborigines. 30 Dendrolagus is said by the natives to be on the ranges, and no doubt occurs there, but none were obtained by us. The ground birds started nesting in August, and we obtained nests and eggs of Heteromyias cinereifrons and Orthonyx spaldingi. The former lays two eggs and builds a nest on the “ lawyer ” vines about four feet from the ground. Orthonyx spaldingi lays but one egg for a sitting, and usually builds at the root of a tree or vine, but we found some nests as high from the ground as twelve feet on staghorn ferns. The majority of birds on the tableland and ranges do not nest until towards the end of the year. We obtained a mummy and some native implements,